Chapter 30- Knights in Shining Armour (I)

“Yah you brat! You haven’t called in months and let me tell you…Seokjin hyung isn’t pleased at all…” Namjoon shook his head, letting out a sigh. It translates into “You don’t even know the crapload of complains I hear from him whining about heartless children who doesn’t bother to check up on him and so he’s better off dead.”

“Sorry hyung…I just…had quite a bit on my plate recently.” Jungkook apologized, rubbing his nape sheepishly.

They were a really close knitted clique of friends, but that has changed a little ever since Jungkook and Taehyung’s break up. They didn’t announce it, but it was pretty obvious considering how one of them was always missing during their meet-ups. Everyone got the gist of their situation once Taehyung got drunk at a pub, announcing how he was a free man, flirting with anyone who came in sight. They almost got chased out when he pounced on an innocent guy who was minding his own business, shouting profanities and how he was a coward for never telling the truth. From then, everyone merely connected the dots and everything made sense. They must have broken up.

“Hey…is everything alright? The last time we saw each other you seemed pretty stressed out. Anything I can do to help you?” Jungkook was one of his favourite dongsaengs, even though the youngest always made fun of him, targeting him ruthlessly with jokes. It hurt Namjoon to see both of them hurting, and he was not able to do anything.

“…it couldn’t get any better…Is he…doing okay now?” Jungkook asked cautiously. It was the first time after the break up that he was asking about Taehyung. The mere thought of the older would bring repercussions. He broke out in sweat, crying as he slowly crawled out of his sleepiness in the middle of the nights during the early stages of their break up.

“He? You mean Taehyung? He erm…yeah he’s doing fine. At least that’s how he wants us to see him…is that all you wanted to ask?” Namjoon prompted, sensing how that couldn’t possibly be the only reason why Jungkook called.

“I was just unpacking my stuff…and just…all the memories of us doing back in high school came into mind. I really missed those carefree days…I miss everyone…” Jungkook could feel the knot stuck in his throat, getting emotional as he spoke of their past.

“Unpacking? You moved?! Jeon Jungkook, you little ! Why didn’t you say anything?!” Namjoon scolded, shuffling could be heard from his side.

“It wasn’t my decision really…you know what…why don’t you guys drop by my party this weekends? It’s been a long time since we last met so we can catch up. As a group.” Jungkook knew that there was only a slight chance that Taehyung would show up. But it was his last opportunity to make things right. Or at least apologize for acting like a wild .

“Party? Like alcohol party? Dude…we kind of left the drinking scene because Taehyung got whacked up the last…” Namjoon only realized his mistake when incoherent shouting came from the other side of the line.

“What happened to him?! Hyung! You promised me! Why didn’t you guys take good care of him?! You know he tends to become reckless and act like a totally prick when he’s drunk! And that’s the thing! He doesn’t even mean 99% of the that comes out of his mouth and he ends up getting hurt for no ing reason!” Jungkook breathed in and out hard, sitting on the ground.

“Well what were we supposed to do? Stop him? You speak like we broke him when you were the one breaking every single in your way.” Namjoon scoffed.

“Look…I’m sorry…you know I didn’t really mean what I said but let’s face it. Tae has been so broken since that day…nothing’s the same anymore. It may seem normal but…there are still nights where he cries himself to sleep, asking us what went wrong and if he wasn’t worth a single dime. Dude…why? Why aren’t you fighting for him? I know you don’t want that arranged marriage…so why?” Namjoon questioned after hearing nothing but silence from Jungkook’s side.

“…because I’m a ing bastard who is afraid of everything…Tae doesn’t deserve a worthless guy like me…” Jungkook’s voice came out shaky. He still loved Taehyung.

“Kookie…I can tell…you’re hurting too. Let’s fix this…we’ll meet at that party. We’ll figure things out.” Namjoon made up his mind.

“W-What about…T-Tae?” Jungkook stuttered, adrenaline pumping through his veins at the thought of seeing his ex-lover.

“I’ll try to ask and convince him. If he goes…be prepared to get your trashed. I’m not going to hold him back.” Namjoon joked, hoping that the younger wouldn’t feel as stressed.

“Y-Yeah I understand. I’ll text you the address. Please do tell the other hyungs too…” Jungkook closed his eyes, head resting against the sofa. He felt so drained after that conversation. There had to be a way out.

“Tell me why YOU’RE dressing me up again?” Wonwoo rolled his eyes as Taehyung fussed about in his room, complaining about the “lack of coloured clothes” he owned.

“Come on! You have a pretty decent face, but the way you dress just puts people off. You’re not going to get laid tonight wearing that shirt. If you’re going to surprise your boyfriend AND threaten your opponent, at least make yourself look impressive.” Taehyung rummaged further into Wonwoo’s wardrobe.

They had been at it, it being dressing Wonwoo, since 2 hours ago. Wonwoo wasn’t exactly invited to Mingyu’s engagement party, and the reason was pretty clear. They were supposed to have left house half an hour ago, but no, Taehyung insisted on dressing Wonwoo all over again from head to toe, and quote “At least be FASHIONABLY LATE. It means being fashionable and late. You’re only late at this rate.”

“Hyung seriously…we’ll just end up not attending the ing party. What happened to crashing it and stopping them?! And for your information, yours truly here is attached so I’m not getting laid…unless it’s him.” Wonwoo complained, ruffling his hair. His hand got smacked away harshly by a Taehyung who seemed to be huffing mad. They spent 20 minutes styling it with gel and now Wonwoo was destroying it.

“Fine, fine! Stop touching your hair! We spent so much time on that…put this black shirt on, tucked in and throw your blazer on too.” Taehyung groaned, dumping said items at Wonwoo, walking out of the room to find shoes.

“Jeon Wonwoo! I swear to god! Hurry the up! We’re late!” Taehyung hollered from the living room.

“Tell me why we’re late then? If it weren’t for you who kept insisting on dressing me up like your personal Ken doll…” Wonwoo rolled his eyes, a small pout appearing as granny and Hansol laughed at him.

“Wonwoo-ah, make sure whoever that little brat trying to steal Mingyu away from you gets scared and backs away! I’ll disown you if you don’t come home with my grandson-in-law I’m telling you!” Granny joked, laughing a little before breaking into a wheeze.

“Granny…how can I leave you at home when you’re like that! Have you taken your medication? Should I just stay here with you?” The area between Wonwoo’s brows creased, kneeling next to his granny who seemed frailer than ever. She had been recovering pretty well for the past few days, but her condition seemed to be getting bad from earlier on.

“Hey! Don’t you dare stay at home and leave your husband alone at some stupid party where he doesn’t want to be. I was supposed to be at a party tonight too, but because I know my stupid grandson would be too worried about me, I’ve decided to stay in at home with my adorable son.” Granny pinched Hansol’s cheek, clearly teasing Wonwoo at every passing chance.

“What party do you have to be attending? Such a joke…” Wonwoo teased back, playful smile wiped away when granny broke into another coughing fit.

“Get out of the house now Jeon Wonwoo. Hansol is here to take care of me for the night. Stop being a worrisome grandpa now will you.” Granny complained before getting out of her seat, pushing Wonwoo towards the door.

“Bring my darling grandson-in-law home you hear me! Fight for him if you truly love him… Your grandpa would be so proud of you if he was here…” Granny cleared , eyes getting a little misty at the thought of her old man. Each time she watched Mingyu and Wonwoo being sweet and couply, it reminded her of her very own old companion. That passionate fiery love.

“Call me if you need anything alright? I promise to be home as early as I can…” Wonwoo’s mischievous and partying demeanour from before dissipated into thin air, heart sinking at the thou