Work Text:
There was a commotion on the dark, narrow street as Jungkook passed by when he was heading home. On the middle, there were three persons involved.
One was Kim Taehyung.
He ran to where they were as he saw him even though he shouldn't be. There were a few students he knew, he tried to get in to see what was happening. Upon reaching the middle, he saw with his own two eyes how hard Kim Taehyung had punched the guy in the stomach and there was a girl who's crying on the side. Taehyung's eyes were so intense. He was raging. His hands were turning into violet; he was panting really hard. No one's trying to stop the fight. Jungkook wanted to be the one, he was about to step in when Taehyung ran to the crying girl and hugged her tight.
"Go near her once again and you will never see tomorrow." Taehyung shouted at the boy who's hugging his knees in deep pain. Jungkook's eyes shifted to him and the girl who couldn't stop crying. There was a lump formed on Jungkook's throat because of the sight that he's been seeing. He didn't like what he saw. Ready to turn around when he heard Taehyung's voice again.
"Let me carry you, I'll now take you home."
Both of his hands formed a fist after what he heard. He tried to escaped the small crowd as fast as he could then headed back to his unit.
Jeon Jungkook. He was a new student on Seoul University this semester. He was originally from Busan University then decided to transfer to Seoul since he wanted to change his major. That's the reason he's one year older than his batchmates on his new university. He also had the same class with Kim Taehyung last semester due to electives and they were roommates. Two years older than him.
Taehyung is a very friendly guy. Jungkook knows that. It's just that he's not the type of boy who mingles a lot that's why he was not close with Taehyung even though they're roommates. That's why he was shocked on what he saw. A different version of Kim Taehyung. Also, he has no idea that Kim Taehyung has a girlfriend.
When he reached home, he didn't even bother to turn on the light and just headed directly to his bed and lie down. He was feeling down since the incident he saw. He likes Taehyung since he laid eyes on him when he first moved to their unit but he never brought it up with Taehyung. He might find it weird so he kept it for the whole semester and yes, until now. He was so shy so they barely talk and they don't know that much about each other. Very unusual for roommates and classmates for one whole semester.
Jungkook put on his headphones since he couldn't sleep. Eyes wide open in the dark room. After an hour, the bedroom door clicked but he didn't hear it since the music was too loud on his earphones. The lights suddenly opened causing him to cover his eyes with his hand. He sat on the bed when he saw Taehyung.
"Oops, sorry to wake you up, JK!" The older said as he gave him an apologetic smile. Taehyung calls him JK; he's actually the only one who calls him that. He finds it cute though. "It's okay." Jungkook said as his eyes landed on Taehyung's bruised fist but he didn't even mention it. He saw where he was looking so he suddenly hid it on his back. For the span of one semester, Jungkook never saw Taehyung getting mad. He sometimes gets annoyed but never mad. He also never heard of him getting into fights not until that night. That made him sad. "JK, have you seen the first aid kit?" With that, he stood up and took the kit from the medicine cabinet.
"Can you?" Taehyung asked and the younger boy nodded. He cleaned the bruise, put some ointment and gave him an ice pack to reduce the swelling. "This looks so bad. Don't you want to go to the clinic downstairs?" Jungkook finally talked but Taehyung shook his head and told him he can't because they might think he got into a fight. He might get suspended. Lie. A total lie. That is what's on Jungkook's mind. He didn't even bother to ask since he knew what had happened. The two had decided to end the night as Jungkook turned off the light.
Still, he wasn't able to sleep. He couldn't stop overthinking. Maybe if he opened up a bit, Taehyung would tell him stories since it's in his nature. Maybe they would be now closed with each other. Tossing and turning on the bed was what Jungkook had done the whole night. Thank God, he didn't have class the next day.
"I even have no idea that he already has a girlfriend." He hissed under his breath as he removed the blanket over his face then sat up.
"Fuck."
The way he held and hugged the girl, it's positive that she's his girlfriend. Plus, he looked so mad at the boy he punched. He was so frustrated that night but more like heart broken.
The next day he woke up, it was around 10AM already but still Taehyung was sleeping. Since their schedule was posted on their board, he checked it and found out that his classes started at 7AM. It was the first time he saw him not going to class without telling his roommate. Taehyung's the type who reminds Jungkook if he's going to class the next day or he's skipping so Jungkook knows what to expect even if it seems like younger one doesn’t care. This time, he didn't even mention that he wasn't going to class. Concern was written all over the younger boy's face so he initiated to wake him up. Who else will?
"Hyung." He removed the blanket to check and yes he was still sleeping. He tried shaking his shoulder for him to wake up. He groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. "It's 10AM." That's the only thing he said to Taehyung and went back to his bed. The older boy announced that he's not going to the university today. Jungkook stopped what he's doing and looked at him. "Why?" The most famous one-liner guy in town, Jeon Jungkook.
