#taekookau
Welcome to Perfect Match where ten single celebrities gather together in a villa to find their perfect match
When Taehyung enters the show, Jungkook has already built a match with someone. When Taehyung falls for him, Jungkook falls for his match
Let the show begin!

Based on the dating show perfect match (you don't need to watch or know it for this au)

Introvert/radio host Taehyung

Charming/solo singer Jungkook

Tags: drama, angst, jealousy, reality show, fluff, happy ending

Someone falls hard first, someone falls harder later
Taehyung stands at the entrance of the door. He turns back to the man holding a heavy big camera covering his face. The man stands there motionless. Taehyung sighs and turns back to the grand golden door. He received the invitation to the dating show a week ago. And here he is.
A week is certainly not enough to prepare himself. A dating tv show? For fuckâs sake.
The cameraman chuckles, visibly noticing Taehyungâs apprehension.
âYouâre scared of love that much?â The man asks and peeks from behind the camera.
The audacity. Love doesn't believe in him
Taehyung notices deep pimples lightened by the burning summer sun. âAre cameramen supposed to talk?â
The man with dimples doesnât grimace, nor does he look put off. He smiles kindly, in a way that Taehyung didnât expect. Isnât everything fake in such dating shows?
âYou think itâs possible to find love here?â Taehyung asks and hates the note of pure sincerity and curiosity in his voice.
âWhy are you here then, non-believer?â Dimple man says in a light tone. Taehyung wonders if this moment will be broadcast later on.
Taehyung dismantles all his elegance and lays on the floor, hands threaded in his hair. In what mess did he just get in?
âIf youâre willing to listen to a simple cameraman, Iâd say we donât find love, love finds us and we canât dictate it the path or the time.
But at least you can have fun and memories and experiences. I am Namjoon by the way, your personal cameraman. And I think you really need a hug right now.â
It happens slowly, but it does happen. Taehyung still lays on the floor, white shirt and black pants be damned.
He steadily lifts his arm in the air and Namjoon lowers the camera, walking slower and engulfing him in a hug.
âI came here because my friend told me I need to get out of my comfort zone, but I am not a celebrity, nor am I good at all this stuff, entertaining or flirting.
I had only one boyfriend in my life and that one was back in school when I would give him my lunches so he spends time with meâ
Taehyung pauses when he feels Namjoon chuckling.
âYou just made me laugh, how can you ever say youâre not made for entertainment.â
Taehyung doesnât believe him crucially. But he does accept the support.
Heâs an introvert and heâs socially awkward. He has only one friend and had only one boyfriend that should not in any way count as one.
The only time he is confident and acting cool is when he manages his radio channel, hiding behind a mic, not facing crowds and faces or a camera.
But Yoongi said heâs a gremlin. Yoongi is a gremlin himself. So coming from him, such a declaration appeared rather terrific.
Yoongi told him such an opportunity could be life changing.
Taehyung doesnât know what to think. Living in a luxurious exotic villa has been the strongest motivator. Living with nine other strangers and having your life broadcast to the whole world is not so much.
Well, Taehyung made a bet with Yoongi who called him a coward, Taehyung took great offence. So, here he is embarking in what must be his first ever experience out of his comfort zone. Only to prove Yoongi that he is not a coward, of course.
Itâs not like he is a great romantic and still hopelessly believes he could find love here. No, no, of course not.
Taehyung read carefully the premise of the show for nights in a row, anxiety pouring over him.
It all takes place in a villa on an island
where the first round starts with 10 celebrities who try to find love in the house. After each 2 days, the celebrities might match between each other and whoever doesnât have a match at the end of the night leaves the show. The pairs that are formed are put to big challenges.
Such as, one of the partners from the match is sent on a date with someone new, brought from outside in the next rounds. With new people coming in the show, with games and drama and challenges, the pair that is voted at the end as the best one wins the show.
At first reading the card sent to him, he was very confused. Yoongi tried to explain to him, as if Yoongi is better in such matters. As if.
Upon entering the villa, the stars are tasked with coupling up with one another before their relationships are put to the test.
The couples that are deemed to have the best connection at the end of a game during day will get the chance to win a luxury date and pick a brand new person to enter the villa. They will also get to play matchmaker,
pairing the newest contestant up with an existing person in the game and putting to risk the existing match as a result.
Taehyung was chosen to enter the villa this week and go on a date with a person that has been in the show for 1 week already.
Wow, what a great first experience out of his comfort zone for Taehyung. He shouldâve start slower, like registering on a dating app or something. Itâs almost as if he just entered a den full of lions of big calibre, whereas he is only a tiger cub with zero experience.
âYouâll be alrightâ Namjoon pats his head âNow, come on, itâs time for your first date.â
For nights in a row, Taehyung has thought of new identities he could embrace while in the show so he could make someone fall in love with him. But now standing in the decorated room,
roses laying around and the fragrance of strong cherries and coffee, his mind is blank and his hands shake somehow.
This is not good, not good at all. He will be thrown out of the villa on the first day if he doesnât form a connection now with the person heâs on a date with.
He glances at Namjoon in the corner. Namjoon sends him a âfightinâ in the air. He gulps nervously. The door opens.
Taehyung almost faints.
The man that enters is breathtaking, pink hair and a shining smile that is almost blinding.
Taehyung thinks heâll throw up.
He rushes to the table and grabs the glass of water, gulping it down fast. He could almost hear Yoongiâs scowling on his right shoulder or Namjoonâs supporting cheers on the left one.
He hears a chuckle from behind.
âYouâre rather charming, I have never been welcomed like that before on my dates.â The pink haired man walks up close âI am Jimin by the way, you?â
Of course, Taehyung knows Jimin, the sweetheart of the country, the high class model and ambassador of Dior.
He remembers Yoongi has all of Jimin's pictures displayed on his wall in the studio like a high schooler crush.
Taehyung shrugs. He tries to play it cool.
âMy best friend has all your pictures on his wall. He stares at them sometimes for hours.â He utters.
Jimin almost falls on the floor laughing.
Taehyung is happy Yoongi is at least helpful in something. âI am Taehyung, you may not know me, I amâŚâ
âI listen to V every Wednesday and Saturday, itâs literally my stress support. And your voice? An Angel's voice literally.â
Taehyung immediately blushes and quickly covers his cheeks with his hands. This is why he is not good at dating and flirting and playing games. He canât hide anything to save his live, everything is displayed on his face as clear as the sky.
Jimin for some reason finds it cute.
He coos at him as they lay on a couch. The table in front of them is full of cakes and other sweets.
âDamn all the anxiety was worth itâ Taehyung blurts and forgets the camera or Jimin who is looking amusedly at him.
âI like you, I feel like we will be great friendsâ
Taehyung turns to Jimin and smiles earnestly. Is it that easy? Wait, they are on a date, does it mean Jimin just friendzoned him? Did Taehyung already fail? Will he get sent home today? Yoongi will laugh at him for the rest of his life.
At least Taehyung saw Jimin in reality and not through ass quality printed pictures like others.
âYou should talk to me too, not just with yourselfâ Jimin comments and stuffs a whole piece of cake inside his mouth.
Taehyung blushes for a different reason.
âUm, I am not that great at this stuff I guess, it has been some time since I went on a dateâ
Jimin nods in understanding âMe too, god, I felt so awkward in the beginning here. Itâs been almost a year since my last date. You?â
aehyung debates greatly between telling the truth and embarrassing himself or lying and keeping his cool facade.
Well, he didnât appear cool for a second.
âItâs been almost 8 yearsâ He says all at once, fast, hoping Jimin will not catch it.
âHow old are you now?â
â22â
Jimin falls off the couch, laughing his ass off on the floor. Taehyung canât help and join in as well. He feels easy now and most of the tension fell off his shoulders. Maybe itâs not that bad of an idea to join this show.
âSo you had a big love at 14?â Jimin teases him more.
âHe was well⌠he liked my lunchesâ
For the rest of the afternoon, Taehyung and Jimin bond. And the bonding is good. They have much in common and both appreciate each otherâs work. Taehyung still gets lost sometimes in his own mind, but Jimin is patient.
Jimin also laughs at whatever he is saying and thatâs a miracle.
âNow, onto the gossip.â Jimin tells him, once they almost finished all the food.
âI am all here for it, to be honest I only understood half of the rules of the showâ
âNo worries, youâll get the hang of itâ
âIf I stay more than one dayâ Taehyung says as a joke. Well, not really. If he doesnât find a match tonight, heâll have to leave.
Jimin looks serious all of a sudden. âKim Taehyung, do you accept to be my match?â
Taehyung chokes with the strawberry juice.
He can hear Namjoonâs laugh behind. Are cameramen supposed to make fun of the people they film?
âYou want me as a match? What about your current match?â
âHe is an ashole. And I do think we are a perfect match. Even as friendsâ
Taehyung knows he didnât feel any romantic spark with Jimin, but he is so happy he met him. âIs it allowed?â
âLet it be our small secret. Many matches in the house are for different reasons than love and attraction, so do not worryâ Jimin says. âNow onto the gossip.
The biggest threat in the house right now are Jungkook and Nabi. They have matched since the first night and are going strong. Jungkook seems smitten with her. Not a big fan of Nabi since sheâs a fucking snake, but itâs a dating show, so you canât expect much.
Then, there is Hobi and Jin, theyâre the funniest couple, donât know whatâs going on between them however. The rest are matched, but donât have any chemistry, thereâs Lia with Han, Joy with Jae, and my match, the ashole Hyon.â
âThatâs a lot of people I am sure I wonât remember the name ofâ
âNo worries, many people come and go, if you donât have a match at the end of every two days, you leave. Overall, all people are nice, so you shouldnât worry, youâre a charming one.â
Taehyung rolls his eyes at that
But he takes Jiminâs hand in his and speaks in his deep velvety voice âLead the way to our denâ
Jimin chuckles and they walk from the beach house to the villa.
Taehyung is here to have fun, to create memories, to get out of his shell and maybe make new friendships.
One hour after
Taehyung is screwed.
Did he just feel those insects with wings in his chest growling? Why are his cheeks all red all of a sudden? Whatâs with his hitched breath and the hot feeling inside.
Taehyung stands inside the villa behind Jimin
as the later makes the introductions. And he stares at Jeon Jungkook, the man with tattoos covering his arms and the body of a Greek god and the smile of the brightest star and⌠Oh, Jeon Jungkook has a match.
Taehyung is so, so screwed.
Just as Jimin said, they seem strong, there is security in the way they behave near each other. One of Jungkook's arms is around her waist and she's playing with his hair often. Taehyung ignores the cold wave washing over him. He didn't come here to date. It's just his first day.

quick author interruption
interact with the updates and let me know how you like it, let the drama begin, it will get messy

Everyone introduce themselves to him. Taehyung maintains the smile on his face, although he fears the smile will crack up soon. Then, itâs his time to introduce himself.
âI am Kim Taehyung, the radio host of the V Talk channel. Letâs have a great time hereâ
âBig fan of your showâ Jeon Jungkook speaks to him for the first time.
Taehyungâs mind blacks out. âMe tooâ He blurts.
Jungkook looks confused, Taehyung wants to pretend heâs fainting and avoid the embarrassment.
âThis is the spirit, love myself, rightâ Jin chirps, patting him on his back a little bit too hard.
Taehyung is so lost in his own embarrassment and in the many peopleâs emotions around him.
Jimin takes him under his wing.
âI want a bit of private time with my match, weâre gonna retreat to the loungeâ
âDoes Hyun know heâs going home because you matched someone else?â Nabi asks, her long gelled nail scraping her lip, she is almost settled in Jungkookâs lap.
âHeâll find out, itâs the matching session soonâ Jimin says and leaves them all. Taehyung follows him like a puppy.
âI think weâll need a great deal of alcohol hereâ Jimin speaks once theyâre alone in the lounge. Taehyung couldnât agree more.
The night passes in a blur, he canât remember much except Jimin saying to the show host that he and Taehyung are a match. There were other people arguing too, some leaving, but Taehyung muted it all, just trying to keep himself afloat everything that was happening.
Hours later him and Jimin are finally confined in the big bedroom reserved for them on the second floor. Itâs luxurious and itâs filled with proper romantic things.
âSo what now?â Taehyung asks as he throws himself in the soft blankets, the sleep crawls up his eyelids slowly.
He did a lot of socialising today.. Undoubtedly, he said only a few words though, embarrassing himself through half of them. What a shame. Maybe this show will really be useful to his growth.
Jimin only winks at him when he replies without an ounce of shame âNow we hook upâ
Taehyung hides his face in the pillows to not show the way his cheeks burn or his eyes playfully roll. He wants to join the game though.
He gives on to his inner desires and retreats from the plush softness of the bed. âWell, what are you waiting for? Get nakedâ
He speaks in a velvet tone, no trace of joke. Itâs truly captivating to notice how Jimin is on the other end of the teasing, suddenly all red and at a loss of words.
âBut I thought we are⌠I mean I amâŚâ Jimin stutters and Taehyung shows the white flag.
He rolls on the bed laughing, finally being able to tease someone himself. It's a pleasure to do it with Yoongi.
âYou⌠shy on the outside, but shameless on the inside.â Jimin cackles and joins him on the bed.
âYou know how they say, physically a virgin, inside a whore.â
âNo one says thatâ Jimin exclaims.
âAre all of them really hooking up right now?â He asks mainly because of his curiosity, mainly because a tiny seed planted today in his heart, is perked for a certain tattooed singer.
âMost of them.
Everyone here is horny, wild and seeking drama and attention.â Jimin pauses as he stands up and leans on the armrest âNow what?â
âPlease tell me they have uno cardsâ
Next day, Taehyung wakes up not to a piano sound or his annoying alarm. He wakes up to loud noise outside.
âItâs 8 am, what are they doing?â He asks, half of his face having a pillow ingrained on it, red and nested hair, proper look for a dating show.
Jimin doesnât look better as he stumbles on the laid out blankets. âThey gossip or cause other dramaâ
âAnd what do we do?â
âWe join there and try to enjoy it tooâ
They get dressed rather slowly, the premise of going downstairs and facing everyone slowing them down. There is a tiny camera plastered on the table in their room to which Taehyung didnât pay much attention.
Jimin is faster than him, dressed in a light cream robe. Taehyung wears his denim large pants and a white top, black curls loose, adorned by a pearl. When they leave the room, Jimin stops for a second and ruffles Taehyungâs hair âWe need to look like we fucked yesterdayâ.
Taehyung laughs and he unbuttons the first two buttons on Jiminâs azure shirt âProper fuckingâ He says and they both walk down the stairs towards the main area.
Taehyung is immediately called by Namjoon to the side.
âI see youâre doing good, all ready to find loveâ
Namjoon comments with a chuckle.
âJust ready to have good memoriesâ
âYou wonât even notice me following you when youâll be alone or will need to answer questions at the end of the day. Relax and have funâ
âCan I hug you?â Taehyung asks fast
and when Namjoon nods his head amusedly, Taehyung embraces him tightly. âThank you for all the comfortâ
âBig fan of your radio show, so itâs really my place to thank you for all the comfort you gave meâ
Taehyung mightâve teared up
if not for Jimin walking from behind and throwing his arms around him. Itâs always comforting to hear how his radio show impacts others, how his work is healing and warmth for others too.
Namjoon winks at him for the last time and Jimin drags him to the main area.
Everyone seats in pairs on the couch, display of affection and all the proper making out or hands on thighs, playing with hair. Taehyung canât stop but take a look at Jungkook. And wow, heâs even more handsome from up close, in the morning sunlight.
He feels an ounce of guilt for liking a taken person. But a more rational side of him argues that they have been in the show for a week where the purpose is to match up with everyone and find your perfect match. Though itâs clear Jungkook and Nabi found themselves,
as Jungkook smiles at something Jin says, his arm though on Nabiâs back.
When everyone notices them approaching, they whistle and cheer them on. Taehyung is stupefied for a moment until he sees othersâ eyes train on his unbuttoned shirt and Jiminâs wink directed at him.
Oh, they all think they fucked last night. Taehyung can play the part without stuttering of course.
He just keeps silent and sits on a couch, trying to play it cool. Jimin sits near him.
âWhat were you talking about?â Jimin asks, hooking his arms on Taehyungâs back.
âAbout you finding your great love on this showâ Nabi supplies and her smile is borderline creepy with how her lips are not stretched enough for it to be a proper smile.
âArenât we here for that?â Jimin asks and Taehyung can already sense the tension falling over them.
âI can sense the drama, thatâs why I am going to leave with my boyfriend to make out in the poolâ Hobi speaks up, louder, taking Jinâs hand and dragging him away.
âThank you for at least letting us now, saves me the trauma from last time when I caught you making out in the kâŚâ
Joy says, but is soon interrupted.
âIs there a problem with me matching with Taehyung?â Jimin presses.
Taehyung stares at the commotion in front of him. He did expect drama, but not so soon. It hasnât even been afternoon.
âItâs just funny how almost every session you match with someone newâ Nabi speaks.
âItâs less funnier that you attaching yourself like a leech to Jungkook and not even letting other people talk to himâ Jimin argues back.
It burnt. Others are cheering it.
Taehyung can see fire burning in both their eyes. He doesnât even know if he should interrupt, should he say a word? Hot people arguing with each other? Taehyung keeps silent and observes.
âTheyâre always like this, at each otherâs throatâ
All of Taehyungâs coolness dissipates
Because near him, really close is Jungkook. Taehyung feels the musky flavour. He never felt so attracted to someone before.
âNot a fan of drama?â Jungkook asks again. And Taehyung remembers that he should talk, use his words, not stumble on them again and make a fool of himself
âI am? I meant itâs fun while itâs not my drama, which sounds terrible actually, I am notâŚâ
âHonestly? Same. Watching hot people have banter, what could be more fun?â
When Jungkook laughs, Taehyungâs whole resolve crumbles.
He stares at Jungkook, at the way his eyes crinkle and lush lips dance in a bright smile. Taehyung is so screwed.
No, no, itâs forbidden. He doesnât stand a chance. Taehyung once heard Yoongi saying our mind has infinite powers.
If Taehyung convinces himself he doesnât like Jungkook, he wonât. Itâs only been 2 days, plus Nabi looks quite scary.
Taehyung doesnât like him.
Taehyung doesnât like him.
âYouâre good?â Jungkook whispers in his ear.
Sweet Jesus, Taehyung is enamoured.
He still can see Jimin and Nabi arguing, the others leaving for the pool. Jungkook is close to him. While Taehyung had a crisis inside, Jungkook moved on his couch.
âI am good, yesâ
âSure?â
âYes, all good, why?â
Jungkook chuckles again and Taehyung thinks he can hear bells.
âYou just spaced out for a few minutes. Am I that boring?â
âFar from itâ Taehyung mumbles and then he wants to get up and go to the pool and drown himself. Instead he plays it cool when he sees Jungkookâs serious face all of a sudden.
âHave been watching all your movies and shows, theyâre good, youâre goodâ
âLetâs see how long does Taehyung lastâ Nabi speaks louder and disturbs the little world surrounding them. She gets up from the bed, lowers herself on Jungkookâs lap and leans in to whisper something.
Taehyung doesnât even need to have hearing superpowers to know whatâs happening by the way Jungkookâs eyes darken. They soon leave the room and Taehyung feels his heart sink for a bit. He surely is not made for such a show. Jimin plants himself near him.
âI hate herâ Jimin says, pouty lips and stars crinkling in his eyes.
âWhat really happened between you two?â
âWell, my first match was Suyeon, she liked Jungkook and I advised her to go and talk to him. Nabi made such a drama out of it. Next day Suyeon left the show.
I am sure itâs Nabi who talked to Suyeonâs match and told him to leave her and match with someone else. She's so tied to Jungkook, it's insane. And Jungkook is actually a good guy. He just doesn't know who Nabi is. That snakeâ
"Well, it's a dating show, what do you expect?"
âNow youâre pro at dating shows?â Jimin fights back and they both stand up from the couch.
âLetâs settle this with a water pistol fightâ
âOh, youâre on, prepare to be defeated.â
Jimin walks outside to prepare the fighting weapons. Taehyung walks the stairs to get dressed.
He feels lighter, there is not so much anxiety anymore. Everyone is very chill. He puts on a red pair of shorts, an unbuttoned Hawaian shirt that Yoongi gifted him.
When he leaves his room towards the terrace, Joy is leaning on the kitchen table, sipping from her orange mojito.
âYou should be carefulâ she says and Taehyung pauses. Itâs their first interaction as far as he knows.
