Taehyung sighed as he sat down at the bar in his favourite beach restaurant

“What would you like today sir?” The waitress asked kindly

Taehyung smiled at her, “You new here?”

The waitress nodded and smiled shyly

Taehyung laughed lightly, “I was going to order something complicated, but since you’re new I’ll be easy on you. I’ll take a simple light alcohol cocktail please.”

“Right away sir.”

Taehyung sighed again as he twisted in his stool and looked out to the beach.

The beach which held so many precious memories

Taehyung stared into the sparkling water as the waves splashed back and forth.

He smiled a bittersweet smile as he remembered walking along that with his first love.

His first love who he let slip out of his hands.

“Sir? Your drink.” Taehyung snapped out of his thoughts and turned around

“Thank you.” He smiled at the waitress as he picked up his drink and swirled it around

Taehyung stared into blank space as he sipped his drink. The bruises on his body hurting him now more than ever.

He first came to the beach years ago to relieve some stress, but it seemed that with time he ended up at the beach for a lot of other things.

Someone sat in the seat next to Taehyung but he paid no attention, it wasn’t like he was waiting for anyone. The person who used to sit beside him was no longer a part of his life

“Hello sir, what can I get you today?” The waitress’ voice rang through the air

“Uh yes, can I have a cocktail, light on the alcohol?”

Taehyung’s eyes widened and his heartbeat fastened

‘That voice.’

Slowly Taehyung looked up, hoping it wasn’t who he thought it was

But of course, life had a way of playing games with those who try to avoid their problems

“J-Jimin?” Taehyung whispered out

Said male turned his head, equally as shocked

“Taehyung?”

Taehyung stared at the male, “What are you doing here?”

Jimin scoffed, “What? Am I not allowed to come here anymore?”

Taehyung shook his head, “No I’m sorry, I just never thought you would come here again.”

“Well you came didn’t you?” Jimin spit out bitterly

Taehyung turned his back to his drink and lowered his head

“Your drink sir.” The waitress came back

“You still drink that?” Taehyung asked lightly

“You got me hooked once and now I can’t help it.”

Taehyung bit his lip at the memory

Jimin sighed and Taehyung swirled his drink again

“Sorry. I was being rude.” Jimin forced out a smile

Taehyung shook his head and took a sip of his drink

“So…how is everything going?” Jimin asked after a while

“Fine I guess. I got the job I wanted. How about you?”

“I guess I’m fine too. I’ve opened up my own shop.”

Taehyung’s eyes shone as he turned to Jimin, “Really? That’s amazing Jimin, you always wanted that.”

Jimin smiled sadly in response

Taehyung’s smile faltered when Jimin didn’t share the small moment of happiness

Taehyung once again turned to his drink, remembering something from years ago

“How’s…” Jimin started and Taehyung glanced at him

Jimin looked at his drink intensely

“How is Jungkook?”

Taehyung closed his eyes and forced back the tingling pain

“Jungkook’s good. He got his own job too.” Taehyung breathed out with held back force

Jimin raised his eyebrow, “You still with him?”

Taehyung didn’t say anything before he sighed and nodded

“Oh? I’m surprised. I didn’t think you would last this long with him.” Jimin scoffed

Taehyung stayed quiet. What could he say?

“Because of you, I’m becoming ruined. I wanna stop, I don’t want you anymore.”

Jimin laughed as the familiar song played in the background

Taehyung closed his eyes, “Jimin?”

Jimin looked at Taehyung

Taehyung built up courage and looked at Jimin, “I’m sorry.”

Jimin stared at Taehyung, face void of emotion

Taehyung’s eyes teared up a little

“It pierces me, I’m going crazy, I hate this. Take it all away, I hate you.”

Jimin smiled, “I’m going to guess things aren’t going so well with Jungkook.”

Taehyung bit his lip

“Is that why you’re here? To de-stress? Or to find someone new again?” Jimin bit out

“I’m sorry (I hate you). I love you (I hate you). Forgive me.”

Taehyung looked at his drink and laughed hollowly, “He wants to break up.”

“Oh? What did you do now? Accidentally sleep with someone again?” Jimin asked with pained amusement

He was only torturing himself and he knew it.

“No. I wouldn’t make that mistake.” Taehyung sipped his drink, “Again.” He added in quietly

“So Jungkook isn’t interested in you anymore then?” Jimin continued his taunting

“I guess he noticed that I could never fully commit to him.”

“It goes round and round, why do I keep coming back?”

“I go down and down, at this point I’m just a fool.”

Jimin turned his head towards Taehyung

“Our relationship ran on what happened years ago and I guess he noticed that I was only with him because I felt bad.”

“It’s definitely my heart, my feelings but why don’t they listen to me?”

Taehyung looked up at the sky wincing from the pain, “I’m really sorry Jimin. Really.”

“But the sky is blue, the sky is blue.”

“The sky is blue and the sun is shining.”

Jimin’s eyes widened when he noticed the tears streaking down Taehyung’s face

“So my tears are even more noticeable.”

 “I still love you.”

 

 

Taehyung sighed as he held the rejection paper in his hand

“This .” He complained to himself

That was the fifth job to reject him and Taehyung couldn’t get any more annoyed

He had been on Job search for weeks and no one seemed to want him.

Taehyung sighed, “Who wants to hire a teenager with interests in music?”

He walked his usual way but decided that he needed a break and take a detour

Taehyung stepped on the coloured bricks he never walked on before and followed them until his shoes were stepping on sand

“A beach?” Taehyung’s eyes glowed as he looked up

There was a small inn a little walk down and beside it a restaurant and bar

Taehyung walked towards the bar while admiring the clear ocean waves

“It’s so beautiful.” He bellowed as he stared into the horizon

“First time here?” Taehyung turned towards the counter and saw a man standing there wiping a glass

Taehyung nodded and sat down

“I’ve never been here before. I didn’t even know we had this here.”

“It’s a quiet place. Not too popular with the people because there’s nothing to do here. Nothing to see here.”

“I think I have to object to that. It’s so serene and calming. The water is so clear and even with my shoes on I can tell how soft the sand is.”

“You have a great eye kid. Not many people notice that stuff. All they want is fun and thrillers.”

Taehyung looked back at the man

“Can I order a drink?”

“How old are you kid?”

Taehyung smiled, “Only seventeen.”

The man stared at Taehyung while he only smiled back

“Alright I’ll give it to ya. Just this one time.” The man winked, “For seeing the beach for what it really is.”

Taehyung laughed and put his bag down

“I think I like this place.” He smiled and closed his eyes, smelling the fresh beach air

“What brought you here anyway?”

Taehyung opened his eyes and looked over at the man while he made his drink

“I was looking for a job, but so far all I’ve been getting is ‘sorry’ and ‘we don’t want you’. I decided to stop for today and take a different way home. Instead I stumbled here.”

“I would hire you, but you gotta be 20. Sorry kid.” The man gave Taehyung an apologetic smile as he walked over with something colourful

“It’s fine. I’m not giving up yet.” Taehyung smiled back

“That’s a good attitude. Here you go. It’s a cocktail, special to myself as of recently. I just invented it. Light alcohol but dangerously sweet and delicious.”

