Chapter Text
This wasn’t a good idea. Then again, Kim Taehyung wasn’t known for making particularly favourable decisions. He’s known for his outrageous hair colours, boxy grin, positive attitude and clothing riddled with rips and tears… also the occasional paint splatter from where he’d been too lazy to apply his apron.
And yet here he found himself, balling the hem of his shirt in his fists as he approached the lone student in the corner of the library, his lip caught between his teeth and a lump forming in his throat. He stood in front of the raven haired male for a few minutes, rearranging his inner monologue before he was dragged from his thoughts by the boy who had yet to look up from his obnoxiously oversized book.
“Kim Taehyung.” He said sternly, still not taking his eyes off what Taehyung thought must have been the most interesting book about marketing strategy.
“Woah, spooky Gukie didn’t even look up” The smaller laughed off as he sat down across from the younger, tapping his nails on the wooden desk top,
“I didn’t have to. I knew It was your annoying presence by the way my mood suddenly went sour” Jeonguuk spoke calmly, contrasting the abrupt hand that smacked on top of Taehyung’s to stop the needless pitter patter of the older males fingers.
“Listen. Jeonggukie dearest. My good friend and reliable companion,” Hearing this, Jeongguk finally graced Taehyung with the gift of his gaze, knowing full well that his arch nemesis needed a favour. He raised an eyebrow to which Taehyung sighed.
“I need you to tutor me in English” And for the first time in seven years, Jeongguk laughs at Taehyung. Much to the brown haired males chagrin.
“I’m serious! There’s a role coming up from an original play by Jaehwan hyung, the character speaks mainly English and that would look so awesome on my resumè! You have to help me out. Please Jeongguk, you aced English in high school, you’re my only hope” Taehyung finished with a dramatic slump foreword, face-planting the desk.
“Hire a tutor. There are plenty around the campus”
“But they aren’t as good as you. You studied abroad in America for two years! Besides... I kinda don’t have the money to hire an actual tutor” Taehyung flicked his eyes up to Jeongguk’s own, hoping his kicked puppy expression would win him over. The older male quite literally had to check all of his pockets from every article of clothing in his wardrobe today, just to put together the few cents he needed for a packet of instant ramen. His college tuition alone was a pain in the ass; however, asking his parents for a loan would be an even bigger pain in the ass.
“So, you want me to teach you English for free?” Jeongguk’s glare only hardened, completely unfazed,
“Oh come on Guk. For me, out of the kindness from your… Piece of heart-”
“Forget it” and with that Jeongguk slammed his book shut and was slinging his bag over his shoulder, already exiting the library.
“Yeah, alright buddy! Good chat!” Taehyung yelled behind the retreating male and ignored the crude gesture he received in return.
...
“Tae Tae!” Taehyung scrambled and almost dropped his phone upon hearing the shrill voice of his roommate/best friend of seventeen years, Park Jimin.
“Jimothy! You near gave me a heart attack” Taehyung whined and clutched his phone close to his chest, aiming to calm his racing heart, to which Jimin just giggled in apology, eyes turning into small crescents, nose wrinkling and mouth agape; showcasing his crooked front tooth.
“How’d things go with Jeonshit?” He asked a little too loudly, excitedly tapping the taller’s shoulder.
“It couldn’t have gone worse. He flat out rejected me. My pride is still weeping”
“Hey now, don’t be too upset Tae… At least its hotteok Tuesday? Cheer up and lets go get our pancake on. My treat~” Jimin smiled again and rubbed the younger's back whilst he led the way to the cafeteria. Taehyung tries to pretend he can't hear bells and angel wings fluttering from behind the golden haired males back.
Upon reaching the front of the line he smiled eagerly at the elderly woman, the scent of honey and cinnamon invading his nostrils and causing his mouth to salivate; he could almost taste the sugary dough. The (currently) brunette haired male ordered his hotteok, sliding the money across the counter.
“I’m sorry, lad. The young fellow to your right purchased the last one just now. I’ll see you next week, yes?” Taehyung’s eyes followed the direction her finger was pointing until his gaze fell upon none other than Jeon freaking Jeongguk’s smirking face.
“Oh I am so sorry. Would you perhaps like to share?” Jeongguk spoke in perfect English just to taunt Taehyung further, evoking a growl from the elder,
“Whatever. I don’t need hotteok or help from your crusty ass.” Taehyung was practically seething when Jeongguk turned around and gave his own butt a slap before blowing a kiss and walking away laughing while simultaneously stuffing the whole pancake into his mouth.
...
