3 I thought I was alone, but I've learned that we are seven

The rest of the day passes by a lot more quickly than Jungkook expects it to.

He naps a little bit more, held close by Taehyung. He really couldn't put his finger on exactly what it is about Taehyung that makes him feel so comfortable, but there's just something about him- his touch, his voice, his scent, maybe- that evokes a feeling of trust. Jungkook wants to trust, and lets himself try by allowing Taehyung to be close.

When Namjoon offers, he takes another advil, wanting to keep his headache at bay. Together they finish up the rest of the leftovers from breakfast for their lunch as they get caught up on Taehyung's anime. Or, well, Taehyung watches and Namjoon talks, easing Jungkook in by telling him about himself and the other boys who live here.

Jungkook learns that Namjoon works at the convenience store, but he also raps underground as often as he can. Yoongi does, too- the only one that Jungkook hasn't met yet- and Namjoon is so passionate about his music that Jungkook can feel it radiating off him when he talks about it. The way that he speaks, so thoughtfully and intelligently, Jungkook can imagine that he'd spit fire on stage. He hopes that maybe he can see them perform, someday.

Seokjin stops by during his lunch break and checks on Jungkook. He removes the bandage on his forehead and examines his stitches, seemingly pleased with how they're holding up. Jungkook's heart aches in an unfamiliar way when they tend to him carefully like this, when they look at him so happily when he smiles, and with concerned glances when he seems in pain.

He can't figure out why they care, but for some reason… they do.

Jungkook learns a lot about them, but thankfully they don't ask him very many questions about himself. He answers, vaguely, the ones that he can- that he's from Busan. That he's eighteen, and a fresh graduate. That he likes art, and music. They seem genuinely interested in hearing what he has to say. Jungkook's always been more of an introvert, so he's surprised at how good it feels to talk- how good it feels to have people listen and be interested in what he has to say.

Taehyung keeps his arm slung around Jungkook's shoulders throughout the entire afternoon and the touch isn't unwelcome once Jungkook gets used to it. Jungkook had all but forgotten how it felt to be touched like this, how it felt to be held carefully, like he's something precious and important. Jungkook had forgotten how much he used to like skinship with his friends, before he'd isolated himself away from them.

This is nice, and he wants to fall back into the touch, but he forces himself to stop. He can't open up completely, can't let down that last wall built up high around his heart. Jungkook has to remind himself that he's intruding, here. Whatever they have… he's not a part of it. They're going to ask him to leave sooner or later.

It's early in the evening when the front door swings open and the apartment fills with more life. Jimin and Hoseok bound in, all smiles and sweat and positive energy, dressed in baggy workout gear. Hoseok is laughing with Jimin half hanging over his shoulder and they brighten as they look over and see Jungkook still there.

"Good practice?" Taehyung asks when Hoseok walks over, touches Namjoon's shoulder as he goes, then ruffles Taehyung's hair. The affectionate touches are so subtle Jungkook would miss them if he weren't watching so carefully, but he can't help but notice the way that Taehyung lights up under Hoseok's gaze.

"It was great! Jimin was on fire today, guys. I couldn't believe it. Everyone was so impressed." Hoseok grins proudly and Jimin blushes when everyone looks over at him, hiding his face.

"Don't be shy, you're doing great, Jiminie. Be proud of yourself," Namjoon says and nudges Jimin playfully. Jimin nods, his smile growing before he heads off to the bathroom to wash off all the sweat he'd worked up from dance practice.

"Did you eat?" Hoseok asks and flops down on top of Taehyung, who grunts under the weight, but doesn't push him off.

"No," Namjoon shakes his head, "Seokjin-hyung said he'll bring home food for us."

"Really?" Taehyung brightens, wraps his arms around Hoseok's waist and squeezes until Hoseok's laughing and complaining about being squished. "Awesome! Kookie, dude, hyung makes the best, well, everything. If he's bringing back restaurant food prepare to stuff yourself." He grins happily and Jungkook nods- food sounds pretty good right about now.

He can enjoy this until after dinner, then. He shouldn't ask for more, or expect more- they haven't offered anything. He tries to remember that, but it's hard when he's surrounded by them.

