Work Text:
“Hoseok…are there any more bags in the car,” Jin asked. Hoseok and JK were already unpacking groceries in the kitchen when Jin walked in.
“Nah, Tae and Jimin brought them in with us. They went back out to the dock to check the boats and the kayaks,” answers Hoseok.
“And hopefully dust them off and check for patches,” adds JK.
“So…they do have a purpose,” Jin says aloud as he walks back out of the kitchen. Hoseok and JK smile at one another as they continue putting the groceries away.
It’s the start of a three-day holiday weekend. The Independence Day holiday is on Sunday and the entire country is armed with colorful fireworks and sunshine. Tae’s family-cabin on the lake is not being used for the first time in years. His family opted to try something new this year: a seaside resort! And after battling reluctance from his parents, Tae has the cabin to himself. And several friends.
He’s invited the “team” of course: JK, Jin, Yoongi, Hoseok and Namjoon. His boyfriend, Jimin, has invited a few friends: Kara, Ana, Fei and Hyun. Hyun and Fei are a couple, Jimin’s longtime friends. And Fei’s decided to bring along a couple of girlfriends to round out the weekend party.
The Friday sunshine is already beaming off the lake as the team preps for the weekend. Hoseok and JK finish stocking the kitchen as Jimin and Tae complete their boat inspection. Jin and Yoongi lazily make their way towards the dock as they all wait for Namjoon.
“What’s taking Namjoon-hyung so long,” wonders JK. The grocery boys made themselves some lemonade before taking a seat on the expansive front porch.
Tae’s family cabin is a 5-bedroom luxurious hideaway in the woods that was recently updated a couple years back. It’s got a huge front porch that’s half covered by an extended awning, and could practically fit three hot tubs (unfortunately, Tae’s mother refuses to put hot tubs on her rich-cedar planks). Its 30 footsteps away from the lake with large windows from most rooms, facing the gleaming water. Hoseok would take up permanent residency if he could.
“Traffic probably. We left early enough to grocery shop, beating the mob of late shoppers AND traffic,” Hoseok smirks. “Joon is in charge of stocking up on the soju. He’ll be here soon,” says Hobi. “I hope.”
JK secretly smiles, aware (like the rest of their group) of Hoseok’s crush on the team-genius. They’ve all been friends since joining their grade school Pokémon club. Over the years, they’ve grown together. Even now- with JK in his last year of college as everyone else has moved on to “corporate overseers”. The friendship that burned bright when they were young had manifested itself into different shades of love (Tae & Jimin, Yoongi & Jin). Unfortunately, the love that burned between the dimpled duo never seemed to actually play out…quite right. Hoseok was taken to dance academy abroad for several quarters. Soon after Hoseok returned home, Joon had to study abroad when his Dad was assigned to New Zealand.
By the time college hit, Jin, Tae and Joon were placed into university separate from Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok. Then exams and dead week and graduation. THEN: adulthood. And jobs and bills and failed dates. For Hoseok and Namjoon, it all boiled down to this: pining and unfulfilled wishes.
Where Tae and Jimin let love notes carry them through the years, Jin and Yoongi had music (and Yoongi’s one million piano ballads) to bind them together.
Namjoon and Hoseok had space and distance. It was always a process of getting reacclimated to one another after long periods of absence. But once together, they were inseparable. One dumb joke laughed at by the other, one lullaby started as the other finished. Hoseok always felt like he was on the very cliff of a confession, always felt ready to jump. But he was so scared of the unknown, never quite sure if the small “signs” he saw in the past were real or imagined.
His musings were interrupted by a red jeep pulling into the driveway. Namjoon got out, surveyed the lake and turned to the cabin. He smiled over at JK & Hoseok. “HEY…I need a pair of hands!”
JK looks over at Hoseok immediately shouting “NOT IT!” He scurries down the steps of the cabin porch, running towards the lake. His laughter echoes past Namjoon who raises an eyebrow, looks over at Hoseok and slowly smiles.
Hoseok gets to the jeep, taking one of the boxes from the back seat. Heavy, filled with soju. “I guess I’m still not good at that game,” Hoseok laughs, looking over at Namjoon.
“It’s cause you’re too kind,” Namjoon says before grunting as he lifts the other box. They manage to get the liquor into the house and stored away. They put some bottles in the living room, a few on the porch and the rest in the kitchen. And, of course, a secret stash of 2 bottles in the fireplace.
“It’s summer…the only fire we’ll be building will be outside in the pit,” Namjoon winks as he puts the two bottles in the little niche in the fire place. Hoseok feels the wink hit his tummy. He blushes and looks away.
“So…what’s the spread,” says Namjoon, bringing himself to stand next to Hoseok.
“Well, I think Jimin invited four friends…one is a couple. That’s one bedroom there,” says Hoseok as Namjoon nods. They’re both looking out the window at their friends on the dock, bickering over lord knows what. JK has his ears covered causing Hoseok to smile.
“The other two are girls so…that’s another bedroom there.” Hoseok adds, “plus the couples.”
Namjoon rolls his eyes, “YoonJin and TaeMin.”
“Yes, so that’s two other bedrooms.”
“So…me, you and a Kookie Monster,” Namjoon asks, turning his attention to Hoseok.
“Looks like it,” says Hoseok, turning to Namjoon. “I mean…we could always force JK into the dock house.”
“With the spiders and dirt floor,” Namjoon says with a smirk.
“And creepy, swinging light AND axes.”
“Yeah…” huffs Namjoon.
“…guess we’re keeping him,” says Hoseok.
They laugh at the same time, unaware that they can be seen from the dock. Being watched by nosey peepers. A comfortable silence creeps in as they take turns staring at one another and looking around the cabin.
“You look good, Hobi,” Namjoon finally says.
“You, too, Joon. The new job must be going well…no stress creases in your forehead,” jokes Hobi.
“Nah, just having fun in the studio and getting paid for it. Speaking of…you’re a liar.”
Hobi and Joon head back out the door, onto the porch. They take a seat, resuming their conversation.
“Liar?” Hobi looks over at Joon with a scrunched brow. “About what? I would never lie to you Joon!”
“Uh-huh…then what is the grand excuse you have for not visiting me in the studio?” Hobi turns a shade of embarrassing red, guilty as charged. “ ‘Oh Joonie, I’ll come see you in the studio! I can’t wait to see what you do.’ Pretty sure a JUNG HOSEOK said those words to me after I got hired. Over a year ago.”
“Joonie…its…it’s been bananas…” Hoseok says as he tries to defend himself. “With the vet clinic picking up, finally! We’ve been swamped. We were supposed to hire admin assistance 9 months ago but…the applicant pool has lacked the qualifications.” Hoseok wrings his hands in his lap before looking up at a soft-smiling Joon.
“I know,” Joon says softly. “I’m just giving you a hard time. And…I just want to show off, if I’m being honest. I wanted to show off my new title as Production Director…and my new desk and studio. And…show you off to everyone at work.” Namjoon smiles.
“Show me off? Joon…before you do that, let me accomplish something. Like streamlined pet insurance.” Hobi laughs with Joon as they’re interrupted by a Kia SUV that pulls up next to Joon’s jeep.
“Feeeeeeeeeeeeeiiii” screams Jimin, running from the dock to the car.
“Jiminnnniiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” screams back Fei, jumping out the front passenger door. They embrace, laugh at each other and embrace again. Jimin is hugging the other friends who have just arrived as the entire team converges upon the car to welcome the newcomers.
Everyone knows everyone (or they’ve at least heard of one another) with the exception of Yoongi and Namjoon. They don’t attend a lot of the Jimin-hosted parties as their work keeps them busy. But everyone is soon acquainted with one another, helping with the luggage. The room division happens exactly as Joon and Hobi called it…and they decide to keep JK as snack runner/bunkmate.
After everyone has freshened up, three teams are created: kitchen crew (making dinner), nature crew (collect some fire wood and explore) and the fireworks crew (in charge of heading down to the other end of the lake to stock up on fireworks).
“JK and I will head over to the booths to pick up fireworks,” says Jimin, squeezing Tae’s hand before heading over to look for empty back packs in the coat closet.
“I’ll go, too” says Kara, who has been secretly admiring the runt of the team since she arrived. “…if…if that’s ok, of course,” she says, looking over at JK.
“Of course! The more, the better. We need mules…to carry the pyro,” says JK. Realizing what he said, he adds “NOT that I think you’re a mule…that’s…sorry…that’s not what I meant. AT ALL. I meant like for helping to carry the load…back here. You aren’t a mule. No one where near one…more like…a flower. I mean—”
Yoongi comes to the aid of the little one. “Yeah…that’s enough chatterbox. We get it. 3 mules so far for Team Fireworks.” Yoongi looks over at his boyfriend and rolls his eyes. “Team Kitchen Fire has 3 as well. Me, Jin and Hoseok. Any other tributes?”
“Wait…I don’t get a say,” asks Hoseok with a chuckle.
“No, you can handle a knife. I need you,” says Jin.
“Me, too. I want to be on Team Kitchen Fire,” Namjoon volunteers, walking over to stand next to Hoseok. They smile at one another briefly before they’re interrupted.
