Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Jungkook looked at his phone and sighed unhappily, lips pursed. His fingers absentmindedly played with Gyu’s hair until Gyu slapped his hand away and rolled over.  

“Trying to sleep, babe,” he muttered. “You know I hate that.” 

“Sorry,” Jungkook replied absently, ignoring the hollowness he felt in his chest. 

He rolled into his side and stared at his phone screen. There was no response to his latest message to Taehyung, asking how he pulled up after the press tour. Not that he was really surprised, but he couldn't help the disappointment and hurt that came with the lack of response. 

Though… he bit his inner cheek and put his phone away. He could understand. Better now than he did before, why Taehyung was distant.

He had been about to knock on the hotel door to ask if he wanted to come out to dinner when he heard him on the phone. It was only after he heard the words that had shocked him that he realised he shouldn’t have been eavesdropping on the conversation. The doors in that hotel were not well-crafted for privacy.  

He had no idea that Taehyung had feelings for him until then, and now he wasn’t sure what to do. It was rare that he found someone he honestly clicked with in the industry. Jungkook had started acting young, and he’d quickly learned to keep himself to himself, and not to give out trust blindly. He was lucky to have had a great and protective support team to help him, but it had been lonely and hard to keep everyone at arms length when all he wanted to do was feel like he was a part of the crowd at times. 

Acting was everything to him, so he focused on it, pouring his energy into honing his craft and taking on roles in a strategic manner, planned to further his career and cement him as an established, household name with the acting chops to back up the hype his management team was careful to build. He wasn’t really a fan of the business side of things, all the small manipulations bothered him, but his desire for privacy and keeping out of the spotlight as much as possible except for when he was working, had helped to build the interest in him. The less people knew, the more they took notice.  

But it was alienating too. The studio wanted his movie with Taehyung to be with a more established actor, but Seojoon had conflicting schedules, and the role went to Taehyung. It had turned out to be a stroke of fortune, because for the first time in a long time, Jungkook felt free to be himself and open up a little around someone. Taehyung had felt kindred. Someone he really connected with, shared interests with, and someone who he felt was genuinely interested in him as a person instead of the actor. 

There was an innocent kind of openness to Taehyung, but he was similarly private in general. Jungkook had taken care to observe him in the early days of their shoot and was surprised and pleased to see he was friendly and kind to everyone - cast, crew, the caterers, assistants, writers. He was diligent and serious, and that was when Jungkook felt himself relax around him. Not all of their cast mates were like that, and he had been aware of the divide on the set. But Taehyung’s never said anything bad about anyone. He never once complained. After spending time together, just hanging out as friends playing video games, or chatting about their scenes, or comparing their favourite movies and shows, Jungkook learned that Taehyung really was just as good as he seemed. It wasn’t an act, he was just a genuinely nice person - which was harder to find in their profession than it should’ve been.  

So after they were done filming, and had promised to meet up - and deepen their friendship, Jungkook hoped - only to be all but ghosted, it had been devastating for Jungkook. To the point where his downhearted mood had affected Gyu as well.  

Gyu had tried to cheer him up by taking him out on weekend trips, and discussing their slowly forming wedding plans, but it hadn’t really worked. He faked it for Gyu though. It was better not to let him worry too much, Jungkook didn’t want his problems to cause Gyu concern when they didn’t have anything to do with him.  

Besides, he hadn’t wanted to talk to Gyu about it too much. He was a little on the jealous side at times, and Jungkook didn’t want to deal with unnecessary jealousy when he was already trying to deal with his feelings of dejection about losing a potential friend for seemingly no reason.

The press tour had been hard. He had conflicted feelings about seeing Taehyung again, and having to spend so much energy to showcase their onscreen chemistry for their interviews, red carpet events, and press conferences. It felt so unnatural to have to pretend to be friendly. 

Taehyung had felt distant from him in a way he hadn’t been during shooting, like walls had been put up between them, and as much as Jungkook wanted to break them down and demand an explanation, he didn’t. He didn’t want to push, but he also didn’t want to feel the inevitable pain that would come from failing. He didn’t want to put in effort for people who didn’t do the same for him, no matter how lonely he felt. He would rather have one real friend, than any number of casual, inconsistent ones.  

But that didn’t mean he didn’t pay any attention to Taehyung. He noticed the way he kept himself isolated from everyone except his team, and how he seemed to be a lot more fatigued as time went on. It was hard, constantly moving, the nomadic, hectic schedules they kept, but Taehyung hadn’t been coping as well as he thought he would. He was going to confront him and ask him how he was after they were done for the day, but it was obvious that Taehyung was unwell, so Jungkook kept an eye on him.  

It had been panic-inducing when he realised how high Taehyung’s fever was, and when he’d thrown up and passed out, Jungkook had been truly frightened.  

Things had been a little better after that though. He’d stuck close out of worry. Taehyung had seemed reluctant but he didn’t push him away either, and maybe it was pathetic of him, but Jungkook had greedily taken the attention and hoped they could go back to where they were again.  

Until he heard that confession through the door.

He’d been in a daze after hearing it, and it hadn’t really left his mind since.  

Should he leave Taehyung alone? He clearly wanted Jungkook out of his life. It was selfish to try and keep him close, wasn’t it? 

Jungkook rolled onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. His head turned and he looked at the back of Gyu’s head for a moment, rolled over and pressed a kiss to his shoulder.  

“Love you,” he murmured. 

Gyu hummed sleepily in response.  

His phone buzzed and he rolled over to grab it. 

Taehyung had messaged back. 

