Tacenda; a #taekookau "I love you," Taehyung’s eyes glisten, "I am...

"You promised to not take the company!" Taehyung shouts, devastated, betrayed, as he runs into Jungkook’s office, "gguk-"
Jungkook frowns, "sorry. Do I know you?"
- Angst with happy ending
He leans back on his chair, "how did you get in here?"
Taehyung gulps, tears pooling in his eyes, "oh..." he wipes his eyes, "hyung was right then?"
Taehyung looks at the man, nodding, "here we are."
Jungkook leans forward on his elbows, lips jutted out in faux concern, "you know, for old time's sake, I can help you."
Jungkook stands up, walking up to Taehyung to hold the boy by his waist, "if you want," his lips press against Taehyung's ear, "I know how good you are in bed—" he pulls back to watch Taehyung, a smirk on his lips...
Jungkook keeps his eyes on Taehyung, "you can join my club. Only gold membership clients can—"
He pauses, watching how hope dies in Taehyung's eyes.
Jungkook reaches, holding Taehyung's elbow, "there is another offer. You can exclusively stay for me. I will pay a good amount for your services."
Jungkook watches Taehyung, for a second they both stare at each other.
Then Taehyung pulls away, "it was nice knowing you."
"No, it is not hurting me," Taehyung sighs, "knowing you never loved me, it's easy to brush you off. It's hurting me that I let my family down. You, I will forget soon enough."
Jungkook watches Taehyung walk away.
He has to go and face his family now. His family, Namjoon and Jin, his brother and brother-in-law. His mother.
Taehyung hugs himself, sobbing into his own clutch.
Now he is going back with nothing. Defeated. His family will never accuse him, but that probably hurts more.
Taehyung walks out in the lobby, eyes roaming over the known place.
Everything is the same.
Even the faces of employees are the same.
Just the head is not Namjoon anymore.
Taehyung closes his eyes, thinking how he failed his late father too.
He pulls out his phone, "hyung?"
"I know," Yoongi sighs over the phone, "I know, babybear, I know. Do you want me to pick you up?"
Taehyung wipes his eyes, "can I come to your place?"
Taehyung nods, "can you tell me how to?"
Yoongi pauses, "what?"
Taehyung bites his lip, "I will use the subway," he closes his eyes, "for the first time."
He deserves to be judged, Taehyung thinks, for being so useless, spoilt in fact.
Taehyung listens, tears welling in his eyes when he realizes Yoongi's voice is helpful, kind, friendly.
He hurries too, head hung low, shoulders slumped.
"I will make you a cake," Yoongi promises, "see you, taetae."
"He took the subway," Jimin on the chair beside Jungkook, "kind of got under the train than in it. For a second, scared the shit out of me. Then he got in and dropped off at that AgustTea Café. What a tacky name! If you are opening a business, how do you name it that?"
Jimin waves him off, "boy was walking like bambi. I guess, never took the subway. Someone pushed him, and he was already looking around confusedly, slipped. I was being dramatic. Not really!"
Jungkook stares, "Jimin..."
Jungkook hesitates, looking down at the pages of the file, "nothing. Good. Thanks."
Jimin hums, taking up a file himself, "you look tired. Go home. Rest for a bit."
Jimin doesn't say anything more. He goes back to his file, working through it.
Jungkook steals a glance at him, then looks down at his files again, and then steals another glance.
"Do you want me to hire a guard for him?" Jimin sighs.
"Book a ticket for theatre then," Jimin rolls his eyes, "he has self-respect. I like that."
Jungkook bites his lower lip, "right."
Jungkook nods, leaning back against his chair, "I got you. Just fix a meeting with him. See what he says."
Jimin hums, "what are you going to do with your secretary, though?"
Jimin hums, thinking, "listen, how about," he holds his hands up, "don't get mad or rush it, listen..."
Jimin makes a face, "it will come in handy. He has no job. No experience. He is desperate."