Badly bruised fist was what he showed to Jungkook. "I had no idea that this is gonna be this bad." Taehyung exclaimed in frustration as he continued texting someone on the phone. Jungkook was about to offer something but suddenly, Taehyung was talking to someone on the phone.
"You feeling better?" He asked over the line then smiled right after. Jungkook just put on his headphones again as he didn't want to overhear what Taehyung was saying on the phone. All of a suddden, Taehyung was standing beside his bed and removed his headphones. "I said can you come with me to the pharmacy? I just really can't go to the clinic and ask for medicine. Please." He insisted to the younger boy and even giving him cute pouts.
Hell.
He nodded as if he had a choice, wore his hoodie and they both headed out. "I think the ointment is not working and my hand hurts really bad right now." Taehyung blurted out on their way to the pharmacy. All of a sudden, Jungkook held Taehyung's bruised hand really tight and made the older boy screamed in pain. He pushed Jungkook really hard and saw Jungkook smirking. "What the hell? I told you it's painful! I can't even hold anything." He screamed at him and Jungkook just laughed that amazed Taehyung. It was the first time he saw Jungkook laughed like that ever since. "I had no idea that you know how to laugh, JK!" Taehyung stated as he put his arm around his shoulder.
Fuck.
Jungkook gulped and gave him his poker face again. He was nervous. Taehyung was so closed to him. This time, Jungkook was the one who pushed him making him laughed also. "But seriously this hurts, okay? Don't do that. I have my other hand to hold which is not bruised." He smiled at Jungkook, ruffled his hair and continued walking.
He just did that.
As they arrived at the pharmacy, Jungkook was the one who bought pain relievers for the older boy. They were about to go out when the rain suddenly poured and it's not tolerable to walk even though it's just ten minutes away from their dormitory. Jungkook looked so irritated at the sudden downpour. They were standing in front of the pharmacy, Jungkook's hands on his waist and looked like he was about to curse like there's no tomorrow. "Hey, let's run going to this fast food. Let's eat first. Maybe by the time we finished, the rain will stop." He suggested and dragged him under the train.
They headed inside right away. Shoes almost soaked in water. The younger boy still looked so annoy. Taehyung grinned at his expression that made Jungkook directed his annoyed face at him. "Relax. What do you want? We never ate together. Are we really roommates?"
"We don't have the same schedule though."
"Shut up. We were classmates before. Remember?"
Jungkook stopped and just nodded at Taehyung's question. When he chose what meal to order, he headed at the corner of the place and there he waited. But after five minutes, he heard someone calling his name. Taehyung was waving hand at the counter then raised his injured hand. He smiled at him then headed to where he was. "Sorry, I'm injured." Jungkook nodded and instructed him to go over their seat and he'll handle the meal. When he came back to their seat, Taehyung was so busy texting someone and at the same time struggling. Meal was laid on the table by Jungkook then sat down.
"Hyung, just call if you're having a hard time." He advised to the older boy. Taehyung was taken a back since he didn't notice that Jungkook was there already. He hid the phone on his pocket and just smile. He was staring at Taehyung who's struggling in holding his chopsticks. After a few minutes, he felt Jungkook was staring at him and was laughing.
"Why?" The older boy question but Jungkook just stood up and when he went back, he took the chopsticks from Taehyung's hand and replaced it with fork. "Eat well." He laughed at the boy's kindness and both of them finally started eating. It was really so awkward for Jungkook. He didn't even know if he should keep his mouth shut or start a conversation.
"Why are you so quiet?" Jungkook froze at his spot as he was about to take a bite from his food. He gave him a look with his big round eyes. "I said, you are so quiet. You spend your time alone most of the time. That's my observation since Day 1. And also, you didn't even ask if I have a roommate before or what happened to him. Or is he still alive?" That was a long statement from Taehyung to be defended by Jungkook. He placed his chopstick on the table as he was about to somehow opened up but Taehyung's phone suddenly rung.
Shoulders deflated as Taehyung excused himself since he needed to answer the call. It seemed important. He just continued eating alone and didn't even wait for the other one. When Taehyung came back, Jungkook was the one who's trying to be busy playing on his phone. He didn't even remember that the two of them were talking about something.
Jungkook invited him to go back to their dorm since the rain was already tolerable. He wanted to rest; he wanted to bury his sexual identity under his bed and just sleep on it. When they reached their room, Jungkook flopped his whole damn body on the bed. He was regretful on why he even agreed accompanying him and became even more confused. Fuck feelings. Suddenly, he felt his bed dipped down then and an arm was sprawled at his back.
What the hell.
"I don't want to go back to the uni tomorrow yet." He heard Taehyung murmured on his side then started flapping his legs on Jungkook's bed. He sat on the bed and looked at what his crazy hyung was doing. "Why? What's wrong? You don't usually skip without reason." Jungkook said emphasizing the word reason.