Taehyung took the drink graciously and sipped it

His eyes sparkled and he looked up at the man, “This is delicious! I’ve never drank anything like this. You can’t even taste the alcohol!”

The man laughed, “Thank you!”

Taehyung took small sips of the drink as he looked out into the water

Calm. That’s what Taehyung felt on the beach that day. Relaxed and calm. Nothing to worry about. Nothing to stress about.

Taehyung thanked the man as he left hours later, and promised a return.

A promise he kept for years

 

It was a year later when Taehyung made his first official friend. Someone who would be the most important in Taehyung’s life, which he wouldn’t know until it was too late.

 

Jimin bit his lip as walked out of the bakery

‘Don’t give up. You can’t give up yet.’

Baking was Jimin’s dream. He wanted to open up his own bakery and make his own sweets. He wanted to make people smile with his creations and be able to support himself without the help of his family.

As of right now though, Jimin’s dream was centuries away, since his boss never let him in the kitchen

“You’re only eighteen! Barely finishing highschool! How am I supposed to let you work in the kitchen!” Is what he had said

Jimin sighed. He couldn’t give up yet. He would try his best in his tasks until he was allowed to go in the kitchen

At the age of eighteen Jimin laughed when an odd thought passed through his mind

“I need a drink.” He laughed to himself

Walking around the area Jimin decided that none of the bars were going to serve him any alcohol so he would have to cut that idea

Jimin decided to take a turn home when he walked by a coloured stone path

He stared at the stones and decided to take an adventure to release his stress

When the stones turned into sand, Jimin’s eyes widened when he smelled the fresh air of a beach

He looked up when he heard laughter coming from the small restaurant up ahead

Taking cautious steps Jimin walked over to the restaurant

“And then I said, if you don’t hire me, you’ll have bad luck for the rest of your life!” The boy in the restaurant laughed

“You don’t think that was too much?” The man at the counter responded, a genuine smile on his face

“I’ve been trying for a job for so long that I thought, if I wasn’t going to get a job there, why not show some attitude.” The boy laughed again

Jimin walked into the restaurant, catching the attention of the two people

“Hello.” The man smiled

Jimin smiled back nervously, “Hi.”

Jimin noticed the man take a quick glance at the boy before looking back

“Can I help you with something?”

Jimin’s eyes widened, “Uhm no, sorry, I was just walking by and I ended up here!”

“Why don’t you sit down and unwind for a bit. One look and I can tell you’re stressed kid.” The man smiled

Jimin hesitated

“Come sit! You’ll feel better after spending some time here. I promise!” The boy smiled at Jimin and he couldn’t help but blush

Jimin nodded and joined the boy by the bar and sat beside him

“So what brought you here kid?” The man asked as he brought over a glass of water

“What do you mean?” Jimin blinked up at the man as he took the glass, “Thank you.”

“Well you don’t know where you are. So I’m guessing you have something on your mind. What’s made you come here? Don’t worry we won’t hurt you.” The man laughed

Jimin looked between the man and the boy before looking down at this drink

“I was just a little fed up with my job. Wanted some time to think.”

“Then I guess this is the place for you. When I first came here, I was stressed about finding a job and I left feeling better than ever. Now I’ve been coming for about a year and each time I leave I feel amazing.” The boy smiled at Jimin again

“Let’s take a walk by the beach, what do you say…” The boy got off his stool and turned around to face Jimin

“Jimin. Park Jimin.” Jimin smiled slightly

“Jimin! I’m Taehyung. Kim Taehyung.” Taehyung smiled his bright smile

Jimin smiled back and followed Taehyung out to the water

“Does no one come here? It’s so isolated.” Jimin looked at Taehyung when they stood at the edge of the shore

Taehyung smiled as he looked out to the water, “I said I’ve been coming for a year right? In that year barely anyone came through. Just some lost wanderers and troublemaking kids. I’ve been the only regular visitor. Mr. Song, he owns the inn and restaurant, told me that in all his years of working here, he barely had any customers. I’ve been his only regular customer.”

Taehyung finished his briefing and looked at Jimin, “So. What brought you here?”

Jimin looked at Taehyung, “I’ve never actually talked to anyone about this.”

“Well you can talk to me. I won’t tell anyone. Actually, I don’t have anyone to tell.” Taehyung laughed and it made Jimin smile

Jimin looked out to the water and sighed

“I want to be a baker. I want to open my own bakery.”

“Really? Wow, that’s an interesting dream.”

Jimin nodded, “But my parent’s won’t support me. The bakery I work part time at won’t let me near the kitchen and I don’t know it’s all suddenly getting very hard to bear.”

Taehyung nodded and stepped forward, “I guess we’re the same. Except you have a job.”

Jimin looked at Taehyung, “How did you find this place? What’s your dream?”

“I had been rejected from all the jobs I applied to that day, so I decided to see if I could take a different way home. I ended up here instead. The old Mr. Song talked to me and I sat here at the beach for hours. It’s an amazing place really.” Taehyung paused and sighed

“My dream on the other hand. I don’t have one really. I just know I want to do something in the arts. Music maybe.”

The two boys stood in silence and listened to the waves

“Hey Jimin, wanna be friends?” Taehyung spoke after some time

Jimin stared quite shockingly at Taehyung

“We only met not even fifteen minutes ago.”

Taehyung laughed, “And fifteen minutes is what it could make to make an amazing friendship. Don’t you think so? I mean. You’re a teenager with a dream that you’re working for and I’m a teenager with no dream and nothing to work for. This could make a beautiful friendship no?”

Jimin stared at Taehyung’s back a smile making its way to his face. To Jimin Taehyung was an odd but interesting kid

“That actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” Jimin laughed

Jimin heard Taehyung laugh a little harder as he turned around and kicked the water at Jimin

And in that moment Jimin knew he would never forget Taehyung’s whitening smile and eyes sparkling like the water behind him.

 

A year passed and Taehyung’s friendship with Jimin only got deeper. They shared all their problems with each other and all their secrets. This particular year, their friendship took a plunge to a deeper level.

 

“I swear Jimin you should quit. The stupid man’s never going to let you into the kitchen.” Taehyung shook his head at Jimin as they sat on the beach

Jimin kicked at the sand as he sat down

“I would love to quit. But they’re the only shop around here that I can work at and learn whatever I can. I still have some time before I’m going to quit.” Jimin sighed

Taehyung shook his head, “Here you are always worrying about quitting your job and there’s me always worrying about finding one.”

“Still nothing?” Jimin looked at Taehyung with wide eyes

Taehyung laughed, “Here and there but I get kicked out all the time. Honestly I’m not sure why I can’t keep a job.”

“Bad luck I guess. Have you thought of what you wanted to do yet? Aren’t college and university exams coming up soon?” Jimin glanced at Taehyung as he picked up a small rock

“Music. But what in music, I’m not sure. Maybe college will help. I guess I’ll have to see.”