“NO…you can’t even handle a cheese grater,” says Jin. “Go to Team Fireworks…use those thigh muscles.”
Yoongi cocks an eyebrow, looking at Hoseok. This causes him to blush as he’s turned slightly away from Namjoon.
“Hey…that’s not right. You shouldn’t discriminate, hyung,” says Joon. He looks to Yoongi for help.
“Jinnie, we should take Joon. He needs kitchen lessons.”
“No, no,” interrupts Tae who moves from sitting on the couch to standing up. “I need Joon. We’re Team Camp Fire and I need his…woodsy expertise. I’m taking Fei & Hyun out to map the grounds, meet the neighbors down the way and collect wood. I need Joon, the naturalist.”
“Uh…yeah, sure,” says Namjoon with a smile. He turns towards Hobi, blinking his eyes several times as if to say ok-guess we get split up then. Hobi smiles back at Joon.
“I’ll join Team Camp Fire,” says Ana. She looks over at Namjoon, sizing him up. Sparking an unnamed defensive feeling in Hoseok. “I could use the nature lesson. And, Jimin talks about how smart you are all the time.” She smiles prettily enough that Joon nods and looks off at the rest of the group as plans begin to form. Hoseok keeps his eyes on Ana who takes her time raking her eyes up and down Namjoon before licking her lips and returning to the group conversation. That action alone tells Hobi that the weekend won’t be going the way he planned.
- - - -
“So, tonight’s dinner: pearl couscous and chicken breast. Tomorrow’s dinner: hot dogs and hamburgers. Sunday’s dinner: steak and potatoes.” Jin’s announces the dinner as they unpack some of the items that Jin brought, pre-prepared in glass containers.
“Pearl couscous…who the hell brings couscous to a cabin,” Hoseok asks, looking at Yoongi.
“My lover.”
“Ewww...” says Hoseok. They get the couscous in a large pan and under the oven to warm. Hoseok and Yoongi take the marinated chicken breasts to the outside-grill as Jin sets the table and handles indoor to-dos.
“Thank you,” says Hoseok as they grill the second batch. The hot sun is somewhat cooled as it filters through the trees. The birds are chirping and faint voices can be heard from the lake, evidence of surrounding campers and cabiners.
“For what?” Yoongi asks as he concentrates on grilling the red onions on the top rack.
“For…trying to get Joon to stay.” During college, as Yoongi was perfecting his Jin-trapping skills, he grew closer to Hoseok. And likewise. They shared too many kimchi stew dates, reminiscing over their respective crushes. Giving each other advice, encouraging one another. Though their group of friends all know about Hoseok’s feelings (except Joon), no one knows better than Yoongi. Hoseok’s pining, his lack of self-confidence, all his Namjoon feelings.
“I dunno why you’re thanking me. Tae took him anyway.” Yoongi flips a chicken breast.
“Yeah,” Hoseok smiles. “He looked good in the red bandana print, right?”
“Uh…no. That’s your disgusting love goggles that you carry around.” Hoseok laughs, smacking Yoongi’s back.
“So, did you actually bring your balls to the cabin, Seok? Ready to man up, make the big move?”
Hoseok gives Yoongi a look and shakes his head, reaching for the foil.
“Guess that’s a no.”
Jin leans out of a window, closest to the grill on the side of the house. “Seokie, did you get black pepper?”
“Fei did. She said she stocked our spice rack by the fridge,” Hoseok yells. Jin nods and disappears from the window.
“Speaking of our added guests, what’s up with Miss Short-Shorts?”
“Huh,” Hoseok reacts as he helps to put the last batch of chicken breasts on the grill.
“Namjoon’s tag along.” Leave it to Yoongi to pick at Hoseok’s unspoken fear of competition.
“I dunno,” shrugs Hoseok. Ana is a pretty girl: smooth legs, a small nose and bouncy, dark blond hair. She also doesn’t seem shy or reserved. So yeah: Hoseok feels threatened.
“Hmm…” Yoongi side smiles at his best friend. Hoseok tries to shake any negative thoughts from ruining his holiday. Even as a small wedge of jealousy nudges its way into his pocket.
It’s gonna be a good weekend, Hoseok thinks to himself. He hopes to himself.
- - - -
“So yeah, that’s the last of the neighbors on this side. On the other side of the lake, around the bend from the fireworks booth, there are only three cabins. Two are corporate-owned so they’re probably empty. And another…” Tae’s voice trails off in the background as he explains the perimeter of the lake.
Joon smiles, walking at the front of the group while Tae guides the rest behind him. They’ve met all the neighbors on their side and grabbed a hotdog from a party that was grilling by the dock. The birds are chirping and the sun is sparkling off the cold, inviting water.
“Hey,” says a voice from behind Joon. He turns to see Ana catching up to him. She smiles and he smiles back.
“Hey.”
“So, Tae says you’re the nature expert,” says Ana with a big grin on her face as they continue to lead group.
Joon laughs, “nature expert. Yes, Tae uses the title loosely. I just happen to have a fascination with crustacean and trees. No actual expertise here.” They both smile at one another. “Although, if you want a bit of advice—”
Ana walks closer to Joon.
“—I would lay off the sweet-smelling body sprays. Maybe swap ‘em out for a good bug repellant. Or ask Hoseok for some essential oils. He could recommend some good ones.”
“O-oh…of course,” says Ana with a half-smile. The cabin slowly comes into view. “So…Namjoon, what do you do? For a living? And do you live in the city, too?”
“I work in music production.”
“OH…like Yoongi?”
“Uh…kind of. Yoongi is all free-lance, might start his own label if he really puts his mind to it. Reports to no one, currently. Just his lawyer,” Joon smiles. “I work at TXT. I’m their Production Director. And I do live in the city. I’m Jimin’s roommate. Since we both work at TXT, it makes living and commuting so much easier. We moved in a couple of months ago.” Ana’s eyes widen as she remembers that Jimin has a new roommate.
Instead of going towards the cabin entrance, they walk around the cabin, several yards away where the chopping block sits. “So, you and Jimin work together?” Joon nods in response to Ana’s question. “Tae said Hoseok and JK live together. Do they work together, too?”
“No, but they are neighbors to Yoongi and Jin. Jin works near Jimin and I…his TV studio is a jog away. Hoseok is a veterinarian and JK is in his last year of college. Tae lives down the street from them at his art gallery.”
“Ok Joon” Tae interrupts. “You chop down the existing wood and we’ll bring you more.”
“Oh,” claps Ana. “I’ll help Joon!”
Joon smiles at Tae with an unreadable look in his eye. Lucky for Joon, Tae knows what that means.
“Uh…NO, we need all eyes on the hunt. It only takes one pair of hands to chop wood,” Tae proclaims, leaving Ana without an argument.
The four, Tae-Hyun-Fei-Ana, walk off towards the woods again. Joon shakes his head and picks up the axe.
- - - -
“Don’t you think this is…a bit excessive” asks Kara as she adjusts her backpack straps, sparklers of varying sizes brimming at the zippers. She smiles over JK whose backpack is teeming with rockets of all kinds as he carries a box full of artillery packs.
“Nah…this is nothin. Right, Chim?”
Jimin huffs from behind. He carries a backpack full of fountains and miscellaneous fireworks. The box in his hands have more artillery packs and fountains. “Sure…not excessive. Especially if you know a Jungkook.”
They all laugh.
“So, you guys do this every year,” asks Kara.
“Nah, our first year at the lake. But, we did celebrate on a beach once. Would you say we had more fireworks then, Jiminie?”
Jimin stops to adjust the box in his hand. “Will you please stop talking to me? I’m trying to breathe and carry this box.”
JK and Kara laugh.
Jimin continues anyway: “I don’t know why you didn’t try to at least get Hoseokie to come with us. We need the extra hands. We all know Jin could cook a 5-course meal without assistance. Yoongi is purely decorative.”
JK snorts as he looks over at Kara. “Yoongi might have something to say about that.”
“Well, I will admit: I have no kitchen skills,” Kara pouts. “Neither does Ana. So, if we’re both on kitchen duty with anyone else, I want to apologize ahead of time.”
“HA!” JK laughs. “In that case, you both will need to be on separate cooking shifts. Separate from Joon, too. He can’t even manage the right end of a peeler.” This causes Jimin to join in on the laughter.
“Oh, well…that’s too bad. I’m almost sure Ana wants to partner with Joon for more than just fire wood gathering,” Kara smiles, unaware of a quieted JK.
- - - -
“WOW!”
Everyone exclaims as Jin, Hoseok and Yoongi serve up pearl couscous and grilled chicken & red onions. They’re all seated at the outdoor dining area, a litany of bug repellant coils and candles burning nearby. The sun has set but there’s still an orange creamsicle glow to the sky. Voices in the distance signify everyone else is probably eating outdoors too.
Once all the food and drinks are on the table, Hoseok, Jin and Yoongi make their way back outside to chow down. The table has been adjusted to accommodate their party, able to seat up to twelve: a bench for five on each side and a chair at either end. Tae sits at the head of the table with Jimin next to him. Then its Ana, Fei, Hyun, Kara on the bench and JK at the other end of the table. Next to JK is Joon with the rest of his bench empty.
