Chapter Text
Last Season
Taehyung snapped out his thoughts and looked at Seokjin. He quickly smiled and cooed at Jinwoo before answering his question.
“I’m just letting them have their little moment.”
Seokjin glanced back to the room and then back to Taehyung, sighing softly.
“Yeah, I think they deserve to have that moment of peace, so I saw you walk inside last with Jey earlier. What was that about?” Seokjin asked, getting straight to the point.
Taehyung exhaled deeply; his brows raising just a smidge as he tried to figure out where to begin.
“Well, I talked to Jey about us…” Taehyung trailed on as his heart began to tighten.
Seokjin cocked up his brow, “Oh? And what did she say?”
Taehyung stared at Jinwoo and then briefly flickered his eyes to Jey, who was now protectively holding Kim, before replying,
“She said…”
Soft sounds of jazz music echoed throughout the empty and dark halls of a condo. The savory aromas invaded the nostrils of its occupants as a woman in her mid-twenties stood in front of the stove. The medium sized pot came into a boil as the woman reached up to the spice cabinet; her fingers barely touched the ingredient she needed.
A short huff escaped her lips as she continued to reach but failed each time.
Finally—after debating whether to ask her fiancé for help or not—decided to ask for his assistance. Not even seconds later, a tall man with broad shoulders came shuffling in the kitchen with an infant attached to his hip.
“You called for me, princess?” The man asked; his lips curved upwards just a smidge.
The woman rolled her eyes as she gestured towards the spicy jar she needed.
The man stared at her, “What’s the magic word, Kim?”
Kim’s mouth dropped slightly, “I am not calling you, ‘Mr. Worldwide Handsome’, Seokjin.”
Seokjin chuckled softly, “Ouch, I got the full name instead of “Jinnie’.” He then glanced at his infant son, “I think mommy is irritated. What did you do, Jinwoo?”
Soon, the look of irritation melted away just by watching her fiancé’s and son’s interesting interaction.
“My handsome son didn’t do anything. It’s what his daddy did.” She stated, clapping her hands in front of Jinwoo then holding her arms out.
His brow raised as Seokjin gave her a questioning look.
“What I did? Don’t tell me that I forgot our anniversary?!” He began to panic; his heart raced against his chest.
Kim took Jinwoo away from her odd man and anchored the growing baby boy against her hip as Seokjin continued to panic.
“Chill Jinnie. I was only joking.” She confessed, finding it rather odd that her man didn’t pick up on the teasing notes in her tone.
Then—as if someone snapped him out of the spell he was in—Seokjin instantly calmed his speeding heart and glared at his fiancée.
“I’m starting to think you should change your future profession from teacher to an actress because you’re getting way too good at that.” He told her with a blank expression.
Kim smiled brightly at him before kissing his lips sweetly. She then handed Jinwoo back to his daddy, so she could resume cooking their dinner.
She grabbed the missing ingredient and began to sprinkle the content into the pot.
She mixed the seasoning into the broth before tasting it. She smacked her lips a few times, trying to see if there was anything else missing.
After deeming the stew ready to eat, Kim turned off the burner and grabbed a few bowls. She scooped a cupful of rice into each and then ladled the stew over it. She walked over to the dining table and served her future-husband his dinner first before placing her bowl down. She walked back to the kitchen and grabbed Jinwoo’s dinner from the fridge and headed back to the table.
Seokjin happily thanked his princess for the meal as he picked up his spoon and scooped a hefty mouthful into it. He leaned down just a smidge before placing his mouth over the spoon.
It wasn’t even a second later, and his taste buds were in heaven. It was evenings like these he cherished because with his busy schedule, it had become rare for him to eat Kim’s cooking when it was fresh. He always heated it up either at school cafeteria or at home, hours after she had cooked dinner.
Seokjin had to chant to himself that the end goal would be worth it. He would become an amazing doctor, and Kim wouldn’t have to worry about money and supplies for her classroom. She would be set for the rest of her life.
Out of the corner of her eye, Kim noticed a goofy smile on Seokjin’s face. She then positioned Jinwoo’s high chair, so that he would face him and said,
“Look, James! Your daddy is being weird again.”
Hearing her playful comment snapped Seokjin out his dreamlike trance.