“Hmmm.” Jimin stared at the rock, a small question popping into his mind, “What about marriage, girlfriends, have you thought about those?”

Taehyung laughed, “We’re only nineteen Jimin. I can’t think of what kind of job I want to do and you’re asking me about settling down. Oh by the way, I’m gay. You can run and scream now if you want.”

Jimin’s eyes widened at Taehyung’s straightforwardness

Taehyung turned to Jimin when he didn’t hear anything

“You’re not breaking off our friendship?”

It took Jimin a moment to gather his words, “I- Wha- You’re gay?”

Taehyung nodded

“Well. Hum, how should I say this…”

Taehyung tilted his head, “What?”

Jimin laughed nervously, “Well I’m gay too.”

 

Another year later and friendship turned to rivalry. Both Taehyung and Jimin had been accepted to music and culinary arts programs respectively and it only made them compete against each other to get the best of everything. Taehyung and Jimin were the best of friends and the silliest of rivals. At twenty years old the two boys were practically brothers. But fate had a different story

 

“God damnnit Jimin stop.” Jimin hit himself in the head as he sat outside of the bakery

Jimin didn’t how long it had been since he started thinking of Taehyung in a more intimate way. Was it when he told him he was gay a year ago? Was it when Taehyung’s voice took a turn for the deepest level it could? Or was it when Taehyung randomly decided to start looking older and in Jimin’s opinion hotter?

‘Well you wouldn’t mind Taehyung going deep i-‘

“NO.” Jimin sat up and smacked his head into the wall

“No. No. No. Oh my God this isn’t healthy.” Jimin sat down and fanned himself

He was in . He was plunged in some deep .

“Jiminnie!”

Jimin groaned at the nickname Taehyung decided for him a couple of months ago

Taehyung ran up to him breathlessly which made Jimin’s stomach turn in an odd way

“What is it?”

Taehyung smiled Jimin’s favourite smile, “I think I figured out what I want to do!”

Jimin’s eyes widened as he stood up, “What!”

Taehyung shook his head, “First the beach! Then I’ll tell you!”

The two ran off to the beach as Taehyung was bursting with unused energy

“Mr. Song! Get out something strong!” Taehyung screamed as soon as he reached the end of the stone path

“Don’t scream like that you’ll give him a heart attack!” Jimin scolded Taehyung as they walked up to the restaurant

“What’s the celebration for Taehyung?” Mr. Song smiled as he pulled out two glasses

“Sit Jimin.” Taehyung pulled Jimin’s arm into the seat beside him

“So I’ve been talking with our school’s academic advisors these days and today we figured out what job was the best for me!”

Jimin saw Mr. Song’s eyes brighten incredibly

“And what’s the job Taehyung?” Jimin finally asked

Taehyung turned to Jimin with a bright smile, “Music Therapy.”

“That’s amazing Taehyung. A job well fit for you.” Mr. Song leaned forward and patted Taehyung on the back

Jimin stared at Taehyung with pride filling up his heart. He didn’t know why but he felt so happy for Taehyung

“That’s great Tae. I’m really glad for you.” Jimin laughed as he pulled Taehyung and hugged him

Taehyung laughed loudly as he wrapped his arms around Jimin, “Thanks Jiminnie.”

“What drink should I give you guys? I think I should make something special huh?” Mr. Song interrupted

Jimin pulled away with a blush

“Jimin hasn’t tasted your dangerously delicious cocktail has he? The one you first gave me? Let’s have him taste that first before we take the strong stuff.”

Jimin eyed the other two, “What cocktail?”

Taehyung laughed, “When I first came here, I asked Me. Song for a drink and he made this cocktail with barely any alcohol and it was so good you won’t believe it.”

Jimin’s drink came within two minutes

“Trust me it’s so good.” Taehyung pushed the drink towards Jimin

Jimin picked it up and took a sip.

His first thought was how tangy yet sweet it was.

“Exciting.” Jimin blurted out

“Huh?” Taehyung raised his eyebrow

Jimin laughed slightly, “It tastes like feeling excited. Tangy and sweet. Just amazing.”

Taehyung watched Jimin explain the taste with adoring eyes. He looked away quickly when Jimin looked at him

“Why didn’t you make me drink this earlier?” Jimin slapped Taehyung’s arm

Taehyung laughed, “I totally forgot. I’ve only drank it a couple of times myself.”

“Here you boys go. Enjoy the night. Celebrate, be yourselves, don’t hide anything.” Mr. Song came back with an equally colourful cocktail, “I made this similar to the one from before, this one just has a lot more alcohol. Don’t take giant sips or you’ll get drunk off your asses.”

“Also, I whipped up some sandwiches earlier in the day. You can have those too.”

Jimin picked up the glasses before Taehyung could grab them, “Let me handle these. You set up the other stuff.”

Taehyung pouted at Jimin before taking the plate and blanket from Mr. Song before running out to their usual spot

“I’m packing up earlier today, so you two have the beach to yourselves. You can put the glasses on the side of the hut or if you’re here with a hangover in the morning, I’ll whip you up something to help with the headache.”

Jimin looked at Mr. Song thankfully, “Will do sir.”

Mr. Song laughed as he started to pack up

Jimin walked over to the beach where Taehyung was already sitting

“What are you thinking about?” Jimin sat down and placed the drinks on the most level place he could

“Just. About finally making it.” Taehyung said quietly as he looked out to the water

Jimin took the opportunity to look at Taehyung

“Stop staring Jimin you look like you wanna kill me.” Taehyung laughed and turned his head to Jimin

Jimin blushed and looked away

“Hey, do you wanna swim?” Jimin jumped when Taehyung whispered in his ear

“Taehyung it’s like the middle of October.”

“So?”

Jimin looked at Taehyung’s eager face and no will inside him let him say no

“Fine.”

Taehyung laughed as he jumped up and stripped off his shirt

Jimin had to look away before the thoughts came back

“Is my body too glorious Jimin? I know you’ve been working out too, come on strip!”

Jimin’s face only got redder as he stood up and took his top off

“Wow.”

Jimin looked over at Taehyung who was shamelessly staring at his body

“Stop staring you ert!” Jimin whipped his shirt at Taehyung who in turn laughed and ran off to the water while kicking off his pants

“Ouh cold!” Taehyung screamed as he jumped in

Jimin shook his head as he took of his pants and folded them

“It’s October! It’s going to be cold idiot!”

“But it feels amazing! Come!”

Jimin jogged over to the ocean and stood right before the water started

He tipped his foot in before retracting it with a hiss

“I don’t think I want to get in. Holy so cold!”

Taehyung popped his head out of the water, “It’s not so bad when you get completely soaked!”

Jimin shook his head, “I’m going to freeze to death. Nope, not happening.”

