Chapter Text
The heat was horrendously hot as soon as Jungkook woke up in the morning. He didn’t want to get out of bed at all but was driven by how sticky and disgusting he felt after sweating all night. A quick shower in lukewarm water - because he needed some heat to feel clean but couldn’t handle anything hotter than that - and he settled for only a loose shirt and loose shorts for the day. Anything else would be dangerous with how hot it felt. He stripped the bed as well and used new sheets from the cupboard to make it up fresh. He couldn’t get back into that bed knowing how gross it had gotten over the night, even if it did dry out.
He joined his family for a rather quiet and subdued breakfast as everyone suffered in the heat. Jungkook usually always had an appetite, but even he was struggling now to make himself eat anything when he felt so off and sluggish. He did make his way through a bowel of fruit and yogurt though knowing it was better to get something down. In this heat the calories would be important to make sure he had enough energy. For once even the kids were rather quiet and calm, obviously affected as well. It was one result Jungkook was actually enjoying. A nice quiet morning was good.
With the heat predicted to stay high for the whole day, there wasn't anything really to do. Anything that involved too much movement or too much energy seemed like a nightmare, and so a day on the beach was decided on. Jungkook could have stayed behind and tried to make do with opening windows in the house and distracting himself with his laptop, but getting out for a bit and the sea water against his skin sounded wonderful then. So, he joined the rest of his family and headed to the beach. It was like every other person in the town had the same idea because the beach was packed. It was difficult to find enough space for them and instead they split into two separate groups. Jungkook was glad that he could spend the day with just his parents and Junghyun instead of the others as well.
Seolhyun, Doyoon and their children found a place closer to the sea so the kids could have easy access to play and stay in their parents' sight line. Jangmi offered finding a similar space for Junghyun, but he found them a decent space further up the beach instead. Jungkook was happy with that as you didn’t have to deal with the masses trying to paddle, swim and play and you were a fair distance from both the water and the vendors at the back of the beach. They set down towels, put up an umbrella, and settled down underneath it for a little relief in the shade. Minseok and Junghyun started playing cards and Jangmi laid down with a book. Jungkook laid back on his own towel and let himself drift, tuning out the busy, hectic noises from the beach. There was just enough breeze coming from the sea that the heat wasn’t so overwhelming, and he could relax enough to drop off. It was the best way to pass the time until the heat dropped a bit.
Jungkook became aware again as though no time had passed at all. One second his eyes were heavy and his mind fading, the next his mouth was dry and his lips chapped, his limbs stiff, and his torso uncomfortably sweaty. He grumbled and pushed himself up into a sitting position. His mother and brother were no longer there, and his father was laid down motionless on his own towel with a spare towel over his face. Jungkook had really been out of it.
He licked his lips, grimacing as it did nothing but dragged at the dry skin, and grabbed a bottle of water from the bag his mother had brought with them. He downed it all in one, sighing at the relief it brought. It wasn’t perfect as it had gotten warm in the weather just like they had themselves, but it chased away his dry mouth and wetted his lips. His top was sticking to his skin in places from how much he had been sweating and he tugged it over his head. He used the fabric to wipe the sweat off his chest and arms. He wouldn't be able to put that top back on now and it felt good to let his skin breathe.
“Why don’t you go get us some cooler drinks and some ice cream or something?” Jungkook turned back to Minseok who no longer had his face covered but was looking up at Jungkook. He sat up as well and pulled out his wallet and chucked it over to Jungkook. Jungkook caught it instinctively and smiled in appreciation. That actually sounded amazing. His father gave him a thumbs up and then laid back down.
Jungkook didn’t waste any time and pushed himself off his towel and ventured out across the sand. He flung his t-shirt over one shoulder, thinking he might as well carry on using it as a towel now he had started, and picked his way through the crowds towards the top of the beach. Him being bare chested didn’t stand out at all on the beach with plenty of people wearing just bathing suits or stripping off as much as they could as well. Jungkook still felt a little exposed though. He wasn’t uncomfortable showing this much skin at home or in quieter spaces with people he trusted, but it was something else when there were so many people around who could see. He’d probably return to their claimed spot to give back the wallet and spoils before returning to the house to get showered and a clean shirt he could wear.
