A Cadet's Solace

Chap 3

Uranus orbits the sun once every 84 years, approximately the length of a human's entire life. It spends its entire existence trying to see the sun in all of its angles.

But Jin-nim, do you know that other than that, unlike every other planet whose poles point upwards and downwards, Uranus tilts on an almost perpendicular angle. Which means, its poles point directly towards the sun.

Such amazing devotion!

Well, I know I'm not a planet but I think I wouldn't mind spending a lifetime getting to know every shade of you.

-MysticKimbap23

Jungkook has never been the type to share his worries with anyone other than Hoseok. So when he finds him zoning out during their date with obvious concerns written all over his face, Hoseok waits patiently for him to bring it up himself. He's reminded of moments from a long time ago, memories of how timid and reserved Jungkook used to be. Struggling all on his own during stressful times  without letting his hyungs know, only because he didn't want to be a burden to them. It took so much work before he was able to come out of his shell, to lean on them a little.

And just a few years after debut, he had metamorphosed into something out of this world, something so beautiful he left hoseok's ribs vibrating in his chest, utterly and madly in love.

They're walking hand in hand down a familiar path that leads to a private spot close to the Han River, where they usually sneak away to have picnics. On Hoseok's free hand there's a basket filled with snacks to munch on during their date. When they're done setting down the blanket, Hoseok sits first and taps on his lap so Jungkook can climb on and settle his head on it. He feeds him a grape from their collection of fruits, and Jungkook bites his finger before he can retrieve it, earning a flick to his forehead. It's the most attention he's gotten from him since they left the house.

"What are you thinking about?" Hoseok pries gently.

Jungkook's gaze turns to him but he stays silent for a while.

"Nothing... I was just thinking about Seokjin hyung." He sighs.

"You're thinking of another man during our date?" Hoseok jokes, a soft smile on his face despite it, fingers rubbing Jungkook's chin. Jungkook recoils, a pout forming on his lips, a light blush on his cheeks.

"Bibi.." He whines.

"I'm kidding," Hoseok replies with a little giggle, "What about hyung?"

He recalls how the last time he saw him went, it's been a few weeks.

Jungkook pulls his lip ring into his mouth then looks away from Hoseok for a moment. "Do you think Jin-hyung is okay?" He asks, glancing back at him.

Hoseok pauses, a frown forming on his face. Worrying about Seokjin has always been... complicated. Most times it was fruitless, because Seokjin would always try to bottle his feelings up. Showcasing enthusiasm and a sense of waggishness to be reckoned with, even when something was eating him up on the inside.

Which is something that Hoseok understands and can sympathise with, but that day, he started to act all passive aggressive out of nowhere, and Hoseok had gotten irritated at his behaviour. What was the point in him being so stubborn?

He feels something on his lips that brings him out of his thoughts, the younger is holding up a piece of grape between Hoseok's lips. Hoseok takes it into his mouth making a point of running his tongue over his fingers in revenge causing Jungkook's eyes to widen and a blaze to creep up his face. So easily flustered, he thinks chuckling.