Destination Wedding

33

After the group spent time enjoying the beach, they left to their respective rooms to get ready for dinner and a night out at the resort's beach club. Conversations buzzed around the events of the afternoon.

"Joonie, I seriously don't know what I would do without you. Just, thank you for handling Bogum."

Namjoon embraced Jin in a gentle hug. "It's okay, baby. I'll always stick up for our family."

"I just can't believe he'd have the balls to fly Seojoon out. I should've fought my mother harder on inviting Bogum in the first place."

"She's strong-willed, Jinny. You tried. But something did concern me. Bogum kept insisting that it was her idea to invite Seojoon. Do you think he was bullshitting me?"

"I don't know. I don't trust him but it sounds like he was fairly confident in her backing him up. Why would she suggest such a thing?" Jin exclaimed.

"I hate to make assumptions... but do you think..."

"She wanted to make Taehyung jealous too? Ugh... the thought makes me sick. But she was always so keen on him. Blindly so. After they broke up, she'd go on and on about how people make mistakes... how he should be forgiven, how he could support Tae financially... blah, blah, blah."

Namjoon was at a loss. "That's just so inconsiderate of Taehyung. I wouldn't let my son anywhere near someone who cheated on him."

"Of course not. I feel like I need to speak with her... it would break Taehyung's heart if this was her intention."

"You doing okay, Jeongguk?" Yoongi asked as he ruffled the younger's hair.

"What do you mean, hyung? Do I seem off?"

"No, the opposite. I was just thinking... this must be a lot for you. Usually relationship beginnings aren't so... dramatic."

Jeongguk chuckled. "I know, but it's always been me and Tae and Jimin against the world."

"Yeah, I get that. The connection you have is clear. But still... having the ex in the midst of things from the very start... fuck, props to you, man," scoffed Yoongi.

Jeongguk shrugged. "I guess it's not ideal, but I haven't given it much thought. I'll be there for Tae, however he needs me."

"You're a really sweet guy, Jeonggukkie. Just wanted to make sure you weren't overwhelmed." Yoongi gave Jeongguk a comforting squeeze on the shoulder.

"Not by Bogum at least... Taehyungie-hyung on the other hand..." Jeongguk tugged at the chest of his shirt a few times, fanning himself.

"Uh oh! A little thirsty Jeongguk?" Yoongi grinned and playfully pushed the other's shoulder.

Jeongguk less gently pushed Yoongi to the couch. "Like I'm in a fucking desert!"

"Just go for it, Jeonggukie. I could cut through the sexual tension with a dull knife, for fucks sake! And where do you get off pushing your hyung, eh?
You're too strong!"

"Just watch out for my son, will you?" Asked Mr. Kim of Hoseok.

"Of course, Keunappa."

"I don't like it one bit that Bogum is here."

"Why is he here?" Hoseok questioned.

"Your keuneomma felt it polite to invite the whole Park family."

Hoseok just nodded. He didn't want to disrespect his uncle by protesting, but his facial expression of distaste was telling.

"My wife has been too lenient with Bogum. I know this. But I was choosing my battles at the time, amidst all of the wedding planning." And if she's plotting something now, she's certainly keeping me in the dark. Curse her fondness for that boy.

Hoseok nodded in understanding. "Taehyung is holding his own, Keunappa. Try not to worry."

"Well, this afternoon was certifiably bonkers. I need a drink!" Jimin huffed as he plopped onto the loveseat. He heard Taehyung puttering around in his room.

"Tae? Are you okay?"

"I'm okay. Really, Chim. Just trying to figure out what to wear tonight."

"How is your head not exploding right now?" Jimin questioned frankly.

"I can't waste my worry on Bogum anymore. I have more important things to think about." Like screwing around with Jeongguk in a cabana pod. "Although I'm feeling a bit of guilt toward his boyfriend..."

"I'm sorry, but that's insane talk," deadpanned Jimin.

"No, it's not... I don't think he has any idea who I am or how he was basically a side-piece for months... that sucks for him, does it not?"

"Yeah. It really does. But we can't focus on these things right now. We're going out tonight... so let it be. Bogum will have to clean up his own mess with Seojoon."

"He just seems like a nice guy," mused Taehyung.

"Stop it, Tae. We're going out. We're letting loose. Enough with all this, seriously."

Taehyung nodded. "You're right. It's been a roller coaster of a day and I deserve to have a little fun."

"Yes! That's the spirit!" Jimin cheered.

"Will you help me get ready?" Taehyung asked sheepishly.

"I thought you'd never ask!" Jimin pulled an eyeliner pencil from behind his back and twirled it in his fingers.

"Um, no. Get behind me, satan."

"Just a little bit to set off those eyes, Tae! It will be very natural. I swear."

"Are you sure? Because 2013 just flashed before my eyes," Taehyung joked as he shrugged on his top.

"Mmhmm. Just a little smokiness. You'll be thanking me." Jimin carefully applied a thin line to the corners of Taehyung's almond eyes and smudged them gently. "What do you need my help for, anyway? You already look like sex on a stick."

"Stop, Jimin."

Jimin scoffed. "Are you kidding me? Learn to take a compliment! If you're not feeling yourself in this outfit, I don't know what more I can do." Taehyung was wearing fitted black trousers paired with a loose-fitting botanical-print button down. It was a statement in black and white, and cuffed just above his lean, toned biceps. He donned a black and white scarf fashioned as a headband to hold back his unruly locks.

"In a minute, I'mma need a, sentimental, man or woman, to pump me up..." Taehyung rapped quietly.

Jimin picked right up as he finished fixing Taehyung's face. "Feeling fussy, walkin' in my Balenci-ussy's... tryna bring out the fabulous."

In no time at all, passersby could hear the shoutings of Lizzo lyrics from the bungalow.

"Okay, seriously. You look hot, Tae. And you don't need to tell me I look hot. We gettin' fucked up tonight!"

"Warn me before you switch to Beyoncé!"
Taehyung shouted jokingly.

"She presents when she wants to." Jimin cranked "Cuff it" on his Bluetooth speaker and the two best friends danced around the living room. In this moment, Taehyung felt so carefree, and couldn't imagine separating from Jimin again.