Jimin returns a few moments later, fresh-faced and a little damp from his shower, moving to the kitchen to get some water. Jungkook finds himself drawn into conversation by the three on the couch, listening as they share stories and jokes like old friends.

The front door swings open again and interrupts their conversation. Jungkook's facing away from the door but he sees Hoseok and Taehyung's faces light up when they catch sight of who's just walked in.

"Yoongi-hyung!" Taehyung calls and Jungkook's stomach flips with nervous energy. His memory from this morning is a little fuzzy, but what he does remember is Yoongi not being happy with his being here.

We really don't need... this, Yoongi's voice echoes in Jungkook's head. His anxiety spikes, pricking at his skin uncomfortably. The others fall into chatter, and finally, Jungkook turns around nervously.

He isn't quite sure what he was expecting Yoongi to look like, but this really isn't it.

He turns just in time to see Yoongi release Jimin from a hug. They're about the same height and build, and although Yoongi might be a bit smaller, his presence already feels bigger. Yoongi's blonde hair is pushed back by a red headband, hints of dark roots showing. There's a bit of a tattoo showing above the collar of Yoongi's shirt but with his thick hoodie Jungkook can't really see much. He looks at Jimin softly and ruffles his hair before he steps fully into the living room.

That's exactly how Yoongi looks- soft, as he puts his hand on Namjoon's shoulder and squeezes. Jungkook notices the butterfly tattoo on the top of Yoongi's hand as he lets it lie there for a moment before he pulls away.

Yoongi visibly tenses a bit when he notices Jungkook sitting next to Namjoon, but relaxes when he sees Taehyung's hand on Jungkook's shoulder, calming him with relaxing touches. When did that happen? Did he notice Jungkook's anxiety? Taehyung might seem oblivious, but Jungkook can already see how in-tune he is to those around him.

"Hey," Yoongi says, and Jungkook gathers up his courage to meet his gaze. Yoongi holds it strong, but Jungkook doesn't see anything negative in it, which is encouraging. "I'm Yoongi."

"Um," Jungkook smiles a little, surprised at the soft welcome but happy, "Jungkook. My name, that is. Um. I'm Jungkook."

Hoseok laughs behind him and reaches out to touch Jungkook. His fingers squeeze the nape of Jungkook's neck reassuringly. The way that they touch each other is so casual, so easy and practiced; Jungkook thinks he might like to get used to this. Hoseok's fingers are really warm.

"It's okay, Kookie, Yoongi-hyung's not as scary as he looks," Hoseok says with a laugh. Yoongi shoots him a death glare and drops his bag down on the floor, but the action is softened when Yoongi ruffles Hoseok's hair as he walks by.

Taehyung laughs. "Hyung's bringing back food. He'll be here in an hour," he says, and Yoongi nods. He turns to head down the hallway, opens up the second door and steps inside his room.

Jungkook doesn't really get why until Namjoon explains, "I think he's gonna nap. He didn't really sleep much last night. He was really worried about you."

"What?" Jungkook mumbles, surprised. But Yoongi sounded like he wanted Jungkook gone-

"Yeah. We share a room so I heard him getting up a lot to check on you." Namjoon yawns and stretches his arms above his head casually.

Safe to say, Jungkook's surprised, but the conversation shifts again and it's all but forgotten. Taehyung shoots into a story from a few weeks ago when Hoseok got so drunk that he wouldn't stop clinging to them and telling them how much he loved them and how he cried when Yoongi pet his head and told him that they all loved him, too.

"This isn't fair, Tae! It's not my fault you're shameless and no stories will embarrass you!" Hoseok whines, covering his face with his hands. Namjoon's keeled over with laughter, and Jimin's laying on the floor, smile wide and bright.

"How about the time at that party Tae accidentally took a bunch of coke?" Namjoon offers, laughing. "I can't believe you thought it was sugar, Tae. The texture is completely different."

"It was one time! I was so drunk I couldn't feel my toes!" Taehyung whines.

