Night time in Seoul was seriously quite a view Taehyung would never really grow tired from seeing. Although, the fact that he was stuck in the hospital’s four walls would make anywhere more appealing to him. Even if he loved his job, he also liked times like this where he’ll be sitting on top of his car staring at Han River’s night view. A nice cold beer would make it even better but considering that he’ll have to be back at the hospital in less than two hours, arriving there drunk was the last thing he wanted to do. Laying his back on his windshield, he stared longingly at the fireworks, slowly drifting further apart in his thoughts. And Taehyung hated that more than anything, yet in those type of moment when he was alone with his thoughts, he couldn’t really help it. He’ll wonder if he’ll ever be able to enjoy such a beautiful night with someone. Will he ever want to share it with someone? Obviously he did. The problem was that no one ever moved his heart enough to make him take action. He’s never been in love come to think of it. The girls were all fine but that’s where the problem lies. He found them… Ok. Just that. If asked what type of girl he likes, Taehyung wouldn’t honestly know what to say because he himself didn’t know. He wasn’t gay. But if he was, he doubted anyone would actually manage to make him want to kiss them. Taehyung was honestly starting to think that maybe he was aual. But then again, if that was the case he wouldn’t be having those thoughts now would he? He wouldn’t want to just have someone he could talk to. Someone he’ll hold hands with. Want to kiss. Even marry. All those thoughts wouldn’t be bugging him so much and he didn’t want to let it bother him since his parents were doing it enough but it did. Don’t get him wrong, Taehyung was ok being alone. But at times like this, he wished he had someone.

Sighing deeply, he forced those thoughts out of his mind and was about to get in the driver seat and drive home to change before heading back to the hospital when his phone rang. Not even bothering checking the caller’s name, he put the phone on his ear and said in a rough tone because of the cold

“Yeah hello?”

“Taehyungie, where are you?”

“Oh Namjoon hyung?” Taehyung answered back with another question, a little bit taken aback to have the man he considered a big brother calling him so suddenly. It wasn’t in Namjoon’s habit to be calling him so late at night. Taehyung usually was the one who had to call the man for him to even give him sign that he was still well and breathing, so having him call instead was more disconcerting than pleasing.

“Good morning. Gosh, I feel so hyped for the day.” Myungjae said beaming with enthusiasm. Jungkook couldn’t blame him though. They were now officially Kim Taehyung’s student. In other world, officially interns. So who wouldn’t be happy in their place? Nothing could ruin Jungkook’s day. Well, except…

“You’re late.” Professor Kim Taehyung’s said in a stern tone. Glancing briefly at his watch, Jungkook retorted

“It’s only for a minute. I don’t see what the problem is.”

“Oh you don’t see what the problem is? Well, I’ll tell you then. The problem is that you’re a doctor. Which means that every time you arrive late a life can be lost. One minute can suffice to lose someone. Sixty seconds of tardiness can cause a family to grieve. So now try and tell me again that you don’t know what the problem is.” Taehyung coldly said, his arms crossed above his chest making him seem more intimidating. Though for Jungkook, it just made his character even more hateful. And just to think that he had though he wasn’t so bad.

“I must’ve been crazy.” He muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Taehyung suddenly asked so Jungkook quickly replies curtly but as polite as he could

“I said I got it professor.” And he did. He just wished Professor Kim wasn’t such a about it. Hasn’t he ever heard of courtesy? Pushing his frustration for later, he fell into lines next to the rest of his colleagues just as Taehyung begun in his once again cold and detached tone

“For today we’ll run over basics only. So in front of you, there are mannequins where you’ll have to do CPR on. It is important that you know how to do it because when it comes down to it, CPR is more effective than a defibrillator.”