Jungkook flips through the pages of the file in front of him, "as if he would agree-"
"No one says no to me," Jimin winks, "I will rope him in."
"See if you can," Jungkook shrugs, "I have no problem. He will just work for me, under Mrs. Lee. Until she retires."
Jimin nods, "I will meet that café owner tomorrow. I will see if he is there too or not."
"It's a good idea," Yoongi eyes Taehyung who is walking back and forth, "I mean, I didn't meet the guy, Jimin? Right, but his idea is good. You will get money-"
Taehyung glares, "from that shit? I don't need it!"
Yoongi makes a face, "but you do, though? No?"
Yoongi sighs, "think about it, Taetae. It's the best," he nods when Taehyung frowns at him, "I understand where you are coming from. I get it. But," he leans on the counter, a mischievous smile on his lips, "think about it for a second."
Yoongi rolls his eyes, makes a face, "no. I know he won't. But people make mistakes, Tae. He will slip, you have to be there to catch the effect of that slip. Think about it. Yeah?"
Yoongi hesitates, "but..." he watches how Taehyung hugs himself, "if you still have feelings for him-"
Taehyung chuckles, "I do," his eyes are glossy, "feelings don't go away just like that, hyung."
Taehyung looks up at Yoongi, "how tough is that?"
"Even after all this?" Taehyung feels tears trailing down his face, "after I brought my family down?"
Taehyung's eyes water more, he lurches to hug Yoongi, "why are you so kind?"
Yoongi chuckles, "only you think so."
Taehyung sighs, "you are."
Yoongi pats his back, "so? The offer?"
Yoongi heaves a sigh, "that's my taetae!"
Taehyung smiles at Yoongi, "thank you," he shrugs when Yoongi arches a brow, "for always being there for me."
Yoongi ruffles his hair again, "I will always be there for you, Tae. No worries."
He bites back words while walking into the interview.
Jungkook is alone, sitting on the chair and eyes fixed on Taehyung.
"Good morning, sir," Taehyung bows, "I am here for the interview."
Taehyung holds out the file, eyes stuck on his outstretched hand.
Jungkook takes it, reading through it, "how many of these certificates are real?"
Jungkook's eyes flicker over to him, a lazy smirk on his lips, "how many of these your daddy bought for you, Kim? How many are really yours?"
Taehyung feels anger sizzling down his spine, he straightens himself, face blank, "Oh, right."
Taehyung watches those lazy eyes roam over him...
Taehyung falters, "wait, what?"
Jungkook hums, "I often work from my home. I cannot be bothered-"
Taehyung gapes, "why do I have to live with you?! I can easily-"
"If I need something at midnight, would I call you?" Jungkook makes a face.
Jungkook stands up, effectively halting Taehyung to round the table, "I am the boss here, Taehyung," he comes to lean to level their eyes, "you," he whispers, "will work for me. As I make you work."
Taehyung grits his teeth, "I need double salary."
Taehyung snorts, leaning back against the chair, "let's face it, Jeon," his smile dims to give way to a glare, "you are not hiring me to work for you. You just want to play your sick game. You like to play with me!"
Taehyung watches how the man smirks, nods, "I love to play with you."
Those words remind him of those times when he would think Jungkook was joking, laugh at him.
Now...
He clenches his jaw, face upturned, "then pay the price. Double salary."
Jungkook eyes him, silently watching him for a few seconds before he snorts, "desperate for money, are we?"
Jungkook's eyes harden, "it was-"
Taehyung waves him off, "past is past. I don't like to look back and dwell on it. Tell me if you agree or-"
Jungkook nods, "Fine, sign the contract."
Jungkook holds out a file, "here."
Taehyung pauses, "you had it printed already? What if I denied?"
Jungkook breathes out a laugh, "you are in no position to deny me, Taehyung. You are basically on the street. Don't take me for a fool."
He frowns, "what do you mean by I have to help you in household chores?"
