Chapter 3

Friday comes quickly.

Namjoon gets several messages from Jungkook asking if he's sure he's coming, but nothing about the almost kiss, which, in hindsight, he thinks is best that they just sweep under the rug anyway.

Pretend like it never happened, Namjoon.

There were also some from Jimin asking what he was planning on wearing. He looks at the messages from Jungkook first, wanting to make sure he's okay and good to go.

Kookie

You still coming, right?

Me

Yep, still going

just got out of work so might be a little late

Hopping in the shower now

Kookie

as long as u show up

thanx hyung 😊

Me

You dont need to thank me kookie

see u there 😉

He's still smiling as he hops in the shower, letting the heat of the water relax his body and calm his thoughts. He thinks back to Wednesday night.

Would he have gone through with it and kissed him back? He's not sure, but it has him feeling like a schoolboy with a crush. He starts to wonder how Jungkook would feel, taste, etc.

He shakes himself out of his thoughts, feeling himself blush. Namjoon knows that if he keeps with that line of thinking, it will most definitely lead him to get there later than he already is, so he does his best to wash up as quickly as possible. He hopes he doesn't arrive at the party too late, not wanting to make Jungkook wait longer than necessary.

As much work as he has left to do for school and his dislike for parties, he still wants to be there for Jungkook and ensure he's okay. Namjoon knows it takes a lot for Jungkook to get out of his shell, so for him to want to go to a party—even if it's his friend's—is a big deal for Jungkook. He's been more outgoing lately, and Namjoon is proud of him for it.

Once he's done showering, he steps out of the shower and wraps a towel around his waist. He brushes his teeth, wanting to feel as fresh as possible after a long work day. He glances at himself in the foggy mirror, wiping the condensation away, and runs a hand through his wet hair.

He stares at his face and sees dark circles around his eyes from a restless sleep, but it's nothing a little makeup can't fix. When he steps back into his bedroom, he hears his phone buzz with unread messages from Jimin.

Jiminie

hey! Make sure to dress up a bit.

NO SWEATS ALLOWED!

I bet jungkookie's going to look all pretty for you 😉

Namjoon feels his face warm up as he reads the message, but tries to play dumb anyway.

Me

Why would he do that?

Jiminie

Don't play dumb. you know he has a crush on you and

You love our jungkookie

Jimin has the uncanny ability to sniff out lies, so he ignores him in an attempt to stop his teasing.

Me

whatever! I'll be there soon

Jiminie

Come dressed up and dont forget our housewarming gift

Me

ha! you wish 😂

He hears his phone buzz with more messages, but he ignores it as he tosses his phone to his bed and tries to figure out what to wear. Now, after reading Jimin's texts, he's suddenly nervous. He knows why he's tense, which makes it worse. His stomach flips as he thinks about it more.

It's just Jungkook! But he doesn't know why he's trying to impress him after all this time.

Nothing's going to happen. You're just there to keep Jungkook company.

That almost kiss was just a fluke, his tired and horny brain probably just conjuring up a fantasy.

After realizing how strongly he felt about Jungkook on Wednesday, Namjoon is content to go back into living in denial for the rest of his life. He just wants to make the best of his night off to party and forget his worries.

"Namjoon, get a hold of yourself," he mutters. He huffs and stands in front of his closet with his hands on his hips, looking at his clothes. Most of his clothes consist of comfortable sweats and t-shirts with a few slacks and button-ups.

After going back and forth trying on clothes like a teenager who's nervously preparing for a date, he finally settles on an outfit: tight black jeans (the ones he knows make his long legs look good) and a light blue, fitted sweater. After he pushes his sleeves up, he stands in front of the mirror, putting on his watch and earrings, and assessing his outfit choice.

Good enough.

He quickly starts trying to tame his short dark hair. He had it cut short before the new semester started, tired of trying to maintain it when it was longer and wanting a more mature style. When he thinks it's good enough, he hurries to grab his phone and puts his boots and jacket on, hurrying out the door.

Namjoon steps outside, inhaling deeply to breathe in the cool autumn breeze, filling his lungs and letting it out in a huff. The air is starting to get colder as winter slowly makes its way, eventually turning everything from warm reds and yellows to a dull mix of greys.

