Kth Fic - Tumblr Posts - Page 2

hey lovely!!! ofc you can be added!!! tysm 😊💜

colours - kth

pairings: singledad!taehyung x artist!reader

synopsis: when you meet a little girl at a park by chance, who would've thought that you'd be falling in love with the man who had the exact same boxy smile as her in such little time?

genre: angst, fluff, smut (18+); strangers to lovers

warning(s): angst, marking/biting, some dry humping, unprotected sex (safe sex is sexxxyy!!!), some loving, teasing, OC has a praise kink. (individual warning(s) will be provided for each chapter).

series word count: tbd

series release date: August 16, 2021; 5pm CST

series [1] [2] [3] [Epilogue] (could subject to change)

tag list: open

wahhhh Amelia ))): you're so, so, so sweet. I hope you enjoy this couple. I'm super glad you like it so far💕

tae is a bit of a butt, but hes so 🥺 and aera, ugh, she's the sweetest. I love her.

colours (1) - kth

pairings: singledad!taehyung x artist!reader

synopsis: when you meet a little girl at a park by chance, who would've thought that you'd be falling in love with the man who had the exact same boxy smile as her in such little time?

genre: angst, fluff, smut (18+); strangers to lovers

warning(s): angst, fluff.

word count: 8.8k

note(s): helloo lovelies!!! Introducing my taehyung fic! It's pretty short, but I am super proud of this one. I'm so in love with this couple, that it hurts. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

↳ series masterlist

“So pretty!” You were currently smiling at your toddlers as they were finishing up their finger painting for the day.

You held painting classes on Saturdays in your little studio for toddlers. You began offering these classes in attempts to help out busy parents, that way they could get some errands done; in a sense, it was like a ‘daycare’ program. You didn’t think that it would be as great of a turn out as it was, but thankfully, many parents have taken up the opportunity. You had around 10 kids per session, which doesn’t seem like a lot, but because they all vary in age (3-8) it gets a little rowdy from time to time.

Luckily for you, many of the kids are behaved and well-mannered, of course, you still have the mischievous children, but they never bothered you or done something to upset you. You love kids, so this was really a great addition in your line of work. As an artist, who is well-known for many beautiful paintings at your local art museum, your modestly high income allows you to broaden the creativity in the community. It also gives opportunities for children and their parents to find potential opportunities in the art industry.

“Y/n, they’re doing so well!” Mi-ha whispered to you, while observing the quiet toddlers smiling to themselves while they continued painting.

Mi-ha is one of your best friends, who also happens to work with you during your painting lessons. You and Mi-ha have been best friends ever since college when you both continued your degrees; her in fine arts and yours in sciences. For a number of years, you were in the operating room as an anesthesiologist assistant, surprising, right? Not a lot of people knew you were in the medical field before you quit altogether—well sort of… you still volunteered on your days off at your local hospitals—to pursue your art career, it really is unbelievable and a great accomplishment at just 22. You were always a smart child, graduating high school and university earlier than most. Your parents couldn’t have been prouder, even when you told them that you wanted to pursue your art career, they supported you through and through. You were thankful that they were so supportive of your decision.

“Yoon-ji is enjoying herself, I’m glad!” You gushed while pointing to Mi-ha’s daughter who was happily painting random lines on her canvas. Mi-ha had Yoon-ji three years ago, with her long-time boyfriend, now husband, Namjoon. It was a surprise for everyone, nonetheless, the couple was excited for the arrival of their first child together. You remember how freaked out Mi-ha was when she had the positive pregnancy test in her hands. She was nervous about telling Joon, but eventually you had given her enough courage to tell him, after all, it’s his kid too. From your understanding, Namjoon’s friends all had children, at least from what Mi-ha said, maybe a couple of them didn’t, but you weren’t completely sure. You, however, hadn’t any of them, even though you’re closest to Mi-ha, Joon, and Yoon-ji, you never really had the pleasure of hanging out with Joon’s friends.

“Okay kiddies, time to clean up! Your parents will be coming soon!” You exclaimed to the kids while hearing groans. Giggling to yourselves, you and Mi-ha helped wash up the kids. It didn’t take long to put away the paints, easels, and canvases, since they were much smaller than your normal sized ones that you keep in the back room, for your purposes. You had gathered up the mini stools and stacked them in the closest where your other mini supplies were. Shutting it, you turned around to see all the little boys and girls smiling brightly up at you.

“Thank you, Ms. Y/n!” They bowed, respectively. Bowing too, you smiled at all of them.

“You’re very welcome! Now let me just get your parents!” Walking over to the closed door, you welcomed the parents of the children. Each child held up their artwork towards their parents while they left with mumbled thank you’s and see you next week’s. As the last child left your studio, Namjoon walked in giving you a wave.

“Appa!” Yoon-ji ran towards her dad, who welcomed her with opened arms. Picking her up and spinning her around, Mi-ha giggled beside you at her little family.

“Hey, Yoonie, what’chya got there, hm?” Yoon-ji thrusted her artwork towards him, almost getting his blonde-dyed hair wet with drying paint, had he not tilted his head fast enough, “Wow, princess! So pretty!” He walked over to Mi-ha, pressing a kiss to her temple before turning to you.

“Yoon-ji’s birthday is coming up,” Namjoon says giving his daughter to his wife.

“I know,” You nodded smiling, “Next, next Saturday, right?”

“Yeahp, all of my friends will be there too! So, you finally get to meet the other half of the family.” He jokes with you.

“Ugh, I can’t wait,” You huffed out, “it’s like you two didn’t want me to ever meet them.”

“No!” Mi-ha exclaimed, “it’s just that every time we had something planned with them, you always had an art show!” Joon laughed as Yoon-ji blew raspberries at him with a gleeful gaze.

“Oh, actually?” You wiped your hand on your apron, untying it and hanging it up on the hooks behind you, “Well, thankfully I don’t have an art show for a while, so I’m free!” You checked your watch, “Oh, shoot, sorry guys, I have to run!” You exclaimed grabbing your keys, “I need to let Mochi out.”

“Go ahead, we’ll lock up!” Mi-ha says, “See you next, next Saturday Y/n!”

“Don’t forget to bring whatever snacks you want!”

“Bwye, Awnty Y/n!” You waved to the three and exited the studio.

══════ ∘◦❀◦∘ ══════

“Good girl, Mochi!” You exclaimed jogging with your baby Pomeranian-Husky mix who was running beside you with her tiny legs. Giggling to yourself you picked her up walking her to the park that was by your apartment. Giving her treats as the two of you sat down on the grass, you looked around you to see the park with couples walking their dogs together, people running, or elderly sitting on the benches feeding the birds. You smiled down at the puppy who was gently gnawing at her treat, but her eyes started to droop, leaving her treat half in her mouth and half on the grass as she closed her eyes. You pat her head gently, only to stop when you heard a little yelp from behind you. Peering around you see a little Pomeranian and a little girl with pigtails bobbing behind it.

“Oh, hello there!” You smiled down at the dog, patting its head you noticed the dog staring at the treat in your hand, nudging its head towards it. You comply, as it ate the treat from your hand.

“Yeontan!” The little girl gasped, crouching down to the puppy, who yelped at her. Sighing she sat down with him, but looked up at you with a shy gaze, “Sowwy…”

You cooed at how cute she was, “Oh, don’t be! I have plenty of treats! Mochi is sleeping, she won’t mind!” Handing the little girl more treats for her dog.

“Tank you!” She placed another treat in Yeontan’s mouth, she looked behind her and sighed, “Tannie, Daddy go get mad at us fow wunning off again…” Her shoulders slumped as she placed the dog in her lap.

“Kim Aera!” A man came from behind the trees jogging towards the little girl.

“See, Tannie… He mad mad.” She sighed again, petting the dog.

As the man jogged closer you noticed that he was in baggy pants paired with a beige vest and a white t-shirt. He sported white shoes and many bracelets decorated his wrists. Puffing out air, he crouched down beside the little girl.

“Didn’t I tell you not to run off with Tannie like that?” He sighed, picking up the dog, “and you,” he looked down at the confused looking puppy, “you know better than to run away from your sister like that.” He scolded.

“Sowwy, daddy,” The little girl says making sad eyes at her father, “but! Pwetty yady keep com-com-com... pony!” You watched as the man paused and turned around to look at you. His eyes were a beautiful hazel, probably contacts, and his hair was fluffy. He was really attractive and seemed really young to be a father to a girl who couldn’t be any older than four years old.

