Meeting Point

There are friends, there is family, and then there are friends that become family.

Jimin

“I have a favour to ask,” Yoongi’s voice came through immediately I picked the phone.

“What, no hellos, no how are you doing?” I asked feigning hurt.

“Hi Jimin… how are you? I have a favour to ask?” he said in quick succession.

I laughed as I placed the keys in the bowl and shrugged off my jacket. I had just gotten home from work after a tiring day.

“Hi Grumpy… I am fine and what do you need?” I replied. I walked into the kitchen and got myself a cold glass of water.

"I need you to host the party we had talked about on Saturday,” he said. It was more of a statement than a request really. I could tell that he was nervous.

I loved to play host. My house was perfect for it and many occasions, friends opted to meet at mine’s for some down time.

"Wait? What?” I asked surprised. “I thought you already had a plan in place. Yoongi, this is huge! I am not sure I can handle such a big responsibility!" I answered.

"I know it’s huge and short notice but hear me out,” he all but begged. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose but listened nonetheless. “You won’t have to worry about the food or anything, I will hire a catering company to handle the food part. I will handle the before and after clean up too if it is needed. See, we agreed on doing something cozy and you are the first person I thought off who can pull this off. You have a knack for organizing cozy kind of romantic evenings,” he passed for a minute or two to let that sink in.

“I am trying to forge a lifelong business partnership so I need it to be top notch. Plus your house would be perfect for such an event. Your backyard is perfect for this now that its summer. And you already have everything that would be needed to put everything together. Jimin-ah.... I really want to make an impression, help your buddy out... mmnhh?" he whined.

“I don’t know Yoongi, this is just too much,” I said in pretence. Who was I kidding, I was excited and held myself from squealing in excitement. It had been a while since I had played host. “Let me think about it,” I pretended to consider it.

"Jimin baby... please..." he continued to whine and wanted to butter me up. “I will do anything if you do this for me,” he said.

“Anything?” I asked.

“Anything. Just name it!” he confirmed. I would hold him to that.

“Okay,” I agreed. "I am gonna do it so stop whining,” I told him.

“I love you and I owe you big time. I will let him know.”

"Okay. Let's talk details later so that I can plan for it well. Okay?"

“Okay’” he said and hung up.

I suggested that we have lunch the next day near my office to discuss the finer details of the Saturday dinner and wished him a great night.

I was ecstatic that Yoongi thought me worthy to organize such an important event for him. I had already decided to do this for him the moment he asked. Putting together something like this would be a piece of cake. I wasn't going to disappoint. Never have, wasn't going to start now.

***

The week flew by so fast and juggling work and organizing an event for that Saturday had me running up and down like crazy. I was exhausted but excited at the same time. My best friend needed this to work and I would do my best to make sure this went well.

I spent the best part of my Friday evening with Yoongi making sure that we had everything we needed. I would be hosting a total of seven people – me included. Not a big number but from what I had gathered from Yoongi was the fact that his friends were quite successful in their fields – the cream of the city – and being subpar wasn't going to cut it.

Yoongi sent the cleaning crew early Saturday morning. There wasn’t so much to clean up as I kept my house in pristine condition. Much of the work needed to be done in the backyard as I had not used it for a while. They were quick about it.

The catering company arrived shortly after and was up and about setting up the barbeque pit, the table and working on the menu for the day. My house was buzzing with activity. It hadn’t been this busy in a while. The excitement of it was thrumming through me.

It would be a late evening thing so I made sure to hang up the lights.

I didn't stay in the heart of the city. I would say I lived at the border – where the city began and where the outskirts ended. I loved the quiet kind of life just like my mother. This house had been a gift from her and I loved it. She had put her heart and soul into making it cozy and added all warm tones to match my personality.

It was one of those standalone houses you often found in the suburbs with a driveway and a concrete path leading up to the front door. An amazing three bedroom house with one bedroom downstairs and two upstairs. Each had their own bathroom and toilet. I had put my design skills to use and worked on the footpath to the house and around it. I was proud of the end result.