He's feeling jittery and tries to shake it off, not wanting to put too much thought into the texts between him and Jimin. However, they still fill his mind with thoughts about Jungkook... Which leads to what almost happened the other night. Again.

Right before he gets to his car, he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket with messages from Jungkook.

Kookie

hyung, im here. where r u?

i think i already see hobi hyung making out with some girl 😑

Me

lol omw kookie

your knight-in-black-jeans will come to your rescue soon

Kookie

my hero 😐

Namjoon smiles at the exchange and wonders what Jungkook is wearing tonight. Most of the time, he's seen in pretty much the same style Namjoon loves to wear: sweats, sneakers, and hoodies. Nothing beats comfort. He gets inside his car and drops his phone into the center console before driving off to Jimin and Taehyung's place. 

🎵Vogue by Madonna

As soon as he steps out of the elevator, he can already hear music blaring from the apartment. He thinks it might be Jimin's favorite, Madonna's Vogue, and snickers as he walks to their door.

The door swings open, and he's greeted by the drunk couple, Taehyung hanging off Jimin's side, trying to nuzzle into his neck and hair. The sound of the music gets louder, and he peers over their shoulder to see people stumbling around, no doubt already drunk.

"Hyung! You made it!" Jimin slurs with a wide grin on his face. He loses his footing, holding the door open for Namjoon while holding up a squirming Taehyung.

"I see the housewarming party is going well," Namjoon laughs as he steps inside.

"Welcome to our humble abode. Drinks are in the kitchen," Namjoon thinks Taehyung tries to say in between slurring his words and hiccuping in Jimin's ear. Jimin tilts his head away from Taehyung and gives him a look mixed with disgust and fondness, trying to hide a smile from forming on his lips.

Namjoon rolls his eyes and grins. "You guys are gross."

"Mhm. Yes, we are," Jimin slurs, hugging Taehyung now.

He takes off his jacket to hang up on the coat rack next to the door when he sees Jungkook coming straight at him, reaching his arms out to grab Namjoon's sweater.

"Hyung! Thank god you're here." He reaches Namjoon and whispers loudly, "I thought I was going to die. Here. Alone. Around all this horniness," he whines. His eyebrows are pinched together, and his lips are bitten red. Namjoon takes his hands, holding them for a second too long, before letting go.

Namjoon suppresses a laugh and rolls his eyes at the younger's antics. "Dramatic. I'm sure you would've been fine. Taehyung and Ji–''

He hears the door slam shut, and when he turns to look back at the pair, he sees Taehyung's long, broad body completely engulfing Jimin's small one. Taehyung's large hands are cupping Jimin's face as he pushes him against the door, while Jimin claws at his back and tries to hook his leg over Taehyung's waist. And Taehyung looks like he's about to dive in and devour Jimin's face.

"O...kay... I see what you mean now." Namjoon huffs out a laugh and turns from the door. He lays his hand on Jungkook's lower back to guide him towards the back of the apartment and straight to the kitchen, away from the madness.

He's going to need a drink if this is what he has to sit through for the next hour.

"They've been like that all day," Jungkook says, disgust written all over his face.

"Nothing new with those two."

"Ten more minutes, and they'd probably be humping each other on their living room floor," Jungkook says, scrunching his nose. Namjoon snorts and looks around the two-bedroom apartment as they try to make their way to the kitchen, dodging tipsy people and swishing drinks.

He remembers how hard both Jimin and Taehyung worked to be able to afford their first apartment together, wanting to do it on their own. They had a lot of help from Jimin's parents, who could afford to pay for the costly luxury apartment.

They were both seniors in college, just like Namjoon, Taehyung majoring in art, and Jimin in fashion. They knew they couldn't fully afford the costly down payment with just their income alone, so Jimin's parents swooped in to help them build a home together.

It's a spacious apartment with beautiful hardwood flooring and white walls, now decorated with Taehyung's paintings and pictures of the couple and their friends scattered throughout. By the entrance on the left, there's a hallway leading to the two bedrooms and bathroom. Namjoon sees a sizeable built-in bookcase on the far left wall that holds all of Taehyung's art books and Jimin's fashion ones. It stands next to a cozy, dark grey armchair and a side table with a lamp.