The little shops set up by the beach were just as busy as the beach itself, though with it being prime time to make money they had plenty of people working so the queues weren’t too long. Jungkook was only waiting awkwardly for five minutes before he could get served and get away again. He got a couple of chilled bottles and a handful of choc ices, which all together could have been a nightmare to carry but the man serving gratefully gave him a bag as well. He headed back with the bag swinging over one arm and already opening one of the choc ices to snack on as he walked. With the heat still beating down on him and his stomach beginning to grumble he couldn’t resist.
“Jungkook?”
Jungkook turned to where the voice had come from, choc ice still poised between his lips for his first bite, and came face to face with Yoongi. The other man was stood only a few feet away in a black top and shorts and with a black bucket hat pushed on his head to save him from the sun. He was staring at Jungkook with his mouth slightly agape, as though something about Jungkook’s appearance had shocked him. His eyes slipped downwards from Jungkook’s face, and it was only when a soft flush came to his cheeks that Jungkook realised it must be his topless state causing the reaction.
Jungkook’s arms curled in around his torso instinctively. He felt even more exposed under so much scrutiny by Yoongi, even if he couldn’t really tell what Yoongi’s reaction was beyond the shock. He couldn’t fully ignore the desperate voice in the back of his mind that was hoping Yoongi was interested. Hoping that he found him attractive. Jungkook was pretty sure that was impossible though. He was just some immature kid in Yoongi’s eyes that he had somehow become fond of. Jungkook would take that though. That meant Yoongi did like him at least platonically and Jungkook got to keep spending time with him.
“Uhm,” Yoongi cheeks flushed a little redder, his eyes darting to Jungkook’s arms as they crossed over his chest. He swallowed and forced his eyes to Jungkook’s face. “Hi Jungkook.”
Jungkook felt a little better knowing Yoongi wasn’t staring at his torso anymore and was able to relax a bit. He dropped his arms, though the one with the bag stayed pressed over his stomach, and he used his free hand to take the choc ice from his mouth, quickly chewing and swallowing the bite he had. “Hey.”
Yoongi hesitated for a moment, before he approached and closed the distance between them. Jungkook smiled at him instinctively. It was always good having Yoongi there, his presence always welcome already for Jungkook despite only knowing him for a few days. It was a nice surprise seeing Yoongi. Jungkook was sure he wouldn’t see him today since he had a long shift. But there he was, and even though there was some awkwardness Jungkook was dealing with, he was happy.
“You really do have a sweet tooth, huh?” Yoongi teased gently, gesturing to the choc ice Jungkook was holding with that large gummy smile of his. Jungkook flushed a little at that, but Yoongi was so gentle and careful he knew it wasn’t mean teasing. “I am glad you’re keeping yourself cool today. The weather is horrendous. Though you should do something to protect your head and face.” He reached up, having to stretch a little with their height difference, and ruffled Jungkook’s hair.
Yoongi froze in that position, arm stretched out and hand in Jungkook’s hair. The movement had pulled him so much closer to Jungkook. Jungkook could see new aspects of his features he had never noticed before. He was even more striking this much closer. And having Yoongi’s hands on him, in his hair, was something else entirely. Jungkook loved them. And now he knew he loved the feel of them on him as well. He would never be able to forget that.
Yoongi chuckled awkwardly and pulled his hand away before taking a small step back. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have just touched you without permission.”
“No, it’s okay!” Jungkook said quickly. He regretted it at once because of the desperation it suggested but he couldn’t hold it back. He had liked Yoongi touching him and he didn’t want him to think he couldn’t in the future. Jungkook was definitely okay with Yoongi touching him. “You have my permission. To touch me.”
Awkward silence passed between the two of them for a few moments, and then Yoongi nodded. “Okay, thanks. Good. I’m on my way to work so I should probably get going. Sorry to rush off so soon.”
Jungkook shook his head and smiled. “It’s okay. I understand. It was nice to get to see you even just for a little while.”
Jungkook wanted to rip out his own tongue and stamp it into the sand. Apparently today was all about Jungkook making a fool of himself as well. Yoongi smiled and waved before he carried on walking up the beach towards the bar and Jungkook was left to stew in how awkward and confusing that whole exchange had been.
