Work Text:
“Are you excited for tonight’s Christmas party?” Max asks.
Jeongguk tries not to squirm in his seat. They’re both seated inside his private office, going over Jeongguk’s annual performance review, and it’s reached the end when his manager makes casual conversation to appear like a caring, balanced boss. Not that he isn’t those things. Max is one of the better managers Jeongguk has had throughout his career. It’s just one of those boundaries he’s never been able to cross with the person who signs his paychecks. He can talk about working with them for hours, but the second they pry into more personal matters, Jeongguk clams up.
Especially when it comes to this dreaded office Christmas party.
“Oh yeah, definitely,” Jeongguk lies with a weak, fake smile.
“Did I mention we hired drag queens? Isn’t it exciting? A whole drag show just for us!” he exclaims.
Jeongguk nods, knowing Max has brought it up several times throughout the month and it’s only December 18th. He appreciates the enthusiasm though, even if it’s hard to match.
He’s not dreading the drag show in the least, in fact, that might be the only thing to look forward to tonight. It’s been a long time since he attended a drag show in person and not opted out to spend hours on the couch watching RuPaul’s Drag Race instead. Although his serious case of homebody syndrome may be the reason he’s in this problem in the first place.
What Jeongguk is truly dreading is socializing with his coworkers and meeting their partners and being reminded for the millionth time that is he so painfully single.
It feels like every year at the Christmas party, everyone at this company has somebody to bring, and Jeongguk fails to get a date every time. It’s not even just about bringing whoever here, it’s a reminder that another year has passed and Jeongguk remains as alone as ever. And he knows he’s largely at fault. He spends so much of his day at work that when he gets off, he just wants to go home to his apartment and sleep the rest of the night away. Any spare energy he has, he saves it for running errands, going to the gym, playing video games, or spending time with friends.
It’s been hard to squeeze in dating into that limited time. Besides, he hasn’t quite cracked the secret of meeting people these days. He knows that’s hard to believe while he lives in New York City but trust him, it’s harder than it looks. He’s never had any luck with dating apps either, and he’s terrible at charming people online and in real life. He’s always been on the shyer and reserved side, feeling more comfortable listening to others chatter away, instead of doing the talking.
Most of the time he’s made peace with living a single life without a romantic partner. He knows it’s not necessary for a happy life. It’s just during these times of the year when he watches couples ice-skate together hand in hand in Bryant Park, looking so in love and perfect. It must be nice to experience, right? Even having somebody to goof off with at his company’s boring Christmas party. He’d like to try it at least once.
Alas, he must go through another year, another Christmas party by himself.
“I’m sure it’ll be fun,” Jeongguk lies once again, praying Max will let him go back to his desk already.
“It sure will be! Oh, I almost forgot to ask, are you bringing anyone to the party?”
Jeongguk fights back a twitch in his eye. “No.”
Max waves a hand as he stands up, signaling the end of their time. “Don’t worry about it! Can’t wait to see you there tonight, buddy, and thanks for another great year with your hard work.”
Jeongguk stands up and shakes his hand quickly. “Thank you, Max.”
“Please, call me Maximus!” He insists like he’s been insisting all year long. At the last Christmas party, the CEO jokingly called him, “Maximus” and he’s been trying to get the nickname going around the office ever since.
It’s been unsuccessful, Jeongguk might add. He looks less like Gladiator Russel Crowe and more like Les Misérables Russel Crowe, but nobody wants to be the one to break it to him.
He just nods as he runs for the door, desperate to get on with his day. He still has half the workday left and the party later tonight. It’s going to be a long day.
He needs caffeine ASAP.
💖👑💖
Stupid corporate event. Stupid rent needs to be paid. Stupid Hoseok for signing them up for this.
Jimin grumbles to himself as he runs the dress under the sewing machine. He hovers over a desk in the tailor shop he works in, sewing a dress he’s been tasked to alter. He hates this time of year. Work in the shop is slow since wedding season is over and they get the occasional dresses for formal events during the holidays, but it’s not enough to cover his usual expenses, resulting in him relying on drag events.
He’s been performing in drag for a few years now. His friend, Taehyung, introduced him to it as he had already been in the drag scene, and taught Jimin everything he needed to know from how to put on makeup to walking in heels. Jimin’s background in dance and fashion helped him quickly get the hang of performing and creating the outfits, but it took many nights for Jimin to fully find and embrace his drag persona. But now that he has found it, it’s one of his greatest passions.
He started doing drag for the love of it, something he looked forward to doing at night, but as life costs only increase, and his pay stays the same, he’s had to rely on the extra earnings he gets from drag shows. It’s not the worst thing in the world. He feels grateful to have booked so many drag opportunities, but just like any job, some events are better than others. And there are two types of events that he despises more than the rest: brunch and corporate events.
He leans back in his chair and takes off his glasses to rub at his eyes, tired of straining them while working on the dress. He needs a new prescription for his glasses and contact lenses. Another cost. Everything fucking costs.
If he’s honest with himself, he hasn’t done too many corporate events, but he thinks he’s worked enough to pass judgment on them—and they suck. The money the company pays is always good, but their employees never tip well. They are always a boring audience as well, too aware that their boss is seated right next to them. He supposes he can’t blame them. His manager knows he does drag, but has never seen him in it, and asks him to kindly not work on his drag outfits inside the shop.
Jimin does anyway because what his manager doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Like right now, he probably won’t mind Jimin stepping out to get a coffee. He’ll make it quick; he just needs the energy if he’s going to finish this shift and be ready for tonight’s event. He’s supposed to work at this office Christmas party, and he just knows it’s going to be lame with a bunch of suits who don’t know how to party.
💖👑💖
When Jeongguk steps into the cafe across the street from his office, he’s smacked in the face with the spirit of Christmas. Literally. He accidentally walks into the Christmas tree by the door. In his defense, somebody bumped into him as they were walking out. The entire cafe is full of people already seated at the tables or coming in and out for their caffeine fix. They’re surrounded by Christmas lights and ornaments on the walls and sparkling snowflakes dangling from the ceiling. It’s a Christmas wonderland, but Jeongguk is feeling a bit too much like Ebenezer Scrooge and drudges toward the counter.
After waiting in line for a few minutes, he comes face to face with the barista. She asks, “Hello. What can I get for you?”
Jeongguk takes a sweeping glance at the menu but already knows what he wants to order. It’s his favorite drink during the holiday season. “A peppermint mocha latte, please.”
“What’s the name of the order?”
“Jeongguk,” he says, watching as the barista writes it on the cup.
He pays for his order and then awkwardly waits in the corner beside the pickup counter, scrolling through his phone to appear busy, even though he has new notifications. He really needs to improve his social life.
He loses track of time while scrolling down social media, not paying too much attention to the other people passing him by or the other names being called, only having his ear open for when he hears his order. By the time they call out his name, Jeongguk snaps back into reality, scrambling to put his phone away.
A drink sits on the counter with the letter “J” on it, and the rest of it gets cut off by the angle, but he presumes it must be his. He picks it up and takes a sip out of it right away, ready to hurry back to work, but the moment the coffee hits his tongue, he freezes at the bitterness entering his mouth.
He’s had the peppermint mocha here several times, and it’s never tasted this bad before.
“Ew, this tastes like toothpaste.”
A voice says from behind him. He turns around to see somebody else holding a cup with his name on it. On any other day, he would be mortified that he mixed up drinks with somebody else like this, but instead, Jeongguk feels the air punched out of his lungs, the pounding of his heart growing louder in his ears as he stares at the most beautiful man. Plenty of gorgeous people live in this city, but this guy has the kind of beauty that makes you stop and stare for a moment as he passes you by. Jeongguk isn’t sure what captures his eyes the most, whether it’s his sultry eyes, his button nose, or those thick, pink lips. Even his cheeks seem to have a natural blush, and along with his blonde hair, Jeongguk thinks he might have stumbled upon an angel in a coffee shop of all places.
“I think we mixed up our drinks,” the guy says with a rueful grin, looking at the Jeongguk cup in his hands.
It breaks Jeongguk out of his daze, and he checks the name of the drink in his hand, finding Jimin written on it instead.
“Y-you’re right,” he pushes himself to say, finding it hard to meet Jimin’s gaze. “Sorry about that.”
Jimin shrugs as he offers his cup, wanting them to switch them back. Jeongguk quickly brings his drink forward, trying carefully to exchange them without touching him, but Jimin doesn’t seem to mind as his fingers brush against Jeongguk’s. His hand burns as he holds his latte to his chest—and it’s not because of the warm coffee.
“Well, Jeongguk ,” Jimin says, testing his name with a bright smile, “you have horrible taste.”
A chuckle jumps out of Jeongguk as he nods. “Uh, you too. That was bad.”
“It’s an Americano.”
“Mine is a peppermint mocha latte.”
Jimin hisses with a grimace. “Chocolate and mint just do not go together.”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “The greatest ice cream flavor would disagree.”
That makes Jimin blanche before he laughs, and o h , even his laugh is pretty. How unfair this coffee angel is.
“If you say so, Peppermint Patty,” Jimin says, and Jeongguk can’t fight the smile that spreads on his face.
More people start gathering in their corner, waiting for their drinks, and they both seem to realize that they should move out of the way. Jeongguk walks a few steps away to an emptier space, and he’s surprised to see Jimin walk with him. He expected Jimin to leave already; Jeongguk knows he should probably also get back to work, but he finds himself glued to the spot.
Jimin must notice his surprise because he quickly takes a sip of his drink, looking away. Jeongguk does the same, not wanting to seem strange and staring for too long. When a sweet and fresh coffee fills his mouth this time, he lets out a sigh of relief.
“Better?” Jimin asks, looking over his cup with a spark in his eyes.
Jeongguk nods. “Much better.”
“I guess I should pay more attention before I grab drinks that aren’t mine.”
“It’s okay, I wasn’t paying enough attention either.”
“It’s not the worst thing that can happen,” Jimin says before pursing his lips, eyes fluttering. “Sharing an indirect kiss with a cute boy was unexpected, but I like a good surprise.”
Jeongguk chokes on his drink, coughing out the sweet coffee as Jimin looks alarmed and so do several other customers near them. Great, leave it to him to die in front of a hot guy the moment he flirts with him. He quickly waves away everyone’s concern as his throat settles down, feeling his face burn in pure, utter embarrassment.
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” he assures a still worried-looking Jimin, but he wants to save this. He can flirt back. He just needs to say something witty, something teasing. “An indirect kiss? What are you—twelve?”
Jimin’s mouth drops open and Jeongguk is the biggest idiot on the planet.
He sputters, “N-no, what I meant—”
“It’s fine.” Jimin waves a hand, looking away with a smile that looks far less bright than before. “I should head out anyway. I needed to be back at work like five minutes ago.”
Jeongguk’s shoulders slump. This cannot end like this. The universe throws him a man who is charming and gorgeous and thinks Jeongguk is cute. He can’t let a chance like this go. He should ask if he’ll see him around the cafe again—no, he should ask him for his number. That’s not weird, right?
Yes, Jimin put himself out there, it was time Jeongguk did the same.
He opens his mouth to say something, and Jimin widens his eyes, expecting a response. But then nothing comes out. Jeongguk doesn’t know what to say, he doesn’t know how to ask it. His tongue feels completely tied, and he recognizes the disappointment that washes over Jimin’s face. It’s the same that fills his chest.
Jimin nods, eyes glued to the floor. “I’ll uh see you around, Jeongguk. Merry Christmas.”
“Yeah, it’s um December 18th.” Now his mouth works?!
Jimin presses his mouth into a thin line as he raises his brows, and with that, he walks past Jeongguk, leaving the shop, and leaving with the only hope of ending Jeongguk’s romantic desert. He knows he deserves it. The universe gave him a chance and Jeongguk set it on fire and burnt it to a crisp in a matter of minutes.
As he walks out of the cafe, he wonders if anyone has ever died of foot-in-mouth disease. He also wonders if there’s a cure.
All he knows is that if he ever ran into Jimin again, he would like an opportunity to redeem himself, but he knows himself well enough that he would find a way to make it so much worse.
It’s truly not a mystery why he’s single. It’s also probably for the best.
💖👑💖
“Merry Christmas, my darling!” Hoseok announces as he walks into their shared apartment. Jimin is in the bathroom with the door open, standing in front of the mirror as he works on his makeup for tonight.
“It’s December 18th,” Jimin grumbles, remembering him saying the same.
Hoseok pauses in front of the bathroom, shooting him an unimpressed look. “Somebody’s already Grinchy.”
“I just finished work. I gotta put a pound of makeup on my face and then perform for the most boring people in the city. What’s there to feel cheery about?”
“Come on, it won’t be too bad,” Hoseok assures while leaning against the doorway, crossing his arms over his chest. “We have a great performance rehearsed. It could be fun.”
Jimin shoots him a side glance. “I’m not worried about us, it’s them. When was the last time you had fun at one of these?”
Hoseok grimaces, and that’s all the answer he needs.
Corporate events always have too many rules. Most limit swearing, offensive language, and sometimes even sexual jokes. Jimin doesn’t need any of those things to put on a good show, but he hates being so restricted. Sometimes he likes making a dick joke—so sue him!
The party tonight isn’t too different. The company emailed a list of things that weren’t allowed or encouraged, stressing the importance of the professional environment they harness. It’s fine. Jimin is used to it by now. Plus, their trio has a way around a lot of the rules that still let them have their fun.
The three of them—Jimin, Hoseok, and Taehyung—have become a popular drag queen trio, often being hired together for events. It started when they were all working in the same club. Jimin had been friends with Taehyung ever since they met in fashion school, and once they were both performing in drag, they came across Hoseok who fit right in with them. Hard to beat finding fellow Korean American queens who wanted to go for K-BBQ after a show.
Now Jimin and Hoseok rent an apartment together, Taehyung lives close by with his boyfriend, and the three of them work on events together, but it seems that they got a bit too good at working brunch because now they’re doing office parties.
Jimin turns back to the bathroom sink, reaching for the gel to press down his eyebrows. When he opens it, the cap breaks off, leaving the brush stuck inside the tube.
“You have got to be kidding me!” Jimin exclaims with a groan. Everything seems to be going wrong today.
Hoseok who was about to walk away let out a laugh. “Relax! We have more. Seriously, what’s gotten into you today?”
Jimin leans back against the sink, crossing his arms over his chest. It’s probably best to let it out before the performance. The last thing he needs is to be annoyed on stage.
“Earlier today I went to get coffee and... embarrassed myself in front of a straight guy—stop laughing!”
Hoseok fights a fit of giggles and Jimin rolls his eyes.
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it,” Hoseok says with a wide smile, but he tries to settle down. He asks gently, “What’s the big deal? Who cares what straight people think? I mean was he... was he hot?”
Jimin doesn’t respond, and Hoseok bursts into more laughter.
“Where’s the rest of the eyebrow gel?” Jimin mumbles as he walks past Hoseok.
Maybe he shouldn’t talk about it. It’s not a big deal, Jimin knows he’s being sensitive right now. Meeting Jeongguk and having what he thought was a spark between them only to diffuse the moment he tried flirting with the other man was an ugly wake-up call for Jimin. He’s been single for so long. When he was younger, he didn’t care about finding a boyfriend, instead having more fun with quick hookups. But he’s nearing his thirties now, the thrill of a one-night stand doesn’t do it for him anymore. He’d like to enter the dating scene, but he has no idea how. He clearly doesn’t even know who to flirt with. A straight guy of all people.
“Jiminie, tell me what happened!” Hoseok encourages, following him. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”
Jimin finds an eyebrow gel bottle in one of their drawers along with extra makeup they buy in bulk. He continues, “There’s not much to tell. He and I accidentally mixed up drinks, we switched them back, and I don’t know... I thought I felt a vibe and tried to flirt, but he choked , I mean literally almost died in front of me. He did not flirt back, and I took the hint.”
He turns around to find Hoseok lying on the couch, laughing his ass off. He’s starting to remember why Hoseok incorporates clownery into his drag persona.
Jimin stalks back into the bathroom, finally working on putting gel on his eyebrows, and he hears Hoseok settle down with a sigh. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I know it must have been embarrassing, but it happens, Jimin. We all flirt with the occasional straight guy. Sometimes they’re down for fun too!”
“I know,” Jimin agrees without looking back at Hoseok. He’s fooled around with straight guys before, but he’s tired of that kind of fun. He wants something serious. Something like a tall guy who wears collared shirts and dress pants but orders sweet drinks like a Peppermint Mocha Latte. A smile that resembles a bunny but eyes that are big and dark and captivating. He had this boyish handsomeness to him that made Jimin go weak in the knees, and Jimin has a fear that even if Jeongguk liked men too, that wouldn’t include Jimin.
“Don’t worry, Jiminie,” Hoseok says as he approaches the bathroom again. “So, this guy wasn’t the one, but you’re still the most talented, gorgeous, and sweetest person I know.”
Jimin looks over his shoulder at him. “Bold of you to say when we both know Taehyung.”
“ With the best ass,” Hoseok adds.
“Nice save.”
The front door opens again, this time with Taehyung walking in with the spare key he owns. “Merry Christmas, babes!”