Joon catches Hoseok’s eye and waves him over. When they near the bench, Joon says “Sit down, Hobi. Eat with me.”
“Are the rest of us allowed to eat with you,” mumbles Yoongi, heard only by Tae who smiles and Jin standing next to him (who turns to give him a tight-lipped smile).
Hobi sits down with a big grin as Joon scoots over a bit. Everyone digs in after Jimin’s guests plate-up first. Hobi makes a plate for Joon before focusing on his own.
“I meant to ask you: how is your sister’s clothing line? I saw an ad online and I was tempted to take a picture but I was in-studio with an artist,” Joon smiles, before taking a bite of chicken.
“It’s good,” says Hobi who pauses to finish chewing and swallow. “She just approved the fall line’s distribution schedule. She has plans to walk her winter wear soon. We’re all really excited! And I’ll tell her you saw the ad.” Hobi smiles at Joon who has a bit of couscous on the side of his mouth. If Hobi were brave, he would reach over and remove it with a quiet charm. But, he’s Hobi, so he taps the side of his mouth at Joon who wipes it away himself.
“So, are you going to model for her this time, too,” Joon asks.
“Maybe. We really need front-of-house staff at the clinic…it’s ridiculous. So, we’ll see. I mean,” Hobi stops to pose at Joon, batting his eyelashes. “—if my sister’s clientele are attracted to this…and this is what sells” Hobi shrugs with a pucker.
This causes JK and Kara to laugh as Joon slightly blushes.
“You’re only human, hyung,” JK eggs him on.
“Yes, yes: I am only human,” says Hobi, raising his eyebrow twice.
Hobi and Joon stay engrossed in their conversation. Their friends are used to it, this is their usual dance. Meet up, spend hours catching up and being all heart-eyes for one another. Soon, everyone is clearing the table as Hobi and Joon get lost in each other. Before they know it, the only people still at the table are Yoongi and Jin at the other end. Tae, Jimin and JK are on dish duty as they allow their guests to bathe first. Now, the candles, coil embers and outdoor balcony high-beams are the only source of lighting.
“…so, my parents decided to go visit her. I’ll house sit for them, watch the dogs and package the kimchi in a couple weeks. But, I told them I paid for a month and a half so they better enjoy it,” Joon smiles.
“So, you’ll be alone? House sitting for a whole month and some?”
“Well, kinda” says Joon. “I heard that JK’s internship will take him abroad for some weeks. Around the same time.” Joon smiles, hesitantly. “So, if you don’t mind commuting with me in the morning on a different train, I was thinking you could come over and house sit, too. With me.”
“Oh,” says Hobi with a growing smile.
“It’s just...it’s been so long since we had anytime to just catch up. You know? 94s forever, remember?”
Hobi smiles. “Forever. And yes, I’m coming over to house-sit with you. Tell your Mom you’re bringing insurance.” Joon laughs as JK comes out to inform them that the shower schedule is open. As all their friends argue to shower ahead of them, Joon and Hobi get up from their benches. Joon tugs on Hobi’s shirt a bit, getting him to follow along to the dock. They sit, staring up at the sky. A few artillery shells go off sporadically: people testing their stock in the distance.
“I’m glad you came, Hobi. I heard about…things being difficult with the parentals lately,” Joon says with a low voice. Hobi continues to look up at the sky, his smile fading.
“Yeah,” says Hobi. “It’s…yeah…”
Joon puts his hand on Hobi’s shoulders, “its ok. You don’t have to. Not with me.” Hobi closes his eyes and nods in understanding. Joon removes his hand but continues to look at Hobi, eyes closed. Admiring the rounded edge of his cheek bones, the tip of his nose, his fluffy black hair. If Joon had brought his courage, he would make a move right now. Lean over, nuzzle his ear. Whisper something cute or witty or both. And when Hoseok turns, he’d kiss him. But…
“Hey guys…see anything jaw-dropping,” Jimin asks as he plops down next to Hobi. Next to Jimin, Ana and Fei take a seat too.
“Nope,” says Hobi opening his eyes. “Nothing yet.”
I have, thinks Joon- taking a quick sideways glance at Hobi before staring up at the sky.
- - - -
“Can you believe he created breakfast teams? Like, what are we? Twelve?”
Joon and Hobi smile at one another over the exasperation of their bunkmate. Joon and Hobi take the twin beds split in the middle by a rather tall night stand. Jungkook has the pull-out twin with a foldable frame that’s pushed along the other wall. They’re all getting ready for bed. For the most part.
“I mean, my breakfast team is tomorrow. With Kara, Fei and Hyun. Nothing against them, of course! But why tomorrow? I wanna sleep in on our first night!”
“Do you wanna trade,” asks Hobi with a smile as he turns down his bed.
“Nah, I don’t want last day duty either. You and Joon hyung and the lovesick couple can keep Monday morning. I know Jin and Yoongi won’t separate from their Sunday-kitchen date.”
“Then ask Ana. She might trade her Sunday team for Saturday,” says Joon, with a glance from Hobi.
“No…I guess I’ll keep it,” JK mourns as he hops in bed.
“Besides, I think that Kara girl might like to keep you on her breakfast team tomorrow. She seemed a little interested, Kookie,” smiles Hobi as he crawls into bed.
Several hours later, deep into REM cycle 3, Hobi wakes up to a gentle shaking of his shoulder. It’s dark but he can see the outline of Joon’s dreamy smile in the moonlight.
“Why…are you smiling…at me…like a murderer” Hobi sleepily asks. Joon snorts as he tries to hold in his laugh causing Hobi to smile.
“Get up sunshine, a midnight swim calls,” says Joon, waving shorts over his head in the dark.
“Kim Namjoon. What makes you think—” Hobi doesn’t get to finish as Joon uses a spray bottle to spray hot water on Hobi’s chest. And yep, that’s enough to move Hobi to the lake (or to chase Joon until he can strangle him).
After quietly fighting in the dark, bumping into sharp corners and almost stepping on a stray belt buckle, Joon and Hobi make it out to the lake in their shorts with their towels. They jump in, deciding that it’s better to just suck it up versus wade in slowly. After trying to drown each other, they eventually calm down to a floating-truce. Where they really talk about work and parents and siblings. About life and struggles and moving on. They talk about literature, random quotes they’ve picked up along the way, comparing notes on life. Over an hour passes with so many flirty gestures and splashing. It’s when Hoseok sneezes that Joon decides its time to head in.
“I’m so glad you came, Hobi,” Joon says as they climb the cabin steps.
“I…missed you,” Hobi says, trying not to make it awkward. He smiles and reaches for the knob. His smile drops when he realizes it’s locked. “Hey Joon, do you have a key,” Hobi asks as he turns to Namjoon. Judging from the way he freezes, Hobi knows it’s a “No”. They try the other two entrances with no luck.
Hobi leans his head against the frame of the locked door leading to the kitchen entrance. Of course, they’re locked out in wet clothes. Thankfully, it’s a warm dawn and zero breezes. So, they won’t freeze. Yet.
“Ouch” Joon says, as he slaps his arm. He looks over at Hobi with a frown. “Mosquitoes.”
Hobi smiles at Joon. The way early periwinkle in the sky is rebounding off the smooth curves of his cheeks. Joon looks so soft and warm (and wet) in this light, Hobi wants to freeze this moment. Freeze them in this bubble. Shed time and responsibilities and everything outside of this forest.
Still leaning against the frame, he says “you know, you deserve a million mosquito bites right? You drag me out here, drown me in the lake with your sculpted biceps and totally forget to plan re-entry.”
Namjoon’s pout is illuminated by faint light from the sky. “Hey…I just wanted time with my long-lost friend.” Namjoon softly punches Hoseok’s shoulder. Hoseok visibly shakes with a small laugh as he slides over to Namjoon. He waves his hands furiously around the taller man, trying to shoo the miniature vampires.
“I know…I’m…I’m glad we did this. I feel like…the times we get to do this are becoming fewer and farther between…” Hoseok’s arm waving comes to a halt as he realizes how close he is to Joon, looking up at the man’s gorgeous, dawn-kissed face.
A few seconds of silence pass before the door is swung open quite suddenly. Hoseok screeches into Namjoon’s arms as the inside lights flick on.
Tae, Jimin, Ana and JK look back them- Tae wielding a spatula in the background.
“Hyung? Hyung? What…WHAT THE HELL” exclaims Jimin.
“Namjoon” says Ana.
“Oh…Hoseok-hyung” smiles JK.
“GET IN HERE…BEFORE YOU GET SICK” shouts Tae.
Namjoon and Hoseok get inside, the door is locked behind them. They look at one another before staring back at the others.
“It was…my fault. I…I wanted to go for a swim” Namjoon tries to explain, tightening his towel around his shoulders.
“Yeah, but I agreed. And…we just ran out the door without thinking about the locks,” says Hoseok, looking at Namjoon with a smile.
“Awww…how sweet” says Tae, with a huge smile. Jimin nods in agreement.
“Just…unlock the door next time. Or take a key. Jimin got scared because he could hear doors rattling,” says JK.