Good, tired but okay. I'm going to be busy though, so I won’t be able to talk much. Goodnight Jungkook

Jungkook put the phone down slowly, not wanting to respond when it was obvious Taehyung didn’t want to speak with him. 

He swallowed down the feeling of being unwanted. It was familiar, he’d felt it in its various forms throughout his years in the industry. But familiarity didn’t make it easier. It still hurt. He should just forget Taehyung and any hopes he had of them being friends.  

It wouldn’t work out anyway, not if there were feelings involved. It was a betrayal to both Gyu and Taehyung to get closer to him, knowing how Taehyung felt. 

Jungkook told himself he’d be fine. He’d make new friends when the time was right. He really wanted to believe it. 

*

Jungkook had a few people he’d count as friends, despite him feeling there was some invisible wall there, preventing him from getting closer to them for whatever reason. They were people he’d known for some years, spent time with working and outside of work. Maybe that was why they had all kept in touch over the years - they had a shared experience that kept them connected.  

He met Seojoon and Wooshik for dinner; a bit of a send off dinner for Seojoon, who was going to be away for a few months filming. Despite the dinner being for him, he was late. 

“Sorry,” he apologised when he arrived at their table. “My cousin is in town and wanted to get a drink. I invited him to come to dinner with us, but he declined. Wanted to go somewhere local, so I had to drop him off.” 

They waved him off, telling him not to worry, and ordered. 

They dissolved into light conversation, updating each other on their lives; Wooshik was planning to go back to Korea - he’d been offered a role in a drama, but he didn’t know if his relationship would survive the distance, so he was stressed. Jungkook gave them minor updates about the wedding - which hadn’t really gotten past the Pinterest board stage of planning and the occasional, we should call a planner. Neither of them had much motivation to push forward with it. Jungkook’s schedule was too busy to even think of a date, and Gyu had stopped asking when he thought he might have free time. Jungkook knew he was more annoyed about the lack of movement than he let on, but marriage had never been a priority for Jungkook. At least not now. He wasn’t even 30 yet.  

It was Seojoon’s news that had Jungkook snap to attention. 

“Hey, Kook, my new movie - I’m filming with Taehyung Kim. Any advice on how to work with him? What's he like?” 

“Taehyung is your co-star?” Jungkook asked, feeling a little breathless at the news.

“Yeah. You know Alice Lee?” 

“She’s directing it?” Jungkook asked, surprised. 

Seojoon nodded. “She called me about the part she had me in mind for, and said she had written the other lead role specifically for another actor. Turns out it was Taehyung.” 

Jungkook was impressed and happy for Taehyung.  

“He’s great,” he said immediately. “Easy to work with, and willing to exchange ideas and ask questions. He was well liked on set for his attitude and diligence.” 

Everything he’d said was related to his professionalism.

“He’s also just a good person,” he said, tone softer. He felt his smile pull at the slight ache he felt that he was unlikely to meet with Taehyung much ever again. “Don’t be a dick and everything will go fine.” 

“I’m not a dick,” Seojoon retorted. 

Wooshik snorted. “You can be a pain in the damn ass, if that’s not a dick, I don’t know what is.” 

Jungkook laughed - so did Seojoon. He knew it was true. Seojoon did have a reputation for being demanding on set. 

“Listen, I just want things done right,” he justified.

“You just want things done your way,” Jungkook corrected with a grin.

“Exactly: the right way,” Seojoon replied, grinning wider.  

They all laughed, and Jungkook shook his head. But his mind wandered to Taehyung. They hadn’t spoken for a while. The last time was maybe a month ago. 

“How long is the shoot?” Jungkook asked Seojoon, interrupting Wooshik, continuing their funny but crude banter.  

“Uh, two or three months, I think,” He answered. “They’re filming at the change of season since it moved through the end of fall, to winter, and ends at the dawn of spring.” 

“Oh. Symbolic?” Wooshik asked, interested. 

“Yeah. It’s a sad story, but the end is somewhat hopeful,” Seojoon explained. “It’s about moving on from unrequited love.” 

Jungkook’s spine stiffened.  

“And who is the tragic lover?” Wooshik asked.  

“Not me,” Seojoon answered. “My character is set to be married. Taehyung’s the one who’ll be acting heartbroken.” 

Jungkook exhaled shakily and excused himself from the table. He went to the bathroom to splash some water on his face, and pursed his lips. It hit a little close to home, but he understood. He hoped that this role gave Taehyung what he wanted and needed. He couldn’t help but feel… a sense of loss. Knowing someone cared for you… humans were just animals, built to take what was needed to survive. The more people liked you, the more likely they were to help you in times of need.  

Taehyung loving him, and trying not to? It was like losing something he had no right to in the first place. He knew it was selfish to feel that way. But he couldn’t help it. It felt good to be liked, and better to be loved.

He went back out to the table and rejoined his friends, and tried to put it out of his mind.

*

Inside and outside of the industry, people told Jungkook he was successful. That he had options to accept or decline roles. That he didn’t need auditions anymore. He was established. He was set. 

It didn’t work that way, not for him. He did have offers without needing to audition, but a lot of them weren’t roles that interested him, or were with directors or producers he didn’t respect, or had previously had bad experiences with. 

He filmed a limited series for a streaming service during the months Seojoon was off filming with Taehyung. It happened to come up, one of those rare scripts where they approached him with limited time after another actor had dropped out, and he was excited about it.  

His character was dark. He rarely got to play darker characters; his looks were often called boyish, and he tended to be cast for the ‘good person’ role more often. He was excited to take on the challenge.

The story was about a pair of childhood best friends; one, just a normal everyday person. The other, apparently the same, but hiding their secret life as a hired killer. It revolves around the fallout of the discovery from the friend, and true characters were revealed.