-
After a full day out, Jungkook would usually be socially and physically exhausted. He would lose himself in a game or a show, curled up in bed and ignoring the rest of the outside world. Things were different that night though. His encounter with Yoongi was prominent in his mind and he just couldn't settle because of it. His body was tired but rather than flopping down onto the bed and settling in, he found himself pulling on skinny jeans and a nice t-shirt. As warm as the day had been, the night had a pleasant chill. It was still too hot to be able to handle a jacket, but jeans that made Jungkook's legs look amazing could definitely be pulled off. How good his legs looked should not matter, but Jungkook was still eighteen and still new to the world of romance. He understood the rejection from Yoongi, still felt the pain of it acutely, but it was like a part of him - his instincts - were in denial. Once he was dressed, it did seem like a waste to then just collapse down and waste the night as he usually would. He didn't feel as socially drained as he thought he would, not dreading the idea of being around other people so soon again. So, after a quick goodbye and explanation to his parents, Jungkook headed over to the bar again.
Jungkook regretted everything when he got to the damn bar. He was an idiot. What did he think he was going to achieve by going to the bar? Yoongi was working so couldn't hang out with him, and how desperate would Jungkook look being there for just the few moments he could get with him. He had already made it down the beach, already been noticed by the security and the few people wandering about though. If he turned tail and ran after coming so far, he'd be embarrassed about making a fool of himself in front of them all. At least in the bar he could drink more freely. If he went home, there would be a lot of judgement and attention from his family. That made the decision in the end. Jungkook was still craving that freedom more than he wanted to avoid awkwardness and embarrassment with Yoongi.
Just as with his first night here, it wasn't too busy. There were enough people milling around to bring some life to the bar, but nothing too heavy or too oppressive. Jungkook was glad and escaped to sit at a table in the corner rather than the bar this time. Yoongi might not even know Jungkook was there at all. That would be the best result. He still had to get up to order his drinks, but he could see across the room easily and Yoongi was very noticeable with his hair, so Jungkook could time it well to go up when Yoongi wasn't there.
Jungkook drank slower this time as well. The whiskey didn't go down as smooth when there wasn't good company there to ease it along. He still enjoyed the taste somewhat, but it was harsher that night. It was his father's drink of choice. It was what Jungkook had grown up marvelling over and taking sips of. It had been his first drink a few years back when his parents let him have one for his birthday since they were at home and safe. Whiskey was the first drink that came to mind when Jungkook thought of alcohol. And he was still a bit too nervous and unsure to begin experimenting with new things. Another sign of his immaturity he supposed.
Feeling lost and bitter with himself again, Jungkook forces down the whiskey in his glass in one shot. A quick look to ensure Yoongi is out the back, and Jungkook goes up to the bar for another. He hadn't planned to drink much when he came out this time. A couple had been the intention, something to take the edge off in this cool place and a chance to see Yoongi again, an then he'd go home and not be hungover tomorrow. Now his resolve was cracking and pushing through five or six again and sleeping tomorrow away sounded like a much better plan.
A glass already filled with whiskey was placed down in front of him as soon as he reached the bar. He was impressed that they had remembered his order already. He fished out his wallet, but the women serving him shook her head. "Don't worry about, hon. Yoongi's buying this one for you. He said he always buys your last drink of the night."
Jungkook stared down at the whiskey as he felt his cheeks grow warm. There was the embarrassment he had been waiting for all night. He thought he had been so slick, getting in and avoiding Yoongi without being noticed. Of course he had been noticed. And of course Yoongi was still himself and respected that Jungkook hadn't sought him out. Jungkook's heart melted at Yoongi finding more ways to take care of him, to support and understand him, even in the most unique ways. Jungkook was completely failing at getting over the other man. No, he was just falling deeper. It was too much that night to try and fight it back. Jungkook accepted the drink with a thank you and returned to his table. His last drink. How could Yoongi know his original plans? Or was he just trying to imply it should be Jungkook's last drink. It worked. Jungkook built his resolve back up as he finished that whisky, and then left the bar with confidence. This was better.
The walk back to the house across the beach was actually lovely. The last few times he had either been drunk or anxious, but now his head was clear. He wasn’t inebriated or worrying, instead he could meander in the right direction at a steady pace and appreciate the wonderful sea breeze and how pretty the dark sea looked, especially with the moon reflecting off it. This was the part of the beach Jungkook really appreciated. If this trip had been just him, if he had complete control and independence, then this could be the perfect vacation.
