#amor fabula project

[thebiasrekkers]

Sincerely, Yours - JJK

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Plot: Jeon Jungkook hails from humble origins, his family ranked as Laborers. Since he is the youngest of three children, his time for the lottery has not come. But when it does, he refuses to conform to society’s system and runs away. Disowned, he’s now become a fugitive, taking on odd jobs here and there as a “runner-for-hire”. What he doesn’t realize is that he will find love in the most unexpected place.

Rating: PG-13 // SFW

Genre: dystopian!au/dystopian themes | angst | romance/fluff

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Female OC (Nikita Meyers)

Warnings: Strong language, vandalism, violence, interracial/intercultural relationship

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 7,607

AN: This is the companion piece to my first story, Touch In The Dark. This is the “rebel” view of what transpires in the world that I built. In all honesty, I think I may like the MYG version a little more, but I think it’s mostly from my love of hurting my own feelings. I still had a lot of fun with this one and I hope you all enjoy it. Writing for Jungkookis is always a good time. All reblogs, critiques/reviews, comments and affection are accepted! Happy reading!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

~ j.j. ~

Jungkook swung his legs back and forth as he sat on the edge of a nearby building. He whistled a tune to himself, a song from a life he could barely remember these days. A former Laborer, now turned Runner, Jungkook could say that he left a life that he knew wasn’t meant for him. The Class system was such a bogus way to create order and balance in the world. The Blue Bloods stayed in the upper tier and those born in poverty or with lesser means were meant to work for the rest of their days. Throw in The Lottery Bill and that was just the cherry on top of a fucked up sundae.

A soft breeze pushed against his form as he watched the sky transform into a mesh of warm colors: pinks, purples, oranges and yellows. The sun was starting to set and the world’s light would dim, blanketed by the cobalt sky littered with the few stars he was only allowed to see as he ran from rooftop to rooftop. Running free, no longer tethered to the rules of the world that dared to shackle him to a life of meaninglessness.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out, he scrolled through the messages and noticed the priority one at the very top. Brushing his fingers through his hair, he sighed quietly as he glanced over the message. His newest client was scheduled to meet him in an hour. It was a standard escort job. It wouldn’t be too hard and the pay was decent.

In their society, it was a crime to “fall in love” with anyone. Period. Not even the spouse that was chosen during an individual’s Lottery drawing. Love fueled emotions that often led to the ruins of others. Passion had the potential to overshadow logic and reason. When logic and reason were cast aside, only terrible things happened. Emotions were just bad things and led to bad times.

Jungkook didn’t buy into that horseshit.

It was the main reason he abandoned his station in life and lived in the moment. He didn’t worry about yesterday. He could care less about tomorrow. Today was all that mattered and all that would matter when it was finally said and done. 

He slid his thumb over the screen, dialing the number of his new “job” detail. The man answered quickly, interrupting the second ring. 

“Is this Jeon Jungkook?”

Jungkook smirked at the hushed tone in the man’s voice. “It is. Is this Min Yoongi?”

“Yes,” he replied softly, as if trying to gauge Jungkook’s own tone, “were you able to secure safe passage for both my wife and me?”

Clambering to his feet, he dusted off the backs of his weathered jeans and knocked a bit of dirt off his boots. “That’s not my area of expertise, I’m afraid. That was taken care of by a different handler.”

He knew he was being a little shit, but sometimes it was all about asking the right questions.

There was a semi-long pause from the other end of the line, followed by a slow sigh of what could be presumed as mounting exasperation. 

“So why was I directed to you?”

Jungkook’s grin grew a little wider. “Because I’m the one who’s going to get you out in one piece.”

“I see,” Yoongi said, as if he was mulling over something, “so you’re a Runner.”

It wasn’t a question.

“That’s right.”

“I just hope you’re as fast as that mouth of yours.”

He couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him. “I’m faster, trust me.” Pushing back the sleeve of his jacket, he spied the time. “I’ll meet you at the Square in half an hour. Don’t be late.”

And without waiting for a reply, Jungkook ended the call. Pulling out his earbuds, he connected the jack to the phone and slipped the buds on. It didn’t take him long to find the song he wanted, cranking up the volume as the intro crescendoed slowly. Inhaling lungfuls of air, he stretched his arms out wide and then raised them up so they were parallel with his head. Once he loosened up the muscles, he rolled his neck and hopped up and down - shaking his arms for good measure. 

He always had to psyche himself up for things like this.

As soon as the balls of his feet hit the ground, Jungkook lunged forward. Up and over the edge of the roof. The world rushed by him in a blur of motion, his dark hair flying off his forehead. The night was cool, but the wind stung his eyes - making them water. He quickly wiped at them, curling his body inward and then extending his limbs. The concrete scraped at the pads of his fingers, but it didn’t take him long to realign his body, forcing his lower half to swing off to the side so that he could catch the railing of the fire escape. 

The bars rattled violently when his heels planted themselves onto the platform, but he was already climbing up the bars to reach the next rooftop. Once Jungkook made it over the edge, his legs pumped the ground in tandem with his heavily beating heart.

Unconsciously, his mouth spread into a wide open smile.

Free-running. They couldn’t have called it something better if they tried.

Sweat broke out across his brow and the pulse of the song’s bass seemed to reverberate throughout his entire body. With every jump, lunge, catch and pull he performed, Jungkook’s elation only seemed to climb. It would be too soon if he could never run as free as he was now.

Heaving and halfway covered in perspiration, Jungkook arrived at the designated meeting spot within fifteen minutes. It gave him just enough time to grab a bottle of water from a nearby vending machine, emptying half the contents over his head and soaking his hair. Onlookers peered at him curiously, but he didn’t pay them any attention. He almost never did. He drained what was left in the bottle, savoring the feeling of re-hydrating himself.

Craning his neck, he located a nearby waste bin and was about to toss the bottle into it - arms stretched like he was shooting a basketball into a hoop. 

He stumbled forward suddenly, his body pushed forward from an unexpected impact. Grunting, he quickly pivoted on his heels to see who was responsible, but all he caught sight of was a ball cap flying in his line of sight as auburn curls flew past him. Jungkook reached out and snatched the hat out of the air as the owner turned to catch a glimpse of him. 

Her dark gray eyes glared at him, catching Jungkook off guard. Despite living in South Korea, Jungkook was used to foreigners. But he certainly didn’t remember seeing someone with those eyes and soft caramel skin. Her hair looked dyed, but it strangely suited her.

Jungkook took a step forward, holding her hat out to her. Instead of taking it back, she continued to shift her gaze from him and then to the hat. He grinned.

“Not even a thank you, huh? You don’t want this back?” He waved the cap back and forth, as though he were trying to keep a cat’s attention on him. “Is this mine now?”

He hadn’t seen her move. In fact, he didn’t even realize she’d closed what small distance existed between them. Not until Jungkook felt a soft burst of pain near his stomach. The wind was knocked from him almost immediately and all he could manage was a wide-eyed stare at her.

She grinned, twisting her fist into his stomach a little more. “Not a chance, you fucking tool,” replied the girl.

Jungkook collapsed to one knee when she took a step back, her hat not back in her possession. He struggled to reclaim what air was stolen from him, one dark brown eye glaring up at her. Not to say that women were weak, but he hadn’t expected a punch from a pretty girl to hurt this much. 

Hopping back on one foot, she waved the hat at him in a farewell gesture before sliding it back onto her head. She turned and bolted from the square without so much as a second glance at him. He coughed, rubbing at his chest in an attempt to regulate his breathing again.

Wow, what a bitch, he thought, but Jungkook found himself smirking once the pain subsided.

Maybe he was a glutton for punishment.

“Are you alright?”

The voice jarred him from his thoughts and he quickly scrambled to his feet. He was face to face with his temporary charge, Min Yoongi. Standing beside him was a woman with dark brown curls, hazel eyes, and mocha skin. She peered at Jungkook curiously, her hand laced through Yoongi’s. She was also a foreigner from what he could tell, and well-known through the news as the “Charity Selection” picked from The Lottery two years ago.

He folded his arms across his chest. “This might be a little difficult.”

Yoongi lofted a brow. “And why is that?”

“Well,” Jungkook began, taking a few steps toward them before circling around both of them, “your wife’s kinda popular.”

The older man narrowed his eyes. “So you’re not going to be able to help us?”

“I didn’t say that.” He held a hand up and then waved it through the air, as if shooing away a gnat. “I just said that it’ll be a little difficult. Not impossible.” Jungkook met their gazes and grinned. “I got this. Trust me.”

~ n.m. ~

“Nikita, that was reckless.”

Removing the baseball cap, she roughly ran her fingers through her curls while scoffing. She carelessly tossed the parcel onto the table. “What does it matter? I got you what you asked for.”

The man seated at the table steepled his fingers, dark eyes peering over his knuckles at her. Nikita waited for him to say something, but he merely sighed and began to untie the twine wrapped around the brown paper packaging. It was his way of dismissing her, but letting Nikita know that she wasn’t completely off the hook. He’d find a way to pay her back and it wouldn’t be pretty.

She knew this because it wouldn’t be the first time.

Not wanting to press her luck, Nikita quickly vacated the office and closed the door behind her. She rested her shoulder against the door frame, mentally kicking herself for what she’d said. She knew she didn’t mean it, and yet she continued to come off as cold and unfeeling in these situations. Nikita was about to slam her head into the door when someone suddenly cleared their throat beside her. 

“Keep it up and you’re going to put Minjae Hyung into an early grave.”

Craning her neck, she cut her eyes at the shaggy-haired individual - his shit-eating grin never failing to irritate her. 

“Shut-up, Taegi-ah,” she snipped, walking past him. Predictably, he followed but Nikita ignored him, focusing her attention on the warehouse.

“Aw, don’t be like that, Nikki-ah,” he whined at her back. 

She rolled her eyes. Nikita hated that nickname and he knew it. She also knew that he didn’t care that she hated it. 

Because that was the kind of person Yoon Taegi was. 

A pain in her goddamn ass.

But she couldn’t hold it against him. Because he was the one who helped her break the chains the world decided to put on her the day she was born. Without him, she knew she would still be living the life of a woefully ignorant aristocrat - blind to the truth of society’s agenda. Nikita lived in a castle made of glass and didn’t understand her purpose outside of being a breeding agent for some future husband she would never be able to relate to.

When the day came for her to be matched with her significant other, Nikita was ready to accept that lot in her life. She was prepared to walk down the path that she was groomed for. What reason did she have to believe otherwise; to be aware that there was something else beyond the veil?

The truth wasn’t known to her until she saw a couple being arrested on the streets - cuffed and pulled away from each other. They screamed until their throats were raw, and then continued yelling for each other. They managed to share one final kiss until each were thrown into separate police cars and driven away to be incarcerated.

Their fates were declared on international television.

Taegi was the man she’d seen carted away and three months later, he broke out of prison. As punishment, the woman he loved was put to death. It was their attempt to shatter his spirit, to break him. 

They failed.

Sighing, she looked at Taegi’s smug expression and couldn’t help marveling at how far they’d come. A loaf of bread, cheese and meat was all it took to barter for the truth. Taegi gave it to her and Nikita knew she could never go back to her life of privilege. Not if there were people she could help in the process. It didn’t take her long to find herself pulled into Rebel circles - all of them graciously accepting her into their fold.

hree years passed since then and Nikita didn’t regret leaving her family or her “duty” behind. She was free and she was fighting for a cause that meant something. Even if she’d never experienced it for herself.

Love.

Sliding the metal door aside, Nikita stepped into the warehouse. The smell of gunpowder and kerosene instantly filled her nostrils - causing her eyes to water slightly. She quickly wiped at them and sniffed, fishing through a crate on a nearby table. Her hands stilled momentarily as she felt Taegi’s palms slip over her shoulders. He squeezed them gently and she sighed, hanging her head a measure as her eyes stared into the box of homemade pipe bombs and hand grenades.

“Sometimes I worry that the fighting is never going to end,” Nikita said softly.

Taegi rubbed her shoulders in a comforting motion before moving away from her to lean against the table. He folded his arms across his chest, his face lifting to the ceiling. “It’ll stop one day. We just have to stand strong and in solidarity.”

Nikita shrugged, pulling out a few pipe bombs. “I just hope we’re around long enough to see it.”

She checked the fuses, gauging their length, before placing them back in the box. She set one hand grenade out, flicking a finger over the pull pin. After making sure that it was secure, she dropped it into her messenger bag and moved to the next crate. It contained knives of varying shapes and sizes. She opted for a switchblade of decent length, slipping it into her back pocket.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she scanned the message on her screen. It was from Minjae, as expected. He was sending her on another assignment. There was another potential ally they could have on their side versus running amok on the streets.

Turning to move to another table, she felt Taegi’s hand grasping at her arm. She looked at him and saw the worry lines etched across his forehead. Nikita couldn’t help but smile at him.

“You just got back and you’re already prepping to head out again.” He frowned. “You’re like a machine, woman.”

“Can’t help it,” she said, chuckling slightly, “I’m not one to sit around and do nothing.”

“It’s not about doing nothing. It’s about resting. You’ve been gone for three days.” Taegi sighed, releasing his hold on her. “Hyung can’t pass this off to someone else?”

“Nope.” Nikita shook her head. “Recruitment’s my main gig. You know this. Besides…” She paused, meeting Taegi’s gaze, her own expression softening a bit. “...if we don’t have more people on our side, what good is any of this? It’s never going to stop until every last one of us are either dead or re-educated. Numbers mean everything.”

Looking back at the phone, she opened the file Minjae sent her. It was the most current dossier on a person willingly living off the grid. They had been for some time now.

She recognized his picture immediately. He was the guy she’d run into earlier that day. The same guy she punched in the gut for teasing her when she was in the process of playing “courier” for their group.

Nikita couldn’t help the bark of laughter that escaped her. Taegi looked at her curiously but she shook her head, slipping her phone back into her pocket. This was going to be interesting. Maybe he’d hear her out despite the terrible first impression she’d given. 

My job just got a little bit harder. Great.

~ j.j. ~

Jungkook lazily sprawled himself out on the largest branch of an old tree near the edge of town. Swiveling a toothpick between his teeth, he looked around at the people who passed below him obliviously. It amused him, in a way, how they could mindlessly continue with their lives. They were like sheep to the slaughter, unaware of the truth of things.

Then again, he didn’t really know what the “truth” was himself.

All that mattered to him was no longer having a label stamped on his body as though it were a badge of shame. Society deemed that he was destined to be poor. Society claimed that his ideal match would be someone of their choosing. Society was right and the average person didn’t need to question this.

Well, society could go eat a bag of dicks.

Again, his phone buzzed. He picked it up from where he had it laying on his chest to stare at it - the screen illuminating his face in the shadows. It was another job forwarded by his employer. Sighing, he opened up the dossier of the person he was sent to help this time. When he saw the picture, however, Jungkook sat up so fast that he nearly fell out of the tree. 

It was her. The woman who nailed him in the gut without batting an eyelash. The woman whose dark auburn curls and gray eyes failed to vacate his mind.

He was immediately suspicious.

Normally he would forward a job he didn’t want to another Runner. It wasn’t like Jungkook was hurting for money. In fact, he was planning on taking a small vacation soon - taking himself off the grid completely for a few weeks before coming back. But his curiosity was a damning thing and he didn’t mind being damned if it meant knowing who this woman was.

Nikita Meyers. 25. Former Blue Blood. Currently wanted by authorities due to her association with various Rebel factions throughout the world.

Blinking, he read through the short blurb again to make sure that he wasn’t misinterpreting anything. But what was there to misinterpret? This woman had it all and threw everything away to be a fugitive? Like him? He didn’t get it. Wasn’t the high life a life of pleasure and carefree days?

Why would she ever want to toss it away for the gritty life?

Jungkook frowned, thinking back on the life he left behind. He refused to conform to society’s whims and ran away from home when it was time for him to have his partner chosen through The Lottery Bill. He didn’t know what love was and he wasn’t sure if he wanted any part of it if the government was hell-bent on minimizing it throughout the globe. Jungkook could admit that he did stupid things when he was emotionally unstable, hence why he was living the life he currently was in the first place. But he also wasn’t too keen on the idea of bending to the whims of others.

Even so…

Sliding his thumb over the screen, he dialed the number his contact provided for him. It rang three times before someone answered. Her voice filled his ears and he leaned his back against the trunk of the tree as he listened.

“Jungkook-ssi?”

He smirked. “Oh, are we using polite words now?”

He heard a sigh from the other line. “I won’t apologize for what I did. I had my reasons.”

“Sure you did.” His tone dripped of sarcasm, but Jungkook felt his smile growing wider. “It’s alright. I forgive you anyway.”

“You’re so gracious. So, are you gonna help me or are you gonna pass me off so I’m someone else’s problem?”

His lips formed into a small ‘O’ while he scratched the side of his nose. “Is that normal for you?”

Nikita scoffed. “I don’t make it a habit to become a problem for anyone in the first place.”

“That’s a shame,” he replied while shifting his position to stand on the tree branch, “it’s fun to be problematic.”

“I’m sure you’d know that.”

“Of course. That's why I said it.”

“Are you going to help me or not?”

Jungkook was going to help her. He’d made that decision the minute he saw her picture on his phone as the next job he was supposed to take. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to have fun with her about it. 

“Well, you’re in luck. I happen to have some free time slotted in my schedule.”

“Good. Now come down from that tree and meet me face-to-face.”

His smile fell from his face and he sat up again, looking around in every direction. He quickly craned his neck down and saw she was standing below the tree he was currently perched in. For a long moment, the two of them just stared at each other - each of them holding their phones to their faces; listening to the other person breathing. 

Then he saw her smile up at him. It was a smile that clearly said that she knew more than he did; that she’d gotten the best of him. A smile full of secrets, daring someone to try to discover them.

It was a smile that made his heart twist sharply in his chest.

Hanging up the phone, he slid it into the inner pocket of his leather jacket. Without batting an eyelash, Jungkook effortlessly hopped off the tree branch, landing with an unnecessary flourish in front of her. Nikita slid her phone into her pocket as he slid his palms over the thighs of his jeans. 

Again, neither said anything. They just took in each other’s presence. 

Now that he got a better look at her, Jungkook was at least half a head taller than her. The strap to a dark gray messenger bag was pressed across her chest at an angle, enhancing the swell of her bosom. Other than that, there was nothing else about her that would elicit inappropriate thoughts. No skin showed outside of her bare neck, face, and thin wrists peeking out from the sleeves of her dark green field jacket. She wore charcoal gray cargo pants stuffed into a pair of shin length combat boots. A black newsboy hat adorned the top of her head this time.

“So,” Jungkook said, finally breaking the silence, “where am I escorting the lovely lady?”

“We’re too exposed here.” Nikita moved past him and he pivoted on his heels to follow after her. 

They were heading back into the city. 

Just as he was about to suggest they could go somewhere a little more private to chat, she hopped onto a nearby dumpster and scaled up the fire escape as easily as snapping her fingers. Jungkook slowly arched his neck, watching her fling herself up one iron landing until her body swung in a half arc to allow her the reach she needed to grasp onto the edge of the building’s rooftop. Her booted feet scraped over the brick, crumbling small bits to the ground until she disappeared over the edge.

“Well, I’ll be goddamned,” he mumbled, his smile returning. This woman was just full of surprises.

“Are you comin’ or not?” she called down to him.

Not like he needed to be asked twice. Jungkook made a game of it, determined to scale the building in half the amount of time she had. Once he reached the top, he pulled himself over the edge in time to see her running at full speed across the building. 

“Hey!” he shouted after her, his own legs eating at the ground in hot pursuit, “Wait a minute!”

But just as he was starting to close the distance, Nikita jumped from the building and curled her body inward. Jungkook was almost to the edge and was preparing his own dismount when he saw her successfully clear the gap. She grabbed onto one of the metal pipes and swung herself into an open window. Jungkook didn’t have a chance to relish in the adrenaline pumping through his veins, his eyes memorizing her movement patterns so he could follow the trail she was leaving for him.

Dust filled his nostrils, causing him to cough from the onslaught to his senses. The room smelled of old wood and mold. The building had long since been abandoned and there was clearly no interest in changing its state of disrepair. The boards creaked under each step that was taken and Jungkook mentally worried if the floor would crack and collapse right beneath him.

A beam of bright light blinded him and he hissed, moving his forearm to cover his eyes. 

“Yo, what’s the deal?!” 

His words sounded snappish, which hadn’t been his intention, but what did anyone expect when suddenly rendered unable to see?

“Sorry,” Nikita said, lowering the light to give him a chance to adjust to the darkness, “I wanted to make sure you were right behind me.” 

Jungkook rubbed his fists into his eyes gingerly, shaking his head to blink the golden spots away from his vision. “It’s fine.” 

She gestured with the flashlight toward the stairs. “Follow me. And watch your step.”

Everything in the building seemed ancient and forgotten. Jungkook swore he heard it groan in response to their presence there. It gave him an eerie sort of vibe that he wasn’t sure he wanted to really wrap his head around. 

Once they reached the ground floor, Nikita disappeared through a door to the right. It looked like an office building of some kind now that he got a better look at it. He could hear her roughly pulling at drawers from what he assumed were old metal filing cabinets. Jungkook took a lean against the door frame, folding his arms across his chest as more dust flew in the air from Nikita’s manic investigation methods.

“Need any help?”

She slammed a drawer closed and yanked at another one, fingers dancing over the folders. “I’m good.”

He shrugged, even though he knew she couldn’t see it. “So what is this place?”

“Used to be a Public Records office until everything became digitized and moved to the various data hubs all over the globe.”

“And now?”

Nikita pulled out a folder and sifted through the papers inside. “Now it’s a place for squatters and a go-between for Rebel units.”

Jungkook hummed in understanding. But something puzzled him.

“So why are we here?”

Turning to face him, she waved the envelope at him. “Gathering intel for another client.”

“Wait.” He stepped inside the room. “This isn’t an escort job, but a recon mission?”

Nikita grinned, shutting the drawer closed with her hip. “Yup.”

He frowned. “Then why was I hired for this? You do know that I’m a Runner, right?”

“I know.” She stuffed the envelope into her bag, using the beam of her flashlight to rifle through whatever contents were also inside. “I know exactly who you are, Jeon Jungkook.”

Jungkook didn’t know why, but he didn’t like what she was insinuating with those words.

Nikita pulled something else from her bag, but it was too dark for him to see. Using her other hand to secure the bag’s clasp, she stepped toward the window and slid it open. Jungkook watched her poking her head out, presumably to see if anyone else was coming. It was dark and most people had normal work schedules so there wasn’t a chance for anyone to be out after midnight. 

Well, except for them.

“It’s a waste.”

“What?” Jungkook slightly tilted his head, confused. “What is?”

“You left everything behind the same time I did, but all you’ve done is float through life without a care in the world.” She glanced at him from over her shoulder. “It’s a waste.”

Rolling his eyes, he frowned. “What the hell do you know?”

He didn’t appreciate her judgmental attitude toward him. It wasn’t like she knew him. It wasn’t like she understood what he’d gone through up until that point. Living off the grid wasn’t easy and it wasn’t for everyone. Sure, he could have gone back home and ponied up. He could have turned to those fighting against society’s rules and regulations, seeing refuge from a dying world. But he wasn’t about to let himself become dependent on anyone. Being dependent on others equated to marginalized freedom and Jungkook didn’t want that either.

Even if it he had to remain alone to maintain it.

“I know you’re a Runner,” she said, flashing a shit-eating grin at him, “so I suggest you do what you’re good at. Running.”

Jungkook wasn’t sure what she was getting at. But before he could question her further, something fell to the ground. It rolled across the floor and into the sliver of light that leaked in through the window from the streetlamp outside. 

It was a hand grenade.

“ARE YOU CRAZY?!” Jungkook barely heard his own voice through the panic cadence of his heartbeat. 

Nikita reached out to grab his hand, pulling him toward her. “RUN!”

They both tumbled out the window, rolling onto the grass in a tangle of limbs. They dislodged themselves from each other, frantically scrambling to their feet as they hurried to put as much distance between them and the building as possible. The heat from the explosion pressed against Jungkook’s back, forcing his body to lurch forward. Something cut the side of his face and he grunted as his shoulder collided with the concrete. He thought he heard someone calling him, but it was hard to make out from the soft ringing in his ears and the alarms going off.

“Shit,” he muttered as he sat up on all fours, shaking his head back and forth to chase away his rattled nerves.

Someone grabbed roughly at his jacket, yanking him up to his feet. His face was inches from Nikita’s, her stormy eyes reflecting the fire and smoke eating away at the building behind him.

“Come on,” she said, her hand reaching out to grasp his, “we have to go!”

He didn’t have time to yell at her. He simply followed her direction. Besides, he knew better than anyone that he couldn’t just walk away from this. Jungkook was an accomplice - willingness be damned. 

He was a Rebel now.

~ n.m. ~

She’d be lying if she hadn’t planned it out that way. Nikita never had any intention of outright asking Jungkook if he would join their cause. Instead, she chose to be a dirty bitch about it - forcing his hand and leaving him no other option but to stand at their side. The Rebels weren’t necessarily losing, but they weren’t winning, either. The more skilled people they had on their side, people like Jungkook, the more likely they would win against society’s preconceived notion of what “success” and “happiness” was.

Nikita did it because she knew that they had to have him. That she had to have him. She didn’t feel guilty about taking him away from the life he’d chosen for himself.

A month later, however, the guilt started rearing its ugly little head. Usually in the dead of night; when the urge to smoke overtook her. She puffed on a cigarette, her thoughts swirling around in her head like a busted washing machine in desperate need of repair. Minjae told her that she didn’t need to tell him the truth about that day; what her intention was. She normally never questioned Minjae or his motives.

Now? Another month passed. She wasn’t so sure anymore..

A strong gust of wind pushed up against her body, causing her to take a half a step forward. The wind was always powerful the higher a person was. But the rooftop of their hideout was the only place she could find any solace. More and more people were joining their cause, but more people meant less space. Maybe it was the former high-privileged snob in her, but she liked being able to have a little breathing room in her life.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you were here,” a voice said from behind her. 

She turned to glance over her shoulder, seeing that it was Jungkook. Her brows furrowed, a soft ache building at the center of her chest. But she didn’t say anything. He took a step back, his hand reaching behind him so he could push the door back open.

Nikita exhaled a thin stream of smoke, tapping the ash off the side of the building. “Stay if you want.” She shifted her gaze back to look at the twilight sky. “You don’t have to leave.”

The door closed, but the sound of feet shuffling closer toward her caused her to release a silent breath of relief. She didn’t want the awkward feeling to continue between them, and in the last month Jungkook proved himself useful. He never demanded to leave, because the people around him wanted him to stay. It made Nikita wonder if he’d never felt a sense of community before now; if he’d always been alone.

She was decent enough not to ask.

“No assignments. That’s rare.” He said it so easily, like he’d been a Rebel for years.

Shrugging, she lifted the cigarette to her lips. “Can’t be busy all the time. Batteries need charging and all that shit.”

He chuckled, sidling up beside her but giving her at least three feet of space. Nikita cast him a sidelong glance, watching him lean against the railing with his forearms.

“Yeah, I guess.” 

Jungkook reached into his pocket and pulled out a toothpick. She raised a brow, unable to force back the smirk forming on her face. It was a habit she’d never understand, but it strangely suited him. She shook her head as he clamped his teeth over the twig, making it swivel back and forth with his tongue.

“What about you?”

He shook his head. “Nah. I’m heading out in two days.”

Nikita wouldn’t ask him where. It was better if she didn’t know. The less she knew, the less likely Jungkook would be compromised should something happen while he was away.

For a while, neither of them said anything. She finished her smoke, tossing the cigarette butt off the edge. Jungkook was focused on the starry night sky, so she knew he didn’t notice her looking at him. His hair shifted in back and forth motions from another gust of wind. He looked so lost in thought, yet completely relaxed.

Anything could happen between now and tomorrow. Jungkook could turn his back on them and possibly reveal everything he’d learned to the authorities. Or he could just get captured or killed. There were no guarantees in the world they were both fighting against and fighting for.

“I’m sorry,” Nikita said, surprised at herself with how suddenly the words came tumbling out.

“Huh?” Jungkook straightened up to his full height, flashing her a confused look. “What for?”

“I put us in that situation back then so that you’d have no choice but to come with us.” 

He appeared to not understand what she was getting at. Was he really so gullible? Or was he just that innocent? How had the world not broken him?!

Nikita closed her eyes tightly, biting her lower lip that was already beginning to tremble. “I purposefully set you up. I forced you to become a Rebel.”

She couldn’t see him, much to her relief. But the sound of her heart hammering roughly against her ribs drowned out the sounds of the city. If he was saying anything at that moment, Nikita was confident she wouldn’t have heard him.

“I know.”

Those two words pierced through her loudly pounding heartbeat. Opening her eyes wide, she jerked her head to face him. He was closer to her now, but still wearing that gentle expression. The one of someone who understood something that she hadn’t been able to glean. The kind of expression that told volumes about a person’s life.

About the pain they were forced to endure.

“I know you did. And that’s okay.”

She blinked up at him, gobsmacked by his words. “Wh-What?” 

How could he say that it was okay? What part of what she said was okay? As far as Nikita was concerned, none of this was okay!

“Because it was only after being here, I realized why you did. To me, that’s all that matters.”

Nikita’s brows furrowed in disbelief. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. It was like she’d lost the ability to speak or even formulate coherent phrases. 

He continued.

“I’m a Runner. You said it yourself, running is what I’m good at. People only ever needed me to run for them. Nothing more. Nothing less.” 

She watched him take a step toward her.

~ j.j. ~

Nikita looked like a deer caught in headlights. 

Jungkook felt a strange sensation in the pit of his stomach; like something was fluttering inside of it. He wondered if he looked the same. If he had that same expression on his own face. Jungkook hoped he didn’t, but he felt weirdly calm. He couldn’t quite place why, other than he believed everything he was saying at that moment. 

And he believed that Nikita would hear him; truly hear him.

Because for damn near two months, Jungkook couldn’t get Nikita out of his mind.

“My family didn’t care about me running away from my responsibilities. If they did, they would be looking for me now.” 

He took another step forward, his eyes flicking downward to see if Nikita was going to take a step back. She didn’t, and that strange feeling in his stomach intensified.

“My two siblings are making up for my shortcomings. They’re happy and so I kept running. Here. There. Everywhere. It never mattered where I was or how long I was gone. Because running is what I do.”

Nikita looked like she was really listening to him. He knew it because of how focused her eyes were; shaking.

“J-Jungkook,” she stammered. 

He knew he should take a step back. Reassess things and think about just what the hell was tumbling from his mouth. It wasn’t like he’d planned this and he hadn’t expected for her to apologize for making him a sucker. One day was all he needed to figure it out. After the initial internal battle he had with himself died down, Jungkook was planning to get the hell out of that place. He would play nice and then bounce. Simple as that.

But one day turned into one week. Then two. Then three. 

Until a month passed by.

He realized it hadn’t bothered him as much as he initially thought. Because in that short amount of time, he saw Nikita in ways that he was sure she didn’t realize was being showcased. Jungkook discovered every nuance about her as their paths crossed every single day. From the way she preferred hats with bills than beanies, to how she would scratch at the bridge of her nose when she was annoyed. She preferred dogs over cats, but had a special kind of love for horses. She liked dark liquors and she hated beer. Nikita hated mornings, but she would always get up early to see the sunrise before going back to sleep.

And she was one helluva free runner.

Taking one more step forward, there was now less than a foot of space between Nikita and him. Again, he looked down to see if she would step back. And again, she didn’t.

“For the first time in a while, no one wants me running anymore. And when I have to run, I know I have a place to run back to. Because there are people waiting for me.”

He reached out to grasp her wrists, feeling her pulse jumping with life beneath his palms. For a split second, he suddenly felt self-conscious that his hands might be cold, clammy, or all of the above. But Jungkook selfishly refused to let go. He would apologize later for it if she shoved him aside. 

Or off the building.

He waited - the soft clouds of breath meeting hers as she breathed out in sync with him. Nikita didn’t move or was thinking about what to do at that moment. Jungkook knew he needed to hurry and say what was churning inside of him. 

What he’d been wanting to say for almost a week now.

“Because people like you are waiting for me.”

His hands moved from her wrists, slowly gliding up her arms until his palms slid over the delicate curve of her shoulders. Jungkook even knew how strong she was under all the bulky clothes she wore. It was how people kept underestimating her. It was how she survived.

But even under that strength was a gentle and compassionate woman. A woman who cared about the people around her. A woman who decidedly left her comfortable entitlement to help anyone suffering under the injustice of the world’s system. A woman who cried in mourning for those who could not be with the ones they loved.

Jungkook’s hands cupped her neck, using his thumbs to stroke over Nikita’s jawline. He gently pressed them to her chin, lifting her face to his. He could see the tears forming in her eyes and he paused, feeling his own hands trembling. Could he afford to hesitate? Could he really let this moment pass by, only to fade away into the darkness where it would never return to see the light of day?

He had to keep trusting her. Trust that she would keep listening.

“Jungkook, what are you--?”

“I love you.”

Jungkook felt like his insides were going to fall straight out of him. He said it. His nerves felt liquefied, but he said it.

“W-What?”

“I love you, Nikita.”

Not wanting her to push him away, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. He felt her gasp in his mouth and he waited for her to retaliate. To kick and scream and threaten to toss him over the side to his death. He would have deserved it. His death would be justified.