Taehyung sat tiredly on his leather chair, his head resting on the head of his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. His thoughts were all over the place to say the least. His conversation with Namjoon made him jumpy and extremely nervous. He had tried to talk it out with Namjoon and to actually try to find out more about Namjoon hyung’s issue but the more he tried to get the beans out of Namjoon, more cryptic his answers became. He practically hadn’t been able to sleep at all because of it. But of course, to add more to his stress which weirdly Namjoon hyung aced amazingly in, Namjoon had turned off his phone so basically Taehyung had no way to contact him. Which honestly was so unfair for Taehyung. Thinking back on their conversation, Taehyung cussed silently before getting up on his feet, pulled off his white coat and was about to leave when Jimin walked into his office. From the way he rose his eye brow, Taehyung didn’t have to ask to know what his best friend was actually thinking right then. No need to be a genius to know or in this case, you had to be Jimin. In Jimin’s place, Taehyung himself would find his own attitude very odd since he was basically known for being quite obsessive about his work. He wasn’t exactly proud when saying this but he knew that he wasn’t the type to leave during his work hour without a relevant reason. And from the way, Jimin stared intently at Taehyung, he also felt that way. Feeling the need to at least give his best friend an explanation, Taehyung said gravely

“It’s Namjoon hyung. Something happened. I’m going to his place. Can you cover for me?”

“Yeah sure. But, is everything alright?”

Sighing, Taehyung wore his coat while saying rather vaguely, though he himself had no real idea how bad things were. All he knew was that Namjoon hyung was going through some . That explanation alone was enough to get him running to the older man who had considered as a brother.

“I don’t know.”

“Ok, you go and see. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Call me when you’ll get to him. I’ll come running if he really needs help.” Jimin said and Taehyung only nodded.

Jungkook finished his round at around 6:30 PM. By the time, he finished, not only was he hungry but he was also exhausted. The bright side whatsoever, was that he hadn’t seen the evil professor ever since they had him in the morning for CPR lesson. Jungkook didn’t bother trying to find out where he was anyway. Jungkook was seriously starting to think that professor Taehyung seriously didn’t give a about them so why would he care about a man that obviously didn’t give a flying about them.

Walking down the parking lot towards his car, his eyes narrowed slightly when his phone rang playing a familiar ringtone. The one ringtone that was enough to the life out of him. Tiredly reaching for his phone from his back pocket, he answered in a sigh

“Yeah mom. What is it?”

“Hey son, are you free tonight?”

“Why?”

“Your aunt is coming from Busan today and she’d like to see you before she returns. Can you make time for dinner tonight?” Jungkook loved her mother. That was a given. But damn, sometime she could be a hell of a burden. Should he just find an excuse to ditch them then? He’s not in the mood for family reunion anyway. Jungkook was about to throw just about any kind of lame excuse but before he even had the chance to do so, her mom hung up on him, so like her, right after telling him what restaurant they were going to be eating at and what time he HAD to be there. A trait of her Jungkook really hated. But being the son that he was, he couldn’t really defy them. He might be an but he liked to think that he was at least a good son. Biting back the sigh he was about to release, he said to himself as he starts up the car’s engine

“Let’s get this over with then.”

Taehyung arrived later that night at Namjoon’s place because of many reason, but to make it short, he had had go door to door to find the exact address. Apparently, Namjoon has moved a few days ago and the idiot had forget to tell them. Just another of the things, he’s been keeping from Taehyung. Taehyung didn’t want to sound upset but the truth is he was. Namjoon hyung had a lot of explaining to do.

By the time, he found the address and had parked his car outside the apartment, Taehyung almost screamed out of frustration at the disappointment of Namjoon hyung not being home.

“Damn it hyung. Where are you?”

Either Namjoon hyung found it funny to play hide and seek, either he was seriously gone. And the second option was not one Taehyung wanted to entertain. Although, it wouldn’t be the first time for Namjoon hyung to just up and leave for a couple of day’s even months without contacting anyone. A time away to breath like he’d often describe it to be. But for Taehyung, it was more of a pain in the than anything else. Pulling his phone out of his back pocket, he quickly dialed the memorized number then putting it over his ear, he anxiously waited for the older man to answer, but unfortunately, Namjoon had decided to really annoy him till the end. Sighing loudly, he spat irritatingly at the sound of the voicemail

“Ya, hyung, seriously pick up your phone. Where are you? Look, if you hear this message, call me back ok? I’m worried here.”

If Namjoon was aiming to irritate and worry Taehyung all at the same time, well he was damn good at it, Taehyung can give him that. Whatsoever if he doesn’t show up anytime soon, Taehyung didn’t know what he was going to do. It was not like he can get the cops involve in it. Gosh, just what kind of game was he pulling? Sighing for the hundredth times the day, Taehyung dialed another number and while waiting for the person to answer, he looked once again around the small apartment in search for the man but to no success.

