Chapter Text
Jungkook wakes up to a warm bed, overheating because of his leech of a boyfriend squeezing him from the back. Taehyung’s still dead to the world, arms tightly wound around Jungkook’s body. He relaxes into Taehyung’s chest, soaking in the feeling of waking up next to his boyfriend everyday. It’s been 3 years since they moved in together but every morning feels like the first. Taehyung stirs from sleep while Jungkook tries to turn around in his arms and stare at him. He looks so pretty sleeping. Taehyung opens his eyes, blinking tiredly in the dark bedroom.
“Morning baby, liking what you see?” Taehyung says with a smirk. Jungkook rolls his eyes, ignoring his face heating up. He probably resembles a tomato, typical Taehyung, flirting one second into waking up. His boyfriend snorts with laughter at Jungkook’s attempt at a scowl.
“Whatever,” he mutters, “you’re not that cute when you sleep”. Ha, a blatant lie. Taehyung coos, pinching Jungkook’s cheeks and tightening his arms.
“Aww you’re so cute. Don’t worry baby, I know I’m hot stuff,” he winks, squishing Jungkook to death. “Alas, it’s 12 pm so we do have to get up”. Taehyung rolls over Jungkook, fake-crying into his neck, enjoying his boyfriend’s laughter at his antics. Jungkook can’t help it, I love you I love you I love you, repeating in his mind, reveling in the presence of his favourite person. His best friend turned boyfriend, who ignored his own soul mark because he loved Jungkook, mark-less Jungkook, enough to disregard his soulmate.
Every time Jungkook notices the contrast between the star on Taehyung’s wrist, and his own bare one, he remembers how different they could be. Being mark-less isn’t exactly unheard of, but it’s not common, and certainly isn’t desired. Jungkook’s gone through so many sleepless nights, staring at his bedroom ceiling, wishing that he could’ve shared Taehyung’s mark, wishing that he could truly be Taehyung’s. But he’s not. All the reassurances in the world, all of Taehyung’s “I love you, you are everything to me, I don’t care about my soulmate I only care about you” never make the feeling fully go away. It’s hard, when he’s fully aware that someone is out there, a perfect match for Taehyung. Someone suits him perfectly, and that’ll never be Jungkook. It strikes him every time they have an argument, every time they don’t understand something about each other. A lingering thought: I don’t get it because I’m not meant to be yours. The constant weight on his chest momentarily retreats when Taehyung leans over to kiss him. Runs a hand over his cheek, before squeezing him to his chest like he knows Jungkook’s despair. That’s the thing, Taehyung gets him, and he gets Taehyung, and they understand and know and love each other so well. But Jungkook isn’t marked, and Taehyung has someone waiting for him, and they both pretend like they are forever.
Jungkook musters up with energy to sit up and roll out of bed, dragging Taehyung with him like an oversized koala. Taehyung doesn’t let go through the walk to the bathroom, so they waddle through their apartment, giggling like lovesick children. Jungkook grabs Taehyung’s face to kiss him, laughing about his boyfriend’s whines about morning breath. He’s painfully happy. Jungkook leaves Taehyung to shower, while he heads to the kitchen to make some breakfast. Surprisingly, they do not save time when showering together. Jungkook is halfway into cooking Taehyung’s favourite blueberry pancakes, when the tightness in his chest returns. The pancakes are laid out separately on the plate, the blueberries forming smiley faces on top. Exactly how Tae likes them, exactly how he’s liked them since he was 15. Jungkook knows him, he knows him so well, but every second he has a tiny voice telling him “Tae’s not going to stay forever”. It hurts.
It’s a ritual to have breakfast together whenever they can, even at 1 in the afternoon. The fridge is empty, a by-product of their grocery shopping procrastination which they physically cannot put off any longer. Jungkook slumps his body over the kitchen counter, already worn out from his minimal food preparation. Taehyung drapes himself over him, amused at his boyfriend’s dramatic act. He nuzzles at Jungkook’s cheek, pressing a soft kiss there.
