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Taehyung was in a very good mood today. Well, he was usually in a good mood, except on the days when he had to wake up at 6.30am. It wasn’t even that early, but he simply wasn’t an early bird.
So he was in bewilderment when he saw his schedule for the new semester. His lectures on Wednesday and Friday started at 7am in the morning. Why?? Whoever came up with the schedule was the Devil himself! It was pure torture for Taehyung to wake up so early and get ready on time.
He was currently in his third year of university, majoring in Fine Arts. The course covered a range of subjects from photography, sculpture, graphic design and painting. The last one was definitely his favorite, he just loved drawing so damn much, it was his passion.
So back to the reason why he was exceptionally hyped up today – he has been painting all afternoon, Monday was his favorite day of the week, simply because he had a Paining class from 1pm to 5pm. To some people it might seem like a lot of time, but once you sit in front of the canvas, the time is never enough, at least for Taehyung.
His professor was also really nice and usually let the students choose what to draw, he just gave them a theme, a very general one, which gave everyone a lot of freedom. Today’s theme was ‘Nostalgia’ and the brush in Taehyung’s hand started moving on its own once he heard the topic.
In less than two hours, he was greeted by his grandmother’s beautiful, smiling face. It’s been over a year since she passed away, but Taehyung felt like the old woman was still by his side, watching over him, giving him strength. He had loved her dearly and still had it hard to accept the fact that she was no longer there.
But looking at the portrait he had just drawn, a smile naturally appeared on his lips. He recalled all the times when his grandmother used to sing him to sleep, play with his hair or tell him stories of her youth. Whenever he visited her house, there was the fresh smell of flowers, the woman’s garden was her treasure. She always fed him with cookies and hot chocolate on the cold afternoons and Taehyung loved spending hours and hours talking or just listening to his grandmother.
She could no longer answer back, but the boy still spoke to her at times – he asked her for advice or bragged that he had done well on an exam, he told her about his day and mumbled how much he missed her, how much he wanted to see her.
So, yes… a portrait of his grandmother with a smile on her face, a flower in her hair and a steaming cup in her hands was the definition of Nostalgia for Taehyung.
He was really pleased with the result and so was his professor who told him that he wanted to include his painting in a showcase entitled ‘Dear One’. Taehyung was overjoyed, he had been praised numerous times over the years, but it was the first time one if his babies would be shown to the world. He was often even called a genius, because most people needed days and days to create a piece of Art, but Taehyung sometimes needed hours, just like today, he was that talanted. It was a simple painting, he mainly used dark colors, so he could fit the theme and yet his work radiated happiness.
So here he was, an hour after his class had ended - in his favorite café, drinking Ginger Tea Latte, listening to Phonecert, one of his favorite songs by 10cm. He was really said when the duo disbanded in the summer, but Jungyeol released his first solo album on 1st September and Taehyung was glad that he could still listen to new tracks by 10cm, now a solo artist.
The café was rather full today, it was no surprise though, because it was raining outside, not heavily but a lot of people sought shelter in such weather, which was normal for the middle of October.
His new semester had started barely 3 weeks ago and it was going great so far, his dream since he was a young boy was becoming a reality, he was on his way of becoming an artist himself just like the people he had admired for over a decade. Maybe one day people would look at his paintings and find consolation in them, maybe his works could lift people’s spirits and make them smile? Taehyung truly hoped he would be able to make people experience different type of emotions when they looked at his Art.
He was in the middle of doing his homework. What homework, you might ask? Don’t let his major deceive you, there was a lot of theory that he had to learn, but it was all interesting to him, so he flipped the pages of his book rather quickly. He also had to analyze and write a report on a few paintings – two by famous worldwide artists, one by a Korean artist of his choice and a children’s drawing. But he was probably going to do those at his dorm, finishing up with the book was his priority at the moment.
Suddenly the chair from across of him was moved and someone sat there. Taehyung was not surprised and he didn’t even raise his head to look at the newcomer, it was quite common on the days when cafés were full – to sit at the table next to a person whom you didn’t know if there was an available chair. Taehyung was sitting alone and of course, someone would like to take one of the vacant spots at his table. He didn’t mind, really.
