It's you

Drunk

At Hoseok's place, Jin always feels comfortable and relaxed. It has became one of his favourite places to chill after a long day of work. It may not be an expensive vast mansion filled with lavish styled designs or any of that such. It is simply a 2-bedroom apartment with a nice comfortable sized living room and kitchen. Jin believes it is the one who owned the house that pleases him.

Hoseok and Jimin seemed to have enjoyed Jin's personally cooked dinner that they have not left a single trace of noodle or a leaf of vegetable in their bowls. Nothing pleases the cook more than watching his patrons lick the very last bit of his dish. Nonetheless, having to wash the dishes even at Hoseok's place reminds his exhaustion at work. Hoseok was offering his help but Jin knows best that he will die strangled to death tonight if he is willing to steal more of Jimin's time with Hoseok.

Sometimes Jin wonders about the true reason behind Jimin's love for his hyung.

“Jin-Hyung.”

Jin turns away from the sink and is just drying his hands with the towel. He captures the sight of Hoseok carrying Jimin in bridal style. Jin cannot help but grin at Hoseok's lack of embarrassment for doing so. Jin understands Jimin's weight is manageable but Jimin will flip if anyone sees him like that. Knowing the kid's temper, Jin is prepared for his reaction after being manhandled like a princess.

“Asleep already?” Jin giggles softly.

Hoseok nods with a smile. “I'll carry him to bed. Don't switch off the tele just yet.”

“Sure,” Jin responds softly. “Do you want tea?”

Hoseok shakes his head and rolls his eyes at Jimin.

“Beer.”

Both of them whisper together and chuckle.

As soon as Hoseok returns from Jimin's room, Jin is at the couch with a carton of beer. Hoseok takes a can from Jin's hand and both of them sip with a breath of relief.

“I can't believe he made you watch all the idol groups' MV and fell asleep before you,” Jin chuckles.

Hoseok laughs. “Jinja! Chimchim is really enthusiastic about dancing. He really loves dancing. He is just tired because he always has school in the morning and work at night. It is tough for a young guy like him.”

“Did something happen between him and his family?”

Hoseok widens his eyes at the sudden question from Jin. The older lad has been curious about it for a long time now. Hoseok takes another sip and glances at Jimin's bedroom door.

“Chimchim comes from a family of dancers.”

Jin leans back and listens attentively. He smiles at the information. “Daebak.”

Hoseok nods. “They are well-recognised in the world of contemporary dance. You can call it classic kind of dance.”

“Like Ballet?”

Hoseok giggles. “Ye. Something like that. Jiminie was doing great in middle school and he enrolled in the best dance academy in Seoul only to drop out of it.”

“What?” Jin blurts. “What happened?”

“Jimin is not only talented in dancing but singing too. He is a gem any music tycoons want their hands on. He is also good looking and gentle. He never boasts or brags about it. If I want to exaggerate, he is an angel that is mistakenly sent down as a human.”

Jin grins so widely that his teeth is out in the open. That is clearly Hoseok's love for Jimin.

“But with great attributes come massive jealousy and envy,” Hoseok sighs and takes a loud chug of the beer. “His so-called friends betrayed him and humiliated him with vulgar accusations. Jimin could not handle the stress so all his frustrations mounted into an inevitable thrashing of his peers.”

The older lad gulps and he dares not move an inch. “Poor Jimin.”

“The evils of this world can turn an angel to a devil,” Hoseok smiles sadly. “He was also shunned by his own parents and kicked out of his house. I met him in the streets where I always did busking. He was watching me dance freely and he wanted to be part of it. That was how we met. I signed him as his guardian and encouraged him to still continue high school in a general education scheme. He still has a future ahead of him. His talents are still intact.”

“Yah,” Jin adjusts himself so he can face Hoseok fully. “You are really his Hope.”

Hoseok blooms in red. “Aigoo, hajima! I'm sure you would do the same if you were in my shoes.”

“Who knows?” Jin sighs and swirls his beer can. “If I met Jimin like that before I met Kim Taehyung-nim, I probably did not care.”

Hoseok creases his brows. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I only cared about myself and nobody else. I could barely live my own life. Paying my own living expenses and tuition fees are already driving me crazy. I could not possibly give a care for anyone else,” Jin laughs sadistically and looks at Hoseok. “You are different. Even when you were a dropout and trying to make a living by yourself through busking, you still have the heart to care about that little punk.”