“It’s December 18th,” both Jimin and Hoseok say as they go back to getting ready.
“Oof, it sounds like you both could use some Christmas spirit,” Taehyung says as he settles inside. “Are we ready for tonight?”
“Yes!” Hoseok answers while Jimin says, “No.”
“Oh, don’t be like that, Jimin,” Taehyung says. “Maybe you’ll meet a rich business guy tonight and never have to worry about money again.”
Jimin starts to put on his wig cap, always struggling with the damn thing. “We can’t all be as lucky as you with a long-term boyfriend,” he says to him without looking.
“Yeah, but he’s broke like me. If you’re going to settle down Jimin, do it for someone who lives on the Upper East Side.”
“You love him” Hoseok reminds him as he pulls out all his makeup by the extra mirror they have in the living room.
Taehyung shrugs. “Love isn’t getting us out of this boring event tonight.”
“Thank you!” Jimin shouts from the bathroom.
“ But I’ve decided to embrace it unlike the sourpuss back there.” Taehyung most likely gestures toward Jimin, but he ignores it. “I want to feel excited. Are our outfits ready?”
“Of course.” Jimin steps out of the bathroom to fetch their outfits.
When he went to fashion school years ago, he thought he would be running his own clothesline by now, and although that may still be possible one day, for now, he’s satisfied with the creative freedom to make all their outfits. It’s one of his favorite parts of doing drag.
When he holds up the dresses for them, they squeal in excitement. It’s enough to make Jimin feel more motivated for tonight.
They’re right. There is no point in dragging his feet too much tonight. It’s going to happen regardless, and better to do it with a genuine smile. And who cares what some straight guy thinks?
Even if he was the hottest guy Jimin had ever seen.
💖👑💖
The second Jeongguk enters the Christmas party, he goes on autopilot greeting and smiling politely at everyone. From his coworkers who work with him in the same department to others who work on a completely different floor, Jeongguk puts on his best, I am a perfectly normal employee who knows how to socialize at a work event. Which is far from the truth. Jeongguk feels like an NPC character with the limited number of dialogues he’s able to say at this party.
“Yes, I work in the marketing department.”
“Nice to meet you! I’ve seen your picture on this one’s desk.”
“Congrats on your anniversary/baby/engagement!”
And his personal favorite: “No, I’m here by myself.”
He grows tired of the ordeal within twenty minutes, especially when some of them insist on introducing him to someone they swear would be perfect for him or remind him that he’s not getting any younger. As if it’s any of their business.
This goes on for over an hour. Jeongguk knew he should have come “fashionably” late. Instead, he makes small, polite talk, and the moment it grows awkward, or he runs out of appropriate dialogue to choose from, he high-tails it away from them and onto the next victim. By the end of it, he finds himself by the bar, already using his second drink ticket to get another wine glass. They only get two drink tickets, and Jeongguk knows he should make them last, but tonight is tougher than he thought.
Maybe he’s still upset at himself for his mistake in the coffee shop. He doesn’t want to embarrass himself like that again tonight. He thinks as long as no other beautiful people catch him off guard, he should be fine.
“A second wine glass? Jeongguk, have some decorum!”
A familiar voice tells him, and Jeongguk turns around to find the exact kind of beautiful face he would be weary of. But he’s gotten used to Seokjin, one of the only coworkers here that he is truly friends with.
Jeongguk leans against the bar, giving him his first genuine smile of the night. “Once you’ve gone around to greet everyone, you’ll be on your second ticket too, hyung.”
Seokjin takes a wine glass of his own from the bartender, looking at Jeongguk from the side of his eyes. “That’s why I came late. I rather skip the meet and greet this year.”
“I thought I could come early and leave early, but now I’m regretting it.”
“It will be fine. I heard they’re going to serve dinner soon, then start the show, and everyone is basically able to leave after that.”
“Want to grab a real drink after this?”
Seokjin sighs with relief. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Jeongguk started working at his company almost three years ago, and out of all the things that have come out of it, he’s most grateful for meeting Seokjin. They were on the same marketing team, Jeongguk specializing in graphic design and Seokjin in copywriting, and quickly hit it off. It didn’t take long for Seokjin to take Jeongguk under his wing as a mentor and friend. Now Seokjin has been promoted to a different team within their department, but it wasn’t enough to end the after-work beers they often grab together.
The two of them continue to talk as they make their way to the dining tables. They’re about to settle at an empty one when they spot one of their other favorite coworkers. Another rare soul they can call a real friend.
“Namjoon-ah, Yoongi-ah, my favorite couple!” Seokjin exclaims in Korean as he takes his seat.
Namjoon and Yoongi smile and greet him just as pleasantly. Both are from South Korea, whereas Seokjin and Jeongguk are second and third-generation respectively. Seokjin loves flexing his Korean on them, but Jeongguk secretly thinks he’s using them to practice. Not that he could blame him, Jeongguk should probably practice more as well.
Namjoon works in the sales department, and despite the sales and marketing department butting heads sometimes, Jeongguk thinks Namjoon is the best of them. He’s so good at his job and to work with, he recently became manager of his team. Luckily, his new promotion didn’t stop him from joining Jeongguk and Seokjin’s after-work beers. He even often brought his husband, Yoongi, who Jeongguk liked talking to. Yoongi always has interesting stories, and whenever Seokjin and Namjoon get caught up bickering about their game of darts or whatever they argued about, Jeongguk sits back with Yoongi as they talk quietly amongst themselves.
The married couple is one of the few couples Jeongguk doesn’t feel awkward around or even mind third-wheeling with. They have been together for years but remain as shy and sweet together as always. They blame it on the fact that they spent much of their relationship long-distance before Yoongi came to marry Namjoon in the States, but Jeongguk just thinks they have that kind of love that remains pure and strong. They give Jeongguk hope sometimes that true love exists, other times they just give him a toothache for how loving they can be together.
“Are you enjoying yourselves this evening?” Seokjin asks them, switching back to English.
Namjoon shrugs. “It’s better than last year’s party.”
“Which isn’t saying much,” Yoongi adds.
Last year, they put everyone on a boat that went around the Hudson River, but more than one person got seasick, and the rest got food poisoning from the shrimp. This year, they’re not serving shrimp.
Jeongguk swishes around the wine in his glass. “I mean outside of being boring, not much could go wrong tonight, right?”
Seokjin grins at him. “Not unless the queens manage to make us have fun.”
That makes them all chuckle, but then Yoongi lifts his glass to his lips, murmuring in hushed Korean, “Jeongguk-ah, boss coming at your right.”
“Huh?” he starts to say, but then he feels hands on his shoulders and an incredibly chirpy voice.
“Great to see you all!” Max greets them, giving Jeongguk another pat on the back. “Jeongguk, how are you doing?”
Jeongguk quickly nods, looking over his shoulder at him. “Great, Max.” His manager points a finger at him, reminding him of their conversation earlier. “This is great, Maximus .”
“Isn’t it? They did a fantastic job!” He gestures toward the venue. They rented a banquet hall this year, not too far from the office, and it’s decorated with lights all over the walls and ceilings, and Christmas music playing over the speakers. They even have a small dance floor in front of the stage where some of his coworkers are brave enough to bust a move. It’s livelier than the boat party, he’ll give it that.
“Yes, they did, sir,” Jeongguk agrees.
“Are you excited to sashay away ?” Max asks, using that term incorrectly, but Jeongguk doesn’t bother correcting him.
“Of course.”
“That’s the spirit! I’ll see you around.” The manager addresses the whole table again as he says, “You all have fun tonight!”
They thank him and wish him the same, waiting until he takes his seat a few tables away, joining the other directors of the company.
“Must be hard being the boss’ favorite,” Seokjin says.
Jeongguk shakes his head. “I am not his favorite.”
“You are,” Namjoon insists. “He always brags about what a good job you do at meetings.”
This is news to Jeongguk. He knows Max likes him and the work he does, but he doesn’t think he’s bragged-worthy material. Seokjin must be able to tell by the confusion on his face because he ruffles his hair.
“It’s like I always tell you—people like you more than you think!” he says.
Jeongguk isn’t sure how true that is. A certain coffee shop interaction playing nonstop in his head since it happened.
“You just need a bit more confidence,” Seokjin continues, reaching over to pinch his cheeks. “You’re handsome, successful, and kind. You’re a real catch, Jeongguk!”
Jeongguk swats his hand away, he spent way too much time trying to look nice tonight and Seokjin keeps ruining it. “I-I know.”
“Anybody would be lucky to be with you, Jeongguk-ah,” Yoongi says to him.
“I—where is this coming from?” Jeongguk asks, growing suspicious.
Seokjin gives him a sympathetic look. “We just noticed you came alone again this year...”
“ You came alone this year!”
“By choice! I usually bring a date.” Seokjin crosses his arms over his chest. “I just want to make sure my Jeonggukie is happy.”
Jeongguk has half of mind to finish the rest of his drink right now. “I’m fine, don’t worry about me.”
The faces of his three friends don’t seem that convinced, but fortunately, he’s saved by the server coming around to bring their dinner plates. Once they start eating, they move on from conversing about Jeongguk’s lack of love life and talk about more interesting topics like plans for the holidays or whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie. (Jeongguk is a firm believer that it does.)
At some point, the lights dim, and everyone quiets down in anticipation. All remaining lights turn to the stage at the front of the room, and Jeongguk relaxes with relief. Finally, the best part of the night. He takes out the single dollar bills from his wallet and has to smack Seokjin’s hand away when he tries to steal a few.
When instead of a drag queen, the CEO steps out from behind the curtain, Jeongguk can feel the whole room slump in disappointment. The CEO starts a long-winded speech about the year they had, and Jeongguk’s attention drifts away, not wanting to hear any more about work. He notices Namjoon and Yoongi whispering to each other, giggling at their inside jokes. It must be so nice, Jeongguk is reminded, to have someone to turn to. Someone who knows exactly what you’re feeling without having to say it. Someone who can turn any mundane event into a precious memory.
He wonders if that will ever be him across the table with someone lost in their own world.
He turns his head completely to look at Seokjin, hoping they could share a laugh, but he’s met with Seokjin hissing at him, “Jeongguk, your big head is in the way, I can’t see the stage.” So, with a roll of his eyes, Jeongguk turns back just in time to see the CEO closing out his speech.
“For your entertainment tonight,” the older man introduces, “a Christmas drag show!”
Finally, the CEO hurries off the side of the stage as the lights dim again to almost total darkness. Music starts playing over the speakers and within the first few notes, Jeongguk recognizes it right away. It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls .
He leans back into his seat, holding back a smile already.
Three spotlights turn on one by one, but they shine from behind the queens so they can’t see anything but the silhouettes of them, but it’s more than enough. All three strike a pose and quickly dance along to the first verse. They’re met with enthusiastic shouts and whistles from his coworkers in the audience. Even Seokjin is clapping loudly behind him.
The queens only dance to the first verse before the music fades away and the lights go out again. When the first spotlight turns back on, it reveals only one queen standing in the middle of the stage with one mic in her hand and waving with the other.
“Hello everyone! How are we doing tonight?” She greets them with a wide smile that almost reminds Jeongguk of a heart. She has long, straight purple hair with a fuzzy pair of white earmuffs on her head. It matches the short fluffy coat she wears, hiding the blue sparkly crop top underneath it, but it seems to be the same fabric as her mini skirt. The look is complete with a pair of knee-high white boots.
It doesn’t take long for a low whistle to blow from behind Jeongguk. He turns around to see Seokjin’s eyes glued to the stage.
“Remind me never to insult this company again,” Seokjin mumbles to him. “I have them to thank for this beauty tonight.”
Jeongguk can’t help but laugh. “I’m sorry, but is the Kim Seokjin experiencing love at first sight?”
“Love, lust, whatever you want to call it.”
“Make sure to tip her well.”
“Oh, I will,” Seokjin says, reaching for Jeongguk’s stack again, but he lets him this time. He turns back to the stage while still chuckling.
“I am so excited to be here tonight to help you celebrate your annual Christmas party,” she continues saying. “I’m Jackie in the Box, and you may not know me well yet, but you’ll quickly learn I’m a bit of a clown. I love telling a good joke. Want to hear one?”
When she’s met with an engaging crowd, she says, “All right—how much did Santa pay for his sleigh?... Nothing, it was on the house!”
A few dry chuckles come from the audience, but it’s mostly met with silence. Although Seokjin snorts rather loudly. He’s always a sucker for bad dad jokes.
Jackie nods. “Not that one, huh? Okay, let me try again. What’s a reindeer’s favorite singer?... Beyonsleigh!” She earns a few more genuine laughs this time. “Oh, I’m getting the hang of this! Last one—why doesn’t Santa have any kids?... Because he only comes once a year!”
Almost everyone, including Jeongguk, laughs at that one, not expecting it at all. He thinks he hears Seokjin saying something about his ‘dream girl’ in between his laughs, but Jeongguk is too busy watching the directors’ table squirm in their silence. The only table that is not laughing right now.
Jackie takes notice of them as well. “Oh, this table doesn’t seem to like that. You must be HR, it’s very nice to meet you! I know how much you hate to see me coming.” She winks while sticking out her tongue.
“How much should you tip someone that says I want to take you out, and also possibly marry you?” Seokjin asks the table.
“Maybe ask if she takes credit,” Yoongi suggests.
“Now you all have made a girl feel very welcomed,” Jackie says, “but I want you to help me give a big welcome to our next queen. She came here from Paris faster than Santa comes down a chimney, she's so beautiful she got more than five golden rings for Christmas, say bonjour to Violette!”
Everyone claps as the next queen walks across the stage, and she has a cooler vibe than the bubbliness Jackie gives. Her sleek, black hair falls in bangs framing her face and long down her back. Her eye makeup reminds Jeongguk of the 1960s model Twiggy with its dramatic bottom lashes. The dress has long sleeves and reaches below her knees and snugs her curvy body in all the right angles. It sparkles similarly to Jackie’s, but hers is a light purple. What stands out the most is the white fur wrap she wears around her arms, and the cutout of a heart in the middle of her chest, bedazzled in gems around the shape.
She gives the crowd an elegant wave that could rival the royals’, and says to the mic in her other hand, “Thank you, everyone, for having me.” Her voice is deeper than Jeongguk expects, but it suits her. “I love coming to these companies and learning what they have to offer. Jackie,” she turns to her fellow queen, “did you know that I have three companies that are interested in me right now?”
Jackie gasps. “Really?”
Violette frowns. “Yeah, the water, the electricity, and the phone company.”
Jeongguk laughs even though he wants to cry. Don’t they all?
“Oh, Violette, don’t worry!” Jackie comforts her. “I’m sure you’ll find something.”
“Yes, maybe I could work here.” She turns to the audience. “I have so many skills. I know how to contour, how to dance, and I’ve gotten exceptional at tucking in my balls—”
“Violette!” Jackie shrieks.
“—Wonderful personality,” she saves with a sweet smile. The audience busts out laughing at that one, and Jeongguk laughs even more seeing the tension rise in the directors’ table again. He thinks he heard that the drag queens had to remain appropriate for the party, but they seem to be pushing the limits on it. Honestly, Jeongguk doesn’t see the big deal of it. Everyone here is an adult and ready for a good time, Jeongguk knows he is.
Jackie shakes her head at her fellow queen. “I’m going to need backup when it comes to you. Everyone, please help us welcome our final queen. She’s so cute you’ll want to take a bite out of her. She’s sweet enough to be on Santa’s nice list and sexy enough to put herself on the naughty list. Welcome Peaches ‘n’ Cream!”
Jeongguk begins clapping along with everyone else, but his hands slow down as he takes in the queen who descends upon the stage. Peaches ‘n’ Cream struts across the stage to join the other queens, her knee-high white boots clacking against the stage. She brushes a strand of her long wavy hair behind her shoulder, her blonde hair shining with subtle pink and orange highlights throughout it. It complements her white-gloved hands and the pink dress beneath her white fur coat. When she looks at the audience, Jeongguk’s hands freeze completely along with the beating of his heart.
He knows that face.
Those sultry eyes are now dusted with a blend of pink and orange over their heavy eyelids. The round face is now rosy with bright blush and a small highlight on that button nose. Those perfect, plush lips now wear a glossy pink shine. Despite the different clothes and makeup now, Jeongguk would recognize that coffee angel anywhere.
Of all places, of all nights, Jeongguk just had to run into Jimin again.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Jimin—well, Peaches—says sweetly into her mic, “I heard Violette wants to work here, and I wanted to do the same. I just did a quick interview in the back.”
Jackie blinks, looking at her. “Um, Peaches, they’re not here to hire people.”
Peaches’ mouth parts open. “Oh... well, I just made a guy in the back very happy.”
Everyone bursts out laughing, even Jeongguk despite his small heart attack at seeing Jimin here.
“No, no, keep it professional!” Jackie insists with a wave of her arms. “I can’t bring you two anywhere! This is a place of work.”
“What kind of work?” Peaches asks, sounding almost innocent and genuine, a stark contrast to the jokes she’s implying or even the confidence he showed this afternoon.