It was late enough that night had fully descended. Jungkook couldn’t see much at the front of the house as he headed up the driveway, and he only noticed his father sat on the porch when he was almost at the front door. His dad lifted a hand in greeting and then gestured to the chair next to his own. Jungkook smiled and headed over, collapsing down with a sigh. His body was even more tired now than it had been earlier in the night and his mind was finally settling, but Jungkook didn’t feel ready to sleep. It was the perfect atmosphere that night, with a few drinks in him and remaining warmth from Yoongi’s care, and Jungkook wanted to enjoy it as long as he could.
“Good night?” Minseok asked, taking a sip from the glass of whiskey he had in his hand.
Jungkook nodded. “Yeah, it’s nice to just relax.”
Minseok chuckled and raised his glass to Jungkook. “Amen to that. It doesn’t get any easier, kid. Life just keeps piling the pressure on unfortunately. You got to make sure you take back your time like this. You need it.”
Jungkook nodded, listening seriously. His father was always honest about his view on life and what Jungkook should expect. Jungkook always appreciated it. He wasn’t babied or pampered, but respected. “I’m worth it though, right?” Jungkook asked, smirking over to his father.
Minseok raised an eyebrow at him. “Yeah, you’re worth it.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Damn, you’re so like your mother. I should never have let her teach you to be so mean and tease me. I’m a sensitive soul.”
Jungkook giggled and shuffled further down in his chair. The sky was beautifully clear, millions of stars shining against the black curtain. It was beautiful. “I hope I can be as happy as you and mum are. You set the bar high.”
“You will be.” Minseok sat forward and met Jungkook’s eyes. “I know it might not seem like it at times now. I know things are hard and uncertain with university and things changing so much, but you’ll get through it, and there’s an amazing future waiting for you on the other side.”
Jungkook smiled, his eyes suddenly watering and his chest feeling tight. He knew his parents loved him, but even he could get overwhelmed when it was shown so plainly and so obviously. Minseok smiled back and leant over to brush his knuckles across Jungkook’s cheek. Jungkook giggled but let the ticklish touch happen.
Minseok finished the rest of his drink and stood up. “I’m glad you’re managing to have a good time here, Jungkook. I know you weren’t really keen on coming, but we really appreciate the effort you’re making and we’re really happy you are enjoying yourself as well. Thank you.” He ducked to press a kiss to the top of Jungkook’s head and then walked past him to the front door. “Night, kid. Love you.”
“Night. I love you too.” Jungkook watched his dad go into the house and the door close behind him, then he turned his gaze back up to the night sky. It was hypnotic, to just stare up at the sky and let the stars take over his mind. Today had been a lazy day, but it had been a great day. Jungkook was starting to find his footing in this town and around his family and appreciate what he could get from the trip.
From where he sat on the porch, Jungkook could see down and across the driveway. He could see the end and see across to Yoongi’s house as well. He was still out there later when Yoongi came home and saw him heading to his own front door. He saw when his head turned to Jungkook’s place and hesitate when he spotted Jungkook sat out on the porch. It was too dark and too far for Yoongi to be able to see Jungkook’s face, so he lifted up a hand to wave. He could have just pretended he didn’t see Yoongi, but Yoongi’s actions from the bar pulled at him. Yoongi could have just pretended he hadn’t seen Jungkook in the bar and let him be, but he had bought him the drink. He had created an opportunity for Jungkook if he chose to take it but didn’t push. Jungkook followed that path now. The wave was an opportunity, but him staying seated was not pushing. Yoongi took a second, and then waved back. If he wanted to stay by himself then the interaction was done and he could head inside.
Yoongi didn’t head inside though. He moved away from his front door and to the fence that separated his small garden from the driveway. Jungkook jumped at the chance of the prolonged interaction, already feeling so happy and settled and only wanting more, and left his seat on the porch to cross the driveway and meet him at the fence. “How was work?” He asked quietly when they were only a foot apart. The night was so calm and wonderful, it felt wrong to speak too loud and taint it.
Yoongi smiled. They were close enough that even through the dark now Jungkook could see his face quite clearly. His pale skin shone in the moonlight and Jungkook was entranced. “It was good. Calm night, some good regulars in. I got to buy a drink for someone special.”