“You know, they say that the less time you spend with a person, the less you become like them. However, that’s not the case as I’m starting to notice you become more like Jey…” He mumbled; his eyes closed briefly before they reopened.
“Speaking of Jey, have you heard from her?” Kim asked, completely ignoring his statement.
A solemn feeling washed over him as Seokjin placed his spoon down gently. It had been almost two years since the infamous incident with Yongguk and goon of assholes, and Jey had disappeared briefly to get her life back. At first, Kim and the rest of ladies and Billie were incredibly upset, but they knew that Jey needed to do this for herself.
Jey’s night terrors grew worse each day, and Taehyung felt helpless. He didn’t know how to help her when she could barely stand being near him. It just broke his heart seeing her like that.
The day that Jey announced that she was going to travel back to Germany and stay with her mom for a while, it devastated everyone—especially Taehyung. He had to ask Seokjin for advice on how he gathered enough strength to let Kim leave for another country for a bit but even then, it became quite difficult. It became too hard for him to the point that he even decided to travel the world. It was if his mind implanted the idea that the only way he could be close to Jey was if he traveled the world too—so—he did.
“Not since she sent us that post-card from France.” Seokjin replied before taking a sip of his water.
Her lips became thin as Kim looked unsure. Has it honestly been that long? Normally, Jey would only go a few days without talking to her, but months? That was too long.
“I hope she’s alright…”
Unknowing to them, the woman of the hour was nearby. She had been walking down the sidewalks in search of a new place to reside in. Her gaze looked up to the building that contained this studio apartment she had been eyeing for the past week.
The warmth of the sun landed on the soft skin on her face as this smile of content graced her face. She sighed softly before mustering a look of confidence and walking inside the leasing office. This was it.
The following week, the woman began the process of moving in. She planned every single task to the T and made sure nothing and no one could mess this new beginning for her.
With the Sun shining brightly during the year’s Autumn solstice, and the winds howling as the breeze picked up fallen leaves from the pavement, the woman tightened her wine-colored scarf around her neck. Cars zoomed by as a young woman walked up a ramp that led to the inside of the moving van. The brunette college student crouched down and picked up the last remaining boxes before standing up and exiting the van.
She carefully placed the remaining boxes next to the others as she quickly counted to make sure that all her belongings where present. Once everything was accounted for, she nodded to herself as she ventured inside the building that contained her place of residency.
“This is a new beginning, Jey… You can do it…” She uttered under her breath as she climbed each stair.
Her heart raced at the thought of living in a different place. It was definitely going to be strange. Jey was no longer living in a huge co-ed house but now in a quaint studio apartment. She no longer had to worry about cohabitating with men. If anything, she only had to worry about her “sisters’” boyfriends but that pushed her limits. Ever since her traumatic experience with Yongguk and the rest of his asshole friends, Jey didn’t feel safe in her old home. That home simply riddled with painful memories that triggered her depression and anxiety. That’s why her therapist recommended moving into a new place. A brand-new start meant brand-new memories.
Unfortunately, by the time she decided to do this big move, most of her close friends had chosen to either stay in the house or venture off on their own—just like Kim. Jey knew that Kim and Seokjin would move out and live on their own since they had a son, but it still hurt her—at least it did until she moved right in the building that was located right next door to their place. Ah…she couldn’t wait to see Seokjin’s irritated face when he found out. Good times.
Now standing in the middle of the empty studio apartment, Jey created a rectangle with her fingers as she pretended that it was camera. She peeped through the hole, allowing her creative mind to envision furniture and décor for the place. She eyed every empty crevice and took mental notes of what her imagination concocted for the place.
Then, realization hit her. This studio apartment had three empty rooms. She didn’t need all three rooms, so why not share it?
Jey pulled out her phone and opened the group chat. She quickly typed,
“Hey! I have three rooms that are up for grabs. Each of them is pretty spacious, so you can bring your significant other. Just keep the loud moans to a minimum of 3…maybe 4. Ha!”
Not even seconds later, she had some responses already. Hana, Jailene, and Toni agreed to move in with her. Of course, that meant their men became part of that deal—which also included Taehyung.
Just the mere thought of her old roommate and almost-lover sent butterflies in her stomach. It had been almost a year since she and Taehyung laid their eyes upon each other. It had been almost two years since they had their infamous discussion about the good old topic of, “what are we?”
