Looping Hearts

Chapter 16 - A brutal softness

 Jimin's heart leapt into his chest as he opened his eyes immediately, all signs of fatigue suddenly gone, then Taehyung did the same when he realized what he had just said. He quickly turned his back to Jimin and closed his eyes as hard as he could. Jimin did not move right away, trying to contain the flow of emotions that seemed to want to escape through every single pore of his skin. It was only when his eyes started to tingle that he finally sat up and looked at the man who was slightly shaking by his side. A small teasing smile took place on his lips and it is with his heart still pounding that he leaned forward to get closer to him and gently grabbed his shoulder to make him face him. Taehyung's breath got stuck in the back of his throat when he felt Jimin's movements so close to him, and it was seconds later that he opened his eyes, when he felt Jimin's lips land gently on his forehead. His breathing resumed faster before Jimin landed his lips on one of his cheeks this time, forcing him to close his eyes again as he was assailed by uncontrollable emotions.

Jimin did not stop there and gently kissed his closed eyelid, then the tip of his nose, before finally meeting his lips. Their hearts leaped in their chest and an indescribable wave of warmth overtook them. The kiss remained chaste; simple, slow, full of gentleness... Leaving the two men time to rediscover each other. The instigator of the kiss eventually put an end to it as he slightly moved back while opening his eyes, keeping his lips at a reasonable distance from Taehyung's half open ones nonetheless. The latter ended up doing the same to stare into the orbs that stared right back at him with all the adoration in the world.

« - I love you too... » Jimin murmured.

This time, Taehyung thought his heart was going to explode in his chest and it was his turn to move towards his friend to kiss him. The latter sighed in pleasure at the touch of his lips moving tenderly against his own and Taehyung deepened the kiss, pushing on his elbows to straighten up and bring more strength to his gesture. He placed his hands in Jimin's back once sitting, and the latter moved one of his legs above his own to position himself more comfortably. He immediately placed one of his hands on his cheek while the other got lost in his hair at the back of his neck. Taehyung took this opportunity to exert a little pressure in the hollow of Jimin's back to bring him closer to him, his arms finally completely encircling his friend's torso that he could now fully feel against his. There was no aggressiveness or trace of battle for dominance between the two men; only a lot of love, adoration and passion, each pouring into the other the surplus of emotions they had kept inside until now.

Gradually, as the minutes passed by at a crazy pace, the kiss lost its intensity and the caresses of their lips became soft and tender again as they eventually came to an end with a few small chaste kisses. They slowly opened their eyes, a little happy but embarrassed smile on their faces as they saw each other's red cheeks. Jimin dropped his head in embarrassment and Taehyung's smile grew bigger. He rested his forehead on Jimin's shoulder and sighed of well-being. « I love you ... » He whispered as he closed his eyes. Jimin felt his heart leap in his chest again. How could he feel happier than at this moment? He could have cried, hugged him so hard it would break his bones... But instead, he gently wrapped his arms around him and gently kissed his temple, bringing back Taehyung's smile at the same time.

They did not however remain very long in this position which was slightly uncomfortable for Taehyung, and lied back down in each other's arms this time.

« - Good night... » Whispered Jimin that fatigue was winning over again.

Taehyung put his hand on his cheek and made a gentle squeeze so he would raise his head in his direction. He admired Jimin's eyes sparkling from the light of the hearth, before bringing his face closer to rest his lips on his again.

« - Good night, Jimin... »

It was a loud thunderclap that pulled Taehyung out of his sleep that night and tore him from his lover's arms in a jump and in total darkness. As he sat shaking, sweating, gasping, his eyes wide open, he remembered the images that had tormented his sleep.