Destination Wedding

65

Taehyung mentally patted himself on the back. The rehearsal was nearly complete, and he hadn't choked up yet. He didn't want to cry because this was just a run-through, but simply practicing the ceremony had his emotions mounting. He was just so excited for his hyungs.

He had successfully escorted his eomma down the aisle to seat her, after giving her a warm smile and gentle nudge to take his arm. Without blushing too furiously, he walked down the left side aisle in step with a grinning Jeongguk, coming down the right. His tears might've pooled a bit as he watched Namjoon's father bring him down the aisle under the officiant's instruction, followed by his appa who proudly escorted Jin. But, he kept it together and paid attention to the officiant's instructions as they discussed the sequence of events for the ceremony.

The time came for vows, and the officiant suggested the groomsmen arrange themselves in a circle around the grooms. The officiant was fond of the arrangement, as it symbolized the support surrounding the grooms as they made their promises and entered the joys and challenges of married life. He also encouraged the groomsmen to mix rather than remain on their designated sides, to symbolize the blending of family and friends with this union.

The grooms loved the suggestion and decided to proceed, and thus the groomsmen found themselves surrounding Jin and Namjoon. The circle began with Taehyung, followed by Jeongguk, Jimin, and Yoongi, and closed with Hoseok, who was called up enthusiastically by Jin as it only seemed right.

As the groomsmen joined hands, Taehyung felt his emotional resolve crumbling at the closeness of the group and the occasion they were preparing for. As the officiant discussed the logistics of the vows, exchanging of rings, and declaration of the couple, Taehyung couldn't help but admire the men before him.

He looked at his Jin-hyung, his ever-flowing source of comfort and reassurance. He was a mother, father and brother blended into one, rife with elder wisdom and nurturing. They had been through their whole lives together and would continue as such, and Taehyung hated that he missed even a sliver of Jin's life while he was away. He was the best brother in the world.

Next, he examined Namjoon, the perfect foil to his brother who balanced Jin perfectly. He was Taehyung's fierce protector and never made him feel like an in-law. Like Jin, Taehyung knew that Namjoon cared for him deeply. He would always guide him on the right path with sound advice.

Taehyung then studied the stoic Yoongi, and felt blessed that their worlds collided this week. Yoongi was a reminder to Taehyung that judging a book by its cover was a shitty approach. Yoongi appeared cold and reserved at times but had already shown his caring side to Taehyung and his best friend. He was dying to have a front row seat to the development of Yoongi and Jimin's blossoming relationship as they seemed like well-balanced spirits too.

Taehyung couldn't help but grin as his sights shifted to Hoseok, who was unsurprisingly struggling to contain his joy in that moment. Hoseok always cheered Taehyung up and brought light to any situation without expecting anything in return. His Hobi-hyung was almost finished with his military service. His return to civilian life was drawing near, and Taehyung craved to be there, waiting to engulf him in a hug at his discharge ceremony.

Taehyung felt Jeongguk's thumb lovingly caressing the back of his hand. He turned to him to find him already looking his way, scrunching his nose and smiling with his eyes. With just a look, Taehyung's heart melted for the umpteenth time that week.

Time hurtled towards their trip's end, but Taehyung knew that he didn't want to close this chapter with Jeongguk. He considered that perhaps Jeongguk stole a piece of his heart when he was just a boy, and kept it safe all of these years. Despite the time that passed, Taehyung still trusted him with his heart.

Taehyung's tears gathered at this notion and threatened to fall as he looked at Jimin, his best friend and soulmate. His ride-or-die. His source of inspiration for confidence and conviction. His other half, truly. Their connection felt like something out of this world. Aliens, they would joke. They must be aliens. This would be the only logical explanation for their level of intuition towards each other, to the point of mind reading and communicating without words. How was Taehyung supposed to leave him?

Taehyung's thoughts were broken momentarily as he caught Jimin pretending to listen to the officiant while stealing glances at Yoongi. Taehyung chuckled under his breath, marveling at his best friend before his internal dialogue began to reel again.

How did I survive six lonely months without Chim's shenanigans?

Keyword: survive. You've been pretty miserable.

Why did I leave him?

Bogum was entrenched in your life.
You needed an escape.

But I left all my loved ones in the process.
It was stupid.

At the time it felt necessary. Maybe it's not anymore. Nobody blames you and nobody is expecting you to return a changed man. You put that on yourself.

What did Jeongguk tell me, that first day at the beach?

Maybe you don't need to become a new man. Maybe you just need to get back to where you were.

I feel like myself again here.

It's not Hawaii. It's the people around you.
Much better, isn't it?

Yes. Why do I need to go back to LA again?

You don't.

I don't?

You don't.
You should probably settle your affairs and
pack your shit, but then you could go home.

I could.

You can.

Fuck it.

Before Taehyung realized, his tears were making their way down his cheeks. Jimin noticed in the corner of his eye and gave Taehyung a concerned furrow of his brows. Are you okay?

Taehyung looked at him with longing eyes. I want...

Jimin shook his head minutely and furrowed his brows further before tilting his head. What do you want, babe?

Taehyung released his hand from Hoseok's to dry his eyes, and then pointed to his heart. I want to come home.

Jimin raised his eyebrows in disbelief. Really? Really, really?

Taehyung pursed his lips and nodded before eeking out another watery smile. Really.

Jimin inhaled deeply and exhaled through shaky lips. He nodded his head and smiled through the tears that suddenly sprung free from his crescent eyes. Thank God.

"Let's practice the exit now, everyone. Groomsmen, I'll have you part to show the guests the newly wedded couple as they are announced. When the music begins, you'll walk down the center aisle one by one, so the grooms may follow."

Jimin quickly wiped his face before leading the groomsmen down, followed by Yoongi, Jeongguk, Taehyung and Hoseok. After exiting the aisle, Jimin and Taehyung zeroed in on each other. Taehyung braced himself for the loving tackle that he knew was imminent. Before he knew it, his back hit the sand with a thud. He clutched his best friend on top of him as they sniffled into each others necks.

"Jeeze, you two. Save your tears for the actual ceremony!" Yoongi teased.

"You're really coming home, Taetae?" Jimin whispered in his ear.

"Yes, Chim," sniveled Taehyung. "You were right. It is that simple."