Ever since she had heartbreakingly told him that she couldn’t be with him just yet, Jey had regretted that decision every single minute of her life. Had Taehyung officially given up on her? Was he dating someone new? So many unanswered questions flooded her mind, but maybe this was a sign from the Gods of fate. Maybe it was time to for her to not allow her fear to get in the way of her happiness.
Before Jey could become fully absorbed in her thoughts, a light knock pulled her away. Then, a familiar voice followed.
A smile slowly appeared on the tense woman’s face as Jey peered over her shoulder. Her eyes instantly lit up at the sight of her most trusted friend.
“Wifey!” Jey shouted with glee as she ran up to the person.
The person laughed as she was pulled into the most loving hug ever.
“Why do I have a feeling that you moving in right next door was not a coincidence?” Jey’s “wifey” asked, raising her brow.
Jey released her friend and simply shrugged.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Kim. I just thought this place was a place to start my new beginning, you and Jinnie so happened to be living right next door.” She explained, earning a head shake from Kim.
“Well, you and I both know that I’m quite ecstatic with you living close, especially after not hearing a peep from you for months, but a certain hot-head would blow his lid if finds out.” Kim said, pulling out her phone and taking a quick peek at a video feed that showed her son’s room.
Jey looked over Kim’s shoulder, smiling faintly as she saw her “nephew” sleeping peacefully in his crib.
“How is Jinwoo doing, anyway?” Jey asked before taking a quick swig of water from her water bottle.
Kim hummed for a bit before answering, “He’s doing good. From what I can tell, his development is right on track, so I’m thankful for that.”
Jey couldn’t help but chuckle at the soon-to-be teacher. Who would’ve thought that this former STEM major would switch to teaching?
“He’s developing quite nicely, Kim?” She teased; her lips formed a tiny smirk that only grew with each passing moment. “The way you say that makes it seem like you and Jinnie boy created him using your guys’ freaky science knowledge.” Jey added.
Kim rolled her eyes, “Leave me alone…”
Jey laughed in response before forcing Kim into a warm hug.
And just like that, hours flew by as the two ladies spent the rest of the afternoon catching up. It was thanks to Kim that Jey received tiny updates on Taehyung. According to her, Taehyung finished up his last semester, planned on walking during the Spring semester, and was currently researching graduate schools.
“Last time Jinnie chatted with him, Taehyung mentioned going to a famous art school for photography, so that’s a thing.” Kim added.
Art school, huh…Jey couldn’t but feel proud for him. Taehyung had a knack for that particular form of visual art, so it was only natural for him to pursue it.
Their dream was that he would be this famous photographer, and she was his model. Would that fantasy still be alive when and if they met face-to-face? Only time would tell…
Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, Taehyung sat outside at a café where he typed numerous of captions. His eyes scanned each word, wanting each sentence to create a heavy impact in the viewer’s hearts, before hitting enter. He scrolled over to the upload button and clicked on it. A bar popped up, displaying the percentage of data that was left.
He then reached over to his steaming hot cup of tea and blew on it a couple of times before taking a sip or two. Though, maybe he should had waited a smidge longer because the moment the scorching drops of liquid landed on his poor tongue, he regretted it.
He fanned his tongue quickly even though that didn’t help him whatsoever.
As the aspiring photographer continued to soothe his innocent tongue, an unknown shadow slowly casted over him. Taehyung couldn’t help but raise his brow as his weather app didn’t warn him about any overcasts.
Then, the shadow formed a familiar silhouette in which caused the boy with the burnt tongue to lower his brow and form a tiny grin.
“How’s it going Chimmy?” He asked, tilting his head back.
“Chimmy” rolled his or her eyes before smacking Taehyung upside his head.
“You’re never going to let that go, huh?” A light yet deep voice asked as the person took a seat in front of the deep voiced student.
Taehyung chuckled as he quickly said, “never”, resulting in “Chimmy” to groan loudly.
N “Fine, you’ll be ‘Jimin’ to me while my Godson can call you ‘Chimmy’. Deal?” Taehyung leaned back in his chair and stared down his close friend, waiting for his answer.
Jimin’s eyes became slits as crossed his arms over his chest.
A wave of silence washed over them until Jimin finally spoke,
“I can’t believe that you had to make this into a deal…”
Taehyung took a sip of his warm tea before replying.