"Yeah, and he puked it all up all over this guy's house." Hoseok grins at the memory, nudging Taehyung with his elbow. "We were so surprised, and like, it was everywhere- so disgusting, we didn't wanna clean that up- so Namjoonie just like, grabbed Tae and threw him over his shoulder and we all bolted like bats outta hell."

Jungkook flat-out laughs. "You just ran?" He looks over to Jimin, who nods through some laughter.

"Jiminie got like, twenty texts from the guy the next day complaining about how someone puked all over his floor. I guess everyone was too drunk to remember that it was Tae, but we still haven't been back since then," Hoseok laughs.

"You accidentally take a bunch of coke one time and nobody lets you live it down," Taehyung sighs. "I'll tell you I'm a lot more careful now when someone hands me a baggie filled with white powder."

"How often does that happen?" Namjoon asks between fits of laughter.

"Not very often, but I'll be ready if it does." Taehyung grins proudly and everyone else just rolls their eyes.

"Alright, I need a shower," Hoseok says, pulling himself off Taehyung and stretching. "We're also out of beer and it's Tae's turn to run."

Taehyung sighs and looks over to Namjoon. "Namjoon-hyungie-"

"Yeah, yeah, alright, I'll help you. Go get your jacket." Namjoon sighs as he stands up and searches around for his wallet. "Jiminie, wanna get Kook set up with Netflix? Show him where the passwords are?"

Jimin nods and sits himself up. Namjoon has to tear the room apart to find his wallet ("Hyung, why's it in the fridge?" Taehyung asks, which earns him a smack on the shoulder) and they set off for the convenience store around the corner for some beer. With Hoseok in the shower and just Jimin for company, Jungkook finds quiet settling around the two of them.

It's nice that Jimin doesn't make him talk. Jungkook likes him already - it's easy to be around him. He's all soft edges and warmth and Jungkook finds himself wanting to be near him.

He hadn't really realized until now, just how quiet Jimin is. He doesn't talk while he sets up his laptop, hooking it up to the television. He waves Jungkook down to sit next to him and shows him where they keep the password written down, along with their neighbours WiFi password. The computer itself doesn't have a password, and Jungkook can navigate from there to turn on Netflix. He scrolls through the options, and turns to Jimin.

"Any requests?" He asks, to which Jimin shakes his head no, so Jungkook picks something from the first page- a cartoon he's never seen before. He sits back up to settle onto the couch and Jimin sits next to him.

Jimin laughs while watching the show, thighs pressed against Jungkook's. Jungkook shifts away a little at first. He reminds himself that slow is okay. He just got used to Taehyung's arm around him, he can take his time getting used to this, too.

But nobody warned him about Jimin just being Jimin.

There's something comforting about his presence that's just so relaxing. The cartoon plays on the television, but other than that, all Jungkook can hear is the shower running in the background. Jimin laughs another time at the show, pointing to it, the corners of his eyes crinkling when he smiles.

Namjoon and Taehyung stumble back in at one point, arms full of beer in cases and paper bags. Jungkook moves to help them but Jimin taps his shoulder and shakes his head, motioning for him to stay seated, so he does. He watches them unload the beer, laughing and chatting as they pick which ones go into the fridge and which they store away in a cupboard to drink later. Jungkook feels another tap on his shoulder and Jimin is holding out a notebook to him.

Can you ask them if they got more ramen? The note reads, written in very neat writing. Jungkook looks at Jimin, confused, then flicks his attention to Namjoon and Taehyung.

"Um," Jungkook starts, hesitant, "did you get more ramen?"

"We did!" Taehyung answers. He pulls a few packets out of one of the paper bags and grins, holding it up for them to see. "Your favourite kind, too, Jiminie."

Jimin grins, pleased, and turns back to watching the cartoon. Jungkook sits and stares at him, clearly confused. Why didn't Jimin just ask himself?

Come to think of it, Jungkook realizes he hasn't heard Jimin talk. At all. Not even once. Tentatively, he reaches out to touch Jimin's arm.