"I want my hand to heal first before I go back. I don't like questions."
Jungkook leaned his head on the headboard while listening to the other one. "My sister is somewhat popular on their batch and I kinda...uhm.. gave her a bad reputation." Jungkook was confused as to why he was telling this story about her sister all of a sudden. No one's asking at the first place and he doesn't think it's related to him not wanting to go back to class yet.
"Uhm.. Okay..." Jungkook the one-liner man is back.
"I was mad. I saw her boyfriend with another girl. Cheating. I trusted that asshole and I don't even know why. I don't know how to tell it to my sister because she was so head over heels on that guy. Last night." Taehyung let out a heavy sigh before he continued his story and Jungkook was all ears. "Last night, I tried to follow my sister and her boyfriend beause I'm feeling really bad and I feel like something will happen. I saw how he slapped my sister so hard and pushed her on the wall. I was so angry. That sight was the worst sight I have ever seen in my life. My sister being. hurt. So, I attacked that guy and punched him. I punched him multiple times for dear life and had no idea that there were already people around me."
Jungkook's eyes widened on what he just learned. She was not her girlfriend but his sister. His sister for dear life.
Jungkook, you are crazy.
He stared at the boy who looked so defeated on what he just spilled. "I saw my sister crying. I was so mad. I think mad is even an understatement." Taehyung's head fell on his hands. It's not that he's regretful of what he did but he just felt bad for her sister. "But I heard her laugh a while ago while I was talking to her on the phone."
Fuck, Jungkook. You are such an idiot.
"I hope she'll recover soon. If you'll see her, you'll know right away that she's my sister." Taehyung laughed at that fact but Jungkook was still dumbfounded. He didn't know what to feel about that confession.
"I was there."
"Huh?"
Taehyung gave him a confusing look and asked him how. "I was on my way here but I saw a commotion on that street. There was you that's why I tried to check what's happening."
"Now I know why you didn't even bother to ask what happened last night."
He just nodded while keeping his head down. Taehyung ruffled his hair. "Next time, just talk. This is whole lot better. I have many friends but I don’t have that much people whom I can talk to about how I feel. And also, let's eat together with my sister next time. She studies on a women’s university near our uni. See, you didn’t even know?"
Jungkook smiled at his words. To be honest, he felt kind of relieved. He was still confused but at least it was confirmed that it's not Taehyung's girlfriend but her sister.
"Also, let's hang out more often, please?"
Taehyung offered with his boxy smile and Jungkook's heart couldn't help but be fluttered at his words.
"Taehyungie-hyung, it's fine if you do not want to go to your class. I'll stay here also, if you like."
Jungkook stated not even thinking what he just said. He was smiling at him, the happiest smile that he could ever give to that boy. The older one laughed then threw a pillow at Jungkook.
"Really? Will you do that?"
"You told me to hang out with you more often, I'm starting now, hyung!"
Taehyung chuckled at the boy's response then ruffled his hair once again making the younger boy smiled like there's no tomorrow.
"Pizza, pasta, chicken and beer tonight!" The older boy exclaimed.
After their talk, Taehyung decided to sleep since the pain reliever was kicking in. Jungkook went out first and headed to the studio that he usually visits when he doesn't have any class. Jungkook can sing and dance but he's too shy so sometimes he just goes there to watch only when there are many people but when it's empty, he practices. Thank God, the studio was empty and even the recording area. He was feeling really good that day because of what happened so he decided to record a cover. He just felt like doing it. He wasn't aware that many hours had passed since he used the studio. It was 6PM already.
"Oh, shit. Taehyung-ie hyung."
With that, Jungkook went to a chicken restaurant where their buffalo wings are very popular. While waiting, he called the pizza parlor and ordered two boxes of pizza for delivery. For the beer, he kinda hesitated to buy it since he needed to bring it on their dorm and the guard might do sudden inspection. Beer isn't really allowed there but whetever, he still bought a few cans not minding the risk. After thirty months, he safely arrived at their room without being caught by the guard downstairs.
Taehyung was lying down on this bed, busy playing on his phone. When he noticed Jungkook, he just gave him a look and his eyes went back to his phone. Jungkook was confused.
"I thought we're gonna have chicken and beer tonight." The older boy splurred. Jungkook was about to talk but someone knocked on their so he checked who it was.
"Pizza delivery for Jungkook-ssi."
Jungkook received the pizza and pasta and put it on the counter. Taehyung stood up and ran to the counter. "Hey, I was supposed to buy but you weren't here a while ago so I didn't call them."
"Just went out somehere, hyung." Jungkook said as he took out the cans of beer and the buffalo wings on the paper bag. The older boy was smiling really wide, he opened two cans of beer and gave the other one to him. "Cheers to our blooming friendship, JK?"
