Co-created with: jinepinephrine

Jin blinked through his swollen eyelids. The ceiling was practically moving as he stared straight up. He felt as if somebody was drilling holes in his head. The way his head pounded told him that he had a lot more than two glasses. Oh Lord, how much did he have to drink last night? He'd hardly ever gotten drunk and drunk to him were a couple of glasses.

He groans and hugs his favorite pillow. He smiled. Wherever he goes, he brought this pillow. His comfort pillow; He can't explain but this brought him security. He loves to cuddle something when he sleeps. Or someone for that matter. He suddenly remembered that "someone". Where is his comfort bear?

Moaning, he gathered up what little energy he had to sit up. He is half naked with only his boxers on. He tried to recall what happened last night. Straightening himself up, he glanced at the bedside table. He saw a post- it note. He knows the handwriting by heart. He read it.

Taehyung: Take the medicine and freshen up. I just went to the grocery store to buy some ingredients. I'll come back soon.

Jin picked up his phone and was about to call Taehyung when he saw that his top drawer was open. He saw that there is money scattered on the drawer. He wondered why he has that cash on his drawer. He rarely has cash except when they are overseas. And its Korean won. He closed his eyes and horror filled his head when he saw images of his CEO, Bang Si Hyuk, Bang PD-nim, Hitman Bang, laughing while he shoved the money to his face. "Oh no, what could have he done?"

===

(Flashbacks)

Grammy Awards night is fast approaching. Because of that, US radio shows had been keeping them busy and held various interviews. It is not an easy task to do, specifically due to different time zones. And now, they are preparing for their interview with USA Today. They are now gathering at the set and the ambiance feels warm. He searched for a particular person and approached him.

"Are you nervous?" Jin asked Taehyung.

"No hyung. I'm just sleepy." Taehyung whispered and the cute bear even yawned and smiled.

"How's the recording?"

"We had finished recording the 5th track yesterday and will try to proceed with the 6th maybe tomorrow or on Saturday."

"You've been working hard Taehyung-ah. Don't forget to rest."

"Don't worry Hyung. I'll sleep with you tonight."

Jin blushed and his ears became red. He walked away from Taehyung and chose the chair on the front. But this mischievous little bear sat beside him with his naughty boxy smile on his face.

The interview went smoothly, and they felt comfortable knowing that the interviewer is an Army. They are now giving their ending statements; they even greeted Yoongi for his birthday, when suddenly Taehyung held his hand. He was shocked. They are in front of the camera! Luckily, he thinks fast and held Taehyung's hand too, intertwined their fingers as he begins to play it with his other hand. Taehyung is now laughing and looking at his reactions. He leaned towards Jin and thankfully, the interview was over.

After the interview, he talked to Taehyung. He is now twiddling with his fingers. He knows Taehyung's mind is now drifting somewhere.

"is there's something wrong, Tae?" Jin asked him.

"I'm sorry Hyung, I know that I didn't have to do that. Sometimes, I just can't control myself."

"It's alright Taehyung-ah. Just be more careful next time." Jin patted his shoulder to assure him that he is not mad.

They had two more interviews after this. They had given 30 minutes to take a break and also to change their clothes. But Taehyung's mood seems down. He felt guilty. He didn't want to see him like this.

That's why when the radio host told them that they are lucky to be with the people that they are closest to, he immediately held Taehyung's hand. Yes, he is his safety net. Taehyung always made him feel secured.

==

Days went by after the Grammy Awards Night. They didn't win the award, but they are happy of what they had achieved.

They don't have a schedule today; Jin is just cozying up on his couch in his apartment. Today is the broadcast of their guest appearance on You Quiz. While waiting, Jin texted Taehyung.

Jin: Vv, don't forget to eat your dinner. Come home early, please?

Taehyung: Alright, you too. But don't wait for me, okay? I might finish late.

The show ended and when he was about to sleep, he browses his WeVerse account, and a post caught his attention.

"I want to hear more from Jin. Please be more active in WeVerse."

Jin was touched with the comment, so he replied, "Thinking of what I said, some are depressing so I asked them to cut it out!" Hahaha

Bang Si Hyuk is also watching YouQuiz from his house. His phone beeped and he saw the WeVerse post notification of Jin. He smiled. After many years of being together he really knows how these boys deal with certain circumstances. Jin, being the eldest, is also the most responsible of the group. He is the reason why they are bonded together. This hyung sacrificed a lot since their debut days. And he is really grateful for that.

He found himself texting Jin.

BSH: Jinnie, how are you?

KSJ: Si Hyuk hyung, I'm doing well. How about you?

BSH: I'm fine. You don't have schedule tomorrow right?

