#taekook #taekookau Jungkook is indifferent to his arranged...
dee⁷ | ia ARIRANG@dtaeles
13 views
Jul 23, 2026
~55 min read
Advertisement
1
#taekook #taekookau
Jungkook is indifferent to his arranged husband. It doesn’t matter, and he doesn’t care about what his husband is up to until one night he hears him cry in the darkness of his room.
Jungkook is indifferent to his arranged husband. It doesn’t matter, and he doesn’t care about what his husband is up to until one night he hears him cry in the darkness of his room.
2
Tags:
— forced/arranged marriage
— angst (lots of it but happy ending)
— hurt/comfort
— long
— written + soc-med
— more tags will be added later if needed
— updates every 2/3 days (basically whenever I am done with it)
— forced/arranged marriage
— angst (lots of it but happy ending)
— hurt/comfort
— long
— written + soc-med
— more tags will be added later if needed
— updates every 2/3 days (basically whenever I am done with it)
3
4
more tags:
— childhood a/buse (mostly verbal)
— mentions of SH (short and brief)
— mentions of infidelity (not between taekook)
— mentions of p/anic a/ttack
— please do not copy/repost/translate
— this is a work of fiction
— interactions keep me motivated
— happy reading
— childhood a/buse (mostly verbal)
— mentions of SH (short and brief)
— mentions of infidelity (not between taekook)
— mentions of p/anic a/ttack
— please do not copy/repost/translate
— this is a work of fiction
— interactions keep me motivated
— happy reading
5
“So, how is it going?” Jimin asks with a playful smirk on his lips. Jungkook rolls his eyes, focusing back on the TV screen as his character overtakes Jimin in their game.
“This is why you shouldn’t talk too much.” Jungkook laughs hearing Jimin whine.
“This is why you shouldn’t talk too much.” Jungkook laughs hearing Jimin whine.
6
“Where is your husband?” Jimin changes the subject.
“Probably in his room,” Jungkook shrugs, looking at the closed door.
Before Jimin could say something, the front door opened, revealing Taehyung with hands full of grocery bags.
“Probably in his room,” Jungkook shrugs, looking at the closed door.
Before Jimin could say something, the front door opened, revealing Taehyung with hands full of grocery bags.
7
“Hello, Jimin-ssi,” Taehyung nods, placing the groceries on the kitchen counter.
“Hello and please call me Jimin.”
Taehyung smiles small in return, his eyes briefly landing on Jungkook, who seems too engrossed in the game.
“Hello and please call me Jimin.”
Taehyung smiles small in return, his eyes briefly landing on Jungkook, who seems too engrossed in the game.
8
Jimin elbows him— a way to tell him that his husband is a few feet away from him and is looking at him— but Jungkook just glares at the elder before concentrating on the screen in front of him.
9
“Would you like something to drink?” Taehyung asks, completely ignoring whatever just happened between the friends.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you” Jimin smiles.
The awkwardness is thick in the air, and he doesn’t know what else to do other than nod and smile.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you” Jimin smiles.
The awkwardness is thick in the air, and he doesn’t know what else to do other than nod and smile.
10
“You said he was in his room.” Jimin scowls as soon as Taehyung goes to his room.
“Well, news flash, he wasn’t.” Jungkook shrugs.
“How come you don’t know? You guys live in the same house.” Jimin frowns.
“Well, news flash, he wasn’t.” Jungkook shrugs.
“How come you don’t know? You guys live in the same house.” Jimin frowns.
11
“So, am I supposed to keep an eye on him 24/7?” Jungkook answers irritatedly.
“What is wrong with you?” Jimin huffs, annoyed by how the younger has been acting since Taehyung returned.
“Nothing,” Jungkook sighs in dejection. His eyes travel to the closed door.
“What is wrong with you?” Jimin huffs, annoyed by how the younger has been acting since Taehyung returned.
“Nothing,” Jungkook sighs in dejection. His eyes travel to the closed door.
12
People get married either out of love or hoping to build a family.
The other reasons include emotional support or companionship, social or cultural beliefs, legal or financial benefits, religious or spiritual reasons, sense of stability or security, tradition, or social status.
The other reasons include emotional support or companionship, social or cultural beliefs, legal or financial benefits, religious or spiritual reasons, sense of stability or security, tradition, or social status.
13
Still, Jungkook can’t categorize his reason for getting married to someone he barely knows.
Hence, all his frustration and helplessness were channelled into indifference.
Hence, all his frustration and helplessness were channelled into indifference.
14
“I know you are mad, but try to accept this reality,” Jimin speaks cautiously, bringing Jungkook out of his thoughts. “It’s been a month already.”
Jungkook doesn’t answer but rather smiles mirthlessly.
Jungkook doesn’t answer but rather smiles mirthlessly.
15
1.
16
2. [a week later]
17
3.
18
“Why are you so late?” Jimin asks as soon as he opens the door, making Taehyung frown.
Jimin’s brow pulls together as he reads Taehyung’s clueless expression.
Jimin’s brow pulls together as he reads Taehyung’s clueless expression.
19
“Don’t tell me you didn’t know about this party. That stupid,” he curses under his breath, “I told him to invite you, but I guess he didn’t. I’m so sorry, Taehyung.” Jimin looks apologetic.
20
“Ah no you’re misunderstanding. Actually, Jungkook did inform me, but it slipped from my mind.” Taehyung tries to hide in a superficial way. However, Jimin knows better.
21
“Jiminie~” A rather chirpy Jungkook comes and wraps his arms around Jimin, clinging onto him like a koala. The elder, in return, gives him a done look.
“Come on, let’s get you home,” Jimin says, wrapping the baby koala from himself.
“Come on, let’s get you home,” Jimin says, wrapping the baby koala from himself.
22
Jungkook pouts, but the playfulness vanishes as soon as his eyes land on Taehyung. “Why is he here?” His dark eyes never leave the elder’s. “Why are you here?”
The distaste is evident in Jungkook’s words.
The distaste is evident in Jungkook’s words.
23
“He is here to take you home.” Jimin answers.
“Home?” Jungkook scoffs, almost snorts, eyes staring into Taehyung’s.
“Home?” Jungkook scoffs, almost snorts, eyes staring into Taehyung’s.
24
“You call that a home? A place where two strangers live? Strangers who are married in papers and by law but don’t see each other more than three times a month? Strangers who barely speak to each other?” Jungkook turns to Jimin, “Tell me, Hyung, would you call it a home?”
25
It pains Jimin to see the younger in such pain and agony. And if he could, he would take all of it away from him and throw it somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.
But he can’t. Jungkook has to heal himself with Taehyung’s help. The same stranger he is living under the same roof.
But he can’t. Jungkook has to heal himself with Taehyung’s help. The same stranger he is living under the same roof.
26
Jimin lost count of how many times he gave apologetic glances to Taehyung.
“I’m sorry,” he apologizes again, “He speaks nonsense when drunk.”
Taehyung gives a small nod before getting a hold of a now passed-out Jungkook. “Don’t worry.”
“Please take care of him.”
“I will.”
“I’m sorry,” he apologizes again, “He speaks nonsense when drunk.”
Taehyung gives a small nod before getting a hold of a now passed-out Jungkook. “Don’t worry.”
“Please take care of him.”
“I will.”
27
🍂
28
Taehyung stares down at the now sleeping Jungkook. Jungkook’s muscles are no joke as he had a hard time bringing the younger up and in their hom— house.
He looks so peaceful while sleeping. Red cheeks puffed up, hair sprawled on the forehead, lips formed in a pout.
He looks so peaceful while sleeping. Red cheeks puffed up, hair sprawled on the forehead, lips formed in a pout.
29
Jungkook’s brow twitches in discomfort as he makes a gagging noise, and before Taehyung can help him to the bathroom, the former throws up on Taehyung and the floor.
30
“Christ,” Taehyung grunts, trying to balance Jungkook’s weight on him.
He drags him to the bathroom, helps him clean up, and changes his clothes before bringing him back to the bed.
He drags him to the bathroom, helps him clean up, and changes his clothes before bringing him back to the bed.
31
4.
32
5.
33
Jungkook groans as he walks out of his room. He promises himself that he will keep his alcohol consumption in check the next time because right now, he doesn’t recall anything that happened last night.
“How are you feeling?” A low husky voice startles him.
“How are you feeling?” A low husky voice startles him.
34
Jungkook’s eyes land on the man clad in a crisp beige suit. “Fine,” he answers shortly, not minding too much of the other’s existence.
“Mrs. Lee has prepared breakfast. Have something before leaving.” Taehyung says in a gentle tone.
“Mrs. Lee has prepared breakfast. Have something before leaving.” Taehyung says in a gentle tone.
35
Jungkook nods in response before sitting down on one of the chairs. A small smile makes its way to his lips as he sees Mrs. Lee has prepared all the hangover comfort foods that he likes.
“Thank you, Mrs. Lee,” He says, smiling wide at the older.
“Thank you, Mrs. Lee,” He says, smiling wide at the older.
36
“Don’t thank me. Mr. Kim asked me to prepare all this food for you.” Mrs. Lee smiles back, her eyes crinkling.
The smile dims a little as a frown pulls his brows together. He turns around to find Taehyung, but the elder is nowhere to be seen.
The smile dims a little as a frown pulls his brows together. He turns around to find Taehyung, but the elder is nowhere to be seen.
37
6.
38
7.
39
8.
40
9.
41
10.
42
11.
43
12.
44
Jungkook doesn’t realize when he falls asleep waiting for Taehyung. He rubs his eyes to clear his vision as his eyes fall on the clock. It’s half past eleven, and Taehyung must be back by now.
The small light coming from the crack of his door confirms Jungkook’s doubt.
The small light coming from the crack of his door confirms Jungkook’s doubt.
45
He can see Taehyung standing while facing someone. Jungkook knows he shouldn’t be eavesdropping but can’t stop himself.
46
“I assigned you a simple task but you somehow managed to fuck it up.” A gruff voice speaks. Taehyung doesn’t talk as he stares at the floor.
“Cat caught your tongue?” The same voice scoffs.
“Cat caught your tongue?” The same voice scoffs.
47
“Listen here, you little shit,” the man grabs Taehyung’s jaw harshly.
“Make sure you are getting that tender, by hook or crook. Beg if you need to. But I want the work done.” His grip on Taehyung gets hard with each word he spits.
“Make sure you are getting that tender, by hook or crook. Beg if you need to. But I want the work done.” His grip on Taehyung gets hard with each word he spits.
48
“Worthless brat.” He lets go of Taehyung’s jaw roughly, causing him to stumble a little.
49
Jungkook watches everything unfold in detestation. His blood starts boiling with anger, and he almost storms inside the room when his eyes meet Taehyung’s.