“I see…” His eyes gazed into your own, gulping, he gave you a nervous smile, “I’m really sorry about Aera, she and Tannie have a habit of running off.” You laughed dusting off dirt as you stood to your full height. Your eyes widened when you notice that you were still peering up at the man.

Shoot, dude’s gotta be at least 6 feet.

Blushing you coughed, “It’s not a problem, really!” You smiled at him.

You see the child tug on her dad’s pants, he bent down and she whispered to him. His eyes bulging out of his sockets as he put Tannie down and dusted himself off.

“Sh—” He sighed, “I didn’t even introduce us,” He patted the little girl’s head, “This is my daughter Aera,” Aera smiled at you and gave you a wave, “This is Yeontan,” he pointed to the dog that was now laying beside Mochi, who stared with curious eyes at her companion laying beside her.

“And I’m Kim Taehyung.”

Drawing your attention to the model-like man, you smiled shyly, feeling heat rushing to your cheeks as he gave you a boxy grin.

“I’m Hyeon Y/n.” You peered behind you to the puppy that was nuzzling her face into Yeontan’s fur, “and that’s my puppy, Mochi.”

Aera squealed and bent down towards the two puppies, Mochi greeting her with many kisses. Taehyung smiled down at his daughter and looked back at you.

“It’s really nice to meet you, Y/n.” His deep voice rang in your ears again, “Thank you again for accompanying Aera while I looked for them.” You waved a hand.

“Really, Taehyung, it’s no worries, I love kids and puppies!” Gesturing to the three on the ground. Taehyung chuckled before looking back at you.

“We should get going, I’m sure you have things to do. Aera, Tannie.” Taehyung says as Aera patted Mochi’s head one last time before scooping up the Pomeranian and smiling at you.

“Tank you fow da tweats and watch me!” Aera says sweetly before pressing her cheeks against your legs and staring at you, “see you again?” Shocked you peered down at the little girl.

“Aera!” Taehyung exclaims, his cheeks tinted pink as he looked down at you, “I’m sorry—she—”

“Of course!” You smiled, crouching down to the little girl, “I actually hold painting classes at my studio, completely free every Saturday at 9!” You watched the little girl’s face brighten as she looked at her dad. Stunned with yourself you looked up at her dad too before uttering out, “only if it’s cool with your dad.”

“Daddy? Pwease, pwease, pwease! Paint, I paint!” Aera jumped excitedly as she asked for her father’s permission.

“I—” He starts looking down at his daughter’s bright eyes filled with excitement, “I—sure, why not?” He smiled down at his little girl. Aera rushed up to him and gave him a big squeeze, excitedly repeating tank you’s.

“Yay!” You perk up looking at the two, “I’ll see you two…on Saturday?”

“Yes! Next Saturday, though. We have prior arrangements, but next one for sure.” Taehyung says. You smiled.

“Next Saturday then.” You agreed.

“Great, uhm—” Taehyung begins, taking out his phone, “Do you mind if—Can I—May I have your number uhm so I know where your studio is?” He blushed facing his phone to you. You nodded frantically.

“Right! Uh—” You typed in your number giving his phone back to him, “Here you go!”

“Thanks,” He sighs, “for everything, we’ll see you not this week, but next!” You nodded your head.

“Of course! See you guys, it was nice to meet you three!”

“Likewise!” Taehyung said sending you a boxy grin, Aera having the same smile as her dad, the three walked off, while you picked up Mochi and headed to your apartment.

══════ ∘◦❀◦∘ ══════

19:21 08.25.21 ???: hey, thank you again for today. -taehyung.

19:25 08.25.21 y/n: hey, Taehyung! Really, it’s no problem!

19:26 08.25.21 Taehyung☺: Aera is super excited for next Saturday, you said it’s at 9am?

19:28 08.25.21 y/n: yeahp! Here’s the address of my studio xxx!

19:29 08.25.21 Taehyung☺: I was just about to ask, thank you! I’ll let you go, Aera can’t find her socks. Goodnight, y/n.

19:31 08.25.21 y/n: Oh no!!! Guess you gotta find those socks lol! And no problem, Taehyung. See you Saturday ((:

“Who are you smiling at?” Mi-ha’s voice scares you, causing you to tuck your phone away.

“Wha—me?” You blushed looking at your best friend who was carrying a sleepy Yoon-ji, “Just some guy I met at the park today.”

“A guy?!” Mi-ha screeched in a whisper. You nodded.

“Yeah, his daughter was chasing their dog and the dog stumbled upon me and Mochi.” You shrugged, “and before you ask,” Mi-ha’s mouth opened and closed, “yes, he’s unbelievably attractive.” You whine throwing your head back against your couch.

Mi-ha wiggled her eyebrows while heading for the door, “Ouuuu, does he have potential?” Shrugging your shoulders…

“Well—I just met him…” You sighed, “but… maybe? I don’t know.” You mumbled.

Taehyung is an attractive man, and just from meeting him and Aera today, you could already tell that the two were super sweet and super nice.

“Hm… Well, just play it by ear, I guess.” You watched as Mi-ha slipped into her shoes, still carrying a sleeping Yoon-ji, “You deserve to be happy, by the way. I just want you to be happy and in love.” You giggled.

“Yah,” You made your way to the door, “I’ll find it when I find it.” Smiling you gave Mi-ha a side hug as she made her way out of your apartment and down the hall towards her and Namjoon’s.

It was now Wednesday and you were in your studio with Mochi.

After a long week, you were excited to finally see Aera and Taehyung this coming Saturday. You and Taehyung have been texting back and forth during the week, getting to know each other a little more, and of course exchanging work stories for the day. Sometimes he’d text you good morning and good night as well, so you’d often times find yourself smiling constantly whenever you see his name pop up onto your screen. He was—is—such a good guy. The sweetest human you had ever met, and Aera was no different than her father. Some days, Taehyung would send you a picture of Aera, because she wanted to show you her new painting. You couldn’t help but feel all fuzzy and warm when you would receive a text from him. Sometimes he’d even tell you all about the important meetings he’d have and his success with collaborating with other big time fashion icons with upcoming collections for his new menswear line.

Today though, the museum had asked you to come up with a few pieces that could be showed in their gallery for the end of November. It wasn’t one of your art shows, so it wasn’t too demanding and you didn’t have to show face. However, you had to finish the pieces a month before the showcase. It never took you too long to finish a painting piece; you’ve always been creative and had an eye for art. This time you wanted to try something different. Many of your paintings were hung up on display in the museum, along with some of your photography pieces, so this time, you wanted to mix the two mediums in a way that’ll capture the uniqueness of your work.

You heard a quiet bark behind you to see Mochi wagging her tail looking up at you with curiosity. You bent down to pat her head and led her to her little bed in the corner of the studio. The minute she jumped into the large puppy bed; her eyes began to droop. Mochi was so tiny still, only 10 weeks old, that the large bed engulfs her tiny figure. Cooing at the adorable puppy, you went back to painting the large canvas. Humming along with the quiet radio in the background, you left some spaces open for the pictures that you need to take before pasting it onto the canvas too. You were in your own little world thinking about Yoon-ji’s party on Saturday. You had all her gifts ready, along with remembering to pick up her cookies that you had promised Mi-ha to pick up, since Namjoon had to go pick up the cake.

Taehyung then drifted into your mind. Encountering him two Saturday evenings ago, hadn’t stopped playing in your mind. He was the prettiest man you had ever met, and he sounded so humbled, soft-spoken with a very deep voice. He was enticing, and you couldn’t wait to see him again on Saturday. And Aera. Aera is probably the cutest little girl you had ever met, and that’s saying something because you worked with many kids, along with Yoon-ji –who is another very adorable child— but Aera’s features were striking. Definitely too pretty for a three-year-old. But now, with the fact that you two have been texting back and forth for about a week now, that really couldn’t be good for your heart. You’re really not the type to fall for someone quickly, you enjoy being single because it’s less complicated, but for some reason… You were just drawn to the strikingly handsome man.

You heard a knock at the door ripping you from your thoughts. Thinking you were hearing things, you continued painting… Until the knock came louder. Furrowing your eyebrows, you checked your watch, 10:17am, you weren’t expecting Mi-ha for another couple hours.

“Just a minute!” You called setting down your brush and wiping your hands on a rag that you retrieved from the top of your canvas. Pushing your hair out of your face, you reached the knob of the door and pulled it open to reveal the duo that clouded your thoughts just moments ago.

