Chapter Text
It happens because Namjoon is inattentive, moving too fast, feels a little too tired, but buzzing with adrenaline at the same time. During a dance rehearsal, he trips over his own feet and hits the floor with a heavy thud. Shit.
"Hyung!"
"Joon, are you okay?"
Namjoon groans, rubbing his painfully throbbing ankle. "I’m okay," he grumbles. He has to be. "Everything’s fine." He tries to stand, but his foot buckles immediately. Tae and Jin catch him, holding him tight as they carefully guide him back down to a seated position.
Jin squats beside him, gently stroking his back. "It doesn’t look fine," he says quietly. "Stay put. Jungkook is getting some ice."
Namjoon sighs, his face twisted in pain. His ankle pulses and he feels a wave of nausea. Jimin hands him a bottle of water; Namjoon grabs it thankfully and takes a shaky sip. "This can't be happening," he mutters, "not this close to the comeback."
"Don't worry about that now," Hobi says softly. "It doesn't matter right now."
"It does matter," Namjoon snaps in frustration. "I haven't thought about anything else for the past two years."
"We know," Jimin says gently. He kneels next to Namjoon and wraps his slender arms around him. For someone so small, his grip is surprisingly firm —exactly what Namjoon needs right now. "I know." Namjoon sinks against Jimin’s slight frame, nearly knocking him over, but Jimin is strong enough to hold him. Namjoon buries his face in the crook of Jimin’s neck and takes a deep, steadying breath. Jimin has always been his anchor. He can talk to him about anything, especially the things that weigh him down, so it feels only natural to seek comfort in his arms.
"Hyung, here." Jungkook is back with a cold pack, placing it carefully on Namjoon’s ankle. It hurts like hell.
"Thanks, JK," Namjoon murmurs. He wishes he could pull himself together, wishes he could be their responsible leader. The members need him, they don't deserve to suffer just because of him, and he doesn't want them to worry, but he just can’t pull himself together right now. His ankle is screaming, and he knows this is probably really bad. "Fuck," he mutters. He can't believe this is happening.
"We should go to the hospital," Hobi says decisively.
They probably should. Namjoon sighs deeply and squeezes his eyes shut.
"I’ll call Bang PD," Jin adds, pulling out his phone.
***
An hour later, Namjoon is at the hospital with Yoongi. He listens to the doctor explain that he has sustained an accessory navicular sprain, a partial ligament tear, and a talus contusion.
Namjoon doesn't really listen. He can't. Tears fill his eyes and the doctor's words wash over him like white noise. He hopes Yoongi is paying attention because he can’t process a single piece of information. He just stares at the depressing, white hospital wall.
Yoongi reaches for Namjoon’s hand and gives it a firm squeeze. It’s going to be okay.
But to Namjoon, it feels like the world is ending.
***
When Namjoon and Yoongi enter the house two hours later, Namjoon is wearing a cast and using crutches. The others are already waiting in the hallway, looking at him with worried eyes.
"Crutches?" Tae asks, his eyes wide and anxious.
Namjoon shakes his head in frustration. He hasn’t spoken a word since the diagnosis.
Jungkook and Tae help Namjoon limp into the living room. They sit on the couch together, Namjoon in the middle. He closes his eyes and sighs. He can't bring himself to speak, hoping Yoongi will take over.
"Joon has a severe ankle injury," Yoongi explains quietly. "He has an accessory navicular sprain, a partial ligament tear, and a talus contusion."
"I don't understand a word of that," Jungkook confesses, looking confused and so very bunny-like. "How bad is that? Like, really bad? Does he need surgery?"
Yoongi shakes his head. "No, but he has to wear a cast and limit his movement for at least two weeks."
Namjoon presses his eyes shut and groans. "Our comeback," he grumbles, utterly defeated. "All our performances... I won't be able to dance."
"Don't think about that now, Hyung," Tae tries to comfort him. "We'll find a way. We always do."
"God, I hate myself," Namjoon mumbles. "Why am I always so damn clumsy?"