KSJ: We had a photo shoot in the morning but we're free in the evening.

BSH: Good. Are you staying at your apartment? Would you mind if I visit you? I'll cook dinner for you.

KSJ: Oh, Si Hyuk Hyung, the pleasure's mine.

BSH: I'll text you tomorrow.

KSJ: Thank you. Good night.

Jin was wondering why all of a sudden. Their boss texted him and for God's sake, he will cook for him. Anxiety builds up inside him. No matter how hard he tried to think, he can't find any reason why he has to do that. But after all, maybe Bang PD-nim just missed their bonding.

But holy shit what if he will scold me and Taehyung again for basically flirting on cam!? He thought to himself. If ever, this will not be the first time that he will be "scolded" about him and Taehyung's more than the normal skinship and as what other fans call it, "fan service" BUT what terrifies him is that never did Bang Si Hyung PD-nim talk to the both of them personally. Usually, it's just the manager, or the staff telling them to tone it down.

No. Jin calm down. This is just a regular bonding time. PD-nim doesn't know anything. The other boys won't snitch on us.

Trying to calm himself down, he closed his eyes and thought of all the possible things that their boss will talk to him about. This is not the first time it happened, they always have that time in a year where Bang PD-nim will go and talk to them separately to ask them about what's going on in their lives and it is most likely that whatever PD-nim's intention are, it is related to that said bonding.

Right, maybe it's just like that. He sighed. He hates it when he thinks about things too much, but he can't help it. Ever since getting on a secret relationship with Taehyung since 2018, he has extra careful of how he will act around the camera when Taehyung is around.

Seokjin was so good at it that he unknowingly hurt the younger's feelings. Knowing that Taehyung is the clingy type, he always wants to be close to Jin, but due to the fear of being caught and being carried away by his own emotions, Seokjin always walks away from the younger and won't reciprocate his advances.

Eventually, Taehyung got tired. Seokjin can't blame him on that because even around the other members on the confinement of their shared dorm when they are all gathered up, Seokjin will still put a distance between them hurting the younger's heart. On Seokjin's side, he just doesn't want to risk it. He is afraid of what the other guys might think of them, and if by chance that one member hates them for loving the same sex, he knew that the damage will be triple for Taehyung and he doesn't want that. Everyone can throw rocks at him, he won't mind, but seeing Taehyung get hurt, Seokjin will be paralyzed and stoned in place with his heart breaking at every tear that will fall on those pretty brown eyes that he loves so much.

Slowly, the loud giggles turned into a grimace; and the smile that he loves so much no longer exists. Their members eventually noticed it, because not only did Taehyung changed, but Seokjin too. He became quieter than he already is, and he became closed off to people – except Taehyung. Once the others had enough, Namjoon ordered for them to gather up and have a talk.

Seokjin wasn't expecting anything that night, but Namjoon addressed both him and Taehyung saying, "Hyung, Taehyung, the five of us already talked about this ... We knew about you and Taehyung."

Taehyung choked at the words, but composed himself trying not to give them away, he looked at Seokjin who is sitting beside him and spoke, "Hyung, you're joking right? Why would you think that?"

Hearing Taehyung deny them made Seokjin's heart ache. He knows why the younger is doing this, but a part of him hopes that they can be honest now and damned be the consequences.

"Tae, we literally lived with each other for years and our walls are not soundproof for us not to hear you fucking." Namjoon chuckled and Seokjin is now beet red. "I can hear Seokjin-hyung moaning when I try to write our lyrics."

The other members chuckled at Namjoon's remark. Seokjin looked at them eyeing their every move looking for a hint of disgust or shame when looking at them, but there was none.

"And hyung, all Taehyung can talk about when the three of us are together," Jimin pointed to himself and Jungkook giggling, "... Is you. How handsome you are, how kind, how delicious you cook and how you always makes sure he eats breakfast with a meal solely prepared by you. That's all you can hear from Taehyung all day. How can we not know?"

Jungkook took a sip of his drink and nodded his head before adding, "Oh, and his phone wallpaper is your face. Friends don't do that."

He even rolled his eyes, but a smile is plastered on his face.

"Jin-hyung too! Ah Jin-hyung!" Hoseok pointed at Jin like the others, he seemed happy too.

"He will always ask about how his precious Taehyungie is doing even if he knows that the three of us are together the whole day." Yoongi snickered, but Jin can see the glint of teasing in the rapper's eyes.

"So you knew?" Jin asked gulping.

"Yes. And we don't want you to hide it away from us. Why would you? Love is not a crime." Namjoon said.

