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Chapter Text

Jin always loved Korean culture and tradition. It's one of the things he made sure his kids learnt, he wanted to always have traditions with his family. To him, it made them have a connection that no one could take away, it made them family in his head. Jin's parents and siblings had their traditions but Jin now looked back at them with sadness. Because they didn't care about traditions, in the end they only cared about their legacy. And Jin had hurt that legacy so he had become a problem. They had disowned him and taken him out of the will. But that didn't hurt as much as how much they went out of their way to avoid Jin.

When Jin had taken the kids to visit Yoongi and Hoseok in Korea. Namjoon was going to join them later, Jin had taken his kids to one of his favorite restaurants. The old man recognized him and had welcomed him with open arms as the kids were eating their food and squabbling as usual even though they were all much older. Jin was smiling at his children when he saw them. His mother and brother looks much older, now that he was older, he looked even more like them.  Instinct kicked in and he looked down immediately avoiding their eyes.

Jimin squeezed his arm, Jin turns to his son and smiles because he didn't want Jimin to pick up on his discomfort. He hopes he hasn't noticed the man and woman who have the same face as his Appa. And how their eyes aren't filled with same warmth that Jin's eyes held. He hopes Jimin doesn't realise that lack of warmth is there due to his Appa. 

Hoseok picks up on Jin's discomfort and distracts Jimin. Jin thanks the world for his intuitive kids because when he looks up again. His heart hurts even harder, his father looks right at him and when Jin looks at him and tried to nod. He looks away, but Jin's gaze was so intense, his mother looks up at him, her eyes widen in shock as she looks at the kids around him. She tries to stand up and come to Jin, for a moment Jin thinks about his kids meeting their grandmother. But as his mother stands up, his brother is the one who stops her. He makes sure she sits down and it takes Jin all his strength to not cry.

So he doesn't. He eats his meal, listens to Jungkook's story about how he convinced his whole class to do some tiktok challenge. His kids laugh which makes Jin realise he has a legacy. His legacy was love, his kids knew how loved they were. They never sat up nights wondering what they had done wrong or why their parents didn't love them. Because Jin and Namjoon had done the one thing, his family or even Namjoon's family hadn't done for them. He had made sure his kids knew they were loved.

That was enough for Jin. It didn't matter to him that his parents acted this way even after all these years. Because they saw Jin with his family, and how  his kids were happy and loved. His parents saw how his kids teased each other as they fought for the check. How they all were constantly smiling and laughing as they pulled Jin to the car. He was surrounded by happiness and love, something his family never had the luxury of having. 

Which brings Jin to his other legacy, his Christmas party. New Years had always been for his family where the kids would put up little shows and they would celebrate Tae's birthday. But on Christmas, Jin would throw legendary parties that mostly their acquaintances, some old friends and a few parents from their kid's schools would rave about for months to come. The kids had started being part of it now that they were older and this year for the first time some of them were bringing their significant others.  So there was a lot riding on this, Jin thought, as he took a deep breathe before he started on his world famous fried chicken. 

The process of dipping the chicken into the batter and frying it was calming. It killed all the thoughts Jin had about legacies, families and the pressure of being a good host. Apparently someone else noticed how lost he was in the process because a hand stretched across him to steal some chicken but Jin broke out of his bubble in time to whack it away. 

"Appa" whined Jungkook. Jin shook his head, Jungkook was 21 but he sounded just like his 6 year old self when he whined. Jin hadn't realise how much he had missed the youngest but now all he wanted to do was hug him. So he does which is met with more whining but Jin doesn't care. 

"Please don't tell me how small I used to be. I just wanted some of your chicken!" Jungkook says as Jin releases him. He ruffles Jungkook's hair before giving him a piece of chicken. Jungkook smiles as he eats it and compliments his Appa's cooking skills. 

Jin smiles as Jungkook starts to help him. It's peaceful again and Jin's nerves about the party die down a bit. 

"You should check on Taehyung Hyung Appa. He was pacing so much the whole night, I couldn't sleep all night. When I asked him, he just waved his hand at me and walked off" Jungkook says as he makes dumplings with Jin. 

Jin thinks about Taehyung for a bit. He didn't see him much yesterday, he had come in late and said hi before rushing to his room. Jin rationalized that he must be drained from the flight.  He had also noticed Jimin's unusual silence at dinner and how Yoongi seemed to not want to be left alone.

At least, Jungkook and Hobi seemed okay, at the moment anyway. Jin needed to check up on his kids but he also needed to finish the food for the party. God sent him a blessing in the form of his two oldest children who walk into the room. Jin doesn't miss how Yoongi is practically clinging to Hobi, his oldest usually wasn't the biggest fan of kinship. There was definitely something wrong with him. 

"Appa" Yoongi says too chirpily shocking even Jungkook who had managed to sneak another piece of chicken. Jin shakes his head as he turns to his oldest who his is also being stared at by his brothers but he ignores them and continues in the cheeriest tone anyone has heard him in. "Hobi and I volunteered to take over the food. Actually Dad was going to volunteer but we didn't think that's a good idea."

Hobi and Jungkook smile at that but Jin feels hesitant. He needed to get ready but at the same time, he wanted to check up on Yoongi. But looks like Yoongi wasn't in the mood, because he was already walking around the kitchen mumbling orders to Jungkook. Hoseok turned to Jin, and waved him off. 

"Appa. Don't worry. I am here and I am going to poke and prod till he tells me what is wrong. Go get ready, we only have to make the dumplings and set the table. The three of us will manage, just go"

"But are you sure you can poke and prod it out of him?" Jin wondered if leaving Yoongi right now when he needed him was the best idea. 

"'Yes! I learnt from the best" Hobi whispered to Jin with a smirk before running over to Yoongi and Jungkook before Jin could say anything. Jin shakes his head and smiles as he looks at the three of them rolling the dough and making the filing in harmony. 

Jin decides Yoongi is in good hands for now as he walks up to get ready. He tries to look into Taehyung's and Jimin's room before going to his. But turns out they aren't in either room but he hears their voices from Hobi's room. At least, they are together. For sad moment, Jin realizes maybe his kids don't need him anymore. He goes into his room and finds it empty with a post it from Namjoon saying he went to walk the Moni. Jin shakes his head, it's cute how much Joonie loved that dog. After their previous dog died, they never thought they'd get one again but Moni had filled a hole in Namjoon and Jin's life again. 

Jin gets ready as he puts make up to his face, he sees how much older he looks but at the same time, how he hasn't aged at all. Also he realizes how everything seemed like it happened yesterday but at the same time, it feels so long ago.

For a moment, he thinks about his mother, his father and his brother. When Namjoon and Jin had started talking to their bandmates again, they wondered about their families. Namjoon's mom had died 6 years after they had stopped talking and his father followed 3 years after. Namjoon got the closure he needed when he saw their graves. Jin didn't want to know. But oh how he wished he had found out on the day he saw them in the restaurant. He wish he knew so he didn't have to act like nothing happened till Namjoon had come the next day. He finally got to breakdown in Namjoon's arms and cry over the parents he deserved and the brother he should have had. 

Jin hates this, there was no good thinking about his parents and his brother. He was going to focus on the three sons who needed him and he also needed to impress their respective partners with the best fried chicken he had made. Also if all his guests thought it was the event of the year, that would be nice too. So he breathes and reminds himself that he is KIM FUCKING SEOKJIN and he walks downstairs.

As he does, he catches his husband who has just come back from his walk but his husband's eyes aren't on the dog eagerly jumping around him. Instead he was looking at Jin, his eyes wide with his mouth wide opened. It made Jin smile, after all these years he still managed to make Namjoon look at him with so much love. He comes down and walks up to kiss Namjoon as Moni jumps around them. 

Jin was so happy in the moment as he gets lost in the kiss with Namjoon. He was happy, did it matter what his family thought? It did, an annoying voice answers him as Namjoon breaks away. 

"Don't get me wrong Yeobo. I would rather continue kissing you then wear a stuffy suit and socialize but my husband has put a lot of effort in this party. I want him to be able to enjoy the result of his hard work" Namjoon says as he lifts Jin's chin and places another kiss on Jin's lips. Jin's smiles into the kiss as Namjoon assures him the party was going to be a hit before he rushes upstairs. The next hour goes in a haze between Jin getting the kids to get ready, Namjoon coming down to help, Namjoon almost dropping the cake to Jimin saving the day and finally, the guests start to trickle in. 

Jin is greeting everyone and barely has a chance for it to all sink before he hears the doorbell. He runs to open it, he had invited almost 40 people and now he regrets it as he doesn't have a chance to talk to any of them but whoever he has run into so far seems to be raving about the food and complimenting him on the house. He proudly tells them his kids had helped with both as he smiles his proud Appa smile. Jin finally reaches the door and opens it to see the last person he thought he would see. 

"Hey Jinnie. How are you?" his brother says calmly before Jin slams the door in his face. 

Chapter Text

Taehyung had always been a hopeless romantic. After all, he was born into a family with a pretty good love story. And adopted into a family with an epic one. It was bound to happen and it made sense that he would expect the same for himself. He doesn't know how his father and his mother's love story panned out but from what 4 year old Yoongi had told him. He had a vague idea of the story, he always remembered it the way Yoongi the toddler told him the story because it was magical.

A prince and princess once met and fell in love the minutes their eyes met. But the prince was about to embark to a Foreign Land full of magic (job opportunities) and dragons (racism and visas). He had asked the princess to join them and her family had tried to stop her but she wanted to go. So her sister helped them to sneak off in the night, the princess kissed her nephew and sister goodbye before leaving on the ship to the foreign land. They lived happily ever after with the cutest baby ever born.

As an adult, Taehyung could see realistically that maybe there was more to the story. Maybe his parents didn't have the perfect marriage. But he held on to the belief that they were meant to be. His Appa and Dad's marriage cemented his belief in soulmates and made him fall in love with the idea of being in love. Most of his siblings had found their own perfect partners  Jimin had been the first one to start dating, he and Taemin had been together for 7 years almost. His twin had found someone and it made Taehyung yearn for a similar perfect love story.

But Park Seojoon wasn't the perfect person. When Taehyung had first met him, he had hit it off with him right away. They were best friends but Mr. and Mrs. Park didn't want Seojoon to hang around Taehyung because they didn't want Taehyung to rub their "gay" genes on him. But Seojoon didn't stop, soon Taehyung and him were a thing but it was a huge secret. Instead of passionate dates and holding hands down the hallway. Taehyung got sneaky rushed kisses and a boyfriend who let go of his hand even if he heard the smallest of noises. 

It was hard for Taehyung. He had to hide it from his siblings too, Jungkook knew and he thinks at some level, they all knew. But they didn't ask and he didn't tell them because Seojoon was so scared to be found. Sometimes Taehyung wondered if he was even in love with him. So when he left school, he finally chose himself. He broke up with him and moved on.

He dated a lot in college, girls, guys, non-binarys, he just wanted to have fun. But he always thought about Seojoon and on certain nights when he was drunk. He would scroll through his Instagram trying to decode who the people in the pictures are. That was when he finally told Jimin about it, one night when he saw Seojoon posting pictures with a guy. He started spiraling and he hadn't even processed it but he had already called Jimin and started crying. 

"Tae what is wrong?" Jimin's calming voice comes through grounding him. He finally tells Jimin everything, he waits for the judgement to come but it never does. Jimin simply says "You deserve someone who would scream on top of their lungs that they love you Taehyung.". That has stuck with Taehyung ever since. 

It is part of the reason, Taehyung had been avoiding his family since he had gotten back from University. He wanted to tell them, he tried telling Jimin. But Jimin had been lost in his own thoughts so he spent all night pacing wondering if he should go knock on Jungkook's door. He wanted to confess to Jungkook, he wanted his brother to validate all his insecurities but he decided against it. That sneaking feeling that Jungkook would just tell him what his mind was telling him didn't help. 

He doesn't sleep well so he decides to talk to the first person he sees when he opens the door.  As he walks out, he sees Jimin walk into Hobi's room so he naturally follows him into it. 