"Don't," Jin says, his voice soft but stern. "We’ve all injured ourselves before. It happens. The most important thing now is your recovery and your health."
Namjoon clenches his jaw. "I'm so fucking mad."
"We know," Jimin says softly, rubbing Namjoon’s shoulder, trying to comfort him.
For a long moment, silence falls. What is there to say? The situation sucks, and they all know it. Namjoon fights back tears, grateful that no one points them out. He’s also glad he isn't alone, even if he’s barely speaking and acting like an irritable prick. The members know he needs them, and he’s thankful they are here, quiet and steady.
"Are you guys hungry?" Hobi suggests eventually, trying to shift the mood. "We could order something."
Jungkook nods quickly. "Great idea."
Half an hour later, they’re sitting on the living room floor, eating pizza and drinking Diet Coke. Namjoon still stares absently at his cast as if he could heal it with a glare. "Do you want a bite of mine?" Jungkook asks softly, holding out a slice of pepperoni pizza.
That finally coaxes a smile out of Namjoon. How could he not smile at his youngest, his golden Maknae, who has shown him so much love, respect, and admiration since day one? He takes a bite, sighs, and leans against Jungkook. "Sorry for being so cranky," he says quietly. "I'm just not myself right now."
"We know," Jin says. "You don't have to apologize for anything, Namjoon."
Namjoon rubs his tired eyes. "I'm a mess."
"Nonsense," Yoongi says. "I was way worse after my shoulder surgery."
"No you weren't, you just disappeared," Namjoon counters.
"Yeah, and it was terrible!" Jimin chimes in. "I was so worried back then. We’re not doing that again." Jimin pokes Namjoon in the chest. "Namjoon-hyung, you are definitely not disappearing like Yoongi-hyung did, you hear me?"
Namjoon chuckles. "I won't disappear."
"We wouldn't let you anyway," Tae adds. "We’re going to stick to you like glue, Joonie-hyung. You won't be alone for a single second."
That actually makes Namjoon laugh. "The thought of that is hilarious."
For the rest of the evening, the boys chat about a TV show Namjoon hasn't seen. He doesn't say much, but he’s grateful for the distraction. If he were alone, he’d definitely spiral into dark thoughts. He feels Hobi’s hand resting on his thigh, a warm and safe presence. Even though the situation is miserable, he is so damn glad he has his six people he calls family and home right here with him.
***
It’s already way past midnight. Jungkook has yawned four times, and Namjoon knows the others should be heading home soon. It's already late, they're in the middle of Comeback preparations, and they all need energy for the upcoming weeks. Namjoon doesn't want them to sacrifice their precious sleep just for him.
But the idea of being alone leaves him anxious. He’s afraid of his own thoughts, but he tells himself he has to handle it. He’s a grown man. He survived the military, for god’s sake! He can handle one night alone. Hobi is already putting on his shoes and jacket, and Namjoon watches him anxiously.
As if reading his mind, Jimin suddenly says, "I'll stay here for the night."
Surprised, Namjoon turns to him. Jimin meets his gaze with a loving smile that says: It’s okay. I’m staying. He knows Namjoon so well, knows about his dark thoughts, and he knows Namjoon shouldn't be left alone right now, and Namjoon is incredibly grateful he doesn't have to ask. Jimin just knows.
"What?" Tae pouts. "A sleepover? Without me?"
"You can stay, too," Namjoon snorts, amused, ruffling Tae’s hair.
"If Tae and Jimin stay, I’m staying!" Jungkook chimes in.
"Alright," Namjoon sighs, even though he couldn't be more excited to have his Maknaes stay here with him. He ruffles Jungkook’s hair as well. "You stay, too."
Hobi, Yoongi, and Jin exchange a look, then shrug. "I guess we’re having a sleepover like the good old times," Hobi laughs, taking off his shoes again.
***
Namjoon can’t sleep. He’s lying in his oversized bed, in pain, frustrated, and restless. He sighs and runs his hands through his hair for the tenth time—thankful it’s finally grown back. Maybe a drink of water will help.