At that Seokjin felt so emotional that he swore he almost cried, but he stopped himself and looked at Taehyung who is already eyeing his next move.

"Yes, it's true. Me and Taehyung has been in a relationship since 2018 and –"

"2018!?" Namjoon gasped. "I thought you were an item since the beginning? What took you so long?"

"They were busy pining and did a horrible job at it." Yoongi chuckled seeing his ex-roommate get redder than he already is, "Look at his ears it's red again."

"So, y'all are really okay with this?"

Everyone nodded their heads. Taehyung sighed in relief.

"But can we keep this as a secret for now?" Seokjin said. He held Taehyung's hand under the table. "I can't risk my Taehyung to get hurt when everyone knows about us. You know how everyone will use that to slander our career."

Taehyung's eyes softened at that. Most of the times he may come out too clingy, but he understands where Seokjin is coming from. Although he wants the world to know what they have, the world is still cruel for them and he can't risk about being found out and everyone meddling on their business. That would put their relationship at a greater risk.

"Of course, we can, hyung. Just know that you don't need to hide from us. We're family." Yoongi said in a quiet voice almost unheard. Seokjin smiled at his best friend.

They continued talking and catching up, mostly telling the boys how him and Taehyung got together.

And ever since that day, slowly, Seokjin started opening up to his feelings more, until one night he suggested to Taehyung, "Tae, I'm tired of hiding us, you know. It is also my dream that one day, I will be free to kiss you, and hug you without the fear of someone busting our cover."

"I want that too, Jinnie." He replied. They are in their room at Seokjin's place laying side by side together after a night of making love. "I badly want that too."

Seokjin hummed and scooted closer to Taehyung. Two years into their relationship and hiding is getting harder to do. Seokjin had his own moments of possessiveness to, and even though not a lot of fans took note of that, he isn't sure about the staffs and the paparazzi.

"For the first time, I want to throw caution in the wind," the elder spoke. "2020 is ending, and we will enter our third-year anniversary. I want to step up our game without causing chaos."

Taehyung grinned at him with a bit of mischief evident on his expression.

"Just go with the flow. Stop running away. I bet the fans would even like that."

Seokjin giggled knowing that Taehyung is right.

Ah, the number of things he's seen on WeVerse is insane.

"I guess you are right."

Once 2021 came, it was almost as if it was Taehyung and Jin's business to flirt with each other and Tae is relieved to see his hyung loosening up a bit. That made Seokjin happy too seeing that his beloved is acting carefree around the members once more and Jin can see the shy young boy that he once saw eight years ago.

"Hyung, what are you smiling about?"

Seokjin shot his eyes open when he heard Taehyung's voice.

Was he really that deep in thought that he didn't noticed Taehyung entered the house and got hanged to his pajamas already?

"It was nothing. I just recalled memories of us."

A shy smile crept on Taehyung's face.

"I deem that it is a good one seeing how you smile while you close your eyes."

"Of course, it's a good thing. I don't think I have any bad memory with you after all."

Taehyung pecked his lips and went to his side of the bed to cuddle Seokjin. The older sighed in relief having Taehyung close to him. ever since 2018, it has been necessary that he has Tae beside him when he sleeps. Even during their tour, he would sneak in the younger's bed and sleep beside him. He misses his warmth when he is away.

Seokjin is ready to fall asleep when he suddenly remembered their boss texting him.

"Tae, Bang PD-nim wants to go here tomorrow. I think he will stay until late."

"I'll stay at the dorm until he leaves." Taehyung said casually, "Don't want to leave my baby lonely now, can I?"

Seokjin hit Taehyung's chest and bit his collarbone at the remark. "I hate you."

"I love you too. Now let's sleep. I'm so tired. I'll give you extra kisses tomorrow."

Even though it is evident that he is blushing, Seokjin hid his face on Taehyung's chest and grumbled, "I am not a kid."

Taehyung just chuckled and let his hyung sleep.

===

"Welcome, Si Hyuk-hyung. Come inside."

He opened the door and let his visitor in.

"How is life going, Seokjin?"

Seokjin led the man inside his kitchen and Carried the bag of groceries his boss brought with him.

"Doing great, not as tired as we were the past two years. I missed doing concerts, though. I miss ARMY."

Bang PD immediately started cooking as soon as he stepped foot in the kitchen. The uneasy feeling slowly leaves Seokjin, and he started to loosen up, he even offered the man to drink some wine in which the older refused to.

"Nah, I'll be driving home. I don't want to go home tipsy. You can drink though. You have no schedule tomorrow."

So, Jin drank while him and Bang PD told each other stories of what happened in their individual lives. Jin told him stories of him and the other members were holding up these days, what's their plan for their next projects and more about business side until Bang PD decided to take another route.