But Nikita didn’t shove him to the side. No. And he lifted his lips from hers when he felt her hands cupping his elbows. What tears were in her eyes spilled down her cheeks. Jungkook saw her brows furrow, but there was a watery smile now on her face.

And then he kissed her again, harder. His hands left her face so he could wrap his arms around her, fully pulling her up against him. He needed her close. Closer than he’d ever been able to get to her. The need was terrible and he didn’t want to chase it away. He sucked in air through his nose, drinking in the subtle smell of her shampoo. Nipping and tugging at her lips between his teeth and tongue, he relished the soft taste of ash from the cigarette she smoked earlier. But there was a hint of peppermint. Nikita always ate a peppermint before smoking because she despised the taste.

Jungkook would continue his mission of getting her to quit.

They parted the kiss long enough to get air. He could just barely see her through the clouds of their breaths. Even in the dark, her eyes seemed to glow. He loved how Nikita always looked like she could see right through him.

“I fell in love with you. I don’t know how. I don’t know why.” He leaned forward, pressing his forehead against hers as their noses touched. “I just did. I just do.”

Turning to bury his nose into the curve of Nikita’s neck, he smiled against her skin.

“It’s okay if you don’t right now. We have as much time as we need to figure it out. Until then, just let me keep loving you as you are now. As I am now.”

Her body shook with how roughly she was nodding her head. Jungkook pressed his fingers against the back of her neck as he held her aloft. And for awhile, that’s all they did. Hugged each other. He could feel how hard their hearts were hammering against each other. All the anxiety and hesitation felt like it was bleeding out of him.

Nikita laughed a little. “Damn,” she whispered.

Jungkook smirked. “What?”

“Guess this means I love you too.”

They shared a laugh. He leaned forward to pull her into a hug. Jungkook appreciated how good it felt to know her arms were around him. It may have been a selfish beginning, but it wouldn’t be a selfish end.

He knew things would get harder from now on. But that was okay. Because the hole in his heart was full. 

Because he loved this woman in his arms.

[btscreatorscorner]

Welcome to BTS Writers’ Corner’s first project! In celebration of the establishment of our network as well as the renounced holiday Valentines Day we present Amor Fabula, a collaboration between the various writers of the network~

Project Summary: “Love can be a wonderful thing, but it can also breed chaos. Imagine a world where love is absent; where the feeling itself is restricted, misunderstood, or illegal altogether. Marriage partners are chosen for the sake of increasing the population and enhancing socioeconomic growth. Nothing more. It's a world where being in love is criminalized and your options are few: accept your fate, hide the truth in your heart, or turn your back on the world.”

THIS IS PART 2 OF THE MASTERLIST; Go to part 1 here: Masterlist Part 1

——

@thebiasrekkers (Lavada) presents: Stay With Me

Summary: Jin is unconverted. He is a Psychologist that takes Rebels and Converted people and “makes them better” by conforming them back to the System. S/O is someone who becomes converted but is really good at hiding it until the moment of their death, which prompts Jin to finally understand what it is like to love.

Released: February 19th | read here: 1 2 3

——

@allmysticwords presents: A Game of Stolen Glances

Summary: Neighbours who never knew what love was suddenly start feeling things they've never felt before. This new feeling changes their life and the lives of everyone around them.

Released: February 20th | read here

——

@megahwn presents: Smitten

Summary: You live in a world where loving another is criminal. Partners are chosen by your elders to produce the best offspring and to help the economy thrive. Living in this world, you feel broken. You feel broken because you have accidentally fallen for your new husband, Jeon Jungkook.

Released: February 21st | read here

——

@taetaesbaebaepsae presents: Echos

Summary: The System gave Namjoon brothers, Seokjin and Taehyung, an uncomplicated life. It's all he's ever known and he's never thought to question it...until he meets you.

Released: February 22nd | read here

——

@nightowlfandom presents: Sound of Heart

Summary: "Don't you understand what you've done!? You've ruined so many lives in the past and you can't even bear to look at yourself because you know just exactly who the hell you are! I'd rather be delusional than a monster who just takes happiness from others despite everyone...and I DO MEAN EVERYONE stating just how fucked up this stupid lotto is! You want to talk about me and my beliefs...at least my beliefs don't come with emotional baggage."

Released: February 23rd | read here

——

@thebiasrekkers (Tomi)/ @darknytemare presents: Primed for Sin

Summary: The world had changed since The Unification. It was easy to fall into a 'routine'. As long as he didn't draw any suspicion? Hoseok was able to pursue his research. A way to undo what was done to the world. He was so close to from finding the missing piece of the formula. That is until a young, brilliant, and beautiful researcher April Kim joined his department. She is slowly filling in the missing pieces to more than just his formula. Even though she's already matched and married? He can't help but find himself wanting to get close to her.

Released: February 24th | read here

[DELAYED]

——

@thebiasrekkers (Eden) presents: Sincerely, Yours

Summary: "Jeon Jungkook hails from humble origins, his family ranked as Laborers. Since he is the youngest of three children, his time for the lottery has not come. But when it does, he refuses to conform to society's system and runs away. Disowned, he's now become a fugitive, taking on odd jobs here and there as a ""runner-for-hire"". What he doesn't realize is that he will find love in the most unexpected place."

Released: February 25th | read here

——

@thebiasrekkers (Lavada) presents: Shouldn’t Be

Summary: Namjoon is unconverted. He is a Doctor that is tasked with helping to re-populate the species and runs into a hurt Rebel. He makes a choice between his duty and what he actually feels. S/O is the rebel but the one he is promised to turns her in for “reprogramming”, losing her forever. He turns himself in to forget about her.

Released: February 26th | read here: 1 2 3

—

A SPECIAL WILL BE RELEASED AT THE END OF THE MONTH, STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS~~

read here

[darknytemare]

Moodboard by Me

Credit: belongs to owners of photos/textures/effects

Posting Date - 2/14-2/15

Title: Way To You

Taehyung is happy with his life because that’s how he’s supposed to feel. In the new world order, love is a dangerous emotion - and therefore illegal. He lives his life by routine to the minute. That is until visions of a woman, who is not is assigned wife, start to fill his dreams.

[megahwn]

Smitten

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x female reader

Genre: arranged marriage!au, strangers to lovers

Word Count: 16,902

Rating: 18+

Warnings: alcohol mentions/consumption; menstruation mention; description of a panic attack; explicit language; biting/marking; fondling over clothes; a sort-of handjob; a single piercing; vaginal fingering; finger sucking; unprotected vaginal intercourse; almost simultaneous orgasms; creampie

Summary: You live in a world where loving another is criminal. Partners are chosen by your elders to produce the best offspring and to help the economy thrive. Living in this world, you feel broken. You feel broken because you have accidentally fallen for your new husband, Jeon Jungkook.

A/N: Part of BTS Writers’ Corner’s Amor Fabula Project. Thank u to @joopiterjoon @kitsutaes @spicykoreantatertots @staerrylights​ for beta-reading parts of this fic for me, I appreciate you all!

The elders are relatively mysterious to you. You don’t know how many of them there are, what they do with their time, what they look like. All you really know about them is how powerful they are. They are the entity that decides which people will marry in order to produce the healthiest offspring and to keep the economy strong. Most people accept their pairing and then live their lives married to someone they don’t know. Others, however few there may be, reject their pairing and go out looking for true love on their own.

~~~

You and Jungkook tumble through the door of your new apartment, exhausted from the day’s events but giddy from the wine. Today had gone much more smoothly than you had anticipated it would. The kiss at the altar was far from awkward, your families seemed to get along well, and your conversation with Jungkook at your sweetheart table left nothing to be desired (thank you, white zinfandel). It was almost as if your wedding was based on something more than genetics and finances. Almost.

In all honesty, you want nothing more in this moment than to get out of this obnoxious outfit, get into some sweats and keep binging This Is Us. While today went as ideally as it could have, it won't hurt to get lost in the Pearsons' love story for a few hours instead of having to face your non-love story as soon as you arrive home from your own wedding.

It won't hurt. Not one bit.

You are already out of one shoe and hobbling down the hallway to your shared bedroom when you realize that it is, in fact, a shared bedroom, and you can't just throw all your clothes everywhere on your quest to get naked and comfortable. Your eyes immediately begin darting around the almost-familiar space for a spot to use to go through your nightly routine without Jungkook seeing... well, any of it. As capable as you are of being outgoing when the situation demands it, you are, by nature, a pretty shy person, and you don’t yet feel ready to let someone else be aware of your bedtime habits. Even if that someone is your new husband.

While you’re in the middle of scouring the room for a suitable place to hide, you hear the distinct sound of someone’s throat clearing a few feet behind you. You whip around with wide eyes, not realizing you had stopped in the doorway and blocked the only route into the bedroom. You take in the sight now before you and your eyes, if possible, grow even wider.

Jungkook looks good. His cheeks are still a little rosy from the alcohol, and his hair is swept off his forehead and parted on one side. His tie is loosened and the top few buttons of his dress shirt are undone. He managed to shed his suit jacket somewhere between the front door and the bedroom, and his shirt sleeves are now rolled up his forearms. There is an obvious vein running from his hand up his arm and under his sleeve. He is fiddling with the wedding band on his other hand. While he does look good, he also looks nervous.

Damn him.

Before you even have the chance to begin lusting after Jungkook, even for a moment, anxious thoughts begin flooding your brain in powerful waves. Why does he look nervous? Did you do something to upset him in the time it took to get from the apartment threshold to this spot? You probably did and now he hates you and you’re going to have to share an apartment and a bed with someone who can’t stand you and you’re going to –

“Is something wrong?” Jungkook asks. “Is it the Iron Man poster? The Cooky plushie? I can get rid of them if you want. Man, I knew I shouldn’t have brought them here with me. God, this is embarrassing.” You notice he sounds slightly panicked.

Wait, what? You manage to get out of your own head for a second to focus on what Jungkook is saying. He’s embarrassed. Why is he embarrassed?

You turn back around to look into the bedroom once more, and your eyes immediately find the poster and the plushie he mentioned. Instead of saying anything, you walk towards the bed as well as you can in your dress, and you pick up the plushie from Jungkook’s side of the mattress. You look at it closely and then you rotate once more to look at Jungkook, who looks positively terrified. You consider teasing him, but decide against it almost immediately, as you think it might actually kill him.

You choose to walk back over to the doorway instead, holding the plushie as you move. Jungkook looks like he wants to back away, but he seems rooted to the spot. You take a breath and hope that what you’re about to say doesn’t ruin the day you’ve had with him and make everything (even more) awkward between you.

“Do you have any of the others or just Cooky?”

Jungkook’s eyes go as wide as you felt yours did earlier. You immediately think you’ve said the wrong thing, but then he smiles, showing off his bunny-like teeth.

“You know about the others?” he says shyly, referring to the rest of the popular plushie brand. He is still turning his wedding ring around on his finger, but not as intensely as he had been before. You take that as a good sign.

“Yeah, of course I do,” you respond without missing a beat. A smile creeps up onto your face as well. “I actually have Koya packed away in one of these boxes somewhere.” You gesture to the boxes you have yet to unpack, laying in the living room unopened and sort of sad-looking compared to all of the stuff Jungkook has already placed around the apartment.

Jungkook’s smile grows at your words. He lets go of his wedding ring and flexes his hands at his sides in excitement. You try not to stare as he steps closer to you, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He looks like he’s trying to hold back how happy he really is to have learned this information about you. You barely register his emotions, though, as you’re now intently focused on his proximity to you. He smells mild, like soap. It’s nice.

“Do you really have Koya?” Jungkook practically whispers at you. You hold back a giggle and respond with a soft, “Yes. I wouldn’t lie about something like that.” The truth is that you wouldn’t lie about anything, but you figure now isn’t really the time to be sharing such things. Now is the time for talking about plushies.

Jungkook seems to debate with himself for a moment, and you wait patiently for him to come to a decision, whatever it is. You take the moment to look at his face more closely while he’s looking away from you. His skin is beautiful, milky. His eyebrows fit his face nicely, with just the right amount of arch to them. His eyes are a deep brown, and he has a small scar underneath his left one. You have the urge to reach out and touch it, but you hold yourself back by holding tighter to the Cooky plushie in your hands. You don’t want to interrupt his thought process. Or worse, freak him out and end whatever moment you might be having.

You don’t get the chance to study the bottom half of his face because he begins speaking again, although he does so without making eye contact. He seems to be looking at your lips instead when he says, “Can I see him?”

You take a moment to recall what you had been talking about, and upon remembering you light up and respond with a nod. You begin walking into the living room before you remember that you are still in your wedding dress and it’s beginning to get uncomfortable. You stop moving and tilt your head back with a sigh before saying, “Can I actually get this dress off first? It’s starting to dig into my ribs.”

Jungkook looks like he doesn’t understand why you just asked him for permission to change your clothes. He responds with a confused-sounding “Yes?” and steps out of the way so you can make your way back to the bedroom once more. You make it inside, toss Cooky onto the bed, and begin rummaging through your dresser drawers before finding a suitable t-shirt and the most comfortable pair of sweatpants you own. You then head straight for the bathroom when you see Jungkook looking through his own dresser, presumably to do the same.

You make it into the bathroom, close the door behind you, and let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. You drop the clothes onto the floor next to you and turn to look at yourself in the mirror. Your makeup held up well throughout the day, and you realize you need to take it off. You search the countertop and the cabinet behind you for makeup remover but find none. You suppose it’s actually a good thing that Jungkook wants to see your Koya plushie after all, as it will motivate you to unpack the rest of your things. Maybe he’ll help you.

You push that thought aside as soon as you think it, and you kick off your remaining heel (how were you walking around with one shoe on for so long?). You flex your feet to get some feeling back in them, and then you begin to remove your dress.

Or, at least, you attempt to begin removing your dress.

The intricate ties in the back of the garment combined with the restricting bodice don’t allow you to move your arms very far behind you, and you soon realize that the dress is not going to come off without some help. You think about how the only person who can possibly assist you in this situation is just outside the door, but for some reason you are unwilling to remove that barrier and ask for his help.

You end up spending a good fifteen minutes in the bathroom alone, silently struggling to undo the knots you have managed to make behind you. It’s only when you hear an apprehensive knock on the door that you let out a little squeak, then clear your throat and respond, “Yeah?”

You hear Jungkook’s muffled voice behind the door. “Hey, I don’t want to rush you or anything, but I really have to pee.”

You would chuckle if you weren’t in such a predicament. You go over your options one more time before deciding that you really do need Jungkook’s help if you ever want to breathe properly again. You slowly turn toward the door and open it, revealing a concerned-looking Jungkook behind it. He is now wearing boxers and what is possibly the most form-fitting shirt you have ever seen another human wear in your entire life. You can see his biceps and his abs through the shirt, and his thick thighs are on full display. You remind yourself not to drool.

Jungkook breaks the silence by asking, “Aren’t you supposed to be changing?”

You sheepishly nod and then turn around to reveal the absolute mess you have made of your bodice ties. You hear a quiet chuckle behind you and then you feel hands at your back. They’re firm but gentle in their movements behind you. Jungkook is helping you get your bodice undone and you didn’t even have to ask him. Your heart hurts a little. You ignore it.

“Thank you,” you breathe out, so quietly you’re sure Jungkook didn’t hear you say it. But then you hear him mumble out a “No big deal,” and you remember that this is an arrangement that the elders chose for you, and that you didn’t have a say in. Jungkook’s just being nice because he’s a good person, not because he cares about you. He doesn’t even know you. Your heart hurts a little louder this time.

Jungkook gets the bodice ties undone and you practically rip the thing off of you and take in a huge breath. You sigh out and reach for the zipper on the back of the dress without thinking, but it turns out you can’t undo that by yourself either. You let your hands fall awkwardly to your sides before letting out another sigh and saying, “So, um... I still need help.”

This time, Jungkook’s hands reach your back much more slowly than they did before. You wonder why. It’s only when the zipper is down your back and all the random buttons are undone that you realize why he’s being so hesitant – you’re basically half-naked in front of this guy and you’ve never done anything more intimate than kiss each other in front of a bunch of people one time a couple hours ago. You hold the dress to your front and turn around to face Jungkook and thank him for his help, but something stops you.

His eyes are screwed shut.

This time you actually do laugh out loud. It startles him and he opens his eyes. Cute.

“What were you doing?” you ask jovially. You’re pretty sure you already know the answer, but you want to make him squirm.

“Uh...” Jungkook starts. His eyes then wander down the front of your body and snap back up just as quickly, as if he suddenly remembered you could see him now. “I was, uh, keeping my eyes closed in case you... you know...”

“In case I what?” you tease, taking half a step closer to him. He doesn’t back away.

“In case you didn’t want me to see you... like that.” Jungkook’s cheeks had been getting lighter since you arrived home, but now the redness has returned, maybe even intensified. You decide to put him out of his misery.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. Even though we are married.” You’re not sure why you add that last part, seeing as you were just as nervous as Jungkook only moments ago. Maybe seeing him flustered makes you feel a little less alone, and a little more likely to joke around the way you would with someone you know well.

Jungkook opens his mouth like he wants to say something, but then closes it again. He settles on saying, “Right,” and then he backs out of the bathroom to let you finish changing.

You eventually emerge from the bathroom feeling better than you have all day, and you see Jungkook sitting patiently at the foot of the bed, legs crossed, waiting for you. You smile at him while gesturing to the bathroom behind you and saying, “All yours. I’ll be out there waiting for you.”

Jungkook’s face lights up at your words, like he had been thinking you might change your mind about unpacking with him. Impossible. He gets up from the bed and goes into the bathroom quickly.

You soon hear the telltale sounds of the toilet flushing and the faucet running, and then Jungkook is back in the living room, gingerly approaching you as if you were a wild animal or something fragile that he didn’t want to break. You both plop to the ground and you reach for the box nearest to you.

“You didn’t label them?” Jungkook asks incredulously. “How are you supposed to know what anything is?”

“I just kind of wing it,” you respond casually, to which Jungkook shrugs and says, “Okay, fair.”

Once you have the box in front of you, you open it and begin searching through it for your Koya. It turns out that Koya is not in the first box, or the second, or the third... or the fourth. By this point you’re getting distracted by all the things you’re unboxing and by telling Jungkook about all the things you’re unboxing.

He doesn’t seem to mind, though. On the contrary, he seems to be just as invested in your unpacking as you are. He does end up helping you place things around the apartment like you hoped he would.

It feels like something real partners would do.

You try not to dwell on it, but the thought persists as you start opening the fifth box. Your Koya sits right on top of the mess of odds and ends you packed from your old bedroom. You smile and remove it from the box, lifting it up just enough for Jungkook to see it properly. You turn to him to see his reaction, but don’t expect the one you get.

Jungkook is smiling again, his bunny teeth poking through his lips cutely, but his eyes are shining. Instead of letting the panic overtake you once more and make you think you’ve somehow offended him, you simply say, “Hey. What is it?”

Jungkook looks up from the plushie to your eyes, then dabs at his own with the backs of his hands before responding. You wait for him like you did before.

When he finally speaks, he says a little shakily, “I’m sorry, I just... didn’t really expect this.”

“What do you mean?”

“I didn’t expect you to really have him. I kind of thought you were just being nice to me.”

You resist the urge to lean over and pull him into a tight hug. You settle for responding with, “I told you I wouldn’t lie.”

Jungkook is quick to shake his head and say, “I know, and I’m sorry. I should have believed you. It’s just... we don’t really know each other yet, you know?”

You stiffen a little at his words, but then force yourself to relax. Right. You had honestly forgotten about that. While you’re a little hurt, you suppose you have to allow him that skepticism. You would be skeptical, too, if the roles were reversed.

“It’s okay, I’m not upset. Are you okay?”

Jungkook pauses for a moment. He seems to like to think before he speaks, as if he wants to make sure he says the right thing the first time. You can relate.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” he says slowly. “I’m just... happy.”

You beam at him and give him your Koya to hold while you unpack the rest of the box. The others can wait until tomorrow.

You both eventually head to bed, completely drained from the wedding and your respective emotions. Jungkook is still holding Koya when he climbs under the covers, so you pick up his Cooky and hold it to you as well. That’s how you fall asleep – silently, each holding a piece of the other.

~~~

“Would it be weird if our friends met each other?”

You look up from your bowl of Corn Pops, surprised by Jungkook’s sudden question. Would it be weird? You’ve been married for over a month already, but other than at your wedding reception, you haven’t ever really interacted with any of Jungkook’s friends. Maybe, you think, it’s time to blur the lines between you a bit more by having both sets of friends congregate in one place again. The prospect alone excites you a bit, as it will not only give you the opportunity to get to know Jungkook’s people a little bit better, but hopefully Jungkook himself, as well.

Within the last month or so of your marriage, your initial intrigue with Jungkook has developed into a full-blown crush. You hadn’t expected to develop feelings for Jungkook, but he’s so damn perfect that you can’t help it.

Besides the fact that he looks like he was sculpted by the gods themselves, he’s just about the most selfless and considerate person you’ve ever met. He always asks if he can join you on the couch while you’re watching television. (The first time he did it, you had told him he didn’t need to ask because it’s his apartment, too. He still does it.) He also knows you get hot when you sleep, so he turns the overhead fan on in your bedroom, even though he gets cold at night. (When you had asked him why he had been wearing layers to bed, he had just blushed a light pink and said it was no big deal.)

It might be a big deal to you. 

You go for nonchalance when you say, “Um… I mean, I guess not. Since we’re going to be together for the foreseeable future, I suppose it would happen eventually anyway.” You’re already completely sold on the idea and would probably be sad if it didn’t happen, so you give yourself a mental high-five for not sounding desperate at any point during your response.

“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking, too, “Jungkook says, apparently unaware of the mental marathon you just subjected yourself to. “What if we had a game night?”

You perk up even more at Jungkook’s mention of games. You’ve always been able to bond with others over a good board game and a glass of wine or two. You suppose a game night would be a good way to get to know Jungkook’s friends, and to have him get to know yours.

“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I like it,” you reply with a grin.

Jungkook’s bunny teeth make an appearance as he smiles back at you. “Okay, let’s do it.”

That weekend, you receive six separate knocks at your door.

Yoongi, your best friend from college, arrives first, a gummy smile on his face and a bottle of sweet red in hand. You pull him into a hug before he can even cross the threshold, and he practically trips through your entryway when you pull him across it.

“Hey,” you choke out, not realizing how close to tears you are just from having Yoongi near after a while. As you hug your friend, you realize you haven’t seen him since your wedding, what with his hectic work schedule and your new living situation. It used to be easy to meet up whenever you wanted back in college, but these days you have to make plans to see each other. It makes you sad whenever you think about it. You suppose you’re also emotional because he’s been a constant in your life for several years now, and knowing he’s still here for you even though your life has changed so dramatically is a big comfort for you.

“Hey,” he repeats back to you, bringing one hand up to pat the back of your head gently as you rest it in the crook of his neck. He’s not one for much physical affection but he knows that you are, so he always accepts your hugs. It makes you appreciate him all the more.

“Okay, I’m good,” you say after a bit, finally letting Yoongi go, snatching the bottle from his hands and moving to put it on ice just so you have something to do. He doesn’t even protest, just lets you take it from him. He really is a great best friend.

“Um,” you call out from your place in the living room, “Jungkook, you remember Yoongi, right?”

You turn around in time to see Jungkook and Yoongi shaking hands and exchanging greetings. Seeing two of your worlds coming together so visibly makes you feel warm inside.

Next to make an appearance is Jungkook’s best man, Namjoon. He’s taller than Jungkook, and he’s wearing round glasses and a black turtleneck sweater. He bows his head politely upon seeing you, and then he gives Jungkook one of those man hugs that you don’t understand. When they part, Jungkook continues looking up at Namjoon with something akin to stars in his eyes. He must really admire the guy.

“Good to see you again,” Namjoon says just as politely as he had nodded at you earlier. You try to hold back a giggle at his formality. Maybe he’ll loosen up with some wine like he seemed to at your wedding.

“It’s good to see you again, too,” you reply similarly. One thing you know about Namjoon is that he tends to be polite when he’s nervous, so you mimic his greeting in an attempt to assuage any anxiety he might be experiencing. Based on the way he smiles at you, you think your efforts are successful.

You and Jungkook lead Namjoon to the living room, where Yoongi is already sitting comfortably with a full glass in hand. Namjoon sits down just as politely as he speaks, but before you have the chance to introduce the two, Yoongi suddenly asks him, “Do I know you from somewhere? I meant to ask you at the wedding but never got the chance.”

Namjoon pauses pouring himself a glass, seeming a little taken aback by Yoongi’s directness. Still, he says, “Um, I’m not sure. What do you do for work?”

Soon after Namjoon and Yoongi begin trying to figure out how they might know each other, your old neighbor Seokjin shows up with an entire roast chicken in hand, which you don’t remember asking him to bring but appreciate all the same. He gives you the best side hug he can with one arm full, and then you lead him to the kitchen so he can put the bird down.

“So,” he starts once you reach the kitchen, no tact in his voice whatsoever. “How are things going? Are they going? Are you two in love yet?" he asks outright, fluttering his eyelashes and drawing out the ‘o’ in ‘love’.

You hit his arm lightly while giving him your best expression of offense, and he seems to snap out of it. After sticking out his tongue at you, he begins looking around in your cabinets and drawers for the things he needs to serve the chicken.

He whips back around to face you, sharp knife in hand and unadulterated glee on his face, when you quietly say, “Nothing’s happened, but you already know I like him. I told you, like, last week.” You can feel your cheeks blazing at the admission you never thought you’d make out loud. Meanwhile, Seokjin has put the knife down on the counter (thankfully) and is now jumping up and down in place, flapping his hands, and making a noise similar to a squeal.

You want to hit him again, but you suppose he has a right to be excited for you. He sort of took you under his wing when you were neighbors, treating you to meals and babysitting your plants any time you were away. He’s also the only one who knows your deepest secret - that you want to fall in love and be loved in return.

It had just sort of slipped out one day, You both had had some wine and were talking about life when you suddenly confessed to wanting real, honest love rather than a lonely arranged partnership. You just couldn’t keep it to yourself anymore. Seokjin, in turn, had confessed that he liked spending time with you more than with his assigned wife. You both may have shed a few tears at your predicaments.

Instead of resorting to physical violence twice in the span of thirty seconds, you give Seokjin your best attempt at a withering stare. He stops jumping and puts his hands up in defeat, muttering out, “Fine, fine,” which appeases you greatly. Before you can leave the kitchen, however, he gives you a mischievous smile and tacks on, “Just so you know, though, I’m rooting for you two.”

You hit him again.

While Seokjin continues fiddling around in the kitchen and the other guys are mingling (it turns out that Yoongi and Namjoon both make music and know some of the same people), your favorite coworker Hoseok comes bounding through the door and almost knocks you over with the force of his hug. He’s still vibrating with energy when he lets go of you, and his soft, heart-shaped smile makes you feel more at ease than you have been so far tonight.

“I’ve missed you!” he practically shouts as he looks at you fondly, still holding onto your shoulders. “Work hasn’t been the same without you there.”

You know he’s referring to the sixty days that new couples are required to spend away from work ‘getting to know each other’ after first getting married, which is just a nice way to say you’re meant to spend that time making babies. While the thought of having children (and making children) with Jungkook is extremely appealing to you, that’s all it is right now. Just a thought. You’re not even sure Jungkook is totally comfortable sharing a bed with you yet.

“Just a few more weeks and I’ll be back!” you practically shout back at him. Hoseok’s energy has always been infectious to the point that you sometimes end up mirroring his seemingly limitless joy. It’s always made work much more bearable for you. Thinking about it and having Hoseok here in front of you now makes you realize how much you really do miss your job.

Just as Hoseok joins the others in the living room and begins picking chicken off of Seokjin’s plate, there is another knock at the door. Before you can move to answer it, however, Jungkook urges you to sit in the living room while he answers it instead. You wonder how Jungkook can possibly know that his best friend is behind the door, but sure enough, he opens it and there stands Taehyung. His entire outfit says ‘artist,’ from the beret sitting crookedly atop his head to the brown corduroy pants adorning his long legs. Jungkook gives Taehyung one of the most sincere hugs you’ve ever seen him give another person, and when they part they move toward each other once more to briefly touch foreheads. It’s a sweet gesture, one that you decide is fitting of someone like Jungkook.

Once the two men completely separate, Taehyung looks at you with shining eyes and immediately moves toward you for a hug. You’re surprised by the gesture, but you accept it anyway. Before he pulls away from you, Taehyung whispers into your ear, “Jungkook told me you like hugs, so I hope this is okay.”

Your eyes widen a bit at this information. Jungkook talks to his friends about the things you like? How did he even know that about you? Did you tell him and forget about it? Was he just able to figure that out about you by himself? Either way, you find yourself nodding at Taehyung as you two end your hug. He gives you a boxy smile in return, shoulders scrunched up to his ears. You decide then and there that you like Taehyung already.

The last to arrive is one of Jungkook’s childhood friends, Jimin. He looks a little frazzled, with wild eyes peeking out from behind his designer sunglasses and silvery-grey hair standing on end. (You soon realize his hair looks like that because he constantly runs his hands through it.) You try not to eavesdrop as Jimin greets Jungkook at the door, but you swear you hear Jimin say something about hoping Taehyung might not be here. Before you can wonder what he means, however, you hear Jungkook chuckle and respond with something that sounds like “It’s no big deal, you’ll be fine.”

Jungkook leads Jimin into the living room, where the rest of you are talking loudly amongst yourselves, various open bottles of wine and plates of roast chicken littering the coffee table. Taehyung looks up from his drink as the two enter the room, and he positively beams at Jimin. He pats the open space next to him on your big lounge chair, and after a moment of hesitation, Jimin smiles back and makes his way over to that spot. The two begin murmuring to each other, and finally your attention is pulled away from them when Jungkook plops down next to you on the couch and pats your knee gently. You bring your foot up under your other leg and rest your knee on Jungkook’s thigh. He keeps his hand on you.

It’s comforting to have him there, touching you. You didn’t realize it before this moment, but you were pretty nervous about having tonight go well. Having Jungkook next to you, wanting the same thing as you, makes you feel like you might not be alone in your other desires, either.

His touch comforts you to the point that you even miss the butterflies in your stomach.

Your curiosity about Jimin’s words gets the better of you, so you lean over and whisper to Jungkook, “What’s up with those two?” while gesturing across the room as subtly as you can.

Jungkook peers over at you with an unreadable face and whispers back, “I’ll tell you later.”

You don’t push him, and you move your questions to the back of your mind for after everyone leaves.

You pour yourself a glass of wine and sit back against the couch, careful to not give Jungkook a reason to take his hand off of you just yet. You turn to Seokjin and Hoseok, only to find that they’re in the middle of a heated debate about whether barbeque or garlic fried chicken is better. (How could you do this to me? And after all the meals I’ve cooked for you!” Seokjin cried when you had sided with Hoseok in the barbeque camp. You clinked glasses with Hoseok in solidarity while Seokjin continued to grumble without any real malice behind it.)

You then find yourself distracted by Yoongi and Namjoon animatedly discussing digital audio workstations, which you only know anything about because Yoongi used to have you sit in his room in college and listen to him excitedly talk about the newest software he had bought with the money he earned from delivering pizzas. You personally think that MixPad is better than FocusRite, but you like watching them talk it out themselves rather than offering your own two cents. From what you can tell, Namjoon seems to be really knowledgeable about the subject as a whole. You don’t think you’ve ever seen Yoongi look at another person so intensely.

Once you lose track of what Yoongi and Namjoon are saying, you turn your head once again to find that Jimin and Taehyung are happily cuddling in your big chair, giant smiles plastered on both of their faces.

“How did you two meet?” you ask, hoping that’s not too invasive of a question.

Taehyung tears his eyes away from Jimin long enough to look at you, still looking giddy. “We met through Jungkook, actually. They were friends when they were kids and I met Jungkook when we were teenagers, and when it turned out that Jimin and I were going to be in the same year at the same college, Jungkook basically forced us to get to know each other so we could all be friends.”

You barely have time to say, “Aw, that’s sweet,” before Taehyung is back to looking at Jimin again. You don’t blame him. You turn to Jungkook instead.

“That was really cool of you to do,” you say to him while giving him a little nudge. “Bringing them together like that.”

You can tell that Jungkook is trying not to smile into his glass as he takes a sip. His ears are red, though, giving away how pleased he is with your compliment. “Thanks,” he mumbles into his wine. He gives your leg a little squeeze, and you both turn back to your guests.

After a little while of drinking, catching up with your old friends, and getting to know your new ones (you were right, Namjoon did loosen up after having some wine), you break out the board games. Soon enough, though, you discover that the majority of the people you’re playing with are a bunch of cheaters.

You catch Taehyung shoving Clue cards up his sleeve on more than one occasion, Hoseok doesn’t include all of the epidemic cards in the deck during your game of Pandemic, Seokjin keeps adding extra trains to his part of the board during Ticket to Ride, Namjoon and Jimin don’t call each other out for giving incorrect clues during Taboo, and Yoongi quits right in the middle of Secret Hitler because he’s ‘tired of being a liberal every time.’ The only one playing the games honestly with you is Jungkook, and that makes you happier than you think it should.