"Um, hyung?" Jungkook says, fidgeting in his seat. Jimin looks over at him and tilts his head to show he's listening. "Why didn't… why don't you…?" He trails off, face flushed and feeling mighty stupid. He shouldn't ask this, right? It's probably personal, and definitely not his place. He looks down at his lap, sitting still until Jimin places his notebook back on top of Jungkook's hands.

'I don't talk,' it reads.

Jungkook looks at it, confused. He looks back up at Jimin, expression clouded with misunderstanding until Jimin takes his notebook back and writes another note underneath, writing this time a little messier and unsure.

'I'm mute,' it says.

Oh.

The puzzle pieces click together as understanding dawns across Jungkook's face.

Jungkook looks back up to see Jimin looking back at him, chewing on his lip anxiously. Jungkook recognizes that right away- he has the same nervous habit- and he wants to wipe that look off of Jimin's face, so he offers him a smile.

"Do you sign?" He asks softly. Jimin lets go of his lower lip and nods at him, relieved at how calmly Jungkook's taking this.

'So we can talk like this?' Jungkook signs. Admittedly his Korean Sign Language is pretty rusty- he hasn't used it much in the past few years- but it's still there, nestled just below the surface. He'd always liked doing it, and picked it up quickly when he learned as a kid. He looks up to see Jimin staring at him, eyes wide, completely shocked.

'You sign?' Jimin asks, and Jungkook can barely sign back a yes before Jimin lets out a squeak and jumps right on top of him, arms wrapped around him in a big, tight hug. Jungkook has an initial moment of panic where his arms fly up into the air uselessly and his heart pounds until he reminds myself- it's okay, it's Jimin, it's Jimin- and he slowly lets his hands rest on Jimin's shoulder blades. The panic returns when he can hear Jimin crying and feels tears on his shoulder, wet hiccups echoing through the living room.

"What's wrong?" Namjoon's at the couch in an instant, trailed by a worried-looking Taehyung. Even Yoongi's door has flown open and he's suddenly there, looking like he's ready to throw down. Jungkook sits there dumbly and pulls his hands off of Jimin, holding them up in the air like he's been caught doing something he shouldn't be.

But Jimin, he keeps his arms around Jungkook and laughs, loud and bright and beautiful. He sits up, still on top of Jungkook and everyone can see that he's crying happy tears. There's a collective sigh of relief in the room before Jimin dives back into the hug, tears warm and wet against Jungkook's neck.

"What happened?" Yoongi asks at last, reaching out to ruffle Jimin's hair. He's looking at Jungkook for an answer, who stumbles through his words.

"I, um- we were watching the show, and, um, he-he just," Jungkook starts but it's a lot, everyone's staring at him and waiting for an answer and Jimin's on top of him, hugging him like his life depends on it and he's way overwhelmed-

"Hey, stop. Take a breath, okay?" Yoongi's watching him carefully but he doesn't touch Jungkook. Thank god, because he's pretty sure he can't handle anything else with how tightly Jimin's holding on to him. "It's okay. Nobody's mad at you, we were just… surprised."

Yoongi's words do help a little bit, and Jungkook's able to swallow down the fear that had been building; he keeps the prickling tears at bay for now.

"Count backwards from ten," Namjoon speaks up from where he's standing behind Jungkook, "then take a deep breath. Alright?"

Jungkook nods and closes his eyes. He keeps his grip tight on Jimin while he counts, letting Jimin's heartbeat set a metronome for his counting.

Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.

He opens his eyes and breathing comes a lot easier now. He looks up to see Yoongi and Namjoon's faces relax when his expression calms, and he clears his throat.

"Um… I asked Jimin why he doesn't talk… and he told me he's mute," he starts, looking from Yoongi to Namjoon. "Then I… I asked if he signed… and when I signed to him he started to cry."

Taehyung's eyes widen a little in surprise. "You can sign?"

"Yeah," Jungkook nods, "I had a friend growing up who was deaf so I learned… It's, um, a bit rusty, but I can do it."

Jimin sits up and he's still smiling so wide. 'You sign just fine,' he signs, which makes Jungkook laugh.