The elder shakes his head slowly. He mouths a small “stay back” before averting his eyes back on the person before him.
The elder shakes his head slowly. He mouths a small “stay back” before averting his eyes back on the person before him.
50
13.
51
14.
52
“Where have you been?” Jungkook’s voice looms in the dark hallroom.
“Jesus Christ,” Taehyung’s hand flies to his chest to calm his racing heart. He soon gains his composure, ignoring the younger’s sharp eyes.
“Jesus Christ,” Taehyung’s hand flies to his chest to calm his racing heart. He soon gains his composure, ignoring the younger’s sharp eyes.
53
“Where have you been?” he asks again in a calmer tone that sends a chill down Taehyung’s spine.
Unknowingly, he wets his lips, mind racing, looking for ways to escape this situation. He wants to escape Jungkook’s scrutinizing gaze.
Unknowingly, he wets his lips, mind racing, looking for ways to escape this situation. He wants to escape Jungkook’s scrutinizing gaze.
54
“I am tired.” Taehyung exhales tiredly.
“I know you are.” Jungkook can see the bags under his eyes. “And I’ll let you rest once you answer my questions.”
“Later.” He steps toward his room, but the other grabs his wrist, stopping him.
“I know you are.” Jungkook can see the bags under his eyes. “And I’ll let you rest once you answer my questions.”
“Later.” He steps toward his room, but the other grabs his wrist, stopping him.
55
Jungkook shakes his head, “I am not letting you go before knowing who that man was.”
“You don’t need to know.” Taehyung frees himself from his grip.
“I do.” Jungkook presses.
“You don’t need to know.” Taehyung frees himself from his grip.
“I do.” Jungkook presses.
56
“Since when did we start taking interest in each other's business?” Taehyung grimaces with a dry chuckle.
“You don’t care. You never did. Then what changed?”
“You don’t care. You never did. Then what changed?”
57
Jungkook stares at him, baffled. He doesn’t know how to answer Taehyung’s question. The elder throws him one last glance before scurrying over to his room.
58
Jungkook curses under his breath, feeling the frustration bubbling inside him. His eyes bore holes in the back of Taehyung’s disappearing figure.
With one sharp intake of breath, he leaves the house, closing the main door with a loud thud.
With one sharp intake of breath, he leaves the house, closing the main door with a loud thud.
59
15.
60
16.
61
17.
62
“I am so sorry the meeting ran longer than I anticipated,” all the five heads turn to look at Jungkook.
He has an apologetic smile as he bows to Mr and Mrs Kim. His eyes briefly meet Taehyung as the elder stares at him cluelessly.
He has an apologetic smile as he bows to Mr and Mrs Kim. His eyes briefly meet Taehyung as the elder stares at him cluelessly.
63
Taehyung cowers as he sees the disappointment swimming in Jungkook’s eyes instead.
Right, he deserved it. He couldn’t man up and apologise for last night. He couldn't tell Jungkook about this family dinner. He couldn’t even call him or text him.
Right, he deserved it. He couldn’t man up and apologise for last night. He couldn't tell Jungkook about this family dinner. He couldn’t even call him or text him.
64
“It’s fine. You are here now.” Mr. Kim smiles and guides Jungkook to the dinner table.
65
Taehyung feels the air suffocating him.
The elders are talking among themselves. His mother is talking with Mrs. Jeon about some boutique stores she visited. His father is busy with his business talk with Mr. Jeon, sometimes including Jungkook in it.
The elders are talking among themselves. His mother is talking with Mrs. Jeon about some boutique stores she visited. His father is busy with his business talk with Mr. Jeon, sometimes including Jungkook in it.
66
On the other hand, he is just there. Just existing.
He feels so out of place at his own house. As if it wouldn’t matter if he was there or not.
He feels so out of place at his own house. As if it wouldn’t matter if he was there or not.
67
The same gnawing feeling is creeping back, spreading its tentacles all over.
He mindlessly stares at the plate filled with food in front of him, his ears tuning out the distant chattering. The words run recklessly through his mind.
He mindlessly stares at the plate filled with food in front of him, his ears tuning out the distant chattering. The words run recklessly through his mind.
68
‘Your presence doesn’t matter. No one cares if you are here or not. No one cares if you are feeling out of place or not—’
“Taehyung,”
‘No one cares—’
“Taehyung,” a hand on his shoulder shakes him out of his thoughts.
“Taehyung,”
‘No one cares—’
“Taehyung,” a hand on his shoulder shakes him out of his thoughts.
69
Taehyung gasps a little as his empty eyes meet Jungkook’s concerned ones. “Are you okay?”
Taehyung blinks and looks away, finding everyone’s eyes on him. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” he gives a short smile before taking a big gulp of water.
Taehyung blinks and looks away, finding everyone’s eyes on him. “Y-yeah, I’m fine.” he gives a short smile before taking a big gulp of water.
70
“Why aren’t you eating anything?” Mrs. Jeon asks.
Taehyung looks at the delicious food. He is hungry, famished even, but he does not dare eat anything.
Taehyung looks at the delicious food. He is hungry, famished even, but he does not dare eat anything.
71
“Don’t tell me you are still picky about food.” Mr. Kim scoffs. “You are not a kid anymore, Taehyung. Eat whatever is served.” his words leave no room for debate.
Taehyung nods before taking the first bite of the rice.
Taehyung nods before taking the first bite of the rice.
72
Everyone focuses back on their food and chatter, but a pair of eyes stares at him with worry in his eyes.
“Are you,” Jungkook pauses, talking even at a lower tone, “Are you really okay? You don’t look—”
“Are you,” Jungkook pauses, talking even at a lower tone, “Are you really okay? You don’t look—”
73
“I’m fine.” Taehyung cuts him off. He wipes his mouth with the handkerchief before turning to Jungkook. “Don’t worry,” he says with a convincing nod.
74
18.
75
🍂
76
Taehyung excuses himself as soon as he finishes his dinner.
He goes straight to his room. His skin is slowly turning red due to irritation, lips swelling, and neck itching badly. Soon enough, his breathing started getting ragged.
He goes straight to his room. His skin is slowly turning red due to irritation, lips swelling, and neck itching badly. Soon enough, his breathing started getting ragged.
77
He looks through the drawers for his medicines. He is sure he kept them somewhere around, close to his reach. But you can’t find the damn thing when you need it badly.
Taehyung feels his throat tighten, trembling hands undoing his shirt button in haste.
Taehyung feels his throat tighten, trembling hands undoing his shirt button in haste.
78
He falls on the bed, feeling out of breath. His chest feels heavy, throat tenses with every breath he tries to take.
The world around him starts to turn hazy.
The world around him starts to turn hazy.
79
“Taehyung—,” Jungkook’s panicked voice rings in his ears. “Taehyung what’s wrong?”
I can't breathe.
I am allergic to shrimp.
Please help me find my medicines.
Please.
But none of these words come out of his mouth.
I can't breathe.
I am allergic to shrimp.
Please help me find my medicines.
Please.
But none of these words come out of his mouth.
80
His eyes start to get heavy and unfocused. Jungkook is tapping on his face, asking him to stay awake. He also wants to stay awake, but it’s getting harder.
“Where is your medicine?” Jungkook’s voice shakes.
“Where is your medicine?” Jungkook’s voice shakes.
81
Taehyung points at the bedside drawer with his shaky hands. That’s the only place he didn’t get to look at. Probably it is in there. But what if it isn’t? What will happen?
“Do not close your eyes.” Jungkook strenly says. “Do you hear me?”
Taehyung nods weakly.
“Do not close your eyes.” Jungkook strenly says. “Do you hear me?”
Taehyung nods weakly.
82
Luckily, Jungkook finds the medicine box there. “Which ones?” He asks, frantic.
“The.. In..injection.”
Jungkook gulps. He doesn’t know how much medicine goes into the syringe or how he is supposed to push it.
“The.. In..injection.”
Jungkook gulps. He doesn’t know how much medicine goes into the syringe or how he is supposed to push it.
83
He should call someone, but leaving Taehyung alone is not an option either.
“I don’t—”
“Just gi—give it to me.”
Jungkook nods frenzied. He wets his lips as he watches Taehyung give himself the shot.
“I don’t—”
“Just gi—give it to me.”
Jungkook nods frenzied. He wets his lips as he watches Taehyung give himself the shot.
84
The older collapses back on the bed. His breathing goes back to normal slowly. But his face is still red and swollen.
“Should I call the doctor?”
Taehyung shakes his head as no.
“Your parents?”
Again, no.
“Should I call the doctor?”
Taehyung shakes his head as no.
“Your parents?”
Again, no.
85
“I’ll be fine.” Taehyung rasps. “Can you give me some water please?”
Jungkook grabs the glass of water in no time and helps him drink it.
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Yes.”
Jungkook grabs the glass of water in no time and helps him drink it.
“Are you feeling any better?”
“Yes.”
86
“Do you want to stay here or—”
“We can leave in 10 minutes.”
Jungkook opens his mouth to argue. To tell him that he should sleep there. But something tells him he should listen to the latter.
“We can leave in 10 minutes.”
Jungkook opens his mouth to argue. To tell him that he should sleep there. But something tells him he should listen to the latter.
87
Let him rest for a while and then go back to their residence. Taehyung doesn’t look like he is fond of staying here.
88
19.
89
20.
90
🍂
91
Jungkook gently presses the cotton swab on the red splotches on Taehyung’s face and neck.
He made a quick to the pharmacy down the road to get some ointment that would help Taehyung.
He made a quick to the pharmacy down the road to get some ointment that would help Taehyung.
92
Although the elder is in a deep sleep and the redness on his skin is less angry, the swell doesn’t go away.
Jungkook hopes the soothing ointment will help. He is so focused on the task that he almost misses the whimper left Taehyung’s mouth.
Jungkook hopes the soothing ointment will help. He is so focused on the task that he almost misses the whimper left Taehyung’s mouth.
93
A single drop of water rolls down from the corner of his eyes and becomes one with the pillow.
Jungkook’s heart stops at the sight. By the look of it, Taehyung is crying in his sleep.
Jungkook’s heart stops at the sight. By the look of it, Taehyung is crying in his sleep.
94
He doesn’t know if he should wake Taehyung up or not. He takes Taehyung’s cold hands in his and soothingly rubs them.
95
21.
96
—
97
“What are these?” Mr. Jeon angrily throws the envelope, which lands straight at Jungkook’s feet.
The frown on Jungkook’s forehead flattens as a heavy sigh leaves his mouth. It’s the divorce papers he got prepared.
The frown on Jungkook’s forehead flattens as a heavy sigh leaves his mouth. It’s the divorce papers he got prepared.
98
He tried to be as discrete as he could. Because he knew if the words of him getting those papers ready got out, all hell would break loose by his very own father.
