Chapter Text
The days after Taehyung's Olivier Awards win had been expectedly fraught, with press attention flooding in from throughout the world. The overwhelming majority of it was kind, praising Taehyung's skills and delighting in the triumph of true love over adversity.
"The public loves a good fairytale ending, and they loved finding out who the 'real life Phantom' in the Royal Box was," Taehyung's London agent, Paul, had said following the ceremony. "You handled that well, Tae. Are you sure I can't tempt you with a little Jean Valjean for next season?"
Taehyung had kindly, but firmly, declined the offer. "I need to go home, Paul," he admitted, "there's too much calling me back there."
Naturally, some articles took a darker view. Jimin came under fire for remarrying so fast, and certain publications tried to paint Jangmi as a victim. Furious, she called a press conference to make it abundantly clear that she had been the one asking for a divorce, and was genuinely thrilled for Taehyung and Jimin. When asked by one reporter what this meant for their relationship going forwards, Jangmi looked directly into the camera and said, simply,
"We're family."
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The days sped by at lightning pace, and all too soon it was time for them to leave London behind. At the airport, Jimin stood slightly to one side as he watched Taehyung enfold Erika in a long, tight hug.
"You'd better come visit us within three months, or I'll write you out of my will," Taehyung threatened, mirth sneaking into his eyes.
"Careful, or I'll slip poison in your hot chocolate," she teased. "But don't worry, I've already booked my ticket. Someone has been offering to show me the sights of Seoul."
"Make sure he doesn't only show you the sights inside his apartment," Jimin cut in, enjoying Erika's responding blush. "Jung Hoseok is great at many things, but there are definitely better tourist guides."
A heavy hand came to rest on Jimin's shoulder as his husband sighed deeply beside him.
"Jiminie, we gotta go. Flight's boarding in 45 minutes."
Pulling Erika into his arms, Jimin hugged her warmly, his tears threatening to spill over.
"Oh, Jimin! You won't even have time to miss me," she joked, her own eyes suspiciously shiny.
"Doesn't change the fact that I will," he admitted, giving Erika one last squeeze before reluctantly letting her go.
Taking Jimin's hand, Taehyung walked them towards security. Just before entering the restricted area, they turned to wave at Erika one last time.
"Of all the places I've been, I'm pretty sure London will be the most unforgettable," Taehyung mused, squeezing Jimin's hand lovingly.
*************************************************************
Jimin blinked awake as Taehyung loomed above him, his hair tickling Jimin's nose.
"There you are, love," Taehyung cooed, his eyes so gooey with adoration that Jimin couldn't resist pulling him down into a heated kiss.
A throat cleared, and Jimin suddenly remembered where they were.
"I'm sorry, sirs," the flight attendant interrupted, "but we're beginning our landing procedure. So I'll need you to return your seats to the upright position and fasten your seatbelts, please."
"Of course," Jimin replied quickly, shaking himself awake and rearranging the blanket in his lap.
"I spy something else in the upright position," Taehyung smirked, "but don't worry, Jiminie, I'll take care of that later."
Torn between endearment and irritation, Jimin allowed the former to win out. Entwining his hand with Taehyung's, Jimin swiftly pecked him on the cheek as the plane began to descend.
"Home," Jimin stated, as their car pulled away from Incheon airport and headed towards Seoul city. They'd be staying in Taehyung's apartment for the time being, while they looked for a new place together. Jangmi had moved back into her old flat post-divorce, and Jimin's place was being rented out in the interim. Not that the idea of living in his old marital home with his new spouse held much appeal, frankly.
The flat was oddly still when they arrived, a thin layer of dust betraying its extended emptiness. Taehyung's younger cousin Jonghyun and his roommate Sehyun had vacated a couple of weeks earlier, electing to take on a lease when the perfect apartment unexpectedly came up. They'd miss living in luxury, but Jonghyun was nevertheless thrilled about his cousin's return.
Once they'd stowed their suitcases in the master bedroom and wandered back to the lounge, a note on the coffee table caught Jimin's attention.
Congratulations, Taehyung-hyung and Jimin-hyung!
