~The Next Day || 12:01~

Jungkook hums to himself, Jimin standing not too far behind him. "Where's Y/N?" Jungkook can't help but ask. Jimin hands a cup of banana milk to Jungkook, and the man snatches it.

"She's taking Baby out for a walk. We kind of alternate with her."

"So we get a few minutes of peace and quiet to bro it out?" Jungkook asks. Jimin stares at him, a nervous look in his eyes. "What?"

"Tae's taking you out today, right?"

Jungkook furrows his brows but nods. "Uh yeah, why?"

"No reason," Jimin replies, shaking him off.

Jungkook shrugs, deciding not to pry. He takes a small sip of his milk, but he quickly frowns. The milk tastes fine, it's not that. It's the fact that he's starting to think of Namjoon again. He was the only one who could put up with Jungkook's constant need for banana milk. Jimin notices his demeanor and looks at the boy with concern.

"You okay?"

Jungkook starts to nod, then hesitates. "If Namjoon was here right now, what do you think he'd tell us?" Jimin goes still, forgetting how to breathe for a moment. Jungkook shyly looks at his Captain. Out of everyone in the crew, him and Jimin were the closest to Namjoon. By far. If anyone can understand what Jungkook is going through, it's Jimin.

"Well, he'd tell me to stop being so horny and hitting on the entire crew."

"Wait you're hitting on us?" Jungkook asks. Jimin peeks up, meeting Jungkook's gaze. They stare at each other for a few seconds, Jimin's gaze burning through to his soul. Jungkook gets flustered, but it only gets worse. Jimin winks. Jungkook breaks out in a coughing fit. "E-Excuse me?"

He only chuckles. "Sorry Kookie, it's only the truth. It's the Jimin Effect. Your words, not mine."

"I hate you."

"You love me. And to answer your question, I'm serious. He'd tell me to stop being so horny."

"Yeah, he definitely would."

They fall into a short silence, Jungkook taking a few more sips out of his mug. He isn't sure how to feel right now. Jimin's words made Jungkook smile, but at the same time, Jungkook can't move on. He can't go a single day without thinking of Namjoon, and it's painful.

"I... saw him," Jimin mutters. Jungkook looks up at that.

"What?" he asks so softly the words barely pass his lips.

"Remember the Goliath that knocked me out?"

"The one Alice made?"

Jimin somberly nods. "When I passed out, I saw him. We were in the dining hall on the Athena. I thought it was just a dream, then he told me he was real. That he was always with me." Jimin stares right into Jungkook's eyes. "He gave me a choice. Come with him, or go back to you guys." Jimin motions to the area around him. "Clearly you see which one I chose." Jungkook bites his lower lip. "What is it?"

Jungkook sighs. "I know which one I would choose."

"Kook..."

He shakes his head. "Every day I see him. In the smallest things like this." He holds up his mug. "Literally a drink reminds me of him. I-I can't function without him. I don't get it, I honestly don't. He was my best friend, and right when I get him back, I lost him again."

Jimin has sympathy light up in his eyes. "I wish I could take the pain away, Kook." Jungkook sighs it off, peering at the counter and trying not to cry. "But if he were here, he'd say he's proud of you," Jimin whispers.

Jungkook snaps right back up at that, shock resting on his expression. "Y-You think so?"

"I know so. And, if it makes you feel any better, I'm proud of you." Without another word, Jungkook walks over to Jimin and hugs him. The Captain hugs him back, squeezing the poor boy. "I love you, Kook. You know that, right?"

"I know. I love you too," he whispers back, clinging onto the back of Jimin's shirt.

"We need to plan his funeral," Jimin murmurs.

"We will. It'll be the best funeral ever." The two stay in each other's embrace for a few more seconds, appreciating the silence. However that's quickly broken once the front door opens, and a bark is heard.

"Aww, my two boys are hugging. Wait am I being cheated on?" Y/N asks.

Jimin chuckles, stepping away from Jungkook as Y/N kneels down, taking off Baby's leash. The pup rushes up to her dad, and Jimin responds by swooping her up in his arms. "Aww, Baby. I missed you too," he says, bringing the dog up against his chest. She rapidly licks his face, making Y/N pout.

"That's supposed to be my job."