There are floor-to-ceiling windows to his far right, draped in light, sheer curtains, and a sliding door leading out to the balcony with a beautiful view of the city's skyline. They fell in love with the view and had to have it. The living room is pretty spacious but not yet fully furnished. They did manage to get a dark grey sofa, another wooden side table, and a small flat-screen TV mounted on the wall opposite the couch.

People dance and sway to the beat of the music, some trying to vogue along with the song. Red Solo cups slosh around with mixed drinks in shaky hands, and Namjoon laughs at the spectacle. His friends know how to throw a great party.

Namjoon looks around and spots their other friends, Hoseok and Yoongi. They're sitting on the sofa, drinks in hand, as they talk animatedly to Seokjin and his girlfriend.

He waves at them, but they're so deep in conversation that they don't notice. Embarrassed, he pretends he's swatting a fly away, but Jungkook catches what happened and laughs, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Hyung, what are you doing?" he shouts over the booming speakers, trying to stifle his laughter.

"Nothing—all good." Namjoon flushes and points to the kitchen, rolling his eyes. "Let's go get a drink."

The kitchen is separated from the living room by a large marble breakfast bar with modern stainless steel appliances and light grey cabinets with marble countertops. Everything looks sleek and stylish, no doubt exactly what Jimin was looking for in his exceptional style. All in all, they managed to make everything feel like a home.

Jungkook keeps giggling, going straight to the fridge to grab two beers. He opens them up before handing one over to Namjoon, and leans against the counter, facing Namjoon.

"Brat," Namjoon titters.

Jungkook grins, a big toothy smile plastered on his face, reminding Namjoon of a cute bunny, and his chest instantly explodes with warmth. He can't help but grin back, the two of them now grinning like fools in the kitchen.

Jungkook always manages to make him forget about all his worries and negative thoughts that plague him when he's alone. Namjoon feels selfish, but it's always why he loves being around the younger. He's just so warm and pure. A bright light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Namjoon takes a sip of his beer, and that's when he finally takes Jungkook in. His eyes slowly grow wide, and his heart skips a beat. Or two.

In the commotion of entering the apartment, he hadn't noticed Jungkook's outfit. He's never seen Jungkook dressed up, always accustomed to seeing him dressed like it's laundry day—sweats and hoodies. Namjoon loves seeing him in oversized clothes.

But tonight... Tonight, Jungkook is dressed like he's going on a date, showing off the soft curves of his body.

He slowly trails his eyes up Jungkook's body, only to find him wearing his favorite black Stomper boots and black skinny jeans, ripped in all the right places. It shows off how his muscled thighs contract as he flexes them unconsciously. His sheer black shirt is tucked into his jeans, with a black belt emphasizing his tiny waist.

Nipples. Namjoon can see his nipples through the sheerness of the shirt. He gulps loudly.

Jungkook has the top buttons undone so Namjoon can see the beginning of his smooth chest and sharp collarbones. His hair looks soft and slightly damp, falling against his cheekbones in waves, and dangling earrings on both ears complete the look.

Jungkook looks up and catches Namjoon staring at him, and immediately there's a slight blush on his cheeks as he looks down, biting his lip again. Namjoon tries not to stare at him, but he can't help it.

He snaps himself out of it, taking big gulps of his beer but trying not to chug the whole thing in one go.

"Jungkook," Namjoon chokes out. He clears his throat before trying again. "You look, uh, you look really handsome—uhm... good. Nice! You look nice."

I'm an idiot. Namjoon internally cringes.

He notices Jungkook trying to fight a grin off his face, and Namjoon's blush deepens.

"Thanks. Jimin hyung wanted me to dress up a bit, so...ta-da!" He gives a little twirl, raising his arms to his sides and letting out a small giggle.

Namjoon smiles, peering into Jungkook's sparkling eyes.

"It suits you. You look handsome," he tries again.