Taehyung stood up in the water and walked over slowly

Jimin could only think of how badly that affected him

“Park Jimin. You will get in the water.” Taehyung said slowly as he stood in front of Jimin

Jimin gulped as he looked up Taehyung

Before Jimin could process it, he was picked up by Taehyung and was over the water

“Kim Taehyung if you drop me I’m going to chop off your !” Jimin shouted as he struggled in Taehyung’s arms

Taehyung smiled too brightly for Jimin’s liking as he suddenly moved away his hands

“KIM TAEHYUNG!” Jimin shouted as he plunged into the water

“I am going to kill you!” Jimin screamed after he resurfaced

Taehyung only stood on the side and laughed

“You love me Jimin you can’t kill me!”

Jimin stood up and ran over to Taehyung, “I will drown you tonight!”

Taehyung struggled in Jimin’s hold as his hair was grabbed by Jimin and he was pulled into the water

“Die Kim Taehyung!” Jimin shouted repeatedly as he dunked Taehyung’s head in the water

Taehyung grabbed Jimin’s waist and pushed him over

“That wasn’t that bad now was it!” Taehyung laughed as Jimin resurfaced again with an angry expression

“Taehyung I swe-“

“Shhh Jimin. It’s not bad. Stop being angry and feel the water.”

Jimin stopped moving and floated where he was

The water felt cool around him and he sighed contently

“Fine. You win. It feels nice.”

Taehyung smiled

The two boys played in the water for twenty minutes before Jimin sneezed

“Uh oh, time to get out of the water!” Taehyung screamed as he ran out

“If I get sick, I swear I’m murdering you.” Jimin fumed as he walked up to the blanket

“Here’s a towel. Mr. Song probably left them.” Taehyung dried his hair as he handed Jimin another towel

Jimin dried himself but ended up sneezing again

“Dammnit.”

“Sit, sit!” Taehyung laughed

Jimin was about to put his clothes on but Taehyung grabbed his arm and pulled him down

“Just use the blanket, it’s warmer than your clothes.”

Jimin pulled the blanket on top of him and picked up a sandwich

“Ohhhh this is good.”

Jimin looked over at Taehyung who was holding the drink

“Taehyung!” Jimin’s eyes widened when he saw that Taehyung had drank half of it

“Mr. Song said to take sips!”

“My alcohol tolerance is high! Plus I was thirsty!” Taehyung pouted the alcohol already taking some effect

“If you’re so thirsty, there’s enough water in front of you fool.” Jimin kissed his teeth as he picked up his drink

Taehyung watched Jimin take a sip and then watched his adams apple bob

“Jimin?”

Jimin looked over at Taehyung

Taehyung looked at the water again as he went silent

“What is it Tae?” Jimin put his drink down and turned toward Taehyung

Taehyung took a deep breath and continued staring at the water, “Nothing.”

Jimin raised his eyebrow, “It’s not nothing Tae. What’s wrong?”

Taehyung looked up at Jimin

“I don’t how to say it.”

Jimin laughed, “You? You don’t know how to say something? You’re always the one saying things in the worst-“

Jimin was cut off short by Taehyung’s lips on his own

Before Jimin could process Taehyung’s actions, he was already lying on his back the blanket pushed out of the way

“Taehyung stop. You’re drunk stop.” Jimin pushed at Taehyung’s chest

Taehyung shook his head, “I’m not drunk Jimin. I know I’m not drunk because I’m going to say I love you and I’m going to make love to you right now and I’m going to remember it in the morning.”

Jimin stared up at Taehyung, his mouth hanging open

“You-“

“I love you Jimin.” Taehyung repeated and leaned down to kiss Jimin again

Jimin didn’t respond right away, but when Taehyung his bottom lip, all the feelings Jimin had built up for Taehyung had burst and he let Taehyung make love to him on the beach under the stars and in front of the ocean that displayed what was hidden in Taehyung’s eyes.

 

Another year. Same old same old. The only thing different was that now instead of just being best friends, Taehyung and Jimin’s relationship evolved to being lovers.

 

“Finally? Really?” Taehyung’s eyes widened as he picked up a happy Jimin from the bakery

“Yup. I think it’s because I’m finally doing kitchen work in school so they allowed me to work and learn in the bakery.” Jimin laughed as he slipped his hand into Taehyung’s

Taehyung tightened his hold as he smiled, “I’m glad Jimin. You’re one more step closer to your dream.”

Jimin looked up at Taehyung, “And you? They’re sending you to the hospitals this year right?”

Taehyung nodded, “One more step.”

Jimin looked back to the front, “I think we’re each other’s good luck charms.”

Taehyung snorted, “I swear Jimin ever since we started dating you’ve gotten so much sappier.”

Jimin hit Taehyung with his free hand, “No I have not.”

Taehyung only laughed as they walked to the beach.

It had been a regular routine for them. Jimin’s classes were in the morning while Taehyung’s at night so after his classes Taehyung would pick up Jimin from the bakery and spend the end of the day together. Most of the time at the beach, otherwise they would go out for dinner or just spend it at each other’s houses.

In Jimin’s opinion there wasn’t much that could make him happier except one thing

“Tae I wanted to ask you something.”

“Hmmm.”

Jimin looked at Taehyung who was staring ahead

“In the future when I open my own bakery. Would you like to open it with me? As my partner? I know you’ll be busy with your own job, mo-“

“Yes.”

“And- wait, yes?” Jimin’s eyes grew larger

Taehyung looked at Jimin with a smile, “Yes, I’ll open it with you. If I don’t who will?”

Jimin blushed and looked away

“Thank you.”

The two walked in comfortable silence

“And Tae?” Jimin spoke quietly after a while

“Yeah?”

Jimin tightened his grip on Taehyung’s hand before saying the words for the first time

“I love you.”

 

There’s always a first for everything. A first kiss, time, pay check, placement. For Taehyung it was his first party. One that went horribly wrong. One that Jimin asked him to avoid. They were only two years into their relationship, but two is enough to make stupid mistakes.

 

“Jimin, please listen! I can explain!” Taehyung ran after Jimin, his radio blaring through the house

“Fall (everything). Fall (everything). Fall (everything). Scattering apart.”

“There’s nothing to explain Taehyung. The boy in your room is enough of an explanation.”

Jimin laughed hollowly, “And to think I even warned you. You’re twenty-two! I shouldn’t have had to tell you!”

“Because of you I’m becoming ruined. I wanna stop, I don’t want you anymore.”

Taehyung gulped, “I’m sor-“

“Don’t ing apologize. That isn’t going to work.”

“Jimin pl-“

“I can’t do it this . Please don’t give me any excuses.”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Jimin looked at Taehyung with anger before opening his front door

“You’re new plaything is waiting for you upstairs. We’re done here.”

“You can’t do this to me.”

Taehyung reached forward to stop Jimin, but the latter slammed the door shut and left

Taehyung dropped to his knees and let his tears fall

He screwed up. He screwed up so badly and he couldn’t even fix it. In one night everything fell apart

“Take it all away, I hate you.”

“Taehyung hyung?” A voice broke through Taehyung’s tears

“But you’re my everything (You’re my).”

“I-I think you should go Jungkook.” Taehyung whispered out

“Everything (You’re my). Everything (You’re my).”