"Then come do it," Jungkook teases. Y/N smirks, approaching her boyfriend.

"Welcome home, honey. Did you enjoy your walk?" he asks. She stops in front of him, giving his lips a quick peck.

"We got a good exercise. This pup never runs out of energy." She pets Baby, who is enthusiastically looking at Jungkook.

"Here, you take her," Jimin offers. Jungkook gulps, then takes the bundle of love and joy into his arms.

"Oh my God, she's so cute," Jungkook mutters, petting the eager puppy.

"If you ever want to dog sit, feel free to," Jimin teases.

Y/N peeks at Kook and softly smiles. "She seems to like you, Koo."

"You think so?"

"She's definitely a people lover, she's loved everyone she's met so far."

"Maybe she just has good taste," Y/N cheekily replies.

"Of course, I'm here after all," Jimin says, smirking.

"Y/N?" Jungkook asks in a sigh.

"Yes?"

"How do you put up with him?"

"I don't know, Koo. I don't know." Jimin pouts, dramatically whining and opening his arms. He hopes Y/N will climb into them, but she only gives him a strange look. "You're a weirdo."

"Your weirdo!" he says.

"Ugh. Fine." She finally walks into his arms, making him smile in victory and cutely squeeze her.

"Cute," Jungkook mumbles.

Y/N lights up, nudging her boyfriend. "Oh! Did you buy the costume?"

Jimin freezes, his ears turning pink. "U-Uh yes, but-"

"Woah woah woah, costume?" Jungkook asks.

Y/N giggles, waggling her eyebrows at Jimin. "Um... nothing," Jimin mumbles.

"Don't tell me you're into roleplay."

Jimin and Y/N share a look. "Oh shit. Are we?" Jimin asks.

"Wanna find out tonight?" she asks back, biting her lower lip.

"I think I'm going to take Baby and run as far away as possible," Jungkook says. Jimin and Y/N sigh in-sync, but it's Jimin who answers.

"Yeah. Yeah, that's probably a good idea."

~15:00~

"So you drove all that way to see them and you're back already?"

Seulgi nods, taking a sip from her mug. "I love my family, but I definitely needed a girls day."

"Yeah, when's the last time we've had one of those?" Anya asks, and Y/N shrugs.

"A long time. Honestly I don't even remember," Y/N says.

Seulgi softly smiles. "My parents would love you girls."

"Even me?" Sapphire asks, raising a brow.

"Yes Saph, even you."

"Something tells me I shouldn't believe you."

Seulgi snickers but doesn't comment. Instead, she takes another sip. Y/N mimics her action, waggling her eyebrows at Seul. As soon as she places the glass down, she clears her throat. "So is anyone going to address the elephant in the room?" Y/N asks. Seulgi and her meet eyes, mentally communicating. She knows exactly what Y/N is thinking right now. Seulgi can't help but appreciate how big of a Cupid she is.

"What elephant?" Anya asks, glancing up with doe eyes. Even Sapphire gives her a knowing look.

"Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that Seulgi informed us you and Jin were sucking face the other day?" Y/N asks in a teasing tone that makes Anya freeze.

"Excuse me?" Anya asks, but she can't hide her flustered state.

"You heard me," she says, leaning forward and eyeing her from across the table. "Is there another couple added to our crew?"

"Uhhh..."

"That's a yes," Seulgi says.

"Looks like Ani finally scored," Sapphire teases.

Y/N gives Saph a puzzled look. "Ani?"

"She called me that growing up," Anya says, trying to turn the conversation away from Jin.

"I see. Does Jin call you that too?" Seulgi asks.

"Wow."

The three girls laugh while Anya fakes a frown, pretending to be upset by their questions. "Okay seriously girl, you have to tell us the details," Seulgi says, narrowing her eyes at the poor scientist.

"Well I mean, there's not much to tell. We kissed."

Seulgi sighs. "Aaaand?"

"We aren't Y/N and Jimin! We didn't fuck on our first day together!"

"Actually it was the second day," Y/N says, holding up her index finger as if she's making a point.

"Anyway," Sapphire says. "How is he to you? Do I need to beat his ass already?"

"Something tells me she's looking for a reason to," Y/N murmurs.

"Oh really? What gave that away?" Anya asks, blinking at her.

"Okay listen, he's very full of himself," Sapphire says.