Blooming friendship. Jungkook smirked at that thought and drank his first sip. They settled the food and beer on the floor. Jungkook's awkwardness around him was lessen. Thanks to that night. Jungkook drank only one can since he's new to drinking and nobody will take care of him if ever he got drunk while Taehyung drunk the rest of the beer he bought.
He wouldn't shut up. Jungkook couldn't stop laughing at the joke and stories that he had been telling him. "Hyung, I'll just go the bathroom." He said and Taehyung who couldn't stop laughing just nodded. When he came back from the loo, he saw him sleeping on the floor.
"What the hell, hyung?"
He had no choice but to drag Taehyung on his bed. He was completely drunk. Even though Jungkook was tired, he still cleaned the mess on the floor before turning the lights off and off to bed. He was about to doze off when he felt a warm body on his back.
Holy sht. I'm gonna fucking die here.
His heart was racing; scared that the older boy might hear it. "Hyung?" He hissed on his breath. "JK?" Taehyung replied but that's it. He was totally asleep after that. Jungkook pushed him side a bit so he could also sleep. The next day, Jungkook woke up with a boy's scream.
"My head! My hand!" Of course, that was Taehyung complaining about hang over and his bruise. The younger boy sat on the bed, staring at him. A bit surprise that he was still beside him, he was trying to hide his smile. When he checked the time, it was already 12noon. He did really miss his class for Kim Taehyung. Great.
He gave him painkillers to ease the pain. "Go, sleep, hyung."
"What time is it?"
"12noon."
"What time are you going to the uni?"
"I'll skip today."
Taehyung just smiled and slept on Jungkook's bed. The younger boy just let him rest.
The next day, both of them decided to return to class. For the next days, Jungkook has started hanging out with Taehyung. They even went to arcade to play during weekends even though Taehyung's bruise was not yet fully healed. He was so happy. He had no idea that he can do those kinds of things with Taehyung. Feeling a bit regretful for not doing this kind of things with him before.
He even brough Taehyung once on the studio that he visits during weekend. The older boy was excited on the new things he has discovered about Jungkook.
"I have no idea that you could sing."
"I just can't sing whenever there are people around me. It's scary."
"That's fine. Let's go to a karaoke sometimes and sing Big Bang songs!"
Taehyung ruffled the younger boy's hair. Jungkook's heart stopped for a second.
One day, Jungkook was about to enter their dormitory when two guys approached him suddenly. They both look like college students but not sure from what university they came from. "Hey, Kim Taehyung lives here also, right?" One of the them asked him. He had a feeling that these guys are no good so he lied. "I'm not sure, I don't know all the students here. Sorry." He turned his back right away and entered the building without waiting for the unknown guy's reply.
When he reached their room, Taehyung was there already. He didn't know what to do and he wasn’t sure if he's gonna tell his hyung.
"JK, are you okay?"
Taehyung was worried since he was not answering his question so he stood up and went to the younger boy who's now sitting on his study area. "Hey, JK! are you sick?" That's the only time Jungkook's attention was captured.
"Oh, Taehyung-ie hyung. Uh, yes."
Taehyung was not convinced by his answer. "Tell me." Jungkook let out a heavy sigh then shook his head while giving him his bunny smile.
"JK."
"It's nothing, hyung. I'm just drained. Mid-terms are really hell."
The older boy did his favorite thing to do on Jungkook; ruffling his hair again and told him to rest already. When Taehyung already turned off the light and headed to bed, Jungkook asked if he's just fine.
"Yes, I am. Especially now that mid-terms are finished."
Jungkook could even heard his little laugh on his reply. That made him ease his mind a little bit. For the next few days whenever he was heading home, he felt like some people were following him but couldn't figure out who and why. Kind of creepy but he didn't tell anyone even Kim Taehyung.
Wednesday night, he was out of the class alone. The same guys approached him once again but this time they were with the guy whom Taehyung punched few weeks ago. That asshole former boyfriend of his sister, Jinyoung. "Jeon Jungook. Kim Taehyung's roommate. Am I right?"
Trouble.
He maintained his poker face as he stared at them. "Excuse me. I'm heading home." Jungkook was about to walk away from them but Jinyoung told him that they're gonna follow since they wanted to see and talk to Taehyung. Both of his hands formed a fist and faced them.
"What the hell? I told you guys that I don't know if that Kim Taehyung lives in our dormitory---
"Oh, that's why both of you headed on your dorm after you went to the arcade?"
Jungkook's words were cut off with the other boy's attack. The three laughed at Jungkook who felt like he needed to dig his own grave right now. They told him to come with them and he did. It was like a twenty minute- walk from their university. They reached an apartment which is also near a university. He assumed that it's where these guys study.