Jungkook was playing the hired killer - he’d be able to showcase the depth of his range of skill, both light and dark. It was even better that the series took place in the Bay Area, so he and Gyu wouldn’t be far apart. 

Training for the series took up almost all his time. He was in the gym from 6am until 9:30, he’d eat breakfast, and at 11 be at stunt training until 4. After that, he’d either be researching online, be back at the gym, or have more stunt training. His diet was also restricted, so all in all, he wasn’t around much, he was tired, and he was irritable from hunger. 

It wasn’t a surprise that a week before he was set to let for shooting, he and Gyu had an explosive fight.

“This always happens!” Gyu shouted. “You never even try to balance things, you just make me feel neglected because you love your work more than me!” 

“That’s not true, Gyu.” 

Jungkook was exhausted. He didn’t want to fight. 

“Isn’t it? You never make time for me anymore. You leave before I wake up, and you’re home at the most random hours. You don’t care, and it shows.” 

“It’s work, Gyu. You know I don’t have regular hours, I don’t know why you keep bringing this up every time I get a job I have to do prep for. I can’t just force people to keep to my schedule either.” 

“You’re Jungkook Jeon! You fucking could if you wanted, but you don’t. Because you don’t care about me, you only care about yourself.”

Jungkook hadn’t eaten in twelve hours, and he’d just come home from six hours of intense stunt training. He was at his limit. At the beginning of their relationship, Gyu had been so understanding of the demands of his work, but the last two years had been different. Jungkook’s life hadn’t changed, but Gyu had become more and more… difficult to please. He seemed to expect Jungkook to put him first, even at the detriment of himself or his work. It had gotten worse after the engagement, if Jungkook was honest. Especially when Gyu was pushing to publicise their relationship, but Jungkook didn’t want to. He liked to keep his private life private. But Gyu took it as a sign he didn’t care, and fights like this happened more frequently.  

He did care - he loved Gyu. He also loved his job, and he had responsibilities if he wanted to be good at it. He didn’t understand why Gyu couldn’t get that, and why it was such a big deal now when it hadn’t been before.  

“Are you kidding me?” Jungkook was close to exploding. He rubbed his forehead tiredly. 

Gyu laughed, loud and mocking. “Oh, god, are you about to complain about being tired? I thought your job was important? You can’t claim it’s so important and then complain about it to me - me who waits for you at home all the time, alone and wondering if you’re really at your job or not.” 

Jungkook snapped his head up at Gyu, shocked and outraged.  

“Excuse me?” 

“You spend a lot of time with people who aren’t your fiancé, without me,” Gyu said, lips twisted. “Who knows what’s going on. I mean you kiss all those fucking people too, don’t you?” 

“It’s my job!” 

“You’re so fucking lucky to have me,” Gyu spat. “At least I get that kissing other people on screen is your job. Not everyone is so understanding of public cheating!” 

“What the fuck are you on about?” 

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know,” Gyu sneered. “You surround yourself with people who cheat all the time.” 

“I don’t!” Jungkook raised his voice for the first time. “I don’t choose everyone I work with, and I barely have any fucking friends I spend time with, so I don’t know where your head is. Do you not trust me? Is that it?” 

“How can I when you’re never here?” Gyu shouted back. “You leave me alone all day long to be with other people.” 

Jungkook stared in disbelief. “I leave for my job! And you don’t have to be alone, so don’t blame me for that.” 

Mingyu shrunk back and Jungkook felt regret.  

“You said you supported my writing,” his voice wavered. “Why are you being so cold when I have to spend so much time alone to write?” 

“Gyu…” Jungkook reached out to him.  

“Don’t touch me!” Gyu cried. “God, you really must hate me, don’t you?” He cried.  “You never want to be with me anymore and you’re just faking your support of my dreams.”

“Gyu, I’m sorry,” Jungkook apologised wearily. “I didn’t mean it like that.” 

Gyu sniffed. “I can’t even look at you.” 

He walked off, and Jungkook stared after him, feeling exhausted and confused and sorry and angry. How had things come to this? He just wanted to eat and sleep, and come home without dreading it. 

Later that night, when he climbed into bed, he was just about asleep when Gyu started kissing his neck. But when he said he was tired, Gyu gave him a withering look.

“So you don’t need me in bed anymore either?”  

He left, and Jungkook was too exhausted to go after him. He went to sleep, with fitful dreams. In the morning, Gyu wasn’t in the house. He didn’t answer the phone all day. 

When Jungkook came back home that night, a bouquet of flowers in hand to apologise, Gyu looked at them and threw them in the trash, saying he hated them. They weren’t roses, so he didn’t know why Jungkook bothered.  

Jungkook looked at the stems sticking out of the trash. The bouquet was a match for one wedding ideas Gyu had shown him.  

When Gyu came to bed and kissed him later on, Jungkook didn’t say anything, even though he wanted to sleep.  

Afterwards, satisfied despite Jungkook not cumming, Gyu curled up beside him and told him he forgave him. Jungkook stared at the ceiling, feeling detached. For the first time, he was actually looking forward to going away and getting space between him and Gyu.

He hoped it would do them good. Maybe things would go back to the way they used to be.  

*

Taehyung yawned, and blinked blearily wondering who the heck was calling him so late.  He groaned and reached for his phone, squinting his eyes and widening them when he saw who it was. 

He answered the phone. 

“Jungkook?” He said hoarsely. “Are you okay?” 

There was silence and Taehyung sat up. 

“Jungkook? Are you there?” His worry grew. 

“Sorry for calling you so late,” came Jungkook’s quiet voice. It sounded rough. 

