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When Yoongi had told Hoseok the wedding would be in Jeju, he’d been overjoyed. Good old Jeju with its good old beaches and good old hot springs. A week of good old fun before the big day.
They’re a small group. Just Yoongi, Seokjin, their parents and also Seokjin’s little brother. Hoseok is the only one who isn’t an immediate family member. But considering how long he and Yoongi have been best friends, he’s as good as family, really.
A week full of fun and relaxation before the big day. Where they just laze around in the sun, soak in the hot springs, ride the waves, and down some good seafood that Yoongi and Seokjin caught while fishing (not the most romantic couple’s activity, in Hoseok’s opinion, but he’s not judging).
For the most part, Hoseok has a blast. Not only does he get along great with Yoongi’s parents, but even Seokjin’s family is smitten with him. Well, everyone except for Seokjin’s younger brother, Taehyung.
***
Ever since they got here, Taehyung hasn’t smiled at Hoseok even once. It wouldn’t bother Hoseok so much if it weren’t for the fact that with everyone else, Taehyung is all broad grins and playful giggles.
Taehyung is a fashion photographer, which explains why he has a camera on him at all times, perpetually pointing the lens at something or the other and clicking away. This, in itself, isn’t something that would bother Hoseok; not at all. What bothers Hoseok is the way Taehyung snaps pictures of everyone and shows them the photo reel; big, proud smile on his face as he basks in their praise. It’s silly but Hoseok feels a little left out of it. It wouldn’t hurt Taehyung to humour him at least a little bit— in fact, he’s just being mean right now.
Then, there’s the way Taehyung seems to keep a two-metre radius between them at all times, in spite of being genuinely affectionate and touchy-feely with the others. Hoseok is starting to think that Taehyung doesn’t like him one bit. But it’s not like they’ve ever met each other before, so it doesn’t make any sense for Taehyung to have it out for him.
***
Now, Hoseok isn’t one to give up easily. So during their hike the next day, he bides his time until they break for lunch. He sprints towards Taehyung, smiling when he notices that Taehyung has his camera in his hands and is slowly scrolling through the photos.
“Hey, Taehyungie!” Hoseok says, mustering up his sweetest smile. Taehyung startles, eyes wide, lips parted. Hoseok doesn’t let that deter him though, only forcing his grin wider, honey dripping off his tongue. “So I heard you’re a photographer. I’d love to see your work!”
Taehyung’s brows raise in surprise, lips pressing together into a thin line. “I can share my website if you want…”
“I’d love that!” Hoseok says, clapping enthusiastically. He’s almost there; he’s almost got Taehyung in his bag. “I saw you snapping a bunch of pics at the beach yesterday. Can I see?”
“Um… they’re just photos of the sea and the sand and stuff; nothing special.” Taehyung’s voice is gruff, brushing Hoseok off before turning away and walking towards the others. Hoseok stares at his back in shock. Well, so much for trying to win him over.
***
“I have a feeling your brother-in-law hates me.” Hoseok sits on the edge of the vanity desk, swinging his legs to and fro as he watches the makeup artist works on Yoongi’s face. “He hasn’t smiled at me once all week. And he always stands a foot away, as if I have some kind of contagious disease.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not marrying him then,” Yoongi says nonchalantly. “Just because I’m marrying Jin hyung doesn’t mean you have to get along with his entire family. I’m happy enough that you like Jin hyung, as it is.”
“Hyung, I’m serious!”
“So am I… You’re imagining things, Hob-ah” Yoongi laughs when Hoseok groans. “Taehyung’s a chill guy. There’s no reason for him to hate you.”
“I swear I can sense it, hyung!” Hoseok is adamant, recoiling inwardly from how paranoid he sounds even to himself. “He’s always glaring at me when you’re not looking! Not to mention how he’s so nice to all of you guys but he never even makes small talk with me. I don’t know what I ever did to him but it’s obvious that he can’t stand me!”
“Alright, let’s say he does hate you…” Yoongi sighs defeatedly, and it makes Hoseok feel like the worst kind of friend for pestering Yoongi like this on the week of his wedding. “He’s Jin hyung’s brother. And you’re my best man so… do me a solid and try to get along at least until the wedding’s over, alright Hob-ah?”
With a sad nod, Hoseok agrees begrudgingly, promising Yoongi that he won’t make any trouble, that he’ll try his best to get on Taehyung’s good side.
