#taekookau "I would've broken up with him." Minho muttered in...
vio ✦ ݁˖@vioIau
73 views
Jul 28, 2026
~36 min read
Advertisement
1
#taekookau
"I would've broken up with him." Minho muttered in annoyance.
"Minho..." Wooshik warned, noticing the way Taehyung’s face contorted.
"What? He never shows up. He’s always working. He’s never around, and he barely seems to remember he even has a boyfriend."
"I would've broken up with him." Minho muttered in annoyance.
"Minho..." Wooshik warned, noticing the way Taehyung’s face contorted.
"What? He never shows up. He’s always working. He’s never around, and he barely seems to remember he even has a boyfriend."
2
Minho leaned back. "Tae, look, I'm sorry, but you shouldn't be wasting your time with someone who doesn't even seem to care about you."
Taehyung stared at his lap, fingers curling into the fabric of his jeans until his knuckles turned white.
Taehyung stared at his lap, fingers curling into the fabric of his jeans until his knuckles turned white.
3
When he finally spoke, his voice was quiet. "Maybe you should keep your opinions to yourself, Minho."
"Tae, I—"
Taehyung stood up abruptly. "No, really. Keep it to yourself. You keep talking shit about Jungkook every single time we're here."
"Tae, I—"
Taehyung stood up abruptly. "No, really. Keep it to yourself. You keep talking shit about Jungkook every single time we're here."
4
"Guys, calm down," Wooshik urged, holding up his hands.
"You don't get to decide for me." Taehyung snapped, his voice rising. "And you don't get to accuse him of anything. You don't even know him!"
Minho released a heavy sigh. "I only say this because I care about you."
"You don't get to decide for me." Taehyung snapped, his voice rising. "And you don't get to accuse him of anything. You don't even know him!"
Minho released a heavy sigh. "I only say this because I care about you."
5
"Well, don't!" Taehyung grabbed his phone off the table. "I know Jungkook better than any of you. You don't get to speak on my boyfriend." He turned on his heel, putting distance between himself and his circle of friends.
"Tae, wait, where are you going?" Wooshik reached out,
"Tae, wait, where are you going?" Wooshik reached out,
6
his hand gripping Taehyung's arm to halt his retreat.
"I'm leaving," Taehyung said, the frustration bubbling over as he wrenched his arm free from Wooshik's grasp.
"Don't take it personally, Taehyung." Minho called out, though there was no apology in his tone.
"I'm leaving," Taehyung said, the frustration bubbling over as he wrenched his arm free from Wooshik's grasp.
"Don't take it personally, Taehyung." Minho called out, though there was no apology in his tone.
7
"Save it." Taehyung spared Minho one final, searing glare before weaving through the crowded bar towards the exit.
Wooshik watched him go, shaking his head in disbelief before shooting Minho a sharp look. "What the hell was that?"
Wooshik watched him go, shaking his head in disbelief before shooting Minho a sharp look. "What the hell was that?"
8
Minho simply rolled his eyes and took a slow sip of his drink. "Did I lie?"
Wooshik just huffed, leaning back and watching wordlessly as Taehyung disappeared from sight.
Wooshik just huffed, leaning back and watching wordlessly as Taehyung disappeared from sight.
9
💌💌💌
10
11
"You're still here..." Namjoon sighed as he leaned against the doorframe of Jungkook's office.
"You're leaving?" Jungkook's voice was raspy. His bloodshot eyes barely lifted from the stack of papers on his desk.
Namjoon nodded, checking his watch.
"You're leaving?" Jungkook's voice was raspy. His bloodshot eyes barely lifted from the stack of papers on his desk.
Namjoon nodded, checking his watch.
12
"The cleaning crew left an hour ago. No one's here except you, Jungkook."
"And you." Jungkook countered, letting out a tired, dry chuckle.
"Why do you keep taking on extra work?" Namjoon stepped further into the room. "You look like a mess, Jungkook. just go home."
"And you." Jungkook countered, letting out a tired, dry chuckle.
"Why do you keep taking on extra work?" Namjoon stepped further into the room. "You look like a mess, Jungkook. just go home."
13
"It doesn't matter." Jungkook's brows furrowed as he scribbled a signature, his movements stiff from sitting in the same position for hours.
Then, his expression softened, a hint of warmth breaking through the exhaustion as he finally looked up at Namjoon.
Then, his expression softened, a hint of warmth breaking through the exhaustion as he finally looked up at Namjoon.
14
"It's Taehyung's birthday. And... Mr. Park promised me a raise if I finished this entire batch by tonight."
He paused, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And you know Taehyung... he loves celine."
He paused, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "And you know Taehyung... he loves celine."
15
Namjoon shook his head slowly, his heart sinking at the sight of Jungkook's stubbornness. "Jungkook, it's late. The sun's been down for hours."
"And?" Jungkook arched a brow, though his defiance was weakened by a heavy yawn he tried to suppress.
"And?" Jungkook arched a brow, though his defiance was weakened by a heavy yawn he tried to suppress.
16
"And you're seconds away from rotting inside this office," Namjoon tried again. "You can't pour from an empty cup."
"I'm going to finish everything soon." Jungkook insisted, a long sigh leaving him when Namjoon didn't budge.
"I'm going to finish everything soon." Jungkook insisted, a long sigh leaving him when Namjoon didn't budge.
17
He dropped his pen, the clatter loud in the silence. "Hyung, please. Stop worrying about me."
"I can't, okay? Not when you're vibrating from too much caffeine and not enough air." Namjoon scolded with a deep scowl carved into his face.
"I can't, okay? Not when you're vibrating from too much caffeine and not enough air." Namjoon scolded with a deep scowl carved into his face.
18
"He deserves a nice gift, Hyung." Jungkook said softly, voice dropping an octave. "I can't just keep giving him flowers. It's boring, it's repetitive... and it's not enough. I can't show up empty handed tomorrow."
19
"Once I get that raise, I'm getting him that jacket he's had his eyes on for months. I want to see his face when he opens it."
"Does he know about any of this?" Namjoon questioned.
"He doesn't need to know." Jungkook shook his head, avoiding Namjoon's gaze.
"Does he know about any of this?" Namjoon questioned.
"He doesn't need to know." Jungkook shook his head, avoiding Namjoon's gaze.
20
"Jungkook..." Namjoon murmured, a note of weary resignation softening his tone. "All you do is send him flowers and gifts every week. But when was the last time you actually spent time with him?"
"I always do," Jungkook said quickly.
"When?"
"I always do," Jungkook said quickly.
"When?"