"He's gotten better!" Anya shouts.

"Then I don't need to beat him up. Cool."

"Sapphire, how are you and Yoongi?" Anya asks, distracting her. To everyone's surprise, the girl freezes. "Holy shit, something big happened."

Sapphire softly smiles. "It's nothing bad. It's actually really good."

"Oh. My. God. I recognize that look anywhere," Y/N says in a gasp.

"Huh? How?" Anya asks.

"Because I had it after Jimin said those three words to me. They said their first 'I love you's. Didn't you?" Sapphire whistles and looks in the other direction. The girls let out a squeal, alerting the attention of other customers in the Starbucks. They quiet down after seeing the stares and mutter a few apologies, then turn right back to Sapphire.

"Who said it first?" Anya asks.

"Surprisingly, he did."

"And you said it back?"

"Of course I did," Sapphire replies with a pout.

"On a scale of one to ten, how happy are you?" Y/N asks with a smile.

"Twenty."

"Awww, baby's in love," Seulgi sings out, placing her hands over her heart.

"I just... I really like him, if I'm being honest. I mean I always knew that I liked him, but things are slowly picking up. I thought I'd be scared, but I'm actually excited."

The girls share a smile, giggling and teasing poor Sapphire for her love. Eventually, they fall into a short silence. But that changes in a heartbeat. Of course, they all lock their eyes on Seulgi. "W-What?" she stutters.

"Well we're doing a relationship check, you're next girl," Anya says. Seulgi pretends she isn't flustered. What can she even say about her relationship with Hoseok anymore? She loves him so fiercely it's starting to scare her.

"I love him," she whispers. It's the only words she can say that can get across her emotions.

"Awww babes," Y/N says, giving her shoulder a rub.

"You think, I don't know, you think he's your one?" Sapphire asks.

"Do you think Yoongi's your one?" Seulgi fires back with a small smirk.

"I asked first," Sapphire replies, a spark going off in her eyes. Yeah, that tells Seulgi all she needs to know. Yoongi and Sapphire are meant to be.

"Honestly?" The girls lean forward, absorbing every word. "I think he is." They hold back their squeals, biting on their lips and covering their mouths.

"Oh my God, she just admit that," Anya says. "Seulgi's growing up so fast!" Y/N does a cheer, giving Seulgi a side-hug.

She laughs in response. "Okay, so I am. Everything is amazing. Him and I talked about taking us to the next step, and we are. We're looking at starter apartments since we don't want a full house together yet."

They nod in acknowledgement. "Does he satisfy you?" Y/N asks, waggling her eyebrows.

"Of course she's asking the horny question," Anya says with a groan.

"This shouldn't be a surprise by now. Why are you acting surprised?" Y/N asks.

"Yes. The answer is yes. Unlike some people I don't want to go into the details of my sex life," Seulgi says.

"I do. Yoongi is gooood good," Sapphire says, practically drooling over there.

"I thought you were the alpha?" Anya asks.

"Well that doesn't mean he's not good," she replies with a pout.

"Anyway, as much as I hate to bring the conversation to the horniest person here, Y/N, please do enlighten us. How are things with your boo?" Seulgi asks.

To everyone's surprise, she doesn't make it horny. "Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful." The girls give her a cheer too. "I really love him."

"And he treats you right?" Sapphire asks.

"He treats me like a princess. Just yesterday I was a little down and he took care of everything for me. He cleaned up after me, he helped me shower, he cuddled me: all cute things."

"No sex?" Seulgi asks in disbelief.

Y/N huffs. "We're capable of not fucking for one day!" The girls laugh, but Seulgi's amazed. Wow. That's weird. Jimin and Y/N not having sex, even for a night? That's so strange. "We've kind of cooled it on the sex. By that I mean we aren't having it every night. Like every other night."

"Oh wow, you've cooled it so much," Seulgi says.

Y/N giggles. "I know, it doesn't sound like much, but for a while we were fucking all the time. It's not that we're less interested, I think we're just appreciating the cuter stuff now. Like nights under the stars, playing with Baby, going on stupid little dates..." She stares into space longingly, making the girls giggle. "We bought a couch the other day. Such a stupid thing to bring up, but we bought a couch. We bought a whole bunch of kitchen supplies and decorations too. New laptops, some paintings, even cameras."