“O-okay.” Jungkook shuffled back up to Taehyung’s room

“Please go away (huh)”

After Jungkook left Taehyung let himself pass out by his front door, half because of the hangover and half because of the heartbreak

“I’m sorry (Hate you). I love you (I hate you). Forgive me.”

 

 

“Taehyung you gotta own up. You’ll get arrested if you don’t.” Taehyung sat in his classroom with his head down

“It’s been a month Hoseok. What can I do?” Taehyung sighed

“You have to actually date him. If you don’t you can get arrested for a minor. Unless you’re his boyfriend.”

Taehyung ran his hand through his hair

“It was an accident, I was drunk and someone set me up with him. We had accidental and my boyfriend walked in. I broke up with him that night Hoseok. I don’t think I’m ready to date someone else.”

“This isn’t someone else. You slept with the kid and if you don’t date him you go to jail.”

“I’ll think about it.” Taehyung sighed again

 

 

“You wanted to talk to me Taehyung hyung?”

Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck, “So I was thinking about some things, and I wanted to apologize.”

Jungkook raised his eyebrow, “For what hyung?”

“For sleeping with you and getting you in trouble with your parent’s and I’m guessing authorities who probably want my right now.”

Jungkook pushed away from his computer and stood up, “Hyung it’s no big deal, I can deal with them.”

Taehyung shook his head, “It is to me. I feel bad and I want to make it up to you.”

“How?”

Taehyung forced a smile and said what he knew he would regret so much

“Date me.”

 

Life always had a way of playing games. It was no different for Taehyung. The entire year his life revolved around Jungkook and want Jungkook wanted. Taehyung knew this was a punishment for cheating on Jimin and he took it without a fight.

 

“Taehyung.” Jimin said his name flatly

Taehyung looked up from the menu with shock

“What the fu- What are you doing here?” Jimin spoke again

Taehyung gulped and looked down

“Hi. Are you going to take our order?”

Jimin looked from Taehyung to the boy sitting beside him

“Yes. What would you like?” Jimin forced a smile and held out his notebook

“I’d like a cheesecake slice. Tae what about you?”

Taehyung coughed when his name was called and he looked up

“Uhm, whatever you think I should get Jungkook.”

Jungkook raised his eyebrow at Taehyung before looking back up at Jimin with a smile

“My boyfriend would also like a cheesecake slice. But can you add some strawberries? He likes strawberries.”

Jimin smiled back at Jungkook and wrote down the order, almost crushing the pencil he was writing with

“Two cheesecake pieces, one with strawberries. Anything else?”

“Do you want anything to drink? I heard their drinks are good.” Jungkook looked at Taehyung

Taehyung shook his head

“You love sweets, why are you being to stingy today. I’ll take a caramel macchiato please.”

Jimin nodded and wrote it down before walking off

When Jimin’s footprints faded was when Taehyung took a breath and closed his eyes

“That’s the boy you were dating right? The one that broke up with you because you slept with me?” Jungkook asked boldly

Taehyung sighed and nodded

“Wow this must be awkward for you two. I’m guessing you didn’t reconcile.”

Taehyung nodded again. Sometimes he loved Jungkook’s boldness but sometimes he hated it

Right now, he hated it

“So, I’m going to be out of town for a university trip. Don’t mess yourself up okay. My parents finally took a liking to you.” Jungkook spoke as he leaned back

Taehyung looked up at him, “Where are you going?”

“Jeju. I’m not sure what they want from us there. But it looks fun and I’m going. Don’t miss me too much.”

“Here are your orders.”

Taehyung held his breath again when Jimin came back

Jungkook smiled brightly as he took his plate

“Thank you Jimin-shi.”

Jimin smiled and leaned down to place Taehyung’s plate in front of him

“Finish that cake and get the out of here. I don’t want to see your face in my territory.”

Jimin stood up, smiled at Jungkook and walked away

Jungkook took a bite of his cake and groaned from happiness

“This is delicious. Hurry up Tae hyung. You don’t want Jimin to get angry again.”

Taehyung almost cursed out loud. He knew Jimin was watching him and he knew Jungkook was teasing him

When he finally finished his cake and went up to the cash, Jungkook decided to act a little too bold

“Thanks for the treat hyung.” Jungkook smiled

Taehyung looked at Jimin with sad and reserved eyes. But the latter’s held anger and hatred

Taehyung looked at Jungkook and forced a smile, “You’re welcome.”

Jungkook smirked, “Why are you being so formal hyung? We’re boyfriends.”

Taehyung didn’t have time to move before Jungkook latched onto him and kissed him in front of Jimin’s eyes

“Get out before I call the police for public indecency please.” Jimin’s voice made Taehyung push away from Jungkook

Jungkook only smiled as he took Taehyung’s hand and led him out.

Taehyung looked at the shop as he lost his first and last chance to talk to Jimin and explain himself.

 

Taehyung kept himself up at night a lot the next year. He devoted himself to his music. To the people around him, he was lost in work and preparing for his finals. To Taehyung, it was a distraction from life and his thoughts. He gave himself to working on his music and thinking about what made sick patients happy. Taehyung made many patients happy in his placements but each song he sang made him sadder.

 

It was graduation.

Taehyung looked at himself in the mirror. Twenty-four years old and he was about to do what he was aiming for.

“You’re tie is crooked.” Jungkook said from behind him

Although being two years younger than Taehyung, Jungkook had landed himself a job at a large company and he was financially happy. Taehyung wondered if having such a smart boyfriend was a good thing or not.

“Fix it?” Taehyung smiled

Jungkook smiled back and fixed his tie

“You’re graduating now. I have a present for you.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened when Jungkook leaned up to kiss him

“A present?”

Jungkook nodded, “I’ll give it to you after graduation.”

Taehyung nodded and the two left for the ceremony

Even throughout the ceremony, Taehyung couldn’t bring himself to smile. He wondered, at the back of his mind, if today happened to be Jimin’s graduation too

“And give a round of applause to our graduates!” The dean announced loudly before giving a proud clap

Taehyung stood still as his fellow graduates threw their hats into the air and started chatting to each other

Jungkook found Taehyung immediately after everyone started filing out

“Congratulations Tae.” Jungkook laughed as he kissed Taehyung

Taehyung smiled into the kiss, thankful for Jungkook’s postitive energy

Jungkook put his hands on Taehyung’s waist and pulled away, “Your present?”

“What is it?” Taehyung asked, genuinely curious

Jungkook smiled, “Come.”

Taehyung followed Jungkook to his car and they drove away from the university

“I thought you would like to be closer to the hospital and I wanted to be closer to the company, which is also very close to the hospital.” Jungkook smiled as he drove

Taehyung looked over at him, “And?”

Jungkook only smiled as he drove

Taehyung gasped when Jungkook finally parked the car

“You bought a place for us to stay?” Taehyung stared the at condo with giant eyes

Jungkook nodded and wrapped his arms around Taehyung

Taehyung didn’t know if he wanted to cry or laugh, so he did both

Within two weeks, both boys were moved in and running on a routine

 

 

Jimin stared at the piece of paper in his hand. His degree.