99
“It is what you are seeing it.”
“Are you out of your mind, Jungkook? What did you think before getting these papers ready?” frustration pours from Mr. Jeon’s voice.
“Are you out of your mind, Jungkook? What did you think before getting these papers ready?” frustration pours from Mr. Jeon’s voice.
100
“What did you expect?” Jungkook’s voice raises a bit. “You got me married without caring about my opinion. You didn’t listen to what I had to say. Did you expect me to go on with this absurdity?”
“Did Taehyung consent to it?”
Jungkook scoffs.
“Did Taehyung consent to it?”
Jungkook scoffs.
101
“Does he know about it?” Mr. Jeon presses again.
“No, he doesn’t.” A tired sigh leaves Jungkook’s mouth.
He feels guilty for taking this big step alone. But clearly, none of them are happy with it.
“No, he doesn’t.” A tired sigh leaves Jungkook’s mouth.
He feels guilty for taking this big step alone. But clearly, none of them are happy with it.
102
So, it is better to let go before things get messier and they start to loathe each other for something that is hardly their fault.
“Then why did you prepare it without his consent?” Mr. Jeon throws his hands up in annoyance.
“Then why did you prepare it without his consent?” Mr. Jeon throws his hands up in annoyance.
103
“Did you care about my consent?” Jungkook sneers, pent up anger pouring out.
“I am sure this is what he wants as well,” he speaks more to himself.
“Jungkook you—” Mr. Jeon stops as his eyes land on Taehyung, standing near the corridor leading to the living room.
“I am sure this is what he wants as well,” he speaks more to himself.
“Jungkook you—” Mr. Jeon stops as his eyes land on Taehyung, standing near the corridor leading to the living room.
104
“Taehyung,” he whispers, making Jungkook turn around and see the elder’s expressionless face.
“I forgot my file for the meeting.” Taehyung grabs a file from the kitchen counter before apologetically bowing to Mr. Jeon, “I am sorry—”
“I forgot my file for the meeting.” Taehyung grabs a file from the kitchen counter before apologetically bowing to Mr. Jeon, “I am sorry—”
105
“No no it’s fine. Work is important.” Mr. Jeon pats him on his shoulder with a smile. Taehyung nods before his eyes fall on Jungkook. Their gaze is silent and so cold that it could send shivers down anybody’s spine.
106
Jungkook’s heart thuds loudly. Just once. A single thud that still rings in his ears as he watches Taehyung’s blank face before the elder leaves the house.
And for the first time in months, he felt like probably the decision to get divorced wasn’t as right as it felt.
And for the first time in months, he felt like probably the decision to get divorced wasn’t as right as it felt.
107
22.
108
23.
109
24.
110
25.
111
“Why are you ringing the bell? You know the passcode.” is the first thing Jungkook says as soon as he opens the door.
“Mr. Jeon,” A man with heart-shaped lips smiles apologetically at him.
“Mr. Jeon,” A man with heart-shaped lips smiles apologetically at him.
112
Jungkook’s brows pull together at the man whose arms are wrapped around Taehyung, supporting him.
“What happened to him?” He frowns.
“I’m Jung Hoseok, Taehyung— I mean Mr. Kim’s secretary. We went to a meeting, and the client insisted on drinking. ++
“What happened to him?” He frowns.
“I’m Jung Hoseok, Taehyung— I mean Mr. Kim’s secretary. We went to a meeting, and the client insisted on drinking. ++
113
++ As you may know, he is lightweight.”
Jungkook looks away, suddenly unable to meet the other’s eyes because he doesn’t know his supposed husband’s drinking habit.
“May I?” Hoseok asks as they are still standing by the doorsteps.
Jungkook looks away, suddenly unable to meet the other’s eyes because he doesn’t know his supposed husband’s drinking habit.
“May I?” Hoseok asks as they are still standing by the doorsteps.
114
“Oh yes, I’m sorry.” Jungkook moves as Hoseok helps Taehyung, who is clinging onto him like a koala to the couch.
He gently sits Taehyung down before heaving a sigh. But the younger doesn’t seem to let him go.
He gently sits Taehyung down before heaving a sigh. But the younger doesn’t seem to let him go.
115
“Hyung,” Taehyung slurs, holding Hoseok by his wrist. “My head hurts.”
“I know, little one. That’s why I tried to stop you, but you didn’t listen.” Hoseok’s face softens as he runs a hand through Taehyung’s hair, making him scoot closer to the familiar warmth.
“I know, little one. That’s why I tried to stop you, but you didn’t listen.” Hoseok’s face softens as he runs a hand through Taehyung’s hair, making him scoot closer to the familiar warmth.
116
“I have bought some medicines on the way. Please take them, hmm?” Hoseok talks as though he is talking to a little child.
Taehyung nods, burrowing his face into Hoseok’s chest.
Taehyung nods, burrowing his face into Hoseok’s chest.
117
Hoseok lets Taehyung cuddle him for a while before his eyes fall on Jungkook.
The thought of Jungkook getting the wrong idea makes him panic as he stands up abruptly.
The thought of Jungkook getting the wrong idea makes him panic as he stands up abruptly.
118
“Actually we have been friends since high school before I joined his company as his secretary.”
He fills in Jungkook with the missing information as he notices the confusion in his eyes.
He fills in Jungkook with the missing information as he notices the confusion in his eyes.
119
“I see. Thank you for being there with him,” Jungkook says, although he doesn’t know why he thanked the elder.
This is his first time seeing Taehyung vulnerable. Well, not first since he saw him having an allergic attack the other day.
This is his first time seeing Taehyung vulnerable. Well, not first since he saw him having an allergic attack the other day.
120
However, it’s his first time seeing Taehyung vulnerable in someone else’s presence. Last time, he didn’t even let his parents know about his condition.
121
“You can call me Hyung.” Hoseok nods with a smile. A smile that rivals the sun.“I’ll take my leave then.”
Jungkook gives him a small nod before walking him out.
Jungkook gives him a small nod before walking him out.
122
26.
123
27.
124
28.
125
29.
126
Taehyung paces to and fro inside the living room, waiting for Jungkook. The time seems to tick by excruciatingly slowly. His heart stops hearing the beep of the door and the faint sound of someone’s footsteps.
127
He gulps the lump that forms in his throat. He has practised countless times what he will tell the younger or how he will start the conversation, but nothing comes out of his mouth.
He watches as Jungkook throws his coat on the couch and pours himself a glass of cold water.
He watches as Jungkook throws his coat on the couch and pours himself a glass of cold water.
128
“I can literally feel you boring holes in my back,” Jungkook speaks casually. “What is it that you want to talk about?” he sighs.
Taehyung exhales sharply. It’s now or probably never because if his father intercedes, things will go down the gutter.
Taehyung exhales sharply. It’s now or probably never because if his father intercedes, things will go down the gutter.
129
“I—um it’s about the divorce papers,” Taehyung wets his lips, “I’m sorry I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but I heard you and Mr. Jeon the other day.”
Jungkook mutters something under his nose,
Jungkook mutters something under his nose,
130
which Taehyung doesn’t have the time to register because his heart is beating loudly in his ears.
“No, I am sorry. I should have talked with you first—”
“I understand,” Taehyung cuts him off, “I understand why you probably want to get divorced.
“No, I am sorry. I should have talked with you first—”
“I understand,” Taehyung cuts him off, “I understand why you probably want to get divorced.
131
And I don’t want to force you into anything either. The past few months weren’t nice for us. We just live under the same roof only.” He takes a breath.
“But can I request you not to go ahead with the divorce as of now?” he looks down before his desperate eyes meet Jungkook’s.
“But can I request you not to go ahead with the divorce as of now?” he looks down before his desperate eyes meet Jungkook’s.
132
“Please,” he whispers.
“Can I know the reason?” Jungkook asks, eyes not moving an inch from the other’s.
“There is something I need to take care of,” Taehyung breathes out. “I am sorry.
“Can I know the reason?” Jungkook asks, eyes not moving an inch from the other’s.
“There is something I need to take care of,” Taehyung breathes out. “I am sorry.
133
You probably don’t want to drag this meaningless marriage any longer, but please give me some time. I will fix everything.”
The anguish, the desperation, in his voice, tugs something in Jungkook.
The anguish, the desperation, in his voice, tugs something in Jungkook.
134
🍂
135
“So we are not getting divorced. Like not any time soon.” Jungkook lies on his back, placing his phone in front of his face.
“Well, that’s what you get for taking such a big decision on your own.” Jimin shrugs.
“Well, that’s what you get for taking such a big decision on your own.” Jimin shrugs.
136
“When will you stop rubbing it? I admitted I made a mistake and even apologized to Taehyung.”
Jungkook rolls his eyes. “Moreover, he wouldn’t tell me the reason. You know I can’t deal well with suspense.”
Jungkook rolls his eyes. “Moreover, he wouldn’t tell me the reason. You know I can’t deal well with suspense.”
137
“Aish,” Jimin swears at him, “It’s definitely something important to him if he asked you to reconsider the divorce. And why would he tell you the reason? You’re not even his friend. You guys are not close enough for him to share such a sensitive private matter.” he rationales.
138
Jungkook nods understandingly. His eyes focus nowhere in particular as his mind reels to the incident three days ago.
How vulnerable Taehyung looked, how his voice trembled, how his lips quivered, and how it all tugged something in Jungkook’s heart.
How vulnerable Taehyung looked, how his voice trembled, how his lips quivered, and how it all tugged something in Jungkook’s heart.
139
“Earth to Jungkook?” Jimin brings him out of his thoughts, waving a hand in front of the screen to get the younger’s attention. “What were you thinking?”
“Nothing,” Jungkook exhales softly. “What were you saying?”
“Nothing,” Jungkook exhales softly. “What were you saying?”
140
“I was saying, why don’t you try to become Taehyung’s friend? He is a nice person and I am sure you both will make a good friend.” Jimin smiles mildly.
“For a change, you make sense,” Jungkook grins cheekily at Jimin’s annoyed face.
“For a change, you make sense,” Jungkook grins cheekily at Jimin’s annoyed face.
141
“I’ll throw you out of the window.”
“Will you be able to reach it?” Jungkook burst into a fit of laughter seeing Jimin’s angry red face.
He loves riling up his hyung and is sure if the elder was around him, he would get a smack on the head for giving him that attitude.
“Will you be able to reach it?” Jungkook burst into a fit of laughter seeing Jimin’s angry red face.
He loves riling up his hyung and is sure if the elder was around him, he would get a smack on the head for giving him that attitude.
142
Jungkook cuts the call while Jimin is still cursing at him. He walks out of his room with a big smile when he sees Taehyung entering the apartment. He checks the time and frowns because it’s almost midnight.
