KALOPSIA ✓

21. you're a lucky fellow mr. smith

21. you're a lucky fellow mr. smith
"I say you're a little bit crazy, you have plenty of luck, my friend. I think you should open your eyes, and discover your country again."

//

the pop singer cracks his neck.

"who's Mr Claude?" Taehyung questions as he moves around his apartment, stealing a glance at his best friend. Yoongi sits in the leather sofa seat, legs swung over the arm rest as he plays with a bunch of elastic bands wrapped around each other. his body moulds into the seat, sinking his body.

Taehyung continues to move around with ease and smoothness, slipping on a leather jacket at the same time he pushes his fresh from the shower, curly hair away. he continues to get ready as Yoongi– the dressed one waits for him in silence, including occasional remarks to show that he's listening.

the leather jacket comes off, it doesn't fit the outfit.

the mention of the Claude brothel has been replaying in Taehyung's mind on repeat. going round in circles, Taehyung can't stop wondering about the brothel, who this legendary Mr Claude is, why they assumed he went there... it must be the same place Crema works at.

"i gotta know who he is..." Taehyung thinks, hand resting on his hip as he adjusts his patterned, silk shirt. his buttons are all open as he stands on his side. he looks exquisite with his tanned chest on show, ring on his little finger, eyes delicate but wide with exploration and feeling and then there's that voice. "there is so much talk about him."

Yoongi as expected, knows of the Claude talk. "oh him, he's admirable." Yoongi answers and Taehyung immediately looks at him– when did his best friend ever gush about someone? it creates a spark of something unknown in his chest. this unknown something holds a feeling he's sung about far too many times in his music. 

"Mr Claude makes money out of rich people and helps women." Yoongi continues, speaking more about the man's work and status in society. "he came from scraps and is building an empire of seduction and money." Taehyung starts to wonder where this Mr Claude lies in society, is he higher than him in the hierarchy? he's also built himself from scraps.

Yoongi notices Taehyung's silence and says nothing. he continues to play with the elastic bands, tightening them over his ring cladded fingers. "i reckon he'll go down in history for what he's doing." he states, looking up with a slight smirk. he's teasing now.

Taehyung is full of questions and intrigue. he kicks out his favourite pair of shoes and slips into his leather boots. "any idea what his first name is and what he looks like?" he seeks, dark chocolate curls sweeping with softness as he looks around for a blazer jacket to finish off his outfit.

"i ain't too certain but Claude isn't his real name, he presumably goes by Jimin."

the singer grabs the nearest black blazer and finishes off his outfit, slipping on an extra ring before taking one last look in the mirror.

//

the way Hoseok walks down the streets of New York is a sight to be seen.

it illuminates happy surprises and good news. however, no one would be able to guess that the man has become a father. when one thinks of happy news, men aren't exactly pleased with being told that they're a father of a woman who's body they only remember.

after a great therapy session with Namjoon, his spirits have lifted further. he's glad he has someone to share the news with, someone who helped a great deal. Hoseok has a whole word of wonder to look forward to with his child, his daughter.

observing Crema is something he couldn't help but do. it also helps to think about what next actions to take– should he approach her? will she even remember him? should he show her the paternity test? should he scream "i'm your child's father!" and buy her a bouquet of roses? he's not sure, it's a unique and distressing situation.

there is one barrier in all of this and that is Kim Taehyung.

Hoseok's face falls entirely when he sees Taehyung exit a convenience store, after laughing with the cashier. the same cashier has never smiled at Hoseok– never willingly met his eyes, despite Hoseok being nice and friendly.

Taehyung walks out, cigarette packet firmly pressed in his manly, ringed hand as he looks in his pockets for his lighter. a silver, beautiful one gifted by Crema.

the singer feels someone staring at him. he looks up to meet an innocent looking boy with soft, brown and round eyes. Taehyung smiles, wondering but also assuming the reason for the stranger's wide, staring eyes, fallen face and uneasiness. his lips turn up, nodding a little as his friendliness emits the kind of energy everyone needs.

Taehyung's smile is gorgeous, loud and wide and Hoseok feels his body shake.

//

10 chapters to go??? :(