Nothing unusual happened for a few minutes, but then suddenly a note was pushed towards his side of the table and okay, that was kind of unexpected.
He took the small paper and saw that a message was written on it.
Hi :)
Now… that was something new.
So he finally looked up and was met with stunning doe eyes that were staring at him with curiosity. Taehyung was somehow captivated by the boy. At first glance, there was nothing extraordinary about him – he had dark brown hair, he was wearing a white tee and a black jacket. Taehyung couldn’t see the lower half of the stranger but he could guess that he was probably wearing jeans and sneakers or something like that.
Nobody has ever tried to start a conversation with him in such a way and even though the boy was the one who took the first step and wrote down the greeting, he was now avoiding Taehyung’s eyes. Was he embarrassed? That was definitely cute and Taehyung was really into cute things, so he didn’t hesitate and closed his book.
Hello ^^
He wrote down on the small piece of paper and returned it to the boy, who glanced at him when he received the note. Taehyung beamed at him, his boxy grin showing at its finest and the stranger just looked down at the table again.
Cute, too cute.
Am I bothering you? >.< I think you were studying?
Taehyung chuckled in response and shook his head, though the boy couldn’t see him, because he was still looking down.
Naah, it’s okay! Some company sounds great actually! ~__~
Taehyung wrote back and returned the note to the boy, their fingers almost brushed in the process and the stranger once again looked at him, with slightly widened eyes and fine, maybe Taehyung enjoyed the boy’s baffled expression a bit too much.
I didn’t even ask you if I could sit here… are you waiting for someone?
Well, that was true. The boy never asked, but Taehyung was definitely intrigued by the other, so he didn’t really care about that.
For you? <3
Taehyung wrote down and he saw how the poor boy choked on his drink.
Sorry, was that too much?
He totally didn’t want to creep out the other, but the boy smiled slightly and that was totally not a bad sign.
No... I was just a bit taken aback by your answer. I’m Jungkook, by the way!
Oh, right. They still hadn’t introduced themselves to each other. It was nice to finally connect the face with a name.
All good then? Silly me! >: I’m Taehyung! Nice to meet you, Jungkook! hehe
Taehyung noticed that the small paper was mostly covered by their handwriting now and Jungkook probably wouldn’t be able to write down his answer, but to Taehyung’s surprise, the boy took more empty notes from backpack, which was set on the chair next to him and replied.
Yes, all good. :) Thank you for… talking to me. I mean, I don’t do this often – interacting with strangers and I’m probably already boring you al-
Jungkook couldn’t finish writing down his sentence, because Taehyung suddenly grabbed the note from his hands and the action kind of startled the rather timid boy.
What are you saying?? You’re not boring at all! But seeing how you act… you must be a first year, right??
Taehyung showed the note to Jungkook and was pleased when the boy nodded lightly with a small smile.
I knew it! You shouldn’t be so shy! Well… you shouldn’t be like me either, I talk too much… Write, I mean, yeah you get it. I’ll stop now, before you actually decide to leave.
Jungkook himself knew how bad he was when it came to socializing. It was actually his first attempt to talk to someone on his own, especially with no one else around, no one by his side whom he knew. He still doesn’t know why he decided to sit exactly here, across from Taehyung.
There were other available seats as well, though on same tables there was more than one person, but he could still sit there. Jungkook preferred sitting next to the windows just so he could look outside, especially on a day like this when it was raining. Taehyung was sitting at one of the tables in the back of the café, away from the door and the windows and yet Jungkook went straight there.
It was as if something was pulling him towards the other, he couldn’t explain it. He actually stood beside Taehyung’s table for a whole minute, pondering what to do – should he sit down or just walk away? Jungkook would usually choose the former option and even walk out of the café, he could just drink his coffee at his dorm room, but… where was the magic in that?
The faint music in the background (for example Fiction by Rheehab was currently adding to the mood in the café and when Jungkook had walked inside Breeze by B JYUN had been playing and Jungkook could see the big smiles on the faces of the customers, they were definitely pleased by the tracks which the owner had chosen ), the lights, the aroma of coffee in the air, the chatter of the people around, the smiling baristas, this whole atmosphere… Jungkook wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, especially his almost empty and quite cold dorm room.
