@BTS07Era_: He stood there. Because memori...

He stood there. Because memories from the past flickered in front of his eyes like a movie reel.

He still remembered that day like it was just yesterday when he met Jungkook.

𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗼 -

A twenty-year-old Taehyung was on his way to the staff room, holding a bunch of files in his hands.

"Taehyung, come here," His homeroom teacher's voice stopped him in his tracks.

#taekookau #taekook

He immediately went to her, "Yes, Ma'am."

"Taehyung, this is your new classmate. His name is Jungkook. Give him a tour of our campus and explain to him our class schedules, okay?" She said, and Taehyung could only nod in response.

'A transfer student?' he guessed.

When he turned to face the boy, his breath hitched. He froze, his eyes widening a little.

The boy in front of him was breathtaking. He was unable to move his eyes from Jungkook.
He wanted to step forward and trace every inch of Jungkook's features with his fingertips.

He was so unreal.

"Hi Taehyung-ssi, I'm Jeon Jungkook," The boy politely bowed. Taehyung felt his heart beating faster.

His voice.

Oh God, it held the perfect thickness with a gentle touch of honey softness.

#taekookau

He found himself falling. Falling for the unknown man with starry doe-eyes.

The promise he made to himself that he would never fall for someone and would focus on studies only, was fading from his mind.

The exact moment Taehyung got to know about him being gay.

Jeon Jungkook became the reason for Kim Taehyung admitting he was gay. Gay for Jungkook.

He laughed at his inner confession. He should act normal, right?

Yeah, he should. It was love at first sight for Taehyung.

#taekookau #taekook

"Hi J-Jungkook, and drop the formalities. Just call me Taehyung," He gathered himself so that he wouldn't make a fool of himself in front of Jungkook.

"Let's go, Jungkook. You'll love it here and I will make you comfortable here — NO! I.. I mean... our classmates will make you

comfortable here!" He quickly moved forward, so he could hide his red face from Jungkook.

Embarrassment was what he felt at that moment. Too much to act normal.

But in the middle of his misery, he got to hear the sweetest melody, Jungkook's laughter.

#taekookau

Jungkook was laughing and trust Taehyung when he said, it was the best sound he had ever heard.

"So what are your hobbies, Taehyung?" Jungkook asked him. His eyes roamed on Taehyung's face.

"Staying in the library?" Taehyung blurted out. He shut his eyes and bit his tongue.

'Nerd' was the last thing he wanted Jungkook to think of him.

"Nice hobby, I guess. Reading books has it's own charm. You guys create a different world of fiction within yourself." Did Jungkook praise him instead of making fun?

Oh man, talk about the standards he raised.

"Oh...t-thank you, I guess," Taehyung didn't know what else to say. In his entire school life, everyone just made fun of him by calling him nerd, teacher's pet and goody two shoes.

It was the first time when someone understood him.

"And your hobbies?" he asked.

#taekookau

"Mine?" Jungkook made a thinking face at that and frowned. Like he was debating to choose what was his hobby.

Taehyung playfully snickered.

"You're looking like you have dozens of them and you can't choose your favorite," he commented.

#taekookau #taekook

Jungkook looked at him in surprise, "Was I that obvious?" he rubbed the back of his neck.

"I guess you're easy to read," Taehyung shrugged his shoulders as he said that.

Jungkook just stared at him without saying anything. Maybe something was going in his mind but he didn't

word it out.

"So your hobbies?" Taehyung asked again, looking at him in anticipation.

Jungkook sighed.

"I don't have anything specific. I just like to do everything, I guess. I try everything and whatever matches my vibe, I enjoy doing it. But if I have to choose, I'll go with

dance," there was a glint in Jungkook's eyes.

There was admiration, excitement in Jungkook's voice when he said dance. It made Taehyung curious.

"Dance? Why?"

#taekookau #taekook

"Because when I dance, it makes me feel like I'm floating. Beyond this world. Just like your book world, I have my dance world."
Taehyung thought Jungkook was dreamy.

Maybe his dream too.