"Hobi Hyung! Are you there? I need to talk to you" Jimin says into a empty room.

"Taehyung?' Jimin says as Taehyung enters without even turning around. 

Taehyung isn't surprised that Jimin knows it is him. They both were called twins for a reason, they have twin telepathy. Most days, they didn't even need words to talk. 

"Did you come to Hobi Hyung's room to spill your guts as well?" 

Taehyung nods as they both flop down into Hobi's bed. "You go first Taehyungie" Jimin chimes next to him. 

"I don't feel like talking, I just came for a hug" He says as he envelops Jimin. It feels safe in this bubble away from the big bad world. Taehyung sinks deeper into the hug. He thinks he sees his Appa pass by for a moment, but they just stay there on the bed. Each with their own problems weighing heavy on them, Taehyung thinks about Seojoon and whether he was the one. Whether it was worth getting his heart broken for a boy not brave enough to claim him. 

"What are the two of you doing in my room?" Hobi asks with an eyebrow raised. Taehyung looks at his phone, it's almost time for the party. Jimin also seems to realise this because they both mumble nothing and leave into their respective rooms leaving Hobi very confused. 

He wanted to look his best because it's his Appa's famous Christmas party even if he was more partial to their New Year celebrations. So he puts on his finest make up and wears the best clothes he finds to face the party and his boyfriend. He looks into the mirror, he had colored his hair blonde recently and he didn't mean to brag but he thought he looked amazing. 

As he walks down, he hears his brothers squabbling in the kitchen so for a minute he forgets about his boyfriend and follows the noises to see his brothers. Everyone seems to be there donning their absolute best except Yoongi who still seems to be hovering around the food much to Hobi's annoyance. 

"Hyung! Go up and get changed right now"  Hobi says poking Yoongi who just acts like he is not there and continues to walk around checking the food. Taehyung sighs, he can't believed he has been so immersed in his own problems. He hasn't noticed that Yoongi has also been acting extremely weird. 

"Hyung" Taehyung tries this time. "Go get changed, a lot of Appa's guest have already arrived and I am sure more are set to come. You don't want to greet them in your old basketball clothes. Do you?"

Something seems to click for Yoongi as Taehyung talks. As he hurriedly rushes out of the room before Taehyung's sentence is over. Jungkook and Hoseok look at each other before sighing and then at Taehyung. 

"Why are we both, the only ones acting normal?" Jungkook asks before Jimin walks in miffed. Jimin looks quite good too but stress is written all over his face. 

"What was up his ass?" Jimin asks as he points in the direction they all assume Yoongi Hyung had just ran to. "He nearly sent me flying."

"The same thing up yours" Jungkook says with smirk. Jimin flips him off and walks away before they can all say anything. Hoseok sighs again. 

"Let's just go mingle" Hoseok pushes Jungkook and Taehyung out of the kitchen. As the staff Jin hired come to put the food on to plates to be served, as they walk out Jungkook immediately spots Mingyu and runs off to meet his boyfriend before any of them processed what has happened. 

"Have you talked to Jiminie or Hyung about what is wrong?" Hobi asks. Taehyung shakes his head. "Do you want to talk about what is wrong with you?"

"Maybe later" Taehyung says as he spots his best friend Choi Wooshik at the door. He wonders if Seojoon is with him and he wonders if Wooshik knows about them. It has been six months, Taehyung wondered if that meant anything to Seojoon. He really needs to talk to Seojoon, his thoughts keep spiraling and it was doing no one any good. Especially him, he needed to shut that voice in his head immediately. 

Lucky for him, Becky saves the day as she comes with the biggest grin on her face towards the brothers. Taehyung's romantic eye immediately sees how in love Hoseok looks as Becky talks about how she had missed him. Their relationship had been on-off due to the distance, but they always went back to each other. Taehyung smiled, he knew these two were meant to be. They don't even realise Taehyung has been slowly tiptoeing away from them since they are so trapped in their own bubble. 

Taehyung walks towards to Wooshik who has come along with Seo-joon. Wooshik spots him first. He sees for a moment, that Wooshik eye's widen as he takes Taehyung in. It gives Taehyung a sense of satisfaction that Wooshik is enamoured by how he looks. He walks up to both of them as slowly and sultrily as he can, he may have forgiven Seojoon. But it was always nice to keep him on his toes, Seo-joon finally spots him and has a big smile of his own.  Taehyung wonders if he is going to take his hand or compliment him, but Wooshik beats him to it. 

"You look amazing Taehyung-ah" Wooshik says as he gives Tae the once over. Taehyung blushes under his stare, Wooshik always told him how pretty he was. But he still made Taehyung feel nervous, even after all these years. Seojoon seems to notice the rose tint on the Taehyung's cheeks. He clears his throat making Taehyung look at him. 

"Hi you"

"Hi yourself" Taehyung answers with a smile. He doesn't motion to kiss Seojoon or to hold his hand. Seojoon doesn't either and Taehyung feels that disappointed feeling again. They continue to talk, Jungkook, Mingyu, Rose and Lisa join the conversation. They all start to reminisce about school, as they do. Mingyu makes fun of Jungkook a bit but he kisses him every time he whines. Even Rose constantly looks at Lisa with loving eyes and has her arms around her waist constantly. 

Taehyung stands close to Seojoon but that is it. Seojoon hardly even acknowledges him in the conversation even once he manages to brush him off when he talks. Jimin's words ring in Taehyung's head again. ""You deserve someone who would scream on top of their lungs that they love you Taehyung"

But maybe Jimin was wrong. Maybe Taehyung was meant for quite love. After all, not all acts of love need to be bold and in your face. Sometimes it is nice for love to be private, just between them. Taehyung chants this to himself as he misses what everyone around him has been talking about. 

"What do you think Tae?" Wooshik's voice cuts through his thoughts. Taehyung looks up blank, he has no clue what they were talking about. He tries to look at Jungkook for a hint but his idiot brother is too busy ogling his boyfriend to help. He then looks at Seojoon who doesn't meet his eyes. 

"We were wondering if you preferred the ballet team or the dance team?" Wooshik fills in him, Taehyung turns to his best friend and smiles gratefully.

"I will tell you guys what I tell my two brothers who were major supporters of the unnecessary rivalry. I think they are both amazing."

"Boo" comes the response on the group as they all start laughing. Taehyung laughs, he hasn't felt this light and comfortable with a group in a while. He looks around and spots Taemin and Jimin dancing as Namjoon watches them with a big smile. He also spots his Appa socializing with all the guests, but he can't seem to spot Yoongi. He looks at where Hoseok is with Becky and her parents, Yoongi isn't there either. Taehyung needs to go find Yoongi and make sure he is okay. 

"You okay Tae" Wooshik whispers. Taehyung nods. "I want to find Yoongi Hyung, I think something is wrong". 

"You want me to come and help?" Wooshik offers. Taehyung smiles at his best friend before shaking his head. "That is sweet but I think I should talk to him alone. 

Taehyung excuses himself and walks around the hall. He doesn't think about the fact that Jungkook and Lisa ask him to stay but not his boyfriend. His boyfriend didn't acknowledge him throughout the conversation. He feels like crying as he walks upstairs to Yoongi's room. He knocks on the door before opening it to find it empty. He sighs, this day isn't turning out how Taehyung had hoped. As he turns, he sees Seojoon standing there leaning against the frame of the door with a smirk.

"Baby you look so good in that suit. You are killing me, I can't even stand straight around you." 

This time, Seojoon reaches out for his hand and pulls him in to him. He lifts Taehyung's chin and starts to kiss him. Taehyung loses himself a bit in the kiss, after not being acknowledged, his boyfriend finally is paying attention to him. So he forgets where he is as he pushes Seojoon against the wall and starts kissing him rougher. All his anger seems to come out through the kiss, as he bites Seojoon's lip as Seojoon's hands feel him up and down. 

"What the fuck" Yoongi's voice echoes around his room. Taehyung finally realizes where he is when Seojoon pushes him off. Suddenly, he is 16 again and a teacher has just walked by. Seojoon had immediately let go of his hand before he could even think. Causing him to lose his balance and finding himself on his ass on the floor as everyone including his boyfriend laughed. Like that time, Tae doesn't have time to recover because he is faced with his angry older brother. Seojoon runs out stumbling as an angry Yoongi moves to give him way. 

"My room isn't a motel room. Please get the fuck out"

"Hyung I-"

"Get out Taehyung. I am serious"

Taehyung has never seen Yoongi so angry before so he leaves. He wants to cry, he was having the worst Christmas. He just wanted to just go to his room and not talk to anyone. But he is his Appa's son, so he goes to his room. He fixes his makeup after crying for a bit and he walks down again looking his best. He looks at his phone to find a text from Seojoon asking him to meet him in the kitchen so he does. 

"Tae. I am sorry, are you okay?" Seojoon says hugging Taehyung. Taehyung sinks into his arms, maybe he was wrong. Seojoon was probably freaked out because his brother had caught them. That made sense, Tae was pretty weirded out by that too. 

"I am fine. I am just not having a good Christmas party" Taehyung admits as he hugs him tighter. 

Seojoon smiles as he tilts his head and looks into Tae's eyes. "Let me fix that." he says as he leans in. Taehyung smiles into the kiss, which is more gentle this time around. It's delicate as Seojoon breaks the kiss to look into his eyes and smile. He kisses Taehyung on his nose making him laugh. Taehyung smiles, maybe he didn't need Seojoon to be PDA obsessed, it was worth it. If it meant having these moments in private. 

They both are too busy staring into each other's eyes. They don't hear Jin walk in all flustered and red. Taehyung spots Jin before he does. 

"Appa" He says with a smile as Jin turns around to look at him. Jin looks amazing in his suit, no one would believe he was a father to children in their twenties. Taehyung doesn't let the loss of the warm sensation around his waist bother him. He looks at Jin who is clearly trying to calm himself down. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes Tae!" Jin says in a very cheery voice reminding Taehyung of over enthusiastic Yoongi from last night. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, they were both shit at hiding emotions but Taehyung decides to not prod. 

"Seojun-ah. How have you been?" Jin says in the same tone. "I have seen you in a long time. I was so happy when Tae told me you'd be coming". 

Taehyung doesn't listen to the explanation Seojoon gives because Taehyung is having an internal debate. He decides that he wants to tell his Appa about his relationship, he is too old for secrets. He wants to be able to walk around and show off his partner like his siblings do. 

"Any partners that have been keeping you away Seojun-ah" 

Taehyung laughs, his fathers may be open but they were still Asian parents at heart. He waits for Seojun's answer. In his head, Seojun turns around and smiles and tells his Appa the truth. But reality is almost always worse. The answer flies so quick out of his mouth that it almost is pathetic how sad Taehyung feels. 

"Not really Ajhussi. I am not really a dating person" his boyfriend shrugs and ignores his sad gaze. His Appa looks at him with sad eyes but he still is hoping that Seojun says something. Instead he turns to Taehyung, "I am going to go check on Wooshik. I will see you in a bit'

Taehyung nods as he leaves. His gaze lingers near the door for a while and he wonders about what he is doing with his life. He feels Jin's arm patting his back, "Did I ever tell you the story of my first boyfriend?". Taehyung shakes his head as Jin sits on the counter and pats the spot next to him. Taehyung jumps on the counter as he swings his feet, he feels like a teenager again. 

"I always thought Dad was your first love"

Jin smiled as he nervously looked at the door. "He was my first love. But Ken was my first boyfriend, he was a trainee I had met in my first year. When your Dad was too busy being the darling of the company so he was too high and mighty to talk to me"

Taehyung laughs. Jin smiles at him as he continues "Ken was a really good boyfriend. But he never wanted to come out and at the time neither did I. Growing up in Korea as a gay man, I always thought I'd never be able to live my life in the open. But here I am, with a family I love and a man I love" 

Jin says as he ruffles Taehyung's hair, Tae doesn't even complain thinking of where his father is going with this. "Ken  on the other hand married a girl and had three kids, they divorced and last I heard he moved to America and is now living with his boyfriend."