"Thank you." Jungkook lifts the beer bottle to his lips, trying to hide his blush as his eyes now explore and admire Namjoon's body. "So do you," he tells him confidently, then turns and chugs down his beer, the blush still on his face. He finishes it off and places the empty bottle on the counter with a sigh of relief.

Namjoon is momentarily caught off guard by Jungkook's forwardness. Being outspoken and saying what's on his mind is new for Jungkook. Usually, Namjoon would have to coax and prod until he revealed whatever was on his mind.

Namjoon's thoughts go straight to movie night once again, and if what he believed Jungkook was about to do that night was true, he was looking at a new, sexy, and confident Jungkook.

And Namjoon doesn't know what to do with this information. So he just gapes at Jungkook. Like a creep.

Before he can get his wits about him and figure out what to say, Hoseok comes bouncing in, drunk and full of energy. He puts his arms around them both, hanging off their shoulders and weighing them down.

"Hey, man. Did you just get here?" But before Namjoon can answer, he grabs a bottle from the liquor cabinet. He starts pouring vodka into shot glasses, shoving it into his hands. "Here. Drink. You too, Jungkook," he says as he pushes another shot glass in Jungkook's direction.

Namjoon eyes the shot glass wearily. He really doesn't want to wake up with a hangover tomorrow, so he tries to set it down.

"Yep, just got here. Uh, Hobi...no hard liquor tonight. I have a paper to write tomorrow. Hopefully, hangover free."

"Nuh uh-uh, Namjoonie," Hoseok stops him, obnoxiously wagging a finger back and forth at his face. "Drink! One night off isn't going to kill you."

He looks over at Jungkook and sees an amused smile on his face. Maybe he should lighten up, try to relax, and have fun for once. After all, he's about to graduate soon. His partying days will soon be over when he starts working at a godforsaken – but hopefully – prestigious company.

He can pace himself. He's an adult, right? Just a few drinks to pass the hour with Jungkook, then he can go home and rest up. No big deal.

Namjoon hesitates before wrapping his fingers around the shot glass. And with a huff, he makes his decision, "Alright. But I really should go in an hour."

Hoseok pumps his fist in the air, giving a little yelp of a cheer, a heart-shaped smile on full display. Jungkook beams at him, grabbing his shot glass as well, moving closer to Namjoon, and Namjoon just melts into a puddle of goo.

"Bottoms up, hyung," Jungkook grins at him. And with that, they throw back their shots.

Just one hour and–

🎵 Fallingforyou by The 1975

Three hours—and god knows how many shots later—and Namjoon feels himself slowly coming back to awareness, the alcohol running its course. He must have gotten drunker than he intended as he slowly dances in the middle of Taehyung and Jimin's living room, sweat dripping down his back.

His chest is pressed up against some guy's back with his arms around his small waist, dark hair tickling his face. He leans in a little because, damn, he smells good, like warm vanilla.

Namjoon has no idea who he's dancing with, but he sways back and forth to the slow song coming out of the speakers at a lower volume than when he first got there.

His arms are still wrapped around Mystery Guy when he looks around and realizes the apartment is almost empty. The lights were dimmer than when he arrived, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

What time is it?

He tries to look around for the time when he squints and thinks he sees Hoseok and Yoongi making out in the corner, sitting on the sofa with their arms wrapped around one another.

Huh. That's new.

He smiles, a little confused about how his 'straight' friends ended up making out.

Mystery Guy grinds his firm ass on Namjoon's crotch, calling his attention back to him. He can't help but pull the guy's hips to his own as a low groan comes out of his mouth, the friction from the guy's nice ass feeling delicious.

The guy turns his face to him, and the first thing he sees are his big, doe eyes staring right back at him.

Doe eyes.

Jungkook?!

Namjoon's eyes open wide, his mouth dropping into an 'o' shape, and he immediately freezes his salacious movements against Jungkook's ass. His brain is short-circuiting, incapable of forming a sentence. He scrambles for something to say, but all he can do is stutter nonsense and then internally groan.

What the fuck?

"Namjoon hyung?" Jungkook's small smile drops, brow furrowed in uncertainty.

When he doesn't get a response from Namjoon, he turns around in his arms to fully face him, wrapping his arms around his neck.