So he sat down, across of Taehyung, whose name he still didn’t know at the time. He was about to just drink his coffee, but his eyes were stuck to the beautiful stranger – the caramel locks, which were covering parts of his face, the lips which were pressed into a thin line, the boy looked concentrated, as he was writing something in his book. Taehyung hadn’t even looked up at Jungkook when he sat down and Jungkook was totally fine with that. More than fine actually, the less attention he received – the better.
But strangely… he was itching to start a conversation with the other.
Why?
He had no idea.
So he did the last thing he would usually do and actually wrote down a message to the boy, which was sitting across of him.
I have no reason to leave, you’re quite entertaining! ^-^
Jungkook responded after a while, Taehyung almost got scared that their conversation would just end there.
Wah, this looks like you!
What?
This > ^-^ It reminds me of a bunny and you kind of look like one, so…
Was Taehyung once again being too much? He just compared someone to a rabbit, that wasn’t something bad right? He just couldn’t help thinking that Jungkook looked like a bunny, especially when he smiled and his teeth showed.
Do you like bunnies?
Jungkook instantly scratched what he had written, but it was still visible and Taehyung once again ripped the note from his hands.
The boy was now hiding his face behind his hands and Taehyung smiled fondly at him, cuteness has always been bad for his heart. Taehyung was weak when it came to small animals and stuff like that, so he was having a hard time coping with the adorable fluffball in front of him.
I’m more of a puppy person…
Taehyung wrote and he could see that Jungkook was peeking, so he could read the message.
But yes, I like bunnies. A lot.
The boy seemed relieved to read that and once again grabbed the small paper.
That’s… cool. How old are you though?
Oh, I am your Hyung! I’m turning 21 this December!
Hyung… keke : D I turned 19 on 1st September.
Daebak… 4.0 was released then! You know, 10cm’s album? I’m a huge fan!
Ah, yes. I’ve heard it, it’s nice.
Super nice! Taehyung corrected Jungkook’s sentence, while chuckling. Where are you from, Jungkook-ah? Seoul?
No, Busan. I came here to study.
Me too. I mean I came here to study. I’m from Daegu though. Well, I was born there but I’ve lived in Geochang my whole life, it’s pure heaven there!
I like the countryside too, Hyung. It has a calming effect, being there, away from the noise and the big city. It’s like people forget about their problems in such places and smile more.
Exactly! As I thought – great minds think alike. Taehyung quickly wrote down and grinned at the younger boy. Anyway, what are you studying?
I’m majoring in photography. I’ve liked taking pictures since I was really young, so I thought… why not? It makes me happy, so I decided to give it a try. Ah, I also like drawing… I think I’m good? But… I haven’t showed my drawings to anyone.
A shriek left Taehyung’s lips when he read the message and Jungkook was slightly puzzled and now the older’s eyes were practically sparking, which confused the boy even more.
Deep breaths, deep breaths…. NO! It’s not working! Oh god, can I freak out now???
After reading what Taehyung had written down, Jungkook was even more lost, because of the other’s enthusiasm.
Okay, Okay… let me explain! What you just said – it’s the same for me, though it’s quite the opposite!
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, because the older’s ‘explanation’ just confused him even more.
What?
Taehyung looked at the note (it was the fifth or sixth one already, they had written quite a lot) and re-read his sentence. Okay, that definitely sounded better in his head.
I mean… my major is Fine Arts. Painting is what I truly want to do for a living. I think I’m good too? My favorite professor said he wants to include one of my paintings in a showcase. Ah, I’m not bragging! Just saying… and taking pictures is my second favorite thing in the world! So what I wanted to say is that – we have the same interests, though for me drawing overpowers taking pictures.
This looked like a complete novel, compared to their fist messages and Jungkook took his time, while reading. He was surprised that he and Taehyung were bonded by the same passions. His hasty decision to start a conversation with the older turned out to be one of the best things Jungkook had ever done in his life, he was actually proud of himself for taking the initiative.
I see, that’s… awesome.
Taehyung could only laugh, because of the response.
You’re not a man of many words, Jungkook-ah. But it’s okay, this Hyung here talks too much anyway.