"Are you saying I should wait for him Appa?" Taehyung's voice is quiet. He has a feeling about what his Appa might say but he still needed to hear it. 

"Ken took his time to accept his sexuality and it wasn't his fault. And he deserved to take that time but if I had stayed and waited, I would have resented him and maybe myself. When your father was so free and open with his love, it made me brave to be. Because we were right for each other and now we are happy. Sometimes, even if we want to love each other, it's not enough. Especially if you are miserable"

"I don't want to lose him Appa" Taehyung's voice breaks this time. Jin pulls him closer as he rubs circles into his back like when he was younger. "I love him"

"I know Taehyung. I am not going to tell you what to do. But just think about my story,  do you think you can wait for him?"

Taehyung closes his eyes. He had been miserable when he was without Seojun but he was miserable with him too. His Appa was right, if he continued like this, he'd just be miserable. 

"I am going to chose my happiness"

Jin smiles and kisses Taehyung's forehead. "I love you and I am here for you". Taehyung nods as he jumps off the counter. 

"Thanks Appa. I don't know what I'd without you" 

As Taehyung heads to the door to face Seojun, Jimin walks in with a man who looks very much like his Appa. Jimin looks at his Appa with his eyes red, Jin immediately goes towards Jimin. "Jimin are you okay?" he says checking Jimin all over. He turned to glare at the older man. "Seokmin I swear if you've hurt my son, I will hurt you"

"It wasn't him Appa" Jimin says before Seokmin can reply. "I was crying because of something else and he came asking for you. I had seen you come in here and I wanted to talk to you anyway so I brought him here"

Taehyung also walks to his twin and protectively wraps his arm around him. Jin sighs as he looks at the older man, "Seokmin why are you even here? How did you even know to come here?"

The older man looks at Jin with an eyebrow raised, "Your son is the one who called me here?"

"Yes. Jimin brought you to the room but why did you come to my house?"

Seokmin sighs. "For the last time, your son called me here"

"Seokmin-ssi?" All of them turned to see Yoongi at the door. "I didn't think you'd actually come"

Chapter Text

Taemin was the love of Jimin's life. There was no two ways about it, Jimin couldn't see himself with anyone else. He and Taemin had, what Taehyung on multiple occasions, called a perfect love story. They were high school sweet hearts who had been dating almost 8 years. They had fallen in love at first sight, they had been rivals in their dance team and Taemin had been his brother's best friend.  They were a cheesy romcom and Jimin loved it. They even had a bit of the miscommunication troupe as Taehyung put it. 

It was when Taemin and Jimin had finally started to flirt and be more open about their mutual crushes. No one in high school knew about his brothers, which looking back was a stupid idea because it made for awkward situations like this. Because when Yoongi and Jimin had gone to watch a movie and came out laughing, Taemin automatically assumed they were dating. Jimin is glad that his jealousy took xcontrol because Taemin couldn't even stop himself before he walked up to them. 

"Jimmnie. Yoongi." he said nodding at a wide eyed Jimin and a confused Yoongi. "I didn't know you guys hung out"

"Trust me. It wasn't a choice" Yoongi said rolling his eyes. To any one else, this would be a classic brother response. But Taemin's jealous mind made it seem like cute flirty banter. 

"He's not. We are not-. IT'S NO WHAT YOU THINK" Jimin nearly shouted shocking all three of them. Even passersby seemed to be staring at them. At Jimin's awkward outburst, Yoongi raised an eyebrow before realizing what Taemin was probably thinking. 

His face scrunched up in disgust. His face represented how Jimin felt, this couldn't be happening. 

"Yeah. No it's not what you think. That is disgusting and fucked up. He's my brother" 

Taemin looked surprised but revealed. "Brother?" he asked again. 

Jimin nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. Hyung is my idiot older brother. That's all, we were all adopted so we didn't want to tell anyone because it's too complicated"

Taemin was smiling so widely he completely missed Yoongi's rant about famous gay parents. It was that moment they both knew and after that they never looked back. It took Taemin a while to finally ask Jimin out, later on Jimin realized that this was because he had been trying to get permission from Yoongi. Jimin had been very happy and in love. But there was a moment when Taemin was about to graduate high school that Jimin thought  the long distance would finally pull them apart but they managed it. Finally, when the same school wanted Jimin earlier than he would have graduated high school. It's like the universe gave them no other choice and the rest was history. 

They were meant to be. 

This brings Jimin to this moment in his and Taemin's apartment snuggling in a bed without his boyfriend. Taemin was off auditioning and Jimin had taken that opportunity to use the entire bed. He was going to spend his lazy morning watching shitty reality television and laze around till Taemin cam back. Jimin knows he should probably clean and make some food for Taemin but he was so tired. As he tried to turn the television on, he couldn't find his remote. As he looked for it, he opened Taemin's drawer to find a velvet box.

Jimin doesn't open it but he knows what it is and suddenly it flashes before his eyes. The story of a man who married his high school sweetheart who  eventually gets bored and leaves. Jimin was scared, he loved Taemin and he wanted to marry him. But he didn't think it was the right decision to get married now, they were still young. He was worried about how they both hadn't dated any one else, Jimin never felt the need to. Taemin had been enough and he was happy with him. But was he enough for Taemin, all these insecure thoughts started to float in his head. He was very quiet after that, his relaxing day was long behind him. Instead his day was spent in contemplation and intrusive thoughts. 

When Taemin was back, he knew something was wrong but when he asked. Jimin just said he was tired and he was stressed about his family's Christmas party. Taemin had eyed him but had taken his lame excuse. They ate their dinner and snuggled into bed like they always did but unlike every other time, Jimin didn't fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

Jimin loved coming home. Something about his Appa's food, his Dad's voice and his siblings presence made him feel at ease. He hugged his Appa, a little tighter at the airport and so many times during the car ride, the words kept dying in the throat. It was the same question that had been swirling in his head since he had found that goddamn ring. 

"Do you ever wish you didn't marry so young"

He knows his Appa and his Dad were very happy. But as Taehyung used to whine to him, they were the exception not the rule. Were Jimin and Taemin going to be the exception?

Jimin was not a quiet person. He loved talking but he just was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't feel like talking. If his family noticed, they like Taemin sensed he didn't want to talk about it so they let him be. He thought maybe talking to Hobi Hyung might be a good idea since he would understand his insecurity. But when Hobi wasn't there, Jimin had lost all his motivation to talk to anyone. Being in Taehyung's presence, reminded him about what Taehyung always said they were the perfect couple. They had to make it because if they didn't there was no hope for anyone else. Jimin loved Taemin more than anything but he did sometimes wonder whether he was enough for the older man. 

Growing up when his parents started bringing new siblings into the house. This thought always lingered in his head that he wasn't enough. He loved his brothers, fiercely and he would do anything for them. But he always wondered at the back of his mind, was he enough? Did they not think he was because if they did, why did they have to adopt all these other children?

Maybe one day Taemin will also think he is not enough. Jimin looked at himself in the mirror, he wore his shiniest makeup and his prettiest suit but he still felt bad. As he walked down towards the kitchen where heard his brother's voices, for a second he felt something bump into him and before he can process what had happened. He was on the floor looking over at his eldest brother who has the decency to look sheepish. 

"Hyung?" Jimin says before Yoongi does a quick bow and runs away. Jimin shakes his head, were the 93 line, just idiots. Jungkook and his banter honestly made him feel worse. He knows Jungkook was just bantering, that is their thing but he wasn't in the mood. As he absently mindedly walked around the party, he noticed the guests started filling in. Taemin would soon be arriving and it had him more on edge. He didn't notice where he was going and bumped into his clumsy Dad carrying a cake. 

Jimin's quick reflexes kicked in on auto pilot and he immediately stabilized his father and made sure the cake didn't fall. 

"There is my dimmnie always saving the day" Namjoon said with his proud father smile as Jimin helped him carry the cake to the table. Jimin smiled back, that stupid nickname always made him smile but he hoped this time Namjoon didn't go into the same story about how Jimin couldn't say his name and he always called himself Dimmnie. 

"Thank you Jimin" his Appa's voice comes through as he sees him going to open the door. Jimin knows he should talk to his Dad. His Dad was right here and there was no one else. This was his moment, but fates intervene again. He feels his boyfriend's hand snake around his waist and he turns around to see Taemin. He can practically feels his Dad's big smile being aimed at them as Jimin has the same stupid love sick that Namjoon always has. But he can't help it, Taemin looks absolutely stunning in his outfit. He still manages to take Jimin's breathe away even after all these years. 

"Do you mind if I steal your son away for a dance, Mr. Kim" Taemin says with his best smile. Jimin doesn't miss Namjoon's enthusiastic nodding and not so subtle wink he tried to aim Taemin's way. Taemin laughs nervously as he pulls Jimin to the dance floor. Jimin lays his head on Taemin's shoulder as they slow dance to Love me like you are going to lose me by Meghan Trainor and John Legend. It's their song and it's like Taemin is summoning all his courage as he gets the ring out.

Jimin panics as Taemin says "I have a question Jiminnie! Can you look at me". He lifts his head as he hurriedly searches for Taehyung or his Appa. He can't spot both of them as he looks around frantically, he wants to run to his Dad but his Dad is also not to be seen. He finally looks at Yoongi Hyung who is paying attention to them. Jimin looks at him with what he thinks is some kind of distress signal. But Yoongi seems to be looking through him but before Jimin could look at Hobi. 

Taemin is on his knees with a ring in his hand. Jimin can hear the gasps and silent whoops but all he can concentrate on his heart beating faster than ever. He looks down at Taemin and tears start to form before he can help it. Taemin seems to assume that it is tears of joy so he takes it as a good sign so he starts to ask his question. 

"Will you marry me?" Taemin asks with so much love. It's such a simple question and the answer seems simple enough but it isn't. Jimin loves Taemin, he does but this is too much. He doesn't want to lose Taemin. 

"I can't"

"Louder Jimin Hyung. Some of us can't hear" Jungkook yells in his bratty brother way. In any other time, it might have been endearing. But right now, it somehow gives me the confidence to say what he wanted to. Taemin deserves the truth and maybe they could talk and he'd understand why Jimin said no. Maybe he'd even thank Jimin because Jimin managed to saved their relationship. 

"I love you but can we talk" Jimin's voice carries since this time he was louder and the room was quiet. Everyone hears and this time Taemin hears it loud and clear. At first, he stands up and kind of just stares at Jimin. It's when he sees Yoongi huffing and walking to stairs that he snaps back. He just gives Jimin a look before storming off. Jimin runs behind him, but not before he hears Jungkook .

"If anyone asks him about it when he is back or even mentions this and doesn't just carry on with night like nothing happened. They will have me to deal with and you know how annoying I can be when I want to"

Jungkook says it as a joke but there is a threat in there and they all recognize it. Jimin is grateful as he runs behind Taemin. The tears are streaming from his face as he shouts. "Taemin Hyung, can we please talk. Just let me explain?"

"Explain what Jimin? I know you found the ring so I decided to ask today instead of New Years like I planned. It was just going to be two of us but I thought maybe you were weird because you were wondering why I hadn't done it earlier. Turns out you were busy trying to break up with me"

Jimin feels like his heart stop. "I don't want to break up. I can't believe you would think that. I am just not ready for marriage. I just wish we had a conversation before we ended up here"

"We have had the conversation. Many times, Jimin. You decided I should be the one to propose and the one to bring it up when the time is right"

"When the time is right doesn't mean now. We are still young"

Taemin looks up at him with confusion. "We are nearly  26 and 24, we have been dating for 8 years. Both our parents got married at this age so forgive to think that you wanted to start your life with me."

"I still want to spend my twenties with you love. I want to spend my life with you" Jimin says without a thought. It is true, he does want to spend his life with Taemin but he didn't want Taemin to look back and regretting choosing Jimin. "I just don't want you to make a decision that is so permanent"

"Are you listening to yourself?" Taemin says louder. He is angry now and Jimin doesn't blame him. "You want to be with me forever but not have something permanent?"