You eventually threaten the whole room, wine-tipsy as they are, with permanent exile from your apartment if they cheat at the next game, to which you receive grumbles of agreement that they will play correctly from now on. With a satisfied smile, you begin handing out the cards. A few riveting rounds of Sushi Go later, everyone seems to have paired off.

Yoongi and Namjoon are back to talking about music, and have even exchanged numbers with the promise that they’ll meet up sometime to work on something together. Hoseok and Seokjin have engaged each other in a pun war of sorts, trying to one-up the other with their best jokes about chickens. Taehyung and Jimin are giggling quietly at each other, still sitting together in your big chair. Their legs are tangled up, and they haven’t taken their eyes off each other since the last game ended. It’s sweet.

While you are looking around happily at your friends, you feel the same hand on your knee that comforted you earlier. This time, though, with your nervousness having dissipated, you focus on his hand more than you did before. This time, you easily recognize the butterflies that always seem to accompany Jungkook’s touch on your skin. Just for today, you decide to bask in his warmth and allow the butterflies to flourish inside you.

Just for today.

~~~

It’s past midnight when everyone eventually leaves. You can feel the exhaustion in your bones, but you’re happier than you’ve been in a while. Everyone seemed to have a good time together, you were able to see some of your closest friends, and you were paired up with Jungkook for most of the games. Additionally, you were able to see Jungkook interact with his friends in a way that you had never seen before tonight. You feel like you’ve gotten to know him more just from witnessing him be with the people he cares about. It makes you want to have even more game nights.

You’re bringing dishes from the living room to the kitchen for Jungkook to wash when you remember you had wanted to ask him about his two friends. You place the few wine glasses you’re holding down gently on the countertop next to the sink, then you bring it up.

“Are you okay talking about Jimin and Taehyung?” you ask tentatively from behind Jungkook. “You seemed kind of concerned about them earlier.”

Jungkook stops washing the dish he’s holding and sighs audibly, letting his shoulders drop and his head fall back. “Yeah,” he says anyway, and waves you toward the sink so he can see you while he talks. You hop up onto the counter next to him and swing your legs out in front of you absentmindedly while he continues to clean the plate in front of him.

“So,” Jungkook starts, “Jimin is going to get his pairing from the elders soon.”

You hum to yourself in thought. Even though you had only really just met Jimin officially, you could tell that he and Taehyung had something between them. From the way they smiled shyly at each other on their shared seat to the way they played the games together throughout the evening, it was clear that there were feelings other than ones of friendship present there. How would Jimin’s pairing affect the dynamic between them?

“But he and Taehyung…” you voice your thoughts about the two out loud, but trail off.

Jungkook has a sort of grave look on his face. You don’t think you’ve ever seen him look like that. The corners of his mouth are downturned and his eyes have little life in them when he says, “Yeah, I know. Jimin is going to get his pairing but he doesn’t know if he’ll accept it or not. Because the thing is that Taehyung rejected his own pairing.”

Your eyes practically bulge out of your head at that, but you don’t say anything. You want Jungkook to keep talking. This is the most interesting story you’ve heard in weeks.

“Yeah, that’s what I did, too,” Jungkook says, referring to your wide eyes. “I’d never met anyone who had rejected their pairing before Taehyung did it. He seemed so sure about it, too. Then, get this, he told me the reason he rejected his pairing was because he’s in love with Jimin. So, naturally, I ask him if Jimin feels the same way, and he just goes, ‘I have no idea.’ No idea! He rebelled against the entire system and yet he had no idea how Jimin felt about him.”

Realization hits you in that moment, so you ask, “Was that why Jimin said he was hoping Taehyung wouldn’t be here tonight? Because he feels pressured to reject his pairing for Taehyung?”

Jungkook is nodding before you even finish your question. “Yeah, that’s why. It turned out that Jimin does also have feelings for Taehyung, but Jimin is way less fearless than Taehyung is. He doesn’t know what will happen if he rejects his pairing. He doesn’t want to lose his family or the life he has right now. That’s why he was nervous about Taehyung being here tonight, because he wants to make that decision on his own, and not with any outside influence. But at the same time, Taehyung already did all that, and Jimin doesn’t want it to be for nothing.”

You wait for Jungkook to finish his speech before making so much as a sound. It seems like he really needed to get this out, like it had been weighing on him heavily. He’s never really confided in you about… well, anything. You just know this is a step in the right direction. (You might not be sure what the direction is, exactly, but you still feel good about it.) 

What you want to say in response to Jungkook’s words is, “If they’re in love, there shouldn’t be a decision to make.” But you know it’s more complicated than that. You have no idea what it’s like for people who rebel against the elders’ decisions. While Taehyung seemed happy and carefree all throughout the evening, you don’t know anything about what his life is like when he leaves the safe space of your apartment. With that in mind, all you can bring yourself to say is, “That’s a big decision to make.”

Jungkook nods again, then goes back to washing the dish in his hands. You continue sitting on the counter, thinking. Though your own greatest dream is to be in love, you didn’t even reject your pairing to try to find it. You figure the two must be quite different, wishing for love and actually experiencing it. If love is strong enough to make people go against the elders, what else are people in love capable of doing?

You’re snapped out of your reverie when Jungkook calls your name.

“Huh?” you say distractedly.

Jungkook moves away from the sink and comes to stand in front of you, coming to a stop between your legs, still dangling from the counter. As soon as he stops moving, your heart stops beating from his proximity. He still smells like soap, the way he did when he helped you out of your wedding dress. You never knew the smell of soap could be so intoxicating. He’s so close, you can even see flecks of gold in his chocolate eyes that you’ve never noticed before, like pieces of treasure just waiting to be found.

You’re not sure why he’s so close to you, but you remind yourself to be logical. He’s just concerned about how quiet you’ve become. Or you have something on your face that he’s going to remove. Yeah, that’s it.

“Are you okay?” he asks, confirming your suspicions about his concern for you. You nod at him, smiling as he rests his hands on the counter beside your thighs. He’s so close to you, and you briefly hope that he can’t hear how wildly your heart is beating in your chest. You could kiss him right now without a problem. You’re barely able to focus on your conversation with him when the only things in your field of vision are his soft, wine-stained lips and the adorable mole underneath them.

Yeah. You definitely want to kiss him.

“You sure?” he presses. You nod again, worried about your ability to speak properly in this moment. You then yawn without warning.

“Yeah, I’m just tired,” you say, as if your yawn needed explaining.

“Okay,” he says through his own yawn. “Want to go to bed?”

There are a lot of things you want, most of which involve having Jungkook’s mouth on yours right this very second. Thoughts of the elders, marriage, pairings, love and rebellion still fly around in your head, but none of them outweigh your desire to kiss your husband.

Instead of voicing any of those thoughts, however, you just sigh and say, “Yeah. Yeah, let’s go to bed.”

~~~

Nothing could have prepared you for the onslaught of pain and discomfort you are currently experiencing. You are presently lying on the bathroom floor after heaving over the toilet for about the twelfth time. Your body is burning from the inside out with fever, your chills have you shivering uncontrollably, and to top it all off you’ve just started your period as well. So, in addition to the regular aches and pains that come with being sick, you have cramps that you know will only get worse, your mood is going to take a dive, and you’re more than likely going to ruin at least one pair of underwear this week. Fantastic.

You had gone to bed the night before already feeling under the weather, and you had just called out of work before you told Jungkook about it, in case he didn’t feel comfortable sharing a bed with a potentially sick person. You certainly hadn’t expected him to give up the entire bed for you so you could sleep comfortably. When you had protested, he had said he wanted you to be able to sleep for as long as you needed, and he didn’t want to accidentally wake you up while he was getting ready for work the next morning. He even took all his necessities out of the bedroom and said he could just get ready at the gym instead of using your ensuite bathroom. How thoughtful.

Now that you think about it, as you lean away from the toilet and try to breathe normally for longer than two minutes at a time, you missed getting to see Jungkook before he went to work today. While it is true that he always wakes you up when he’s getting ready, you’ve come to find that you might like that part of your day with him the most.

Each morning, you get to stay in bed and be sleepy while you watch Jungkook move deftly around your bedroom, trying to slick his hair back properly or button the buttons on his shirt cuffs. (You love when he wears dress shirts because you usually have to help him with those exact buttons. He always smiles at you fondly while you do it, appreciative of your willingness to assist him. You, in turn, think it’s sweet that he looks to you for help when he struggles, even though it is with something small like shirt buttons. It makes you smile back at him every time.)

Additionally, you always end up talking about what your respective days will look like at work or the new episode of Survivor you watched together the night before. You discuss what you want to have for dinner, talk about whether or not you’ll see any friends this weekend, or play a game of Would You Rather?

Last week you had a pretty intense debate about which fictional characters you thought would survive a zombie apocalypse. (While you went into it thinking the cast of The Walking Dead would stand the best chance, you ended up agreeing with Jungkook’s choice of the Archer cast in the end, seeing as the title character had literally died and been brought back to life over the course of one episode.)

Through these mornings spent together, you’ve been able to see each other at your groggiest and crankiest, and it feels so domestic. It feels natural.

You imagine a couple in love would do the same.

It’s a thought you’ve been having about a lot of seemingly mundane things lately - the way you and Jungkook share a blanket while you watch badly reviewed horror movies, the way he always gives you some of his dessert because he knows you have a serious sweet tooth, the way you both end up using each other’s shampoo when you run out of your own.

You used to try to shove the thoughts down to where even you couldn’t reach them, but recently your growing feelings for Jungkook have been making those same thoughts of happy couples bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. The thoughts make you happy, and if you’re honest, so does Jungkook. You’ve developed a kind of friendship with him that you cherish, even if it came about in an unorthodox way. While your marriage isn’t based on love like you think marriages should be, you still make a good pair.

After downing some DayQuil and ibuprofen, you miraculously make it to the living room somehow and you lay down gingerly on the couch. You decide to turn on some Jeopardy! reruns to distract yourself from your abundant pain. You text Jungkook to let him know how you feel and to ask him to bring home some more pain meds when he gets off of work tonight. You then snuggle deeper into your blanket burrito and try to rest your tired eyes while you listen to Alex Trebek calmly reading clues to his contestants. Full of medication and practically swathed in your blanket like a baby, you eventually fall asleep.

You wake up some time later to a throbbing headache and the sounds of Alex Trebek on your television replaced with the sounds of someone cooking in your kitchen. You check your phone to find that it is only 12:03pm and you immediately shoot up from your place on the couch, only to fall right back down when a new wave of nausea hits you. You choke it back enough to weakly say, “Hello?” and hope that there isn’t a murderer making something delicious in your kitchen before killing you.

You hear a noncommittal noise from over the back of the couch, and you open your eyes (when had you closed them?) to find Jungkook towering over you, chewing something thoughtfully. Before you can scold him for almost making you have a panic attack while you’re already sick, he walks around to your side of the couch and sits down carefully, then lifts a spoon from somewhere and brings it to your mouth, making you go cross-eyed to see it and asking you very seriously, “Does this taste okay?”

You can’t believe your ears. He didn’t even say hello, he just shoved a spoonful of something in your face and asked you to taste it. Why did he do that? Why does he look so... contemplative while he eats? Does he always have his brows knit together and his mouth turned into a serious-looking frown like that while he chews? Why haven’t you ever noticed before? You think you might vomit again.

Your disbelief and hesitance to try whatever is in that spoon must show on your face, because Jungkook removes the utensil from your personal space and follows his original question up with a much more timid, “Is everything okay?”

“I, uh...” you start. Is everything okay? There isn’t a murderer in your house after all, which is a huge plus, but it’s only noon and Jungkook is here instead of at work, and he’s cooking. What is he doing here? Did something happen at work? Did he get fired? Why can’t you ever turn off your brain? The thoughts of Jungkook’s employment status swim through your head and make you dizzier than you already are from the fever.

“What are you making? It smells really good,” you finish, voice hoarse. You haven’t spoken a single word yet today, partly because you’ve been sleeping and partly because the effort it takes for you to speak in your sickened state is simply too much for you to handle. You figure it’ll be worth it this one time, though, just to make Jungkook look less nervous. You don’t understand why he still looks so nervous around you sometimes.

A look of relief washes over Jungkook’s face and he visibly relaxes. He hops off the couch to go back into the kitchen and continue stirring the pot of whatever he’s making. It smells like... chicken noodle soup? You’re not quite sure, but it smells delicious. Your stomach growls without warning.

“I’m making you soup!” Jungkook says cheerily from his place at the stove. He doesn’t elaborate, so you use up most of the strength you have left to get off the couch and waddle gracelessly to the kitchen in your blanket burrito. You slowly take your place at the kitchen table and lay your head down on it to try to ease some of your lightheadedness.

“But –“ you stop to take in a breath and let your stomach settle. “But why are you here? Why aren’t you at work?”

Jungkook stops stirring the pot of soup (it’s definitely chicken noodle) and stands up a bit straighter. He has his back to you, and you can see a faint blush creeping up from under his collar. He puts his free hand behind him and scratches at his neck, a habit you’ve come to learn he turns to when he doesn’t know what to say. It’s cute. Your heart might flutter a little whenever he does it.

He mumbles something you can’t discern, so you say, “Huh? Sorry, I can’t hear well when I’m sick like this.”

Jungkook quickly turns around to face you, his cheeks and ears just as red as his neck. He’s looking anywhere but at you, and he’s fiddling with his wedding band.

“They said in sickness and in health, right? The vows, I mean. They said in sickness and in health, and you’re sick, so... I’m here.”

Your heart is definitely fluttering now, and you don’t try to stop it. Where did this come from? He’s been sweet to you since you first met him, but he’s never directly referenced your wedding vows before as a reason for his demeanor towards you. You didn’t think your vows meant that much to him.

Oh, wait.

Maybe they don’t.

The butterflies inside you die just as soon as they had come to life. You keep forgetting that this marriage only exists on paper. Jungkook may care about you, but not in the way you hope he does. He was forced into this just as much as you were. He must feel a sense of duty and obligation toward you because you’re married and because you’re friends now.

But still... he didn’t have to come home in the middle of the day. That was his choice. And why did he turn so red before he mentioned your vows? If this was about duty and obligation, you’re sure he would be able to keep his cool around you and not get so flustered.

You smile despite yourself, and you lift your head off the table just as Jungkook brings two steaming bowls of soup over and sits down next to you. Before you dig in, though, Jungkook suddenly perks up and moves to stand.

“Where are you going?” you ask as you take your first bite. You were right, it is chicken noodle soup, and it’s delicious. There are carrots and celery in it (just the way you like it), the noodles are cooked perfectly, and the chicken practically melts in your mouth. The soup tastes like your mom’s. When did you ever tell Jungkook about your mom’s recipe?

Jungkook doesn’t answer you, just walks out of sight toward the front door. You hear the crinkling sound of a plastic bag, and then he reappears at the table as fast as he had left.

“I didn’t know what meds you wanted, so I just got… a bunch of them,” he says, pouring an obscene amount of pill bottles onto the table. There are blue bottles, pink bottles, tiny bottles, bottles so wide you’re sure you couldn’t wrap your hand around them if you tried. You almost spit out your soup with a laugh, and a sheepish grin makes its way onto Jungkook’s face.

“Thank you,” you say sincerely. “Why are you getting these out all of a sudden?” You honestly can’t believe he bought you so many different kinds of pills. You must have not specified which pills you needed when you texted him earlier this morning. The fact that he didn’t want to disturb you to ask you which ones you wanted almost makes you cry with affection.

“Well, you were sleeping for a while, and I figured you woke up because the ones you took before wore off. Was I right?” Jungkook’s embarrassed smile has been replaced by a look that is much more self-assured. You can’t decide which look you like more on him.

You smile cheekily back at him and reply, “Yeah, you’re right.” You sift through the pill bottles until you find the right ones, you knock them back with your water (“You need fluids!” Jungkook practically yelled at you in concern when you complained that you wanted a soda instead), and you finish off your soup with vigor, not realizing how hungry you had actually been before eating.

Before you can move to get up and bring your bowl to the sink, Jungkook beats you to it, swiftly gathering your dishes together and carrying them over to the opposite side of the kitchen. His shirt sleeves are rolled up in the same way they were on your wedding night, and you can’t help but stare at the ever-present vein that runs up his arm. You think about how painfully shy he was when you first met, and how he still is sometimes. You also think about how he has slowly come out of his protective shell since you’ve been living together, even if he does still act skittish around you sometimes. From every angle, inside and out, Jungkook is beautiful.

“I could have done that,” you say, just to get your mind off of how much Jungkook has come to mean to you in the past months. You might even venture to say he’s become one of your best friends.

Jungkook turns around and leans against the countertop, brows knit together and mouth turned downward slightly. He’s thinking.

“You haven’t stood up in a little while,” he says finally. “Are you sure you could have?”

You immediately scoot your chair away from the table to prove it to him, only to realize that, no, you probably could not have brought your own dishes to the sink. You whine at your current state and Jungkook comes over to help you out of your chair and back to what, by now, is surely a germ-infested couch. However, instead of moving away from you as soon as you’re laying down again, Jungkook sits down right next to your feet, making himself at home on top of the part of your blanket that doesn’t cover you. His closeness electrifies you, even when you feel nothing but pain. You think he might be made of magic.

He reaches for the remote on the coffee table and says, as he turns on the television, “So we’re watching Jeopardy! reruns, right? Or do you want something different now?”

His tone is so gentle when he speaks to you, even more so than it usually is. You barely register what he says because you’re so focused on his lips when he speaks. You think that maybe this relationship is more than married people who are friends, more than duty and obligation. Maybe there is something else there after all.

You feel yourself blushing at the thought, but Jungkook doesn’t seem to notice. He’s too busy looking through the options on Netflix to perceive your inner turmoil for himself. You choose to simply watch him as he browses and finally makes a selection. You spend the next two hours immersed in the newest season of Big Mouth, but every now and then you steal a glance across the couch at Jungkook.

Most of the time, he’s looking back at you.

~~~

Six months into your marriage, you realize you are in a predicament.

You’ve tried to distract yourself with work, with friends, with anything, but it’s all been in vain. With some effort, you’ve finally come to the conclusion that nothing makes you happier than Jungkook.

Jungkook, who was so painfully shy and insecure on your wedding day that he almost cried when you showed him your Koya plushie.

Jungkook, who wanted your friends to get closer to his and organized a game night to make it happen.

Jungkook, who brought home an entire pharmacy and made your mom’s chicken noodle soup for you when you were sick.

Jungkook, who is perfect for you.

You are in a predicament, and your predicament is this: you have fallen, absolutely and irreversibly, in love with your husband.

And you know it’s only going to get worse.

You’re currently on your way back home from seeing a movie with Jungkook, running at full speed toward your apartment building to avoid being soaked by the rain that’s suddenly coming down in buckets. After slipping once or twice on the blacktop, you make it inside your building and head immediately for the elevator, excited to change out of your newly wet clothes and get in bed for the night.

You make it into the elevator and, with some effort, push the button for the seventh floor. You don’t realize how much you actually ran until you’ve stopped moving completely and are waiting for the elevator to arrive at your floor. You’re slightly hunched over and breathing heavily, and you look over to see that Jungkook is similarly affected by your sprint.

With a small chuckle, you stand up straight once more and quip, “For someone who goes to the gym so often, you sure look tired from that little run.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes at you but can’t hide his smile when he says, “One, that was a run with no warm-up! I always warm up first because I hate cardio. And two, you don’t look so g--”

His surely witty response is cut off by the elevator suddenly going dark and ceasing its upward movement. The unexpected stoppage causes you to lurch forward, crashing into Jungkook with a yelp and causing you both to tumble to the floor with a loud thud. You don’t even have time to freak out about basically laying on top of Jungkook on the floor of this elevator because you’re too busy freaking out about the possibility that the elevator itself will fall to the basement and kill you both.

You wait for a few moments, straining your ears to see if you can pick up any sound, any indication that the elevator is going to drop. When you hear nothing but silence, you turn your attention to the body underneath you, which is starting to squirm slightly. You quickly scramble off of Jungkook with a mumbled apology and get back to your feet, then begin to search your pockets for your phone so you can use its flashlight. Once you find your phone and turn on the flashlight, you begin looking around the elevator for the panel of buttons so you can hopefully get to your destination and leave your tiny prison.

While Jungkook is struggling to his feet with a groan, you find the panel and push the button for the seventh floor, but nothing happens. You try again. Nothing. You try the button to open the doors. Nothing. You try the button for the lobby. Nothing. You try all the remaining buttons, including the panic button. Nothing.

You’re trapped in the elevator.

Panic begins to overtake you as you realize what’s happening. Your breath starts coming in short, quick pants that you can’t control. Your entire body feels rigid, like you could break in half if someone so much as touched you. Your vision is blurry and unfocused; you might be seeing double. You’re unsure. It doesn’t help that your only light source is a phone flashlight. You can hear your heartbeat in your ears, the sound trying to claw its way out of you and into the small space the elevator provides. The same thought keeps cycling through your mind, leaving room for nothing else. I can’t get out.

Panic attacks used to be a daily occurrence for you years ago (for reasons you would rather not discuss), but these days you only have one every few months, which is a great improvement if you do say so yourself. You’ve learned how to avoid them when possible and, when you do have one, how to get through them.

This is one of those times when you need to get through it.

You know one of the only ways for you to overcome a panic attack is for you to talk it out with someone, but the only person in this space with you is Jungkook, and until now you have avoided letting him be aware of this part of you, since being vulnerable around him is still difficult for you. You don’t want him to think any less of you or to think you’re being dramatic. You’re not sure how you would cope if Jungkook thought those things about you, so you haven’t ever given him the chance.

You consider trying to ignore the anxiety bubbling inside you, but you know that will only make it worse for you and will likely send you into a full-on meltdown, which you desperately want to avoid having in front of your husband. With that in mind, you take in a shaky breath to try to calm your nerves a bit before you speak. Even so, you can’t help how small you sound when you say, “Um, hey, Jungkook?”

Jungkook, who is looking at the elevator buttons exasperatedly with his own flashlight, mutters out a “Hm?”

“Um, would you mind turning your flashlight off for a second?” you ask while turning your own off.

Jungkook is still looking at the buttons. “Huh? Why?” he says distractedly.

A tear slips from your eye and down your cheek as you turn away from him, crouching to the floor to hold yourself. Your hands feel slightly numb, and your brain is screaming a million different things at you. You understand none of them.

“Because, um, I don’t want you to see me, um, cry right now.”

Not even a full second goes by before the elevator is once again cloaked in darkness. While you’re thankful and relieved that he listened to you, you’re unable to stop the tiny sob that escapes your lips. You can hear Jungkook take in a breath as he opens his mouth to speak. You’re prepared for the worst when he says, “What do you need from me?”

You cover your mouth in an attempt to muffle your cries. You didn’t think it was possible for Jungkook to be any more perfect than you already thought he was. He’s good at proving you wrong about that.

Jungkook must hear your weeping anyway, though, because he continues, tentatively asking, “Wait, did I say the wrong thing?” He keeps speaking after that, seemingly more to himself than to you, saying, “Dammit, I really suck at this.”

You stop your quiet bawling long enough to emphatically say, “No! No, you didn’t say the wrong thing at all. You said exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you.”

“I did? I mean, okay, so what should I do?” Jungkook asks, still sounding unsure.

“This. Keep doing this. Talking to me, I mean. I need to get my mind off of what’s happening. Talk about anything, and get me to answer you,” you say through your tears. Your voice is already steadier when you speak, and the million thoughts in your brain seem to have silenced themselves. You feel clearer.

Jungkook makes a sound of realization at your words, then does exactly as you asked.

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Orange.”

“What time do you usually wake up in the morning?”

“Um, around 8:00.”

“Okay, uh… oh, since you can’t see, what are three things that you can feel right now?”

You’re taken aback for a moment, as that’s a question that people who know you well have asked you during panic attacks. After a beat of silence, you answer, “Um, I can feel my phone in my hand. I can feel my hair getting the back of my shirt wet. And I can feel you.”

“Cool. Wait, what?” Jungkook says, sounding confused. “What do you mean, me?”

For just a moment, you’re glad you’re in the dark, because you’re surely blushing right now. “I mean that I can feel your presence next to me, your warmth. Like, even when you’re not speaking, I can tell that you’re there. Does that make sense?”

You hear feet shuffling on the carpeted floor, and then Jungkook speaks. “I, uh… I think so, yeah. I can feel, um… I can feel you too,” he finishes, sounding more certain than he did when he started speaking. You wonder if he’s just saying that for your benefit, or if he really can feel you. You hope it’s the latter.

Still feeling shaky, you ask Jungkook, “Can you tell me a story? Any story, I don’t care. I just like listening to you talk.” You close your eyes, even though you can’t see Jungkook at the moment. You feel like you need an extra layer of protection from the confession you just made to him. If he picks up on the confession, though, he doesn’t mention it. You’re thankful.

“Oh, okay, um… do you want to hear the stolen underwear story or the drunk karaoke story?” He asks the question quickly, as if those are the two stories he whips out at parties without a problem.

Both of those options sound extremely ridiculous to you, but you find yourself smiling slightly when you answer, “The underwear one.”

You hear a small snicker in the darkness. That alone is somehow enough to help you feel a little less panicked. Then Jungkook starts speaking.

“So basically, I went to this summer camp when I was like thirteen, and I had to share a bunk with maybe six or seven other guys. The camp itself was great. It lasted most of the summer, and it’s how I met Taehyung. Anyway, somehow I had managed to lose about half of the underwear I had brought with me over the course of the summer, and I honestly thought it was just me being an idiot. So we got to the end of our time there and, since we all knew each other so well, we had like a roast session slash complain-about-your-campmates session.”

The story itself is pretty amusing, but what’s hilarious is how Jungkook is devolving into a fit of giggles while telling it. His voice is coming from somewhere at your level, telling you that he sat down at some point in the middle of his story. You’re glad that he came down to the floor to be near you, but you don’t say anything about it. You just listen as he continues, voice soothing your frazzled nerves.

“So I get up there and I’m like, ‘Yo, guys, whoever stole all my underwear better watch out,’ even though I thought I had just lost them myself. So after I go up there, Taehyung gets on the stage and he looks really apologetic. I’m wondering why, because he had told me what he was going to say before we got up there. So he gets up there, and he looks right at me, and he just goes, ‘Jungkook, I’m sorry for stealing your underwear.’”

Now it’s your turn to giggle. You never would have pegged Taehyung for an underwear thief. Just listening to Jungkook’s story and his laughter is calming you down further from your panic. Even though you may not be out of the woods yet, you appreciate Jungkook’s efforts to help you more than you can say.

Jungkook’s laughter dies down after a bit, and a comfortable silence falls over the tiny space you’re occupying. Soon enough, though, you hear the sound of a throat clearing, and then his voice asks, “How are you doing now?”

You sniff slightly before answering, “A little better. I really appreciate that you listened to me instead of just trying to fix the problem. Most people would have just tried to call maintenance first instead of helping me. So thank you.”

You hear the telltale sign of Jungkook scratching at the back of his neck. He doesn't know what to say. You're too panicked out to worry about whether you've made him uncomfortable, and even if you had the energy to wonder about it, you wouldn't need to do so for long anyway, because he does end up speaking.

"Um, you're welcome. But to be honest, I don't feel like I did much. This was all you."

At his statement, you find yourself groping through the dark to find him where he sits. You're not sure why he thinks he didn’t have a hand in you calming down, but you’re suddenly very determined to set him straight. It matters to you that he put in work to help you feel better, and he should know that.

Once you manage to touch his shoulder, he yelps in surprise and you chuckle. You feel your way down his arms until you reach his hands, warm despite the icy rain outside, and you squeeze them tightly.

"Please believe me when I say this," you state as assertively as you can. "The reason I can talk to you normally right now has nothing to do with me. I owe that to you. You were everything I needed to get through that. Thank you."

You can't believe you're being so up-front with Jungkook right now. Perhaps it's the adrenaline still coursing through your veins. Regardless of the reason, though, you find that you don't regret anything you've said to him in this elevator. If you had the option to take back your words about how to calm you down or about how you like listening to Jungkook speak, you wouldn’t. It all felt right.

“You’re welcome,” Jungkook says after a pause. “And thank you, too. You know, for… letting me help you. Thank you for trusting me.”

You let out a breath and squeeze his hands again. “Is it okay if I hug you?” you ask before you can stop yourself. While you would consider the two of you to be close at this point, you’ve never hugged each other before. Now feels like the opportune time for it to finally happen and for you to become closer physically, just as you did metaphorically through the words you shared while trapped here together.

Jungkook seems to give his answer the same amount of thought that you gave your question, because he immediately says, “Yes. Yes, definitely.” He sounds slightly breathless when he says it.

You let go of his hands and feel for his shoulders again. Once you find them, you pull Jungkook into a gentle hug, made only slightly awkward by your sitting positions. Your head rests in the crook of Jungkook’s neck, and you breathe out a sigh. His hands settle on the small of your back, thumbs moving up and down the material of your shirt reassuringly.

You can’t believe you’ve never hugged this man before now. You fit together perfectly, even when you’re both sitting. You wonder what it would be like to hug while standing, or to cuddle while laying down. You hope this is the first of many hugs with Jungkook.

Your thoughts are interrupted by Jungkook’s voice, quiet and calm in your ear. “Not to be an ass, but would this be an okay time to call maintenance?”

You huff out a laugh into his neck and mumble an agreement, then begin to disentangle yourself from him. 

You watch Jungkook as he looks up and calls the apartment complex’s maintenance number. You then slowly get back to your feet, turn your flashlight back on, and make your way back to the button panel. You press each button again, one by one. No luck. With a sigh, you turn back to Jungkook, who has just finished his call.

“What did they say?” you ask, sounding tired to your own ears. You feel tired, too.

Jungkook looks at you with a kind of grimace on his face. “The guy can come reset the breaker or whatever, but he’s already dealing with a flooded bathtub in another building, so he doesn’t think he’ll be able to come over here for a while.”

“Oh,” you say, “okay. What should we do?” You have to tell yourself that there is no use panicking a second time. Luckily, your rational side wins this battle with your emotions.

“Wait, you’re not upset?” Jungkook asks, sounding a bit disbelieving.

“Not really,” you reply. “I already kind of tired myself out. And besides, you’re here. So I’ll be okay.”

You swear you can see Jungkook blush.

~~~

“Never have I ever…” You chew on your lip as you try to think of something else that you have never done. “Oh! Never have I ever broken a bone.”

Jungkook lets out a chuckle and puts a finger down. He only has one out of five left up.

It’s been over two hours since you first entered the elevator. Over two hours since the thing stopped functioning properly, leaving you and Jungkook stuck together in its tiny space. Maintenance still hasn’t shown up to fix it, meaning that the two of you have had to find ways to occupy yourselves. You’ve turned your flashlights back on and settled your phones against the elevator walls for some visibility, and you’ve been playing games since then.

“Okay, my go,” Jungkook says, bouncing a little where he sits. He scrunches his face up in thought, looking to the ceiling. He’s so cute like this, you think. You want to reach out and hug him again, just to feel his strong arms around you. But you don’t. For right now, just looking at him is enough.

He suddenly looks down from the ceiling and right at you, a glint in his eyes. You wonder what he’s going to say that has him giving you that look. It’s like he wants to know all your secrets. After today, you’d be more than willing to give them to him.

“Never have I ever been in love.”

Just as your heart promptly begins to break at his words, you notice movement from the corner of your eye. You look to his hand and find that he put his last finger down.

Just as soon as you begin to register that, yes, Jungkook has indeed been in love with at least one person in his life, you hear a chuckle that sounds almost forlorn. You move your eyes back to Jungkook’s face to find that he’s practically grimacing, and you give him a questioning look.

“Just me, huh?” Jungkook asks quietly, sadly.

“What do you mean?” you breathe out.

“You didn’t put a finger down,” he says as he points in your general direction. You peer down at your hand and realize that he’s right. Without looking up to see how he’ll react, you put one of your fingers down. You hear a small gasp and you glance up, meeting Jungkook’s wide eyes.

“Not just you,” you say softly, a sad smile on your face.

Jungkook seems to perk up a little at your words, but you can tell that he’s nervous now. He’s fiddling with his wedding band like he always does when he’s nervous. What does he have to be nervous about?

“Wait,” you say when Jungkook doesn’t speak up. “Why did you say something that you have done?”

In the dim lighting of your dying phones, it looks like Jungkook is blushing again. He scratches the back of his neck and then, without looking directly at you, says, “I wanted to know if you had.”

You can’t quite believe what you’re hearing. Is he trying to say what you think he is? You search Jungkook’s face until he focuses back on you, somewhat wistfully.

“Why does it matter if I have?” You can’t help but let hope bloom inside you as you await his next words. 

Jungkook lets out a sigh, closes his eyes, opens them again. He regards you with a determined look, then he finally speaks.

“Because then there might be a chance that you love me back.”

There is absolutely a chance, you think to yourself. You want to scream it from the rooftops, but instead you remain still in stunned silence. This is everything you’ve ever wanted, finally coming true. You’ve never desired anything as much as you desire to be loved, and now it’s finally happening. You know you need to speak soon, or you’ll risk making Jungkook think that you do not return his affections. Oh, how wrong he would be.

But, how will you tell him?

You glance down at your lap and see that you are still holding a finger up, even though you’ve already won the game. It gives you an idea. You hold up your last remaining finger and briefly look at Jungkook, who appears as though he might pass out from your silence. You would usually be amused by his expression of nervousness, but right now you’re too nervous about what you’re going to do next.

