Work Text:
His lungs felt as if they were about to burst, his throat tight and his eyesight blurry. It didn't help that it was the middle of winter, though he could easily blame his tears on the icy weather, as well as his flaring cheeks.
“Tae, I love you.” he was cut off by an excited squeal.
“I’m getting married in January, Hyun-sik just proposed to me.” Taehyung said, smiling delightfully at his engagement ring. Jeongguk gave him a small broken smile, his eyes portraying many emotions, his mouth as still as a rock.
“I’m happy for you hyung, truly am.” he lied through his teeth, because no, he wasn’t the slightest bit happy, yet that smile that graced Taehyung’s lips still made his heart flutter.
“Anyways, what were you going to say gguk?”. Jeongguk waved him off, facing away to hide the oncoming tears. Fireworks went off in the distance and he mentally cursed Jimin for setting them off at the wrong time.
“I’ve got to go hyung, I will see you tomorrow.” Jeongguk walked on without looking back. Without saying goodbye. Without even as much as a single glance at the older, because he knew it would break his heart even more.
“Hey man how did it go?” Jimin came out from behind the bush, a blushing Namjoon following after. “Ol’ clutz over here set off the fireworks without you signaling.” Jimin laughed loudly. Once he noticed Jeongguk’s unusual silence he frowned slightly before stepping forward.
“H-hyung, h-he *hic* married-” Jeongguk bit back a sob as he stared at his best friend. “Code R point A hyung.” Jimin immediately understood, holding his friend’s hand.
“R point A? Are you sure?” Jimin searched his eyes for an answer, only now realizing that little light had gone dim. He brought the younger into a tight hug, cradling him so gently as he rubbed his back in comfort. “Shh, hyung’s got you, let it out.” was all he said.
Jeongguk caught the next flight to Switzerland, leaving behind nothing but a broken heart.
Present day…
The office was busier than usual, full of people who wanted to go home to their families as Christmas was just around the corner. Jeongguk was ruthless towards his employees, quoting “You can sleep when you’re dead.” like a repetitive mantra every time someone slacks off.
“You definitely need to get laid, Gguk.” Yugyeom, the employee’s personal saviour they call him, said. Jeongguk didn’t even look up, still carrying on with his work.
“Look, I have a nice guy for you, whether it's a one night stand or maybe more-
“I’m not interested, Yugyeom. Go annoy someone else.” Jeongguk said, typing away at his computer. Yugyeom merely rolled his eyes, taking a piece of paper out of his pocket and placing it on the black desk .
“His name is Taehyuk or something, he's a very nice guy. Spoke to him over the phone once for an interview.” Before Jeongguk could reject, his phone went off beside him. Yugyeom sat quietly in front of him, both now staring at the buzzing phone. After a few more rings Jeongguk finally picked up.
“Hello, Jeongguk speaking.”
“Hi my baby.” a high pitched voice sounded through the phone. His mother.
“Hi Ma’ is there something you need?”.
“When are you going to visit me? Christmas isn’t going to wait for you.”
“I know Ma’ but I’ve got so much work in my hands, I don’t have time to rest.”
“You will take a break my baby, come home.”
“It’s not that easy-
“I will see you this coming Friday.”
“But Ma’-
She hung the phone up before he could even reject the offer. He didn’t want to go back home, it’s where his most painful memories live. Where /he/ lives.
“I think you should go, gguk.” Yugyeom said, sitting up from his slouched position. “Your mother is right, you do need a break.”
“But who is going to watch over the company for me?”
“I will.” Yugyeom said happily, watching Jeongguk’s face go from worried to emotionless within a split second, “Don’t give me that look! I’m quite reliable, I too can type on a computer.” He said as a matter-of-fact.
“You have the mental capacity of a two-year-old, I don’t think you're a reliable choice.” Jeongguk said dryly. Yugyeom looked almost offended, crossing his arms with a scowl.
“I like to think that you and I think quite the same.”
“I take offense to that-
Jeongguk flew to Korea the next day, leaving the company in the hands of his very trustworthy friend who he shall trust with his whole heart, or whatever Yugyeom said.
“Relax, I have everything under control, I’ll see you in a week for Christmas.” Yugyeom said through the phone, hanging up before Jeongguk could mutter out his next words.