With a sigh, he moves to get up, but he forgets he can't put weight on his ankle and —
boom.
He trips over the crutches lying on the floor by the bed and hits the ground with a loud crash.
Shit.
His mood sours instantly. It takes exactly twenty seconds before he hears frantic footsteps in the hallway. The door bursts open and six panicked boys rush into the room.
"What the hell happened?"
"Hyung, what's wrong?"
"Are you okay? Are you in pain?"
Jungkook and Jin grab Namjoon and lift him back onto the bed. "Joon," Jin says softly, cupping his cheek. The gesture is so tender it brings tears to Namjoon's eyes.
"Oh, Joonie," Jin sighs, pulling him into his arms. "It’s okay."
Namjoon sobs quietly into Jin’s shoulder, wishing the floor would just swallow him up. "I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing," Hobi says.
"This is all just so shitty," Namjoon sobs, clinging to Jin.
"Why did you get up?" Yoongi asks gently, stroking Namjoon’s head.
"I couldn't sleep and wanted water," Namjoon murmurs. "I tripped over the crutches."
Silence follows for a moment. Then Hobi clicks his tongue. "Okay, we’re all sleeping here," he declares. "We’ll bring the mattresses in. If you need anything, just wake one of us and we’ll take care of it."
That actually makes Namjoon laugh. "You're crazy. You can't all sleep here."
"Of course we can," Tae says with a simple shrug.
"I have to use crutches for weeks," Namjoon points out. "Are you going to sleep in my room for weeks?" He means it sarcastically, but Jimin looks at him with dead seriousness and says, "Yes."
Namjoon shakes his head.
"I missed you guys like crazy anyway," Jungkook mumbles, his ears turning pink. "I think it’d be great if we lived together again for a bit."
"We’ll spend enough time together on tour," Namjoon says. "You’ll get sick of me soon enough."
"We’ll never get sick of you," Yoongi says firmly. "We love you, Namjoon."
Namjoon, whose emotions are already a wreck, starts sobbing again. He had looked forward to the comeback and the tour so much, and now everything is fucked up. He’ll have to sit on a chair at the edge of the stage, watching them dance and have fun. It’s so unfair. Yoongi leans forward and kisses his forehead. "It'll be okay, Joon. We’ll get through this together." Namjoon clings to Yoongi and sobs into his shoulder. He feels Jin's hand draw soft circles on his back. It takes a while for Namjoon to calm down again. When he finally feels a bit calmer, he pulls back, slightly embarrased.
Namjoon wipes his tears and ducks his head. "Sorry," he mumbles. "That was embarassing."
"Argh," Hobi yells and steps infront of Namjoon. He cups Namjoon's cheeks and squishes them together. "Stop. Apologizing." He kisses Namjoon's forehead. "You can cry, yell, curse, shout all you want. We're not going anywhere."
Namjoon hiccups. Then, he nods, because he's too exhausted to argue with Hobi.
"I'll get the mattresses," Jungkook says, jumping up.
"I'll help," Tae and Jin follow.
Jimin, Yoongi, and Hobi snuggle up to Namjoon. "We'll be alright," Jimin says softly. "We'll help you however we can."
"I know," Namjoon says. "And I'm so grateful you're here. I'm just frustrated."
"We understand," Hobi assures him. "That's why we're staying. It’s easier together."
Hobi is right. Namjoon pulls the three of them into a tight embrace, kissing the top of Jimin’s head. "I love you guys," he whispers.
"We love you too," they answer in unison.
When the room is finally filled with mattresses and pillows, Namjoon lies in the center, surrounded by his six favorite people. He finally finds the peace he needs to fall asleep.