I never thought I'd see the day, but I'm so glad you're finally together, and married, wow!
Taehyung-hyung, thank you for allowing Sehyun and I to stay here, we had an amazing time. I hope we've looked after the place well enough for you.
I know you're my hyungs and all, but I want to treat you both to some drinks to celebrate your wedding, soon. Call me!
Love,
Jonghyun.
"He's a good kid," Jimin stated, finishing the note. "Everything looks pretty much as you left it, TaeTae."
"There were... mishaps," Taehyung snickered, "but I told them to call me so I could sort it out, instead of leaving them to their own devices. Thankfully, nothing too major, and they were still allowed to live it up a little."
"God, remember when we were their age? Rehearsals, touring, recording... we never really got to live it up much, did we?" Jimin mused, a faraway look in his eyes.
"I dunno, Jiminie, I think we had plenty of fun. I'll show you," Taehyung replied, rummaging through a cupboard to bring out a large, hard-bound book.
"TaeTae, what's this?"
"When you were marrying Jangmi, Jiminie, I went through every single photo I had of you, most of them I took myself. Remember the montage from your party?"
Jimin nodded, curiosity piqued. "Of course, Tae. It was beautiful."
"Well, those were the photos of you I wanted to share with others. These are the ones I took just for me. This is how I see you, my love."
Jimin leafed through page after page of moments so intimate that his breath caught in his throat. Photos of him smiling, laughing, making silly faces with Taehyung and the other members, and sometimes doing nothing but staring into the distance. The photographer's gaze was so warm, his love obvious in every captured instant.
"See, Jimin-ah? We had fun, didn't we?"
"Tae, this is... I..." Jimin attempted, further words dying on his lips.
"I've always seen you, Jimin, and I'll always be looking," Taehyung assured him, ready and waiting when a pile of limbs landed in his lap and a head burrowed into his chest.
Tender kisses turned hungry, and soon a trail of clothes led to Taehyung's bedroom where they were finally allowed to take what they wanted from each other. This room had been the scene of so much longing, of oblivious mutual pining that had finally blossomed into the love of a lifetime. Desperate for intimate connection, they were both too tired to last. As Jimin came with Taehyung's name spilling from his lips and Taehyung's deep answering growl echoing around the room, another piece of their puzzle slotted firmly into its rightful place.
Jimin stirred in Taehyung's arms, the morning light gently filtering beneath the heavy curtains.
"Stay," Taehyung whispered, burying his nose in the back of Jimin's neck.
"Gotta pee," Jimin replied, wriggling out of his grumbling husband's arms.
Slightly unsteady on his legs after long-haul travel and creeping jetlag, Jimin waddled to the bathroom, relieved himself, then studied his reflection in the mirror. Smiling lazily as he took in the blooming purple marks decorating his chest and stomach, he relived the feel of Taehyung's desperate, hungry mouth on him the night before. He'd been in this bathroom hundreds of times, slept in Taehyung's bed almost as often. And yet, everything felt new and exciting now that they were back in Seoul to start their lives together in earnest.
London had taken on a dreamlike quality in Jimin's mind, although they'd been there only yesterday. Being with Taehyung, married to Taehyung, still seemed unreal. However, Taehyung couldn't be more real, his solid body lying drowsily in their shared bed. Sparking with a burst of energy, Jimin practically sprinted back to bed, throwing back the covers and jumping right in.
"Shh, Jiminie, 's cuddle time," Taehyung mumbled, wrapping long arms around Jimin to still him.
Jimin went willingly, his heart beating a strong, staccato rhythm as he surrendered to the comfort of his husband's embrace.
It was hunger that lured them from their bed, eventually. Taehyung's stomach growled so loudly it set Jimin off into a fit of giggles, ignoring Taehyung's grumbling protests.
"Food, TaeTae," Jimin ordered, pulling the covers off and leaping out of bed. "Oh... shit, we don't have any," he remembered, starting to laugh again.
"Let's go out," Taehyung suggested.
A shadow passed over Jimin's face.
"Tae?" he ventured, tentatively, "once we've eaten, if you don't mind, there's somewhere I'd really like to go."
