✔️I know What I Want

7. "L" word

That day, after finally getting a long conversation with Taehyung, Seokjin felt emptier than ever. No matter how much they talked, it was never enough. He wanted to speak with Taehyung all night, all day, without end. He couldn't understand why he had spent so many years pushing away his feelings for him. For the past ten years, he had been so close, yet he managed to keep his heart restrained, never allowing himself to fall. Now, he wondered how he had ever survived without giving in to the emotions he had buried so deeply.

Their last phone call replayed in his mind over and over, particularly the moment Taehyung simply said, "I want to see you in person." Those words were enough to set Seokjin's heart ablaze. He wanted to see him too, desperately. But he hadn't said it aloud, not wanting to seem vulnerable. Instead, he decided to surprise him during Chuseok, taking four days off from the military. With Taehyung still in the country, Seokjin was certain they would finally get their chance. The anticipation gnawed at him, and he counted down the days until he could be with him. He hadn't told Taehyung about his plan... it was meant to be a surprise.

When the day arrived, Seokjin's heart raced with excitement as he approached Taehyung's house. He felt like a nervous teenager, eager yet unsure of what would happen when they finally met. Would he be able to speak his heart? How would Taehyung react? His mind was filled with endless possibilities.

But as the door opened, it wasn't Taehyung who stood before him. It was Jimin.

Seokjin's eyes widened in shock. This wasn't part of the plan. He hadn't prepared for this.

"Hyung!" Jimin yelled, as if he had seen a ghost, his surprise quickly turning into a choking bear hug. Seokjin barely had time to process it before Taehyung appeared, running over with wide eyes.

"Who... who's that?" Taehyung asked, his tone both surprised and nervous.

"Jin Hyung..." he whispered, halting in his tracks the moment he saw Seokjin standing there.

"Su... surprise," Seokjin managed, though the word felt hollow.

Before Seokjin could say anything else, Jimin grabbed him, dragging him inside with a bright grin. "Wow, Hyung, this is a surprise! Did you know I was here too? I mean, anyone could guess! Tae's in the country, so of course I' would be crashing at his place," Jimin chuckled, clearly not picking up on Seokjin's discomfort.

"Yeah... yeah," Seokjin muttered, his eyes flickering to Taehyung, who was standing awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

"Hyung, will you drink?" Jimin asked, offering him a glass. It looked like they had been enjoying a meal and drinks before Seokjin's arrival.

"No... no, I'm fine," Seokjin declined hurriedly, glancing again at Taehyung, who seemed to be keeping his distance like Seokjin really was a ghost.

"C'mon, Hyung, have a little! Sit with us! I've got gossip to share!" Jimin insisted, laughing.

Seokjin forced a smile, trying to calm his racing heart. His plan had completely flopped, but he sat down, grabbing some tofu from Jimin's plate in an attempt to play along.

"We were just talking about Taehyung and Jennie," Jimin said with a teasing grin.

Seokjin paused mid-bite, his heart sinking. He quickly resumed, trying to act casual. "It's just rumors," he muttered.

"Yeah, but I think they would be great together. What do you think, Hyung? Taehyung's got a crush on her, so why not?"

Seokjin's heart skipped a beat at those words. But before he could say anything, Taehyung interrupted, "Stop it, Jimin. This is not time of joking."