“Hello?” A feminine voice rose from his phone.

“Oh hi, it’s me Tae.”

“Yeah I know, Mr Duh. So tell me, what’s up? It’s rare for you to be calling me in this hour of the day. Not that I’m complaining.” The woman’s voice said in response. Despite his best effort to stay calm while talking to his lovely noona^[1] and close friend since college, Ga Yeon noona, the frustration he had been building up since this morning made it awfully hard for him to do just that. He hoped Ga Yeon noona wouldn’t be too hard on him later on, though there was very little chance, she’ll be that compassionate. In any case, being as emotionally exhausted as Taehyung was, in the spur of the moment, he walked irritatingly to his car while asking in a much harsher tone than intended

“Noona, do you know where that idiot of Namjoon hyung can be?”

“Whoa, what’s up? Why the angry tone? Did something happen?” Ga Yeon answered back with several question, evidently too confuse to even get mad at the impolite speech Taehyung had just addressed her with. Getting into his car, Taehyung tiredly ran his hand on his face and in an attempt to regain his calm, he said

“I’m not sure. He called me yesterday. Said he was sick of his life. I don’t know the detail but he sounded really upset. And drunk.”

“Drunk? On a week day? That’s so unlike him.”

“Yeah I know. That’s why I’ve been trying to get a hold of him since this morning, but he isn’t answering any of my calls. Now, I’m at his house but he’s not here. Oh by the way, did you know that he moved noona?”

“He did? Without telling me?!” Ga Yeon answered back just as shocked as he had been when he had first found out about it. Although, she sounded much more angry. After all, she was like a second mom to all of them. Her not knowing something about them, at least before the rest, was a much bigger deal than if he, Jimin or anyone of their group didn’t.

“That punk. I can’t believe he’s that stupid.”

“What? What do you mean by that? Do you know something?”

Silence.

“Noona!” Whined tiredly Taehyung, running once again his hand through his hair already messed up by the wind. Taehyung couldn’t care less about it whatsoever.

“I think I know where he is.” She finally said. Taehyung didn’t need more before he said determinedly

“I’m on my way. You’ll explain me everything then.”

Walking out of the shower, a towel tightly wrapped around his waist and another hanging loosely on his shoulder, Jungkook walked over to his fridge then serving himself a glass of water, he watched without much enthusiasm the night view beyond the glass window he had from the fancy apartment he was renting. It was one of the perks of living in the center of Seoul. The night view was always astonishing. Yet, Jungkook couldn’t feel any satisfaction into watching it that night. Maybe because he was worn off. And yet, he had to go to a dinner, instead of catching up with his lack of sleep. Complaining wouldn’t help ease his mood nevertheless. Actually, that would only serve to annoy him further. And considering the occasion of tonight’s dinner, he should avoid being angry if he wanted to be in his best behavior and to not anger his parent’s. He wasn’t scared of them of course, he just didn’t want to upset them. After all, if he wanted to keep living this independently, he’ll have to play along with their social interactions.

After a long debate with his inner self on what to wear, he finally settles for casual yet elegant clothes (if possible), before making his way to the restaurant his mother told him they would be eating at.

Sadly enough, the drive didn’t last much longer than he had initially expected. He hadn’t then had enough time to really recollect himself. He wasn’t that worried though. He was good in schooling his expression after all. Pulling up in front of the restaurant, he politely handed his car keys to one of the workers, took a deep breath and walked into the fancy restaurant. Shoving his hands in his pocket, he effortlessly brushed off the appreciation looks he was receiving from the female clientele (Very much used of) and walked up to a man in a suit, perhaps the manager. He was about to ask where there table was, when he suddenly felt a weight on his shoulder. An arm? He frowned. Shifting his gaze to the owner of the arm, his fatigue immediately left his body at the recognition of the person in question. It was like, his entire body regenerated itself. No kidding, it was how the man made him feel like.

“Jin hyung?”

“The one and only.” The man answered with a toothy smile. Pulling the so call Jin Hyung into a bear hug, Jungkook asked happily

“The hell are you doing here? I thought you were in the army?”