“Not my fault that my Godson created a nickname that was catchy.”
Jimin waved him off, “Anyway, what have you been up to man? Haven’t seen or heard a peep from you in almost a year.”
An unknown feeling entered his heart as Taehyung grew unsure how to answer his friend’s question. Ever since Jey had told him that she couldn’t be with him quite yet because of everything that had happened between her and Yongguk, Taehyung had been the utmost patient with her. Days of waiting turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Months turned into years, and his love for the headstrong woman never wavered. He would be lying if he told Jimin that there hadn’t been a lot of temptation—because there was—but that only solidified his love for Jey even more.
“Well, I traveled the world, in between the semesters, as you saw on my Instagram account.” Taehyung paused; he tapped his chin to think about more things he had done since he last talked to Jimin. “I think that’s about it.” He finished, taking the last few sips of his tea.
Jimin nodded slowly; his lips thinned as he did.
“Any hot European ladies or men catch your eye?” He winked with a sheepish grin.
Taehyung nearly choked on his saliva the moment Jimin said that to him.
“Dude!”
“What? I mean it has been almost two years since you and Jey saw each other, so anything could’ve happened in between. Wait…you’re not married, are you? Do you have some kiddos running around? Am I an uncle?!” Jimin fired question after question, not allowing Taehyung to step in and refute his claims.
A long sigh left his lips as Taehyung waited patiently for his turn to talk.
“You done?” He asked, fighting off the laughter brewed within his chest.
Jimin hummed to himself and tapped his chin lightly before ultimately telling his close friend that he was done.
“To answer your odd questions, I’m not married. I don’t have any kids running around unless Jey has something to tell me and no, since Jey hasn’t popped out any kids without my knowledge, you’re not an uncle.” He said as he quickly checked the time on his phone. Taehyung had a meeting to get to. He had to meet up with the dean of the art department to discuss a possible job opportunity.
Jimin pretended to be saddened by the rather disappointing news.
“Damn it. I was hoping to become an uncle this year.” He snapped his fingers out of sheer disappointment.
Taehyung chuckled at his friend’s “sadness” and before either he or Jimin could say something, Jimin’s phone sounded off.
Jimin looked at his phone and then a soft smile appeared on his face. He slid the icon to answer the call and pressed the phone to his ear.
“Hey baby!” He happily greeted his woman.
“Where are you? I thought you said that you were only going to grab a quick bite to eat before we move in with Jey?” Jimin heard her say.
“I was, Jailene, but then I saw a familiar backside in the distant, and I just had to say hi to him.” He explained, hoping she wouldn’t be too angry with him.
“Oh, is your boyfriend back in town already?” He heard Jailene ask in a teasing tone of voice.
Jimin faked a laugh, “Nah, I think you got your days mixed up. Jungkook doesn’t come back until next week. Taehyung, my secret lover, is back in town.”
“Shit! Really? Does he know that Jey is also back in town?” Jimin heard her ask before switching the phone to his other ear.
Jimin side glanced to Taehyung, taking note of his close friend’s body language.
“Uh…I don’t think so, but we can talk more about this later, okay?” He said as he saw Taehyung stand up and grab his messenger bag.
He heard a quick, “okay”, from Jailene before a beeping sound; the sound that indicated the call had ended.
Jimin locked his phone and shoved it back in his pocket.
“You heading out, man?” He asked, even though it was rather a stupid question to ask given the signs that were right in his face.
Taehyung nodded as he adjusted the strap on his shoulder.
“Yeah, I have to meet up with the dean of our school’s art department. I reached out to them and asked if it would be possible to intern for them or something while I’m going to graduate school.” He explained as he quickly glanced at his wristwatch.
Jimin whistled, “Damn…look at you being all professional! Seokjin and Namjoon would be proud.” He teased.
Taehyung rolled his eyes, “Okay, I’m leaving now before you become too embarrassing.”
Jimin placed his hand over his chest and clutched it, “Wow! Hurtful dude…”
Instead of verbally responding, Taehyung lazily waved goodbye to him as he walked away.
His footsteps were slow but made a huge impact. His gaze remained glued straight ahead as the bystanders became blurs. The cool wind fanned his face as the sun slowly lowered itself behind the mountains.