"I just don't want you to regret this" Jimin says crying again. He doesn't want to lose Taemin but he can't help but let his insecurity take control. 

"I don't think I am the one who you are worried about" Taemin says with laugh. It has no joy in it but this time when he walks towards the door, Jimin can't use his voice. It's like his words are stuck and he can only helplessly watch as Taemin walks away. 

"Decide what you want Jimin. I love you and I will wait but if you are going to break my heart. Let this be the last time we talk because I don't think I can take it"

Taemin's words hit Jimin like a brick as he walks out of the door. Jimin slumps into a ball and slides onto the floor. He just sits there and cries till a man who looked similar to his Appa approaches him. He had his Appa's eyes and for some reason, it snapped Jimin out of his stupor. 

"Hi" the man's accent was Korean. It was more authentic than his Appa's which started to sound a bit American in some ways. "I am looking for Mr. Kim"

"Which one?" Jimin says out of habit mostly but he realizes he doesn't know this man. He could be a serial killer for all he knows. "Who are you?" he adds for good measure. 

"I am his brother, I am looking for Kim Seokjin" 

Jimin's eyes widened. He knows his Appa didn't have the best relationship with his family but they must be invited for a reason. Maybe he should put aside his petty issues and help his Keun Appa find his Appa. So as they looked around the party, Jimin thinks he can hear his Appa's voice from the kitchen. He can't seem to see his Dad or his other siblings. So he gestures towards the kitchen and his Keun Appa follows him. While they walk Jimin's mind is racing a hundred miles an hour. He was thinking about Taemin, his Appa's brother and everything that he could think of. 

As he walks in, he feels his Appa's eyes studying him and Taehyung's worried eyes trying to find him. It as if they both go into attack mode at the same time as they practically launch themselves at Jin's brother. Jimin tries to reassure them but the chaos seems to get worse. But Yoongi walking in seemed to be the last straw because Jimin can see his Appa's fierce protectiveness deflate as he tries to process what Yoongi has said. Yoongi on the other hand looks so confused and his Keun Appa aka Seokmin just seems so anxious and confused. 

The only person who seems to be calm is Taehyung. But Jimin is not surprised because Taehyung seems to always be cool under pressure. 

"Why did you call Appa's hyung?" Taehyung says as he doesn't meet Yoongi's eyes. But Yoongi doesn't acknowledge him but instead looks at Seokmin's face for the first time. Jimin can see in real time the exact moment Yoongi finally sees how similar Seokmin and Seokjin actually look. Yoongi's confusion causes Seokjin to take pity on his son because he addresses his nearly 26 year old like he is five years old again. It's his calm Appa voice with a subtle hint of persuasion. 

"Yoongi-yah. Maybe it's time, you and I talked" Yoongi nods his head as he walks out of the kitchen. Seokjin looks at his brother first but there so much hostility. Jimin can't recognize his Appa in the minute. Even in his angriest moments, Jin almost always had a hint of kindness in his eyes. Jimin always looked for it when he felt small and his parents were yelling at him. His younger self knew his Appa still loved him even when he was angry. 

But to see his Appa's eyes cold and distant was unsettling. 

"Seokmin-ssi. I am going to go talk to my son and we will sort this out. But till then, I want to remind you that whatever comments you want to make. You can make about me but if I come back and find out you have hurt or made any comment about my kids. I don't think I will let it go"

Seokmin doesn't say anything as Seokjin leaves. He looks at Taehyung and Jimin who look at each other. The silence is loud and Jimin can't deal with anymore silence. So he takes charge, they always say he was most like his Appa. So he does what his Appa does in most awkward situations and does the unexpected thing. 

"Should we go to the party? Keun Appa, I am sure you would want to try some of Appa's food?"

Jimin feels Taehyung's questioning gaze on him. But Seokmin seems more confused but goes with it. He doesn't even call Jimin out on calling him uncle or talking to him without a formal tone. Jimin sees Namjoon angrily approaching them and Jimin looks at Taehyung who immediately goes to explain the situation to his angry father. 

"Your Appa always had the best taste in people" Seokmin says not meeting Jimin's eyes as he glances again at Namjoon who is now joined by Jungkook. They both have the same glare, it is almost uncanny. 

"I always was so jealous of how everyone always gravitated towards him. He lights up every room he walks into and everyone follows him around with that dopey look. It's the same look, your friend you were dancing with had. Like you held the sun in your hands"

Jimin doesn't know his Uncle very well. He doesn't know if there is a hidden insult lingering in there but his comment about Taemin hits him so hard. He relives the moment again when Taemin looked at him, his eyes full of hurt and Jimin finds it hard to breathe. 

His vision goes hazy and he can't breathe. His heart is racing, he can't believe he fucked it up. The one man that chose him. He ruined it and now he was going to be all alone in the world. He had just lost the love of his life, all because he couldn't ever just accept a good thing when he had one. He was on on the ground before he knew it, his breathing was getting harder. He could hear Hobi Hyung and Taehyung yelling his name but he couldn't focus. There were too many people talking at him and he just wanted to run. So he does, he heads towards the door and just runs and runs till he can't hear the sounds of the voices in his head anymore. 

As he sits down in the tree house, his brothers had built as kids.  He does the one thing, he wanted to do since he found that stupid velvet box and he just lets himself cry. 

Chapter Text

Jin took Yoongi to their home music studio. Yoongi always loved this room, watching his Appa and Dad make music  was some of his favorite memories. He sat down on his Dad's famous brown couch, it was the couch where he wrote his first verse of music. It is also the couch where he showed his parents and siblings, his first rap song and where he came out to his Dad for the first time. This couch had become somewhat of a comfort place for him. So it was no surprise his Appa had brought him here. Jin joins him on the couch, Jin was never good with long silences so Yoongi isn't surprised when the question comes. 

"Shall we talk about what has been bothering you?"

"Yes. Where do I even start?" Yoongi's body feels heavy. He feels like a little child being scolded, he can't believe he didn't think to check out Kim Seokmin and now it also brought in another set of questions. His head hurt too much to even contemplate what all this meant. 

Jin sighs as he pats Yoongi's head. "At the beginning and just know whatever it is, we will solve it together. You and I always figure it out remember?"

Yoongi nods as he starts his story that began on the day that Jin asked about his Christmas party. 

Keeping up with the KIMS

Jinius: Okay so I need numbers. Are all my dear sons gifting their Appa with their presence this Christmas?

SpillingtheTae: I might call Park Seojoon and Maybe Wooshik too. And I will be there Appa! 

thebestseok: Appa. You know we all were together for Chuseok!!! You are acting like you haven't seen us in years :p

Jinius: I miss my kids :(. Who told all of you to go live 600000000000 miles away. 

Dadjoon:I remember how you all used to be so small

Jinius: Remember when Jungkook couldn't sleep without his Hobi Hyung and would always follow him around calling him Hopi because he didn't know how to say Hope

Dadjoon: Jungkook was so small. Hobi was small too. Oh my god, where has the time gone????

Jungcantcook: Hobi Hyung. Look what you've done

thebestseok: My apologies. Yoongi Hyung and I will be there. Also Becky may be there 

jimoutoftheworld: KIM-JUNG HOSEOK ARE YOU BACK WITH BECKY?

SpilltheTae: AND YOU THOUGHT YOU COULD CASUALLY SLIP IT IN???

Jungcantcook: anyways. Mingyu is coming and some of my school friends said they will like to drop in as well. 

Jinius: Sounds good. Jiminie, Does Taemin want to come?

Jimoutofthworld: Yes Appa!! He said he misses your japchae!! 

Jinius: Yoongi do you want to call anyone son?

Meowgi: Kihyun might come but he is not sure. It's his first Christmas with his boyfriend. 

Jinius: Okay, I will still have a place set up for him and let me know if there are any changes. 

JJinius: Now Hobi, what was that about Becky?

Yoongi put his phone on mute. He always felt left out of events because he never had a plus one. It got worse during the holiday season, he knows for sure that he wasn't interested in anyone but he always felt like the odd one out. Wondering if he was missing out on a key experience that everybody else seemed to be having. It also didn't help that his family were often in pairs, they didn't seem to have much time for him. He felt very alone and it was scary. Even though he had been living with Hobi, he hardly saw him. He was either at work, out with friends or on facetime with Becky. Yoongi didn't blame him, most days he was stuck with work or with his friends too but it just felt like his family were slowly slipping away from him too. He hardly spoke to his brothers in the US, because of the time difference. It was mostly a text here and there, some times a group call but Yoongi had no idea what was happening with them. 

Even Jimin and Taehyung who were better at replying than Jungkook, hardly texted him or called. The last time he spoke to Jimin was when Taemin had drunk called him and both of them said they missed him. During the call, Jimin had let it slip that Taehyung was dating an arsehole. Jimin thought he could do better, Yoongi normally wouldn't have felt bad that he didn't know. Taehyung always told Jimin everything but maybe it was the homesickness or the fact that when he talked to Jungkook, he too seemed to know about it. It really hurt his feelings that Taehyung hadn't told him. He and Taehyung had a special bond, they were all his brothers. But Taehyung and him had a trauma bond that none of them could understand. So the fact that even Taehyung was pulling away made Yoongi feel awful 

Then one day at work, when he and his colleagues had been talking about the various families that were important in Korea. Yoongi realized he was curious about his roots, Jin and Namjoon had always been honest with them about the adoption processes. They all had their documents and information to contact their biological family and some of them did. Jungkook still stayed in touch with his mother and his uncle, he came and saw them whenever he was in Korea. 

Jimin tried to find his dad but he turned out to be a dick who wanted nothing to do with him. Hoseok didn't want to have anything to do with his family which was understandable and for some reason, Yoongi and Taheyung never found out about theirs. Probably because their parents were each other's next of kin and their family would have been in Korea. Two teenage boys in US weren't going to put it in any effort to find out about their relatives in a country they went to once a year. It was a hassle, but Yoongi was older and had more resources so it felt like it was time 

If this family was going to slip away from him then at least he would have his other one. "You don't want them to slip away" a voice reminded him but he ignored it. At first, he wondered if he should tell Tae because they might be his family too. But Taehyung hadn't responded to his text for a week now. So he tried again. 

Yunkimin: Hey Tae? Just wanted to check in on you!!

Yunkimin:  Tae??

Taehyungie: All good Hyung! hope you are too 

Yoongi knew very well that was a subtle way to end the conversation so he does. He decided to do this on his own. He does this at the start of November so by the time the end of November rolls around he forgets about it. So when the PI gets back to him, he is surprised that he has found someone especially since apparently his parents had changed their names from Kim to Min in the US to avoid being found by their parents. 

Tae's mother and his mother had been sisters. Yoongi's mom's sister had ran away with her boyfriend at the time and gone to the US. Yoongi was already born when his aunt left, after that year Yoongi and his parents had join them. Taehyung was born and the year after Yoongi's brother was born. His grandparents had died from both sides. Tae's father had been an only child , Yoongi's dad on the other hand had a sister. She had been quite younger than him and not very close so when he had left, they had lost contact. 

The PI had contacted her and she had reached out to saying that she wanted to meet Yoongi. Yoongi was nervous at first and he wanted to ask someone to go with him but he didn't want to tell his family yet because he knew he'd have to explain why. And it was a conversation he wanted avoid as much as he can so he asked one of the trainees who was working with him. 

Lee Jihoon looked at Yoongi with a look that reminded him of Hobi. It was disapproving like he knew this wasn't a good idea. But luckily, he wasn't Hobi so it was easier to just tell him to roll with it. 

"So you are not going to tell Hoseok hyung. And we are going to meet an aunt of yours, who could also be an axe murderer?"

"Yes. Now get into the car" Yoongi says as Jihoon sits there nervously. Judging his American Hyung, he is sure won't be for the last one. He nods his head and steps into the car. The car drive is quiet which is expected, they both are not the chatty type. Yoongi can't think about anything other than his nerves. He was going to see a family member. He was going to meet someone who knew his father and maybe his mother. Maybe she could explain why he has feeling the way he has been. Maybe she felt like him and maybe she could fill this hole that he felt. 