“So…only you two went out for a swim” asks Ana. Hoseok and Namjoon nod in response as Tae & Jimin make their way towards the stair case.
“Yeah, just us” says Hoseok, looking back at Ana as her gaze roams over Namjoon.
“Let me know, next time” she replies. “I would love to join” she winks at Namjoon who brushes it off to look at Hoseok.
“Do you wanna shower first, Hobi?”
“Sure…I’ll make it quick.”
Ana and JK are followed by Hoseok and Namjoon. After showering, they settle into bed to the sounds of a softly-snoring JK.
“Thank you…Namjoon,” Hoseok whispers with morning light filtering in through the trees.
“For what” comes a voice with a smile.
“All of it. I…I really needed that.”
“I know. I know.”
- - - -
“Thanks for breakfast, Kook,” Hobi smiles next to Joon, the morning after. Kook smiles sweetly before rolling his eyes.
“And thanks, Kara,” Joon chimes in before taking a bite of a biscuit. Sitting next to Kook, Kara bows in response.
“So, what’s the plan for the day,” asks Hyun, intertwining his fingers with Fei’s.
“LAKE” exclaims Jimin.
“My boyfriend loves the lake,” Tae jokingly eye rolls. “But really, it’s going to be a ridiculously hot day. Please remember your sunscreen.”
“We’ll digest then prep the boats. Dress in swim gear, bring an extra towel and fill up your water bottles,” Jimin adds.
“We should head back around 6pm. To get the grills going,” says Yoongi in between coffee sips.
“Yeah, I rolled out patties yesterday. Tonight’s cooking crew should have an easier time of it,” says Jin, leaning up against Yoongi with a full belly.
“Breakfast team is also tonight’s dinner team…plus Namjoon,” says Yoongi. “Tomorrow is Hoseok, Ana, Jin and me…dinner and breakfast. Tae and Jimin will take care of Monday breakfast with Hoseok and Joon.”
“Good, good,” says Tae. “So…prep in twenty.”
The boats, one blue & white and the other dark gray and white, are out on the lake a couple hours later. Beer stored in the side compartment and some fruits and sandwiches in the cooler on board. Everyone is grabbing their bag, walking over to the dock in the increasing heat. When suddenly:
“I call Big Blue” says JK. “So does Jin” he adds, laughing at Jin’s expression as he walks next to Yoongi.
“I do” asks the older.
“Then I’m in Big Blue, too” says Yoongi. “That’s like…automatic,” he says with a smile, looking at Jin.
“I’m in Big Blue, too” yells Kara, sidling up next to JK as they reach the dock.
“Tae and I will take Great Gray” says Jimin.
“Hyun and I will follow you,” says Fei, looping her arm thru Jimin’s as they smile at one another.
Joon is about to shout when Ana cuts in: “Namjoon and I will ride in the Big Blue!”
Hoseok, walking next to Joon as they come to a halt on the deck, looks over at Namjoon who is somewhat surprised.
“I…uh…” Joon stutters, looking from Ana to Hoseok.
“I mean…if you want,” Ana asks with a smile, drawing Joon’s attention back to her- in short shorts and a halter top.
No one gets to answer as Fei jumps in, abandoning Jimin’s side. “That’s cool…we want Hoseok. C’mon cutie,” she says as she drags Hoseok to the other boat that is docked.
“Oh…ok…”says Hoseok as he watches Namjoon dragged to the Big Blue by a sad-smiling Jin.
Thirty minutes later, after much shouting and playing with the radios, they find a nice place to park near the center of the lake. Both boats are standard trident speedboats, able to carry 8 people each. The speedboat shades matching the color of their names are handy shields. Once the boats are about the length of JK’s leg apart (because that’s what they used to measure distance), they’re securely anchored out in the middle of the lake.
With the beers tossed out to refrigerate in the lake, the friends manage to set up their launchpads. The sun has started to burn its way across the sky. Slowly, top layers start come off as everyone seeks coolness in the water. Of course, the first splash in is JK followed by a jubilant Kara. Yoongi shakes his head at Jin, sipping a cool beer in the shade. Jin shrugs and jumps in. Fei and Hyun jump in as well, followed by Jimin.
“C’mon Namjoon” Ana says with a loud laugh.
Hoseok has his back to the other boat, not caring to take a look. From the moment they left the dock, he’s been a little uneasy. Watching Namjoon sit next to a girl who is a little too overt in body language- that was pretty hard. Then, watching Namjoon respond to something she said with a laugh of his own…then everyone was laughing. And once they anchored, Ana kept up the conversation with Joon, building a cocoon around them. Hoseok doesn’t really feel like boating.
“Hyung,” says Tae, bumping his shoulder against Hoseok’s. It causes the older to smile a bit, looking up at his little baby.
“Yeah,” he asks, slowly taking off his unbuttoned, short-sleeve plaid shirt.
“We can trade boat passengers on the way back,” he says with a small voice.
“Why” Hoseok asks, pretending not to be bothered.
“Hyung—”
“It’s ok, TaeTae. Let’s…let’s jump in and cool down. Yeah?”
Hoseok gets Tae out of his tshirt, eventually pushing him over when he stands on the outside ledge.
“You ok, hyung? To watch the boats?” Hoseok shouts over to Yoongi.
“Yes, I’ll watch the beer” says Yoongi with a salute of his bottle. Hoseok rolls his eyes and jumps in. Splash wars and attempted drowning ensues. Followed by many rounds of Marco Polo and a failed attempt at water polo. Eventually, they take turns getting out to dry off, have sandwiches and digest.
Only Hoseok, Ana, Namjoon, Jin and Jimin are left in the water, wading around and conversating. The entire time Ana has been tethered to Namjoon. Trying to get him to laugh, partner up with her and flirt. Hoseok has kept his distance, watching the beautiful woman work her magic. Sparkling in the sun, injecting laughter and light punches in every interaction with Namjoon. The want on her face is written in 72-Impact-font. Namjoon would have to be blind if he doesn’t see it. And hearing his throaty laugh in response to her rambling makes Hoseok sick.
“We should get something to eat guys” Hoseok says, turning away from the group. He wades back to the other side of the boat, nearing the ladder. He goes under, to clear away all the unshed tears of jealousy. When he comes up, he’s greeted by muscles and a collar bone. Namjoon’s arms close around him.
“Whoa…whoa…got you…” says Namjoon, lips close to Hoseok’s temple.
“Oh…OH…sorry Joon—”
“It’s ok…I was following you. Sandwiches sound really good.”
Hoseok looks up to Namjoon as the water laps around their shoulders. His tawny hair has become blackened by the combination of water and sunlight. His baby brown eyes full of warmth. Hoseok can’t help but smile.
When Hoseok smiles, Namjoon can’t help but be drowned in it. He’s spent most of the afternoon with a barnacle (not that Ana is a bad person). But, from a distance, he’s watched Hoseok keep to himself or Tae. Namjoon has wanted nothing more than to wade over and pull him under. Splash and play and float with Hoseok. Talking about everything and nothing. He’s still holding Hoseok when a voice cuts in.
“Sandwiches sound delicious. C’mon, lets get some” says Ana, trying to call Namjoon over to her ladder on the Big Blue.
“Hey…hurry it up, Golden Girl. I’m hungry too” says Jin, waiting for Ana to ascend.
They both climb up as Namjoon and Hoseok separate. Jimin wades by slowly, watching Namjoon and Hoseok giggle at each other. “Joon…if you want…there’s space on our boat. And more than enough sandwiches since we don’t have a JK.”
Jimin laughs as he climbs up.
“Joon” says Hoseok, getting cutoff.
“Namjoon…Namjoon…c’mon. I’ve got some sandwiches spread out” says Ana from the boat.
“I…you should…probably climb up. We can digest over Jin’s 50 million fishing stories” says Hoseok, wading away from Namjoon.
And they do just that. Everyone cracks up at Jin’s fishing stories-mostly because they involve Yoongi falling into water. Hoseok tries to ignore the decreasing gap between Ana and Namjoon. He tries to ignore the closeness between them as they play charades- shouting at each other. Tries to ignore the way Ana is so willing to share her beer with Namjoon.
Eventually, the long afternoon descends into a bright evening. It looks like its 5pm when it’s almost seven. They get back to the cabin a little later than planned. But, as Jin says: the grills are a breeze to fire up. And everything is practically waiting to be cooked. After everyone is showered and surrounded by burning bug repellant candles, the food is served. Namjoon, JK and Kara bring out plates of hamburgers and a warm pan of hot dogs. Fei and Ana hand out drinks and Hyun puts utensils near all the toppings & condiments.
Instead of sitting next to Hoseok, Namjoon is dragged over to the opposite bench by Kara and JK. They ask Namjoon questions about work and producing for musicians and fame. Sitting next to Namjoon is Ana, hanging on his every word.
“Where’s the kimchi” asks Jin.
“Hyung, its hotdogs and hamburgers,” says Jimin, as if that should explain everything.
“Thank you…for confirming my eyes work. Where’s the kimchi” he asks again.
“I’ll get it,” says Hoseok, patting Jin’s arm next to him. “Don’t worry hyung, I’ll bring it out.” Hoseok gets up. Quickly. Not wanting to be subjected to Ana’s advances and Namjoon’s possible willingness to put up with it.