Taehyung frowned. “It’s okay,” he replied. “But are you okay?”  

“Honestly? I don’t know.” 

Taehyung swallowed as he heard Jungkook let out a quiet, sad chuckle.  

“I thought - I thought things would get better,” he said, his voice thick. “Was I stupid? Was I - I am, aren’t I? God, I’m so stupid!” 

“Hey, Jungkook, hey. Take a breath, okay? I don’t understand.” 

Jungkook let out a long breath. “I shouldn’t - oh, god why did I call you of all people?” 

Taehyung blinked, hurt by the words. “I’ll just hang up then,” he said quietly.  

“No - I didn’t - I’m sorry, Tae, I’m sorry. Please, I don’t have anyone else to call.” 

Taehyung stayed quiet. 

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook apologised again.  

“It’s okay,” Taehyung replied. “What’s wrong?” 

“I - I - Gyu… he… we.” He stopped and took a breath. “I thought having some space while I was shooting would help. But…” 

“It hasn’t?” Taehyung wondered quietly. He bit his lip, waiting. 

“No. It - it didn’t. I think - I don’t know… I got this message from an unknown number, and I - I - it was a video. Dated last night. Of Gyu…” 

Taehyung closed his eyes. His heart ached through the disbelief and intense sadness he felt on Jungkook’s behalf. 

“He was, Um. He called me to say good night and then a few hours later.” Jungkook cut off, emotional. “He was in a club. But I - there were other videos. From months ago. All the same guy. He’s been - for months and I - I don’t know what to do.” 

Taehyung bit down on his lower lip, feeling it downturn at how devastated Jungkook sounded.  

“I’m so sorry you’re in pain,” he whispered. “You don’t deserve that. I’m so sorry.” 

Jungkook’s breath hitched on the other end. “I don’t know what I did. What do I do?” 

There was a small part of Taehyung that was shamefully thrilled by the news; he felt vindicated in his dislike of Gyu. But he ignored that ugly part of himself. Jungkook needed him. He needed someone to comfort and advise him, and he had called Taehyung out of everyone he knew. It wasn’t something he would take for granted, the trust, even if it hurt. He could be Jungkook’s friend, because he knew the pain of unintentional hurt from someone you loved. But what Jungkook was going through? Taehyung couldn’t leave him alone in it. 

“Did you talk to him about it?” Taehyung asked, though he could already guess the answer. 

“No. No, I - it’s only been a little while. I called you…” 

Taehyung curled his knees up under his chin, the blanket falling away. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Jungkook. Okay?” 

“But I did - ” 

“No,” Taehyung repeated firmly, cutting off any justification Jungkook might come up with. “You did nothing wrong. Whatever things were happening in your relationship, good or bad, the only person who is wrong is the one who made the decision to cheat. Not you.” 

“I was always gone for work,” Jungkook said weakly. 

Taehyung closed his eyes. It was one sentence, but it was a good indicator for the way Gyu probably spoke to Jungkook, and it made Taehyung angry. He took a breath.  

“Did you cheat on him?” He asked.  

“What? No! Never.” 

“Why not?” Taehyung asked gently. “You were away from Gyu, missing him. You have people who’d fall at your feet for a second with you. But you didn’t cheat. Why not?”

Jungkook was quiet. Taehyung didn’t push him to say anything.  

“People make their own choices, and they’re not a reflection on you. You need to try and believe that, Jungkook. You didn’t do anything wrong.” 

Jungkook burst out in a sob, and Taehyung squeezed his eyes at the sound. They stayed in the line for a little while, Jungkook crying and Taehyung just being there. 

“I’m sorry I’m bothering you so much.” 

“It’s not a bother,” Taehyung murmured. “Don’t apologise. I’m - I’m glad you called me.” 

“Tae.” Jungkook sounded distant. “Tell me what to do,” he begged. 

Taehyung hurt for him. “I can’t do that,” he whispered. If he could, he’d tell him to come straight into his arms, which was not okay. Not only would that be taking advantage of Jungkook’s emotional turmoil, it would be a betrayal to Hyungsik, who had been so much fun to date. 

“You already know what you should do, Jungkook.” 

“I don’t know if I can.” 

“Change is scary,” Taehyung said softly.  

“We’ve been together for so long. I don’t - how am I supposed to - we’re getting married.” 

Taehyung swallowed. “Jungkook - you can’t marry someone like that. Those videos are from months back, aren’t they? Months of lies and betrayal. It’s not going to change.”

“You don’t know that,” Jungkook sounded defensive. “You don’t know Gyu.”

Taehyung didn’t want to. But he knew people like him. 

“Did he ever accuse you of cheating?” He asked quietly. “Or make you feel bad for doing your job?” 

Jungkook didn’t answer, and that was enough. Taehyung didn’t want to push any further. He was worried it might backfire. Jungkook might get upset with him. 

“Are you at home?” He asked. “Is there anyone you can call to come over?” 

“No,” Jungkook said shortly. He sniffed. “I’m in San Fran. I’m filming - god I have to be up in make-up in four hours. I look like shit.” 

“Get some ice from your freezer and move it over your eyes. It’ll help with the puffiness,” Taehyung suggested. 

“I have an ice eye mask,” Jungkook replied. “I don’t think it’ll help.” 

“I forgot you were all rich and famous and fancy,” Taehyung teased with a little snort. “You have a fancy eye mask. Forgive me for using poor people ice cubes.” 

He was a little relieved and satisfied when Jungkook laughed. It was so much better than hearing him cry. 

“I think it’s got tea tree extract in it too.”  

Taehyung could hear it was a forced attempt to joke, but it didn’t matter. It was an attempt, and that mattered.  