The two guys dragged him inside until they reached the 9th floor, room 901. Jinyoung slightly opened a room which he concluded as his unit. There he saw a girl sleeping peacefully. The girl was somehow familiar but he couldn't figure out who it was.
"Do you know her?" He asked but still Jungkook couldn't think who it was so he wasn't answering. "That was Kim Taehyung's sister." Jinyoung smirked and closed the door but Jungkook tried to push the door open. The two guys dragged him away as he followed.
"That girl loves me so much. Just some sweet talk and she'll be mine one again." Jungkook was so mad at him and the same time disappointed at Taehyung's sister. "How?" He hissed under his breath. "Also, don't you notice why Taehyung's mostly at your dorm for the past few weeks? We've been looking for him and we're having a hard time to talk him. The punch he made was freaking painful. I had no idea on where he got his energy with that kind of body he has." Jinyoung spat. He couldn't afford to hear those kinds of words about Taehyung. It hurts like hell. He knew he's gonna be in trouble but still he punched him on the shoulder. "Don't fuck up with him, do not go near Taehyung." Jungkook screamed.
"Then I'll just fuck with her sister, then!"
He attempted to punch Jinyoung again because of what he said but he was able to catch his wrist and held it in the air. "So what? You're going to tell him that her sister's dating me again and he'll be disappointed with her sister afterwards? You're just going to make her sister look bad in his eyes." Jungkook was taken a back at wha he said. Of course, he couldn't do that. Taehyung loves his sister so much. He was so frustrated, he really wanted to kill him. He's still a boy after all.
Jinyoung suddenly put his hand on Jungkook's neck. He was trying to choke him and his doing his best to escape. His nails were digging his skin. He couldn't breathe, eyes were getting watery already because of the absence of air. "Try it, Jungkook. We haven't made a revenge on what Taehyung did to me. if you're going to speak, you know what will happen. Be quiet, do not tell anything to him and we won't do anything."
He removed his grip on Jungkook's neck and the two guys dragged him out of the apartment and tried to make their best not to make a noise. He tried his best not to cry but it was so difficult. Blood streaked on his neck when he tried to feel it. "Shit." He wore his hoodie back and walked. He couldn't stop thinking of Taehyung. Frustrated since he couldn't do anything. If he's not going to tell Taehyung, her sister will continue seeing that asshole and his brother will be disappointed once he finds out. If he'll tell Taehyung, Kim siblings will definitely be hurt.
When he reached home, lights were still turned on. He didn't even know what time it is already. He was so preoccupied. He couldn't even think properly. Taehyung was watching him the whole time, he was actually waiting for him since it was midnight already and he was not home. His eyes we puffy, he looked pale. Taehyung was worried and went over his bed.
"JK."
"Turn off the light, hyung. I'm tired."
Taehyung just turned off the light and didn't bother him anymore. He laid down in his bed thinking what might happen to him and why he was acting like that.
The next morning, they were supposed to go to the uni together since his schedule was at 9am while Jungkook's at 9:30am but he was still asleep. With that, Taehyung decided to wake him up. He just moved a little, was still on his hoodie and his face was still facing his pillow. "JK, it's 8am already. Get up, now." The older boy instructed but after 10 minutes he finally stood up. Eyes were red and puffy. "Take a coffee or whatever." He suggested and headed to the shower first. Jungkook was still not talking.
Twenty minutes after, Taehyung went out of the bathroom and told him that it's his time already. Jungkook did not remove his hoodie since last night. Taehyung stopped what he was doing when he saw the wounds and red marks around the younger boy's neck.
"Jeon Jungkook." He called as he went near him to check for himself. "These are like marks from nail scratches. What happened?" Jungkook pushed his hand away his neck and headed to the bathroom. The older boy was dumbfounded. After he took a bath, Jungkook was now smiling at Taehyung and even greeted him. Also, he covered the marks and wounds with concealer already, as if Taehyung won't see that.
Jungkook was having a hard time hiding what he knew but he told himself that it would be better for him to be hurt instead of Taehyung. He was quiet the whole walk to the uni. Only talks when he was being asked by the older boy. Few days had passed, Jungkook still acted like that. He was back to the untouchable and quiet Jungkook and declined any invites from him. The only reason why is because he doesn't want Jinyoung to see Taehyung somewhere with him. He wanted to protect him so he needed to endure everything.
