down where it's wetter | KOOKV

such wonderful things around you

The meeting with Hoseok was a really loud one.

Mrs Jung took them to a cottage near the entrance of the farm. Jeongguk had filled Taehyung in during the not-so-long walk, telling him how he met Hoseok in the first place. Hoseok had been in the university dance team captain (but he was better than the coach himself), and he recruited Jeongguk the moment he saw Jeongguk dance to Michael Jackson. They had been great friends ever since. Hoseok is bright and loud, while Jeongguk is more reserved and introverted. They complimented each other's personality and clicked instantly. Today Jeongguk brought Taehyung here because Hoseok had texted him a week ago, asking if he was interested in a certain thing.

The front door opened with an ear screeching squeal.

"Oh my god Jeonggukkie my favourite little brother you are finally here! " A brown-haired man with the same heart-shaped smile pulled Jeongguk into a bone-crushing hug. "Mom, don't give me that look-" Hoseok gave his mother a pointed look, in which his mom replied with a dramatic eye roll and a huff. Hoseok then cupped Jeongguk's cheeks and squealed "Jeonggukkie I haven't seen you in so long! How's work? I've missed you so much, Mickey missed you too! He humped the carrot cushion you gave him, you know."

"Hyung, I do not need to know your dog is horny." Jeongguk deadpanned.

"Well, you're just jealous Mickey has a more active sex life than you do, you emo whiny kid." Jeongguk scowled darkly and shoved Hoseok out of the way.

Taehyung felt extremely out of place. This was the first time he enters a house that is not the Jeon's residence. He eyed the walls around him and saw square little frames with Hoseok's face in it. He remembers Jeongguk telling him those were photos. Hoseok looked so happy and bright in all the photos, it made Taehyung smile a bit.

Jeongguk ventured off to fetch some water for Tae and himself when Hoseok approached Taehyung.

After squeezing Jeongguk's face in his hands and got wrestled on the floor, Hoseok stood up and extended a hand towards Taehyung. "Hi there! I'm Jung Hoseok! You must be Taehyung! It's so nice to finally meet you. You have really nice hair you know? Looks really soft and silky." Hoseok then raised his other hand to ruffle Taehyung's hair.

But Taehyung was so shocked and scared; he didn't know Hoseok wanted to shake his hand out of friendliness, he also didn't know why his other hand was going for his head. With a terrified squeak, he crouched down and wrapped his hands around his head, making himself as small as possible.

"Hyung where's Mic- Taehyung! What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Taehyung could hear Jeongguk's rushed footsteps before he felt a familiar presence beside him, holding him close. Taehyung felt safe in Jeongguk's arms, but he also felt stupid. Hoseok was Jeongguk's friend, Taehyung wished he could will away his irrational fear so he won't embarrass Jeongguk.

"I'm sorry..." Jeongguk could barely hear Taehyung's small voice as he tried to stand up. There were a few pearls on the floor and Taehyung's nose was pink. Taehyung rubbed his eyes, his head hung low. Jeongguk kept his protective arm against his waist, curious and concerned.

"I'm sorry... I'm not used to people touching my hair... I- the mer folk pride ourselves over our hair, s-so its very disrespectful to ruffle each other's hair without their consent. I don't mind you touching it Hoseok-ssi, y-you can ask me first next time." Taehyung was blushing, voice wavering. Jeongguk had told him to tell him whenever he accidentally crosses a boundary, and Taehyung had been okay with that. However this was Jeongguk's friend, he could only hope Hoseok wouldn't take offence in his words.

Hoseok, he had remained silent the whole time, gasped loudly and bowed to Taehyung. "I am so sorry! I swear I didn't know it was offensive, I would have never done that if I knew. I am terribly sorry. Please forgive me. I was just curious how you keep your hair so soft when after bleaching... I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable, I-" It was Hoseok's turn to ramble. He kept fumbling with the loose ends of his sweater, and all of Taehyung's worry was gone.