21
"Some days... I leave early." Jungkook started, his fingers tapping an uneven rhythm against the desk. "And we'd still have time to eat dinner together. Most nights."
"And?" Namjoon pressed, crossing his arms.
"And?" Namjoon pressed, crossing his arms.
22
"We... we spend the night together." Jungkook added, his voice trailing off as he mentally cataloged their recent interactions.
He went to say more, his mouth opening and then closing as he realized he was running out of things to list.
"And?" Namjoon didn't let up.
He went to say more, his mouth opening and then closing as he realized he was running out of things to list.
"And?" Namjoon didn't let up.
23
Jungkook fell silent. The ticking of the wall clock seemed to grow louder, mocking the void in his memory.
He tried to reach for a specific conversation, a memorable date, or any moment from the last month that didn't involve a delivery bag
He tried to reach for a specific conversation, a memorable date, or any moment from the last month that didn't involve a delivery bag
24
or a quick kiss before falling asleep from exhaustion.
But he found nothing.
He let out a heavy exhale, his shoulders slumping. "It's really that bad, huh...?"
"Jungkook, you're here twenty four seven. You never leave this place." Namjoon pointed out.
But he found nothing.
He let out a heavy exhale, his shoulders slumping. "It's really that bad, huh...?"
"Jungkook, you're here twenty four seven. You never leave this place." Namjoon pointed out.
25
"All your money, all this grueling effort... it all goes into gifts for Taehyung. And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't spoil him, but..." he paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Why do you feel this desperate need to prove yourself?"
26
"To send flowers every single day? Ever since the moment he said yes to you, you've been overworking yourself to an insane degree."
Jungkook averted his eyes, throat bobbing as he swallowed hard against the sudden lump forming there. "I just want to be enough for him, Hyung."
Jungkook averted his eyes, throat bobbing as he swallowed hard against the sudden lump forming there. "I just want to be enough for him, Hyung."
27
Namjoon sighed, tilting his head. "Jungkook, please... listen to yourself."
"I never feel like I'm enough for him." Jungkook continued. "No matter what I do, no matter how hard I work, something always feels wrong. Always."
"I never feel like I'm enough for him." Jungkook continued. "No matter what I do, no matter how hard I work, something always feels wrong. Always."
28
"Every time I look at him, all I can think about is how to give him the entire world. I want him to feel loved. I want him to know, to really know, how much he means to me. But the flowers, the dinners, the money... it never feels enough. And I don't even know why."
29
Namjoon remained silent momentarily before asking, "Does he actually get happy when you give him those things? The gifts? The daily deliveries?"
"He does..." Jungkook said, though his voice lacked conviction. "He thanks me every time. But sometimes..."
"He does..." Jungkook said, though his voice lacked conviction. "He thanks me every time. But sometimes..."
30
his mind wandered, drifting back to the look in Taehyung's eyes that he couldn't quite decode. "I see this expression on his face. I don't know how to describe it. It's like... he's looking for something else." He shook his head, clearing the thought.
31
"I don't know, Hyung. It doesn't matter. It's his birthday tomorrow. He deserves something way better than just another bouquet."
Jungkook looked down, his voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "When I look at him, I can't help but think about how perfect he is."
Jungkook looked down, his voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "When I look at him, I can't help but think about how perfect he is."
32
He let out a short, bitter chuckle. "And then... there's me. Sometimes, I don't even understand how I got someone like him to look at me, let alone date me."
"The fact that you think of yourself as an incomplete person is just sad, Jungkook," Namjoon said.
"The fact that you think of yourself as an incomplete person is just sad, Jungkook," Namjoon said.
33
"It's not a thought, Hyung. It's just how it is." Jungkook reached for his pen again, fingers trembling slightly as he pulled another file towards him. "I'm still lacking something."
"You're really not." Namjoon insisted, stepping closer to the desk. "You're more than enough."
"You're really not." Namjoon insisted, stepping closer to the desk. "You're more than enough."
34
"Hyung, just let me finish this." Jungkook muttered, eyes already snapping back to the documents, using work as a shield to end the conversation.
But Namjoon didn't move for a long moment.
"Hyung, please..." Jungkook pleaded, not looking up.
But Namjoon didn't move for a long moment.
"Hyung, please..." Jungkook pleaded, not looking up.
35
Namjoon's chest tightened, a knot of frustration and sadness twisting in his gut. He realized then that he couldn't force Jungkook to see his own worth, not tonight anyway.
So without saying another word, he turned and walked out, leaving Jungkook alone with his thoughts.
So without saying another word, he turned and walked out, leaving Jungkook alone with his thoughts.
36
💌💌💌
37
Jungkook stood outside the front door, hand hovering over the handle, quivering slightly.
His lungs felt tight, restricted by a mix of caffeine induced jitters and a persistent sense of uselessness.
His lungs felt tight, restricted by a mix of caffeine induced jitters and a persistent sense of uselessness.
38
In his left hand, he gripped a bouquet of white lilies, wrapped in premium paper and tied with a red silk ribbon.
They were beautiful, expensive, but at that moment, they felt like a joke.
He felt sick to his stomach, wondering if he looked as haggard as he felt.
They were beautiful, expensive, but at that moment, they felt like a joke.
He felt sick to his stomach, wondering if he looked as haggard as he felt.
39
He just needed to get through tonight. He just needed to survive until that raise hit his account, then he could finally be the person Taehyung deserved.
Taking a shaky breath, he pushed the door open, and was met by the scent of multiple colognes at once.
Taking a shaky breath, he pushed the door open, and was met by the scent of multiple colognes at once.
40
Of course his friends were throwing him a birthday party.
People were everywhere, dancing, clinking glasses, and laughing loudly, but nobody seemed to notice him coming in.
Jungkook felt like a ghost haunting his own living room,
People were everywhere, dancing, clinking glasses, and laughing loudly, but nobody seemed to notice him coming in.
Jungkook felt like a ghost haunting his own living room,
41
weaving through the crowd as he searched for the one face that mattered to him.
As he advanced further into the room, a high pitched scream of pure joy cut through the music.
Jungkook froze. And there, in the center of the circle of his boyfriend's friends, was Taehyung.
As he advanced further into the room, a high pitched scream of pure joy cut through the music.
Jungkook froze. And there, in the center of the circle of his boyfriend's friends, was Taehyung.
42
His face was lit up with a radiance that Jungkook hadn't seen in weeks.
His cheeks were high and flushed, and that wide, boxy smile was spread across his face.
And in his hand, there was a white Celine shopping bag.