“Hi, Awnty Y/n!” Aera quipped brightly. Today, her hair was pulled up to one side, where she bore a purple bow. She was wearing loose jeans with a white shirt and denim jacket. Beside her stood Taehyung, handsome as ever. Today, he sported loose shorts and a black t-shirt. Super simple, but for some reason, super attractive.

“Oh my gosh, hey!” You peered down at your attire which consisted of leggings a baggy top, and your painting apron. Your cheeks heating up, “Sorry—gosh—I wasn’t expecting anyone today.” You smiled sheepishly as Taehyung quirked an eyebrow.

“No—no, it’s cool,” He gestured to Aera, “We were in the area picking up some food and we thought that we’d come say hi.” Aera thrusted a small box towards you.

“Yeah! We bwought some cookies!” Aera says, “Daddy say that pwetty giwls need deli…” Aera paused, scrunching her eyebrows, “delis-eowus cookies,” She confidently smiles, “so Daddy call da-da cookie stow and buy his favowite cookies fow you! He no let me have any and say that he buy some fow me next time, because he want to buy just fow humph—” Taehyung gently cupped his hand over his daughter’s lips, chuckling nervously to himself.

“Hahahaha, oh Aera, you’re so funny!” Taehyung coughed out, his cheeks turning slightly pink, “Kids…” He trails off giving you a boyish grin. Releasing his hand from his daughter’s mouth, Aera seemed to have forgotten what she was talking about as she squealed seeing Mochi. Bouncing her way towards the sleeping puppy, you turned your attention back to Taehyung.

“That’s really sweet of you guys! You didn’t have to buy me anything, a simple ‘hello’ would have sufficed, or even a text to let me know you were both coming today.” You nudged his arm, spinning around, you gestured him to follow you as you placed the gifted cookies in the small kitchen of your studio.

Taehyung shrugged, “We figured you’d be too busy for a text, so we kinda dropped by as a surprise…” Smiling you opened the box of cookies, taking three out and putting them on a plate that you keep in the cupboards. “She hasn’t stopped talking about you since last Saturday.” He confessed.

Smiling up at the handsome man, you place the cookies in front of the two of you, “That’s so cute!” You gushed, pushing the plate towards him; he happily accepts a cookie, taking a bite. Walking over to Aera and Mochi, you handed her the small plate with the cookie on it. Luckily Mochi didn’t notice that there was food on the plate and Aera quickly took the sweet treat and popped half of it in her mouth.

“Were we interrupting? We could—”

“Oh! No—” You started, seeing worry flash through Taehyung’s eyes, “No—don’t worry about it! I’m almost done anyways.” Taehyung visibly sighed a breath of relief as he peered around your studio.

“Your paintings are really good.” He observed staring at your almost finished canvas and your other completed works that were hung up around the room.

“Thanks, they really don’t take much time for me, I guess I’m one of the lucky few that were able to get somewhere with their hobby.” You shrugged staring at Taehyung.

“You really are talented,” He turns around to face you, “What else do you do? I know you said this is basically your job… But you seem like the type to have a lot of things going on?” You laughed.

Funny that you both have been getting to know each other during the week, but you had never asked what he did. Your conversations would always end up with work stories, but you both never really spoke about what you both truly do.

“You’re a gifted observer,” You teased, “Other than holding a bunch of different art classes, I work part-time at the hospital.” Taehyung’s eyebrows raised.

“What do you do in the hospital?”

“Anesthesiologist Assistant.” You smiled; Taehyung’s eyes grew wider before showcasing an impressive grin.

“Huh,” He smirked, “You’re quite the character huh, but don’t take this the wrong way,” He trailed, “but aren’t you quite young?” You giggled to yourself.

“I get that a lot,” You start before washing the paint brushes that were on your counter, “I actually graduated high school and university fairly early. I was turning 16 when I finished high school, took my MCAT at 18, got my undergrad at 20, and settled for an assistant rather than an actual MD, but still had to go through the same process.” You finished looking up at Taehyung. He held an impressed expression the whole time and smiled at your back story.

“That’s actually insane,” He chuckled, “You make me sound less successful than you!” You furrowed your eyebrows.

“OH—please don’t compare yourself to me! It really is nothing.” You blushed, now drying your paintbrushes.

“Intelligent, talented, beautiful, and humble?” Taehyung questioned, “You really are a man’s dream, Y/n.”

You blushed profusely, “Oh please, look at yourself Mr. Kim.” You teased, “What is it that you do by the way? Seems only fair that you tell me about yourself since I just told you my life’s story!”

Taehyung’s laughter boomed throughout your studio, “I’m actually the CEO of Gucci Korea.” It was your turn to gasp.

“Gucci—” You choked, “CEO…? Korea?!” You stuttered, feeling intimidated.

Taehyung chuckled, “Yes, CEO of Gucci Korea.”

“But? You’re so young!” You sputtered out.

“Ah, Ms. Y/n, you can’t possibly think that you were the only child prodigy, did you?” He teased, but before you could voice out an apology, he continued, “Much like you, I graduated at a young age as well!”

You were in awe, man’s was smart, handsome, and freaking humble?? Where has he been all your life.

“I’m 25 by the way.” He winked before going over to get Aera who seemed to have fallen asleep next to Mochi. Smiling at the two, you watched as he lifted her into his arms and walked back towards you.

“I’m really sorry to cut this short—I’m needed back at the office—but hopefully we’ll have more time to get to know each other more, in person at least?” He asked with a hopeful smile. Nodding your head, embarrassingly fast, you led them to the door.

“Yes—I mean, yeah—sure! I’d love that.” You sputtered, “Thank you for dropping by… and for these amazing cookies.” You gestured behind you to the opened cookie box on your kitchen island.

“Of course, it was our pleasure.” Taehyung winked, causing you to blush again, “We’ll see you on Saturday? For the painting lessons?”

You nodded, “Of course, see you then, Taehyung!” You watched as the man headed out of your studio and you shut the door. Catching your breath, you couldn’t help but smile. Was he flirting with you? Or was he just being nice?

“Mi-ha!” You called while greeting the parents, yet again, this beautiful Saturday. Smiling and waving, you held small chat with some of the parents as their kids ran past you and to Mi-ha.

“Don’t worry, I got them!”

You sighed in relief, a smile returning to your face as you continued to greet the parents. As you watched each child enter, along with their parents, you failed to see the familiar tall man that had captured your attention with the few interactions you had with him and his adorable little girl. You couldn’t help but briefly look around the parents in front of you as you greeted them, in hopes to find the boxy grin that had been haunting your mind as of late, only to be disappointed with the bright blue sky outside the door. Sighing, you watched the last parent leave, walking them out the door, you peered around one last time in hopes to find the little girl and her father. To your dismay, your eyes were greeted with an empty street and nothing but cool air kissing your face. Frowning, you headed back inside your studio; Mi-ha already starting the class for you while the kids waited. You sat down on your bench, watching Mi-ha take over the class for today, since you two alternated each Saturday.

You couldn’t help but feel disappointed, you had just seen them a few days ago, but when Taehyung had said he’d be seeing you Saturday—and he did state Aera has been talking about you nonstop—you had hoped they’d be the very first people to be at your studio door… Yet you haven’t seen them; no boxy smiles and no text messages either, you’d think that Taehyung would have texted you to let you know that they were going to be late or maybe that Aera—or himself—have changed their minds in coming; you were hoping to have at least a head’s up so that you didn’t get your hopes up.

Why were you even concerned? Dang it, Y/n, you encounter the family and received cookies from them once, and you’re hung up on seeing both of them. Maybe they were just too polite to decline your offer, after all, Taehyung is a busy man; He’s running Korea’s biggest fashion line and he’s a father. Maybe he’s still with Aera’s mother, but you never recalled seeing a ring, or him speaking of her… But maybe that was it, had you overstepped a line with flirting? But he was flirting too? Wasn’t he?

The frown etched onto your face deepened, while you thought about all the possibilities as to why you hadn’t heard from Taehyung today. Biting your lip, you got off your chair and headed over to the little girls and boys that were happily painting away on their canvas’. Faking a smile, you crouched down to each individual and complimented their art works, earning massive grins from the children. Your heart still tightening as you gazed at the door from time to time, in hopes you’d hear a knock, but it never came.