“Deep breaths, you’ve got this in the bag. Two weeks is nothing, you’ll be fine, no biggie” Jungkook stepped out of the cab, staring at his family home. The place he grew up. He walked up the stairs, dragging his luggage as each step he took became slower. He knocked on the dorr, anticipatedly waiting.
“Jeonggukie hyung!” a shrill screech sounded through the home. Before he could react to the high voice, he was tumbled over by a small ball of joy.
“Hi you little rascal.” Jungkook smiled brightly, ruffling his younger brother’s, Ji-seok, raven locks. The younger merely whined and softly shoved his shoulder.
“You’re going to mess my hair up! Jiminie-hyung is coming for dinner tonight with his evil boyfriend NamJoon-ssi, so I’ve got to look extra dazzling to win him over!” Ji-seok said before grabbing a comb out to flatten the mess.
“NamJoon and Jimin? Who would've known.” Jungkook pondered in thought before coming back to his senses. “If you want to look better than Joonie-hyung, you’re going to need more than your hair combed, you better give up now.”
“Well people do say that I resemble you alot, so maybe that's why I’m still single.” he said cheekily before sprinting away. Jungkook could hear chuckles from behind him, but before he could spin back to give a glare, a wooden spoon made its way towards his forehead.
“Why must you greet me last, son?”
“Geez I missed you too Ma’.” Jungkook rubbed the red spot that's slowly forming on his forehead. She brought him into a hug, arms almost instantly finding their way around his head. “How’s dad?” he asked as he pulled away from the hug.
“You know your father, always so grumpy around you. But I promise that he was the most excited to see you again, after a whole year!”
“Why? So he can try and find me another girlfriend.” Jungkook asked bitterly, gripping onto his luggage.
“No! After that incident with Taehyung-
“Don’t, please don’t” Jungkook pleaded, feeling a little tired from the jet-lag. “I’m going to head up now Ma’ I’ll be down for dinner later.” he kissed her on the head before heading upstairs.
“I invited some of your friends over too, so don’t stay up too long.”
“Okay Ma’.”
His room still looked the same, posters of justin bieber and random rock bands scattered over his wall, as well as a board scattered with all his highschool friends. He placed his luggage on his bed, walking towards the desk to open random drawers. The first few drawers were full of random gadgets and loose change, some even have random anime sketches
In the last drawer there was a photo frame, bringing back unwanted nostalgia. He quickly placed it back, slamming the drawer shut as he turned away. The sound of the doorbell snapped him out of his thoughts, and before he knew it he was being squashed by an overly-excited mochi.
“Hyung? Are You crying?” Jeongguk asked, trying his best not to laugh. A loud sniffle followed by a sob answered his question. NamJoon watched the two fondly, a dumb smile gracing his face. “Why are you crying? You’re going to make me cry!” Jeongguk let out a muffled laugh as Jimin sat up, snot covering his chin.
“You asshole, why didn’t you call me for half a year! I thought you forgot about me.” Jimin said after he slapped the younger’s shoulder. Jeongguk merely rolled his eyes, softly pushing his best-friend off his body.
“How could I ever forget you? You’re like a brother to me.” The younger male said, standing up to sit on his bed. “How has everyone been? How is /he/?” Jeongguk asked, despite his heart yelling at him to stop.
“Everyone has changed since you left. Hoseok finally confessed to Yoongi so now they’re a thing. Jin-hyung has been working on his fashion company, still hopelessly in love with Yoongi and Hoseok though. And Taehyung? Well he's getting by slowly, after the break up-
“Wait, break up? What do you mean?” Jeongguk asked confusedly, genuinely curious.
“Taehyung broke off their engagement. It’s not my story to tell though.” Jimin said, holding on to NamJoon’s bicep. “He missed you by the way, probably more than me.”
“What? Me? Pfft, no- Did he say anything?” Jeongguk’s facial expressions were all over the place as Jimin bit back a laugh.
“Again, it's not my story to tell.” Was all Jimin said before walking towards the door. “He’s coming around for dinner by the way.” Jeongguk froze, though he nodded nonetheless.