Jungkook shrugs, "shopping groceries, laundry, remembering when the bills are due-"
"You have maids!" Taehyung frowns, "and a cook!"
"No," Taehyung grips the files in his hands, "I will do all this, only on one clause, Jeon," he bites back a hiss, "we will never discuss our past. Do not bring that shit up!"
Taehyung looks down at the pages, reading the last few ones, "parties are free to lead their personal lives," Taehyung hums, "so, clear it for me. If I bring someone over for a hookup, I will get them in your house?"
Taehyung nods, "hookups, affairs, sex," he points at the papers, "you didn't clarify that. Can I bring my dates over at your place or do I stay at theirs-"
"No one will be stepping in my house except you," Jungkook chews out...
"You will be back home every night," Jungkook cuts him off, "I am not paying you to hop from one guy to another. I might need your help-"
Taehyung rolls his eyes, "fine, I get Sunday off. I will manage," he reaches for the pen.
Taehyung's eyes flash over his, he stands up to glare at the man in front of him, "why? If you get to go off with random people and I know you will bring them home-"
"No," Taehyung's lips curl, "if you get to tell me what I can do even after office hours, then I can ask the same of you!"
Jungkook snorts, "I am paying you!"
Jungkook curses, "Tae-"
Taehyung places the file on the table and holds up his bag, "it was nice talking to you, sir," he snorts, "hope you have a good day."
Taehyung's eyes are boring on Jungkook, "there is nothing professionalism about any of this, Jungkook. You know that."
The silence is eerie. Jungkook watches Taehyung.
Taehyung reaches for the pen blindly, never taking his eyes off Jungkook.
He flips the papers and signs before holding it out for Jungkook.
Jungkook takes the file and throws it over his shoulder, "you are coming with me now."
Taehyung looks around, "what is that door leading to?"
"My bedroom," Jungkook leans against the door.
Jungkook nods, "yeah?"
Taehyung looks at the door, "there are no locks."
Jungkook shrugs, "why do you need a lock?"
Taehyung blinks, "you can walk in here any moment?!"
Jungkook nods, "yeah?"
Taehyung bites back a curse, "do you not see-"
Taehyung crosses his arms over his chest, "put a damn lock on that door. I need my privacy!"
Jungkook stares, "who told you that you can order me?"
Taehyung wants to throw something at the man, but he opts for glaring, "put a lock there!"
"Put," Taehyung hisses, "a damn lock there, otherwise I will go to your bedroom and strangle you in your sleep. Watch it, Jeon!"
Jungkook blinks, "what?"
Taehyung nods, "you heard me!"
Taehyung holds up his phone, "forget that Taehyung. Fucker got me where I am right now, you," he points the phone at Jungkook, "call someone to install a lock. Right now!"
Jungkook curses.
"Anything else you want me to do?!" Jungkook wonders after the lock is installed, "any more changes you would prefer?"
Taehyung looks around, makes a face, "call your painting company. I need to change the room colour. Beige. I hate this colour scheme."
Taehyung makes a face, "too boring. I can't stand that. You told me I can do whatever I want with my room."
"Colour it yourself!" Jungkook walks out of the room, "I am done. No way in hell I am indulging in that shit!"
Jungkook breathes out and stares the guy, "I will go to a party tonight. Jimin's company is throwing an anniversary party for him. Dress properly. It's a business setting, so you will join me."
Taehyung nods, "okay. Now go. I need to clean this room."
He is halfway through the movie when he sees Taehyung walking out of the room with a tray, "where is the balcony?"
Jungkook frowns, "want to jump off it?"
Taehyung stares.
Taehyung storms off towards the balcony, on his way he steps on Jungkook's feet, totally ignoring the hiss Jungkook gives him.
Jungkook follows, "don't actually jump off though!"
Jungkook watches how his empty balcony starts filling up with pots.
Taehyung holds out a garden trowel for Jungkook, "help me plant this one."
Jungkook stares, "you aren't serious!"