Jungkook usually replied like this – simply, shortly, without adding many adjectives or explaining much, but he was glad that Taehyung didn’t mind.
So… are you going to show me?
Show you what? Jungkook scribbled down, once again not understanding what the other meant.
You said you haven’t showed your drawings to anyone, right? So, can you show me?
Jungkook bit on his bottom lip and squirmed on his chair, he looked pressured and unsure. He really wanted to show some of his drawings to Taehyung, but the older was majoring in Arts… what if he said Jungkook’s drawing’s sucked? Well, the boy was sure Taehyung would use a more subtle approach and not tell him directly, but still…
Seeing the hesitancy in the boy’s eyes and the troubled expression on Jungkook’s face, Taehyung decided to add something else to the note.
If you show me some of your drawings, I’ll show you some of the pictures I’ve taken. I like taking photos of the scenery, landscapes and stuff like that. I’m fan of the black and white filter, so maybe you could even give me some advice and I could do the same for you?
Jungkook just stared at the paper for a few seconds before he grabbed his pen.
Okay.
The two of them continued meeting up. They had spent over two hours ‘talking’ on that rainy Monday and they exchanged numbers before leaving. They didn’t really chat with each other during the time they were apart, just simple messages with – Good morning, I wish you a great day, Good night and things like that (Sometimes Taehyung even sent appropriate songs to Jungkook to make his day better and he surely did, especially when he sent him songs in the morning like Good Morning by KREAM ). Just because they wanted to have more to share with each other whenever they meet.
Thankfully, their schedules were pretty similar and they spend the afternoons in the café. Taehyung mostly drank tea instead of coffee though, because he said that caffeine always made him too energetic and he was already quite lively without it. Jungkook had quietly laughed under his breath upon hearing that, because yeah it was true.
Taehyung learnt new things about the younger every time they met – like the fact that Jungkook also liked playing Overwatch, but Taehyung’s ranking was much higher, he was a total pro at that game.
He was surprised to learn that Jungkook had an older brother, who was also an artist, but he mostly drew caricatures.
And felt bad when Jungkook told him that his parents were opposed of his dream. Well, not the fact that he wanted to pursue photography, but the fact that he wanted to leave Busan and go to Seoul all alone. Jungkook didn’t seem pleased by the fact that his parents still treated him like a baby. He was already an adult and he needed independence. He has been living in Seoul for barely a month now, but he has been doing well so far, though the big crowds and the traffic were things he was sill trying to get used to.
Busan was quite a big city as well, but it couldn’t be compared to the capital.
The second time they met, Taehyung shared with Jungkook about his grandmother’s passing. How much he had loved her, the fact that she had practically raised him. It was nice to be able to confide to someone, to tell his story.
Taehyung received very valuable advices towards photography from the younger boy, who really knew a lot and Taehyung was mesmerized by Jungkook’s drawings. They were so, so good. It was a shame that the boy didn’t want to show them to anyone.
Taehyung had also showed Jungkook some of his paintings, well via his phone though, because he couldn’t bring a whole painting to the café and Jungkook always carried some of his photos, developed and he even let Taehyung keep a photo of the starry night, which Jungkook had taken last summer.
Time flew by really fast when the two of them were together and Jungkook and Taehyung’s backpacks were stuffed with colorful notes filled with messages.
That’s right. The two still communicated by using small papers. It was fun, actually and totally unique. Taehyung has always had a rather bizarre taste and he was absolutely okay with odd way of communication.
But during the second week, he brought up the matter.
Jungkook-ah… when are you going to let me hear your goodly voice?
Taehyung noticed how the boy looked slightly uncomfortable, because of the question, but his expression soon returned to normal.
You’re not talking either, Hyung. I’m curious about how your voice sounds like too…
Now Jungkook was almost pouting and Taehyung fought the urge to pinch the other’s cheeks, the boy hated the fact that his parents wanted to pamper him at this age, so he was definitely not going to be fond of that action.
You’ll be surprised… ha-ha : P
Taehyung wrote and actually stuck his tongue out, making Jungkook smile.
A nice surprise?
I hope so! Anyway, are you hungry? I saw that there was a strawberry cheesecake when I ordered my tea.