His cheeks were high and flushed, and that wide, boxy smile was spread across his face.
And in his hand, there was a white Celine shopping bag.
43
Taehyung's jaw dropped as he reached inside, pulling out a sleek, dark scarlet red, leather jacket.
He stared at it in wide-eyed awe for a moment before letting out a squeal. "You can't be serious—no way!"
He stared at it in wide-eyed awe for a moment before letting out a squeal. "You can't be serious—no way!"
44
Minho stood there, looking smug and satisfied, a drink in one hand as he pulled Taehyung into a crushing hug. "I'm sorry for upsetting you that night. You deserve nothing but love, Taehyungie."
"I can't believe you found it!" Taehyung almost cried,
"I can't believe you found it!" Taehyung almost cried,
45
clutching the leather to his chest. "I've checked every boutique in the city for this—it's been sold out for ages. I thought it was impossible to get." He threw his arms around Minho's neck, burying his face in his friend's shoulder.
46
"Thank you, Minho. Really. This means a lot to me."
Behind them, Jungkook's grip on the flower stems tightened until the paper crinkled loudly.
His heart didn't just sink, it felt like it had been hollowed out completely.
Behind them, Jungkook's grip on the flower stems tightened until the paper crinkled loudly.
His heart didn't just sink, it felt like it had been hollowed out completely.
47
He stood there like a statue, his body aching from the eighteen hour shift he'd just finished to earn a raise that no longer mattered.
He was late. Always late. To the party, to the realization, to the life Taehyung was living without him.
He was late. Always late. To the party, to the realization, to the life Taehyung was living without him.
48
He had traded his time, his sleep, and his presence for a prize someone else had already won.
Minho was the first to look up. His gaze locked onto Jungkook's, and for a split second, his expression faltered, only to be replaced by a smirk.
Minho was the first to look up. His gaze locked onto Jungkook's, and for a split second, his expression faltered, only to be replaced by a smirk.
49
He pulled away from the hug, patting Taehyung's shoulder with a lingering hand. "Oh, would you look at that," Minho announced. "The boyfriend has finally decided to show up."
Jungkook saw the glint in Minho's eyes.
He could swear the man was fueling the fire on purpose.
Jungkook saw the glint in Minho's eyes.
He could swear the man was fueling the fire on purpose.
50
"Jungkook!" Taehyung turned almost instantly, beaming. His eyes widened, sparking with a genuine light that made Jungkook's heart ache.
He tossed the celine jacket onto a nearby chair without a second thought, and moved through the guests to get to him.
He tossed the celine jacket onto a nearby chair without a second thought, and moved through the guests to get to him.
51
"I’ve been waiting for you," Taehyung murmured breathlessly as he locked his arms tightly around Jungkook’s neck.
He peppered desperate, warm kisses along Jungkook's pulse point and up towards his jaw, trying to soak in every second of his presence.
He peppered desperate, warm kisses along Jungkook's pulse point and up towards his jaw, trying to soak in every second of his presence.
52
A bright, eager smile stretched across his lips, the kind that usually made Jungkook feel like he was home.
But as he pulled away from the unrequited hug, and took in the dark circles under Jungkook's eyes and the way he was trembling, his smile gradually flickered and died.
But as he pulled away from the unrequited hug, and took in the dark circles under Jungkook's eyes and the way he was trembling, his smile gradually flickered and died.
53
Jungkook instinctively hid the bouquet behind his back, his fingers almost crushing the stems.
For the first time, he felt a hot, prickling wave of embarrassment at the thought of gifting him those flowers.
"What's wrong?" Taehyung's voice softened.
For the first time, he felt a hot, prickling wave of embarrassment at the thought of gifting him those flowers.
"What's wrong?" Taehyung's voice softened.
54
He tried to reclaim the mood as a small smile returned to his face. "What are you hiding behind your back?"
Jungkook gave a stiff, jerky shrug.
He forced a chuckle that felt like choking on glass. "Oh—it's nothing... I, uh..."
Jungkook gave a stiff, jerky shrug.
He forced a chuckle that felt like choking on glass. "Oh—it's nothing... I, uh..."
55
"I'm sorry. I know I'm late. Again. But... happy birthday, angel."
"You're not late. You're just in time." Taehyung reassured. He reached up, palms cupping Jungkook's feverish face.
"You're not late. You're just in time." Taehyung reassured. He reached up, palms cupping Jungkook's feverish face.
56
He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Jungkook's cheek. "I was about to blow out the candles, but I couldn't do it without you."
Taehyung's gaze drifted down, catching the flash of white petals peeking out from behind Jungkook's hip. "Are those for me?"
Taehyung's gaze drifted down, catching the flash of white petals peeking out from behind Jungkook's hip. "Are those for me?"
57
Jungkook shifted, trying to angle himself away. "Actually... the shop gave me the wrong bouquet. It's not what I ordered. I didn't have time to go back and replace it. I just... I came here as fast as I could, I—"
"It doesn't matter, Jungkook. You're here with me."
"It doesn't matter, Jungkook. You're here with me."
58
Taehyung interrupted gently. "You know how much I love flowers. Especially when they're from you." He reached out, extending his hands.
Jungkook's heart felt like it was fracturing as he finally brought the flowers forward.
Handing them over felt like a confession of failure.
Jungkook's heart felt like it was fracturing as he finally brought the flowers forward.
Handing them over felt like a confession of failure.
59
He almost wanted to rip the bouquet apart, to shred every delicate petal until there was nothing left but a mess of green and white.
But Taehyung didn't see a failure.
He flushed a deep, warm pink while hugging the lilies to his chest as if they were made of gold.
But Taehyung didn't see a failure.
He flushed a deep, warm pink while hugging the lilies to his chest as if they were made of gold.
60
He looked up at Jungkook, eyes shimmering with a glow of pure gratitude that Jungkook felt he hadn't earned.
"Thank you, Jungkook..." Taehyung whispered only to him.
He leaned forward again, and pressed his lips to Jungkook's in a sweet, tender kiss that tasted of longing.
"Thank you, Jungkook..." Taehyung whispered only to him.
He leaned forward again, and pressed his lips to Jungkook's in a sweet, tender kiss that tasted of longing.
61
"I'm so glad you're here." He grinned, his fingers lacing firmly through Jungkook's cold, calloused hand.
"I..." he almost stammered, "I missed you. A lot." He began to pull Jungkook into the heart of the party, but to Jungkook, the apartment felt like a minefield.
"I..." he almost stammered, "I missed you. A lot." He began to pull Jungkook into the heart of the party, but to Jungkook, the apartment felt like a minefield.