One Friday night, Taehyung went home and brought cans of beer. He planned Jungkook to get him drunk so he could spill what really had happened. He was so determined make his plan work. At first, Jungkook didn't want to drink but later on, he was convinced by the older boy. With Taehyung's surprise, the younger boy drank a lot without being told to but still, he didn't spill out anything yet. "JK, stop and go to bed already." He ordered and stood up to assist him but then he got pulled down by the other. "Taehyung-ie hyung." That was the only word he muttered before crying silently on Taehyung's shoulder and froze on his spot at first. The older boy then hugged him and tried to comfort him. It was hard for him since he knew nothing on what the young boy was experiencing but he knew he needed someone right now. "Whatever it is, it will be fine. Not now but maybe soon, JK." He gently patted Jungkook's back until his breathing normalized. He was asleep already. He carried the boy on his own bed, put the blanket over his body. Taehyung stared at the boy's face. He was worried, that was not normal anymore. He couldn't figure out what was happening and he had no idea how and when he will spill it out because Jungkook looked so depressed already. He ruffled his hair before turning of the light then headed to bed.
The next day when Jungkook woke up, he was having a major headache. Last night was actually the first time he drank that much alcohol. "Are you okay?" He heard Taehyung asked as he rubs his forehead. "Yes." Liar. "I'll be meeting with my sister later and you promised me before that you will come with us, right?" Jungkook was not waiting for this event to happen, not when he's having a major dilemma.
On the other hand, his sister was preparing already to meet her Taehyung oppa. She was actually staying at Jinyoung's apartment every Fridays and weekends.
"Is he with someone?" He asked.
"I think so. He told me he'll be with his roommate."
"Don't tell me that is a blind date." Jinyoung warned her jokingly but she just laughed and shook her head. He knew that it's gonna be Jungkook.
"Promise me you won't tell him that we're back together not until he's not mad at me okay? I can't let him take you away from me again, baby." He hugged her as if she's the most precious thing in the world but the truth he's just doing that to take revenge on Taehyung.
When the three of them met, Jungkook was quiet most of the time. Only answers whenever being asked. He felt bad for Taehyung. He was so innocent that he has being fooled by his own sister. If only telling that truth is easy, he should have told him already. He saw how much he adores his sister so much and he couldn't afford Taehyung getting hurt because of him. He should stay quiet. Or not.
Taehyung told Jungkook and her sister to head out already as he needed to pay the bill so they did. "Eonjin." Jungkook called her making the girl look at him while smiling.
"Yes?"
"Your boyfriend. I know him. You guys are still together, right?"
She was taken aback at what she heard. She stared at Jungkook's with dilated eyes. She pleaded not to tell his oppa about it. He just nodded at the girl's request since he doesn’t want him to get mad at his sister also. Taehyung already went out so the atmosphere changed right away. They dropped her sister on their dormitory before the two boys headed home.
After ten minutes, Eonjin headed to Jinyoung's apartment. She was so worried and scared that made her boyfriend questioned.
"Jungkook."
Jinyoung stood up from his bed as he heard the name.
"Why?"
Then she told him how Jungkook knew about their secret relationship but promised not to tell his Taehyung oppa. Jinyoung hugged her and told her that everything will be fine. He continued patting her head with a smirk on his face. He was definitely planning something.
Few days later, Jungkook was met again by the three guys. He was kind of expecting this. "Come with us." They headed this time at the back of Jinyoung's apartment building. "You are really testing me." He spat and Jungkook was just looking at the ground. He's telling him to spill what he just did few days ago but still no words came out from his mouth.
"Talk."
"You knew it already. Why even ask?"
He murmured then a hard punch landed on his left shoulder. He didn’t see that coming. It was too painful to the point that he knelt on the ground while holding his shoulder. It took him minutes before he was able to stand up. "I told you. Both Eonjin and Taehyung, Jungkook." He glared at Jinyoung with fierce in his big round eyes.
"Don't you dare touch Taehyung. Don't you dare touch them!" He screamed at his face making him annoyed. Another punched was thrown but this time it was on the side of his left lip and jaw. It was bleeding. It was painful. The three left him alone already as of nothing happened. After a few minutes, Jungkook finally stood up, wore his hoodie and headed home.
When he entered their room, Taehyung was just busy playing on his laptop. Good thing, he didn't notice him right away. Jungkook went straight ahead to the bathroom to get the first aid kit. He forgot to lock the door so when Taehyung stood up to get something on the counter, he saw what he was doing.
"JK."
Before he could close the door, Taehyung had already dragged him out asking what happened. He just shook his head. He held the boy's face and saw the bruise and wounds near his lip area. This was something serious. The older boy put his hand on Jungkook's should making him scream in pain. He was shocked but he was able to pull the neck area of his shirt and saw another big bruise on his shoulder area.
"Jungkook, what is this? The last time it was on your neck. Now on your face and shoulder. What happened?" Taehyung sounded so worried while scolding him at the same time. He just shook his head.
"Please."
No, Taehyung.
"Please." He said once again and Jungkook knew that he needed to tell him a lie so he won't stop asking questions.
"I got into a fight."
"I know! I mean how come???"
"There was a girl being harassed so I tried to step in and I had no idea that it was like a gang and now they're taking a revenge on me."