For our love of cooking, I could tell that she had spent an incredible amount of time creating the kitchen of my dreams. You know the one with enough counter space to cook up a storm complete with the dining area was adjacent to it – huge table that could seat up to ten people. There were huge cabinets for storage lined on one side if the kitchen and modern day oven and hot plates for cooking on the other side. In one of the corners was a massive fridge with more than enough freezer space. She had taken the liberty to fit one of those screens above the cooking area to look up recipes and follow videos as one cooked. My ever thoughtful mother, I loved her. I would be a chef in another life.

One had to walk through the living room to the kitchen and into an open backyard. The backyard was a burst of colours in the summer. I faithfully tended to the garden the circled the house and was rewarded. It added to the appeal of the house.

There was a barbeque pit on one end of the backyard and a fire place at the centre of it to camp out of chilly spring or fall nights. It was outlined by four trees between which I loved to hang up fairy lights to give it a cozy feel. I had chairs around the camp fire area with throw pillows and blankets to cover up in case it got cold. On the other end of the backyard was enough space to set up a table for dinner.

I took out a dining table from storage with chairs and set up with the help of the cleaning crew. I had candles and flowers on the table and some of those warm lantern lights placed strategically around the garden. My mother had been thoughtful enough to ensure there were sockets out to provide a power source to the backyard. It's the little details that made me love this house even more. I plugged in some speakers that would provide music for the evening.

Honestly, being an only child had its perks. Mom had worked so hard to make sure that I was comfortable in life and I was extremely grateful. My rock. Always.

Bit by bit, everything fell in place. Yoongi checked in once in a while to make sure they everything was going as planned. We went over the list of things we still needed like drinks. He promised to be there by four o’clock hung up. He was just as nervous as I was.

I only began to relax when we was done setting up.

I called my mom one last time to walk her through the set up. She offered advice on what needed to be moved around and when all was done, I was confident. I went about getting ready to host guests. That meant – taking a short nap, a shower, dressing up and then waiting on the party to begin. I saw the cleaning crew out and arranged with them on what time they would come by to clean up. Before heading upstairs, I played some warm cozy music for which the catering crew were grateful for and complimented my taste in music. I was content.

***

The hours flew by so fast and before I knew it, it was time for the guests to arrive. Yoongi and Hobi were the first to arrive. I could tell Yoongi was happy with everything by the hug he gave me.

“Yaaaahhh! Jiminah! This is amazing. I have to admit, you are absolutely gifted,” he said. “I mean this is above and beyond my expectations. Thank you!”

Shortly after their arrival, an impressively broad shouldered handsome guy by the name Seokjin arrived with his boyfriend Namjoon. I learnt that Jin – as he was often called –was a chef who owned one of the most popular restaurants in town which also happened to be my favorite.

The world really is a small place.

“I hope the food will be up to standard," I joked with him. He laughed and asked me to relax. His weird yet funny jokes had everyone rolling in laughter – he quickly diffused the tensions of first meetings and soon we were chatting like old friends. His insanely tall handsome boyfriend who was also Yoongi's new partner had some dimples that should be considered illegal. One could tell by looking at him that he was well put together. You know, those people that look like they always got their shit together. He had a friendly personality and the presence he had gave me the impression that he was a born leader. The strong foreign accent was as a result of studying abroad for a while during his childhood. Trust me to ask.

Not long after, a tall bright eyed, very fashion forward guy with a boxy smile was standing at my front door with a bottle of wine in his hands.

"Hi! My name is Taehyung. But you can call me Tae," He said with a smile. He was absolutely gorgeous with an equally gorgeous voice – a deep baritone.

He, just like the other two, had such a presence. Everything he wore from head to toe screamed fashion icon. Wow, Yoongi's business partner had some hot friends in his circle.

"Where's bunny?" Jin asked when he saw Tae come in alone.

"Oh... he had something to handle. But he won’t be long because he called me to say he was on his way over," he responded in that amazing baritone voice as he walked in.

"Bunny?" I asked.

"Yeah! He is one of our friends. He literally resembles a bunny," Jin responded with a laugh.

"He has this cute little bunny teeth and beautiful doe eyes that amazingly contrast to his tall muscular body."