“Wow. Get out of here with your one percent privilege. I’m super happy with my plain old h2o!” 

Jungkook gave a wet chuckle and Taehyung relaxed back down to lay on his pillow, getting comfortable again. 

“How’s shooting with Seojoon?” Jungkook asked in a small voice, clearly changing the subject.  

“Oh. How’d you know?” He wondered. “It’s going better. Took a little time to find our feet, but - ” he hesitated, not sure whether to say the next part.  

“But?” Jungkook prompted. “You can say whatever, he’s a friend but I know what he can be like too.” 

“I didn’t know you were close.” 

“I guess,” Jungkook replied, noncommittally. “So. But?” 

“Oh, uh. I, um. He’s kind of… stand-offish. But, well this guy I’ve been sorta seeing is his cousin. So when we found out it became a bit easier. More comfortable, maybe,” He said it all in a rush.  

Jungkook was quiet. “You’ve been dating Joon’s cousin?” He asked after a moment. 

“It’s, uh, early days but yeah,” Taehyung said, clearing his throat.

“Then I’m happy for you,” Jungkook responded, and for some reason that was the worst thing Taehyung could’ve heard. His heart plummeted and his stomach twisted.  

“Thanks,” he murmured. “Do you want to get some sleep?” He asked. “You need to rest for tomorrow.” 

“I should,” Jungkook sighed. “I don’t think I’ll be able to.” 

Taehyung had an idea. “I don’t have to be on set until 10, so why don’t you send me that number who messaged you, and I’ll investigate it. We can find out who was so cruel to message like that.” 

“I don’t want you to get more caught up in my mess,” Jungkook murmured.

“No, don’t stress. I have a friend who has a crush on this guy at his job, and he’s a computer whizz. He’ll be able to find out whose number it is, and probably more. Please let me help you.” 

“I - if you’re sure…” 

“Jungkook,” Taehyung swallowed thickly. “I know it might feel like you’re all alone, but you’re not, okay? You’re going to feel a little better one day, and maybe a little bit more the next day. It’s okay if you need to lean on me or whoever for a while before that day comes.” 

He heard Jungkook inhale and exhale.  

“This is why I knew I could call you,” he said. “I knew you would know what to say.”

Taehyung didn’t think that was true at all. 

“I wish we… ” Jungkook trailed off.  

“What?” 

“Nothing. I just wish we were working together again. It was fun. I miss it.” 

“Me too,” Taehyung replied quietly. 

He held back a yawn, but Jungkook heard it.  

“You should sleep.” 

“Not until you do.” 

Jungkook chuckled. “Tell me something. Something distracting.” 

Taehyung did. He launched into some stories about his time on set, since Seojoon and Jungkook were friends he figured he might like to hear some stories. They spoke in low, tired voices, about a lot of things. 

Taehyung couldn’t keep his eyes open after a while. He was just about asleep when he heard Jungkook speak.  

“Tae… thank you for staying on the call.” 

Taehyung hummed tiredly. “Any time you need a friend, you can call me.” 

“Me too,” Jungkook whispered. “Same for me.” 

Taehyung hummed sleepily, too tired to reply. 

He woke up in the morning to see a three hour call, ended just an hour earlier, a message from Jungkook - you snore - and the anonymous phone number. 

*

As an international flight attendant, Hyungsik travelled a lot, so their dating was mostly long-distance, with coffee dates over video calls - each of them either sitting in a cafe, or Hyungsik walking through the airport with a take-away coffee in hand while Tae had one in a secluded corner of the set, or in his trailer. 

There was a lot of texting and voice messages, asking a million questions about likes and dislikes. Taehyung learned a lot about Hyungsik that way. It wasn’t conventional, but it was fun and easy. No pressure, like Hyungsik had said.  

But it was hard sometimes, because it felt like there was only so much to learn without talking much in person. Which is why Taehyung was pleasantly surprised that he’d arranged with his cousin to come to set and surprise him.  

Since they were keeping things low key, his arrival wasn’t grand or with gifts or anything, and Taehyung appreciated that. The set was rife for gossip, and it felt great that Hyungsik respected his boundaries and greeted him publicly like an old friend, instead of more.

Until they got into his trailer, alone, at least. If anyone had seen the way they kissed, there’d be no mistaking ‘friendship’ was the last thing on their minds.  At least, he knew that was the case for Hyungsik. But Taehyung still had reservations. It felt wrong to give too much of himself when he wasn’t all in. He still had feelings for Jungkook, and it didn’t feel like they’d disappear anytime soon. Especially not now, when a lot of his thoughts were taken up by Jungkook’s well-being.  

He was waiting for Yoongi to get back to him about the phone number - apparently it was a burner phone. But Yoongi said he ‘knew people’ - whatever that meant - so he’d asked Jimin to tell Taehyung to wait a little longer.  

He grinned when Jimin said they were talking a lot more lately; Yoongi kept him updated about his little mission. Taehyung didn’t say anything to Jimin, but it was a cute and obvious excuse on Yoongi’s side. 

Taehyung was anxious about Jungkook. It was good and bad - outside of when he channeled his feelings into his performance, his anxiety and longing kept him awake.

Jungkook still hadn’t confronted Gyu, even after two weeks. 

He was busy, Taehyung couldn’t deny that. He couldn’t imagine going through something so personal and confronting, while trying to film. From what Jungkook had said, it was a lot of stunt work and a very physical series for him. So he was already physically exhausted. Being mentally and emotionally exhausted on top of it wasn’t ideal.  

(Taehyung really tried not to think about how much more attractive he found Jungkook when he learned he did almost all his own stunts - not all actors put in that effort, or could pull it off naturally, but Jungkook could. He admired that a lot.) 