143
“Did you have dinner?” Jungkook asks, taking in the tired, unkempt appearance of the elder.
“I—No,” he answers, looking away.
“Go and freshen up. I’ll heat the food.”
“I—No,” he answers, looking away.
“Go and freshen up. I’ll heat the food.”
144
Taehyung looks taken aback as he nods slowly. He didn’t expect the younger to be awake at this hour, let alone serve him dinner.
145
30.
146
31.
147
“Do you want to tell me something?” Taehyung asks, looking up from his phone.
“Nope,” Jungkook shakes his head.
“Ah okay,” he goes back to working.
Jungkook smacks his lips, “I—um it’s pretty late. You should go to bed.”
“Nope,” Jungkook shakes his head.
“Ah okay,” he goes back to working.
Jungkook smacks his lips, “I—um it’s pretty late. You should go to bed.”
148
Taehyung gasps looking at the time. He didn’t realize when it got so late. “Shit, I’m sorry. You had to stay awake for me.”
“Taehyung, you didn’t ask me to stay awake.” Jungkook laughs a little.
“Taehyung, you didn’t ask me to stay awake.” Jungkook laughs a little.
149
“So, don’t apologize. Anyway, I’m heading to bed. Don’t stay up late. You look like a zombie.” That brings a small laugh out of Taehyung.
“You’re right. Good night, Jungkook.”
“Night, Taehyung.”
“You’re right. Good night, Jungkook.”
“Night, Taehyung.”
150
“Thank you for the dinner,” Taehyung says, offering a tight-lipped smile.
“No problem,” Jungkook nods before finally calling it a night.
“No problem,” Jungkook nods before finally calling it a night.
151
32.
152
[notes] im so sorry for this reallllyyy late update. ive been going through some shits. also this a/pp l0cked my acc twice. i didn't want to risk losing it. here's a longggg update to make up for the delay🩷
153
33.
154
34.
155
35.
156
Jungkook’s heart warms at the sight of Haein running around, shrieking and giggling, trying to escape Taehyung, who has a wide silly smile on his face as he chases her.
157
This probably is the first time he has seen Taehyung smile so wide and genuine that something inside his heart tugs.
The little girl laughs upon seeing Jungkook and speeds up to hug his knees. “Careful baby,” Jungkook smiles as he picks her up with one hand,
The little girl laughs upon seeing Jungkook and speeds up to hug his knees. “Careful baby,” Jungkook smiles as he picks her up with one hand,
158
while the other is holding the grocery bag.
Taehyung approaches them and silently takes the bag from Jungkook’s hand while the other is animatedly chatting with the little girl.
Taehyung approaches them and silently takes the bag from Jungkook’s hand while the other is animatedly chatting with the little girl.
159
“What does little Haein want to do?” Jungkook asks as he sits on the sofa. Haein’s brows pull together as she thinks deeply and weighs her options before her face lit up with a radiant smile. “I want to get ice cream.”
“Okay, let’s go—,”
“Okay, let’s go—,”
160
Before Jungkook could stand up, Taehyung throws a silent glare that stops his movement, “Nope. No ice cream before lunch.” he looks at Haein, “Remember what mommy told you?”
He says in a soft but stern tone.
He says in a soft but stern tone.
161
The little girl’s lips jut out in a pout, mirroring Jungkook, who is looking up at Taehyung giving puppy dog eyes, just like Haein.
The elder closes his eyes, gathering all the strength he needs to not give in to these two little adorable rascals.
The elder closes his eyes, gathering all the strength he needs to not give in to these two little adorable rascals.
162
He takes a deep breath before exhaling, “We will have lunch first, and then I’ll take you to the playground. Okay?” Taehyung proposes a deal.
Haein nods her head in excitement, happy that she gets to go to the playground. But there’s a man child sulking beside her.
Haein nods her head in excitement, happy that she gets to go to the playground. But there’s a man child sulking beside her.
163
“What happened, Kookie?” She pouts, much like her uncle.
“What about ice cream?”
Taehyung’s mouth falls agape as he stares at Jungkook, who seems to have become a kid just by the presence of a kid.
“What about ice cream?”
Taehyung’s mouth falls agape as he stares at Jungkook, who seems to have become a kid just by the presence of a kid.
164
He didn’t know this side of his nonchalant husband existed.
“Yeah, what about ice cream?” Haein mumbles in a small voice, looking down at her feet.
“Yeah, what about ice cream?” Haein mumbles in a small voice, looking down at her feet.
165
Taehyung can’t stop the smile that makes its way to his face. He gets down to match their level and says,
“Ice cream, too.” He shakes his head as he ruffles their hair, making them both whine loudly.
“Ice cream, too.” He shakes his head as he ruffles their hair, making them both whine loudly.
166
36.
167
37.
168
38.
169
39.
170
40.
171
41.
172
42.
173
43.
174
44.
175
45.
176
“Taetae is so fun.” Haein declares happily as she braids Taehyung’s hair. A wide boxy smile adores Taehyung’s face, brightening it up.
“Is he now?” Jungkook asks, watching them fondly. “What about me then?” He folds his arms on his chest, pretending to be upset.
“Is he now?” Jungkook asks, watching them fondly. “What about me then?” He folds his arms on his chest, pretending to be upset.
177
Haein’s hand stops mid-air. She pauses before smiling mischievously, “A little fun.”
“Waah,” Jungkook huffs as she runs to hide behind Taehyung. The elder holds her close while Jungkook tries to tickle her.
“Waah,” Jungkook huffs as she runs to hide behind Taehyung. The elder holds her close while Jungkook tries to tickle her.
178
The usually silent house is filled with giggles and laughs with gleaming happiness.
179
46.
180
47.
181
48.
182
🍂
183
Taehyung’s lips wobble as he stares at the lithe frame lying on the bed. Her face is opposite to where Taehyung is standing near the door frame.
“The doctor said she is fine, no serious disease or injury. Just a little malnutrition.” Hoseok says, staring in the same direction.
“The doctor said she is fine, no serious disease or injury. Just a little malnutrition.” Hoseok says, staring in the same direction.
184
“Just a little?” Taehyung scoffs. “Has he been starving her or what?” Pure rage fills his eyes.
“He had someone to take care of her. But it’s her who refused to eat. They had to give her fluids because of that.”
“He had someone to take care of her. But it’s her who refused to eat. They had to give her fluids because of that.”
185
Taehyung’s knuckles turn white with how hard he is clenching his fist. His nostril flares as he feels the anger burn in him. He throws a last longing glance at her before turning around to leave.
186
“Won’t you go and see her?”
Taehyung shakes his head, “She is sleeping anyway.” and walks away.
Taehyung shakes his head, “She is sleeping anyway.” and walks away.
187
49.
188
Taehyung drags his feet on the cold floor, shoulder slump as the world's weight is weighing him down.
“You’re back,” Jungkook says, looking up from his phone. “Great timing. I am about to have dinner. Let’s eat together.” He smiles.
“You’re back,” Jungkook says, looking up from his phone. “Great timing. I am about to have dinner. Let’s eat together.” He smiles.
189
Taehyung slowly nods. He doesn’t want to reject the younger’s offer. It took them a while to get to this stage, and he doesn't want to ruin it.
190
“You look tired.” Jungkook comments taking in Taehyung’s tired eyes.
“A little,” Taehyung sighs. “How was your day?” he asks, trying to come up with something.
“A little,” Taehyung sighs. “How was your day?” he asks, trying to come up with something.
191
“Normal.” Jungkook shrugs, taking a mouth full of rice. Taehyung nods, moving his food on the plate instead of eating. He barely has an appetite.
“Do you not like it?”
“I do. I just don’t have an appetite.”
“Do you not like it?”
“I do. I just don’t have an appetite.”
192
“Do you want me to get you something else?” Jungkook gets up, but Taehyung stops him with a shake of his head, “No, I am fine. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.” He gives a small smile.
Although his answer doesn’t assure Jungkook, he doesn’t comment on it.
Although his answer doesn’t assure Jungkook, he doesn’t comment on it.
193
50.
194
51. [the next tweets happen over the course of a few days]
195
52.
196
53.
197
54.
198
55.
199
//tw mention of sh//
200
Taehyung comes back later than he usually does. His heart feels heavy as he remembers the earlier encounter.
“What is wrong?” The living room lights turn on as Jungkook stands in front of him with his arms crossed.
“What is wrong?” The living room lights turn on as Jungkook stands in front of him with his arms crossed.
201
“Nothing,” Taehyung answers, “Just a little tired.” he tries to dodge him and marches towards his room.
But Jungkook is stubborn. He stops Taehyung by his wrist, making him hiss. He immediately releases his hold on Taehyung’s wrist with a frown.
But Jungkook is stubborn. He stops Taehyung by his wrist, making him hiss. He immediately releases his hold on Taehyung’s wrist with a frown.
202
“What happened to your hand?” Jungkook’s frown deepens at the brief view of deep red on his wrist.
“Nothing,” Taehyung pulls down his sleeves to cover his wrist.
“Taehyung, show me.” Jungkook takes hold of his hand but softly, careful of the probable injury.
“Nothing,” Taehyung pulls down his sleeves to cover his wrist.
“Taehyung, show me.” Jungkook takes hold of his hand but softly, careful of the probable injury.
203
The elder tries to take his hand away from him. During this dispute, something fell from Taehyung’s pant pocket. A lighter.
“Do you smoke?” He looks at the object on the floor before looking up at Taehyung, dead in the eye.
“Do you smoke?” He looks at the object on the floor before looking up at Taehyung, dead in the eye.
204
He comes closer to the elder and sniffs, but there’s no hint of cigar smell on him.
“No,” Taehyung doesn’t hesitate to answer.
“Then why do you have this?” Jungkook picks it up from the ground. Taehyung gulps the lump that forms in his throat as he looks away.
“No,” Taehyung doesn’t hesitate to answer.
“Then why do you have this?” Jungkook picks it up from the ground. Taehyung gulps the lump that forms in his throat as he looks away.
205
Something in Jungkook’s brain clicks, and he clasps his hand so fast and pulls up the sleeve that Taehyung doesn’t get the chance to protest or retreat.
Jungkook’s heart drops at the deep red burn marks on Taehyung’s wrist.
Jungkook’s heart drops at the deep red burn marks on Taehyung’s wrist.
206
He can feel his eyes blur as they meet Taehyung’s whose eyes are nothing but a dark abyss, giving away no emotion he is feeling.
“Who did this to you?” Jungkook whispers with sorrow in his eyes and panic in his voice.
I did.
“Who did this to you?” Jungkook whispers with sorrow in his eyes and panic in his voice.
I did.
207
“Was it him?” Jungkook takes a step closer to Taehyung. Their faces are inches away, “Was it that man who was here months ago? That rude ass bastard?”