62
The celebration went on around them. One by one, friends stepped forward with boxes wrapped in designer paper and bags that cost more than Jungkook's monthly rent.
With every gift Taehyung opened, Jungkook felt the air in the room thinning.
With every gift Taehyung opened, Jungkook felt the air in the room thinning.
63
His chest constricted as he stood in the corner, watching Taehyung sparkle under the attention, feeling more like an intruder than a boyfriend.
The expensive leather jacket sat on the chair like a silent judge, reminding Jungkook of everything he wasn't.
The expensive leather jacket sat on the chair like a silent judge, reminding Jungkook of everything he wasn't.
64
He couldn't take it anymore.
The noise, the lights, the voices, the feeling of not ever being enough. It all screamed louder than anything else in the room, reaching a deafening crescendo.
The noise, the lights, the voices, the feeling of not ever being enough. It all screamed louder than anything else in the room, reaching a deafening crescendo.
65
After the room erupted into a chorus of happy birthdays, and Taehyung made a wish, then blew out the candles to a round of applause, Jungkook moved.
While the crowd was still cheering and clinking glasses, he walked over to the dining table where his bouquet sat.
While the crowd was still cheering and clinking glasses, he walked over to the dining table where his bouquet sat.
66
He gripped it a little too harshly, the paper crinkling under the pressure, and turned for the door.
He didn't say goodbye nor did he look back.
He just rushed outside.
Taehyung, still laughing at a joke someone had made, caught the movement out of the corner of his eye.
He didn't say goodbye nor did he look back.
He just rushed outside.
Taehyung, still laughing at a joke someone had made, caught the movement out of the corner of his eye.
67
His smile vanished instantly, falling away to reveal a face of sheer heartbreak.
He watched the door click shut behind Jungkook, and his own heart seemed to drop into his stomach.
He watched the door click shut behind Jungkook, and his own heart seemed to drop into his stomach.
68
The world around him stayed loud, people were still cheering, still drinking, but for Taehyung, the room went silent.
His expression twisted into a mask of deep, confused dejection, his eyes glimmering with tears.
His expression twisted into a mask of deep, confused dejection, his eyes glimmering with tears.
69
His heart throbbed painfully.
He had been waiting all night for Jungkook to arrive, only to watch him vanish the second they were finally together.
He had been waiting all night for Jungkook to arrive, only to watch him vanish the second they were finally together.
70
"That's the man you're settling for, Tae." Minho whispered, leaning in close, his voice dripping with a poisonous kind of pity.
Taehyung spared him a single, broken look, before his gaze snapped back to the closed door.
Taehyung spared him a single, broken look, before his gaze snapped back to the closed door.
71
💌💌💌
72
As soon as Jungkook stepped out, the cold night air hit his face like a slap. He stumbled down the sidewalk, vision blurring until the streetlights became smeared.
He didn't stop until he reached a rusted metal garbage bin at the end of the street.
He didn't stop until he reached a rusted metal garbage bin at the end of the street.
73
And then, the dam finally broke.
A choked, guttural sob escaped him as he raised the bouquet high and slammed it down against the rim of the bin again and again.
He lashed out, ignoring the few passersby who slowed their pace, shooting wary, judgmental glances his way
A choked, guttural sob escaped him as he raised the bouquet high and slammed it down against the rim of the bin again and again.
He lashed out, ignoring the few passersby who slowed their pace, shooting wary, judgmental glances his way
74
before rushing straight past him.
He didn't know what exactly had possessed him at that moment, but he couldn't stop himself. His fingers moved like claws, shredding the lilies until they were nothing but bruised, wet pulps of floral flesh.
He didn't know what exactly had possessed him at that moment, but he couldn't stop himself. His fingers moved like claws, shredding the lilies until they were nothing but bruised, wet pulps of floral flesh.
75
He ripped the thick green stems between his hands, the sap staining his palms. He tore at the wrapping paper, the sound of it echoing in the quiet street, until he reached the silky red ribbon, the one he had chosen so carefully because he thought it looked elegant.
76
And because Taehyung loved red more than any other color.
With a final, agonizing cry, he whipped the ribbon into the gutter, watching it flutter into the filth.
His legs finally gave up. Jungkook collapsed against the side of the bin, his knees hitting the cold pavement.
With a final, agonizing cry, he whipped the ribbon into the gutter, watching it flutter into the filth.
His legs finally gave up. Jungkook collapsed against the side of the bin, his knees hitting the cold pavement.
77
He buried his face in his hands, fingers tangling into his hair and pulling so hard he could feel the skin of his scalp stretching, the roots of his hair screaming in protest.
He wanted to feel that pain. He wanted it to drown out the ache in his chest somehow.
He wanted to feel that pain. He wanted it to drown out the ache in his chest somehow.
78
But it was no use. He couldn't take his mind off of it.
It felt like a race he'd been running for years, one where he had pushed his body to the absolute limit, sacrificing everything, only to realize he'd been running in the wrong direction the entire time.
It felt like a race he'd been running for years, one where he had pushed his body to the absolute limit, sacrificing everything, only to realize he'd been running in the wrong direction the entire time.
79
Just when he thought he was close to being the one who could finally make Taehyung happy, someone else had stepped in and done it with a single bag.
The sight of that wide, radiant smile for Minho's gift played on a loop in his mind,
The sight of that wide, radiant smile for Minho's gift played on a loop in his mind,
80
a painful contrast to the look Taehyung gave his flowers.
He couldn't accept the reality Namjoon had tried to show him.
He couldn't accept the reality Namjoon had tried to show him.
81
He couldn't believe that his presence alone could ever be enough, not when he had seen the way Taehyung's face transformed for that jacket.
It made his entire existence feel pathetic.
It made his entire existence feel pathetic.
82
💌💌💌
83
One by one, the guests filtered out, wishing Taehyung a happy birthday once more before leaving the apartment.
Taehyung stood by the door, his face aching from the effort of maintaining that fake, hollow smile for hours now.
Taehyung stood by the door, his face aching from the effort of maintaining that fake, hollow smile for hours now.
84
It was a mask that felt heavier against his face with every person who left, until the only one remaining was Minho.
Minho didn't move towards the elevator. Instead, he stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on Taehyung's shoulder.
Minho didn't move towards the elevator. Instead, he stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on Taehyung's shoulder.
85
He squeezed, thumb rubbing against Taehyung's shirt. "Do you want me to stay with you?" He offered. "You shouldn't be alone after... whatever the hell that was."