“Never have I ever kissed Jeon Jungkook,” you say quietly, putting your finger down. Before Jungkook even has the time to react to your statement, you’re crawling forward to where he sits, taking his face gently in both of your hands, and slotting your lips together.

You feel Jungkook sigh into your mouth and wrap his hands around your waist, just as he did when he hugged you earlier. You’ve never experienced a kiss like this one. It electrifies your very being from the inside out, while also being soft, gentle, sweet. Jungkook’s lips are like velvet, and he tastes like the Skittles you shared in the movie theater earlier tonight.

Wanting to be closer to him, you move to straddle Jungkook where he sits, pressing your chests together and moving your hands around to the back of his head. He responds eagerly, tightening his hold around your back without ever removing his mouth from yours. You run your fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and he shivers slightly, so you continue your ministrations as his hands begin to fall lower.

Just when you think Jungkook is going to grab at your ass, the elevator’s lights come on and the thing roars to life, beginning to ascend once more. You take your lips off of Jungkook’s and he follows you with a whine, not wanting to stop despite the current circumstances. You giggle and place one final peck to his already kiss-bitten lips before climbing off of him and standing up. You help Jungkook to his feet, grab both of your phones from the floor, and turn off their flashlights before turning towards the elevator door, feeling lighter than air.

As the elevator continues to move, you see Jungkook out of the corner of your eye and you stifle a laugh. He’s pouting. Feeling brave after his confession and your kiss, you turn to him with a coy smile and say, “You can keep kissing me, you know.”

Jungkook’s face morphs from sullen into elated in an instant, and just like that he’s crowding into your space to kiss you again. He puts his hands on the sides of your head this time, moving his thumbs gently across your cheeks as he slips his tongue into your mouth.

As the elevator finally comes to a halt on your floor and the door opens, Jungkook doesn’t let up, continuing to kiss you fervently. He simply moves backwards out of the elevator and takes you with him. You smile into the kiss, euphoric over the fact that he wants you so much that he can’t stop kissing you while you walk the few feet from the elevator to your own door.

You delicately push Jungkook away from you so you can see the door behind him, but he is undeterred. He moves so that he stands behind you instead, pressing kisses to the back of your head, the part of your jaw that he can reach, the top of your neck. Now it’s your turn to shiver, as he has found your weak spot. You love few things more than neck kisses.

It takes most of the strength you possess to not let your knees buckle while Jungkook’s mouth is on your neck, but you manage to get your key into the lock and open the door to your apartment. You’ve barely gotten past the threshold and kicked off your shoes when Jungkook spins you around and kisses you hungrily, as if he’ll die if he doesn’t. You think you might die yourself.

You begin to back up until you find yourself against the wall of your entryway, Jungkook pinning you to the spot with his kisses. You put your hands back into his hair and he lets out a quiet moan into your mouth, bringing his hands down and around you to squeeze your ass. You never thought a sound could be so sexy. You decide you want to hear it every day.

Jungkook lets his mouth wander back over your jaw and down your neck. He finds your pulse point with ease and begins to suck, making you moan out loud. Jungkook freezes for a moment, as if surprised by what you’ve done. You notice quickly and use your hand to push Jungkook’s head back into your neck, whispering out a breathless, “Please don’t stop.”

You can feel Jungkook smile into your neck and then he gets back to work, littering your neck and collarbone with tiny purple marks. You can also feel a hardness at your belly, straining against Jungkook’s pants. You snake one of your hands down his chest and hook a couple of fingers underneath his waistband. You can feel Jungkook’s stomach tense up at your actions, so you pause, lick your lips and throatily ask, “Is this okay?”

Jungkook takes his mouth off of you just long enough to say, “God, yes.”

You don’t hesitate to move your hand further into Jungkook’s pants, past his coarse hair and right around the base of his cock. He hisses at the contact, moving one of his hands off of your ass to the front of your joggers. He begins massaging your aching center through your clothes and you sigh, your legs widening of their own accord.

You continue to move your hand over Jungkook’s cock as best you can while he’s still dressed. You don’t expect either of you to get off like this, but it’s still hot knowing that you couldn’t even get to a bed before you had each other.

Speaking of a bed, though...

“Jungkook. Bed. Now,” you practically choke out.

At your plea, Jungkook backs away from you just to pick you up and wrap your legs around his waist, carrying you easily to your bedroom. Once there, he proceeds to climb onto the bed with you still in his hold and lean forward slowly, laying you down as if in reverence. Once you’re splayed out beneath him, he takes a moment to gaze at you from above. He must like what he sees, because he gives you one of his big, bunny-like smiles before he’s back to kissing you.

You soon become impatient, however, wanting to close the distance between you both and rid your bodies of their clothes. You tap Jungkook lightly on the shoulder, and he backs away from your face to look at you. You’ve never seen someone look so beautiful.

Jungkook’s hair is in complete disarray from you putting your hands through it, his eyes are absolutely blown out, and his lips are raw and red from your kissing. He’s panting heavily and gazing at you with a look that you can’t describe as anything other than adoration.

You forget how to talk for a moment, so you just pout and tug at the hem of his shirt. He gets the picture, sitting back on his heels and peeling the offending article off of himself. You watch him from between the pillows, eyes darkening as you take in his toned form. You decide that Jungkook really was sculpted by the gods.

Despite Jungkook having an intensely hot body, he puts his arms in front of his chest. He sounds extremely shy when he says, “You too?”

You nod happily and sit up on the bed, urging Jungkook to rid you of your shirt himself. Once he does, you can feel his eyes roaming across the expanse of skin that he has already covered in love bites, then downward to the rest of your newly exposed flesh. He licks his lips.

You don’t bother trying to get him to undo your bra for you. Wanting to avoid the hassle, you reach behind you and unclasp it with one hand, letting it fall from your shoulders. Jungkook drinks you in, from the birthmark on your left breast to your pierced right nipple. If his gaze were capable of getting darker, you think it just did.

“Can I see the rest of you?” Jungkook asks, only sounding a little less shy than he did a moment ago. He’s toying with the cuff of your joggers when he says it.

“Yes,” you say unhesitatingly, lifting your hips from the bed to begin taking your pants off. Jungkook helps you along, pulling at the legs until he has the garment bunched in his hands along with your lace underwear. He practically swoons at the sight of you laid bare on your bed. You thought you might be self-conscious under his stare, but you’re not. All you can feel is wanted.

“Your turn,” you say, toeing at Jungkook’s jeans. He kneels up to begin unbuttoning them, but you scoot forward and place your hand over his before he can.

“I want to do it,” you say, peering up at him with soft eyes. He gulps, then moves his hands to give you access. You take the button into your hands and pop it open, then slowly, tortuously pull down his zipper. You manage to accidentally torture yourself during the process, so you waste no time tugging the jeans down over Jungkook’s firm ass along with his boxer briefs, letting his cock free from its confines. You didn’t think it was possible for a cock to be beautiful before this moment, but you do now.

He’s longer than you expected him to be, and not exactly thick, but there is a prominent vein running up the underside of him, and it reminds you of the vein on his hand and arm. Your pussy flutters at the thought of him being inside you. You want him inside you right now.

Jungkook manages to rid himself of his jeans and underwear completely before he’s hovering back over you, looking like he can’t decide what to do next. The thought of him being overwhelmed by you turns you on immensely, and you pull him down into a bruising kiss. He reciprocates with something that you can’t describe as anything but pure zeal, as he immediately takes your tongue into his mouth and meets it with his own. The taste of him is intoxicating, fruity and dulcet, the only thing you want to taste for the rest of your life.

Jungkook comes down to the bed and lays next to you, tangling your legs together and letting his free hand wander over your body exploratively. He tentatively cups your breast in his hand and squeezes, then rubs at your pierced nipple until it becomes a stiff peak. He then continues downward, palming at your soft stomach and your fleshy hip, until he reaches your mound. He moves his hand through curls damp with arousal, making you sigh wantonly into his kiss and squeeze at his bicep. You want him to hurry, but he’s taking his time with you.

He begins to rut against you lightly as his hand dips down between your soaked folds. You’re positive he’s going so slowly on purpose, because he chuckles when you begin to whine and circle your hips to try to get him to speed up.

“You’re so impatient,” he teases lightly, dancing his fingers along your inner lips, so close to your entrance you can practically taste it.

“Uh huh,” you manage to get out. You’re hot, sweaty and trembling under his touch, and he’s barely done anything to you yet. You’d let him do anything he wanted.

Jungkook smiles down at you, then nuzzles your cheek with his nose before planting a chaste kiss there. “I’m sorry, babe. It’s just that I’ve… kind of dreamt about this, and I want it to be perfect. Like you.”

You turn to face him, tears suddenly pricking your eyes, and he’s gazing down at you, cheeks aflame and eyes swimming with affection. You think this might be the best moment of your life.

You swallow and whisper, “You can’t just say things like that and not expect me to cry.”

He nuzzles into you again, still smiling. “I love you so much,” he whispers back. Then he sinks two fingers into you.

The intrusion has you sighing loudly, closing your eyes, and arching your back from the bed, hands attempting to find purchase in the flannel sheets underneath you. You do your best not to squirm as Jungkook deftly moves his fingers inside your wet walls, all while beginning to leave open-mouthed kisses down the unbitten side of your neck. The combined sensations have you whimpering, already too fucked out to speak. Jungkook seems to be similarly affected, as he continues to rut against your hip, though more quickly now. You try to wriggle your hand in between your bodies to touch him, but he suddenly halts his movement against your side when he realizes what you’re attempting to do.

“What is it?” you ask, amazed that you’re even able to talk with how well he’s finger-fucking you. Jungkook doesn’t speak right away, so you bring your hand to the back of his head and pull on the hairs at his nape. It seems to ground him.

“I, uh… I don’t want you to touch me.” Jungkook says like it pains him. He’s out of breath from moving inside you. Or maybe just from getting to be with you.

“Why not?” you say, curious but nonjudgmental.

Jungkook sighs, letting his head fall to the crook of your neck, where he mumbles, “If you touch me now I think I’ll come too fast.”

You can’t help but coo at how cute he is, and you continue to pull at the hairs at his nape. He doesn’t move from that spot for a few moments, but he continues to fuck you open tenderly with his fingers. You take his silence as an opportunity.

“Do you want to fuck me?” you ask sweetly, putting as much emotion as possible into every word. You want Jungkook to know you mean it.

You hear him suck in a breath, and then you feel him nod against your neck. You push his hand away from your center only to bring it to your mouth, where you gently suck your arousal from his digits. You feel his head turn towards your face, so you can only assume that he’s watching you do it. You move your tongue over his fingers as you continue, feeling powerful and just as desired as when he had you pinned against the wall earlier.

When you finish licking Jungkook clean of your wetness, you let go of his hand. You expect him to start moving around so he can fuck you, but instead he brings his hand back to your face, where he thumbs at your cheek like he did in the elevator. He’s just looking at you longingly, lovingly. You can’t get enough of that look.

“Jungkook,” you say, your breath coming back to you. “I love you. Please fuck me.”

Jungkook pauses the movement of his thumb. “That’s the first time you’ve said it back.” He sounds choked up when he speaks.

You realize that he’s right. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” You punctuate each admission with a kiss to the crown of his head.

You hear a small sniffle before Jungkook moves his head out of your space and ducks it so you can’t see him clearly. You lift your hand to his chin and bring it forward so you can see his face. He’s wearing a small smile, lip trembling a bit. His eyes are shining.

“How do you want me?” you say softly, overwhelmed with love.

Jungkook clears his throat. “Um… can we do it like this? I want to, um, see you. I want to see you.”

You smile brightly up at him and nod, moving your hand away from his face so you can situate yourself underneath your husband. You bring him down to you for a passionate kiss while opening your legs to fit his hips between yours.

Jungkook reaches down between you, positioning his cock at your entrance. He continues to kiss you slowly, purposefully, as he inches himself inside. Your hands find purchase on his strong shoulders, and he swallows your moan with his lips as he bottoms out within your quivering walls.

He doesn’t move right away, allowing you a moment to adjust. Another thing to love about this man. When you’re ready, you squeeze his shoulders and he takes the cue to pull back. Then he snaps his hips forward, and you see nothing but stars.

As Jungkook thrusts into you, he drops his head back down into the crook of your neck and bites down on your pulse point again. You can’t help but cry out, your body thrumming with pleasure and a bit of pain. Jungkook only moves faster, cupping your breast with the hand not holding him up.

“I think I might come,” he confesses into your neck. You clench at the thought of him painting your walls white.

“Come whenever you want to,” you sigh back at him. You were already getting there just from being fingered, but you’re dangerously close to the precipice right now.

Jungkook lets out a huff. “You first,” he says petulantly, then moves his hand from your breast down to the apex of your thighs, where he begins rubbing your clit mercilessly.

His attention to your clit, his cock pounding into you, and his obvious desire to put you before himself all combine together to send you careening off the edge. You feel the pressure that had been building in your lower belly finally release, causing something white-hot to move outward from your very core to the tips of your fingers and toes. You call out his name as he follows you closely behind, shuddering as he comes inside you and continuing to fuck you through both of your orgasms.

After you both begin to come down and Jungkook pulls out of you, he immediately snuggles back into your side, placing his head in the crook of your neck once more and throwing his free hand over your waist, tugging you in close.

“This is my new favorite spot,” he expresses quietly, voice already thick with sleep.

You yawn, bringing your hand back to his nape and absentmindedly beginning to pull at the hair there. After all your daydreaming, you can safely say that this is your new favorite spot as well.

“I love you,” you manage to get out before you and your husband both drift off - silently, each holding a piece of the other.

[allmysticwords]

One Way Ticket

Genre : Valentines Day; Fluff

Pairing : Park Jimin x Reader (f)

Summary: “if summer is for lovers then consider me in love” is what Park Jimin said to you. Then he sent you on a wild chase of old letters and flowers. Now, it’s time for you to find out how truthful his love really is.

For : @btswriterscorner​ Amor Fabula Project

Warning: none

Word Count: 5.4k

A/N:This is such a fluffy fic. I was smiling throughout. I hope you’ll like this. Let me know! Also, please visit the corner and read other fics, they’re great!

Banner credits : Me

Masterlist

—

You first saw Jimin standing outside a bar, a guitar in his hand and a girl whispering something in his ear. You couldn’t make out who she was or what she said but you were sure you wanted to be in her stead. Who wouldn’t though? Jimin was radiant. His blonde hair shining under the neon lights of the club. His dorky glasses definitely standing out in contrast from the rest of his outfit, a simple white T-shirt but ripped. The simplest black jeans but fitting him in all the right places. And a black leather jacket. While being the most ordinary person in your view, he was by far the most captivating. For a minute you found yourself fixing your hair, your outfit almost unconsciously. But he was far too busy with whoever that girl was to look at your short lavender dress and how it stopped right above your knee and how your dark brown hair came a little below your shoulders but above your waist and flowed wildly because of the wind.

“Your ID miss” the security personnel broke you from your reverie and you fished out your ID from your bag and entered the club. It was far too loud inside to talk to anybody. You and your friend made way to the bar and ordered your usual drink. You a vodka cranberry and she ordered a gin and tonic after which you both scanned the club. That was your favourite way to spend the night, get drunk, listen to some loud music to drown out anything else and just look at people dance away their worries. But half an hour in, making fun of the moves and ordering a second drink you were bored. It seemed like your usual tricks of de-stressing weren’t working, that was until you saw someone you recognised. The man you had seen outside the club was now on stage. Turns out he was the new live singer that the club had hired. His eyes scanned the room all the while his voice mesmerised everyone else and his hands strummed his guitar all the while you thought about how his hands will feel on your skin. The very thought sending shivers down your spine. Maybe your visits to the club were going to increase, you thought to yourself.

“Hey, Y/n, you wanna get out of here?” Your friend asked you. But you were too fixated on the way Jimin moved his hair out of his face to listen to her. So, she tapped your shoulder lightly. Again, you were stolen away from your reverie.

“I think I’d like to stay for a while, I know you have an early morning work thing tomorrow, it’s okay, you can leave.” You dismissed her. She just looked at you confused. Until she saw that you were barely looking at her and only looking at the man singing. “Okay Y/n you stay right here.” She just winked before leaving.

Finally, you could give your undivided attention to Jimin. You didn’t even know his name until the end of the night, but you could tell that whatever it would be, you would come to love it.

“Thanks for listening guys, my name is Park Jimin and I will you see you again on Friday.” Jimin announced before getting off the stage after waving his audience goodbye.

——

After that your visits to the club became a regular occurrence. Every wednesday and friday after work you would quickly get home change into something nice and head to the club. The last two times you went, you had a friend with you, just to keep you company, just so that you don’t come off as a loner. Both times you saw Jimin outside the club before his show with some random girl, a different one each time. This sort of made you upset, but then again you wouldn’t have minded being instead of that girl for that one night. That was how strong Park Jimin’s aura was. However, today you came alone.

Since it was friday and the weekend had officially started, there were lots of people gathered outside the club. But the bouncers knew you now and they let you in without any hassle or standing in the line. You were determined to make the most of your chance today and get to atleast speak to Jimin. This staring from afar was getting a little creepy and wasn’t doing much for you now, you needed some connection, any conversation. So, you wore one of your good party dresses, a black shimmer, low-neck scallop end dress with long sleeves and you had loosely curled your hair. You decided to go with light makeup with the dress.

However, after spending hours sitting at the bar and dodging every guy who came up to buy you a drink you still didn’t get a chance to see Jimin. You were wondering all sorts of things, “was the performance cancelled? Or did he stop performing here?” when you heard the bartender clear his throat. “What Mark? can’t you see I’m drinking away my loneliness?” Mark and you were sort of bar friends now, whatever bar friends are. He saw you regularly for 2 days a week and sometimes during the quiet minutes, you both made conversation.

“Turn to your left” he winked.

And turn you did, seeing Jimin sitting there with a glass of his drink and already looking at you. When you caught his eye, he smiled and got up to walk towards you. Your breath hitched and your palms became sweaty, but you tried to keep your cool and smiled back.

“Hi I’m Jimin.” He introduced himself, leaning in closer to you and speaking. Since the music was so loud, him leaning in was perfectly normal, however, it raised Goosebumps on your skin. “Hi, I’m y/n” you replied back. “ah so I finally know the name of the lavender dress girl.” Jimin smiled. His smile could send you spinning. “Lavender dress?” You thought out loud until it hit you. “You saw me that day?” You were a bit surprised. “How could I not, you were staring at me so intensely it was almost impossible to not see you.” Jimin laughed. You were embarrassed now. Your checks turning red and you decided to stare at your drink intensely instead of looking at Jimin. “Exactly how you’re staring at the empty glass right now Y/n.” Jimin tried to ease the situation seeing that what he said made you feel embarrassed. “So, can I get you a drink? And get to know my no.1 fan as Marks tells me you are.” He called out to Mark before you could even answer. “What would you like to have?” he asked. “The same” you told Mark and then turned towards Jimin. “I’ve seen you here before, you know, you’ve been here for almost every performance of mine. I’d like to think I sing really well to have you spend your weekdays here. Either that or Mark is one hell of a conversationist.” Jimin joked. “A little bit of both” you laughed back.

After that the conversation flowed easily. Him telling you about himself and how he got into music and you telling him about your job and whatnot. All the while you were wondering if you were just one of those random girls who had caught his eye or whether he was genuinely interested in you because from the way the conversation was going, you were genuinely interested in him. It wouldn’t be a lie to say that you were attracted to him because he was good looking and because you have a thing for musicians, but it would be lie to say that those were the only interesting things about him. He for one loved to talk and could speak for hours on end or that’s what he claimed the first night he met you. He also loved to compliment people, no wonder people wanted to be around him, this you figured out quite early on when he kept raving about how that lavender dress looked on you or how beautiful your smile is. He also knew how to give someone undivided attention. Every time someone came near him to tell him that they’ve heard him sing and how good he is, while he would politely accept the compliment, his attention would just as quickly drift back to you. That night you were completely in awe of him, the whole ride back to your apartment you couldn’t stop smiling. Maybe the cab driver would think you’re a creep, but you couldn’t care less.

On reaching home, you quickly changed, put your phone on charge and turned it on, going on your Instagram to accept Jimin’s follow request which you couldn’t do at the club since your phone had died.

You also saw that you had a new message from Jimin from when you had left the club “Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow morning?” he’d also sent three smiley emojis with that.

“Call it a date” you answered. Surprised by how brave you were sounding.

“Date it is” he replied almost instantaneously. ——

The next morning you met Jimin for your coffee date at a quite café downtown and again spent your entire Saturday just talking. This soon became a regular occurrence. You would go to the club to see him perform and he would also spot you in the crowd and wink or sing some love song looking at you. Then on Saturdays he would take you out for lunch or dinner and then back to his apartment or back to yours where you’d spend the rest of the day playing games or looking at childhood pictures of each other.

Occasionally you also spent some nights with each other, in the beginning just talking, sitting on the rooftop or looking at the moon and talking about your dreams and plans. Jimin always said that he loves looking at the moon, it always calms him down. You also came to love looking at the moon. But soon enough the nights were spent more between the sheets than outside them. Jimin touching you in just the right ways and you pleasing him exactly how he wanted. It seemed like you both had found each other at the right time and place. It seemed that you really liked him, and you told him that.

You told him that you liked him, one of those nights. You were both lying on the bed, your head on his chest and his hand in your hair caressing it. You told him that you find yourself thinking about him all the time and that maybe you love him. He told you he felt the same. That nowadays all his love songs were about you and how happy he made you feel. And you felt happy. You felt content. But Jimin still hadn’t asked you to be his girlfriend and you didn’t know if you were both just a little more than friends or were you just someone he could rely on while he also had a string of other girls hanging by him. You hadn’t seen him with anyone else since the day he spoke to you, and you didn’t really doubt him, but you couldn’t help feeling a little insecure.

You were an overthinker and this got the best of you when you Jimin went for a performance outside the city and couldn’t call you. You kept thinking that someone else must have caught his eye. That maybe you’re not that special to him or maybe you like him more than he liked you.

Usually you were very confident about yourself, in your work and in your life generally but with Jimin this vague undefined relationship was bringing out the worst of you. And you didn’t know what to do.

So, when Jimin called you after coming back, you started acting really cold. You made up excuses to see him less and less and you called him back fewer times. You tried to distance yourself from him, thinking that maybe some distance would do you good, take away the intensity of your feelings. Who knew that this would intensify Jimin’s feelings for you? You don’t know how he knew something was going on, but he figured it out and he decided to do something about it.

—–

You hadn’t seen Jimin in almost 2 weeks now, last you spoke or well texted you weren’t your usual self and this morning the sweetest thing happened. You woke up to the sound of your phone ringing, you checked the caller ID and it was Jimin calling you, you suddenly sat up straight and wondered what made him call you at 7 am. Last you checked, today was a Sunday and lately work was killing you, so you deserved to sleep in a little. You were suddenly enraged by the fact that he woke you up from your beauty sleep. You were also slightly mad that he hadn’t tried meeting you yet or figuring out what was wrong with you. So, groaning in frustration you answered the call in your sleepy voice.

“You sound sexy in the morning,” Jimin said.

“You mean like a frog right? ” Your voice was laced with sarcasm. “Do you, like, drink a bottle of "sarcastic liquid” each night before going to bed? Because sweetheart you sound really hot right now and I don’t understand why don’t you believe me.“ He spoke genuinely. You laughed at his comment but in the same tone replied back ” It’s a defence mechanism.“ "I’m not sure if you need to be defensive while taking compliments.Okay, listen I did not call to make sweet talk with you though that is extremely inviting but I want you to get up and go outside your door.” He ordered you. “Excuse me, who do you think you are talking to in that tone Mister?” No one orders you around. “You, Your Highness, Seriously Y/N I don’t have time just get your cute ass up and look outside your apartment door,” He whined. “Quit whining like a 6-year-old, geez, have you sent assassins to murder me? Like waking me up at 7 just wasn’t enough,” You spoke while getting up from your bed and stretching your hands. “Like I could ever kill you, the way you crush all my romantic gestures for you is really impressive, though,” He laughed though you could practically see him rolling his eyes. “Ohh, romance! Now I am intrigued. Okay, what have you planned now Mr. Park ?” You asked him with a sly smile on your face. “You’ll see, now if you’re at your door, I want you to hang up and open your door and don’t call me back. Bye.” And then there was just you.

You did as he said, you stood in front of your apartment door in the quiet, smiling to yourself as if you had just met BTS and after taking a deep breath you opened the door. You were really hoping that it wouldn’t be Jimin standing on the other side because you were sure if he looked at you right now, he would be scared and he’ll run away but thankfully there wasn’t anybody standing outside. So that ruled out your irrational fear of someone looking at you with bedridden hair and your Winnie the pooh pajamas.

Except you found a cute little pink heart-shaped balloon tied to a small envelope right outside your door. You bent down and picked it up. In neat handwriting were the following words written on it “For My Queen” and a small heart was drawn with a red marker. That’s cute was your first thought. Then you went in the living room, smiling to yourself and took the balloon string and tied it to the door handle.

You took your time opening the envelope. It’s not that you weren’t eager to know what’s inside, it’s just that you wanted to cherish the moment before it went out of your hand. The excitement inside you was just how people feel on the first day of school. You know it’ll be a great day but you just can’t stop feeling nervous. Which you know is just silly since it was just an envelope but it was an envelope from Jimin and you really liked him and it was so sweet of him to write something no matter what. No one had ever done anything like this for you and you were really overwhelmed by his sincerity. You then carefully opened the envelope making sure that you don’t tear it because you knew that you will be holding on to it for a long time.

“Hi beautiful, So I see that my letter made it’s way to your hands. Now that you’re reading this I want you to get dressed and go down to the club at approximately 9 A.M. And don’t worry this isn’t an order but I know you’ll do as I say anyway. Oh and sorry if this isn’t a mushy sappy love letter, they’ll be plenty of those too. -J”

Along with these words, there was a small doodle of a drink and an arrow from it leading to some flowers drawn in red. It’s true that you don’t take orders from anyone but for him, you can definitely make an exception. You felt over the moon reading his words and probably read the small letter a 1000 times. You had the sudden urge to text or call Jimin but a voice reminded you that he asked you not to call him so you quickly started to get ready.

You did not know what he had planned for the day so you wanted to wear something comfortable just in case you had to walk around a lot but at the same time, you really wanted to look pretty for Jimin. Considering how he was making an effort for this date so it was only fair that you make an effort too. You quickly washed your hair and curled it on the ends, the good thing was that your hair decided to listen to you once and were tameable.

Now came the hard part, you really did not know what to wear. You stood staring at your cupboard for 5 minutes before you started to pull clothes out and then hanging them back inside because you couldn’t come to a conclusion. Finally, you ended up settling on your go-to blue shorts because can you ever go wrong with shorts? You then decided to wear a button-down peach top and undid the first 3 buttons to show just enough but also to leave Jimin guessing.

You did some light makeup putting on some shimmer eye shadow and eyeliner and a light pink gloss. You looked at youself for one last time in the mirror, then you put on your fawn boots and walked out of the house.

You made your way to the Club which felt a little weird in the morning and on reaching inside you were hit with a sense of familiarity but one without any music or the crowd.

You immediately started to look for another balloon. The previous letter did not mention anything about what you were looking for. After almost 2 minutes, you saw another pink balloon. You walked towards it, weaving your way through the tables. The balloon was tied to a bottle of the bar. There was a small envelope taped to the table. You were hoping to see Jimin. But with a scowl on your face, you untaped the envelope. You started laughing when you read the words that were written at the top.

“This Letter Is For Y/N Only. BEWARE. Do not steal or open the letter because if you do I WILL FIND YOU AND I WILL KILL YOU.”

A small smile crept up on your lips as you read Jimin’s words. While you were still on the first line, Mark walked up to you. He was looking at you with his twinkling eyes as if he was holding on to a secret. He brought you a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of coffee which also felt weird at a club but you took the coffee gladly. He also brought a coffee for himself and sat down in front of you behind the counter. He held his face in his hands as he flashed his happy smile at you.

“Here you go, one cappuccino, for my favorite customer in this whole wide world.” He slipped the coffee in front of you.

“Did Jimin pay you to say that too?” You asked him with a hint of a joke in your tone. “Oh yeah, that dude thinks of everything.” He laughed heartily. “That he does.” You’re sure you were full-on blushing by now. “Can I read what he wrote?” Mark asked hopefully. Before you could answer he had snatched the letter from your hand and was eyeing you with a sly smile. You simply shrugged and then he cleared his throat and started to read the letter as if he was giving a speech or something. “My dear Y/n, Know that I am proud of you that you made it out of bed and are now having coffee with a dufus friend of ours. ” “Hey this isn’t fair, I play along with his cheesy little date idea and he calls me a dufus. Remind me to never agree to what he says ever again.” Mark complained. “Don’t worry Mark, I don’t think you are a dufus, I think you are really cute and sweet.” you smiled silently urging him to continue reading. “Only for you Y/n, Only for you.” He shakes his head but continues reading nonetheless.

“I’m sure Mark threw a tantrum right now but I still think he is a dufus. So carrying on, I want you now to walk outside and take the first left at the end of the road. There you will see a shop called "FLORA”, go in and tell the shopkeeper that you are here for a delivery. I hope you like the flowers. -J"

“There’s also some shitty drawing of flowers and then an arrow pointing to a slide.” Said Mark nonchalantly. He tossed you back the letter that you carefully put in your bag. You finished your coffee while chatting with Mark.

“How much do I owe you?” You asked him while taking out your wallet. “It’s on the house babe, have a good day.” With that, he got up and walked back to the counter and wore his apron and started cleaning last night’s mess.

You waved him goodbye and walked outside in the sun. After reaching the end of the road you made a turn to the left and spotted “FLORA” which was just 15 steps away. You know because you counted. You were feeling giddy and excited. You entered the shop and a bell ringed. A petite lady with graying hair entered the room from a back door that you assumed led to her office and asked what you wanted.

“Hi, I am here for a delivery,” You spoke with a tight smile on your face. “Oh I apologize to keep you waiting, you must be Y/n? right? Well, give me a second sweetheart while I get your flowers.” She walked to a desk and opened a drawer. “Yes actually, thanks.” You mumbled.

She handed you a small envelope and a bouquet of flowers. As the last two envelopes, this one also had a balloon tied to it but you asked the lady to keep the balloon and give it to a kid if someone comes to her shop today.

You went outside and opened the letter which had the following words written on top

“I heard roses are a one-way ticket to a girl’s heart.”

Your heart melted on reading the line and with a big grin on your face, you quickly opened the letter.

“Honey, I hope you like the roses, they are as beautiful as your smile. Now there is only one more spot that I want you to walk to and then you can run into my arms. At least I hope you run into my arms. Make your way to the community park which is a 10 minute walk from the shop and look near the sandpit. -J”

You were really happy now and half walked and half jogged towards the community park. You knew the park all too well. You had spent time on your break from work at that place.  You reached the park in just 5 minutes and quickly made your way to the sandpit. Near the sandpit was a climber where another pink balloon was tied with an envelope. You really hoped that this was the last letter because you really wanted to see Jimin now.

If you thought you liked him before, imagine how much you liked him now. Even though he sent you on a town run but you guessed it was all worth it. All the time that you didn’t see him was finally catching up with you. You missed him and you missed him badly. You felt a little foolish for acting so cold towards him when he was now being so nice to you.

This sweetness you wanted to bottle it up and keep it safe.

“The Last Stop"

That was the only thing written on the front. You wondered what if some kid had seen the balloon and taken it but then you noticed that the park was almost isolated apart from a few college kids sitting around. You guess not many children come to the park on Sundays, plus it was 12 pm now so it was also a bit hot, especially considering it was supposed to be Autumn. You got distracted for a minute but then you reverted your attention to the piece of paper in your hands.

"No more funny business anymore Y/n. The thing is I really like you and I think you are a beautiful, smart, strong, intelligent, funny, captivating, lovely… well you get the idea. So I was wondering that maybe, If you think that I am at least half of the things that I just said would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend? Did you think I was going to propose to you? Maybe one day but definitely not today. You’ll run away. If you’d like to give me a chance, then make your way to me. Take a cab to the "Ipsing Planetarium” and come to room no. 323. You’ll find me. -J"

There was also a small doodle of a swingset and then an arrow pointing to stars.

You almost had tears in your eyes. You were feeling overjoyed. No one had ever made you feel this special. You had to say this was the best date idea he could have come up with. The best idea to tell you that he liked you. The best way in which he could take away all your insecurities. You stood there for a moment, re-reading his words. It’s not like you needed time to make a decision because you already knew what your answer would be. You quickly ran outside the park and hailed a cab to the planetarium.

Whilst in the cab, you thought once again about what you wanted to say Jimin but you were at loss for words because of how happy you were. You really did just want to run into his hands.

“We are here” The driver announced. You thanked him and paid him and got out of the cab. “Have a good day” The driver said. "Thank You” You smiled at him. You already were having a good day.

You then looked at the big iron gates of the planetarium and took in a deep breath. You were getting scared as if you had to ask him out when you just had to go and tell him your answer. You shook your nervousness away, and walked inside and turned towards the private rooms. You quietly and hurriedly made your way to room 323. After looking for 10 minutes you finally found the room. There was another balloon and an envelope you scurried towards the door and picked up the letter.