"I'm really happy for you babes." It's no secret that Y/N and Jimin are soulmates. It's so obvious, even Seulgi can see it and she denied her feelings for Hoseok for weeks on end.

It's also no secret that the two of them have the most serious relationship, with Tae and Jungkook trailing behind. Hoseok and Seulgi are up there too, but Taehyung is literally proposing to Jungkook tonight. Seulgi loves her relationship with Hoseok, more than anything, but she's excited for her best friend too.

"Hey Y/N?" Seulgi asks, and the girl hums.

"What's up Teddy Bear?" Seulgi cringes at the nickname, but smiles soon after.

"I can't wait to be at your wedding, Mrs. Park."

~18:17~

The balcony is all set up, the decorations all romantic like Tae wanted them. The boys made a 'boys day' out of it, minus Jungkook and Taehyung. Tae has been keeping his boyfriend busy while the rest tried to figure out where to put all the candles. Baekhyun was never good at designing romantic dinners, but Jimin certainly pulled through. He took point. Y/N must be the luckiest girl in the world.

Jimin stands in front of the table now, putting on the finishing touches. The sun's setting rather early today, but that only adds to the mood. There's a white table cloth placed over the wooden structure, two chairs, candles, rose petals littering the ground. Everything. It's absolutely perfect. There's practically no wind. It's like Tae chose the perfect day to do this without even knowing. Baekhyun can't wait to see the results. Everyone knows Jungkook will be blown away, but that's okay. His reaction will be worth it.

"Hidden camera set up?" Jimin asks. Jin nods. "Flowers in place?"

"Flowers in place."

"Champagne in the ice bucket?"

"Yes. Don't get any ideas, it's for Taehyung and Jungkook, not you."

Jimin pouts. "Dammit, my crew knows me well." Even Yoongi smiles at Jimin's words. Baekhyun leans against the wall, gazing at the romantic balcony. There's lights strung up all over the railings and walls, only adding to the picture, a vase of flowers as the centerpiece on the table as well. It's perfect. They outdid themselves. Baekhyun may be a little biased, but oh well.

"Alright boys, operation get Taehyung laid is working so far," Jimin says, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Doesn't he get laid every night?" Baekhyun asks.

"Oh my God, does he?" Jin asks back in horror.

"I literally live in the basement and I can hear the bed creaking from down there, how do you not hear them, Seokjin?" Baekhyun says.

"I guess I'm a deep sleeper."

"No, it's because he's too preoccupied with staring at himself in the mirror," Jimin teases.

"True, but deep sleeping helps too," Jin proudly says, playing with his hair. The boys fall into a short silence, then Hoseok speaks.

"Who do you think they'll choose to be their best men?"

"Are you serious?" Baekhyun asks in disbelief. At Hoseok's nod, Baekhyun points to Jimin and Yoongi. "Jungkook will choose Jimin, Tae will choose Yoongi. 'Nuff said."

"He'd choose me? Me?" Yoongi stares at Baekhyun in shock.

"Don't give me that look. Who has Tae constantly gone to for help with this whole preparation?" Yoongi shyly smiles, fiddling with his fingers. "And we all know Jimin is like a brother to Jungkook, so that one's a no brainer."

"Watch him choose Jin over me," Jimin says with a groan.

"Not a wise choice. Don't want all that beauty right next to him. it's supposed to be his special day, so the attention should be on him," Jin says.

"Does he ever shut up?" Yoongi asks.

"Oh come on, Yoons. You should be used to this by now. How long has he been with this crew now?" Jin asks.

"Too long," Hoseok replies.

"Ouch. Admit it, you'd miss me if I was gone," Jin says.

"No not really."

"Nah."

"Nope."

"Not even a little bit."

At the chorus of disapproval, Jin places his hands on his hips. "Next time you need help with engineering, don't bother asking me," Jin says with a pout.

"Okay, we'll ask Jimin," Baekhyun replies.

"Shit, I forgot he's an engineer."

"So did I," Jimin says.

"You're literally Jimin! We're talking about you! You forgot your own class?" Hoseok says.

"Dude, I drank a lot this morning. Don't blame me!"

"Literally why?!"

"Because Tae is forcing me to dress up like a maid wearing cat ears!"