'Are you okay?' Jungkook asks him. Jimin nods, signing back a 'yes'. Then, 'I'm sorry I hugged you without asking.' He looks guilty, fiddling with his hands in his lap while he waits for an answer. Is it that obvious that he's not used to hugs?

'It's okay,' Jungkook answers truthfully, 'your hugs are nice.' He could get used to them. That earns him a smile from Jimin.

'Can I hug you again?' Jimin asks properly this time. 'Just a little hug. Tell me if it's too much.'

Jungkook looks around at the others watching them, when Jimin signs, 'they can't understand us. You can say no if you want to, it's okay.'

Jungkook nods. "Yeah," he says, "I'd like that."

Jimin smiles and moves in to hug him again, but this time more gently and careful. He sits next to Jungkook, arms around his middle and face pressed against his shoulder. It's still a little much, but Jungkook lets himself relax in it. Jimin is warm, and smells nice, and he makes a happy little contented noise when Jungkook slings his arm around him, half-returning the hug. The tension in the room dissipates and Taehyung jumps on the other side of Jimin, joining in on the cuddle.

"Did I miss something?" Hoseok steps into the living room, effectively breaking the silence and switching the topic. His hair is still wet from his shower and he's got sweatpants and a green sweater on. He looks confused, at each of their faces in turn, and Jungkook can't help but laugh.

"What? What is it?" Hoseok asks. "Why do I always miss funny things?!"

Namjoon laughs, pushing Hoseok over to the free couch. He whines a bit but is quickly settled when Namjoon shoves a can of beer in his hand and drops a six-pack down on the table. He pulls one off and offers it to Jungkook. "You drink?" He asks, to which Jungkook nods.

"Should he be drinking with that head wound?" Yoongi asks, but Namjoon just shrugs. Yoongi looks down at Jungkook and Jimin, and Jungkook doesn't miss the fond smile he gives the three on the couch before he walks over to the armchair and sits himself down in it.

Jungkook accepts the beer, which is cold on his tongue but warm in his belly. Jimin takes one too, and sits up enough to sip from the can but stays pretty much pressed up against Jungkook. Strangely enough, it's not bad at all. It actually feels kinda nice.

Taehyung complains that he doesn't like beer and manages to convince Namjoon to throw him some sort of sweet cooler from the kitchen. Namjoon then settles down next to Hoseok and they finish the episode of the cartoon that they'd paused when Hoseok and Jimin came home. They're all laughing at the end, when Netflix displays the Are you still watching? screen. The only problem is, nobody wants to get up and click to continue watching.

Hoseok sighs as he finishes his beer. He turns to Jungkook, rolling the can in his hands as he searches for words. "Jungkookie," he starts, a little hesitant. "Namjoonie said you're from Busan."

Jungkook can feel the shift in the atmosphere clear as day. He nods once and looks down at the floor. Jimin tenses a little next to him; they're so closely pressed together that he can feel it. His heart rate picks up a bit, nervously. Is this where they tell him to leave?

"I took a train here," he explains. Namjoon nods. Nobody seems to know how to continue, so Hoseok takes the lead.

"Do you have anybody we can call to come get you, Jungkookie?" Hoseok asks.

"No," he says quietly.

"You're not staying with anyone?" Namjoon clarifies, which earns him a nod. "No family… or friends here… that you can go to?"

Jungkook bites his lip, but nods. Hearing it out loud like that really makes it all feel so real- how alone he is.

"So you just got on a train and came to Seoul with no plan and nowhere to go?" Yoongi speaks up from the other side of the room. Despite his blunt question, his tone isn't accusatory- rather, it's anything but.

"Yeah," Jungkook nods. "I just needed to go." He takes a deep breath to steady himself, and hopes that nobody presses any further.

Thankfully, they don't.

Taehyung gets up to turn on the next episode of the show.

Dinner time brings about another rush of activity. Seokjin comes home late, but carrying bags of food from his restaurant; the entire house cheers when he walks in and holds up the food like he's just returned from the hunt with plenty of spoils. They've already delved heavily into the beer, two empty six-packs and one that's missing four cans sitting on the living room table.