Ding dong~
“Here darling, take this to the table while I get the door.” Mrs. Jeon gave the platter full of food to Jimin, wiping her hands on her apron.
“I’ll get it!” Jeongguk skipped down the stairs, flattening his hair before opening the door. “Tae- oh it’s just you.” The younger one huffed as a clearly offended SeokJIn stood at the door.
“Geez, I missed you too brat.” Jin said plainly, holding his arms out. “Well are you going to stand there looking like an idiot, or are you going to give your hyung a hug.” Jeongguk gave him an annoyed and reluctant eye roll, but hugged him anyway. Before he could pull back, a thick pair of lips landed on his cheek with a loud smack. “Mwah!”
“Yuck! Gross ahhhhh!” He wiped his cheek with many whines, making a large red spot appear on his skin. Laughs echoed throughout the home, some sounding like a broken record.
“Hi Ma’!” Jin excitedly ran towards Jeongguk’s mother, engulfing her in a hug. Jeongguk pouted softly, rolling his eyes at the way his mother smiled happily with him. “I tried your cupcake recipe the other day, let me tell you how amazing it was! Literally out of this world.”
“Follow me into the kitchen darling, I’ll show you how to make the best Christmas cake.” She tugged the latter towards the kitchen before saying, “Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes. Jeongguk go fetch your father for me, he’s in his study.”
Now Jeongguk had never gotten along with his father, both were very stubborn. They were either always bickering or not speaking at all, though Jeongguk always yearned for his father’s affection. Even in his early childhood, his father was always hard on him. When Ji-seok came into the picture, Jeongguk tried his hardest to hate him, ignore him, until the younger hit pre-school and encountered his first bully.
He came home sobbing with a paper in his hand that was covered in dirt. Jeongguk snatched the paper out of his hand and opened it, only to find a stick-figured person with a cape.
“The teacher told us to draw our heroes, I drawed you ggu-hyung.” He said with a soft cry. “But they ruined it, they stomped on it and called me dumb.” He whimpered, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. Jeongguk grew furious, his 13 year-old mind creating different scenarios.
“What’s his name?”
“Kim Joon-tae-
Knock Knock Knock
Jeongguk looked from Ji-seok to the door, motioning the younger to stay back. He opened the door and was immediately taken aback. Kim Taehyung, the school's most loved boy. He was great at making friends, even better at stealing the hearts of nearly everyone. Jeongguk didn’t get the hype about him though.
It wasn’t the beauty that he was shocked about, it was the way he was holding a younger males ear, though his face seemed innocent, happy even.
“I’m sorry to bother but does Ji-Seok happen to live here?” His voice was velvety, almost hypnotising. Ji-seok popped out from behind his brother’s legs, eyes wide and mouth gaped. Taehyung’s gaze went from Jeongguk to the little fella behind him, almost cooing at the sight. “Aw, hello sweetheart, my brother has something to say to you.” Taehyung shoved him forward.
“I’m sorry for calling your drawing dumb” He pouted, eyes glossing with honesty. “And I’m also sorry for throwing your picture on the floor.” He finished, looking down shyly.
“Now, Ji-seok, do you forgive him?”.
“Only on one condition.” Taehyung smiled softly, pushing his brother a little more forward.
“Go on, you can hit him.” Jeongguk’s eyes grew wide, but the younger’s eyes grew even wider. The little boy looked equally as shocked as he backed up, but Taehyung blocked him. And so Joon-tae shut his eyes, waiting for the impact that never came. Instead he was pulled into a hug.
“I want to be friends!” Ji-seok giggled, pulling away from the hug. Joon-tae’s cheeks blazed red, his fists unclenching and eyes softening. “Want to see my lego set?”
Joon-tae looked from Ji-seok to Taehyung, watching his hyung nod in encouragement. The two ran up stairs not soon after, giggling behind their hands. Now stands two awkward teens, one slightly blushing and fiddling with his fingers whilst the other had a hand planted behind his neck.
Not only was it the start of Jeongguk’s brother-ship or Ji-Seok’s friendship, It was also the start of Jeongguk’s love life.
The two teens started seeing each other more often when Ji-seok wanted to go to the park with Joon-tae, or when Joon-tae wanted to visit almost every week. It happened so naturally, Jeongguk introduced Jimin to Taehyung, and the older one introduced NamJoon.