The handsome fellow, five years older than Jungkook, smiled fondly at the flustered yet content younger friend and pulling him towards what seem to be their table, he said calmly while greeting Jungkook’s parents and the aunt

“I’ve been discharged a month ago. I wanted to come by but I heard you were starting your internship so I didn’t want to be a nuisance.”

“Are you kidding? You’re never a nuisance.”

“I see that you two haven’t waste time.” Jungkook’s mother said happily as she watched the two men approach their table.

“Eommeonie^[2], how are you doing?”

“I’m good, how are you Seokjinie?” She asked in return. With a smile, the so call Seokjinie answered

“I’m good thank you.”, and as he was about to sit, Jungkook’s eyes fell on an unknown figure right beside the older man. Seokjinie must’ve notice the frown Jungkook had on, because, he briefly turning his head towards the person in question, he seemed to have realized her presence

“Oh, right. Everyone this is my girlfriend Song Chayeon”

Jungkook would lie if he said he was actually surprised that his buddy, 5 years his senior, had actually already found himself a girlfriend just a month after his return from the army. After all, he wasn’t called the playboy Kim Seokjin for nothing. If Jungkook was a lady killer, Kim Seokjin was on a totally different level. Jungkook never really did know why Seokjin hyung liked playing so much with girls but growing up with him and being his neighbor back in Busan did taught him one thing about Seokjin hyung. In order to stay out of trouble, less he knew better he’d be. Bowing respectfully at Seokjin hyung’s new victim, Jungkook finally sat on his chair and so began the festivity. Or in his case, his pretense of a good son.

Taehyung didn’t know why they were here. Why were they in front of this fancy restaurant? A place which definitely wasn’t Namjoon’s cup of tea. So chances of catching him here was near to zero or more like it was zero. But somehow, Ga Yeon noona was convinced that he’ll show up here. Why? She didn’t tell him but from her grave expression, Taehyung couldn’t contradict her. And even if he hated the thought that Ga Yeon noona would not tell him anything until she speaks to Namjoon first, he didn’t argue with her for all that matter. He knew all too well how Ga Yeon noona was. No matter how deep their bond was, she would never speak up her mind unless she talks to the person first. It was in her way to her respect. Quite unique but that’s why she was loved by Taehyung and the other boys of their group of friends.

As he watched carefully the restaurant’s entrance from where he was, meaning, by his car where he had his back against the driver’s door, Taehyung couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable from the weird glances he was receiving not only by the restaurant’s workers but also the clientele. He didn’t linger long on it however. For, just as he was about to suggest Ga Yeon noona to get back in the car for now, his eyes landed on a familiar dark haired girl.

“Chayeon?” Taehyung finally said with a frown, his eyes shifting from the figure in the restaurant to Ga Yeon noona. And Taehyung didn’t need more to finally understand what was going on. Or more like what was up with Namjoon hyung. Sighing unconsciously, he pulled up the sleeves of his jacket, then burying his hands in his pocket, he said more as a statement than a question

“He’s still not over her.” Ga Yeon noona remained silent a moment then finally said

“No. Unfortunately.”

“That idiot.” Taehyung whispered more to himself than to Ga Yeon noona, just as a hooded figure walked up to the entrance stairs and into the restaurant. After a short glance at his noona, Taehyung didn’t need to say a word already knowing what Ga Yeon noona would say anyway. Instead, he cursed under his breath just as he raced into the restaurant where as he expected Namjoon hyung was doing a scene at.

“Excuse me sir but if you don’t have a reservation you can’t go in.”

“Look, I just want to talk the lady at the table over there. It won’t take long.” Namjoon hyung retorted hotly to the manager who looked just as flustered as the rest of his coworkers. Taehyung who had just arrived by then, grabbed Namjoon hyung’s by the shoulder then pulling him away from the manager, he said apologetically

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience. We’re just going to leave. I’m so sorry.”

“The hell are you saying Taetae? If you want to leave then go. But I’m talking to Chayeon ah first.” Slightly grimacing at the smell of liquor coming from Namjoon’s mouth, Taehyung was about to snap some sense into the older man but before he could he had already detached himself from Ga Yeon noona’s hold and was now walking up to where Chayeon was seated. Barely sparing a glance at the table, Taehyung grabbed Namjoon away from Chayeon just before he got to kneel in front of her, like the lovesick puppy he was, and forcing him to face him, he said

“Hyung, please stop it. You’re better than this. Come on, let’s go home and talk this out.”