No. It was me.
“Taehyung, please say something,” Jungkook asks desperately. There is a strange grip around his heart.
No. It was me.
“Taehyung, please say something,” Jungkook asks desperately. There is a strange grip around his heart.
208
Taehyung looks away. He wants to cry, wants to scream.
The lump in his throat gets bigger. He feels dizzy, out of breath. The boy before him looks so pained just because of him.
The lump in his throat gets bigger. He feels dizzy, out of breath. The boy before him looks so pained just because of him.
209
“You can tell me, Tae,” the nickname rolls out of his tongue almost naturally. “Look at me,” he cups his face between his hands, making their eyes meet. “I am with you. So, please tell me.”
The iron grip squeezes hard around Taehyung’s heart.
The iron grip squeezes hard around Taehyung’s heart.
210
When was the last time someone was with him? When was the last time someone showed him the minimum sympathy? When was the last time someone was this concerned about him?
Is it because of the injuries he saw? Is it because of the friendship budding between them? What is it?
Is it because of the injuries he saw? Is it because of the friendship budding between them? What is it?
211
//tw pan!c a ttack//
212
Taehyung’s heartbeat races, lips trembling. His shaky hands tightly enclose Jungkook’s wrist as he tries to breathe. He feels like he is drowning even though he is standing on the ground. His breathing ragged.
213
Jungkook’s eyes widen as he realizes Taehyung is spiraling into a panic attack. He needs to act quickly, or he will spasm.
“Taehyung, look at me.”
Jungkook curses under his breath as Taehyung looks up with bloodshot eyes.
“Taehyung, look at me.”
Jungkook curses under his breath as Taehyung looks up with bloodshot eyes.
214
He rakes his brain to find out how to help the other but is clueless. He quickly takes out his phone and searches online.
He takes 3 deep breaths to calm himself down. He sits Taehyung down before kneeling opposite him.
He takes 3 deep breaths to calm himself down. He sits Taehyung down before kneeling opposite him.
215
He holds his hand tightly and looks into his eyes. “Breath with me, can you?”
Taehyung tries to say something but wheezes for air. “Don’t say anything. Follow what I am trying to do.”
“Breath in… hold… breathe out,”
Taehyung follows Jungkook’s lead.
Taehyung tries to say something but wheezes for air. “Don’t say anything. Follow what I am trying to do.”
“Breath in… hold… breathe out,”
Taehyung follows Jungkook’s lead.
216
He holds the younger’s hand firmly, his only grounding force. The warmth that seeps through their joined skin calms him down.
Slowly, his breathing turns to normal, much to Jungkook’s pleasure.
Slowly, his breathing turns to normal, much to Jungkook’s pleasure.
217
He sighs in relief as he gets up to grab water for the elder but is stopped by him. Taehyung shakes his head and weakly mumbles, “Please stay.”
“I was going to bring water for you. Do you need something else?”
“I was going to bring water for you. Do you need something else?”
218
Can you hug me?
Taehyung wants to ask but doesn’t. He has already bothered Jungkook a lot.
However, he is startled when Jungkook wraps his arms around him, holding him tight and close.
Taehyung wants to ask but doesn’t. He has already bothered Jungkook a lot.
However, he is startled when Jungkook wraps his arms around him, holding him tight and close.
219
“Don’t hesitate. I told you I am with you.” he slowly rubs his back up and down.
Taehyung buries his head on Jungkook’s neck, inhaling his sweet musk scent. He can feel his nerves calming down.
Taehyung buries his head on Jungkook’s neck, inhaling his sweet musk scent. He can feel his nerves calming down.
220
His eyes feel heavy as he rests himself on the younger’s shoulder.
“Want some water?” Jungkook speaks softly in his ears.
Taehyung gulps, he feels parched. But he doesn’t want to let go of him either. Yet he loosens his grip, letting the younger go.
“Want some water?” Jungkook speaks softly in his ears.
Taehyung gulps, he feels parched. But he doesn’t want to let go of him either. Yet he loosens his grip, letting the younger go.
221
Jungkook comes back with water and the first aid kit. He gives him the glass of water and silently treats his wounds.
The questions Jungkook previously had frittered away, replaced with concern.
The questions Jungkook previously had frittered away, replaced with concern.
222
56.
223
57.
224
58.
225
[a/n] im sorry i forgot to put up the //end of tw// tag😭😭😭 but it basically ended when the soc-med part started.
226
59.
227
60.
228
Taehyung stares at the bowl of porridge. It looks delicious, but he has no appetite.
“Why aren’t you eating?” Jungkook asks, eyeing Taehyung keenly.
“I—um,” Taehyung fidgets with his fingers. “I am allergic to..” He looks around trying to come up with an excuse, but
“Why aren’t you eating?” Jungkook asks, eyeing Taehyung keenly.
“I—um,” Taehyung fidgets with his fingers. “I am allergic to..” He looks around trying to come up with an excuse, but
229
Jungkook doesn’t let him finish.
“Rice?” he cocks one of his brows at Taehyung.
“Yes!” the elder smiles apologetically at him. “I am allergic to rice.”
“Rice?” he cocks one of his brows at Taehyung.
“Yes!” the elder smiles apologetically at him. “I am allergic to rice.”
230
Jungkook lets out a scoff.
“I for a fact know you are not allergic to rice, Taehyung.” He folds his arms with an eye roll. “You are just being picky for whatever reason. And you are allergic to seafood only.”
“I for a fact know you are not allergic to rice, Taehyung.” He folds his arms with an eye roll. “You are just being picky for whatever reason. And you are allergic to seafood only.”
231
That was stupid. Very stupid. Jungkook was there when he had an allergic reaction. They have meals together more often than before. Only a fool would believe that he is allergic to rice. Who even is allergic to rice? Jungkook played him well.
232
Taehyung rubs his temple with a sigh. “I— honestly, I don’t have any appetite.”
“I understand, but you need to eat some before taking medicines.”
Taehyung’s brows furrow. “Medicines? For what?”
“For your fever, you dumbass.” Jungkook shakes his head.
“I understand, but you need to eat some before taking medicines.”
Taehyung’s brows furrow. “Medicines? For what?”
“For your fever, you dumbass.” Jungkook shakes his head.
233
He has fever? He had no idea. He does feel his body aching a little and he has been sweating profusely since morning.
“Have at least half of it,” Jungkook says softly.
Taehyung pouts but nods before taking the first bite.
“Have at least half of it,” Jungkook says softly.
Taehyung pouts but nods before taking the first bite.
234
But instantly, his eyes go wide at the taste. “It’s so tasty,” he speaks with a mouthful. “I didn’t know Mrs. Lee could cook this well. I could kiss her hand.”
“Well, first of all, thanks for the compliment. I am glad you liked it. Secondly, I made this, not Mrs. Lee.”
“Well, first of all, thanks for the compliment. I am glad you liked it. Secondly, I made this, not Mrs. Lee.”
235
Jungkook says with a teasing grin. “And for the kissing part, you can kiss my hand. I don’t mind.”
Taehyung chokes on his food. The younger quickly hands him a glass of water while rubbing his back.
Taehyung chokes on his food. The younger quickly hands him a glass of water while rubbing his back.
236
“I’m sorry.” Jungkook quickly apologises.
“Hey, it’s fine. The food went down the wrong pipe.” Taehyung says with his red cheeks.
He had no idea Jungkook could cook this well. But then again, there’s not much he knows about Jungkook either. They are still in the knowing stage.
“Hey, it’s fine. The food went down the wrong pipe.” Taehyung says with his red cheeks.
He had no idea Jungkook could cook this well. But then again, there’s not much he knows about Jungkook either. They are still in the knowing stage.
237
61.
238
62.
239
63.
240
64.
241
65.
242
66.
243
67.
244
⛈️
245
68.
246
69.
247
- after the meeting -
248
70.
249
71.
250
72.
251
The smile on Taehyung’s face is swapped by the clouds of confusion. With Jungkook, there stands Hoseok. Both look grim as their eyes briefly meet before their gaze falls on Taehyung.
252
“What is going on?” Taehyung’s eyes move back and forth between them. “What brings you here, Hyung? Is everything alright at work?” his brows pull together.
“Everything is alright.” Hoseok offers a small smile.
“Everything is alright.” Hoseok offers a small smile.
253
“Hey, won’t you let us in?” Jungkook chuckles that comes out somewhat awkward before walking inside.
His hands are clammy and throat getting dry. He gulps a glass of water in one go as Hoseok and Taehyung settle on the couch. Both talking about something indistinct.
His hands are clammy and throat getting dry. He gulps a glass of water in one go as Hoseok and Taehyung settle on the couch. Both talking about something indistinct.
254
Jungkook can feel his heart beating loudly. Stomach churning with distaste at the thought of revealing everything to Taehyung.
“Taehyung, there is something I need to tell you,” Hoseok begins as Jungkook joins them, taking the seat beside Taehyung.
“Taehyung, there is something I need to tell you,” Hoseok begins as Jungkook joins them, taking the seat beside Taehyung.
255
“Jungkook, could you give us a moment?” he turns toward the youngest.
“I—”
“It’s fine. He can stay.” Hoseok cuts Jungkook off. Taehyung nods, wetting his lips.
“I—”
“It’s fine. He can stay.” Hoseok cuts Jungkook off. Taehyung nods, wetting his lips.
256
The whole environment turned heavy with the weight of unsaid words. His stomach twists with uneasiness.
Taehyung watches the other share a gaze before Hoseok takes an envelope out of his pocket. “This is for you.”
“What is this? Who is it from?” Taehyung’s frown deepens.
Taehyung watches the other share a gaze before Hoseok takes an envelope out of his pocket. “This is for you.”
“What is this? Who is it from?” Taehyung’s frown deepens.
257
“Just read it.” The eldest gives him a small encouraging smile.
Taehyung takes a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever is to come. He can feel Jungkook’s concerned gaze on him while Hoseok excuses himself to go to the restroom.
Taehyung takes a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever is to come. He can feel Jungkook’s concerned gaze on him while Hoseok excuses himself to go to the restroom.
258
73.
259
Silence looms over the room as Taehyung reads the letter. His eyes blurry, and lips quiver with each sentence he reads. He is left with more questions than answers, but a lot of things make sense now.
260
He trembles with the brutality of the truth but feels a warm blanket wrapping around him. He lets the tear fall while letting Jungkook hold him tight. Hoseok left long ago while he was still reading the letter. He rests his head on Jungkook’s chest and sobs.
261
74.
262
75.
263
76.
264
77.
265
78.
266
When Jungkook enters Taehyung’s room, he doesn’t expect to see the elder smiling tenderly, looking at something in his hand.
“What are you looking at?” Jungkook asks, closing the door behind him.