The crew goes silent, staring at Jimin. "He's fucking what?" Jin asks.

"Jin, remember when Y/N and I had our first date?" Jimin asks.

"Do I look like I know the details of your relationship?"

"The one where she ordered a space salad?"

"Oh yeah. What about it?"

"Tae and I made a trade. If he acts like a waiter, I'll return the favor to him. But that wasn't enough for him, he wanted it to be more embarrassing since he had a crush on Jungkook. If they were going to have dinner together, he wanted a distraction in case it got awkward. Like a constant talking point."

"Which would be you," Jin whispers, catching on.

"Exactly. So I owe him that still."

"Wait a second, you never offered me a trade!" Jin says with a whine.

"You never asked!" Jimin replies, whining back.

"Jimin, can I be honest?" Baekhyun asks. Jimin motions for him to continue. "You could've just asked Jungkook, Hoseok, or me. We would have helped you out no fee."

"Speak for yourself," Hoseok says.

"So Hoseok, I have this girl I'm interested in but I need help on my date with her, will you help me?" Baekhyun asks.

"Yes of course! Whatever you need!" Hoseok says with a giggle.

"Do I have to return the favor?"

"No! Why would I ask that of you? I'll do anything you ask!" Baekhyun stares at the eager man. "When's the date?" Hoseok asks, batting his eyelashes at Baekhyun.

"I was joking. I wanted to prove that you would do literally anything for us," Baekhyun replies.

"No, for you. Jimin is different," Hoseok proudly says.

"Oh really?" the Captain asks, glaring at Hobi. Jimin scans Hoseok up and down, stopping at his lips. Jimin smirks, Hoseok flustering as his ears turn pink.

"I-In a good way!"

"Good save, now I won't have to demote you."

"I never thought I'd say these words, but I miss Jin's voice. Jin, please start talking," Yoongi says/

"So today I looked in the mirror exactly three hundred and thirty-seven times-"

"I take it back."

Jimin laughs, Hoseok joining in shortly after. Baekhyun holds back his, just watching as Yoongi regrets his life decisions. "You know, we were talking about best men, but what about the bachelor party? They both have the same friends," Jin says.

"Wait, that's actually a good point," Jimin says.

"I make plenty of thos-"

"My God shut up," Yoongi interrupts with a hiss. At that, Jin finally shuts up.

"Maybe they'll split it. Half and half," Baekhyun says.

"How so?" Jimin asks.

Baekhyun shrugs. "Taehyung takes Yoongi, Hoseok, and his new friend Johnathan. Jungkook takes Jimin, Jin, and me."

"I would be away from Jin?" Yoongi asks in disbelief.

"Well yeah, Tae likes Yoongi too much and we all know Hoseok and Yoongi are a packaged deal."

"Not wrong," Hoseok replies.

Yoongi clasps his hands together as if praying, his eyes lighting up. "Oh my God, I'm so ready." The boys snicker. Well, all of them except for Jin, who looks offended. But that's a Jin thing, so no one really pays him any mind.

"Do you guys think Jungkook will say yes? And be honest," Baekhyun asks. They go quiet for a moment.

"I think so," Jimin says. If Jimin thinks so, then he'll definitely say yes.

"Me too," Hoseok says.

"Me three," Jin says. Baekhyun glances at Yoongi, who nods.

"You really want my honest opinion?" the man asks.

Baekhyun gives him a firm nod back. "Always, Yoons. You're the smartest out of all of us." Yoongi softly smiles, letting out a sigh.

"They're soulmates, so they'll be fine."

~19:34~

Taehyung paces back and forth, biting his fingernails. The ring box is in his pocket. This is it. Right after dinner, he's proposing. Jimin is about to show up in his maid costume (and cat ears of course) and Taehyung's terrified. Turns out the mansion has a small balcony, so the group made it their top priority to hide that from Jungkook. They succeeded to say the least. When Taehyung asked his boyfriend to meet him on the balcony, he looked confused as hell. 'There's a balcony?', is what he asked.

The studio Tae took Jungkook to was absolutely beautiful. He got to hear Jungkook's angelic voice and wow, Tae ascended. He went into a different dimension and still hasn't come back down. Jungkook's voice is literally heaven, and he has very little to any vocal training. Imagine if he got that training. How good would he be then? Tae flusters at the thought, pushing it aside to instead focus on the ring.

