You Are Loved ◦ JungHope

Part 16

Hoseok woke up the next morning to the gentle rhythm of Jungkook's heartbeat pressed up to his ear, the calming sunshine that filled the room through the balcony's windows. Feeling a little sore yet, the good kind of muscle ache. The lingering feelings and memories of the previous night painting a smile upon his cheeks as he pressed closer to Jungkook.

But then, along with the memories and all the emotions he'd felt, came a question that hadn't occurred to him until then. Something that had the orange, gold tinted world around him fading into something much more sharp. Something all too real.

Soon Jungkook's hand was coming up to comb through Hoseok's hair, mumbling a quiet good morning into his forehead. And Hoseok couldn't take it anymore, leaning back just enough to meet Jungkook's sleep filled eyes. "Jungkook, what are we?"

Jungkook's eyes grew wide at that. "H-huh?"

"Was..." It physically hurt Hoseok, the possibility like barbed wire tightening around his heart. "Last night...it wasn't just some rebound, pity fuck." He took a deep breath, willing the tears in his eyes not to fall. "At least for me...I...Kookie if that's what last night was for you, then I need you to just tell me. Please. Because if it was, the sooner I get over this the better. I'm not as strong as you think Kookie...I can't get over all of Sangchul's shit and a heartbreak this deep...I can't..."

Jungkook shook his head, cupping Hoseok's face in his hands. "No, no, no, no hyung didn't you...didn't you feel it? Last night?" Hoseok leaned into Jungkook's palm, closing his eyes as he nodded subtly. "We can be anything that you want us to be Hobi. Whatever would make you the happiest is what I'll do happily. Hoseok I..." Jungkook trailed off. A dilemma on his features, a debate on his tongue until he was finally sighing. Thumb caresing Hoseok's cheek gently. "Hoseok I love you."

The elders eyes shot open at that. Hoseok thought for a moment that maybe Jungkook meant it as a friend, after all their friend group did pass around the three word phrase more often than not. But the sincerity, the fondness and gentle tone of his voice, told Hoseok otherwise. "Jungkook..."

"You don't have to say it back." Jungkook smiled softly, his hands falling away from Hoseok's cheeks to envelop the elders hands. "But...I just want you to know that. I love you, and I will be fine with whatever you want us to be. Last night was not just some pity fuck or rebound thing. I...hyung I love you so fucking much and I have for so long now. All I want is to treat you right and see you be happy, that's all I want. And if that's with me..." His smile grew in size just thinking of the possibility. "I might just explode. Honest."

The comment causing Hoseok to giggle wetley before Jungkook continued. "But if it's not, then I understand. I just want you to be happy. That's all that I'll ever want. And," Jungkook paused a moment to brush Hoseok's bangs back. "You said it before, that you don't think you can ever really fall out of love with somebody. Just that, you either never loved them in the first place, or that love stays with you for the rest of your life. Well, my Sunny Seokie, this is the kind of love that will stay with me for the rest of my life. No matter what you decide to make us, I'll always love you, and I'll always be there if you need someone."

Hoseok was blushing profusely, his brows furrowed together as he shook his head. "I...Kookie I don't understand...I don't know how you could love me even when I'm so broken." He took a trembling breath, a confused, small smile. "And yet, here you are still." Hoseok sniffed, leaning forward to kiss Jungkook's nose. "Kookie, I like you more than anything, more than anyone. I want you in my life for as long as you'll allow it. But...I want to take things slowly. I want to do this right and I don't want all of Sangchul's shit that I'm still getting over to affect whatever...oh god." Hoseok looked down, the realization dawning on him now. He couldn't help the smile and giddy-like giggle that sang past his lips. "Whatever we are." He looked back up to find Jungkook's gaze just as sweet, just as fond and heartfilled as his own. "Please be patient with me Kookie. I really, really like you. I want you Kookie, I just want to do this right."