"So, about dating, don't you have anyone you set your eyes on?"

By this time, Seokjin already has a lot to drink. He even unknowingly posted a video of him saying I love you to his boss. He is already tipsy, and Bang PD used this as an opportunity to get an honest response from Seokjin. Of course, he is not blind. He knows these kids like the back of his hands. The way they looked out and cared for each other is outstanding, but he never failed to notice how Seokjin is extremely different with Taehyung.

Blinking his eyes to stop the dizziness, Seokjin smiled hazily at Bang PD, "You know, Si Hyukie-hyung, I like someone. I really, really like someone a lot." He said and walked wobbly towards the man, "He is so fine, so kind, understanding, has a great sense of humor, lots of patience, and he makes me laugh at all times, joins me to practice when I want to sneak out late to overwork myself, he will tell me to stop, and that I am doing great."

He took another sip and clung his arms around Bang PD.

"Did you know that he said he wanted to give me a customized coat just so I will feel special? He also wore my gift to him for almost two years. I will definitely fall for him because of those, right?"

The older of the two smiled at how Seokjin is perfectly describing his Taehyungie. He pat Seokjin's head to console him before dragging him to the couch and let him talk more. it amazes him how Seokjin is just blurting out words without actually caring who is listening to him. Because of all seven, Seokjin was the hardest to crack, and see how vulnerable he can be. That's the initial point of why he went here in his home to ask if the younger is doing okay. The last time they talked Jin was opening about his emotional wounds and fears that he suggested for the singer to write Abyss, and now seeing another version of the kid that he treated as son, it just amazes him and feels bad for the kid for having to experience this.

"Tell me, Si Hyukie-hyung, will it be so bad to tell everyone that I love Taehyung? I want to move freely without the fear of people talking bad about us. Can you do something about it? I want to go on dates and not hide or deny that we did went out like what couples do. I want to kiss his cheeks when I find him cute without caring that judging eyes will pierce my Taehyungie's heart. I want to do so much, but I can't ..."

By now, Seokjin is already crying on his shoulders. He sighed. It was a heavy question. Right now, he wanted to change the world and let this young man have the happiness he deserves, but what can he do? The more these two come out, the more hate and lashing out they will get.

"Jin-ah, I know that what you feel is hard to bear, but let's wait until all the light starts to fade, then you can do whatever you want without anyone judging you. Remember that when that day comes, Si Hyukie-hyung is here to congratulate you. Just hold on to each other a little bit, alright?"

"Fine. I can do that. All I need is my Taehyungie with me." He giggled again and pinched the elder's cheeks. "Hyungie, Text Taehyung to come home now. I miss him so much. I want kisses."

He chuckled at that. "Okay, just behave. No more posting on SNS."

Seokjin hummed and nodded his head only to fall asleep. Bang Si Hyuk fetched his phone from his pocket and texted Taehyung.

BSH: Tae, your boyfriend is already looking for you. Take care of him. I also need to tell you something.

Without passing another thirty minutes, the young man is already walking towards the two figures on the living room.

"Hello, Taehyung." Si Hyuk greeted. "You can eat the pasta I made, Seokjin made sure to leave some for you. I can leave once you are done."

Taehyung politely declined. "No thank you, hyung. What do you want to talk to me about?"

To be honest, Taehyung is feeling nervous. Their boss just texted to take care of his BOYFRIEND, and he thinks that Seokjin accidentally spilled their relationship.

"Seokjin here just told me how much you mean to him."

Taehyung was taken aback at the gentleness in his voice. He is half-expecting for the man to be mad at them, but then he remembered that this is Bang Si Hyuk the same man who gave Jo Kwon his first high heels and encouraged them to be the performer that they are meant to be regardless of their gender.

So, he smiled at him and sat beside Jin.

"I know how much he loves me and sometimes it scares me with the thoughts that what if I don't love him enough and what if one day he wakes up and he doesn't love me anymore? those thoughts bug me, and I hate myself for that because most of the time he will be the receiving end of my frustrations, but I am so lucky because he always understands." Then he chuckled, "I feel sorry for him when it always looks like I always push him to the edge teasing him so much. But I also understand where he is coming from."

A sad smile appeared on his lips, "He must be suffering so much."

"He is. But he is also able to look past that because of you. He said that he can endure a little more and what's important is that he has you. I am sorry kid that I can't do anything to lighten your load, but just know that I will always be here when you needed me. Just like what I told Seokjin, when the lights faded, then you shall be free to do what you want, or if the world will be less cruel, who knows. But all I can say is take care of your relationship. Take care of each other."