And so, he does. Hoseok delivers on his end of the promise, going out of his way to try and initiate conversation with Taehyung. Only to be curtly brushed off with the power of one-word replies.
“You’re always taking pictures of others. Do you want me to take a picture of you, Taehyung-ah?”
“No.”
“Hey, Taetae! Do you know where Yoongi hyung is? His dad’s calling.”
“No.”
“I’m heading for a swim. Wanna join me, Taehyungie?”
“No.”
It’s as if that’s the only word in Taehyung’s dictionary.
No
.
Funny because he doesn’t seem to be so verbally challenged when he’s retelling some bizarre ghost story during the campfire one night. Or when he’s praising Seokjin’s cooking during dinner, eyes sparkly, lips curled up in glee.
With a heavy sigh, Hoseok brings himself back to the present. The wedding starts in less than an hour. They’re in for a busy day. A photoshoot with the couple, then the reception in the evening. Absolutely jam-packed. So much so, in fact, that Hoseok will hardly notice Taehyung during the whole thing. In fact, after today, he’s never going to see Taehyung again.
***
The wedding is a lovely affair. Hoseok stands behind Yoongi, tearing up as he takes in the way the couple look at each other, all soft smiles and flushed cheeks. When Yoongi kisses Seokjin, Hoseok sighs dreamily, not even apologetic about squealing like a schoolgirl..
A small click sound catches Hoseok’s attention. He blinks before he realises that it’s come from Taehyung’s camera. He wonders how many pictures Taehyung must’ve taken of the couple, and why he’s even doing so when the appointed photographer is clicking away in the background. Nonetheless, Hoseok can’t help but find something breathtaking about the way Taehyung looks through the lens, soft smile on his lips, eyes glittering. Hoseok would take a picture of the scene if he weren’t so winded.
Suddenly, their gazes lock and something unreadable flashes in Taehyung’s eyes before he quickly puts his camera away, snapping his head to the side as if he’s been scorched.
It hurts.
It hurts to be treated this way by someone who is little more than a stranger. Hoseok returns his focus to the couple, attempting to ignore the way Taehyung stands out like a sore thumb.
Everything will end soon and he’ll never have to interact with Taehyung ever again.
***
Contrary to his expectations, Hoseok finds out that he’s going to have to deal with Taehyung even more in one day than he has all week. Being the best men, they are perpetually ordered to stay by Yoongi and Seokjin’s sides. Which isn’t so bad, Hoseok supposes, smiling as their picture gets taken. He glances at Taehyung from the corner of his eyes, raking his eyes from head to toe. Taehyung cleans up well. Truth be told, that would be an understatement. Clad tall in a white suit with long dark hair, he looks like an Adonis. A picture-perfect example of dark and brooding.
The wedding planners had demanded that the two best men wear matching suits for optimum aesthetics. But Hoseok can’t help but feel a little self-conscious, what with how different they look. Taehyung’s suit is stretched wide, his shoulders looking like they span for metres— must be genetic; what with Seokjin’s shoulders being wider than a refrigerator. Hoseok feels so much smaller in comparison. Even though he’s only a centimetre or two shorter, he’s much leaner, much slighter. His clothes are a little loose at the waist and shoulders and he doesn’t look nearly as intimidating as Taehyung does.
With a sigh, Hoseok squares his shoulders and puts on a smile for the cameras.
***
The universe must be conspiring against Hoseok because, in spite of his best efforts to avoid him, Hoseok finds himself dancing with Taehyung at the reception.
The music is slow and romantic. Glancing ahead, he can see Seokjin giggling in Yoongi’s ear, squealing when Yoongi squeezes his ass. Hoseok can’t help but smile at them, something warm flooding his chest as he takes in their easy chemistry.
It is at this moment when he’s lost in thought and yearning deeply for something similar for himself, that Taehyung stomps hard on his foot, nearly crushing his bones. Hoseok almost bites off his lower lip attempting not to scream, tears gathering at the corner of his eyes and he glares at Taehyung.
Taehyung’s face is expressionless; he does not acknowledge the damage he has done to Hoseok’s poor little toes, no apologies, nothing.
Hoseok counts the seconds until the end of the night. So he can finally leave Kim Taehyung in the past.
***
Given that they’ll only go back home to Seoul together the next morning, Hoseok knew they’d all be staying at the same hotel. He was prepared for that, already looking forward to soaking in the tub for too long before jumping into bed and getting ten hours of sleep. Maybe, he’ll even get room service the next morning.