“Taetae, don’t get in my way.” Namjoon snarled back, clearly drunk. But Taehyung wasn’t going to let himself be intimidated for that much. He’s seen far worse after all.

“Hyung, don’t you know how ridiculous you look like right now.”

“Ridiculous? Is it ridiculous to be in love? Is it ridiculous to have a beating heart? Oh right, I forgot that you didn’t have a heart Kim Taehyung-ssi.”

Namjoon sarcastically ended. Trying to not let Namjoon hyung’s word get to him, Taehyung attempted once again to drag him out of the restaurant but somehow, before he could even register what was going on, he suddenly felt a pain on his cheek. Namjoon hyung had, in his struggle, accidently bumped his elbow on Taehyung’s face. And pretty hard. Taehyung didn’t ponder on it too long though. More concerned about how he was going to get Namjoon hyung without hurting himself or having him hurting someone else in the restaurant.

“I’m sorry, but who are you people?” A baritone voice suddenly rose in the mist of everything. It was the older man at the table who had asked the question and evidently he didn’t seem all that please for having them bothering their obvious family reunion. Frankly, Taehyung couldn’t blame him. Clearly, the man looked like he was only enjoying a family dinner when Namjoon and well, he and Ga Yeon noona, appeared in the picture. In his place, he’ll be just as upset. With a deep bow, Taehyung said

“I’m so sorry sir. Please forgive my friend’s impertinence. He’s just…”

“In love. I get it. But from what I’ve heard, this young lady here is dating Seokjin here. Or am I wrong?” The man said, though his eyes were on Chayeon the whole time. Cha Yeon looked like she would happily just disappear from the face of the earth. And Taehyung couldn’t really blame her for being that uncomfortable under the man’s stern look. Anyone would feel just as intimidated. Well, Taehyung wouldn’t have been but that’s a different story. Unconsciously running his eyes at the person beside Chayeon, Taehyung immediately couldn’t help but feel disgusted at how good looking the guy, he figured must be the so call Seokjin, was. In the end, appearance mattered more. To think that she dumped Namjoon so coldly for another guy who clearly didn’t even seem to care that much about her, as he looked completely indifferent from the pleading eyes she threw his way, his eyes more interested in Namjoon hyung than her. Well, that’s how the direction Seokjin’s eyes had gotten Taehyung to believe but in the chaos of the moment, he couldn’t really be sure for certain. After all, the man could be captivated by Ga Yeon noona who was beside Namjoon hyung instead. In any case, Taehyung didn’t linger long on whoever Chayeon’s new boyfriend seem to be staring at and unconsciously avert his gaze to the said uncomfortable girl. Taehyung couldn’t help but feel pity for the girl. She was by all means being so harshly judge by the other occupant of the table, and yet her boyfriend seem completely uninterested of her, to the point where Taehyung wouldn’t blame her if she started sobbing. The is wrong with that guy anyway? Wasn’t he even remotely sorry for being the guy Chayeon cheated on Namjoon with? Why wasn’t he comforting her or even defending?

“Kim Seokjin? So you’re that bastard who stole Chayeon from me?” Namjoon’s voice snapped Taehyung out of his thought. And to said, he was surprise was an understatement. After all, not only did Namjoon mistook another guy, who was also at the table, for the bastard but also the person at hand was none other than the kid Taehyung has been in constant argument with. Jeon Jungkook? Great. His day just kept getting better.

“Namjoonie hyung, you’ve got the wrong one.” He said awkwardly, pulling Namjoon hyung away from him as he conveyed silently his apologies to the victim. Unfortunately, as wasted as Namjoon hyung was, he didn’t seem to differentiate anything anymore. Also, as if it wasn’t embarrassing enough, he was also now stammering things to a woman at a nearby table, mistaking her for Chayeon. Something that they will certainly be laughing about in the far future though, right now, it just made Taehyung want to cry.