Jungkook kneels beside him with a sigh, "fine. What is it? What do I do?"
Taehyung holds out the plant, "dig the soil and plant this one."
"What is this?" Jungkook wonders, digging into the soil.
Jungkook takes the seeds, helping Taehyung.
It takes them almost the entire noon to get the plants fixed and then Jungkook is leaving for a meeting with Taehyung right beside him.
The place is not crowded, it's noon. The two tables are filled with two couples, talking among themselves.
Jimin walks up to the counter, ringing the bell.
He stares, noticing flour on the man's nose, cheeks bunched up in a small, welcoming smile.
"I am so sorry," the man says, "the workers are on lunch break. Please wait, I will just wash-"
The man frowns, "meeting..."
Jimin glares, "I am Park Jimin. If I am not wrong, you are Min Yoongi, right?"
Jimin nods, "I sent you the letter that I am buying this building and-"
"I am not selling my café," Yoongi gives him a small smile, "sorry, Jimin."
"That would be, 'sir,' for you!" Jimin hisses, "and you have no options."
"Do you always show up to threaten your opponent and when they don't listen to you end up pouting or something," Yoongi pauses, huffs out a chuckle, "Jimin?"
Jimin blinks.
Jimin watches how the man goes inside the room behind the counter and lets out a curse.
He stands and waits until Yoongi is coming out of the room.
Yoongi wipes his hands on his apron, nodding to himself, "let's try the second option because I am not selling."
Yoongi points at it with his eyes, "by your words, it looks like you can do with some sweets."
Jimin makes a face, "I don't like muffins."
Yoongi smiles, "I see that. One won't kill you. Here."
Yoongi shrugs, "free."
Jimin glares, "I don't take charity."
Yoongi laughs, his gums visible for Jimin, "if it's a muffin, you should, love."
With that he is moving to the next customer and Jimin is watching him before turning to leave.
Taehyung nods, "yes, I will be on it."
Jungkook pauses to look at him, "sir," he nods, "you will call me sir here."
Jungkook hums, "what's my schedule for today?"
Taehyung goes through his tab, "you have another meeting, and then you need to attend a party. Tonight."
Taehyung nods, "I have his number."
Jungkook nods, "call him. Tell him I asked him to be my date for the night."
Taehyung pauses, "what?"
Taehyung bites the inside of his cheek, nods, "right. A date. Okay."
Jungkook looks at him, "I am not going to bring him home."
Taehyung ignores the words, dialling the number.
Taehyung looks down at his own phone to see Namjoon has sent him some texts about him searching a job.
Taehyung wishes him luck, smiling when he sees Jin already got one.
They are slowly getting back on track.
Taehyung bites on his lip, looking away, "I don't have anything fancy."
Jungkook frowns, "you had an entire closet full-"
Jungkook stares, "your perfume collection-"
Taehyung snorts, "it paid me good. I don't have much."
Taehyung's eyes snap to his, "no."
Jungkook tries to match this Taehyung with the one he knows.
The Taehyung who had a closet full of clothes, perfumes he liked to collect, ties... they used.. he nods.
"I am not your date," Taehyung shakes his head, "whatever I have, as a secretary, it's enough. I don't need this. Thank you."
Taehyung shakes his head, "I am not going to spend your money for you to say I have to pay it back in some twisted way later. I don't trust you enough for this. I will wear whatever I have. Take it or leave it."
"Sir," Taehyung snorts, "I will never look dull. I did not say anything about looking dull. I just said, I don't need your money to look pretty."
Jungkook reaches to take a hold of Taehyung's elbow, pulling him back, "you better look pretty, Taehyung."
A sigh escapes Jungkook's lips. He dials Dojin's number to ask him if he needs anything for the night, walking into his office.
Jungkook blinks, eyes trailing over Taehyung, "you bought these?"
Taehyung looks down at himself, "no. These are mine. Why? They look odd?"
Taehyung nods, "yes. He is waiting. We are done. Come on."