“I won’t sing to you about the stars that fill our sky, I will bring them down to your fingertips. -J”

Then there was a picture of stars and an arrow pointing towards a heart drawn in a red marker. Then as if I possessed by an energetic force you swung open the gate and walked inside the room. The room was dark except, it was the most beautiful sight you had seen, there were small twinkling stars on the walls. It was a projection of the stars in our galaxy and on the ceiling you could make out the constellations, you were admiring the stars on the ceiling when suddenly you felt Jimin’s arms hugging your waist from behind.  

“I take that it’s a Yes then?” He whispered in your ear. You suddenly turned around and stood on your tiptoes. You held his face in your hands and whispered softly,

“I guess you’ll find out” You then put your lips to his.

It was the perfect first kiss between the two of you. He tasted of mint and his lips moved in complete sync with yours. This kiss was everything that you hoped it would be. His right hand was stroking your cheek while his left hand pulled you into him. Your one hand was in his hair and one on his chest. You stood there, kissing each other like your lives depend on it. It was sweet and you’re sure by the way you kissed, You did not need to answer if you would be his girlfriend or not, you hoped he’ll just know. With the spine-tingling sparks that you were seeing with your eyes closed, you sure as hell knew that you did the right thing.

“Fuck, that was amazing.” He suddenly said looking into your eyes and taking your hand into his. Much better than all the nights we’ve spent together.

“You are amazing.” You said hugging him.

He walked you to the middle of the room where there was a mattress and a bottle of wine and sandwiches.

“This is perfect Jimin ! This is so amazing. Thank you so much , You don’t know how happy you’ve made me.” You both lied down looking up at the stars. He held your hand in his. You could feel your heart beating so loud, it could jump out of your chest if Jimin did anything else. You were swooning so hard.

“No Y/n , thank you for making me the happiest guy today.I missed you so much while we were away. Don’t ever disappear on me like that.If Mark hadn’t knocked some sense into me, I wouldn’t have even figured out what I did wrong. So, next time, let’s just talk about things when we’re feeling them okay?” He kissed your forehead.

You then ate some lunch while chatting and drank some wine. You thanked Jimin again and he just smiled.

"Jimin I now have high expectations from you for our anniversary. If this is how you asked me out, I can’t wait to see how you surprise me then.” You joked while taking a sip from your wine.

You did not need anything else from him at that moment. He had already done such a fabulous job today that you don’t think, anything will ever compare to today in your entire life. After having lunch whilst Jimin packed everything you were looking at him with so much love that you could easily pass as a stalker but you guessed now that you were dating it makes staring at your gorgeous boyfriend absolutely okay.

You then walked out of the planetarium hand in hand. He was carrying the mattress while you carried your little picnic basket. You did not realize how much time you spent inside the room because when you came outside it was dark. You made your way to his car and he then dropped you off at your place. In the car, you shared one quick kiss after another and then you came upstairs. You stood outside your flat’s door just smiling to yourself and thinking about how exquisite today was. Jimin is such an amazing person and he makes you feel so happy and giddy.

He makes you feel like you are the only girl in the world. After about 10 minutes, you turned the key in the lock and walked in, leaving behind any and all doubts and insecurities you had.

—

-Pratz

[nightowlfandom]

Jung Hoseok- Amor Fabula~Follow me

...

So this is my longest one yet. This particular entry is for the Amor Fabula Project for Valentines Day for the @btswriterscorner​​ network. 

Setting- A fictional futuristic made-up version of South Korea featuring a place called Flash City, etc. A little island off the coast of SK which is its own ‘country’, called Nue island connected by a huge bridge which leads into SK itself.

I have no idea how many words this is. All I know is that it is VERY LONG AND MY FINGERS ARE READY TO FALL OFF HELP ME!

Leggo! (Still not getting rid of it, fight me.)

...

“Y/N, what on Earth are you doing in there!” the voice of your mother rang on the other side of your bedroom door. “You’ve been in there all day! Are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” you could only reply as a partially annoyed sigh escaped your throat.  “Did you need something?!”

“As a matter of fact I do need something!” your mother’s voice lowered as the door opened. She entered through the doorway. “Are you okay with pizza for lunch?.” she asked.

“Sure, I guess.” you replied, smiling sideways. “Is Dad working late again?” In all honesty, you knew the answer, you just figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask every day. Even though the answer was yes. Every single time.

“You know your father works late, it might just be us for the rest of the day.” she replied, stepping further into the room. “But that’s alright, isn’t it?”

“As usual.” you seethed, turning back to the book on the table. “When does he not work late.” you casually flicked over the next page. “Let me guess, another set of parents is ready to sell out their innocent offspring.”

“Y/N.” you mother said in a warning tone. “You know that kind of talk is what got you into trouble last time.”

“Mother.” you rebutted with just as much attitude. “Don’t act like I’m wrong.” you mumbled.”And don’t even think about trying to get me to forgive him for considering my premature Deciding.”

“Y/N, he’s trying his best.” she sighed. “You know that.”

“Oh is he now?!” you snapped, slamming your fist on the table.

 It was a touchy subject for you, your father. You weren’t sure how to describe your relationship with him other than shouting matches and glares across the dinner table. It’s been that way for a long time. You were positive he regrets ever giving birth to you in the first place. The feeling was mutual. He was just itching to haul you off on some rich asshole.  

It was called The Deciding. It was law in all of Nue Island that parents decide who their sons and daughters will marry. It’s a huge ceremony, like a wedding! Only this to you was like a prison sentence. It was a huge tradition and everyone on Nue Island followed this code. Love didn’t exist here, only business “Bullshit, no offence but can we not talk about my dad, I want to enjoy my weekend.”

"Well your grandparents have crazy ideas of human life." she sat next to you, ignoring the jab at your father. "I remember your grandfather used to tell me the stories he tells you whenever he comes over. I used to be just like you, so enthralled with such a crazy thing like love. I wanted it so bad, I’d do anything to find it. I almost left Nue Island and became a singer."

"What caused you to stop?" you could only look at her like she was crazy. "Why would you stop in the first place?" you raised an eyebrow. “Because of a The Deciding? Because of the government? Why?!”

"Of course not!" she replied. "I just realized that some things were more important, Y/N. Something like love doesn't ensure you'll be financially successful for the rest of your life. Love doesn't assure you'll always be happy. Love doesn’t mean that you’ll always be loved.“ she explained. You weren't buying it. In fact you were so close lashing out. Your mom was brainwashed. It wasn't fair. Not by a long shot.

"But this does? There are a bunch of abusive losers who get put with innocent people every day and the parents don’t care!" you couldn't help but jump back to your feet again. This place was built of a bunch of old weird guys trying to tell you who to make babies with. You detested it with all of your heart and your father just so happened to be one of those weird guys who did that. "This Deciding thing uses people and since the population is small, no one cares to even question it!"

"Y/N, name five times that's happened." your mother narrowed her eyebrows to stare at you with a stern gaze.

"1998 Ella Rigby and Ian Song. Ella wound up drugging Ian, putting him in jail then marrying his brother whom she divorced and took his entire company, leaving him with nothing left. 2004 Maya Darle and Jason Way. Jason nearly choked Maya to death before his arrest for TAMPERING with the system for him to get a second wife. 2009 Dillion Baker and Tiffany Ping, Soyung Ma and Keaton Clark, Carla Manning and Peyton King-"

"Okay Y/N I get it! You don't like the Deciding, not a lot of people do...but it's the way of life." your mother stood up to face you. "But Y/N, this dream of yours...is only that. A dream, and you need to wake you before you hurt yourself with a fantasy."

"Fantasy is better than a reality." you mumbled to yourself as your mother took you into a warm hug. "Can I ask you a question?" you said out loud. "Don't lie to me...do you love me and dad?"

"Why would you ask that? I care for you very much!" your mother ran a few fingers through your hair. That didn’t mean she loved you...it just means she raised you.

"And dad?"

"......I've grown to admire him, he takes care of us. His parents thought I was a good match for him and I had to abide, no matter how much my parents hated the idea. That’s what every woman dreams of, right?" was all she said. Translation: Hell No. "But Y/N, listen to me. Whatever is going through you head, you have to get rid of it right away. Your brain is dangerous, My love."

"My brain isn't dangerous, it just knows what it wants." you grumbled as she tightened her arms around you.  "Mom,I...I just-"

"Why don't we go and get those pizzas." she cut you off. You decided to kick what you were going to say and just nod with a fake smile. It was better to get off the subject before you broke your mother's brain trying to get her to understand you. It wasn’t her fault after all.

"Great, let's go."

...(Time Skip) (Read more below the cut)

You had decided to part away from your mother just to wander into the nearest store. It was a small boutique ran by an elderly woman and her husband and their son. It was where you were able to really breathe. Mrs. Chu and her husband were like you. You wouldn't really say they were against the whole Deciding system, mostly because they were those rare people who fell in love after the fact. Probably the only couple on Nue Island that this worked for.

"Y/N, come to shop again?" Mrs. Chu welcomed you with her arms wide open. You walked into her outstretched arms, feeling a firm pat on the back. "How are you today?"

“The same way I am every other day.” you shrugged, helping yourself to the various assortments of incense. “But you don’t want to hear about that.” you could only put on a false smile and change the subject as quickly as possible. “Are these sandalwood?”

“Ah you have a good eye for smells!” she winked.  Ha...get it? Good eye...for smells? You smell with your nose but like...you see with your eyes? No? Okay.

“Ah, it’s all my mother likes.” you scrunched up your nose, skipping over that display. “Do you have anything special?”

“ Well lucky for you, a new shipment of moonstone just arrived. I saved a some stones just for you. Come!” she went under the desk and pulled out a tiny box. You walked up to the checkout counter to face her."For my favorite customer." She put the box in your hands. "You can use them for the full moon tradition. I’ve put a new twine strings in there for you to make jewelry for the event."

"The full moon tradition?" another voice grabbed your attention. You turned to the door to see a boy walking in. You had never seen him before, and you knew almost everyone in town. You could only wonder who he was.

"Ah Hoseok, come!" Mrs.Chu waved this stranger over. "I have the stones you ordered as well." Mrs.Chu knew everyone in town, so it didn’t surprise you that she knew him. It was strange how you’ve never seen him before yourself.

The man strode across the room, raising his sunglasses to rest on his head. As to not seem like a creeper, you turned back towards Mrs.Chu. Before she could say anything else, Mr.Chu and his son Winston walked out of the back area.

"Y/N! I thought I'd never see you." Mr.Chu welcomed you with a wistful smile on his face. "I hope all is well with your spirit. I also see you've managed to get ahold of some moonstones. Maybe you can follow the full moon tradition."

"What's that?" you found yourself asking. "I've never heard of that before."

"It's said that if you wear a moonstone on a full moon, it'll lead you to the love of your life." You turned towards the stranger who had replied for Mr.Chu , raising your eyebrows. “Nue Island tradition.” he winked.  

“Interesting.” You trailed off, allowing yourself to get a good look at him. The more you stared, the more interesting he seemed.

“Y/N.” Mrs. Chu had gotten your attention, holding a small shopping bag towards you. “Tell you mother to come by, we have things to discuss!” You hadn’t realized you were staring at the stranger so long.

"Oh, right...thank you Mrs.Chu." you bowed respectfully. "How much would that be?"

"This time...it's on me. You don’t pay this time." she seemed to look between you and whoever had just walked in.

"Oh, okay." You looked over at Mr. Chu and Winston, who seemed just as confused as you were. You didn't want to seem rude or pushy, so you didn't really question it at all. "I'll see you next week I guess!" you began to wave as you went to take a few steps. You could feel that Hoseok guy's eyes on your back as you walked to the door. Out of sheer curiosity, you stopped and turned your head a little. You were meet by his gaze, distant and lost. Kind of like you. 

He cracked a small smile. The genuine kind that reached his eyes. You were almost taken aback. Literally no one in town was like that, just smiling for no reason. In fact, they were more focused on themselves and themselves alone. When a town like this was against the concept of human affection, it was hard not to be surprised.

"Y/N?!" you whipped your head back towards the door and saw your mother carrying the pizza. Without another thought, you left the shop with the shopping bag. "There you are! Where were you?" she shook her head, practically hauling off what was in her arms onto you. "Your father is coming home early and needs us to be at the house. Apparently an accident at work caused him to be left off early." You were more worried about how and why what little in your hands was enough to obscure your vision .

"Great." you mumbled, following behind. "Okay Y/N, baby steps." You slowly took one step forward. "Alright, doing good! Now for another." You were dangerously close to stepping off the curb onto the road. "Mom I don't want to be rude but I'm sort of struggling here!" You didn't hear her reply, you weren't even sure she ended up replying at all.

“Mom?!” you tried to peek over the heap of shit in your hands. She was walking ahead of you to the car. She looked like she was in the phone. “Oh come on!...MOOOMM!”

“Can I help you?”

“Huh? Who said that?!” you turned your head to try and see who was talking.

“Um, I’m right here?”

“Well I can’t see you!”

“Here, let me just-”  

You had a death grip on your mother’s purse, just incase this random was trying to scam you or something. When you had finally relaxed your hands, you realized it was that Hoseok guy from Mr and Mrs. Chu’s shop.

“Thanks.” was all you could say.

“No problem. You’re Y/N, right?”

“Um, yeah.” you nodded nervously. “You’re Hoseok.” you concluded.

“Y-yeah. I’ve seen you around before.” he cracked another smile.

“ Really? I’ve never seen you around here.”

“I don’t usually hang around. I keep to myself sometimes.”

“What changed?” you joked. 

“..Wouldn’t you like to know.” he chuckled.

“Y/N!” your mother’s howling could be heard across the parking lot.

“And that’s my cue, I think I got it this time.” you leaned forward to take the pizzas only to notice Hoseok was staring at you. There was something in his haze that put you off a little. Even if you couldn’t put your finger on what it was exactly. “Maybe I’ll see you around?”

“Oh...yeah. Sure!” he finally came to his senses and gave you what was in his arms. “I hope I can see you again and by the way-” Hoseok stopped you from getting too far. You turned around to see what he wanted. “Good luck with the Moonstone Tradition.”

“...Same to you.” you smiled a little. You walked over to your mom’s car and was able to get in after convincing your mom to actually help you this time.

...

As you walked through the door, you ignored your dad who was sitting in at the dining table with his nose in a newspaper.

“Y/N, give your father a proper greeting.” You could hear your mother struggling to get through the door. You had hauled off everything into her hands like she had done to you. 

“Hey Dad.” you said in a monotone voice. You father just ignored you. Either he didn’t hear you or he didn’t care enough to ask you to repeat yourself. “That’s what I thought.” You bolted right up to your bedroom, basically slamming the door as you rushed over to the desk. The first thing to tumble out was the box of moonstones.

“Full moon tradition.” you huffed. “ It’ll lead me the the love of my life.” You repeated the words you heard at Mrs. Chu’s shop. You pulled out a long piece of twine. “Am I really doing this?” The things you’ll do for love, literally.

And so you sat there, crafting a necklace for some strange tradition you’ve never heard of even in all your years of living on the island. Mrs. Chu was a wise woman, but this one was something you had a hard time believing. Then again you were the same moron who believed in love. After a couple minutes of trial and error, you managed to make yourself a pretty nifty looking necklace. According to your calendar, the next full moon was tomorrow night. You just had to wait!

... (The next night)

The beach was so peaceful at night. It was good to be alone with everything racking your brain. It was great to just sit inside the beach-side diner and stare outside at the water without actually being near it. It was literally the only good thing about Nue.

It was a long walk away but very much worth it for the thinking you were able to do. What type of place were you living in? Where parents who didn’t believe in the concept of love were free to just...choose for their children? What type of person, what type of parent would even entertain such bullshit!

“Fuck.” you glared down at whatever you decided to drown your sorrows in.

“Hard day?”

You looked up and found Hoseok standing right in front of you.

“Are you following me now?” you scoffed, turning your head to look out the window. “Or is this place just smaller than I initially thought?”

“Hey, maybe this moonstone thing is legit. Why else would we be on the beach at this hour?” he chuckled. “Can I sit?”

“Go ahead.” you mumbled in reply.

“You look upset.” he commented. “Is everything okay?”

“I’ll let you know when I figure out the answer for myself.” you chuckled, turning your head to face him. You noticed he was wearing his own moonstone, only it as wrapped around his wrist. 

“Well, the only way to fix that is my just having a one on one with yourself.” he replied, that’s really the only answer. “Either that or talk to someone.”

“Well, no offense, but that advice is way outdated. No one really considers how I feel with most aspects of my life.” you expressed. You were quiet for a minute. Hoseok had begun to look everywhere but at you. It would seem you bought down the mood. “How about you?”

“Hm?”

“It’s 10:45 at night.What are you doing at a  diner on a Saturday night?” you raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “I’ve said my peace, what’s with you?.”

“To be honest, I needed to think about some things. I’ve been thinking, this town doesn’t really do it for me anymore.” he shook his head. “Everyone here is crazy on this whole Deciding thing.”

“That makes two of us.” you commented. “Where were you thinking of relocating?”

“Neo-Seoul, just over the bridge. No stupid, conniving parents. No Deciding. Just a bunch of lights... I can make my career there.” he smiled, mainly to himself it looked like. “Just a bunch of lights and a huge studio.”

“Dreams which are?”

“Nah, I won’t say. You’ll probably laugh at me too.” he waved you off.

“I will not!” You sat up, suddenly very interested. “Come on, tell me. I’ll tell you mine!”

“I wanna be a choreographer.” he answered sheepishly, looking away from you.

“...I want to be a designer.” you rested your chin in the palm of your hand. “This town isn’t exactly doing it for me either. What did your folks think of that?”

“They think I’ve lost my mind, but I don’t want to get married to some girl I don’t love only to have loveless sex, with a loveless child, and be stuck in some half assed marriage for the rest of my life!” he snapped. “Not to mention...this place feels way too small for what I want to do.”

“I feel the same way!” you suddenly straightened up, moving your cup over to lean forward as you were now very into this conversation. “So this big city...there no Deciding there? No lotto?”

“Almost like it doesn’t even exist.” he replied, seriousness in his eyes. “When I get enough money I’m moving there. I have a few buddies who live right in the heart of Flash City. They’ve been trying to convince me to move up there, but something’s sorta been keeping me here for a while.”

“What kind of names are those? Strange titles for a city, wouldn’t you say?”

“Then again...maybe Nue is just a few steps back. There are just some things you have to remember about this place...”

“What is that?” you tilted your head to the side.

“I’ll let you know when I figure out the answer for myself.” he winked, using your own words against you.

“Touchè” you giggled.

...(Time skip)

“So what type of choreographer do you want to be?”

“Mostly hip hop, you know? I tried ballet and I almost broke my neck.” he replied laughing. You two were walking down the road. Hoseok had offered to walk with you on the way home since his house was just a few blocks ahead. How you didn’t know this was a plot point that could only be filled in with the fact that you’ve never paid attention.

“Aww I bet you’d look so good in a tutu!” you teased, flicking his arm.

“Oh stop it!” he groaned. “Let me guess, you want to design prom dresses or maybe those pretty little trash can liners?” he fired back with his own joke.

“Actually no...I want to make the type of clothes you see idols wear on stage when they perform.” you explained. “My father wants me to to work in the Deciding department but that isn’t what I want to do. I want to make something that people see and like.”

“What about your mom?”

“I don’t know. I wish she would see where I’m coming from.” you shook your head. “I love my mom, but...Oh...here’s my stop.”

“Oh, I guess time just flew by.” he replied.

“Yeah.” you stared down at your shoes. “Hey-”

“Hey- Oh sorry.”

“No.” you shook your head. “You first.”

“I know we’re basically strangers to each other, but...you wanna go somewhere with me tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?” you repeated. 

“Yeah, take a little trip with me. My family thinks I’m going on a business trip.” he chuckled. “Would that be something, you’d be interested in?”

“Oh...sure!” you nodded a little too enthusiastically. “Yeah, totally!”

“Cool...be up early, it’ll be a long drive.” he winked before walked down the porch steps. “Meet me by Mrs.Chu’s shop. I’ll pick you up. See you in the morning.” he smiled as he walked off. You could only stand at the door, smiling as you watched him walk off.

“Thank you moonstone.” you chuckled to yourself as you opened the door. You were surprised to see your dad standing there with his arms crossed. “Wowww dad, going somewhere?” you raised an eyebrow.

“The office called. I must be going.” he said in a monotone voice. “Y/N...don’t let these newly formed mannerisms of yours become too much of a habit.” he switched places with you, now standing outside, you standing inside. He took it upon himself to close the door, leaving you to wonder just what the hell he was going on about. Your mother was sitting at the dining table, wiping the sides of her mouth with a napkin. 

“Wanna tell me why dad is turning into The Riddler all of a sudden?” you raised an eyebrow. You mother didn’t answer, she just gave you a look then rose from her seat, walking into the living room. “Um...Goodnight?”

You had a mind to go back and demand what was on her mind, but decided against it.

...

“Hey! You came!” Hoseok looked genuinely surprised to see you. he threw his arms around you in a crushing hug. 

“Did you expect me not to?” you half-joked. You looked up at him, raising an eyebrow at his statement. 

“I was hoping you would.” he smiled. Hoseok didn’t let you go, but you didn’t stop him either. Hugs between strangers were a rarity on Nue, it was kind of comforting. “I’m happy you’re here. Come on! Let’s go!” He opened the car door for you, allowing you to climb in.

“Where are we going?” You asked as he walked around to the driver seat. “You still didn’t say.” you closed the door just as he did. 

“It’s a surprise, but trust me. You’ll love it.” he winked. “You should relax, it’ll be a super long drive.”

“In that case do you mind if I take a nap? I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.” you confessed sheepishly.

“Oh, yeah of course! Make yourself comfortable.”

You didn’t answer after that. Instead you found yourself trying your hardest to get comfortable. It was difficult with how you were sitting but you could only try your best. Hoseok remained quiet as you finally fell asleep. He turned to look at you before he started the car. You fell asleep pretty fast which was good. You would be able to rest easy for the long drive. 

A few hours passed by. Hoseok was focused on the road seemingly in his own world when you woke up. The first thing you saw when you opened your eyes was the view of Nue Island, but from super far away.

“What?” you whispered. Straightening yourself up, you turned to look at Hoseok who was heavily focused on the road. “Hey.” you got his attention.

“Oh, you’re awake.” he took his eyes off the road for half a second. “How’d you sleep.”

“I slept...good I guess- Quick question!” you semi-rambled. “That isn’t Nue we’re going past, right?

A smile crossed his face. “Maybe, I mean I did say it would be a long drive to Flash CIty.”

“You never said we were going to-...What?!” you must have looked like he just asked you if he could tickle your bootyhole.(Long story...)Your shock was quickly replaced by excitement. “Wait, did you say what I think you just said?”

“Depends on what you thought I said.” he answered, his smile got even wider. “You said Nue wasn’t doing it for you, so I thought it’d be cool if you saw what you were missing out on close up.”

You had to remember to breathe when he explained it. “You clever asshole.” you laughed. “If my dad finds out he’s gonna kill me.” you laughed out loud. “This is amazing!” 

“And it’s only just getting started.”

...

“Keep your eyes closed! We’re almost there!”

Alright alright!” you giggled. “What are you showing me anyways?”

“Something super important!” he replied. “I’ve never shown this place to anyone before. You should be honored! I said eyes closed, woman!”

“You’re covering my eyes, I can’t see anything” you giggled out loud. 

“Oh, right.” Hoseok took his hands off your eyes. “Ta-da!”

Before you was a huge room with mirrors on two of the walls all lined in fluorescent lights. The back wall had huge windows that gave a view of Flash City. The floors were a light gray color. It was just getting dark by the time you got there, so there were dozens of neon lights washing out the room, drowning out the unnatural illumination of the wide room. “

“Woah.” you gasped. “This is amazing!” you walked ahead of Hoseok to the middle of the room. 

“Isn’t it? This place is gonna be mine.” he followed you. “I’m almost done paying it off, and when I do, I’m gonna have my own dance studio. I’ll hold classes for the children, I’m record all my sick videos here and one day I’ll be on stage.

“You’re going to live out your dream.” you finished for him. “You’re gonna be great, I just know it.”

“I hope so. I’m giving up a lot for this.” he sighed. “Everything I know is on Nue...and I can’t fail or else I’m gonna have to do what my family says and marry some random girl I don’t know. I won’t fail...I can’t.” Hoseok looked determined as he walked up to the windows. “Dancing in my life and I want to make it worth something instead of just moving around oin my room all day.”

“You’re not going to fail.” you walked up and stood next to him. “As long as you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you. Not even your family. If you think you can do it, then you can.” you watched the lights fade and morph into an array of blues, greens, and pinks. Flash City was the right name for this place, because everything was just so captivating. It was quiet for a second, you both stood there just enjoying the lights and each other. You had just met Hoseok, but somehow you felt like you knew him forever. He seemed so transparent. It was nice.

“Hey, you wanna see the roof?” Hoseok asked, suddenly getting all hyper. Before you could respond, he had grabbed your hand and began to run.

“Woah! Hoseok slow down!” you laughed. 

“Come on!” he said excitedly, laughter echoing throughout the halls as he led you up a long flight of stairs. Hoseok basically kicked open the doors, nearly blinding you both with the even brighter fairy lights. 

“Woah!” You had to stop and breathe for a minute. You had gotten completely quiet. 

“Amazing isn’t it?” He never lowered his hand from yours as he lead you further into the open space. “It’s the perfect. Place to just come up here and think.”

“Yeah...” you nodded. The air was cold and breezy, way better unlike the sweltering heat of Nue. “It’s beautiful.”

“Y/N, do you believe in love at first sight?” Hoseok turned to look at you. It was a sudden question, a strange question. 

“I think so. I’ve just never taken the time to-” you looked at Hoseok who was staring right into your soul. “-see for myself.” you answered quietly. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”

“I’m afraid of what you’ll say if I tell you.” he was serious. “I don’t want to scare you off.” he grabbed your mother hand, stepping closer to you.

“You wouldn’t.” you replied just barely above a whisper. “Trust me.”

“Good.” He mirrored your tone of voice, shutting his eyes tightly before leaning down and giving you a prolonged kiss. Was this a weird feeling? Yes. If you hadn’t already said it a million times, you just met the man, but something about this felt...right.

“Okay, I need to breathe!” Hoseok pulled away dramatically, holding his hand over his chest. “Sorry, I got a little carried away.”

“No, it’s okay. “ you were just as breathless as he was.

...

Over the next several weeks, you and Hoseok had grown closer to one another. It was strange to say the least and people had began to talk. Seeing two people of the opposite sex interacting in the way you two did, it was unheard of. Every week you two would drive up to Flash City. You didn’t even explore the heart of Neo-Seoul. You would just go up to the dance studio Hoseok was buying and run amok on the roof. 

You had grown a little too close with Hoseok in such a short. It was almost scary. But you could trust him, enough to the point where you shared parts of yourself you never thought you’d share with anyone. Both physically and mentally. You never thought you would ever grow that close with anyone.

 Some nights you would travel to the beach and just sleep outside under the stars, some weekends Hoseok would take you up to Flash City to escape the slow, dreary environment of Nue Island. It was easy to say, you and Hoseok were getting to be way more than friends. 

When your parents found out...they weren’t exactly happy.

You walked through the door to see your mom, dad, and some random person at the dinner table. 

“Sit down Y/N.” you mother said simply. When you didn’t move, she sighed. 

“Y/N...it’s come to my attention that your behavior is getting a little bit out of hand.” you father stated. “I warned you about that.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” you raised the both of your eyebrows in confusion.

“Y/N, stop playing dumb. I know all about that Jung Hoseok boy you’ve been seeing behind my back!” your mother wagged her finger accusingly towards you. 

“Excuse me?” you said lowly. “Have you been going through my phone?!”

“I’m your mother, I bought you that phone-”

“Actually you didn’t!” you scoffed. “I bought it and you drove me to get it turned on.” you corrected. 

“Don’t you back-sass your mother young lady!” you father barked, causing you to jump. “You know the rules against dating who I don’t approve of in this household. You know what tradition this family goes by!”

“As if you don’t tell me every damn day!” you cut him off. 

“So you know how it affects me at work if everyone sees my daughter being some whore with another man!” Your father rebutted. You looked over at your mom who just stayed quiet. She couldn’t even look at you. “You’re pushing my hand, young lady.”

“And just what are you gonna do? Lock me in my room again?”

“Hm, you’d like that wouldn’t you.” you father wore a sick smirk on his face. “Y/N, meet Gerard Browning.”

The older man shuffled in his head, leaning back to look you up and down. The way he eyed you made you feel uneasy on the inside. Why was he even here? You didn’t know him from anywhere. He wasn’t some strange uncle you didn’t know about. This man was a complete stranger.

“Why exactly am I meeting this...’Gerard Browning’.” you hugged yourself tight to build some sense of security. 

“Mr. Browning is your new husband, we’ve arranged for the wedding already.” You mother said without looking at you. Hearing that made your heart almost drop to the floor.

“What?..N-No!” you shook your head. 

“Y/N, you will marry or else!” your father snapped. “Your whorish ways must be cleansed. It’s official, I’ve Decided.” he snarled, that sick grin returning to his face. 

“Are you kidding me!? He’s so old!” you said, repulsed. It was only then you realized just how much your father didn’t even like you. He was so willing to sell you out that it was almost sad. “You’re just gonna let him do that?!” you looked at your mother in pure disgust. 

“Your things have been packed, you’ll be moving in with him tonight.” you mother turned away from you. It was only then you noticed the plain black suitcases lined up by the door, all with your name written lazily on them. This Gerard rose from his seat, walking up to you. He stood next to you, his back straight. It took everything not to gag with how disgusted you felt at that moment.

“You bi-”

“We’ll leave you to get introduced to each other.” your father got up as well. “Come.” he barked to your mother. You could only glare as your mother walked past you, head staring down at the floor.

“I hate you.” you whimpered., knowing good and well she could hear you. “You’re dead to me.”

The room was empty and you were left with this Gerard person. You were only left to stare at the floor with hate slowly filling your heart. The minute your father was out of hearing distance, the man dug into his back pocket. He pulled out his wallet. “Listen kid, I don’t like this any more than you do.”

“Huh?” you said out-loud, looking up. “What are you talking about?”

“Shh! Not too loud.” he opened the wallet and pulled out a whole bunch of bills. “ You’re young enough to be my daughter. If that jackass thinks I’m about to violate some kid, he’s got another thing coming.” he shook his head. “He’s lucky I didn’t punch him in the nose for calling you a whore to your face.”

“I don’t understand.” you were at a loss for words. 

“You don’t have to.” he pulled out an entire wad of bills. You had no idea how much he was holding in his hands, you just knew it was a lot. “Just run.” he held out the money towards you.

“Wait.” You whispered. “Why are you helping me?” you tripped over your words.

“I got a daughter your age.” was his only explanation. “Take this and go somewhere that isn’t here.”

“Is this a trick?!’ you stepped back from him.

“Would I be giving you almost all the money in my wallet if I wanted to trick you?” Gerard scoffed. “Listen, I don’t know what’s going on in your personal life, I don’t want to know. All I know is you have 20 minutes to get a ride out of this place. Go through your stuff and get what you need out of it. Anything important so they do NOT have a reason to bring you back.” He nodded towards your three little suitcases by the door. “I’ll go stall your parents.”

You couldn’t process anything, only do what he said. You didn’t own much for everything to fit into three little suitcases. When you had finished up, Gerard came rushing into the room. In a haste, he grabbed your bag, shoved all the money from his wallet inside, and held the bag out towards you. “I’ve done my part, you have to leave right now.”

“Where am I gonna go?”

“Far, run away. Leave Nue Island and everything it stands for.” he said seriously. “Go with that boy you’ve been seeing, I don’t know...just go and don’t look back.”

“Thank you.” you whimpered, shakily grabbing your bag from him. 

“Don’t mention it. Now go.” he pointed towards the door. You pulled open the door and just bolted.

“Y/N GET BACK HERE!” Your father’s voice boomed, but you didn’t care...you just ran as fast as your feet could carry you. There was only one person you could turn to now.

...

You arrived to the parking lot outside of Mrs. Chu’s shop out of breath from all that damned running. Hoseok was standing there. As soon as he saw you, he ran up to you and embraced your body in his arms.

“Y/N! You sounded so upset over the phone, what’s wrong?”

“It’s my Father!” you bawled. “H-he’s trying to-” you could only sob in an attempt to get across what you were trying to say.

“Y/N, calm down! Breathe, babe.” Hoseok whispered into your ear. “Please tell me what’s wrong.”

“He’s trying to force me to marry early!” you managed to get out. “My mom told him about you and me or maybe he found out through someone else and now he’s absolutely livid!”

“What?! He can’t do that!” Hoseok looked absolutely taken aback. “What did he say?”

“He said that if I’m going to act like this, then I have to get sat down! It’s already been arranged and he called my a whore! Oh my gosh! Hoseok I don’t want to get married yet.” you managed to yell in between a mixture of sobs and sniffs. You pulled away to make crazy hand gestures. “And my mom just sat there and watched him sell me out.”

“ARGH FUCK!” Hoseok rammed his foot against the door of his car. “ Y/N are you serious?!”

“Hoseok I swear I wouldn’t lie about this..” you wiped your eyes.

“No it isn’t! He can’t force you. You can take this to a court, can’t you?!” Hoseok seemed to be trying to find the answers.