All his plans crash and burn when he is informed that not only will he have to share a room because of too many bookings, but he will also be rooming with none other than Kim Taehyung. Taehyund doesn’t seem too pleased either, stirring up quite a ruckus at the reception desk before finally giving up.
It’s awkward when they finally move into the room. The air is thick with tension and nerves— Hoseok’s nerves, to be precise. He’s seated on the edge of his bed, staring at Taehyung, who is sifting through his camera files.
“So… we’re finally going back home tomorrow, huh?” Hoseok puts on a smile and tries to make conversation. They’re stuck together for over twelve hours so he might as well give things one last shot. Taehyung grunts in reply, not once glancing up from his camera. With a frown, Hoseok gets up with a soft huff and walks towards Taehyung. “You took so many pictures, Taehyungie. Can I see some of them?”
Taehyung freezes at that, looking up at Hoseok warily. Hoseok is most certain that Taehyung is going to say no again, so he immediately adds a honey-dripping
“Please”
. Taehyung’s jaw hangs open and he looks taken aback.
With a defeated sigh, Taehyung nods before patting the seat next to him. Hoseok squeals in glee, bouncing down on the seat beside Taehyung, whispering an apology when his thigh clashes with Taehyung’s.
Taehyung passes the camera to Hoseok. Slowly, as if he doesn’t want to part with it. “I didn’t take that many,” Taehyung mumbles. “Two or three, tops.”
Hoseok hums, surprised because Taehyung and his camera were a parcel deal so he expected Taehyung to have taken hundreds of pictures. Nevertheless, he looks at the photo displayed on the screen. It’s Yoongi and Seokjin during the wedding ceremony. “Oh gosh, this is beautiful, Taehyungie.” Hoseok’s voice cracks with emotion; it feels as if he’s back in the moment, watching them say their vows. “How did you manage to capture the love in their eyes? That’s crazy. You’re amazing!”
Taehyung grunts in acknowledgement, a dismissive sound, but Hoseok is happy to get any kind of reaction from him.
Truly in awe of Taehyung’s photography skills, Hoseok clicks to the next picture. It’s one of Seokjin in the dressing room. He’s getting his hair done, smiling gleefully. Hoseok smiles back at the screen, continuing to click through.
“That’s about all there is,” Taehyung chimes in, raising his arms and making grabby hands. “The rest are just random pics of the wedding hall and stuff. I need to clean them up actually.”
“Oh, okay,” Hoseok says. He’s about to return the camera to Taehyung when he accidentally clicks the next button and his face pops up on the screen. Hoseok’s eyes widen in surprise. It’s a picture of him from just this morning. He’s in the corridor outside Yoongi’s dressing room, reaching for one of the white calla lilies decorating the doorway. There’s a wistful smile on his face, lashes lowered, cheeks dusted with a soft blush.
“Oh, you took one of me!” Hoseok retracts his hand, looking at the picture with awe. “Wow Tae, the angle makes me look so pretty.”
“Um yeah…” Taehyung’s voice sounds strained. “I was just trying to capture the flowers in the background…”
Oh, that’s funny. Hoseok raises his brow, squinting at the screen. It’s very clearly focused on his face but maybe that’s a trick of the lens.
“You can give it back now,” Taehyung says, his voice dripping with something that borders on urgency. “There’s nothing else to see.”
Hoseok really should give it back. But something inexplicable makes him click forward one more time. This time, he’s even more surprised to see a second picture of himself. From the reception. Hair slicked back, eyes crinkled as he laughs out loud. The picture’s blurry around the edges and Hoseok’s face appears to glow under the yellow lighting— as if he is sprinkled in golden stardust, almost whimsical in quality. Hoseok’s heart skips a beat.
“Hyung—”
Without waiting for Taehyung to finish his sentence, Hoseok clicks through the rest of the photos in lightning speed. Taehyung makes a move to grab the camera out of his hands but Hoseok twists his body away, crawling towards the other side of the couch, now determined to unravel every picture Taehyung has in there. A lump settles into his throat as it settles on him.
Every photo that follows is of himself.
There’s one of him during their hike, tipping his hat towards the sun and pouting.
“Hyung, give it back—”
Another where he’s fresh out of the hot tub, hair dripping with water, bathrobe slipping off to the side.
“This isn’t funny, hyung—”
Another where he’s sipping wine, red wine stained lips pursed, eyes crinkled shut, cheeks pink.
“Stop—”
Yet another one where he’s splashing around in the water, hands in his hair, foam fanning his face.