Namjoon lets out a harsh breath and automatically puts his hands on Jungkook's tiny waist. Jungkook gazes at him, his brown eyes taking him in. When he starts to run his fingers through Namjoon's hair, it sends a shiver down his back and makes his eyes flutter.

Namjoon swallows loudly. He wants to melt into Jungkook's warmth so badly. Now that he has Jungkook this close, he doesn't know how he will detach himself from the gorgeous man in front of him.

Jungkook keeps staring expectantly at him with those big, beautiful brown eyes. He licks his lips, and Namjoon catches it, his eyes following the motion. A wave of déjà vu hits him, the memory of movie night flashing through his mind.

Even though he knows they both have feelings for each other, he's always hesitated to make a move, to take things further and see where they could go. He's too much of a coward, afraid of the outcome and possibly losing his best friend.

His thoughts—the self-deprecating thoughts that torment him—feel like bombs going off in his head and exploding his chances with Jungkook.

You're not good enough for him. You're going to fuck it up. Jungkook deserves the best. You're selfish. That's why Jih–

But even though he tries, he can't stop thinking about Jungkook, can't stop staring at him, can't stop wondering how he'd feel in his hands, how it would be to love Jungkook freely and without limits. The way he looks right now...he's beautiful.

His mesmerizing, brown eyes—only gazing at him as if he were the only one in the room, his hair wavy and falling over his eyes. He looks down at his hands and registers that he has his hands on Jungkook's waist, feeling the firmness underneath his shirt.

Like a Greek statue, Namjoon's fuzzy brain unhelpfully supplies.

He subconsciously licks his lips at the thought. Jungkook looks down at his lips, catching sight of the quick movement, and nudges the back of Namjoon's head to prompt him closer in a silent plea for more.

Everything around him slowly drowns out into the background as Jungkook starts to lean in, and Namjoon takes a deep breath. He closes his eyes and tightens his grip around his waist, letting go of all his thoughts and fears.

With fingers digging into him, he thinks he can hear Jungkook whimper as he feels his soft pouty lips brush and then press lightly against his own. With lips slightly parted, he feels their warm breath mingling as they breathe each other in. Jungkook hugs him closer, and he feels warmth spread throughout his body. It's all too much and not enough at once.

His heart begins to thunder in his chest, and all he can think of and feel is Jungkook.

Jungkook's vanilla scent all around him.

Jungkook's strong arms wrapped around him.

Jungkook's soft lips, catching his own in a tender kiss.

And he wants all of him. He wants it all.

They pull back, catching their breaths, Jungkook's eyes roaming over Namjoon's face, and Namjoon isn't ready for this to end.

He wraps himself entirely around Jungkook, taking him into his left arm and pulling his hips to him. He reaches with his right hand, tangling his fingers into Jungkook's hair with a firm grip to hold him steady, and Jungkook gasps.

Their hips and chests are pressed against each other now as they gaze into each other's eyes. Namjoon slowly leans down to press their lips together again in another kiss. His breath gets caught in his throat, making him feel like he can't breathe. But he doesn't care.

As long as he can keep kissing Jungkook, he'd gladly suffocate.

Jungkook's hands start rubbing Namjoon's chest, feeling the firm muscle underneath his sweater. Their breathing picks up. Namjoon gets greedy for more, parting his lips and allowing Jungkook's tongue to slip inside, finally deepening the kiss.

He moans in pleasure as his tongue brushes against Jungkook's, exploring his mouth. He tastes sweet and intoxicating, and Namjoon just wants more.

Namjoon feels heat starting to pool in the pit of his stomach when he feels Jungkook groan against his mouth. He doesn't want it to stop, but he pulls himself back and looks at Jungkook. His eyes are hazy, pupils blown wide with want. Need.

Namjoon's sure he looks the exact same way. And the feeling excites him.

Jungkook's glossy lips are red and swollen, and all Namjoon wants is to dive back into their softness and run his tongue along them again. Jungkook leans his forehead against his and closes his eyes. "Please," he shakily whispers.

Their lips are so close together that all he has to do is move the tiniest bit for them to touch. Namjoon closes his eyes, trying to make sense of what's happening, his mind and heart racing like crazy. The alcohol makes him feel fuzzy and warm, but his mind is so clear about his wants. What they both want.