Taehyung was his first everything, from kisses to his virginity, they trusted each other enough once Jeongguk came of age. But what hurt each other the most was when they confirmed it wasn’t going to affect their friendship. Well look where that turned out, one began to make a living in Switzerland whilst the other stayed back, carrying the burden of two broken hearts.
Taehyung was neither his first nor last love. He was his only love.
Knock Knock.
“Come in.” a gruff voice spoke through the door. Despite all of the arguing and fighting, Jeongguk still loved his father. He also missed the old-guy. He opened the door softly, eyes falling on the elder. Once he cleared his voice, the man flicked his head up, a soft smile creeping onto his face but quickly covered.
“Jeongguk, when did you arrive?” He asked, removing his glasses away from his face and on to his head. Jeongguk gulped, eyes scanning over his distressed father, his hair was going slightly grey and his face had small hints of wrinkles.
“Not long ago. Uh Ma’ said dinner will be ready in a few minutes.``He turned to leave until he heard the chair moving and his father groaning. He spun back as fast as he could, eyes growing big at the sight. “ Appa! Are you okay?” Jeongguk was already at his side, helping him up.
“I’m fine son, it was unexpected.” He groaned. Jeongguk froze, staring at his father. “What is it? Is there something on my face?”
“Y-you haven’t called me son ever since I was twelve.”
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, it just came out so naturally.” His father said, holding back a wince from the pain in his lower back. Jeongguk helped him up from the floor, seating him down on the chair once again.
“It’s fine, Pa’.” A smile plastered itself on both their faces. A knock at the door snapped both of them out of their state, Jeongguk already making his way towards the door.
Once open, a very anxious Jimin stepped inside, twiddling his fingers. He was nervous, Jeongguk could tell.
“Taehyung is here.” an excited smile crossed Jeongguk’s features, immediately disappearing once Jimin looked up. “He brought someone. A guy.” and just like that, every color in Jeongguk’s face vanished.
“It’s fine, I’m completely over him.” Jeongguk brushed it off like nothing, storing it away with the other broken memories. Jimin’s features lit up.
“Well in that case, dinner is ready!” Jimin walked off, missing the way his best friend's smile dropped soon after.
Taehyung combed his hair, hands trembling as he stared at his reflection. He grimaced at his appearance for the millionth time. Do I look beautiful enough? He wondered, almost jumping from the loud knock on the bathroom door.
“Taehyung! What’s taking so long” The voice shouted from the other side, accelerating the boy’s heartbeat. “Hurry up, or you’ll make us late again,”
“S-sorry babe, I’ll be out in a second.” He stuttered, straightening his outfit. He opened the door, already regretting his decision When his boyfriend stared at him with disgust. “Is there something wrong?”
“Yes, that outfit is too revealing, put a scarf on the cover your collar bones, unless you’re planning on seducing someone!” His boyfriend, Minhyun, spat out. “Are you planning to cheat on me tonight or something, you good for nothing-
“I’ll go change my shirt, you’re right it’s too revealing.” Taehyung cut him off before he could finish. Now there he was again, questioning his worth as he cried silently in front of the mirror.
The two ended up arriving just on time for dinner, with Minhyun throwing discouraging insults at him, though all he could think of was Jeongguk.
“Hi Ma’.” He smiled at Jeongguk’s mother, already getting tugged into a comforting hug. Minhyun smiled too, opting for a handshake instead.
“My boy, Gguk is home this year, he was very excited to see you.” She spoke, expecting a reply from Taehyung. Instead she received a smile and nod. What she did notice was his weird body language and tired eyes.
“I’m sure Taehyung is very delighted to know.” red flag- I mean Minhyun said, plastering a fake smile on his face. “Right babe?” He nudged Taehyung hard, watching him hold back a wince as he nodded along.
“Uh okay- oh! Jimin darling would you go fetch Jeonggukie and my husband please.” She smiled, stepping aside. “Let's eat shall we?” She led both of them to the table. Taehyung smiled softly, anticipating Jeongguk’s arrival.
“Ma’ Gguk said he’s not feeling well, he said he will come down later.” As soon as those words slipped past Jimin’s lips his smile stopped and turned into a frown.