With an understanding smile, Taehyung squeezed Jimin's hand. "I'll go anywhere and everywhere with you, Jimin."
Bellies full and hearts warmed from hearing their native language all around them once more, Jimin led Taehyung towards an imposing, yet peaceful, building. The curving lines of the structure enclosed a pond bearing an exquisite, lily-like sculpture, leading to a courtyard that exuded calm and tranquility. Stepping inside, Jimin was drawn instinctively towards the right place, though it had been months since he'd last been here. Taehyung followed, a calming hand on Jimin's shoulder.
Footsteps coming to an abrupt stop, Jimin was rooted to the spot as his eyes alighted on what he was searching for. A whimper burst from his lips and his legs threatened to give out from beneath him, but Taehyung steadied him before he could fall. Taehyung would always catch him, Jimin knew, as he leaned into the soft strength of his husband's arms until his breathing evened.
Steeling himself, Jimin took one more step forward to read the familiar inscription on the plaque.
Park Areum
August 22, 2028
Fly high, our angel
"Here's my little girl, Tae," Jimin whispered, one hand gently tracing the letters on the plaque, the other nestled firmly in Taehyung's. "You can say hello to her, if you'd like."
Jimin froze a little as Taehyung's grip on him intensified.
"I'd be honoured," Taehyung said quietly, stepping forward to address the memorial.
"Park Areum-ssi," he began, "how I wish I'd been able to meet you. Your father loved you so much, you know? He had so many hopes and dreams for you, and he misses you every day."
Taehyung cleared his throat, voice cracking a little. "Wherever you are, Areum-ssi, I want you to know that I am going to love your father as much as I can and look after him every day of his life. I hope I have your blessing to do that," he said, bowing his head.
Jimin let out a fond, bittersweet laugh.
"Asking my daughter for permission, now, how old-fashioned of you," he joked.
"It's only respectful," Taehyung intoned, pouting a little at Jimin's teasing.
"And that's one of the many reasons I love you," Jimin replied, pecking him lightly on the lips.
Sliding an arm around Taehyung's waist, Jimin reached out to touch the memorial plaque one last time, murmuring, "Rest well, my baby girl. Your father will love you to the ends of the earth and back again."
Taehyung's arms were holding him up before Jimin even knew he was crumbling. As hot tears spilled down his face, Taehyung's sweater was ready to absorb them.
"I've got you, Jimin-ah," Taehyung assured him. "I've always got you, my love."
In silence, they held each other, rocking gently from side to side until Jimin's tears had subsided and he was ready to face the world again. As he was preparing to lift his head from Taehyung's shoulder, the sound of approaching footsteps startled them both.
"Jimin?" a surprised voice rang out, "you're back already?"
"Jangmi?" he breathed, looking up, "Oh, Jangmi! You look so well," he blurted out, rushing over to hug his ex-wife.
"You should've called," she admonished, "not that you owe me anything, I just wanted to see you as soon as you got back!"
Pulling away from Jimin, Jangmi's eyes finally landed on Taehyung.
"Come here, you," she demanded, wrapping him in an enormous hug, standing on her tiptoes to do it. "I owe you both my most sincere congratulations, even if this is kind of an unexpected place to give them."
"We only arrived yesterday. I was planning to call you, and everyone else, later today," Jimin admitted. "Just wanted to come and see my little girl, first."
Jangmi's eyes softened.
"I understand, Jimin-ah," she said quietly. "I still visit at least twice a week, no matter what else I have to do."
"Jangmi-yah?" a man's voice called, "sorry I took so long, it was so hard to find a parking space. I guess it's busy here tod-"
"Jungkook?!" Taehyung uttered, his face going slack in shock.
"Hyung," he replied instinctively, realisation slowly dawning on him. "Hyung? You're both back?"
The dots connected inside Jimin's mind, and he realised the voice he'd heard calling for Jangmi when he'd phoned to tell her about his engagement belonged to the very same dongsaeng standing in front of them right now.
Slowly, he looked them up and down, taking particular notice of Jungkook's discomfort.
"I think we all need to talk," Jimin said, levelly. "But not here. Meet us in half an hour, we'll find somewhere and text you the address."