"Hyung." Jihoon voice cuts through his thoughts. He looks around to see they have made it. It was an old cafe his Appa had always taken them to when he came to visit Korea. Yoongi had been shocked when she had recommended it but he didn't believe in signs from the universe but maybe he should have. 

"Hyung. Are you sure you want to do this?" 

Yoongi nods his head. Maybe this feeling of loneliness will go if he knows something about his family.  Ideally he knows he is not alone but he just wanted answers, about where he came from. He wondered if that could explain why he felt the way he did. 

His phone rings and he sees Taemin is calling him but he ignores it. Jihoon walks in with him but he sits on another table. Yoongi looks around to scan the cafe, there is a young couple. It definitely isn't them, so he keeps looking. He spots one old man, a few children with their father and finally a lady who was looking at him like she had seen a ghost. 

She stood up and walked towards him. From the corner of his eye, he could see Jihoon observing them. As she reached him, she just kept staring at him and taking in every detail of his face. 

"You look so much like Oppa. It's like I am seeing a ghost. The last time I saw him, he was with your mother and they were running away."

Yoongi feels a sense of closeness to the lady immediately. As she told him stories about his mother and his father. He felt like he as learning so much about himself, he was quiet like his dad, but he had his mother's skill for cooking. His aunt had been close to Taehyung's mum and that's how Yoongi's parents met when they had been taking care of their younger siblings. 

Yoongi laughed when his Aunt told him how it definitely hadn't been love at first sight. How his Appa had to woo his Eomma but even then he hadn't been good enough for her family because he wasn't rich. So when he found out his sister in law had gone to the US, he had contacted them and he had taken his family too. 

Their parents had been against it because they didn't understand why their kids would leave their country for a foreign land where they didn't even know the language. Yoongi felt like he was learning so much but somehow he had even more questions. His Aunt had promised to keep in touch and meet again. 

When Hobi asked Yoongi, about his day, he lied and said he had gone out to eat with Jihoon. For some reason, he wanted to keep this part of his life to himself. He wanted to learn about his family and his past but at the same time he felt guilty for having all these questions and for thinking his family didn't care about him anymore. It was too complicated to deconstruct so Yoongi didn't. 

In the next three weeks, his aunt Minji became a regular part of his week. He would constantly be at her house and he even met her kid. That's when she first asked for money. 

"Yoongi-yah. I hate to ask but you know I am a single mother and it is hard sometimes. I just need a little bit of money for Joon-woo's school"

Yoongi couldn't have said no if he tried. Since he was a producer for a few idols, he did get some good royalty money. So he wasn't hard up for money and he had a steady income for helping trainees with musical production and learning how to write lyrics. 

When it's time to leave, he realizes that he wants her to be part of the Christmas celebration. She doesn't hesitate to say yes when she knows it is all paid for. He buys tickets for her, her boyfriend that he had never met that she never stopped talking about and her son. He wants her to come and meet his family so that he can introduce them to her. He thinks it's an amazing idea so he doesn't give a thought to how he had given her almost 10,000,000 won since he had met her. 

He had only known her for three weeks. But Yoongi rationalized that maybe he was helping his family out. He finally tells her about his Appa and his Dad and he had fully being expecting a level of homophobia. But it never came, in fact she was a fan and was excited to meet them. 

It's only when Yoongi lands in the USA. The anxiety kicks in, he doesn't know if he has made the right decision. But nobody in his family even asks him about it even though he has clearly been acting weirdly and it pisses him off even more. 

His Aunt texts him when she lands on Christmas Eve in Los Angeles. Yoongi doesn't even wait for her to ask before giving her some spending money for her kid and her boyfriend. Maybe she is using him but Yoongi needed someone cause clearly no one else cared. 

He feels like he is a zombie and that he has no control over his actions. He just is a playing the role of elder brother. So he smiles a lot and makes jokes when he thinks appropriate. He goes and helps his father to cook and his brother assists him. He politely answers Hobi's questions where he is clearly trying to prod. He plays the part perfectly till Taehyung reminds him that the guests would be coming soon. Suddenly playing the perfect host and checking the food doesn't seem the priority anymore. 

That's when it hits him, the gravity of it all. It was happening today and he wasn't prepared. What if his Appa and Dad felt hurt? He had given them no warning. He hadn't given Taehyung any warning, his aunt clearly knew Taehyung's parents as well. He should have got some kind of heads up. He was the protective elder brother. 

He doesn't realise that he walks into someone but he is so focused on going and getting changed that he is not thinking. He stays in the daze the entire party even when Taemin tries to pull him away to ask him something. He just nods his head as he walks away to check his phone. His Aunt messaged that he and her son would be late but her boyfriend decided to come on first. His name was Seokmin and to keep an eye out for him because he was nervous and he didn't speak a lot of English. 

His cousin wasn't feeling well but his aunt wanted someone to represent them at the party. Yoongi sort of understands that and he wants to get know his sort of uncle, maybe he would also be part of this new family that Yoongi had been getting to know. 

As he stared into the dance floor seeing Taemin's proposal, it was clear his family were moving on and he needed to find bonds else where. He barely processed what was happening before he was running towards his room. He needed a moment to clear his head, he felt like he was going to be all alone. He was going to have no one because none of them seemed to care. 

But the shit truly hit the ceiling, when he opened his room door to find Seojoon and Taehyung making out in his room. Did they truly have no respect for him? First, Taehyung doesn't tell him about his boyfriend and now he makes out in his room. There was only so much he can take so he throws them out of his room and just sits on his bed. He feels like he stares on his wall for a long time before he finally checks his phone. 

Gomo: Yoongi. Seokmin Oppa has arrived at the party. Please check on him, he is very nervous to be around english speaking people. 

That's when Yoongi came down the stairs and found all of them in the kitchen. Which lead him to the moment where he was telling Jin his story. He can clearly see his Appa is hurt. He knows he hurt him but his Appa doesn't say anything. 

He just pulls him close for a hug. "You will never lose us Yoongi. Never ever, I am so sorry you thought you had felt like you had to look else where for it. We are always here for you love"

Yoongi looked down. He knew his Appa is right but it hurt. Everything hurts and for the first time, since he had that insecure voice first speak up. He finally is honest. 

"Appa. What if I am alone for the rest for the life. What if someone doesn't ever love me? What if I am just a burden on everyone I know because they always have to take care of me along with their new families and lives"

Jin is quiet for a moment. It's almost like he is carefully analyzing his words. 

"Yoongi. Life is not fair. I know as a parent, I should tell you that it will all be okay. But you and I know we have always been honest with each other. Right from when you first came into my life Yoongi I have never lied to you. Ever. And I don't want to start now."

Yoongi nods in understanding as his Appa continues. 

"Your brothers are going to find people. They are going to find their own families but their love for you wont' disappear. You will always apart of their life. You will be an uncle to their kids, a friend to their partners and you will always have your friends who love you in your life. It won't be in the same capacity because we all grow up. But you will always have us, especially your Dad and I"

Jin seems to pause to see if Yoongi would refute anything he said. Since he doesn't get any resistance he carries on. 

"You know when you first came out to me. I was so proud of you for being who you are. You are incredibly loved Min Yoongi. The right person will see that and if you don't want a relationship that is okay as well. Just because you don't choose a life that other people supposedly have doesn't mean you are not normal or not worthy of love. It's hard to see sometimes how much we are loved when we are down. But promise you will replay this day in your head, you will see the times in which your family love you so much"

Yoongi hugs his father as he starts to cry. Jin gentle strokes Yoongi's hair and hums to him. When his crying slows down a bit, Jin starts talking again but this time his voice shakes a little. 

"I am not mad at you for wanting to know your family Yoongi. I just want you to know that I will do whatever you are comfortable with. I just want you to be happy and if your Gomo and my Hyung are part of that. I will gladly accept it"

"Appa I wanted to apologise. I really didn't know that would be Keun Appa-

The door opens to reveal Taehyung and Jungkook. 

"Appa. It's Jimin Hyung, he was having a panic attack and he ran away"

Jin and his sons rushed down the stairs in silence. As they did, Yoongi did what his Appa had asked him and replayed the day. His Appa was right, there were so many instances where it showed his family cared. 

Taehyung had come to his room to probably look for him. Hobi and Jungkook had come to cook with him to make sure he was okay. Jimin had been distressed himself and that's why he hadn't asked Yoongi about his feelings but they all had been glancing at him worriedly. 

Hobi always had food waiting for Yoongi when he came from his Gomo's house because he had presumed that he had stayed up all night at the Studio. His Appa was right, maybe he had been too hasty with all of it. 

But as he replayed the events of the night, it was clear to him where his little brother was. So when they reached the bottom he just raced towards the door saying "I know where Jimin is"

As he ran, he heard his Appa and his brothers follow him as they all ran towards the tree house where they heard Jimin's muffled sobs. 

"One of us should go up there" Hoseok said as he looked up in worry. Jin started climbing the ladder before anyone could put up a fight. 

At the same time, Taehyung pulls Yoongi aside to talk. Hobi and Jungkook look at each other with a smirk. 

"It is nice being the normal siblings for once" Jungkook giggles. "I think we should go back and make sure that Dad doesn't kill Appa's hyung"

Hoseok nods vigorously and follows Jungkook back into the house. Taehyung look at his brother finally once they are alone. 

Yoongi doesn't even know where to start. So he listens to his Appa and looks at Taehyung and starts from the beginning 

Chapter Text

   Jimin heard a soft knock on the door of the tree house. He crawls to go and open the door with tears streaming down his face. He probably looked like shit but what did it matter? He lost the only person who ever loved him. What was the point of anything?

He opens the door to find a huffing Jin. 

"I should have never agreed to build a tree house for you. I am almost thirty, my knees can't climb these steps anymore"

Jimin softly giggles at his father's rant. "Appa, even Jungkook is in his twenties.". His father glares at him as he tries to crawl into the tree house. The glare has no strength to it, Jimin knows his Appa. It was a tactic to break Jimin's walls a bit. It's so stupid but it does the trick somehow. Jimin loses his fight that he had all prepared to tell the person to go away. 

Jimin smiles, he is so much like his father. It's almost scary because that is the exact tactic he would have used as well. 

They just sit there for a while. Neither saying anything, Jimin appreciates it. He doesn't want to say anything especially because he can't seem to say anything right. So he just snuggles into his father and cries quietly. As Jin starts singing slowly, it's a BTS song. It's the song that Jin would sing when he was trying to put Jimin to sleep. 

And you gonna be happy
And you gonna be happy
Mak naeryeoanjeun jeo nuncheoreom
Sumeul swija cheoeumcheoreom
And you gonna be happy
And you gonna be happy
Turn this all around
Modeun ge saeroun
Zero O'Clock

Jimin feels his tears slow down as the song comes to an end. But he still feels defensive as he turns to his Appa.

"You can't fix this Appa. I just have to remain sad because that is the punishment I deserve "

Jin  gives Jimin a sad smile. "Jimin. You are the last person that needs to be punished for anything. I always worried about you because you punished yourself for every little thing even when you didn't deserve it. So tell me what is wrong and I shall decide an appropriate punishment or whether you need to punish yourself at all"

Jimin gives in. Even Jin can't deny his fault in this story he knows that for sure. So he tells his Appa everything from the time he finds the ring to him running to the tree house. He sees his Appa glare a bit when he mentions how his brother was the last straw. 

"I am guessing you knew if Dad's bad acting was anything to go by."

Jimin doesn't miss Jin's fond smile when he mentions Namjoon. "I did. I think I was so swept up in the moment of it all. I didn't think about how you'd respond"

"Yeah. You assumed I wouldn't be a selfish prick who would say no"

"You are not selfish Jimin. I told you to let me decide if you deserve to be punished."

Jimin rolls his eyes. "What's your verdict then Mr. Kim?"

"Not guilty" Jin says banging an imaginary mallet making Jimin sort of smile. His Appa had a way of making him smile and he couldn't fight against it. 