“Well...” Jackie turns to the audience for a sidebar. “What do you all do here again?”
Several people from the audience shout out answers about their main business, and Jackie looks far from impressed when she asks with an arched eyebrow, “And people pay you to do that?”
Everyone shouts an enthusiastic, “Yes!”
Jackie turns back to her fellow queens. “Peaches, introduce me to the guy in the back,” she deadpans.
Amidst more of the laughter, Jeongguk hears Seokjin whine, “That could be me! I should be the guy in the back!”
“There is no guy in the back,” Yoongi says. “How are you so obsessed already?”
“I fall in love fast,” Seokjin sighs while leaning his face onto his hand. “I’d be the jester to her clown in the box if you catch my drift.”
“You’re so gross. I think they should let you up there,” Namjoon says.
“If they did, this show would need an R-rating.”
All of them groan at Seokjin’s horniness, but Jeongguk can’t blame him. As he gazes at Peaches and all of her glowing, rosy glory, he thinks Seokjin isn’t alone in his pathetic pining.
“We have a great show for you all tonight!” Jackie announces to the crowd before turning to her left. “Violette, what should our lovely audience be prepared to do?”
“Get ready to deck the halls and jingle those bells,” she answers with a wink. “And Peaches, what should they give us?”
“Oh! Just the tip,” Peaches says smoothly, and Jeongguk regrets taking a sip of his drink at that moment because he chokes.
Jackie clears her throat. “She means a tip because we do work oh so hard, and we want in on your Christmas bonuses!”
Everyone laughs and claps as the girls give another wave before heading back behind the curtain, It’s Raining Men playing them off once again. As the three make their way off stage, Peaches takes a sweeping glance at the crowd, she pauses for a moment, and Jeongguk feels his heart sink again. His table is close enough that probably anybody on the stage could see him. It’s enough for Peaches—for Jimin to spot him. It’s only for a second, mere milliseconds, but Jimin’s eyes widen at the sight of him, and Jeongguk feels the breath stolen from his chest just like it did earlier that day. But Jimin turns away and walks backstage to prepare for the rest of the show. And Jeongguk feels a lot like he did watching Jimin leave him behind in that coffee shop.
💖👑💖
This can’t be happening. Of all things, of all people, Jimin can’t seriously be running into Jeongguk again.
But that was him, wasn’t it? The same big dark eyes. The round cute nose. The delicate lips. If Jimin thought he looked good in a dress shirt and tie, then it doesn’t compare to him in a real suit. Jimin feels short of breath at the brief sight of him.
He stumbles behind Hoseok and Taehyung as they get ready to start their solo performances. Hoseok will go first, then Taehyung and Jimin will go last. They move quickly to not let too much time pass in between sets, talking with the guy in charge of their music. They don’t notice someone trying to talk to them until they clear their throat very loudly.
The three turn around to find some white middle-aged guy who looks far too nervous.
“H-hello, ladies,” he says. “I’m Max Stevenson, and um, the directors told me— suggested I come by and check-in how you’re all doing.”
They stare back at him like he’s grown two heads. Is he wasting their time on this?
Luckily, Hoseok answers for them, “Is there a problem, Max?”
“Please call me Maximus, everyone does, but uh, not necessarily a problem, but it’s been brought to my attention that perhaps since this is a work event you could all... tone down the innuendos.”
Jimin ignores the ridiculous nickname and raises his eyebrows instead. “Innuendos?”
“You know... the sexual overtones,” he mutters.
Taehyung snorts but quickly hides it behind a cough.
Hoseok smiles patiently at the man. “We’re so sorry, Maximus if it came across like that. It was not intentional at all!”
“Sure,” Max says, clearly not buying it. “I don’t mean to be the fun killer. I want you girls to have fun and for everyone out there to have fun. Let’s just keep it work-appropriate, okay?”
All three agree until he walks away seeming satisfied. Jimin quickly turns to Hoseok and asks, “Have we already been paid for this gig?”
“Yes.”
“We’re going to increase the sexual overtones, right?”
“Yes.”
The three put their hands together for a cheer, and it helps wash away the worries that were filling Jimin. So, what if Jeongguk is here? He’s just another face in the crowd. Most likely just another poor tipper. He probably won’t even recognize Jimin in his drag persona, so he has nothing to worry about.
Jimin just needs to go out there and put on the best damn show of his life. There’s something deeply satisfying about being sexy at an event stressing you need to tone down the sexiness, even better when you get to show off at the guy who snubbed your flirting. If Jeongguk wasn’t impressed by Jimin’s flirting skills, Jimin hopes he’s prepared for his drag ones.
💖👑💖
The moment All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey plays over the speakers, Jeongguk discreetly hides some of his money in his lap, afraid Seokjin is going to give it all to Jackie. Not that he could blame him. As soon as she comes back out from behind the curtain on stage, she’s electric.
She starts her performance on stage with some impressive dance skills he was not expecting. It doesn’t take her long to drop the coat either, revealing a sparkling blue crop top that’s in the shape of a heart in front. Jeongguk thinks he hears a dying animal, but quickly realizes it’s just Seokjin and continues watching the show.
Soon enough, she descends off stage to perform among the audience. The tables are arranged so that there’s enough space for the queens to walk in the path of a ‘U’ before returning to the stage. Even on the floor, her expressions are big and exciting as she lip-syncs in front of the audience, encouraging others to sing along with her. She collects plenty of tips as she makes her way around the tables.
By the time she comes around their table, Seokjin has already a few bills in his hand, his legs spread, and the cockiest face Jeongguk has ever seen on him. He’s seen him flirt with people in the past and he’s never peacocked to such lengths. He’s either about to watch the greatest move in his life or the worst failure.
Jackie comes right by him, still performing to Mariah when she notices his display. Seokjin just winks and grins right at her, and it must work because Jackie giggles quietly before jutting out her hip, raising her eyebrows at him. Jeongguk is confused by it, but Seokjin understands it completely. He slips the money into her skirt while they hold eye contact the entire time. It feels longer than it probably is but eventually Jackie hurries away to get back on stage and finish the last lines of the song.
Jeongguk and the others look at Seokjin in amazement.
“I can’t believe that worked,” Jeongguk says.
Seokjin pats his shoulder, looking on top of the world right now. “It’s about confidence, my friend. All about the confidence.”
Violette comes out next to perform Baby, It’s Cold Outside , the Frank Sinatra and Dorothy Kirsten version , singing both parts. She puts her fur wrap around her head when she does Dorothy’s part or wears a smug face when she does Frank’s part. It makes for a comical performance of her switching back and forth. She doesn’t have time to go around all the tables, but the few she passes by hand her plenty of tips to make up for it.
As she disappears behind the curtain, a ball of nerves grows inside Jeongguk’s stomach, knowing Jimin will be next. He tries to remind himself there’s nothing to be nervous about. Jimin will probably do a fun performance like the others, and he won’t make a big deal knowing that Jeongguk is here as well. This afternoon meant nothing for a hot guy like Jimin; he probably succeeds with plenty of other guys in coffee shops.
This performance will mean nothing.
“Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.” The first few notes of Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt play over the speakers, and Jeongguk swallows his dry throat, realizing this performance is about to be very different.
A leg sticks out from behind the curtain showing a high white boot and smooth, smooth skin. Peaches peeks out from behind the curtain, wiggling her fingers at the audience, and is met by many people in the audience cheering loudly already. She steps out fully on stage, still wearing her coat, but the moment the first words hit, “ Santa baby ,” she drops her coat revealing a short, sleeveless, sparkling pink dress and long white gloves on her arms. She puts her hands on hips and mouths along to, “ Been an awful good girl.”
Never mind. This performance is everything. And Jeongguk might faint.
Peaches doesn’t spend too much time on stage. She quickly joins the floor to sing to the audience, or a better word for it would be seduced. She pouts her lips and begs the audience for a yacht, and honestly, that’s not a lot! Not for a beauty like her. Jeongguk can’t take his eyes off her, craning his neck to follow her every move.
“You’re not an owl, Jeongguk, you’re going to break your neck trying to watch her,” Seokjin warns.
“Worth it,” Jeongguk breathes in a dreamy sigh.
When she mouths along, “ Think of all the fella's that I haven't kissed ,” she throws a kiss at an entire table, and Jeongguk swears he sees half of them trying to catch it and the other half scrambling to throw her any dollar they have.
Jeongguk feels more than content to watch Peaches charm tables left and right, dancing and mouthing along perfectly to the cheekiest Christmas song in existence. Perhaps he gets too lost in the daze because he doesn’t realize she’s making her way towards him, not until she’s right in front of him.
All thoughts empty out of Jeongguk’s mind as Peaches stands in front of him. She’s even more beautiful up close, blinking her big, dark lashes at him. Jeongguk thinks he smells something sweet and fragrant in the air when he realizes it’s her perfume. As if she couldn’t get any more perfect in that moment.
“ Come and trim my Christmas tree. ” Peaches turns around and shakes her hips, and Jeongguk chokes on his own saliva. There’s a heart cutout right at the end of her back, right above her skirt, right above her—well, let’s just say, Jeongguk is finally understanding where the name “Peaches” comes from. He didn’t get a chance to notice earlier, but Jimin’s bottom is... just as lovely as the rest of him.
He expects Peaches to walk away then, but Peaches turns around to face him again. With his mouth still dropped open, gazing up at her, Peaches uses her index finger to lift his chin as she leans in to sing to him, “ I really do believe in you. ” She pokes the tip of his nose. “ Let's see if you believe in me .”
Jeongguk doesn’t know what he’s done to deserve this attention. He can hardly process a single thought. His body moves on autopilot as it brings the money from his lap and tries to hand the entire stack to Peaches.
She seems surprised by this, whispering just for him to hear, “What are you doing? Just give me a dollar or something.”
Right! He needs to hand them one by one. So, that’s exactly what he does as he places bill by bill into her hand. Her face grows red as she stops him. Before he can give her all the money he has, she only takes a few dollars before rushing off. She quickly gets back on stage to finish the final verse.
“ Hurry, tonight. ” She winks at the audience one final time before disappearing behind the stage, taking all of Jeongguk’s sanity with her.
He thinks he hears everyone applauding and cheering after her, but he stares after her quietly, still stunned by what just happened. It isn’t until Namjoon’s voice breaks through his daze.
“Jeongguk, I think you’re drooling.”
His mouth is still open. He closes it.
“Maybe you don’t need confidence,” Seokjin says. “Maybe sometimes being pathetic works too.”
“Worked for me when it came to Joonie,” Yoongi agrees.
He hears the frown in Namjoon’s voice. “Hey, I wasn’t that bad.”
Yoongi hums, probably caressing his face. “But you were.”
“Do you think I have another shot?” Jeongguk asks, finally breaking out of his stupor.
“What, at getting her attention? Probably, you tipped her well,” Seokjin answers.
No, he means another shot at Jimin. He’s not sure if Jimin truly recognizes him. He might have forgotten already and thinks Jeongguk is just another audience member. He is truthfully, but he wants to be more. He wants another chance to flirt back, and not just stare and panic until Jimin runs away.
He knows what he must do.
Jeongguk turns to Seokjin, asking, “Hyung, I need your help.”
Without any more explanation, Seokjin seems to understand. He grins widely. “I thought you’d never ask.”
💖👑💖
“I can’t believe I did that! I can’t believe he did that!” Jimin says as he paces around backstage, wanting to pull on his hair, but reminding himself he’s wearing a wig right now.
Taehyung is by the curtains, watching as Hoseok performs his second song, and trying to steal a glance at the audience member Jimin is freaking out about. “I’m still catching up over the whole thing. So, you and the suit hit it off at some coffee shop earlier today?”
Jimin shrugs. “I don’t know about hitting it off . I just got a... vibe.”
“What kind of vibe?”
“I don’t know—a gay one!”
Taehyung squints while looking at the audience. “Yeah, I can see the gay vibe from here.”
Jimin’s eyes widen. “Seriously?”
“No, I’m just kidding. I can’t see shit from here. I need my glasses.”
He throws his hands up with a groan. “This is pointless. I’m obsessing over a guy who was not interested—”
“You just said he tried to give you all his money.”
“—Who doesn’t know who I am right now.” Jimin crosses his arms over his chest. “I made my point. I need to move on now.”
Rarely does life hand Jimin the opportunity to prove himself. It gave him a hot guy who was practically drooling over Jimin and making a fool of himself trying to hand over all his dollar bills. It was cute. Jeongguk is cute. Jimin hates that he still finds him cute.
But he needs to let this go. Jimin gave an amazing performance, Jeongguk seemed to enjoy it, and that’s all there is to it. Jeongguk only likes him in drag. He probably doesn’t even recognize or remember him. There’s no point in still pining over this. After this show, they’ll go back to not knowing each other.
Meet-cutes don’t happen for guys like Jimin. Life was kind to Jimin earlier, but there’s no way it will do more for him. Impressing Jeongguk with his drag skills is as far as this luck goes.
At least it was fun for Jimin. The look on Jeongguk’s face made him want to kiss that gaping, pretty mouth of his.
He shakes his head. He needs to stop thinking about it. Maybe he got a little too into the performance.
“Oh, it’s my turn next!” Taehyung says as he lifts his dress to sprint away. “Wish me luck!”
“You got this, babe!” Jimin cheers after him.
It doesn’t take long for Hoseok to join him backstage. He immediately drinks a glass of water that they have ready at the side, but Jimin doesn’t miss the redness on his friend’s cheeks.
“Got a little heated out there?” Jimin asks
The blush seems to reach Hoseok’s ears as he looks away. “Thanks to a certain someone.”
Jimin raises his eyebrows. “Who?”
“There’s this guy in the audience who keeps flirting with me... He’s so hot.”
Without wasting another second, Jimin pulls the curtain subtly to find Hoseok’s mystery guy. He looks at the perfect moment to see Taehyung rip the top part of his dress off, showing his reveal of wearing a Bardot neckline dress instead. It’s always tricky to make dresses that pull apart, but Jimin loves trying to bring his friends’ dream outfits to life.
“He’s toward one of the front tables,” Hoseok whispers into his ear. “The one in the tan coat. Black hair. Thick lips. I think he’s Korean too. Oh, he’s so handsome I could cry.”
Jimin scans the audience and surprisingly finds Jeongguk’s table, spotting the handsome man sitting behind Jeongguk, and the two speaking to each other.
“You should go for it,” Jimin tells his friend. “After the show.”
“Maybe,” Hoseok says, sounding unsure before a teasing grin grows on his face. “What about you? I thought I saw you flirting hard with someone out there.”
It’s Jimin’s turn to blush and look away. “I—I was just trying to get a good tip.”
Hoseok only smirks. “Sure.”
“Peaches,” the guy who’s coordinating their music says, “you’re up next.”
Jimin nods and hurries to the entrance of the stage, but not without hearing Hoseok shout, “Go get your man, Peaches! Let’s double date!”
How ridiculous. Jimin doesn’t have a man, just the worst case of I-just-met-you-and-pictured-our-entire-life-together-itis he has ever experienced.
He pushes all those thoughts aside as he takes his position at center stage, right behind the closed curtain. He leans on his left leg, placing one hand on his hip, and the other raised in the air, trying to get into character. He’s not struggling Jimin who falls for boys not interested in him; she’s Peaches ‘n’ Cream and she could have any man in the world with the twirl of her finger.
The beat of Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter plays over the speakers as the curtains open to reveal Peaches ready and waiting. It only takes her one wink to the audience to hear them squealing again, and she loses herself in the performance.
Jimin may have complained a lot leading up to this gig, but that doesn’t mean he takes it for granted. Almost all his free time is saved for rehearsing or creating his and his friends’ outfits for drag. No matter what kind of audience he has, Jimin always gives it his all. It’s not just because he wants to be an amazing performer, but it’s because he loves doing this. When he choreographs his dancing and hears cheers from the audience, when he engages with the audience members and they sing along to the song together, and when he gets to radiate in a look that makes him feel so transformative yet so right—it's some of the best parts of his life.
Peaches struts down the aisle between tables, mouthing along to the bubbly song, making sure to pop her hip or drop a squat to the beat. She incorporates some of Sabrina’s choreography as well as her own into the performance. It earns her quite a few tips as she makes her way through the audience. She’s fully immersed in the performance, not even thinking about anything else, yet she finds herself walking towards Jeongguk’s table again.
Damn it. She should turn around. No, wait, that would be too obvious. She should just ignore their table. But would that seem strange? Maybe she should engage with other members at the table. She won’t even look Jeongguk’s way.
But as she approaches the table, there’s only one hand waving a heavy tip in the air. A large, tattooed hand.
Huh, she didn’t notice Jeongguk had tattoos before. As if he could get any hotter.
Holding back a sigh, Peaches stands in front of Jeongguk again, ready to spare him a quick smile, take the money, and leave, but as she grasps the bills, Jeongguk pulls them back towards himself. It leads to Peaches leaning into Jeongguk’s space. She’s about to pull away, feeling embarrassed, but she never expects Jeongguk to lean in as well, whispering into her ear, “I think Americano suits you better.”
