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It was already 4 a.m. by the time Jeongguk found himself standing in front of a shady, back alley tattoo parlor, illuminated by soft, yellow lamps inside, and bright, neon purple signs on the outside.

"How do you know this place exists?" Jeongguk asked when the duo stood in front of the shop. He brought his hands close to his lips, rubbing them together as he blew over them.

Taehyung seemed to notice and draped his arm over his shoulder, pulling him close to his side. "I came here with Jin a few months ago. He's best buds with the main artist here."

"But both of you don't have any tattoos?" Jeongguk craned his neck to get a better look at his face.

"You sure about that?" Taehyung grinned, the skin around his nose crinkling. He tugged at the lobe of Jeongguk's ear. He yelped, scowling as he slapped his hand away.

"I've seen you in short sleeves," Jeongguk said, his fingers hooking over Taehyung's wrist.

"But you haven't seen my legs," He winked at him.

"Why would I see your legs? It's winter," His eyes narrowed at him.

"That's the point," Taehyung patted his shoulder. "You haven't seen my legs."

He sounded awfully ominous much to Jeongguk's own liking. Whatever it was that he was hiding, he wasn't really sure he wanted to know. He pushed Taehyung's arm off of him, lips crumpled into his trademark frown while Taehyung simply chuckled, the sound rumbling in his throat.

"C'mon," He grabbed him by the wrist with a toothy, rectangular smile. "Let's get matching ones."

"Matching ones?" Jeongguk stood his ground despite Taehyung tugging him forward. He raised an eyebrow at him, "Don't people say any relationship is automatically doomed once they get matching tattoos?"

"Well, we were already doomed from the start, Jeon," Taehyung said soberly.

At that, a part of his chest crumbled realizing that he was true. A tattoo curse would be the least of their worries.

"Fine," Jeongguk hesitantly gave in, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly. "But nothing big. I don't wanna freak out my funeral coroner with a massive asscheek tattoo, or something."

"Of course," Taehyung left his side to hold the door open for him. He grinned and gestured at the entrance. "We'll get small ones. Not on our asses. I have a plan."

"Wow. I don't get to choose my own tattoo?" He snickered softly, following him into the small studio. He surveyed the room, not at all surprised by the black and dark purple theme, and the fact that most of the tattoo tables were behind the cramped in an area behind reception desk.

"You can get another one if you want," Taehyung said. "Depends if you can take pain."

"I get poked with needles every other day," He muttered. "Pain is the least of my worries."

He tried to ignore the way Taehyung's smile faltered at his comment. Jeongguk averted his gaze straight ahead, knowing he didn't want to get into this conversation now. This was the last thing he wanted to think about. Of all things, he just wanted to think like a normal, idiotic kid... for once.

"Well, hello there!" Luckily, the silence between them didn't last for long when someone emerged from a back door situated at the far end of the studio.

The man was a tall, lanky individual with short, parted raven hair. He was wearing a tie-dyed blue shirt, black, ripped skinny jeans, and an assortment of silver jewelry on his fingers, ears, and a thin chain around his neck. Jeongguk's brows drew together, watching as he sat on the edge of the reception desk, and right between his thin fingers was a lit cigarette.

"Tae! And a friend! A different friend!" He mused, a puff of gray smoke slipping past his lips. "It's been a while. How's Wonnie doing?"

Wonnie? Was he talking about his girlfriend again? Jeongguk snuck a glance over at Taehyung, only to be taken aback at his stiff stance. He was standing straighter, the muscle beneath his cheek twitching as he carefully clenched his jaw. His arms were crossed over his chest, and the silly smile he wore was already faded from existence.

Right. That was his answer.

"Jeongguk, this is Kwon Seonghwan. He's the tattoo artist I was teling you about," Taehyung ignored him, and instead gave Jeongguk a rather bland introduction.

"S'nice to meet you Jeongguk-ah," Seonghwan grinned, holding a hand out. Jeongguk shook it, noticing all kinds of tattoos over his entire hand. It didn't stop there— it even went up to his arms. Both of them.

"Well, what brings you here?" He turned toward Taehyung instantly, his attention never really lasting on Jeongguk for more than a minute.

