it's funny, how jimin only realizes just how heavy the weight of it all was on his shoulders now that he has taehyung back here, back home with him. he knew that he missed him, of course he did. he felt it, heavy in his chest and his stomach, felt it in so many things that sometimes it seemed like it was everywhere, like there was no escape from it, because taehyung had wormed his way into so many parts of jimin's life that it simply felt empty without him, period. but he had tried, he really had. all of the smaller things, he pushed to the back of his mind, forced down, swallowed in favor of giving taehyung everything that he deserves, making sure he always feels as fulfilled, supported, loved, accomplished as possible. but right now, having taehyung right here like this, having taehyung pulling him closer too, those light touches at the nape of his neck, even just the sound of his voice up close like this - jimin's realizing just how much he did miss this, how much he missed not just taehyung himself, but taehyung, his partner. taehyung, the love of his life, as far as jimin is concerned.

those feelings are only solidified when taehyung is turning to press a kiss to jimin's palm, an action so simple and yet so sweet that it makes jimin's stomach flip, as if they haven't been intimate before, as if it's the first time all over again for taehyung to do such a thing. but then, it has been a while. it's been a long time, and it tugs at jimin's chest in the same way a smile still tugs at his lips, even when he nods slightly, even when he moves so that he can slide his hand back down to the side of taehyung's face, down to hold somewhere near his jawline, to meet his eyes. "i know," is his response, because he does, because taehyung needs to know that he does, and that it's okay, that he's okay, really, he is.

taehyung's worry never goes unnoticed. just like everything else about him never goes unnoticed, whether he realizes he's doing it or not. the subtle movements of his hips almost make jimin want to laugh softly, just because it's so adorable, it's so pure, and it makes something swell in his chest, helps to solidify the way that taehyung missed him too, missed being close to him, missed these feelings, the kinds of things that only jimin can give to him. he doesn't have to think about it at all when his fingers are slipping to taehyung's neck instead, gripping the side of it, tugging down gently but with enough force to accomplish what he wants, to bring taehyung down enough so that jimin can stand up on his toes to meet him halfway, to kiss him, and it instantly settles something inside of him, stirs up even more, so many things that are only taehyung's.