He keeps pacing, trying not to freak the fuck out. This could be the last day he's calling Jungkook his boyfriend. Hell, the last hour. The thought of that alone is enough for Tae to sweat. His heart is threatening to break out of his rib cage, but there's not much he can do about it now. He only hopes Jimin shows up soon. Jimin spearheaded the romantic decorations, now he's hiding while he changes. Tae feels slightly bad for making him wear such an embarrassing costume, but only slightly. Jimin made him act like a waiter for the two horniest people in the solar system. It's only fair.

Jimin steps out onto the balcony, bringing Taehyung back to reality. Jimin's dressed in a black maid suit, his hair covering his forehead and cat ears on his head. Tae bursts out laughing at Jimin's pink cheeks, unable to help himself. "Laugh it up," Jimin grumbles, pouting. Taehyung dials down and resorts to staring right through to his soul. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

"Oh shut up. Thank you for doing this, I can't imagine the teasing from Y/N."

"Ugh, this afternoon was rough. When Jungkook left our place after you called, she made me model it for her."

Tae blinks at the man. "You two didn't fuck right after, did you?"

"I don't feel comfortable answering that question." So that's a yes.

"Oh my God," Tae mumbles with a groan.

Jimin sighs, shaking it off. "Where's your boy?"

"Jimin, what the actual fuck are you wearing?" Jungkook's voice says.

"There he is," Taehyung teases as Jimin turns around. Jungkook is wearing a nice suit, eyeing Jimin suspiciously.

"Uh... hi, I'm Jimin and I'll be taking care of you this evening. Can I get you started off with something to drink?"

Jungkook catches on, then smirks as he walks out onto the balcony. "Water for now," Jungkook tells Jimin.

"And for you?"

"Also a water," Tae says. Jimin scurries away to leave the two alone. The evening air hits them, comforting their bodies as they relax.

"You look beautiful tonight," Jungkook whispers.

"So do you," Tae whispers back, giving his man a quick peck before taking his seat.

"How did you convince Jimin to do this?" Jungkook asks as he sits across from him.

"I made a trade with him a while back. I waiter for him, he waiters for me."

"In a maid outfit though?" Jungkook asks.

"Don't forget the cat ears."

"Oh right, and the cat ears." They share a small smile. Jungkook looks around at the romantic decorations and smiles warmly. "This is all beautiful. Did you arrange it?"

"I had help, but yeah. I wanted to do something special for you," Tae replies.

Jungkook gives the boy a soft look. "Is there a special occasion?"

Taehyung bites his tongue for a moment to choose his words carefully. "I know you're a hopeless romantic. I guess I wanted to give you a taste of a fairytale relationship."

Jungkook gives him a cheeky smile. "Would it be totally cheesy if I said our relationship is already like a fairytale to me?"

"Oh definitely," Taehyung says with a snicker. "But I would accept it anyway." Jungkook grins as Jimin comes back, placing two wine glasses down in front of them along with their waters.

"Your main courses will be out shortly, do you need anything else?"

Jungkook stares at Taehyung, then sighs. "I have everything I need right in front of me."

Jimin fake gags, causing Tae to glare at him. He gulps. "T-That's good to hear, I'll be back with your meals soon." He rushes away as quickly as he came, leaving Jungkook and Tae alone again. Tae's hand is in his pocket. How can it not be? This is probably the biggest night of his life. He has a whole speech prepared. So close yet so far. The waiting is filling him with dread.

"It's a beautiful night. No wind, the sun is setting, the view is gorgeous," Jungkook says, looking down at the land.

"I chose a good day. Maybe I should be a weatherman or something," Tae replies.

"So a meteorologist?"

"Same thing."

"As hot as that would be, those guys literally get paid to be wrong all the time."

"They're more accurate now than they were three years ago!" Tae says with a pout.

"Okay so those hotshots learned that putting sensors in the sky helps with accuracy, still not even eighty-percent right."

Taehyung giggles. "I'd be right all the time if I was one."

"I don't doubt it. Yoongi would be good too."

"You think?" Tae asks.

"Intelligence enhancements, remember?"

Taehyung pouts. "Now I want them."