"We'll be there," Jangmi confirmed, giving Jimin's hand a fond squeeze as he and Taehyung turned to leave.
Jimin was silent until they reached their car. Taehyung hovered carefully beside him, not daring to speak.
Jumping in and slamming the door, Jimin let out a rage-filled screech.
"Those absolute fuckers," he spat. "How dare they?"
Taehyung hummed soothingly. "It's a bit out of line, Jungkook dating your ex-wife I guess, Jiminie. But life goes on..."
Eyes flashing, Jimin rounded on Taehyung, who recoiled a little.
"What? No! I didn't mean that," he replied, incredulous. "I meant that those fuckers didn't tell us they were together! I wasted so much time that I could have spent being happy for them! And just think about it - Jangmi could have been at our wedding... I so wanted her there, but I didn't want to rub salt in the wound. What a mess," he concluded.
Taehyung started to laugh.
"Oh, Jimin. I should have known that's what you meant. You're not the jealous type, at least not when your exes are involved."
"At our wedding reception, Jungkookie told me he really, really loves his girlfriend," Jimin said, tenderly. "You should have seen his face when he told me, Tae. It was real, sincere, beautiful. She deserves that."
"She does," Taehyung agreed. "Honestly, I'm happy if they're happy."
"I bet they got closer when I ran off to see you in Singapore," Jimin said thoughtfully. "Honestly, I can't blame Jangmi if that's the case. I was emotionally checked out of our marriage from the moment it began. And Jungkook was so good to me during that time, helping me to find you and smoothing things over when I disappeared..."
"You can't stop true love, I guess," Taehyung mused, taking Jimin's hand.
"Should we go and give them our blessing?" Jimin asked, a radiant smile spreading across his face.
"Absolutely," Taehyung affirmed, starting the engine.
In the private back room of a small restaurant, Jimin and Taehyung stood up to greet Jangmi and Jungkook. Jangmi looked understandably nervous, but she had nothing on Jungkook, who had shrunk to half his usually impressive size and bowed apologetically to his hyungs as he approached the table.
"Relax, Jungkookie. I'm not going to bite you," Jimin deadpanned.
Jungkook practically fell over pulling out a chair for Jangmi and cramming himself into his own.
"J-Jimin-hyung, I want you to know that I'm sorry. I didn't make a move until you'd left for London, I swear..."
"Jungkook-ah," Jangmi cut in, "it was me who asked you out, remember?"
Taehyung couldn't contain his laugh. "That sounds about right, she would be the one wearing the trousers in that relationship," he whispered to Jimin, whose lips blossomed into a knowing smirk.
Taking a deep breath, Jimin steepled his fingers together, regarding the two of them intently.
"I am really mad at both of you," he declared, holding a hand up to stave off Jungkook's hurried apologies.
"Hear me out," Jimin insisted. "I'm really mad at both of you for not telling us you were in love, so that we could give you our blessing."
Jungkook did a double take, his jaw falling open and eyes widening dramatically.
"I told you," Jangmi gloated, "Jimin's not a jealous person, and we ended things well. We just want each other to be happy."
"Kook-ah, since when do you keep secrets from your hyungs?" Jimin asked, eyeing him beadily.
"I was just so ashamed to face you, hyung. I couldn't believe that of all the people in the world I could fall in love with, it was your ex-wife," he lamented, rubbing a hand over his face. "You always used to say I copied you in everything, even being born in Busan after you... And now I want to marry your ex-wife-"
Jangmi gasped. "What did you just say?"
Taehyung and Jimin looked at each other amusedly, desperately trying not to laugh at the dramatic scene playing out in front of them.
"Argh! Why do I always screw everything up?" Jungkook wailed, hitting his head on the table repeatedly.
Gently, Jangmi stroked the back of Jungkook's neck, her face melting with tenderness.
"What did you screw up, sweetheart? I don't see anything wrong here."
Scrambling up from the table, Jungkook fixed Jangmi with an incredulous look, leaning forward to take her hands.