***
When Namjoon wakes up the next morning, he feels Jimin’s leg draped over his and Tae’s arm across his stomach. It’s warm, the air is stuffy, he hears Yoongi snoring softly and Jin and Jungkook giggling —
and Namjoon hasn't felt this happy in a long time. He turns his head and watches Tae for a moment. He looks aboslutely adorable, snuggled against Namjoon's side. Namjoon has always had a soft spot for Taehyung, he can't even really explain it. He adores Jungkook, cherishes Jimin, and he obviously loves his Hyungs just as much, but Tae manages to trigger Namjoon's cuteness aggression like nobody else. It happens out of intinct when he leans forward and kisses Tae’s forehead. He usually doesn't really kiss his members. Hell, he used to not even hug them! But right now, it feels... right to kiss him.
Namjoon sighs and closes his eyes. God, he really doesn't want to get up. He doesn't want to think about his ankle, the comeback, or the interviews in America. He just wants to lie here and forget about it all.
He feels Jimin’s nose press against his neck. "You okay, Hyung?"
Namjoon turns to look at him. Jimin looks adorable when he’s sleepy — puffy eyes, flushed cheeks. Namjoon brushes a strand of hair from his face. "I'm okay."
Jimin studies him for a moment, then nods, satisfied. "How’s the pain?"
"It’s okay," Namjoon whispers. He sighs. "I wish this was all just a bad dream."
"Me too," Jimin agrees. "But it is what it is. We have to make the best of it."
"I'm hungry!" Jungkook announces loudly. "Who wants coffee?"
"Me," Hobi and Jin say at the same time.
Namjoon missed them so much during the military, but only now does he realize how much he missed living with them. Waking up together, hearing Jungkook sing in the shower, Jimin and Tae laughing, Jin and Yoongi making pancakes, Hobi watching funny Tik Toks on his phone and giggling... his house is too big, too empty, too quiet when it's just him. Having seven people in it feels right.
"I like having you guys here," Namjoon says softly during breakfast.
Jungkook grins, leaning against him. "I like being here too. With you."
"Feels like the good old days," Hobi hums, pouring milk into his coffee.
"What's on the schedule today?" Jimin asks. "Practice?"
Hobi looks apologetically at Namjoon. "Unfortunately, yes."
Namjoon waves it off. "Don't hold back because of me. You need to keep practicing. I'll come along and watch."
Yoongi strokes Namjoon’s back. "You're definitely coming with us."
***
Namjoon pulls his shirt over his head and sets it on the sink when the bathroom door opens. Startled, he covers his bare chest and stares in shock. He's not used to people barging into the bathroom anymore. They used to do it all the time when they were all living together in tiny dorms, but that is a long time ago.
It's Jin. He enters and closes the door behind him. "I'm making sure nothing happens to you."
Namjoon blinks. "Excuse me?"
"Your shower is dangerous," Jin explains, giving the shower an evil sideeye. "I'm making sure you don't fall."
"Is this a joke?"
"No." Jin looks dead serious.
"You — you're actually serious?!"
Jin nods. "Yes."
"Hyung, you don't have to watch me shower!" Namjoon protests. "That's going too far."
"Most accidents happen at home," Jin lectures. "I'm not letting you fall again and break something else."
"Hyung —"
"No discussion, Namjoon." This time, Jin’s voice is so stern that Namjoon shuts his mouth. Jin rarely plays the Hyung Card, but when he does, there’s no room for backtalk.
Reluctantly, Namjoon gives in. He turns away so he doesn't have to look at Jin while he steps out of his sweatpants and boxers. He struggles with his cast and stumbles slightly. Suddenly, hands are on his waist. "Hyung," Namjoon gasps, feeling hot all over. His ears and neck turn pink. "I'm naked."
"I can see that," Jin says dryly. "And you almost fell."
"I did not," Namjoon grumbles. "I was just fighting with the sweatpants."
"Let me help." Jin bends down, steadying Namjoon’s leg. He takes off the cast gently, hissing when he sees how swollen and purple the ankle is. "Oh, Namjoon."
"It looks worse than it is."
"No, it looks exactly as bad as it is," Jin corrects. "You aren't moving an inch without my help."