He walks into the kitchen, putting his palms down on the granite island. He takes a few deep breaths, trying to cool the raging jealousy inside. The quiet rejection inside. How can I be rejected when I haven’t made a move, Hoseok reasons with himself while searching for the kimchi. He finds the jar and turns to grab a fork. Ana and Namjoon come in with a few condiments.
“We’re putting stuff away,” says Ana. “I think everyone is almost stuffed.”
Hoseok gives a tight lipped smile as he searches for a fork.
“Here’s a fork, Hobi” says Namjoon, standing next to Hoseok, holding it up.
“That’s ok,” says Hoseok, as he continues to rummage for a fork. His fingers finally curl around one, before he closes the drawer. He turns to walk outside, not another word or glance behind him. Sitting next to Jin, handing over the precious kimchi, Hoseok decides to immerse himself in the current conversation.
He doesn’t want to talk to Namjoon. Honestly he’s a little hurt and maybe angry or disappointed or just upset. Hoseok doesn’t want watch more flirting. Doesn’t want the reminders that he’s a coward. That he’s not desirable or alluring or what-the-fuck-ever. He just wants what he came for: food and friends.
He helps to clear away the rest of the table, ignoring everything else. The lump in his heart is only heavier when Yoongi stops him with a look. He brushes past, helping to clear the deck. With a little bit of light outside, everyone decides to build a fire and roast marshmallows. Smores for dessert.
“Hyung…” JK starts with a gentle tone after Hoseok sits down next to him. Far away from Namjoon.
“Don’t Kook…not you, too.”
Silence follows as Hoseok helps to unwrap the chocolate bars, arranging them on a tray. Jimin comes out with a few bottles of soju. “Nothing goes better with smores than soju” says Jimin. Earning him a whack on the arm from Jin’s long metal skewer.
They all laugh as Hyun brings out a guitar, strumming some Old School tunes. “What the parents used to play” as Yoongi says. Everyone joins in, even Hoseok. They all fill up on smores.
Namjoon watches him from afar, noticing the change in behavior. Hoseok has been distant since morning. Granted, they have been separated for most of the day with Namjoon on a different boat and in charge of cooking/serving. But, he misses Hoseok. No long glances, no shared eye rolling, no secret smiles. Even in the kitchen, when he offered Hoseok a fork, he never looked up.
This isn’t how Namjoon hoped the weekend would progress. He was hoping for more Hoseok time, more deep conversations. Maybe some drunk cuddles and some non-drunk cuddles. The spot in his heart where Hoseok lives…it burns. It rallies against Namjoon, angry with him. And Namjoon decides to finally do something about it. Until:
“I’m gonna call it night,” says Hoseok, getting up from his seat. It’s followed a chorus of “aawwww” and “nnnoooooo” and “sssttttaaaaayyyy”. He smiles at disappointed faces and jokingly blows them kisses, avoiding eye contact with Namjoon.
“I’m sorry everyone, but I’m part of breakfast crew and dinner crew. And tomorrow is the holiday so I want to make sure I have lots of rest to keep up with you” Hoseok says as he shimmies around and between everyone. “And unlike Hyun, I am not half-fish. So all that swimming tired me out.”
They all laugh as Hoseok finally makes his way to the other side of the fire pit. While still avoiding eye contact with Namjoon who is directly to his left, Hoseok looks for a place to set down his skewer. Yoongi reaches out with a smile. Hoseok grins back, handing it over.
Hoseok is about to walk away when a hand reaches out to him. “Good night, Hobi.”
Hoseok doesn’t have to turn around to know who it is, so he doesn’t. “Good night, Joonie.” Hoseok says over his shoulder as his wrist slips away. He hurries his evening hygiene routine along, jumping into bed. He doesn’t want to be awake when Namjoon comes in, he doesn’t want the questions or hanging silence. He’s asleep an hour after leaving the fire pit.
- - - -
The next morning, YoonJin, Hoseok and Ana get to work. Jin runs a tight kitchen so there’s not a lot of time for chit chat. That works out for Hoseok who doesn’t really want to carry a conversation with Ana. She seems like a nice person…maybe. But, right now, she’s just a boulder, pushing his heart around. His Namjoon. Hoseok sighs into his coffee cup.
“What’s up” JK asks, sitting next to Hoseok at breakfast. It’s a large spread: bacon, sausage, eggs boiled, eggs scrambled and French toast. Hoseok is sandwiched between JK and Kara- not quite sure how he found himself in that position. Next to Kara is Ana then Namjoon, rounding out their side of the table. The breakfast progresses with conversation about fireworks and finding safe, level ground near the lake.
“We already have a spot” says Tae. “Whenever my family comes out here, especially during holidays, we use the same ground. Good ground by a pebbly beach. There’s safe clearing there.”
Everyone excitedly talks about fireworks as Hoseok listens. His silence doesn’t go unnoticed by Namjoon who continually glances over throughout the meal.
“Well, all I know is…its STEAK NIGHT! And you know what pairs well with steak,” asks Jimin.
“SOJU!” Everyone answers and laughs. Hoseok gets up with a smile, asking if anyone wants anything from the kitchen as he refills his coffee. It’s met with headshakes and continuous laughter as he walks back into the cabin.
“Hobi.”
Hoseok is glad he’s done pouring coffee as the voice from behind causes him to jump. He looks up to see an unreadable expression on Joon’s face. It’s the first time they’ve made eye contact since the lake from the day before.
“Hey Joon.” Hoseok goes back to stirring his coffee, managing to quiet a big gulp. “Did you sleep well?”
“No.”
Hoseok stops stirring, putting the spoon in the sink before turning to face Joon. With a concerned expression, he asks “why? What’s wrong?”
Namjoon looks up at Hoseok with the same expression. Slowly, a frown takes over his face, making Hoseok uneasy. “You know that…we’re always honest with each other. And it’s just that—”
“Hey, hey, hey…why didn’t you tell me the party moved inside?” Ana comes in with a near depleted tray of French toast and some breakfast condiments.
“Oh…” is all Namjoon can manage. He doesn’t even make a move to help her unload the items onto the kitchen island.
“They’re making plans out there…about fireworks and who’s in charge of what. I think Jin is trying to stop JK from taking over all the artillery packs,” Ana laughs as she moves to stand closer to Namjoon. And really, that’s all Hoseok needs to walk away.
“Well, guess I need to be present to claim the sparklers” says Hoseok as he walks out of the cabin. Namjoon stutters after him but Hoseok is too quick to stick around. Indeed, everyone is claiming fireworks and Hoseok is lucky Jimin is there to claim the sparklers for him.
After breakfast, everyone does a little bit of packing for the journey back to the city- next day. They clean up a bit outside and inside. Repacking what they won’t use in the kitchen, tidying up living spaces and deck. Meanwhile, Hoseok wanders out to the dock, listening to loud music and fireworks popping in the distance. Others around the lake are prepping for evening pyrotechnics, as well.
“How are you, Seokie” Yoongi asks from behind him. Hoseok smiles in the sunlight, studying a nice little cliff nearby.
“Good. Good,” he pauses. “Thinking about how good the view of the lake must be from up there” Hoseok gestures with his head towards the cliff. “Looks like a twenty minute hike from here. I bet at night, when the stars are out and the water glitters, the fireworks must be something else.”
They both pause to admire the protruding cliff in the bright sunlight. Birds flying overhead, vast blue of the sky and not a patch of clouds.
“Yeah…it is something else. I mean, not that I’ve seen the lake with fireworks from there. But I have been up there. It’s an easy walk…you have to loop around the lake.” Yoongi smiles at Hoseok who looks back at him. “Yeah, I- Min Yoongi- said it’s an easy walk. So…you know…it’s a breeze for everyone else.”
They both laugh as they walk back to the cabin. “You’re not lazy hyung. You just don’t see the point in all that sweating unless it’s in bed.” That comment earns Hoseok a smack on the back as they laugh together.
“What’s so funny” yells Jin from the porch, hands on hips.
“Yoongi-hyung was just saying how he wants to blow up some of your old modeling pictures and put them up in his studio.” That earns another slap on Hoseok’s back as he tries to flee into the cabin. In the background, he can hear Jin shrieking over how happy he is that Yoongi finally agrees.
The afternoon carries on as the 11-person group makes their way down to “the spot”. It really is perfect if Namjoon is being honest. The spot appears to be away from trees, on compact dirt. The pebbled beach is nearby and you can see other lake-squatters around the perimeter, even faintly in the distance. It’s not a long walk from the cabin either so the lugging of food, fireworks and soju wasn’t too bad.
Lawn chairs are set up, a little pit is already present and waiting for wood. JK lets off a super loud rocket just to announce their arrival. Yoongi plays music from his old iTouch as couples lounge next to each other beneath the long, rectangular pop-up canopy. Hoseok and Kara sit on a log as Namjoon and Ana sit on another log behind them. They all cheer on JK’s funny sparkler antics as he dances in the hot sun. The “GO JK, GO JK” chants are interrupted when Namjoon comes over and taps Kara on the shoulder.