Bang Si Hyuk stood up and tapped Taehyung's shoulder. "I'll be heading home. Let us bond soon? I will set an appointment for us. I want to catch up to your life, my little boxed smile boy."

That remark was able to return the smile that Taehyung has earlier.

"Noted, hyung. You better cook for me too, huh?"

"Of course. I'll cook your favorite." With that, Si Hyuk bid goodbye.

Taehyung closed the door and went to Seokjin's side to lift him up to their bed. Seokjin is already sound asleep so he didn't struggle much. He laid the older to the bed and started undressing him knowing that Jin will never ever sleep with dirty clothes on. He has done it a hundred times already, so he knows what to do, but what happens next surprised him.

"Taehyungie!! I missed you!" Seokjin abruptly stood up and grabbed his phone, "Si Hyuk hyung knows about us already and look what I did on WeVerse! Look look!"

Taehyung grabbed his phone and he wanted to laugh and smack Seokjin at the same time.

Jin shared a moment with you

I like

Taehyung just shook his head looking at the comment section. ARMYS are screaming TaeJin. He chuckled and pecked Seokjin's lips.

"Do you like my lips Taehyungie? They are stained with wine. They are redder." He pouted his lips for another kiss. Taehyung obliged. Soon, the kiss turned heated, but Taehyung has to stop. For now.

"You are drunk, baby. Let's continue tomorrow, okay?"

"Hmp! Fine." Seokjin laid back on the bed and waited for Taehyung to dress him up.

"Aish, you should really be thankful I love you." Taehyung grumbled.

"Mhm, Love you too."

Seokjin completely blacked out and slept soundly. Taehyung kissed his forehead after he finished dressing him and laid beside him.

===

After the memories of his drunken state with their boss, Jin can't help but smile. BangPD nim is so kind and understanding. Now that he laid his cards on the table, he felt that even though he and Taehyung are not fully out in the open, he felt contented. With the support from the boss and his members, he felt secured.

He smelled a delicious scent coming from his kitchen. His comfort bear is back. He got up and went straight to the kitchen. Taehyung is humming a song while cooking something. He wore his pink apron and it really fits him.

Many people think that Taehyung doesn't know how to cook. But because they are always together, Taehyung learned how to cook. It's not because he taught him, but he is really eager to learn.

There are some unspoken language between them. He doesn't need to speak in order for Taehyung to understand him. He knows what he needs. Just like now, he prepared some hearty breakfast (or brunch) for them.

He hugged Taehyung from behind and burrowed his nose on his neck.

"What's that?"

"Hangover soup for the drunken master."

"Oh, I'm not drunk."

"Oh, really, do you want to see the receipts?" Taehyung chuckled.

"Just sit and wait. This would be finished in 3 minutes."

Jin sat down on the chair near the countertop and watch Taehyung as he stirred the soup and tasted it.

"Baby, do you think that Bang PD will separate us? Or he won't give us another duet or a subunit?"

"Shi Hyuk Hyung is very understanding. I don't think he will break us up. Maybe the members will understand, but the fans won't. They will become giddy if they feel the changes. It won't be good for the group."

"Sometimes, we just need to tone it down."

"But how can I? Whenever you are beside me, I feel so happy. I want to tell them you're mine."

"I am yours baby. Don't worry."

Taehyung put the stove off and get a bowl from the cupboard. He gave the soup to Jin and let him tasted it.

"So, how was it?"

"I wanna get drunk every night if you will cook this for me every morning."

"Silly. You were joking because you didn't see what you've posted on WeVerse yesterday."

"Is there's something to be bothered with my posts?" Jin asked Taehyung as he keep on slurping the delicious soup.

"Aside from the drunk posts with Bang PD, this is what bothers me. Though I am not bothered, maybe the fans will be..."

Taehyung opened his own WeVerse account and give the phone to Jin. Jin was shocked with what he saw:

Jin 🌟 shared a moment with you:

I like 🐯❄🐻🍓

"Do you think they know?"

"Hyung, the whole WeVerse community knows! And yes, twitter too. You're too bold." Taehyung chuckled.

"Well, there's no name after all."

"But who's been associated with tiger, winter, bear, and strawberry? They can only think that it's me." Taehyung loved to tease Jin especially when his ears turn red like a tomato.

"What I am gonna do?"

"Give me your phone."

Jin gave his phone to Taehyung and asked, "What will you do?"

"Collateral damage."

Taehyung typed on his phone and suddenly, Taehyung's phone beeped with WeVerse notifications. Taehyung posted on WeVerse using Jin's account.

Jin 🌟 shared a post:

"Maybe I shouldn't use SNS when I am drunk."