Namjoon wants to do something utterly reckless at this moment. His heart desires Jungkook. Has wanted him for a long time. Every pounding beat urges him to grab Jungkook by the hand and take him to his apartment. To push him up against the wall, trace kisses all over his golden skin, lay him on his bed, and take him apart piece by piece just to put him back together again.

But he doesn't.

What the hell is he doing? What's he thinking? Realization slams back into his body, eyes going wide. He detaches himself completely from Jungkook and immediately sees worry cross the younger's face. Namjoon's mortified at what he just did, letting his selfish desires for his friend take over just because he had a couple of drinks.

A couple? How much did he have, anyway?

"Hyung? What's wrong?" Jungkook is biting his lips, furrowing his brows, and twisting his hands together.

"Jungkook, I-I'm sorry. Shit. I should go." Namjoon rubs his hands over his face in frustration and turns to leave, but Jungkook grabs his arm to stop him.

"Hyung, wait!" Namjoon tries to keep walking but is slowed by Jungkook's weight as he tries to pull Namjoon back to him. "Can we talk? Please..."

Namjoon stops in his tracks and turns to face him. Seeing him distraught breaks his heart, but he can't be here now. He needs to get away. His mind is all over the place, his body filled with dread. He probably ruined his friendship with Jungkook after this.

Fuck.

"Jungkook, I'm sorry... I made a mistake, okay?" Jungkook flinches back as if slapped, immediately letting go of Namjoon's arm. "I just– " Namjoon heaves a sigh of frustration and looks right at Jungkook, immediately regretting everything when he sees the hurt etched on his face.

Jungkook looks down, clenching his jaw and trying to hide his watery eyes, feeling humiliation radiate through him.

"Mistake?" Jungkook's voice breaks. He turns his head to the left, blinking rapidly now, trying to keep the tears from falling. He looks out the windows, his jaw clenched and mouth tight, still avoiding Namjoon's eyes.

Namjoon hates seeing Jungkook this way, upset and hurt.

Jimin comes from behind, seemingly out of nowhere, but no doubt seeing everything that just happened, and gently lays a hand on each of their shoulders. "Hey, everything okay?" he asks softly, concern filling his face as he looks at one friend, then the other.

"Y-yeah. Everything's fine." Jungkook steps to the side, letting Jimin's hand slide off his shoulder to fall limply at his side. He looks out of it, torn and confused, and Namjoon feels so much guilt and shame over it.

"Um... I was just leaving," Jungkook's voice quivers. He gives Jimin a small half-smile, not reaching his eyes. "'M tired... I should go." Then he starts rushing for the door, and Jimin calls for him, but he doesn't turn around. Jungkook heads straight out the door, slamming it shut, not once looking at Namjoon.

When Jungkook leaves, Jimin sends the rest of his guests home with a stiff smile and a thanks for coming. Seokjin takes his girlfriend home, giving Namjoon a sympathetic smile as he leaves. Hoseok and Yoongi share a ride to wherever the night has in store for them, clueless to anything going on around them that isn't in each other's faces.

Then all hell breaks loose.

"What happened, hyung?" Jimin turns to him, his face mixed with worry and confusion. He starts pacing back and forth in front of a panicked Namjoon, burning holes into his brand-new wood flooring.

Namjoon sits next to a half-dead Taehyung, who lies on the sofa, trying to follow what happened. Namjoon covers his face and screeches into his hands in disbelief, asking himself what the fuck he just did.

"I-I don't know. I fucked up! One minute we're taking shots, and the next we're... kissing," Namjoon says, trying to keep himself from panicking.

"But what happened? He just left so abruptly. Tae! Get. Up," Jimin emphasizes with kicks to Taehyung's shins. "Call Jungkook; make sure he gets home okay."

"Okay, okay. Jeez. No need for violence," Taehyung whines, rubbing his shins. He stands up to look for his phone, drowsily dragging himself to his bedroom after realizing it was left on top of his nightstand.