She no longer hears the music, and the air might as well be sucked out of the room. As Peaches pulls away with the money in her hands this time, she’s met with Jeongguk smiling sweetly at her, his eyes just as soft as they were this afternoon.
Jeongguk does recognize her— him . It wasn’t just Peaches he was gazing at, but Jimin himself.
As Peaches makes her way back on stage to take her final pose, it’s not without her face flushing bright red and the sound of her heart pounding louder than the applause.
💖👑💖
Jeongguk watches Jimin slip behind the closing curtain, still thinking about how pretty his blushing face was and feeling on top of the world.
“Well done, Jeongguk,” Seokjin says while patting his shoulder. “You managed to fluster Peaches not once, but twice. That’s got to make up for this afternoon’s disaster.”
Before Jimin came out for his second performance, Jeongguk quickly explained to Seokjin (and Yoongi and Namjoon too since they were nosy) how he met Peaches earlier today and wanted a chance to impress him. Seokjin suggested whispering something flirty to him, but Jeongguk struggled with the idea. He was terrible at creating flirty remarks, but the moment he heard Espresso playing, the perfect idea came to mind.
“You should ask for his number after this,” Namjoon says.
Jeongguk scratches the back of his head. “You think so? You don’t think it’s too soon?”
Yoongi shrugs. “He seems quite interested in you already.”
“That’s the insecurity talking, Jeongguk. Keep up the confidence!” Seokjin insists while rubbing his back. “Jackie and I haven’t exchanged a word and I’m hitting on her the second the show finishes.”
“You’re such a gentleman, Jin” Yoongi says, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Their attention is stolen by the stage curtain opening again, revealing all three queens posing. Jackie stands in the middle with her arms crossed, Violette rests her hands and chin on her shoulder, and Peaches leans her back against Jackie’s other shoulder with an arm thrown across her head. The poses look slightly familiar, and when ringing bells play over the speakers, it hits him immediately.
“Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.”
The queens strut forward on stage and recreate the Mean Girls choreography . Slapping their thighs and everything, the crowd becomes rapturous. Jeongguk joins Seokjin in whistling for them as the girls sway their hips and dance along to the classic Christmas song.
They even include the part where the music stops working. Suddenly, the song starts glitching, and all three queens freeze, looking around with exaggerated confused faces. But then Peaches starts singing aloud for the first time tonight, “ What a bright time, it's the right time. ” She gestures for the audience to join them, and the entire room sings along with the queen, “To rock the night away. Jingle bell time is a swell time. To go glidin' in a one-horse sleigh.”
Jeongguk tries to sing along, but he’s caught up in listening to Jimin’s voice, taken by how soft and sweet it sounds. His chest fills with warmness at the sight of the queens finishing the song, and Jimin smiling proudly at the cheering crowd.
Jackie, Violette, and Peaches thank everyone for being a wonderful audience, and wave goodbyes before they go behind stage for the final time. Once they’re out of sight, Jeongguk turns around to talk to Seokjin but finds his seat empty already.
“He wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to go talk to her,” Yoongi says.
Jeongguk lets out a sigh, feeling nerves seep into him again. “I should probably join him, shouldn’t I?”
“We’ll come with you,” Namjoon encourages, and Jeongguk appreciates the support.
The three of them move around their now socializing coworkers, making their way backstage. As they approach the back area, they hear a familiar yelling voice.
“You said you would tone it down!” Max shouts to the queens, who wear the faces of school children being scolded.
“We did. You should see that performance in a club,” Jackie says with an exaggerated wink.
Max seems far from amused. “We asked for a company-friendly drag show. Not a—a burlesque show!”
Violette coos, “That’s so sweet. Thank you!”
“Not a compliment!”
“Max,” Seokjin interrupts, approaching them after standing at the side like Jeongguk and the others. “What seems to be the problem?”
Their manager notices Seokjin and the others and lets out a ragged breath. “I’m sorry,” he turns to the queens, “I’m sorry, ladies, I shouldn’t have yelled. It’s just that I’m having a hard time explaining to my superiors why the show was more risqué than they expected.”
“Why should it matter?” Seokjin says. “If everyone had fun tonight, then there shouldn’t be any problems. I mean was it as bad as last year’s party?”
Horror grows on Max’s face as he recalls that party like they do. “Definitely not.”
“Then tonight is a win! Tell the superiors that a party that’s a little unprofessional is better than a party that makes everyone sick.”
The idea seems to resonate with Max as he nods, mumbling, “My wife still hasn’t forgiven us for that night. She ate a lot of shrimp.”
Seokjin throws an arm around his shoulder. “We all did, Max. We all did.” He pats his chest. “Go back to your wife, Max, and have a good rest of your night.”
He nods, letting Seokjin guide him back toward the front of the venue. Jeongguk still overhears him say, “You know, you can call me Maximus.”
“Of course, Maximus. I’ll see you on Monday.”
Once Seokjin successfully gets their manager to leave the backstage area, he turns around with his fists pumped in the air, and the rest join him and cheer.
“Thank you so much!” Jackie says, walking closer to Seokjin as he returns to them. “I thought he was going to chew us out all night.”
Seokjin waves it off. “He’s harmless. One of the softest bosses I’ve ever had.”
“Still, we’re grateful.” Jackie bats her eyelashes at him. “Does our hero have a name?”
“Seokjin but you can call me Jin.”
“In that case, you can call me Hobi, short for Hoseok.”
Jeongguk looks away from them, deciding to let them have their moment. Instead, his eyes meet Jimin’s as he seems to be talking to Violette. Jimin’s eyes are wide like he’s surprised Jeongguk is here, and Jeongguk isn’t sure what he should do. Should he walk up to him? He hasn’t planned what he should say. He thought maybe something natural would come to him like the Americano line, but that seems to be a fluke for him.
Before he can think too hard on it, he lightly waves at Jimin, wearing what he hopes is a smile, but feels more like a grimace. Jimin chuckles at that and waves back. He says one more thing to Violette before walking away from her and towards Jeongguk.
“Hi,” Jimin says, standing in front of him. With his heeled boots, they’re practically the same height now unlike this afternoon where Jimin stood a bit shorter than Jeongguk.
“Hi,” he breathes back.
Jimin crosses his arms over his chest. “Did you enjoy the show?”
“Very much.” He swallows his dry throat. “You were amazing out there.”
Jimin seems surprised again, but his face flushes once more because he smiles softly. “Thank you. Um, thanks for the tips too.”
“Of course.”
“I was,” Jimin licks his lips, casting his gaze away, and Jeongguk finds it hard not to stare, “I was surprised you recognized me in all of this.”
A smile naturally blooms on Jeongguk’s face. “You’re kind of hard to forget.”
Jimin’s eyes flicker back to his, his entire cheeks dusted with pink now, and he’s even prettier if that’s possible. He clears his throat. “Wow, um, are you still Jeongguk from the coffee shop? Peppermint mocha?”
“My go-to holiday order.” He nods, wanting to appear far more confident than his pounding heart will allow. “I know I was... weird earlier today, but it was nice meeting you and I—I'm happy I got to run into you again.”
Genuine awe fills Jimin’s gaze before a bright smile spreads on his face. “I’m happy to see you again too.” He opens his mouth again to continue talking but is quickly cut off by a loud voice.
“It’s official—we're all going out for drinks!” Seokjin announces to the group.
“We’re what now?” Yoongi asks, now standing with Namjoon and Violette.
“Jin said you were all headed out for drinks after this and invited us,” Hoseok says with a beaming smile. “It’s a yes from us.”
“I don’t remember being asked,” Violette says with an arch of her brow.
“As the leader of the trio, I overruled.” Hoseok clasps his hands together. “Let’s go. The party continues!”
Seokjin and Hoseok already seem perfect for each other.
Jeongguk turns back to Jimin, ready to return to their conversation, but Jimin goes along with the change of pace. “I’m down to get a drink. What about you?”
He nods before his mouth catches up. “Yeah, let’s do it.”
The two of them start walking towards the exit with the rest of their friends. “Maybe you can find another drink that is peppermint mocha flavored,” Jimin says with a teasing grin.
“Please don’t get my hopes up.”
Jimin laughs, and it’s sweeter than any jingle bell.
The universe has given Jeongguk another chance, and he doesn’t want to waste it this time.
💖👑💖
Their now seven group of people walk through the streets of Manhattan, being led by Seokjin and Hoseok who seem to know what bar they want to go to. After they left the office Christmas party, the group got a bit scattered as they walked through the night, and that’s how Jimin found himself beside Taehyung, walking almost a few yards ahead of Jeongguk and his friends.
Jimin pulls his fur coat tighter against himself, feeling the chill of the air, and leans into his friend to ask, “So, what do you think of Jeongguk?”
“Who’s Jeongguk?”
“The guy from the coffee shop! You know, the one walking behind us,” he hisses under his breath.
Taehyung looks over his shoulder, being as obvious as he can be. “Hm, not really my type.” Jimin elbows him, but Taehyung only laughs. “I’m joking! He’s cute, and definitely your type. You should flirt with him at the bar.”
“Should I?” Jimin chews on his bottom lip. “What if he was just being nice during the show? Trying to make up for how awkward he was this afternoon?”
“Yeah, nice enough to get in your pants.”
“Do you think he’s into guys?”
Taehyung looks over his shoulder again before Jimin pulls him away. “Stop doing that!” he tells him.
“Hard to tell but he’s got queer friends. That’s a good sign.”
Jimin gasps, a horrifying revelation coming to mind. “What if he’s their token straight friend?”
“That’s not a real thing, babe.”
He’s right. Jimin spends way too much time online. Jeongguk could be anything, so Jimin should just ask, but he can’t help but feel nervous which is unlike him. He’s usually quite confident when pursuing others. It’s probably because of how poorly it went earlier today. It’s also probably because it’s been a long time since he’s approached someone as handsome and seemingly sweet as Jeongguk. His big, sparkling eyes are enough to make Jimin melt.
He needs to stay strong, maintain his composure, and boast confidence, even if he feels like he has none. He felt assured when he was performing in front of Jeongguk, making his eyes dazzle under the lights, and even though he’s still dressed as Peaches, he needs to show that same confidence as just Jimin.
Jeongguk did approach him after the show and even complimented him. That must mean something, right?
This time, Jimin peeks over his shoulder to see Jeongguk talking to his friends with a wide grin that bunches up his cheeks and makes his eyes crinkle. Jimin wants to smile at the sight of him.
He turns back around with his new resolve. Jeongguk may have been receptive to Peaches, but Jimin is going to make him receptive to himself too.
💖👑💖
The bar they arrive at is already in full swing for a Friday night. Jeongguk thought Seokjin was taking them to the usual one they go to after work, but he supposed this place was better for them being all dressed up. The place is decked out in Christmas decorations and lights twinkling among the dimmed bar. There’s a dance floor and plenty of people walking around with colorful cocktails.
Their group quickly congregates at the bar counter, trying to get the bartender’s attention to order their drinks, and as they wait, Jeongguk notices Jimin is right beside him.
“So, I know your coffee order, do I get to find out your go-to bar order?” Jimin asks, leaning in to be heard over the music.
With their close proximities, Jeongguk can get a whiff of Jimin’s perfume, smelling sweet tangy peaches to it, and he tries not to visibly melt. This is it. He’s actually talking to Jimin who doesn’t seem to completely hate him. Don’t fuck this up , he tells himself.
“Sure,” he says without thinking.
Jimin stares at him, waiting for more.
Shit , Jeongguk is doing it again. He pushes his brain into overdrive, trying to remember how people have conversations.
“I-I mean—take a guess!”
Jimin raises his brows in surprise, and Jeongguk mentally pats himself on the back for the nice save. Fortunately, Jimin takes on the challenge with interest.
“Okay, well since you seem to have a sweet tooth... Malibu pineapple?”
Jeongguk shakes his head. “No, I’m not a rum guy.”
Jimin hums. “Vodka cranberry?”
“Close. That was my go-to in college.”
Jimin opens his mouth to guess again but Jeongguk holds up a finger. “Careful, you only have one more guess left.”
“What happens after I strike out?”
“You pay for our drinks.”
Jimin laughs louder than he expects and Jeongguk can’t help but laugh with him.
“Wow, the heat is on... Red Bull Vodka?” Jimin asks, but he’s met with Jeongguk making an incorrect buzzing noise and he deflates at the sound. “You’re impossible. What is it?”
Jeongguk grins, knowing exactly what’s coming. “Whiskey on ice.”
As expected, Jimin’s mouth drops open. “How was I supposed to guess that? How do you go from sugary latte to whiskey?!”
Jeongguk shrugs, feeling the boldness and giddiness of their conversation overtake him. “Something nice in the morning, something naughty at night.”
Once he says it aloud, he realizes how stupid it sounds, but Jimin doesn’t seem to mind at all. If the sly grin on his face means anything. “I see you like to keep things interesting, Jeongguk. Okay, try to guess my bar drink. If you can’t, drinks are on you.”
Jeongguk studies him, trying to think what drink would suit the alluring Jimin. Something that would immediately pull you in for more and more.
He chews on his lip before saying, “Tequila shots?”
Jimin’s mouth drops open again. “H-how did—”
“Excuse me!” Jeongguk calls out to the bartender behind the counter. “Can we have two tequila shots and two whiskies on ice? The tab is on him!”
He gestures towards Jimin, and when he looks back at him, he finds Jimin staring with a smile of disbelief. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you, Jeongguk?”
The bartender sets down their shot and whiskey glasses, and Jeongguk reaches for the tequila, handing one of them to Jimin. He feels so relieved that he can talk normally with Jimin. Hell, he’s spilling charisma, something that is rare for him, but it’s coming out naturally with Jimin. Once he gets over his nervousness, he likes talking to Jimin, wanting to know more about him.
“I think this whole night is full of surprises, don’t you think?” he responds while holding up his shot glass.
Jimin’s smile grows genuine as he clinks their glasses together. “I sure do hope so.”
They throw their drinks back, and it feels like the beginning of a long, good night.
The two move away from the bar counter with their whiskies, finding an empty spot in a corner, so they can converse. Jeongguk thinks he sees the others on the dance floor, but he stays by Jimin’s side. He learns that Jimin works as a tailor at a boutique, and he even makes all his own and his friends’ drag outfits. He usually performs at a few different clubs but occasionally works at brunch or corporate events despite how much he dislikes them. His life sounds so exciting based on how much he performs and creates things, but Jimin seems equally interested in Jeongguk’s (boring) life.
He shares his work in graphic design and some of the personal art he does on the side. He feels embarrassed to admit how much he plays video games or spends time in the gym, but Jimin keeps asking, not being deterred for a second.
They also find they have a few things in common. Despite Jimin being a native New Yorker and Jeongguk being from Connecticut, they both have family from Busan and spent many summers visiting their grandparents’ home. Jimin insists he knows a place in Koreatown that makes food just as good as you can find in Busan.
“Maybe you could show it to me sometime,” Jeongguk says, unable to meet Jimin’s eyes, but hoping he sounds confident.
He hears the smile in Jimin’s voice. “Of course I can.”
That gives Jeongguk the boost to lift his gaze and smile right back at Jimin, but he doesn’t expect to find Jimin now looking past him, wearing a serious face.
“Everything okay?” he asks.
Jimin’s eyes move back to him, and he nods, but his face isn’t as convincing. “Yeah, it’s just... saw someone I knew. Don’t worry about it.”
The advice has the opposite side effect on Jeongguk, and he can’t help but take a glance over his shoulder, trying to see the person who has Jimin spooked. He finds some guy standing near them, but once he notices Jeongguk, he quickly walks away. Jeongguk couldn’t help but notice he was a very tall, very handsome guy.
He turns back to Jimin, his throat feeling tighter than before.
Jimin must notice his discomfort, quickly adding, “He’s not an ex, so don’t worry. Just a guy I had something with, and he wanted to make it serious, but I just didn’t feel the same.”
That gives him a bit more relief. “I see.”
Jimin waves it off with a smile. “Yeah, it’s not a big deal at all. I don’t do serious relationships.”
His heart drops at the revelation. Jimin’s not interested in serious relationships, of course he’s not, why would Jeongguk assume he was? He’s standing here picturing future dates, and Jimin is probably just trying to have fun tonight. There’s nothing wrong with that, but Jeongguk has never been good at the one-night stand. He catches feelings too fast, wanting more, and the other person never feels the same. He’s the most single person in the office for a reason.
Seokjin tells him he leads too much with his heart, not enough with his dick, and in times like this, Jeongguk knows he’s right.
Jimin must notice his internal conflict, his eyes widening as he says, “W-wait, I didn’t mean it like that—”
“That’s okay, that’s cool,” Jeongguk says despite not feeling very cool about it. He holds up his empty glass. “Um, I’m going to get another drink. You want something?”
Jimin shakes his head while pressing his lips together. Jeongguk takes it as his cue to leave. He hurries through the bar crowd until he reaches the counter, feeling relief flood his system the moment he spots Yoongi waiting there as well.
“Hyung,” he breathes, settling next to him, “I need your help.”
Yoongi notices his seriousness, turning to him with concern. “ What’s wrong, Jeongguk-ah? ” he asks in Korean.