Taehyung turned the note towards the boy and saw how Jungkook gulped, probably imagining how the cheesecake would taste like. The boy practically idolized cheesecakes, the traditional one and all other types with different jam, fruits or chocolate.
Great, Hyung will treat you then!
Before Taehyung could get up and run towards the counter, Jungkook grabbed his arm, stopping him. The boy quickly released his hand and Taehyung felt kind of disappointed, he has always been fond of skinship, so Jungkook - holding his hand… yeah, that sounded and felt heavenly.
Taehyung wasn’t a fool, he was aware of the fact that he liked Jungkook. As a friend, sure. But maybe there was something more?
Before, Taehyung looked forward to his Mondays the most, just so he could attend his favorite class. But now, Tuesdays topped his list, because Jungkook had morning classes on that that and Taehyung’s last lecture ended at 3pm, so they had quite a lot of time until night and spent more time together.
Taehyung was always excited whenever he was around the younger, Jungkook energized him more than any coffee ever could. He really liked the boy’s smiling face, how he seemed much more relaxed around him now and gosh, Taehyung even wanted to buy a tiny bunny and raise it. He almost got one four days ago when he passed by a pet store and saw a few bunnies from the window, there was one that stood out – it had black fur and it was standing in the corner, away from the other of its kind.
And Taehyung really thought the small bunny resembled Jungkook – the way the boy stayed away from the other people, how shy he was even when he showed off his photos and that black fur… Taehyung was most definitely pleasantly surprised when Jungkook suddenly showed up with black hair last Friday. Ah, what a time to be alive.
But no animals were allowed at the dorm, so Taehyung spent about 10 minutes staring at the bunny and he actually took a picture of it before he walked away, completely dejected.
Taehyung was also fascinated every time when the younger boy talked about his dream and how he wanted to improve his skills.
‘Photography is the story I fail to put into words.’ Jungkook had written down on one of the notes a few days ago. ‘I know I'm not very talkative, but I really want to convey my emotions through the camera, to show the others how the world looks through my lenses. So more people could see it from my point of view. The world, which Jeon Jungkook sees.’
Well, shit… Taehyung was screwed.
He was 99,9% sure that he was developing a pretty huge crush on his newly-formed friend.
But can you judge him?
Jungkook was just… Jungkook.
And Taehyung couldn’t help falling for the boy.
He even imagined serenading the younger with Comfort Zone by BiNTAGE. He was sure that Jungkook would get super embarrassed and probably even the tips of his ears would get red, because of the line ‘I wanna be your man.’, that would be hella adorable.
Kim Taehyung was doomed, oh lord.
He just remembered that he was about to buy cheesecake for Jungkook before the younger stopped him and he was currently looking at him with his big eyes filled with question marks, so Taehyung grabbed his pencil (he had been using it to draw before Jungkook appeared and his pen was on the other corner of the table, so…) and wrote a short message, hiding it from the other boy. He then placed the note upside down and headed towards the counter.
Jungkook stared at Taehyung’s retreating back for a few seconds before curiosity took over him and he flipped over the note.
His breath practically got stuck in his throat and he re-read the short message over and over again, glad that Taehyung couldn’t see his face at the moment, because Jungkook was sure that he was currently blushing like an idiot.
Hyung really likes you, Jungkookie. So I want to treat you. Think of this as… a date! ; )
It was a rather chilly day, but it was a given since it was November already. The ripped jeans and t-shirts Jungkook loved wearing so much, had to be replaced by normal jeans, black pants and hoodies or sweathers. He was even wearing a coat today, because it was also quite windy. He thought about putting on a beanie as well, but decided against it in the last moment. Something, which he totally regretted right now because his hair was a complete mess.
It’s been a month since he first met Taehyung and Jungkook was currently speed walking towards the café. He felt like he spent there more time than at his own dorm room, really… he only slept there. He usually worked on his assignments and projects at the café, with Taehyung by his side. The older often helped him, even when Jungkook didn’t ask.