Taehyung just wanted him to be free from his emotional burdens and such a toxic and awful partner. The little more he’d gleaned from Jungkook about Gyu, the more Taehyung found loathing in his heart for the man, and the more he hurt for him.  

Unrequited love was awful, but loving someone so honestly and genuinely when they didn’t deserve it, and took advantage of it, was worse.  

He tried to keep some light in Jungkook’s days, by sending him things that might cheer him up. It seemed to help, so he was glad he could do something.  

Jungkook called him one night while Hyungsik was visiting, three weeks after that first awful call. He answered the phone while he watched Hyungsik cook for him and Seojoon, drinking wine on the kitchen island. Seojoon was out on the balcony having a smoke.  

He looked at the phone and then up at Hyungsik.  

“Jungkook’s calling,” he said.  

Hyungsik glanced at him with a questioning frown. “Okay?” 

Taehyung bit his lip and answered. “Hey, what’s up?” 

“Hey, sorry, um. I - I just need to talk.” 

Taehyung frowned and lowered his wine. Hyungsik mouthed the question, ‘is everything okay’ but Taehyung didn’t answer.  

“That’s okay, what do you want to talk about?” Taehyung responded.  

“Um. I’m going to break up with Gyu tonight.” 

“Oh.” Taehyung said quietly. He swallowed. “Oh - are you okay?” 

Jungkook let out a strangled laugh. “No. I’m not. Oh, I’m freaking out. I don’t - this isn’t going to go well, I don’t - ” 

“Hey, hey, Jungkook.” He hopped off the counter. “Take a breath, okay? Just - in and out.” 

Jungkook groaned. “I’m sorry. I just - the last week I’ve just been thinking about everything; our whole relationship and I - I checked with my business manager about my finances.” 

Taehyung had a sinking feeling about where this was going.  

“I’ve been supporting him. He wants to be a screenwriter - and you know how bad the pay is - and I just, I trusted him. I blindly trusted him that he wasn’t lying to me, but he was. He spent so much of my money, Tae, on ridiculous things. He told me he went away to a writing retreat in Santa Fe, but I checked the dates and he’d gone to Mykonos for a week.”

Taehyung sighed, sad for Jungkook and upset for him. “Oh, Jungkook…” 

“There’s so much - I can’t even believe this. I don’t even know him anymore!” 

Jungkook sounded so hurt and upset. Taehyung wished he could be there to give him the support he needed but didn’t have. He looked up when he heard Hyungsik shush Seojoon.  

“Jungkook’s on the phone,” Hyungsik whispered.  

“I can’t believe I ever considered suggesting therapy or something with him. God, and he’s coming here now. He wasn’t supposed to visit at all.” Jungkook continued.  

“Say hey for me,” Seojoon said.  

Taehyung frowned at him, shook his head, and walked out of the room. “I know you’re upset, but you need to stay a little calm if you’re going to confront him, Jungkook. All of this… everything you’ve uncovered and the videos… he seems like a very good liar and manipulator,” Taehyung said quietly. “If you are too upset when you talk to him, it’ll help him, not you.” 

Jungkook let out a scoff. “I must seem so pathetic,” he said. “I was going to marry someone who’d been cheating and lying. I’ve been… he manipulated me.”  

The last part came out in a whisper, like it was difficult to admit, and Taehyung knew it was. He closed his eyes, pained by the pain Jungkook was in.  

“You’re a good person, Jungkook,” he said honestly. “You see the good in others, and you give the benefit of the doubt. It’s what makes you someone I’ll never regret knowing. People… People with bad intentions use that goodness for selfish reasons. You’re not pathetic, Jungkook. Not even close - he is.” Taehyung suddenly stood up. “If he says you are, you tell him right away that he’s the one who is pathetic for not being able to do anything without help. Okay? He’s the one who had to leech from you, and that is  truly pathetic.” 

Jungkook was quiet for a while. 

“I really loved him,” he said, voice shaky. “I still do, I think. That’s pathetic, after everything.”

Taehyung swallowed the ache upon hearing that.  

“It’s not,” Taehyung assured him “it’s just the irrationality of feeling. If people could control their emotions, if they changed according to their whims, no one would ever get hurt, or fall in love with people who didn’t love them back.”

Taehyung wondered if Jungkook could sense he was talking to himself, when he said these things. 

“Thank you, Tae,” Jungkook said roughly. “I’m sorry for calling you about this, I just felt like I would explode.” 

“I’m glad you called.” 

One day, Taehyung was going to ask why he didn’t call Seojoon or their friend Wooshik about these things. Seojoon had told him that Jungkook always seemed to be holding back. It was hard to get close to him because he never really let anyone in. He and Wooshik had talked about it a lot apparently. They also sensed that Gyu had been part of the reason why they didn’t meet too often, and Taehyung had no doubt that was probably the truth.  

He hadn’t felt it hard to get close to Jungkook at all though, which is why Seojoon was surprised at finding out Jungkook was in contact with him. He’d known Jungkook since he was a teenager, and he never warmed up to people so fast. Taehyung hated that it made him feel good to hear it. That he was somehow special. He needed to stop feeding the part of him that held onto loving Jungkook.  

But Jungkook hadn’t said anything to Seojoon or Wooshik about his impending break up, so neither did Taehyung. 

“It’s better to talk things over with someone so you can clear your head a little,” Taehyung said.  

Jungkook hummed. “You’re so mature,” he groaned, and Taehyung choked on a surprised laugh. “Why are you so much more mature than me?” 

Taehyung didn’t know what to say. “Um… you were a child star so.. maybe you’re just messed up from all the ego stroking,” He joked.  