“I need a cure to stop having feelings.”
Yoongi glares at him before turning back to the bar with a sigh. “Sorry, there’s no cure for loverboys.”
“It’s the twenty-first century, hyung, why can’t I just get laid and move on? Why do I always want something more?”
“I’m guessing Peaches isn’t interested in taking this beyond tonight?”
Jeongguk shrugs. “I thought he did but then he said... I know I still don’t know him well, but I want to. I’m just afraid...” He’ll be like the others. It’s easy getting them to come home with you or even go on the first date, but it’s hard to make them stay.
Yoongi receives two drinks from the bartender, probably one for himself and the other for his husband. Instead of going back to join him, Yoongi leans against the counter, looking at him with patient eyes. “Did I ever tell you about the time Namjoon and I broke up?”
He blinks. “No,” he answers. He’s only known Namjoon and Yoongi for a few years, but they seem as solid as rock. It’s hard to imagine a time when they weren’t.
“We were only dating for a year before Namjoon got a job here,” Yoongi says, taking a sip from his glass. “He wanted to go long-distance, but I didn’t.”
“What? Why didn’t you?”
“I’ve tried it before with this girl I used to date before I met Namjoon. It was hard and didn’t work out, so when Namjoon suggested it, I shot it down.”
Jeongguk frowns. “But then how did you two...”
Yoongi chuckles fondly. “Namjoonie can be... persistent. He was determined to show me we could make it work. He asked if we could stay in touch, and I agreed, and he—he proved me wrong.” He stares at the ground, but his face is as happy as if he were looking at Namjoon right now. “He always made the effort to talk to me, to be there for me even though he was so far away. He showed me he wanted to be with me, no matter the distance, and how was I not supposed to get back together with him after all that?”
Warmth fills his chest at the story. “That’s amazing. I’m glad it worked out for you both,” he says.
“I’m telling you this because you need to understand, Jeongguk, not everyone is interested or puts in the effort, but there are people who do. You never know who they’re going to be, so don’t count them out yet. If it doesn’t work out, then it is what it is, but that doesn’t mean you give up completely.” Yoongi squeezes his shoulder. “You are a kind and wonderful guy. We all see it. One day, or maybe tonight, somebody else is going to see it too.”
Jeongguk nods, trying not to tear up at the advice. Yoongi always understands him, and he’s right. Jeongguk can’t give up yet, not without putting himself out there, and seeing if Jimin is interested in more. He still might not be, but at least Jeongguk will know for sure, and not walk away without even trying.
“You should go for find your queen now,” Yoongi says with a wink, “I’m going to go find my king.”
As he walks away, Jeongguk feels a new determination beat in his chest. He doesn’t even bother trying to get a new drink. He marches right back into that crowd, intent on finding Jimin again.
💖👑💖
Jimin watches Jeongguk walk away from him and feels dread consuming him from his head to his toe.
Why did he say that? I don’t do serious relationships. But he does idiocy just fine!
Everything was going so well. Jeongguk doesn’t seem as straight as he feared if his flirting told as much. He’s sweet in the way he listens so intently, dorky in his hobbies and humor, and surprisingly bold at times, but it only charms Jimin more. He’s talented in his skills and successful in his professional life. He’s a dream come true for Jimin, so of course, it was his turn to fuck it up.
Jimin doesn’t know how to have serious relationships, but if there was anybody, he was going to try it with, he would want it to be with someone like Jeongguk.
“Hey Jiminie,” Taehyung calls out to him as he approaches him with a now empty glass. “How much longer are we staying here? I’m hungry.”
“Don’t know,” Jimin says, trying not to pout. “Where’s Hobi?”
“Sucking face with Mr. Handsome back there.”
At least Hoseok is successful tonight.
“What’s wrong?” Taehyung asks, tilting his head. “You’re pouting.”
Jimin supposes he didn’t try hard enough. “...I fucked up with Jeongguk. I think I scared him off.”
“Did you tell him you only date men with six-figure salaries?”
“What? No! I don’t even do that.”
“Have you seen this economy, Jimin? You should start!”
“Tae, no, I saw... Lucas,” he says with a sigh.
Taehyung’s eyes widen, his dramatic lashes seeming even longer. “Your last boytoy? The one who wanted to marry you?”
“Don’t call him that! Also, he did not want to marry me. He just wanted to be official.” He squirms at the memory. “And I may have accidentally told Jeongguk that I don’t do serious relationships.”
Sympathy washes over Taehyung’s face. “Why’d you do that, babe?”
Jimin shrugs, unable to meet his gaze. “It’s true, isn’t it? I don’t know how to do them.”
No matter the chemistry or feelings involved, getting serious with someone else never works out for Jimin. He always finds that men like the late-night version of him initially. The queen can get a whole club dancing on their feet and bring the party back to the bedroom. Jimin knows how to have fun, he likes to have fun, but too many guys dislike how many times a week Jimin works in drag. They think he’s going out just to party, not knowing how he relies on the income, and how he loves to perform. They seem understanding, but they don’t like Jimin coming home only to work on more clothes or practice a dance routine in the living room. Always after a bit of time, they show their true colors. Even Lucas seemed understanding, but Jimin started to see through his intentions when he kept questioning the jobs Jimin took or wouldn’t stop spamming his phone while he was out.
Of course, Jimin wants to be a serious boyfriend for somebody, but that doesn’t mean he wants to sacrifice one of the best parts of his life either. Maybe it’s for the best he scared Jeongguk off already. He would probably be the same as the others, right? Interested tonight, annoyed by tomorrow.
“I think you do know how to do them,” Taehyung interrupts his imploding thoughts. “I just think you haven’t met the right person to do them with.”
He scoffs. “You think Jeongguk is the one?”
“Don’t know. Neither do you. It's worth finding out, isn’t it? You’ve been pining over this guy all day, you might as well as see it through.”
Jimin peers at his friend, feeling nerves eating away at him. “He makes me so nervous, Tae. I’ve never felt like this with anyone before.”
Just thinking about Jeongguk’s sparkling eyes, his wide smile, and his infectious laugh sends butterflies fluttering in his stomach all over again.
That only pulls a boxy smile out of Taehyung as he squeezes Jimin’s shoulder. “Somebody making the Jimin the Peaches ‘n’ Cream queen nervous? Then he must be worth a damn.” His gaze moves past his shoulder, and his grin turns even bigger. “I don’t think you have anything to be worried about it. Guess you didn’t scare him off too bad.”
Jimin turns around to see Jeongguk walking straight towards him. He can’t even fight the smile that breaks onto his face, feeling too relieved at the sight of the other man. It feels like a scene from a movie. The handsome crush walks towards him as the camera moves in slow motion, a song like Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer playing in the background. Jimin feels so close to finding his happy ending.
But life isn’t a movie, at least not a rom-com for Jimin as he notices a busboy holding a tray full of glasses hurrying in the direction of Jeongguk. Neither of them seems to notice each other. Jimin tries to warn them, but he’s not fast enough as Jeongguk and the busboy collide and send them sprawling to the floor.
Everyone around them gasps and forms a circle around the fallen men. Jimin tries to approach them, but there’s broken glass scattered on the floor, and he doesn’t want his boots to step on them and make everything worse.
Jeongguk sits up with a groan, not seeming too badly hurt, but when he catches Jimin’s gaze, he gives him a wry, boyish smile in return.
Jimin lets out a sigh of relief at the sight. Taehyung is right. He needs to see this through. Even if it comes with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
💖👑💖
They get kicked out of the bar after that.
To be specific, Jeongguk was kicked out of the bar. After the staff came over to check if he was all right, he barely mustered out a ‘yes’ before two security guys dragged him to the front door. Jimin and the rest of his friends were following, questioning why they were doing this. It had something to do with Jeongguk being a liability, but they barely explained themselves before they slammed the door in their faces. Seokjin made sure to curse after them and yell loud enough that the place had rats inside. It didn’t seem to deter anyone waiting outside, rats were just another neighbor in New York.
“Fuck that place,” Taehyung insisted with a wave of his hand. “Let’s get some food instead.”
Jeongguk thinks everyone agrees, already moving to wherever Taehyung is leading them, but he still feels a bit dizzy after his fall and being thrown out. He’s never been kicked out of a place before, but tonight seems to be the first of many.
He doesn’t expect to feel a hand on his arm. He looks over to see Jimin walking beside him, watching him with a face full of concern. “Are you okay?” he asks.
Maybe being clumsy has its benefits after all. He nods with a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. That was nothing for me.”
Jimin chuckles. “Get kicked out of places often?”
“Just an average Friday night for me.”
“Who knew you were such a bad boy.”
An idea passes through his head, and he doesn’t have much time to think it through. Only his face has time to heat up as he says, “It depends. Do you like bad boys?”
It sounds stupid the moment it reaches his ears. He’s still so poor at flirting, just like he was this afternoon. Jimin is going to be turned off again in no time.
But again, to his surprise, Jimin hooks his arm around Jeongguk’s, giving him a sparkling grin. “I like the ones with a sweet tooth.”
His insides melt, and Jeongguk hopes his smile doesn’t seem as dopey as he feels. “Have I mentioned peaches are my favorite fruit?”
“You don’t say.”
With that, Jeongguk feels like a champion walking the whole way with Jimin on his arm.
💖👑💖
The group ends up at a dim sum place where they order far too many dishes, but it’s nothing for seven young men, especially Jeongguk as Jimin learns might have a vacuum for a stomach. As he sits next to Jeongguk, watching him devour several dumplings, and making him look like a squirrel with its cheeks full in the process.
Once Jeongguk notices him staring, his eyes turn wide, and he looks away with his round cheeks now turning pink. Jimin fights back a coo. It’s dangerous how fond he already is of this man.
“Sorry, I have a big appetite,” Jeongguk apologizes after swallowing.
Jimin shakes his head, taking a bite out of his noodles. “It’s okay, I should eat more too. I don’t eat too much leading up to a performance so now I’m realizing how starving I am.”
It truly didn’t hit him until they walked inside this restaurant and the smell of freshly cooked food woke his stomach up, his head still feeling buzzed from the drinks he had on an empty stomach. It’s good he’s eating now; he doesn’t trust himself to be drunk around Jeongguk and not say something stupid again.
“How often do you perform?” Jeongguk asks with his mouth full again.
They’re seated at a large table with the rest of the group, but the restaurant is crowded and loud on a Friday night, so everyone converses in smaller pairs at the table. Seokjin and Hoseok share a plate, eyes practically turning into hearts as they converse. Taehyung speaks with Namjoon and Yoongi, seeming to be in the middle of a dramatic story as Taehyung flails his hands around and the married couple listens intently. That left Jimin and Jeongguk to talk with each other, finally addressing one of the topics Jimin dreaded the most.
“Almost every weekend if I’m lucky,” he answers, pushing his food around on his plate.
“That’s so cool. How long have you been doing drag?”
“Quite a few years. I started in my early twenties when I was in fashion school with Tae. It took a while to find my footing, but here I am now.”
“That’s incredible,” Jeongguk breathes in wonder. “What’s your favorite part about it?”
Jimin looks up at him in surprise. Most people don’t ask this much about his drag, seeing it just as some hobby for Jimin, and an eventual nuisance for their relationship with him. But Jeongguk seems genuine in his awe and curiosity. Jimin lets his heart get cautiously optimistic.
“Peaches is like...” he begins, searching for the right words. “Another part of me. She’s different than me, coyer and bolder, but it still feels like letting out a part of me that’s always been there. I get to be myself on stage in a way I can’t do in real life. Even if it’s hard at times, it makes me happy to do it.”
When he finishes, he thinks he might have overshared, but when he looks back at Jeongguk, he finds him smiling gently, his eyes shining with sincerity.
“Not everyone can say they have such a passion. I think you’re very lucky and amazing for that,” Jeongguk says, and his gaze drops as his smile widens. “And coming from someone in the audience, I think Peaches is—electric.”
Warmth floods his belly, and Jimin can’t fight back the grin that reaches his lips. He knows Jeongguk is into Peaches, he made it obvious at the show and even at the bar when he caught him staring for too long far too many times. Although a small part of him lingers with insecurity that that is all Jeongguk likes about him, a larger part of him is burning with want instead. He lets that side of him make his next move.
With a gloved hand, Jimin wipes the corner of Jeongguk’s mouth, smoothing away a fleck of food that was there. He whispers, “She says thank you.”
He pulls his hand away, watching as Jeongguk gapes with his mouth open, his face burning crimson. Jimin turns back to his food with a satisfied smirk.
After eating a few more bites in silence as Jeongguk tries to stop blushing, Jimin changes the topic to help relieve him. “So, what about you? Any passions or did you always dream about working a nine-to-five and being rewarded with an office Christmas party?”
Jeongguk chuckles with a shake of his head. “Trust me, this was not always in the plan. And I hate the office Christmas party.”
Jimin put a hand to his chest, pretending to stare in shock past Jeongguk. “Maximus, did you hear that? He hates the party!”
Jeongguk snaps his head around before turning back with a sigh. “Don’t scare me like that. He’d be devastated to hear that.”
Jimin laughs before leaning back in his chair, giving him a pacifying look. “No, but really, tell me. How did you end up here?”
With a shrug, Jeongguk explains, “I’ve always been interested in creative things. Anything I could get my hands on. Art, music, photography, video editing, and in college, I ended up enjoying graphic design classes. One thing led to another, and I started working in marketing. I’ve been with some agencies and some other companies before landing at this current one three years ago.”
Jimin lets out a dreamy sigh. “Talented, passionate, and practical. Are you sure you’re not some spy sent by my mother to make me settle down?”
“Oh, that was your mom? That makes a lot more sense now.”
They both laugh, unable to take their eyes away from one another.
“Seriously, I think that’s so cool,” Jimin says after his laughter quiets down. “But I must know, why do you hate the office parties? Isn’t it fun to get drunk with your coworkers?”
“Oh yeah, we get hammered with those two drink tickets they give us,” Jeongguk replies with a roll of his eyes before he casts his gaze away. “It’s just that... even if there’s something fun at the party like your drag show or a boat ride... it can be hard to be one of the only single people at the party. Sometimes it feels like everyone has their own person but you, you know?”
Jimin does know, far more than Jeongguk realizes. Even if Jimin has an active sex life, it’s not the same as always being around Taehyung and his boyfriend who have been together since college. Or even Hoseok who rarely spends more than a few months single, always finding his luck with another guy like tonight. Jimin feels like the odd man out. When they finish the shows and Taehyung and Hoseok’s boyfriends are waiting outside the club for them with flowers and hugs, Jimin stands alone, wearing the tightest of smiles.
“I know how you feel,” he agrees. “Sometimes it feels like everyone else has it figured out and you don’t even know how to begin. If anybody would even want to try with you.”
Jeongguk meets his gaze in the middle, and the sound around them drifts away as they get lost in each other’s eyes. At this moment, it feels like they are the only two people in this world, and they understand each other better than the rest. It all becomes details as their hearts connect on this lonely, messy path.
“Hey, lovebirds!” Seokjin’s voice calls out to them, breaking them from their daze. He holds up his glass that is half full. “Jeongguk, do the trick.”
Jeongguk lets out a sigh but reaches for his almost full glass. All eyes at the table are now on Jeongguk, and Jimin wonders how long they got lost in that moment, feeling his face heat up now. But he focuses on Jeongguk as he holds the glass in one hand, wondering what trick he could do with it.
Suddenly, Jeongguk swirls the glass in circles before he swings it over a full 180 degrees to the right and then to the left. He finishes by swinging the glass back towards his mouth, taking a sip from it, and never spilling a drop. Everyone at the table cheers and applauds him, but Jimin can only stare in awe.
“How did you do that? Exactly how many talents do you have?” Jimin demands more than he asks.
Jeongguk sets his glass back down with a shy smile. “It’s not a big deal, just a party trick I learned.”
“I taught him that,” Seokjin boasts to Hoseok beside him.
“You did not otherwise you’d be doing it right now,” Yoongi accuses.
“Jeongguk is super talented,” Namjoon chimes in from his seat. “He can sing well too.”
“Guys,” Jeongguk says, his face growing red once again.
Taehyung gasps while clasping his hands. “Does everyone like to sing? How do we feel about noraebang?”
“We love it!” Seokjin exclaims with an excited Hoseok cheering alongside him.
“There’s one not far from here,” Taehyung says, and that’s it. They call over for the bill, pay their shares, and head out the door for noraebang. Jimin can barely keep up, still shocked that a boring gig has turned into such a whirlwind of a night, but as he walks beside Jeongguk, he feels nothing short of excitement.
“I’m not that great,” Jeongguk warns, watching him from the side of his eye. “But I’m excited to hear you sing more. I thought your voice was beautiful during Jingle Bell Rock.”
Jimin lets out another dreamy sigh, looping his arm around Jeongguk’s. “Please, stop being so sweet to me, I might have to actually introduce you to my parents.”
“Only if you want to meet mine in exchange.”
Their laughs almost sound similar as they chime like bells, carrying through the chilly night as they move to their next destination.