Namjoon sighs and nods. Jin stands and wraps an arm around Namjoon’s waist, helping him into the shower. He stays far too close. "You're going to get wet," Namjoon points out, feeling incredibly flustered. He's naked, and Jin is standing way too close.
"I don't care," Jin replies with a shrug. "I'm staying right here."
"You're acting like I'm mortally wounded," Namjoon mutters, turning on the water. Jin does indeed get wet.
"Maybe not mortally, but you are hurt," Jin says. "And I'm worried about you."
He hands Namjoon the shampoo bottle and their hands touch, making Namjoon shiver. He hopes Jin doesn't notice it.
Namjoon glances at him. He doesn't know what to say. The situation is so freaking surreal. Of course, they’ve seen each other naked before, but Jin is touching him, watching him shower. This is different.
"This is weird," Namjoon murmurs, lathering his hair with shampoo.
"Why?"
"I feel watched."
"Probably because I am watching you," Jin laughs.
"Can't you at least turn around?" Namjoon asks, embarrassed.
"How am I supposed to react if you fall?"
"I'm not going to fall."
"I don't trust you," Jin says.
Namjoon huffs, slightly offended. "Well, thanks."
"I just don't want anything else to happen to you," Jin says, his voice slightly trembling. "Once was enough."
Namjoon looks at Jin and sees his eyes beginning to shimmer. Namjoon's chest tightens painfully. Jin never cries. The sight leaves him desperate. "Hyung?"
Jin shakes his head. "I hate seeing any of you suffer." He squeezes his eyes shut. His voice is barely a whipser when he adds: "I hate it so much." Jin looks so utterly broken that Namjoon's heart breaks. He can't see Jin like this, he can't stand it.
Suddenly, Namjoon doesn't care that he’s naked with shampoo in his hair. It doesn't matter. He takes a step toward Jin. Jin panics, grabbing Namjoon’s waist to steady him. "What the hell — don't just move like that!"
Namjoon huffs, then cups Jin’s cheeks gently. "Thank you for always looking out for me." Jin’s eyes soften, brimming with tears. Namjoon pulls him into a hug. Hesitantly, Jin wraps his arms around Namjoon’s waist and squeezes, pressing his nose into Namjoon's neck. If Jin feels uncomfortable by Namjoon's naked body pressed against his, he doesn't show it. They stay like this for a while, neither saying a word, holding each other tightly. At this point, Jin is soaked, his pyjama wet and clinging to his body, his hair sticking to his forehead.
"You smell good," Jin murmurs suddenly.
Namjoon huffs. "It's my shampoo."
***
On the way to the dance studio, Jungkook wants to carry Namjoon to the car, but Namjoon vehemently refuses. There are limits! He can’t, however, stop them from opening the car door for him. He settles into the seat next to Yoongi and closes his eyes.
"What a morning," he sighs.
He thinks of Jin and the hug in the shower. They’ve known each other forever; it shouldn't be a big deal... and yet, his whole body has been tingling nonstop and his heart is still beating faster than it should.
Yoongi takes his hand to stop Namjoon’s nervous tapping. Instead of letting go, he interlocks their fingers. Yoongi’s hand is small and soft but surprisingly strong. It fits perfectly in Namjoon’s. It feels incredibly comforting. They stay like that until they reach the studio.
Namjoon is frustrated that he can’t join the rehearsal. Instead of dancing, he has to watch from the sidelines. But he has to admit, watching them is fascinating. They move as one — fluid, synchronized, smooth. Every single one of them looks angelic. He understands why people are so captivated by them. He’s proud to be part of BTS.
Jungkook waves at him. "Are you awake or daydreaming?"
Namjoon shakes his head, flustered. "Uh, I'm awake." He clears his throat, feeling awkward that he got caught staring and admiring them.
"Are you in pain?" Jimin asks, concerned, moving toward him, but Namjoon waves him off.
"No, no, I'm fine. Just ignore me."