"You're late!" Taehyung yells, probably a little too loud but he's about four drinks in now and a bit wobbly. "We were so hungry. There were votes as to who would be eaten. It got dark. Friendships were lost. I don't think we can ever go back." Taehyung pushes himself off the couch and flings himself towards Seokjin, except he only makes it about halfway and ends up lying on the floor pathetically. "I'm so glad you're home."

"Let me guess. You're upset that you got voted most likely to be eaten," Seokjin says. He steps around Taehyung, expertly avoiding his grabby hands so that he can set the bag of food down on the living room table.

"Why me!" Taehyung cries dramatically.

"It's simple, Tae," Namjoon explains, opening up a fresh can of beer. "Hobi, Jiminie and Kook are way too muscular. Not only can they fight back more than you, but the meat isn't as tender, you know?"

Yoongi snorts a laugh from where he's curled up on the arm chair.

"Yoongi-hyung would be more tender than me!" Taehyung argues but Hoseok just laughs.

"Yeah, but have you seen his murder face? I wouldn't wanna fuck with him." Hoseok shudders for added effect.

"And I'm too lanky. Not enough to feed everyone," Namjoon finishes.

"Right. That makes complete sense," Seokjin says with a straight face. "Please never drink unsupervised again. Get up and eat. Tae gets to live another day."

All of Taehyung's complaints are forgotten when Seokjin starts pulling out take-out containers and placing them on the living room table. Taehyung scrambles to the table, hitting his knee and wincing as he kneels down in front of the table. Jimin sits down next to him and pats the empty spot on his other side, motioning for Jungkook to sit there, so he does.

Yoongi clears away the empty beer cans and brings back more for everyone, and soon enough they're all sitting on the floor around the table, Hoseok on Jungkook's other side, everyone else on the other side of the table. Chopsticks are passed around and containers are opened, then the free-for-all begins.

Jungkook feels like seeing all six of them around the table puts every ridiculous family dinner he's seen in dramas to absolute shame.

This is crazier, livelier and so much better than the quiet, impersonal meals Jungkook's accustomed to.

Plates are apparently for civilized people, which they clearly are not, because everyone just shares and eats from the containers themselves. Taehyung misses his mouth a few times, and Hoseok is so busy talking that he almost forgets to eat before Seokjin shoves a piece of grilled meat in his mouth. Jungkook laughs and eats, more comfortably this time, filling himself up. Taehyung didn't lie- this food really is good.

But what makes it great is the company.

Namjoon shoots into a story about him and Yoongi rapping together at a bar and Jungkook listens, enraptured. He glances over at Yoongi to see him sipping his beer, smiling proudly.

"They're really good, Kook, you need to hear them sometime," Taehyung says, and Jungkook nods excitedly.

"Yeah. I'd- I'd love to come to one of your shows sometime," he blurts out with a little more enthusiasm than he'd wanted. He's already buzzed and the beer's helping his words flow easier, not so bothered by his filter of anxiety now.

Yoongi looks over at him and smiles, and, damn. It's really cute, all gummy and happy. "Yeah? You like music, Kook?"

Jungkook nods quickly. "I love it! I usually listen to it as much as I can, but, um. I lost my phone on the way here so I can't right now," he says and hopes nobody realizes he's lying.

"You just listen, or do you perform?" Namjoon asks as he finishes his beer. He crushes the can in his hands, turning his body to try and toss it in the bin where they keep cans. He misses by an approximate meter, shrugs, and picks up another can.

"I used to sing a bit," Jungkook admits, "but I haven't in a long time. Just, um, for fun really." He finishes off his beer- was this his fifth, or sixth? He'd lost count, honestly- and follows Namjoon's lead, crushing the can and throwing it at the bin. Only unlike Namjoon his aim is great and it lands in the bin with a successful clink.

"Damn Kook!" Taehyung holds out his hand for a high five, which Jungkook gives him with ease. "Are you good at like, all the sports? You look like you're built for all the sports."

Jungkook laughs and accepts another beer from Jimin. "Um, I did taekwondo for a long time. And I used to run track." He hesitates before continuing, "and, um, baseball. And basketball. And… swimming…" Jungkook blushes, flustered and hides his face in Jimin's shoulder.