It all started when the boys were in kindergarten, most yet to see six summers. The classroom was filled with cries from children refusing to leave their parents and even a certain older brother refusing to let ‘Baekkie’s little angel Tae’ leave his side.
Jeongguk sat on train-track themed rug, cars long forgotten as he was building a tower to replicate the one his father had taken him to many times in the past. He ignored the chubby cheeked boy trying to stick his whole hand into a jar of jam and the pale boy who’s glowering eyes just peeped past the giant kumamon plushie in his lap, glaring at the sticky-faced male on the bean bag, however, he couldn’t ignore the brunette with the boxy grin who came and sat next to him on the mat.
“Hiya! My name is Kim Taehyung, I like to sing, draw and pretend! Let’s be bestest best friends?” Taehyung beamed at the small boy with round doe eyes, thick, dark eyelashes and bunny teeth poking out, biting down on his bottom lip. The brunette grabbed a lego block to help the younger.
“What’s your name?” Taehyung asked, noticing the way the youngers cheeks turned rosy, contrasting with his milky white skin. Cute. Taehyung thought with a smile. Jeongguk didn’t respond, only taking the brick from the others hands,
“Oh… You don’t want me to play with you?” Jeongguk watched with wide, blinking eyes as Taehyung pouted and his eyes welled up with tears,
“Yeah? Well! You’re a big stinky poo bum head!” Taehyung shouted with as much malice as a five year old could possibly muster. The younger's eyebrows furrowed and he stuck his tongue out at his newfound enemy. Kim Taehyung could not handle such disrespect. With one swift motion he’d knocked over Jeongguk’s lego tower and before Jeongguk could cry out “MMMOoOOOOoMmMMMMM” Taehyung was being scooped up and lifted away, still muttering insults along the line’s of ‘meanie bum’ and ‘rotten egg’.
He now stood glaring daggers at Jeongguk from his place in the naughty corner. The raven haired boy mouthed the words ‘you’re not invited to my birthday party’ and that’s all it took for Taehyung to snap.
“THAT’S IT! FROM THIS DAY FOREWORD, YOU ARE MY ARCH NEMESIS- …”
“-Jeon Jeongguk” Jam boy informed,
“YOU ARE MY ENEMY JEON JEONGGUK AND THANK YOU KIND SIR. WE ARE NOW FRIENDS” He spoke the last part to the chubby cheeked boy who’s eyes lit up like Christmas tree toppers. Jeongguk just shrugged. He didn’t need Kim Taehyung. He didn’t need anyone, so it came as a surprise to everyone when he warmed up to Yoongi, another boy from the class; quiet like himself and seemingly always eager for naptime.
They bickered their way through their education, even when Jeongguk studied abroad in America for two years. The second the younger stepped back onto home soil; the two were at each others throats, much to the teacher’s dismay. Jimin will never forget the look that washed upon Taehyung’s face or the growl that arose from Jeongguk’s throat when they spotted one another at the university’s orientation day.
“Please tell me you’re just dropping Jimeme off and then you’re leaving my life forever.” Jeongguk spat and Jimin knew he should have been offended but he was too busy laughing at ‘Jimeme’
“I’ll have you know that in fact, yes, I do intend on studying here. If you have a problem with it; the exit is right there” Taehyung spoke calmly with his nose pointed high in the air, causing Jeongguk to snicker
“What are you? Some lame-ass tour guide?”
“Yes,” Taehyung coughed to get the attention of a few passing students, offering a hand in Jeongguk’s direction,
“And now, students, if you look to your left, you’ll spot a little bitch” The students remained expressionless before they continued walking in silence spare Jimin’s over the top shouts of ‘oOO0hHHHhHhHhHHh!!!’ with one hand over his mouth.
“Whatever. Keep your head down, hyung” The honorific tasted sour on Jeongguk’s tongue and sounded like nails scratching down a chalkboard ringing in Taehyung’s ears, still cringing as it echoed throughout his being.
And that pretty much brings Jeongguk to where he sits as of today, just over a year later, in his dorm watching Friends re-runs on the couch which he and Yoongi had picked up from the universities ‘Bermuda Triangle', a secluded corner where students could leave old furniture they no longer wanted and always, without fail, it would be gone within the hour. The couch itself was too old for use, the padding being worn out so much the raven haired male felt like he were sitting directly on springs and each time Jeongguk spilt soy sauce on the cushion, he’d flip it over only to find about seven more stains.