âAbout what exactly?â
âFlirting like that with Jungkook. Youâre lucky Jimin kept her busy, if Nabi got to see what I saw, youâd be out of this show next dayâ
Taehyung is properly confused. âThatâs a bit crazy of herâ He says.
Joy laughs at that, but then sobers up âDonât tell me I didnât warn you. Letâs better be friendsâ
Taehyung walks to the pool and plants himself near Jimin.
âI just had such a weird conversation in the pool with Joy. Is there some drama going on with her and Nabi?â
Jimin takes his sunglasses and perches them on his hair âNot as far as I know, Joy is really great friends with Jungkook, with Nabi too,
they kind of have this tight circle together with Jae, Joyâs matchâ
âWeirdâ Taehyung thinks âShe just warned me not to talk with Jungkook because Nabi will hunt me downâ
Jimin cracks up at the absurdity. âThey must know how good are you at flirting,
they might also know your compact great dating experienceâ
âI donât even need to flirt. I will seduce them with my awkwardness, my greatest weaponâ
âSpeaking about weapons, youâre ready?â
âBorn readyâ Taehyung exclaims,
but then a very naked, wet Jungkook emerges from under the water, tattoos inked on display, his curly hair framed perfectly on his forehead and a lot of muscles, abs, chestâŚ
Taehyung feels water pinches on his skin. Jimin is aiming at him with the water pistol.
âEarth to Taehyung, bros before hoes or what?â
âYouâll regret challenging meâ Taehyung yells before he rushes after Jimin.
It's not really anyone's fault. It's the producers fault. He knows. Putting hot people on an island and sparking drama between them. It's a reality show.
Hours later, everyone is gathered on the terrace as the host gets to announce the game of the day. Taehyung didnât pay attention last night, but now he looks at the host. He recognizes Seojoon, a famous actor. He is wearing a black suit, naked underneath.
Everyone cheers loudly when he appears in front of them.
âIs the weather so hot here or is it just you all? How are you feeling tonight, ready for another game?â
Itâs Taehyungâs first game, he really doesnât know what to expect. But he is good at games,
well letâs rephrase that a bit.. he enjoys games, he is not sure how good he is at them.
âAnd how do you feel here Taehyung? Were you properly welcomed?â Seojoon directs the question at him.
Taehyung freezes up for a second. What was he asked again?
He didnât even hear the question. Others are smiling at him. Taehyung once again remembers Yoongiâs philosophy, if you donât know whatâs happening, always nod and say âyesâ.
Taehyung does exactly so. âYesâ He replies swiftly.
The rest laugh amused.
Taehyung doesnât really understand whatâs happening, but at least the attention is off him when everyone is instructed to walk outside on the beach for the game.
âYouâre killing it, playing cool and mysteriousâ Hobi remarks while walking alongside him.
âI am really not trying to do that, trust meâ He says timidly. Hobiâs aura is warm and inviting.
âAnyway, keep up the good work, you and Jimin, whatâs it about?â
âUm⌠we bonded well?â
Hobi sighs âAh, so itâs not passion and love, got itâ
âNo, not like you and Jin, thatâs for sureâ Taehyung chooses to say.
Hobi blushes prettily. âEvery love is different, but I think youâll find yours here tooâ Hobi walks in front with Jin catching up on him and throwing side glances at Taehyung.
As if Taehyung would do that. As if anything could get apart those too, even if he got to know them only a day ago.
"Ready to crush that game?" Jimin sneaks up behind him. "The winners get a luxurious date and also the chance to send two participants to dates with new people"
"Was born ready"
When the hosts explain the game, Taehyung stays stupefied for a moment. The game is very silly. One partner needs to stay in a position and say instructions to the other partner who is blindfolded. There is a labyrinth of bushes in front
and at the final position there are cubes that need to be carried back. The main thing is to instruct your partner well to cross all the bushes and get to the cubes, carrying them back.
Taehyung expected something more difficult. He and Jimin are gonna crush this game.
He can see from his position how Jungkook and Nabi have their faces blank, strategising.
âTheyâre too competitive in these gamesâ Jimin comments âBut weâre gonna win this, okay?â
Taehyung nods convinced. But he also canât help but stare at how Jungkook is all serious
observing the line of bushes, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as if heâs facing a line of army. So cute, so endearing.
The game begins. Itâs Taehyung and Jimin, Nabi and Jungkook, Jin and Hobi, Joy and Jae and Lia and Han.
Taehyung gives the directions while Jimin is blindfolded.
Seojoon whistles and everyone rushes forward.
Taehyung is convinced heâll win for a sole minute until he sees Jimin entangled in the bushes, then rolling in laughter on the ground,
not carrying back even the first cube, while the others are building castles of them.
âGo to your left... not that's your right, run straight, no..." Taehyung takes a deep breath "You need to focus, youâre afraid of some bushes? You need to overcome your fear, itâs just bushesâ
Taehyung instructs helplessly, trying not to die from laughter himself.
âI have a phobia of darkness, not bushes, dumbassâ Jimin yells.
And then Jimin manages to reach the end of the line towards his first cube somehow,
but while he turns back to Taehyung to send him a flying kiss, his feet get tangled in a bush and heâs falling over.
âCall for help, I am injuredâ Jimin yells, holding a hand to his chest.
âI am coming my love, wait for me, no hurt can affect you while I am hereâ
Taehyung rushes and takes Jimin in his arms carrying him back.
When the whistle is heard, Jimin gets rid of the blindfold. They both turn to the couple winning the game, Joy and Jae. At least not Jungkook with Nabi, his mind supplies helplessly.
"I see you had the most fun, Taehyung and Jiminâ Seojoon remarks while everyone gets gathered together. âAnd our winners are Joy and Jae who will enjoy a luxurious date tonight. The rest will have a cocktail party at the villa. Prepare for a hot, spicy night.â
Seojoon walks away and they are left excited over the prospect of a party.
Taehyung is not fond of parties, but he loves cocktails. Yoongi sometimes prepares them for him and they organise their little party in the studio.
âAre you ready to find the proper outfit, blast some music and drink vodka while we do our makeup?â Jimin whispers in his ear.
It sounds like heaven. Jimin holds his hand while they walk back to the villa. Taehyung gets the urge to turn back and get a tiny glimpse of Jungkook.
Silly of him to like a person so much when it hasnât been days since their meeting. But Jeon Jungkook is hot, mysterious and he has stars in his eyes, literal galaxies floating there.
Nabi is one lucky girl.
And Taehyung is on national television, he knows Nabi is one crazy obsessed girl, Joy harbours some things too. He is a bit scared to want Jungkook, but here he is nonetheless, wanting the man.
Thereâs something very enticing about Jungkook, no wonder everyone falls for him.
"You really like him, oh god" Jimin exclaims. Taehyung didn't even notice how he was staring at Jungkook's back walking in front of them. "You should tell him, tell Jungkook"
"Should I confess to him that it hasn't even been days, but he's starring in my inapropriate thoughts?"
âMaybe donât say it like that?â
âMaybe I shouldnât say it at all.â
âAs you wishâ
They enter their rooms and Taehyung realises he let the show impact him too much, felt its intensity. He needs to chill.
âLet our own party beginâ Jimin exclaims.
Two hours later they both are descending the stairs, a good amount of vodka already travelling in their veins. There is music heard from the terrace and when they enter the area, Taehyung sees everyone dressed up in shining and revealing outfits.
The sunset is slowly falling over them and the whole atmosphere is enticing. They are away from their normal life, their problems, on an island, where they can focus on their feelings, let go of everything.
Jimin is wearing a white dress shirt tucked in a pair of black jeans
with a corset hugging his waist. Taehyung dressed himself in a red toned shirt tucked in tight black jeans, while his smoky makeup is adorned with a bandana holding his curls and exposing his forehead.
Taehyung was wholly prepared to stop thinking about Jeon Jungkook.
But itâs not working. Not when Jeon Jungkook is only wearing a black sleevless top enticing his muscled chest, arms with tattoos exposed and black curls gelled to perfection.
Oh, heâs hot, out of someoneâs imagination. And he has Nabi in his embrace.
He and Jimin walk to the tables holding drinks on them. The villa is nestled in a stunning location overlooking the ocean, with lush gardens surrounding the property. The atmosphere is electric as everyone drinks and talks animatedly between them.
It is possible for a moment to forget about the cameras and just let go, enjoy it.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the sky transforms into a brilliant display of oranges, pinks, and purples. Music fills the air.
There are sparkling wines, signature cocktails,
and non-alcoholic beverages to cater to everyone's preferences. As the sky continues to change color, the participants begin to let loose and enjoy the party. Laughter and conversation fill the air as people become more and more intoxicated by the atmosphere.
Some take to the dance floor, swaying to the music and soaking up the last rays of sunshine. Taehyung stops himself from glancing at Jungkook. He fools around with Jimin, joking about things, he also talks to Hobi and Jin, both seated at their table.
âHow do you like it here, Taehyung?â Lia asks timidly, walking over to him. Taehyung realises he didnât really interact with her or with Han, her match.
He tries to ignore the spike of anxiety. âItâs good, having such a different life than back home, away from all the problemsâ
âI get you, itâs calming in a sense, it gets you to become loose, act on your feelings that you wouldnât have done before.â
âAnd what about Han? Are you the perfect match?â
Lia pauses and Taehyung can see her chin clench
âWeâre actually exes and I really thought weâre meant to be, thatâs why I came to the show, but being afraid every moment that he could go on a date and find a better match than me, itâs really stressfulâ She confesses.
And Taehyung feels a bit bad.
He knows all people here struggle with their inner problems. They're all people after all.
âIf you feel afraid every time that you might lose him, then itâs not really worth it. You deserve having someone whoâs confident in loving you.â
Lia trails her fingers on his back, she smiles softly. âThank you, I⌠I really needed to hear that.â
She walks off to another table and Taehyung feels the anxiety slowly going away. A lot of people keep a confident facade upfront,
but all of them struggle with something inside. Taehyung shouldnât forget that.
He retreats back to the kitchen to take some water, when he bumps into Jungkook inside.
Taehyung tried his best to ignore him all evening. It wasnât very good for his sanity, for his heart,
such a Jungkook, dancing on the dancefloor, radiating confidence, dressed and walking like a Greek God.
âIâd look good on youâ
Taehyung hears. The glass of water slips off his fingers, it falls on his shirt, but he is still a bit in daze to care about that.
âWhat?â
âI said red looks good on youâ Jungkook repeats and crunches down with some paper towels to wipe away the water.
Taehyung closes his eyes, the delusions his mind creates. The alcohol mightâve been a reason too.
âItâs okay, I can wipe it away.â He says embarrassed.
âNo, itâs no problem, are you okay, you didnât hurt yourself?â Jungkook asks, while inspecting his thighs for any damage. This is not good, this is not good at all. The glass is still shattered on the floor.
Taehyung crunches down and starts to gather it.
Next, he feels hands covering his. âDonât do it with your handsâ Jungkook says with his silky voice.
When Taehyung manages to put the pieces of glass on the trashcan, he curses himself. His shirt is soaked wet.
âI will go clean myself and change the shirtâ Taehyung says.
Jungkook stares at him for some seconds, eyes unreadable.
âWant me to help you?â Jungkook asks, tone serious, intoxicated, eyes a bit dark.
âHelp me undress?â Taehyung inquires, clearly confused with whatâs happening. Taehyung is burning inside.
Jungkook is his first crush. Taehyung knows why crushes are called that. When it's not reciprocated, it literally crushes you. Still the temptation is strong.
"Getting undressed is a very tedious and tiring task, you might need a hand helping you" Jungkook replies.
Oh, shit.
âWell⌠I meanâ He stutters.
Jungkook is too close and the premise of getting undressed by him sounds heavenly. Until a voice is heard from the corridor.
âJungkook, where are you?â
Next second, Nabi enters the room, her flashy red dress matching the fire in her eyes.
Her blond hair is curled and she looks far too innocent.
âI will go get dressed upstairsâ Taehyung says and rushes to his room. He wants to escape the drama, also he wants to escape Jungkook. In the next second, Jimin enters the room, eyes worried.
âYouâre okay? What happened? I saw Nabi walking with Jungkook from the kitchen, she looked angryâ
âDoesnât really matter, can you help me find a shirt, I spilled water on mineâ
âSure, let me choose something.â
Jimin opens Taehyungâs closet and looks inside.
Then his eyes stop on a certain corner âWho is this?â He asks, enthralled.
âWho?â Taehyung walks closer and sees what got Jimin frozen. Itâs a picture framed of him and Yoongi. âHeâs Yoongi, my best friend, a genius producer and biggest fan of yours.â
Jimin is still staring at the picture, trailing its frame with his fingers.
âI see heâs not the only simp, maybe I should make a copy and give it to you?â
Jimin blushes and falls on the bed, sighing dreamily
âHeâs pretty. Does he like only my art or he like feels attracted to me, does he find me hot or?â
Taehyung starts laughing, this is really good. He falls on top of Jimin and they end up wrestling and tickling each other for the next hour, forgetting about the party.
Taehyung also takes time in telling Jimin stories and things about Yoongi. When they do remember about the party, Taehyung changes quick in a black shirt and they descend the stairs.
They didnât really look properly in the mirror, thatâs why they didnât notice the bedroom hair
and unbuttoned shirts.
Hobi teases Jimin for coming late to the party. They look like they fucked. Jimin shrugs it off. Taehyung joins in the laughter, but his eyes canât help but roam around. Then he finds the source of his inner battles. And he is crushed.
Jungkook is at another table, close to them, passionately kissing Nabi, one hand in her hair while the other holds her chin.
After all, Jungkook found someone to undress tonight.
Taehyung turned out liking Jungkook more than he envisioned.
He also turned out to be hurt more than he planned. And that does make it for him. To finally realise Jungkook already has his match. Taehyung turns to Jimin and smiles reassuringly, they talk for the rest of the night with Hobi and Jimin.
Then Namjoon asks him in a corner for the daily interview.
Taehyung doesnât look at Jungkook once.
âHow has it been so far.â
âA hot messâ Taehyung replies honestly.
Namjoon laughs. Taehyung is seated on a chair. He feels intoxicated a bit, he feels loose.
Yoongi will have a blast watching this later on.
âWhat exactly happened in the kitchen with you and Jungkook?â
The memory feels bittersweet, of something he could have. âHe offered to help me.â
Namjoon doesnât comment on what type of help that had been.
âAnd you and Jimin are going strong, do you think he will be your perfect match till the end?â
Taehyung smiles at that âHeâs my ride or die practically.â
The night is cut short soon. They are reminded that tomorrow two people will go on dates, then follow a matching session.
Taehyung doesnât stay to observe how Jungkook and Nabi are missing. He enters his bedroom and falls tiredly on the bed, letting his eyelids close. He has his first crush on this show. Itâs fair he shall have his first heartbreak as well.
The next morning they all gather in the main area. Itâs the time for Joy and Jae to announce who they sending on dates with new people entering the show.
Jimin is snuggling close to him, the hangover hovering over him. Taehyung can feel a pair of eyes trained on him.
He can also remember how his heart sank yesterday. He doesnât want it to repeat. Taehyung keeps his eyes on Jiminâs hair, sniffing it from time to time. Soon, Jae and Joy join them. Taehyung is truly curious who will be sent on date.
âThey will send one of us, thatâs for sure, Joy is Nabiâs minionâ Jimin whispers and Taehyung believes it. He saw it with his eyes, how the groups here paired, each with their own strategy.
âIt was hard to decide who to send on dates. But here are our decisions.
First going on a date is Liaâ
Everyone claps at that, Taehyung does too, he ignores the glare Han sends their way. Lia deserves someone better for her. Taehyung didnât expect Joy to choose so wisely.
âNext person that goes on a date is Jiminâ
âI called itâ Jimin exclaims.
Taehyung laughs at that. Pretty predictable. They must have paired Jimin with someone good, believing that Jimin will match with someone else. They really want Taehyung out of the show, oh.
Jimin stands up from his lap.
He departs with a wink âI will come back soon, babyâ sending a flying kiss. Taehyung fishes his hand in the air catching it.
Taehyung sees Nabi burning holes in his direction. Today will be fun. A whole day without Jimin. He knows the show is just beginning. Drama is coming.
Taehyung spends half of the day in the flower garden, he has his notes and a pen between his fingers, utterly lost in the riddles, words and confessions for his next radio show. Itâs warm outside. The rest are chilling by the pool.
As the sun beats down on his face, Taehyung lets the peaceful silence wash over him. It is a beautiful day, the sky clear blue, and the gentle breeze rustling his naked chest. The sweet smell of the flowers fills his nostrils, and he closes his eyes, feeling his body relax,
maybe this day will not be so bad without Jimin who went on a date.
But as his mind begins to drift, his thoughts turn to Jungkook. They have only known each other for a few days, but there is an insane attraction between them that he can't ignore.
Jungkook is inhabiting his thoughts and dreams all day and night long.
He had never felt this way before. Every time he looks at Jungkook, his heart races, and his palms grow sweaty. He can barely string a sentence together when he is around.
Taehyung sighs, opening his eyes to the bright sky above. Instantly his horizon darkens, dipped in blonde strands of hair and a clipped smile. Nabi is hovering over him.
âHow are you feeling, Taehyung?â Her voice is soft when she addresses him. Taehyung is surprised.
He sees her laying near him, pulling her dress delicately to the side, her long floaty hair brisked away by the wind. The summer pink dress exposes her inked arms which match her red lipstick.
Taehyung is intimidated. He is also not sure if she is worth his energy.
âAs good as anyone else hereâ He decides to reply, offering a timid smile, trying for peace. âAnd you?â
Her smile falters âNot so great. I heard you made a move at Jungkook yesterday at the party, in the kitchenâ
Taehyung pales. He is not the man for confrontations.
He always dips low, waits for the white flag or for the calm after the storm. What should he do now? He chooses an easy light reply. Taehyung looks around, but there is no sight of Namjoon. Laughter is heard from the pool.
âI would hardly call it a pass, we were just talking.â
âYou hardly say any words to all of us, but you were talking so loosely to Jungkook, you want me to believe that?â
Oh, would you look at that? Hereâs the white flag flying off the window. No one except Yoongi can offend his poor conversational skills.
âI guess I was doing what weâre supposed to do here.â
He can see her chin clenching. Taehyung pales more. Loose tongue, loose tongue, curse it damn. He needs to shut up.
âAnd what exactly are you supposed to be doing?â
Taehyung, shut up, shut up, shut upâŚ
âFinding my perfect match?â His mouth speaks before his mind can filter the words.
Here goes no drama. Why, why... it was hard for him to communicate until now, no less drama? He is not fit. Should he abandon the fighting field, go out the window and retrieve the white flag?
Yoongi would be so disappointed if Taehyung shows the white flag now. Screw Yoongi, heâs not here to defend him, heâs probably laying on a couch, eating popcorn and watching cat videos.
Taehyung is the one now facing an angry woman.
âI think itâs shady what you did, I think itâs fucked upâ Nabi speaks through gritted teeth, her eyes are heated with a silent, unspoken anger.
Taehyung doesn't know what to reply, unable to form any words that will spike no further drama.
Despite the aggressive and confrontational air, Taehyung wants no drama, to have no part in it at least. Nabi should confront Jungkook for talking to him in the kitchen, not Taehyung for replying back like any human would do. Itâs basic manners.
He canât say such words to Nabi. She is clearly set on fighting Taehyung. Because she continues.
âI need a mop to pick up your dignity off the floor. Youâre desperate. You want to stay in the show, I get it, but there are many people who are single, why go for a taken man?â
âThey all have matches?â He corrects quietly, but the red in her eyes intensifies. He tries to keep his voice steady.
âMe and Jungkook are in a relationship.â She spats out, voice filled with venom. âFocus your sight on other people. You have Jimin, is he not enough?â
Taehyung will not let his anger show, he will not get affected. He takes a deep breath and tries to calm himself down, but he can feel the anxiety building up inside him like a storm. He doesnât want to fight, but he also doesn't want to be pushed around anymore.
He tries to treat it as a joke, lessening the tension. His sudden lopsided grin confuses the girl âJimin is enough⌠every nightâ He says amusedly.
âThen stop talking to Jungkook?â
âMaybe you should control your fucking man then?â His voice raises for the first time.
He curses loudly. He takes a deep breath and stands up from the grass. Nabi has been pushing his buttons for too long. Taehyung feels a wave of fatigue wash over him. He is tired and he doesnât know if he has the energy to keep up with this argument anymore.
But Nabi stands up from the grass as well and doesnât retreat from the argument. She pushes further.