"So, like, all the sports!" Tae smirks and nudges Jungkook with an elbow. "Hey, there's seven of us now! Should we make like a softball team or something?"

Jimin laughs and Jungkook looks over to him. Jimin brightens, and signs to Jungkook, making Jungkook sputter in laughter.

"Tae, you suck at softball," Jungkook says, translating what Jimin had signed to him. Jimin laughs into Jungkook's shoulder.

Taehyung whines. "You know, this is why we can't go nice places," he huffs, placated when Hoseok flops half on top of him and starts tickling his sides.

"No!" Taehyung squeals, "no fair, my one true weakness-"

"I thought your one true weakness was cute dog gifs?" Namjoon counters. They're still seated around the living room table, picking away at the bits of food left on the table, all the empties piled off to one side. Yoongi's nursing his beer as Seokjin finishes off the last one they have on the table, whining when he realizes that he can't grab another one.

"Who's turn is it to grab more?" Hoseok asks, hesitantly sipping his drink. Jimin plants himself more firmly against the floor, body language speaking louder than words could as he fiddles with the speakers, picking a new song to listen to on his phone. Taehyung's leaning against Yoongi, showing him some video on his phone. Seokjin's still picking at the food in front of them and huffs a laugh.

Namjoon sighs. "I need a smoke anyway. I'll do it," he says, pushing himself up. "Anyone else want one?"

"Yeah, I do," Jungkook says, wiggling out from beside Jimin so that he can stand. He's needed a smoke all day but has been too shy to ask for one. When he stands he's a little wobbly on his feet so he uses the couches to steady himself. Namjoon waves him along and Jungkook follows him to the front door. Namjoon grabs some beer from the fridge and brings it back to the living room, earning him a cheer from everyone still sitting.

Namjoon returns back to Jungkook's side and pats the pockets of his jeans, freezing. "Fuck," he mumbles, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. "Lighter?"

Jungkook shakes his head since he doesn't have one and Namjoon starts to rummage through the apartment in search of one. He crouches down and rustles through his bag until he finds a bright red lighter. He holds it up triumphantly which makes Jungkook laugh.

"Ready?" Namjoon asks. Jungkook nods and steps into a random pair of shoes that are a little too big for his feet before he follows Namjoon out of the apartment.

They head down the hallway, where Jungkook expects Namjoon to lead him down the stairs and to the street to smoke- but instead, Namjoon beckons him towards the window just across the hall and leads him out to the fire escape. It's a bit of a struggle pushing the window all the way open and shimmying out, but once they're out Jungkook is struck by the view.

He's really here. In Seoul.

The city stretches out beneath them, bustling with life and light despite the hour late hour. The sun has long since set yet the city is filled with bright neon lights that set the city aglow. Jungkook can't look away, completely awed by the sight below him.

Namjoon's laugh draws his attention and he looks over at last to see Namjoon smiling at him as he pulls a pack of cigarettes from the pocket of his jeans.

"It's really something, isn't it?" Namjoon says as he pulls out a smoke. He hands the first one to Jungkook before he pulls out a second for himself, fitting it between his lips.

"Yeah," Jungkook nods. "Seoul is really unlike any other place out there." He holds the smoke between two fingers while Namjoon pulls out his lighter. He flicks it easily and lights Jungkook's cigarette first.

Jungkook doesn't smoke a whole lot- he tries to limit himself to a few a week, if at all- but after everything that's happened in the last twenty-four hours, that first drag feels so good. He's still buzzed from the beer but he feels the cigarette calming him, numbing his anxieties.

"Look, Kook. I'm just gonna say it outright, alright?" Namjoon starts, and Jungkook tenses in reflex.

Please don't kick me out. Please don't kick me out-

"You're free to leave whenever you want, you don't owe us anything," Namjoon says, cupping his hand around the cigarette between his lips as he lights it. He takes a long drag, watching as the smoke disappears, carried off by the wind. "But. If you don't want to leave… We can't offer you much, but there'll always be a roof over your head and food here, if you want it."