Just as he became hypnotized with the relaxing atmosphere, Taehyung’s shoulder accidentally bumped into someone. His eyes grew wide and he smiled apologetically. He muttered a quick, “I’m sorry”, before carrying on with his journey to the one place where he and the owner of his heart shared many memories.
At the same time, the person, he accidentally bumped into, stared at him in awe. Completely baffled with the fact that he didn’t have enough guts to meet her gaze.
“Jesus…” The person muttered as she carried on her merry way as well.
Suddenly, she halted in her steps when she noticed a familiar face waving like a madman at her.
“Has Jailene been denying you sex or something? You’re acting weirder than normal if I remember correctly.” Jey said as she closed the gap between her and Jimin.
Jimin faked a laugh once more, “Our sex life is none of your business, Jey but when did you get back? Last time Jailene told me about you, you were hanging around London or was it Paris? Somewhere in Europe.”
Jey chuckled softly, “It was London when I last talked to Jailene, and I just got back a few weeks ago. I believe Jailene mentioned about moving in with me at my studio apartment.”
“She did! We were in the process of packing up our stuff and then heading over.” He then paused as his brows became knitted together, “Speaking of which, did you happen to extend that invitation to Taehyung? I just saw him a couple minutes ago, and he seemed like he could use a place to stay.” He stated; his eyes trailed her body up and down as if he tried to decipher her body language.
The moment her mind and heart registered his name, Jey’s body froze. Her heart sped up as her hands trembled. It wasn’t because she feared him after what happened with Yongguk. No. She feared him because of the love he bared for her. One of the many epiphanies she experienced always dealt with Taehyung. She realized that he shouldn’t love someone who was so broken like her. He needed someone perfect, and—it wasn’t her.
With a nervous smile, she finally spoke.
“I mean, if Taehyung absolutely needed a place to say, then he’s more than welcome to stay with me.”
Jimin cocked up his brow; however, before he could bull on her statement, his vision was taken away. A pair of hands covered them.
“Guess who! Also, you better get right or else I’m gonna be pissed.” The voice went from sweet to menacing in less than ten seconds.
“Is it my amazing girlfriend, Jailene?” He guessed; his bright smile radiated off his face.
Jailene pecked his cheek cutely as she uncovered her boyfriend’s eyes.
“Correct! Also…” She trailed off and ran up to Jey. “Jey!!!” She shouted with glee as she hugged her dearest friend.
Jey wrapped her arms around the fiery woman, “Jailene! I missed you so much!”
Jailene broke the warm hug, “Same. How was your European journey? Was it helpful?”
“I like to think so. I mean, it led me back here to you guys.” Jey answered as the trio began to walk towards the sandwich shop.
“Can’t forget Taehyung!” Jimin added, earning him a playful smack from Jailene.
Jailene rolled her eyes as she opened the door to the place and held it open for Jimin and Jey to walk through.
Upon setting foot inside the establishment, sounds of loud chatter and dishes making impact with the table was heard. The place was bright as the walls had lamps attached in the spaces between the framed paintings. When a person walked inside, he or she automatically felt comfortable.
“So, how do you know of this place, you two?” Jey asked as everywhere she turned there were groups of happy friends talking amongst themselves. A smile of pure content graced the woman’s face as she drank in the joyful atmosphere. Seeing the many happy faces sparked different memories in Jey’s mind. All sorts of feelings flooded her mind as the emotions brought Jey back to a time where her and friends simply enjoyed each other’s companies. No drama. No riffs among friends. Most importantly—no boys. Though…she wouldn’t trade her friends’ happiness for the world. It was because of those rambunctious fellas that every single one of them were right where they belonged. Kim with her motherhood. Madelyn on Broadway or about to be. Alison at Julliard. Haneul was preparing to transfer to one of the famous art schools on this planet. Just so much was changing at once, it sent Jey on a whirlpool. She would blame on the fact that she had been MIA for so long, but it wouldn’t put her heart at ease. Fuck, she even missed Kim’s engagement party.
What kind of friend was she?
Just as she started to become wrapped around her insecurities, Jailene’s friendly voice pulled her out before it became too dark.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” Jey asked, flashing an apologetic smile.
Jailene waved it off, “I was asking if you were ready to order. Hana just texted me saying that she and Jungkook are almost at the apartment. Oh! Toni and Namjoon too.”