“I’ll be right back, apologies everyone for what I’m about to do.” She walked upstairs. Loud bickering erupted, except it was Jeongguk’s mother’s voice scolding him while he tried to whine back as if he were still a teenager. Not long after, Ma’ went back downstairs, followed by a pouting Jeongguk who was rubbing his forehead.
Taehyung couldn’t hold back his laugh as he stood up. Before he could get a word out, Minhyun stood up and stared Jeongguk down. Weird.
Dinner was going well, though Taehyung kept throwing undisguised glances towards Jeongguk. He had grown beautifully well over the past year, more handsome with his features enhanced. He also noticed the beautiful sleeve of tattoos, each one etched to Taehyung’s mind. The one that caught his attention the most was the small KTH on his wrist.
His heart fluttered tremendously, his mind going haywire, It couldn’t be, right? It must’ve been something else. His mouth going sour at the thought, He snapped out of his reverie when he heard his name being called.
“Taehyung, how is your fashion career going?” Seokjin asked, chewing on some kimchi right after the question. Taehyung locked eyes with Jeongguk, about to answer before someone cleared their throat,
“Taehyung’s career is going exceptionally well.” Minhyun answered, wiping his mouth with a paper towel. Taehyung frowned, expression dimming until he heard a scoff. Jeongguk.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name earlier, I thought it was Minhyun.” He chuckled, glaring right into Minhyun’s eyes. Taehyung’s breath hitched, mouth gaped as he watched Jeongguk’s expression change from neutral to annoyed.
“Yes, Jeongguk-ssi.” Minhyun answered, equally annoyed.
“Then why are you answering to Taehyungie hyung’s name?” He asked, causing everyone to stop what they’re doing and stare at Jeongguk. “He can speak on his own behalf, I’m sure you understand, right Minhyun?” He faked his tone, still eyeing Minhyun like a piece of dirt from the bottom of his shoes.
“I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying, Jeongguk-ssi.” Minhyun, sat up, though it didn’t threaten Jeongguk one bit. It almost made him laugh actually, Taehyung could see. Not that he had been staring at his mouth all night or anything, no way.
“Well it’s just that you’ve been answering every question directed towards /My/ hyung when clearly no one is interested in what you have to say.” He sounded polite yet his words were laced with venom. “Taehyungie, you have a mouth right?” Taehyung nodded.
“I think we should take our leave now, Taehyung get up.” Taehyung was stuck, looking from Jeongguk then back towards Minhyun. A hand grabbed Taehyung’s wrist, causing a wince to escape from him.
“What’s the rush? Leaving before dessert?” Jeongguk’s smug look found a place in Taehyung's heart. He knew that look all too well, every boyfriend he has had, Jeongguk gave them a look of arrogance as if Taehyung was his. And he was, but not right at that moment.
“Omg, it's like a kdrama!” Jimin whispered in Jin’s ear, the latter nodding along.
“Im team Minhyun! Only because I want to annoy Gguk- omg Minhyun is picking up the wine glass.” Jin said, eyes widening once he watched Minhyun our the glass of red wine all over Taehyung’s clothing.
“Oh no, looks like we have to go now.” Minhyun pulled Taehyung’s wrist, only to stay frozen in place. Taehyung twisted Minhyun’s arm, kicking the back of his knee until he was down.
“You could’ve poured wine on anything in my closet, from the gucci to the Louis Vuitton, yet you poured it on my most valuable piece of clothing.” He spoke darkly, using his other hand to pull the latter’s here. Jeongguk placed a hand on Taehyung’s trembling ones, a sign of comfort.
“Come on hyung, I’m sure Ma’ would handle this bozo.” He spoke softly, dragging the older softly. Taehyung held on tightly, afraid that if he were to let go, Jeongguk would disappear again. Jeongguk silently gave him a pair of clothes. “We will talk after I clean and change my clothes, no running away okay Ggukie.”
Jeongguk nodded, slipping back inside his room. Taehyung cleaned himself the best he could, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the water. Once he finished, he dried himself and changed into a fresh pair of clothes. A pair of sweats with a matching maroon hoodie.