Jungkook nods, "just be there in a minute. Come here. Fix my tie for me."
Taehyung makes a face, "you can't do your tie?"
Taehyung lets out a breath, walking up to Jungkook and taking the tie from him.
Jungkook watches, eyes focused on Taehyung while Taehyung knots the tie around his neck.
He sucks in a breath when those eyes find him...
Jungkook reaches, plucking the eyelash that has fallen on Taehyung's cheekbone, "want to wish for something?"
The words halt Taehyung, takes him back to all those times when he would do it and Jungkook would laugh at him...
Jungkook watches him, "oh...?"
Taehyung pats Jungkook's chest, stepping back to look at the man with a small smile, "learnt the hard way that wishes never come true."
He walks out of the room.
He watches how Taehyung gets in the passenger seat, looking outside after tying the seatbelt.
"You can turn on the music if you want," Jungkook voices, looking at the side of Taehyung's face, "I don't mind. I am sure Dojin does not either."
Dojin smiles, "not at all. Taehyung, go ahead."
"I am fine, thank you, sir."
Jungkook knows Taehyung hates silent rides. He loves to mess with the radio, bickering with Jungkook about the choices of songs.
"I will eat there," Taehyung whispers, "hyung, you need to stop worrying. I know," he smiles, "if the food is spicy, I will eat something else. Go and eat. Okay?"
Taehyung's eyes find them on the rear mirror and Jungkook can easily see how that smile dims on his lips for a second.
Then Taehyung looks away.
He bows to the ones who smile at him and ignores the one who are side-eyeing him.
He stands behind Jungkook, watching how the man shakes hand with others and shares greetings.
Taehyung looks at the bar and nods, "of course, sir. What do you want?"
He bows before leaving.
After ordering the drink, he waits, tapping his finger on the counter.
Taehyung holds his breath, turning to see an old man smiling at him, "yes," he nods, "I am."
The man holds his hand out, "I am Mr. Lee. I am a friend of your father's. He did not contact me after whatever happened. How are you all?"
The bartender holds out his drink and Taehyung is excusing himself.
He turns to see Jungkook and Dojin still busy talking to others. A few men surrounding them. With a tired sigh, he goes up to the two and holds out the drink.
Jungkook looks over at Taehyung, "yes. He is my secretary."
Heechul eyes Taehyung, "I see. He is pretty, I must say. You got a gorgeous secretary, Jeon."
Heechul waves him, "sure. Hi," he steps around Jungkook to smile at Taehyung, "I am Park Heechul."
Taehyung nods, "hello. Kim Taehyung."
Jungkook lets out a breath, watching how Taehyung's large eyes look up at Heechul. How those cheeks bunch up in a smile while he blushes.
"Yeah," Jungkook murmurs, staring at the two of them, "sure, let's go."
Heechul shrugs, holding out his hand, and then they are coming up to dance too.
Jungkook's eyes find Taehyung's.
"You look angry," Dojin quips, "is everything alright?"
Jungkook shakes his head, "nothing. I just..." he looks at Dojin, "nothing. Sorry."
That sound is like nostalgia. It takes him back to a time when he heard that sound closer to his ear. Those starry eyes fixed on him.
Something Jungkook did not think he will miss when gone.
Jungkook shakes his head, pausing on his steps when he sees Taehyung holding out his phone for Heechul to take.
Something sour coats his mouth and Jungkook steps away from Dojin, "excuse me."
He frowns at Dojin and looks back at where the man has gone.
"Excuse me," he pulls back from Heechul, "I will call you. Sorry, I need to see-"
Heechul waves him off, "of course. See you around, Taehyung."
Taehyung frowns, coming to stand in front of the man, "you are smoking."
Jungkook arches a brow, hands shoved in the pockets of his slack, "so?"
Taehyung grits his teeth, "you can't smoke here."
Taehyung glares, "there is a 'no smoking,' sign right beside-"
Jungkook rolls his eyes, breathing in, "I can read, Taehyung. I don't think they will care if it's me."