Namjoon suddenly gets up from the sofa, starting to spiral. A wave of nausea hits him. "I have to call him, make sure he's fine. Make sure we're fine!"

"Hyung, it's after midnight," Jimin sighs. "You're both still trying to process what just happened. He probably needs some time to figure shit out, so...just relax. Let Tae check on him," he counters, trying his best not to lose his patience.

He's exhausted from the dancing and the quickie he and Taehyung had when they snuck away during the party. When they came back out, they watched as Jungkook and Namjoon took three shots back to back...and then drank some more.

They were so giggly and touchy, their hands fumbling all over each other and making googly eyes, talking in hushed tones. The sexual tension was palpable. Jimin thought they had finally figured their shit out, but boy was he wrong.

"I called him, but no answer," Taehyung mumbles as he comes out of the room, looking down at his phone. "I'm going to send him a text. Maybe he'll answer that."

Namjoon groans loudly, flinging himself back onto the sofa, startling Jimin, who had given up pacing around and is now sitting next to Namjoon. Namjoon rubs his face in exasperation and feels like utter shit.

He can't believe he kissed Jungkook. He knew this was a bad idea. He should've just stayed home and gone to bed. But nope, his weakness for Jungkook overshadowed everything, and he just had to play the hero.

He needs to fix this mess he created, but first, he needs to go home and sleep. Maybe he'll be able to think clearly in the morning. Think about how to apologize to Jungkook. He didn't mean to take things so far. He can't.

What the hell was he thinking?

Kissing him felt right, but if he fucks up his friendship with him, he'll never forgive himself. Jimin looks at him and gives him a little sympathetic smile. He puts his hand on his shoulder and gives a light squeeze, trying to offer some comfort.

Namjoon takes a deep breath to try to gather his thoughts. He squeezes his eyes shut, head starting to hurt. He's going to wake up with a massive hangover.

"I think I'm going to head home," Namjoon turns to Jimin, drained and giving up for the night.

"Okay, just—are you okay to drive?"

"Yea... I'm fine, Jimin. Not even tipsy anymore." The night's events sobered him up, and now he wishes he was still drunk to forget this night ever happened.

"I'm still calling you a cab anyway," Jimin says, concern marring his flawless face. Namjoon sighs and nods in defeat because he knows how stubborn Jimin can be, and he's too exhausted to even try to argue with him at this point. Jimin makes the quick call, returning to pacing around his living room. "Okay, they're on their way. Give me your keys, and I'll drop your car off in the morning."

"'Kay...thanks, Jimin," Namjoon gives him a tired smile, appreciative of having a friend like Jimin. He gets up and makes his way to his jacket, handing Jimin his car keys.

He suddenly feels the weight of the night, along with the alcohol still running through his body, making him feel rundown and a little tipsy still. He looks at Jimin, who's looking back at him with a knowing glint in his eyes, but he doesn't throw it in his face about how right he was, calling him the cab.

Namjoon slumps back onto the door with a groan when Taehyung rushes out of the bedroom again, waving his cell phone in the air.

"He just texted me. He said he took a cab home and that he was fine. Which is Jungkook talk for everything is not fine," Taehyung says with a frown. "You!" he points at Namjoon with an accusing finger, and Namjoon's eyes widen in surprise. Taehyung has always been more protective of Jungkook than anyone else, always sticking up for him when he needed it. "You need to get your crap together. Why is it so hard to admit you're in love with him?"

"I–"

"Tae..." Jimin says in warning. "Just drop it, baby. It's late, and everyone's tired."

Taehyung sighs but still glares at Namjoon. "Just confess already. Jesus! " he groans as he throws his hands in the air in exasperation and lets them fall to his sides with a plop. "You're going to end up hurting him—and yourself." Taehyung softens his look, just wanting the best for his friends. "Joonie hyung, you know how he feels about–"

"Tae, please. Not now. I can't even think straight," Namjoon cuts him off, rubbing his forehead, once again frustrated with himself and the mess he created.

He starts putting his jacket on, feeling like he just lost a boxing match and wanting to get home and sleep—forget this night ever happened. He says his goodbyes, giving them each a half-hearted hug, and leaves for his cold and lonely apartment.

🌸