At times they simply listened to music, sharing either Taehyung or Jungkook’s earphones. The first song they listened to together was Change by SLCHLD and the younger boy had totally loved the song, he even asked Taehyung to play it a second time. They even had the same taste in music and they weren’t even surprised anymore. They also liked the same types of foods, though Jungkook liked spiciness a little bit more than Taehyung and he definitely refused to trade his delicious coffee for the tasteless tea, which the older drank daily.
Taehyung was actually offended when Jungkook had said that the tea he was drinking was terrible, because to the older it was damn tasty. One sip from Taehyung’s cup was enough to make Jungkook never order that thing though, but as long as the other liked drinking it…
Neither of them brought up the ‘date’ thing again, Jungkook didn’t even know if Taehyung was serious about that or if he was only joking. Probably the latter, since the older had a rather bubbly personality and liked goofing around.
It didn’t change the fact that Jungkook felt funny whenever he thought about that message. Taehyung had even written that he liked him…
As a friend.
Jungkook always mentally added in his head. They were friends, but lately just the thought of meeting Taehyung was able to make Jungkook smile from ear to ear.
He didn’t want to fool himself and think he was someone special to Taehyung. The older was so friendly and easy-going that he could befriend anyone he wanted. Sometimes Jungkook wondered why Taehyung even put up with him, but he could only be grateful, because the afternoons with the older were Jungkook’s most sacred time.
He walked into the café and quickly scanned it with his eyes. He spotted Taehyung right away, he was sitting at their usual table and it seemed like the older saw Jungkook as well, because he smiled and the younger waved his hand before he went to the counter and ordered a hazelnut cappuccino.
He rocked back and forth on his feet, Daybreak by Gaeun Lee was gently caressing his ears and the boy really thought that the owner of the café should be a DJ or something, his taste in music was just wow, but the man was rather old and those songs really wouldn’t fit a club or something, so things were okay like this. As he was waiting for his drink to be prepared, he glanced in Taehyung’s direction and saw that the older was just twirling his pencil, while tilting his head to the side, staring at the book in front of him.
Taehyung just looked… ethereal.
Jungkook has always been a vivid admirer of Art and whenever he looked at Taehyung, he couldn’t help but think that the older was exactly the definition of Art – his marvelous, fine features, his slender and delicate fingers, his long eye lashes, his bright smile, the charming beauty marks on his face.
Kim Taehyung was perfection and if Jungkook was a critic, he would give the older a score of 100/10, for sure.
The barista was quickly done with his order and Jungkook took his cup, which was filled with warm cappuccino.
He let his backpack fall on one of the chairs and sat across of Taehyung. They sometimes sat next to each other, but Jungkook definitely had a thing for Taehyung’s face, so he tried to use every possible chance to look at the older and it was quite suspicious to do so if they were sitting side by side.
Taehyung set his pencil and book to the side, so he could fully focus on the boy in front of him. Jungkook was getting prettier and prettier every time he saw him or maybe Taehyung was falling deeper and deeper every single time he laid his eyes on the boy, he didn’t really know, maybe it was both.
The cappuccino smelled really good and Jungkook wanted to warm up himself, so he took a sip without even blowing at the hot liquid to cool it off and hissed when he burnt his tongue.
“Jungkook, are you okay??”
The said boy froze, his aching tongue long forgotten because… Kim Taehyung just spoke.
The older seemed startled as well and quickly covered his mouth.
And the two of them silently stared at each other.
Well… what was done was done.
“I’m sorry.” Taehyung apologized sincerely, while Jungkook continued silently staring at him. “I was just worried about you and the question slipped past my lips. I ruined everything, huh?”
To his surprise, Jungkook just shook his head in response and smiled at him. Taehyung could only sigh in relief.
“Are you okay?” Taehyung asked again, in a less alarmed voice and the boy nodded. “So… my voice… I often get told that it doesn’t really match my looks or something like that… Was it a nice surprise?”
Another nod from the younger and Taehyung smiled sheepishly.
Jungkook liked his voice.
Jungkook wasn’t mad at him for speaking all of a sudden.
Jungkook was smiling at him.
That was… fucking amazing!
“Time to return the favor, Jungkook-ah! It’s your turn to say something!” Taehyung excitedly chirped and loved how the younger’s name easily rolled off his tongue, it sounded so nice. Taehyung has been dying to say Jungkook’s name for weeks.