âI think youâre shady and I really want you to go home tonight. But if you donât, youâll be with me and my friends in the villa and itâll be really awkward for you.
Do what you want to, but donât talk to Jungkook, cause I am fucking over it.â
âI will talk to whom I wantâ
âWhat?â
âDonât ever go to someone and talk down on them just because you feel threatened. Now watch carefullyâ
Taehyung feels the sun rays dancing on his naked chest, only adorned by a belly chain. His loose pants barely hang on his hips. Taehyung walks towards the pool. He stands in front of Jungkook. Jungkook stops his discussion with Jin, he turns to Taehyung with questioning eyes.
As Taehyung reaches him, he puts his arms gently around Jungkookâs naked sculpted chest and leans in close to his ear. His voice is soft and deep as he whispers, "If youâre ever interested, the offer to undress me still stands."
Jungkookâs eyes widen in surprise and he blushes deeply. Taehyung can hear gasps in the background.
He leans back and looks at Nabi who is fuming with anger back in the garden. Taehyung turns away and walks back inside the villa.
When he closes the door behind himself, he falls on the bed and starts cursing himself, whining, crying, pulling his hair. Why did he do that, his heart is beating insanely, his hands are so sweaty he can barely breath. It must have been so cringe, why did he do that.
As he replays the moments in his head, more embarrassing washes over him. Taehyung grabs the pillow and pushes it against his face, covering the light. Maybe if he pretends nothing happened, everyone will miraculously forget his stunt. Heâs screwed. What would Jungkook think?
Taehyung rolls on the bed for the next hours letting the afternoon rays bathe his body. Soon, he rises from his laziness and exits the room. He hopes people are not hiding behind the door to ambush him. He can always blame it on the sun heat affecting his thinking.
When he steps outside, it is eerily silent. Perhaps everyone is at the pool area still. Taehyung gets to descend the stairs. And then he hears the shouts from a bedroom.
âPlease donât ruin this, weâre trying to make it work, donât we?â
Taehyung recognises Nabiâs crying voice.
âPlease calm down, Nabi. Is it okay to panic like this overâŚâ
âShut up, you said we'll work on us, but youâre like the others, youâll leave me in the end tooâ
Taehyung doesnât hear the next words, he hears muffled sobbing. Perhaps, Jungkook knelt before her, hugging her tight,
sheâs crying against his chest. Then muffled sounds are heard. Perhaps heâs kissing her now. Taehyungâs heart bleeds just a tiny bit. He needs to get out of here. He doesnât even know Jungkookâs favourite colour, why on earth will his heart ache then?
âThis fucking bitch with her fear of abandonmentâ A velvety voice is heard behind him. Taehyung turns and sees Jae. Taehyung has rarely talked to him. Jae is just as silent as him, most of the time trailing after Joy, his match or tanning at the pool.
Jae is a lean tall man with raven hair and a rose tattoo with thorns placed on his neck.
âTrauma fucks us up sometimesâ Taehyung replies steadily. Jae is friends with Nabi.
âBut you donât start manipulating others with your trauma. Although Nabi is not the real snake here.â
âAnd who is?â Taehyung asks, he tries to keep his tone disinterested, resting his hands inside his pockets.
Jae chuckles âEverything comes with a price, no?â
âWhatâs the price?â
Jae walks towards him, he leans and whispers to his ear his price. Taehyungâs eyes widen.
He is confused.
âNow onto the gossip, the real snake here is Joy, she likes Jungkook and sheâs the one putting Nabi against anyone that dares to interact with him. She whispers lies to Nabi and hopes that one time Nabi will explode and Jungkook will see her face,
Joy will be there to comfort him and all that jazz.â
âAre we in a movie?â
âNo, we are in a dating show.â
âItâs a bit too intense. I know the premises of such shows, but it feels like the feelings here run deeper, as if everyone has a longer history with each other.â
âYou donât know the half of it, some do already know each other from other shows and projects. Not to even talk about how Jungkook and Nabi have been friends with benefits for months before. That's why she came to this show, to finally make the relationship workâ
Jae laughs loudly when he finally sees shock on Taehyungâs face, something different from his disinterested gaze.
Taehyung had no idea really whatâs going on in this show. He thought everyone started walking here from the first floor.
Turns out, everyone is on the 10th floor while he still walks on the 3rd.
âNow donât forget about the price I asked of you.â
âI will notâ
Jae walks beside him and pats his head âGood boyâ he descends the stairs and leaves Taehyung.
Taehyung is still standing frozen by the stairs, so lost in his thoughts he doesn't hear the approaching steps, but he does hear the exclaimed voice "Catch me"
Intuitively Taehyung opens his arms. Jimin jumps in them. He tolds him about how boring the date has been.
Jimin asks him to be his match. The matching session passes the same. Taehyung is lost, tired, everything feels disruptive. Jungkook is a taken man, everyone has romantic history with each other. What a mess.
Taehyung's thoughts then drift to the price he'll pay Jae. Oh, damn.
The next morning criples up with a cluttered warmth. Taehyung suffocates in it. The scorching heat wakes him up at 6 am and heâs laying on the cold floor of the balcony. Taehyung listens to the morning sounds, he looks over the sea in the distance.
It would be easy to give up on this game. But he does not do half things, he does not love in half, he does not play in halves. Itâs either he lets himself rot in his couch or he stands up and leaves a mark. He thinks about how the viewers will see him once the show is released.
Taehyung loves his fans dearly. He read all their reactions on Twitter once the news of him joining Perfect match were released. He knows they want to see him shining more on TV. Taehyung can give up and go home where Yoongi will behave like a grumpy man.
Or Taehyung can stay here, have fun with what he was offered, help others find their perfect match, watch from the sidelines and create his own image on TV. He lays on the balcony for hours in a string. His eyes remain on the sea, his thoughts wander overseas.
And then his thoughts match the sight in his eyes. Taehyung lowers his eyes to the trial path. Jungkook is naked, running along it, hair sweaty, breath rushed, he has his headphones in. Taehyung does not know much of Jeon Jungkook, except just what the singer displays publicly.
Jungkook on stage, TV, shows appears to be a cheeky charming man, cunning with his words, dangerous as the venom on a staggered sword, but its charm is just as sweet as of a rose poisoned with venom. Taehyung knows why Jungkook is so popular and secretive.
He lets you see just what he wants, he lets you want more.
Taehyungâs heart stops its heartbeat, their eyes meet. Jungkook notices him on the balcony, he stops running. Taehyung doesnât blink, nor does he avert his eyes even if all of him is burning because of a mere stare.
âTae, where are you, I am starving like a mad manâ
Jiminâs grumpy voice slashes the long stare. When Taehyung turns back to the trail path, Jungkook is not there anymore.
Taehyung walks back inside the room. Jimin jumps on him, attaching himself like a koala.
Why would he give up? When he can enjoy free food, an exotic place with ana amazing person.
Hours later, they are all gathered in the main hall for the game of the day announcement. And as the second week ends, itâs time for wicker games.
When Taehyung looks at Nabi and Joy chatting amusedly on the couch, Taehyung can only pity both, for what the show turned them into. When he looks at Jae, the later winks at him. Taehyung can just guess how the price will affect him further, he hopes it does not reach that point.
When he looks at Lia and her new match that entered the house, a boy Taehyung didnât learn the name of, he can only hope that something good sparkles there. He does not look at Jungkook. Jungkook has troubled him a lot, he is someone Taehyung doesnât understand, an enigma.
Taehyung does not like enigmas. Seojoon appears in the big hall, far too happy and dressed up. Taehyung sighs heavily in advance. He can only guess what todayâs game will be.
âLights, camera, actionâ Seojoon exclaims, tightening at his dress belt with a suspicious grin,
looking down with his lower lip twitched into a devilish smirk that bestows not so great news. Taehyung can see it.
âYou are all here to find your perfect match, but your current match may not be your perfect one. We all know kissing is a big part of a coupleâs compatibility.
Seven minutes in Heaven, thatâs our take on it. Todayâs game is calledâŚâ Seojoon walks his eyes over them and then his voice exclaims âKissing gameâ
âI knew itâ Jin mumbles from his right, a loud grumble escaping past his lips.
No wonder, Jin revolts, he and Hobi are almost married at this point.
âNow weâre talking, I love this gameâ Jae curses with a grin, threading his fingers through his hair.
The others are oddly silent. Taehyung doesnât look around him to read the reactions of others.
He said fuck it to all. This show is not fair, so Taehyung is hell bent on riding the wave himself and enjoying it, playing a good game, creating a good show and then leaving it with his honour in hand.
Seojoon continues âIn todayâs compatibility game, youâll each kiss your partner and other two potential matches that we chose for you. Youâll kiss three people in total while being blindfolded. Youâll rate each kiss without knowing who youâre kissing.
The couple who scored each other the highest will win the game, go on a luxurious date and have the right to choose two people from the villa to go on dates with new participants. The game will be in the evening, prepare your lips.â
âOh, shit.â
Right, it will be fun.
Seojoon leaves them with their jaws hanging open.
âWanted to taste your lips for a whileâ Jimin teases as they retreat to the pool.
âAll you need to do is just askâ Taehyung grins. But the calmness he portrays outside doesnât match the storm steering inside.
There is a possibility he'll kiss Jungkook. There are the lowest chances that could happen. Taehyung saw the strong friendship between Joy and Jungkook, he also has seen Jungkook multiple times talking with Liaâs new match, a mint haired man with an eyebrow pierced.
Taehyung greatly thinks about what could be his two own matches, who would he kiss beside Jimin, when he has close to no interaction with others.
He can hear sneers from the main hall. For sure, many are averted to the game. But they came to a dating show,
Taehyung understands the purpose of the game, the hype itâll create in the viewers.
âWho do you think will be your two other matches?â Taehyung asks Jimin who perched his ass on the kitchen table, a cocktail in his hand.
âI feel like it may be Lia.
We had talked at times when she cried about her heartbreak. Maybe another person could be Hobi, we bonded over our love for dance. Or maybe Nabi, we have a great hatred between each other after all.â
âWell, sheâs hot, a bit psychotic, but you knowâŚâ
Jimin grins, taking a sip from the glass. Taehyung can see where Nabi's charm is coming from. She is carefree. He walks to the fridge to prepare himself a drink, when an arm grips his shoulder tight. Taehyung turns to Nabi. The girl smiles wildly as she whispers in his ear.
âBetter keep your lips shut if he becomes your kissing partner, otherwise I wonât keep my fists shutâ
She retracts swiftly with the same intense smile that matches her daily red lipstick.
Jimin watches them with curious eyes, sipping from his drink, swaying his legs in air.
âDid you say the same things to Jungkook?â Taehyung asks with a tilted head.
He can see how Nabi keeps her anger under control, no surprise if sheâll explode soon. Because if you start poking something, it wonât be soon until it pokes you back.
Taehyung is great at pushing buttons, ask Yoongi.
âYou have no idea what you are getting yourself into. I am Jungkookâs first and only match.â
Taehyung speaks calmly back, he will not let his calmness be swayed away
âThe early bird might get the worm, but it is the second mouse who gets the cheeseâ
âGood luck, then.â Nabi relents, leaving the kitchen with a huff.
âWhat was all that about?â Jimin questions with amusement latched onto his voice.
âOh boy, do I have a story to tell.â
Taehyung prepares a cocktail for himself and they both walk to the terrace.
Soon, Hobi and Lia join them on the grass.
The sun is generous these days, it is extremely warm and sometimes its warmth appears suffocating.
âI will not be against kissing your plump lips, Jiminâ Hobi utters with a grin.
âAll you need to do is ask, we donât have to play a game for this.â
âAnd how is your new match Lia? Didnât have much time to talk to him, Duri is his name?â
Lia nods,
but neither a smile nor a grin reaches her face. âI fear he too fell for Jungkookâs charm. Saw them yesterday talking alone on the terrace in the evening. Jungkook seemed troubled with something.â
Right, after Jungkook had a fight with Nabi. The drama thickens.
Who doesnât like an enigma? Everyone wants Jungkook.
Lia turns abruptly to him with a raised eyebrow âI heard that Jungkook fought yesterday with Nabi because she came onto you. Is there something brewing between you two?â Her eyebrows wiggle, so are Hobiâs and Jiminâs.
âWait, wait, you and Jungkook? I want all the details. I know me and Jin 90% of the time are busy doing each other here, but I need all the gossip in the 10% meanwhileâ
Taehyung lowers his head, mainly because there is nothing really to talk about,
partly because his cheeks burn under the hopeless desires.
Everyone wants Jungkook. He is not special. Because he does too. He is spared from further questioning when they hear Seojoon's voice. The game is about to begin. The sunset is falling over them. It's almost evening.
Half an hour later. Taehyung is standing in the great hall. His eyes are blindfolded. His hands are sweaty and his breathing is rushed. He likes kissing. He likes to make out. But the secrecy of it all is putting him on edge. He knows the rest are all in different rooms.
The first person he is walked in front of seems just as nervous. Taehyung can feel a rugged breath on his cheeks. There is a hand slowly perched on his face. Taehyung tilts his head, he leans in close and feels a soft pair of lips meeting him halfways.
The person seems taller than him. The touch is fragile, light, their lips collide against each other for some seconds. But then both retreat back and Taehyung can breathe lighter. The kiss wasnât bad, it was barely a kiss, like a feather touch, like the spring wind.
Taehyung has no idea who it was. Then he raises his arm towards Namjoon, who is his assistant in this game as well. Taehyung raises his fingers, he scores this kiss an 7. Namjoon pats him on the back. He doesnât see much of his cameraman, only late at night for interviews
and at days for quick smiles and encouraging words. Nonetheless, Namjoon holds great comfort for him.
The second person is walked in front of him. Taehyung waits and then in a swift movement, he receives a quick peck on his lips. The person retreats fast. Taehyung smiles.
He could taste in that frantic movement the berry's taste of lipstick. A lipstick Jimin uses most of the time.
The kiss although short, was very sweet. Taehyung scores it an 8. He is not going to cheat.
For the last person, Taehyung stays on his place as well.
Someone walks close to him.
For some reason, a sense of apprehension lingers in the air. Both are uncertain to lean in first. Taehyung feels a warm breath against his cheek, for some unknown motif his heart beats rapidly in his chest.
Then he feels fingertips brushing over his cheek and then nose, then those fingers trail over his lips, lingering there, then settling on the chin.
Taehyung is impatient, he doesnât wait any longer. The sooner the game ends, the better. He leans in and captures the otherâs lips
It is a short kiss, Taehyung wants to retreat back, but then his lips are captured in a lock. The personâs grip on his chin is stronger and Taehyung feels heat swim through his body at the way he is handled. Itâs maddening. Their lips are intertwined but neither does move.
And then the person deepens the kiss, swallowing his lips, his gasps. It feels like heâs drowning or falling from the sky without a parachute. His chin is kept in place, tilted to the side as the person kisses him hard, deep, urgent, with a fever he has never known before.
The gradation of intensity makes him cling to the person as the only solid thing in a dizzy swaying world. He feels a finger pressed to his lips, opening it wider and then a tongue swirls inside. The personâs mouth is parting his now shaking lips, sending wild tremors.
And before he knows it, Taehyung is kissing the person back. Taehyung tastes the bite of liquor and he canât have enough. It drives him insane, the way their lips slot together.
Fuck his life. He is still unmoving in his place, a hand is still gripping his chin with force,
holding it in place as his mouth is ravished and he gasps for air between kisses. He breathes through the kiss. There is something in not being able to see, but having other senses heightened. Because he feels the kiss with all his senses. He feels the hand sliding down his body
and curling around his waist pressing him closer. His body meets a muscled chest.
âOkay, this is enough, you will be walked to your rooms. You are the last to finish the game. Do not take the blindfold of your eyes yet.â
The kiss ends abruptly. Taehyung steps back.
He ignores how the other personâs lips trail after his in an attempt to catch them again, biting, trying to hold in place.
Taehyung feels an arm on his back guiding him back to his room, up the stairs. All the time he canât but think how much heâs screwed.
Because he scored the kiss with a ten. Namjoon takes off his blindfold.
âCome downstairs in half an hour. They will reveal the scores.â
Taehyun enters the room and meets Jiminâs questioning gaze.
âI am a dead man, Jimin. I am screwed.â He utters before he falls on the bed.
âWhat happened? Were the kisses that bad?â
âNo, opposite, I will burn in hellâ Taehyung lets his body fall on Jiminâs lap. He keeps his eyes closed. He canât face the world anymore. âI scored someone a 10, we kissed for 5 minutes and I am pretty sure that is Jungkook.â
âOh, damnâ
âExactly. What about you?â
Jimin smiles timidly âOne of the kisses was very sweet, too short, wouldnât mind to continue it, I scored it a 9â
Taehyung whistles and his sadness turns into happiness for his close friend.
âWeâre not winning this game, are we?â
Jimin shakes his head amused. Soon they are asked to come downstairs. Taehyung quickly grabs a black cap, hiding all of his face with a bandana too.
âThis for sure wonât save you from Nabiâ Jimin says as they walk out of the room.
âItâs the heating, the sun.. you knowâ
âSure, sureâ Jimin is still laughing, holding his hand all through it as they approach the main hall. Taehyung doesnât dare to look around. He sits fast on a couch and ignores everyone. Jimin sits near him and keeps him company.
Seojoon joins them.
Taehyung can hear everyone cheering. He guesses those cheers will die down soon.
âHow are yâall? Did you have fun?â Seojoon asks.
âOh, yeahâ Itâs Jae who exclaims, which earns him a punch on the back from Joy.
Although, Taehyung knows Joy likes Jungkook. What a great show.
âLetâs dive right in. Why donât we start with Jimin. Tell me sweetheart about your second kissâ
Jimin goes pliant near him, with his body trapped in Taehyungâs arms. âI enjoyed it. It was too short, but very sweet.â
âYou scored it an 8. Your second kiss was Taehyung.â
They both hug each other and the rest cheer. Taehyung lowers his bandana as he whispers into Jiminâs ear âsoulmate. youâll see why.â
Seojoon smiles at them âAnd how was the first kiss whom you scored a 9?â
âIt was really good, um⌠sweet, deepâ Jimin is shy when he describes it
âWell, I am glad to announce that your first kiss was Lia.â
Taehyung can see that there is no much surprise in Jiminâs eyes. But his cheeks burn a little. And he hides his head in Taehyungâs chest.
âNow, weâll go to Nabi, do you want us to tell how was your second kiss?â
Taehyung doesnât look at Nabi, nor at Jungkook beside her. He keeps his eyes either on Seojoon or Jimin. But his heart is restless.
Nabi grins âThe kiss was passionate, lots of tongue, wet, wild, I scored it a 9â
âWell, you did right, because your second kiss was Jungkookâ
Then Seojoon goes like these through the rest. Joy has scored the highest to Jungkook, a solid 9. Taehyung sees the exact moment when Nabi freezes, thereâs surprise in her eyes. Taehyung can see the wheels turning into her head. She doesn't let it show on her face though.
Jae has scored the highest to Joy. Lia for Jimin, Hobi scored Jimin the highest while Jin scored Nabi the highest.
Taehyung pales when Seojoonâs eyes fall on him.
âI believe you enjoyed the game greatly, Taehyungâ
âJust like the othersâ He mumbles and squirms in his seat.
âWill you tell me about your second kiss?â
âUm⌠it was sweet, short, definitely an 8, plump soft lips.â
âLips who belong to your match Jiminâ Seojoon announces with a grin.
Jimin high fives him. He whispers âsoulmateâ to his ear.
âWill you now tell us about the third kiss?â
Taehyung almost dies on the spot. The cap and the bandana hold little to no protection.
âIt was okayâ He replies swiftly.
A laugh follows. Seojoon wipes the tears from his eyes as he is almost rolling on the floor from it. Okay, a bit exaggerated.
Others are immersed.
âIt was just okay but you scored it a whole 10? Donât be shy now, tell us moreâ
âLet him be, heâs shyâ Jimin rasps as he envelops Taehyung in a tight hug, almost shielding him from the others. Even though Jimin is tiny.
âGlad to announce that your third kiss was Jungkookâ
It all happens at once. Cheers, gasps, whistles. Taehyung mutes it all. He hides in Jiminâs chest.
He knew it was Jungkook. There was nothing giving it away. Still, it was clear to him. Taehyung mustâve gone insane.
âNow, on the last person of the evening. Jungkook tell us how was your second kiss?â
Jungkookâs voice is rasped at the edges, as if he lacks oxygen, as if he ran a mile âIt was passionate, crazy definitely, how I like it.â
âYou gave it a strong 9. I am happy to say it's Nabi.â
Taehyung almost melts onto the couch. The suspense is killing me. He fears the upcoming drama. But he fears Jungkookâs scoring just as much. What if all the intensity of the kiss was felt only on his part.
