Chapter Text
He hates physical touch. Actually, he despised it. Even the idea of it makes his entire body shiver with disgust. It’s repulsive. But in all of the hate, all of the dark. There was his light.
Jeon Jungkook. God, that idiot. He was loud, energetic, even overly chaotic. Being in his proximity was almost like a death wish for Taehyung. But Jungkook was his best friend, so it isn’t like he absolutely hated his company.
Jungkook definitely respected his boundary, or at least tried to. It was definitely difficult for him to remember Tae’s wishes but there was at least an effort.
But today was different. Jungkook didn’t come to school today. He wasn’t answering Tae’s text messages either. The worst part —Jungkook is one of those phone obsessed people. It’s like his life support.
“Why the hell isn’t he answering?” Tae spoke, his tone laced with frustration.
Taehyung’s close friend Hoseok turned towards him, concern in his expression.
“He’s still not answering? Shit. He didn’t answer Yoongi either which surprised the hell out of me. Maybe we should stop by his house after school.”
“Yeah, sounds good. I can’t stop thinking about it.” A shiver went down his spine. But not the kind when you’re listening to asmr. No, the kind when you’re talking about a horrible memory and your body is literally telling you to shut up.
Hoseok nodded, slinging his school bag over his shoulder. “Okay, meet you on the entrance steps after school lets out?”
“Definitely, I’ll be there.” He replied, but he couldn’t help but feel that school was just an obstacle between him and finding his best friend. After saying their goodbyes they turned down the hall, going their separate ways.
The hallways felt longer than usual. He may have been walking but it felt like he was on a treadmill, moving forward but not going anywhere. Taehyung was worried, he’d have to admit. It was unlike Jungkook to go awol. Their friend group was the most important thing to him and he’d admitted it many times before. All he wanted was for Jungkook to be okay. That would be enough.
Time passed at an agonizingly slow pace. Taehyung could almost count every second that ticked by. His knee was bouncing up and down impatiently; it was a nervous habit he picked up a while ago. He tried to distract himself, but it was futile.
The bell finally rang, signalling the end to the school day. Taehyung practically bolted to the exit. Hoseok was already waiting for him when he got there.
“I figured just us would be easier. If we bring the whole group he could get overstimulated or something.” Hoseok checked his watch, then looked up towards Tae with a smile.
Taehyung nodded in agreement, understanding Hoseok’s reasoning. While he loved the entire friend group, they could get a little rowdy and overwhelming at times. He knew Jungkook appreciated alone time too, and that could be tough to get when the entire group was together.
"Yeah, I think you're right. We can always let the others know we stopped by later." He adjusted his backpack, ready to head out.
Jungkook’s parents apartment complex was about a 15 minute bike ride from the school. Once they’d finally arrived, they parked their bikes outside on the sidewalk.
”You think anyone will steal them?” Hoseok commented as he watched Taehyung lean his bike on its kick-stand.
Taehyung shook his head in response. “Probably not. I’ve biked here a few times and it hasn’t gotten stolen. Oh and well, your bike is a little rough so I’d doubt they’ll go for yours first.” He stood up, amused by the offended look on Hoseok’s face.
”Look she may be rough around the edges but she’s beautiful. Why do you think I named her Lightning?” He spoke with a now proud expression on his face that matched his proud tone.
But Tae quickly interrupted that pride by commenting “Yeah, and why do you think Jin and I call her Pigwidgeon? She’s just as slow as the Weasley Family’s bird.”
In result, Hoseok lightly shoved Tae before making his way up the complex stairs. Tae’s body immediately disagreed with the contact of Hoseok’s hands on it, but he laughed it off and followed soon after.
Eventually they’d arrived at Jungkook’s apartment labeled “134.”
“It still amazes me that this building has 340 apartments.” Hoseok commented followed by another admission “but I really hate the amount of stairs.”
Taehyung chuckled lightly, but he couldn’t ignore the pain in his chest as they arrived at Jungkook's apartment door. Despite his calm exterior, he was feeling a mix of worry and anticipation. He glanced over at Hoseok before reaching out to ring the doorbell.
"Here we go," he murmured quietly, trying to brace himself for whatever they might find inside. The sound of the bell echoed through the hallway, and they both stood there in silence for a few moments. No response. Taehyung exchanged a concerned glance with Hoseok before ringing the doorbell again.
Taehyung's worry grew as the silence continued. He knew Jungkook could be a heavy sleeper, but this was unusual even for him.
"Maybe he's still in bed?" Hoseok suggested, shifting uncomfortably. They waited a few more moments before Taehyung decided to knock on the door, so maybe they’d hear it instead.
"Jungkook-ah, it's us. Are you in there?" His voice was a mix of concern and urgency. Yet there was only more silence.
Finally, the door opened. But to their surprise they weren’t greeted by Jungkook, but his mother. She was tall, a cold expression always lingering on her face. Held between her index and middle finger was a lit cigarette that she’d taken a long drag off, followed by an exhale of grey smoke before she finally began to speak.
”If you’re here to see Jungkook he’s busy. If you want to leave him a message I’ll deliver it but I can’t promise he’ll actually listen.” The two stood in silence for a moment before Hoseok finally spoke up.
”I’m sorry Mrs. Jeon, we just wanted to check in because he wasn’t in school today and hasn’t been responding to our text messages. We’d thought he might be in trouble or in need of a friend.” Hoseok bowed slightly, causing Tae to do the same before they slowly stood tall again.
”He requested that I don’t let anyone in. Maybe he’ll text you back eventually. I hope you both find the answers you’re looking for soon.” His mother spoke, before slowly closing the door to the apartment.
Taehyung hated the feeling in his gut. Something wasn’t right and he knew it. Even in their 8th year when Jungkook and Jimin had gotten into a fight over who Namjoon liked more he still opened the door for Jimin and Namjoon when they showed up here. Then again in 10th year when Jungkook found out Yoongi was moving away for a year before Yoongi told him himself he still invited all seven of us in to talk about it. It didn’t make sense.
“Maybe he just needs time to think by himself.” Hoseok broke the silence, a hopeful look in his expression. Though he was obviously covering up the fact that he is just as concerned as Taehyung himself. Tae agreed reluctantly and they began to walk down the hall. But he stopped to look back at the door of their apartment. It’s as if the world were turning sideways and gravity was pulling him towards the door. He didn’t want to leave without knowing if Jungkook was okay. He couldn’t. But then Hoseok’s voiced pulled him out of his trance.
”You coming?” Hoseok spoke, his voice soft. He was aware that this was difficult for Taehyung, but he knew that waiting around wouldn’t do him any good.
Taehyung finally turned his gaze away from the door. His stomach turning immediately. “Yeah, I’m coming.” His voice was heavy with regret. But he shook it off, jogging his way to meet Hoseok at the end of the hall. They then both exited the building down the complex stairs.
After Mrs. Jeon had closed the door she leant against it, taking another long drag of her cigarette, choking on the smoke that filled her lungs. Her eyes stolen of their light, stared down the dark hallway focused on Jungkook’s door. The truth is, Jungkook never returned home last night. She’d had no idea where her son was or where he may be. Why she didn’t tell the two boys that— she couldn’t answer. Maybe she didn’t want him to be found. After all, Jungkook looked exactly like his father. The same eyes, frame, personality. He was a perfect copy of his father. Every time she saw him he became a constant reminder that her husband was dead, and it was all his own son’s fault.