#taekookau

——

A sudden tap on his shoulder made Taehyung aware of his surroundings. He turned to look at the person.

It was Hyungsik.

"Why are you daydreaming in the middle of the corridor?" he asked.

#taekookau #taekook

Taehyung shook his head in denial, "I wasn't daydreaming. I was just thinking about something. You tell me, what happened?"

"Yeah, the Dean was calling you for something. I guess new staff arrived. So Mr. Tourist of this university, get back to work," Hyungsik laughed when

Taehyung gave a tired expression and pushed Taehyung in the Dean's office direction.

"But where is Eun?"

"He is already on his way there. Now go or they will send someone else to get you." Taehyung waved his hand in air and went ahead.

He sighed.

His mind again went to his first meeting with Jungkook. That was their first meeting.

He showed Jungkook the entire school and explained everything. He even showed him his hidden corner in the library.

His mini world.

#taekookau

Guess some people just come into your life to go away. They come to teach you particular lessons.

Jungkook taught him one as well.

Never trust someone fully.

#taekookau

Leaving his thoughts away for sometime, he let out a deep breath. He needed to be professional right now, his emotional self could wait.

When he reached the Dean's office, he straightened his clothes and smiled before knocking.

He heard a 'come in' from the Dean. He twisted the doorknob and slowly entered, saying, "Good Afternoon, Ma'am."

"Oh Taehyung, come. I was waiting for you. Gentlemen, this is Choi Eun and Kim Taehyung, our staff members, and they will give you a tour of the entire campus. And -

guys, meet your new staff," She signaled them towards the sofa which was behind them, on the other side of the office.

Taehyung and Eun turned around and bowed.

"Hello everyone, I'm Taehyu—" he stopped when his eyes landed on a person whom he never thought he would meet again.

He was frozen, his body refusing to move.

His heart hammered painfully against his ribs, each beat echoing in his ears.

The sight before him was too much to bear, his voice caught somewhere deep inside him, unable to break free.

#taekookau

He stared into the other’s eyes, his own were open wide with shock, feeling his own emotions tearing him apart.

His knees wobbled. He stumbled a little back, not being able to stand and face the one, he never wanted to face.

Was this a dream?

#taekookau #taekook

It was not what he was seeing, right?

It couldn't be him.

It was not Jungkook, right?

He was not seeing Jungkook...

Right?

#taekookau #taekook

Jeon Jungkook stood there, a figure Taehyung never wanted to meet again, and the sight was like a jolt to his heart.

After six years apart, it felt surreal to see him again, as if time had folded and brought Jungkook back into Taehyung's life without warning.

#taekookau

Taehyung's breath caught in his throat, a sharp pang of emotion overwhelming him. His eyes, betraying him, filled with tears that blurred his vision.

It was as if his entire history with Jungkook had come crashing down on him all at once.

#taekookau

Each shared laugh, every whispered secret, and all the silent moments of understanding they had once shared, replayed like a film reel infront of his eyes.

The memories, he once cherished. Now they were nothing but reason of his pain and sleepless nights.

#taekookau

The sounds around him became muffled. As if he could hear nothing but just some buzz sound.

The world seemed to disappear as he stood face to face with Jungkook.

Jungkook, who was staring at Taehyung with equal shock and... longing?

#taekookau

His mind raced, struggling to get his hold on the situation.

What cruel twist of fate had brought Jungkook back into his life at this moment?

A lone tear fell from Taehyung's eye.

#taekookau

A sudden tap on his shoulder from Eun brought him back to reality. A reality which was not less than a nightmare for him.

Taehyung turned to Eun, his heart still thudding inside his chest. He struggled to get himself together. He secretly wiped the tear left from his eye.

"Let's go," he said. Taehyung averted his eyes from Jungkook to focus on others.

He gathered whatever courage he had left and managed to give a small smile to everyone present there.

He signaled them toward the door with his shaky hand and led their way.