âAnd how was your third kiss Jungkook?â
Jungkook pauses.
Taehyung canât see his eyes, but he knows thereâs hesitance in them. And then Jungkook speaks. âThe kiss took my breath away.â
Gasps are heard around. âI understand, no wonder you scored Taehyungâs kiss with a 10.â
In the next moment a lot of things happen.
Jimin bursts into laughter near him. Hobi squeals. Nabi stands up and rushes out of the room. Jungkook follows.
âWhat a great gameâ Duri, Liaâs new match speaks for the first time.
âCouldnât agree more. Anyway, the winners of this game are Nabi and Jungkook. Enjoy the nightâ
Jungkook and Nabi won because they scored each other the highest points. The next second Taehyung rises from the couch. He rushes upstairs, storms inside the room, lays on the floor, closes his eyes. He ignores the chaos outside, that Jungkook and Nabi are going tonight on a date
âIf you lay on the floor and pretend nothing happened, Nabi will still be after your assâ Jimin speaks amusedly as he enters the room as well.
âI do not know what you are talking aboutâ
âAbout the magnificent, magical kiss you andâŚâ
âThere was no kiss. I donât know anythingâ
âYou know what I am curious about. I have yet to see you and Jungkook have a proper conversation, did you even spend some time alone this week at all?â
It dawns on him, Jiminâs words. He shakes his head.
âThen itâs insane, your chemistry. Imagine if you talked aloneâŚ
you probably wouldnât even talk, just jump each other andâŚâ
âShut up, shut up, nothing happened. And what about you and Lia, when that happened?â
Jimin falls on the bed and hides himself between the covers âI am very sleepy, talk tomorrow.â
Sleep is good.
It puts an end to his inner torments. The next morning, he purposefully takes a long time to be dragged from his bed. Then he spends an entire hour in the shower. He tries not to think of the luxury date Jungkook and Nabi had yesterday night.
It is awkward when he joins the others in the main area. Jimin is already seated on a couch. Hobi calls him to his side and Taehyung lays near him. On the other side thereâs Jin. Taehyung knows both have questions laying at the tips of their tongues. But they do not ask.
âI wonder who Jungkook and Nabi will send on dates.â Lia breaks the silence, a soft smile on her lips.
âIt must be me for sure againâ Jimin utters.
They do not have much time to ponder over the question. Taehyung sees him and his breath halts. Jungkook enters the mansion.
He seems troubled. He is alone.
âWhere is Nabi?â Joy asks.
âFirst person who goes on a date is Duriâ Jungkook speaks, ignoring the question.
Liaâs match stands up with a grin and heads outside.
âJungkook, whatâs happening?â Joy pushes.
âNabi⌠she sent herself on a date with her ex. Sheâs bringing him in the showâ Jungkook speaks.
âDramaâ Jae says lowly.
Joy rushes and hugs Jungkook.
Taehyung looks at Jimin. Jimin stares back at him.
âI donât have any idea whatâs happening.â
âMe neitherâ
Soon, Jungkook is not in the room anymore. Honestly Taehyung has no idea what to think. He feels like he knows how Jungkook kisses, but he has no idea what his soul is made of, or what he's thinking, feeling.
âWonât be surprised of anything on this show anymoreâ Jin says
Taehyung excuses himself. He goes to the kitchen. Cocktails nowadays are the only way to survive and entertain the drama.
âShe is stupidâ
Taehyung hears a voice over his shoulder. He turns and faces Jaeâs amused face.
âWhy the hell has she done this?â Taehyung inquires.
âShe acted impulsively. She wants to make him jealous. Jungkook has a bad history with Nabiâs ex. Theyâre from the same industry, a bit of close friends turned rivals. Insane, I tell you.â
âAnd will Jungkook be jealous?â
Jae smiles again, leaning on the kitchen counter.
âNabi is stupid. Jungkook will never be jealous. Or wonât show it at least. Heâd rather leave the show, than do what Nabi expects of him.â
âI just got a headache from all of thisâ
âDonât forget about the price for all the precious information I share with you.â
âI wonât.â
Jae leaves with a cheeky grin.
Todayâs the matching session.
Taehyung doesnât see much of the rest during the day. They lounge near the pool with Jimin, splashing each other with water, playing some board games with Hobi, Jin and Lia. Soon, the evening falls upon them.
Thereâs a party coming before the start of the matching session.
Taehyung chooses a pair of tight black trousers, a silver chain hanging over his belly, a black sleeveless top with an adorned matching silver choker. He styles his curls that fall on his forehead.
Jimin promises to attend later. Taehyung walks downstairs. Jin and Hobi are wearing matching red suits. Lia is nowhere to be seen. Jae is chilling by the bar. Heâs probably drunk already. But he does look good in his black suit with a naked chest underneath. Taehyung walks to him
âI guess itâs time you pay your price, darlingâ
Taehyung feels the bittersweet taste of the champagne he drowns down his throat.
âAre you sure?â
âHeâs now packing his things. Jungkook wants to leave the show.â
âAnd is Joy there with him, consoling him?â
There's a surprise colouring Jaeâs black orbit eyes. Taehyung smiles. So, this is it.
âHow did you know?â Jae asks, he seems defeated.
âYou are not the only one observing others well. This is why I must pay the price. You like Joy, you truly like her. What a pity.â
Finally, a smile bestows upon Jaeâs face. He grins and leans in with his drink. âLetâs cheer for the heartbrokens' club. After all, you understand me well.â
It burns. Taehyung clinks his glass with Jaeâs.
The sun has just set over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sprawling gardens of the luxurious villa. The air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of gentle jazz music drifted from the direction of the pool. As Duri arrives with his new match,
a petite black haired girl, so does Nabi with a tall man, all muscles and tattoos, fierce red hair. It must be Nabiâs ex, Eun. Nabi shines and she retells their date excitedly. Taehyung sees though how her eyes roam around in search for someone.
Jungkook and Joy are still absent from the party.
Hobi and Jin act like the hosts, they seem like wealthy socialites, they make their way around the garden, greet the participants, invite others to the dance stage. Nabi is standing in a corner, her eyes are downcast.
She is wearing a flowing summer dress, adorned with sparkling jewels, and her laughter echoes across the garden. But itâs a fake sad laugh. Soon Joy walks out of the house and Jungkook follows her. Joy joins Nabi and hugs her. Jungkook heads to Jin and Hobi.
Taehyungâs eyes shamefully trail from head to toe, Jungkook looks magnificent. Heâs wearing a black see through, barely holding his ripped arms and chest. His thighs are enveloped in a pair of black jeans. His beauty is striking. Face chiseled, with high cheekbones
and a strong jawline, giving him an air of confidence and power. But it was his eyes that truly captivated anyone who looked his way.
His eyes were a deep, rich brown, with flecks of gold that seemed to glimmer in the light. They held a depth that was almost hypnotic,
drawing people in and leaving them transfixed. They were the kind of eyes that held the secrets of the universe, as if each one held a star that shone brightly in the darkness.
His face was cute, with a slightly crooked smile that was both charming and disarming at the same time
It was a face that exuded warmth and kindness, making anyone feel instantly at ease in his presence. But there was also a hint of sexiness there, a subtle undercurrent that hinted at a hidden intensity lurking just below the surface.
âAre you writing poems about Jungkookâs beauty in your mind?â
He is woken up from his elusive thoughts. He faces Jae with red burning cheeks. âI was not.â
âDonât worry. Itâs embarrassing, but I do the same with Joy.â
âDamn, we are fools.â
âOne fool is misery, two fools are victory.â Jae exclaims and Taehyung is sure he just invented the quote on the spot. Taehyung excuses himself from Jae. He approaches Jimin. It begins to hurt the more he stares at Jungkook.
âI have something to tell youâ He immediately says.
Lia excuses herself and leaves them both.
Jimin grins âYou want to match with Jungkook tonight, but you donât know how to tell me?â
Taehyungâs eyes widen âThis soulmate bond is scaring meâ
Jimin engulfs him in a hug âYouâre just too enamoured. I think itâs worth a chance.
The instant chemistry between you too. Itâs worth exploring it, otherwise youâll regret it.â
âAnd what about you?â
âI think I want to try and match Lia,â Jimin replies sheepishly. âSo, take the risk.
You need to have better love experiences to talk about than that one from school when youâd trade lunches for loveâ
Taehyung laughs, but his voice is pained âI donât know if Jungkook wants to stay in the show, I actually donât know him at all.â Itâs horror that captures him.
He really has no idea who Jungkook is.
âThatâs what this chance is for, to get to know him. Youâll spend days together and nights in a bedroom. Youâll join games and if you win youâll go on dates together.â
Taehyung turns to look at Jungkook, but he sees Joy instead.
Sheâs drowning a shot of vodka. Her eyes are fixed on Jungkook standing alone on the terrace. Oh, no.
Taehyung then sees Jae trailing her with his eyes. Thereâs a silent sadness in them. Oh, no.
Taehyung grabs the shot from Jiminâs hand. He drowns it in one go.
It burns, no more than what heâll do. Taehyung sees Joy ready to go to Jungkook. Taehyung walks forward first. He reaches Jungkook who raises his eyes at him. He seems surprised.
âCan we talk?â
Jungkook nods. He holds his hand. Taehyung takes it. They walk to the flower garden
Itâs his first time being alone with Jungkook. Screw that, itâs his first time doing the first step, taking the risk. Heâs so nervous.
âWhy is your hand shaking?â Jungkook asks. He holds it gently with both of his hands, threading his fingers over it as they walk in the garden.
âItâs coldâ
Jungkookâs laugh clinks in the warm summer evening. He doesnât comment on it anymore. They reach the gazebo and sit down.
He has no idea how he should begin it.
âSo, I wanted to talk about howâŚâ He pauses, words get tangled on his tongue.
âHow you told me I can undress you?â Jungkook asks cheekily. Thereâs a childish innocence to his words, the way he behaves, but why is it so sexy? His raspy voice, tilted head, intense eyes that stare and do not break eye contact.
âWell, amongst other things.â
Taehyung stargazes in Jungkookâs eyes.
âYou want me to undress you here?â Jungkookâs low voice sends shivers through his body. It should be illegal.
Jungkookâs hands are on Taehyungâs thighs, gently caressing. He didnât notice when that happened.
âNo, noâŚâ
Taehyung stands up abruptly. He walks on the other corner of the gazebo.
He still hears and sees Jungkookâs amused face.
Taehyung needs to gather up his thoughts and speak eloquently.
âTake your timeâ Jungkook assures him
âI have a pretty sight in front of me, I am not rushingâ He utters as he keeps staring at Taehyung with the same intensity.
Oh, damn this man.
âI know it has been a hard day for you and I also understand that you want to leave the show.
But if there is any chance that you can stay, do it for me. I mean stay for me⌠no, that wasnât right, be my match, Jungkook.â
Taehyung expects many reactions, what he doesnât expect is the surprised eyes, the pause that follows, the silence.
âYou want me to be your match?â
Taehyung doesnât have the courage to say those words anymore. So, he nods.
âWhat about Jimin?â
âHe wants to match with Liaâ
âBut you two were perfect together, I mean I thoughtâŚâ
âMe and Jimin have never been together, romantically I mean, we are close friends andâŚâ
âYes.â Jungkook interrupts him.
âYouâre going to be my match?â
âYes.â Jungkook whispers. He walks closer. His breath is close too, warm, soft. Taehyug takes a step back, but his back faces the wall.
Jungkook corners him against the wall with his arm. Taehyung will melt soon.
He lowers down and escapes the trap under Jungkookâs arm. Taehyung rushes out of the garden. Jungkook follows him through the string of flowers. His smiles and chuckles follow too.
Taehyung is overwhelmed. It feels like a chase. Taehyung reaches the pool.
The party is still in vigour. Jungkook reaches him and his back collides with Taehyungâs.
âCanât escape now. You are my matchâ He whispers.
Taehyungâs knees go weak. It is not good, not good at all. He sees everyoneâs eyes trained on them.
Jungkook takes his hand and walks them over to Jin and Hobiâs table.
Hobi claps excitedly âThis was amazing. I am in awe of the show.â Jin grins beside them.
Taehyung sees Nabi rushing out of the party, tears streaming down her face,
her new match, Eun, her ex follows after her inside the villa.
Taehyung can see Jiminâs wink. He is holding Liaâs hand.
âI believe the party is ending. Should we retreat to our bedroom?â Jungkook whispers to him, over his shoulder, back pressed against his.
âI have something to do, you go firstâ
Jungkook nods and heads upstairs to their now bedroom.
Taehyung goes to the kitchen. He finds Jae pouring himself another drink. Jae smiles at him when their eyes meet.
âYou paid your price, you made Jungkook your matchâ
âOtherwise Joy would have done itâ
âExactly, though I fear now youâll leave the heartbrokenâs club and leave me aloneâ
Taehyung shakes his head âEveryone will leave this show heartbroken, trust me. These shows rarely produce something lasting.â
Jae cheers to that, carrying a bottle of rum and leaving the kitchen.
Taehyung heads upstairs. But he be damned. Thereâs a person standing in his way.
âYou just made the game so much more interesting, Taehyung. Make sure to enjoy it while it lasts.â Joy speaks
with a drink in her hand as well. She smiles earnestly and lets him walk upstairs.
What hell of a night.
And Jungkook is his match now. Taehyung wonders if this villa will become hell or heaven for him from now on.
Taehyung takes a deep breath before opening the door to their new bedroom. He has no expectations. He is ready to have Jungkook as another experience.
Jungkook is laying on the bed, only a pair of shorts on, as he scribbles something on a paper.
Once the door closes, Jungkookâs eyes raise to meet his.
Jungkook places the paper on the shelf near the bed. He leans on the armrest with a grin.
âCan I undress you now?â Jungkook says, voice low and husky.
Taehyung shakes his head as he heads to the bathroom
with a pair of shorts in hand from his strawberry coloured pyjamas.
âCan we at least make out?â Jungkook continues. Belatedly Taehyung realises, Jungkook is sulking. Heâs also playing.
âMaking out is not the answer.â Taehyung replies calmly,
unzipping his pants that fall to the floor, then taking the top off and the jewellery.
âNo, but it is the question. To what the answer is âYesâ. So, want to make out?â
Taehyung chuckles at the creativity, but he still shakes his head.
He grabs the towel and enters the bathroom.
He can hear Jungkook yelling from behind, âI couldâve undress you more gentleâ
Taehyung canât stop from smiling as water pours over him.
When Taehyung leaves the bathroom, he sees Jungkook already asleep. He is softly tucked in a pile of blankets on the couch.
Taehyung feels fondness rise inside his chest. He lays on the king sized bed. Sleep comes easily to him, sweetly, dreamily.
Taehyung wakes up to the sound of water running. He never imagined that the first thing he would see in the morning would be Jeon Jungkook, half naked getting out of the shower, humming under his breath.
Today will be good.
Jungkook glances at him with a light expression, drying his hair with a towel.
Taehyung is conflicted with how he should proceed further.
âAre you hungry?â Jungkook asks, neatly folding the towel and placing it in a rack. He sits at the edge of the bed.
his eyes stare intently at Taehyung.
He is not used to being seen like this. It makes him feel as if heâs naked. The piercing stare doesnât end abruptly as Taehyung catches the eyes. He starts to love it on him. He might even become a bit greedy over the attention.
âI brought some food from upstairs,â Jungkook continues, directing his index finger towards the table in the middle of the room. The wooden surface holds a magnitude of dishes and Taehyung can blame his mouth watering reaction to all the food.
Heâll be a hypocrite if he wouldnât admit itâs because of Jungkook too.
âAre there any strawberries?â Taehyung inquires as he is trying hard to focus on all the dishes.
Jungkook chuckles, the sound resounds in the room, Taehyung is not used to it, this different environment.
At the same time, he is giddy and excited. He has never done it before. Having a crush, so bad that he is ready to get out of his comfort zone, to experience new things, to risk it just to reach the man.
âThere are strawberries on the slice of cake
and there is a small plate with fresh strawberries, also a juice on the side.â
Now Taehyung can notice them on the table too. His heart does something inside, heats up, he feels dizziness.
âHow did you know I like strawberries?â
âI am observant,â Jungkook replies.
As they both sit at the table, Taehyung can start to feel the tense silence.
âDoes it feel awkward?â Taehyung dares to ask, he feels the urgency to be honest with Jungkook, to open himself up. They played with each other enough. Nothing can be built purely on fun.
Jungkook raises his eyes from the plate. There is genius curiosity in his look, childish almost innocent. What a contrast to his inked chest and muscled arms.
âIt does feel a bit, but it's natural.â
âWhat do you mean?â
âPhysical attraction canât sustain a relationship alone.â
âOh,â Taehyung hums as his heart drops a tiny centimetre down. He grabs a whole strawberry and stuffs his mouth with it.
Jungkook looks at him and there is amusement swimming in his glance âWe will just need to find other things to help strengthen the matchâ
âLike what?â
âTalking for a firstâ
Taehyung scoffs, itâs an immediate reaction he fails to control âWhat do you think weâre doing now?â
A small chuckle escapes from Jungkookâs lips. It starts off as a low rumble in his throat before growing louder and more pronounced.
His shoulders shake as the chuckle turns into a deep laugh.
The sound of Jungkookâs laughter is infectious, causing Taehyung to grin and chuckle along. His eyes crinkle at the corners, and his head tilts back as he enjoys this peculiar moment.
As the laughter begins to subside, Taehyung once again feels heat swarming from inside.
âI think we need to go on a date,â Taehyung says, solemnly. Deep inside heâs surprised by his own bravery.
âFor that we need to win a game.
I am quite sure the game today will be based on questions to test how good we know each other, as weâre already three weeks in the gameâ
âBut we donât know much about each otherâ
âTime to change that, what do you think about hiding today from everyone
and spending some time alone until the game?â Jungkook stares at him earnestly. Taehyung is scared of how he already thinks that itâs hard to say no to Jungkook.
âGot a place in mind?â
An hour later, Taehyung walks through the large bushes, his hand is softly held by Jungkook,
who trails him along the garden. When they reach its centre, both sit on the grass.
âThis is my favourite place of the villaâ Jungkook softly says, as he closes his eyes and leans his face towards the sun, enjoying the rays dancing on his skin.
âWhy?â
Taehyung closes his eyes and does the same.
âIt has no cameras.â
The fragrance of blooming flowers fills the air, and the soft rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze provides a soothing melody. Taehyung doesnât know for how long he can hide here with Jungkook,
but he wants to enjoy every bit of it.
They continue to soak in the warmth of the sun on their skin. They open their eyes, their eyes meet, and they exchange a smile. Taehyung takes a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers around them.
"Are you feeling better," Taehyung asks, breaking the comfortable silence. "about what happened yesterday with Nabi andâŚ"
He nods swiftly. "I feel lighter. I really came here to explore, to enjoy, to try new things, meet new people, but then she joined the show too,
I didnât know she would be here. I broke things with her months prior. We kind of had a thing in the past" Jungkook explains. âI felt burdened in a way and really tried to give it a chance, butâŚâ
âYou matched meâ
âI didâ
âWhy?â
âYouâre kind of cuteâ Jungkook says
and his tone is warm, teasing.
Taehyung has little to no resistance against such an attack.
âAnd why did you match me?â Jungkook asks. Taehyung deciphers a hint of raw curiosity there.
Taehyung doesnât know what prompts him to be honest.
He doesnât feel like playing a role in front of Jungkook or guarding himself. âI had a debt to pay to Jae, he asked me to match with you. Honestly, I find you a very peculiar person, really hard to read, you are everywhere, and still youâre very keen on keeping things private.
I see how you lean towards me, but I also see apprehension hidden in your eyes.â
Jungkook smiles at him, studying his face. "We all have our role here. Itâs a dating show after all, a show."
âWas it you playing your role by agreeing to match with me?â Taehyung asks,
his breath halted. Jungkookâs face is one blooming fragrance away from his.
âWas it you paying your price to Jae by offering to match with me?â Jungkook asks him back and Taehyung catches the words with the deep release of breath. Taehyung chuckles, feeling a little bashful.
âNo, it was a burst of courage to finally pursue what I wantâ
âFor me it was a chance to get my breath stolen away again.â Jungkook says. The smell of roses, the petals floating in the warm wind, Taehyung wants to fall, he is ready to fall, no matter what awaits him at the end.