He glares at the man in front of him, "get in. Why are you out here policing me?! Go in, Heechul might want to grind against you some more."
Taehyung blinks, "he was not grinding against me."
Taehyung steps closer, "we were just dancing and I am your secretary. Not slave."
"What about it was grinding?!" Taehyung stomps his foot, "no, what about it-"
Taehyung sucks in a breath when one of Jungkook's arm goes around his waist and the other holds his hand, intertwining their fingers.
The music is softly carrying out in the corridor...
Taehyung's voice dies in his throat when Jungkook starts moving.
They will look silly to anyone who would walk out in the corridor, dancing alone, arms around each other
Their feet moving together. As if on instinct. As if muscle memory.
Taehyung's eyes pool with tears when he remembers their last dance together.
Just like this, in Taehyung's room.
He marches away, leaving behind Jungkook, who stares as long as he can see Taehyung.
Since Taehyung joined the company. They both have found a routine they stick to.
In office, they work together, as a team almost. Taehyung obeys each and every order that is served to him.
Jungkook makes sure the payments and tips are given.
But Taehyung never joins those celebratory parties. He makes excuses, flimsy ones, but Jungkook lets him have it.
Every time he ends up with Yoongi in his café, mindless talking or baking with the man.
That man glares at him as if he would burn him to ashes if he could.
That man frequents their apartment too. Stays with Taehyung all nights, watching movies, playing games.
Jungkook says nothing.
Jungkook's company opened a new branch in the UK, making it a time for celebration.
Taehyung has made an excuse of family problem. He left the house that morning itself.
Jungkook had said nothing. He is, by now, used to those excuses...
Frantically blabbering something Jungkook does not understand.
"What are you saying?" Jungkook walks out of the party, pressing a finger against his other ear to hear better, "what?"
"I am coming," Jungkook rushes to the lift, "just wait, Tae, I am coming."
Jungkook counts the numbers of the floors in the lift, "Tae-"
"You offered me to sleep with you for money," Taehyung whispers, "does that still stand?"
"I will," Taehyung's voice sounds hollow, "take the offer. Just... just save him. Please. I have no one if-"
"Send me the hospital's address," Jungkook whispers, "now."
Jungkook feels the bile rise to his mouth, he shakes his head, "no offer, Taehyung," he blinks rapidly, "I am shifting him to a better place. Just focus on him now. Yes? I will meet you there."
Taehyung sniffles, "what do you want?"
"No," Taehyung cuts him off, "I have learnt my lesson, Jungkook. Nothing in this world comes for free. What do you want from this? I am sick of you deceiving me. Tell me what is it? What do you want?"
He calls the ones he needs to make the shift happen before he calls for his driver.
Jungkook steps inside the car, tells the driver where to go before he leans back against his seat.
It takes almost half an hour for him to reach there. Then Jungkook is rushing inside.
Jin leans against the door, sobbing silently while he clings to the surface.
On the bench sits Taehyung, face buried in his palms, legs moving up and down, jittery.
He reaches hesitantly, hand shaking as he places it on Taehyung's head.
Taehyung stills, looking up at him with tear-soaked eyes.
His lips tremble with silent cries...
Taehyung is shaking, his entire body trembles with goosebumps all over his skin.
Jungkook cannot speak a word.
Jungkook looks over his shoulder and flinches when Taehyung lets out a loud sob and stands up.
Jungkook watches how Taehyung almost runs to throw himself in the man's arms who walks out of the lift and easily catches him.
"Hyung!" Taehyung sobs, "Joonie hyung... hyung."
Taehyung grasps at Yoongi as if his life depends on him, "I will not survive if something happens to-"
Taehyung lets Yoongi lead him back to the bench, sit him down.
Yoongi turns to stare at the door, where Jin is still standing.