“....Not when he has friends in high places Hobi.” you looked down. You were defeated. “It’s over. Even if the first guy couldn’t do it. He’d keep going.” you repeated, sniffling. “Lucky for me, Gerard whoever literally sent me running out the door.”

"Then let's run away together." He grabbed your hand. "Escape this stupid island with me, Y/N. We can go to Flash City, Neo-Seoul, where ever you want!, like we planned."

"Hoseok, we can't!" You couldn't find it in yourself to yank your hand away, you didn't want to either. “There’s no way.” Maybe it was the close call, or the gift from heaven, but it was still scary not knowing what could have happened.

"And why not? Y/N. This is our change to flee. This entire community if so brainwashed it isn’t even funny." he put his hands on your shoulders. "There’s no rule stating that we can’t leave."

“But we’d be shunned. We basically wouldn’t be allowed back in once we leave.”

“Since when did you care about what the people on Nue think of you?” Hoseok glared down at you, not out of anger or dislike but out of sheer distaste in what you were saying. “Who are you and what have you done with the real Y/N?!”

In a mixture of tears and stress, you couldn't look at Hoseok's face. You were officially hopeless. "Hoseok, it's no use. My father's already decided and he’s still deciding."

"Your father can go screw himself! He's treating you like a lesser human and I've had enough. He doesn't own you, or your fate. He doesn't tell us what to do, who to do it with, or when to fucking do it. Weren't you the one who said you wanted to leave this place?"

"I know what I said!" you jerked out body out of his touch. You were instantly meet by the cold. "But maybe my mother's right, maybe this is just a fever dream. I feel like I don’t have a say anymore."

"You always have a say." Hoseok took another step towards you. "Y/N...do you love me?"

That word...that word is what got you into this mess in the first place. That word is what pissed off your father so much that he's put a time limit on your happiness...again. That word was...exactly what you wanted to hear for so long by someone else. You had only just recently met this man and already...

"Y/N...answer me." you could hear the wavering in Hoseok's voice and he went to pull you into his embrace. "Even if you don't...I just want to hear your voice once last time."

“What?” you were speechless. What did he mean ‘one last time’?

“This town isn’t good for me. For us. I have to leave, but I want you to come with me. I can’t force you, but I can’t stay here either.” his voice was just barely above a whisper. You could see the tears forming in his eyes. “Please Y/N.”

"Yes." you said lowly. The answer alone was enough to almost knock the air out of your lungs. "I l-love you Hoseok."You wouldn't say it out loud, but you were sure you heard a sniffle from him, like he was about to cry.

"Then come on. Let’s go live out our dreams together." you could see Hoseok digging through his pockets, trying to find something. He eventually pulled out a very familiar looking necklace. The moonstone. “Y/N, maybe the tradition wasn’t just bullshit. It lead us to each other. It lead me to you.”You touched your own moonstone hanging from your neck. You swore it was getting warm to the touch. “Maybe we’re meant to be together...just not here.”

“Y/N, I love you.”

You looked up in shock, eyes wide in confusion. “Huh? Come again?”

“What? You’ve waited to long to hear someone say it that you can’t even register when it’s being said to you?” He laughed through the few tears that had fallen down his face. “Your father doesn’t scare me. Even if he searched high and low for us, he wouldn’t dare face off with the people over the bridge. So come to Flash with me...be with me.”

Hoseok held out his hand, a hopeful look on his face. He was silently pleading with you. All these years you’ve dreamed of leaving Nue...

Fuck it. 

“...Let’s do it.” you nodded, lacing your fingers tightly in his. Hoseok tightened his hand around yours. He wasted no time in getting you and himself in the car, revving the engine and speeding off.

The entire way into Neo-Seoul, he wouldn’t let go of your hand. he wasn’t going to ever let go. 

Goodbye Nue Island...AND good riddance.

...

[thebiasrekkers]

Sincerely, Yours by Admin E (@thebiasrekkers)

Jungkook frowned, thinking back on the life he left behind. He refused to conform to society’s whims and ran away from home when it was time for him to have his partner chosen through The Lottery Bill. He didn’t know what love was and he wasn’t sure if he wanted any part of it if the government was hell-bent on minimizing it throughout the globe. Jungkook could admit that he did stupid things when he was emotionally unstable, hence why he was living the life he currently was in the first place. But he also wasn’t too keen on the idea of bending to the whims of others.

Even so…

TUMBLR | AO3

[thebiasrekkers]

Touch In The Dark by Admin E (@thebiasrekkers)

Every representation of logic was screaming at him to pull away - telling him to replace the wall that existed between them for the last year. She hadn’t moved her hand from his skin and Yoongi felt his vision swimming for half a second before refocusing back on her face.

How had he missed the beauty mark at the corner of her left eye?

Tumblr | AO3

[thebiasrekkers]

Way To You - 3

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day! 

Plot: Everything isn’t what it seems. The truth finally sets him free.

Rating: M // NSFW

Genre: dystopian! au/dystopian themes | angst |  smut | fluff if you squint

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female OC (Tempest Estrellado)

Warnings: Strong language, interracial relationship, mentions of drugs, smut [like maybe softish? maybe sorta needed cause it’s been a while]

Word Count: 3,422

AN: And this is the end. Please enjoy and thank you for loving all that we do © thebiasrekkers (Admin T). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Links:

FAQ

||

BTS Masterlist

|| 

[ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

WC: 3,422

---

10:05 pm

They always sat in relative silence at dinner time. When was the last time they really sat to dinner? Taehyung pushed food across his plate idly. April made dutiful cuts into a piece of meat. “Taehyung, you’re not eating.” She barely spared him a glance as the fork disappeared between her teeth. 

“How come I don’t remember the scars on my back?” He asked quietly. There was no need to lift his head. He heard the scrape of a knife across the porcelain. The sound of her chewing was suddenly thunderous in that silence.

“Whatever do you mean, Taehyung?” April’s brow rose as she continued with her routine. The routine of eating. The routine of being his Wife. The routine of keeping...s e c r e t s. “You told me it was something that happened as a child. We’re so busy these days, I’m sure it slipped your mind.” Her voice never wavered. He knew she believed that to be true.

Or maybe she wanted him to believe that she believed it to be true. 

“See, that’s just the thing, April..” He placed his utensil down quietly. “I don’t remember a lot from my childhood. Don’t you find that strange?” The molten brown of his eyes lifted to the woman across from him. Because in the span of the last week, he realized he didn’t know just who the hell April really was.

She placed the last bite of food in her mouth. A napkin dabbing at the corners, hopefully hiding the irritation in her frown. “Taehyung.” She sounded like a mother chastising a young child. “A lot of things were forgotten when The Unification happened. Not all of us came out the same or mentally intact.” Her hands clasped over her lap as she sighed. “This is what happens when we stray from our routine. It’s a butterfly effect, Taehyung. That one late morning has spiraled into …” A hand waved as she tried to put into words his paranoia. “..this. I think you should get a check-up. We’ll make sure everything is ok, perhaps adjust your vitamins. Maybe lay off the caffeine, I’m sure you’ll be back to your usual self soon.” 

April pushed away from the table grabbing her plate. “For now, I think you should ease up on your workload. I know this year’s matching protocols are different - I believe it’s taking its toll.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes as she disappeared into the kitchen. 

“I’m going to give you something to help you sleep. It should get you back on schedule.” Taehyung stared at his plate of food again, the fork pulling through the vegetables. 

And he saw it again.

The green pellets - similar to the inside of the vitamins that April insisted on shoving down his throat. 

He lost his appetite. 

11:30 pm 

April sat in a chair at the side of the bed. Taehyung had seemed suspicious of the sleeping aid. But, he relented after admitting he was tired. Her fingers pinched at the skin of his wrist. She kept count of his pulse before letting his hand down gently. 

She stepped out of the room, the door a gentle click as she moved to the front of the house. The cell phone buzzing continued until it was retrieved from her lab coat.

“Well?” The voice on the other end inquired.

“I don’t know what to make of it, honestly.” She sighed. It was rare to feel the frustration of this level. Everything had been going smoothly for some years now. She wasn’t sure when things began to change - but Taehyung was destabilizing. “We need to get a handle on this before it gets too far.” 

There was a deep, disappointed sigh that echoed in her ears. “April, I thought you said you could handle this.” The tone caused her to frown. 

“I-I can. It’s just a small oversight. I will get him stabilized again. You have my word.” What was this nervousness? Why did she have a hard time believing her own words? 

There was a thick silence that allowed her to hear the volume of her own swallow. “Fix it, April.” Clear irritation in the male voice. “Because we don’t need a former leader of the Rebel Uprising to regain his memory. Are we clear?” 

April released a quiet breath as she nodded. “I won’t let you down, Hoseok.” 

“See that you don’t, Mrs. Kim.” The call disconnects. April ran nervous fingers through her hair. A hand clutched at her chest as she rushed out of the house. There’s got to be a stronger dosage that won’t kill him. Their research was imperative to keep rebels under control. It was important to the stability of their society. 

Her prestige was on the line - and while having Taehyung as a trophy was all well and good? April’s reputation was a far more precious thing. 

11:37 pm

Hoseok pinched the bridge of his nose as the call disconnected. “Did she buy it?” A female voice asked. He steepled his fingers turning to the fierce leonine gaze across from him. He offered a quiet nod. 

“She’s spooked enough to make a mistake. But, it also proves that destabilization happens faster than the research project.” Hoseok pursed his lips at the stack of folders opened across his desk. “And to think, it just takes a break in routine and a couple missed doses.” This almost absently as Tempest flipped through a folder in her lap.

“It’s taken a long time to even figure this out.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She closed her folder with a snap. Her hands raised to cradle her face. Hoseok watched her shoulders shake before looking off into the distance.

“You’ve done well to be this patient, Tempest.” He rose to round the desk. A comforting hand on her shoulder as they rose on an inhale. “I know it’s been a long time. We’re almost there.” Tempest nodded while placing a hand on his. Hoseok took her hand placing a syringe in her palm, curling the fingers over it. “This is it. If this works?” They held each other’s gaze for a long moment.

“And if it doesn’t, Hoseok?” The unshed tears in her eyes erased all his hesitation. 

“Tempest. It will work.” It has to. She stashed the syringe in her coat pocket. They both turned to a monitor that showed April walking into the downstairs lab. “Go. I’ll keep her occupied. If anything seems off, you get him out of there immediately. You know where to go.” 

She was out the door without another word. Leaving him to watch April fret over her data. His lips curled into a knowing smirk when she picked up the phone at her desk. He didn’t let the phone ring long as he sank back into his role. “Mrs. Kim, how can I help you?” 

1:15 am

“We have to do something.” Conviction burned in the depths of his eyes. She knew she couldn’t sway him in this state. “It’s not right, Tempest. You know that as well as I do!” He threw a hand to the hair as his voice escalated.

“Of course it’s wrong, Taehyung. But, what are we going to do against a whole global movement? This is madness!” She tried to get him to look at her as he paced. “We need to be smart about this. That’s all I’m asking. That’s all I’m saying.”

“There’s no time for smart, Tempest. If we don’t act now, soon? What becomes of us? All of us? Any of us?” His hands were tight on her shoulders.  They were afraid - both of them. Irrational and mindless with fear. To think that the UN felt that eradicating certain emotions would allow humanity to sink into harmony. They likened the state of the world to Troy. A beautiful woman could cause nations to war and fall.  So to solve the inconsistencies in the world? They would implement a new regime. One that would erase boundaries and barriers caused by status, race, religion, sexuality, and gender. 

In a way, it would be starting over. Everyone would be assigned a partner. Someone that would genetically yield strong, proper citizens of this new world order.

And they meant everyone. The prospect of relationships that have lasted decades being split on a whim, had more than half the population ready to riot.

“I love you. I don’t want to lose you.” His fingers slid up the column of her neck. Her fingers latched onto his wrist as he tilted her gaze to his. “And I’m willing to fight and die to keep you.” 

“I don’t want to lose you. I don’t need you to die for me, Tae.” She shook her head at the thought. “Let’s just go? Let’s just find someplace, the two of us. Let’s just go.” He smiled sadly as her head pressed into his sternum. 

“Tempest, there are others like us. There will be others like us. We need to stick together while we can.” There was a quiet sob that muffled into his shirt. She knew he was right - and even she was surprised at her selfishness. 

“We are going to have to fight, aren’t we?” She sniffled against the beat of his heart against her ear. 

“As long as we’re together..” He murmured into her hair.

“Can we stay like this forever?” Her fingers clinging to him as if he’d disappear at that moment. 

2:45 am

“You are interfering with human evolution!” A great debate ensued in the following months. Those who had lost faith in humanity gathered to champion the change in regime. This one of the few public, and cordial, debates that were happening across the globe.

Taehyung stood at a podium as the politician ranted until he was red in the face. He sighed deeply when the applause thundered in the building. “Listen, since time immemorial we have all paved a way for ourselves. Humanity has made its share of mistakes, this will surely be another one. While the theory is sound, the application is not. We can find a way to achieve this harmony by working together to help those less fortunate. By building up those weaker, sicker, than us. Thus helping to strengthen the very foundation of our society. We can help each other stand.” Tempest watched as those gathered contemplated, considered quietly the path they were about to take.

“That’s been the key this whole fucking time! But instead of doing that work? You just decide to just wipe us clean of the very thing that makes us human. Where is the evolution in that?” The politician looked around as the masses murmured. 

He narrowed his gaze at Taehyung a fist clenched against the podium edge. 

It was that day - that Taehyung became a beacon for those who wanted progress without the overbearing regime. It was the day that Taehyung became public enemy number one. 

3:30 am 

He felt a pinch in the side of his neck. 

Taehyung’s eyes rolled like marbles in his skull. A wave of heat and nausea rushed through him. He turned to the side to wretch into a small garbage can. Dizzy, feverish, and half-asleep a disjointed voice echoed in his ears.

“Shh. It’s ok. You’re almost there.” His breathing labored as his body spasmed and arched off the bed. It felt like someone was taking a razor blade to his nervous system. His mouth opened on a silent scream as a pair of hands pushed at his chest. 

He felt a weight settle over his abdomen pinning his body down to the bed. Tears squeezed from the corners of his eyes as pain scraped him from head to toe. 

Tempest moved his arms under her knees as she tried to avoid being bucked off the bed. A determined, teary, gaze locked onto him as she waited. It was, unfortunately, a part of the process. The only way to complete the destabilization was to essentially scrape the drug from the receptors in the central nervous system. It moved through the body, sweeping in to gobble the remnants of the chemical protocol.

3:50 am

“Ah, Kim Taehyung. You’re going to be a fine example of our research.” April let her fingers dance along the dip in his waist. A satisfied smirk as she watched the staff strap him down to the table. He radiated pain as they stretched his limbs outward. 

“You’re not going to get away with this, you psychotic bitch!” He spat. Their research had yielded fruit in curing his spinal injury. Now, it was time for the piece de resistance. He saw the multiple IV bags attached to the lines running into his hands and feet. They healed him but kept him weak and fatigued. Enough that they could do what they needed without much physical fight on his part.

April leaned down to brush a hand across his forehead. “I will get it away with it, Taehyung. And you won’t remember a thing.” She smiled as his vision blurred. 

It all came back to him in a rush - his life. Memories burst from the chemical floodgate in his brain. He fought against something trying to hold him back. Taehyung make sure to take your vitamins. Something kept him pinned, restrained - and he bucked to fight against it. 

April’s voice began to fade away. April’s face began to dissolve away in his memory. His brow furrowed as the uncertainty was replaced with anger.

Rage.

His body twisted beneath the weight on top of him. 

“Don’t die, Taehyung.” 

His heart thundered against his ribcage as another voice became louder.

“Can we stay like this forever?” 

“I love you, Tempest.” 

Tempest? The name that caused his body to heat. Her presence caused his heart to calm. His brow furrowed as emotions swept over him. Because he remembered, suddenly, Tempest Estrellado. The woman he loved. The woman who brought joy to a decade of his existence. He was ready to ask that stubborn woman to marry him. To let him make an honest woman out of her - and then The Decree was made.

They spent another five years gathering like-minded people to rebel against The Regime. Then they were separated during The Uprising. And then…? 

And then? 

And then he was captured. 

“Tempest.” His voice a half sob as his muscles finally released. His body slumping into the mattress as the lie that had been his life fizzled away.

“I’ve missed you, querido.” His eyes flew open to those leonine eyes fixed to his face. 

“Tempest?” She moved her knees as his hands shot up to frame her face. Trembling fingers, pupils wide as he touched her. “You’re here? You’re really here?” 

“Si, mi precioso.” Her fingers raked through his hair, nails scraping against the nape of his neck. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as their foreheads touched. “I’m really here. It’s over now. You’re ok. You’re safe.” 

Taehyung’s lips trembled, opened and closed with too many questions for his brain to process. 

“Seven years.” She spoke as the meat of her bottom lip slipped between her teeth.

His brow furrowed as his head tilted. “W-what?” 

“It’s been seven years, Taehyung.” 

“It’s...that’s impossible?” He croaked. “It was just…” 

“Seven years, Tae.” Tempest grabbed his hands, holding them steady as if she could stop the tremors. “It took us five years to find you. These last two years we’ve been trying to find a way to reverse the re-education process. It’s been seven years since the Rebel Uprising.” Tae swallowed thickly with her words.

“And now?” His voice barely above a whisper.

“And now we know that it works.” Tempest framed his face with her hands. “And now I have you back. Now the hard work begins. Now we can-” Her nostrils flared as his hands pressed into her hips. His lips crashing onto hers silencing anything else she had left to say.

“Shut up.” Feverish kisses as his fingers sank into the wealth of her hair. They weren’t exactly at the pinnacle of youth when the world changed. “Just shut up…” Tempest whimpered under his assault. “The only thing I want now? Is you. Just you.” 

“Please.” She whispered against his mouth. “Please.” The need ripped through her gut as he flipped her over. Her legs wrapped around him pulling her against the heat burning between her legs. He leaned back on his knees peeling off the damp shirt. His hands slid up her torso before tearing the shirt from her body. Buttons ricocheted against hard surfaces as she unbuttoned her pants. His mouth blazed a hot moist trail against her collarbone and over the swell of her breast. His tongue swirled a nipple over the satin fabric of her bra. 

He pulled her up to shrug the shirt off, the bra followed flung into the shadows of the room. They stayed apart only seconds long to maneuver out of the rest of their clothes. They were out of breath and completely naked staring at each other. 

Taehyung’s mouth began to water as she filled his vision. The beaches. The summer. Their time all of it, rushing back to him as he pulled her against him. She felt him hard, throbbing, and warm against her stomach. Taehyung’s fingers flexed against her ass he tried to pull her into him. His tongue slithered against her bottom lip as she opened for him. They fell back against the bed as he nudged his way between her legs. “I’m sorry. I can’t wait. I promise I’ll be gentle later. But right now…” He growled against her mouth as his arms lifted her legs. 

“Taehyung, please just - dios mio!” Her eyes rolled into her skull as Taehyung pushed against the lewd wetness of her slit. 

And he bottomed out.

In one stroke. 

He wanted to take his time remembering every inch of her body. He wanted to take her slow, build her up and watch her fall apart beneath him. But, it’s been seven whole years that they’ve been apart. 

It’s been twelve years since they were last in each other’s arms. He needed this - he needed her to chase away this bitterness inside of him. “Tempest.” He leaned back letting his fingers dig possession into her hips. Her breasts jiggled with the force that he pounded into her. “God, I missed you. I missed this.” Beads of sweat dotted his hairline as she clutched the sheets. He knew he wouldn’t last it’d been too long. Hell, he couldn’t even remember a time that masturbation even came to mind. 

He moaned her name over and over. She spoke his name like prayer to deities long gone. Taehyung’s hands slid upward to cup her breasts, her nipples caught between his fingers with a light tug. 

That was all it took. She lifted her hips to meet each thrust as her hips vibrated with the force. His hands raked down her body holding her hips upward. Keeping her right where he needed her as he pounded that soft spongy area inside of her. Her toes curled, legs cramping as she thrashed her head against the pillows.

Faster. Faster. Harder. Veins bulging in both of their necks as they reached for the finish. One thrust, two thrusts. Taehyung froze as she snapped down on his length with a gargled cry. His head fell back as he lurched forward once more. Grunting with their skin sticky as he emptied into her.  The orgasm was so swift and strong his thighs quivered with the effort to stay still.

He took a ragged breath as he collapsed atop of her, pulling her to the side immediately. They lay in the afterglow, the light of pre-dawn filtering through the window. The sound of their breathing turned to quiet sobs as they held each other.

Their limbs were tangled and he could feel her breath against the skin of his neck. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders. Taehyung kept his eyes closed, living within the sounds and sensations around him. His fingers could trace the colony of goosebumps on her skin. He could smell the heat of her so close. The faint sweet, salty mix of their love lingered on his lips turning upward into a dreamy smile. The rumble of his laugh, deep and sensual, caused her to smile. 

And this time he asked, “Can we stay like this forever?” 

“We can, querido. We can now.” 

F I N

[thebiasrekkers]

Moodboard by Admin T

Credit: belongs to owners of photos/textures/effects

Posting Date - 2/15

Title: Way To You

Taehyung is happy with his life because that’s how he’s supposed to feel. In the new world order, love is a dangerous emotion - and therefore, illegal. He lives his life by routine to the minute. That is until visions of a woman, who is not his assigned wife, start to fill his dreams.

[darknytemare]

Way To You

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Plot: Taehyung is happy with his life because that’s how he’s supposed to feel. He lives his life by routine to the minute. In the new world order, love is a dangerous emotion - and therefore illegal. That’s perfectly fine - until the lingering ‘dreams’ of a strange woman throw him out of sync. Mostly because that woman isn’t his wife.

Rating: M // NSFW

Genre: dystopian! au/dystopian themes | angst |  smut | fluff if you squint

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female OC (Tempest Estrellado)

Warnings: Strong language, interracial relationship, mentions of drugs, blood, main character injury, implied smut

Word Count: 2,886

AN: This hot mess has 3 parts. Please enjoy and thank you for loving all that we do © thebiasrekkers/darknytemare . All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Links:

FAQ || BTS Masterlist || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

--

“Can we stay like this forever?” She always asked him this after. Their bodies drying in a cool summer breeze through an open window. Their limbs tangled and he could feel her breath against the skin of his neck. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders. Taehyung kept his eyes closed, living within the sounds and sensations around him. His fingers could trace the colony of goosebumps on her skin. He could smell the heat of her so close. The faint sweet, salty mix of their love lingered on his lips turning upward into a dreamy smile. The rumble of his laugh deep and sensual caused her to smile.

He could always remember her eyes - they were unique. Leonine. A golden-amber concoction, a genetic mutation that added something wild to the already fierce attitude within that petite form.

His mouth formed her name, but he could never hear it. She tilted her gaze to his face as his fingers slid along her jaw.

He’d always say something - it was something that he knew he shouldn’t be saying. But, they said it to each other. They said it freely.

Then there was always pain that seared his mind.

Then the alarm would ring and it would be forgotten again.

5:30 am.

Wake up.

5:45 am.

Shower.

6 am.

Coffee. Toast. Protein bar.

6:15 am

Run 4 miles.

7 am.

Shower again. Protein bar. Protein Shake.

7:15 am.

Lock the door.

7:55 am

Arrive at work. Clock in.

8 am.

To say that Taehyung was methodical was to point out the obvious. He always showed up minutes early to work, making sure the office was lit and inviting. As inviting as their line of work was, anyway. He stared at a stack of folders on his desk. They never seemed to shrink, these stacks. Names, faces, and pertinent information lined flimsy manila folders.

It was time to gather candidates to increase the population.

He sipped a cup of coffee as the voices began to filter into the office. Taehyung carried the stack of folders to the meeting room nearby. A presentation loaded as he stood in the corner.

“Good morning, everyone. We’ve compiled the candidates for this year.” Everyone settled in their seats.

He talked numbers and statistics for almost 3 hours.

“Any other questions?” The room was silent as the lights brightened. “Alright, you know what to do.” They all stood with a nod in his direction before they filed out of the room.

12 pm.

Lunch and coffee in his office.

5 pm.

Debriefing with The Council liaison.

7 pm.

Lock up and head home.

8 pm.

Late Dinner.

“Taehyung, dinner is in the oven. I have to report to R&D tonight.” A female voice spoke softly as he walked into his home.

“I suppose it cannot be helped. Do be careful, April. Things have been slightly tense in the riot zone.” He hung up his jacket as his ‘Wife’ slid hers on. She offered a slight smile as she grabbed her badge.

“Rest well, Taehyung.” A brief touch on his shoulder. Like a dear friend wishing another friend well.

10 pm.

Sleep.

“Taehyung! Seriously! You’re slow as molasses.” A voice taunted him, a petite figure outlined in front of him. He could feel himself licking his lips. An eagerness, an urgency to get his hands on her.

She was teasing him. She knew better than to tease him. He felt heat fire through his veins. The world was so bright and vibrant. There was the crash of water, the air salty like the...sea?

The ocean - the moon was full. Full like he hadn’t seen it in ages. When was the last time the sky looked like this?

He called her name and she turned around, her full lips tilted upward in a smile. She reached behind her back tugging at the string of a bikini top. Turning away from him as it fell down her arms. He heard a sound, like an animal nearby.

He realized it was him. He growled as the sight of skin glowing under the moonlight fueled him further. It was like time sped forward and he saw her face beneath him. Their bodies intertwined, her face scrunched in orgasmic bliss as she purred. He was losing his mind, he could swear he felt her around him.

The sound of the ocean was like a lullaby as their voices crescendoed and they cried out freely. She dug her fingers into his back and dragged them across his shoulder blades. He roared as he exploded inside of her.

Time went funny as they lay together, again, on the sands. Her face obscured as she leaned over him. She smiled down at him, saying something. She called him...something. The world began to fizzle as exhaustion washed over him.

“We could stay like this forever, querido.”

The pain was stronger this time.

5:31 am

Turn the alarm off.

Taehyung clawed at the throbbing pain in his skull. He stumbled to the bathroom, reaching for the vitamins April reminded him constantly not to forget. He swallowed them down with a glass of water.

He winced as the pain throbbed behind his eye. His hands gripped the sink until his knuckles were white.

It took ten minutes for the pain to subside.

Taehyung saw the reflection in the mirror and hardly recognized it. There were bags under bloodshot eyes. He splashed cold water on his face. He stripped down to jump into a hot spray of water. He stood there for fifteen minutes letting the water loosen his muscles.

“What the hell was that?”

Flashes of dreams kept creeping into his mind, the pain increased each time he tried to access them.

7:27 am

Hasty breakfast.

7:58 am

Barely makes it ‘early’.

8:05 am

Two cups of coffee as he grabs the stack of folders for today’s patients.

“Good morning, everyone. We’ve compiled the candidates for today.” Everyone settled in their seats.

There was a new face today. It was scary how all heads turned in her direction. She adjusted the glasses on her face as she stood.

“I’ll be working with your department as the liaison from the Medical Division starting today.” She approached Taehyung with a hand extended. “My name is Tempest Estrellado.”

She looked up at him ...leonine eyes. Taehyung’s brow twitched momentarily as he accepted her hand. “Ms. Estrellado, a pleasure. I look forward to our continued success.” He held her hand for one second more than he should have. “If you please take your seat?” She offered a curt nod before settling in her seat. Tae cleared his throat, clapped for the lights to dim.

Taehyung paced around the table slowly as he flipped between screens. Numbers, percentages, and her eyes are so bright even in the low light. He shook his head as he found himself staring at the top of her head.

The peek of collarbone caused his lips to part as two people spoke on some extra bit of information just made available. His thoughts suddenly wandered to the delicate fingers tapping on the keypad of her tablet.

“Mr. Kim…” Someone calling him had his gaze snapping upward. The young tech from R&D tilted her head. “...your thoughts, sir?”

“Ah, right. If we run into the same rabid sequences as last year? Protocol as normal unless we get clearance to combine genetic materials. It is still a curious matter for The Council if proper citizens can come from Rebel couplings.” He waved a hand moving toward the front of the room.

“Any other questions?” The room was silent as the lights brightened. “Alright, you know what to do.” They all stood with a nod in his direction before they filed out of the room.

1 pm

Lunch.

1:30 pm

“Mr. Kim.” A voice caused him to look up from his desk.

“Yes, Ms. Estrellado?” He wiped his mouth, cleared his hands and stood. An arm spread to offer her the seat in front of his desk.

She wore her hair in a ponytail, slicked back. Its length easily the middle of her back. She was petite - even for what he was used to. She was maybe 5’5 outside of the two-inch heels she wore, that is.

“...so I’m going to need a space to work. I hope you don’t mind?” She arched a brow as he shook his head again.

“Uh, n-no. That’s not a problem. The office next to me is quite large. I’ll have it ready for you tomorrow, should that suffice?” He maintained his professionalism as she offered that slight smile.

“Splendid.” She stood offering her hand once more. “I’ll be heading to collect my things - I’ll be here bright and early.”

They shook hands.

She left his office, and he found himself sagging against his desk.

The pain ringing like a bell in his ears.

Promise me, Taehyung. No matter what. Promise.

He shook his head violently as he settled back at his desk. It seemed like he stared at nothing until his phone rang.

“This is Mr. Kim.” A receptionist pleasantly announced his Wife calling.

“Taehyung.” April spoke, that pleasant friendly tone, “...are you alright?” His brow furrowed as she asked.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

“You didn’t eat your protein bar this morning. That’s unlike you.” He could detect the stirring of worry.

“Ah, I had a bit of a headache this morning.” He sighed quietly.

That worry seemed to turn into something...else. “Did you take your vitamins, Taehyung? You know how important it is for you to take your vitamins.”

There was something almost cold, ominous in her tone. His brow furrowed deeply as he answered her, making sure the hesitation was absent from his voice. “Of course, April. I took them immediately when I woke up. I was quite fine after a shower. I think I was just alarmed at the one minute tardy. I assure you, I’m fine.”

There was a long, thick silence before she spoke again. Her tone was light and friendly once more. “I’m sure it was jarring, Taehyung. Just let me know if you feel strange, alright?”

He forced himself to smile, so it filtered through into his voice. “Of course, April. I need to stay late tonight. We have a new colleague who’ll be using the empty office. I’d like to have it ready for her use.”

“Of course, Taeyung. You’re not the only ones busy. I will leave dinner for you. Have a good night, Taehyung.”

“Of course, April. You do the same.” The line goes dead but he still holds the phone aloft. It’s almost a full minute before he placed the handset onto its base. There was that bothersome echo in the back of his mind again.

It was exhaustion - wasn’t it?

10:37 pm

Nails on a chalkboard. That was the sound of the heavy furniture sliding across the floor. Tae had removed his jacket and dress shirt. His white t-shirt had slightly grayed from cleaning the other office. He worked quietly adjusting the office to spec. There was a certain placement for all of the furniture in the office. They all looked the same, even when facing different directions.

11: 32 pm

Taehyung grunted as he dropped a box onto the floor. He rotated his shoulder to work out the strange soreness. It was unusual for him to suffer such strains. “Mm, I didn’t have much to eat today.” He sighed. That conversation with April caused his brow to furrow. He glanced at his watch with a deeper sigh. He didn’t understand that sudden change in her demeanor. He didn’t understand why he felt the need to keep up appearances. There had been no reason to be dishonest with her.

She was his wife. She was also a medical researcher. She would have understood his symptoms, right? April would have offered some kind of solution, right?

Why am I thinking about this so hard? Taehyung pushed to stand. One more cup of coffee would give him the energy he needed to push through. That’s what he believed. The office was a strange place at night. There were a few occasions that warranted his presence in the office so late. He shouldered into the break room, pulling the fridge open in the darkness. The light seemed eerie as perfectly situated rows of water and milk lined the shelves. There were fruits and vegetables in the drawers. Small bags of freshly cooked proteins.

He reached for one of each, plus a bottle of water. He waited those few extra minutes to brew a small pot of coffee. His hand scrunched over the tops of the bags holding the food. The other held a hot cup of caffeine against his face.

1:48 am

Exhausted.

Taehyung was exhausted and he couldn’t explain why this sensation caused something to spark inside of him. He sprawled on the floor, making sure not to disturb the exact precision of his work. His eyes closed as he paid attention to the thundering in his ears. The tightness in his chest as he fought for more air.

Why did this interest him so? Why did it seem suddenly...familiar?

“I shouldn’t have had that extra coffee.” His voice was gruff as he drifted into sleep. Just a small nap, just a moment to close his eyes and rest.

The sky was bright, fiery - hot.

“Taehyung!” She called him her hand extended as he pulled himself up from the ground. “We have to get out of here.” Those leonine eyes were hard and filled with determination. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest.

The coppery taste of blood filled his mouth causing him to spit. The sound of gunfire echoed above their heads. They returned to fire on opposite sides hiding behind the shattered pieces of building near them.

“We have to make a run for it.” He told her. She frowned but hardened her gaze with a nod. They were sitting ducks this way. Taehyung reached out and grabbed her hand - there was a break in the fire. Then they ran - hard.

“We have to find a way to meet up with the resistance, Tae!” The female’s voice was loud over the sound of violence around them.

“We have to live through this first!” He growled pulling her in front of him as he spun around a corner. “Listen to me, we …” His hands framed a set of tiny shoulders, holding them firm. “...we need to split up.”