Taehyung is ready to have his heart broken by Jungkook. After all, what is Love if not gamble. And if you're going to try to play, at least take some risks and go all the way. Taehyung looks at love like at a game of poker. If he's not intent on winning, he doesn't start it.
And years later, he finally found a good game to play with a worthy prize. Jungkook stares at him as if he ca read his thoughts. A if he knows what lingers behind the shy smile and blushing cheeks. Their faces are so close. Taehyung is prompted to make the next move. But...
Jungkook retreats back, his face is now inclined towards the roses. His eyes are close again and Taehyung still doesnât understand the reason behind the apprehension he noticed earlier in his eyes. Taehyung didnât lean in, they were just breathing each other in.
It still feels like a tiny rejection. Because Jungkook could have kissed him at that moment. But he didnât.
"Tell me something about yourself." Jungkook urges and Taehyung remembers the reason they hid in the garden. They have a game to win.
Taehyung tells him about his love for colour green and the sweet flavour of strawberries, he tells him about his passion for jazz and art books. He shares how he wants a big family, how he has limited experience in dating, but he is a very affectionate person.
Jungkook shares snippets of his inner world too. About how he is competitive, practices boxing, likes dancing, loves easy, but has suffered a lot because of that. Taehyung loves hardly. What a contrast between the two.
They talk about their favourite books, places they want to travel to, and their hobbies. As they chat, the sun melts down, the fragrance of roses becomes stronger. Taehyung's crush too. He sees the exposed skin on Jungkook's collarbones. He wants to kiss it. He feels faint.
A part of him, buried deep, that rarely resurfaces, wants Jungkook to be affected just as much by him. Taehyung wants them both to be on fair ground.
The sunset finds them with their bodies touching together, with no space between, with Jungkook whispering things in his ear.
âI canât believe you listened to that radio episode,â Taehyung exclaims. âI was telling everyone my embarrassing story about my first love and how I traded lunches for his affection.â
Taehyung feels embarrassment wash over him, laughter invades him too,
his head falls in waves of amusement over Jungkookâs shoulder. Itâs intimate. He belatedly realises just how intimate it is. Taehyung raises his head and locks eyes with Jungkook. The latter's intense look pierces him.
âI could love you better.â Jungkook whispers.
The words curve his back and part his lips. Itâs Taehyungâs turn to retreat back. He abruptly stands up and heads towards the villa âLetâs go or weâll miss the gameâ He tries to muffle his voice, but he can hear Jungkookâs deep and rich laughter behind.
Taehyung is overwhelmed by the connection between them, but he equally fears that such raw passion would die easily. When they reach the terrace, they see others already waiting for Seojoon to announce the game. It wa sheaven while they were alone. Now they aren't. Now it's scary
As they sit on the couch, Taehyung canât help but feel a sense of unease. Jimin immediately attaches himself to him, jumping in his arms.
âHavenât seen you all day? Where have you been? I missed youâ
Taehyung accepts the embrace, he feels soft, he hugs Jimin back,
jimin who is the constant and the source of stability and comfort here. Taehyung sees Joy coming close to Jungkook, asking him something.
Itâs as if the little world they build around themselves when theyâre alone, explodes once theyâre with the others.
Taehyung then looks at Nabi and heâs perplexed upon seeing heartbreak on her face. Her exâs hand on her thigh doesnât seem to bring her any satisfaction. Taehyung is not a big fan of Han, her ex, so far as he has seen him around the villa. Han is too loud,
his jokes are offensive but not funny, he is loose with his hands, he treats all this like a jungle, and Taehyung knows he doesnât like him. Nabi wants to appear scary, but sheâs weak and frail inside. Taehyung can see it in her eyes, sheâs not defiant anymore.
She is just heartbroken. There could be pain behind her eyes. But Taehyung is not a fool. There could also be plotting there. She's too quiet.
âWhen are you telling me all the details?â Jimin asks, waking him up from his trance.
Taehyung turns to him with a smile
âThereâs nothing much to tell. Ready for todayâs game? I am going to absolutely destroy you now that we're in different teamsâ
Jiminâs answer is cut by Seojun, who enters the area with a big smile as always. Lucky him, heâs not subjected to get hurt in a love gambling show.
âToday weâre about to dive deeper and have fun. What about a bath yâall?â Seojoon grins in the way Taehyung knows everything is about to get freaky. âEveryoneâs feeling good about their matches?â
âI was born for this momentâ Jin exclaims while he plants a kiss on Hobiâs cheek.
Everyone coos at them.
Seojoon continues âTodayâs compatibility challenge will give you an insight into how each of you perceives certain situations. The game itself is very easy. I will read a series of common situations that can happen in any relationship.
If you think my statement is cute, that it is something you would do, then you scribble âcuteâ on your small board. But if you think the statement is cringe and itâs something youâll never do, then you answer âcringe. You will be turned opposite each other,
in order not to see what the other partner writes. If your answer to the situation matches with your partner's answer, you gain a point, if it doesnât you lose one. Three lost points and you need to slide in a big pool of foam. The couple who remains the last on the trampoline
wins the date and a chance to choose two people to go on dates tomorrow.â
Everyone cheers on and then theyâre escorted to the beach where Taehyung sees the big trampoline and the pool of foam that follows.
As Taehyung advances towards the game area,
he feels an arm settling on his back, then a hot breath on his neck.
âI just got you, donât tell me I'm already losing youâ Jungkook whispers as he walks beside him, an arm curled around his waist. Jimin remains behind, giving them a bit of space. Taehyung tries to play it cool
âIt doesnât matter where we wander, but if we find the way back to each other.â Taehyung says cheekily. He struggles to not show just how affected he is by each of Jungkookâs words and actions. But the rosy blush on his cheeks gives him away.
After his words, Taehyung feels a soft touch on his cheek. He turns with wide eyes to Jungkook, who pecked his cheek swiftly.
âYou were just too cuteâ Jungkook explains âEyes on the path, babyâ He says as he helps Taehyung not to trip over, holding his body against his.
It takes a while for each match to settle in their spots. Taehyung is turned with his back to Jungkook.
Seojoon begins âFirst scenario is sharing your toothbrush with your loverâ
Taehyungâs immediate action is to scribble âcringeâ on his board.
When everyone finishes writing, they turn to the front. Taehyung can hear gasps, as well as hums of happiness. He turns to Jungkook and looks at the cardboard.
âGermsâ
âGermsâ
They say at the same time with a disgusted look as they see how their answers matched.
âI see two people who answered yes. Joy and Jae explain yourselves.â
âYou kiss anyway, I donât see the problemâ Jae says cooly.
âThatâs literally disgusting, do you know how many germs there areâŚâ Hobi tries to argue.
Jae cuts him off, standing on his point
âYou stuck each otherâs tongues down your throats every day. I am also sure you and Jin exchanged every bodily fluid with each otherâ
Everyone laughs at that, because often they witnessed it themselves.
Seojoon continues the game âBaby or other pet names, is it cute or cringeâ
Taehyung thinks about it and hesitates with the answer. He is torn between cute and cringe.
âShow me your answersâ Seojoon asks.
Taehyung turns to Jungkook to see his response and immediately cheers. They both scribbled cute.
âBaby, baby, babyâŚâ Jungkook whispers as he leans in and quickly retreats back with a grin. Thatâs why Taehyung was torn between what to choose. Itâs his weakness, being called baby.
When he looks around he can see that Hobi and Jin lost a point, Nabi and Han too.
âRomance is deadâ Hobi exclaims as he sees âcringeâ scribbled on Jinâs board.
Clean answers have only Jimin with Lia, Joy with Jae and Taehyung with Jungkook.
A couple of questions later, with Jin and Hobi, Nabi and Han and Jimin and Lia already in the pool of foam,
thereâs only Joy and Jae and Taehyung and Jungkook left at the trampoline. They both have two wrong answers.
And theyâre so close to winning.
âOkay, the game is tight, letâs see who takes this win. Confessing your love to your partner publiclyâ
Oh, thatâs an easy one.
Taehyung scribbles fast, already mentally choosing an outfit for his date later. Of course itâs cringe.
âTurn and letâs see your answersâ
Taehyung turns full of smiles, the smiles fall quickly.
âHow is that cute?â Taehyung whines when he sees what Jungkook wrote on the board.
Joy and Jae both wrote âcringeâ.
Jungkook tries to hug him in an attempt of reconciliation, but Taehyung heads forward and jumps in the pool foam.
âTodayâs winner is Joy and Jae. Enjoy your date later." Seojoon announces "One small surprise awaits you tomorrow,
a big revelation will be coming, that will probably change the whole show. I am excited. See you soon.â
Thereâs nothing good happening when Seojoon is excited. Jungkook reaches him soon and latches onto him with his arms. Taehyung feels so warm in Jungkook's embrace.
They chat for a while, theorising what could be the announcement tomorrow. No one has a clue. Jungkook sits beside him on the couch. Theyâre not over each other, but Taehyung still can feel his warmth or his smile on him sometimes. They all decide to have dinner in their room.
Taehyung falls in bed, exhausted for some reason. Jungkook looks at him from the door.
âYou can sleep on the bed tonight, the couch must be uncomfortableâ Taehyung mumbles as he stretches on the bed, with a soft hum, patting the space beside him with a grin.
Jungkook is still eyeing him, something dark orbiting inside his eyes âI wonder if you realise how your words sometimes affect meâ Jungkook confesses.
Taehyung stills, heâs a bit perplexed, because thatâs the exact effect Jungkook has on him. Itâs idle.
To have someone share the same earning.
They fall asleep side by side that night. There is enough space between them, still Taehyung feels warmth.
Next day, they find out Joy and Jae send Jungkook on a date with someone, and Lia on a date as well.
Taehyung knew it was to be expected. Still, he feels his heart torn a bit. He thinks this will continue, Jungkook being sent on dates, just so he doesnât spend time with Taehyung.
He doesnât stay to see Jungkook off. Taehyung heads to the kitchen.
He grabs a glass of water and tries to drown his pain away.
And then Taehyung feels it. A pair of strong arms wrap around him from behind. He knows instantly who it is, the familiar scent of his cologne filling his senses.
Without a word, Jungkook presses his lips to his cheek
Taehyung feels his body relax into his embrace.
Jungkook nuzzles his face into his neck, his warm breath sending shivers down his spine.
âI am sorry for whatâs happening. I will come back soon and we will go to the garden for an evening stroll before the ceremony, okay?â
Jungkook says it with so much confidence, that heâll come back from a date and still want to match with Taehyung. He doesnât know if heâs a fool for clinging into that confidence.
The day passes rather pleasantly. Nabi doesnât come to him anymore, which is nonetheless scary,
she just mops around with Nabi trailing after her.
Jin and Hobi are somewheredoing god knows what.
Jimin keeps him company. He doesnât seem perturbed that Lia is on another date. They talk about breezy things, insignificant matters, just basking in the warmth of the place.
The matching ceremony arrives soon. Taehyung wants to put all his frustration in the outfit heâll wear. He ends up dressing in a see-through black shirt tucked in a pair of white pants. He styles his hair, exposing his forehead. The evening proceeds to pass slowly
as he chugs shots at a table and tries not to glance at the door every five seconds.
âNow you understand how I am feeling every time I see him with youâ Nabi says while she approaches his table.
Taehyung stays calm, because he knows what Nabi tries to convey. And sheâs right.
âJust wait until he comes with his new date here. Wait until you see them interact and you start to fade in his background.â
The evening seems more gloomy. âYouâre right Nabi. I have the right to feel heartbreak if that happens.
Just as Jungkook has the right to meet as many people as he wants, to choose anyone he wants to. My heartbreak should not influence or manipulate his own love. It's a dating showâ
He can see the moment glass breaks inside her eyes and she walks away, fearing to expose her tears.
No one owes absolutely anything in this show to anyone. They are free to experiment, try and choose. Jungkook shouldnât feel burdened to like someone else, just because someone canât accept that he doesnât like them back. It's as simple as that.
He saw the hurt in Jungkookâs eyes when they talked back in the garden. He knows thereâs more to his love failures, more to his deal with Nabi, to how she burdened him to stay with her because of fleeting moments they had together.
Making him responsible for her pain when there wasnât any promise or responsibility involved. Taehyung wonât do the same. He wants to show Jungkook that he is free to choose. Even if that choice is not him
Taehyung goes away from the villa towards the south corner of the party.
He listens to the soft jazz and feels how much he already changed in this show. And how much he didnât. He is happy he is more open, more raw with himself, taking the risks and destroying the âwhat ifsâ.
He doesnât want to hold any regrets after finishing this show.
There is commotion heard. Taehyung knows the others have arrived. He can hear cheers and loud banter. Taehyung goes in front of the others with a sheer smile. He walks near Hobi and Jin with a glass of champagne in his hand.
He sees Jungkook first,
itâs no wonder that his eyes immediately find him. Jungkookâs eyes seem to find him rather quickly as well. Taehyung also sees the blond cute guy near Jungkook, pressing onto him. That must be his date.
Still, Taehyung smiles. He turns to Jimin and Lia and her new match,
a curly guy named Hyujin. They talk about their first impressions.
Taehyung feels the warm hand curling around his waist. Then a chest is pressed against his back. Jungkook is hugging him from behind.
âDid you eat well today?â Is his first question.
Taehyung nods, not turning to look him in the eyes, because heâll give away his reddened cheeks. He canât keep count of how many times he blushed in this show, because of Jungkook.
Jimin is side-eyeing him with a grin plastered on his face. Taehyung ignores him.
Lia seems to be attached at Jiminâs side again. Taehyung sees her date, Hyunjin departing with a knowing look to find another match.
âWant to go for that evening stroll in the garden?â Jungkook asks him softly. And Taehyung nods quickly.
He excuses himself to get to his room and take his jacket. He tells Jungkook to wait for him in the garden.
Taehyung rushes to his room, excitement swirling inside. He realises as he climbs the stairs that heâs falling hard. Heâs falling hard for Jungkook.
The sudden realisation makes him halt in his tracks. He walks silently towards his room, grabs his jacket and accepts it.
No one can really decline love, can they?
On his way to the garden, thereâs a guy walking to him. Taehyung recognizes him, itâs Jungkookâs date from today.
âHey, youâre Taehyung right, Jungkookâs match?â
Taehyung nods, apprehensively. He doesnât know where it is going, but he doesnât want to be rude.
âYou and Jungkook are a perfect match in my opinion. I was a bit put off by what he told me on our date but seeing you two nowâŚâ
âWhat exactly did he tell you?â
âThat he already has his match, he wanted to be honest with me from the beginning, I appreciate itâ
Taehyung is drowned in butterflies, he feels them inside, overwhelming him. Itâs spectacular.
He walks the rest of the way in utter bliss.
He sees Jungkook with his back turned.
Taehyung walks silently. He leans in from behind and briskly pecks Jungkookâs cheek. Jungkook gasps, he turns back to him, taking him into his arms. âYou made me wait here for you for quite a while, how are you going to compensate?â
Taehyung giggles in his embrace. âI am going to let you have the bigger part of the bet tonightâ
As they stroll hand in hand through the flower garden, the sweet scent of blooming flowers fills the air. Taehyung feels a sense of peace wash over him.
The warm summer evening is perfect, the air filled with the soft sound of crickets and the twinkling of stars above. The noise from the party fades. Itâs just them two.
Taehyung watches Jungkook in silence, admiring the way the moonlight catches the curve of his cheek,
the way his eyes sparkle every time Taehyung tells him a fact about the stars.
Another fact would be that Jungkook himself nests stars in his eyes. Taehyung keeps the information to himself.
Without a word, Jungkook pulls him close, his arms wrapping around his waist
as he leans in to press a soft kiss to Taehyungâs temple. âWant to be my match?â Jungkook whispers in the comfort of the night.
Taehyung contemplates for a second too long, then he replies âYesâ.
Jungkook beams at him. Soon they walk back to the party.
Itâs time for the announcement. Taehyung didnât have enough time to think about what it could be.
When they reach the others, he sees Nabiâs eyes trained on his and Jungkookâs joint hands.
Seojoon distracts them with his arrival.
Heâs holding a bottle of champagne, grinning from ear to ear.
Something cold settles in Taehyungâs chest.
Seojoon is too happy, never good news.
âI hope you enjoyed your night, donât know if itâll continue after my announcement. Are you all ready?â Seojoon asks excitedly.
Everyone seems to bask and share his excitement.
Taehyung doesnât. Not even with Jungkook beside him.
âDo you all remember how the purpose of this show was to find your perfect match and get the most votes at the end? Well, it was utter bullshit.â Seojoon announces and everyone gasps. Seojoon basks in the horrified faces. He grins sheerily
âThere was an imposter among yâall, an already perfect match, a couple. Their goal was to hide themselves and ruin as many matches as possible, through any way possible.â
âWhat do you mean an imposter?â Hobi asks.
âAmongst you, from the start there was a couple,
I think they are dating for 4 years now, but no other spoilers will escape my mouth, they were put on this show to test both other matches compatibility and to test themselves as well. Now the rules of this show are as followed:
Try to keep your perfect match till the end of the show, also try to guess who is the imposter, who are those two people who managed to fool you, who is the true first perfect match in this show. If you guess, you all win. If the imposter couple doesnât get guessed,
if you donât guess them two, and if they still choose to match each other at the end of the show, they win.â
âAnd what exactly did this imposter couple do until now?â Hobi tries again.
âThey did a lot of things, matched with different people maybe to ruin other matches,
maybe created illusions, drama, you guess, their primary goal was to ruin as many matches as possible. Itâs fun, isnât it? Good luck in your further games and see you soon. Enjoy the rest of the nightâ Seojoon leaves them all with their mouths hanging open.
Taehyung looks around him and sees shocked faces.
Taehyung turns to Jungkook and sees his calm face. Itâs a split second that Taehyung notices the reaction. Itâs gone rapidly, but Taehyung saw it, the absolute calmness on his face, no surprise there.
Taehyung said he is ready to have his heart broken by Jungkook. Now he wonders just how much itâll hurt. Should he prepare himself. Should he defend his heart, attack, retaliate?
veni, vidi, cecidi ad vos
i came, i saw, i fell for you
veni, vidi, amavi
i came, i saw, i loved
They don't have time to start arguing about the imposter. Seojoon returns again with the same maniacal grin and his damn champagne from which he sips often.
âOne tiny detail I forgot to add is that there is a possibility that one of the imposters joined later on in the gameâ
âYou got to be kidding me, you fuckingâŚâ Han exclaims as there is an amalgam of elicited gasps around.
âYouâre really enjoying it, arenât you?â Jin asks the show presenter.
Seojoon nods with an amused chuckle âIt was my idea after all, to change the game rules a bit.â
And with that Seojoon leaves. And chaos starts.
Taehyung is not sure of anything. His heart wailes inside as if heartbreak is already barging at the door. He feels Jimin shifting closer to him.
âI hate this showâ Jimin says with a muffled whine against Taehyungâs shoulder.
Taehyung can feel eyes on him. He doesnât know how to look Jungkook in the eyes and unsee the reaction he catched before.
Jungkook, wouldnât, would he?
Jimin drags him to the dining area. They grab a glass of water.
âWho do you think it is?â Jimin asks,
one arm leaning on the door leading to the terrace.
âI donât want it to be Jungkookâ Taehyung confesses, because itâs the sole thought that consumes him at the moment.
Jiminâs face melts, softens at the raw honesty and the pinch of pain. He walks closer and embraces him.
âAs you play poker, remember to expect a loss too and prepare for it, but do not give up on winning anywayâ Jimin speaks as he hugs him tight.
The door to the kitchen opens.
âAm I interrupting something?â Jungkookâs voice is strained, cold at the edges.
He leans in towards the shelf to grab a glass as well, his eyes avoid Taehyungâs.
âNo, we were just discussing who the imposter couple could be,â Jimin explains. âWho do you think it is?â
Jungkook tilts his head as he gulps the water, still avoiding Taehyungâs gaze.
He appears deep in thought before he finally answers with a strained chuckle âdonât think you need to look too far to find themâ
Jungkook leaves the kitchen and Jimin looks at Taehyung, puzzled. âWhat was that about?â
Taehyung shrugs âI have no ideaâ
When they walk the stairs minutes later, they can hear heated arguments coming from the living room. Jimin walks in that direction. Taehyung doesnât have the energy too.
He enters his bedroom because he wants to be alone. Because he needs to be alone with his thoughts.
But there is a body sprawled on the sheets. Jungkook is softly asleep on the bed. Taehyung gets the impulsive thought to get closer. He sits at the edge of the bed. His hand aches. He lifts it and slowly, carefully, threads his fingers through Jungkookâs raven hair.