"I love you," he said earnestly, seeming to forget there were two other people in the room. "I love you so much, Jangmi, and I want us to be together for the rest of our lives, if you'll have me. I know it's way too soon to talk about getting married, but would you at least think about moving in with me? I miss you so much when we're apart."
Jangmi was silent, her eyes sparking with unshed tears.
Underneath the table, Jimin felt Taehyung's hand on his thigh, grounding him.
"I'm sorry," Jungkook murmured, "I've messed everything up again, I'm such an idiot-"
"No you're not," Jangmi cut in, "you're wonderful, Jungkook-ah. We're good together, in a way I never had with anyone else. Um... Sorry Jimin," she added, exchanging a conspiratorial look with her ex-husband. "But I mean that. As for it being 'too soon', why don't I move some of my things to your house next week and we'll see how things go?"
Speechless, Jungkook rose to his feet and pulled Jangmi into a hug.
"Please," he mumbled into her hair. "Please be the one I come home to every night."
Jimin's sniffle startled the two of them back into the room, and they pulled apart, embarrassed.
"Sorry, hyung..."
"I told you both, the only thing I want you to be sorry about is not telling us about your relationship earlier. We couldn't be happier for you. Right, Tae?" Jimin stated, wiping a stray tear from his cheek.
"We are the happiest," Taehyung agreed, leaning forward to give Jungkook a fist bump.
The next few days were spent catching up with their other friends. Seokjin and Mina hosted them for a lavish dinner they'd both worked hard to make, and the four of them talked long into the night about everything they'd missed in each other's lives.
"Have you seen Jungkookie yet, the brat? He's been hard to pin down lately," Seokjin mused.
A look passed between Jimin and Taehyung.
"Something's going on," Mina said suspiciously. "You'd better spill."
"Um, well... we did see Kookie, and he was with his girlfriend."
"Oooh, the mystery woman," Seokjin said. "What's she like? I'm dying to know."
"You already know what she's like," Taehyung said bluntly, "and so do the rest of us."
Seokjin's face was a picture of confusion.
"Care to enlighten your eldest hyung? I mean, my brain cells are starting to drop off rapidly."
Jimin rolled his eyes. "Your sense of the dramatic certainly isn't. But... Jungkook is dating Jangmi, and they're really in love."
There was a clatter as Seokjin dropped his chopsticks on to the plate, and Mina choked on her water. Once Seokjin had patted her on the back several times and her breathing returned to normal, they both stared at Jimin in shock.
"Jungkookie is dating your ex-wife? How do you feel about that?" Seokjin asked carefully.
"I'm thrilled, hyung. Two people I love very much are making each other happy."
"Wow, you're magnanimous, Jiminie. If anyone else wanted to marry my Mina I'd be out for blood."
Mina laughed. "Jinnie, we're still married, and neither of us have any intention to change that. This is totally different. Jimin and Jangmi divorced on good terms, they're friends. Right?"
Jimin nodded. "Precisely."
"It's serious, too," Taehyung interjected. "Jungkookie almost proposed to her right in front of us."
Seokjin's eyes grew to the size of saucers. "Our baby maknae! Noooooo, he's all grown up! I just can't believe he didn't tell me... We need to phone Namjoon and Yoongi right now."
"Wait," Taehyung soothed, grabbing Seokjin's arm as he raced away to get his phone. "We're seeing them tomorrow, so we'll break the news then."
Yoongi muttered under his breath as he dabbed at the stain caused by Namjoon's spilled glass of wine.
"No way," Namjoon said for approximately the hundredth time. "Jungkook and Jangmi?" Never in a million years did I expect..."
"Joon-ah, we get it, you're surprised," Yoongi drawled. "Me, not so much."
"Nothing surprises you, hyung," Taehyung interjected. "or, you pretend it doesn't."
"But, like, when did this start?" Namjoon questioned.
"Well, not until after we got divorced," Jimin explained, "though I'm not sure exactly when. Anyway, she asked him out, can you believe it?"
Yoongi chuckled. "Not afraid to go for what she wants, that woman."
"Don't I know it," Jimin retorted, rolling his eyes.
"Well, at least we don't have to get to know someone new," Namjoon mused, "though it might take a little getting used to."