The sound of the door bell ringing loudly filled the living room, Jeongguk moved his eyes toward the door, weighing his options in his head, it could be important… however he just found that one comfortable spot after about forty minutes of trying, it makes Jeongguk question why he even bothers with the couch in the first place; the ground being a more comfortable option. The visitor began to grow impatient, ringing the bell relentlessly, forcing Jeongguk to roll off the couch and drag his feet to the door,
“What the fuck do you w- …Eomma?” Mrs Jeon didn’t bother explaining herself as she immediately reached up to pinch her tall sons cheeks.
“Oh my, Gukie! You just become more and more handsome each time I see you!” she exclaims clapping her hands together excitedly,
“Tell your mother, what do your plans involve for this Friday evening.”
“I can tell you what my plans don’t involve; going on a blind date set up by my mother.” Mrs Jeon rolled her eyes.
“I just want you to settle down, you’ll need a pretty little wife to cook you meals and take care of you after you take your fathers position as the CEO of Jeon Corp. I want what’s best for you, sweetie” Jeongguk knew she had purely good intentions but that didn’t make him favour the situation any more.
“I’m not compatible with any of those girls you’ve set me up with, sure, they’re all perfect. However, they aren’t for me. Doesn’t what I want matter?” She opened her mouth to reply but Jeongguk cut her off, he wasn’t finished.
“Mother I want to marry someone for love, not status. You could find me the most amazing and beautiful or intelligent girl in the whole world but all is fruitless. If I don’t have feelings for her, I’ll never be happy… and that’s what matters, right?” She nodded slowly. Her son was one of the most, if not the most, important person in her life. Jeongguk’s best interest was at heart at all times. After all, he was his fathers’ successor. Jeon Corp needed Jeongguk like Jeongguk needed a significant other to take care of him, love and bare her grandchildren; two boys and a girl. She’d shower the eldest with wisdom and knowledge as the future CEO after his old man, tell the middle child she loved him but would spare the fact that she couldn’t remember his birthday and the youngest, she’d teach to braid hair.
“I don’t know what you want, Jeongguk but I’ll tell you what you need, what I want. I want you sitting comfortably in the office chair of your building, leading Jeon Corp down the road to even greater success. Driving home in a luxurious car. You pull up in front of your house; white picket fence like you’ve always craved. Your wife greets you with a kiss on the cheek and takes your briefcase, telling you dinner is on the table. You eat with your children and tuck them into bed before going to your respective bed to cuddle with your wife, is that not what you want, Jeongguk?”
Emotions hit Jeongguk like a slap in the face, is that what I want? It sounded ideal… too much so. Jeongguk isn’t really one for normality. He likes different, he likes not being in a routine, not knowing what was going to happen next. In fact, his mothers vision isn’t what he wants at all. He doesn't even want to become the CEO of Jeon Corp first and foremost. Although, disappointing his mother… That’s something Jeongguk just couldn’t do.
“Enough. I’ve been talking to Youngmi, you remember little Minah, don’t you? Well, she’s become quite the lady. I’ve arranged for y-”
“I can’t!” Jeongguk yelled before he could stop himself,
“The thing is… I’m kinda- I’m already in a relationship!” Lies continued to tumble from Jeongguk’s lips, unable to stop himself. Mrs Jeon arched her thin eyebrow,
“Oh? Gukie, sweetheart! Why didn’t you tell your dear mother sooner! Where is she?” At this point, Jeongguk really wasn’t thinking.
“Uhm… T-That person right there!” Jeongguk pointed in the direction of a skinny male attempting to catch a kitten across the street.
“…Its… A he? Well. Invite your boyfriend over, Jeongguk” the raven haired male could practically see her waving goodbye to the grandchildren he hadn’t even conceived.
“That’s not necessary. He’s busy and all that but you’ve seen him and now you can stop harassing me about settling down. Itwasniceseeingyoubye.” Jeongguk tried to scramble back inside but was stopped by his mother dragging him to her side by the back of his shirt collar.
“I wont be satisfied with merely seeing him. I must meet him, go now, bring him over” and with that she pushed her son in the direction of his so-called ‘boyfriend’. Jeongguk barely having enough time to catch himself, stumbling on the small steps in front of his dorm.
“H-Hi there. Sorry to distract you from what looks like a very important task but I really need you to help me out. Like bro. Do your fellow bro a solid,” He pleaded with the slim male who had just looked up from the drain he was crouched over, the cat disappearing beneath it moments before hand.
“So you want me to help you out, for free?” the brunette mimicked Jeongguk from earlier that day, still upset with the taller male.
“Taehyung!?”
“Jeonggay!?”
“What? Where are your bangs?” he pointed at the pony tail atop Taehyung’s head, most of it being streaks of silky teal green from where the older had tried dying his bangs only the previous week. No wonder I didn’t recognise him, Jeongguk thought.