His hand gets a mind of its own, as it softly touches Jungkookâs forehead. Taehyung takes a peek at every beauty spot on Jungkookâs face. A wave of fondness washes over him. Such an overwhelming warmth, a desire to do something, to get closer, to get lost in Jungkook,
to be consumed by him, wholly, to be touched, devoured, breathed through. Itâs scary. Taehyung tries to retreat his hand from Jungkookâs hair when itâs catched in a swift lock. He sees Jungkookâs eyes open slowly. There is an unreadable expression on his face.
âLay here with me,â Jungkook whispers.
When Jungkook touches him, Taehyung gets butterflies. Itâs as simple as that. He wants to tell Jungkook. But heâs terrified. He keeps the cards to himself. They are laying in the bed, facing each other, soft blankets covering their body,
eyes locking onto each other, deep breaths, heart beating insanely.
The room is quiet, the only sound is the gentle rise and fall of their breaths. The only light is the soft glow of the moon seeping through the half-opened window blinds. The air is thick, they lay there,
their chests pressed together, feeling the warmth of each other's body.
They are too close, eyes closed, lips scraping, touching. They don't move, donât deepen the kiss. Instead, they remain locked in the moment, lips touching, breaths interlocking, hearts pounding.
The time drags on as their lips remain interlocked, frozen, neither of them daring to make the first move, afraid, insecure, pity, longing, desire. They pull away, or maybe Jungkook does first.
Thereâs a bittersweet fragrance to the next morning. Taehyung wakes up alone in bed.
Hours later Taehyung is walking alone along the beach. Namjoon decided to keep him company.
âHow has it been?â Namjoon inquires, he holds the camera in one hand, but his dimpled encouraging smile is soft and warm.
âItâs been toughâ
Namjoon nods understandingly,
âBut youâre doing well, I am proud of youâ
Taehyung wants to tear up. He greatly misses Yoongi, the source of his comfort who would play piano for him when his thoughts would get stormy. There is a fleeting thought of leaving the show. But Taehyung quickly turns it down.
Taehyung is thankful Namjoon is near him.
âI saw you spend quite a lot of time with Jungkook and you matched with him, I am happy for you, that brat may seem confident, but heâs too sensitive and a romantic at heart, although someone hurt him enough in the past, butâŚâ
When Namjoon notices how much he spilled, his hand immediately covers his mouth in a horrified gasp. âI said too much again, I am so screwedâ
Taehyung tries to smile in reassurance, he pats Namjoonâs back comfortingly
âI wonât tell anyone about it, I promise. But did you know Jungkook before the show?â
Namjoon has his eyes down, he sighs in exasperation âWeâre close friends, yes, he actually helped me get this job, but I swear there is no bias orâŚâ
âItâs okay, donât worryâ
Taehyung doesnât ask all the questions he has in mind. He wants to listen for hours to Jungkook, he wants Jungkook to open himself to him.
"One thing about Jungkook is that he has enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time."
Namjoon says with a soft smile falling on his lips. Taehyung can deschiper the meaning behind his words. Jungkook has been hurt, still he trusts to give love another chance, and then another chance.
"Please don't hurt him" Namjoon says timidly, soft and hidden like a prayer.
âWhat do you mean? I donât want to hurt himâ
Namjoon exhales âYou and uhm⌠Jimin, you two seem close and in sync and always are together, I thought at first you two are the imposter couple. Jungkook may have thought this too, thatâs why he didnât approach you for so long.â
Taehyung doesnât have time to fully grasp the words, because a sudden thing invades his mind. âWait, wait, we all got to know about the imposter couple yesterday, how would Jungkook know before that?â
Namjoon walks faster, as he curses himself
âI always end up spilling things and secrets. I am so screwed.â
Taehyung rushes after him âYouâre not screwed, but please answer my question, hyungâ Taehyung uses his dangerous charming card. He pouts, looks Namjoon in the eyes with pleading soft gaze.
Namjoon relents
âMe and him arrived at this villa a day earlier than other participants. We went into the town to a local bar. I got drunk and by mistake told Jungkook about the imposter couple thing.â
âAnd all this time he thought it was me and Jimin?â Taehyung wants to confirm.
Namjoon nods
âAs I said, once he was hurt enough, so he became very careful about who he falls forâ
âBut he still matched with meâ
âAsk him the reason behind thatâ
âI will, actually I am going to, nowâ
âPlease do not make out in the garden, there are cameras thereâ Namjoon utters,
completely horrified.
âWait, Jungkook told me there are no cameras thereâ
Namjoon smiles sheepishly âI told him there are not, because I was mad at him, I thought heâll do something embarrassing there, but he just strolls around moppingâ
Taehyung rushes out of the beach.
He is ready to show his cards. The sun shines brightly, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of roses when Taehyung reaches the garden, the place Jungkook usually hides in. His heart is beating wildly in his chest.
As he approaches the rose garden, he sees Jungkook there,
on the bench, scribbling something on his journal. Their eyes meet, and he can see the hesitance in Jungkookâs gaze, the unknown that had plagued them both until now. But he also can see adoration there.
With trembling hands, Taehyung reaches up, their eyes locked.
"Jungkook," he begins, his voice soft and trembling. "IâŚ"
Jungkook looks up at him, his eyes filled with cadence. Words gets stuck at the peek of his tongue. Jungkook strides towards him.
âI need to confess something, IâŚâ His words are swallowed.
Taehyung closes his eyes and embraces the sudden kiss, the touch. The kiss which feels like a sacred confession. Their lips dance, entangled together by a deep passion. The kiss is slow, full of substance Taehyung canât put a name on. Words die on his tongue.
His knees go weak. An arm curls around his waist, holding his body, grounding it.
When the kiss slows down, their foreheads pressed together, breaths hushed, Jungkook looks at him with a piercing gaze.
"I like you," Jungkook says, his voice soft. "I like you a bit too much."
Itâs the first time someone says these words to him. Taehyung never knew his heart can ascend to fucking heavens from a mere three words.
Thereâs a clinical satisfaction in knowing that he is liked back, than he can stare with adoration at Jungkook and feel the same stare back.
Itâs new, but itâs not nervous, itâs exciting. To get to know Jungkook and like him even more.
âI like you too,â Taehyung confesses. He leans in and pecks Jungkookâs lips quickly. Thereâs a clinical satisfaction in knowing he can kiss Jungkook whenever he wants.
âI talked to Namjoon and he explained everything aboutâŚâ
âI talked to Jimin and he explained everything aboutâŚâ
They speak at the same time. A laugh bursts out as they both fall in each otherâs embrace.
Taehyung might just get addicted to the way Jungkook holds him,
softly like a feather, gentle and caring and warm.
âSomething in me wanted more of you the moment you entered the villa. But I was afraid to get hurt again. AndâŚâ Jungkook speaks.
Theyâre resting amidst the roses. Taehyungâs head is resting on Jungkookâs lap.
Jungkookâs fingers are resting in Taehyungâs hair, drawing circles, playing.
âWho hurt you? Itâs okay if youâre not okay with sharing itâ
Jungkook smiles softly at him, he leans in and pecks his lips. Taehyung closes his eyes and enjoys it.
How Jungkook is warmer and brighter than the sun.
Is this what the beginning of love feels like? Can Love blossom in mere weeks?
âWe were best friends. Me, Han and her, my ex Euna,â Jungkook starts, a wave of sadness falls on his face âWe were the closest.
She confessed once that she liked me, she said sheâll fight to make me like her back. Soon, I did, fell in love too deep, too hard. Then after 3 years of dating, I walked in on her kissing Han, my supposedly other best friend. That night I lost my best friends, I lost my loverâ
Taehyungâs heart roars. He hates cheaters. And he hates anyone that hurt Jungkook. He senses there's more to the story. He doesnât want Jungkook to hurt remembering. He raises from Jungkook's lap, latches on the man who opened up to him. He hugs Jungkook like a sacred confession.
A confession that he will never hurt him.
âWe should win this showâ Taehyung finally says.
âWhat, thatâs a bit sudden babyâŚâ
As Taehyungâs whole face flushes red, Jungkook seems to catch on what he said. Because his face is painted the same colour.
âIt slipped, I meantâŚâ
Taehyung covers his face with his palm before Jungkook could say it was a mistake.
âYou should let it slip more oftenâ Taehyung confesses. âAnd I want to win this show, no way in hell am I letting Joy and Jae win, the ones who tried to keep us apartâ
âYouâre sure the imposter couple are them?â
Taehyung nods with a confident stance âThey are the only ones who didnât match with anyone else, theyâre always together, they won 90% of the compatibility games and they tried to separate each couple, playing games with usâ
Jungkook licks his lips with a grin âI must say you look hot when youâre competitive like thisâ
After their garden rendezvous, they play the compatibility game of the day and they win. The confessions built a seed of trust between them.
Taehyung got to know that there are a lot of layers to Jungkook. Heâs sensitive and he was hurt enough in the past. He built walls around him for all these years. Taehyung is happy Jungkook let him enter his life. Heâs a bit afraid that all the pent up attraction could die down
after the show ends, after they go back to their lives. They talk about it on their beach date.
Jungkook confesses that, âI became very calculated in the last years, and unavailable, not as any sort of strategy, no, it was because of fear to get hurt again.
Fear kept me from a lot of things, but the most poignant it kept me away from love, from trusting another person with my heart. I am so happy that my attraction towards you grew bigger than that fear. I am excited to return to my life after the show and explore it with youâ
Jungkook looks at him with a piercing intense gaze, he leans in close to his ear and whispers âAlso I canât wait to make love to you, all these cameras around make me go fucking mad I canât touch you the way I want.â
Jungkook has his many sides and Taehyung grows to adore each one of them. After their date, they decide to send on dates with new people Nabi and Jae.
Somehow Taehyung hopes Nabi will meet someone she truly likes and who likes her back. Sending Jae on a date was out of spite.
Needless to say, Joy doesnât take it well. While Jae is on a date, she corners Taehyung in the kitchen. Her face is painted in anger, her eyes are red and itâs quite a frightening sight.
Taehyung hates confrontations. And he feels anxiety crippling up.
âHow dare you send Jae on a date, our match is already fragile, he⌠pray that he doesnât like the girl you choose for him, otherwiseâ Her hand is raised in the air, but she stops herself. Taeyung feels numb for a second, he freezes up, because everything happens too quickly.
âI am really fucking mad right nowâ She seizes him up with a deadly glare and then she leaves the kitchen, still cursing out loud. Taehyung sips the water and tries to calm his beating heart.
He really, really hates confrontations.
But he really, really likes the way Jungkook holds him. Because in the next second he feels arms hugging him from behind, then a light kiss on the neck, more butterfly kisses. Jungkook is clinging onto him for the next few hours. Taehyung is not complaining.
At least thereâs no doubt now that Jae and Joy are really the imposter couple. Taehyung knew how to push the buttons well so that they reveal themselves.
Later that evening as Jae and Nabi enter the villa with their dates,
Taehyung sees from the corner of his eye as Jungkook is leaned on to Joy. Heâs whispering something to her. Their faces are close and Taehyung feels a sting inside. But he trusts Jungkook, he doesn't it faze him or affect his behaviour.
On the other side of the terrace, Jungkook is flushed against Joy, he keeps his voice calm. He leans in and whispers to her ear âI can make your life a living hell if I want to. Donât make me want to. Keep away from Taehyung.â He doesnât stay to gauge the reaction.
He strides towards Jungkook, the sense of protectiveness still burns inside. He looks at Taehyung, his heart calms down, falls at peace. Jungkook holds his face. He kisses his smile.
âBaby, have you tried the white wine already? I fear Jin and Hobi will finish it all soon.â
Taehyung almost falls asleep in Jungkookâs embrace throughout the matching session. Nabi surprisingly matches the new girl she was sent on a date with, a somehow intimidating brunette who looks at everyone glaring except Nabi.
Jae still matches with Joy, but Taehyung observes them fighting in the kitchen.
At night, he and Jungkook make out lazily, hidden in the sheets from the entire world Their bodies are tangled together and they fall asleep like that. Taehyung will buy something good for Yoongi.
Because of Yoongi he came to this show. And because he came to this show, he met Jungkook. Because of Jungkook, Taehyung got to know why writers, singers and gods have made at from love. He can see himself falling in love with Jungkook slowly.
The next day they are all gathered for the compatibility game. Taehyung has no idea what to expect. Heâs chatting with Jimin over the possible ideas as Jungkook is lost somewhere around the villa.
âI canât believe itâs been almost a month in this show,â Jimin says excitedly.
âI canât believe we actually mightâve some love here.â
Jimin turns to him with inquisitive eyes, âSo, there is love between you and Jungkook already?â
Taehyung flushes pink âI was talking about you and Lia.â
Jimin doesnât look like he believes it.
But he still chuckles and clings to Taehyung like heâs his lifeline. Taehyung enjoys the warmth.
âMe and Lia, I donât think weâre doing well. You know itâs warm with her, but itâs not burningâ Jimin confesses in a whisper.
âItâs not exciting, just comfortable, right?â
Jimin nods. Taehyung understands.
âThen just enjoy your time in the show, there is no commitment between you two after the show, donât worry.â
Jimin hugs him tighter as if they didnât spend time for a month and not just one day.
Taehyungâs eyes walk over the participants.
He sees Jungkook walking towards him with Namjoon trailing behind.
Taehyung instantly smiles and his heart speeds up. Heâs burning inside. This is what Jimin was talking about. Jungkook reaches him and curls an arm around his body. He leans in, leaves a light kiss on his hair,
then his forehead, then his cheek. Taehyung keeps his chills and giggles at bay. He doesnât show just how much it affects him. But he pushes himself harder against Jungkookâs chest, hiding his head in the crook of his neck, inhaling the green tea fragrance that became familiar.
Soon, Seojoon appears before them. He seems to be more excited each day he comes. Itâs as if he knows something they donât. Of course, he does. Heâs one of the two producers of the show.
Jungkook settles behind him, letting his head fall on Taehyungâs shoulder.
His eyes are closed, his face is bathing in the golden array of the sun.
Taehyung looks at him and everything inside feels like floating.
Hobi and Jin are as always hyper active, cheering loudly and awaiting the compatibility game like itâs the funniest thing to do.
Nabi and her new match, Kie, are silently waiting for the rules.
Joy and Jae surprisingly are smiling and Taehyung doesnât like it.
He is always afraid when mean people smile. It means they know something you donât. Or they have something up their sleeve.
Taehyung keeps his stance confident. He canât quiver when Jungkookâs head on his shoulder feels so secure and warm.
âI am very happy to see you tonight. I am going to ask you now to rank yourself from the most compatible couple to the least one.
Rank and place yourself in a line from 1 to 5 in order from the best compatible to the least.â
It elicits an intense chatter among them.
Most of them agree that Hobi and Jin should be in the first place. Taehyung looks around himself amidst the chaos.
He doesnât know where to place themselves. And Jungkook is not helping either as heâs resting softly on his shoulder paying no mind to whatâs happening around.
âI think Taehyung and Jungkook should be in second place,â Jimin suddenly says. He and Lia are staying in fourth place
âYou think their love is not fragile, you think theyâre strong enough for second place?â Joy exclaims with a chuckle. She sits with Jae in second place. Why is she chuckling?
A chuckle Taehyung doesnât like. Because it seems like she knows something he doesnât know.
Taehyung sees from the corner of his eye as Seojoon looks at them amusedly, clearly enjoying the drama.
âI think most will agree that the second place belongs to Taehyung and Jungkook,â Jimin keeps arguing.
âYes, they have insane chemistryâ Hobi encourages with a smile.
âLet them have the second place, itâs sure not you and Jae who deserve it, you two have zero chemistryâ
Everyone turns abruptly to the person who just spoke, Nabi. Taehyung looks at Nabi too. And then at Joyâs shocked face.
Jimin is laughing loudly. The rest are just shocked.
Joy shuts up immediately, she doesnât fight back as Jae drags her to the third place.
Nabi and her match are in fifth place as they are the newest match.
âI canât believe youâre sleeping through all this chaos,â Taehyung whispers to Jungkook. Which seems to wake up the latter
Jungkookâs eyes are cloudy with a substance Taehyung canât put a name on. He straightens his posture and takes Taehyungâs hand, guiding him to the second place silently. No one dares to say anything as they finish ranking themselves.
âIf it was by me, weâd be right there in the first place, babyâ Jungkook leans in and breathes the words against his neck. It spikes goosebumps on his skin.
âI think Hobi and Jin are good tooâ Taehyung argues, but there is nothing but softness in his voice.
âThey could be, if only one of them was more honestâ
âWhat are you talking about?â Taehyung turns to Jungkook with an inquiring gaze. Jungkook kisses his question away in a short swift peck.
âEyes to the front baby, letâs see what this game is aboutâ
âThis was the game,â Seojoon announces with a grin âThe winners of this game are Hobi and Jin. Glad to announce this is the last compatibility game of the show. We have 5 more days till the final. Canât wait, I promise you a truly entertaining showâ
âWait, this was the game?â Jimin asks, everyone mirroring the same confusion.
âYes, the game was to rank and decide by yourself who is the most compatible couple.â Seojoon leaves them all with another wave of confusion. That man likes to torment them like this.
Taehyung can breath now relieved. He doesn't expect anything sort of surprise to come from Hobi and Jin. They are not Joy and Jae to send Jungkook on multiple dates with hope he'll match someone else other than Taehyung. All iis left now is to enjoy this place till the final.
The moment the game ends Jungkook drags him out on the beach.
âWhat are you doing?â Taehyung asks between giggles as Jungkook hovers over him on the sand, tickling him.
âI want to spend as much time as I can with youâ Jungkook says through the kisses.
âWe have all the time in the world after the showâ Taehyung whispers between chuckles.
Jungkook doesnât reply back, instead heâs lowering his kisses from his cheeks to his neck.
âCameras, camerasâ Taehyung manages to say through hushed breaths and giggles.
âThere are no cameras here on the beach, the only place that doesnât have themâ Jungkook explains.
âBut Namjoon said...â
âNamjoon doesn't know this show better than me. Trust me, babyâ
Taehyung lets his head fall on the sand. He lets Jungkook kiss his worries away.
âLetâs play a game,â Taehyung says âFor each correct answer we earn the right to a kiss or to a touchâ
Jungkook raises his eyes from where he started trailing kisses on the lower abdomen. His eyes seem in a haze, dark, intense, hungry.
âI love games,â Jungkook agrees.
âUm, I have only one best friend.â Taehyung says âIs it true or is it false?â
Jungkook doesnât take much time before he answers âItâs true, heâs a producer, Min Yoongi if I am not mistakenâ Jungkook lowers to leave another trail of kisses.
Taehyung stops him with amused grin
âItâs false, I have two best friends now, Yoongi and Jiminâ
Jungkook scoffs, pouts for good measure âNow you just donât want kisses, thatâs it.â
âItâs your turn nowâ
Jungkook nods âWell, if weâre on the topic of best friends, I have 2 best friends, is it true or is it falseâ
Taehyung has no idea actually. He knows Namjoon might be one of the friends, but what about the others. He knows Jungkook once had two best friends who betrayed him, Han and Euna, but now⌠He still doesn't really know much about Jungkook. Taehyung goes with his intuition.
âItâs trueâ Taehyung exclaims.
âIt is, but even if it wasnât I would still make you win so I can get my kissâ Jungkook leans in and presses their foreheads together.
Itâs heaven and a single breath separating two bodies that burn for each other.
The kiss that follows is excruciatingly slow, gentle, cloudy. Their lips intertwine in a delicate swirl of touches. Itâs only messy in the way they donât breath for 5 minutes and keep feeling each other through their tangled lips.
Needless to say they donât play much after this.
âYou said you like gamesâ Taehyung rasps as they stop the kiss to breathe for some seconds.
âI might just like kissing you more.â
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and gold, the two lay entwined on a blanket on the beach.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore muffles out the sound of their kissing.
Their kisses are slow and deep, as they savor each other's warmth and taste. The gentle breeze carries the salty scent of the ocean, mingled with the sweet fragrance of their bodies.
But amidst the euphoria of their embrace, Taehyung canât shake off a sense of unease. He can feel Jungkook's hurried touches and senses that something is off.
As they kiss, Taehyung runs his hand through Jungkook's hair and pulls away slightly, looking deep into his eyes.
"Is everything okay?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jungkook looks away, gazing out at the horizon. "Yes," he replies, his voice quivering.
Taehyung doesnât relent. "I just have this feeling that this might be one of our last moments together."
The words hang heavily in the air, threatening to shatter the perfect moment they had created.