“I think Ana wants a hand with the drinks. Do you mind?”
Kara doesn’t even think twice. She gets up with a smile and laughs at JK once more before heading over to Ana at the cooler. Immediately, Namjoon takes Kara’s place beside Hoseok. They smile at one another as Hoseok looks back out at the lake. He’s taken aback when Namjoon’s muscular thigh bumps against his.
Namjoon smiles, admiring Hoseok’s sharp outline in the sun. Hobi turns to him and the view is even better from the front. The little top lip mole, his wavy fringe to the side, the way the lake reflects in his eyes.
Things he’s admired over the years. The ache for them increasing every time he sees Hobi. The need to hold his hand, pull him closer- its stronger with each passing year. And here they are, years and years later. Far from Pokémon and exams and studying abroad, and there’s still distance between them. Evident by the way Hobi shifts his gaze downward, shyly.
Distance that Namjoon is done with. Especially after the last 36 hours of being hounded by someone who isn’t Hoseok.
“Hobi—”
“HYUNGS, WATCH OUT!” The warning is heard in time for Namjoon to hear a whizzing nearby. On instinct, he grabs Hoseok and shoves him onto the pebbly beach. He covers Hoseok with his body and ducks his head further into the other man’s neck. A stream of expletives are heard thereafter along with other voices shouting apologies in the distance.
An irresponsible squatter nearby was lighting fireworks while walking! And he tripped over a branch, adjusting his roman candle in the process. Almost hitting Namjoon and Hoseok with a long-distance crackle. Everyone is taking deep breaths when Namjoon finally lifts his head and looks down at Hoseok.
“Hobi…”
“Joonie…my back…” Hoseok lets out a wheezy breath, alarming Namjoon. He immediately eases up from Hoseok and tries to get the man to his feet. Once Hobi is vertical, he slinks a bit, right into Joon’s arms.
“Uhhh…fuck…my back…the pebbles…” Hoseok takes a seat back on the log as Namjoon kneels in front of him, lightly rubbing Hoseok’s side. Not trusting himself enough to rub the man’s aching back.
“I’m so sorry, Hobi…damn…I’m—”
“YOU BROKE HYUNG” JK exclaims, kneeling down as well. That prompts a ruckus to surround Hoseok- who really just wants silence and to lay on his stomach. The pebbles dug into his kidneys and shoulder blades. And the two shots of soju from Jin only helped-somewhat.
After that excitement, everyone settles into a groove of watching JK let off rockets while taking shots and reminiscing. Hoseok lays on the log, on his belly, watching the lapping water. Namjoon has moved a log closer to Hoseok so that he, Ana and Kara can sit nearby. Soon enough, tons of fireworks are being let off as the sky changes from a bright blue to a shade of dusk. Vibrant reports in the sky of varying colors echo off the lake.
Soon, Hoseok is sitting upright again as everyone enjoys the steak and potatoes grilled over the pit. JK, Jimin and Tae get competitive with artillery shells and Yoongi and Fei opt to hold sparklers. Hyun, Jin and Namjoon get some of the food plated as Hoseok and Kara play with Yoongi’s ancient iTouch. Ana, as Hoseok watches, continues to stick to Namjoon. Acting as his second pair of hands, getting him water and paper towels. Often. Even trying to wipe his sweat away at one point.
And its now, at this moment, as green reports paint the sky, as everyone cuddles or huddles near someone else that Hoseok feels left out. Alone. He smiles quietly to himself, getting up from his lawn chair. He picks up a bottle of soju, a baked potato wrapped in foil and his cell phone. He makes his way towards the cabin, turning around to make sure no one is following. Streaks of red and blue shimmer overhead, loud crackles in the distance.
Hoseok continues past the cabin, grabbing a small LED-lantern from the boat house as he continues to walk past the dock. He eyes the cliff in the distance. At his current pace (a little slower than normal thanks to the pebbly beach), he’ll reach it in under half an hour. He hikes it with ease thanks to the LED lantern. There’s actually a forged path making it easy to maneuver up, towards the cliff.
All the while, images of Ana clinging to Namjoon replay in his mind. The weekend was a nightmare, far from what Hoseok had imagined. Nothing like what he planned for. He huffs a sigh of relief as he reaches the clearing on the cliff. Hoseok slowly tip toes to the edge, glancing down at the bright lake and all the fireworks that mirror in the dark water. Hoseok scoots back a bit, still enjoying the lake view. He takes his light jacket off, lays it on the bare ground. He puts his potato and soju down next to the lantern. He’s glad he had the forethought to reapply some lavender-coconut oil before coming up. Added protection.
Hoseok sighs. He should be scared. In the dark, by himself, on a cliff.
But, he’s not the kid he was before. Namjoon was the one who helped him get over his fear of the dark. And Namjoon was the one who was patient in helping Hoseok challenge his fear of heights. Instead of being afraid, Hoseok felt alone. Just alone.
A half hour passes: his baked potato consumed along with a few shots of soju. His LED lantern still illuminating the cliff as the sky continues to burst with color and rockets. Hoseok has a low-volume playlist of Astrid in the background. Opting to not lay on his back on the hard ground, he lounges on his side with his head propped up. All the while, images of deep dimples and kind eyes fill his head.
“How romantic” comes a voice from behind. Hoseok scrambles to sit up, turning in time to see Kim Namjoon with quite a load. A sleeping bag sack, a foam mattress sack and a sack full of miscellaneous items.
“Oh…Joon…”
He doesn’t even get to ask questions as Namjoon puts all the sacks on the ground. He takes out the sleeping bag, opening it up fully to make a huge blanket before laying it on the ground. He opens up the compacted foam mattress, putting it on top of the sleeping bag. He brings out a flattened pillow and blanket, putting them all on the mattress as Hoseok watches. Then, he grabs Hoseok’s lantern, planting it on one side of the sleeping bag as he plants his own on the opposite side. Next, he brings out a thermostat and a few heat packs. He puts them near the side of the pillow before looking over at Hoseok.
Namjoon holds out his hand to the man still sitting. “C’mon Hobi, I didn’t hike after you for nothing.” Hoseok smiles with uncertainty, placing his hand in Namjoon’s. Soon, he’s hauled to his feet, told to remove his shoes and helped onto the mattress. Namjoon dusts off Hoseok’s light jacket before folding it into a pillow for himself. He takes off his shoes as well before joining Hobi.
“Lay down…the foam is good for your back,” Namjoon says. He watches an apprehensive Hoseok slowly lower his back to the foam. He adjusts a bit, turning his head to face a still-sitting Namjoon.
“Better” he says with a smile.
Instead of laying down on his side, Namjoon lays down, diagonally on his stomach. His head nearing Hoseok’s shoulder. He props himself up on his forearms, his legs bent and swaying to and fro in the air.
“You left me,” Namjoon says, watching Hoseok’s reaction.
“I didn’t leave you Joonie. You were having fun. Everyone is…I hope. I just…slipped away.”
“You left me…alone.”
“You were not alone,” Hoseok chuckles. “You had everyone else.”
“Alone.”
“No, you had Ana.” That slips out before Hoseok can stop it. He looks away, embarrassed.
“Exactly, you left me. Alone.” Hoseok closes his eyes to the sound of Namjoon’s voice. Letting the weird tension flow between them. Suddenly, fingers curl around Hoseok’s wrist. His eyes open as Namjoon positions Hoseok’s arm outwards, extending it to open up space by Hoseok’s side.
“Why’d you leave,” Joon asks, inching closer to Hoseok to close the space between them. Hoseok pretends like it’s not intoxicating. Namjoon’s overwhelming presence.
Hoseok tries to stare up at the sky, the twinkling lights in the dark blue. His gaze falls to Namjoon’s patient but piercing gaze.
“I…just…wanted some silence,” Hoseok tries to shrug with a cute pout.
“You had silence. Lots of it. As you stood by and watched me be stalked,” Namjoon replies.
Hoseok rolls his eyes. He’s about to respond but Namjoon speaks first.
“You have nothing to be jealous over.”
Hoseok doesn’t know how to respond.
He gulps.
Rethinks.
Rapidly blinks.
But remains still.
Namjoon breathes a heavy sigh. He turns to lay on his back, scooting up to rest his head on Hoseok’s chest. “We’re here, Hobi.” Namjoon pauses, feeling his heart clench. Years past, opportunities lost. Waiting for a right time. When it was always now- NOW was always the right time. “It’s just us.”
It is just them.
On a cliff.
Fireworks shooting upwards.
Even if there were others on that cliff, crowding and taking up space, it would still be just them.
“Say something…Hoseok,” Namjoon says. It can’t just be Namjoon. This can’t just be his moment. It has to be theirs.
Silence still from Hoseok whose mind races through his own personal thesaurus. Trying to find all the right words, the right phrases. Attempting to conjure every dreamed moment where he had all the words he needed. Instead—
“It’s ok, Hoseok,” Namjoon says as moves off of Hoseok’s chest. He straightens himself to lay down next to Hobi. A forearm-apart, he faces his back to Hoseok and scrunches up. It’s not too cold out, but they are higher up. The breezes are felt more freely up here. “Don’t…don’t worry about it,” Namjoon whispers.