#taekookau

"Taehyung, you take Mr. Jeon, Mr. Kim, Miss Byun, and Mr. Park because they have the same campus building B, and I will take Mr. Choi, Mr. Min, Mr. Jung, Mr. Cha, and Miss Lee to campus building C. After that, we will gather together in front of building A. Okay?"

"Mr. Jeon, can I help you find a book?" Taehyung asked, his voice carefully neutral.

It was the same as the past days. Taehyung always talked after calculating his words.

And this made Jungkook feel like someone had ripped his heart. Since when his Taehyung need to

#taekookau

think before he talk to him?

Jungkook shook his head. "No, love. I'm here to talk about us, and this time, I'm not letting you run away."

Taehyung's heart raced. Why was Jungkook doing this to him? And what's with this nickname?

#taekookau

And 'us'... was there a 'us'?

He glanced around, but the library was empty. There was nowhere to escape.

"Please Tae," Jungkook's voice broke.

"It's Mr. Kim for you, Mr Jeon. And there is no 'us' Mr Jeon." Taehyung replied firmly, his eyes sharp.

Jungkook gulped.

#taekookau

What happened to his love who used to call him 'Ggukie' while pampering his face with million kisses?

What the hell happened to made his Taehyung this cold?

"Just give me five minutes. That's all I'm asking for Taehyung. Please talk, Tae. I'm going crazy here...

#taekookau

I... I can't take your i-ignorance anymore."

Taehyung hesitated.

He could hear the desperation in Jungkook's voice. He could see how tired Jungkook looked. But why?

Wasn't that was all Jungkook wanted? Shouldn't he be laughing at him?

#taekookau #taekook

He nodded slowly.

"Five minutes," he agreed. His voice barely above a whisper. Maybe this talk was the closure he needed.

"Tell me Mr Jeon, why are you here? To laugh at me or to see how miserable you had left me?" His words were like poison to Jungkook's soul.

#taekookau

Jungkook just wanted to fall on his knees, hide his face in Taehyung's chest and cry.

His safe place.

Jungkook took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's face, as if he was afraid that Taehyung would disappear if he blinked.

#taekookau #taekook

"Tae, I... I don't know what happened six years ago. One day we were happy, planning our future, and the next... you were gone. No explanation, no goodbye. Just... g-gone."
Taehyung's hands clenched at his sides, fighting the urge to run.

He kept his face neutral, not giving anything away.

"Mr. Jeon, the past is in the past. We're colleagues now, nothing more."

"But Lov-"

"It's Taehyung," he corrected, his voice cold.
Jungkook flinched at the formality again.

#taekookau #taekook

"Please, just tell me what I did wrong? Why did you leave? What the hell happened!" He desperately asked.

Taehyung tilted his head, looking amused. He looked here and there as if he was searching for something.

Jungkook frowned, confused.

#taekookau #taekook

His nose was red, and so were his ears. His teary doe eyes were following Taehyung's movements.

"W-what happened?" His voice came out broken.

Taehyung chuckled.

"I'm looking for the camera or your friends. Where are they? Must be hiding somewhere, no? —

#taekookau

— Because you are acting so well. I'm actually convinced by your act. Hmmm, nice one, Mr. Jeon." He gave a slow clap and rested his joined hands below his chin, looking at Jungkook with amazement.

But Jungkook's love was not just for words.

#taekookau #taekook

He could clearly see Taehyung's inner self breaking with each word he spoke.

He could see Taehyung's soul crying, complaining to him.

"Love... P-please don't do t-this. You are hurting. Tell me what happened? I can't live like this a-anymore. Please, I will... I c-can't, Tae."

Tears started falling from his eyes, unable to control themselves anymore.

For a moment, Taehyung's mask slipped, pain flashing in his eyes. But he quickly composed himself.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Your five minutes are up, Mr. Jeon." He turned to leave, but Jungkook

grabbed his wrist in panic.

Taehyung couldn't leave him. He wouldn't be able to hold his shattered heart pieces again.

"Love, please. We can't l-leave things like this."

Taehyung yanked his hand away. "Don't touch me," he hissed, as if Jungkook's touch burned him.