“Namjoon ah, stop come on let’s go.” Ga Yeon tried again but seeing as Namjoon didn’t seem like he was going to budge anytime soon, Taehyung angrily threw Namjoon hyung over his shoulder, regardless of Ga Yeon’s warning about it being bad for him since Namjoon hyung was bigger than him, but also as pissed as he was, Taehyung couldn’t be bothered by such detail.

“Sir I’m going to have to ask you to leave before I call the police.” The manager was now threatening.

“You don’t have to. We’re going to go anyway. I’m so sorry. I really am.” Taehyung could only said before walking out of the restaurant. Walking past the manager who looked like he wanted to murder them with his glare, Taehyung gave Ga Yeon noona a blank check asking her to just write down any amount to compensate these people and left to his car. Forcing Namjoon hyung into the back seat, he ignored the incoherent words the older man was saying probably displeased at the fact he was being manhandle, but honestly, Taehyung couldn’t give a . This whole thing has lasted for far too long. Namjoon hyung was probably right. He didn’t have a heart. But honestly, if having a heart meant risking being this ridiculous, he sure as hell didn’t want one. After getting into the driver seat, he turned to the older man behind him and asked resignedly

“Why the do you fall in love if it’s too hurt this much?” Watching the older man slowly drifting into a slumber, he turned his gaze to Ga Yeon noona who had just got into his passenger seat, he watched her hit angrily Namjoon on the head while complaining furiously

“You punk! How childish are you to be crying over a girl? A genius my . You’re more of a fool than anything else.” Earning only a groan in response, she attached her seat belt and seemed like she was going to complain further when her expression unexpectedly darkens and she unbuckles once again her seat belt then delivering hit after hit at the sleeping Namjoon, she alleged angrily

“You stupid kid. Hurting your brother for a girl. The is wrong with you? Damn it!”

“Noona, stop, you’ll hurt yourself.”

“Like I care. This punk is in serious trouble when he sobers up. He better have his legacy prepared, because I’m sending him straight to his grave.”

Suddenly sighing loudly, she cautiously touched the spot Taehyung had been hit at and pulling her hand away, she asked wearily

“Does it hurt?”

“It’s nothing noona. It’s just a little bump.”

“I’m a bump him when he sobers up. We’ll see then if he likes it.” Retorted angrily Ga Yeon noona, making Taehyung laugh despite his best effort to remain serious. But honestly, after much thought, this whole situation was anything but serious.

After reassuring Ga Yeon noona that he could take care of Namjoon hyung alone, he dropped her off in front of her apartment but not after Ga Yeon noona told him she’ll come by his house in the morning. Taehyung only nodded in response and finally drove back to his apartment. More than happy that it had all ended. At least, he hoped it did.

On the other hand, Jungkook who had just return to his apartment couldn’t help but have his mind repeat again and again tonight’s event. And specifically, Kim Taehyung’s expression. Why did he pay so much attention at the way Kim Taehyung’s hands held his friend, firmly and yet gently at the same time? Or how he had silently apologized to him when he pulled his friend away from him when the drunkard had mistaken him for Seokjin hyung? Jungkook didn’t know why but even before his teacher had walked into the restaurant, he hadn’t had that much trouble recognizing him. Even when he had his back turn. And honestly, knowing himself, the thought alone of him recognizing someone other than his family was intriguing. And again, even he had a hard time recognizing his own family sometime.

“Never mind. It’s probably just a coincidence.” He convinced himself, pouring himself a glass of wine. Slowly laying his back against his sofa, he brought the glass near his lips before eventually putting it back down as he wondered out loud

“Could it be that he left work because of his friend then?”

Silence.

Vigorously shaking his head, he brought back the glass towards his lips as he said determinedly

“No way. It can’t be. He’s not that reliable.” Casually shoving his hand in the pocket of his coat looking for his phone, a frown formed itself instead when he found another item beside his phone. Studying it for a while, he wondered out loud

“A distant bracelet?” Playing back tonight’s event in his mind, a bulb of light lit in his mind as he whispered with a grin

“Ah right. I must’ve slipped into my pocket when he was trying to separate me from his friend. But why does he have this kind of thing. How childish.” Jungkook snorted the last comment, literally throwing the item on his table before sipping his glass of wine not a bit concern if he was being too abrupt or whatever with something that didn’t belong to him.