Destination Wedding

35

Sitting bored at the bar, Seojoon was growing tired of his boyfriend's dispondence. The trip so far was bizarre, and Seojoon felt like he was watching a cryptic drama with several plot gaps. Why was Bogum so distracted? Why was Namjoon so cold the other day? Why did he feel like the wedding party was avoiding him like the plague?

The house music thumped away and vacationers were enjoying themselves left and right, but Seojoon felt as if he and Bogum were standing under an isolated dark cloud.

Fed up, Seojoon grabbed Bogum's hand. "Bogumie, talk to me. What's with you?"

Bogum snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Seojoon questioningly. "What do you mean?"

Seojoon sighed in frustration. "I mean, you've been quiet and distracted since I arrived. Where's your head at?"

Bogum breathed out slowly. "It's right here. I'm sorry Bear, I think I'm just tired," lied Bogum.

Seojoon hummed. "Is that really all? Don't you think I saw you glaring at Jeongguk and Taehyung?"

Bogum shrugged and attempted his most convincing confused expression. "What? I wasn't glaring. I just spaced out for a second," Bogum commented, trying to brush off his boyfriend's observations.

"Well, you've been doing that a lot lately. And what's with all the tension with the wedding party? We don't seem very welcome."

Bogum let out an annoyed sigh. "I think that's your anxiety talking. Don't project. The guys are probably just stressed over the wedding."

Seojoon narrowed his eyes. He was indeed treated for anxiety but felt like Bogum weaponized it to gaslight him sometimes. But, his anxiety made him very observant of his surroundings, and he was smart and intuitive to boot. Bogum's explanations just weren't lining up.

"But this is supposed to be a happy time. Why would they be so stressed out, especially in a place like this? Have you even spoken to your brother?" Seojoon inquired.

"You know that Jimin and I have a contentious relationship. He's never liked me," dismissed Bogum.

"Well, he's your family and I don't want that for you. Don't you think you guys should work things out?" Seojoon questioned. "I mean, I fell for you so there must be something likeable about you."

Bogum smirked. "Oh, thanks so much for that." Seojoon grinned back, encouraged by the slight lightening of mood. He had a lot of unanswered questions but cared for Bogum and catching a glimpse of his smile was a relief.

Bogum's smile fell when Hoseok came up beside him at the bar and waved down the bartender. "Three Mai Tais, please."

Bogum reluctantly turned toward the younger. "Wow, Hobi. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

Hobi spared him an unimpressed glance. "I could say the same for you."

Bogum could feel Seojoon watching, so he tried to engage in pleasant conversation. "The military looks good on you, Hobi. I'm surprised they let you travel to Hawaii in the middle of your service."

Hoseok met his gaze with a stare. "They granted us a surprise leave."

Seojoon opted to interject. "Well, that's very lucky! That never happened when I was in! I'm Park Seojoon, by the way."

Hoseok reached tentatively to shake Seojoon's extended hand. "Yes, I know you," he grumbled coldly.

Seojoon furrowed his brows. "I'm sorry, have we met?"

Hoseok shook his head. "No. I guess I misspoke. I meant I've heard of you. I'm a cousin of Namjoon and Taehyung." Seojoon searched between Hoseok and Bogum for recognition, failing to draw the connection.