“Interesting!" I said. "I know a person like that. Works at my office.” I was reminded of the talk hunk at the office but I did not dwell on it. I offered them drinks and hors d'oeuvre as they toured the house. The mood in the house was a relaxed one. It was easy as breathing to mingle with them. Before long we were swapping childhood stories, our interests and other past time activities.

Ding Dong.

My doorbell rang after a while.

“I will get it,” I said jumping out of my seat. "Feel free to go into the backyard now that our final guest is here," I called over my shoulder as I walked to the door.

"Welcome to my humble abo…" I began. The words dried in my mouth and I coughed from being startled.

To say that I was short of words would be an understatement.

For about 30 seconds my mind went blank. I could tell that he was just as surprised as I was.

“What are you doing here? Why are you here? Are you bunny by chance?” The questions ran through my head and I couldn’t decide which one to ask first.Luckily, I did not have to ask any because Jin saved me.

"Bunny! Why so late?" he asked as he brushed past me and pulled him into a hug.

The other two came to the door to say their hellos excitedly. One would assume they hadn't seen each other for ages. They had so much love and affection for each other. I stood there awaiting an explanation that wasn't coming any time soon. But yeah... this was happening. He was right there standing in my living room.

I could tell that he was just as confused as I was as he kept looking back at me as he hugged his friends. I could also tell that he was loved and doted on by the treatment he received from them. It made me smile.

“Jungkook, meet Jimin, our host for today. This is Hoseok his friend and Yoongi also his friend and my business partner,” Namjoon introduced us. "Guys... this is Jungkook, one of our close friends."

He went through the introductions politely nodding. Shifting his gaze from one to another. Handing me a bottle of wine he smiled and whispered, "My dad always said never visit empty handed."

He was absolutely adorable, well-mannered and it was so intriguing it sent my heart rate on the up and up.

Shortly after, everyone retreated into the garden as I stayed back with the caterers to go over the plans for the evening. I joined them later after I was satisfied with everything in the kitchen with two drinks in my hand, one for me and the other for our latest guest. Jungkook.

“Now that everyone is introduced. I guess we can begin,” Yoongi said.

"I thought we had already began," Jin joked. "It feels like hanging out with old friends. Jimin... I must say you have an amazing house and this...” he said pointing everywhere in my backyard, “...this is beautiful. I can tell that you and I will make great friends,” he said winking at me.

"Hey! Don't try to steal my day," Namjoon whined. It was so cute to see them interact.

"Sorry baby!" he apologised. "You know I get carried away some times. But today is about you so I am going to tone it down," he added blowing him a kiss.

Everyone was relaxed. Everyone was happy.

The evening progressed well. The drinks kept coming, the food was great, the music was on point and the company even greater. With evening sun slowly fading out and the darkness settling in, Yoongi and Namjoon talked about their business plans and indulged us with tales of how their partnership was born. The warm summer evening was filled with light, laughter and a forging of new friendships.

Once in a while I had to check in on the caterers to make sure that everything was in step.

"Hi!" I heard a familiar voice behind me as I busied myself over dessert.

"Hi!" I responded in a slightly higher pitch that I intended to as I turned around to face him. He was tall. Swoon.

"Such a small world huh?!" He said nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"You can say that again!" I agreed laughing. "I would never have thought in a million years we would meet in such a setting."

"You have a lovely home. Wow... this is amazing!" He said.

"Thank you! You have amazing friends," I said smiling.

"Thank you for hosting us. It was so kind of you."

"It's nothing. My pleasure," I responded.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he asked for the way to the bathroom. I waited for him and when he came out, I handed him a fresh glass of wine and we headed out to join the others. Anyone looking at this group here wouldn't know that the two groups of friends had gathered for the first time.

My heart was full.

—

Jungkook

It had been a while before Tae and I sat together for dinner. With our busy schedules – especially with the first few weeks – we hardly had time to get together and catch. Now that we were all caught up and settled in at work, we decided to invite Namjoon and Jin for dinner for catch up and a little down time. I have to admit that I had missed my hyungs and I needed some love to recharge. I also wanted to properly thank them for being such good hosts and making our transition in the new city easy and smooth.