When he walked into the room it was empty, Jeongguk nowhere to be seen. Panic began to settle in his gut as he walked down the stairs pacedly, skipping a step and almost falling flat on his face.
“Where are you taking those cookies Jeongguk?” Ma’ asked, tapping her foot on the floor. Jeongguk spun around, hands full of cookies and a hot cocoa platter.
“Taehyungie hyung loves sweets, especially when he's sad or distressed.” Jeongguk explained, carefully turning back and walking up the stairs. Taehyung’s heartbeat accelerated, that familiar feeling coming back once again.
“Hyung, you there- oh! I found you.” giggles escaped from the younger as he placed the cookies and hot beverages on the desk. “Are you ready for that talk?” And with a sigh, they both made themselves comfortable on Jeongguk’s bed under the night sky.
(just imagine something like this.)
https://pin.it/6r7ubOY
Taehyung had never been the violent type. He was always calm and collected, finding ways around situations in a less dangerous manner. The only time he had used violence was when Jeongguk suddenly left, leaving nothing but a broken soul.
“ He was just here last night! Where did he go!? I can't lose him again” Taehyung shouted at Jimin who hugged him tightly. A shove is what broke them apart, and it wasn’t initiated by Jimin. Taehyung looked out of his mind, his usual calm self thrown away within a split-second.
“He only needed confirmation, you’re in love with someone else Taehyung.” Jimin reasoned, his own tears streaming down his face. It was hard to depart from his best friend, especially since they’ve been joint to the hip since their early childhood.
“I’m leaving—”
“You’re getting married tomorrow-”
“I don’t care! I love Jeon, and nobody is going to stop me, not again!” A sob ripped through his throat as he left the warm home in a hurry. He went too their special spot, his heart telling him that Jeongguk would be there.
It didn’t help that it was cold, and Taehyung had nothing but the sweater his mother had knitted before she passed away. He sat against the park bench, holding himself up with the rest of his body strength.
“He will come for me, I know he will.”
He never showed up, no matter how long Taehyung sat there, heartbreaking every passing second, Jeongguk never came. He did everything he could, calling off the engagement immediately.
Taehyung’s father wasn’t very fond of the idea, trying to persuade Taehyung to marry quickly, but the latter kept his head high.
Days pass by, turning into weeks then suddenly months. Around the second month, Taehyung got back on his feet, going out with friends and spending time with his brother. He met Minhyun in a nightclub, regretfully spending the night with him and dating privately in a month's time.
After a lot of convincing, Taehyung finally gave in, taking the offer to go on a date. Minhyun had put words into his head, saying he wasn’t good enough, that he lacked beauty, perfection. And Taehyung? Well he believed every word Minhyun threw at him, being so desperate and in need of love.
His father wasn’t any better, always belittling him for every little thing, especially after his mothers passing.
“It has been a tough year, I'm just glad that you’re back for good.” Taehyung snuggled up into Jeongguk’s chest. Jeongguk froze, hands leaving Taehyung’s waist almost instantly. Taehyung turned his head, eyes masking confusion. “What's wrong?”.
“I’m not staying in Korea, Tae.” Jeongguk said straight up, eyebrows furrowed. Taehyung mirrored his expression, sitting up once again. I've Built me a life in Switzerland, I can’t just pack up and leave.”
“I love you though, don’t you love me?”
“No offense Tae, my heart cannot handle another painful heartbreak.” Jeongguk spoke, gently rubbing the back of Taehyung's hand. “You need to be sure before I make such a drastic decision.”
“B-but I am sure!”
“How can I trust your answer if you haven't given it any thought?” Jeongguk said whilst carefully placing Taehyung’s hand down. “You’ve just gotten out of a relationship hyung, I don’t want you to regret being with me. At Least give the situation time to cool down.”
“Fine.” Taehyung huffed, pouting like a child. “But everyday you spend here is a day spent with me. I won’t hold you back, bun.”
“I love you, hyung.”
“I wish there was a word that describes the love I have for you, Bun.”
“Sap.”
“Only for you.” Taehyung smiled, wrapping his arms around Jeongguk’s figure, both now watching the midnight sky, basking in the silence. This was what Taehyung wanted.