“Where were you?” Taehyung asks instead.
“What are you looking at?” Jungkook asks, closing the door behind him.
“Where were you?” Taehyung asks instead.
267
“To get some water.” He sits beside the other, resting his back on the headboard. He peeks at the photo album on Taehyung’s hand.
“It’s just my childhood photos.” Taehyung slides it towards Jungkook, who happily takes it, awing at the pictures.
“It’s just my childhood photos.” Taehyung slides it towards Jungkook, who happily takes it, awing at the pictures.
268
“Oh my god, you were so cute.” He coos. “Look at those break cheeks.” Jungkook turns and pokes his cheeks, making him smile.
The elder scoots closer to get a better look at the album and explains the story behind each photo. Well, as much as he remembers.
The elder scoots closer to get a better look at the album and explains the story behind each photo. Well, as much as he remembers.
269
Talking about his childhood photos makes him forget the previous event until they stumble upon a picture of Taehyung with Aera.
“This is Rara.” He points at a woman smiling at little Taehyung. “I mean Kim Aera. My—” Taehyung pauses, biting his lips with hesitation, “my mother.”
“This is Rara.” He points at a woman smiling at little Taehyung. “I mean Kim Aera. My—” Taehyung pauses, biting his lips with hesitation, “my mother.”
270
Jungkook feels a pang watching the smile drop from Taehyung’s face.
“You both have the same smile,” he tries to ease the air that thickened suddenly at her mention. “Is that a tiger costume you are wearing?”
“You both have the same smile,” he tries to ease the air that thickened suddenly at her mention. “Is that a tiger costume you are wearing?”
271
“Yeah, I wore it at some school play. She insisted.” He nudges his chin, pointing at the woman in the photo.
A small twitch appears on his lips at the remembrance of all the times she had encouraged him to do something.
A small twitch appears on his lips at the remembrance of all the times she had encouraged him to do something.
272
Something simple like making friends, participating in school activities, going out to play, and learning how to ride a bicycle. The list goes on.
“Most of the pictures here are taken by Rara.” he reminisces.
“Most of the pictures here are taken by Rara.” he reminisces.
273
Even though Jungkook notices the lack of pictures of Taehyung with his supposed parents, he doesn’t point it out.“Why do you call her that?” he rather asks with a soft smile.
Taehyung shrugs, “I like to give nicknames. And I refused to call her aunt or auntie.”
Taehyung shrugs, “I like to give nicknames. And I refused to call her aunt or auntie.”
274
“You like to give people nicknames?” Jungkook repeats with amusement.
Taehyung frowns at the repetition but nods.
“Then why haven’t you given me any yet?” he raises his eyebrows. He tilts his head, staring at the elder.
Taehyung frowns at the repetition but nods.
“Then why haven’t you given me any yet?” he raises his eyebrows. He tilts his head, staring at the elder.
275
“I— uh,” Taehyung looks away. Finding the weight of his stare heavy.
“You can give me one now.” Jungkook smiles cheekily.
“Jungkookie?”
“Nah,” the younger tuts, but there’s a small— not so evident pout appear on his lips. “Everyone calls me that.”
“You can give me one now.” Jungkook smiles cheekily.
“Jungkookie?”
“Nah,” the younger tuts, but there’s a small— not so evident pout appear on his lips. “Everyone calls me that.”
276
“Kookie?”
“Haein calls me that.” The pout on his face deepens, making Taehyung grin slightly.
“Is the little puppy sad?” Taehyung mocks in a baby voice, petting his hair.
“Hyung~” Jungkook whines, crossing his hands over his chest and looking away with a hmph.
“Haein calls me that.” The pout on his face deepens, making Taehyung grin slightly.
“Is the little puppy sad?” Taehyung mocks in a baby voice, petting his hair.
“Hyung~” Jungkook whines, crossing his hands over his chest and looking away with a hmph.
277
Taehyung lets out a hearty laugh, melting the pouty boy. “Stop pouting, Hyung will give you ice cream, okay?” he is still imitating the same voice he uses while talking with Haein.
278
“Mint-choco?” Jungkook perks up at that, ignoring the fact that Taehyung is practically treating him like a child.
“I still judge your choice, but yes, little puppy.” he coos.
“Hyung,” he huffs.
“I still judge your choice, but yes, little puppy.” he coos.
“Hyung,” he huffs.
279
“What? You wanted me to give you a nickname. Now that I give you one, you are pouting?” Taehyung feigns offense.
“It’s not that. But you could give me a cute one, no?” Jungkook doesn’t know what happened to him or as to why he is whining so much. It’s just a nickname.
“It’s not that. But you could give me a cute one, no?” Jungkook doesn’t know what happened to him or as to why he is whining so much. It’s just a nickname.
280
Taehyung makes a thinking face before his face lights up with yet another mischievous smile,
“It’s getting late. If you be a good boy and go to bed now, I will give you a better name, okay?”
“It’s getting late. If you be a good boy and go to bed now, I will give you a better name, okay?”
281
Taehyung doesn’t think there’s any better nickname he can come up with, other than ‘little puupy’. But he still decides to humour the younger.
In all reality, Jungkook does resemble a little puppy whenever he pouts.
In all reality, Jungkook does resemble a little puppy whenever he pouts.
282
It’s as if his floppy dog ears go down whenever the corner of his lips dips with a pout.
However, Jungkook agrees to it and pulls the duvet over him, ready to drift off to dreamland.
“You’re sleeping here?” Taehyung asks, watching the other get so comfortable under the duvet.
However, Jungkook agrees to it and pulls the duvet over him, ready to drift off to dreamland.
“You’re sleeping here?” Taehyung asks, watching the other get so comfortable under the duvet.
283
“Yeah. Let me crash here. ‘m too sleepy.”
Taehyung shrugs before turning the lamps off and falling into a slumber.
“Oh, by the way,” Jungkook raises his head a little, “I invited someone for lunch tomorrow.”
Taehyung shrugs before turning the lamps off and falling into a slumber.
“Oh, by the way,” Jungkook raises his head a little, “I invited someone for lunch tomorrow.”
284
“Who?”
“You’ll know.”
“Okay. I’ll tell Mrs. Lee to make lunch accordingly.”
“You’ll know.”
“Okay. I’ll tell Mrs. Lee to make lunch accordingly.”
285
🍃
286
To say the air is tensed to be cut with a knife would be an understatement, but Taehyung can’t find anything else to define it either.
Sitting opposite him is Kim Seokjin, the man who gave Hoseok that letter and his cousin.
Sitting opposite him is Kim Seokjin, the man who gave Hoseok that letter and his cousin.
287
Beside him is Kim Namjoon, the former’s fiance and, most importantly, his father’s secretary.
288
Taehyung’s head spins with the weight of the revelation. He finds himself falling into the bottomless pit of darkness. What is even going on? What else is there waiting to be unveiled? How much of it is real?
289
He fiddles with his fingers, and his legs bounce up and down with distress. His breath catching.
Just then, a warm hand laces with his cold, trembling one. Taehyung turns to his left only to find Jungkook already looking into his eyes with warmth.
Just then, a warm hand laces with his cold, trembling one. Taehyung turns to his left only to find Jungkook already looking into his eyes with warmth.
290
He squeezes his hand and gives a small nod, silently telling him not to be afraid and that he is there. For him. With him. And he would take charge if Taehyung let him.
With another nod, Jungkook faces the pair in front of him.
With another nod, Jungkook faces the pair in front of him.
291
“So, you,” He points at Seokjin “are Taehyung’s cousin. Kim Aera’s nephew.”
“Yes,” Seojin nods.
“And you joined our law firm right after Taehyung and I’s wedding.” Jungkook isn’t asking, but rather stating the facts he knows.
“Yes,” Seojin nods.
“And you joined our law firm right after Taehyung and I’s wedding.” Jungkook isn’t asking, but rather stating the facts he knows.
292
“Yes,” the eldest of the four nods once again.
“You are my father’s secretary.” Taehyung begins eyes skeptical as he stares at the dragon eyed man.
“I am,” Namjoon answers, short.
“You are my father’s secretary.” Taehyung begins eyes skeptical as he stares at the dragon eyed man.
“I am,” Namjoon answers, short.
293
“So it goes without saying that you two joined the respective companies with ulterior motives.” Jungkook’s eyes are fierce. “Why would I believe you? You could make up some revenge stories to bring the company down.” he ends with a small shrug.
294
“You truly are a good lawyer, Sajangnim.” Seokjin smiles, to which Jungkook just raises his brow at him.
“Well, I have brought proof to support my facts. You can check its authenticity.” Seokjin hands him a pile of papers.
“Well, I have brought proof to support my facts. You can check its authenticity.” Seokjin hands him a pile of papers.
295
“This is the blood test report. It states that Taehyung-ssi is my aunt’s biological son. You can get it done once again if you don’t believe this report.” Seokjin then turns to Taehyung, “After all, my aunt is now under your care.”
Taehyung’s mouth gapes, “How did you—”
Taehyung’s mouth gapes, “How did you—”
296
“Why do you think you found out where Mr. Kim has kept Ms. Aera out of the blue? You have been searching for her for years now.” Namjoon speaks calmly.
It’s true. He has been looking for her for the past few years. It’s only recently that he has found her whereabouts.
It’s true. He has been looking for her for the past few years. It’s only recently that he has found her whereabouts.
297
“I have been dropping hints about her location, and it was me who sent you the flash drive containing all the information about Mr. Kim’s slush fund.”
“Why did you do that? You have been working with my father for 3 years.
“Why did you do that? You have been working with my father for 3 years.
298
You are one of my father’s trusted employees.” Taehyung can’t help but wonder.
There is a pained expression on Namjoon’s face before he wipes it off with previous stoic impression. “Mr. Kim isn’t an angel. He has done more harm to people than help.
There is a pained expression on Namjoon’s face before he wipes it off with previous stoic impression. “Mr. Kim isn’t an angel. He has done more harm to people than help.
299
Let’s say my father was a victim of his sick plan. And as morbid as it may sound, I am here to take my revenge as well.”
“God,” Taehyung murmurs under his breath. Exactly how many lives did his so-called father ruin?
“God,” Taehyung murmurs under his breath. Exactly how many lives did his so-called father ruin?
300
“I wanted to discuss how we can take that man down but,” Seokjin casts a sad glance over Taehyung, “You have a lot to process.”
“Why now of all time?” Taehyung questions weakly.
“Why now of all time?” Taehyung questions weakly.
301
This one question has been running wild in his mind for days now. He has been questioning it since the moment he found the flash drive. It came to him all of a sudden when he least expected it.
302
But he knew there was some motive behind it. However, he didn't expect it to be this sick and twisted.
“Because we found Kim Taeho— your father’s real will.” Seokjin drops another bomb on Taehyung.