Jungkook watches the man walk up to Jin, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"If anything happens to him," Jin chokes out, "his family will lose their son," he grips Yoongi's shirt, "a source of income and their son and brother. But me,
Yoongi nods, pulls Jin back, "it will be fine. He will be fine. You know how strong he is. He will be fine."
Jungkook looks back at Taehyung, who is staring at them, eyes pooling with tears.
Taehyung shrugs, "nothing. It is a critical surgery. They are not giving any hope," he grips the edge of the bench when he looks at Jungkook, "it is a costly surgery too. Too costly. We cannot afford it."
Taehyung turns to face him completely, grabbing Jungkook's hand in both of his, "I will do it. I will not take any money until the debt is cleared. I will not take a leave. Even for a day. I will pay it off. I will do i-"
Jungkook turns away, "stop it."
Jungkook lets out a breath, "it is paid," he looks over Taehyung's shoulder to not see that face, "everything is paid. I already paid for it."
Jungkook looks at the door of the OT, "none of it. You do not have to pay me back. I owe it to you, and more."
Jungkook looks down at his hands, nods, "yes," he sucks in a breath, "you do not have to pay me anything. It is okay."
Taehyung breathes out, "you want me to believe you? I cannot."
Jungkook shrugs, "that's okay. But, I do not need any payment."
Yoongi comes to sit on the other side of him, squeezing Taehyung's thigh. Jungkook watches how Taehyung turns to the man and leans against him.
He watches how Taehyung buries his face against Yoongi's neck, crying silently.
How Jin would make him things he liked to eat. How Jin would take his side whenever Taehyung and he fought over something.
How Jin did not believe him when Namjoon said Jungkook took their company.
How Jin looked at him.
"He went for an interview," Taehyung murmurs, "got rejected, and his last job was already running on loss, so they got rid of the newer employees. He crossed the road without looking at the signal, apparently," Taehyung sniffles.
He sits down on one of the steps, trying to ease his breathing.
In his haze, he pulls out his phone and dials a number, waiting.
"What's up?" Jimin sounds sleepy.
Jungkook exhales...
Jimin hums, "what did you do now?"
"Namjoon is in hospital," Jungkook whispers, "after an accident. Jimin..."
"What?!" Jimin sounds alert now, "wait, what?! What happened? How is he now? His family...?"
"I cannot fix this, can I?"
Jimin sighs, "the first step is, you want to. I would say, you should."
Jungkook looks at the steps, eyes boring on the tiles, "Right."
Jimin lets out a curse, "what?"
Jimin snorts, "then why are you regretting it now? If you are, then you should think about it, Jungkook."
Jungkook hums, "I will think about it. You..." he hesitates, "you won't ask why suddenly I am changing my mind?"
Jimin laughs, "I know why. You don't."
Jimin lets out a breath, "nothing. Just do what your heart says, you idiot. Your brain got you here, and you now have their company, but you are still not happy. So, listen to your heart. Do what you want to. Just remember, what you did was not right."
"No," Jungkook shakes his head, stands up, "he has everyone here. I will leave now. I paid for everything anyway."
Jimin hums, "tell him before leaving, though."
He watches how Yoongi says something, making Taehyung smile. A small, frail smile, but a smile nonetheless.
Jungkook shakes his head, "no, it's better to not disturb him. He got his loved ones with him."
Jimin hums, "fine."
Jungkook cuts the call, takes one last look at the man who is closing his eyes in Yoongi's arm. Jungkook walks inside the lift again.
He leaves one of his men there, to inform him if anything is needed.
He knows the man works for Jungkook.
"Where did your boss go?" Taehyung asks, looking at the empty corridor.
The man bows a little, "he had work, sir, he left."
Taehyung gulps, "right. Of course."
Taehyung looks at the ceiling of his room, ignoring the shadow by the door, "well. He is… conscious. He can finally be off the iv. He is doing well. He will be discharged in a week or so."
Jungkook hums, "good to hear."
Taehyung sits up on the bed, "is it?"