"We're getting tattoos. Together," Taehyung said, gesturing between Jeongguk and himself.

Seonghwan's eyebrows shot up, "Together? Wait, you broke it off with Haewon? Did you finally realize how much of a bitch—." Taehyung glared at him.

Coughing into his fist awkwardly, Seonghwan added, "I mean, she is a lovely, interesting girl. But you could honestly do better." Jeongguk frowned at that.

"Thanks for the input, but no, we didn't." He couldn't quite tell the tone of Taehyung's voice as if it didn't really belong to him. "Haewon and I are still together."

For some silly reason, there was a sharp pang in Jeongguk's chest when Taehyung said those words. He didn't really care that he was dating someone, but it was the way he said it that bothered him. The emptiness in his tone. The stoic indifference in his features upon saying her name.

Jeongguk didn't know what love was supposed to be like, but he wasn't that stupid.

However, he didn't say anything, and instead bit back his opinion down on his tongue. Not like it mattered anyway; it wasn't his place to judge or assume anything. Taehyung knew what he was doing. Right?

"Oh," Seonghwan took another drag. "Well good for her. Good for you."

Afterward, neither one of them said a thing, an uneven veil of silence settling over the trio. What was there even to say? Jeongguk shifted awkwardly on his feet, trying his best not to inhale too much second-hand smoke. Somebody had to change the subject; this was ridiculous.

"Can we just get started?" Jeongguk blurted out. Both men turned their heads in his direction, and as much as his brain wanted to dwell on their mixed expressions, time was being wasted.

"You do know that you're wasting my time, right?"He crossed his arms over his chest, squaring his shoulders. Seonghwan's eyebrows arched, shocked.

"Tae, you really have a thing for straightforward people, huh?" Seonghwan turned to Taehyung and whistled. Jeongguk rolled his eyes, but a part of him eased watching that familiar smile snake onto his lips.

"Shut up," Taehyung walked toward him and playfully shoved Seonghwan, earning a laugh from him. The tension was easing somewhat, but at least it wasn't as horrible as it was earlier. "C'mon, you heard him."

"Aye aye cap'," Seonghwan saluted at him before crushing his cigarette on a nearby dish. He stood to his feet and gestured them to follow him to the chairs. Jeongguk glanced over at Taehyung who wasn't moving, but before he could question him, he reached over and took his wrist.

"I promise you'll like my idea," Taehyung tugged him close and leaned in, his mouth dangerously close to his ear. Jeongguk froze. "If you hate it, you don't have to get it."

"Well, you gotta tell me what it is first," Jeongguk grumbled, leaning away from him just to be met with a cheeky smile, trying his best to ignore the way his heart began to stumble in his chest.

"I'll explain when we get to the chairs." And with that, he joined his side and followed him to where Seonghwan was setting up his equipment.

"So, tell me. What do you both want?" Seonghwan fixed his gloves. Jeongguk's eyes nearly splayed wide at the array of tools Seonghwan needed, from the black ink to the tattoo needle that glimmered beneath the faint yellow lamp light.

"It's a simple thing," Taehyung said. He suddenly took Jeongguk's hand, and depsite his grumbled protests, Jeongguk's heart sank when he aligned their hands by the side of their index fingers.

"Could you draw a circle? Each of us get a half so when we put it together, it'll be complete," He grinned, unware of how such a simple touch has Jeongguk's tongue melting into putty inside of his mouth.

"That's it?" Seonghwan genuinely looked surprised when Taehyung explained it to him. "Well then, that's not too hard." He scratched the gruff on his chin.

"It better not be," Taehyung shot back. "You up for the challenge?"

"Shut up," He snorted it and proceeded to do what Taehyung asked. Jeongguk watched intently as he effortlessly prepared the stencil and began to apply it to Taehyung's finger.

"This your first tattoo, Jeongguk?" He whipped his head up to look at Seonghwan, though he was already busy working on Taehyung's finger.

"Yeah, it is," Jeongguk said, words nearly being overshadowed by the buzz of the tattoo gun. He didn't know what to really expect from this guy, but seeing that he knew nothing about him, he didn't have to be so defensive. He could relax, like how a normal person would be.

"Really? Has Tae over here showed you his? They're dope as fuck," Seonghwan smirked.