Hoseok shoots up into a sitting position, shaking off the sharp pain in his back. Don’t worry about it? Of course, he’s worried about it. Namjoon is his. And yeah- maybe he’s been coward for over a decade but the fact remains: Hoseok belongs to Namjoon. And vice versa.
Slowly, with fear of rejection racing in his bloodstream, Hoseok inches up to Namjoon’s back. Without asking, he huddles up close to Namjoon. Big spoon style. He drapes the thin blanket over them and lays down on Namjoon’s make-shift pillow. Hoseok rests his head behind Namjoon, nudging his nose into the back of his neck. He drapes an arm over Namjoon’s side, trying to take calm breaths. Aware that the other can feel him breathing.
“I…I’m cuter,” Hoseok says.
Yeah, that’s dumb. That was…probably the dumbest thing you could’ve led with, Hoseok thinks.
“And, I can cook. And dance. And stitch up injured doggies and kitties. And make delicious black opals,” adds Hoseok.
Where the fuck are you going with this, Jung Hoseok. Hobi sighs.
“I’ve been told I give the best hugs. And, I have a b-beautiful heart-shaped smile. I think.” Hoseok lets out a very deep exhale. “Ana doesn’t have that,” Hoseok whispers against Namjoon. Cringing at himself.
Before he can chastise himself, internally, any further, Namjoon shifts. He turns to face Hoseok, half-lounging with his upper body supported by his forearm. Hoseok glances up to meet his gaze, still laying on the make-shift pillow. They measure one another as their faces light up with each report in the sky. Namjoon smiles first.
“The best hugs? Hmmm…it’s been a while. I don’t know if that’s something you made up just now or what,” Namjoon says, sitting up with his legs stretched out. He raises an eyebrow at Hoseok.
The hesitation that would typically stop Hoseok from making a move is replaced by a nervous bubble of excitement. Giggling to himself, Hoseok more than rises to the challenge. He sits up and tries to maintain the smile on his face. He inches a bit closer to Namjoon before hesitantly wrapping his arms around the other, resting his hands at the base of Namjoon’s back. His temple leans against Namjoon’s chest, warm breaths absorbed by Joon’s shirt.
“Hmmm…best hugger, huh?” Hoseok smiles at the sound of Joon’s voice. “This is probably…second best. I think I prefer Ana’s hugs.”
Hoseok pouts, hurt. He tries to move away, when Namjoon, with all his muscles, picks up Hoseok and plants him between his legs. He faces the smaller man towards him so that Hobi is straddling Namjoon’s parted leg. Namjoon can’t help but smile at the expression on his face.
“KIDDING…I’m kidding,” says Joon. He rubs Hoseok’s arms that have crossed over his chest. “Hey….Hey…it’s a joke.”
“Then why wasn’t it funny,” says Hoseok, still looking away.
“Hoseok,” Namjoon calls, tugging at Hoseok’s crossed arms.
“Jung Hoseok”
“Hoseokie”
“Hobi”
“Baby”
Hoseok nearly bites his own tongue off when the endearment is said aloud. He whips his gaze back to Namjoon.
“There you are,” Joon says with a smile. “That was a joke. You know it was.”
“Baby” asks Hoseok, shifting his gaze lower to hide his disappointment at thinking Joon was referring to the endearment.
“No,” Joon replies, adjusting Hoseok’s head upwards with his index finger. “You…you’re most definitely my baby.”
Hoseok lights up like a 1Million Mega-Watt Bulb. Forget the fireworks fading in the distance. The LED lanterns are just a whiff. A huge smile breaks across Hoseok’s face as he sits, facing the most stunning man on the face of the earth. Being called his baby.
They stay like that, sitting in this couple-like position. Hearing the festivities from below. Hoseok’s playlist transitioning to Amber Run. Sizing up one another.
“What are we doing, Namjoon” Hoseok finally asks. Afraid but desperate to know. “What is this?”
Namjoon furrows his brows for a second. “We’re…sitting on a cliff I guess.”
Hoseok rolls his eyes. “Not that Namjoon. I mean…you know…this. U-us” Hoseok can’t hide the hesitation in his eyes. The uncertainty. He nervously intertwines his fingers, staring back at Namjoon.
“Like I said: we’re sitting on a cliff. And…we’ve been…sitting here for a while.” Namjoon uses one of his hands to snuggle under Hoseok’s nervous hands, cupping them to be still. “We’ve been near the edge for over ten years, Hobi. At least.”
Hoseok’s jaw trembles for a moment. Allowing the metaphor to strike a deep chord in him. Childhood crush turned teenage dream who’s now adulting-in-love. It has been a while, Hoseok realizes. A long while.
“We can sit here some more,” Namjoon says, drawing Hoseok’s attention back to the present. “We can sit here until you’re ready. Or…if…if you decide later on that you don’t like the view, you could…always…climb down.” Namjoon’s brow scrunches as he tries to maintain his own emotions.
Staying on this cliff.
Hoseok looks up at the sky, stars beckoning. He admires the few reports in the far distance. His playlist is faint, but soothing. A breeze blows by, carrying the scent of pine and green and summer.
Staying on this cliff.
Hoseok looks back at Namjoon, his expression unreadable. Maybe a few worry lines etched in his forehead but the rest is blank. Waiting. Not knowing.
“I…only want this cliff…if you stay with me,” Hoseok replies. “The view…is nothing without you. It’s. It’s just a cliff. You…” Hoseok pauses, inhaling unevenly. “The cliff only means something if I have you.” Hoseok whispers the last bit because this confession that he’s only ever shared with Yoongi or his mom or his pillow…it’s finally made its way to Namjoon.
His Namjoon.
Suddenly, Namjoon’s nose bumps against his own. Their eyes meet for a second before their heads tilt in opposite directions, in unison. The brushing of their lips- slow at first. Testing, patient. When Hoseok’s arms come up to loosely wrap around Namjoon’s neck, their lips are burning. Hoseok licks against Namjoon’s lips, asking for entry but not waiting. He plunges in, deepening the kiss. Toying with Namjoon’s tongue as his lips lead their kiss.
Namjoon moans into Hoseok’s mouth before breaking apart. Hoseok doesn’t have time to be disappointed as Namjoon shifts them back towards Hoseok’s pillow. Hobi is laid on his back, head on the pillow with Namjoon laying between his parted legs. Joon leans on his forearms, caging in Hobi on both sides near his shoulders. Namjoon’s beautiful face and sculpted torso block out the stars as their lips crash together.
Molding to one another, hardening against each other. Hoseok’s hands moving underneath Joon’s shirt to feel the taut skin of Namjoon’s back. Meanwhile, Namjoon has a handful of Hoseok’s hair. Not pulling or hurting, just gripping and anchoring. From this position, Namjoon dominates the kiss. His scorching tongue invading Hoseok’s soft mouth. Penetrating, sloppy. Namjoon adjusts their kiss, biting the top of Hoseok’s lip in between kisses. Relishing the way he can finally bite at Hoseok’s lip mole.
Using one arm to hold him upright, Namjoon uses his freehand to grip Hoseok’s waist. Slowly, with his tongue still rolling around in a foreign mouth, Namjoon grinds their growing erections against one another. Hoseok’s fingertips against Joon’s back, halt. Namjoon’s dry humping robs him of all thought and functioning.
“Fuck” Hoseok manages to whisper between kisses. He thrusts upwards, to increase pressure. Making Joon moan as he kisses along the column of Hoseok’s neck.
“Joon…baby...”Hoseok hesitates. “I think we need to get off the cliff.”
Namjoon comes back for a long kiss before he says, “Hobi, baby…we’re way past that.” Namjoon gets a few more kisses in before Hoseok turns his head to the side.
“No, Joonie…off this cliff. THIS one. I…my back needs a real bed if you plan on laying between my legs all night,” Hoseok huffs. (Pebbly beaches are on his shit list now.)
“Oh…OH” Namjoon says, quickly easing himself off Hoseok. “Yeah…yes, yes.” Namjoon looks up to the sky. “The fireworks are still going off,” he smiles at Hoseok as they both get to their feet.
They clear the space. Folding up and packing. Slowly, they make their way down to the cabin, intentionally walking so close to one another that they constantly bump into each other. With the bags put away, separate showers done and two basketball shorts later, Hoseok and Namjoon find their way to Hoseok’s bed.
Hobi runs his fingertips along Namjoon’s bare chest. Joon seals Hoseok’s mouth with his own, his hand gently applying pressure at the base of Hoseok’s neck. The only sound in their room is moaning and groaning and wet kisses. They leave the lights off, letting the moonlight guide them.
And guide them it does- into a deep sleep.
- - - -
Namjoon is the last one to wake up the next morning. He peels back the light sheet to find his little spoon missing. Blearily, he sits up, letting the sunlight open his eyes. He looks over at his bed that has a wide-smiling JK sitting. Waiting.
“Hyung” JK says, with a sly smile. He bats his eyes emphatically.
“Hmm…what?”
“Hyung”
Namjoon yawns before replying, “what?”
JK giggles as Namjoon slowly climbs out of bed, stretching before taking another step.
“Hyung” JK says with a gleeful tone.