💖👑💖
“How’s Operation Peach Cobbler going?” Seokjin asks as he sits next to Jeongguk. They’re in the noraebang room, some scattered on the couches, others taking turns singing on the mic. The table is littered with bottles of vodka and tequila and snacks they snuck in here after stopping by an Asian convenience store. They’re already a few songs and shots in.
Jeongguk shoots him a wide-eyed stare. “Operation what?”
“Well, don’t you want to cobble his—”
“Stop.” Jeongguk holds up a hand. “I understand now, and it’s going... great actually.”
A smile lights up on Seokjin’s perfect features. “Yes! I knew you could do it.”
“That’s good. We were afraid we would have to keep providing reinforcements,” Namjoon says, and Jeongguk turns to see him suddenly sitting next to him. He was not there a few minutes ago—or maybe he was. Maybe Jeongguk is drunker than he thought, he should slow down on the tequila shots.
“Reinforcements?” Jeongguk looks between the two of them until it clicks. “Is that what was happening at the dim sum place? You guys were strangely hyping me up.”
“We’re always trying to hype you up,” Seokjin insists, taking another sip from his glass. “You two grew quiet back there, so we thought you were getting awkward on him again, and we wanted to help.”
Jeongguk snorts. “You did the opposite. We weren’t being awkward, we were... having a moment.”
Both Seokjin and Namjoon coo and Jeongguk waves them off. Giggles in front of them steal their attention, and they look to see Jimin, Taehyung, and Hoseok dragging Yoongi up with them as they sing Hot Stuff by Donna Summers . The three drag queens tower over Yoongi who is already shorter than them, but their heels give them extra height. Yoongi almost gets lost in the middle of them, especially when his voice is missing from the three others singing along to the music, but eventually, Yoongi gives in and sings loudly with them, “ I need some hot stuff baby tonight .”
Jeongguk watches as Jimin sways to the music and gets lost in the song. His outfit and makeup still sparkling as bright as they did on stage, and his voice is still as beautiful as Jeongguk remembers.
“Wow, you’re really gone for him already, huh?” He hears Seokjin ask him, refusing to take his gaze away from Jimin.
“Can you blame me?”
“I guess not, although Hobi has already stolen my heart.”
“Sounds like you two might not come alone for the next office Christmas party,” Namjoon says with a knowing smirk.
“Don’t jinx me, Namjoon,” Seokjin says. “You know how terrible I am at relationships.”
“I’m also not sure if Jimin wants to take this beyond tonight,” Jeongguk adds. “But I’m trying to stay hopeful.”
“It’s about confidence, Jeongguk. Don’t forget it,” Seokjin reminds him with a pointed finger, but a hand quickly grabs his arm and pulls him up to stand. Hoseok drags him into a song with him, and it’s not long before Jimin takes Seokjin’s place, plopping down with a tired, contented sigh. Namjoon pats him on the back before standing up as well and joining Yoongi on another side of the couches, leaving Jeongguk alone with Jimin.
“That was fun,” Jimin says with a sweet smile.
“You sounded amazing.”
“Thank you, but when am I going to hear the famous Jeongguk sing?”
He looks away with an unexpected shyness. He loves noraebang, he seriously does, so he’s a little afraid to show Jimin his full enthusiasm. His friends sometimes have to drag him away from the mic. He doesn’t want to make a fool of himself in front of Jimin after all the progress they made tonight.
“Maybe soon,” Jeongguk promises.
Jimin seems to sense his uneasiness as he pulls his legs on the couch, scooching closer to Jeongguk with an encouraging smile on his face. “How about I guess your song in the meantime?” he asks.
“My song?”
“Everyone has at least one where they put their whole heart into it and sing it like their life depends on it.”
A song comes to mind, and Jeongguk feels his face redden already. He doesn’t have the confidence to sing it in front of Jimin.
“Ah, so you do have one,” Jimin says, noticing his blushing face.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to guess it.”
“I might not have been able to guess your bar drink, but pop music is my specialty. I’m confident I’ll guess this one.”
Jeongguk smiles brightly at that. “Be my guest.”
Jimin’s eyes rake over his body, studying him bit by bit, and Jeongguk feels warm under his gaze. When Jimin lifts his eyes, his lips slightly parted, looking far too inviting, Jeongguk holds himself back from finding out what they taste like.
“Hmm...” Jimin hums, knowing and enjoying the reactions he pulls out of Jeongguk. “You seem like you would like emotional songs to sing to. Are you perhaps an Adele fan?”
Jeongguk chuckles, calming himself down while shaking his head. “Love her but I’m not brave enough to try it.”
Jimin purses his lips but he keeps trying. He gives several guesses from older singers like Whitney Houston to newer ones like Ariana Grande, but Jeongguk shoots him down every time.
“Okay, moving away from pop music from here. Let’s try Korean... IU?”
A sharp gasp escapes Jeongguk. “IU is serious business to me. She is one of the greatest artists of our lifetimes.”
Jimin raises his fists in triumph. “I got it!”
Jeongguk grins again. “I do sing her a lot, I admit that. But she’s not... the song, you know?”
Sighing, Jimin slumps down in defeat. “You’re impossible, you know that? I can’t figure you out.”
Jeongguk laughs while sliding down the couch as well, turning his head to face the other. “I thought you liked me keeping you on your toes.”
“My feet are hurting from these boots. I’m losing patience.”
That makes them both giggle, but Jeongguk nudges him with his shoulder. “Let me guess yours, okay? If I don’t get it, I’ll perform my song.”
Jimin raises his eyebrows, interest perking again. “And if you get it right?”
“You have to do yours.”
“It’s a deal.”
They shake on it, and Jeongguk expects them to let go, but their hands remain in one another’s, resting in between them. Jimin’s hand is smaller than his, but oh so warm. Jeongguk doesn’t know how he’ll ever let go.
Jeongguk swallows nervously, trying to think of a song, and not how perfectly Jimin’s hand fits in his. “Um... maybe something by Madonna?”
Jimin squints his eyes at him. “ Like a Virgin is one of my main drag performances. Seriously, how are you so good at this?”
Jeongguk blinks, even surprising himself on that one. “I don’t know. I guess I’m lucky sometimes, but that’s not your noraebang song so that doesn’t count as a win.”
He gives a few other guesses from other American singers like Britney Spears to Korean groups like Girls Generation and Twice, but he never finds it.
“Well, I guess it’s time to sing my song, isn’t it?” Jeongguk asks, accepting his defeat.
Jimin’s long lashes cast down as he studies him. He squeezes Jeongguk’s hand before saying, “No, I’ll sing my song first.”
Jeongguk tilts his head. “Why? I don’t mind. It’s only fair I go first.”
He receives a shy smile in response, and Jeongguk has seen many looks on Jimin today, but shyness was not one of them. “I just...” He tucks a strand of long hair behind his ear, not quite meeting Jeongguk’s gaze. “Performing is an important part of my life. I know you saw the show earlier, but I want to show you who I am without relying entirely on Peaches. Even if it makes me look like a fool.”
He speaks with nothing but sincerity and Jeongguk can’t hold back from running a hand through Jimin’s wig, tucking more of it behind his ear, and pulling Jimin’s gaze into his.
“Nothing you could do would look foolish to me. I’ve been caught in your orbit since we met this afternoon,” Jeongguk assures, hoping it conveys even an ounce of the genuineness he feels in his heart.
Jimin’s eyes sparkle when he smiles. “Hopefully that stays true after this. Also, if you hate it, you’re not allowed to tell me.”
Jeongguk laughs but Jimin takes it as a sign of encouragement to get up and take the mic from Namjoon who just finished serenading Yoongi on one knee. Jimin types his song into the monitor, and Jeongguk can’t see it from where he sits, but a catchy rhythm starts playing over the speakers as Jimin takes his position. The monitor reads Lovefool by The Cardigans . Jeongguk has never heard it before, but there’s nothing else to pay attention to when Jimin looks right at him as he sings:
Mama tells me I shouldn't bother
That I ought just to stick to another man
A man that surely deserves me
But I think you do
Jimin points at Jeongguk and winks when he sings that part, earning wolf whistles and cheering from the other boys, but Jeongguk can only stare in awe with a flushed face. He watches as Jimin sings as sweet and cheeky as always, and even dances a little, although not as much as he did on stage. It still feels magical to experience. It’s not just Peaches performing for him, it’s Jimin beneath all the glitter and glam, putting his heart out on full display.
Love me, love me
Say that you love me
Fool me, fool me
Go on and fool me
Love me, love me
Jeongguk wants to, more than anything, he wants a chance to try.
Jimin finishes the song by standing right in front of Jeongguk, cupping his face, and Jeongguk melts in his hands. His friends start chanting for them to kiss, and Jeongguk is too trapped in Jimin’s mesmerizing gaze to tell them to stop, but Jimin seems to listen as he grips Jeongguk’s tie and leans in—making Jeongguk’s heart almost stop.
Instead of kissing him on the mouth, Jimin’s lips land on his cheek, planting a long, sweet peck. When he pulls away, he’s smirking again, always satisfied to fluster Jeongguk who can’t do anything but smile in his daze, wearing Jimin’s lipstick kiss mark proudly on his face.
“Your turn, Peppermint Patty,” Jimin whispers to him before fully pulling away.
How is Jeongguk supposed to turn that down?
As he gets up to take the mic, Jimin sits in his place, crossing his long legs over one another, and Jeongguk knows he has to deliver. Jimin’s earned it. If he can stand up there and sing the song of his heart not only in front of Jeongguk but all their friends, then Jeongguk can do his. Even if he feels like a lovefool about it too.
He finds his song on the system, selecting it before taking his place in front of the room. Silence follows only for a few seconds before the music starts and the title appears on the screen.
He knows it’s an amazing song, but he feels a bit embarrassed that it’s his song. The one that paints his aching longing for love so well, but if Jimin can show how much he wants it, then Jeongguk can as well. He wants to show all of himself tonight. All the awkward and boring parts and the fun and unexpected parts too.
It’s not just Jimin who feels this spark of hope that their calls for love may finally be answered.
Whether it’s the alcohol or the hyping up from his friends, Jeongguk gets ridiculously into it, throwing himself onto his knees during some parts and earning laughs from his audience. He waves at his friends to help sing the chorus and they easily join in. Despite how flustered he feels, he manages to hit the high notes and surprises Jimin all the same by the look of his wide, awed eyes. Jeongguk makes sure to get on his knees in front of Jimin and sing to him the most important part:
Find me somebody to love
Find me, find me, find me somebody to love
Jimin seems to answer by running a hand through his hair, scratching gently at the back of his head, and looking impossibly fond at him. Jeongguk warms once again under his gaze and touch.
“I guess neither of us won the guessing game, huh?” Jimin whispers to him.
“Oh, I think we won in other ways,” Jeongguk says with a smile.
Jimin seems to fighting be fighting back a smile. “You’re an excellent singer by the way.”
“I’m told I’m an excellent kisser too.”
“Somebody, sing the next song before they start making out in here,” Seokjin says before snatching the mic out of Jeongguk’s hand.
They all laugh at that, but Jeongguk and Jimin refrain from kissing (for now). Instead, they sing and cheer along with everyone else as they go through a few more songs, including their entire group singing loudly and dancing to HOT TO GO! By Chappell Roan .
Jeongguk and Jimin even sing a duet together. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee which feels right for them. As Jeongguk and Jimin look into their eyes, smiling widely and singing about giving each other their hearts and pleading not to break them, Jeongguk hopes that it’s true.
He wants nothing more than for this night to become so much more.
💖👑💖
Jimin and Jeongguk can’t take their hands off each other.
The group left the noraebang soon after that. The alcohol hit them all and they needed to let it out on a dancefloor, so they found themselves in the closest club they could find. Jimin didn’t need to reach for Jeongguk first this time because Jeongguk grasped his hand and held it the entire way there. The second their feet landed on the dancefloor, Jeongguk slid an arm around Jimin’s waist, pulling him close, and Jimin couldn’t hold back anymore. He snaked his gloved arms around Jeongguk’s neck, and pulled him even closer until their legs tangled together and they were chest to chest, breath to breath.
Jimin has never felt so drawn to someone so quickly before and as much as it should scare him, he doesn’t want to run away like he usually does. Jeongguk has shown him time and time again he’s willing to try with him, and Jimin doesn’t know what he’s done to earn such luck, but he’s not going to miss out on it.
The music is loud, and the dancefloor is crowded with people surrounding them, but none of it matters as they sway to the music in each other’s arms. Jeongguk rests his forehead against Jimin’s, and he breathes him in, fading away once again into their own world.
“Your talents extend to kissing, huh?” Jimin asks him, watching from below his lashes.
Jeongguk’s eyes drop to his lips, and Jimin is reminded of the kiss mark he left on his cheek, wanting nothing more than to leave more all over his body. “I think so. I’d like a chance to show you.”
“Oh, do you?” Jimin teases with a grin. “Shall we make a deal to see if it happens?”
Jeongguk’s eyes widen in surprise, not expecting another challenge, but Jimin likes to push things to the edge. As much as they’re already burning for each other, he wants to make it scorching.
He leans in until his lips brush against Jeongguk’s ear and his silver hoop earrings. He says, “Find my heart, and I’m all yours.”
When he pulls away, Jeongguk seems confused, his brows furrowing in the middle. Jimin only smirks; Jeongguk is not the only one who can surprise others.
As expected, Jeongguk places his hand over the bedazzled heart on Jimin’s chest, tapping it a few times. Jimin grins again but he shakes his head. This only stumps Jeongguk more, but he doesn’t give up. He seems to think about it for a moment before his face lights up. Without removing his hand, Jeongguk slides it over Jimin’s shoulder, reaching the back of his neck. Using the tips of his fingers, Jeongguk runs his hand down Jimin’s spine, sending chills through Jimin until he reaches the opening above his skirt—the one shaped like a heart.
“Found it,” Jeongguk whispers into his ear, his fingers now tracing the heart, and making Jimin’s bare skin burn with his touch.
Jimin’s eyes flutter as his breath stutters. Jeongguk takes it as a sign to lean in and close the distance between their mouths, but just as he gets close, Jimin moves his face, making Jeongguk’s lips land on his cheek.
“Too easy. I should have made it harder,” Jimin says in a breathless voice.
Jeongguk rubs his nose against his cheek. “Don’t cheat. We made a deal.”
Jimin hums, enjoying himself a bit too much. He might get addicted to teasing Jeongguk.
“Come on,” Jeongguk whispers, one hand lightly scraping at the skin on his lower back, and the other gripping his waist, so close to where Jimin really wants his hands on. “It’s Christmas. I’d like to get a gift.”
“It’s December 18th.”
Jeongguk groans but laughs. He had that one coming all day.
Jimin decides to relieve him by cupping his face with one hand and gripping the base of his tie with the other, finally pulling Jeongguk into a winding kiss. Sparks burst behind his eyes at the feel of Jeongguk’s lips; he feels like he’s been lit aflame at them finally coming together. Despite thinking about Jeongguk’s lips several times tonight, they feel even better than Jimin could have ever imagined. They’re firm and warm and hungry, moving fast against Jimin’s mouth, but his hands on Jimin’s waist are steady and strong, locking them in place. Jimin meets him back with just as much fervor, licking into his mouth and reeling at the moan Jeongguk lets out.
They break away to gasp for breath, but one look at the other and their lips are dancing together again. Jimin threads his fingers through Jeongguk’s hair, and Jeongguk’s hands slip down to grab his ass and Jimin moans, pressing into his touch. They’re wrapped around each other, lost in the heat and taste of one another, and Jimin knows he needs much more of this. He needs to drag Jeongguk into a corner or take him home. Either way, he needs Jeongguk completely to himself.
Jeongguk pulls away first, and Jimin expects him to suggest taking this elsewhere, but he’s met with a rather serious face from the other. “I—I think we should talk,” he says.
His stomach drops. All the fears from tonight come back to him at once, and Jimin says the last thing he ever wanted to say, “Oh God, you’re straight, aren’t you?!”
Jeongguk’s eyebrows shoot up his forehead. “What? No! I’m pansexual but that’s not what I wanted to talk about. Unless that’s an issue which I hope it isn’t—never mind. Can we just talk outside?”
He’s rambling and Jimin is panicking, but he nods, letting Jeongguk take his hand once again and lead them towards the door. They pass by Hoseok and Taehyung on their way who seem to be coming back from the bar counter with new drinks. Jimin signals to Jeongguk that he wants to talk to his friends quickly, and Jeongguk waits quietly a few feet away.
“I’m either about to get very lucky or have the worst night of my life,” he tells them.
“I’m sure it’s going to be fine. He’s been pining over you all night!” Hoseok insists.
“If it’s not, we know where he works,” Taehyung says with a wink.
Jimin ignores him and looks to Hoseok. “I’ll text you if I’m coming home tonight.”
Hoseok fixes a strand of his wig that is probably a mess. “Please do although I won’t be there tonight.”
“One office worker secured.” Taehyung takes a sip from his drink, clearly drunk at this point. “Go get the second babe so we can work them up the corporate ladder.”