My turn, huh?
Jungkook repeated in his head and clenched his fists under the table.
It was unavoidable. Of course, they couldn’t keep talking to each other through notes and texts for the rest of their lives.
Jungkook knew that this day would come, sooner or later.
It was much sooner than he had expected though and he wasn’t ready, but it was time.
He couldn’t continue lying to Taehyung, straight in the face.
So he took in a deep, much needed breath and opened his mouth to speak.
Hi, Hyung.
Taehyung was good at lip reading, so he was pretty sure that’s what Jungkook had said or tried to, because no sound left the boy’s lips when he spoke.
Jungkook could see it… Taehyung was waiting for him to say something else, to actually speak, but a sad smile appeared on the boy’s face and it finally clicked…
Taehyung’s eyes widened, he really wasn’t good at faking his emotions, he was absolutely shocked.
All this time…
It’s not that Jungkook didn’t want to talk to him and used notes instead.
Jungkook just…
He just…
… couldn’t speak.
After the realization, Taehyung was the one who was left speechless. He just didn’t know what to say and Jungkook… he was avoiding the older’s eyes and Taehyung hated that.
“Jungkook… why? I- gosh, please look at me.”
The younger was still refusing to lift up his head, so Taehyung ripped a page from his notebook and took out a pen from his case. Jungkook was usually the one who took out the pieces of paper, which they used and now it made sense… why the boy had so many empty notes, carrying them around in his backpack, he simply needed them.
Taehyung grabbed Jungkook’s hands and he could feel how the other tensed up, but didn’t push him away, so Taehyung handed over the pen to Jungkook and slid the empty page towards the boy as well.
“Look at me.”
He repeated, firmly this time, still holding onto Jungkook’s hands and the boy finally met his eyes.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Taehyung asked and released Jungkook’s hands, so he could write down his answer.
Jungkook looked reluctant, Taehyung could see it in his eyes, he was afraid that the boy would just run away, if he didn’t want to explain himself, then okay Taehyung would accept that, but the younger – ignoring him? No way in hell.
“Please, Jungkook. Just… talk to me-” Taehyung wanted to smack himself for saying that and the hurt look in Jungkook’s eyes just made him feel tons worse. “I mean… in your own way. At your pace. I won’t pressure you. If you want to, I’ll stop talking as well! We can still use the notes to-”
Taehyung’s speech was cut short when he saw that Jungkook tightly grabbed the pen and wrote something on the paper.
Don’t. Don’t stop talking, Hyung.
Taehyung was glad that Jungkook finally wrote something down and sent him a reassuring smile. “Okay, I’ll keep talking. But will you tell me why you kept this as a secret for so long?”
Taehyung leaned back onto his chair, because it seemed like Jungkook wanted to write something longer and he wanted to let the boy pour his heart onto the piece of paper.
Jungkook wrote and wrote and Taehyung just listened to the boy’s breathing, stared at his face, he was amazed how swiftly Jungkook scribbled down word after word.
After he was done, Jungkook slowly pushed the no longer blank page towards Taehyung, studying his face, waiting for a reaction.
I was embarrassed… of who I am. I’ve always used my disability as an excuse… an excuse for my inability to communicate with people. I know that sometimes words are not needed and yet I’ve always felt insecure. People have always judged me and pitied me, even my own parents didn’t want to let me come to the big city, they thought that I wouldn’t be able to survive on my own, that I wouldn’t be able to take care of myself. And I just… I wanted someone to like me for who I am – the Jeon Jungkook who likes playing games, adores taking pictures and loves drinking coffee. Not the boy who can’t speak, not that weak Jeon Jungkook who always avoids people, afraid that they would misjudge him without even knowing him…
“Idiot.” Taehyung mumbled under his breath and frowned, because of the message. “Did you think that I would be like those people who wouldn’t even try to get to know you and avoid you??”
Jungkook expected any type of reaction, anything but this. He thought that Taehyung would be mad at him, but the older just looked rather upset.