Hoseok bursts into chuckles. “You're really a romantic guy, Jin-hyung! Stop flirting with me, Hajima!”

“Seriously, I would have hated every piece of Jimin if he is not related to you. He almost wanted to skin me alive with the way he looked at me, as if I am going to steal you away for myself,” Jin smirks. “One day, I'm telling you, I will strangle him.”

“Aigoo,” Hoseok chuckles heartedly with too much embarrassment to bear.

Jin taps Hoseok's shoulder, teasing him even more. They soon settle down as their attention turns towards the television with the band WannaOne dancing to the upbeat tune of the music.

“Say, hyung. Do you dance?”

Jin snorts loudly and crosses his arms. “Have you heard of the Pigeon's dance?”

“What?” Hoseok smiles widely, already tickled by the alcohol and the name of the dance.

Jin demonstrates with his hands flailing in the air and his head move up and down robotically. Hoseok explodes in laughter, hugging his stomach. Hope being hope, he also follows and imitates the dance in his own way, adding some slick moves and whatnot. They both crack in giggles happily.

Hoseok drops back on the couch and laughs. “You are epic, Hyung. Jinja!”

“Aigoo, I cannot move now ‘cause I am so tired and drunk,” Jin hiccups and chuckles.

“Do you know,” Hoseok leans closely to Jin. “Taehyung-nim also loves music?”

“Jinja?” Jin suddenly straightens up. “How did you know?”

Hoseok takes another sip of the beer and speaks drowsily. “Yah, we talked about it. Music and all. After my performance that day. At the street.”

Jin nods and pays attention despite his eyes fighting hard to drift himself to sleep.

“Taehyung-nim, he doesn't do dancing like me. Yah, he is not a singer too. He is a player. Ani, ani. He can play music,” Hoseok gestures slowly and weakly. “He told me he can play three instruments. Ye! Taehyung-nim daebak!”

“Yah, Taehyung-nim is always the best! In everything!” Jin responds drunkenly. “He's smart, handsome, rich and most of all, Hoseokie, he is very kind! I won't be surprised if he can dance and sing too!”

“You know, the three instruments. It is a secret!”

“What? A secret?” Jin chuckles lowly. “You know Taehyung-nim's secret? I am jealous!”

“Because you're my hyung, I tell you,” Hoseok cheekily moves closer to sit next to Jin. “Don't tell anyone.”

“Ye, ye. What are the instruments?”

Hoseok raises both his hands and wriggles his fingers. “Piano.”

“Daebak Taehyung-nim!”

Hoseok then pretends to hold something with one hand and moves another hand like sawing. “Violin.”

Jin sloppily claps. “Mercedes-nim's the best!”

Hoseok then moves his fingers in front of him while his cheeks blow up. Jin waits for Hoseok to say the name of the instrument but Hoseok does not say it.

“Yah, what's the name? The third one. The third one!” Jin is getting impatient.

Hoseok blows against his lips, making a farting sound and he shakes his shoulders. “That is how he told me. He didn't say the name either. I told you, it is a secret, Hyung.”

Jin bats his eyes in disbelief. “That is the secret? What?”

Hoseok nods like a broken spring. “Taehyung-nim. He's actually quite mysterious. He is a popular guy but he can have many secrets. Jin-Hyung-ah. Be-be careful.”

“Araso,” Jin hums in agreement and makes the same action for the last instrument. “But I can guess. I know some instruments. This looks like a clarinet.”

Hoseok shakes his head and raises his finger to indicate that it is incorrect. “Not clarinet. Not trumpet. Not flute.”

Jin creases his brows. “Are you sure?”

Hoseok nods continuously this time until he drops his face flat on the couch. Jin waits for the younger lad to sit up again but he knows Hoseok will not raise up. Snoring ensues and his chest expands and contracts.

“Aigoo,” Jin giggles. “Hoseok can't handle his alcohol well. Aish jinja.”

Standing up, Jin moves to carry Hoseok and brings him to his bedroom. Laying Hoseok on his bed, Jin pulls the blanket over the dongsaeng and smiles.

“Thank you, Hoseokie,” Jin murmurs. “For the support from the moment I stepped into that cafe to now. I cannot imagine what I would do if I didn't meet you. And I wish even in this drunk state I want to call you my Hope when you're awake but I couldn't. I'm a horrible Hyung.”