"They're on his legs right?" He could hear Taehyung scoff lightly beside him, though there was no malice in the gentle sound that escaped past his lips.

"They are," Taehyung answered for him. "I got stick and pokes, and a couple of other tattoos. They're mostly doodles though."

"All over your leg?" He raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yep," Taehyung nodded, not at all flinching when the needle met his finger. Impressive. "Some on my right thigh, some on my left. I think I tattooed a dumb quote on my knee. Might have a few on my calf."

"You should show me sometime," Jeongguk let out before he could stop himself. His face paled when he realized what he said, but one assuring look from Taehyung simmered the panic bubbling in his throat.

"Maybe," Taehyung said, his eyes never once leaving him. "If you'd want." He teased, his words making his stomach flutter.

"Done," Seonghwan declared. Not realizing they were staring at each other for way longer than necessary, Jeongguk awkwardly shifted his attention back to Taehyung's hand, his cheeks now warm.

"C'mere Jeongguk," He gestured for his hand. After replacing his tools and gloves for another sterile set, he applied the stencil, some cream, and went ahead on tattooing the design.

Jeongguk hissed a little when the needle dug into his skin. It stung, badly, but he bit down roughly on his bottom lip, trying not to flinch at the fact the needle was digging around his bone. He could feel Taehyung's intense gaze burning holes at the side of his face, leaving him a sweating mess beneath the artificial lamp light.

"Sorry 'bout that," Seonghwan murmured, digging the needle back into his finger. "Hurts more around the bone area. Just a heads up."

"I think it's a little too late for a heads up," Jeongguk forced out between gritted teeth. He winced again, inhaling sharply when Seonghwan went over the design again.

"Can you make it hurt less?" Taehyung muttered underneath his breath, loud enough for them to hear but soft enough to make Jeongguk's heart to melt.

Both Jeongguk and Seonghwan snapped their attention toward to where he sat. He was propped upright on the chair, slouching a little as his arms were crossed over his broad chest. He raised an eyebrow at the both of them, the frown he wore prominent.

"What?" Taehyung asked. "I asked a question."

Seonghwan scoffed lightly, "What a dumb ass question."

"And that was a dumb ass answer," He retorted. "I'm just asking you to go easy on him. Don't stress his body out. Do you see how bad he's sweating?"

Jeongguk didn't realize it either until Taehyung pointed it out. He was drenched. In sweat. His fringe was grossly plastered all over his forehead with a cool, sticky liquid that trickled down the nape of his neck. His shirt clung to his ribcage, the material soaked. This wasn't normal.

"God, you look like you're dying."

Jeongguk flinched in his seat, breath hitching in his throat as his eyes squeezed shut. He swallowed dryly, struggling to get a proper grip on his ability to breathe. He was okay. He was fine. He could count the steady pace of his heart. All that was wrong was that his body was overworking. Overheating.

He was okay. He was fine. He just needed to get through this. There was no way he was going to stop all because he couldn't handle getting a small, ridiculous tattoo. That was stupid. Unfair.

"Jeon, we can take a small break," Taehyung leaned toward him, reaching a hand out but he was quick

to slap his hand away.

"No," Jeongguk cleared his throat. "I'm fine."

"You sure?" He tried to block out the concern in Taehyung's voice. He could do this. Just a little more time.

"I'm sure," Jeongguk nodded and jutted his chin at Seonghwan, urging him to continue. Luckily, he didn't say anything and continued to finish touching up the tattoo.

It wasn't too long until it was over, and when it was, Jeongguk shrugged off his thick jacket and handed it to Taehyung. He swiped at the back of his neck, his forehead, his face, all of which were soaked with sweat. Gross. He made a disgusted face when he glanced down at his palm, covered in a sheen of perspiration.

"You alright?" Seonghwan said as Taehyung went to the back, mentioning something about getting water from the back room.

"I'm fine," Jeongguk said, ruffling his hair, hoping it didn't look too bad. "I just feel hot."

"Maybe it's a fever. They're pesky little bitches during the winter," He shrugged, leading Jeongguk back to the front reception area. He kept a decent distance between them, but he couldn't ignore how he stared at him warily, like he might collapse.