And as he anticipated, “No. NO! Fuck no, Tae! Tae that’s madness! We can’t!”

“LISTEN TO ME.” He shook her harder feeling his brow crease. He didn’t like it. He abhorred the idea of being away from her. But this new world order gave them no option. They had to find their way to the Rebels that would help them. “Please, I beg you. Please, we have to split here. I’ll draw their fire. You have to run. I promise you, I’ll find you.”

He hated it. He hated seeing those rare eyes filled with tears. He hated seeing that strength seep from her. “Please.” He framed her face as their foreheads touched. She grabbed his wrists squeezing her eyes shut.

“Don’t you die, Taehyung.” The female took a shuddering breath as her tears fell over his fingers. “Do you hear me? Don’t you fucking die. I will find you.” She dug half-moon indentations into his arm as their lips smashed together for the last time. He could feel his tears burning hot craters against his cheeks.

“Go ____..” He croaked as she sobbed quietly. She finally pulled away running toward a thicket of bushes. Taehyung felt himself hyperventilating as he held his weapon tight. He wanted to run after her. He wanted to scream for her to stay where she was. He swallowed his cowardice as he moved beyond the cover to open fire on the enemy.

I won’t die.

He pushed toward the open field, drawing their attention to him. Searing pain radiated on his left side, causing him to take a knee. The world was silent as the sky seemed to come to meet him - or he met it?

The weightlessness of the world was apparent as the blue of the sky filled his eyes. The fiery blast sent him, others, and debris hurtling to the sky. He heard the crack of his body as he landed on his spine.

The tears filled his eyes as the world crumbled around him. He made a promise. “I’m sorry…” Taehyung coughed blood in spurts as his world began to fade to black.

Taehyung. He could hear her voice even as his body pulled him into the darkness.

Taehyung, wake up! It was her. He was sure of it.

I want to go back to her. I want to go back to her!

Taehyung!

He sat up grabbing the arm that shook him from his slumber. His eyes wide as their close proximity gave them both pause. “T-Tempest?” There was worry etched across her face. He could feel her pulse racing under his hand.

They both glanced at their connected skin - and Taehyung saw the time.

7:52 am

[darknytemare]

Way To You - 3

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Plot: Everything isn’t what it seems. The truth finally sets him free.

Rating: M // NSFW

Genre: dystopian! au/dystopian themes | angst |  smut | fluff if you squint

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female OC (Tempest Estrellado)

Warnings: Strong language, interracial relationship, mentions of drugs, smut [like maybe softish? maybe sorta needed cause it’s been a while]

Word Count: 3,422

AN: And this is the end. Please enjoy, and thank you for loving all that we do © thebiasrekkers / darknytemare (Admin T). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

WC: 3,422

---

10:05 pm

They always sat in relative silence at dinner time. When was the last time they really sat to dinner? Taehyung pushed food across his plate idly. April made dutiful cuts into a piece of meat. “Taehyung, you’re not eating.” She barely spared him a glance as the fork disappeared between her teeth.

“How come I don’t remember the scars on my back?” He asked quietly. There was no need to lift his head. He heard the scrape of a knife across the porcelain. The sound of her chewing was suddenly thunderous in that silence.

“Whatever do you mean, Taehyung?” April’s brow rose as she continued with her routine. The routine of eating. The routine of being his Wife. The routine of keeping...s e c r e t s. “You told me it was something that happened as a child. We’re so busy these days, I’m sure it slipped your mind.” Her voice never wavered. He knew she believed that to be true.

Or maybe she wanted him to believe that she believed it to be true.

“See, that’s just the thing, April..” He placed his utensil down quietly. “I don’t remember a lot from my childhood. Don’t you find that strange?” The molten brown of his eyes lifted to the woman across from him. Because in the last week, he realized he didn’t know just who the hell April really was.

She placed the last bite of food in her mouth. A napkin dabbing at the corners, hopefully hiding the irritation in her frown. “Taehyung.” She sounded like a mother chastising a young child. “A lot of things were forgotten when The Unification happened. Not all of us came out the same or mentally intact.” Her hands clasped over her lap as she sighed. “This is what happens when we stray from our routine. It’s a butterfly effect, Taehyung. That one late morning has spiraled into …” A hand waved as she tried to put into words his paranoia. “..this. I think you should get a check-up. We’ll make sure everything is ok, perhaps adjust your vitamins. Maybe lay off the caffeine, I’m sure you’ll be back to your usual self soon.”

April pushed away from the table, grabbing her plate. “For now, I think you should ease up on your workload. I know this year’s matching protocols are different - I believe it’s taking its toll.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes as she disappeared into the kitchen.

“I’m going to give you something to help you sleep. It should get you back on schedule.” Taehyung stared at his plate of food again, the fork pulling through the vegetables.

And he saw it again.

The green pellets - similar to the inside of the vitamins that April insisted on shoving down his throat.

He lost his appetite.

11:30 pm

April sat in a chair at the side of the bed. Taehyung had seemed suspicious of the sleeping aid. But, he relented after admitting he was tired. Her fingers pinched at the skin of his wrist. She kept count of his pulse before letting his hand down gently.

She stepped out of the room, the door a gentle click as she moved to the front of the house. The cell phone buzzing continued until it was retrieved from her lab coat.

“Well?” The voice on the other end inquired.

“I don’t know what to make of it, honestly.” She sighed. It was rare to feel the frustration of this level. Everything had been going smoothly for some years now. She wasn’t sure when things began to change - but Taehyung was destabilizing. “We need to get a handle on this before it gets too far.”

There was a deep, disappointed sigh that echoed in her ears. “April, I thought you said you could handle this.” The tone caused her to frown.

“I-I can. It’s just a small oversight. I will get him stabilized again. You have my word.” What was this nervousness? Why did she have a hard time believing her own words?

There was a thick silence that allowed her to hear the volume of her own swallow. “Fix it, April.” Apparent irritation in the male voice. “Because we don’t need a former leader of the Rebel Uprising to regain his memory. Are we clear?”

April released a quiet breath as she nodded. “I won’t let you down, Hoseok.”

“See that you don’t, Mrs. Kim.” The call disconnects. April ran nervous fingers through her hair. A hand clutched at her chest as she rushed out of the house. There’s got to be a stronger dosage that won’t kill him. Their research was imperative to keep rebels under control. It was essential to the stability of their society.

Her prestige was on the line - and while having Taehyung as a trophy was all well and good? April’s reputation was a far more precious thing.

11:37 pm

Hoseok pinched the bridge of his nose as the call disconnected. “Did she buy it?” A female voice asked. He steepled his fingers, turning to the fierce leonine gaze across from him. He offered a quiet nod.

“She’s spooked enough to make a mistake. But, it also proves that destabilization happens faster than the research projected.” Hoseok pursed his lips at the stack of folders opened across his desk. “And to think, it just takes a break in routine, and a couple missed doses.” This almost absently as Tempest flipped through a folder in her lap.

“It’s taken a long time to even figure this out.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She closed her folder with a snap. Her hands raised to cradle her face. Hoseok watched her shoulders shake before looking off into the distance.

“You’ve done well to be this patient, Tempest.” He rose to round the desk. A comforting hand on her shoulder as they rose on an inhale. “I know it’s been a long time. We’re almost there.” Tempest nodded while placing a hand on his. Hoseok took her hand, placing a syringe in her palm, curling the fingers over it. “This is it. If this works?” They held each other’s gaze for a long moment.

“And if it doesn’t, Hoseok?” The unshed tears in her eyes erased all his hesitation.

“Tempest. It will work.” It has to. She stashed the syringe in her coat pocket. They both turned to a monitor that showed April walking into the downstairs lab. “Go. I’ll keep her occupied. If anything seems off, you get him out of there immediately. You know where to go.”

She was out the door without another word. Leaving him to watch April fret over her data. His lips curled into a knowing smirk when she picked up the phone at her desk. He didn’t let the phone ring long as he sank back into his role. “Mrs. Kim, how can I help you?”

1:15 am

“We have to do something.” Conviction burned in the depths of his eyes. She knew she couldn’t sway him in this state. “It’s not right, Tempest. You know that as well as I do!” He threw a hand to the air as his voice escalated.

“Of course it’s wrong, Taehyung. But, what are we going to do against a whole global movement? This is madness!” She tried to get him to look at her as he paced. “We need to be smart about this. That’s all I’m asking. That’s all I’m saying.”

“There’s no time for smart, Tempest. If we don’t act now, soon? What becomes of us? All of us? Any of us?” His hands were tight on her shoulders.  They were afraid - both of them. Irrational and mindless with fear. To think that the UN felt that eradicating certain emotions would allow humanity to sink into harmony. They likened the state of the world to Troy. A beautiful woman could cause nations to war and fall.  So to solve the inconsistencies in the world? They would implement a new regime. One that would erase boundaries and barriers caused by status, race, religion, sexuality, and gender.

In a way, it would be starting over. Everyone would be assigned a partner. Someone that would genetically yield healthy, proper citizens of this new world order.

And they meant everyone. The prospect of relationships that have lasted decades being split on a whim had more than half the population ready to riot.

“I love you. I don’t want to lose you.” His fingers slid up the column of her neck. Her fingers latched onto his wrist as he tilted her gaze to his. “And I’m willing to fight and die to keep you.”

“I don’t want to lose you. I don’t need you to die for me, Tae.” She shook her head at the thought. “Let’s just go? Let’s just find someplace, the two of us. Let’s just go.” He smiled sadly as her head pressed into his sternum.

“Tempest, there are others like us. There will be others like us. We need to stick together while we can.” There was a quiet sob that muffled into his shirt. She knew he was right - and even she was surprised at her selfishness.

“We are going to have to fight, aren’t we?” She sniffled against the beat of his heart against her ear.

“As long as we’re together..” He murmured into her hair.

“Can we stay like this forever?” Her fingers clinging to him as if he’d disappear at that moment.

2:45 am

“You are interfering with human evolution!” A great debate ensued in the following months. Those who had lost faith in humanity gathered to champion the change in regime. This one of the few public, and cordial, debates that were happening across the globe.

Taehyung stood at a podium as a politician ranted until he was red in the face. He sighed deeply when the applause thundered in the building. “Listen, since time immemorial, we have all paved the way for ourselves. Humanity has made its share of mistakes, this will surely be another one. While the theory is sound, the application is not. We can find a way to achieve this harmony by working together to help those less fortunate. By building up those weaker, sicker, than us. Thus helping to strengthen the very foundation of our society. We can help each other stand.” Tempest watched as those gathered contemplated, considered quietly the path they were about to take.

“That’s been the key this whole fucking time! But instead of doing that work? You just decide to wipe us clean of the very thing that makes us human. Where is the evolution in that?” The politician looked around as the masses murmured.

He narrowed his gaze at Taehyung, a fist clenched against the podium edge.

It was that day - that Taehyung became a beacon for those who wanted progress without the overbearing regime. It was the day that Taehyung became public enemy number one.

3:30 am

He felt a pinch in the side of his neck.

Taehyung’s eyes rolled like marbles in his skull. A wave of heat and nausea rushed through him. He turned to the side to wretch into a small garbage can. Dizzy, feverish, and half-asleep, a disjointed voice echoed in his ears.

“Shh. It’s ok. You’re almost there.” His breathing labored as his body spasmed and arched off the bed. It felt like someone was taking a razor blade to his nervous system. His mouth opened on a silent scream as a pair of hands pushed at his chest.

He felt a weight settle over his abdomen, pinning his body down to the bed. Tears squeezed from the corners of his eyes as pain scraped him from head to toe.

Tempest moved his arms under her knees as she tried to avoid being bucked off the bed. A determined, teary gaze locked onto him as she waited. It was, unfortunately, a part of the process. The only way to complete the destabilization was to essentially scrape the drug from the receptors in the central nervous system. It moved through the body, sweeping in to gobble the remnants of the chemical protocol.

3:50 am

“Ah, Kim Taehyung. You’re going to be a fine example of our research.” April let her fingers dance along the dip in his waist. A satisfied smirk as she watched the staff strap him down to the table. He radiated pain as they stretched his limbs outward.

“You’re not going to get away with this, you psychotic bitch!” He spat. Their research had yielded fruit in curing his spinal injury. Now, it was time for the piece de resistance. He saw the multiple IV bags attached to the lines running into his hands and feet. They healed him but kept him weak and fatigued. Enough that they could do what they needed without much physical fight on his part.

April leaned down to brush a hand across his forehead. “I will get it away with it, Taehyung. And you won’t remember a thing.” She smiled as his vision blurred.

It all came back to him in a rush - his life. Memories burst from the chemical floodgate in his brain. He fought against something, trying to hold him back. Taehyung make sure to take your vitamins. Something kept him pinned, restrained - and he bucked to fight against it.

April’s voice began to fade away. April’s face began to dissolve away in his memory. His brow furrowed as the uncertainty was replaced with anger.

Rage.

His body twisted beneath the weight on top of him.

“Don’t die, Taehyung.”

His heart thundered against his ribcage as another voice became louder.

“Can we stay like this forever?”

“I love you, Tempest.”

Tempest? The name that caused his body to heat. Her presence caused his heart to calm. His brow furrowed as emotions swept over him. Because he remembered, suddenly, Tempest Estrellado. The woman he loved. The woman who brought joy to a decade of his existence. He was ready to ask that stubborn woman to marry him. To let him make an honest woman out of her - and then The Decree was made.

They spent another five years gathering like-minded people to rebel against The Regime. Then they were separated during The Uprising. And then…?

And then?

And then he was captured.

“Tempest.” His voice a half sob as his muscles finally released. His body slumping into the mattress as the lie that had been his life fizzled away.

“I’ve missed you, querido.” His eyes flew open to those leonine eyes fixed to his face.

“Tempest?” She moved her knees as his hands shot up to frame her face. Trembling fingers, pupils wide as he touched her. “You’re here? You’re really here?”

“Si, mi precioso.” Her fingers raked through his hair, nails scraping against the nape of his neck. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as their foreheads touched. “I’m really here. It’s over now. You’re ok. You’re safe.”

Taehyung’s lips trembled, opened, and closed with too many questions for his brain to process.

“Seven years.” She spoke as the meat of her bottom lip slipped between her teeth.

His brow furrowed as his head tilted. “W-what?”

“It’s been seven years, Taehyung.”

“It’s...that’s impossible?” He croaked. “It was just…”

“Seven years, Tae.” Tempest grabbed his hands, holding them steady as if she could stop the tremors. “It took us five years to find you. These last two years, we’ve been trying to find a way to reverse the re-education process. It’s been seven years since the Rebel Uprising.” Tae swallowed thickly with her words.

“And now?” His voice barely above a whisper.

“And now we know that it works.” Tempest framed his face with her hands. “And now I have you back. Now the hard work begins. Now we can-” Her nostrils flared as his hands pressed into her hips. His lips crashing onto hers, silencing anything else she had left to say.

“Shut up.” Feverish kisses as his fingers sank into the wealth of her hair. They weren’t exactly at the pinnacle of youth when the world changed. “Just shut up…” Tempest whimpered under his assault. “The only thing I want now? Is you. Just you.”

“Please.” She whispered against his mouth. “Please.” The need ripped through her gut as he flipped her over. Her legs wrapped around him, pulling her against the heat burning between her legs. He leaned back on his knees, peeling off the damp shirt. His hands slid up her torso before tearing the shirt from her body. Buttons ricocheted against hard surfaces as she unbuttoned her pants. His mouth blazed a hot moist trail against her collarbone and over the swell of her breast. His tongue swirled a nipple over the satin fabric of her bra.

He pulled her up to shrug the shirt off, the bra followed flung into the shadows of the room. They stayed apart only seconds long to maneuver out of the rest of their clothes. They were out of breath and completely naked, staring at each other.

Taehyung’s mouth began to water as she filled his vision. The beaches. The summer. Their time all of it, rushing back to him as he pulled her against him. She felt him hard, throbbing, and warm against her stomach. Taehyung’s fingers flexed against her ass; he tried to pull her into him. His tongue slithered against her bottom lip as she opened for him. They fell back against the bed as he nudged his way between her legs. “I’m sorry. I can’t wait. I promise I’ll be gentle later. But right now…” He growled against her mouth as his arms lifted her legs.

“Taehyung, please just - dios mio!” Her eyes rolled into her skull as Taehyung pushed against the lewd wetness of her slit.

And he bottomed out.

In one stroke.

He wanted to take his time remembering every inch of her body. He wanted to take her slow, build her up, and watch her fall apart beneath him. But, it’s been seven whole years that they’ve been apart.

It’s been twelve years since they were last in each other’s arms. He needed this - he needed her to chase away this bitterness inside of him. “Tempest.” He leaned back, letting his fingers dig possession into her hips. Her breasts jiggled with the force that he pounded into her. “God, I missed you. I missed this.” Beads of sweat dotted his hairline as she clutched the sheets. He knew he wouldn’t last; it’d been too long. Hell, he couldn’t even remember a time that masturbation even came to mind.

He moaned her name over and over. She spoke his name like prayer to deities long gone. Taehyung’s hands slid upward to cup her breasts, her nipples caught between his fingers with a light tug.

That was all it took. She lifted her hips to meet each thrust as her hips vibrated with force. His hands raked down her body, holding her hips upward. Keeping her right where he needed her as he pounded that soft spongy area inside of her. Her toes curled, legs cramping as she thrashed her head against the pillows.

Faster. Faster. Harder. Veins bulging in both of their necks as they reached for the finish. One thrust, two thrusts. Taehyung froze as she snapped down on his length with a gargled cry. His head fell back as he lurched forward once more. Grunting with their skin sticky as he emptied into her.  The orgasm was so swift and robust; his thighs quivered with the effort to stay still.

He took a ragged breath as he collapsed atop of her, pulling her to the side immediately. They lay in the afterglow, the light of pre-dawn filtering through the window. The sound of their breathing turned to quiet sobs as they held each other.

Their limbs were tangled, and he could feel her breath against the skin of his neck. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders. Taehyung kept his eyes closed, living within the sounds and sensations around him. His fingers could trace the colony of goosebumps on her skin. He could smell the heat of her so close. The faint sweet, salty mix of their love lingered on his lips, turning upward into a dreamy smile. The rumble of his laugh, deep and sensual, caused her to smile.

And this time, he asked, “Can we stay like this forever?”

“We can, querido. We can now.”

F I N

[darknytemare]

Way To You - 2

Plot: Knocked from his routine, Taehyung finds himself discovering [or is it remembering?] the reality of his situation. It’s especially disturbing since his Wife has been acting rather strange.

Rating: M // NSFW

Genre: dystopian! au/dystopian themes | angst |  smut | fluff if you squint

Pairing: Kim Taehyung x Female OC (Tempest Estrellado)

Warnings: Strong language, interracial relationship, mentions of drugs, blood, main character injury, implied smut

Word Count: 1,488

AN: This hot mess has 3 parts. Please enjoy and thank you for loving all that we do © thebiasrekkers (Admin T). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

--

9 am

“Mr. Kim, you seem to be unwell.” Tempest frowned as she pressed the back of her hand against his forehead. “Have you eaten?” He felt himself leaning into the coolness of her palm. There was a brow arch as she watched him. “Mr. Kim? Did you eat?”

Tae blinked sleepily as he straightened himself. The meeting happened earlier in order for him to retreat back to his office. “N-no. I wound up losing track of time. I had something small and coffee. I apologize for concerning you.” He let his chest expand on an inhale. “I’ll be alright, Ms. Estrellado.”

She lowered her hands just as the door swung open.

“Taehyung!” The voice sounded upset, but April paused as Tempest and Taehyung turned toward her. What was that look just now? He tilted his head as April seemed to shift her demeanor. “I-I was concerned about you. It was apparent you hadn’t been home.” She moved over toward him as Tempest took a step back.

There was a look that lingered too long for Tempest’s liking from the woman, who was obviously Taehyung’s wife. “I take it your Ms. Estrellado?” April spoke cooly as she let her fingers dance along his shoulder.

Tempest tilted her head politely. “I am. I was just asking Mr. Kim if he had eaten. I was going to suggest that he should go home to rest.” There was a darkness to April’s eyes as she watched the other woman. Tempest clasped her hands in front of her, nonplussed by the other woman’s focus.

“I think that’s a good idea, Taehyung.” She turned to him placing a warm hand on his cheek. A wave of nausea hit that had him pulling away from April.

“M’fine, I just need t-to..” He swayed. Tempest was under his arm before April realized he stumbled.

“Mr. Kim, I’m afraid I’m going to have to order you to go home.” He tensed at the word order. The Medical personnel held more power than even the military. The Medical personnel was responsible for keeping balance. For keeping the maintenance of The System which allowed the Council power and prestige.

If someone was called unwell by Medical staff? It was a dire situation. Life was too precious, too important to waste. April glared as Taehyung leaned too heavily on the other woman. She cleared her throat getting under Taehyung’s other arm. “I can take it from here.” She offered a tight smile as Taehyung’s weight transferred.

“Of course, Mrs. Kim.” Tempest stepped aside.

“Thank you, Tempest.” Taehyung murmured quietly as he gathered his things. April gave him a stern look that caused him to compose himself before stepping out of the office. Tempest gave a short nod before leaving before them.

11:17 am

“Do you know how embarrassing that was?” April’s voice cut the thick silence in the elevator. Taehyung said nothing as the bell rang to announce their floor. He was tired, his head hurt and all April could do? All she had been doing  - was bitching.

He waved his keyfob in front of their door.

“Taehyung, are you listening to me?” April followed him inside as he hung his jacket and bag. The shirt shrugged off his frame, causing her to tilt her head. Why hadn’t she noticed it before? It was as if he had somehow filled out? There was something enticing about him in this state.

It was so close to that time before. When he was so lively and full of fight. April bit into her bottom lip as she admonished the train of thought. He ran his fingers through his hair as he opened the fridge. He guzzled a bottle of water turning to the hand outstretched next to him.

“You need to take your vitamins and rest, Taehyung. You know you get thrown off if you don’t keep up your regimen.” April held out a small pack of pills. And for the first time in years, he hesitated before taking them.

“April, I’ll be fine. You have work to do.” He emptied the packet into his mouth followed by vigorous guzzling of water. “I assure you I can handle myself alone.” He arched a brow as April seemed pleased by his compliance. She sighed letting a hand settle against his cheek.

“Rest. Eat. I’ll be home in the morning. Hopefully, before you leave.” A slight smile before she spun on her heel to leave. He waited for the door to click shut. He waited for the distant ring of the elevator bell.

Then he turned to the kitchen sink and was violently sick.

The pills, undigested, floating in bile and a swirl of water as he washed them down the drain.

1:30 pm

“Why is it so hot?” He’d been sweating profusely. His fingers dug into the hem of his t-shirt as he peeled it off. It landed on the floor with a wet plop as he made his way to the shower. The water squeaked on as he dropped the last of his work clothes to the floor. The cool water pelted his skin for much-needed relief. It was strange to think that he’d never really taken a long shower before this moment. He adjusted the heat to wash his hair.

Taehyung squeezed his eyes shut as the lather slid down his face.

“You should let me wash your back, querido.”

A voice echoed in the bathroom - or was it in his head? His eyes popped open too quickly, blurring at the shampoo irritant filling his gaze. It was as if something flickered in front of him. He saw a body, a form  - a voice that sounded so familiar. But they were dreams, right?

He felt fingers pushing the wet hair back from his face. A body pressed against his and those leonine eyes snagging his soul again.

“What is it, mi amor?” She purred quietly, concern written across delicate features. He felt his hands on her body, so real.

He suddenly felt a burn in the pit of his stomach at her proximity. His body knew hers, responded to hers, wanted her. But, that’s impossible? These urges were a thing of the past. It was against protocols. These emotions, these sensations had been done away with. Yet, here he was in the shower - with a woman, not his wife. And he was on fire.

Taehyung spun in a circle shaking the soap from his eyes. He blinked rapidly as his fingers dug into pectoral space above his heart. He let the thundering of the shower pound against his head. Both hands were used to push wet strands of hair from his face. He reached behind his shoulder to make sure he was rinsed clean.

“Huh..” He tilted his head as he felt a small scar in the middle of his back.

He grabbed a towel as the handles squeaked into the off position. Taehyung frowned as he rubbed the condensation on his mirror. He turned to get a look at the scars.

Scars? Scars?? How had he never remembered these?! How had he never looked at his body’s reflection? His eyes grew wide as he took in the scattered warzone of his back. His hands gripped the sink as he felt the weight of something pressing against the front of his skull.

I promise I’ll find you. Don’t die.  

He shook his head again, stumbling out of the bathroom. Taehyung didn’t understand the fatigue suddenly falling over him. He collapsed atop his bed, towel still wrapped around his waist, an arm across his forehead.

Taehyung.

He murmured something, half asleep. A voice that set his soul on fire. A voice that spread color through his world. A voice - that didn’t belong to April.

Taehyung sighed softly, nuzzling into the phantom fingers that caressed his face.

“..I promised.” He murmured sleepily. “...kept my promise.”

A body settled on the edge of his bed as he entered deep sleep.

A pair of glossy leonine eyes watched him until he was finally resting comfortably.

“...And I kept my promise too, querido.” Tempest watched his chest rise and fall for a few minutes before she stood. “Just a little longer. You’re almost there.” She brushed her lips against his forehead.

9:30 pm

It’s the first dreamless sleep he’s had in some months now. There was a scent in the room that had him reaching for his face. Did he get up and change clothes? He stared down at the sweats and t-shirt.

He reached for the glass of water at his bedside, draining it quickly. The glass hung between his fingers as the heel of his palm pushed into his eye socket.

9:45 pm

“Taehyung, I’m home to check on you.” April’s voice echoed from the front of the house.

For some reason, for the first time that he can remember - the sound of her voice - causes him to frown.

[btscreatorscorner]

Welcome to BTS Writers’ Corner’s first project! In celebration of the establishment of our network as well as the renouned holiday, Valentines Day, we present Amor Fabula, a collaboration between the various writers of the network~

Project Summary: “Love can be a wonderful thing, but it can also breed chaos. Imagine a world where love is absent; where the feeling itself is restricted, misunderstood, or illegal altogether. Marriage partners are chosen for the sake of increasing the population and enhancing socioeconomic growth. Nothing more. It's a world where being in love is criminalized and your options are few: accept your fate, hide the truth in your heart, or turn your back on the world.”

THIS IS PART 1 OF THE MASTERLIST; Go to part 2 here: Masterlist Part 2

@flowerwrites06 presents: Crying Petals

Summary: Story of cotton fields and vanilla kisses as a pair of friends living together for years are hit with a stunning revelation that could strengthen or destroy their relationship.

Released: February 10th | read here

——

@thebiasrekkers​ (Eden) presents: Touch in the Dark 

Summary: Min Yoongi comes from the prestigious family of Blue Blood lineage. However, to appear philanthropic in the eyes of the public, they volunteered their son to marry someone from "humble" origins. Two years have passed since he's been married to his poor, orphan wife. But for the first time in two years, he's starting to take note of things about her that are causing shifts in his views of her, shaking his heart.

Released: Febuary 11th | read here

——

@aroseforyoongi presents: Playing Fiction

Summary: For as long as you can remember, Namjoon has been your best friend. He has been an absolute constant in your life and has never wavered. The problem is that in the world you live in, everyone is matched with someone they are never supposed to love. Despite how much you would love to end up with Namjoon, you understand the gravity of it, and spend your last year together trying to savour the small moments.

Released: February 12th | read here

——

@nightowlfandom presents: Follow Me

Summary: On a small island called Nue Island, there is a rule, a ritual, a curse. It is that love is a myth. Romance is a fabrication by the weak willed and foolish. When the odds seem like they're placed against you, and everything is crashing down. How can you get away, better yet, how can you escape the ultimate fate you'd be faced with and answer the question that's been on your mind for ages...is love real?

Released date: February 13th | read here

——

@moccahobi presents: Amor Erratur

Summary: Yoongi’s life was fairly put together. He would go to work organizing the raffles, talk with the one good person at his office, (Y/n), and marry whoever he was paired with. If only pesky feelings didn’t get in the way of it all.

Released: February 14th | read here

——

@thebiasrekkers (Tomi)/ @darknytemare presents: Way To You

Summary: Taehyung is satisfied with how his life is. Because that's what he's supposed to feel. But, a certain incident changes how he feels. And those feelings begging to unlock memories deep within his mind. He begins to question everything -including why he keeps seeing a woman who is not his wife invading his thoughts.

Released: February 15th | read here: 1 2 3

——

@prisczero presents: Renegade

Summary: ‘The system’ arranged your marriage with Yoongi, but you never truly loved him.

But this was the way your life was supposed to be, and you were content.

Well, until you end up in a bar where you meet a sweetheart with a badboy exterior. The two of you fall head over heels for each other, and you are torn between your emotions and the rules.

Jimin rebels the ‘system' and shows you what emotional freedom is like.

Released: February 16th | read here

PART 2 OF THE MASTERLIST WILL BE RELEASED SOON

[btscreatorscorner]

Members:

Kim Namjoon

Kim Seokjin

Min Yoongi

Jung Hoseok 

Park Jimin 

Kim Taehyung

Jeon Jungkook

Content:

Fanfics

Master Lists

Oneshots

Drabbles

Reactions

Scenarios

Imagines

Prompts

Moodboards

Media AU/ Text Stories

Edits

Video Edits

Gifs

GFX

Fanart

Audios

Teasers

Genre:

Smut

Fluff

Angst

Humor

AU (Also search for specific ones using au; ____)

Romance:

Member x Reader

Member x OC

Ot7/Poly

Member x Member

No Pairing

Length:

<1k

1k-5k

5k-10k

10k-20k

20k<

Projects:

Amor Fabula

Hobi Hoes

One Summer Night...

The Crystal Snow Event

12 Days of BTS Event

Creators:

Members

Triggers:

All triggers and warnings have the w: tag— please read!

General:

BTS

Kpop

[thebiasrekkers]

Touch In The Dark — MYG

For the @btswriterscorner​ - Amor Fabula Launch Project in celebration of the month of Valentine’s Day!

Plot: Min Yoongi comes from the prestigious family of Blue Blood lineage. However, to appear philanthropic in the eyes of the public, they volunteered their son to marry someone from “humble” origins. Two years have passed since he’s been married to his poor, orphan wife. But for the first time in two years, he’s starting to take note of things about her that are causing shifts in his views of her, shaking his heart.

Rating: PG-13 // SFW

Genre: dystopian!au/dystopian themes | angst | romance/fluff

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Female OC (Kiara Townsend)

Warnings: Strong language, mentions of suicide, extreme angst, interracial/intercultural relationship, arranged marriage

Links: FAQ || BTS Masterlist || Admin E’s AO3 || [ REQUESTS ARE OPEN ]

Word Count: 7,936

AN: I never thought I would write a story like this. I think this is the softest I’ve ever written for the boys. I know I only have one piece of lit for the fandom, but I have to say that this project caught me a little off guard. I never thought I would write Yoongi this soft, but it’s a very non-conventional soft. So I hope you all enjoy the world I was able to build from this, hug your loved ones a little close, and know that you are always loved. All reblogs, critiques/reviews, comments and affection are accepted! Happy reading!

© thebiasrekkers (Admin E). All rights reserved. Reposting/modifying our work is prohibited. Translations are not allowed. Plagiarism/stealing is not tolerated by any means. Legal action will be taken in instances of theft.

  ~ k.t. ~

On the day she was told that she’d been chosen as the “Charity Selection” for The Lottery, Kiara tried to kill herself. 

The heavy knocks sounded like thunder inside her tiny, rundown studio apartment. She stared back at her reflection in the bathroom, a handful of sleeping pills clutched in her palm over the porcelain. She’d purchased a full bottle of the prescription strength medication off the black market. It took her months to save up enough money to buy them.

Attempted suicide was a serious offense, punishable by large fines and incarceration for three months, followed by six months of psychiatric evaluation. The global population was already off-kilter with how many people suffered losses from wars, hunger and poverty. Decreasing the numbers in any amount was detrimental to society’s ability to rebuild and stabilize its structure. 

The knocking continued incessantly. Kiara knew if she didn’t answer the door, they would just kick it in and find out what she was up to. Sighing, she put the pills back into the bottle and placed it in the medicine chest behind the smudged mirror.

Twelve paces. That’s how long it took for her to make it from the bathroom to the front door. The ratty sofa doubled as her bed and the thin, pale blue blanket could hardly be considered covers. While Kiara did not get sick often, she could not stay warm during the winter months. Central heating was a luxury she couldn’t afford and space heaters were few and far between. The yellowing paint peeled off the walls and the stainless steel door knobs, once shiny and new, were now dull and gray from years of neglect.

When she opened the door, she was greeted by a man in a three-piece suit and two armed soldiers. He was an official from The Lottery office and he handed her a letter. He congratulated her, telling her how fortunate she was to have been chosen for the “Charity” portion of the Lottery. He explained that everything she needed to know about her future husband was in the envelope and that she could read it on the flight to meet him.

She’d never flown in an airplane before.

Kiara didn’t own much. All of her furniture were either hand-me-downs or things she found on the side of the road. Her clothes, what few she had, could all be stuffed into a single duffel bag. Her friends doted on her, telling her how lucky she was to have been chosen. They all pooled together and bought her a pretty sundress to wear since it was approaching Summer. Kiara promised to contact them whenever she was fully settled.

On the flight over, Kiara took a good look over the files she’d received. 