Hoseok shakes his head at their drunken friend but gives Jimin an encouraging hug, followed by another from Taehyung, and they both send him off to join Jeongguk again.
The cold air outside hits Jimin like a bucket of water being thrown at him. He puts his coat back on, walking alongside Jeongguk as they step away from the club. They step far away enough that the music becomes distant noise as the sidewalk becomes emptier. Jeongguk stops walking by a streetlight, turning around to look at him, and Jimin holds his breath, fearing what comes next.
“I wanted us to talk more clearly,” Jeongguk explains, rubbing at his neck, “just you and me.”
His nerves feel ready to eat him alive but he nods. “Okay.”
Jeongguk licks his lips before pressing them together, but he never takes his eyes off Jimin. If this is his way of ending things, Jimin hopes he rips it off like a band-aid so he can go lick his wounds back at the bar as soon as possible. This night will eventually become forgettable like so many others. Who was Jimin to think it would end differently? The meet-cutes, the chance encounters, the spark, and connection—they don’t happen for guys like Jimin. He knows reality is waiting to seep back in at any second.
“I remember what you said back at the first bar about not doing relationships,” Jeongguk says, and Jimin feels his stomach twist. Jeongguk must notice because his eyes widen while he raises his hands. “B-but I also remember what you sang at the noraebang and I want to make sure we’re on the same page because... what started as a night I dreaded for weeks has become one of the greatest nights of my life and that’s because of you.”
His heart beats louder than ever before.
“Since I first saw you, I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you,” Jeongguk continues, said big dark eyes glistening in the night. “You have no idea how much you flustered me this afternoon and how much I regretted how we ended things. How the moment I saw you again at the party, I wanted another chance. And this entire night has felt like a dream come true. Getting to know you and learning how sweet and funny and absolutely addicting you are.
“I need you to know how serious I feel because I don’t want this to end after tonight. I may not have much experience in relationships and I’m clueless at times, but I do know that I want to keep getting to know you, and getting to see you. I want so many more days and nights after this.” He brushes a strand of hair away from Jimin’s hair, tucking it gently behind his ear, as if his words weren’t enough to shatter him, his sweet touch had to be the final move.
Jimin tries to keep his lips from quivering and his eyes from burning, but a boy just confessed to him like in all the best romcoms with Kiss Me playing in the background. It’s his dream come true.
Maybe good things can happen to Jimin.
“I don’t know the first thing about relationships either,” Jimin admits, wanting to lay out his heart as Jeongguk did. “I’ve always found it easier to keep everyone at a distance, even if I wanted to change... but you’re the first person that’s given me hope.” He reaches for Jeongguk’s hands, holding them in his. “I want to try with you, to find out with you. I want so much more after this too.”
Jeongguk looks touched beyond words and Jimin imagines he must look the same. It’s not long before their hands let go, only to wrap around one another as they pull each other into a sweet and satisfying kiss.
Jimin reels at the feel and touch of him. Jeongguk’s tongue brushes against his lips, and Jimin’s knees go weak, wanting to fall completely into him. He pulls away to find Jeongguk’s lips already red and swollen, his eyes glazed with adoration and want, and even though they agreed to do more after tonight, Jimin’s not quite ready to end this night either.
“Now that we’re on the same page, you still want to get out of here?” Jimin asks with a grin.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
Jimin lightly hits his chest. “You’re the one who dragged us out here!”
Jeongguk chuckles as he takes Jimin’s hand, threading their fingers together, and walking away again, probably to the nearest station. “I needed to focus. You were very distracting in there.”
Jimin grips his hand harder, leaning into him as he says, “Oh, baby, I can be so much more than distracting.”
Lifting his hand to his lips, Jeongguk kisses Jimin’s hand, shooting him a coy smile. “I can’t wait.”
💖👑💖
Jeongguk struggles to put his keys into his apartment door, very much distracted by Jimin holding onto him, kissing his neck.
“Having a problem finding the hole?” Jimin whispers into his ear and Jeongguk shudders at the implication.
“I-I got it.”
“Here let me help.” Jimin places his gloved hand over his, helping Jeongguk push the key properly into the hole, and turning to unlock the door. “Right, there’s the spot.”
Jeongguk’s breath hitches, but he opens the door to let them inside. His apartment is small and far from impressive like most in the city, but he lives alone so he thought it made sense to invite Jimin back to his. Jimin doesn’t seem to mind as he closes the door behind him and doesn’t spare the place a second glance as he grasps Jeongguk’s face and kisses him. Any insecurity he has washes away as he melts into Jimin’s lips, feeling how plush and soft they are. They’re even better than Jeongguk could have ever hoped for, and they keep kissing his lips, his cheeks, and his neck, undoing him bit by bit. Jeongguk doesn’t know how he’s going to survive the night but he’s going to damn well try.
Jimin pushes off his sports coat, and Jeongguk lets it drop to the floor. They don’t go long without sealing their lips together, but as they stumble through the apartment, chucking off their shoes and coats and kissing messily, they somehow find Jeongguk’s bed. Jimin sits on the edge first, sitting back as he pulls on Jeongguk’s tie, bringing Jeongguk closer to him. Jeongguk follows to steal another kiss from Jimin, but then he stands again to tug at the knot of his tie, taking it off.
Jimin must enjoy a man in a suit because he bites his lip, dragging his gaze down Jeongguk’s body as he drops his tie to the ground. Jeongguk can’t help but grin, feeling warm and wanted under Jimin’s watch. And when Jimin crooks his finger at him, gesturing him to come closer, Jeongguk can only oblige.
Jeongguk finds himself on top of Jimin, his legs spread around him and lost in the heat of Jimin’s lips. One of Jimin’s hands is in Jeongguk’s hair and the other is running down his back when they both realize Jimin is still wearing gloves. Jimin stops kissing him to take them off, but Jeongguk takes one of his hands, wondering if what’s he about to do is stupid hot or just stupid.
Using his teeth, Jeongguk bites at the tip of the gloves and pulls them off Jimin’s arms. It’s not as graceful as he liked (the gloves are quite long), but it makes Jimin laugh. At least it’s stupid cute.
Jimin speeds things up by taking the other off normally, but he uses the saved time to kiss Jeongguk breathless. Jeongguk can’t get enough of Jimin’s pillowy lips, nipping at his bottom lip before sucking on it and relishing in the sound of Jimin’s moan. He quickly moves to ravage his neck, pecking at the sensitive skin. Jimin writhes at the touch, his hands pulling at Jeongguk’s shirt, and Jeongguk takes the hint. He sits up a bit to unbutton it, and Jimin sits up with him, pulling his legs up. He expects Jimin to start undoing his dress, but instead, he reaches underneath his skirt, taking off his panties.
“Thank God, I didn’t have to tuck today,” he says with a sly grin.
Heat pools in Jeongguk’s belly, feeling in complete disbelief that someone as sexy and desirable as Jimin is in his bed right now. He wants more than anything to make Jimin feel as good as he deserves.
Grabbing his legs, Jeongguk pulls Jimin a little closer to him, testing the waters as he asks, “Can I suck you off?”
Jimin’s eyes grow heavy with lust. “Baby, you don’t need to ask me twice.”
Jimin lies down, propping his legs up before spreading them, giving Jeongguk the full view of underneath his dress. His cock is hard and standing and smooth like the rest of him. He must wax because he’s hairless down to his ass, and although Jeongguk has never minded hair on anyone, he can’t help but find Jimin’s smoothness salivating. But then again, he might just find anything Jimin does hot.
Jeongguk finds it easier to get off the bed and kneel in front of it to suck Jimin off, but he makes sure to pull Jimin towards the edge with him. Jimin laughs but he seems to enjoy being manhandled around. Jeongguk makes a mental note of it.
Without wasting any more time, Jeongguk licks a large stripe on Jimin’s cock, and savors the way it tastes along with the way Jimin’s breath grows heavier. It’s been a while since Jeongguk has pleasured anyone, but he finds his body moving on muscle memory. Running his tongue up and down the shaft, letting his drool cover it to make the slide go down easier. Then he wraps his lips around the cock and sinks down on the length. Jimin lets out the most satisfying mewl, and it spurs Jeongguk on, making him suck faster, harder.
“Fu—fuck, Jeongguk!” Jimin cries, one hand pulling at the sheets and the other gripping Jeongguk’s hair.
Jimin continues to let out sweet and needy moans, and Jeongguk alternates between taking him in his mouth, licking his length, and using his hand to pump him. His breath becomes faster as he grows close, and Jimin’s hips try to lift, try to push deeper into Jeongguk’s mouth, but Jeongguk grabs his hips, pushing him back down. It only turns Jimin on more, his cock twitching, and his hand in Jeongguk’s hair becoming harsher. Jeongguk wants to bring him over the edge, swallowing his length as far as he can until it reaches the back of his throat.
“Oh God, I-I'm coming!”
Jeongguk lifts his mouth off in time, watching as Jimin’s cock shoots in white streams onto his pink dress, and a broken moan spills from those even pinker lips.
Jimin lies there panting in his stained dress, legs still widespread, and softening cock twitching in the aftershock. Jeongguk holds himself back from devouring him.
He rubs his thighs instead, saying, “Sorry about your dress.”
“Oh, fuck the dress.” Jimin sits up, looking down at him through his lashes. “That felt so good.”
“Thanks. I was worried I was rusty.”
Jimin rolls his eyes fondly. “Just shut up and kiss me already.”
He can’t well deny that, so he straightens up as Jimin lowers his head, both meeting in the middle to kiss. Jimin doesn’t seem to mind tasting the remnants of himself, not when he kisses Jeongguk so thoroughly it makes Jeongguk sigh with sweetness.
Jimin let go, rubbing his nose against Jeongguk’s cheek. “Let me go clean myself up. I want you to fuck me.”
Jeongguk groans, wanting that so much. He could get used to Jimin ordering him around in the bedroom. He’d do anything to please his queen.
With one last quick peck, Jimin slips past him and disappears into the nearby bathroom, closing the door behind him. Jeongguk takes the opportunity to take off the rest of his pants and underwear. Then he searches the drawer of his nightstand, finding the lube and condoms he keeps hidden away in there.
He settles back on the bed, waiting a few moments more before the bathroom door opens again. Jimin struts out of it without the dress this time, walking in his full naked glory. Jeongguk notes he’s still wearing the wig though.
“You’re keeping the wig on?” he asks with a smile.
Jimin shrugs. “It’s a lot of work to put on. This baby ain’t going anywhere.”
Jeongguk chuckles but as Jimin crawls back on the bed, sauntering up to him with sultry eyes, Jeongguk feels his mouth go dry.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers as Jimin hovers in front of him. He moves a long strand of wavy blonde hair away from Jimin’s face, taking in all the smooth, honey skin from his neck down, noticing a few tattoos on his arms and ribcage too. “So pretty everywhere.”
“I could say the same to you,” Jimin says, his fingers running down his right arm. The one with a sleeve of tattoos. “Who knew you were hiding all this underneath your suit.”
“It’s like you said, I like to surprise.”
“I’m not too surprised about everything,” he says while looking down at Jeongguk’s crotch. By the look in his eyes, he seems satisfied with the size. “Just excited that my hopes were met.”
Jeongguk grasps the back of Jimin’s neck, pulling him closer to meet his lips. “You’ve been thinking about taking me for a while, huh?”
“All damn night.”
Their lips crash together, and Jeongguk lies back on the bed, bringing Jimin with him as they wrap around each other. Things become hazy as they move against one another, rolling around the bed as they kiss and touch desperately. Jeongguk’s hands find their way back to Jimin’s thick, firm ass, squeezing them and reveling at Jimin’s cock hardening against him. He feels that same hunger return, wanting to have every bit of Jimin.
He whispers against his lips, “I want to eat you out.”
Jimin groans as he closes his eyes. “It’s not fair how perfect you are.”
Jeongguk chuckles. “Is that a, yes?”
“Only if I can suck you off at the same time.”
Despite what they’ve already done together, Jeongguk feels himself blushing. “I-I’ve never done that before.”
The smile that grows on Jimin’s lips makes him feel weak already. “Let me show you it’s done, baby.”
That’s how Jeongguk finds himself sitting up, face pressed between Jimin’s cheeks, and Jimin on all fours, hips raised in the air and face by Jeongguk’s crotch, sucking his cock deep into his mouth.
Jeongguk swipes his tongue in and out of Jimin’s hole, wetting and softening it to open for him. It’s a lot easier said than done when his own cock is throbbing in pleasure, Jimin’s warm and wet mouth swallowing him whole. Jeongguk worries he’s not doing a good enough job because all he wants to do is throw his head back and push his cock deeper into Jimin’s mouth. But when he darts his tongue farther than before, Jimin lifts his mouth off to let out a whine.
He sucks on his rim, enjoying the way Jimin curves his back in response. At that moment, Jimin’s tongue flicks at the head of his cock while one hand grips his base and the other fondles his balls, and Jeongguk groans, feeling close to coming already. He doesn’t want to yet, not until he’s been inside of Jimin at least. He needs to move things along he decides, reaching for the lube near him and pouring it generously in his hand.
The first finger slips inside easily, earning him a muffled hum as Jimin returns to sucking him. Jeongguk moves his tongue alongside his finger, spreading Jimin wider. He feels the tight muscles relax under his touch and tongue, enough so that he can add a second finger, hooking them and trying to find Jimin’s sweet spot. His mind is lost in the fervor of it all. Working his mouth and hands tirelessly while relishing in the heat of Jimin’s own mouth and hands. He’s lapping at the hole, fingers still thrusting inside when Jimin’s body spasms, a choked cry escaping out of him.
Jeongguk found it.
He makes sure to aim his fingers in that same spot, reeling at the staccato of moans falling from Jimin’s lips. Jimin even pushes his hips back, trying to feel more of Jeongguk’s fingers, leaving Jeongguk’s cock untouched, but he doesn’t mind. He stays hard and wanting; Jimin’s sounds of pleasure are music to his ears.
“F-fuck!” Jimin’s head drops and his legs shake. “I’ll come if you keep going like that.”
Jeongguk takes a heavy breath, his fingers still working him open. “I don’t mind one bit.”
“I do. I want to feel you inside.” Jimin looks back at him over his shoulder, his eyes full of endless desire. “I’m ready. Please, I need you.”
He doesn’t need to be told twice either, his cock burning to be joined with Jimin already. Jeongguk slips his fingers out and reaches for the condom at the side. Jimin takes the opportunity to move himself, now sitting on Jeongguk’s legs, watching as Jeongguk puts the condom on. Once it’s secured, Jimin lifts his hips to hover over his cock. He lowers himself on Jeongguk’s cockhead, enveloping it with tight, unbelievable heat.
Jeongguk throws his head back onto the pillow, moaning at how good Jimin feels around him. Jimin sounds similar as he bottoms out, nails digging into Jeongguk’s abs, and full lips hanging open as he catches his breath. Jeongguk didn’t think Jimin could get any more beautiful, but he looks magnificent seated on top of him. Flushed from his cheeks down to his hardened cock, glistening with a light sheen of sweat, and long hair falling all around him. The kind of beauty that artists sing songs about. Jeongguk just might start right now, but Jimin starts moving his hips, bouncing on Jeongguk’s cock, and sending him straight to bliss.
They find a heady pace together. Jimin rides him hard into the mattress, panting and moaning from Jeongguk’s cock reaching his sweet spot while Jeongguk rubs Jimin’s own, matching his hand movement to the rhythm of their bodies.
“Does it feel good?” Jimin asks, rolling his hips, and sending waves of pleasure through Jeongguk.
He nods his head feverishly. “Yes, yes. God, you feel amazing.”
“Tell me. Tell me more about how I make you feel.”
If Jimin wants praise, then praise he’ll get. Jeongguk sings to the heavens about how beautiful Jimin is, how no one has ever made him feel like this, how he can’t get enough of him. His hands roam while he praises Jimin, finding their way to tweak Jimin’s chest and nipples, and Jimin’s hips stutter as he gasps. His cock twitches, leaking precum already.
Jimin slows down to a halt, panting above him. “You’re so sweet, Jeongguk.” One of his hands pushes back Jeongguk’s hair, helping to wipe the sweat off his brow. “But I need you to fuck me hard into the mattress, okay?”
Jeongguk sits up, stealing a kiss from those addicting lips. “Your wish is my command.”
Jimin giggles at that as he wraps his arms around Jeongguk’s neck, letting Jeongguk turn them around and lie Jimin on his back this time. He learns that Jimin is quite flexible as he pushes his legs forward, practically bending him in half as his cock finds its way back to Jimin’s hole. When he enters him again, they both sigh in relief. Jeongguk holds onto one of his legs and grips the bedframe as he fucks him earnestly, feeling Jimin’s nails digging into his back, and watching as his eyes roll back in pleasure.
“Y-you fuck me so well,” Jimin tells him breathlessly. “God, your cock feels so good.”
Jimin’s not the only one weak for praise. It pulls a moan out of Jeongguk, making him thrust his hips harder, drowning in the tightness and warmness of Jimin.
“Just like that. Fuck, just like that,” Jimin rambles, throwing his head back, his wig spreading on the pillow.