Taehyung twisted his shoulder, forcing Minho's hand to slip off. "No, Minho. I'm fine. He'll be back soon."
Taehyung twisted his shoulder, forcing Minho's hand to slip off. "No, Minho. I'm fine. He'll be back soon."
86
"You don't know that." Minho cleared his throat deliberately. "Tae... he literally walked out on your birthday. He left you standing here in front of everyone. That isn't the behavior of someone who's coming back tonight."
"I do know." Taehyung exhaled a long, shuddering breath.
"I do know." Taehyung exhaled a long, shuddering breath.
87
"I know him better than you. It's okay, you can leave now."
Minho didn't budge. If anything, he leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking."
Minho didn't budge. If anything, he leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "I'm just saying what everyone else is thinking."
88
He paused briefly. "You're brilliant, Tae. You're successful, you're... beautiful, and you're settling for a guy who treats his office chair better than his boyfriend. Please... open your eyes. You deserve someone who actually shows up."
89
"Someone who doesn't just send dead plants as an apology for being a ghost in your life. That's not even the bare minimum. Why can't you see it?"
Taehyung's head snapped up, his eyes finally meeting Minho's.
Taehyung's head snapped up, his eyes finally meeting Minho's.
90
The tears that were about to fall didn't spill. Instead, they seemed to harden, gaze turning icy. "Dead plants?"
"I'm just being honest," Minho said, sensing the opening and pushing further. "Look at every gift around you, Tae. That's effort."
"I'm just being honest," Minho said, sensing the opening and pushing further. "Look at every gift around you, Tae. That's effort."
91
He scoffed lightly. "Now what did he give you? Five minutes of his time and a bouquet he probably picked up at a gas station on his way here? That's not what you deserve."
92
"He's dragging you down with his own insecurities–"
"Knock it off, Minho." Taehyung stepped forward, right into Minho's space.
Minho sighed. "Tae, I'm on your side–"
"You're not on my side if you keep attacking the person I love most." Taehyung hissed.
"Knock it off, Minho." Taehyung stepped forward, right into Minho's space.
Minho sighed. "Tae, I'm on your side–"
"You're not on my side if you keep attacking the person I love most." Taehyung hissed.
93
"If you think you're helping—you're completely mistaken. You're standing in my home, on my birthday, trying to dismantle my relationship just because you think all these gifts makes you better than him somehow. But believe me, it doesn't."
94
Minho recoiled as if Taehyung had physically struck him. "I was just trying to make you see–"
"Oh, I do see everything perfectly. You don't need to worry about that." Taehyung interrupted. "You can't even bring yourself to respect my choices. Please, just... leave."
"Oh, I do see everything perfectly. You don't need to worry about that." Taehyung interrupted. "You can't even bring yourself to respect my choices. Please, just... leave."
95
"And don't ever speak his name again until you learn how to respect him."
Minho lingered at the doorway, face twisting with hurt. "Tae, please, just listen to me for a second. You're talking to me like I'm a stranger. Like I'm some guy off the street trying to ruin your life."
Minho lingered at the doorway, face twisting with hurt. "Tae, please, just listen to me for a second. You're talking to me like I'm a stranger. Like I'm some guy off the street trying to ruin your life."
96
Taehyung's hand gripped the edge of the door firmly. "Right now, you're acting like one."
Minho's face fell. "I am the person who sat with you for three nights straight two years ago. Do you remember, Taehyung?" He reminded him.
Minho's face fell. "I am the person who sat with you for three nights straight two years ago. Do you remember, Taehyung?" He reminded him.
97
"I was the one who witnessed how emotionally bruised you were—how broken you were, before you even realized what was happening. I pulled you out of that mess before it could destroy you. I saved you from a man who actually wanted to hurt you."
98
"Do you really think I'd start hurting you now?"
Taehyung's jaw clenched at the memory of his ex-boyfriend. It flickered behind his eyes— the gaslighting, the isolation, the distance, and the way Minho had been his only lifeline at that time.
Taehyung's jaw clenched at the memory of his ex-boyfriend. It flickered behind his eyes— the gaslighting, the isolation, the distance, and the way Minho had been his only lifeline at that time.
99
His expression softened for a fraction of a second. "I haven't forgotten, Minho." Taehyung nodded. "I know what you did for me. I know how much you care about me. And I know you think you're doing the same thing right now. But you're making a mistake. Jungkook will never be him."
100
"Am I?" Minho stepped forward, eyes searching Taehyung's. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks exactly the same. A man who isn't there. A man who makes you cry on your birthday. A man who makes you feel like you're second best to a desk and a paycheck."
101
"A man who keeps hurting you emotionally. How is this any different?"
"Jungkook never tried to diminish me." Taehyung snapped, the fire returning to his gaze. "The man you saved me from made me feel so fucking small. Dead, even. But Jungkook..." he choked back a sob.
"Jungkook never tried to diminish me." Taehyung snapped, the fire returning to his gaze. "The man you saved me from made me feel so fucking small. Dead, even. But Jungkook..." he choked back a sob.
102
"He wants me to have the world. And I know he's killing himself because he thinks he isn't enough for me. He will never hurt me out of malice, Minho. He's hurting me because he's lost in his own head, trying to be perfect for a nonexistent version of me."
103
"It doesn't matter why he's doing it if the result is the same." Minho argued, his jaw set. "You're still lonely, Tae."
"Minho," Taehyung's voice dropped. "Do you even realize how many boundaries you have crossed so far? You get to be my best friend. You get to worry about me."
"Minho," Taehyung's voice dropped. "Do you even realize how many boundaries you have crossed so far? You get to be my best friend. You get to worry about me."
104
He shook his head. "But you don't get to compare a man who is clumsy with his love to a man who was cruel with his hate."
Minho opened his mouth to retort, but Taehyung was quick to silence him.
"I am grateful for what you did for me back then." He continued.
Minho opened his mouth to retort, but Taehyung was quick to silence him.
"I am grateful for what you did for me back then." He continued.
105
"And I will love you for the rest of my life for saving me. But if you make me choose between the friend who saved my past, and the man who is going to be my future... you aren't going to like the answer."
The silence that followed was heavy, uncomfortably loud.
The silence that followed was heavy, uncomfortably loud.
106
Minho's face turned pale as he let out a slow, defeated breath. "I just... I don't want to see you break again, Tae."
"I won't break. Not with Jungkook." Taehyung persisted, eyes glistening. "Now, please. Leave."
"I won't break. Not with Jungkook." Taehyung persisted, eyes glistening. "Now, please. Leave."