Taehyung doesnât want to let the moment go. He leans in and kisses Jungkook again, fiercely.
The sun has almost disappeared from view by the time they break apart,
panting and breathless. They lay there, watching the sky fade to darkness, not wanting to move, not wanting to break the spell. Taehyung wonders if this spell will break once the show ends.
Jungkook turns towards him, cupping his face in his hands. "Letâs go back to them."
Jungkook holds his hand as they walk back to the villa.
As Taehyung lays on the bed, late past midnight, he thinks that he truly is ready for Jungkook to hurt him. Because the intensity of touches, kisses, words and memories might overcome that.
Or maybe Taehyung is not ready to lose Jungkook. He is afraid of what, he doesnât know, he doesnât want to be greedy. He knows he craved love for a long time. He knows love is never real without a pinch of pain, or maybe a sea.
The next morning they are gathered in the big hall
They wait for Jin and Hobi to come and announce who they send on dates for the last time.
Taehyung waks today towards Jimin and sits near him, letting Jimin engulf him in his warm embrace.
Jungkook is resting on the same couch as Joy and Jae.
Taehyung woke up late today and the bed was empty.
When Hobi and Jin enter the villa, they do not seem radiant. Jin in fact looks miserable and Hobi, he just looks hurt for some reason.
âI am really sorry Taehyung, I tried toâŚâ Hobi clutches next to him.
Taehyung doesnât understand whatâs happening.
Jin remains on his spot. âToday on dates will go Lia.â Jin pauses as if he is pained to speak the next name. âAnd the other person going on a date is Jungkook.â
Silence settles over them. Jimin looks in shock at him.
Taehyung can only see the plastered smirk on Joyâs face.
âAnd who did you send him on a date with?â Joy asks, voice loud and free.
Taehyung can see Jungkook closing his eyes, tongue pushed against his cheek.
âHe will go on a date with his ex, popular news forecaster, Eunaâ
Taehyung canât hear much around him. He stands up from the couch and walks outside. He can hear Hobi calling after him. Taehyung ignores it. Heâs just too exhausted. Is love supposed to be exhausting? Even when Taehyung matches with Jungkook, something always comes in the way,
like walking through a never ending garden with thorns.
Still, Taehyung knows he has the right to be hurt, but he doesnât have the right to blame Jungkook for his pain. Itâs a dating show and even if theyâre a match there were never promises of commitment.
They are all free to explore new options, even options from the past.
Still, itâs harder to breathe.
On the other part of the villa, in the kitchen there can be heard Jungkookâs enraged voice.
âIs she fucking insane?â Jungkook speaks through rage and red eyes. âI donât think she is playing by the rules anymore, this game is a fucking messâ
âKook, she sure did break some rules, but letâs not pretend that you will not break them too. Itâs always funny to seeâŚâ
âOf course you enjoy the drama, Jae.â
âAll the past games werenât that entertaining like this, letâs admit. You got a stellar idea this time, a dating show man, that sure is sick. Now are you that stressed to see your beloved Euna after almost 5 years?â Jae speaks amusedly.
âYou know itâs notâŚâ
âYouâre worried about Taehyung?â
They fall silent when they hear footsteps approaching.
Taehyung heads to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. When he enters it, he sees Jungkook and Jae by the kitchen counter.
Taehyung is silent as he heads to the cupboard and grabs a glass of water.
Jae walks out of the kitchen with a wink. Jungkook sighs heavily before he approaches Taehyung who sits on the couch in the far corner. Jungkook sits there as well.
When he inclines his head to catch Taehyungâs lips, eyes closing anticipating the warmth, Taehyung averts his face, the lips landing messily on his cheek.
Instead of retreating back, Jungkook walks his lips topsy-turvy, on the cheek and then down to the corner of Taehyungâs lips
Taehyung raises his head higher so that Jungkook ends up kissing his chin instead.
Jungkook resigns and curls to the other corner, resting his head on the backrest, body lazily slounged over the entire couch. His hair is falling waves on his eyes.
âI am sorry, Taehyung. I will do so that yesterdayâs moments will not be our lastâ
Taehyung is still staring ahead, confused, puzzled. Jungkook leaves the kitchen. He walks past Joy and murmurs against her ear âCount your fucking daysâ
He goes to his date. Taehyung stays in the mansion and mourns a love that didnât even have a chance to blossom. He hates feeling insecure, weak or afraid. He likes the comfort and the fire in their relationship. He abhors the bumps in it though.
Taehyung strolls through the rose garden when he sees Jae approaching him.
âYou have another gossip for me?â
Jae chuckles softly as he sits on the gazebo âI am sure you have a lot of questions and I am simply here to answer themâ
âHow could you ever match with Joy?â
Taehyung asks, venom laced in his voice. Because thereâs an insane difference between Joy and Jae.
Jae seems to share the sentiment. âJoy is a complicated person, she acts for right reasons but using absolutely wrong methods.â
âSheâs obsessed with Jungkookâ Taehyung says,
lips downcast and eyes lost on the fallen petals.
âThis show is obsessed with Jungkook, if you didnât notice the game revolves around him.â
âWhy?â
âMaybe because the entire show is built to test himâ Jay says lightly. âBut itâs just one theory, do not take my words seriouslyâ
He starts to laugh louder.
Taehyung keeps staring at him, puzzled âHow did Joy threaten Jin, there is no way heâd send Jungkook on a dateâ
âWell, Jin, Jin, our beloved Jin with his perfect match Hobi, rumour has it that Jin is cuffedâ Jae supplies the gossip through giggles
âRumour has it he has someone waiting for him home and he came to the show only to get the prize money and the fameâ
âBut HobiâŚâ
âPoor Hobi, I know. Thereâll be more than one broken heart at the finale of the showâ
âI need to drinkâ Taehyung says as he bows before Jae
and walks out of the garden.
âWait, Taehyung, Jungkook really lâŚâ
He shuts Jae down. Taehyung heads towards Namjoon, who is sitting with his laptop in the workerâs rooms. He sees Taehyung approaching and smiles instantly.
âCan you take me to that bar you went with Jungkook, I need to get drunk or else I will go and drown myself in the ocean.â
Namjoon chuckles, but he closes his laptop and stands up. âThatâs a bit dramatic.â
âThis show is dramaticâ Taehyung whines as he latches on Namjoonâs arm.
âSo you want to get drunk tonight?â
Taehyung nods earnestly.
âLetâs do itâ Namjoon says as they walk out of the villa towards the local bar.
Three hours in and Namjoon sighs heavily. Jungkook will kill him.
Taehyung takes another sip as he complains about the show âLove is not real, it is corrupt and weâŚâ
Namjoon nods as he prays to all gods that Taehyung can handle his alcohol well. But seemingly, he canât.
âI am just so tired and so in love, why isnât it easier?â Taehyung confesses. Maybe for the first time, loud and so raw. Namjoonâs breath catches in his throat.
âLove is supposed to be easy, yes. Loving someone is easy. Being secure in a relationship makes loving someone easy.
But to be secure in the relationship is harder, itâs a process of building values together, trust, comfort, honesty, acceptance, respect. Those values do not appear from thin air.â
Taehyung hiccups as Namjoon tries to comfort him. âYou remind me of my best friend, Yoongiâ
âBecause weâre both smart?â Namjoon tries.
âNo, because youâre both hopeless romanticsâ
Taehyung keeps nursing his drink as he watches the people around him. Despite his efforts, he can't shake the doubts and insecurities that plague him, making him question every moment.
As he sits there, lost in his thoughts, with Namjoon walking to the restroom, he feels a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he sees a tall handsome man smiling at him, his eyes glittering in the dim light of the bar. The man leans in close, whispering something in his ear
that he can't quite hear over the pounding music.
Feeling a sudden surge of annoyance, Taehyung shrugs off the manâs hand and turns back to his drink. He doesnât want anyone else's attention; he just wants Jungkook's. Taehyung never craved attention, until he tasted Jungkookâs.
Taehyung is staring dreamily at the exit of the bar, remembering the last days. As if on cue, Jungkookâs illusion appears at the exit. Taehyungâs heart spikes up from a mere illusion, heâs such a fool. He blinks multiple times but the illusion doesnât disappear.
Jungkookâs eyes are scanning the room until they lock onto Taehyung.
Taehyung's heart skips a beat as he watches Jungkook make his way over, his sweaty shirt clinging to his muscled chest and his tattoos peeking over the sleeves. His hair is sweaty too. He looks like he ran.
Taehyung turns back to the bar. He canât overlook the excitement spiking inside. He feels another tap on his shoulder. Taehyung turns with a blinding smile, but he sees again the man from behind and not Jungkook. Disappointment simmers inside.
âPlease go away, youâre not Jungkook. Taehyung speaks as he makes to turn back.
âI can be whoever you want tonight, just let me knowâ The man speaks on a low tone.
âHow about you are one with the ground if you donât take your lousy hands off him?â A mellow deep voice resounds
And Taehyung beams when he sees Jungkook right in front of him.
âI was just joking, okay. No need to be angryâ
Jungkook completely ignores the man as he walks in Taehyungâs personal space, invades it, he settles between Taehyungâs legs and cups his face.
âWhy didnât you fight that man like in movies?â Taehyung asks with a pout. Jungkook pecks his lips once, twice.
âBecause I couldnât care less about him right now. I care about you. Are you okay?â Jungkook inspects with his gaze and his fingers every part of Taehyung.
When he is reassured that everything's okay, Jungkook surges forward and catches his lips, sucking on the bottom lip and thrusting deeper, taking all of Taehyungâs breath away. He leans back after a moment with a soft smile âLetâs go back to the villa, babyâ
âHow about Namjoon?â
âI texted him Iâll take you back.â
They exit the bar and Taehyung can already feel the dizziness taking over him, though the euphoria is stronger, he doesnât know if the source of it is the alcohol or Jungkook. Taehyung tries to march forward, but his legs are wobbly.
âWant me to give you a ride?â Jungkooka asks, trying to hide his smile.
Jungkook watches with a smile as Taehyung stumbles, his cheeks flushed. Adorable.
"Come on, Tae," Jungkook says, bending down to offer Taehyung a piggyback ride. "Let's get you back to the villa."
Taehyung giggles, his arms wrapping tightly around Jungkook's neck as he climbs onto his back. "I should get drunk more often."
Jungkook laughs, feeling Taehyung's warm breath against his ear. "You're lucky I am enamoured with you, or I wouldn't be carrying your drunk ass."
As they make their way back, Taehyung chatters incessantly, his words slurring together as he rambles on about nothing in particular. Jungkook listens with amusement, feeling a warm sense of contentment as he carries Taehyung through the warm summer night.
"I just want this show to end and for us to be together already, just the two of us" Taehyung says suddenly, his voice serious despite the drunken slur.
Jungkook pauses, feeling a surge of emotion well up inside him. "I promise itâll end soon, Tae," he says softly.
"I am sorry you were put under so much doubt and insecurities."
Taehyung's arms tighten around Jungkook's neck, his head resting against his back. "How was your date today?," he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
They continue to walk, the sounds of the night surrounding
them as they make their way back to the villa.
âI thought I will be angry or sad or vengeful when I meet her again. But the only thought as we stood there on the beach and she looked at me with tears and hope in her eyes⌠the only thought in my head was worry,
I worried that I am losing you as I spend more time with her. I would get lost in my head, think over if you ate something or what are you doing. I would count down the time until it lasts. And then I rushed to the villa and you were not there.â
Taehyung feels his heart beat madly in his chest for this man.
âOh, you really like me that much?â
âYou have no idea just how much, babyâ
Jungkook can't help but feel a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he has Taehyung by his side again.
As they arrive at the villa, Jungkook carefully sets Taehyung down on the bed, tucking him in and brushing his hair away from his forehead.
âShouldnât we attend the matching session?â Taehyung's eyes flutter closed, a soft smile on his lips as he asks the question.
âNo, no, itâs okay. I told them weâre a match already.â
âAnd what about Euna?â
âI donât know, didnât stay back to see what she was doing, but most probably sheâll go home as no one would match her.â
Taehyung nuzzles his face in Jungkookâs hand.
âI will bring you a glass of waterâ Jungkook says.
Taehyung straightens up and walks to the bathroom, he starts brushing his teeth. Jungkook appears in the creek of the bathroom with a glass of water and a grin.
âI think youâre not that drunk as you pretendedâŚâ
Taehyung blushes. But he recovers soon. âIf I wouldnât be drunk, you wouldnât treat me like a babyâ He confesses.
Jungkook leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to Taehyung's forehead.
They settle in bed soon. "Goodnight, my love," he whispers,
feeling his heart swell with affection for Taehyung.
âTell me a fairy taleâ Taehyung murmurs as Jungkook plays with his hair.
âItâs not exactly a fairy tale, it is a story, but a very important one, are you listening carefully?â
Taehyung nods, opening his eyes.
âThere was once a boy who didnât know yet that he was born to get heartbrokenâŚâ
A contented sigh escapes Taehyungâs lips. They fall asleep in each otherâs arms.
Jungkook wakes up in his bed alone. There is a letter written on the pillow
âI need to clear my head before the finale, letâs keep away from each otherâ
Jungkook crumbles the paper. He knew that the pressure of the show will get to Taheyungâs head. He knew itâll be so easy to lose Taehyung. Just as easy as loving him.
Fuck this show, fuck everything.
For the entire day, Taehyung doesnât see Jungkook. And thereâs two more days till the final. Seojoon told them there is one last announcement coming tomorrow, a day before the show ends. Taehyung doesnât ponder over that. Heâs too overwhelmed with what is already happening.
Because his anxiety eased during the entire show, he acted boldly and became more social. He fought for what he wanted, words, actions, expressing his feelings. In the last minute, everything comes crashing down on him. Itâs extremely overwhelming.
He canât split what heâs feeling from what the show created in him, the villa, the games, the drama, the atmosphere. Itâs all a mess inside his mind. And worst of all, he doesnât see Jungkook at all. The man is out of his vision for the entirety of the day.
Taehyung doubts his feelings towards Jungkook a lot, but the ache inside him right now is real, itâs raw and itâs painful. Belatedly, Taehyung realises itâs been only a day and Taehyung misses him. He wonders if outside of the premises of the show, itâll be the same.
Will he miss Jungkook once the show ends?
Jin and Hobi are the ones who have the most fun. They organise games and try to inflict a bit of spirit in the others. Joy and Jae are quiet, luring around. Itâs almost frightening. Nabi and her match Kie are spending time on the beach.
Taehyung is seated between Lia and Jimin as they watch the sunset brazing over the ocean.
âThis show changed me a lotâ Lia murmurs.
Taehyung can see a tear clinging to the edge of her eye. He agrees. It pushed him out of his shell, made learn through all the bad and good.
It made him learn how butterflies truly feel and how a mind can be wired to revolve around a single person for entire days. Your mind⌠what a tricky little thing.
âIâll cry some days after the show ends,â Jimin adds, both his arms draped over Taehyung and Lia.
âIâll be there to wipe out the tearsâ Taehyung encourages, forcing a smile on his face. Jimin might see through it. Because he clings to him tighter and whispers to his ear, âItâll be alrightâ
Taehyung knows that it will be alright, once he rejects Jungkookâs in the final.
It will be safe, he will be protected, back in his comfort shell where no one could hurt him. Where sunsets are melancholic like this, not burning scorching sun with a palette of colours.
They walk back to the villa. Taehyung stays behind when he sees Nabi alone on the terrace.
Sheâs scribbling down something. Taehyung doesnât want to disturb her and at the same time something tugs him to her.
He pauses as he reaches the couch. His hands are fidgeting.
âYou can sitâ She mumbles without raising her eyes, still focused on the paper.
Taehyung keeps silent, itâs one of the last days but he doesnât want to leave feeling bitter about bonds he can change. Heâs still forming sentences in his head, plausible conversation starters, when Nabi throws the journal on the couch and turns to him,
eyes of an evening purple glow, matching her dress.
âI watched this movie once, about how dating shows are madeâ She starts, voice thin, almost bruised. âThey showed in detail how the participants are manipulated by the producers to act a certain way,
how the showâs workers use their insecurities, past, preferences to create action based on their drama script. I was watching and telling myself how foolish must those people be to let themselves be so easily manipulated, by the ambiance, heated moments.â
Her voice palpably breaks âIn the end I became such a person myself, let my feelings get the best of me.â
âYou have the right to feel that way, itâs your feelings, they are validâ Taehyung immediately supplies. His hands itching to hold hers for some reason, just to ground her.
âI knew what I am doing by coming to this show, I agreed, I love games too much, to be challenged, to win, to prove wrong, the adrenaline and the rush. I lost this time.â
âOr maybe you won something biggerâ Taehyung tries as his eyes draft to Kie, sipping her martini by the pool
Nabiâs eyes soften when they land on her match.
âI am yet to learn how to love someone healthily, I still am learning how you need to love.â She turns back to him âI donât regret it. I sought this peace for a long time.
You know I had this belief that love is fire burning, volcano erupting in my chest. Thatâs what my friends told me. My father doesnât like to talk about love.â
âIt's different for everyone.â
Nabi nods âThere isnât a shape of love that fits everyone.
Itâs what we need at the moment, itâs what we feel the best with. We may discover hundreds of different forms and emotions. Donât let anyone tell you this is supposed to be like this or you are supposed to do something. No one can know better than you.â
They are so engrossed in the talk that Taehyung doesnât notice Kie walking up to them, a pair of red shorts and a red top with a bandana holding her curls.
âI hope you find your shape of love and are happy with itâ Taehyung whispers.
He stands up, brushes the invisible dust of his pants.
âAnd I think you already found yoursâ Nabi says before he walks back inside the villa, leaving the two girls alone.
He did find it, without searching, without expecting. Now what does he do with it. How does he handle it.
He pauses by the door, he tries to listen to any sound. The bedroom is empty. Jungkook is not there. Taehyung walks further and enters an empty spare bedroom. Itâs insane how his hunger could be satiated by a mere sound of his slowly becoming favourite voice.
Or at least the musk scent or the low chuckle. Does he dive deeper into it? Does he cut its roots before it grows and hardens? Jungkook was something to lean on, to ground him, to make him burn, to make him feel the tip of the ocean at his fingers. And itâs been only a month.
What happens with Taehyungâs heart if it prolongs? Taehyung knows he wrote the letter to Jungkook, he wanted⌠still wants space. But he may just want Jungkook more. Is he allowed to feel like this? Taehyung crumbles on the empty cold bed. The window is half open.
His heart still aches. Itâs been only a day.
Sleep comes early to him. Because thereâs no one tormenting him in his sleep. There he walks on the sand, someone is kissing his worries and doubts away.
But it ends shortly with the loud screech. It's morning already. he groans.
âWake up, itâs party timeâ
Taehyung wakes his eyes begrudgingly seeing Jin at the door, dressed in a red suit. Itâs 8 in the morning.
âToday we party all day. Thatâs what Seojoon said. Heâs waiting upstairs to tell us the announcement.â
Jin disappears swiftly.
Taehyung groans. He doesnât have time to dress properly. Taehyung gets out of his room, just a pair of black shorts on him, exposed chest filled with droplets of sweat. He screeches at his eyes and tries to keep them open. Itâs only 8 am.
As he enters the main area, everyone is already gathered on the couch. But Taheyung canât see everyone, because the moment he steps in, his eyes are drawn to the only person that makes his breath hitch. Jungkook is comfortably seated on an armchair, legs spread apart,
hair sweatily falling on his forehead. His shirt is unbuttoned and he looks deadly bored.
Itâs impossible to catch his gaze, Taheyung realises. Not that he wants to. He sits on the nearby chair and tries not to let sleep steal his attention away.
Seojoon walks to them with a serious expression on his face. Taehyung canât care a lot about what could be the sudden change in his mood. He won't let this show make the gears run in his mind. Jimin jumps in his arms the moment Seojoon starts his announcement.
âMy darlings, welcome back to our dating show. It's been an exciting journey, and we've had some incredible moments along the way. But we're now at the end of the road, and we have to make some tough decisions. But before that, letâs have a full day of party.
And weâre a little bit people for a party, donât you think so? So, I brought more people, all participants of The Perfect Match are welcomed hereâ
Then the doors open and a crowd of around 10 people enter the villa. Taehyung recognizes some of them,
they are all the people that have been brought new in the show by going on dates with the existing participants and then left the show.
Taehyung basks in the chaos that emerges. Belatedly, he realises Jungkookâs ex is here too.
After Jungkookâs bedtime story, Taehyung knows just how much Jungkook was hurt by her and just how much they had together.