“Nothing would’ve changed between us! I meant what I said, Jungkook… I really do like you a lot.” Taehyung confessed then and he didn’t miss the way the younger’s face flushed because of the said words. “I love spending time with you, listening to music with you, showing you my paintings or pictures I have taken, ranting about some of my annoying classmates, learning more about you. The fact that you can’t speak… it doesn’t change anything. I am always going to be looking forward to our afternoons, the hours we would spend together, writing each other notes, doing our homework. The only regret I’ll ever have is that I’ll never be able to hear your voice. Because I am sure that it would have been beautiful… just like everything when it comes to you, Jungkook. Everything about you is beautiful.”
Taehyung almost got a heart attack when he saw the tears, which were rolling down the boy’s cheeks. He thought that he had messed up, that he had said something which had made Jungkook feel uncomfortable, but even though the boy was crying, Taehyung had never seen a brighter smile on his face and gosh…
Jungkook looked lovely even when he was a sobbing mess.
Their drinks were long forgotten, the younger’s cup was no longer steaming and he didn’t need a hot coffee to warm him up on a cold, November day because Taehyung’s words had already done that.
Jungkook felt like the luckiest person to be able to hear that, from no other than Taehyung. The constantly smiling, caring and gentle Taehyung, who always praised his drawings and told him that his photos were outstanding. Jungkook really didn’t know what he had done in his previous life to deserve someone like Taehyung by his side. A kind boy who would always be there to comfort him.
And Jungkook really felt like a fool for not sharing his secret with Taehyung sooner.
Taehyung would’ve understood, he would’ve accepted him as he was.
But for Jungkook, Taehyung was like a beautiful dream, which could disappear any second. He didn’t want the dream to be over, the happiness he felt while he was around the older was something he wanted to be able to feel all the time.
But his secret was out now, he had come clean and Taehyung was still there, sitting in front of him just like always, his previous scrawl replaced by a dazzling smile, mouthing ‘It’s okay. It’s okay. Don’t cry.’ with that angelic voice of his.
Jungkook wiped his face with his sleeve and grabbed the pen again, hiding what he was writing from Taehyung’s prying eyes.
The older pouted and started whining, calling Jungkook’s name, demanding for his attention, but the boy ignored him, he looked totally immersed in what he was doing - writing a new, very important message and when he was finished, he gave the note to Taehyung.
Hello, my name is Jeon Jungkook, I am 19 years old and I have been mute ever since I was born. I am quite shy and reserved. I think I’m kind of dull, but I’m not a bad person. I never give up on my goals until I have reached them, so I guess that makes me kind of cool? I can be quite funny at times too. But I can also be very moody and avoid replying to texts when I’m not in the mood. But if you’re okay with a person like me… I would love to be your friend.
Taehyung found the note endearing, but it also pained him to read how lowly Jungkook actually thought of himself. What was wrong with him? He was a cute, little bunny and Taehyung would totally love to cuddle with him all afternoon and tell him over and over again how perfect he was. Jungkook deserved to be showered with all the love in the world, there could be no different opinions on that.
Jungkook was surprised when the older didn’t say anything and instead turned the page on the other side and took the pen from Jungkook’s hand, writing down a message of his own.
Jungkook used the time to take a proper sip from his coffee, it was sweet but he could still feel the caffeine, exactly like he liked it. He played with his cup for a few more seconds before the piece of paper was shoved into his hands and he could only smile, as he read what the other had written.
Hi, my name is Kim Taehyung and I am soon turning 21. I often cross the line and say weird things, I’m quite peculiar and I’m a puppies and Van Gogh enthusiast. Ghibli animations own a huge part of my heart. I talk a lot, maybe even too much but I can be creative and my jokes are not that bad. I am a total klutz and letting me in a kitchen is rather dangerous. I can be quite annoying at times, but I always look after the people I care about. So… if you’re okay with an odd person like me… then I hope we can stay friends, for a very long time.
Jungkook instantly grabbed the pen and wrote just one word, which made Taehyung laugh hard.
Copycat.
That day surely served as a new beginning for them.
And Taehyung truly hoped that one day…
Jungkook would be more than just a friend.
But little did he know…
Because Jungkook was actually hoping for the same.
The boy was dreaming of a day when he would be able to call Kim Taehyung…
His boyfriend.
“Beautiful things don't ask for attention.” - James Thurber