Honestly, I needed a little to therapy. Talking to them always made me feel at ease because they were never ones to lay judgement. They knew when to offer advice and when to just listen. What better way that have a cozy home cooked dinner?

I consider myself a decent cook. Even though I grew up with a single dad, he made sure that I was well equipped in all facets of my life and part of that included learning how to cook and doing other household chores.

“A man who cooks is very attractive,” he always said.

Namjoon and Jin arrived just as I was done cooking. I loved how they kept time. Their arrival meant that we would eat while it was still hot – and I loved that.

"How are my babies settling in at work," the ever motherly Jin asked as we settled around the dinner table.

"Well…” Tae began, “I am well settled in. Work is so much fun!” he said in excitement in between bites. “Though I must say, Fashion in Seoul city is a whole 'nother level and I love it!"

"Really? Is it so different?" asked Namjoon.

"I wouldn’t categorize it as different. I can some it up in three words – sophisticated, dramatic and fun!" he squealed.

"Interesting. I hope we get to see some of your designs soon,”Namjoon replied as he reached across the table for the salad bowl.

"Speaking of which, when do we get to be your models,” a hopeful Jin asked. “I mean it isn't fair that Jungkook has you all to himself. Why does he get to look so cool and sophisticated and we don't?" Jin whined like a petulant child and pouted. I couldn’t believe he was a grown ass man.

"Sorry about that,” Tae indulged him. “I am working on something for both of you. So don't ruin the surprise," Tae responded in almost a whisper and held his index finger to his lips as if shushing him.

I had to admit that I had truly missed my friends – family. Just watching the conversation flow back and forth was cathartic and I felt at ease.

Sigh. I needed this.

Realizing I hadn't been vocal as I usually was, all attention was shifted to me.

"Are you okay love?" Jin asked in a concerned voice as he brushed his fingers through my hair.

"You have barely said anything or even touched your food."

"He is crushing! Hard!" the ever tactless Tae blurted out.

"Whattt??" Jin and Namjoon exclaimed in unison.

"Yeah, there is this workmate of his that he has a massive crush on,” he quickly explained before I could even say anything. “He is such a lost puppy," he said shaking his head as if the notion in itself was unfathomable. "You should see him lost in his day dream around the house. It's so cute but a little pathetic."

"Wait! Isn’t this supposed to be my story? Why do you get to tell it?" I protested.

"Mwahh!" He blew me a kiss and smiled childishly. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't get mad. "The floor is all yours,” he said with a sheepish bow.

I looked at him as if to say ‘really’ and then looked back and Jin and Namjoon who were looking at me expectantly. "There's nothing to tell now. That's the gist of it,” I said.

Sigh. I had been doing a lot of that lately.

You know how your mom or parent always knows everything about you? Jin was like that. He was always very intuitive – an attribute I liked and hated at the same time.

"Why do I feel like that that isn't the whole story," he said fixing his gaze on me and I felt my cheeks get hot. This was extremely embarrassing.

"Well... I thought this was supposed to be about work. Work is great. I am excelling at it… I have made friends..." I began listing of things. My feeble attempt to change the subject didn't work because they all looked at me funny.

"Come on darling we are your family. Spill..."

I sighed yet again and dropped my chopsticks onto the plate.

"To do so I need at least 10 minutes of uninterrupted talk time. Can you all do that?"

They all nodded. I had my doubts about getting uninterrupted talk time but I went with it.

"First! Let's get some more wine,” I said and stood up hoping to prolong the inevitable. These three were like a dog with a bone – one they had it, they never let go.

After getting the glasses and wine, we moved to the living area. It was cozier and I felt that I would be more at ease. Three pairs of curious eyes looked on waiting on me to speak. It felt like I was at the therapist’s office, only in this case, there were three of them.

"I first saw him at the park, the weekend we got here".

"Oh oh… wait! It’s a ‘him’?" Jin asked in surprise. They were all surprised judging by the wide eyes and open mouths. It was a funny sight really. I understood their confusion though, I hadn’t revealed this detailed to Tae and they had always known I was straight.