He's overcome with a moment of panic- his heart falls and his hands shake as Namjoon's words settle around him. He had tried to prepare himself for this, for this rejection, but, wait-

Jungkook looks down at the shoes he'd borrowed from the apartment, surprise colouring his features. He'd been so sure they were looking for a way to ask him to leave that he hadn't even considered the possibility of Namjoon wanting him to stay.

"Are- are you serious?" Jungkook asks in disbelief. He wants to trust Namjoon's words but he can't help but feel nervous, tense. Trusting hasn't worked out so well in the past and he can already see that these guys just manage to get by as the six of them comfortably. They have a system, a routine- they have a whole life built already, one that Jungkook doesn't fit into. Jungkook doesn't want to barge in and ruin this.

Nobody had said anything of the sort to his face but Jungkook could see it. He could see the window that desperately needs repairs MacGyvered shut. See the worn, well-loved furniture, all mismatched and torn. The cupboards that are only filled with food they need, everything bought on sale or cheap, all bought from friends or friends of friends to wiggle in discounts. The savings jar on top of the fridge, for emergencies, that's not even half-full of crumpled up bills from tips and unspent grocery money. The bills up on the fridge underneath a Browser magnet that are more than they can afford to pay right now. The fact that six boys share a four-bedroom apartment in a slightly shady area in the heart of Seoul.

Not to mention the fact that he's still bothered by Yoongi's words. They had been true- he can see now that they don't need Jungkook and all the trouble he could cause them.

"Yeah, I'm serious," Namjoon says. He smiles around his smoke.

"But I can't offer you anything," Jungkook says, and he means it. "I, I don't have a job, I don't even have a driver's licence-"

"It's okay, Kook. We'll figure it out." Namjoon offers him a smile and Jungkook's stomach flips. He's filled with questions, so many questions, but there's one in particular burning on the tip of his tongue.

"Why are you helping me?" He asks, voice small, almost afraid of the response that he might get.

There's a heavy silence as the two boys smoke, the scent carried away on the gentle breeze that pricks at Jungkook's skin and gives him goosebumps. Jungkook takes a long drag of his cigarette and waits until the smoke starts to burn his lungs before he exhales, welcoming the heat on the tip of his tongue.

"Because people like us need to stick together," Namjoon says at last, gaze surprisingly serious as he looks at Jungkook. "If we don't look out for each other, nobody will."

The magnitude of Namjoon's words rings heavily in Jungkook's ears. He knows more than he can say, more than Jungkook is ready to know, but his intentions are clear as day.

Jungkook finishes his smoke and presses the butt against the building behind him to fully kill all of its heat. Namjoon takes his last drag and they climb back in the building, closing the window once they're inside. They walk back to the apartment door, six hundred and twelve, Jungkook notes, and Namjoon turns back to him.

"What do you say, Kook?" He says.

Jungkook can hear laughter from inside the apartment. Taehyung and Hoseok yelling, Yoongi complaining, Seokjin and Jimin laughing. A thud and a crash, followed by more laughter. Some hip hop track playing lowly through those speakers that are probably as old as Jungkook. He can feel the warmth radiating through the door, their warmth, and Jungkook knows what he wants...

But he'd be lying if he said he wasn't scared. Memories of his past cling to his skin like a sickness he just can't shake. Clouding his thoughts and colouring his feelings, he's not sure if he'll ever truly be rid of them.

Yet, he knows that being here makes him feel good. Being held by Taehyung when he wakes up panicking makes him feel safe. Hoseok's touches make him feel connected. Jimin's smile makes him feel warm. Seokjin's laughter makes him want to laugh again. Yoongi looking after him makes him feel cared for. And Namjoon, extending this olive branch, makes him feel wanted.

The least he can do, is try.

A small, nervous smile finds its way on Jungkook's face. He looks up to meet Namjoon's eye and nods his head once. "Yes," he says, heart beating wildly in his chest, "I wanna stay."

Namjoon's smile is bright as throws the door open and Jungkook follows him into the apartment- their home- a warm unfamiliar rush of feeling washing over him like a tidal wave.