Jungkook had to take a second to process the words. Yoongi could have bought a drink for any number of other people that night, any of them could have been the special person. Yoongi wasn’t mean though. Yoongi didn’t tease cruelly like that. He meant Jungkook. Jungkook felt his cheeks flush and he hoped the darkness hid. He didn’t need to give away that Yoongi’s rejection hadn’t stopped his growing attraction to him. The words made him feel flustered and good though. He wanted to be special to Yoongi. It made him really happy.
“Thank you for the drink.” Jungkook said softly, trying to sound more confident than he felt treading on ground like this. He had never been good at flirting, it made him shy and nervous. And this wasn’t meant to be flirting. It felt like flirting to Jungkook but surely it couldn’t really be he reminded himself.
“I hope you had a good night there.” Yoongi said after a few seconds, shifting his weight to lean closer to the fence. Jungkook felt a pull he couldn’t resist, felt himself drawn in by Yoongi’s eyes, and he leant closer as well.
“I did. The bar was great and this is the perfect end.” Jungkook smiled at Yoongi, feeling a rush when Yoongi smiled back with that wide, gummy smile Jungkook was growing very attached to.
Jungkook was definitely tired now. The heat from the day made it seem longer and made it more taxing on his body. But his mind was awake and engaged and he wasn’t ready to leave Yoongi yet. They were in a bubble of their own. One just for them and this moment they had here. Jungkook could ignore being tired or his body aching so he could talk to Yoongi longer. So he could see him for longer.
“So why the bar?” Jungkook asked to keep the conversation going. And to try learn more about Yoongi. Yoongi knew a fair amount about him now, from his aunt and from spending time with Jungkook. The focus had all been on Jungkook though, and he was only now realising that he didn’t actually know that much about the other man. Yoongi tilted his head and raised his eyebrows, a silent question for clarification. Jungkook gave it. “Why are you working at the bar here? Is it what you want to do, or is it a job until you move on to something else?”
Yoongi hummed and looked up at the sky instead for a moment. Jungkook followed his gaze and appreciated the pretty stars again as well. It was something else out here by the sea than they were back in the city. “Ask me something else.”
Jungkook frowned but thought of something else he wanted to know. “Are you originally from here? Do you have family here?”
Yoongi pursed his lips and looked to the side, considering the question and his answer. “I’m not from here.” Yoongi answered eventually, looking back to Jungkook with a smile. Jungkook smiled back, happy to learn something about Yoongi. He waited for more, waited for Yoongi to go into more details and answer his second question. Nothing more came though.
Jungkook huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. The bubble around them popped and everything came rushing back. Jungkook’s legs ached and his eyes were itching with how tired he was. He had been in such a good mood and not he felt hot irritation bubbling in his gut. Yoongi wasn’t cruel, but why did it seem like he was playing with Jungkook? Did Yoongi think he was too young or not worth his time to share anything with? Jungkook wasn’t asking anything super personal. He just wanted to know more about him and get closer to him.
“Where are you from then?” Jungkook asked. At another time, in another situation, Jungkook would have realised Yoongi didn’t want to talk about this now. If ever. Jungkook should respect that and back off. But he was annoyed because Yoongi was the one good thing he had found on this vacation, and he wanted all of him. He didn’t want Yoongi to treat him as a kid who he can’t talk to or bond with, and just ended up acting as an immature kid anyway. Maybe he was a little drunker than he thought. Maybe he was more tired and anxious after the day than he had realised.
Yoongi sighed himself and rubbed the back of his neck. He looked over to their places and then back to Jungkook. “It’s late, Kook.”
Jungkook huffed again and his arms flew down to his sides. He could not believe he was being pushed away so cleanly when they were becoming good friends. He just wanted to know something more about Yoongi and his past. To be closer to him. “Yeah, it is.” Jungkook spat out. “Night Yoongi.”
He turned on his heel and stormed back up the drive and away from Yoongi. If he stayed in his presence anymore now, he could just get more annoyed and frustrated. The great end to the night had turned sour really fast. He heard Yoongi call after him, but Jungkook was stubborn. Yoongi didn’t want to talk to him, then Jungkook didn’t want to talk to him either. It was late so they could both just go to bed and be by themselves.