107
Minho swallowed hard, the smugness completely drained from his face. Without saying another word, he turned and walked out.
Taehyung slammed the door the second Minho cleared the threshold. He leaned his back against it, finally letting the first tear slide down his cheek.
Taehyung slammed the door the second Minho cleared the threshold. He leaned his back against it, finally letting the first tear slide down his cheek.
108
His friends had been helpful. They had scrubbed every surface and cleared every plate before leaving the apartment, which left Taehyung with nothing to do but pace the length of the living room.
109
It was past midnight. Taehyung kept checking his phone for what felt like the hundredth time, but there were no new messages and no returned calls.
Why did he even leave like that? The question looped in his brain endlessly.
And why take the flowers?
Why did he even leave like that? The question looped in his brain endlessly.
And why take the flowers?
110
Taehyung told him it didn't matter, but maybe that was the problem. He didn't mean to belittle his boyfriend's gift. He was simply trying to show Jungkook that his presence was the only thing that truly mattered.
Taehyung's mind spiraled through a thousand dark possibilities now
Taehyung's mind spiraled through a thousand dark possibilities now
111
He thought back to the moment Jungkook arrived, to the way his eyes looked empty, to the way he stood so stiffly and barely reacted to his touch.
Something had been off for months.
Something had been off for months.
112
An hour later, the soft click of the front door echoed, the sound rushing to Taehyung's ears.
Jungkook walked in, looking like a man who had survived a wreck. His clothes were rumpled, hair looking like a mess, and his face was drained of all color,
Jungkook walked in, looking like a man who had survived a wreck. His clothes were rumpled, hair looking like a mess, and his face was drained of all color,
113
looking almost ghostly under the hallway lights.
Taehyung strode towards him, the fear in his chest finally exploding. "Where the hell were you? I kept calling you. I thought something happened. Why didn't you answer?"
Jungkook didn't even look up as he kicked off his shoes.
Taehyung strode towards him, the fear in his chest finally exploding. "Where the hell were you? I kept calling you. I thought something happened. Why didn't you answer?"
Jungkook didn't even look up as he kicked off his shoes.
114
"My phone died." He muttered, voice sounding thin and raspy.
Taehyung's eyes twitched. "Where did you go? You didn't even say a word to me. You just... you disappeared."
"I needed air." Jungkook walked past him, his movements slow as if he were dragging invisible chains.
Taehyung's eyes twitched. "Where did you go? You didn't even say a word to me. You just... you disappeared."
"I needed air." Jungkook walked past him, his movements slow as if he were dragging invisible chains.
115
He drifted towards the kitchen, shoulders hunched.
"Air?" Taehyung followed him, his heart twisting at the coldness in Jungkook's tone.
"Yeah, Tae. Fresh air." Jungkook stopped and finally turned, his gaze meeting Taehyung's. "Something I've been deprived of recently."
"Air?" Taehyung followed him, his heart twisting at the coldness in Jungkook's tone.
"Yeah, Tae. Fresh air." Jungkook stopped and finally turned, his gaze meeting Taehyung's. "Something I've been deprived of recently."
116
Taehyung's heart stung. "I'm sorry..." he almost whispered, the hurt blooming in his chest. "I didn't know you felt so suffocated here. I didn't know I was the one taking your air away."
117
Jungkook's expression fell. "Tae, I didn't mean—" he started, his voice cracking as he realized how hard his words had landed.
Taehyung interrupted. "Do you hate being with me? It's okay, you can be completely honest with me." He asked quietly.
Taehyung interrupted. "Do you hate being with me? It's okay, you can be completely honest with me." He asked quietly.
118
"What?" Jungkook's heart sank to the deepest part in his chest. "What kind of question is that? How could you even think–"
"What's going on then?" Taehyung's voice broke. "Do you hate my company? Am I boring to be around? Am I just a chore you have to come home to after work?"
"What's going on then?" Taehyung's voice broke. "Do you hate my company? Am I boring to be around? Am I just a chore you have to come home to after work?"
119
"No, Tae—Fuck, no!" Jungkook stepped towards him hastily. "What are you talking about? You're the only thing that matters to me."
Taehyung's lips wobbled, a sob catching in his throat. "Jungkook, I miss you. Do you even get it?"
Taehyung's lips wobbled, a sob catching in his throat. "Jungkook, I miss you. Do you even get it?"
120
"You come home every night, we sleep on the same bed—yes, but... I feel like I haven't seen you in years. I miss you so much even when you're lying right next to me. It just... it hurts, Jungkook. It actually hurts when you leave me like you did tonight."
121
"It was my birthday... I just needed you to be there. I didn't care about the party. I just wanted you."
Taehyung wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. "Why did you leave? And... where is my bouquet?"
Taehyung wiped at his eyes with the back of his hand. "Why did you leave? And... where is my bouquet?"
122
Jungkook looked at the floor, the guilt rising in his throat like poison, almost suffocating him.
"Jungkook, where is it?" Taehyung asked again, his voice smaller this time.
"I..." Jungkook's eyes flicked, his jaw tightening until it ached. "I threw it away."
"Jungkook, where is it?" Taehyung asked again, his voice smaller this time.
"I..." Jungkook's eyes flicked, his jaw tightening until it ached. "I threw it away."
123
Taehyung's eyes widened, his breath hitching. "W-What?"
"I tore it apart," Jungkook admitted, the words coming out in a shameful rush, "I shredded every petal and... I threw it in the trash. I destroyed it."
Taehyung went deathly silent.
"I tore it apart," Jungkook admitted, the words coming out in a shameful rush, "I shredded every petal and... I threw it in the trash. I destroyed it."
Taehyung went deathly silent.
124
"You don't deserve this..." Jungkook shook his head subtly. He turned away, stumbling into the living room, unable to look at the heartbreak he had caused.
"What...?" Taehyung turned, following him with wide, tearfilled eyes.
"Me." Jungkook spun around to face him,
"What...?" Taehyung turned, following him with wide, tearfilled eyes.
"Me." Jungkook spun around to face him,
125
his expression one of total defeat. "You don't deserve me, Tae. You deserve the world. But apparently, I can't give you that."
"Jungkook, can you please stop?" Taehyung's voice faltered, a thin thread of fear winding through his words.
"Jungkook, can you please stop?" Taehyung's voice faltered, a thin thread of fear winding through his words.
126
"I'm serious, Taehyung..." Jungkook's eyes glimmered. He refused to look up, his gaze anchored to the floor as if he were unworthy of even catching Taehyung's reflection. "Look at you, angel... You're... you're everything. I can't give you what you actually need."