“Because we found Kim Taeho— your father’s real will.” Seokjin drops another bomb on Taehyung.
303
Taehyung lets out a frustrated groan. He wants to pull his air out and scream into the void. But he tries to remain calm. Tries.
Jungkook, sensing his inner turmoil, tries to shift the attention to him.
Jungkook, sensing his inner turmoil, tries to shift the attention to him.
304
“How is my father related to it all?” he asks.
“It’s better if you ask him that.” Seokjin shrugs, but he throws a concerned glance at Taehyung. He wants to comfort the younger but doesn’t know how to approach it. It’s their first time meeting. And it is nowhere near pleasant.
“It’s better if you ask him that.” Seokjin shrugs, but he throws a concerned glance at Taehyung. He wants to comfort the younger but doesn’t know how to approach it. It’s their first time meeting. And it is nowhere near pleasant.
305
“I am sorry,” Seokjin voices out defeatedly. He doesn’t know why he is apologising, but seeing his younger brother in pain is hurting him as well.
Taehyung doesn’t say anything. Just nods, staring at the floor.
Taehyung doesn’t say anything. Just nods, staring at the floor.
306
He doesn’t want to look up and show his vulnerable side to these strangers. Although they are his alleged family members.
It’s when Jungkook walks them to the main door and closes it after, Taehyung lets the tear spill.
It’s when Jungkook walks them to the main door and closes it after, Taehyung lets the tear spill.
307
He covers his face with his palm and sobs into it. Gut-wrenching sobs tearing their way out of his throat.
Jungkook’s heart twists with each sob that leaves Taehyung’s mouth. And if it was physically possible, he would take away all his pain and trade it all.
Jungkook’s heart twists with each sob that leaves Taehyung’s mouth. And if it was physically possible, he would take away all his pain and trade it all.
308
He silently takes the sit beside Taehyung and pulls him in his arms. The elder also wraps his arms around Jungkook, sobbing into the crook of his neck.
309
🍃
310
“Hyung, I have prepared your bath,” Jungkook says, head peeking from the crack of the door of Taehyung’s room.
Taehyung doesn’t respond. The bathroom is down the hall, and he has zero energy to go and take a shower even though it is something he much needs.
Taehyung doesn’t respond. The bathroom is down the hall, and he has zero energy to go and take a shower even though it is something he much needs.
311
He is resting his head on his hand, which is supported on his knees. His eyes narrowed down on the wall in front, mind elsewhere. He feels empty, hollow, void of any emotion.
“Taehyung,” Jungkook says softly, placing his hand on his shoulder.
“Taehyung,” Jungkook says softly, placing his hand on his shoulder.
312
Taehyung hums but doesn’t blink or look back at him.
“I have prepared a bath for you. Wash up, and then we can have dinner.”
“Don’t wanna eat.” He mumbles, lips pressed against his hand.
“I have prepared a bath for you. Wash up, and then we can have dinner.”
“Don’t wanna eat.” He mumbles, lips pressed against his hand.
313
“Then we will do something else. Whatever you want.” Jungkook mellows, in a soft, gentle manner.
Taehyung heaves a big sigh before getting up.
Taehyung heaves a big sigh before getting up.
314
He had locked himself up inside his room for days now. Had only opened the door occasionally, whenever Jungkook brought food. Half of it went inside the bin because of his lack of appetite. He hadn’t showered in three days and knows he is stinking probably like a pig.
315
Taehyung sighs breathily as the warm water touches his body, easing the tension and relaxing his muscles.
He dips further into the tub and rests his head on the edge, breathing in the lavender smell of the bath bomb Jungkook used.
He dips further into the tub and rests his head on the edge, breathing in the lavender smell of the bath bomb Jungkook used.
316
He is grateful to Jungkook. The younger has been nothing but patient and understanding towards him. He let Taehyung deal with his own emotions but didn’t leave him alone.
His presence was obvious but not overbearing. He always made sure to be there whenever Taehyung needed him.
His presence was obvious but not overbearing. He always made sure to be there whenever Taehyung needed him.
317
Made sure Taehyung ate well and drank enough water. Sometimes, chatted with him about some random reel about rabbits and kittens he saw and sometimes just sat there working on his laptop in silence.
Jungkook is his only family now. He wonders.
Jungkook is his only family now. He wonders.
318
But can he call him his family? Yes, they are married, but the divorce paper Jungkook had made all those months ago is probably sitting in a corner of his work table, collecting dust.
But it’s still there.
Taehyung feels his chest tighten at the thought.
But it’s still there.
Taehyung feels his chest tighten at the thought.
319
A surprised gasp leaves Taehyung’s mouth as the light goes off. He waits, thinking it will come back in a few seconds. But the panic rises in him as it doesn’t return even after a minute. He sits up in the tub, gripping the edge tightly.
320
“Jungkook what happened to the lights?” He shouts.
He waits for the other’s reply, but there is none.
“Jungkook, are you there?” He shouts again. A little louder. Trying to reach the younger in case he is in another room.
He waits for the other’s reply, but there is none.
“Jungkook, are you there?” He shouts again. A little louder. Trying to reach the younger in case he is in another room.
321
“Jungkook?” panic surges in him. His breathing gets ragged with each passing second.
He wants to get up, but fear grips his legs tightly, making him unable to move.
He wants to get up, but fear grips his legs tightly, making him unable to move.
322
“Jungkook, this isn’t funny.” Taehyung cries. “I am scared.” He mumbles the last sentence.
He brings his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around it, hugging himself.
The doorknob twists as Jungkook walks in, holding his phone with its flashlight on.
He brings his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around it, hugging himself.
The doorknob twists as Jungkook walks in, holding his phone with its flashlight on.
323
“Hyung,” Jungkook’s eyes go wide with terror. Taehyung is curled up in himself as streams of tears roll down his cheeks.
He drops on his knees, cupping his face delicately. His phone lying beside him.
“Hey, what happened?”
He drops on his knees, cupping his face delicately. His phone lying beside him.
“Hey, what happened?”
324
“The light went off.” Taehyung sniffles.
“Yeah. I—”
“I was calling for you, but you weren’t there.”
“Yeah, I was checking the circuit box. Looks like there’s a blackout.” Jungkook wipes his tears. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Yeah. I—”
“I was calling for you, but you weren’t there.”
“Yeah, I was checking the circuit box. Looks like there’s a blackout.” Jungkook wipes his tears. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
325
“I was so s-scared.” Taehyung closes his eyes, letting more tears fall.
“Hyungie, don’t be scared. I am here now, hmm?” Jungkook gives him a tight-lipped smile, wiping his tears with the pad of his thumb.
“Hyungie, don’t be scared. I am here now, hmm?” Jungkook gives him a tight-lipped smile, wiping his tears with the pad of his thumb.
326
“Let’s finish washing up?” Jungkook takes the shower gel, pours a handful on the loofah, and rubs, making foam.
He takes Taehyung’s right hand and smears in on the length of it before doing the same with his other hand.
He takes Taehyung’s right hand and smears in on the length of it before doing the same with his other hand.
327
Taehyung is looking at his movements silently. He feels like a child being taken care of by his parents.
328
// tw mention of a/buse //
329
Jungkook moves to his back next, but his hands stop mid-way. His mouth gapes with shock as he takes in the marks visible on the expanse of his back.
Most of it was old, and some looked recent.
Most of it was old, and some looked recent.
330
Jungkook forwards a tentative hand, brushing his fingers lightly against a faint red bruise. By the length of it, he can tell a belt caused it.
“T-taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice shakes as a lone tear rolls down his cheek.
“T-taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice shakes as a lone tear rolls down his cheek.
331
Taehyung stiffs visibly. He momentarily forgot how ugly his reality was. He quickly hides under the water, but his truth is exposed already.
Jungkook doesn’t speak or move. He can feel his heart pulsating. His throat clogged with emotions.
Jungkook doesn’t speak or move. He can feel his heart pulsating. His throat clogged with emotions.
332
The light returns, and Jungkook walks out of the bathroom without saying a word. He feels numb.
Exactly how many layers Taehyung has been hiding under the mask of pretence. How long does he plan to pretend that things are fine?
Exactly how many layers Taehyung has been hiding under the mask of pretence. How long does he plan to pretend that things are fine?
333
“So your father has been hurting you,” Jungkook speaks calmly as Taehyung enters his room.
He is sitting on the bed, elbow on his knees, fingers rubbing his temple.
He is sitting on the bed, elbow on his knees, fingers rubbing his temple.
334
Taehyung bites his lips, that wobbles. He can’t meet Jungkook’s eyes. He opens his mouth to say something, but Jungkook beats him to it.
“Don’t— don’t bother to answer if you are going to lie.” He spits with anger.
“Don’t— don’t bother to answer if you are going to lie.” He spits with anger.
335
Taehyung’s teeth sink into his lower lips until he can taste blood. His heart hammering against his ribcage. “I wasn’t going to l-lie.” Taehyung stutters.
Jungkook lets out a short scoff. Taehyung feels his heart crack at the sound.
“It’s nothing—really.”
Jungkook lets out a short scoff. Taehyung feels his heart crack at the sound.
“It’s nothing—really.”
336
“Nothing?” Jungkook snaps his head up, red-rimmed eyes looking at Taehyung with nothing but pain.
“How is it nothing? That man clearly has been a/busing you for years.” he feels like pulling all his hair out.
“How is it nothing? That man clearly has been a/busing you for years.” he feels like pulling all his hair out.
337
“Let’s keep everything he has done to your family aside and talk about you. How long have you been letting him hurt you like this?” He takes one step closer to Taehyung with each word.
Taehyung’s back touches the wall, “He was just trying to discipli—”
Taehyung’s back touches the wall, “He was just trying to discipli—”
338
“Stop!” Jungkook shouts, punching the wall beside him. “Stop talking on his behalf. Stop taking his side.”
Taehyung flinches. “I just wanted to be a good son.”
“By letting him hurt you, Taehyung?” Jungkook cries. He feels frustration boiling inside him.
Taehyung flinches. “I just wanted to be a good son.”
“By letting him hurt you, Taehyung?” Jungkook cries. He feels frustration boiling inside him.
339
“Let’s say one day you have a child. Would you hurt him like he hurt you? Just to discipline him? Just so he becomes a good son to you?”
“No,” Taehyung whimpers.
He knows what his father has been doing to him isn’t right.
“No,” Taehyung whimpers.
He knows what his father has been doing to him isn’t right.
340
He knows he should have talked about it to someone the first time he raised his hands on him.
But who was he supposed to tell when his mother watched him limp around and say nothing? When his mother heard his screams, begging his father to stop but said nothing.