"It won't," Taehyung insisted, "wait until you see them together. They're a perfect fit."
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One Year Later
Despite Jimin's tireless dedication, a year after returning to Seoul they still hadn't found the ideal place to live.
"I don't remember house-hunting being such a ball-ache last time," Jimin groaned, crossing yet another substandard property off the list.
"You were less picky, then," Taehyung needled him, ruffling his hair to take away the sting.
"What's wrong with knowing what I like?" Jimin shot back.
"It's more that you know what you don't like, Jiminie," Taehyung teased. "What you do like is yet to be determined."
While Taehyung busied himself tidying away the breakfast dishes, Jimin scrolled furiously through property website after property website.
"Same old shit," he muttered, "why isn't there anything interesting?"
Abruptly, his scrolling came to a halt.
"Tae? TAE!" he yelled, "Come here, quick!"
Sprinting into the room, Taehyung's face was fearful.
"What's wrong, Jiminie, are you hurt? What happened?" he blurted out, still holding a tea towel.
"Look at THIS. Taehyung. Look."
Jimin pointed aggressively at the computer screen.
"Seongbuk-dong? I thought we were only looking at Itaewon and Gangnam?" Taehyung said, confused.
"We were, but then this popped up. It's PERFECT, Tae. I'm going to call the agent now. Let's go see it today."
Dumbfounded, Taehyung shook his head, shuffling back into the kitchen.
"OK," he acquiesced, "let me go shower."
Two hours later, they stood in front of a sleek, modern house boasting a glorious view of the Kangbuk hills.
"I could finally have a big dog," Taehyung breathed, "there's so much room!"
"It's beautiful, Tae," Jimin said, utterly awestruck.
"Shall we tour the inside?" the estate agent suggested, the promise of an easy commission sparkling in his eyes.
Later that same afternoon, documents were being drawn up for the sale. Jimin was unable to keep still, excitement radiating from his pores.
"We found it, TaeTae. That's going to be our home," he whispered excitedly.
While a hasty process was promised, it would still take at least a couple of months before they could move in.
"Do you think you can wait that long, Jimin-ah?" Taehyung teased, watching his husband practically vibrate in anticipation.
When the day finally arrived, Jimin awoke before dawn. Lying very still in an attempt not to wake Taehyung, he couldn't resist pumping his fists in excitement.
"Today's the day, love," drawled a deep voice from beside him.
"Didn't mean to wake you," Jimin mumbled.
"You didn't," Taehyung replied, rolling over to embrace Jimin. "I may be a little bit excited, too."
Namjoon and Yoongi had offered to help them set up after the move ("Don't let Joonie near any breakables," Yoongi reminded them) and as the removalists hauled in furniture and boxes, the four of them sipped at cups of takeaway coffee.
"This place is perfect," Namjoon declared, "I'm glad you didn't settle for less."
"Not much chance of that," Taehyung quipped, "My darling husband would never."
"Hey," Jimin shot back, "you're not really going to start that-"
Yoongi held up a hand.
"Children, please play nice. You don't want your fresh start to be tainted by an argument, do you?"
Grumbling under his breath, Jimin shot Taehyung a vicious side-eye.
Late that night, Jimin gently roused a sleeping Taehyung from his position on their new, very expensive German sofa.
"Bedtime, love," he soothed as Taehyung's face crinkled adorably.
"Carry me," Taehyung insisted.
"Get on my back, then," Jimin agreed, bending down to take Taehyung's weight.
The past two years had brought enormous change, Jimin reflected, as he surveyed the image before him. All the people he loved best in the world were gathered in their backyard. Soonshim II, their darling golden retriever puppy, sniffed at people's toes and gambolled playfully around the garden. Laughter punctuated the low hum of voices, Taehyung's rich baritone easily distinguishable through the hubbub. Seokjin and Mina were preoccupied with preventing their crawling baby girl, Aera, from pulling the puppy's tail. Namjoon's arm rested firmly around Yoongi's waist, the ruse over as they'd finally acknowledged they were in a happy and committed relationship. The look on Hoseok's face when he'd arrived to find Erika at the party was something Jimin would never forget. They continued to insist their arrangement was strictly casual, and if either of them wanted to date someone else they'd break it off and remain friends. However, something told Jimin that was becoming less and less likely, the longer things continued.