“I got sick of my fringe. Threw it in the trash. Where do you think my bangs are???” Taehyung spat sarcastically, violently ripping the hair tie from his fringe and pointing to his forehead.
“Look that’s cool and all but, oh my god this is embarrassing, I really need your help,” by now Jeongguk had already pulled Taehyung up, dusting him off and making sure his hair was in place as he led him back to his dorm where his mother stood, waiting.
“And what will I get from it?” Taehyung’s interest had indeed been piqued.
“I don’t know. A high-five? Do you want a sparkly sticker that says ‘YOU DID IT!’ ? I’ll do anything, just do me this one favor.”
“Be my tutor. Teach me English and I’ll do whatever you need” Jeongguk sucked his teeth as he thought, again weighing options in his head.
“Fine-”
“Free of charge.” Jeongguk rolled his eyes,
“…Fine.”
“Pinky Promise” The taller looked down to see Taehyung’s extended pinky, reaching for his own hand. He wrapped his pinky finger around the brunette’s slimmer finger, about to pull away when Taehyung bought their knuckles together, pressing the pad of his thumb to Jeongguk’s.
“You have to lock it” Taehyung shot Jeongguk a quick smile and withdrew his hand, looking back at the ground. By now they were standing in front of Mrs Jeon, Jeongguk’s arm still awkwardly remaining around Taehyung’s shoulders.
“Eomma, this is Kim Taehyung. He’s my” Jeongguk inwardly cringed,
“…Boyfriend.” The speed at which Taehyung’s head snapped up to stare at Jeongguk through eyes the size of saucers was enough to make Jeongguk think he may have accidentally pulled a muscle in his neck, absently rubbing the pad of his thumb in circles along the smaller males jugular vein.
“Oh my goodness! He certainly is a looker, isn’t he? Pleased to meet you, lovely. I’m Jeon Jiwoo, however, you may call me ‘eomma’ if you want to,”
“Y-Yes… Nice to meet you too, eomma” Taehyung said with a nervous laugh, extending his arm to shake Mrs Jeon’s awaiting hand. Sensing an awkward vibe in the air, Jeongguk's anxiety was rising, he unintentionally tightened his grip on Taehyung’s shoulder .
“O-Ouch, babe, you’re hurting me” Taehyung emphasized the word ‘babe’ and raised his eyebrows at Jeongguk, silently telling him to pick up his act.
“Yes Jeongguk, save that for the bedroom” Mrs Jeon sent a wink in Taehyung’s direction before digging into her bag. Jeongguk watched on as Taehyung’s face heated up, turning a cute shade of pink before completely transforming into a beautiful hue of red, blooming across his cheeks and dancing on the tops of his ears.
“Taehyung ah, you absolutely have to come over and have dinner with us sometime next week! I’m dying to know more about you. When are you free, my lovely?” she slipped her glasses on and opened her diary to next weeks dates, ready to plan.
“Eomma, Taehyung is very busy. Extremely busy all of next week and the week after. Please, just drop it”
“Nonsense Guk, I’m free on Wednesday evening. Eomma, please cook an American style dinner” Taehyung said with a bow.
“Aigoo! Of course, if that’s what you want” She giggled, giving her son a pinch on the cheek,
“I like him! We’ll see you both next week!” And two smooches on the cheek later she was being escorted back to her car and driven home.
“Explain.”
Jeongguk slowly slid his hand off Taehyung’s shoulders, scratching the nape of his neck.
“My mum has been on my back about me getting a girlfriend, I thought if I told her I already was in a relationship, she’d give up… But I think I just added fuel to the fire” Taehyung crossed his arms over his chest and began to tap his foot.
“Yeah, thanks for the context. You’re just lucky that I’m such a fantastic actor and I’m well acquainted with the conventions of improvisation.”
“Okay. But why the fuck did you agree to dinner?” Jeongguk turned and gave the smaller a shove.
“Hey, if I can get a free baked dinner out of this, so help me Jeon Jeongguk, I will.” “This was supposed to be a one time thing! You were meant to get my mum off my back!”
“Chill fam. We’ll go on Wednesday, act in love, have a good time and then we’ll have a tragic break up, 'Its not me... Its you' - that type of thing. It may take a bit for you to move on but I think you’ll be fine in the long run if you just stay strong” Jeonggukk sucked on his bottom lip, a habit he developed for when he was nervous.
“Whatever” Jeongguk sighed, opening his door, if I walk quickly I might be able to catch the end of this episode, Jeongguk thought. Leaving Taehyung at his doorway.
“Hey! Asswipe! Don’t forget that you promised to tutor me!”