The graduation, in Jimin’s opinion was useless. He didn’t have anyone waiting for him after it and no one to cheer for him throughout it.

Walking to his house after the graduation Jimin felt bitter feelings bubble inside of him.

He knew Taehyung’s graduation would be around the same time and he knew that Taehyung had someone waiting for him.

For a small second Jimin wished. He wished that it could have been him at Taehyung’s graduation and Taehyung at his.

Once the thought passed Jimin felt the anger bubble again and he walked straight to a bar to celebrate. By himself.

It only took Jimin a couple of months to plan and work on getting his own bakery up. Once the finished building was standing and the new polished front doors pushed open, Jimin finally put a genuine smile on his face.

His dream come true. His own bakery.

“Yes, I’ll open it with you. If I don’t who will?”

The void of the promise he made long ago hurt often but Jimin pushed it aside and aimed to be the best bakery around.

 

Three more years of work and life. Taehyung was sure he accomplished what he wanted. Going from not knowing what he wanted to do, to actually having a job, Taehyung was happy. Or so that’s what he usually said. He hadn’t even seen the beach he used to love so much in the past four years.

He felt like a robot. Going to different rooms in the hospital and belting out lyrics to songs he wrote for the patients. The songs usually being the same. Taehyung knew that his personal feelings had started affecting his work, but he didn’t know how to stop it. He couldn’t just go and mend what was shattered years ago, he had to deal with it.

Jungkook also seemed to be catching on. Taehyung hadn’t even given him a kiss on his graduation let alone a gift.

 

“Taehyung can you make dinner.” Jungkook voice rang through the condo as he walked in the front door

Taehyung got up from his work table and straight into the kitchen without greeting Jungkook

“Taehyung I need to talk to you.” Jungkook came into the kitchen

“What’s wrong?”

Jungkook came up beside Taehyung and watched him work

“You’re putting the seasoning before the food.” Jungkook said flatly

Taehyung only nodded and picked up another pan to cook in

That was the last of what it took to make Jungkook snap

He grabbed Taehyung’s hand, pulled him away from the stove and backed him up to the counter

“What is wrong with you Taehyung?” He asked in an angry whisper

Taehyung looked to the side without answering

Jungkook put more force and used his other hand to grab Taehyung’s face and make it face him

“I asked you something Taehyung.”

Taehyung looked into Jungkook’s eyes and saw a similar disappointment from years ago

“Nothing. Nothing’s wrong Jungkook. The food is going to burn. Let me cook.” Taehyung put his hands on Jungkook’s chest and pushed against him

“You didn’t even turn on the stove. The only thing you’re burning right now is my patience.” Jungkook pushed against Taehyung’s hands

Taehyung gulped and looked away, cursing himself for looking stupid

“You’ve changed.” Jungkook finally spit out when Taehyung didn’t bother saying anything

“That’s what’s wrong. You’ve changed. I saw you in university when you were dating Jimin. You always had a smile on your face and you always left early to go meet him.”

Taehyung looked away. He didn’t want to hear what Jungkook was saying

“But once you slept with me and got caught it all changed. Jimin broke up with you and you broke down with your heart. I know you came to me and asked me to date you so you didn’t look like a douchebag who sleeps around. I know you made me your boyfriend because I was younger than you and we could get in trouble.”

“If you knew, why did you agree?” Taehyung finally spoke

Jungkook laughed, “A child’s wishes. I thought maybe being with me could make you forget about Jimin. But wishes are only wishes. You never forgot him and you never will.”

Taehyung stared into Jungkook’s dark eyes

“But I’m possessive Taehyung and I’m going to make you forget.” He whispered darkly

Taehyung’s pleads and begs weren’t heard by Jungkook as he was dragged to the bedroom

Taehyung screamed and begged the entire night, every time Jungkook took him and made him beg.

The morning had Taehyung more broken than before. He couldn’t recall how many times Jungkook took him but the marks on his body and the red marks from being tied to the bed told Taehyung it was better not to count.

Taehyung thought it would get better. But it only got worse.

Jungkook became more abusive and eventually Taehyung had to take leaves from the hospital because he couldn’t move from the bed

Jungkook thought his tactics would make Taehyung forget Jimin. Each night he asked Taehyung who he belonged to. And each night Jungkook knew Taehyung lied and said his name.

 

 

“Let’s break up.”

Taehyung looked up from the bed while he was still catching his breath when Jungkook came back from showering

“What?”

Jungkook picked up a towel and dried himself

“I want to break up with you. I’m done. I know you don’t love me. You don’t have space in your heart for me. Each time you say my name I know you’re thinking about Jimin. I don’t want to deal with this anymore. You have one week to think about this. One week to make up your mind. Stay or pack up and leave.”

Taehyung stared at Jungkook’s back as he finished getting ready for work and left.

It took Taehyung about five minutes to process what Jungkook said before he broke down and cried all the tears he never shed in his life.

 

 

Jimin looked at Taehyung’s face as he cried.

Even years later the beach wasn’t so busy, but over the years it gained some elder customers who now occupied quite a lot of the seats

Jimin turned completely towards Taehyung not sure how he should react. He knew what his feelings were, but he was sure that Taehyung would have moved on.

“Are you not happy with Jungkook?”

Taehyung closed his eyes and shook his head, “I was never happy with Jungkook.”

Jimin stared at Taehyung as he continued shaking his head when he noticed something

“Are those…Taehyung are those bruises?” Jimin moved forward

Taehyung stood up and moved back before Jimin could touch him

Jimin stared into Taehyung’s wide and scared eyes

“Taehyung are those bruises?” Jimin asked again

Taehyung only stared at him

Jimin stood up and grabbed Taehyung’s hand, pulling him towards a more secluded part of the beach

“I asked you something Taehyung.”

‘I asked you something Taehyung.’

Taehyung winced and Jimin saw fear in his eyes again

Jimin knew at once something was wrong. He moved forward slowly and reached out

“I’m not going to hurt you Tae, just tell me what’s wrong.”

Taehyung stared at Jimin’s face, all the memories replaying in his head on repeat

When Jimin was close enough he grabbed Taehyung’s shirt and pulled it off

Taehyung gasped and dropped to the ground to cover himself

Taehyung screwed his eyes shut and held in his tears

He heard Jimin gasp

“What the are those Taehyung!?” Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s arms and pried them apart

Jimin gasped again when he saw Taehyung’s torso

Taehyung’s eyes filled with tears again and he tried to stop them from falling

“Who did this?” Jimin asked after a moment

Taehyung shook his head and bit his lip

Jimin didn’t need to ask but he wanted a confirmation

“Taehyung who did this.”

Taehyung only shook his head and Jimin sighed in frustration

“It was Jungkook wasn’t it.”

Taehyung’s eyes shot open

“So it was.” Jimin concluded

He let go of Taehyung and stood up

“No, don’t go to him! Please Jimin!” Taehyung finally spoke after finding his voice

Jimin looked down at Taehyung and felt something inside him break

Jimin knew for a fact that he never stopped loving Taehyung. He was Jimin’s first love and they never ended on a proper note.