“Y/n?” You heard Mi-ha’s voice. You peered up at her with a small smile, brushing off your pants, you stood up beside her.

“What’s up?”

“I think the parents are here, Yoon-ji and I can clean up here, you okay to get her cookies?” You looked at the clock—Oh wow, has it really been 2 hours?­­—you nodded shaking your head. Time really flew today.

“Yeah, sure! I’ll bring them over! I’ll see you guys at your apartment!” Shrugging off your apron, you smiled at the kids, waving goodbyes to hear little voices of “bye Ms. Y/n!” as you opened the door to let parents in. Peering down at your phone you see unopened messages from non-other than the man you had hoped to see today. Reluctantly you opened it.

11:10am 09.04.21 Taehyung☺: I’m so sorry, Y/n, Aera really wanted to attend today, but I had forgotten that Aera and I had breakfast with her mother today at the same time ):

11:11am 09.04.21 Taehyung☺: I was going to text you earlier, but we were in a rush and I completely forgot to tell you.

11:11am 09.04.21 Taehyung☺: I’m really sorry… Next week??

11:13am 09.04.21 Taehyung☺: You’re probably still with the kids… Text me when you get these? Aera and I would really love to make it up to you.

Frowning at the texts, you opt to locking your phone and sliding it back into your pocket.

You knew that there was a possibility that Taehyung was probably married; he has a kid. You probably shouldn’t have gotten your hopes up with him, seeing as you had literally just met that guy—despite you texting. But anyone with eyes could fall easily for a successful and humbled CEO such as himself. You were scolding yourself for falling for his boxy smile and his kindness so quickly, that you felt as if you were a teenager falling in love.

Walking towards the cookie place that Mi-ha had ordered Yoon-ji’s birthday treats, you were gazing at all the couples that were roaming the streets. Letting out a sad sigh, you continued your way. Your heart still feeling the aches of being let down by the guy that you potentially began liking… Maybe liking, you weren’t exactly sure what it was, but you knew that this man was on your mind. Constantly.

The sign of the dessert place is now in your line of vision, so you picked up your pace in hopes to forget the numbness you were feeling in your heart. Goodness, this wasn’t even a date, it’s not like you were stood up.

Upon entering the little store, the workers smiled and waved as you accepted the order for your best friend. Walking out, you couldn’t help but deflate. As if this man is consuming your thoughts the way he has. You’ve met over a week ago, and yet he’s running through your mind like clockwork. Not just him, but sweet Aera… You couldn’t help but fall in love with the sweet little girl; the cutest, most polite 3-year-old you had ever met, besides Yoon-ji, but nonetheless, you enjoyed the little girls presence just as much as you enjoyed her father’s.

Shaking your head from your thoughts, you headed towards your apartment. Times like these is when you’re grateful that your best friend and Namjoon have decided to stay in their apartment complex down the hall from yours. Of course, eventually the family of three will move out, but as of right now, it was nice to have them so close to you… Especially seeing as you’re still a bachelorette.

As you walked towards Mi-ha’s apartment complex, you could hear many people talking and socializing, unsure of who is all invited, your heartrate picked up slightly at the thought of finally meeting Joon’s friends. It has been a long time coming, but it still made you nervous to meet new people. Would they like you? Will they hate you? What if you don’t like them? Your thoughts disappeared as you come face to face with Mi-ha’s apartment door. Apparently, your hand had a mind of its own, your own fist knocking on the door loudly.

Expecting Mi-ha or Joon, you were surprised to be greeted with a man with blue hair with a bunny smile.

“You must be Mi-ha noona’s friend, Y/n!!!” The man states, gesturing you to enter. You bowed with a small smile tugging at your lips to see a group of men and women around your age—maybe slightly older—gathered around Mi-ha’s kitchen.

“Hey, Y/n!” Mi-ha waved you over, standing next to her were 3 other women who looked at you with warm smiles. As you approached, Mi-ha gestured to the women, “Y/n, please meet mine and Joon’s friends! Everyone,” Mi-ha turned towards the men on the couch, “please come introduce yourselves to my best friend from college!”

Feeling heat coming up to engulf your cheeks, you smiled shyly at everyone. As you stood next to Mi-ha, the men from the couches stood next to what you assumed to be their wives or girlfriends.

“You’re Y/n?!” The girl with a long bob squeals, “Mi-ha talks about you so much! I’m so excited to finally meet you! My name is Rae and this is my husband Hoseok,” The couple pulled you into a tight hug, before turning around and gesturing to a little boy who was sitting next to Yoon-ji on the floor in front of the tv, “and that little boy by Yoonie is our son, Mujin!”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Rae and Hoseok!” You smiled at the two.

“Hobi!” Hoseok chuckled, “Please, call me Hobi. Hoseok is way too formal for me!” He finishes wrapping his arm around Rae. Nodding in agreement you smiled.

“It’s so great to finally meet you, Y/n!” A girl with long, blonde-dyed hair smiled at you, “My name is Sarang, and this is my husband Jin!” Gesturing to the blonde-haired man next to her, “We’re the elders of the group, only by a smidge!” She winked, earning a laugh from her husband. Clinging onto Sarang was a little girl and clinging to Jin was a little boy.

“These two are Ji-hoon and Yuna, our 4-year-old twins!” Jin exclaims, picking up the boy.

“Very nice to meet you guys!” You smiled, “Hello Ji-hoon and Yuna!” You waved at the two children who greeted you with claps of their hands and little hello’s.

“Hi, noona, I’m Jungkook!” The blue-haired man smiled at you, “This is my girlfriend Haru, and this is our son, Youngji.” The beautiful girl beside him with dark brown hair, that reached just below her ribcage, was holding a little boy no older than 2 years old.

“Super excited to finally meet you! You’re stunning!” Haru gushes while bouncing the sleeping boy in her arms.

“It’s nice to meet you three! You have a beautiful family!” You say to the couple with a grin, “but you don’t need to call me Noona, Jungkook… You’re older than me!”

Jungkook’s eyes widened, “Huh?”

Nodding, “Yeah, I’m only 22! I think I remember Mi-ha telling me that all of Joon’s friends and their wives/girlfriends range from 23-28!” You quipped with a small smile. Jungkook fist bumped the air and shrieked “I’m finally not the youngest!”, causing everyone to laugh.

Lastly you were engulfed in a hug by two women that had two men trailing behind them.

“Hello Y/n! My name is Seung and this is my husband Yoongi!” The man with a gummy smile waved as he hugged his wife’s waist, “our daughter Nari is here somewhere…” She trails looking around the apartment, “uhm… you’ll meet her later!” Chuckling you smiled.

“Hi!” A girl with straight pink hair waves, while the blonde man behind her gave you a shy smile, “I’m Hyuna, and this is Jimin!” Peering around her, she scrunched her eyebrows together, “I think we lost ours, Chim…” She whispered to the man beside her who frantically looked around the room. Sighing he gestures to the little girl cuddled up against a pillow on the couch.

“She’s so tiny, I can’t see her sometimes,” Jimin chuckled, “our daughter Soomi is 1, so she… kinda likes to just sleep a lot right now.” He chuckles quietly.

“It’s very nice to meet you all!” You smiled at everyone, “Your kids are adorable!”

“Aish,” Namjoon circles around the table to stand behind Mi-ha, “We’re missing one more little family… They should be here—”

“Sorry, we’re late!” A familiar voice echoes throughout the complex, which made you freeze in your spot. Quietly turning around, you face the man that’s been consuming your thoughts every waking hour. He was breathing heavily with his arms wrapped around his daughter who was cradled into her father’s neck, slumped over in his arms. His hair slicked back, unlike the mess of curls they were a few days ago. His eyes locked on yours with his mouth slightly agape.

“Here he is!” Joon cheered, clasping his hand around the man’s shoulder, “Y/n, this is Taehyung and Aera!”

To say you were surprised was an understatement. What were the odds that the man that was clouding your every waking thought, would stand before you AND is best friends with your best friend’s husband? That was just too weird…

The fact that your eyes were blown out of your head, along with Taehyung look like a deer in headlights, Aera was the one to break your staring war with Taehyung, when she sleepily turned around in her father’s arms but her eyes immediately widening as soon as she spots you.

“Awnty Y/n!” Aera struggles against Taehyung’s hold, dropping down from his arms and running towards you and clasped her little arms around your leg. Gazing down at the little girl, a small smile etched its way onto your face, bending down to engulf her in your arms.