"I hope it isn't," Jeongguk grumbled. It better not be, he thought to himself.

"Well, if you ever want another, come by. I'll hook you up with some free ink since Taehyung seems to favor you a lot," Seonghwan winked at him. They stopped by the entrance. Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at him.

"What do you mean by favor?" He asked.

Seonghwan let out a hearty chuckle, "He never gets tattoos with people. Tae doesn't believe in the couples taboo shit so him even considering to get one with you means something."

"But didn't he bring Haewon here?" At that, he watched the tattoo artist snicker. Seonghwan shook his head, walking behind his desk to fish out a pack of cigarettes.

"He does sometimes but never for that. I only know her well 'cuz she's quite the popular one at Jin's parties," Seonghwan snatched a cigarette and a lighter. He held the stick close to his lips, glancing over at Jeongguk with a smile.

"You know what? You're a special guy. Haewon's a bitch, but you? You look nice."

"Thank you?" Jeongguk made a face, one that made Seonghwan crack up with throaty laughter.

"No problem. I hope you stay around for a while, Jeongguk. Tae needs something good in his life for once." He lit up the end of his cigarette, dropped the lighter on the desk, and took a long inhale.

That again? It reminded him of what Namjoon said a few weeks ago. Jeongguk said nothing, or well, more like he couldn't say anything else since Taehyung returned from the back room with a water bottle in hand.

"Let's get going, alright?" Taehyung handed him the ice-cold bottle. Jeongguk thanked him quietly and nearly chugged the entire thing in one go.

"Thanks for the tattoos," He waved at Seonghwan, his other hand finding purchase on the small dip of Jeongguk's back. He almost choked on his water, but luckily he was able to keep it down.

"No problem. Come by again some other time. Most preferably not at 4 in the morning." Seonghwan smirked.

"As if you fucking sleep in the first place," Taehyung rolled his eyes, still not moving his goddamn hand.

"Right. Well, take it easy. If Haewon bitches about again, my advice from earlier still stands."

Maybe it was the drop in Seonghwan's pitch that made Jeongguk shift a little in his stance. Maybe it was the scowl on Taehyung's features, the muscle jumping on his jaw, and the way he dug his fingers into the material of Jeongguk's thin shirt that made him more curious about the girlfriend everyone seemed to hate.

Curiosity was a bitch, so he didn't pursue it any further, but even so, he knew he wouldn't forget Seonghwan words. Whoever she was, she wasn't good. At least he could come to that conlusion with a little more confidence this time around.

But he couldn't dwell on the thought as they exchanged a few more brief goodbyes. Soon enough, Taehyung and Jeongguk returned to their car. This time, Taehyung was driving, insisting that he needed to take a rest.

"We should head back," Taehyung said after he finished the last of the waterbottle's contents.

Jeongguk snorted, "Uh? No? We still have time. It's almost five in the morning. It's fine."

"You're sweating and overheating," Taehyung's brows drew together, a crease forming on the skin between them. "I think you should sleep."

"No," Jeongguk said again, this time with more firmness. "We should go somewhere else."

He knew Taehyung was right, but this, this was the only chance he had to do this. Both of them didn't have to exchange a single word to know what this meant, what this looked like for the future. What happened in the shop wasn't an accident or some lighthearted coincidence.

His body was going to give up. The adrenaline he was feeling right now, the thrum of his heart, and the naive sting on his cheeks— all of that would be packed away later in hospice where his future was a machine, a hospital bed, and a morphine drip.

One day, all of these feelings, the electricity when Taehyung touched him, the smile on his face that he rarely got to experience, and the genuine laughter, would be gone. Soon. And soon was not a merciful word. There was nothing merciful about the future.

This was the beginning of an end, and Jeongguk didn't want to turn the page just yet. How could he when the beginning was slowly becoming his favorite part?

"I want to stay out just a little while longer," He whispered, begging Taehyung silently once their gazes interlocked. "Please."

Taehyung pressed his own lips together into a tight line. He rubbed a hand over his jaw, exhaling unevenly. "Jeongguk." His voice drifted.

"Please," Jeongguk croaked out, "Plus I still have something to ask you. You promised that if I tell you something, you'll tell me something."