Jungkook snorted. “Right. Yeah, probably,” he said with a laugh that turned into a sigh. “I should go. Prepare myself. Whatever that means.” 

Taehyung bit his lip. “I’m going to call Yoongi fast, okay? To see if he has that info on the number.” 

“Why?”  

“Well maybe it’s important to know before you break it off?” Taehyung said. “It’s been stressing me out, to be honest,” he admitted. “I feel like it’s not an accident, it was planned. So I just want to check, okay? Let you cover all your bases, just in case.” 

“Well… okay then. I guess I still have another two hours to wait.” 

“I’ll call you back,” Taehyung promised. He hung up and called Yoongi, who answered immediately. 

“I was about to call you. I got it.” 

“I’ll add Jungkook to the call,” Taehyung replied.  

“Wait,” Yoongi said. “Did he love this guy? Because this is going to be hard for him.” 

Taehyung went cold. “Was it Gyu?” 

“Gyu doesn’t even exist,” Yoongi said after a moment.  

“What?” 

Yoongi let out a breath. “It’s a lot to explain. Just… add him to the call. There’s no easy way to tell someone their fiancé is… well. Just add him.”

Taehyung did, feeling trepidatious. Jungkook was confused until Yoongi introduced himself.  

“Can you send me your email, and  I’ll send you a digital copy of everything the team found out.” 

“Why are you talking like this is some kind of spy movie?” Jungkook said with a nervous laugh.  

“I’m not going to lie, Jungkook, this is going to be hard. I hope you’re sitting down.” 

“…okay.” Jungkook’s voice was quiet. He reeled over his email to Yoongi.  

“So we tracked the number to the store it was brought from. It was paid for in cash, so it wasn’t traceable, but we went through the CCTV footage and found the buyer. The facial recognition flagged him due to a prior arrest for petty vandalism and solicitation in Miami Beach. His name was Axel Prior then, now it’s Will Bayern.” 

“I think… I recognise the name,” Jungkook said slowly. “A friend of Gyu’s.” 

“Will Bayern has been flagged by law enforcement for suspicion of his involvement in a trafficking ring.” 

There was silence at that, and Taehyung felt sick.  

Yoongi continued. “He is also the one in the videos sent to you, we confirmed it was Gyu in them too.” 

“Was he forced?” Jungkook whispered. “Was he - ” 

“There was no evidence to suggest that,” Yoongi said. “But, Gyu… Mingyu Hansool… didn’t exist before seven and a half years ago.” 

Taehyung closed his eyes. This was worse than he could have ever imagined.  

“Before then, he was Justin Lee, born in North Dakota to immigrant parents who were killed when he was a kid. He was in the foster system until he ran. He showed back up in LA when he was 19, arrested for drug possession. At 21, he disappeared, and Mingyu Hansool suddenly existed, working for a party planning company catering for the LA elite. A company run by…” 

“Let me guess,” Taehyung grit his teeth. “Will Bayern.” 

“Yes.” Yoongi said, voice serious. “This is where Jungkook comes into the picture.” 

“We met at an industry party,” Jungkook said quietly.  

Taehyung could hear how affected he was.  

“Jungkook, you had no way to know what he was. I just want you to understand this. These people are professional criminals, playing a long game - and you are so lucky that dumbfuck Bayern got jealous or possessive or whatever over Gyu and fucked with your relationship before you married him, otherwise you’d be in a lot more strife. As it is, you will need a lawyer to protect yourself because it looks like Gyu was using your account to buy clothes and shoes and whatever else to dress the - ” 

“Oh god,” Taehyung whispered, horrified.  

“I’m - I can’t - fuck,” Jungkook’s breath hitched.

“The authorities have enough information to make arrests now. This is the break they’ve been looking for,” Yoongi continued, not giving time for either Jungkook or Taehyung to absorb the insanity of it all.

“He’s coming here - I can’t - god, no I can’t see him. No.”  

Jungkook was panicking, and Taehyung didn’t know what to do.  

“Listen, Jungkook,” Yoongi cut in, “Tell him to meet you at a hotel. Don’t book it under your name, book it under his. I will pass the information along to my contact, and they’ll arrest him. Today. You won’t have to meet him.” 

“Tae?” Jungkook’s voice was small and uncertain.

“Do what Yoongi suggested,” Taehyung swallowed. “Then call your lawyer. I’m - ” he let out a breath. “I’ll be there tomorrow.” 

“What?” 

“I’m going to come and help you,” Taehyung said, making up his mind. He knew this wasn’t going to go over well with the producers but he didn’t care. This was an emergency. This was important. This was so insane he didn’t even know how to help, all he knew was that he needed to be there for Jungkook. Even if it was just for a day to help him calm down and think, to remind him he wasn’t alone in this.  

“You can’t - ” 

“I will.” Taehyung said. “I’m going to - just, Yoongi - ”

“I’ll be here. Any questions or anything you need to talk about and ask, Jungkook, I’m here. I freelance with some law enforcement agencies, that’s why I could help with this. ” 

Taehyung cut the call and rushed out to Seojoon and Hyungsik, who were waiting for him to finish before they ate. 

“I have to go,” he said, urgently. “I’m going to San Francisco.” 

“What?” Seojoon asked, stunned. “You can’t. We have - ” 

“You don’t understand.” He shook his head. “It’s - it's Jungkook. Something happened. It’s - I have to go. It’s so bad, Seojoon. It’s so bad - I can’t even - ” 

Hyungsik stood up and grabbed his face gently.  

“Hey. Whatever it is, nothing will change if you panic here. Sit down, and take a breather, okay?” 