“Hey, cutie!” She giggled as your hair brushed against her face, “Missed your face today!” You whispered into her ear, trying hard to cover up the sound of disappointment. The little girl pouted and stared at you.

“I’m sowwy, Daddy fowgot that we go out wit Mommy fow bweakfas,” Aera states sadly, “Daddy say he text you.”

You nodded, “Yeah, he did. I’ve—” you paused as you noticed from the corner of your eyes that Taehyung perked up, probably wondering why you hadn’t texted back if you got his messages, “I was super busy today.” You finished.

“Okay wait—” Mi-ha interrupted as you stood up from hugging Aera, “Y/n, you’ve met Taehyung and Aera?”

Nodding sheepishly, Mi-ha put two and two together and her eyes widened.

“Y/n and I met in the park a few weeks back.” You heard Taehyung say. The rest of the group giggled and chuckled.

“What a small world.” Namjoon laughed. Feeling awkward—along with feeling Taehyung’s eyes on you the entire time—you decided to gesture to Yoon-ji.

“Well—it’s someone’s birthday!” You turned away and picked up Yoon-ji from the living room, “Let’s blow out some candles and eat some cake!”

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“It was actually really funny,” Hyuna giggled, “Chim and I weren’t friends at all! He was that cool jock guy in college, and I was just admiring him from afar. He was also so mean too!” You giggled along with the girls, as Hyuna continued her story about how her and Jimin ended up together.

“—low and behold, we went to the same frat party, hooked up, and I guess Jimin couldn’t help but keep talking to me so… Here we are!”

“That’s actually really cute,” You sighed, looking at Mi-ha, who was eying you wearily. Since she is your best friend, she could tell that your demeanor had changed ever since a handsome dad walked into their apartment.

If it was obvious to anyone, it was especially obvious to Mi-ha, that something was bothering you. You had become a little quieter ever since the father and daughter—that you were hoping to see that same day in your art studio—had joined the party. You were sneaking glances at Aera’s dad while he was manspreading on the couch chit chatting with his best buds. You shouldn’t be feeling this way, you couldn’t like Taehyung in that way. Not only was he a father with an adorable little girl that you very much enjoy being around, but it was clear that the mother is, in fact, still in the picture—despite the fact that he doesn’t wear a wedding band on his ring finger. You know you shouldn’t have gotten your hopes up that you possibly found someone that you were so into. You couldn’t possibly like him after the few encounters you’ve had. You’re being ridiculous. What were you? A girl in high school?

“Y/n?”

Snapping out of your trance, you stared at Mi-ha, who was staring at you with worry, “Are you alright?”

Were you?

The man that ultimately had you pining over him was in the same room as you, the same man that had promised to see you today after dropping off cookies at your art studio the week before because he was in the area. How could you be fine? Maybe he was just being nice, you thought. He never gave you a reason to think he was even single. Sure, it seemed like he was flirting—and sure he bought you cookies… But again, he never gave you a reason to think he was remotely interested in you, he was just being nice.

“Never better.” You forced a smile. Mi-ha looked skeptical; she knew you weren’t okay.

“We can talk…” Mi-ha offers, giving you a sympathetic look. You shrugged, you could feel a certain individual’s eyes on you, but you refused to look his way. You weren’t mad per say, but you weren’t exactly feeling the greatest. You didn’t know how you were supposed to act now. How were you expected to react when you literally just found out that the guy you were constantly thinking about was best friends with your friend! Alright, that’s enough. You wanted to hurl, you wanted to scream, just disappear. You were still unsure why you were so hurt by not seeing him today, maybe it was still the fact that he could’ve texted you sooner, or maybe he should’ve stopped giving you mixed signals… Who just casually buys you their favorite cookies and delivers it to you just because he was in the area???

Having enough of feeling like complete ass. You turned to Mi-ha, “I think I’m gonna head out early, I’m not really feeling well.” You gave a small smile to Mi-ha.

“Are you sure? I can drop—”

“No, it’s okay!” You rushed out, “I’ll see you Monday! Thanks for the invite.”

Giving Mi-ha a tight-lipped smile, you turned to the rest of the group, “I’m going to head out now!” A chorus of boos and no’s erupted from the group, Taehyung keeping his eyes trained to the floor, not uttering a word. To say you were even more disappointed was an understatement. You didn’t quite know what you were expecting from him, but you sure as hell wasn’t expecting him to remain quiet or to completely ignore you the whole time. Your heart clenched, yet again, but you shoved the feeling away as the rest of the girls gave you group hugs.

“Please!!! Let’s all hang out! This was so much fun!” Haru exclaims jumping up and down.

“Oh my gosh, yes, yes!!!” Seung exclaims, “Oh, do you mind giving us your number?” Thrusting her phone in your face you giggled, typing in your number, and giving it back.

“It was really great to meet you, Y/n!” Rae smiles warmly, while Hyuna and Sarang nod in agreement, “We hope to see you soon!” The rest of the boys waved at your departure, while Taehyung remained silent, but now was shuffling around the kitchen, pretending as if you were already gone.

Ouch.

Saying your final goodbyes, you attempted to make it out of the door quickly, trying to leave before you could feel the ache in your chest grow heavier with every movement towards the door. Trying to keep your breathing as normal as possible, you felt a little fingers wrap around your pants, gently tugging at you. Squeezing your eyes shut to try and rid yourself from the unnecessary tears that were willing to fall, you peered down to see Aera shyly smiling up at you.

“Bye awnty, Y/n,” As if your heart couldn’t hurt more. “I see you swoon?” Her big eyes that shimmered with hope stared right back at you.

Please, stab my heart some more, Aera, you thought.

Unsure of what to say, you ruffled her hair, “Sure, sweets. Soon.” And with that Aera lets go of your pants running back towards Yoon-ji to continue playing.

Without another glance, you exited the apartment with a shaky breath, and making your way to your own apartment down the hall. Flashes of Taehyung’s face appeared in your mind as you walked towards the end of the hall and to your apartment complex; the way he had smiled at you at the park when you had first met, the way he looked so interested when you were exchanging information in your studio, the cute text messages he would send throughout the day… All of that was now clouded by the way he looked at you with surprise when he had first entered the apartment, the way he wouldn’t meet your eyes from across the room, the way he had his muscular back faced towards you—as if he was deliberately trying to find every excuse not to look at you. You didn’t think that letting down bits of your wall and opening up to someone that had made you happy would’ve backfired on you. Especially when he had been so inviting, so sweet, and so interested… but maybe he truly wasn’t into you that way.

Upon finally stumbling into your apartment, you shut the door quietly. Sliding down the smooth, cold surface of the wooden barricade that divided you from the comfort of your own home to the hallway, the tears flowed down your cheeks; your hands finding a way onto your face as your sobs filled the quiet space of your home, and pieces of your heart breaking for the man that sat with his daughter just down the hall.

Waking up the next morning was dreadful. Absolutely awful.

Your eyes were sealed shut due to the mass amount of crying you had done the night before. You were being pathetic, you knew that. You have no reason to be hung up on this guy when you have a whole life ahead of you. Well… a whole life, you’re only 22. But seeing that you had met all of Mi-ha’s and Namjoon’s friends, you felt as if you were behind. They were only a few years older than you, and they all seemed to have stable jobs—which you have—their own forever homes, and a little family.

Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you really didn’t feel like going to your studio today, luckily for you though, you had your own little makeshift studio in your apartment. It wasn’t as large, obviously, as your actual studio, but it does the job when you feel like staying at home to get some work done. Sometimes, you find that you get more work done at home than you do in your studio.

You here Mochi padding her way through the hallway and towards your bedroom. Watching as your bedroom door creaked open, you were greeted by the little puppy at the foot of the door, curiously examining around the room to find your eyes. As if the stars in her blue eyes weren’t bright enough, the moment she saw you, you could’ve sworn you saw the galaxy in them. Mochi trotted her way towards the little stairs by your bed, struggling to get up them, she growled in annoyance and plopped down by your side. Your little pup gazes at you with a questioning look, almost as if you ask if you were okay. You had been told before that most animals feel the emotions radiating off their owners, but you hadn’t really believed in that. Until now.

Mochi’s eyes drooped, almost forming a sad expression and nudged her little head against your hand with a tiny whine. If you had thought that you were all cried out from last nights fiasco, you were terribly wrong. As soon as Mochi crawled her way onto your lap to snuggle closer, the tears began to from and roll down your face. Choking out tiny sobs, Mochi continued to snuggle closer in attempts to comfort you.