"You are allowed to be skeptical Jiminnie. Marrying young is scary and I know even in the most secure relationships you wonder if you are doing the right thing."

"Did you have doubts Appa?"

"Of course I did. I would have been a fool not to have doubts" Jin says with an intense vigor as he turns to face Jimin. Jimin is not meeting his eyes so Jin continues. "We were so young and I was in love with a man which was against everything I was brought up to believe in. On top of that I was leaving behind my career and moving to a country where I didn't know anyone."

"You must have been scared" Jimin empathizes immediately. Jimin had been surrounded by his loving family his whole life. He couldn't imagine leaving everything he knew and having no support. His heart felt heavy, he was so sad for his Appa. 

Almost like Jin could feel this. He stretched his arm out and squeezes his arms arm. Jin pats his son hand and carries on. "I was. But Namjoon made it all seemed okay. Because I remember all my doubts and worst scenarios went away when I was with him. The worst scenario I could think of would have been not being with him"

Jimin rolls his eyes. "I blame Taehyungie's love obsession on both of you. You made our standards for love too high" 

Jin laughs. "What is holding you back Jimin? Why did you say no? This is not me trying to force you to marry Taemin. But I know you and you are helplessly in love with him. So what is holding you back? If I can help, I will try or if you don't want to and you have made up your mind. I will help you through this break up"

Jimin felt his whole body go limp at the word break up. He never wanted to break up with Taemin. In fact the notion of getting married to Taemin makes his stomach flutter with butterflies. He couldn't imagine his life with anyone else. So what was holding him back?

"What if I not enough Appa?" Jimin thinks about how ten years from now when he and Taemin are watching a movie. Taemin looks towards him and tells him about how he has found someone else. His heart breaks over a scenario that his brain had made, he can't even imagine what he'd feel if the real thing happened. 

"Jimin I have seen the way Taemin looks at you. Why wouldn't you be enough? He thinks you are the sun."

"So did you and Dad but that changed" Jimin whispered. Jin's eyebrow goes up at him as if he can't believe what he said. 

"Sorry?"

"I wasn't enough for my parents. Why would I be for Taemin? Isn't that why you kept adding kids to the family? I wasn't enough for you so why would I be enough for him" Jimin's voice is surprisingly stable but a sob still is heard. But it's not from him, it's Jin. 

He sees his Appa shed some tears as he pulls Jimin to envelope him. "You were enough Jimin. You were more than enough. It was us who weren't enough for you Jiminie. You were this child with so much love. You had so much love to spare and you proved it with all your siblings. It wasn't that you weren't enough. We wanted you to have all the support you needed. We wanted a family because it was because we only had each other and we wanted you guys to have a proper support system. I know it doesn't make sense when I put it like this. But every kid we added was because we felt like we wanted to share the love we felt with you Jimin-ah. You made us realise we had so much love to give and you had so much love to give. You deserved all the love you could get too"

And they both just wept. Jimin cried because his insecurity was something he struggled with. He knows that he was loved and he wouldn't ever trade his siblings for anything. But there was always a sneaky voice in his head yelling the words. But every time it did, he also remembered how Taemin's voice would sneak into his head and yell how amazing he was. 

Taemin was the one who made it all better. Taemin was the only thing that made sense to him when he was insecure. For some reason, in that moment he knew he wanted to marry Taemin. 

"Jimin you are enough" Jin says crying. "I need you to believe me. I love you and I am sorry if you ever felt like that"

"Appa. I love you too, I know logically it's not something you did because I wasn't enough. But the stupid voice in my head just makes up shit sometimes but I am glad it did this time because it also reminded me that Taemin is the only one who makes it better."

Jin lets go of Jimin and wipes his tears. As Jimin looks up and laughs, "I am going to marry him Appa"

"I can't believe my baby is getting married" Jin says with tears forming in his eyes again. They both giggle and hug again. "Appa, please don't feel guilty. I know you and Dad love me"

"You better. I am not going to let you forget" Jin says with a tight bear hug. 

They finally rub their tears and head down as they walk down. They hear Taehyung's voice. 

"Hyung, all our relatives are dead. I should know I tried to find them."

"What?"  Jin and Yoongi say at the same time. Causing Taehyung and Yoongi to turn to them. Both Taehyung and Yoongi run to Jimin. Taehyung fully jumps on Jimin and Yoongi stands back. 

"Jiminnie Hyung told me about Taemin. I hope you are okay"

"I am you Oaf. Now get off me" Jimin says with a laugh as Taehyung gets off him shamelessly and still remains clinging to him. Yoongi still stands back looking sheepish 

"I am sorry Jimin-ah. Hyung completely threw you to the wolves, I didn't realise you were sending me a look. I was so busy trying to deal with my own shit. Sorry, that was so selfish of me especially when you have always been there for me"

"It was selfish hyung" Jimin said with no anger in his voice. "But I understand, it seems like you have been going through a lot too"

Jimin untangles himself from Taehyung's arms and goes up to Yoongi. He hugs him and feels Taehyung also join their hug. The three of them stay like that for a bit as Jin watches them fondly. The three of them need this. It felt nice to put aside their troubles and just feel loved. 

They all let go and Jimin smiles at his brothers "I know a way you can make it up to me Hyung. Can you please help me with Taemin?"

Yoongi nods vehemently as they see Namjoon and their other two brothers walk up to them. 

"Before we go with Jimin's plan. I think we first need to address the elephant in the room. What do you mean all your relatives are dead Taehyungie?"

"Well I know Yoongi Hyung has been wondering about his roots. Hobi Hyung and I tried to find out about the remaining family but his father had a sister who had died along with her parents in a car accident. And our grandparents had died of old age so did my dad's parents and the only person I could find was a distant cousin who told me there was no inheritance for me to be after. It was the reason I have been avoiding Hyung. That and Seojoon thing."

"The Seojoon thing?" Hobi asked looking bewildered. 

"Taehyung Hyung is dating Seojoon who doesn't acknowledge him in public. Jimin Hyung wants to marry Taemin and just had a moment of insecurity. Yoongi Hyung brought Appa's Hyung to the party because he thought that he was related to him but turns out he is a fake. Honestly Hobi Hyung! Keep up." Jungkook says shaking his head which makes all of them crack into a smile including Hobi who smacks Jungkook on the head. 

"When you put it like that it all seems so silly" Taehyung says sheepishly. Yoongi and Jimin seem to agree as well as they nod along. 

"Sorry we spoilt your Christmas party Appa" Yoongi says bowing. Jimin and Taehyung immediately bow along with him. 

"Don't be silly. I only care whether you guys are okay. I don't care about anyone else in that house" Jin says patting all his sons heads. He looks at Namjoon and smiles before turning around to his family. "
Now let's go and kick my brother's ass. Let's show him what happens when he messes with a Kim"

All of them look at each other mischievously and nod before they look at Jin who is the most devious of them all. Namjoon doesn't even hesitate when he asks "What is the plan Hyung?"

"Let's make that man pay"

Yoongi feels angry as he sits in the car with Taehyung. They are on the way to get Taemin, they were all rallying together. It's what the Kims did in times of crisis and when they needed each other. They did it for Jungkook when he was bullied and when Namjoon was feeling low, it's what they did best. 

"I am sorry I ignored you Hyung, I just didn't know how to tell you about Seojoon. Or about the whole family thing. I know you wonder a lot about your roots and I didn't want to shatter your dreams but I see now that must have seemed like"

Yoongi hums a bit. He is thinking and Taehyung is used to it so they drive in silence. Yoongi can't believe the amount of revelations he has had in the span of three hours. But the one that made the least sense to him was glaringly obvious, he almost can't help himself as it comes out. 

"Wooshik makes so more sense. He looks at you, the way Jimin looks at Taemin."

Taehyung didn't expect that, he thinks about it. Wooshik has always been there for him even when it wasn't favorable for him. He accepted Taehyung's affection without a thought and wasn't afraid to show that he loved Taehyung. But Taehyung's heart loved Seojoon but he needed to know if he was going to go the distance. 

"You deserve to be loved in the open Taehyung. You are from a family of people who risked everything for the people they loved. I know we all make fun of you for it but it's no wonder you believe in perfect love stories. You deserve one, it's not Seojoon's fault that he can't be open but you don't deserve someone who isn't ready to love you the way you want to be. There is no shame in wanting to be loved."

Taehyung is speechless, he doesn't know what to say. He knows Yoongi is probably right, his Appa's words echoes in his head. "Choose your happiness"

He takes his phone, and texts Seojoon before the car pulls up at Taemin's place. 

"We are good Taehyungie. I just want you to be happy and I want us to always have our bond. Even if you don't want to face me next time, give me a heads up."

Taehyung nods as they both fist bump and get out of the car. As they get out Yoongi turns around to Taehyung. "One more thing before we go. My whole problem and Jimin's taught me that because of us being adoptive kids. We associate pain with love, we sometimes think that we have to go through pain to get the love we deserve. That's what I tried to do with the "aunt", that's what Jimin is worried with Taemin and that's why you seek out Seojoon even though everything about Wooshik makes more sense"

Both Yoongi and Taehyung take a step back as Yoongi's words hit them. Yoongi didn't know where he was going with that speech but for once it made so much sense. He was always striving for love in exchange for something. He thought his family didn't love him anymore because they didn't need him as much. But they supported him in their own ways that were subtle and instead of telling them he needed them to be more outright. He assumed they were done with him because he wasn't constantly doing something for them. 

Taehyung was processing his own life. Yoongi was right, Wooshik had never been ashamed to love Taehyung openly. Wooshik who always complimented Taehyung openly even when people called them gay. Wooshik who always knew Taehyung's emotions and worried about him openly. Wooshik who was gentle and soft, who loved his siblings and who would never drop his hand. 

"What are you two doing in my parent's backyard?" chimed in Taemin's voice breaking both of them from their revelations. They both looked at him, if they thought they looked rough, Taemin looked 10 times worse. Yoongi never thought that was possible, his best friend was always well dressed and looked his best. It was one of things that Yoongi had admired about him. But clearly this had taken a toll on him. 

"We have come to win you back?" Taehyung questioned. Even to him, it sounded lame. But to be fair to him they had all been a stressful night.  

"He couldn't come himself" Taemin says quietly. He's not looking at Taehyung but instead directs his question to Yoongi. Yoongi had never been the one to sugar coat things so Taemin wants him to tell him the  truth. He thinks Jimin is breaking up with him. 

Yoongi walks up to Taemin and holds him by the shoulders and looks him straight in the eyes. 

"We are just the usher squad. We aren't going to do the talking"

"Yoongi-yah. I love your brother but you are my best friend. Tell me you are not setting me up for having my heart broken"

Yoongi takes a moment. He loves Jimin but Taemin is one of his best friends. It's always been a point for contention for him. He always hated that he would have to choose but in this moment, he realizes it's never a choice between them. The goal is the same and that is their happiness and it's so clear that they are the happiest with each other 

"Have I ever steered you wrong?"

"Yes. I blame most of my underage drunk moments on you. Atleast to my parents" Taemin says all huffy which makes Yoongi laugh. 

"I hate to break up the bro fest but we have to go Hyung" Taehyung yells pouting as he checks his phone. Yoongi rolls his eyes at his younger brother ever the brat. 

"Jimin loves you Taemin. I am sure of that, just give him a chance. If he fucks this up, I will punch him myself."

Taemin looks Yoongi dead in the eye waiting for Yoongi to flinch. But Yoongi who is known to be horrible at eye contact looks him dead in the eye. Taemin sighs as Taehyung whoops because he sees the moment that Taemin gives in. 

"Fine. But if you let my heart be broken and punch the love of my life. We will have words."

Yoongi smiles as they all pile into Namjoon's car. They head back home, all with their hearts beating loudly. They could all feel that their lives were going to change. 

Chapter Text

Jin was usually not the confrontational type. He would put you in your place with a quick joke but never outright tell you off. Jin didn't like making people feel small especially since he hated how his family did it to him. He never wanted anyone to feel small like he did but his brother had crossed a line. Because if he had messed with Jin, Jin would have maybe let it go but he messed with his son and that was not okay. 