Jin pats Hoseok's head and walks to the door. With a last gaze on the slumberous kid, Jin grins. “I trust you, jinja. Goodnight, my Hope.”

---

The smartphone rings and vibrates, dancing in circles on the table. It is only half an hour since Jin sent Hoseok to his room. Jin is already asleep on the couch and he scrunches his face upon listening to the sound of it. His eyes remain close, while his hand reaches out for his phone.

Who would call him in the middle of the night?

Jin squints his eyes, barely read anything on the screen. He slides the green icon and places the phone on his ear.

“Ye... Be... Seyo.”

“Yeobeseyo, Handsome hyung-nim.”

A smile stretches on his lips, still deep in his sleep. “Ye, Mercedes-nim.”

On the other side, Taehyung is standing by his balcony of his bedroom, under the starry sky. With his elbows resting on the ledge, Taehyung tightens his silk bedrobe around him. He raises a brow at the reply and looks back at his screen. He is certain he calls Jin, but having himself addressed as such surprises him.

“Eh? Could it be? Do you finally believe it's me?” Taehyung is holding back a smile.

A soft chuckle enters his speaker. “Mercedes-nim,... I want... to see you.”

Taehyung covers his mouth, shutting his eyes tightly. Jin's sudden request shoots an arrow right through Taehyung's heart. Taehyung wants to jump around like a fool of love but he restrains himself. He can tell that Jin is sleeptalking. Plus the fact that the words coming out of his mouth is cheesy, Taehyung believes alcohol was consumed.

“Araso,” Taehyung replies quickly with a smile from ear to ear. “Let's have dinner together.”

“I... I can cook, Mercedes-nim,” Jin sleepily answers. “Let me... Cook dinner. I'm a really good cook. Don't be fussy, okay? The food I bought from the supermarket- Ah!”

Taehyung straightens up at his sudden blurt. “Why? What happened?”

“The ingredients! Finished! I need to buy them! Now! But money! Aigoo, I haven't gotten my pay yet!”

Amused by Jin's frantic talk in his sleep, Taehyung loses himself as he laughs heartily. The bursting cackles shakes Jin up as he jolts into a sitting position. He rubs his eyes in a hurry before staring at the screen.

“AHHHHHH! AISH! AISH! AISH!” Jin's panic blasts through the phone. “Shut up! Hajima!”

“Aigoo, Hyung-nim.”

“What?!”

“You are adorable.”

“Ha-Hajima!”

“And you want to cook for me,” Taehyung leans back at the ledge and smiles his biggest box smile at the stars. “I can't wait. What's your address?”

Jin scoffs loudly and grits his teeth. “Yah. Have you no shame? Do you think before you say anything?!”

“I mean, why not, Hyung-nim. I'm just telling you the truth.”

“You are being too honest for your own good! Just like how you said in the television! Learn how to control yourself and be subtle, araso?!”

“Television? Aigoo, Hyung-nim?” Taehyung hums. “Even when you are awake now, you really think I'm Kim Taehyung.”

Jin widens his eyes and ruffles his hair. He hates the fact that everytime he is talking to V, he has the vibes talking to the real Kim Taehyung. Not only the voice is similar, the gentleness in his tone is too familiar to ignore. The only difference between Kim Taehyung and V is that V is openly flirty.

Jin holds his breath suddenly. Is he really Kim Taehyung?

“Hyung-nim? Are you still there?”

“V, you! You are just-” Jin hisses and blows a breath. “You are just born with the same voice! And a good actor! That's all.”

Taehyung's smile slowly fades, feeling alittle disappointed that Jin has not yet believed him.

“Why are you calling so late at night? It's 2 am in the morning, yah V.”

Taehyung smirks, trying his best to get used to the nickname he gave himself. His eyes flick to the table in his bedroom where a folder is opened. He then recalls his true purpose of calling him since evening. He decidedly moves back to his bedroom and sits gently in his armchair, resting the folder on his lap and flipping through the staff's profiles of the cafe Jin is working at.

“Are you still working at the cafe?” Taehyung asks directly, slowly reading the names of the staff. “Did you resign from it?”

Jin instantly huffs. “It's none of your business. I know you heard my problems earlier, about trust and all that, and you’re probably thinking of using it against me. Before you even think about it, listen carefully.”

Taehyung lifts his gaze from the folder and waits.