Namjoon doesn’t bother turning around. “No, I’m not giving you details right now.” Namjoon yawns again. “I need food.”
An hour later, everyone is sitting down to breakfast on the deck except Hoseok. Namjoon looks at the empty spot next to him then turns to JK sitting across from him. “Where’s Hobi?”
“I think he’s making our beds,” says JK, before biting into a banana.
“He said he’d be down in a second,” supplies Ana.
No one really mentions the fact that Hoseok and Namjoon were asleep in each other’s arms when the crew returned. Or the fact that everyone, including Ana, witnessed when JK came running into the living room, jumping for joy like it was Christmas. Clapping his hands and pointing upstairs, causing everyone to wonder what was up.
As if conjured by Namjoon’s thoughts, Hoseok appears, bringing out a carafe of orange juice and painkillers.
“Ok, who had too much soju” asks Hoseok as he shakes the pill bottle. Hyun, Jimin and Tae raise their hands. Hoseok distributes the pain medicine and refills glasses before sitting down next to Namjoon.
“Good morning,” Hoseok says to Namjoon, as he picks up his fork with a blushing smile.
Namjoon can’t resist. He leans across Hoseok, trying to grab an orange. A warm, soft kiss lands on Hoseok’s cheek as Namjoon straightens up next to him with a smile. JK chuckles across from them.
The blush that settles on Hoseok’s cheek- it’s there when Jimin’s guests leave. Kara & JK are already setting up future group trips. It’s there when JK, Yoongi and Jin leave first, agreeing to Namjoon’s offer to give Hoseok a ride back home before Hoseok can even answer for himself. His blush is there as they, Namjoon and Hoseok, wave goodbye to Tae & Jimin on the front porch of the cabin.
And it increases when Namjoon and Hoseok pull into the ground parking lot of Namjoon & Jimin’s high-rise. “Joon” Hoseok asks with a questioning tone. Namjoon offers his hand to Hoseok, helping him out of the jeep.
“Come inside for a bit. You missed the move-in party a month ago,” Joon smiles. They ride the elevator up to the 49th floor, hand-in-hand. Namjoon mentions something about industrial glass and silent wind storms. Hoseok can only focus on the rowdy butterflies in his stomach and the loud drums beating in his rib cage.
Once inside, Hoseok is in awe. Jimin’s place was pretty empty before. Just boxes and speakers and veils. But Namjoon has added woodsy furniture pieces, abstract art decor and lots of cotton-scented candles. It’s serene and bright. Like sunshine on fluffy wool.
Hoseok makes his way over to one of the floor-to-ceiling glass panes. He smiles at the afternoon sunshine and the quiet city below. Arms circle his waist, muscles burying him in security. A nose nuzzles its way behind his ear.
“Jimin and Tae plan on staying at the cabin for the whole week.” Kisses litter the back of Hoseok’s neck as Namjoon’s big hands slide up and down Hoseok’s body.
It’s hypnotic. The way Namjoon’s hands cast a spell over him. Putting him in a subdued state, almost like a dream. Hoseok hears himself moan as he nods his head, agreeing to anything and everything. Before the blistering sun can move further across the sky, Hoseok and Namjoon are already on Joon’s bed. Bare, fiery skin. Dripping, exploring.
“I’ve wanted you for so long,” Hoseok whimpers, straddling Namjoon- who is focused on stretching Hoseok’s rim between shaky breaths. “I’ve…uhhh….” Hoseok has three fingers inside him as he tries to adjust to the girth.
“Fuck” Namjoon whispers, as he slowly takes his fingers out before gliding them back in with the ease of lube.
“Aaaahhhh” Hoseok exhales, gripping Joon’s shoulders as his head finally surrenders to one of those shoulders. “Oh, Joonie…hmmmm” Hoseok bucks twice- his body’s natural response. The tremor from his rim is now spreading out, the pain becoming more of a mix of pleasure-pain. Hoseok feels himself hardening as his cock drips between their abs.
“I wanna feel” Hoseok whimpers. “I want it…” Hoseok deeply inhales with a slight shudder. Namjoon’s fingers enter a bit deeper on that thrust, added lube guiding them in. Hoseok whimpers again. “Please…please…now” Hoseok whispers during exhale.
Namjoon’s concentration on going slow, on making their first time good- it takes all his attention. He slips his fingers out as his other hand massages Hoseok’s ass cheek. He can feel his Love trembling, waiting. He smiles, inwardly, as he lets a bit more lube slide down from the crown of his dick just before teasing the tight rim.
“Look at me Hobi,” he whispers. Hoseok groggily lifts his head. He moves to rest his temple against Namjoon’s.
“You’re so beautiful, Hobi,” Namjoon says, slowly tipping into Hoseok. “So fuckin’ beautiful.” He kisses Hoseok, softly, careful not to disconnect their temples. “I-“ Namjoon hesitates. But just as his hard cock begins to slide in a bit deeper, he continues. “I love you, Hoseok. I love you…”- they both groan as Namjoon’s dick stops half way thru. Hoseok having to adjust to a width slightly bigger than three fingers.
Through small kisses, with their temples still connected, Namjoon slides further. Deeper. Stretching. Feeling the tightness of Hoseok’s ring squeeze his dick, awakening the sensitive underside of his cock. Once Joon feels a soft bulb of tissue, Hoseok hisses. The whimpers turn to cries as Hoseok mewls into Namjoon’s mouth.
“I…I…” Hoseok is breathless. He opens his eyes, staring into big, brown, beautiful irises. “Joon…” It’s all Hoseok can manage as Namjoon continues to pump against his prostate. Hoseok gives up talking, opting to hold onto Namjoon by circling his arms around the man’s neck. From this angle, Hoseok should have an easy ride.
But it’s Namjoon. His Namjoon. Stop breathing-stop-eating-must-see-always-in-my-fantasies-it-could-only-ever-be-you Namjoon. So the gliding of Namjoon’s cock, in and out- in and out, becomes a combined effort of Hoseok bouncing and Namjoon planting his hands on the bed to start pumping.
Their breaths mingle, the smell of their sex filling the room. The orgasm suddenly shoots through Hoseok as he finds release- cum dribbling out from his cock. He can only hear his cries echoing as he trembles, unable to continue bouncing. The emotion of pent-up-pining ripping through him.
Namjoon feels cum leak onto his abs. He uses his dominant hand to steady himself as uses his free hand to wrap around Hoseok’s waist. He pumps himself deeper. Quick thrusts, feeling the sides of his cock drag against Hobi’s tight hole. Once he feels the tip of his cock, ready to release, he builds up with a few faster strokes. Feeling the weight of a spent Hoseok in his arms. When Hobi breathes kisses against Namjoon’s neck combined with clenching of his rim, Namjoon finally cums.
He pumps, again and again. Emptying himself. Hoseok lifts his head- they stare eye to eye before Hoseok smiles and swoops in to brush their lips together. Not even full on kissing. Just nudging their lips together. Skin on skin.
When they finally part, and Namjoon cleans up a weak Hoseok, they cuddle. Legs intertwined, facing one another as they lay on separate pillows. Holding hands between them, covered by a light sheet as the afternoon sun continues to rule the day.
Words said during sex- Namjoon is letting it come back to him. He should have waited. Him and Hoseok haven’t even confirmed exclusivity.
“I love you Namjoon. And I want to be your boyfriend,” Hoseok says aloud, as if reading his mind. “…if…if that’s what you want.”
Namjoon refocuses on the radiant but uncertain expression on the other pillow. He scoots closer, to the very edge of his pillow. So close he can feel Hoseok exhale. “I want that so much…I’m…I meant it. When I said. I do love you Hoseok. Forever. From the moment you gave me Mangnanyong.”
Hoseok laughs out loud before Namjoon leans over to brush a kiss over his top lip mole. Because now, Namjoon can do it and not just think it.
“So, that’s the way to your heart huh? Free Pokémon?” Hoseok scoots to the edge of his pillow, letting his nose touch Namjoon’s. Dimples appear.
“You Hoseok. You’re the way to my heart. You are my heart,” Namjoon says, grazing his knuckle under Hoseok’s chin.
“Why didn’t we meet at that cliff sooner,” Hoseok suddenly says. They both quiet, studying one another. “I…I wasted so much time,” Hoseok adds as his eyes water. His mind slipping into regret.
Namjoon runs his knuckle across Hoseok’s lips, to comfort. “You know what I think would have helped the both of us?” Hoseok raises an eyebrow in response.
“You should have given me a Luvdisc. A Luvdisc instead of Mangnanyong.” Namjoon allows the joke to sit before he laughs. He loudly repeats his suggestion as Hoseok rolls his eyes and turns his back to him.
Namjoon scoots closer, getting into big spoon position. Chuckling as he nuzzles the side of Hoseok’s neck.
“I should’ve left you on that damn cliff,” says Hoseok before he grins to himself. Namjoon lets out a howl before he goes back to laughing into Hoseok’s neck. “You and Mangnanyong and Luvdisc and every snake looking Pokémon …”
Hoseok and Namjoon allow the sun to descend in the sky. Among whimpers and heated breaths and giggling and lingering fingertips. And Pokémon references.