Tae rolls his eyes. "As if we could ever ignore you." He walks over, grabs Namjoon’s face, and plants a kiss on his forehead. Namjoon can't stop himself from blushing. He doesn't even know why. Jin laughs and gives him a knowing look. "Will you ever get used to our love, Joonie?" For some reason, the tone of his voice sounds like a challenge. Namjoon immediately remembers the shower, and that's probably exactly what Jin wanted. Why is Jin so cool and collected while Namjoon is a blushing mess? It’s not fair!
Namjoon ducks his head. "I am used to your love."
Tae runs a hand through Namjoon’s hair. "I don't know, Hyung," he laughs. "You're still so awkward sometimes."
Namjoon crosses his arms defensively. "Am not."
"Oh, really?" Jungkook laughs, grinning at him. Without any warning, he throws himself at Namjoon, pinning him to the floor and tickling him until Namjoon is laughing hysterically.
"Jungkook, be careful!" Yoongi yells, panicked. But Jungkook is being careful; he shifts his weight so he doesn't touch the injured ankle.
Namjoon grabs Jungkook’s hips and lifts him up and away. Jungkook giggles, a sound that reminds Namjoon of how long he’s known him. Back then, he was fifteen and so young... now he’s a strong, incredibly handsome man. Namjoon clears his throat as he sits back up, straightening his shirt.
"See?" Jungkook laughs, touching Namjoon’s dimple with his pinky. "Awkward again."
"I am not!" Namjoon protests, but he is. He doesn't know how to act when they touch him like this. It used to feel strange. In the past, he could just swat their hands away, roll his eyes at them, and pretend to be annoyed. But today, it leaves him feeling confused and warm all over, and he can't pretend. Not today.
"Alright guys," Hobi calls out, saving him from further embarrassment. "Enough playing around. Back to work."
***
"You can go ahead," Namjoon tells Jimin. "It’ll take me ages to get to the car."
"I'm walking with you," Jimin says, grabbing Namjoon’s bag. "Take as much time as you need."
"How's the pain, Hyung?" Jungkook asks. "Should I carry you?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Namjoon grunts, amused.
"Why?" Jungkook pouts. "I might have lost some weight since the military, but I'm still strong!"
"I know, Koo. But you don't need to carry me."
"Those crutches look annoying though," Jungkook mutters, eyeing them suspiciously. "Just say the word if you want a lift."
Namjoon laughs. "Thanks, but no."
"Should we hit the Starbucks drive-through?" Tae suggests instead, putting an arm around Jimin.
"Hyung?" Jimin looks at Namjoon questioningly.
"I'm in," Namjoon says, making Tae beam.
"You're the best hyung in the world!" Tae shouts, throwing an arm around Namjoon and kissing his cheek. That’s the second kiss today. Namjoon flushes again. Why is everyone so touchy lately? It’s making him feel... restless.
"And what about me?" Jin calls out from behind. "I cook for you all the time and this is the thanks I get?"
Tae turns and flings himself into Jin’s arms. "No, Hyung, I'm sorry! Please forgive me!"
They all laugh.
Jimin holds the door open as they enter the parking garage. Hobi is waiting in his black SUV, with Yoongi’s grey Mercedes parked behind him. Jimin helps Namjoon into Hobi's car and Namjoon rolls his eyes when Jimin buckles his seatbelt for him. "Jimin, I hurt my ankle, not my arms. I can buckle myself in."
"Let me do it," Jimin pouts.
Namjoon sighs. "You guys are overdoing it, seriously."
"We're just worried," Jungkook explains, climbing into the passenger seat. Jimin sits next to Namjoon. Jin and Tae go with Yoongi.
***
An hour later, they’re sitting at their secret spot by the Han River — the place where they used to hide and drink alcohol during their trainee days. Today, they’re drinking Iced Vanilla Caramel Lattes. Namjoon grins as he takes another sip from the sugary sweet drink. They’ve definitely grown up and became a little boring.
"What are you smirking at?" Hobi asks, poking his side.
"Just remembering how we used to drink alcohol here," Namjoon chuckles.
"That feels like a lifetime ago," Tae muses.
"It is a lifetime ago," Jungkook confirms, swirling his drink.
