TAEKOOK | HOPE

• 29 fuck yes!

☣

Waking up next to a naked Taehyung two mornings in a row has to be among the top ten best experiences of Jeongguk's life. Even when they were together, they rarely got to do this, and Jeongguk remembers always feeling like it was a special treat when they did. To have it again feels like a dream out of someone else's life.

In light of Jeongguk's conversation with Yoongi, they don't bother with being particularly discreet this morning, emerging from Jeongguk's room together and only separating so that Taehyung can change into some clean clothes. They don't actually make out in front of the hyungs, but they are more affectionate than they might usually be, enough for a few raised eyebrows and suppressed smiles to be aimed their way. The attention makes Jeongguk flush with shyness, but it's not unpleasant. He knows they're all just happy to see him and Taehyung like this.

After a lazy morning, he goes into town with Taehyung, Jimin, and Seokjin to have lunch and pick up groceries for tonight's dinner. Taehyung clings to his back as they wander through the grocery store, trying to sneak random foods that they don't need into the shopping cart when he thinks Seokjin isn't looking. It feels oddly domestic, like a glimpse into what their lives could be in a parallel universe, where all the complications associated with being an idol didn't exist. Then again, if they'd never become idols, Jeongguk likely would have never met Taehyung in the first place.

They pass the afternoon in the pool, engaging in a chicken rematch that Jeongguk and Taehyung ultimately lose because Jeongguk's hand keeps creeping a little too high on Taehyung's thigh. He decides it's worth the loss when it earns him a flustered Taehyung squirming on his shoulders and practically dragging him out of the pool when they disperse to get ready for dinner. They even manage to sneak into the shower together, but that gets cut short when Seokjin bangs on the door and threatens them with no dinner if they use up all the hot water.

He and Taehyung volunteer to do the dishes, which ends up taking far longer than it should because they keep splashing each other with water while Seokjin sighs loudly from somewhere behind them. By the time they finally finish, the others are settling into the living room to watch a movie. Taehyung drops down on to an empty corner of the couch, and Jeongguk, after a moment's hesitation, lies down next to him, resting his head on Taehyung's thigh and kicking his feet into Jimin's lap without asking.

Jimin makes a noise of complaint, but Jeongguk is too distracted by the way Taehyung is looking down at him, his expression surprised but undeniably fond. It makes something warm flare in Jeongguk's chest, and the feeling only deepens when Taehyung gently threads his fingers through Jeongguk's hair.

They end up watching some dumb comedy, and Jeongguk probably registers about 15% of it because Taehyung doesn't stop touching him the entire time. It's nothing suggestive, just hands in his hair or tracing the lines of his face, but Jeongguk is a weak man and any touch from Taehyung has him melting. By the end of the movie, he feels pliant and mellow, not to mention decidedly ready to get Taehyung somewhere alone.

They bid the others a sleepy goodnight and traipse upstairs, Taehyung following Jeongguk into his room without them even discussing it. As soon as the door closes behind them, Taehyung starts kissing the back of his neck, hands sneaking up under Jeongguk's T-shirt. It's the same light, adoring touches as before, and they're making Jeongguk burn in a way he hasn't for a very long time.

"Your body is unfair," Taehyung murmurs, lips brushing just behind Jeongguk's ear. His thumb traces the outline of Jeongguk's abs, and Jeongguk tries not to shiver too noticeably.