COLOURS ✓

TWENTY FOUR

Taehyung had turned 17 over the holidays, a fact unknown to Hoseok until his actual birthday had come up. They face-timed for hours that day—Hoseok back at the palace, and Taehyung in his own home. Hoseok promised to take Taehyung on a date when the break was over and they all returned to school.

Hoseok and Seokjin were. . . well, they were speaking. Just not in the way they were before. And Hoseok wanted to apologize, but he wasn't sure what he would even apologize for. Seokjin didn't have to look out for Hoseok, did he? It wasn't his job or anything. Hoseok didn't want to apologize for saying what he thought, but perhaps he'd went about it wrong.

Jeongguk was back to his bubbly self when he returned from winter break. Hoseok was glad to see it. Maybe that time at home had done him some good.

A week after returning to school, Hoseok and Taehyung had plans to go to the roof and stargaze. Now, usually these types of things wouldn't be allowed. Students shouldn't be on the roof of the school, and especially not past curfew.

But Taehyung was every teacher's favorite student. It didn't take much asking for him to get a key to the staircase that led to the roof.

As Hoseok waited for Taehyung on the 7th floor, he checked his watch, feeling anxious. It was 10 minutes past midnight. Taehyung had said he'd meet Hoseok here and then they'd go up to the roof.

Hoseok searched his pockets for a spare key to Taehyung's dorm room. Taehyung had given it to him a while ago. He crept down the hall, trying to not make any noise as he used the key to unlock the door to Room 285. He stayed as quiet as possible.

He identified the soft snores from the other side of the room as Yoongi's. He approached Taehyung's bed, taking a peek.

Taehyung was asleep on his side, his cheek squished against his pillow. In his hand near his face was his phone, still on, open on the notes app. It seemed he'd been writing lyrics.

Hoseok smiled at the sight. He was beautiful even then.

Might as well let him sleep, Hoseok thought.

But as he turned to exit, he stubbed his toe against the bed frame. He cursed and winced at the pain. Leave it to him and his terrible timing.

The sound caused Taehyung to blink his eyes open.

"Hoseok?" he asked, confused. His voice was deeper than usual, taking Hoseok by surprise. "What are you. . . ?"

"Nothing," Hoseok said quickly. "Go back to sleep, Tae."

Taehyung hummed. He grabbed Hoseok's hand and pulled him onto the bed with him so that Hoseok was lying by his side.

"Taehyung—"

Taehyung turned onto his other side so that he was facing Hoseok. He gave a tired smile.

"I slept through our date, didn't I?" he asked.

"Don't worry about it."

"Sorry," he mumbled. He snuggled closer, burying his face in the crook of Hoseok's neck. "I'll be up in 5 minutes. Then we'll go see the stars."

"Tae, we don't have to—"

"Shhhh. 5 minutes, my love."

The term of endearment was what shut Hoseok up.

They laid like that for a while, quietly and in the dark. Hoseok closed his eyes and let himself relax. The world was slow for a bit.

Taehyung's breathing was slow, but not so much that he was asleep. When a few minutes passed, Taehyung rolled away from Hoseok.

"We should get up," he said.

"We should," agreed Hoseok.

Taehyung rolled out of bed quietly as to not wake Yoongi. Hoseok followed suit, and the two of them quietly exited Room 285. Taehyung had taken his blanket and pillow along for comfortability.

"Sorry about sleeping through our date, Seok," Taehyung said now that they were in the clear and able to talk louder. "I wasn't checking the time and I dozed off."

"It's okay. I'm glad you were getting some rest."

They reached the door to the staircase which led to the roof.

"My hands are full," Taehyung said. "Can you get the key from my pocket?"

Hoseok obtained the key from Taehyung's pockets and unlocked the door. They headed up the stairs and opened the door at the top. Now the two of them were on the roof. Hoseok took in a deep breath of fresh air.

"This is nice," Hoseok decided.

Taehyung hummed in agreement. He set his blanket down on the ground in the center of the roof along with his pillow. He tugged Hoseok along by his sleeve and sat him down on the blanket.

Taehyung sat down as well and leaned back, staring at the sky. Hoseok did the same. He was able to see some stars and constellations. Not much, but it was pretty. He imagined the world would look better if Taehyung had painted it.

"The sky looks pretty," Taehyung murmured. His hand found its way to Hoseok's and they intertwined their fingers.

"It does," said Hoseok. "I don't look at it much."

"Neither do I." Taehyung tilted his head. "But it's comforting to know that even when you can't see it, it's still there, you know?"

Hoseok hummed. "A little scary. It reminds you how small you are in the world."

Taehyung shrugged. Hoseok imagined Taehyung wanted to say more, but Taehyung was still looking up at the sky. Hoseok kept his eyes on him.

"You're beautiful," said Hoseok. "You know that, right?"

Taehyung chuckled. His hands came up to cover his face. "Seok, you can't just— just say things like that!"

"Why not?"

Taehyung continued laughing. Hoseok didn't know why it was funny, but he wanted to keep Taehyung laughing and happy for as long as could.

In a while, he thought, that would end. They would end.

This wasn't the time to think about that, though. People met and they loved and they broke apart and they moved on. It wasn't what Hoseok wanted, but you don't get what you want all the time. He was becoming a better person with Taehyung and even if they split, he knew it would have a lasting impact on him. He knew it would hurt and it would tear him apart but in the end, he would be grateful for it.

If Hoseok stared at the sky for too long, he'd see it as fate's cruel plan for him, disguised as pretty twinkling lights. He could imagine it falling, coming crashing down upon his head and crushing him beneath the weight. But as they sat underneath the stars, Hoseok made it his duty to keep Taehyung smiling. That was all that mattered.