So Jin had the perfect plan. It was slightly worrying how the evil twinkle reflected in all their eyes. They were his kids after all...

Jimin was scared. He had never been scared to see Taemin. He has been nervous when they were boys with crushes, flustered even sometimes but scared was an emotion he didn't know how to handle in respect with Taemin. He was standing near the garage waiting for them to come back, it was really cold. He was freezing so much he couldn't feel his cheeks but he didn't want to miss Taemin. As Yoongi's car pulls up, Jimin's stomach drops. This was it, the moment he was building up for about an hour now. 

Taemin walks out of the car first. He looks right at Jimin, the whole world stills for Jimin. Taemin looks like a wreck, his shirt was crushed and his tie was undone. His hair was messed up and all his make up was gone. It was a stark difference to the put together Taemin that had been kneeling in front of him. He immediately looks down when he realizes it's Jimin and it kind of breaks Jimin's heart because he continues to kept staring at Taemin. For a second, his eyes find Taehyung who offers him an encouraging smile and a thumbs up. He looks at his older brother who seems to be more serious, it's almost like he is looking more at Taemin than Jimin. But Taehyung elbows him, after glaring at Taehyung, he takes out his phone and types something furiously. Jimin doesn't need to hear his phone to know that Yoongi had sent him a message and he takes it out as the three walk towards him. 

Cathyung: He is fragile. Treat him with care!! Fighting! 

Jimin looks back at Taemin who is still looking at the floor but stops in front of him while Jimin's brothers walk towards the house. Jimin waits for them to go inside before he speaks, Taemin stills and seems to think of what to say but the words keep dying in his throat. 

"I am glad you survived the trip in Hyung's old car. The fact that it still is running is the biggest mystery of life"

Taemin looks up at Jimin with a partial smile. The air around them feels less thick and Jimin takes this opportunity to take Taemin's hand and squeeze it. Taemin looks at their hands and he interlocks their fingers. 

"Don't break my heart Jimin." He says softly. Jimin lifts their hands and kisses his. As he closes his eyes and promises into the air. "I am not going to"

Jimin leads Taemin to the backyard with all the Christmas decorations. It's so beautiful, Jin had done a good job, it looked like winter wonderland. It was the perfect moment to ask Taemin to marry him. But Jimin knew things don't fix themselves overnight and the most important thing is that he hurt Taemin. He leads him to their bench, as they sit on it under the twinkling lights. Jimin turns to Taemin and takes a deep breathe and addresses his fear. 

"Taemin I love you. I need you to know that before I continue. I want to marry you but before we make that decision. I want to be better and I want to work on myself"

"Is this your speech? "It's me, not you" Taemin says with a smirk. Jimin feels relief, there is no anger in his voice. He seems to be trying so Jimin takes that as a good sign. 

"It is me hyung. I love you with all my heart. But I have abandonment issues because the child in me never felt enough. First, my  actual parents didn't want me and then my adoptive parents kept trying to expand the family. So I always felt like I am not enough"

"You are enough for me Jimin. You are all I want" Taemin says as he pecks Jimin's lips. Jimin smiles as he caresses Taemin's cheek. 

"I know that but I need to be in more stable place before we can move on to marriage. I want to be with you but I am not selfish enough to hold you back. If you want to break up then I don't mind but I hate how I humiliated you. I just was scared. I didn't want you to regret it. I know it makes no sense but it's my insecurity and I didn't want to lose you"

Taemin seems quiet at first but he holds Jimin's hand and squeezes it in encouragement before he says "More than embarrassed I was hurt Jimin. But now I see how maybe I should have done it privately and listened to what you said. We both made mistakes Jimminie but I don't want to lose you too"

Jimin suddenly looks up to see the first few specks of snow. Under the lights and light snow, Taemin looks beautiful  and Jimin can't help but lean in. As they kiss, everything feels like it's back to normal and there is magic back in the world. 

Taemin breaks the kiss, "We are going to do this one day at a time. But this time, the ball is in your court. I need to be wined and dined and have the most beautiful proposal a guy could have"

Jimin laughs again as he pecks Taemin's lips one more time. 

"I deserve it especially after the last proposal I had" Taemin says as he kisses Jimin who nods. They spend a long time on the bench. It's one of the best nights Jimin ever has that is until the day he proposes to Taemin, two years later. 

Taehyung walks in with Yoongi all ready to execute the plan. He feels like he is in a slow motion action film shot where they film the heroes walk in as they are about to fuck the bad guys up. But instead of bad guys, he is greeted by his boyfriend. 

Seojoon walks up to Yoongi and Taehyung, he sorts of bows to Yoongi who shoots Taehyung a meaningful look before walking over to Jungkook and Namjoon who were waiting for him on the other side. 

"Hi" Taehyung says not sure what to expect. 

"Hey. I saw your text about what your family is going to do to your dad's hyung. Good luck with that"

Taehyung feels a smidge of disappointment but he doesn't say much.  He nods as he starts to walked towards his family. As he walks away, he feels Seojoon's hand stops him. He immediately drops his hand once Taehyung turns around and Seojoon nervously looks around. It annoys Taehyung how nervous he looks about being caught. The crowd had mostly dispersed saved for the Kim's inner circle and some of the parents who were finally tipsy and had an excuse to act like horny teenagers on the dance floor. The Kim's son having a gay boyfriend is the least of their problems, it's ridiculous that they would even care considering their hosts were a gay couple but details. 

Taehyung's inner angry monologue must be displayed on his face because Seojoon raises his eyebrows at him before he asks him what he had held him back for. 

"Did you tell your Hyung that you are dating me?" 

Taehyung looks at him with disbelief. He had texted him about Jimin, Yoongi and his dad. He didn't even think to ask about any of them. 

"Don't worry. I told him we are nothing"

"Good. I wouldn't want him to have the wrong idea"

Something inside Taehyung snaps. He can't be the sad 17year old boy running behind Seojoon for affection anymore. He wouldn't be that, Seojoon needed to go on his self-discovery journey alone and Taehyung wasn't about to hold his hand through it. 

"What is the wrong idea? That we could be boyfriends?"

Seojoon looked around immediately before looking back at Taehyung again. "Could you not be so loud? Not all of us have parents who accept us and turned us into someone who thinks being a queer is good and something to be proud of"

"I am queer and happy. If you don't want to be with me, that's fine. But don't be a homophobe you dick" 

Taehyung didn't care that his voice was louder and probably calling for attention. He couldn't believe he didn't call this man out before.

"You weren't queer when you were kissing me a man?" Taehyung asked as he realizes his siblings and friends were slowly approaching them to see what the problem was. 

"You made it up all in your head. I will never like you like that"

His words pierce through Taehyung's heart. He hears the collective uproar around him but he can't believe he tried to be with this man. How did he not see how quickly he could change when his position was threatened because Taehyung would never be Seojoon's priority because it will always be himself. 

"How dare you talk to him like that" Jungkook's angry voice comes through Taehyung's thoughts. 

"I think you should leave" Yoongi's calm angry voice  is another voice Taehyung can single out. He turns to glare at Seojoon. 

"I made it up in my head? I made up the guy who sent me roses the entire semester to get back with me? I made up the guy who tried to have sex with me in my brother's room? I made up the guy who tried to kiss me again in the kitchen?" Taehyung bites back this time with more venom. 

Seojoon is speechless but he still can't let it go. He has to protect his ego after all. 

"I just was having a wild phase. I wanted to get it out of my system. And you were always an eager puppy ready to please me so it was easy to get you to do whatever I wanted."

Before Taehyung could give him a piece of his mind and kick him in the balls. Wooshik stepped in, "Seojoon. You are a cunt, Taehyung is beautiful and warm. He loved you and I am so sad that you will never be able to experience the Kim Taehyung love experience. As someone who has experienced 10 percent of it. It is magical and I would be honored to be called his boyfriend. Now please get out"

"You are turning on me because you all want to be associated with the celebrities"

"Leave Seojoon before I make you" says Hoseok sunny voice. But the threat is very apparent, all of them had been to school with Hoseok and all of them knew about his dark side. So it's no surprise that Seojoon turns around and marches out not before he flips Wooshik off. Jungkook immediately wraps his arms around Taehyung protectively before everyone around is fussing over him to make sure he is okay. 

The door opens again and they all look up in attack mode expecting Seojoon again. But instead it's a giggling Jimin and Taemin. Taemin and Jimin clearly have matching hickeys and a lovesick look on their face that makes everyone hate them. But it makes Taehyung smile as he goes up to them and hugs them. 

Jungkook clears his throat. "As much as I have questions, and I don't want  to break up this moment but I think Appa needs us. I am glad to have you back Taemin Hyung. The few hours you weren't here, Jimin Hyung was a nightmare to deal with"

Jimin smiles, not being triggered by Jungkook's banter for once since the day started. Yoongi high fives Taemin and they all walk to the kitchen where Jin and Namjoon are waiting. 

"We brought some recruits" Hobi says pointing to Becky, Mingyu, Wooshik, Taemin and some of their other friends who joined them. Jin smiles evilly as he explains the plan to them. 

"Where are they?" Yoongi asks about his  uncle and his fake aunt who had finally joined the party.  

"They are in the ballroom where a lot of the parents are "getting their freak on" Jungkook helpfully supplies as the whole group physically shudders at the implication. 

"Adults are allowed to have a sex life. I think it's a good thing you parents are-" Namjoon starts to justify as Hobi cuts him off. 

"Okay Dad. Plan time, everyone hands in the middle." Everyone puts their hands on top of each other and raise their hands in the air as Hobi finishes the chant " 1! 2! 3! Fighting! let's do this shit" 

As they all are hyped up and leave. Taehyung takes the opportunity to hold Wooshik back as everyone walks out. Not before Jimin throws a quick wink at Taehyung as he  walks out of the room and shuts the door giving both of them privacy. 

"I wanted to say thank you for being sweet and defending my honor" 

Wooshik smiled shyly. "Not that you needed me to defend you. If anything, I think I saved his face, you looked like you were going to tear him a new one"

Taehyung smiled too. Wooshik's energy was calm and Taehyung didn't feel insecure around it. He got on his tip toes and kissed Wooshik's cheek. 

"Still thank you" 

Before Wooshik could process, Taehyung shyly walks out of the door all giddy and happy. 

"

Chapter Text

Seokmin was the golden child. He was the child who had the grades. He was the child who married the woman he should. He was the one who stayed back and took care of their parents. He had the grandchildren who would carry on the Kim line. 

Yet, his younger brother who had done everything wrong according to his parent's standards was rich and famous. And from what he could tell from the tabloids and fan sites, he was happy. Yet Seokmin was stuck with a wife he didn't like and a snooty son. His parents were getting old and their demands grew. 

He was stuck with so much pressure and stress, every happy picture of his brother was a thorn to his side. He needed an escape that is when he met Minji. It was in the Cafe where he and his brother used to go as kids. She was a waitress and one day he had gone there for a coffee but after too many drinks he had poured his heart to her. After that they started seeing each other everyday and it became romantic. She never asked about his wife and he didn't leave his wife. 

And then one day, she came up with the perfect plan. She had been researching the Kims and found out that she was related to one of the kids. She was a distant cousin and she had heard enough through disapproving aunties to fake stories. Seokmin wanted to get Seokjin's money, he deserved it. After all, he was the golden son. 

The rest of plan fell so easily into place. It was almost poetic. There were very few PIs in Seoul that would work with foreigners. It was easy to bribe them to let them know if Yoongi hired them. After a year when Seokmin finally gave up hope. Yoongi hired the PI and it all fell into place. Minji was brilliant yet Seokmin couldn't wait to break up with her when this was all done. The plan was perfect, at the Christmas party, he was going to tell Jin the truth. And Jin being the loyal loving idiot he was would pay Seokmin to make sure that Yoongi never found out and that they would stop taking his money. 

It would set him up for life.