Christmas eve arrived faster than anticipated, with families scrambling around for gifts and lovers finding a way to propose. It was cold, though the first snow has yet to come and greet Seoul. Taehyung and Jeongguk had spent the past two weeks together, going to their favourite spots.
“This is where we both had our first kiss.” Taehyung smiled, remembering Jeongguks braces getting in between his teeth as the two awkward teens tried pulling back. “Your Braces were cute by the way.” Now it was time for Jeongguk to grimace whilst he covered his face.
“Ugh don’t remind me.” He giggled, grabbing onto the bar of the gate. “Want to jump over and look around?” Jeongguk asked, already getting into position to jump.
“Are You crazy? What if we get caught?” Taehyung stepped back, afraid of the consequences.
“Life is about taking risks, hyung.” Jeongguk hoisted himself up on the ledge before looking back down again. “If you don’t take the risk, you’ll end up regretting it for the rest of your life.” It was as if Taehyung saw the old Jeongguk again, the one who was fearless and courageous.
Taehyung grabbed the bar and lifted himself up to jump over, falling into Jeongguk’s arms. Taehyung felt his world come to a stop when he looked into the eyes of the younger, getting lost in them for a moment.
“If I could take a glimpse of your soul, your eyes are an open window, so deep like an abyss of endless possibilities. You’re truly beautiful, Bambi.” Taehyung whispered, cold breath fanning Jeongguk’s cheek.
“I like to think they’re chocolate brown.” Jeongguk giggled, eyes smiling with his eyes before they slowly turned sad. Taehyung noticed immediately, asking if something was wrong, but Jeongguk shrugged it off, taking Tae’s hand in his own. “Let's go to the football field.”
The two walked hand in hand, talking about all of the things they did together in highschool. Like how Taehyung joined the drama club and had to kiss an actual frog for a gender-reversed version of the princess and the frog. Or how Jeongguk put cooking oil all over the hallway before pulling the fire alarm and watching everyone slip and slide. That day he had gotten the scolding of his life for wasting Ma’s ingredients.
Then Taehyung’s mother passed away, also the same day of when Jeongguk and he had their first real argument. It was the summer of ‘14, the worst day of Taehyung’s life. He didn’t cry a single tear, holding it back as best as he could. Jeongguk finally arrived with his family, giving their respects before greeting Taehyung.
Throwback…
“Jeongguk, go to Taehyung. He needs you.” Ma said, ushering her son to move forward. And no matter how stubborn Jeongguk was, he knew that he had to be there for his friend. He picked up the rest of his dignity and walked forward, placing a comforting hand on the older’s shoulder.
“Hyung.” He whispered, voice croaky and deep. Taehyung averted his soulless gaze from his mother’s framed photo towards Jeongguk. Every emotion was visible in his eyes alone, and just as Jeongguk was about to speak, Taehyung broke into loud sobs.
“S-she’s gone, Ggukie!” He shouted, raw emotion plastering his face and body language. Jeongguk knelt down, holding the quivering boy as he let himself go. “I’m sorry for everything.”
“Shh, it’s not your fault baby.”Jeongguk hushed him, holding his head as he leant his cheek atop of it, heart aching at the loud cries the boy had released. “Let it out, Love.” And Taehyung did, finally shedding tears in the arms of his best-friend.
Present day.
“She had the most beautiful laugh, Bun.” Taehyung whispered as he picked at the grass. The two were now sitting in the centre of the stadium, sitting in the cold as they reminisced.
“I bet she did, hyung.” Jeongguk smiled. The two sat comfortably on the frosted grass, hands finding each other. “I’m leaving tomorrow night, back to Switzerland.” He dropped the confession down like a bomb.
“I thought you were staying for another week?”
“I was, but something happened at the office and they needed me there urgently.” Jeongguk Said hastily, eyebrows furrowing. Taehyung was becoming more frustrated by the second, hands tightening around Jeongguk’s own hands. “I-I was wondering if you want to come with me, start a life together?”
“I can’t- I can’t just leave everything behind! What about Joon-tae? I have to look after him. It’s not that easy!” Taehyung said, now being the witness of Jeongguk losing the shine in his eyes again.