127
Taehyung scowled. "What do you think I actually 'need', Jungkook?"
Jungkook glanced up helplessly. "You deserve someone who doesn't have to think twice about taking you to the ends of earth. Someone who can spoil you endlessly, buy you the world,
Jungkook glanced up helplessly. "You deserve someone who doesn't have to think twice about taking you to the ends of earth. Someone who can spoil you endlessly, buy you the world,
128
and take you on the kind of dates people write poems about. You should be with someone who can be there for you every second, providing everything, loving you properly. Not someone as broken and empty handed as I am."
129
Taehyung felt the air leave his lungs, jaw dropped in disbelief. "Is that what you think I'm here for?" His voice trembled as the first hot tear spilled over. "You think I'm... waiting for a price tag? You think I'm holding out for a provider?"
130
"I just want you to be happy!" Jungkook finally snapped, his own eyes brimming with agony. "And I'm not enough to make you happy! You're settling for a baron when you could have a king!"
"You idiot..." Taehyung choked out, a sob finally breaking through.
"You idiot..." Taehyung choked out, a sob finally breaking through.
131
He stepped forward, grabbing the lapels of Jungkook's shirt. "You absolute, fucking, blind idiot! Do you really think so little of me? Do you think my love is something that can be bought with those things?" He shook him slightly, knuckles turning white against the fabric.
132
"I don't want 'everything,' Jungkook. I want you! I want your messy hair in the morning, your stupid jokes, and the way you hold my hand like you're afraid I'll disappear. I want the man who sits on the floor with me eating ramen, not some stranger who can buy me a banquet."
133
"Every better person you're imagining is a nightmare to me because they aren't you!" Taehyung's face was wet now, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably. "How can you stand there and offer me to someone else?" He cried. "Don't you realize? To me, you are the world!"
134
"There is no 'better' than the way you look at me. There is no better than the way you hold my hand, and kiss every part of me each night. But you're way too busy hating yourself to see that you're the only thing keeping me alive! The only thing that matters to me!"
135
Jungkook reached out but flinched as a tear from Taehyung's cheek fell onto his hand. It felt like acid, burning through the armor of his self loathing.
"Tae..." Jungkook breathed, his voice small, fragile.
"Don't... just don't..." Taehyung sobbed,
"Tae..." Jungkook breathed, his voice small, fragile.
"Don't... just don't..." Taehyung sobbed,
136
pressing his forehead against Jungkook's.
Jungkook's breath stuttered. "I still see it, Tae." He whispered, another wave of insecurity flooding his insides. "Every time I bring you those bouquets, or those little trinkets... I see the way you look at me."
Jungkook's breath stuttered. "I still see it, Tae." He whispered, another wave of insecurity flooding his insides. "Every time I bring you those bouquets, or those little trinkets... I see the way you look at me."
137
"There's this... look in your eyes, like you're searching for something more. Like what I'm giving you isn't enough, and I just... I keep trying to fill that gap. I keep trying to buy back the parts of me that are still missing."
138
Taehyung let out a broken chuckle, leaning back just enough to look Jungkook in the eye. "You see a look of wanting more? Jungkook, please look at me—really look at me..." He cupped Jungkook's face, his thumbs brushing away each tear.
139
"I look at you like that because I'm starving for you. I don't give a damn about the flowers. Half the time they're wilting on the counter because I'm too busy staring at the man who brought them. I look at you and I wonder why you're hiding behind a gift."
140
"I wonder why you think you need a peace offering just to stand in my presence. The biggest gift in my life isn't something you can wrap. It's you, Jungkook. Your presence is my only luxury. But you keep trading it away for overtime and errands."
141
Jungkook's eyes darted away, falling onto the jacket Minho had gifted Taehyung.
The guilt on his face triggered something in Taehyung's mind. He remembered the dark circles under Jungkook's eyes for the last month, the missed dinners,
The guilt on his face triggered something in Taehyung's mind. He remembered the dark circles under Jungkook's eyes for the last month, the missed dinners,
142
the late nights and the way he's been acting lately.
"Wait..." Taehyung's voice went cold, the sorrow shifting into a sudden clarity as he followed Jungkook's gaze. "The Celine jacket. The one I kept mentioning offhandedly months ago—
"Wait..." Taehyung's voice went cold, the sorrow shifting into a sudden clarity as he followed Jungkook's gaze. "The Celine jacket. The one I kept mentioning offhandedly months ago—
143
is that... is that what made you work double shifts at the company? Pushing yourself until you can barely stand? For a jacket?"
Jungkook froze, his silence the loudest confession he'd ever made.
"Jungkook, are you insane?!" Taehyung questioned, his voice rising in disbelief.
Jungkook froze, his silence the loudest confession he'd ever made.
"Jungkook, are you insane?!" Taehyung questioned, his voice rising in disbelief.
144
"I wanted you to have it!" Jungkook cried out, finally erupting. "I wanted you to have something high-end! Something that matched you! Minho just walked in and bought it like it was nothing, and I had to bleed for weeks just to get close, and I still failed—"
145
"Fuck you, Jungkook!" Taehyung's hands smacked Jungkook's chest twice, pushing him back. "Seriously—You think a piece of leather changes who I am?" He yelled, the tears flowing faster now.
146
"You think I'm so shallow, so fucking hollow, that I'd look at you and think, 'Oh, he's great, but he'd be better if he bought me Celine?' How dare you, Jungkook?! How dare you insult my love like that?"
147
He grabbed the front of Jungkook's worn out shirt, clutching it in his fists. "I love this!" Taehyung sobbed. "I love the man who worked himself to exhaustion, but I hate that he did it because he doesn't trust that I love him for free!"
148
"You thought Minho was faster? You thought he won me somehow? Minho is nothing! He could buy me the entire store and I wouldn't feel a single spark, because he isn't the one I want to grow old with!"
149
He collapsed against Jungkook's chest, his forehead falling against his heart, the heart that was beating far too fast. "You're overworking yourself for a ghost, Jungkook. You're trying to satisfy a version of me that doesn't exist. Please..."
150
Taehyung's voice broke into a whimper. "Please stop trying to buy your way into a heart you already own. You're killing yourself to give me things I'm just going to throw away, while the only thing I actually need is fading away right in front of me."
151
"Is that all I am to you, Jungkook? A collector of things? Someone whose love has a market value?" His eyes flashed with pure hurt as he pulled back slightly. "You look at me and you see someone who can be impressed by a label?"