“I will not give up. No matter what.”

Taehyung keeps his small grin intact and he looks at Hoseok's profile. He replies coldly to Jin, “Araso.”

“So if you have anything else to say-“

“Is there anyone in your cafe that you don't trust?”

Jin bats his eyes at the sudden question and knits his brows. “What?”

Taehyung turns the page and sees Jimin's profile. “Anyone you think should leave the cafe?”

“What-what kind of question is that?” Jin is getting confused and consequently worried.

Taehyung stops at the profile of Ahn Sunho, the manager of the cafe. “Tell me, Hyung-nim.”

Jin holds his breath.

“The name who dared to hurt you.”

Taehyung's voice deepens, resonating to Jin's eardrums as though he is drowned by Taehyung's words. Jin turns his body off the couch, having his feet on the floor. His heart thumps loudly against his chest, feeling terrified for a moment.

“Mer-Mercedes-nim?” Jin stutters.

Taehyung notices the change of tone. He clearly dislikes the fear that carries Jin's voice. He does not want Jin to find out about him like this. He rather choose being the prankster named V than being  someone who gives Jin a reason to cower at his name.

Taehyung laughs. “Aigoo, are you scared, my little Jin-ie?”

“Yah!” Jin jumps onto his feet, trying his best to ignore the warmth rising to his cheeks. “Stop messing with me! D-do you want to die?! Calling me Jin-ie, you just disrespect me! I'm older than you, right?! You've been calling me Hyung-nim! Keep it that way or I will kill you, Pabo Dongsaeng!”

Taehyung somehow cannot ignore that last two words. “Pabo Dongsaeng?”

“Ye ye ye! Pabo!”

Taehyung tilts his head alittle.

“Dong-”

Taehyung's fingers crack, as he grips tightly on the phone.

“Saeng! Pabo Dongsaeng!”

“Yah!” Taehyung explodes in a loud yell. “Who are you calling me an idiot, yah?!”

“Aish! Are you that slow?! I've been wasting my breath calling you that, yah!”

“S-slow?” Taehyung slams the folder on the table and stands up. “Yah, are you degrading me? Are you looking down at me? You better stop that, hajima. Something bad will happen if you don't stop.”

“I will not stop, araso! You're only good at fooling people around with your prank calls and acting. Is there even anything else you can do? Yah, is this the only job in this world that you are good and worthy of doing?”

“What?!” Taehyung is on top of his voice. “There are many other things I'm good at and you are not!”

Jin snorts in disbelief. “Yah, don't try to fool me, hajima.”

“Music!” Taehyung huffs loudly in pride. “I'm a music genius, araso!”

“Aigoo,” Jin chuckles sinisterly. “If you think hitting the instruments on the table is making music, you are a total fool. Stop embarrassing yourself-“

“I can play the piano, the violin and the saxophone! All of them with real talent you can never find from anyone else!”

Jin pauses for a moment and breathes. “Saxophone?”

“Ha! Do you even know what that is?” Taehyung is still overwhelmed with anger. “It is the most difficult instrument to blow into and manipulate with! My lung capacity is so large that I can stay underwater for more than 1 minute! That is how good I am!”

Taehyung's full of esteem seems to linger in the air surrounding Jin, to a point it is suffocating him. The bombastic words of Taehyung's declaration are bouncing around Jin as he recalls what his drunk companion said earlier.

It was a secret shared between Hoseok and Taehyung. This guy named V said the same combination of instruments, but with a name to the third one.

Jin covers his mouth and drops himself to the couch again. The idea of V being the real Kim Taehyung is growing stronger than ever. With what has been said, Jin cannot deny it anymore.

This is really Kim Taehyung. Mercedes-nim!

“Omo!”

Taehyung holds his breath, hearing Jin's exclamation. He starts to realise he was so riled up after being called an idiot that he has been shouting boastful words to the phone. He forgets that he is supposed to make peace between them.

Jin jumps into a stand and bows repeatedly to no end. “Mianhae! Mianhae! Mianhae! Mianhae Sah Jang Nim (CEO)!”

“Eh?” Taehyung is surprised, honestly. “What gives-“

Interjecting Taehyung is a string of ceaseless apologies and remorse from Jin.