Nice lie. Somewhat close to what was happening sans Kim Taehyung and his sister. With that, Taehyung warned him not to go out if he's not with him and when in the uni, send him a message so they could go home together, so no one could hurt him. Jungkook wanted to smile just by thinking of that idea but his body was in pain so he ended up groaning instead. "Go rest, let me handle the first aid this time."
Jungkook remembered the time when Taehyung asked if he could do the first aid for his bruise. Happy day to remember but after that everything was in trouble. Taehyung waited for the younger boy to sleep before him. He made sure that the pain killer had already took effect so Jungkook could sleep well.
On the middle of the night, Taehyung jolted out of sleep when he heard multiple groans on Jungkook's spot. He checked on him and the younger boy was wincing in pain while holding his left shoulder. He couldn't help but to feel concerned. He turned on the light but Jungkook didn't even bother to open his eyes. With that, the older boy removed Jungkook's shirt to put pain killer on his left shoulder. He shook his head when he saw how big the bruise was and it's turning dark violet in color. He ruffled the young boy's hair, put blanket up to his chest then turned off the light. "You'll be okay." He hissed under his breath.
Just like what Taehyung suggested, the two went to school and home together. He wanted to make sure no one will come at Jungkook and attack him. He was so thankful to him even though everything he said was just a cover up. He felt bad but he thought that it was the only way.
Still Jungkook's conscience won't stop bugging him. One day he asked for Eonjin's number from Taehyung and he gave it right away since he trusts him. The only reason was he wanted to convince her to either break up with Jinyoung or tell Taehyung the truth. Jungkook couldn't just keep it anymore. Little did he knew, Jinyoung was the one who holds her phone so basically he had read every single message to her and sometimes he even replied pretending to be Eonjin.
This day was horrible. Taehyung saw Jungkook's conversation with his sister while he was taking a bath.
"Tell him."
"I cannot. I can't leave him."
"How about your Taehyung oppa?"
"Stop. Who are you to tell me what to do?"
Jungkook saw him holding his phone and he knew it already. He's dead. "Hyung." Taehyung gave him a hand and headed out of their room. He tried to call him but he didn't pick up. Jungkook had no idea what he needs to do. It was all his fault. His goddamn fault and his goddamn lie. What if Taehyung confront Jinyoung? What if Taehyung gets mad at Eoniin? What if Jinyoung hurt them? What if... endless what ifs kept coming on his mind. He knew Taehyung was mad.
And yes, that day, Taehyung went to Jinyoung's apartment. The person who opened the door was his sister. What a lovely sight to see. "Go out." He instructed but she didn't listen. "I said go out." He pulled her out then he went inside Jinyoung's room and threw him a punch right away. She kept on knocking at the door but Taehyung didn't even bother to open it.
"How dare you, asshole?"
Jinyoung didn't make a move because he still needed to act such a loser since Eonjin's just outside. He was up for something. He stormed out of the room and saw Eonjin crying but this time she was crying because of him.
"Don't call me anymore." Taehyung told her and stormed out of the building. Those words hurt him like hell but he needed to do that. That night also, he was waiting for Jungkook on their room. He was furious. He felt like an idiot. Out of all the people, why it must be Jungkook? When he reached home, Taehyung was glaring at him.
"I can't believe you."
"Hyung, let me explain."
"What? Surprise Taehyung-ie hyung. They're back together after you have punched him. Is that what you are planning, Jeon Jungkook??"
He was angry, it seemed like he was about to throw a fit at Jungkook. All he could say was sorry. He couldn't stop apologizing at him.
"How can you betray me?"
Those words stabbed Jungkook's heart multiple times. He couldn't speak anymore. He ruined his trust on him. He ruined their growing friendship. He ruined his one and only chance to get close to the boy he likes. From that day, Taehyung didn't even bother talking to him. He tried to reach out but he just kept on closing his door. He understood because everything was his fault and it hurt like hell.
Awkwardness was all over their room. Still, Jungkook sent Taehyung some messages not to go home late since he was scared what if Jinyoung attacked him since he had no idea what that asshole could do. He just ignored all his calls and messages. Even in their room, the older boy didn't even utter a single word at him.
Two weeks had passed and both parties were not okay. When Jungkook ended his class on Wednesday night, he was dragged by the same two guys right away upon his exit on the university. He knew it. He knew it will happen one day. He was taken again at the back of Jinyoung's apartment but this time there was no single light. Only their phones were the source of light.
"Good job." He knew that voice, it was Jinyoung who just talked. The two guys were holding Jungkook's arms and begging them to let him go. He just heard that asshole laughed which made him furious. "I told you to keep that mouth shut. Now I got punched by that Kim Taehyung again."
"You deserve it though. It's not even enough!!"