152
"You think so little of my character that you'd rather collapse from exhaustion than just sit with me and let me love you freely? I don't want you to prove anything to me, Jungkook. I never asked for this."
153
Jungkook bit his lip so hard it nearly bled as he tried to swallow the sob rising in his throat. "It's not that... I just wanted to be the one who gave it to you." His eyes glistened, voice wavering. "I wanted to be the one who could afford your smile."
154
"My smile isn't for sale." Taehyung shook his head. "And it's insulting that you think it is. We've sat in the dark before and talked about our future until the sun came up. We even talked about marriage, Jungkook."
155
"We talked about rings, we talked about building a home, raising kids and growing old together until we're grey and wrinkled. Do you even hear yourself?"
Taehyung's sobs eased only a little, though his voice remained broken. "Did you think I was joking?"
Taehyung's sobs eased only a little, though his voice remained broken. "Did you think I was joking?"
156
"Did you think I was looking for a husband with a platinum card? When I look into the future, I don't see expensive jackets or fancy gifts—I see you. Only you. I see the effort you've put into everything just to make me smile."
157
"And I would never, not in a thousand lifetimes, consider standing at an altar with anyone else. I don't want Minho. I don't want someone 'better'. I want the man who is currently breaking my heart because he thinks he isn't enough."
158
He jabbed a finger at Jungkook's chest. "That's exactly who I want, and I have no regrets whatsoever."
Jungkook's resolve snapped. The walls he'd built around himself out of pride and insecurity crumbled completely.
Jungkook's resolve snapped. The walls he'd built around himself out of pride and insecurity crumbled completely.
159
A broken sob crawled out of his throat as he buried his face in his hands.
"I'm sorry..." Jungkook wept, the sound muffled by his palms. "I'm so sorry, Tae. I just... I'm so scared you'll wake up one day and realize you could've had everything, and all you have is me."
"I'm sorry..." Jungkook wept, the sound muffled by his palms. "I'm so sorry, Tae. I just... I'm so scared you'll wake up one day and realize you could've had everything, and all you have is me."
160
"I'm so tired of being the person who can't give you what you deserve."
The sight of Jungkook looking so utterly shattered, stripped the anger right out of Taehyung's chest. His heart hammered as he gripped Jungkook's hands, pulling them off his face.
The sight of Jungkook looking so utterly shattered, stripped the anger right out of Taehyung's chest. His heart hammered as he gripped Jungkook's hands, pulling them off his face.
161
He cupped his cheeks gently, gaze locked onto his. "Jungkook, you are everything to me." Taehyung reassured, his voice softening almost into a velvet caress.
He tucked Jungkook's head into his own neck, rocking him while Jungkook's tears soaked into his shirt.
He tucked Jungkook's head into his own neck, rocking him while Jungkook's tears soaked into his shirt.
162
"You're the only light I need in my life. You're the only person who makes me feel safe. I'm the happiest when I'm with you. And every time you work yourself to the bone for a gift, you're taking away the only thing I actually want. Time with you. Which was all I ever needed."
163
"Please, look at me." He pulled away, holding Jungkook's face again, redirecting his gaze back to him.
Taehyung's expression was no longer sharp with offense. It was overflowing with love and pure adoration. "I don't need a king or someone better, Jungkook."
Taehyung's expression was no longer sharp with offense. It was overflowing with love and pure adoration. "I don't need a king or someone better, Jungkook."
164
"I just need my partner. I need you to believe me when I say that you are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. Not because of what you buy, but because of who you are. Do you hear me? You're the only one I want to come home to. Always."
165
As Jungkook's sobs finally began to taper off into long, shuddering breaths, Taehyung shifted, sliding his hand up, threading his fingers deep into Jungkook's hair and pulling him close until their foreheads rested against each other.
166
Jungkook instinctively splayed his hands over Taehyung's waist, pulling him flush against his chest.
"I want you to promise me something." Taehyung murmured. "I want you to promise me you'll stop trying to earn my love. That you'll let me just... have you."
"I want you to promise me something." Taehyung murmured. "I want you to promise me you'll stop trying to earn my love. That you'll let me just... have you."
167
"Promise me you'll stop thinking you're something I need to be convinced to keep."
Jungkook's eyes shimmered, thumbs pressing into Taehyung's shirt, almost desperately. "I promise..." he nodded earnestly. "I promise you, Tae."
Jungkook's eyes shimmered, thumbs pressing into Taehyung's shirt, almost desperately. "I promise..." he nodded earnestly. "I promise you, Tae."
168
Taehyung pressed a soft, lingering peck against the corner of Jungkook's lips, fingers tightening slightly at his nape.
He pulled back with a smile. "Promise me that when you wake up and feel like you aren't enough, you'll tell me."
He pulled back with a smile. "Promise me that when you wake up and feel like you aren't enough, you'll tell me."
169
"You'll look at me and let me remind you that you are the only thing that matters."
"I promise, I will." Jungkook's lips curved, mirroring Taehyung's smile as he leaned into his boyfriend's touch. "I won't hide anything from you anymore."
"I promise, I will." Jungkook's lips curved, mirroring Taehyung's smile as he leaned into his boyfriend's touch. "I won't hide anything from you anymore."
170
"And promise me," Taehyung continued, his gaze searching Jungkook's eyes, "no more overtime. No more killing yourself for gifts I never asked for. From now on, that time belongs to us. We'll go to those restaurants we love, take slow walks in the park at midnight,
171
watch those terrible movies you like, and we'll just... be."
Jungkook let out a weak chuckle, the first spark of light returning to his dark eyes. "Even the Marvel ones?"
Taehyung grinned, his hand smoothing over the back of Jungkook's neck,
Jungkook let out a weak chuckle, the first spark of light returning to his dark eyes. "Even the Marvel ones?"
Taehyung grinned, his hand smoothing over the back of Jungkook's neck,
172
a touch so intimate and loving it made Jungkook's heart ache with relief. "Especially those. Because as long as your hand is in mine, I have everything I could ever want. You're my home, Jungkook. Not a house, not a jacket, not a lifestyle. Just you."
173
Jungkook let his head fall forward, burying his face into Taehyung's neck again, finally letting the last of the tension drain out of his shoulders.
He pulled Taehyung even tighter against him. "I love you so much. More than I know how to describe."
He pulled Taehyung even tighter against him. "I love you so much. More than I know how to describe."
174
Taehyung's grip at his nape softened. "You don't have to describe anything." He whispered against his hair.
"Just stay. That's the only proper way to love me."
"Just stay. That's the only proper way to love me."
175
༶•┈┈୨ end ୧┈┈•༶