#taekookau

Maybe it did.

He felt a wave of fire rushing through his body, a burning sensation from one single touch.

"We're done here. If you need anything work-related, email me." With that, he rushed out of the library. Leaving Jungkook standing there, looking lost.

#taekookau

But one thing gave his shattered heart a ray of hope.

He still had an effect on Taehyung. On his soul. On his body. On his heart too?

A new determination hit him. He wouldn't give up. He wiped his tears with the back of his hand.

#taekookau #taekook

"If you are stubborn, I'm your Ggukie. I won't give up on us, Love. Never. Run as much as you want. You will always find me on the other end with my arms open for you."

Jungkook clutched the ring he was wearing as a necklace and caressed it very tenderly.

#taekookau #taekook

It was their promise ring.

—

Taehyung didn't stop until he reached the safety of the staff room.

He collapsed into a chair, his whole body shaking. He'd almost slipped up, almost revealed too much. He couldn't let that happen again.

#taekookau #taekook

Just then, his phone buzzed with a text from Jimin.

Concern for his daughter immediately overshadowed everything else.

Taehyung quickly gathered his things and headed to the Dean's office to request an early leave.

As he was leaving the campus, he caught sight of Jungkook in the distance, talking to some students.

#taekookau

For a moment, their eyes met. Taehyung quickly looked away and hurried to his scooter.

On the drive home, Taehyung's mind was a mess of thoughts. Jungkook's confused face, his insistence on knowing what went wrong... Could he really not know?

#taekookau #taekook

Or was this all part of some act?

He shook his head. No, he couldn't let himself doubt. He knew what he'd heard that day. What he had witnessed that day.

It had all been a bet, a game. Hadn't it?

#taekookau #taekook

As he pulled up to his home, Taehyung pushed all thoughts of Jungkook aside.

Right now, Hana needed him. His daughter was his priority, his whole world. Nothing else mattered.

He climbed the stairs to their floor, his heart heavy but determined.

#taekookau

Whatever happened with Jungkook, whatever feelings were stirred up, he couldn't let it affect Hana.

She deserved better than that.

Taehyung took a deep breath before opening the door to their apartment. "Hannii," he called out softly.

"Mama's home."

#taekookau #taekook

-♡ -

Days passed and Jungkook's attempts to talk to Taehyung became more frequent.

Each time, Taehyung managed to slip away, his words growing colder, his eyes harder.

His words and replies were becoming harsher. All as an attempt to guard his heart.

#taekookau #taekook

One afternoon, Taehyung was in the staff room, sorting through papers when Jungkook entered.

"Tae, can we talk?" Jungkook asked hesitantly.

Without looking up, Taehyung replied, "Mr. Jeon, unless this is about work, we have nothing to discuss."

#taekookau #taekook

"Please, I just want to-"

"I'm busy," Taehyung cut him off, his voice icy. "If you need assistance with something, I suggest you email me or speak with Eun."

#taekookau #taekook

Jungkook opened his mouth to speak again, but Taehyung gathered his papers and brushed past him, leaving the room without another word.

Jungkook's shoulders slumped. What to do now? He again went on his way, thinking about how to make Taehyung talk.

#taekookau #taekook

But unknown to him, Hyungsik was following him with his eyes. Yes, he had been there in the library that day.

He was watching Jungkook's every failed attempt. He could see desperation and sincerity in his eyes and voice.

Because he could see things clearly.

#taekookau

But that didn't mean he blamed Taehyung.

That male was hurt deeply. He was blinded by it. He was doing everything to protect himself and Hana.

By now, Hyungsik had also connected the dots.

Jungkook was Hana's father.

#taekookau #taekook

Taehyung wouldn't take a step, nor would he give Jungkook a chance.

Hell, if it was up to Taehyung, he might disappear with Hana and never come back.

Hyungsik sighed. He needed to do something.

#taekookau

Because, 'A broken heart doesn't heal with time. It shatters more until it becomes stone. The only way to heal them is love and warmth. Which only their other half could provide'.