Jin scanned the party, there were a few people left other than his family and his children's significant others. There in the middle of the chaos of drunken parents making out stood his brother and his girlfriend. Not only was his brother extorting his son for money but he was also cheating. It made his blood boil and he just wanted to hit his brother square in the face. But he took a moment to calm himself, he couldn't let him win. 

He took a deep breathe and walked towards the kitchen. Maybe he wasn't up for doing this. He felt a hand around his waist. He leaned into Namjoon as Namjoon kissed his neck. 

"We can just kick him out and let the police deal with both of them. You don't have to do anything you don't want to" Namjoon's calming voice grounds Jin. 

"I need to do something. You know when the kids were growing up, I felt jealous of the kids. The bond they had and their inside jokes. I never got that with my brother. My parents sent me off to my Halemoni's because they didn't want me to distract him. "

Namjoon puts his chin on Jin's shoulder and hugs him tighter. Jin takes a deep breathe and carries on. 

"I just wanted him to be my brother. Through it all, I always hoped that it would change. When he first showed up at the door. I thought he had come to apologies and make it all better. But now I find out he was scamming my son."

"I am sorry love. You deserved a better brother" Namjoon said as he turns Jin towards and kisses him on his forehead. Jin lets him hug him as he grieves the family he never had. It filled Jin with anger. His brother was scamming his son. He looks up at Namjoon who seems confused at the anger in his eyes. 

"Let's get that bastard"

As they go back to the hall, they see Yoongi and Jungkook talking to Minji. Seokmin is all alone scanning the party as Minji's adorable son plays with Lisa, Jihyo and Becky who lead him out of the room. Jin would never involve someone's kid in his schemes unlike some people. 

Jin heads towards his brother. He feels Namjoon's arm on his and he smiles at his husband. 

"As much as I love your support. This is something I need to do by myself. "

"I knew you would say that but snap your fingers if you need me"

Jin nods as he walks towards his brother. His brother is shameless in his arrogance. Jin feels his judgmental eyes on him when he talked to Namjoon. Jin can't believe they share the same DNA. They looked alike but they were two sides of a coin. 

"Hyung." Jin said nodding. Seokmin nods back at him as he scans him up and down. 

"We both know what you want. There is no point beating around the bush. Name your price and leave my son alone"

"You never did beat around the bush. 30 million won every month to leave your son alone."

"Done"

Seokmin felt bitter. His brother didn't even have to think about that amount of money . He hated him so much. So he couldn't help the venom that spilled out of his mouth. 

"Must be nice to sit on your throne of sin. Just know that you and all those vermin you call family are going to hell"

Jin smiles as he speaks. His smile is almost maniac, it makes Seokmin scared. 

"Ah Hyung. That is so disappointing. I was just about to say how even though you are cheating piece of shit. I am glad Minji-ssi makes you happy"

"Please, I am only with her because she is a necessity for my plan"  

"Your plan?"

"Yes. The plan to get the money I deserve. You don't deserve any of this. So I am going to get what is rightfully mine."

"I can always not pay you and tell my son the truth" Jin challenged him. Jin really wanted to play cool but his brother seemed to know exactly what buttons to push. 

"I know you. You won't deny your son the thought that he has family. It was always your downfall. No matter how much something hurts you, you always dealt with it to make sure everyone was okay. That is why I win because I take what I want and don't care who I hurt"

"So what will you do with Minji-ssi after this?"

"Probably mess around with her a bit more and leave. The most important thing is to get the money and shut up Abeoji."

Jin felt bad for his brother. As the back and forth went on, he got what he needed for Jungkook and Yoongi who were with Minji who was currently listening to his brother word vomit about leaving her behind and taking all the money for himself. It was easy really, one of the perks of being a celebrities, the house was filled with mics that were small enough to be hidden. It was something the kids always used in their New Year plays. It was practically a no brainer. The plan was going so smoothly, it was almost disappointing. 

Jin didn't even have to do the bit where he fake wrote the check. Minji had already come and slapped Seokmin before running out. Seokmin didn't have any plan without Minji. It was clear as day, Yoongi ran after Minji. It was chaos as Namjoon joined Jin telling Seokmin off with Jungkook his little sidekick adding in comments when necessary. 

But Jin just felt empty. He had won but it finally hit him. He would never have a good relationship with his brother. 

"Stop. Just stop"

Namjoon and Jungkook turn to look at Jin who hadn't said anything till now. Seokmin looked up for the first time too since he was slapped by Minji. 

"I was a good brother. All I wanted was to be your brother. My whole life I spent trying to be your friend. And when you rejected me, I left without a fight. My whole life all I wanted to make sure you were comfortable and I hoped if I kept doing that one day you would accept me for who I am"

Jin feels his voice crack as he talks. Namjoon and Jungkook flank him on either side protectively. He smiles at them as he tries to collect his thoughts. He didn't want revenge anymore, he just wanted to tell his brother how much he had hurt him. He looks at Seokmin who had the decency to look ashamed. 

"But today I see that you are not worthy of being my brother. I may be a sinner for loving a man. But at least I am not cheating on my partner. Extorting my brother for money all for a sick notion that I deserve more than him because I lived a miserable life doing what my parents wanted."

Jin pauses and looks at Jungkook and Namjoon still protectively standing next to him and glaring at Seokmin. "I got my loving family and I am sorry for you Hyung that you will never experience healing and a loving family like I did. I always hoped you would but now that  I see you. I realized that it won't be a possibility.  I want you to leave my house and never ever come back or I will report you to the police."

Seokmin starts to walk away as he walks. Hobi who just walked through the door gives him a dirty look and Minji and Yoongi follow him. Minji doesn't even look at him but Yoongi stops him. 

"I really want to tell you to fuck off. For using Aunt Minji and for being mean to my Appa, his whole life. But mostly I feel so bad for you because as someone who has been Kim Seokjin's family. I am sorry for anyone who never had a chance at that. My Appa is loyal and loving, he always makes you feel seen and loved. It must be hard to not have someone like that in your corner"

"He spent the whole night making sure his kids were okay. Even though he was stressing through out the party because of you. He ran around putting his feelings away making sure Hyung, Taehyungie and I were okay" Jimin chimed in. "That is what having Kim Seokjin in your corner feels like. Just pure love and support with no hidden agendas. But I wouldn't expect you to understand"

Jin didn't even see him and Taehyung walk in. His eyes were filled with tears from Yoongi's little speech already but he swear Jimin's made his heart grow 10 sizes bigger.   

"I never knew how much Appa had been through. He always tries to make our problems seem light with his jokes and make all of us smile. So I feel sorry for you Seokmin-ssi, Appa would have been a great brother. You really missed out." Taehyung adds as he goes and hugs Jin. 

Seokmin seems to look remorseful for a minute. Jin looks around for a minute as he pulls Taehyung closer. He loved his little family so much and he honestly just felt sorry that his brother would never have this. 

"Anywayyy off with you. Don't let the door hit you on the way out" Hoseok says with a big smile as Seokmin walks away. Jin sees him go and realizes this might the last time that he saw his brother. It was also very apparent that he won't ever be part of his life. And Jin was okay with that as he looked around at his family. He was happy. 

"No fair. I didn't get to say anything badass to that jackass" Jungkook whined as Jimin flicked him on the head. 

"Jungkookie you are the baby. You just have to be cute" Jimin sang as Jungkook avoided Jimin's fingers trying to pull his cheeks. 

"Ugh. Taemin Hyung shouldn't have to make you all happy again" Jungkook said rolling his eyes but there was no bite to his words. Taehyung and Hobi laughed as they continued to squabble. Jin lets go of Taehyung as he walks towards Yoongi and Minji. 

Minji immediately bowed her head as he came closer. "I am sorry Jin-ssi. I thought you had done something to him. He didn't tell me that he had an issue with you being gay.He made it out like you had hurt his family. And I really loved him. I didn't mean to hurt you or Yoongi. And if you guys are okay with it, I would still like to be part of Yoongi's life."

"Aunt Minji and I talked. She apologized to me and said how I have been a son to her. She is going to return my money" Yoongi said with a neutral tone but Jin knew his son. He trusted Minji and for some reason, so did he.

"It's okay Minji-ssi I know how manipulative my brother can be. But just a warning, Yoongi is the forgiving one of us two"

Jin takes a bit of glee in how Minji's eyes widen in fear as he turns around. "Your Appa is scary"

Yoongi laughs as Jin walks away. He walks toward Namjoon who is smiling widely at him. As he reaches closer, Namjoon pulls him in and they started to slowly dance. 

Yoongi smiles as he sees all his siblings and their significant others also start to dance. A lot of their friends also get on the dance floor that they had cleared to give the family privacy. 

Minji looks at him, and asks sadly "Doesn't it bother you? That you are alone and they all have someone?"

"No. Because at the end of the day, I have them and now you. I will be alright" Yoongi realizes that he means it. He knows there will be times that he will miss calls, they may not answer messages but they will always be there for him. Maybe he will fall in love or maybe he won't but he will be alright. 

"We should dance Aunt Minji? Or do you only dance with people you scam" Yoongi jokes as Minji slaps his shoulder but nods. He pulls her into the dance circle with Hobi and Becky. Yoongi spends the rest of the night smiling and laughing. He was going to be okay. 

Jimin smiles as he sees his brothers goofing around. He feels arms snaking around his waist. He leans in as Taemin kisses his cheek. 

"I missed you"

"I missed you more" Jimin says as he turns around and kisses Taemin. I am going to marry this man someday he thinks as he kisses him again. Jimin knew he was the one and he didn't feel scared. But he was still going to take it one day at a time. So he pulls Taemin to their makeshift dance floor as they show everyone on the dance floor, why they were the dance majors. 

Taehyung walks out of the dance circle huffing and puffing. He forgot how dance crazy his family  was and he hadn't danced like this in a while. As he sat on the floor, he heard someone clear their throat and he looked up to see Yoongi. 

"I see you sneaked out too." Taehyung joked as his brother sat next to him. It reminded him of being younger. They would all sit at the corner and eating candy while watching the adults dance graciously and be so enamored by them. 

"I couldn't take it anymore. Aunt Minji on the other hand is loving it" 

Taehyung laughs as he sees Minji dance cautiously away from Jin before really busting it down with Becky and Lisa. As he laughed, Wooshik who was on the dance floor with Mingyu and Jungkook turned around. He smiled at him and waved and Taehyung shyly waves back. 

"See that! That makes so much more sense" Yoongi says. "Ugh I never liked Seojoon. You always look so quiet and sad around him. Wooshik makes you shine"

"We will have to see where it goes." Taehyung says as Yoongi produces a gummy bear packet out of thin air. 

"I have a feeling. It will work" Jungkook says from his side. Taehyung squeals as he didn't expect to have his brother right next to him. 

"Ooh scaredy cat much" Jungkook saying ducking as Taehyung tries to smack him. Yoongi laughs as he pushes the gummy bears towards Jungkook. 

"Hey losers" 

The three of them look up to see  Hobi and Jimin walk up to them. They all sat down and it felt just like they did when they were kids. Jimin grabbed the gummy bears from Jungkook as Hobi dropped down next to Yoongi. 

"Are we all talking about how perfect Wooshik is for Taehyung" Hobi asked as he almost knocks Yoongi over to get the gummy bears from Jimin. 

"Yes. He is what Taehyungie deserves" Jimin agrees as they all continue to joke around and make fun of Taehyung. Taehyung tunes them out and looks at Wooshik and he feels the little flutter. He would ask him out tomorrow but tonight was for his family. 

"Appa and Dad look so cute together" Jimin points out and all five of them turn to look at their parents in the middle of the makeshift dance floor as they slow dance to Whitney Houston belting away. 

Jin looks up at Namjoon and leans in. He kisses him and smiles. 

"What was that for?"

"For loving me. And for giving me this. You gave this lonely boy who searched for love his whole life. A life full of it and for that I will forever be grateful"

Namjoon smiles and kisses Jin. 

Despite all it's chaos, the night ends as it always does in the Kim household. Full of love.