"I knew you wouldn't let me speak uninterrupted. Why did I hope though?" I complained and pretended to stand up.

"Sorry!" With a zip sign on his mouth he leaned back in his chair.

"Truth is I am confused about it. I mean, all this time I have always found myself attracted to women. This is a first for me and I don’t know how to handle the whole situation. There are a lot of truths and fears that I have to face with this. All I know is I am going crazy thinking about him. I haven't even said much to him but I find my heart racing every time I am in his presence. I want to know more about him so I keep asking around. I just want to be around him. I never felt this way even when I was with the person I thought was my first love," I rumbled on.

For the next few I laid my soul bare to them and told them of the fears that I had. Starting with realization that I was actually gay. How would my father react to that when I told him? I didn't want to loose my life line and anchor. Let's be real, the society we live can be really tough and very unaccepting.

Then there was the other side of the coin. What if this feelings weren't mutual? Aside from the physical attraction there was more that I wanted. I so wanted him to be a part of my life. I wanted to know him, be there for him, and build the world with him. I hadn't realized the depth of my feelings for him until I had to talk about it with someone. I also did not realize that I was crying.

"How can I feel like this about him when I don't even personally know him? I mean look at me, this is pathetic,” I said laughing in between tears.

"It isn't pathetic love," Jin said. He was now seated beside and pulled me into a tight hug.

"Our baby fell in love at first sight,” they gushed.

I was a tad embarrassed but I felt like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

These people right here, right now wouldn't judge me. They would hold my hand through it all. They were the kind of friends who would fight my battles with me, scold me when I messed up and then help me fix the very messes. This right here, was my safe space.

"Jungkook-ah, listen...” Namjoon began. He shifted in his chair and leaned towards me, "When Jin and I began dating we were in the same position as you are. We didn't know what to expect. We were uncertain and afraid of the consequences of it all. More so, I was so afraid to tell my parents about it because I was afraid they would disown me,” He paused and sipped on his wine. “But, over time with being there for each other, we have braved those hurdles. What kept us going was the fact that we had each other. When you find the right person… the mountains become mole hills that you can easily conquer because you have an amazing support system. Look around you, you are surrounded by people who love and care for you. We wouldn't let you go through this alone. Anytime, anywhere call on us and we will be there. Okay?" he finished.

"Yoh! That was some deep shit...” Tae said. He always was the one to lift the mood in a room. I loved him for that.

"Be serious for a minute Tae would you?" Jin scolded him.

"I mean, let's just look at the fact that our Jungkook is having his first serious crush. How cool is that?" Tae continued unfazed. "We have got to meet the guy who has turned you into a sappy, cheesy crying mess. He must be quite something to get him all mushy like this."

"Seriously Tae!” Jin said exasperated. “Ignore him, okay?” he told me as he wiped away the tears. Tae cheekily stuck out his tongue of which Jin returned. "But on a serious note, you are not alone. Trust me when I say that those fears you have now will be so insignificant when you conquer them. You are blessed with such great friends a.k.a us and we will be here with you."

"I am surprised you didn't know you liked guys,” Tae said as he chewed into a grape. “I mean, you are very touchy with me,” he continued like it was nothing. “Ah! I know you so well,” he said putting his hand on his chest wiping away fake tears. "I was actually surprised when you dated that girl back in high school and when it didn't last, I also wasn't so surprised."

“You are no help at all,” Namjoon said with a face palm.

"Why so serious?” he whined. “I have been waiting for my best friend to realise this all this years, so allow me to savour this moment."

We all laughed.

The evening went on seamlessly. I filled them on with more details of who the mystery guy was and shamelessly confessed my shocking bathroom escapades. They all covered their ears screaming that it was too much information. But this is what I loved about this circle of mine, we had no secrets. We knew each other like the palm of our hands – down to the dirtiest most embarrassing things.

It felt relieving to actually talk to someone about the struggles I had been having this past few weeks. It was like a weight was lifted and I could be myself again.

Before we knew it, a couple of hours had gone by.

"By the way guys, I have got big news!" Namjoon announced while we were halfway through our second bottle of wine.