Yoongi Min. 26. South Korean. Computer programmer. His home was Daegu and he still lived with his family, as per tradition in the country. He was fluent in English, which was a relief. He was definitely handsome - dark auburn hair, pierced ears, and umber eyes that almost appeared a little withdrawn. Or was it sadness?

Was he hurting on the inside too?

At her request, one of the flight attendants gave her a tablet for her to study. She didn’t want to embarrass herself on the first day of meeting him.

If the plane didn’t crash on the way. Kiara could only be so lucky. 

Yoongi wasn’t the one who picked her up from the airport. It was someone from the family’s household staff. He was a kind looking middle-aged man and he helped her load what few belongings she had into the trunk of her car. The drive from Incheon to Daegu was long. The driver, Mr. Song, told her she could take a nap if she liked. But there were so many questions she wanted to ask and she was grateful that he was also fluent in English.

There were things she discovered about Yoongi that she felt she could relate to. He was an avid reader and enjoyed music. He preferred his solitude and when he had the time to spare, he took pictures and tended the garden at his family’s home. There were servants to handle such things as yardwork, but Yoongi insisted on raising seedlings in a greenhouse.

After she arrived at his family’s home, she was welcomed by the rest of the staff. Yoongi, again, did not greet her. His parents did, however. They were not so fluent in English, but they were kind enough to allow one of the maidservants to translate what they were saying to Kiara. She both nodded and shook her head at the appropriate questions. Nothing they asked was outside of a “yes” or “no” response.

“Are you healthy?”

“Are your parents really dead?”

“Were you comfortable on the plane?”

“You’ve never flown on an airplane before, have you?”

And finally, the question that served as Divine Intervention.

“Are you tired?”

The questioning ended when she nodded. It wasn’t that Kiara wanted to avoid her future In-Laws. She really was tired. She refused to nap on the long drive from Incheon to Daegu and the jet lag was starting to rear its ugly head. She could hardly keep her eyes open. After she was escorted to one of the guest rooms, Kiara barely took note of her luggage on the floor at the foot of the bed. 

She fell asleep almost immediately.

When Kiara awoke the next day, she found a handwritten note sitting on the nightstand. Groggy and hungry, she did her best to read the note. Her eyes quickly focused when she realized it was from Yoongi.

Miss Townsend,

I’m glad to see you arrived safely. I know this is a bit of a transition for you, but everything will be fine. I will be out of town on business until the day after tomorrow. Please meet me at City Hall on Wednesday so we can finalize everything.

~ Min Yoongi

Unsure of why, Kiara felt her heart sink. The note seemed so impersonal; business-like. She knew what kind of world they lived in now, but did it really mean that a perpetual wall would exist between them? 

Crumpling the note in her hand, she was grateful to be alone. She didn’t think she’d be able to explain the tears if anyone saw her. Mostly because Kiara, herself, couldn’t understand why she was crying.

~ m.y. ~

The days always began the same.

Yoongi woke up, showered, went downstairs and had his cup of coffee. Two spoonfuls of sugar. No cream. He hated watching television because most channels either rattled on political propaganda or spoke about the “Runners” rebelling against society’s standards for the world. He preferred the soft sounds of jazz peeling from the radio speakers. Sometimes it was purely instrumental. Other times, someone was crooning a song about heartbreak. It was an idea that he didn’t quite understand, but the tones were pleasing to the ears.

He wasn’t a fan of it originally. Yoongi only listened to it because she had it playing while she hung laundry out on the line one warm summer day. “Killing Me Softly” droned from the speakers and he could recall the look on her face when he told her to turn it off immediately. Music containing lyrics had been banned as it was a way for artists to spread their messages of love, freedom, insurrection and justice. 

She didn’t argue with him, but her expression shifted significantly that day.

In their society, love was something that could not be felt because love equaled passion and passion led to impractical thought. Impractical thoughts led to irrational decisions being made. Wars, hatred, violence: they were all ingredients for disaster that nearly wiped out the population of the world.

But mankind couldn’t very well lead itself to extinction. Population growth was necessary, so long as it was monitored and controlled. Maintaining order was paramount in this new age. The Lottery Bill was established across the world - bridging the racial and cultural divide that continued to exist until the United Nations took matters into their own hands.

The class system was determined by lottery. Blue Bloods all the way to Laborers. Everyone had their place and would accept that place. No one would strive to reach above their station as that would disrupt order and breed chaos. To regulate the classes, lotteries were also pulled for marriage. Couples were chosen from like classes to maintain balance in the system. 

But because the world’s government was not cruel, there were families chosen to participate in philanthropic activities. Every year, a small percentage of Laborers were pooled to marry into Blue Blood lineage. It was a way to show the kindness the global governmental body possessed. Most in the Blue Blood class referred to it as “Forced Charity” but they couldn’t argue against the positive impact it had both across the media and in society as a whole.

Min Yoongi’s family was one of the families chosen to participate in the “Forced Charity”. As the only son, he was obligated to be the one to represent their family during The Lottery. 

He didn’t make a fuss. When Yoongi received his Summons in the mail, he went to his district’s City Hall and took the envelope from one of the clerks. He had one week to accept the terms presented in his drawing. Since he was willingly volunteering to marry someone outside of his station, he had one opportunity for a redrawing. But only one.

Yoongi opted out of it.

He was living with his parents still and politely asked that they give him privacy. For five days they tormented him about what his bride was like. It wasn’t out of childish rebellion that he hadn’t given them an answer. It was because he truly didn’t know.

On the sixth day, he finally opened the envelope. 

Inside contained the dossier of his future bride, as well as a single photograph. Everyone who was eligible for The Lottery was required to have their picture taken at their district’s City Hall, regardless of what part of the world they were from. If his bride-to-be had to travel miles to get to him, then that was what had to be done. There would be no objections from either side.

He had no expectations. There was no reason to disagree with the marriage. Yet a part of him hesitated when it was time to call The Lottery office to have them send for her. The same part that looked at her picture and couldn’t help wondering what she was thinking when she was staring back at the camera. Yoongi wondered if he had the same expression on his face when he’d taken his photo.

Kiara Townsend. 26. African-American, German and Scottish. She had no parents and she worked full-time in a textile factory in North America. Her parents were killed during a neighborhood raid of residents who were presumed to have been involved in an underground movement of sorts - advocating free love and speaking out against the societal norms currently in place for the world. 

In the photo, her skin was a golden caramel, hair thick with large curls, and she had prominent brows and a set of full lips. Her eyes, small and hazel in tone, were seemingly endless - like she could see into the very souls of anyone she laid her eyes upon. But there was an emptiness that lingered there in her photo. 

After accepting his lottery choice, she was notified and escorted to his home country of South Korea. In three days, they were married. As a wedding present, his parents bought them their own home - a large estate in the Daegu countryside where they would have privacy. She no longer had to work now that she was married to a Blue Blood. Yoongi worked from home as a computer programmer and only went into town once a month for board meetings.

For the first month, neither of them said a word to each other. It was an unspoken rule that they had their own separate spaces in their home. Yoongi rarely slept and when he did, he slept alone. His wife often slept on the couch and he never bothered her to sleep in her own bed. 

They were like strangers who happened to share the same address.

Four months went by. Yoongi grew more and more numb to his situation. The whole point of marrying someone was to increase the population. Young men and women were fully educated in the concept of sexual intercourse so that there would be no mistakes during the coupling process. No one was truly a virgin when they were age-appropriate for The Lottery. Sex was no longer an act of pleasure in the world. It was a business transaction.

They didn’t have sex. Neither even so much as touched the other.

Six months into their marriage, Yoongi heard Kiara speak for the first time. 

“Can we send the servants home? I want to make dinner tonight.”

The sound of her voice was so soft. He was entranced and nearly forgot to speak. When Yoongi finally found his voice, he replied - realizing that his own tones sounded a little strange to him.

“Alright.”

~ k.t. ~

She hadn’t meant to be silent. There were so many things she wanted to know about her husband. But the very air around him appeared frigid and Kiara knew she didn’t want to bother him. There was a part of her that could sense his loneliness, but she never wanted to push or prod where she wasn’t wanted. The interactions they had between each other were brief, if even at all. 

Kiara didn’t have to want for anything. But was this really a life that she could grow accustomed to? It felt like the more she wanted to grow closer with Yoongi, the further he seemed to appear.

Did he hate her? Or not care about her? When he fussed at her about playing the radio, she wondered if she was simply an eyesore to him.

Wasn’t it better to simply stay out of his way?

The months bled on and while they were finally sharing small bits of conversation here and there, Kiara could sense the gap between them slowly transforming into a chasm. There were times when she caught him looking at her when she was busying herself around the kitchen or even putting away clothes. She was so used to a hard, springy mattress from her pullout bed in her studio that Kiara found it easy to fall asleep on one of the many couches throughout the house.

Their house.

But was it really her house? Could she call it her home?

Eight months into their marriage, she woke up in a bed after having fallen asleep while reading on the sofa. The warm blankets and plush down startled Kiara, causing her to halfway scramble from the bed. The room was unfamiliar to her and she felt slightly trapped. Most people would be elated to wake up in a room with pristine, painted walls, an elegant vanity table, and clean blankets and pillows. It was warm and inviting, something that Kiara saw in the pages of magazines. She never dreamed she would be able to sleep in a room like this. It was part of the reason why she couldn’t bring herself to do it in the first place.

Who could have brought her there? One of the servants, maybe?

Sighing, she took a moment to study the room she was in - the room that was designated as “hers”. It was as unfamiliar to her as the day she first set foot in this country. While Kiara understood the language and continued to learn the customs and culture of South Korea, there was a part of her that still felt strangely out of place. It shouldn’t have been the case, not with The Lottery Bill having been in effect for several years now. 

Only when her raging heartbeat slowed down a measure, did she notice the small note resting on the nightstand. With slightly trembling fingers, Kiara picked up the note and read it.

Stop sleeping on the couch. There’s a perfectly good bed not being put to use. 

You don’t have to make yourself uncomfortable for no reason. 

Haven’t you suffered enough in your life?

~ Yoongi

A warm feeling slowly blanketed her entire body. Kiara pressed the note to her chest as she sat on the edge of the bed. She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to feel. Relief? Understanding? Perhaps. Maybe even a little hopeful.

There was the faint aroma of spices permeating into her room from the gap below the door. Setting the note down, Kiara left her room and made her way out into the hallway. The stairwell was just a few feet away, but she paused in front of Yoongi’s bedroom. Her eyes lingered a little further to the third door at the other end of the hallway - the master bedroom. It seemed that Yoongi opted to stay in a guest bedroom just like hers.

Was that out of concern for her? Did he not want to appear entitled? 

But that didn’t make any sense. He was a Blue Blood. His very lineage was entitlement, wasn’t it?

So then...why?

Her palm slid along the railing of the stairwell, her bare feet gliding over the perfectly polished wooden floor. She could hear a pot boiling as someone chopped methodically in the kitchen. When she reached the entrance, Kiara peeked her head around the corner. She felt like a small child stumbling across their parent in the middle of some adult task.

Yoongi was focused on chopping vegetables for a stew. The meat was already fully cooked in the broth and he appeared to be putting the final touches on what he was doing. Kiara gazed at his exposed forearms in awe - watching the muscles tensing as he worked. Her eye-line shifted, roving over the curve of his shoulders to the juncture of his slender neck. Sweat gathered around his temple and trailed down his jawline and with each movement, she saw his earrings twinking under the kitchen’s amber light fixture.

She couldn’t recall a time when she’d seen a man as beautiful as her husband. 

As if he’d sensed her presence, Yoongi craned his neck to look at her - his arms moving to slide the vegetables off the carving board and into the stew pot. He turned the burner down while setting the chopping board into the sink. Washing his hands, he then wiped them clean with a dish towel as he leaned against the kitchen counter.

“Did you sleep well?”

Kiara nodded. “I did, thank you.”

“Good.” 

There was a pregnant pause that seemed to stretch towards the edge of forever. Just as Kiara took a step forward, preparing to offer some kind of assistance, did Yoongi finally break the silence.

“I dismissed the servants,” he offered gently, his gaze meeting hers for what she felt like was the very first time since they were married, “it’s not like they really have much to do around here.”

Kiara didn’t know what to say, so she remained silent. Unconsciously, she began wringing her hands together. She very nearly averted her gaze until he spoke again.

“I’ll probably send them back to my parents’ home.” 

Again, her eyes locked with his. His expression stayed neutral and Kiara felt a lump forming in her throat. 

“Would it be okay if it was just the two of us?”

Her eyes widened slightly, unsure of what he was implying. But it was true that the servants didn’t have much to do in their home. Yoongi hardly made a mess and what mess he did make, he often cleaned up after himself. The same could be said of Kiara. If anything, the servants were often shuffling around and attempting to find something to do so they didn’t appear to have idle hands.

Surely they could take care of themselves, right?

Kiara didn’t know what expression to make, so she kept her face from shifting too much. Maybe it was out of need to keep herself just a little more guarded because of the lack of interaction for so long. She couldn’t be sure. But appearing too vulnerable, too open, could be just as much of a mistake as being too closed off.

Taking a breath, she nodded once more.

“If you’re alright with it, then I would like that, too.”

~ m.y. ~

He didn’t shower her with gifts because of an impulsive decision. 

He bought her things because he knew she chose to go without. 

Kiara came from a world that was vastly different than his own. Yoongi could hardly fathom the idea of not having enough clothes in his closet or enough food in his fridge. But she never complained about anything - whether he bought too much or not enough. She graciously accepted everything that was given. 

What was even more puzzling, however, was how a mild feeling of irritation blossomed when Kiara didn’t utilize the things he’d given her immediately. He knew she was grateful and she rarely made a fuss about anything. The one time he ever saw her upset in the entire year they’d been married was when he’d made the comment about the radio.

Hadn’t they reached a compromise?

Biting his lower lip, he found it difficult to focus on his computer work. Everything looked like Egyptian hieroglyphics, which was saying something considering that Yoongi lived, breathed, and dreamed about coding. He became a computer software programmer out of necessity for the ever-advancing world of technology they lived in. Modern society was growing more and more dependent on smart devices, which would have been a shame had he lived in a different world. 

People often missed the world around them when their eyes were glued to a screen.

The latch unhooked from the door, causing him to shift his gaze from the computer monitor. When it slowly opened, he saw Kiara quietly enter - arms cradling a small serving tray. Yoongi leaned back in his chair, threading his fingers through each other as she approached. She set a plate of toast, jam, and fruit on the desk - her motions smooth and practiced. She finally set the cup of steaming hot coffee beside the plate, as well as utensils wrapped in a cloth napkin. 

“You should take a break,” she said, the tray resting against her stomach, “you’ve been working non-stop for about four hours now.”

He set the computer to hibernation mode. “I didn’t realize I’d been here that long.”

“You can leave the tray outside when you’re finished.”

Yoongi watched her turn to leave, his body reacting before his mind could process what he was doing. Before he realized it, he was out of his chair and reaching out to grasp her shoulder - stopping Kiara from leaving him. He felt her muscles tensing and Yoongi pulled his hand back immediately. Slowly, she turned to face him again.

Her hazel eyes appeared to glow from the twilight rays peeling in through the windows of his office.

His heart crashed into his chest with heavy thuds. A lump slowly formed in his throat and he made a vain attempt to swallow oxygen through the closing airways. Yoongi knew he wanted to say something, but he wasn’t sure what that something was. He opened his mouth to speak and, again, no words came out.

All he could do was push the bubble in his throat down into the knot twisting in his chest.

Sensing something was amiss, Kiara set the tray down on the desk. “Are you alright?” 

Yoongi remained silent, studying the crease on her brow as her curls bounced around cheeks and shoulders. She reached her hand up, pressing the flat of her palm on his forehead.

“You’re a little warm, but you don’t seem to have a fever.”

Every representation of logic was screaming at him to pull away - telling him to replace the wall that existed between them for the last year. She hadn’t moved her hand from his skin and Yoongi felt his vision swimming for half a second before refocusing back on her face.

How had he missed the beauty mark at the corner of her left eye?

Taking a step back, he watched her arm continue to hover in the air for a few seconds before settling back at her side. Yoongi saw something pass over her face, but it was so quick that he wasn’t sure he’d seen anything at all.

Kiara brushed some of her curls behind her ear. “I’ll head to the market and pick up a few things. Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll take care of them when I come back.”

Then she turned away from him to head out of his study, leaving him alone without so much as a second glance.

His chest hurt.

Flopping back into his chair, Yoongi carded his fingers through his hair in frustration - hands resting at the back of his neck as he stared blankly at the ceiling.

“...I didn’t even thank her.”

~ k.t. ~

The months were getting colder. Kiara wasn’t a fan of the cold, but she loved seeing the snow in South Korea. Everything was covered in a soft blanket of white. It gave her an excuse to indulge in a savory meal, wrap up in a warm blanket, and read by the fireplace. Yoongi was in Seoul for a business meeting, leaving her alone to her own devices. This was the first winter that she would get to experience without the servants around, fussing over her in case she hadn’t acclimated to the weather.

She took a warm bath, drank from a large glass of wine, and enjoyed the book she’d discovered near the back of the library. Most of the books in Yoongi’s library were reference books and non-fiction. She’d combed through most of them. But nestled in the very back, tucked away in a hidden nook, was a small collection of fictional literature. There were more than a dozen; small in comparison to the rest of his library. But the discovery of it surprised her just the same. In the year she’d been married to Yoongi, he always seemed very “by the book” and she couldn’t forget the comment he made about the music she was listening to while hanging up laundry. Finding something of this caliber was like stumbling across buried treasure.

Kiara was currently flipping through the pages of Animal Farm by George Orwell. She chose it because next to 1984 , it had the most worn out spine. It meant that Yoongi read it the most in comparison to the others in his entire collection.

Upon completing the novel, she could see why.

Politics. Justice. Equality. Inequality. A corrupt system. Broken families. Broken societies. A dream that fizzled away to greed - a dream that would only remain a dream so long as dictators felt that “some were more equal than others”.

There was a small part of Kiara that almost seemed to understand Yoongi a little bit better. He was a thinker and also compassionate. He never asked her to do more than what she needed and he readily provided her with anything she would ever need. It was the sort of life that Kiara wasn’t used to for over twenty years of being part of the Labor Class.

Yet something was still missing…

The sudden slamming of the door startled Kiara, causing her to drop the book into the bathwater. She panicked, knocking over the wine glass as she flailed to pull the book out. The pages instantly soaked - some of them were already falling out from the binding. She released a sob while pulling the plug to drain the water, clambering haphazardly out of the tub. Her heel found the bath rug by the tub and she could only cling helplessly to the pages, gathering up what remained in the bathtub into her trembling hands.

There was a knock at the door and she whirled around to face it.

“Is everything alright in there?”

Yoongi was home early. Looking at the ruined book in her hands, Kiara’s heart sank. 

“I-I’m fine,” she said, leaning down to pick up the wine glass, “I’ll be out in just a moment.”

“Take your time.”

When she heard his footsteps fading away, Kiara sighed as she wrapped a towel around her body. She used a smaller one to clean up the mess on the floor - grabbing a small plastic bowl and filling it with water so she could wash what remained to let it drain out in the center of the bathroom. She let out another sigh, brushing her fingers through her wet curls. It was better to be honest and get it over with, wasn’t it?

Drying herself off, she slid into her pajamas, grabbed the ruined book, and made her way downstairs. Yoongi poured himself a drink in the kitchen, taking note of her presence with a simple nod. He held the glass up and out toward her.

“Drink?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. I had some wine earlier.”

“Ah, I see,” he replied gently, replacing the cap on the whiskey bottle. 

There was a small measure of silence that stretched between them and she shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, her fingers digging into the wet pages of the book currently hidden behind her back.

“Uh, Yoongi?”

He hummed during mid-sip, swallowing and then setting the glass down. “Yes?”

Slowly, she pulled the book around from behind her and held it out to him from across the kitchen island. “I was reading and dropped one of your books in the bath.”

“It’s just a book,” Yoongi said with a shrug.

Kiara bit her lower lip, her hands shaking as she continued to hold the book out to him - waiting for him to take it from her. He looked like he was about to say something, but she noticed his eyes lingering over the cover. When his eyes scanned over it, they widened slightly and it took everything Kiara had not to wince. Her shoulders visibly tensed when he snatched the book from her hands.

Without another word, he left the kitchen. Kiara followed on instinct, her eyes widening when she saw him throwing the book into the open hearth. The flames seemed to fight against the wet pages, but it didn’t take long for the book to burn. 

“I’m sor--”

Yoongi was already moving, his body disappearing down the corridor. Her legs were rooted where she stood and Kiara wanted nothing more than to disappear between the cracks - to dip below the earth and vanish into the ether. She could hear his hurried steps and the breath left her lungs when she saw him carrying an armful of books.

Books from his hidden collection.

He moved faster than her brain could keep up and by the time she realized what was happening, he’d already thrown three more books into the fire.

“Yoongi, wait!” she cried, running toward him and pulling at his shirt sleeve, “Please wait! I said I was sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

Yoongi said nothing. He simply continued to throw the books into the fire. When all of those were devoured by the flames in the fireplace, he turned to head back toward the library. Kiara ran at him, wrapping her arms around his waist to stop him. He took three more steps before stopping completely.

She openly sobbed into his back, soaking his shirt as her fingers dug into his stomach to keep him tethered there.

“I’m sorry,” she repeated, clinging to him as if he was a life raft, “I’m sorry…”

She felt the flutter of his beating heart against her face, drumming along her cheeks. It almost seemed manic, but his shoulders finally relaxed as she heard him taking several long, deep breaths. The flames popped and crackled in the fireplace, having had its fill from Yoongi’s literature collection. She knew there were still a few more on the shelf in his hidden nook, but Kiara didn’t think she could handle him destroying the things he clearly seemed to care so much about.

“I haven’t read those books in years,” he murmured gently, “I should have gotten rid of them a long time ago.”

Her hands slid up his chest, curling so that her fingers could slip over the curve of his shoulders. Kiara took a breath, sighing through the scent of his cologne.

“But why?”

“Because they’re dangerous. They provoke dangerous thoughts.” He paused and she lifted her face in time to see his head turning slightly. “It’s why they’ve been banned.”

“They’re precious to you, aren’t they?”

“It’s not worth keeping them if they get you into trouble.”

Taking a step back, she blinked and he turned around to face her. 

“Me?”

Yoongi nodded. “You’re so curious. I should have known that you would stumble across them eventually. But it’s just like with the music. You have to be careful.”

Kiara wasn’t quite sure what he meant, but she knew could tell that he wasn’t upset about her reading his books. He was upset that she had unknowingly placed herself into danger. He was concerned for her well being.

And that meant something to her. More than she would ever admit out loud.

Averting her gaze, she lowered her head slightly. “...I’m sorry.”

“And stop apologizing,” Yoongi said, an edge in his tone, “it frustrates me.”

She felt his hands around her shoulders, gripping them tightly. He looked like he was going to shake her, but thought better of it. Instead, he loosened his hold - letting his hands continue to rest on her shoulders. When she next looked up at him, his brows were furrowed and his pupils seemed to shake. She wasn’t sure what was still bothering him. Kiara wanted to know what she could do to make him feel less agitated.

But as she opened her mouth to speak, she lost all words of comfort as Yoongi leaned down toward her face. She was almost positive that her heart either skipped a beat or stopped altogether at that moment. Everything was so quiet. Kiara felt his breath dancing gently over her face as he pressed his cheek against hers, his lips brushing over her cheek. 

Kiara was afraid to breathe, believing that the moment she did, it would shatter whatever dream-like illusion she was currently experiencing. The second she heard her own heartbeat pounding in her ears, however, was when Yoongi pulled away. Blinking up at him rapidly, she was sure that her cheeks were inflamed and her hand absentmindedly went to touch her cheek as his hands slid away from her shoulders.

“...don’t stay up too late,” he said gently.

And then, just like a mirage, he quietly turned away and made his way toward the stairs. When she heard the door to his bedroom shut, she finally collapse to her knees. Kiara’s breathing came out in rushed waves and she buried her face in her hands, stifling a sob that nearly broke through the silence. She wasn’t sure if she should feel elated or devastated.

What was happening between them now?

~ m.y. ~

It had been three months since he burned his private book collection. The more innocent and bright-eyed side from his youth mourned the loss of the texts. He could always purchase them again if need be. He wasn’t exactly hurting for money. But it was the worn edges of the books, the notes he’d made in the margins, that he could never get back. 

Those would be lost forever. 

It’s probably for the best, he thought, sighing as he cradled his cup of coffee in his hands, the lessons have been learned .

He watched the sun setting slowly over the horizon from his back patio. He reflected back to Kiara’s face when he’d torched his books. She’d called them “precious” and she wasn’t exactly wrong. But she wasn’t completely right either.

There were more important things in life than the words on the pages of books. He wanted to be able to tell her that himself, but Yoongi found he couldn’t. He didn’t think the words he had swirling around his head would be enough to get his message across. 

Or maybe she already understood…

He turned to head back inside, closing the sliding glass door behind him. He peered around the main living area, absentmindedly wondering where his wife was. It was still early. Maybe she was still asleep.

As Yoongi moved toward the kitchen, the distinct sound of typing could be heard down the hallway. Blinking, he set his cup down and slowly trudged down the corridor leading to his office. He slowly turned the knob, opening the door to peek inside.

Kiara was rapidly typing at his desk, her eyes focused but clearly tired. Every few minutes, she would stop to roughly hit the tops of her shoulders, rolling her neck to loosen whatever knots were beginning to form there. His eyes wandered to the desk where there was a large stack of papers. Bundles were separated and stacked in varying directions so that there would be no confusion as to what stack belonged with which grouping. 

His printer whirred to life, shooting out page after page of whatever she’d just finished. When the next bundle was complete, Kiara pulled out a pencil and began to write on pages as she sifted through them.

She hadn’t noticed him yet.

“What are you doing?”

His voice clearly startled her, nearly causing her to drop the entire packet of paper she had in her hands. Yoongi closed the door behind him, approaching the desk and reaching out for the bundle of papers at the very top of the stack. Kiara made a noise of protest, but his eyes scanned the front curiously.

Then his curiosity gave way to surprise.

“This is…” he began, but realized he couldn’t finish as his eyes landed on the next bundle’s cover page.

Animal Farm by George Orwell.

Yoongi rapidly flipped through the pages of 1984 in his hands. It was written, word-for-word, from what he could remember of the book. The most shocking discovery, however, was seeing his own handwriting along the margins of the pages where he’d taken his own personal notes and written rhetorical questions to ask himself as he read. It was almost too much for him to take in.

Lowering the manuscript at his side, he looked up as Kiara stood from his chair. 

“I felt terrible about you destroying them,” she began, holding her hands up, “and don’t worry! I made sure that there aren’t any digital copies on your computer. Every time I finished one, I would print and delete it right away.”

He said nothing. He just continued to look at her; flabbergasted.

“You have photographic memory.” It was a statement of fact, not a question. 

Kiara nodded. 

“You even put all of my notes back.”

Again, she nodded.

His eyes wandered back to the large stack of papers. If it was separated by novels, then there were at least twenty books in the stack. Maybe more. And if she was taking the time to recreate his own scribbles, who knew how long this was actually going to take; how long she’d already been taking?

Is this what she’s been working on for the last month?

The ream of paper slipped from his hand and fluttered to the floor. Kiara gasped, rushing around the desk in a hurry to pick up the discarded pages. He stopped her before she could kneel to the floor, his hand grasping her upper arm to keep her standing. She looked at him with wide eyes and she tried to take a step away from him. But Yoongi held fast, refusing to let her move even an inch away from her. 

“...thank you,” he whispered softly. 

He felt what tension remained in Kiara start to ebb away.

And then she smiled. It was the first time he’d ever seen her smile and it hurt to even look at her. But Yoongi continued to stare at the curve of her lips and the way they turned upward. Her hazel eyes seemed to glitter against the twilight sky pouring in from his office window - the corners crinkling up just a little in response to the smile. He didn’t think it was possible, but Yoongi swore he could hear the sound of his heart breaking and reforming simultaneously. Suddenly, it was difficult for him to breathe, but he tried anyway. It felt like tiny needles were stabbing into the organ beating furiously against his chest, threatening to burst free and fall to the floor.

The logical side of his head, the one screaming at him to run out of the office and as far away from Kiara as humanly possible, was losing against the side that Yoongi didn’t even recognize. Like a time lapse, he watched their life together zip through his mind’s eye - a grainy film projection that continuously focused on every facet of Kiara that he could remember. Everything from big to small - a simple gesture and an even simpler question.

Nothing could compare to the sheer radiance that resulted in her smile.

In that moment, Yoongi knew that he wanted nothing more than to see her smile again. To see it past today and to watch her smile every single day after this one.

He would ask for forgiveness later. He wasn’t about to ask for permission. Not now.

Tugging his arm back, he pulled Kiara close to him. Her chest crashed into his, causing them both to stumble a single step forward and backward respectfully. Her smile disappeared, replaced with confusion. He watched her brows furrow and just as her mouth opened to speak, Yoongi leaned his face in - sealing his lips over hers in a rough kiss.

They both inhaled slowly and he could feel Kiara’s hands grasping at his shoulders. But she didn’t fight him. Instead, he could feel the heavy thud of her own heartbeat attempting to chase the cadence of his. Wrapping his free arm around her waist, he tried to pull her even closer. The smell of her shampoo, her subtle body spray, and how warm and smooth her skin was beneath his touch was almost too much. He feverishly kissed her, nipping and tugging at her full lips which would be swollen from his affection.

Darkness enveloped the sky, plunging them into darkness. The only light in the room came from the computer monitor, reflecting its light against the large bookshelf behind the desk. He pulled away from Kiara’s mouth, his eyes adjusting to the dark quickly as they both took the time to catch their breaths.

“Y-Yoongi,” she stammered, her body trembling slightly in his arms.

“I know what this is.” His voice was low, his breath dancing along her skin as he curled his fingers into the flare of her hip. “This is a problem.”

Even in the dark, he could see Kiara’s worried expression. She wasn’t a fool. She knew what this was just as well as he did. And just like him, she also knew how much of a problem this was.

But it was too late to turn back now.

“I didn’t want to fall in love. I didn’t.” Yoongi lifted one hand up to brush a few of her curls away from her face, resting his palm against her cheek so he could tilt her face further upward. “But then you smiled, and that was the end of everything for me.”

Even as he continued speaking, Yoongi could feel the panic creeping up his throat, threatening to choke the very life out of him. He’d heard of things like this happening in the past, years before he was born. When marriage was a choice made between two people who loved each other. It wasn’t something to be pulled from a Lottery. 

When loving someone was a gift, not a crime. 

A crime or not, Yoongi wanted to know. No. He had to know.

“Do you love me?”

And like he’d struck something buried deep at the core of her, Yoongi watched Kiara’s eyes fill with tears. They streamed down her face endlessly. For a brief second, he believed he’d hurt her feelings; that he’d done something irreparable. 

But then, just like before, Kiara smiled up at him. He felt her hand brushing over his face, her nails lightly scraping over his jawline and resting at the edge of his chin.

“I do,” she replied gently while nodding, “I love you, Min Yoongi.”

Unable to hold himself back, Yoongi kissed her again - their arms entangling themselves with one another. The need to continuously press and touch, to physically express everything they’d collected inside of themselves all this time, was overwhelming. But he couldn’t stop wanting her; wanting the woman he’d come to love little by little every single day and he hadn’t even realized it.

But they couldn’t stay like this forever.

They both pulled away to reclaim the air they’d stolen from one another, catching their breaths momentarily. He could feel Kiara’s ability to hold herself up beginning to wane. Slowly, he lowered them both to the floor - pulling her into his lap so he could cradle her against him. He took comfort in the feel of her arms around his neck, pulling him close so that he could rest his face against the juncture of her neck.

She smelled so good.

“We can’t stay here,” he finally said, his voice muffled in his own ears from the heavy thrumming of her heart, “they’ll find out eventually and we’ll both be thrown into prison.”

Her chest rose and fell as she sighed. “Where will we go?”

“Anywhere.”

“Anywhere?”

Yoongi smiled as he closed his eyes. “Anywhere but here.”

A moment of silence passed and he felt her sigh again, but her heart beat began to settle.

“Will anyone be able to help us?”

“I’m sure we aren’t the first ones to experience this.” Yoongi raised his head up so he could look at her. “And we won’t be the last.”

He watched her canting her head a little. “Is everything going to be alright?”

Yoongi gave a slight shrug, causing Kiara to giggle a little. “Even if it isn't, it doesn’t matter. I love you, Kiara.” Leaning forward, he pressed his forehead against hers. “Stay with me. ...please.”

As they looked at each other, Yoongi couldn’t help but drink in everything about her. Kiara’s eyes fluttered before closing and he quickly closed what little distance existed between them. This kiss was less intense, soft and meaningful - pulling and tugging at a want that perpetually nagged at him from the shadows for so long. Kiara shed light on the dark crevice of his heart - a part of him that he’d believed was simply meant to be there and to feel nothing else. To want nothing else.

Yoongi wasn’t sure if he was lucky or not, but he knew that he was thankful. He’d been so hollow for so long, he’d forgotten what it was like to feel anything; to yearn for something so much that the desire itself could swallow a person whole. But it was a feeling that made him remember what being alive was supposed to entail; what it truly meant.

Love. 

Her love.

His love.

This love.

Their love.