"You don't need them," Jungkook replies with a wink.

"Good save. I knew there was a reason why I like you." They snicker, falling into natural conversation. The usual things about their days, their future plans: everything.

It may be a really simple thing to appreciate, but Taehyung loves Jungkook's presence. Hanging out with him, even if they're only sitting in bed and not talking for hours, is a blast. Tae enjoys every single second. Even with his old relationships there were times where he got bored and didn't want to hang out with them anymore. Not with Jungkook. Jungkook, he's different. That may sound cliché to say, but it's the truth.

After several minutes of the pair chatting, Jimin comes back out onto the terrace holding two plates in his hands. "Alright, two steaks curtesy of our chefs." Jimin places one in front of Jungkook, then one in front of Taehyung. "Anything else I can do for you?"

"I think you've suffered enough," Taehyung teases.

"The suffering never ends, I'm afraid. I'll be back to check on you shortly." Jimin zooms away, and Tae can't blame him. If he stayed for one more second, Jungkook would've teased him too. Jungkook and Taehyung. A chaotic duo to say the least.

They dig in right away, the candles illuminating their faces as the sun barely peeks over the horizon. As always with these two, as soon as they start eating, they fall into a comfortable silence. Taehyung notices how well cooked his meat is, which is rather surprising. He wasn't expecting steak, that's for sure. He wonders who made that decision. He knows Jin, Y/N, Jimin, and Sapphire oversaw cooking. Sapphire apparently has a lot of experience with steakhouses. He's not sure how or why, but that's very reassuring that their steaks are done right. He doesn't trust Jimin or Y/N behind the stove, but Jin is a pretty good cook. He's been teaching Hoseok and they've been making meals for the whole mansion together.

"How is yours?" Tae asks after a few minutes of eating.

The boy hums in response. "I love it. You?"

"Also love it. I wonder who cooked who's."

"I hope it was a joint effort," Jungkook replies with a cheeky grin.

"I hope Y/N and Jimin stayed faaar away from it."

"Ugh, last thing I need is them making out right in front of my food," Jungkook says, cringing.

"Exactly. They make out more than us at this point."

"Actually, when's the last time we've caught them making out?"

Taehyung thinks about that question for a few moments. "I have no idea. They don't exactly live with us anymore." Jungkook shrugs, and Taehyung snickers.

Taehyung glances down, taking his last bite and letting out a sigh. As soon as the food is swallowed, he sees that Jungkook is about to finish as well. Tae can't decide if his heart is beating faster than ever before or if it's completely stopped. Jungkook finishes within the next two minutes. Just in time, since Jimin comes back. "Ah, I see you're both done. Can I take your plates for you?" Jimin asks, eyeing Taehyung.

"That maid suit never gets old," Jungkook says with a snort. Jimin shoots him a glare, then grabs his plate.

He grabs Tae's as well, meeting his eyes. "You gonna okay, bud?" Jimin whispers.

Taehyung takes a moment, then nods. "Thank you," he whispers back.

"You got this." Jimin departs as fast as possible, leaving the pair on the balcony as the sun starts to set.

Jungkook furrows his brows. "What was that all about?"

Tae meets Jungkook's eyes, and his entire body seems to go still. "I- uh," Tae starts, but he can't even finish.

"Babe? You okay?" Taehyung's throat goes dry, trying to form words. No, not here. Not now.

Taehyung feels a new determination fill him. He takes a deep breath, thinking about what Jimin told him. Jimin said Tae's ready. He trusts Jimin with his life. This is it. This is his moment. "Jungkook, can I get a little sentimental on you here?"

"In the light of candles and the setting sun? Of course you can. Actually, I was kind of hoping that you would." Taehyung smiles at his words, his grip on the box getting tighter as he thinks of what to say.

"Remember on Triton, when I was being taken away?" Tae asks.

"When we met for the first time?" Tae nods. "Of course, how can I forget?"

Tae gives him a longing gaze. "I fought back because I felt a spark when I looked at you. I saw your rage, your protective nature over Y/N, and it made my heart skip a beat. I've never seen someone so passionate in my life. That still holds true today. You're my best friend, my everything. You may not be the first person I fell in love with, but my God do you feel like it sometimes. I've never felt this kind of love and desire before. I look for you in every room I enter, I hear your name and it's like the whole world doesn't matter, and then when I actually see you? Christ my heart it just, fuck. It calls to you."