A bitter aftertaste is left in his mouth. Taehyung tightens his grip on Jimin. Jimin turns to him, worried, filling his eyes. Taehyung mumbles a âlaterâ.
The other people are seated around, some standing. Taehyung sees her. Lean frame, black long hair, tattooed sleeves, foxy smile. Her eyes are trained on Jungkook. Taehyung sees the moment Jungkookâs eyes rise and fall on her as well.
He still looks deadly bored, but there is an edge to his look.
âYou all have given it your all, and you've all shown what it takes to win someone's heart. You've gone on some fantastic dates, shared some unforgettable moments, and formed some fantastic connections.
But we're now at the stage where we decide how strong those connections are. The decision isn't easy, but we have to look at the relationships that have developed and consider if itâs worth fighting for them or giving up.
I want to thank you all for your hard work, for your willigness to open up, to be brave, to act on your desires. You all are amazing. And you all deserve a great party. Go get ready and come downstairs. I will host games, dance party and a good chunk of music. Letâs have fun!â
âHey, letâs get ready togetherâ Jimin says, snapping his attention by a flicker of his fingers. Taehyung gets his gaze away from the people around him. They all chat loudly with each other and they are already dressed for the party. Seojoon mingles between them.
âStop looking at Jungkookâ Jimin whispers in his ear as he drags him upstairs. âWe need to look spectacular tonight.â
âButâŚâ His words are cut by the door snapping loudly behind.
âI have the perfect outfits for this. I am so excited, also nostalgic I might cry,
but thatâs not important⌠hey, hey, Taehyung, are you alright?â Jimin crunches next to him, voice soft.
Taehyung curls in himself and closes his eyes. âI donât know what I am doing, I donât know what to do, I am so lostâŚâ
Jimin hugs him for a couple of minutes,
but the embrace is gone soon. Taehyung opens one eye, then another.
Jimin is proudly standing before him, holding a bottle of absolute vodka in his hand.
âYouâre crazy,â Taheyung says before sniffling.
âThatâs exactly what we need right now. We also need to talk. Come on.â
âBut Jungkook is there with his ex and sheâs so pretty, and they have such a history together and he has so much more experience than me and I never even dated I justâŚâ
Jimin pushes the full to the brim glass of vodka in his hands.
âLetâs drink first, then words will come easier, and that stone pressing against your chest will dissipate.â
And they do drink, drown approximately 4 shots before everything becomes dizzy and the worry settles down.
Taehyung looks at himself in the mirror.
The wine red shirt that exposes his chest sits leisurely on his body and the black pants tug at his lower abdomen, gripping his waist hard. Jimin is wearing a full black outfit with belts and a corset hugging his waist.
âWhat happened between you and Jungkook, havenât seen you together yesterday at allâ Jimin starts, putting makeup on his face
Taehyung adds a bit of blush to his cheeks too. His lips are painted dark red.
âToo much happened that I canât tell you, sorry,
but mainly I just am afraid of what I am feeling and I am afraid if itâs right. All this show, itâs a little game and do you know who created this game?â
âThe producers?â Jimin inquires as he applies some dark shadow to his eyelids.
âNo, Jungkookâ
âWhat?â Jimin turns to him, eyes wide, mouth hanging open.
Taheyung shakes his head âHe didnât really create it, I mean he did, only the idea, heâs not a producer or something, but he wanted to have some fun and they have this wild games with his best friends,
you know how rich people entertain themselves. Robbing a bank or opening a club or starting a drug empire or I donât know creating a dating show. Not to that extent, but they all love games, each of them has their own ideas. Itâs all a mess,
but what I mean is how do I know that what I am feeling for Jungkook is real, that itâs not scripted, that itâs not part of the gameâŚâ
Jimin is visibly confused. He didnât understand a thing, but he still walks towards Taehyung and cups his face. Because he got one thing right.
âYou know your feelings for Jungkook are real, donât you? What really haunts you is if Jungkookâs feelings are truly real or only a part of the gameâs rushâ
âI⌠whatâ He tries to breath deeply, to keep his tears away and then it dawns on him âOhâ
âOhâ Jimin repeats. âThose are valid fears and only Jungkook can truly answer them and only time can show if his answers are true. It comes to the only question, is your relationship with him worth risking your comfort over?â
âWhat do you think?â
Jimin sits next to him âI think that it depends for everyone. For me, love is so rare, true love that one that makes your burn inside, but also feeling at peace near them, that love that will still burn when youâll be old, will only become more lenient fire,
but still there, the flicker that keeps you together. Iâd fight for that love, but only knowing that my partner fights too. For me itâs a mix of fire and water, I need to feel both in a relationship, keeping me on my toes, but also holding my hand through hard times.â
Jimin sighs dreamily âI am yet to find such a person for myself. Lia is nice, but nice doesnât keep relationships for long, thereâs a lot of people I feel nice with, you know. Also, I think we need another shot and then we join the party.â Jimin pours them another two shots.
He leans in and kisses Taehyung on the cheek.
âIf there is something this show I am absolutely grateful for is meeting youâ Jimin drowns the shot and smiles blindingly.
Taehyung follows. âLetâs spend a lot of summers and winters together.â
When they walk the stairs, it starts feeling like the end. In a day theyâll need to leave the villa. Taehyung needs to face his fears and doubts. But for today he wants to let go, have fun and bind goodbye to all the monets shared here.
There is loud music, chatter... Jungkook.
The villa is alive with the sound of music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Taehyung sways to the beat of the music sitting by a table with Jimin and Lia, his eyes scanning the crowded room.
Taehyung spots him by the bar, his heart skipping a beat.
His pulse races as he watches Jungkook laugh and converse with the other contestants, eyes bright with the effects of the alcohol. Taehyung tries to gulp the bitter feeling, seeing Euna among that group at the bar. Even if Jungkook is not directly talking to her,
even if Jungkook is not smiling specifically at her.
As if sensing his gaze, Jungkook turns his head, his eyes locking onto Taehyungâs. He feels his cheeks flush with warmth as he quickly looks away, his heart aching.
Taehyung tries to focus on the conversation of the people around him, but his mind keeps drifting back to Jungkook. He feels a sudden urge to talk to him, to clear the air between them. But it may be the alcohol in him, it may be his aching heart. He doesnât do it.
Taehyung smiles at something Hobi says. And then Seojoon clinks his glass. Everyone gathers around him. Seojoon is in a great mood to play 7 minutes in heaven.
Taehyung is in the mood to drag Jungkook upstairs, urges waking up inside him.
Yes, Jungkook wakes up hidden desires inside of him, something that he thought heâll never experience, that he wonât find his person, the one that populates your mind and never leaves it.
People are already dizzy, champagne and cocktails travel among them.
Taehyung leans on Jimin, his eyes are set on Seojoon, but he doesnât listen to anything. Heâs lost in his mind.
A bit lost in Jungkook, whoâs wearing a white crumpled to the edges shirt, unbuttoned to the belly, his neck is adorned by a golden necklace
and his thighs are hugged by a pair of black jeans. He looks like a sin.
âStop salivating,â Jimin says, pinching his waist. Taehyung sobers up.
âOkay, first pair to enjoy the heaven is Taehyung and Joy, what a great pair, come hereâ
Taehyung doesnât manage to process whatâs happening, heâs pushed from behind by Jimmin, by a chuckle, people are cheering. And then Joy is dragging him inside the closet.
What a weird situation he found himself into.
They keep silent for the first minute. Itâs plenty awkward.
âI donât like you,â Joy cuts the silence.
âItâs mutual,â Taehyung confirms. They donât look each other in the eye. Their gazes are directed to the other wall of the closet, opposite each other.
âI am gladâ
Taehyung cracks first âWhy donât you like me though?â It comes out as a whine.
Joy seems surprised at the question. She grits her teeth âI have an allergy to good peopleâ Her tone is serious. Taehyung freezes for a second.
âReally?â
âOf course not."
She continues "I donât like many people. Itâs nothing personal.â
âIt feels very personal to me,â Taehyung complains as he sits on the floor.
Joy keeps standing. âLetâs just say I thought another person is better for Jungkookâ
Oh, âYou really like Jungkookâ
The confession falls upon them.
Joy falls on the floor near him âI really believed in friends to lovers trope for such a long time. I have been with him after the break up, I have been with him all this time, I thought this show will be the breaking point, instead he justâŚâ
âHe matched meâ
âExactly.â
Taehyung nods. âOh, and what are you going to do?â
âNothing, frankly I did enough. I just want him to be happy, no matter with who. Such a fool to believe that for love you need to fight endlessly.
Not unless the other person fights for you too, earns for you with the same intensity.â
âSomeone does⌠earn for youâ
âI wish I did the same. Just⌠donât hurt himâ
âHe hurts me tooâ Taehyung whispers closing his eyes.
âThen youâre a perfect match, okay I was nice enough, I want to vomit, my skin is itching. I am out of here.â Joy walks out of the closet, she steps towards the terrace, but then stops swiftly, turning to Taheyung, who is still laying on the floor.
âI am⌠just, fuck, sorry for everything, I shouldnât hurt others when I am hurt. Yes, anyway⌠Iâll goâ
âSorry tooâŚâ
âWhat are you sorry for?â
âI wish love hurt lessâ
She leaves the bedroom.
Taehyung stumbles on his feet out of the closet.
At least he doesnât have any bad blood with anyone here. His heart is at peace somehow. But not really. He walks and joins Jimin who assaults him with questions. The next for the 7 minutes in heaven are chosen Jungkook and Euna. Taehyung wants to choke Seojoon.
Taehyung goes to the bar. He grabs another shot. Thereâs a presence near him.
âWelcome back to the heartbroken club,â Jae exclaims raising his drink in the air. âYouâre so selfless in your desires, Taehyung. You need to be more selfish,
if you find something worth keeping, if itâs mutual, keep it, donât let it go just because of fears, doubts, those disappear with time, with work.â
âI canât just barge in that closet and jump Jungkook,â Taehyung whines as he pours himself another drink.
Jae chuckles.
âIs it why youâre drinking now like crazy, because Jungkook went with Euna for 7 minutes in heaven?â Jaeâs eyes dart behind him and then he chuckles âI donât think you have anything to worry aboutâ
Jae walks away and Taehyung turns confused, only to be met with the musk scent,
with the golden rush eyes. Jungkook is here. Heâs not in the closet with Euna.
âDo you like dancing?â Jungkook asks, voice fragile.
âNoâ
âOhâ Jungkook steps back, but his hand is held tightly.
âAsk me anyway,â Taehyung counters.
âDo you want to dance?â
âYesâ
As a slower song starts to play, Taehyung and Jungkook step closer together, their bodies swaying in sync with the beat. Everything else around them seems to fade away.
Their eyes meet, and Taehyung feels a shiver run down his spine
as he sees desire, adoration, earning in Jungkookâs gaze. He moves closer to him, his heart pounding in his chest as they continue to dance.
With each touch of their bodies, Taehyung feels a surge of passion course through his veins.
It feels more than just a dance, it feels like a confession. Their bodies move together as if they were one, their movements becoming more and more intimate as the music continues to play. Taehyung missed this, the touch, the lingering gaze, the warmth.
And then Jungkook leans into his ear and kisses his earlobe, softly.
âI missed you,â Jungkook whispers, his hot breath biting at taehyungâs neck.
âMe tooâŚâ Taehyung doesnât finish his thoughts. He lets his head fall on Jungkookâs shoulder.
He lets himself freely fall in love with Jungkook.
As they dance, Taehyung feels himself becoming lost in the moment, lost in the sensation of Jungkook's touch. His hands are strong and gentle at the same time, pulling him close to him as they move to the rhythm of the music.
After they matched, Jungkook although has kept to himself, has been quiet, more reserved, he stayed by Taehyung's side. He ditched his date with his ex to run to Taehyung, he carried him home and opened his heart to him. He ditched everything if Taheyung appeared on his horizont.
No one exists around them anymore.
As the song draws to a close, Taehyung and Jungkook continue to sway together, their foreheads touching as they look deeply into each other's eyes. They are both breathing heavily, their hearts beating as one.
âWhatever you choose tomorrow, know that my feelings towards you are not your responsibility, youâre not chained to them andâŚâ
âBe my matchâ Taehyung urges.
âBut, I mean are you sure?â Jungkookâs voice is rushed, breaking at the edges, heâs such a vision.
Taehyung nods. Jungkook seals it with a kiss. Itâs short, itâs swift, itâs sweet. Itâs a promise.
For a moment, there is nothing else in the world but the two of them, lost in each other's embrace. And for the rest of the night no one else exists anymore.
Not Seojoon, not Euna, not Joy or Jae, no one.
As the night wears on, Taehyung and Jungkook continue to dance. They catch the sunrise on the beach, together, kisses on skin, arms entangled, hearts too. It feels liberating, like he's floating. It feels a lot like love.
âBe my match, Kim Taehyung. Because Iâve known you for less than a month and suddenly all my love songs are about you. I canât wait to discover and explore the world with you by my side.â Jungkook asks at the end of the show, the next day.
âYes. I think youâre worth it, Jeon Jungkook, beyond my imagination. I canât wait to learn more about love by your side.â
The whole dating show passed slow, but the end is a blur. Taehyung only remembers a lot of tears and nostalgia. Jungkookâs arm around his waist.
He only remembers Hobi and Jin winning the perfect match and Joy and Jae being the imposter couple.
Jimin and Lia split at the end, both refusing to be each otherâs match. Nabi and Kie match. Seojoon holds a long speech. Jimin tears up. Taehyung engulfs him in a hug.
The whole final ends fast. His flight is in the evening and he rushes to prepare his things. Jungkook is flying the next day. Taehyung has a lot of things to deal with back home. He also has a date scored with Jungkook.
Itâs a bit scary, but all things are, all things great.
The next day Jungkook sips from his drink at the bar. He has a flight soon, Seojoon joins him. The show wrapped up well.
âYou owe me a big one,â Seojoon says cheekily as he sits at the bar.
âThat black new car you saw in theâŚâ
âThat black car exactly.
Itâs not easy to change this show so quickly.â
Jungkook grumbles something and returns to his drink. He is quiet most of the time. He prefers to observe more. He knows just what Seojoon wants, how to push, how to pull. Jungkook canât wait to fly back and see Taehyung.
Just a day apart, but heâs already missing him. Jungkook stares at their chat where Taehyung sent him a recent emoji, a black heart, it got Jungkook smiling to himself for an entire hour.
âHeâs got you pretty bad, imagine what happens if he gets to know,â Seojoon laments,
trying to overlook their chat.
âItâs none of your businessâ Jungkook says with a blank stare.
Seojoon just grins âFaking the imposter couple that the show revolved around, damn I did a good job. No one even guessed that you and Nabi were the real imposter couple.â
âOh, fuck off,â Jungkookâs attention is swayed by a ping of a message. He stares at the screen, itâs a recent selfie, Taehyung laying on the bed. Jungkook wishes he was there. Seojoon is still nagging him.
âHow did you even manage to convince Nabi to pretend,
what about Joy and Jae, theyâre not a couple are they, those two hate each otherâ
âI know how to convince,â Jungkook speaks. He tunes Seojoon out and instead focuses his attention on the chat with Taehyung.
All of this started as a game.
He and Nabi have been hooking up for a while, it became familiar. Joy said itâs only familiarity too. Jungkook didnât know anymore what love was. Nabi questioned herself too. They both entered their relationship after being hurt in their past.
Joy said they need to test it out,
if they fit each other, if a relationship fits them, if theyâre a match, if theyâre compatible. And then the idea arose. They had many games in the past, becoming clients at a casino, opening a fake business, travelling to the country they blindly chose on the map,
some wilder ones. It kept them entertained, forgetting for a while about their misery. The idea arose, a dating show to test a relationship, find a perfect match. Nabi was on, she adored challenges, sometimes Jungkook felt himself like a challenge that Nabi tried to conquer.
They contacted Seojoon and Namjoon, and thatâs how the show appeared. It evolved more but the sole purpose was to test Jungkook and Nabi, if they are a match.
Everything was going well. Jungkook is lying, it was not.
They both understood that the only thing that ties them together is the pain, the heartbreak they experienced in the past from someone that hurt them. It slowly dawned on them both. On Nabi slower because she didnât want to lose a challenge, lose Jungkook.
And Jungkook⌠he met Taehyung. And the day before Taehyung asked him to be his match, Jungkook broke up with Nabi.
Nabi thought if she returns to the show with her ex, the pain, the heartbreak that ties them together, then Jungkook will change his mind.
Jungkook was far too enamoured with Taehyung to notice anything around, to give a damn about anything around him. He forgot the sole purpose of the show. He liked how he was around Taehyung. He wanted to be kissed... his scars, wounds, Taehyung did that. And it was real.
Jungkook knew he'll never need to test his relationship with Taehyung. He could write songs about his feelings, raw, real, consuming. He also realised he doesn't need any games anymore, doesn't need the rush, the adrenaline, the chills. Not when he already has Taehyung.
Jungkook wakes up from his reverie, he turns to Seojoon with a glare "Why did you lie, back then when you revealed about the imposter couple, I know Nabi for a year only and we were not even dating, just testing it out"
Seojoon grins "I wanted to spice things up, a little drama"
Jungkook wants to wipe his grin off. He walks away from the bar and presses his phone to his ear. Taehyung answers after a couple of seconds. His voice calms Jungkook.
"What are you doing. Tae?"
"Trying to get Yoongi off me, he got to know that Jimin is my friend now and he became a leech."
Jungkook chuckles, mentally imagining it, Taehyung fighting a clingy Yoongi.
"And what are you doing?"
"Had a talk with Seojoon"
"Did he threaten you about the imposter couple?"
Jungkook breaths deeply "Not really, just wanted to shove in my face the fact that I owe him."
"Well, let him bask in his own drama. We had enough of ours. By the way I forgot to ask how Joy agreed to fake the imposter couple"
"Actually she offered" Jungkook answers.
âThatâs weirdâ
âOkay, she didnâtâ Jungkook confesses âI bought a vacation for her and Jae to Hawaiâ
âThatâs more like it, anyway Yoongi is killing me here, he demands I call Jimin now and put him on speakerâ
âDo that and then record it somehow, I want to see his reactionâ
âWill do, have a safe flight, okay?â
âWe have a date after all, donât we?â
Jungkook walks to his flight with his heart light. He thought he lost Taehyung after he confessed everything. But he couldnât not be honest, he didnât want their relationship to start with a lie.
Not when he wanted to have Taehyung for the rest of his life. And they agreed to take it slow. Go on dates first, court each other, get to know each other, ease into it. Jungkook couldnât be more grateful. He can't wait to get to explore a new shape of love with Taehyung.

the end

i am sobbing as i type this, didn't want the fic to end. the plot twists, that's how the fic got a shape, they were there from the beginning. it's midnight here and my eyes are sore, but i am happy, if you can and want to support my writing
ko-fi.com/taeterawryou can reread some parts and connect things. jae told th from the beginning that jk and nabi were friends with benefits before coming to the show. such dating shows are very dramatic, have many twists so that the viewers enjoy. so did this dating show. many lies and twists.
there's more that is left unanswered, hobi and jin's future, jimin and yoongi's meeting, taekook's relationship development, i am planning to post this work on ao3 soon and i will add a bonus small chapter adding all these scenes, like a final wrap of the fic.
again, i am extremely happy to everyone for being with me on this journey, it feels like a long one. now it depends on the person if they'll accept being jk's match after his story, th accepted because this is him, this is how he lives and loves/ no judgement there.
what more can i say, saw some quotes about jk being mysterious or not developed enough. usually in shows you can't really deschiper a person's personality, they play a certain role, wear a mask, are flirty, are how the audience wants them to see. plus jk is quite reserved.
even if publicly charming, he keeps personal things to himself, he lets to show only what he wants, th got to know him better and he fell in love with what he saw. because jk just broke up with nabi weeks ago, even if they weren't together, him and th decide to take it slow
they will not delve right into it, they will take their time. and then they will be happy, because they're each other's perfect match.
anyways love y'all and let me know what you think, there might be some empty holes, edges i didn't fll well, but i am only human
i would write this story late at nights, after a full day of work, so understand when i say that it's not ideal, but it makes me happy, writing does, i hope you enjoyed it again and interact
also look forward to me next fic (hint: it'll hurt so good)
by the way jk told th everything that night after which th said he wants to have space
also quick note, last one, probably
they faked the imposter couple because jk remembered how th told him when he was drunk that he just wants to be with jk he wants the show to end and for the viewers to like him, jk didn't want to put th in a bad spot, also nabi agreed