Seeing Taehyung like this when it was Taehyung’s fault for their relationship going wrong Jimin wasn’t sure what to feel. He had so many questions. Wasn’t Taehyung supposed to be happy?

“I want you to tell me what happened Taehyung.”

Taehyung looked up at Jimin with pleading eyes, “You won’t confront him.”

Jimin sighed, “I’ll decide that after I hear what happened.”

“No. Jimin you can’t confront him! Please.”

Jimin understood what Taehyung meant

“He’ll do it again?”

Taehyung winced and looked down

Anger bubbled inside Jimin after years, but this time for a different reason

“What are you two boys doing out here?”

Jimin looked up and his mouth dropped open

“Mr. Song!?” Jimin went over to the man

Mr. Song looked at Jimin closely, “Jimin?” He looked over Jimin’s shoulder, “Is that Taehyung?”

Jimin nodded as Mr. Song scrunched his eyes at Taehyung’s state

“It wasn’t me. I swear, I haven’t seen him in a long time!”

Mr. Song looked at Jimin suspiciously before moving to pick up the crying Taehyung

“Follow me.”

Jimin followed behind Mr. Song until they walked into the inn from the back

Mr. Song walked up a couple of steps and into a bedroom. He set Taehyung down on the bed and sat on the chair beside it

“What happened?”

Taehyung looked down and shut his mouth

Jimin gulped as Mr. Song looked over at him

“I don’t know sir. He never told me.”

Mr. Song raised his eyebrows

“You two aren’t together? I thought you two had started dating years ago. You two even stopped coming to the beach.”

“No. We uhm. We haven’t been together for a long time.” Jimin answered pathetically

Mr. Song raised his eyebrow

Jimin rubbed the back of his head and looked away

“I-“

“Jimin’s not at fault Mr. Song.” Taehyung whispered quietly from the bed

Both Jimin and Mr. Song looked at him

“Care to tell Taehyung. This is a serious matter. Whoever did that can be arrested.” Mr. Song reached out and patted Taehyung’s hair

Taehyung closed his eyes and took a deep breath before sitting up and hissing from the pain

Jimin’s expression crumbled when Taehyung looked up at him with the saddest eyes

“I should have listened to Jimin a long time ago is all. There was a party with the kids from my school and I was invited. Jimin told me not to go because I would get drunk and do something stupid while he wasn’t there. I told him it would be fine, it was just a harmless party.” Taehyung finished the sentence and laughed with no emotion, “It wasn’t harmless. My first party became my last. Someone spiked my drink with something strong and I got drunk. I didn’t really know what happened until Jimin came to my house the next morning and broke up with me because I was in bed with someone.”

Taehyung looked up to see Jimin looking away. It was a horrible memory for the both of them

“You got drunk and had with someone. Jimin walked in and saw you.” Mr. Song echoed

Taehyung nodded and looked down, “I wanted to talk to Jimin and clear everything up, but after I found out who I slept with it was hard to even leave my work room in school without being bombarded with questions and people telling me I screwed up.”

“Who did you sleep with?” Mr. Song raised his eyebrow

“Jeon Jungkook.”

Mr. Song’s eyes widened

Taehyung laughed, “A, he was a minor. B, his parents were rich and he was a child prodigy. C, apparently I didn’t let him say no. A friend of mine told me I would get arrested because we weren’t dating.”

Taehyung heard a small scoff from Jimin

“I eventually asked Jungkook to be my boyfriend so neither of us would get in trouble and he agreed.”

Mr. Song looked between Jimin and Taehyung, “So the problem was that you never talked to Jimin and caused a misunderstanding.”

Taehyung nodded, “I wanted to tell Jimin, make up with him, but every time I saw him he ignored me and I didn’t have the courage to actually hold him down and explain. I was scared.”

“You were a coward Taehyung.” Jimin finally butted in

Taehyung smiled bitterly, “After an encounter when Jimin met Jungkook I gave up. I knew I couldn’t face Jimin so I gave up.” Taehyung paused and looked up at Jimin, “But I never stopped thinking about you. I hated myself.”

“Jeon Jungkook. You stayed in a relationship with him?” Mr. Song interrupted

Taehyung nodded, “I couldn’t break up with him. I didn’t have the courage to. I was planning to after I graduated but he surprised me by buying a place in a condo near where we both worked. After that I couldn’t bring myself to break up. I also thought of being with Jungkook as a punishment. Date the person that you used to ruin your life.”

“But I guess he figured out that I never shared the same feelings with him. Every day I would beat myself up about what I did and never did and each day Jungkook got angrier. I guess me not responding to him anymore made him snap.” Taehyung closed his eyes and took a deep breath

“He…” Taehyung’s voice shook and he clenched his fists

“He did that to you when he finally snapped.” Jimin finished Taehyung’s sentence slowly

Taehyung choked back a sob and nodded

“How long has he been doing this Taehyung?” Mr. Song stood up and sat on the bed beside Taehyung

Taehyung held up three fingers

Jimin stared at Taehyung’s body, “Three weeks?”

Taehyung nodded

Jimin bit his lip to force back his anger

Mr. Song stood up and walked over to Jimin

“Take care of him, I’m going to bring something to help the bruises.”

Jimin nodded and Mr. Song left

“Why didn’t you ask for help?” Jimin sighed and sat beside Taehyung

“I was scared.”

Jimin looked at Taehyung properly and realized how broken he was

The amount of weight Taehyung had lost. His cheekbones and collarbones more prominent than they should be as well as the muscle that he built up had turned to nothing.

Jimin sighed, “I guess I’m sorry too.”

Taehyung looked up at Jimin with wide eyes

Jimin bit his lip, “I shouldn’t have drove you away without listening. I shouldn’t have ignored you.”

Taehyung continued looking at Jimin

“Do…do you…” Taehyung hesitated and looked down, “Do you still-“

Jimin put his hand on Taehyung’s mouth, “I don’t know.”

Taehyung smiled sadly and closed his eyes, “I’m really sorry Jimin. I really am.”

Jimin sighed as he pulled away his hand

“Alright. I’ve brought some medicine to help with the bruises. Taehyung I need you to strip, Jimin’s going to help you.”

Jimin looked at Mr. Song wide eyed

“Don’t look at me like that. He needs someone to put this on him and I will not touch him like that.”

Jimin nodded and took the medicine from Mr. Song

“I’m going to be downstairs if you need me. By tomorrow I want things patched up between you two and a plan to confront this Jungkook kid, because as a guardian of Taehyung I refuse to let him stay there.”

Jimin bit his lip and looked at Taehyung

“Okay.” Taehyung nodded and took off his clothes

Mr. Song smiled and left

“Here, lay on your back.”

“It’s fine Jimin. I can do it.”

Jimin shook his head, “Let me. Please.”

Taehyung stared at Jimin before moving slowly and laying down on his front, letting Jimin rub the medicine on his body

 

 

“I’m not letting you stay with him.” Jimin grabbed Taehyung’s hand when he tried to get off the bed

“I need to go back Jimin, he’ll get mad.” Taehyung pulled his hand away

“No. He’s only going to do this again. You know that.”