“I am so sorry! I shouted at you! Omo! I didn't even believe you! I'm horrible! Aigoo, I am the idiot! I am the Pabo! Omo! Omo! Omo! You've been trying to convince me and yet I am so stupid! Aigoo! I am deeply sorry, Kim Taehyung Sah Jang Nim! Please don't fire me!”

“Hyung-nim. Can you calm down-“

“Aigoo! I want to kill myself! I actually called you Pabo Dongsaeng! The real Pabo is me! I don't deserve to be called Hyung, Sah Jang Nim! Please call me Pabo so I can rest in peace, Sah Jang Nim!”

“I won't call you that,” Taehyung sighs out of guilt to have made Jin so frightened that he is panicking again. “Hyung-nim, why?”

“Eh?”

“Why do you suddenly believe it's me?”

“Because Hoseok told me that it is a secret between you and him that you can play three instruments- Ah!” Jin slaps his own mouth. “Ani! Ani! Hoseok didn't tell me anything! I-I just guessed- ah! Jinja, he didn't spill the secret on purpose! We were both drunk and he told me! I made him tell me! It's my fault! D-d-don't blame it on Hoseokie! He's innocent! Jinja, innocent!”

The worried expression on Taehyung's face morphs into a smile and he leans against his armchair with one hand.  “Aigoo, Hope-Hyung.”

Jin blinks hard, taking one loud gulp as though a storm is arriving anytime soon.

“It's not a secret,” Taehyung speaks gently. “You would have known if you searched it in the net. I don't want to brag but my life is always written somewhere for the public to read. I only told Hope- Ani, Hoseok-hyung because he didn't know. Actually, I was pretty shy telling him so I probably made it look like a secret.”

“S-sah Jang Nim,” Jin clenches his fist and scrunches his face. “I'm more embarrassed to be caught ignorant by you! And to be betraying my only friend in the cafe, I am really sorry! Mianhae! Jinja, Taehyung-nim! Please forgive me!”

“Doll-ssi.”

Jin halts instantly, his ear burning at the sound of that nickname. His lips open agape, unable to respond as though his mouth is sealed and his body is restrained by a massive weight.

“It's fine. There is no need for apologies.”

“But- Sah Jang Nim!”

“Please call me V from now on.”

“Why? You are Kim Taehyung-nim. Calling you like that, where is my respect?”

“Ani,” Taehyung chuckles softly. “I am still respected.”

“Ani, I-“

“Are you only respecting me because I'm a chaebol? A rich boy who owns the company you work for?”

“T-Taehyung-nim.”

“Yes?”

“I respect you as a person, Taehyung-nim!” Jin says with so much confidence and vigour that Taehyung shuts his eyes with relief. “Jinja. Taehyung-nim! I mean, V-nim!”

“Just V is fine,” Taehyung grins.

Jin nods and rubs the back of his neck. “Yes, V.”

“You are really cute, Hyung-nim.”

“Yah- I mean, please stop that,” Jin whispers, resisting the warmth in his cheeks.

“Why?” Taehyung sits in his armchair again, crossing his legs with an amused smile.

Jin ruffles his hair, feeling frustrated. “I'm a grown up man. I don't like to be called cute, jebal. Besides, why do you call me? Is there something you want me to do for you? I- I'm ready to help you, anytime, Taehyung-nim, I mean, V!”

Taehyung chuckles lowly, sending tingling sensation to Jin's nerves. The older lad cannot tolerate the waiting as he bites his thumbnail, feeling nothing more than being anxious.

Taehyung darts his eyes at the folder earlier and ponders if he should continue questioning Jin about the incident that made him cry. Now that Jin found out about his real identity, it will be difficult for Jin to admit the culprit who caused him pain. Knowing Jin was drunk with Hoseok, Taehyung believes they have a good relationship.

The suspect is either Park Jimin or Ahn Sunho.

Taehyung turns away from the folder and clasps the phone closely.

“Kim Seokjin, that is your name.”

“Yes!”

“Araso. Goodnight, Jin-hyung-nim.”

Jin bats his eyes and hesitantly replies. “Y-yes! G-Goodnight, Taehyung- ani, V! Goodnight, V!”

The unexpectedly long phonecall finally ends and the beep resonates through his body. Jin drops his body on the couch and stares hard at the messy table before him.

“It is really him.”

Jin presses both his palms over his cheeks. “What the hell is going on? Yah, why is he doing something so complicated?! Calling him V instead of his real name, what is he trying to achieve? Aigoo, help me God! Omo!”