You honestly couldn’t remember the last time you had cried this hard—let alone over a man. Maybe you were just so used to having such high expectations that the other men that you had dated, or had gone out with, just never had this type of affect on you. You were always used to being let down, anyways. So, what really made Taehyung any different? Why had you gotten your hopes up? Was it his constant texts that had you unknowingly falling for him? Was it Aera who seemed to have idolized you? Was it the kind gesture of buying you cookies that had made you think about a potential future with him? A future where, in a perfect world, Taehyung was your husband and Aera as your step-daughter coming to visit you during your workdays with the same batch of cookies that they had delivered to you on that Wednesday?

But that’s all it is, right? Just wishful thinking, hoping, that the guy that had made you fall in love with his charms, his devilishly handsome good looks, and his kind heart—hoping that he was the one for you, hoping that he was the one to love you unconditionally. But that’s all it was.

Wishful thinking.

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“—so, are you going to tell me what’s going on or…”

Mi-ha had dropped by with Yoon-ji to come check up on you. When she headed towards the studio, but didn’t see any lights on, she knew you were cooped up in your apartment complex. So, it really wasn’t a surprise when she had knocked on your door to see your eyes swollen and red with your hair up in the messiest bun she had ever seen, and a paint brush in your hands. Like the best friend she is, she gave you a sympathetic smile, but didn’t comment—at least not until now.

You had continued painting one of the art pieces that you had began working on. Getting lost in the strokes of your brush to numb the pain in your chest, sniffling here and there, yet no tears had fallen. You were finally all cried out. Nonetheless though, your eyes still stung, as if it were trying to produce some form of waterworks, but you know that you really couldn’t cry anymore. Dabbing your under-eyes and feeling the sting from how raw the skin was from all your continuous rubbing.

“There’s nothing going on.” You croaked, still facing your canvas, and ignoring the presence of your best friend that stood behind your easel with her sleeping toddler in the little bean bag chair that you have in your art room.

“Cut the bullshit,” Mi-ha snaps quietly, “Have you forgotten we’ve been best friends for so long? I know when something’s wrong, what did Taehyung do?”

Pausing your brush strokes, “How did—”

“Please,” Mi-ha comes around to lean against your easel, “anyone with eyes knew something was off between you two. What happened, Y/n?”

So, you told her.

Your first encounter with him at the park, your constant text messaging, how he had dropped by as a surprise. You told her how you were confused, how could you fall for someone so fast? You were choking on sobs again, but still no tears have fallen from your eyes.

You felt pathetic. But bless your best friend as she continued to listen to your confused self, rubbing your back and whispering encouraging words. By the end of your talk, Mi-ha gives you a soft smile.

“Oh, baby…” She says in hushed tones, “You’ve got it bad…”

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tag list: @belladaises @chimmysomemochi @kirbykook @ggukkieland @taeandpuppies @betysotelo18 @maichiverse @rjsmochii @vaekth @hantaev @purelyecstacy @preciouschimine @jenotation @dear-thama @gukkmoans @xpeachesncream @kookingtae @writtenwhalien (my moots, I hope you don't mind the taggg <3)

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➼ next

ahh!! thank you so much for reading 💜

colours - kth

pairings: singledad!taehyung x artist!reader

synopsis: when you meet a little girl at a park by chance, who would've thought that you'd be falling in love with the man who had the exact same boxy smile as her in such little time?

genre: angst, fluff, smut (18+); strangers to lovers

warning(s): angst, marking/biting, some dry humping, unprotected sex (safe sex is sexxxyy!!!), some loving, teasing, OC has a praise kink. (individual warning(s) will be provided for each chapter).

series word count: 43k

series release date: August 13, 2021

series status: completed

series [1] [2] [3] [4] [Epilogue]

tag list: closed

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↳ main masterlist

fluff on fluff<3

it's sweet (explicit)

genre: a fluffy lil sickfic

pairing: taehyung x reader

summary: you forgot to call out sick from your dick appointment, but he stays anyway.

word count: 4.3k

contains: no smut just fluff????? new year new me 😎 but as this is fuckbuddies to maybe-lovers and there are certainly a few references in here to sex, because of who i am as a person, it's enough that i'm tagging it explicit anyway lmao. but this is all fluff! reader has the flu, tae is a sweet sweet boi and takes care of her, it's all a bit sappy~ 🤧

A/N: happy new year!!! and a very happy belated birthday to my capricorn prince 💜 this soft little idea got stuck in my brain and wouldn't let go, and i had a lot more fun writing it than expected. plus i feel like i only wrote tae as a menace in 2022 (sorry to tae 👹) so i had to right my wrongs with this one lmao. it was a nice interlude before i jump into LDOMLT ch11 (the final chapter 😭) - i hope you all enjoy and that your 2023s are off to a pleasant start!!!

read on AO3!

~*~

You genuinely enjoy being single.

With your last relationship officially in the trash, you’ve found yourself settled into a comfortable peace. There’s no man in your life to mess up your plans, to force you to have to compromise or share anything, to suck up your energy and domestic labor like some kind of emotional vampire. You can do what you want, whenever you want, and you have a reliable rotation of both sex toys and fuckbuddies to keep you physically satisfied when the need arises.

Being single, you have come to learn, is fucking great.

Except when you get sick.

A knock at your apartment door drags you out of your DayQuil-induced slumber. You move to sit up with a sniffle before letting yourself drop back into your veritable nest of blankets on the couch, struck with the immediate recollection: it’s just the food you ordered. You’d specifically put in a request that they leave it at the door, but maybe the delivery person is just being nice and letting you know it’s there.

Except then they knock again.

And ring the doorbell.

“Jesus,” you groan to yourself, aggressively enough that you’re nearly sent into a fresh coughing fit, but you manage to choke down the spasm in your lungs as you drag yourself to standing. You cross the short distance from your couch to the front door, sure you look like death warmed over, and swing the door open.

At first, you’re certain it’s the DayQuil fucking with you.

“Taehyung?”

The corner of his mouth pulls up as he blinks sweetly at you, expressive almond eyes peeking out beneath untidy dark hair— extra fluffy today, like he’s just washed it and waltzed out of the house without any styling. His clothes tell the same story, a plain gray hoodie and joggers, creased a little like he’d just pulled them off his bedroom floor, though everything looks fresh off the runway on him.

As your eyes trail down his frame, you take in the container of ramen you ordered, held easily in one of his large hands, his long fingers hooking over the side.

His presence is typically a welcome one, particularly on Friday nights like tonight, but those are circumstances where you tend to be a little more… put together. So why is he here tonight?

“When did you start working for D—”

The food delivery service name dies on your tongue as your thoughts finally catch up with your mouth. He’s here tonight because it’s Friday, and this is what you do on Fridays. He’s here because you didn’t cancel. You’d had the thought in a drowsy half-awake state between naps, then had promptly rolled over and pressed your face into the pillow, telling yourself you’d remember to text Taehyung when you woke up.

Which of course, you did not. And so here he is, having clearly intercepted your delivery. And, it now occurs to you, having to witness how absolutely godawful you must look in your stained sweatpants, your hair surely a mess from a day spent napping on the couch.

“Oh fuck,” you mutter, quickly crossing your arms over your baggy t-shirt, suddenly very aware of the fact that you’re not wearing a bra. Why that matters when you’re standing in front of a man who regularly leaves hickeys all over your tits, you’re not sure, but in this moment it somehow feels like it does.

“Tae,” you take a step back, trying to keep him out of your germ radius. “I’m so sorry, I forgot to text you. I’m super sick, I think it’s the flu. You should go.”

He frowns a little, his eyes jumping from you down to the takeout container in his hands. “This is like, barely warm.”

That makes you smile a little despite yourself. A very Taehyung greeting.

“Yeah, well.” You roll your eyes. “I pay twice as much so it can take an hour and be cold by the time it gets here. Makes sense, right?”

His dazzling smile at your sarcastic remark only heightens your own self-consciousness, and you quickly extend a hand for the container.

“Sorry to make you come all this way. Hopefully next week I’ll be back to normal.”

Taehyung nods, yet makes no move to hand over the soup he’s currently holding hostage. “You should rest. Let me heat it up for you.”

You can’t help but wonder what he expects to happen when he crosses the threshold, and that makes you heave a sigh, then quickly bury the cough that chases after it into the crook of your elbow.