“R-right, it was a stuid idea-”
“Jeongguk I didn’t mean it like that-”
“I’m sorry for everything, Hyung.” Jeongguk whispered, barely noticing the snow falling from the sky. It was last year all over again, except Jeongguk’s heart didn’t break, Taehyung’s did. Taehyung watched Jeongguk’s figure disappear before he curled into a ball and cried to himself.
https://youtu.be/mXaOOhm7DEU (Play this to set the mood x)
The christmas Lunch at Taehyung’s was quiet, the only sound was forks scraping and the occassional sigh.
“Oh! Jeongguk came over earlier to drop off your gift!” Joon-tae said, standing up to rush over towards the living room.Taehyung sat up straight, asking himself a million questions.
“Jeongguk’s back? When did he arrive?” The person he expected the least to care spoke up.
“Not long ago.” Taehyung said simply as Joon-tae sprinted back in with an envelope and a box. He opened the envelope first, reading the letter and taking in every word.
To the beautiful you,
I’m writing this letter as I pack my suitcase, feeling like leaving on a good note. If love could describe a person, it would be you. You told me that you couldn’t find a word that would describe the love you have for me, but the word Taehyung is the first thing that comes to mind after being asked the definition itself.
Your smile tells a million stories, but your eyes tell many more. My favourite story of ours was the day we met. People portrayed you as some angel from the heavens above, and I thought “What a load of bullshit.”
Taehyung chuckled at that, sniffling a little before reading more.
That was until you came to my doorstep, pulling Joon-tae’s ear- (which had me horrified by the way) yet all I could think of was. “He’s perfectly imperfect.”. Then I had the honour of getting to know the infamous Taehyung. You were everything I ever wanted, someone so surreal, I almost couldn’t believe it myself.
My time is almost up, and you’ve probably read this by the time I left, and if it isn’t too much to ask, Keep your ring finger empty until I return. But until then, wear this promise ring around your neck, close to your heart.
I love you, past the moon and into eternity, My heart.
From your love, Jeongguk.
P.S- if you do change your mind, I also placed a ticket in your envelope two hours past my flight, I will wait for two and a half hours in Switzerland just in case you come.
Taehyung was now fully shaking, grabbing the small gift box and pulling out a ring attached to a silver chain. Engraved on the inside was “reserved for my bun 97’”.
“Hyung, I think you should go.” Joon-tae said, placing the letter down after skim reading it.Taehyung looked up quickly, shaking his head as he placed the necklace back into the box.
“I-I can’t, I have responsibilities-
“You’ve broken every rule I have laid down for you, from sneaking out down to skipping school. I watched you grow from a young delinquent to the man you are today.” His father spoke sternly, placing his fork down. “I tried to turn you into something you were not-
“Dad what are you saying-
“I apologise for everything you’ve been through. You remind me a lot of your mother, so courageous and kind, So what’s keeping you from taking that jump?” Taehyung Was speechless. “I heard you crying in that very room upstairs, over the same boy I thought was trouble.” Again, speechless.
“I’m telling you now, go get him before it’s too late. If you don’t take that risk, you will live a life of regret.” His father said,a flash of Jeongguk’s face passed through Taehyung’s mind. Taehyung stood up, his chair scraping against the marbled floor before running upstairs to pack a suitcase for himself.
Jeongguk sat in the airport of Switzerland, anticipation running through his veins. Christmas decorations were scattered everywhere, along with families reuniting with each other. About to turn around and leave, a faint voice stopped him.
“Jeongguk! Wait!” He shook his head, not believing his ears. Tears pooled in his eyes as he froze on the spot. There, running like a maniac, was Taehyung through the crowd. Jeongguk pushed his way through, heart beating fast. Before he knew it, a pair of lips found his as long legs wrapped around his waist.
“I *kiss* fucking *kiss* Love you.” Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jeongguk’s head, pulling him in to deepen the kiss. Their promise rings clanked softly against each other, Jeongguk’s one reading “my love for eternity”.
“Are you sure you want to take this big step for me?” Jeongguk asked after pulling away. Taehyung kissed his lips once more, enjoying it while it lasted.
“I’m doing this for us, for me.” Taehyung had said, watching as Jeongguk lean in for another kiss, then another, then he started peppering kisses all over Taehyung’s face.
Last christmas was a tragedy, this christmas is a dream come true.
The End.