But who was he supposed to tell when his mother watched him limp around and say nothing? When his mother heard his screams, begging his father to stop but said nothing.
341
“Then why did you tolerate it?” Jungkook cups his face. Holding it with so much delicacy as if he is holding something fragile.
“I just wanted him to love me.” Taehyung’s voice cracks, “To care for me.” he leans in his touch. Leans in for the warmth that radiates from his hands.
“I just wanted him to love me.” Taehyung’s voice cracks, “To care for me.” he leans in his touch. Leans in for the warmth that radiates from his hands.
342
Jungkook wraps his arms around him and sobs, hiding his face in the crook of his shoulder. Taehyung also cries, holding the boy who is starting to mean so much to him close to his heart.
343
// end of tw //
344
79.
345
80.
346
81.
347
82.
348
83.
349
84.
350
85.
351
86.
352
87.
353
88.
354
89.
355
90.
356
91.
357
“I don’t know what I feel anymore.” Taehyung mumbles, eyes cast down.
“You don’t have to feel anything, Hyung. I am here.” Jungkook brushes a stray hair away from his face before taking his hand in his.
“We will figure it out together. You are no longer alone, hmm?”
“You don’t have to feel anything, Hyung. I am here.” Jungkook brushes a stray hair away from his face before taking his hand in his.
“We will figure it out together. You are no longer alone, hmm?”
358
he squeezes his hand softly.
“You have dad, Hoseok hyung, Seokjin hyung, Namjoon hyung. Even Jimin would be willing to throw hands for you. He is very fond of you. And most importantly, you have me, your little puppy.”
“You have dad, Hoseok hyung, Seokjin hyung, Namjoon hyung. Even Jimin would be willing to throw hands for you. He is very fond of you. And most importantly, you have me, your little puppy.”
359
Taehyung lets out a small chuckle at that. “You don’t like it when I call you that.”
“But you like it.” Jungkook smiles a little. “So, I guess I will live with it.” he shrugs.
“Dramatic.” Taehyung rolls his eyes.
“But you like it.” Jungkook smiles a little. “So, I guess I will live with it.” he shrugs.
“Dramatic.” Taehyung rolls his eyes.
360
He lays his head on Jungkook’s lap before looking up at him. “Can I stay like this for a while?”
“Of course.” Jungkook looks at those sad, moist eyes and feels his hurt churn.
“Can you play with my hair?” Taehyung asks.
“Of course.” Jungkook looks at those sad, moist eyes and feels his hurt churn.
“Can you play with my hair?” Taehyung asks.
361
Jungkook doesn’t answer but cards his fingers through his hair. Gently scratching it. Giving him a massage. He can feel Taehyung relax under his touch.
“This feels so good,” Taehyung says breathily.
“This feels so good,” Taehyung says breathily.
362
He closes his eyes while wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s middle and burying his head in his stomach.
363
92.
364
93.
365
that's all for this update. ill be busy till 30th so there won't be any updates until then. im sorry :((
zaqa.net/dtaeles
zaqa.net/dtaeles
366
94.
367
95.
368
“Jungkook ah,” Taehyung whispers in his morning voice, fingers carding through Jungkook’s soft dark hair.
Jungkook hums, looking up at the elder, waiting for him to continue.
“Can we bring Rara here? Can she stay with us?”
Jungkook hums, looking up at the elder, waiting for him to continue.
“Can we bring Rara here? Can she stay with us?”
369
“Of course, Hyung.” Jungkook smiles. “I’d like to meet her.”
“Then wanna meet her today?” Taehyung asks, biting down on his lips in anticipation.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Jungkook sits up excitedly, earning a chuckle out of Taehyung.
“Then wanna meet her today?” Taehyung asks, biting down on his lips in anticipation.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Jungkook sits up excitedly, earning a chuckle out of Taehyung.
370
“You excited little puppy, calm down.” he laughs, ruffling Jungkook’s hair. “I’ll inform Hobi Hyung that we are coming.”
Jungkook frowns. “Why do we need to inform him?”
“Ah, because Rara is staying with his parents. It’s the only place that is safe enough for her.”
Jungkook frowns. “Why do we need to inform him?”
“Ah, because Rara is staying with his parents. It’s the only place that is safe enough for her.”
371
Jungkook’s mouth rounds in an O shape as he nods. Taehyung stares at his lips, a sudden urge to kiss them takes over as he wets his own. The younger one feels his cheeks heating up under scrutiny. He stutters something about freshening up and leaves with a fluttering heart.
372
96.
373
“Why are you nervous?” Jungkook asks, glancing concernedly at the elder before focusing back on the road.
“It’s my first time seeing her. In years.” He mumbles the last part.
“It’s my first time seeing her. In years.” He mumbles the last part.
374
“We gave her sedative when we took her away from where she was held captive. So she was sleeping. And I didn’t go to check up on her later. I was scared that she might not remember me.” he looks down on his lap, fondling with his fingers.
375
Jungkook stops at the red light before turning to his right and taking Taheyung’s hand in his. “I am sure she’d be happy to see you, Hyung.” He gives a small squeeze.
“I hope so,” Taehyung breathes out shakily.
“I hope so,” Taehyung breathes out shakily.
376
Jungkook brings up their joined hand and gives a small, soft kiss on the back of his hand, making Taehyung's breath hitch. Their eyes stare deeply into each other’s before their moment is cut short due to a car honking from behind.
377
Jungkook lets go of his hand momentarily, making Taehyung pout at the lack of warmth. The younger chuckles and grasps his hand, entwining his fingers. Taehyung coughs, looking away with red tinting his cheeks.
378
97.
379
98.
380
“Tae,” Aera whispers, breathing shakily. “Taehyungie,” she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug. “How are you, my baby?” she sobs, holding onto her son with dear life.
“Rara,” Taehyung cries.
As soon as he rings the doorbell, his mother opens the door as if she has been
“Rara,” Taehyung cries.
As soon as he rings the doorbell, his mother opens the door as if she has been
381
waiting for him. He doesn’t have time to process before she collects his big build in her arms. And all his doubts of her forgetting him vanishes into thin air. Jungkoo was right. A mother never forgets her child.
382
“Why did you take so much time to come?”
“I’m sorry. I was scared.” Taehyung buries his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her smell that he longed for.
“I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, mom.” Taehyung sniffles.
“I’m sorry. I was scared.” Taehyung buries his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her smell that he longed for.
“I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, mom.” Taehyung sniffles.
383
“Can you say that again?” She requests.
“I missed you, mom.”
“I missed you too, my baby tiger.” she kisses his temple before pulling back. It is then that her eyes fall on the man standing beside her son.
“I missed you, mom.”
“I missed you too, my baby tiger.” she kisses his temple before pulling back. It is then that her eyes fall on the man standing beside her son.
384
“Who are—”
“Hello ma’am, I’m Jeon Jungkook.” He does a complete 90-degree bow before standing straight. He strangely feels very nervous. Funny how he was the one saying Taehyung not to be nervous.
“My husband,” Taehyung adds with a shy smile.
“Hello ma’am, I’m Jeon Jungkook.” He does a complete 90-degree bow before standing straight. He strangely feels very nervous. Funny how he was the one saying Taehyung not to be nervous.
“My husband,” Taehyung adds with a shy smile.
385
Jungkook scratches the back of his nape with red cheeks. Taehyung asserting him as his husband elicited thousands of butterflies in his stomach.
“Thank you for taking care of my son,” Aera speaks, giving Jungkook a warm hug.
“Thank you for taking care of my son,” Aera speaks, giving Jungkook a warm hug.
386
“He is mine to take care of, ma’am.” Jungkook fondly looks at Taehyung.
A light gasp leaves Taehyung’s mouth. ‘He is mine’ the words roam in his mind, making a permanent place there. It feels like a dream. A fever dream. And if it’s one, then he doesn’t want to wake up from it.
A light gasp leaves Taehyung’s mouth. ‘He is mine’ the words roam in his mind, making a permanent place there. It feels like a dream. A fever dream. And if it’s one, then he doesn’t want to wake up from it.
387
99.
388
💯
389
101.
390
102.
391
- after few weeks -
392
103. [guys, i don't know much about laws and stuffs. i tried so pardon my mistakes]
393
104.
394
105.
395
106.
396
107.
397
“Hyung, what’s wrong?” Jungkook frowns.
Taehyung breaks out of his trance as he looks at the younger, “nothing,” he shrugs.
“What’s going on in your mind?” Jungkook presses.
Taehyung breaks out of his trance as he looks at the younger, “nothing,” he shrugs.
“What’s going on in your mind?” Jungkook presses.
398
“Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung pauses, looking down. He is chewing down on his lips while fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. “about the divorce papers…” he trails off.
Jungkook feels his chest tighten. He had forgotten about it.
Jungkook feels his chest tighten. He had forgotten about it.
399
And if he could, he would go back in time and slap his past self for even considering getting divorced.
400
“I’ll sign it.” Taehyung looks up, eyes slightly red. “I asked you to give me some time. I was actually waiting to get things under my control before doing so. Because I knew Mr. Kim would do something to hinder it.” He tries to give a small smile that comes out as forced.
401
Jungkook can feel his breath knocked out of his lungs. “Hyung,” his voice shakes.
“You were practically forced into this marriage, so I completely understand if you want to get divorced.”
“Taehyung,” his voice comes out not above a whisper.
“You were practically forced into this marriage, so I completely understand if you want to get divorced.”
“Taehyung,” his voice comes out not above a whisper.
402
“I’ll free you from this.”
“Kim Taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice drops an octave, deadly. He is breathing heavily, eyes red with unsaid emotion.
“Shut the fuck up.” He looks dead in Taehyung’s eyes.
“Kim Taehyung,” Jungkook’s voice drops an octave, deadly. He is breathing heavily, eyes red with unsaid emotion.
“Shut the fuck up.” He looks dead in Taehyung’s eyes.
403
“There is no way I am allowing you to divorce me. And if I ever ask you to divorce me, then there’s a g/un in the right drawer of my wardrobe. I want you to sh00t me with it. Do you get that?” Jungkook spits in anger.
404
Taehyung is left speechless. He has never seen Jungkook this angry. “Jungkook,” he lets out a shaky breath that he didn’t know he was holding.
Jungkook storms out before Taheyung can say anything else. He calls for the younger a few times, but the latter doesn’t look back.
Jungkook storms out before Taheyung can say anything else. He calls for the younger a few times, but the latter doesn’t look back.
405
108.
406
109.
407
im sorry the thread broke😭
dee⁷ | ia ARIRANG@dtaeles
Taehyung barges in as soon as he hears the door unlock. He cups Jungkook’s face between his hands and kisses him square on his mouth.
The kiss is sweet, fervent, and mixed with emotion.
The kiss is sweet, fervent, and mixed with emotion.