Jey’s eyes widened and rushed past them, practically jogging up to the cashier. She quickly scanned the menu, trying to see which food item jumped out on here. Her lips almost disappeared the more she contemplated her food options.
Finally, she decided on good old turkey sandwich with all the fixings. Something healthy yet filling, though, her stomach begged for nice slice of pizza and fries.
After Jey ordered her food, both Jimin and Jailene put in their food order. As Jailene took out her card to pay for the two of them, Jimin managed to beat her to it, earning a side glare from his woman.
“You know that I could’ve paid for us…” She muttered as she grabbed their drinks from one of the workers.
“I know that, but what kind of boyfriend would I be if I always let you pay for us. It doesn’t hurt for the two of us to split that responsibility.” Jimin told her as he quickly shoved the receipt in his wallet before taking his drink away from Jailene.
Jey shook her head and chuckled at the couple, “You should let Jimin pay for you guys once in a while. I had to beg Taehyung to let me pay since he liked to spend so freely.”
This time it was Jimin’s turn to chuckle.
“Seriously, a few days after you left, he filled up your side of closest with every brand name clothing that you ogled whenever you two went shopping. I think he spent over a thousand dollars that day.” Jimin stated.
Jey’s mouth almost dropped to the floor of the restaurant. Did her ears register that correctly? That crazy fool legit spent thousands of dollars on her, and she wasn’t even there?! Oh… Taehyung was fucking lucky that she wasn’t there when he did that. Jey would’ve beat his ass for spending so lavishly. It was one thing to buy her one expensive present, but to buy her an entire closest?! Was he insane!?
“Okay, did Jinnie tell Taehyung that I would magically appear if he bought me a shit ton of stuff?” Jey asked; her eyes slowly filled with irritation and legit concern.
Jailene snorted, “Surprisingly no. Though, that is something that handsome idiot would tell Taehyung to do as an act of revenge or something.”
Jimin nodded in agreement.
Jey shook her head as her order and her friends’ orders were called up.
She happily thanked the worker and exited the establishment with her friends in tow.
The second they set foot outside, a cooling sensation greeted them. One by one, the streetlamps lit up as each one created a tiny spotlight on the concrete ground. Cars illuminated the growing dark streets as Jey, Jailene, and Jimin started their journey back to their new home…
With the humongous feeling of utter relief and gladness, Taehyung practically skipped out of the dean’s office. Thanks to his charms, he managed to land that internship. He glanced up to the sky and drank in the mysterious yet clam nature that the universe had to offer him.
He inhaled then exhaled deeply as he descended down the stairs, though, where he was headed towards? He didn’t know himself. Maybe the universe would give him a sign?
“Tae, is that you?” Taehyung heard a familiar cocky voice ask.
His attention shifted to the right. Then, his eyes lit up as a smile appeared to match.
“No shit….” Taehyung squinted his eyes to get a better look at the person. “Jungkook and Hana? Small world.” He said quietly; a lighthearted chuckle exited his lips afterwards.
Jungkook and Hana walked up to the ecstatic Taehyung; their hands interlaced with each other.
Using his free hand, Jungkook held it out to initiate the signature “bro-shake”.
“You were the last person I’d expect to be walking out of those doors. What brings you back?” Jungkook asked as his arm wrapped around Hana’s shoulders.
“Well, I got into graduate school, so I stopped by and met up with the dean of the art department to see if it’s possible for me to intern.” He explained.
Hana nodded, “Impressive. Hey, we might see each other a lot more then!”
“That’s right! My baby girl just got admitted into the graduate program here as well and assists a few art professors with their classes.” Jungkook added, proudly bragging about his woman.
Hana shook her head in respond, even though her cheeks dawned a rosy-pink color.
Taehyung congratulated her quickly, then asked them if anything important happened since they all last saw each other.
“Hana and I got hitched last week.” Jungkook joked; his face completely serious.
Just as Taehyung was about to say something, Hana smacked Jungkook upside the head.
“Ignore the dumbass that I sadly call, ‘my boyfriend’, he doesn’t know what the fuck he’s talking about.” Hana swiftly killing any ideas of the two of them wedding anytime soon.
Jungkook feigned hurt, “What? You don’t want to marry me? I guess I should go out with Jey or something then.”