“I said
stop
!”
Suddenly, Hoseok feels like he’s spinning in the air, before landing on his back against the couch. Taehyung looms over him, panic etched into every inch of his face, cheeks drained of colour, lips parted in shock. The camera falls from Hoseok’s hand and rolls to the ground. He turns to glance at it, chest thudding manically.
The screen is tilted to the side but Hoseok can make out a picture of him in the dressing room before the wedding. He’s in his white suit, dozing off on the vanity table while waiting for the makeup noona to arrive. There’s a hand in his hair, broad and tanned and gentle as it tucks a stray strand behind his ear. Hoseok can see part of the reflection in the mirror. It’s someone in a white suit just like his.
It’s Taehyung.
“What’s going on?” Hoseok whispers, voice thick as he tries to make sense of things. “Why do you have so many pictures of me, Taehyung?”
Taehyung makes a garbled sound at that, his eyes starting to get glossy. “I—”
“Do you…” Hoseok’s throat goes dry and he feels the air get knocked out of his lungs. “Do you… actually… like me?”
With a wounded groan, Taehyung clenches his eyes shut, head hanging down as if in defeat. It’s all so dramatic and plain silly and it’s taking Hoseok for a spin.
“Wait… you actually like me?” Hoseok blinks up at Taehyung, things starting to slot together like pieces of a puzzle. “Is that why you’ve been a total asshole to me all this time? Because you have a crush on me?”
“I wasn’t— I wasn’t trying to be an asshole, oh my god—” Taehyung shakes his head vehemently. “It’s just that… you’re so…” Taehyung makes a strangled sound and starts to tug at his hair like a madman. “You’re just so pretty and I— I work with models all day every day but no one makes me stop and stare like you do. You’re so— I just want to—”
Taehyung slams his hands on his face and screams silently. It’s bewildering to watch, but also awfully flattering.
“I swear I didn’t mean to be an asshole. It’s just that… God, it made me want to die every time you talked to me— like I was suffocating… like my heart would beat out of my chest if you got too close—”
Before he can even collect his thoughts, Hoseok’s hand goes up to rest against Taehyung’s chest, startling him into a squeak. Hoseok presses his palm down and gasps, eyes flying up to Taehyung’s flushed face.
“Just like that… yeah…” Taehyung manages to wheeze out.
It’s all so completely ridiculous. That Taehyung had been behaving like those little boys who bully their crushes. Who would’ve thought?
“You must think I’m a total creep, oh my god. I’m sorry, hyung, really. I’ll see if I can find a motel to spend the night at or something—”
“It’s okay,” Hoseok says, patting Taehyung’s chest and giggling when Taehyung flails his hands about and whimpers. Hoseok exhales through his mouth before humming softly, settling his hand on Taehyung’s shoulder instead. “You don’t have to leave or anything. But maybe, you could get off me right now? You’re kinda heavy, Taehyungie.”
“Oh yeah, of course, I’m sorry—” Taehyung curses, fumbling as he tries to get off Hoseok. Of course, it’s only ironic that he loses balance and crashes down onto Hoseok’s chest instead, knocking the air out of him for real. “Oh my god, I’m so so sorry, hyung, are you okay—?”
Suddenly, Hoseok starts to laugh and it’s as if the sound tumbles out of his lips like champagne, much to Taehyung’s chagrin. Hoseok slowly and carefully wraps his arms around Taehyung’s waist before pulling him close. There’s something comforting in his weight, in his warmth.
“You know what… just stay like this for a bit,” Hoseok whispers, giggling all over again when Taehyung makes a garbled sound. “We can talk about things after we get back to Seoul, yeah?”
Taehyung mumbles something in a mixture of affirmation and apology while Hoseok continues to chuckle under his breath, all while holding Taehyung ever closer. Slowly, he feels all the troubles that have been weighing him down over the past few days start to evaporate. Who would’ve thought… Taehyung doesn’t hate him, after all. In fact, he seems to like Hoseok quite a lot.
With a cheeky grin, Hoseok closes his eyes and throwing his head back against the couch. “For starters, you can make up for being so mean this past week by taking me out to dinner,” he says, smile growing broader when Taehyung gasps audibly. “I’ll even let you take a few pictures of me during our little date if you want.” Taehyung makes a strangled sound at that and Hoseok can’t help but burst into laughter all over again.
“Or you know what…” Hoseok says with a grin. “Maybe this time, I can take a few pictures of you.”
Fin