Jeongguk bends Jimin’s legs enough to bury his head in the crook of Jimin’s neck, groaning at the feeling of his pulsating walls, confident nothing has ever felt this good. He pistons his hips, trying to hit where Jimin will feel it the most too. He gets rewarded when Jimin writhes beneath him, tightening around his cock.
“R-right there—fuck!” Jimin cries into his ear. “Harder. Oh, fuck me harder.”
The bed shakes at the force of his thrusts, and the room is filled with the sound of slapping skin, but neither of them cares as they grow closer to their climax. Jeongguk buries his cock again and again inside Jimin, driving him to the edge. With one hand, he reaches Jimin’s cock and pumps it in time with his thrusts, and watches Jimin fall apart. He grips the sheets as he comes with a cry, spilling over Jeongguk’s hand and painting Jimin’s stomach white. It makes Jeongguk’s hips falter, Jimin’s walls squeezing around him so deliciously, that he doesn’t think he can last much longer either.
Jimin must know because despite still reeling from his orgasm, he runs his hands up and down Jeongguk’s sides, moving his hips with Jeongguk’s thrusts. “That’s it. Come for me. I want to see how pretty you look when you come,” Jimin purrs, and it makes Jeongguk see stars. With a final thrust, he comes inside Jimin, closing his eyes and moaning at the rush of euphoria flowing through his veins.
When he opens his eyes, he finds Jimin watching him with a subtle, gentle smile, and Jeongguk can’t help but join him.
“Did it meet your expectations?” he asks, still catching his breath, but making sure to pull out of him.
“I think you fucked them all out of me.”
“Then that meets a job well done?”
Jimin rolls his eyes fondly. “You’re such an office worker. You want a Christmas bonus on top of that?”
“I’ll settle for a kiss instead.”
A sigh escapes out of Jimin as he pulls Jeongguk closer by the neck. “You truly are too sweet. You’ll give me a toothache.”
Jeongguk rubs his nose against Jimin’s cheeks, already grinning. “I thought you could handle sweet stuff, Peaches.”
“I think that’s just you, my Peppermint Patty.”
And with that, their lips meld together, moving their lips in no rush or urgency, but to simply taste the sweet feeling of each other’s touch. They’d worried about cleaning up soon. For now, they enjoyed being wrapped up in each other’s arms, kissing and holding each other after this long, remarkable night.
💖👑💖
The morning sunlight filters through the window, making Jimin peel his eyes open and find Jeongguk’s apartment around him instead of his own. He didn’t have much time last night to take it in properly, but he sees that it’s quite clean and tidy, especially compared to his room. Jeongguk’s place is a studio apartment with a computer, TV, couch, and kitchen all in sight, but it feels comfortable already. At least it does in Jeongguk’s bed that smells like him.
Jimin turns his head on the pillow to find Jeongguk still sleeping soundly beside him. He sleeps on his front with his face pushed against the pillow, drooling a little, and Jimin thinks he heard him snoring loudly throughout the night, but it was still one of the best sleeps he had in a while. Jeongguk looks cute while he sleeps too.
Carefully, he gets up from the bed, wanting to relieve himself in the bathroom. Jeongguk seems to be a heavy sleeper because he hardly stirs, but Jimin still walks quietly in the direction of the toilet. He picks up Jeongguk’s dress shirt from the floor on the way, wanting to wear something besides his underwear, and his stained dress is out of the question. Once he’s finished, he washes his hands in the sink, now taking in his appearance in the mirror.
After their amazing (seriously, one of the best Jimin ever had) night, Jimin cleaned himself up in the bathroom, making sure to take off his wig, contact lenses, and makeup because he doesn’t mess around when it comes to his skincare routine. By the time he came out, Jeongguk had already fallen asleep, and Jimin climbed back in bed to join him. But now he’s here without any makeup, his regular dyed blonde hair that only reaches his mid-neck, and wearing Jeongguk’s shirt with only a few buttons together, barely hiding the hickeys that litter his neck and chest. He’s a mess and nothing like the beautiful Peaches ‘n’ Cream he was last night.
He knows Jeongguk said he was interested in Jimin from the start, that he wants more than last night, but insecurity flares up inside him anyway. He doesn’t want to disappoint Jeongguk when he wakes up.
He takes one last look in the mirror, not impressed by the dark circles around his eyes or the acne scars on his cheeks, but there’s not much that can be done. With a sigh, he opens the door and doesn’t expect to find Jeongguk standing in front of him, wearing boxers now and eyes wide in surprise.
“Oh! S-sorry, I woke up and didn’t see you so I thought maybe you left since that’s happened to me a lot, but then I realized you might just be in the bathroom, so I thought I would knock and check, and now I’m just rambling so I’ll just shut up now,” Jeongguk says before closing his mouth, his cheeks blushing pink.
Jimin chuckles, feeling relieved he’s not the only worried one. “It’s okay, I’m nervous the morning after too.”
Jeongguk tilts his head, brows furrowing in confusion. “What would you have to be nervous about?”
He shrugs, gesturing towards himself. “I know I look pretty different now.”
Confusion still surrounds Jeongguk’s face before it dawns on him, nodding his head in understanding, but then he closes the distance between them, pecking him sweetly on the lips. Jimin lets out a surprised noise, not expecting that at all. Jeongguk smiles at him just as bright as the sun outside.
“You’re always beautiful to me,” he assures him before reaching for his hand and squeezing it. “I know we’re both new to this, but... let’s take our time and see how it goes, okay?”
Warmth blooms in his chest, and Jimin already knows he doesn’t need time, he knows a keeper when he sees one, and Jeongguk has already secured a place in Jimin’s heart. But still, he nods, agreeing with him and ready to follow his lead.
“Can I make you breakfast? I’m a pretty good cook,” Jeongguk says.
Jimin snorts before pulling Jeongguk towards his kitchen. “What aren’t you good at?”
“Real talk? Soccer. I never got the hang of it.”
“How funny. I was captain of my high school’s soccer team.”
“The captain? Now I need to hear more about this,” Jeongguk says as he throws on an apron that says, “Kiss the Chef.”
Jimin takes a seat at his small table, watching Jeongguk get to work in the kitchen, and loving the view already. He tells him a few stories from high school, and Jeongguk shares a few of his own, and they’re both so different yet similar at the same time. Jimin can’t stop being endeared by his kind and genuine nature, growing weak at the sight of his scrunched-up smile.
It doesn’t take long for Jimin to follow the advice of the apron and kiss Jeongguk right up against the counter. If some of their food gets burnt in the process, neither of them cares. They already know there will be plenty more mornings, days, and nights together to come.
💖👑💖
One Year Later
“Are you excited for tonight’s Christmas party?” Max asks.
Jeongguk sits back in his seat, finding himself once again in his manager’s office for his annual performance review, and met with this once dreaded question. But this time, he simply smiles, barely sparring it a second thought.
“Of course.”
This year they rented an ice rink for everyone to skate on after the dinner festivities. Nobody can say this company doesn’t try to put on a good office Christmas party.
“Great! You’ll be bringing your boyfriend, right? What was his name again?”
Jeongguk’s smile widens. It always does when he thinks of him. “Jimin.”
“That’s right. Can’t wait to meet him!” Max exclaims. Around this time last year, Seokjin loudly told everyone in the office the ever-perpetual single Jeongguk finally got a boyfriend. It was embarrassing at first, but he was surprised by how many people around the office genuinely seemed happy for him. He supposes Seokjin can be right sometimes, and that people like him more than he thinks.
He hasn’t mentioned that Max has already met him. He’s getting better about opening up to his coworkers without clamming up, but sometimes old habits die hard.
“I better get going. I’ll see you, tonight, Max,” Jeongguk says as stands up from his seat.
“Remember, call me, Maximillion!”
Apparently, at last year’s party, the CEO made a new nickname for him, but much like the success of Maximus, almost nobody calls him that either. But Jeongguk’s in a good mood today, so he’ll give it a try.
“Sure thing, Maximillion.”
Max’s smile is bright as Jeongguk leaves his office, heading back to his desk with a smile of his own because he’s thinking about tonight. It’s his and Jimin’s anniversary after all. What’s not to feel happy about that?
Day passes into night quickly and before Jeongguk knows it, he’s walking inside the venue beside the ice rink where they’ll serve dinner. He’s here earlier than he should be just like last year. He has no time to prepare for the numerous coworkers who approach him with questions like:
“Jeongguk! Where’s the famous boyfriend we’ve been hearing all about?”
“Did you already break up?”
“I have someone who would be perfect for you to meet!”
He supposes not everything can be better, especially not nosy, over-stepping coworkers. Jimin said he would meet him there, but he should have known, Jimin has a habit of coming late to things. He’s lucky he’s so cute.
“Jeonggukie!” A familiar voice calls out to him, and Jeongguk swings around with a sigh of relief at the sight of Seokjin and Hoseok approaching him hand in hand.
They’ve been dating since around the same time as Jeongguk and Jimin. Despite Seokjin always insisting he’s bad at maintaining relationships, he and Hoseok have been together for a year now, and it’s the longest relationship Seokjin has ever had. It’s also the happiest Jeongguk has ever seen him.
“There’s my favorite protégé,” Seokjin says while clamping a hand on his shoulder. “Where’s Jimin?”
“Late,” he answers with a pout.
It makes Hoseok laugh. “That’s our Jiminie for you. In his defense, I think he got held up at work. I was leaving our apartment when he was coming in to get ready.”
Jimin texted him a similar explanation, but he insisted he would still be there on time. Jeongguk should probably trust his instinct next time.
“There you guys are,” another familiar voice says, and they turn to see Taehyung and his fiancé, Sangmin walking up to them with a wave. It turns out Taehyung was not joking when he said he wanted to work here. A position opened up in their communications department a few months ago, and Taehyung applied and got the job. His new goal is to earn enough himself to live in the upper eastside, or at least enough to have a big wedding for him and Sangmin.
“Are we all still on for noraebang this weekend?” Taehyung asks because it’s become pretty common for their group to hang out on weekends by going to noraebang, bowling, or barbeque.
“Jimin and I can’t,” Jeongguk says. “We’re going camping.”
“That’s right. It’s anniversary weekend,” Seokjin adds with a wiggle of his eyebrows. “What are the plans?”
They’re renting a cabin in Connecticut because camping is an activity Jeongguk always enjoyed doing growing up, and Jimin’s never tried, so they’re using the chance to get away from the city, and just enjoy each other’s company.
“Long, sleepless hours while working up a sweat,” a smooth voice says from behind Jeongguk, and suddenly, arms wrap around his waist as a chin perched on his shoulder. Jimin winks at their friends. “If you know what I mean.”
All but Jeongguk groans in disgust.
“I’m talking about hiking and canoeing. Get your heads out of the gutters!” Jimin says with a wicked but beautiful grin. Jeongguk feels a rush of relief and comfort being in his arms again, and definitely more than a little in love. Jimin looks beautiful as always, his blonde hair slicked back and wearing a sharp-pressed grey suit. He wears subtle makeup but it highlights his eyes and makes his lips look extra kissable, Jeongguk doesn’t know how he’ll hold himself back.
“You’re the one putting us in the gutters!” Hoseok insists. “You’re not working tonight. Cool it, Peaches.”
Jimin sticks his tongue out at his friend before looking at Jeongguk for the first time tonight. The smile that spreads on his face is sweet and gentle. “Hi, baby, I’m sorry I’m late. I hope your coworkers haven’t been giving you too hard of a time.”
“We were just getting started actually,” Seokjin says.
Jeongguk shakes his head with a fond smile. “Doesn’t matter. I’m just happy you’re here now.”
They forget all about holding back and share a quick kiss much to the groans of their friends, but when the others see just how adoringly Jeongguk and Jimin stare at each other, they let them have their moment.
The group finds their way to a table that Namjoon and Yoongi have already been saving for them. Jeongguk sits between Jimin and Yoongi, listening as most of them share what they’ve been up to or are planning for the holidays. Sometime during the conversation, Yoongi turns to him with a soft, knowing smile.
“So, Jeongguk-ah, was it worth not giving up?” he asks in Korean, keeping his voice low so that it stays between them.
At first, Jeongguk doesn’t understand what he’s talking about, but then a conversation from a year ago comes back to mind. One where Yoongi encouraged him to not give up on trying with Jimin.
He was right that there is no cure for loverboys, but sometimes, the payoff makes it all worth it.
When he sees Jimin laughing beside him, his voice tinkling like bells and his eyes closing like crescent moons, he’s so glad that the universe gave him a second chance to get his queen.
“More than worth it,” Jeongguk tells him.
Jimin entering his life has been the best gift of all. He used to think he didn’t know how to bring a relationship into his introverted lifestyle, or how to even be in a serious relationship, but he and Jimin figured it out together. Their lifestyles came together far easier than either of them expected.
The rest of the dinner goes over better than earlier in the night. All of them talk like they always do outside of work with lots of jokes and bickering, and at some point, Max comes over to greet them. He keeps staring at Jimin and Hoseok like he recognizes them, but can’t quite place his finger on it. They all seem to enjoy his confusion until Taehyung relieves him by revealing the two are his fellow drag queens, the ones from the last office Christmas party. He seems embarrassed at the memory, but it becomes water under the bridge when both Jimin and Hoseok say it’s good to see him again. The manager wishes them all well before returning to the directors’ table.
“I think one day I’ll be his boss,” Taehyung claims with confidence.
“He’ll have a new nickname then,” Seokjin says, “Mad Max.”
They all laugh at that before they have to settle down at the CEO now addressing the room. He gives his usual speech he always gives at these parties, and everyone eagerly waits for him to finish so they can finally get on the ice rink. When he starts to take too long, Jeongguk turns to Jimin who pretends to be sleeping. Jeongguk shakes him on the leg, and Jimin dramatically wakes up, making them both giggle until somebody shushes them. They shift their attention back to the speech, still biting down their grins.
The moment the CEO steps away from the mic, everyone grabs their coats and rushes to the door.
That’s how Jeongguk finds himself skating on the ice with Jimin right beside him, holding his hand.
“Your company always goes full out on these things, huh?” Jimin asks, skating along easily because he’s always graceful and talented.
“Yeah, I would honestly prefer a Christmas bonus over a big party like this.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Jimin chuckles before squeezing his hand. “But seriously, is tonight better than last year?”
Jeongguk hums, looking up into the night sky. “I don’t know. You haven’t wiggled your ass in front of me all night. Last year, you at least did that.”
Jimin smacks his arm. “Don’t be a brat! People give me good money for that wiggle, and I give that to you for free all the time.”
Jeongguk laughs, taking Jimin’s hand and planting a kiss on it. “I know, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.”
His sincerity catches Jimin off guard for a moment, but then Jimin smiles with him, bumping his shoulder against Jeongguk’s. “Speaking of Peaches, your help with my social media has been boosting my bookings, you know that?”
A few months ago, Jimin asked for Jeongguk’s help in running his Peaches ‘n’ Cream social media account, and Jeongguk was more than happy to do it. There was no better place to put his marketing skills and knowledge, and it seemed to bring great comfort to Jimin.
At the beginning of their relationship, Jimin shared with him that he’s struggled to meet men who would be supportive of his drag, but it’s never been a problem for them. Jeongguk loves seeing him as Peaches. They spend many nights with Jeongguk playing games on his computer and Jimin practicing his routines in the living room before they settle on the couch to eat dinner and watch a show together. Other nights are spent watching Jimin at his shows and being ready to shower him with flowers and lots of kisses after his performance.
Jimin is electric and captivating when he’s performing as Peaches, just as amazing as he is every day by Jeongguk’s side. How could Jeongguk not be proud of that?
“I’m glad to hear it,” he says as they skate past a corner, tugging on Jimin to come closer to him. Close never feels like quite enough. “I’m Peaches’ number one fan, you know.”
The smile on Jimin’s face is enough to warm him on this ice rink. “She’s a big fan of you as well.” Then he leans in, dropping his voice to a whisper. “And I love you, so much.”
Jeongguk’s heart squeezes in his chest, still in disbelief that Jimin says it so easily to him, and that he can say it back. “I love you, too.”
They continue skating together hand in hand, only letting go to try a spin, and fall on more than one occasion, but they laugh it off while helping the other back up. They talk some more about their plans for the weekend trip, especially their nightly activities now that their friends are out of earshot. Both make such tempting promises of what they’re going to do to each other in that cabin that Jeongguk already knows that they need to let off some heat tonight back at his place.
They cool things down by switching topics and talking about their families’ plans for the holidays, trying to find a way to evenly split time between each other’s families. Luckily, their respective families adore both Jimin and Jeongguk, just as they suspected from the beginning.
Once they agree to leave soon, they take a final round in the rink, quietly skating on the ice. Jeongguk thinks about how fortunate he is to have met Jimin that afternoon and again later that night. He thinks about how incredible this past year has been with Jimin by his side. He thinks about how he’s going to ask Jimin to move in with him on this camping trip. As they approach the exit, Jimin steals a kiss from Jeongguk, leaving them both grinning from ear to ear, their cheeks dusted pink from more than the cold. He thinks that this is the best office Christmas party he’s ever been to.