And if anyone could heal Taehyung, then it was only Jungkook.

Not even Hana.

#taekookau #taekook

- ♡ -

Next week was more frustrating for Taehyung.

One side Hana was not well and other side, Jungkook was not leaving his side.

Taehyung will be frank, he was behaving like a leech.

#taekookau #taekook

Even though he became an expert at avoiding Jungkook. He was still giving him a headache.

Both father and daughter decided to test his patience together.

Even though he'd leave room as soon as Jungkook entered, take different routes through the campus and always...

... ensure he was surrounded by other staff members during meetings. It was taking its toll.

Taehyung found himself constantly on edge, his nerves always up from the constant fear.

One evening, as he was leaving, he nearly collided with Jungkook at the entrance.

#taekookau

"Love" Jungkook said, his voice tinged with desperation.

"Taehyung, Mr Jeon" he corrected, 100th time. He was getting frustrated now. Can't they leave him alone!

"Please Tae, let's talk" Jungkook pleaded.

#taekookau

Taehyung's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and pain. "Mr. Jeon, I've made it clear that I have no interest in discussing anything not related to work. Please respect that."

"But-"

"Goodnight, Mr. Jeon," Taehyung said firmly, pushing past him and hurrying to his scooter.

He hated how Jungkook's presence affected him, how it brought back memories he'd tried so hard to bury.

He went home while his mind was having a constant battle with his heart. He can't let his heart win.

As he pulled up to his home, Taehyung took a deep breath.

#taekookau

He couldn't let Jungkook's reappearance in his life affect him like this. He had to stay strong, for Hana's sake.

He had moved on. Or he thought so....

Whatever Jungkook wanted, whatever he had to say, it didn't matter. The past was in the past.

Taehyung had a future to focus on, a daughter to raise.

Taehyung was too stubborn for his own good. Sigh...

He opened the door to find Hana waiting, her face lighting up at the sight of him. "Mama!" she exclaimed, running into his arms.

—

It was nighttime when he was deep in thoughts. Hana was sleeping peacefully beside him. She was better than before.

His fingers were mindlessly playing with her hair, caressing it.

His phone buzzed, bringing him out of his thoughts. It was a text from Jimin.

Taehyung sighed.

He should have known Jimin would notice.

He doesn't want to involve Jimin and burden him again.

A small smile crossed Taehyung's face when Hana sightly coughed in her sleep.

Hana.

His anchor. His reason for everything.

As Taehyung hugged her tight, he pushed all thoughts of Jungkook aside.

#taekookau #taekook

Next day ~

Jungkook arrived at the university earlier than usual.

He hadn't slept well, his mind replaying his encounters with Taehyung over and over again.

As he walked through the quiet hallways, he found himself in front of Taehyung's cabin, staring at the closed door.

"You're here early, Mr. Jeon," a voice startled him.

Jungkook turned to see Hyungsik watching him with a mixture of curiosity and sort of concern?

Were his dark circles visible? But he hide him properly.

'Act natural Jungkook' He whispered to himself.

#taekookau #taekook

"Oh, Good morning, Mr. Park," Jungkook said, trying to compose himself. "I just... I had some work to catch up on."

Hyungsik raised an eyebrow. "In front of Assistant Kim's office?"

Jungkook felt his cheeks heat up. "I... It's not..."

#taekookau

"Why don't we grab a coffee?" Hyungsik suggested cutting him off, his tone gentle but leaving no room for refusal.

A few minutes later, they were seated in the quiet campus café. Jungkook stared into his americano, unsure of what to say.

What would Hyungsik even want to talk? That too with him?

"So," Hyungsik began, "Want to tell me what's going on between you and Taehyung?"

Jungkook's head snapped up. "How did you...?" He cleared his throat, "There is nothing going on Mr Park. What are you talking about?"

"I've known Taehyung for years," Hyungsik said. "And I've never seen him react to anyone the way he reacts to you. There's clearly a history there."

Jungkook's shoulders slumped, accepting his defeat. Ofcourse Hyungsik will question it.