“He gave me a week. He gave me a week to think about everything and pack my stuff. It’s already the end of the week and I need to give him my answer.”

“Then I’m going with you.” Jimin stood up

“That’s not going to make it any better.” Taehyung walked out of the room, Jimin hot on his trail

“And you going by yourself is?”

Taehyung nodded, “I’ll tell him I’m leaving, get the last of my stuff and leave.”

Jimin clenched his fists, “He’s going to want to give you a goodbye present. Judging from his nature, it’s what he’s been doing already.”

Taehyung shook his head, “I’ll leave before he gets the chance.”

Jimin walked faster and grabbed Taehyung’s shoulder, “It’s not that easy Tae! He’s going to hurt you and you know it!”

Taehyung flinched and put his hands up

Jimin immediately let go and his face softened, “I’m not letting you go by yourself and that’s final. I’ll tell you what to say to him and I’ll wait downstairs.”

Taehyung nodded slowly and the two walked side by side in silence

___

“Alright. Ten minutes. If you aren’t down here in ten minutes I’m coming in with force.”

“Jimin why are you helping me?”

Jimin looked at a poster on the wall of the building with a small smile

“Even if we ruined our relationship, we were friends before lovers. We ruined the lovers part, but you were still my best friend.”

Taehyung bit his lip as his heart swelled and nodded, “What should I say to Jungkook.”

Jimin went over to the elevator and pressed the button. The door opened immediately.

Taehyung walked in and Jimin smiled at him, “Tell him that you’re sorry and you solved your problems.”

Taehyung’s eyes widened

Jimin’s smile faltered a little as he continued in a rush before the doors closed

“Tell him that Jimin’s waiting downstairs to start a new life.”

Before Taehyung could respond the doors closed

Jimin let out a shaky breath and leaned against the wall

He looked at the clock in the lobby and started counting down from ten minutes as soon as the elevator hit stopped at Taehyung’s floor

____

Taehyung walked into the apartment and saw Jungkook sitting on the couch with the TV on

“Jungkook?” He called out curiously

Jungkook sat up and scoffed, “You came back?”

Taehyung bit his lip, “I came to pick up the last of my things.”

Jungkook stood up, “Oh? You’re deciding to leave?”

Taehyung nodded

Jungkook smiled, “What changed your mind?”

Taehyung remembered what Jimin said

“I’m sorry for leading you on. I don’t deserve to stay here with you when I have my own problems, which I’ve currently been trying to solve.”

“Uhuh.”

Taehyung stepped back as Jungkook came closer

‘! Go Taehyung!’

“A-and…”

“And?” Jungkook smirked as he came closer to Taehyung

Taehyung looked away, “Jimin’s waiting for me downstairs.”

Jungkook stopped walked when he reached Taehyung

“Jimin? He’s downstairs? When did you make up with Jimin?”

“I- He- yesterday.”

“Oh? Is that what you were doing?”

Jungkook facial expression went from calm to angry within seconds and Taehyung knew he was in trouble

“He saw your bruises.”

Taehyung sputtered and moved back

Jungkook laughed loudly and grabbed Taehyung’s arms, “He saw your bruises and realized he wanted you back!?”

Taehyung bit his lip

“That’s ing funny.”

Taehyung closed his eyes

“Well. Tell him he was a little too late.”

Taehyung screamed and kicked when Jungkook picked him up and walked into the bedroom

“No! Jungkook please!”

Jungkook only laughed

Taehyung struggled under Jungkook hold as he started to strip him

“Jungkook! Please!” Taehyung’s pleads got louder

“I should give you a goodbye present no?”

Taehyung whimpered and tried to look for a clock

“Oh look at my art.”

Taehyung screamed when Jungkook bit down on his neck

“Jungkook! Jungkook! Please stop!” Taehyung was now crying harder than before

“Mmm, no.”

Jungkook started to take of his own clothes when he was forcefully thrown off the bed

“I told you he would do this!” Taehyung was lifted off the bed

Jungkook stood up and glared at his intruder

“I’m taking Taehyung back. Have a good day.” Jimin spit and turned to Taehyung

“Let’s go.”

“You aren’t going anywhere. Taehyung is mine.”

Taehyung closed his eyes and clung to Jimin’s shirt

“Taehyung was never yours.” Jimin hissed and walked out the bedroom

Jimin whipped around when he felt Taehyung get pulled away

“Taehyung was always mine. From the moment you found us in bed together.” Jungkook growled as he held Taehyung’s neck

“J-Jungkook.” Taehyung had his hands over Jungkook’s and tried to pull them away before the pressure increased

“Get lost before your precious Taehyung leaves forever and maybe I’ll let him live.”

Jimin’s eyes widened as Taehyung’s face got paler and paler each second

“Let him go!” Jimin jumped forward

Jungkook increased the pressure in his hold and Taehyung started choking and struggling

“Taehyung!” Jimin tried to grab him

“Stand down Jeon Jungkook.”

Jungkook stopped moving when he saw police standing in the doorway

Jimin rushed to Taehyung when Jungkook let him go and put his hands over his head

Taehyung dropped to the floor and his vision went black

 

Life always had a way of playing games. But sometimes even the worse situations are able to be solved. Taehyung and Jimin's love was gossamer. Thin and delicate.

 

Jimin looked at Taehyung as he stared out into the water as he always did

It had been a month since the incident and Taehyung had slowly started to get better. Jimin played him the songs he produced for the hospital patients and for the first time, Taehyung actually felt happy listening to them

“Thank you Jimin.”

Taehyung turned his head

“For what?”

“Everything. Being my friend, lover, and rescuer. For not leaving forever.”

Jimin smiled and put his hand on top of Taehyungs

“I loved you all those years ago. I still loved you even though you cheated on me. I loved you when I lost you. I loved you when I saw you again. I love you now. I’ll love you forever. I’ll love you in our forever.”

Taehyung closed his eyes and bit his lip

“You’ve never said the L word that much.”

Jimin chuckled and interlaced their fingers, “No one deserved it that much.”

Taehyung looked at Jimin intently before leaning his head on Jimin’s shoulder

“So now that we’re all grown up and working can we still be together?” Jimin asked quietly

“Only if you want to I don’t deserve an opinion anymore.”

Jimin nudged Taehyung, “Stop it. You punished yourself enough. Those fading bruises are a sign.”

Taehyung stayed quiet

“I have a proposition.”

Taehyung looked up at Jimin as he spoke

Jimin looked down and smiled, “Would you like to work in my bakery? And can I help you with your music therapy?”

Taehyung’s eyes widened and he sat up

“Jimin.”

Jimin smiled and looked at the water, “I want to fix everything. I love you, you love me and we’re meant to be.”

Taehyung laughed genuinely for the first time in years

“Still sappy huh. Of course. If you won’t be my side, no one will.”

Jimin laughed, turned his head to Taehyung and kissed his lips.

 

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End

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