Thankfully your voice doesn’t give out when you manage to answer him. “I’m serious, Tae. I’m not—” you pause, considering how to phrase it: desperate to be railed? “—you know, the way I usually am on Fridays. Nothing’s gonna happen tonight. Except maybe you’ll get sick.”

He shrugs, like there are worse things. “I get it. But you shouldn’t be alone.”

At least he’s been sufficiently warned, you think to yourself, and then you relent, leaving the front door of your apartment swung wide as you step back across the living room to promptly collapse onto the couch again. You bury your face in the blankets with a muffled groan as you hear Taehyung shut the door behind him, then make his way into the kitchen.

As is typical with any man that enters your kitchen, you expect to have to walk Taehyung step-by-step through how to do everything. But, to your surprise, he asks no questions: he seems to find a good-sized pot and figure out how to work the stove all on his own, and you can hear him humming softly to himself as he goes.

Truly a credit to the male species, you think to yourself with a bitter laugh.

You collapse back against the cushions, a little too aware of the fuckbuddy in your kitchen to be able to drift off to sleep entirely. Nevertheless, you still find yourself slipping into a haze, your eyes dropping shut just to snap open again at the tap of a bowl being set down on the coffee table in front of you.

Your eyes widen as you sit up and stare down at your ramen, only to find two halves of a soft-boiled egg staring back up at you. You’d ordered from your favorite place in the city, which is easily the best ramen you’ve had in your life, but you know those fuckers charge extra for an egg. Which is why your cheap ass never orders one.

But here one is. So that means…

Taehyung drops down onto the couch next to you before you can even finish compiling the thought in your brain, but he must be able to read the look on your face. “Oh, do you not like eggs?”

“I— no,” you answer quickly. “I mean yes. I mean, I like them, I just… Thank you.”

You glance up in time to see him shrug, his mouth twisting a little, like he’s suddenly made shy by his own kindness. “Gotta get your protein in,” he offers casually, and you laugh over the steam rising up from your bowl.

He keeps a tentative cushion’s distance away from you, but you can feel his eyes watching as you take your first sip of the rich, warm broth. While you slurp it down, you tell yourself not to get greedy with Taehyung’s time: you expect this will be it, that with his act of kindness done for the day, he’ll get to his feet and be on his way. As soon as your front door slams shut behind him, he’ll probably be pulling up his text messages with one of the many other options that must be available to him.

You try to ignore the way that thought makes your stomach twist, to just eat your damn soup and not think about it. It’s fine. It doesn’t matter.

But to your surprise, Taehyung leans forward and snatches the TV remote off your coffee table with a triumphant sigh before slumping back against the couch, like he’s settling in. “Do you wanna watch something?”

You shake your head as you take another sip before answering. “You really don’t have to stay, Tae. I can appreciate that I’m not a lot of fun to be around tonight. And obviously you didn’t come here to watch me eat ramen.”

Already starting to scroll through your streaming services, Taehyung runs his free hand through his hair with a knowing, slightly horny smile. “Depends on what you mean by eat ramen.”

You nearly choke on a noodle, but he’s otherwise distracted, mouth dropping open a little as he clicks into one of the options.

“Oh, I know what we can watch.”

When he pulls up A Charlie Brown Christmas and promptly presses play, you can’t help smirking. “Christmas? You’re, what, five days late?”

Taehyung’s mouth opens again, like he’s going to say something, and then he just smiles that same self-conscious smile. “Ah, I just like the music.”

His long fingers splay out in front of him, miming along to the opening melody while he adopts the faux-cool expression of a jazz pianist. You hide a giggle in another sip of broth, and he quickly shrugs the impression off, crossing his arms over his chest as if to keep his limbs under control.

“And it’s cute,” he adds, voice halfway between shy and sentimental. “The little tree.”

It occurs to you now that you’ve never seen Taehyung so… your brain can’t find the right word. He’s just different tonight.

You nod as you slurp up a strand of noodles, and you can’t deny that he’s right as the movie plays on. It’s been years since you’ve seen it, not since you were a kid, but it’s just as enjoyable now, somehow timeless. You find yourself smiling softly as you finish your meal and settle back against the couch, tugging the blanket up to your chin.

All at once, Taehyung jumps up, and you watch dumbfounded as he silently scoops up your dishes and disappears off to the kitchen. When you hear the tap switch on, your jaw drops in sheer disbelief, and you sit up again, peeking over the back of the couch to get a glimpse of him: he’s pulled on the dishwashing gloves you keep tucked next to the sink and is making short work of not just the bowl and the pot, but the takeout container too, and your various other sick-person dishes you’d regrettably let pile up. Humming to himself along with Vince Guaraldi, like it’s something he does every day.

Your head spins as you drop back down against the cushion. What is happening? Did you take too much cold medicine?

That thought only reverberates louder in your brain when he returns, still humming the last few notes of the song. This time he chooses to settle in right beside you on the couch, as if entirely unconcerned about the contagious virus running rampant in your body— he just pulls you into his side, one arm wrapped over your shoulders, fingertips casually starting to play with the ends of your hair. Like it’s that easy.

You glance up at him, shaking your head a little, and Taehyung looks down to meet your gaze. “What?”

“This is just…” An incredulous laugh cuts off the end of your sentence. It’s hard to believe you’re looking at the same person. This can’t be the man who wraps his hand around your throat as he spits into your mouth, who will keep you in his bed for hours until you’re crying from overstimulation, who fucks you so good you can hardly walk the next day.

“I didn’t expect you to be like this,” you admit, pairing the words with a finger driven gently into Taehyung’s ribs. He squirms a little. “You’re… sweet.”

Taehyung’s lips part, and then he pauses, clearly considering how exactly to answer you. His mouth turns up soft at the corners, hesitant, as if he’s embarrassed to say what comes next. And then he says it. “You didn’t seem like you wanted sweet.”

The words settle over you, offered quietly in the low, rich tones of his voice, and as you keep gazing up at him, it strikes you: he’s not wrong. If he’d pulled this cozy domestic housewife act on you any earlier, on a normal Friday, you would’ve sent him packing without hesitation.

That thought makes you a little sad.

You tuck back in against Taehyung’s side, trying to refocus on the TV screen as you snuggle in under the blanket. Pressed close like this, you can feel the sturdy thud of his heartbeat in his chest, at a rhythm not dissimilar to yours.

“Well, I won’t tell anyone,” you breathe, and you swear you can hear him smile.

His touch lingers as the last few minutes of the movie play on: slipping from the ends of your hair to trace over the fabric of your shirt, then sliding further up to dip beneath the collar of it. The talented fingers you’ve become well-acquainted with work their magic in a new way, pressing firm circles into the muscles of your shoulders, muscles you didn’t realize were pinched so tight until he starts to work them open.

“Fuck,” you murmur, shifting a little to allow him better access as he continues. “That feels so good.” You can’t quite help the laugh that flutters out after your words; it’s certainly not the first time he’s made you say them.

There’s a small huff of breath from Taehyung beside you, and then his hand moves up to cup the back of your neck and give a gentle squeeze. It’s a comforting motion, and just arousing enough to make you sigh a note, your eyes briefly dropping shut. When they flutter open again, you realize the movie has ended, that he’s looking down at you, a knowing smirk toying at his lips.

“Don’t start,” you warn, unable to keep your voice entirely serious. “I meant what I said, I’m tapped out for the night.”

Taehyung raises his palms in the air, as if to claim his innocence, and you find yourself instantly missing the heat of his hand on your skin. “All I was thinking is that I kinda want dessert. Too tapped out for that?”

“I’ll never say no to dessert,” you admit with a soft smile. “I think I have ice cream in the freezer.”

Something glints in Taehyung’s eyes at your words. All at once he untangles himself from you and, rather than standing up and walking the long way around like a normal human, chooses instead to vault himself over the back of the couch, as if to get your freezer as fast as possible. You tip back against the cushions, momentarily overcome with laughter, and thankfully, it doesn’t trigger a cough attack.

After a second, you cocoon the blanket around yourself, then get up to follow after him, dropping unceremoniously down onto one of the barstools tucked on the far side of your kitchen island.

Taehyung glances up, clearly surprised, then continues trying drawers until he finds the silverware and retrieves two spoons.