If looks could kill, then Jungkook was dead where he stood. Hana mustered the deadliest and coldest expression and stared down her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend. Jungkook had better choose his next words wisely.
Jungkook’s body froze, and a short wince escaped his mouth as if someone just stabbed him. Oh—that was right—Hana’s cold daggers punctured his delicate skin repeatedly. Well, time to grovel!
“You know that I love you, baby girl!” He smiled brightly at her and held out his arms.
Taehyung clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he did. That idiot must’ve loved testing his relationship with the sweet angel that was Hana. What did Jey use to tell him? Ah! Now, he remembered.
“Remember this Taehyungie! Even the sweetest angel has their limits.”
And Jungkook was definitely testing every single one of them right now.
“Sure, you do… if you go out with Jey, then I have all right to date Taehyung. Maybe even Seungcheol!” Hana retorted with the smuggest smile to ever grace her innocent face.
Taehyung groaned, “Did you have to drag me in this?”
Hana turned towards him, “Well, he used Jey, so it’s only natural that I use you.”
Taehyung made a face but didn’t say anything. She had a point.
Whenever a couple fought in the infamous house, it was only natural that the fighting couple, in question, used other couples as leverage or something like that.
The housemates were a strange band of mischiefs.
“Speaking of Jey, I remember Jailene telling Jimin about the two of them living with her? I didn’t know she moved out of the house. I thought she planned on returning to the house after her journey of healing?” Taehyung asked; an unknown sensation entered his heart just from the mere thought of not living with Jey any longer.
His head titled to the side as Jungkook hummed to himself.
“Yeah, Jey decided to rent a studio apartment and had some vacant rooms, so she invited Hana and I, Jailene and Jimin, and Toni and Namjoon, I believe. The rest of the gang all moved out or is currently in the planning stages of moving out.” Jungkook explained as his phone buzzed in his pocket.
He quickly fished his phone out of his pocket and unlocked it. Tiny wrinkled formed on his forehead as he read the text message he received.
Hana peeked over his shoulder and then her eyes flickered towards Taehyung.
“What are you gonna tell her?” She whispered to Jungkook.
Jungkook shrugged before typing out a quick response and hitting “send”.
“Do you honestly think that Jey’s gonna be fine with Taehyung living with us again? I mean you saw what happened after the shit storm with Yongguk. She barely went to her room and after Kim left, she took over that room and let Taehyung to room by himself.” She explained; her tone was harsh yet soft as she spoke.
“I know that, babe, but according Jimin, Jey seemed on board with Taehyung living with us.” Jungkook explained.
Hana was taken back. Did she hear that right? Jey said that it was okay for Taehyung to live with her. Maybe she came back fully healed?
She directed her attention towards the confused man.
“What do you think, Taehyung? Would you be fine with living with Jey again?” Hana asked.
Taehyung stared at Hana; his mouth sewn shut as no words, not even a simple phrase, formed in his mind.
Finally, after what it seemed like an eternity, Taehyung said…
As team HanKook waited with anxious hearts for Taehyung’s answer, Jailene, Toni, Jimin, and Namjoon sat in silence as they eyed Jey. Ever since it dawned on the woman that she offered her one true love, the owner of heart and soul, the one and only Kim Taehyung, a place to stay, her mind became jumbled up. Her heart pounded against her chest. Her fingers trembled due to the nerves that took over entire body. Again, it wasn’t because of her past traumatic experience that caused this. She didn’t want Taehyung to see this once strong woman be this broken.
When Jey first landed at Germany, she vowed that the day her eyes met Taehyung’s again, she would be fully healed. She would be the woman he fell in love with.
What was going to happen now?
“Jey? Are you absolutely positive you can handle rooming with Taehyung? No one would blame you if you took back your offer.” Namjoon said after mustering enough courage to say something.
Jey’s eyes instantly locked onto him and just as she opened her mouth to say something, a familiar voice beat her to it. That single, deep voice managed to turn Jey into a mess.
“Am I interrupting something? I can always find somewhere else to live if I’m going to cause your panic attacks, Jey.” The voice said; his tone dripped with concern and love.
Jey slowly turned her heels; her body swiveled around, almost facing the door.
Then, at that moment, her world stopped. Her broken gaze met Taehyung’s loving ones.
Only the sound of her heartbeat, racing against her chest, was heard.
“Long time no see, Jey. I missed you…”