The Arrangement

55

"New York City apparently never sleeps, so prepare for a long night!" Jimin cheerfully exclaimed to Jungkook, pulling the younger up to a bar.

"But I need sleep," Jungkook countered, glancing between Namjoon and Yoongi for help.

The two producers just grinned back at him, ordering drinks over the pulsating music. It was so loud in this place and Jungkook could barely hear his own thoughts.

Jimin shook his arm. "What do you want?"

He flinched, the elder practically screaming into his ear. "Nothing! I'm going to call Tae later."

His friend didn't push him, which was a quality Jungkook appreciated. Earlier in college, people he used to hang out with consistently tried to peer pressure him into drinking more than he wanted. He always ended up giving in, afraid of coming across as a prude. But when he met Jimin, he quickly realized true friends never pressure you into doing anything you don't want to do.

Jungkook settled onto a barstool, looking out at the crowded bar. People were yelling loudly over the music and dancing drunkenly with their friends. It was a little chaotic for him at the moment. All he wanted to do was curl up in bed and video chat with his boyfriend.

His phone buzzed in his pocket and he quickly pulled it out, half expecting it to be Taehyung. It wasn't, however he still smiled at the message. It was from his parents.

About a week ago, they called him to apologize profusely for their behavior. They told him how much they loved him and how proud they were to call him their son. They admitted to treating Taehyung unfairly and explained how they were in the wrong. It was a confession Jungkook longed for but never expected to receive.

When Jungkook told Taehyung about his parents' apology, the elder revealed how they came to see him. This was shocking news to Jungkook; his parents never mentioned their visit to his boyfriend. Taehyung thought that showed the genuineness of their feelings and was more apt to forgive them. Jungkook was too.

The message on his phone was short and sweet. Saw a clip of your performance in New York. You were amazing! Also, you need a haircut. Love, Mom and Dad.

Jungkook chuckled to himself. His parents always preferred his hair neat and short, but he wanted to try something new. The fine strands now fell over his forehead and into his eyelashes, giving off a slightly disheveled look.

He loved it.

Taehyung loved it as well. During the times they video chatted, the elder always went on and on about his hair. Teasingly, Jungkook would run his fingers through the locks, watching as his boyfriend traced the action with his eyes. They both couldn't wait until Taehyung could do that for himself.

Only two more weeks, if everything went according to plan.

He sent a quick reply to his parents, letting them know they'd have to deal with his hair for a while longer. In the past he might have feared openly refusing their wishes, but now he knew they were going to support him completely. It gave him a sense of freedom he never felt before; he was free from the need to constantly receive their approval.

Jin came up beside him, a drink in one hand and Namjoon's hand in the other.

"I'm surprised you're not on the dance floor with Jimin and Hoseok," the eldest remarked, a wry smile on his face.

They all looked to where the two aforementioned boys were dancing, drawing the applause and cheers from onlookers. Jimin and Hoseok formed a solid friendship of their own over this tour, one that resulted in lots of laughter and jokes. Yoongi often grumbled about the weirdness of it all, but he was secretly grateful they were getting along so well.