Pop Star || Yoongi x Reader

53. Happy Birthday Pt. 1

The tension decreases a notch as you both think the same thing - life feels a lot easier when you're around.

You hold it in and take a chance. "Happy birthday," you say and do what you originally meant to do - embrace him.

He hugs you back, pulling you closer than he's ever done. He's so warm - the whole of him against the whole of you. It's relaxing and exciting at the same time. You rest your cheek against his shoulder for a while. Neither of you has the intention of letting go anytime soon.

"Why are you hiding and drinking alone on your birthday?" you ask in his ear.

He chuckles right into your neck. "I sound like a loser when you phrase it like that."

"Seriously, you okay?"

"Yeah. It's just a birthday thing. It's hard enough sometimes - facing myself, but on top of that all these people, offline-online everywhere - it's stressful. I mean, yay, gratitude, thanks. But it's too much, Y/N, too much for one person sometimes..."

There's a pause. His nose brushes your bare neck, sending a wave of sparks across your body. You rest your chin on his shoulder before speaking again.

"It's okay. Don't forget that all - and I mean all - these people do have a life and you're a very, very tiny part of it," you laugh when you realise how strange a consolation that is, "I mean - you're a big part of some people's lives, worry only about those who are good for you, who you wanna keep..."

He locks his arms around your lower back.

"You're right about that - the tiny part thing..." he chuckles. "Except for those who plan to sell my body online..." he adds darkly.

You don't respond immediately. What happened that day was messed up. Sure, things worked out for the best. It didn't change the fact that he was almost attacked and it wasn't something he could predict or control.

"Yoongi?" you whisper in his ear.

"Hmm?" Unbeknownst to you, he's shut his eyes now. This hug is peaceful.

"You're safe, you know..."

You sense him shift against your neck, not realising how powerfully that phrase makes him feel. Oh, it's not like you've made a promise. He knows that life is unpredictable that way. Someone's here one day, and then they're not. But tonight, in this moment, it reminds him of everyone who does love him and those who, although may not know him, is still positive and supportive. And that he isn't responsible for everyone else's feelings.

He breathes in deeply before murmuring, "thank you."

"For what?"

He doesn't answer. Meanwhile, you conclude that you need to even out this drunk situation and add, "give me that bottle."

Both of you finally break apart, though you still stand pretty close. He hands you the bottle of rum while noticing the small box in your hand.

"Aw is that for me?"

"Oh this - yeah. Mind you, it's very special," you thrust the box into his coat pocket rather than handing it to him. Then, you push him away playfully. He's got that mischievous glint in his eyes, but he doesn't do anything.

"Let's sit by the window," you say.

You settle down side by side, passing the bottle after a swig each, silently taking in the twinkling view in front of you. The alcohol burns. It isn't diluted enough, but you relish the feeling. You're reminded of a similar night view when you both went to Daegu. That night couldn't be more different than this one.