Jimin's solo album, Songs of Love Unspoken, had been a huge success. Hailed as "his most mature and heartfelt work yet", it continued to sell steadily and brought him many new fans as well as keeping ARMY's hearts warm. Taehyung had cried on first hearing, understanding instinctively that every word was meant for him. Additionally, the seven members of Bangtan had fallen easily into making music together again, and a new album was in final stages of production.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same, huh?" Taehyung drawled, coming over to hug Jimin. "What are you doing in here all by yourself?"
"Just realising how incredibly lucky I am," Jimin responded, melting into his embrace.
"Oh, you are. Luckiest man alive, being married to me. I'd give you time to reflect on that, but we'd best get back out there," Taehyung insisted, ducking as Jimin swatted ineffectually at his arm.
As Taehyung and Jimin returned to the garden hand in hand, Jungkook cleared his throat.
"Um. I have news."
Jimin raised an eyebrow.
"You can't throw your own party to share it? You've really got to do this at our housewarming?"
"Well, everyone's here together and-"
"Sshh, Jungkookie, hyung is only joking. I won't steal your thunder."
Grabbing Jangmi's hand, Jungkook held it aloft.
"Everyone! Listen up! This beautiful lady has finally agreed to marry me, and I only had to ask her every day for six months," he announced jubilantly, the guests erupting into excited whoops.
"I had to get him to shut up somehow," Jangmi retorted, a radiant smile belying the acid in her words.
As Mina oohed and aahed over Jangmi's enormous diamond solitaire, Taehyung and Jimin squeezed Jungkook in an aggressive hug.
"Proud of you," Taehyung told him.
"Be happy," Jimin whispered, yelping as Jungkook squeezed him tightly around the waist.
"Thank you for bringing her into my life," Jungkook said, his voice unusually unsteady.
Tears pricked at Jimin's eyes as he looked at his dongsaeng.
"Thank you for helping me find my way back to Taehyung," he replied, simply. "I guess we're even, now."
Jungkook's sunny smile was all the reward Jimin needed, as he watched him being pulled away by the others for their own congratulations.
"Jimin?" a sweet, low voice called from behind him.
Jangmi's eyes were filled with uncertainty as she walked towards her ex-husband.
"You two hurt each other and I'll kill both of you," Jimin mock-threatened, shaking a fist.
"Aww, you're so cute when you're trying to be fierce," Jangmi teased, gasping as Jimin promptly enveloped her in a hug.
"Be good to him, I mean that," he insisted.
"He makes it impossible not to," Jangmi sighed. "I guess everything worked out in the end, for both of us."
Jimin hummed thoughtfully.
"What's that saying? If it's not all right, it's not the end?"
Many hours, drinks and conversations later, the house felt empty and quiet with just the two of them remaining. Erika had, unsurprisingly, gone home with Hoseok. Giving the kitchen a once-over, satisfied with its cleanliness, Jimin finished wiping the kitchen counter and waddled exhaustedly towards the sofa.
"Rub," he ordered, plopping his tired feet in Taehyung's lap.
"As you wish, your highness," Taehyung teased, starting up the slow rhythm he knew Jimin loved.
"I love you," Jimin said, voice full of quiet intensity.
Taehyung stopped, looking up to meet Jimin's eyes.
"I love you too, Jimin-ah. What's with the tone of voice, though?"
"I just... well, I still feel like this is all too good to be true and one day I'm going to wake up cold and alone again, you know?" Jimin blurted out.
"Not in my lifetime," Taehyung said firmly. "Now come here and let me love the shit out of you."
"Ever the romantic," Jimin laughed, barrelling into Taehyung's waiting arms and allowing himself to be kissed all over.
The echoes of his and Taehyung's laughter bounced around the living room, and Jimin reflected he had never heard a sweeter sound. He was home, he was safe, he was Taehyung's. Everything was as it was meant to be.
END.