#taekookau #taekook

Taehyung was sunshine to others and thunder to him.

But he still not sure, if he should tell Hyungsik. But he too wanted to let things out.

Keeping everything inside... it was never good for his mental health. His insomnia was getting worst.

#taekookau

"We were... together. Six years ago. But then he just... disappeared. No explanation, no goodbye. And now he won't even talk to me."

"And you have no idea why?" Hyungsik tried to dig further.

He already knows Taehyung's side story. He need to know Jungkook's side too.

He need to know, where they both stood.

"No.." Jungkook said, his voice cracking.

"One day we were planning our future and the next... he was gone. I've spent six years trying to understand what happened. I was searching for him in these six years without rest...

#taekookau

... I took every job opportunity I got, just in hope that maybe I would found him"

Hyungsik watched as Jungkook's eyes filled with tears. The younger man quickly wiped them away, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry," Jungkook mumbled.

#taekookau #taekook

"Just... seeing him again, brought everything back. And he looks at me like I'm the one who hurt him, but I don't know how or why? He is not ready to talk either"

Hyungsik nodded thoughtfully. "Jungkook, I can't pretend to know what happened between you two".

#taekookau

"But I can tell you this, Taehyung is not the type to walk away without a reason. Whatever happened, it must have been hard for him."

"But how can I fix it if he won't even talk to me?" Jungkook asked, desperation clear in his voice.

"Give him time," Hyungsik advised.

"And maybe... maybe try to remember if there was anything, any misunderstanding that could have led to this."

Jungkook nodded, his mind already racing through memories of their last days together.

There had to be something he was missing.

#taekookau #taekook

"Taehyung is stubborn. Like you said, you love him, you know better than anyone. Have faith Jungkook. His icy heart will melt. And only you can do that". Hyungsik watched Jungkook carefully as the younger man stared into his coffee, lost in his thought.

#taekookau #taekook

After a moment, he spoke again. "Jungkook, I can see how much this is affecting you. Can you tell me more about what happened six years ago?"

Jungkook looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and confusion. "I wish I knew, Mr. Park. Everything was perfect, or at least I...

Jungkook started at distance, as if everything was playing in front of his eyes like a reel.

"All his things, packed up and gone. No note, no explanation. He wouldn't answer my calls, my texts. It was like he had vanished into thin air." He said.

#taekookau

Hyungsik nodded thoughtfully. "And you never heard from him after that?"

"No," Jungkook shook his head. "I tried everything. I went to his father side family, but they said they didn't know where he was. His friends... they all shut me out...

It was like everyone knew something I didn't."

"And now?" Hyungsik prompted gently.

"Now?" Jungkook laughed bitterly. "Now he looks at me like I'm the one who left. But I don't understand why. What could I have possibly done to make him hate me so much?"

#taekookau #taekook

He looked at Hyungsik, straight into his eyes, "I'm not blaming him. I know he is hurting too. I can see pain in his eyes and every time he talk rudely to me, his voice trimble. My Taehyung is hurting too"

He said in defending manner.

#taekookau

He was afraid that, Hyungsik will judge Taehyung after listening to his one side story.

No one can put a finger on Taehyung until he is there.

Hyungsik leaned back in his chair amazed. He can see how defensive Jungkook was. How protective he was behaving.

#taekookau #taekook

He consider his words carefully before speaking, "Jungkook, I've known Taehyung for a while now. He's not the type to act without reason. Whatever happened, it must have been big enough to make him feel he had no other choice."

"But what could it have been?" Jungkook asked.

Frustration clear in his voice. "I loved him. I still love him. I would never have done anything to hurt him intentionally."

"Sometimes," Hyungsik said slowly, "it's the unintentional hurts that cut the deepest. Is there anything, that might have been misunderstood?"

#taekookau

Jungkook furrowed his brow, thinking hard. "I... I don't know. Everything seemed fine. We were happy. At least, I thought we were."

Hyungsik nodded, then leaned forward.

"Jungkook, there's something else you should know. Taehyung's life...