They lock eyes, and Tae feels the feeling he described seconds ago. "There's something there. In my eyes, in my heart, in my soul. I don't know how to describe it. It's more intense than a spark or even fireworks. And that only ever comes out when I'm around you." Jungkook's lower lip quivers, tears threatening to fall down his face. "These few months with you? They're the most important thing to me. Your limited life hurts. It hurts more than anything, but I'd rather have limited time with you than a lifetime with anyone else."

Even Tae has tears in his eyes now, sniffling and smiling widely. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I mean that. I mean that more than any single word or sentence I've ever said." He takes a shaky breath, closing his eyes for a moment before meeting Jungkook's orbs once again. "You don't have much time left."

"Tae-"

"Which is exactly why I want to do this."

"What? Do what?" Jungkook asks, tears falling down his cheeks. Tae stands, getting out from behind the chair and directly across from Jungkook. "Tae?" the man asks in a whisper, eyes wide.

"Every single moment counts. Every single one." Tae slowly gets down on one knee, causing Jungkook to go still, his breath halting. Taehyung brings out the ring box, opening it and revealing the jewelry inside. "I can't imagine my life without you." Tae shakes his head as more tears form in his eyes. "I can't. I need you, and I know I'm ready to take this step. I don't care that we've only been together for a few months. I just want you, and no amount of time will change that." He takes one last breath. "Jeon Jungkook, will you make me the happiest man alive by marrying me?"

Jungkook stays frozen, mouth grasping at the air around him and trying to form words. He has so much love in his eyes that Tae already knows his answer before he speaks it. "Yes... Yes! Tae, I would love to marry you!" he manages to shout. Tae breaks down sobbing, using his free hand to press his fingers against his temple.

"I love you, I love you so much," Tae mumbles. Jungkook kneels in front of him and places one hand on his shoulder.

"I love you, Kim Taehyung. Will you put the ring on my finger?" Tae laughs, nodding and sniffling as he grabs the ring. Jungkook shows him his left hand. Tae puts it on, the ring taking to Jungkook's skin well. "Oh my God, it's beautiful," Jungkook whispers.

"I love you. I love you," Tae keeps whispering over and over. Jungkook brings the boy into a hug, crying with Taehyung.

"I love you too, Tae. I can't wait to be yours for the rest of my life." Tae clutches onto him tighter than usual, smiling as he cries. However, they're interrupted by shouts.

"Congratulations!" a chorus of voices yell out. The two jump, looking up and seeing everyone there. They're cheering and clapping, crying with them.

"Guys..." Tae breaks off, sniffling.

"Did you... did you plan this whole week for me?" Jungkook asks. "Leading up to this?"

Tae offers him a smile. "I did." Jungkook kisses him instantly, making the cheers get louder.

"My fangirl heart is dying!" Y/N shouts, latching onto her boyfriend and shaking him. "Jimin Jimin Jimin!"

"What?!"

"My ship is sailing!" Jungkook pulls back, unable to help his laughter. He gazes up with Tae and smiles at the fangirl. "Oh my God, they're smiling at me, I might just faint," Y/N says with a squeal.

"Don't faint, babe. Not yet."

"Let me see that ring on you, Jeon!" Y/N shouts. Tae helps Jungkook up and together they walk over to their friends. Y/N rushes forward and inspects Jungkook's hand closely. "Oh my gosh. Jimin, sorry baby, I'm about to faint." Jimin holds her steady, chuckling and looking at the newly engaged couple.

"Congratulations, I mean it," Jimin says, and Tae gives his Captain a firm nod.

Taehyung peeks at Jungkook, who's still crying his eyes out. "Hey, hey. You okay?" Tae asks.

"What? Are you serious? I've never been so happy in my life." Jungkook sniffles, revealing the widest bunny smile he's ever given. "I've never felt this kind of happiness explode I just... what the fuck."

Taehyung laughs, kissing his future husband on the cheek. "I'm sorry, don't explode," Tae says. Jungkook gives him the softest look Tae has ever seen.

"Tae..." He trails off for a moment, letting out a small breath. "You are the cause of my euphoria."