“I’m going to do some shopping,” Taehyung laughs, “you can chill out here you big baby.” Jungkook whines at the comment, unable to move because of Taehyung’s weight right on top of him.
“...shut up.” Jungkook lets out a disgruntled noise, but they both know he’s thrilled to be staying home. Taehyung finally rises, grabbing Jungkook by the waist and peppering his face with kisses while they both giggle. Jungkook pulls away to let Taehyung leave with a soft “love you, bye.” While Taehyung’s out, Jungkook washes some dishes, and aimlessly wanders the apartment. It’s a lazy weekend day, so he can put off chores and work for the foreseeable future. He’s not used to being alone often, especially with Taehyung’s constant need for affection and cuddles. There’s Overwatch sitting on their console, a perfect way to pass the time. Jungkook gathers some cushions and blankets, alongside packets upon packets of snacks. A fun session awaits.
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When Jungkook resurfaces from his intense Overwatch session, Taehyung’s still not back. It’s been close to two hours now. That’s not normal? Taehyung could have gotten distracted with other shops or decided to stop by for some food. The anxious pit in his stomach steadily grows. Jungkook stands up, his legs are shaky, but it doesn’t just feel like the result of his two hour game. He should call Taehyung. The phone rings, but there’s no answer. Jungkook’s worried now, he’s very worried now. ‘It’s okay, Tae’s a grown man, he can go out and stay safe by himself, he’ll be fine’ he thinks to himself, taking some deep breaths. Jungkook heads to the bathroom, intent on washing his face and hopefully refreshing himself. The phone’s buzzing on the couch when he returns. Jungkook runs over and hurriedly picks up.
“Hey baby, I’m so sorry I got caught up in something,” Taehyung’s voice flows in through the speakers. He sounds hesitant and nervous, but he’s safe. Jungkook releases a breath of relief.
“Are you okay? It’s been two hours, Tae, I was really worried” Jungkook says. There’s a tentative pause on the other side. Jungkook feels panic rise up in his chest. “Tae? Please I’m gonna start freaking out”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry Kook, there’s nothing wrong baby, I’m totally fine.” Taehyung speaks so fast, it almost makes Jungkook panic more. “I’m sorry Jungkookie, I just got caught up with...someone I met”. Oh, that’s normal, Tae makes new friends all the time, his extrovert and confident nature attracting all sorts of people to him. But this time, he sounds weird about it.
“Oh that’s fine, I just wanted to know you’re okay.” Jungkook hears Taehyung breathe in sharply.
“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Listen, Kook, uh, can I bring them home, and introduce you?” Jungkook’s heart rate is picking up, his hands are shaking.
“Uh, uh, why? Uh is- is it something bad?” Jungkook's voice is also shaking.
“No! No not at all baby, it’s nothing bad!” Taehyung exclaims, “I’ll explain everything, I was just-”
“Okay” Jungkook exhales deeply, “It’s okay Tae, you can bring them. Just please come back soon.” Taehyung hangs up with a nervous "I love you.” Jungkook is literally dying. He’s sweaty, his hands are clammy, Taehyung’s hesitant and nervous voice replays in his head. What the hell is happening. He walks back and forth around his living room, running through all the possible things Taehyung might say to him, especially with a guest in tow. He’s reaching 5 minutes of pacing when the door opens. Jungkook’s a deer in the headlights, standing motionless watching Taehyung walk in. He looks stressed? He steps aside to let someone in, and huh. Taehyung brought a ridiculously pretty person home. What The Hell. Pretty Man stands beside Taehyung, looking between the two of them. Tae’s fidgeting, the nervous energy starting to affect Jungkook again. Taehyung wipes his palms on his shirt and gestures to Pretty Man, starting to speak.
“Jungkook...uhh baby, this is Jimin. He’s……he’s my soulmate”. Jungkook’s world closes in on itself.