Taehyung stared at him and nodded gratefully after a moment. Hyungsik gave him an encouraging but worried smile, and set him down at the table. 

“I think you need to tell me what is going on - not just because we have a job to do here, but he’s my friend too,” Seojoon said sternly. 

Taehyung took a deep breath. Hyungsik nodded at him gently.  

“Let’s talk and eat, okay? You haven’t eaten all day, and starving isn’t going to help your stress. Especially if you’re planning to fly later.” 

“I can’t eat,” Taehyung said weakly, although it smelled so good. He was too anxious.  

“Then drink some water - ”

“And talk,” Seojoon demanded.  

Taehyung took a deep breath.  

“Jungkook - there’s going to be some very hard, disturbing legal trouble with Gyu,” Taehyung started, trying to stay vague. “Gyu is… a bad person.” 

Seojoon rubbed his temples with his forefinger and thumb. “Why is that not at all surprising,” he muttered.  

Taehyung looked at him in askance.  

“He was always… off.” Seojoon shook his head. “We told Jungkook at the start, but he dismissed it saying Gyu was just, I don’t know, slow to warm up and had some trust issues in the past.” He sighed. “He’s got a soft heart.” 

“That’s not a bad thing,” Taehyung defended him.  

“I didn’t say it was,” Seojoon raised his eyes. “It just didn’t serve him well with Gyu, obviously.” 

Taehyung exhaled. “I don’t know if this is going to break in the media. It might because of his profile, but I - he doesn’t deserve it, and he has no one, Seojoon. You know - you know he doesn’t have a lot of support. And I - ” 

“You should go,” Hyungsik said, looking at him.  

Seojoon looked at his cousin. “He can’t just go. We have a series to film.” 

“One day,” Taehyung practically begged. “Please help me.”

Seojoon rolled his eyes skyward. “God. This is so annoying. Okay, fine. But you keep me updated - and you tell Jungkook to call Wooshik. He’s between jobs, so he has time. Fuck, that kid needs to rely on us more.”

He seemed frustrated, and Taehyung could understand, and was grateful. He was so glad that Jungkook had Seojoon and Wooshik in his corner, even if he didn’t know it.  

“I’m flying out from LAX in two days,” Hyungsik said. “I’ll leave with you.” 

Taehyung nodded, feeling so guilty about Hyungsik, and Jungkook, and how things were working out.  

“Thank you,” he whispered.  

Hyungsik just nodded. “It’s what we do for the people we care about.” 

“You book your flight, and then call the director. I’ll talk to the producers,” Seojoon took a long gulp of his wine. “You’re going to owe me so much for this, Taehyung,” he warned. “This is going to fuck with the production schedule and people are going to be pissed.” 

“I know,” Taehyung swallowed.  

“But you’re going to do it anyway.” He looked at Hyungsik and back at Taehyung, then shook his head. “A fucking mess,” he muttered.  

Taehyung agreed.  

*

On the plane, Taehyung and Hyungsik sat side by side in first class. It was Taehyung’s first time flying it, and Hyungsik had used his connections to get them the seats. It was almost midnight, and Taehyung was feeling too wired to sleep.  

Hyungsik had been quiet for most of the time, and he was worried and guilty about how he must be feeling.  

“Stop thinking so much,” Hyungsik said with a wry smile. “I can feel you overthinking.” 

“I can’t help it,” Taehyung replied. “I’m so - sick to my stomach at what is happening. It’s - really vile. It’s just vile,” Taehyung said, feeling like he was going to burst with righteous anger for Jungkook. “I don’t understand how people can be so selfish and cruel.” 

“Not everyone has a golden heart, Tae,” Hyungsik said gently. He let out a small chuckle. “This sucks,” he sighed, smiling.  

“What does?” 

“All of this - ” he gestured to Taehyung in general, " - is just making me like you more. It just sucks it’s for someone else that you have feelings for.” 

Taehyung went to say something, apologise, anything, but Hyungsik cut him off.  

“I’m not mad,” he said. “A little envious, maybe. But Tae, I already knew about your feelings, and I already told you we are no pressure and just getting to know one another. It’s okay.” 

“It’s not really okay, though,” Taehyung said, swallowing his guilt. “This is so unfair to you.” 

“Do you like me?” Hyungsik asked him.  

Taehyung looked at him. “Of course I do.”

“You want to kiss me,” he leaned over, his voice dropping an octave, “and touch me. Be in bed with me, share your mind with me?” 

Taehyung blushed hard. “I - yeah,” he whispered. “I’m attracted to you.” 

Hyungsik smiled. “Then it’s okay. We can’t control how we feel, so let’s just be honest. If you don’t want to be with me, tell me. All I’ll ask is that you don’t let your feelings for someone who doesn’t feel the same way, hold you back. That’s what’s going to upset me; you can’t stop living and experiencing life and good things because of someone else’s emotions - or lack of. Life is there to live.” 

Taehyung stared at him. “You know… you’re actually amazing,” he said, a little awed and very grateful to the man.

“I know,” Hyungsik winked.  

Taehyung reached over and took his hand. “Really,” he emphasised. “I really think you’re incredible. Thank you for… for helping me live my life. You’re - " he shook his head and smiled. “I’m really glad I met you.” 

“Well, you were too pretty for me not to try and shoot my shot,” Hyungsik squeezed his hand. “Try and rest, okay? You’ll need your strength to help your friend.” 

Taehyung nodded, feeling so much better from his encouragement and support. Hyungsik deserved so much more than Taehyung was giving him now - but he was going to try, because he knew a man like Hyungsik didn’t come around too often, and it was worth seeing where this could go.