"Are you guys finally getting married?" Tae asked and Jin spluttered coughing up his wine and making a mess of the table. He then launched a throw pillow that perfectly hit in straight in the face causing Tae to fall backwards on the couch.

"That will come later,” Namjoon replied nonchalantly. He missed the dreamy expression that crossed Jin’s face. “But for now… I am starting my own production company and I just finalized a contract with my business partner."

"I thought you were already in production," I asked surprised.

"Well… let's just say I wasn't completely independent in business. Now I am going into business with a partner. Basically I get to call the shots," he clarified.

"Congratulations!!!" Tae and I shouted clapping.

"That is so cool," I exclaimed, my excitement evident.

"So… we are having a celebratory dinner Saturday afternoon with close friends and I would love it if you guys came. What do you say?"

"It’s such an honour to be friends with you. Teach me your ways sensei!" Tae said going down on his knees and bowing before his feet. He was funny and extra that way. We all laughed and Jin went on to gently kiss his boyfriend on the lips.

“I am proud of you,” he whispered. Tae and I cooed.

“I will be there hyung. I am so proud of you. It's about time you did something on your own,” I pulled him into a hug. And just like second nature, we all came together into a group hug.

This was love. This was family. This was everything.

"Where's the party going to be?" I asked.

"We agreed that one of his friends would host. We want something cozy and intimate so I went with it. I will tell you guys the address later in the week okay?"

"Sure… will be waiting!" I said.

The evening ended a light note. I felt love. I felt blessed. I felt unburdened.

***

Well, to say that I was surprised didn't even cover it. Seeing him stand on the other side of the door had me for a second thinking that I had walked up to the wrong house. I almost pulled out my phone to double check the address had it not been for Jin walking up to the door. Relief washed over me. How was I to explain what I was doing here without looking like a stalker?

We had gathered here for the dinner with Namjoon’s new business partner and it surprised me to find out that we were going to run in the same circles.

The evening was magical. The setting was unbelievably gorgeous – like something out of a catalogue – you know one of those fancy magazines you can only find in an airport lounge displayed in those glass windows with bright lights and some air conditioning.

The more I saw him in his element, in the comfort of his home, the deeper I fell. His warm personality shone through every tiny detail. One could see that a lot of thought and love had gone into putting everything together. It went above and beyond my expectations of the evening.

He was a romantic.

And I, was having a great time.

I don't know why I felt the need to clear the air about my presence here. While it had already been established that I was legitimately here, I just thought that I needed to say something to break the ice and I kept waiting for my chance. An opening to present itself for me to do so.

Seems like the heavens were on my side because he walked into the house to check on something.

He was extremely easy to talk to. My initial nervousness dissipating as we chatted in the kitchen for a little bit as he fussed over the desserts. It was adorable to see. I loved the way he pouted when he was undecided about something and the way he narrowed his eyes while thinking going over something with the catering team. His work needed a detail oriented person and I saw how it spilled over to his personal life.

I loved his aura. Warm, comforting and inviting.

After talking for a while we re-joined the others outside.

"You okay? You've been gone a while," Jin whispered curiously as I sat back in my seat.

"I am great!" I whispered excited.

"Well... you sound excited. Anything interesting happen?"

"I will tell y'all about it later," I replied just in time to catch the joke told by Hobi. We all burst into laughter.

Namjoon tapped on his glass and stood up to propose a toast.

“First, I would like to thank you all for being a part of this lovely evening. Jimin…” he called as he turned to him. “Thank you for being such an amazing host. Honestly I can't say it enough but thank you,” Jimin smiled and bowed in acknowledgement. “To the friends who have joined us to celebrate this partnership, thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to be here. In a competing world, where very few people cheer their peers up as they progress. Or where everyone seems to be tearing the other down... I don't take for granted having you here with us. Here's to new beginnings.”

"I get the feeling that this is just the beginning of a beautiful friendship and more get togethers such as these. To new friendships!" Jin added raising his glass.

"To new friendships!" We recited, raising our glasses and drank to it.

In that moment, our eyes met and it felt like we were in agreement.

This was the beginning of something truly magical.

•••