Jungkook screamed but he knew no one would hear it. Non-sense. Jinyoung laughed again at him. "So we made a deal right, if you don't shut up, both are going to face hell." He didn't know what happened but he managed to escaped from the two guys and held onto Jinyoung's collar.
"Oops, are you going to hurt me?"
Then he raised his phone showing a sweet photo of Taehyung and Eonjin. Somebody needed to sacrifice again.
"Don't hurt Taehyung, please."
He begged for multiple times.
"Deal. Then I'm gonna hurt you instead."
The three of them started attacking Jungkook. He was punched at the stomach, at his shoulders and at his face. They even kicked him multiple times. He was helpless. He attempted to fight for himself but they were three, it didn't work. The last guy kicked him in the chest hard and that made Jungkook fell on the ground.
"I'm a man of words, Jungkook. If you tell them who did this to you, I will really hurt them this time."
The three guys left again as if nothing happened.
Jungkook was in total pain. He couldn't even breathe properly. He couldn't stand on his own. He bet his blood stains were everywhere. He tried his best to make a call to Taehyung. It was ringing. He was hoping.
On the other hand, Taehyung was busy hanging out with his friends. He ignored the call of course. He had no idea what has happened. Another ring then that was it.
When Taehyung went home, Jungkook was still not there. He tried to wait for him but he didn't show up. The next day he woke up, still no signs of Jeon Jungkook. Two days had passed, not even a text message from him was sent. That was very unusual but he was still being a cold-hearted, he didn't even try calling him.
Jungkook was brought to the hospital the next day after the incident when someone had saw him lying on the ground that morning. His parents from Busan rushed to Seoul after hearing what happened to their son. Bruises all over his body even his beautiful face and a broken left arm. He was still having a hard time breathing so he needed oxygen from time to time. He was unconscious on the first day of his hospital stay. The next day he woke up with the faces of his parents.
"Jungkook-ie, what happened?" His mother gently asked as she tried to pat his head. He just shook his head and shifted his eyes to his dad who's trying his best not to cry at his son’s condition. "I don't want to stay in the hospital." He cried and his mom understood.
"Just rest for a few days and when you can, we'll bring you to your dorm. I know how much you want to live here." His dad told him as he held his hand.
During Jungkook's hospital stay, he wasn't talking that much even to his parents. His parents were trying their best to find out what happened and to identify the involved. They let their son moved to Seoul all by himself but they didn't expect this to happen.
After almost five days, he was discharged from the hospital. He gave his parents an assurance that he could be by himself already so he could be dropped off by their dormitory. A knocked was heard by Taehyung and wondered who it was. When he opened the door, he saw an injured Jungkook with his parents.
"Taehyung, right? I hope you can help him when he needs something. He wants to stay here even though he isn't that okay."
"I'm feeling better now, eomma. Don't worry." Jungkook smiled at his parents and even tried to show off that made them smile.
Taehyung just nodded and helped Jungkook to lay down on his bed. He bid goodbye to his parents and locked the door. They even gave lots of food supplies for them.
"JK." He called as he sat on the side of his bed but Jungkook just closed his eyes as response. "What happened?" He questioned him in a very low voice. "Did they come at you again?"
With that Jungkook's tears started rolling down on his cheeks.
"Hyung. I'm sorry." Those were the first words that he spoke to him after he went missing. Taehyung just nodded, waiting for the younger boy to continue. "I hope you understand why I did that. I didn't betray you. I will never do that, Taehyung-ie hyung! It's just that I didn't want you and Eonjin to get hurt.”
Taehyung was beyond confused. He didn't understand what he was talking about. "JK, I cannot understand. How am I related to this?" With that, Jungkook spilled out everything since the beginning of the dilemma - when the two unknown guys approached him in front of their dormitory.
The older boy couldn't speak on what he found out. He had no words to describe how awful he was feeling that time. All this time, Jungkook was protecting him from that asshole and yet he had no idea. He even called him a traitor. He couldn't even look at the younger boy’s eyes anymore.
"Why did you do that?"
"Hyung. Because I couldn't say it in words. It's hard so I need to just do it. I couldn't say it in words because you might freak out. You might hate me. You might hate me for what I am."
Jungkook's words slowly started sinking in on his mind. He was such an idiot for not realizing it and ignoring his actions.
"Hyung, I like you. I don't know what you will feel about this but I really needed to--
Taehyung cut his words by placing a soft kiss on Jungkook's lips. The younger boy blushed at his sudden action.
"Go, rest, JK. We'll talk once you're fully recovered and I'll also skip classes tomorrow if you like." Taehyung nodded as he massaged his arm.
Jungkook remembered that line. He couldn't help but smile as Taehyung ruffled his hair until he fell asleep. The older boy also laid down beside him and studied Jungkook's face. All he did was smile.