"We've spent almost our entire lives together," Yoongi sighs. "I've known Namjoon for 16 years now."
The boys laugh. "Are you getting sentimental again, Hyung?" Jimin teases.
"Shut up," Yoongi murmurs, making them laugh harder. Jimin leans his head on Yoongi’s shoulder. "You’re allowed to be sentimental, Hyung."
"I just mean... we’ve been through so much." Yoongi clears his throat. "I can't even begin to imagine life without you."
"You don't have to imagine that," Hobi says softly. "We're not going anywhere."
"Yeah." Jin nods. "I hope I get to annoy Jungkook for the rest of his life."
"Hey!"
The boys laugh.
***
"Namjoon-hyung, let me do that!"
Namjoon sighs. He just wanted to make tea, but of course, one of them has to intervene.
"Don't look so annoyed," Jungkook grumbles. "We just want to help."
"I know, Kookie," Namjoon says quickly, wrapping his arms around the Maknae. Jungkook melts against Namjoon’s chest with a contented sigh. "I'm not annoyed at you guys. I'm annoyed at the situation. I'm annoyed that I'm such a burden."
"You aren't a burden," Jungkook assures him. "I love being here." He's silent for a moment, then he adds sheepishly: "Maybe I should just move back in with you."
Namjoon laughs. "I’d like that."
Jungkook looks at him, surprised. "Really?"
Namjoon shrugs. "The house is huge. I don't know what I was thinking when I bought it. I love that you guys are filling it with life."
Jungkook smiles gently. "The house is beautiful; that’s why you bought it. And it's only this big because you wanted enough room for all of us."
Namjoon blinks. He’s never thought about it that way. Did he really buy a house with seven bedrooms just so his boys would always have a place? How did he never realize that?
Jungkook laughs. "You look like you just had a revelation."
"I think I did."
"So... am I right?" Jungkook asks. "Did you buy this house so we could all fit in here?"
Namjoon clears his throat, his ears turning pink. "I think I did, but unconciously."
Jungkook plays with the hem of Namjoon's sweater. "Is it how you imagined?" He looks up at Namjoon with big, doe eyes. "Us, being here with you?"
Namjoon nods. "It's even better."
***
That evening, Yoongi and Namjoon are in the home studio working on a new beat. The others are scattered throughout the house, doing god knows what, but Namjoon is right where he wants to be. He enjoys the quiet peace Yoongi radiates.
"Remember when I had food poisoning in Shanghai?" Yoongi asks quietly.
"You were throwing up all night," Namjoon laughs at the memory. It was brutal. He’d almost called a doctor.
"And you stayed up with me the whole night," Yoongi says softly. "Rubbing my back, bringing me water and medicine, watching over me."
"I couldn't just leave you to suffer alone in the bathroom, Hyung."
"You could have," Yoongi says. "But you stayed."
"Of course."
Namjoon looks at Yoongi, who is watching him with wide, steady eyes. "You're always by my side."
Namjoon nods. "Always."
Yoongi tentatively reaches out. Namjoon takes his hand and squeezes. "And I'm always with you, Joon," he whispers. "I hope you know that. I'll always be with you."
Namjoon feels a lump in his throat, blinking back sudden tears. "I know." He feels an intense need to hold him. He pulls on Yoongi’s hand, drawing him onto his lap. Yoongi follows without resistance, settling in and wrapping his arms around Namjoon’s shoulders, burying his nose in the crook of his neck.
They stay like that for a long time until the door opens and Hobi walks in with a tray of snacks. "Oh," Hobi says. "Am I interrupting?"
"Never," Namjoon and Yoongi say in unison.
Hobi sets the tray down and steps closer. "Is everything okay?"
Namjoon reaches out and pulls Hobi into the fold. Yoongi shifts to one leg so Hobi can sit on the other. Namjoon holds them both tight. "I'm just incredibly grateful to have you guys."
Hobi’s expression softens and he kisses Namjoon’s cheek lovingly. "I am too."