“Just want to keep you company,” you say by way of explanation as he hands you one, and you reach down to pry off the lid of the pint of chocolate ice cream he’s set down on the counter. It’s only as you glance up again that you realize he’s grabbed something else, too, and is continuing to rummage through your cupboards. “Wait, what are you doing?”

There’s an innocent look on Taehyung’s face as he rights himself, the handle of a pan clutched in one hand. “I found something when I was looking for the ice cream. It’s my favorite. And I thought it might make you feel better, too.”

“Uh huh,” you intone, though your mouth is already starting to tick up, endeared. “A completely selfless act, I’m sure.”

“Of course it is,” he answers with an over-exaggerated wink, flipping the pan cooly in his grip. You squint at the bag as he thuds it down on the counter beside him, then sets the pan on the stove and flips on the burner beneath it.

Hotteok. You’d completely forgotten you’d even picked the bag of frozen sweet pancakes up a few weeks ago, that you had purposefully tucked them into the back of your fridge for a particularly good— or bad— day.

“Chef Kim,” you ask, feigning the tone of a journalist conducting an important interview as you fish your phone out of the pocket of your sweatpants. “Can I interest you in some background music, or do you prefer to cook in absolute silence?”

Taehyung glances back over his shoulder at you, his grin nearly too big for his face. “How about Sinatra?”

You raise one eyebrow at the admittedly unexpected suggestion. “Frank or Nancy?”

He pauses for a moment, as if considering. “Either.”

It’s only a few taps, and then Come Fly With Me is floating out of your Bluetooth speaker, and Taehyung is singing along to himself as he drops a frozen disc onto the heated pan, occasionally turning back to deliver lines to you with an extended hand.

You roll your eyes as you drag your spoon through the top layer of softening ice cream, sucking it into your mouth in an attempt to hide the grin that’s spread over your face.

By the third song you find yourself humming along too, trying not to put too much strain on your still-weak throat. The kitchen has started to smell of sweet, toasted dough as Taehyung works diligently at the stove, and he finally flips the burner off before turning back to you, a plate in each hand and a thick pancake stacked atop each plate.

“Sous chef, will you please apply the ice cream?” he asks, eyes wide and blinking as he sets the dishes down.

Quickly playing along, you nod as you begin to scoop a healthy amount onto each plate. “Yes, chef!”

“And sous chef, do you, uh… have any chocolate sauce?”

You bite back a laugh as his roleplay falls apart as quickly as it began. “It’s in the fridge.”

Taehyung promptly turns and pulls the door open, eyes searching the shelves before he finally spots the dark brown bottle and lets out a triumphant hum. He nudges the fridge shut again with his hip before striding back toward you.

“Plating is key,” he muses. You answer with an appreciative nod and a giggle when he uncaps the sauce, then leans down close to the plates, feigning intense focus as he drizzles each dollop of ice cream with stripes of chocolate.

Once his artful design is complete, he steps back, his tongue toying at the corner of his mouth as he spins one plate to admire his handiwork.

“What do you think, chef?” you tease, and he nods once, decisive.

“It’s perfect.” He glances up, shooting you a grin that knocks the breath from your lungs, and you try to collect yourself as he nudges a plate toward you, encouraging you to take a bite.

You carve your spoon through the pastry, right down the middle where it’s stuffed full of sweet brown sugar syrup. The flaky layers pull apart at the impact, warm enough that you can see steam rising off of the golden dough. You pair a small piece of pancake with a wedge of ice cream on your spoon, then bring both into your mouth at once, and the contrasting mixtures linger on your tongue: hot and cold, sticky sugar chased by rich chocolate. It’s so good that you can’t help but make a soft, appreciative noise as you press your hand to your mouth and chew.

“Do you want to know something?” Taehyung’s voice pulls your attention back, and you look up at him.

“What?”

“Today’s my birthday.”

There’s a split second where you wonder if this is another imagined scenario, and then your eyes widen as you take in the look on his face and realize he’s entirely serious.

“Wait, Taehyung, really?”

He nods once, bringing a spoonful of ice cream to his lips.

“I-I had no idea,” you stammer, suddenly feeling like an asshole. His birthday, and he’s here waiting on you hand and foot, while you haven’t so much as said a word of felicitations. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry.”

As soon as the words leave your mouth, he’s waving away your apology with his spoon, then proceeding to answer around his bite of food. “It’s not like I expected you to know. I don’t really make a big deal of it.” He shrugs. “I tend to… I don't know. I get sort of melancholy this time of year. The holidays, my birthday. It’s a lot all at once. A lot of pressure. To be happy. To have everything figured out.”

Nodding slowly, you let his words fully wash over you before you respond. “I get that,” you finally murmur, working off another piece of hotteok. “Nobody ever talks about it, but I feel like birthdays are kinda weird as an adult. You have enough of them and it just starts to feel like a day, you know? Not special.”

“I usually find myself just hiding out, waiting for it to be over,” Taehyung admits.

You take a second to think back. “Yeah. I didn’t even do anything on my birthday this year.” A self-pitying laugh rises up before you can stop it. “Honestly, this whole year was such a flop. I’m glad it’s nearly done.”

Taehyung makes a face like he can’t disagree. “Hey, sometimes that’s life.” He pauses, brow furrowing slightly, then reaches a palm across the table. “Can I play a song?”

“Go ahead,” you offer, pushing your phone into his hand. You scrape your spoon along your dwindling dessert, and haven’t even managed to bring the assembled bite to your mouth before the music changes— from one Frank Sinatra song to another, this one with a driving blues rhythm.

Taehyung is already on his feet, hips starting to sway. “Ah, come on. You have to dance with me.”

He’s closed the distance between you before you can even protest, his hands smoothing across the blanket still wrapped over your shoulders.

“Let me take your coat, ma’am.”

You shift off the stool and onto your feet with a smile as he unwraps the blanket from around you and tosses it toward the back of the couch, missing by at least a foot.

“Why thank you,” you tease, feigning some kind of Transatlantic lilt to your voice that makes him really laugh. “Such a gentleman.”

Taehyung turns to face you again, and then you feel his large hand pressing to the small of your back, warm even through the fabric of your shirt, and your heart stutters a little. You take his other hand in yours and let him lead, let him pull you all the way in until you can turn your head and press your cheek to the firm plane of his chest.

Frank Sinatra croons on about how you can’t let life get you down, and suddenly there’s a weight settling in the pit of your stomach.

“I feel bad, Taehyung,” you admit, and when you glance up at him, he’s looking right back down at you. “That you’re here with me tonight.”

“Why?” he asks, like he really doesn’t know.

“Because,” you shake your head. “I don’t know. There’s a million better places you could be. I can’t even give you birthday sex.”

“I wouldn’t have stayed if I didn’t want to,” he answers simply, then leans back, guiding you under his arm for a spin.

A little giggle bubbles up in your chest, catches on the first syllable of your reply as you twirl. “A-are you sure?”

Taehyung nods, thoughtful, when you come back to center again. “This is a good reminder that… I like taking care of people. It’s been a while since anyone’s let me.” The hand holding yours gives a gentle squeeze, and you can’t help but squeeze back.

“Well, thank you for taking care of me,” you answer softly. “You did a good job. Pretty sure I’m on the mend already.” You blink up at him through your lashes, and the way his eyes are fixed on you makes your heart squeeze, too.

It’s nearly overwhelming, taking him in like this, close enough that you can see every stray beauty mark kissed over his handsome features. Fluffy-haired, big-dicked Kim Taehyung— who would’ve thought?

Taehyung’s adam’s apple jerks in his throat as he swallows, and you feel a sudden rush of heat all over, one you don’t quite think you can blame on a fever. It hardly even occurs to you that the two of you have come to a complete standstill now, barefoot in the middle of your kitchen, Taehyung’s palm pressed to your back, the fingers of your joined hands now shifting to lace together.

“Taehyung,” you’re breathing his name before you even realize it. “Would you… want to stay here tonight? Like, sleep together, literally?”

The smile that flashes over his face is nothing short of brilliant. “Yeah, okay.”

Your voice dips a little lower, teasing, as you smile back. “I really do think I’m feeling better, so. Maybe in the morning I can take care of you, too.”

Taehyung’s fingers brush the length of your jaw, then reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear as you continue.

“I’ve got this spray that makes my throat totally numb, so.”

He pauses, his mouth so close to yours that you can feel his breath ghosting over your skin, but he can’t quite keep a straight face. “Fuck, why is that so sexy?”

You’re laughing against his lips when he kisses you.