Taehyung fists the quilt, his eyes boring on the man's silhouette, "you might as well. The debt this caused us, the worry it caused us… wish it on me."
Taehyung huffs out a smile, "I am exhausted. Indeed. But, I would not get any sleep until I know what you want, Jungkook. I want to know what you want in excha-"
"Then do I owe this to you?" Taehyung wonders, "will you ask for something in the future. I need to prepare myself, Jungkook. I need to know what you are planning. This is keeping me awake!"
Taehyung snorts, sitting up on his knees, "trust you?! Are you asking me to trust you?! After what you did! After what you caused my family! After everything?! I do not trust you anymore. I will never!"
"Do not!" Taehyung lurches to grab Jungkook by his shirt, "do not even take his name along with yours. He will never be you!"
Taehyung's hands tighten on Jungkook's shirt, "you did that, yes. Do you feel the slightest of regret-"
"I do," Jungkook sighs.
Jungkook watches how tears slowly gather on the rim of those large eyes, how that face crumbles.
"I never asked," Taehyung's voice is heavier, "I was terrified of the answer..."
Jungkook hopes Taehyung does not feel how erratic his heartbeat is when he smiles so painfully, "the question should be..."
Taehyung takes a shuddering breath before pulling away, "it must be. What did you lose anyway? You never," his voice breaks, Jungkook notices, "loved me anyway."
He walks out of Taehyung's room, closing the door behind himself and letting out a long breath.
Jungkook pours himself some scotch, pushing open the door of the balcony to inhale the fresh air.
He sips the drink.
Jungkook grips the glass tightly, eyes on the citylights, "Tae, go back to bed."
Taehyung snorts, "right. I just got an apology for what I lost, I should be happy. Right? Because anything more than that is not worth it! Of course!"
He gasps when Jungkook turns to him, pressing him up against the glass of the balcony, "shut, the, fck, up!" Jungkook hisses, "stop talking! Stop talking right now!"
Taehyung smirks, tears blurring his vision, "did I hit a nerve?"
Jungkook hisses against his face, "seems like you always do! Always bring out the worst in me!"
"Oh, really?" Jungkook chuckles, "I can name a few," his lips press against Taehyung's ear, "things I was told I am best at. By you, if you would like to remember. Shall I remind you?"
Jungkook rests his hands on Taehyung's waist, holding onto the shorts Taehyung wears, "that's all? How about the things you used to love-"
Jungkook watches Taehyung, watches how Taehyung wipes his eyes.
"I am sorry," Jungkook murmurs, nodding when those wide eyes meet his, "for breaking your heart."
Taehyung watches him, "what are you planning? What is it this time?"
Taehyung grabs Jungkook's elbow, "no, tell me. What is it you are planning?!"
Jungkook looks at him, lets out a breath, "I am planning on partnership. With the Kims."
Jungkook snorts, nodding, "almost all are true, I guess. Alcohol, mistresses, gambling…" he blinks at the darkness, "all of those are true."
Jungkook laughs, looking at Taehyung with a disbelieving tilt of his head, "wow, that is too far! I am too young for that! No, hell, no! I am not engaged or married or... no!"
Jungkook gulps, looking out at the darkness, "another heir of his property. His mistress' son. Apparently he inherits half of my dad's fortune, and I am yet to find out who it is because the woman is not found yet."
Jungkook snorts, "you do not know. What if he is dead?"
Taehyung sighs, "you want him to be. No?"
Yoongi looks at Hoseok, shaking his head, "nothing much. Just a letter."
Hoseok hums, "another?"
Yoongi chuckles, nodding, "Another."
Hoseok eyes him, "you look like you are thinking of something."
Yoongi nods, "I am. For a while now."
Yoongi stands up to come and lean against the kitchen counter, "I am thinking of giving Jungkook a visit."
Yoongi tilts his head, a smile on his lips, "the one, Tae's Jungkook, Jeon Jungkook or, shall I say, my brother Jungkook."
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