Chapter 26: chapter 25

Jungkook is walking away.

Taehyung watches his back, watches the way his shoulders are tense, the way his hands are clenched into fists.

And for the first time in his life , Something inside him panics.

Because Jungkook is leaving.

And Taehyung doesn’t want him to.

So he stands. “Jungkook.”

Jungkook doesn’t stop.

Taehyung takes a step forward.

“Jungkook.”

Something in his voice makes Jungkook freeze.

Slowly, he turns.

His eyes are guarded. Wary.

Taehyung exhales. “Stay.”

Jungkook swallows. “Why?”

Taehyung’s mother watches silently, amused but Taehyung ignores her.

He ignores everything.

Except Jungkook.

And the way his heart is pounding.

He steps closer. “Because I don’t want you to go.”

Jungkook exhales shakily. “That’s not enough, Hyung.”

Taehyung’s fingers twitch. “Then tell me what is.”

Jungkook’s eyes darken. “You already know.”

Taehyung stares.

And suddenly, it’s so clear.

Clearer than anything has ever been.

Because Jungkook is everything.

The one person who understands him.

The one person who stays.

And Taehyung he can’t lose him.

Not now.

Not ever.

His mother calls. “Taehyung...”

“I’m not marrying anyone,” Taehyung says.

She looks at him trying not to smile. “What?”

Taehyung doesn’t look at her.

He only looks at Jungkook.

“Do you love me?” he asks.

Jungkook’s breath catches.

“I always have.”

Taehyung exhales.

Because of course...Of course, he has.

And Taehyung he has, too.

He just never knew what to call it. He never know what he feels...

But now, he does.

So he steps forward, closing the distance between them.

And then he pulls Jungkook into his arms.

Jungkook stills.

Then, slowly, he relaxes.

Because Taehyung is holding him.

Tightly.

Desperately.

Like he means it.

Taehyung closes his eyes.

And for the first time in his life he understands.

He understands what it means to love.

And what it means to stay.

.

.

.

.

.

Rain pours outside.

The sound of it fills the quiet apartment, a steady rhythm against the windows.

Jungkook is sitting on the couch, one knee pulled up to his chest, staring at his phone.

Taehyung is at his desk, flipping through a document.

Everything is calm.

Or at least It should be.

But Taehyung feels it.

A strange, creeping unease.

Something is wrong.

He doesn’t know what, but the sensation clings to him, tightening around his chest.

Jungkook was silent. He is not talking to him.

Jungkook exhales sharply.

Taehyung looks up.

Jungkook’s face is unreadable, but his hands are trembling.

Before Taehyung can ask, Jungkook stands abruptly.

“I’ll be back,” he mutters, grabbing his jacket.

Taehyung frowns. “Where are you going?”

Jungkook shakes his head. “Nowhere.”

Taehyung narrows his eyes. “That’s not an answer. Please talk to me Jungkook. You know I am trying right? I didn't wanted to be born emotionless Jungkook. But I never wanted those emotions before  but now I wish I  feel something, I wish I can understand you.” his voice softening.

Jungkook doesn’t respond for a while.

"I know hyung, I am not blaming you, but these feelings.... It's overwhelming me. I don't know how to deal with these much emotions. I know you are trying, and I am happy that you stand with me today. But I am afraid hyung. What if... What if you stop trying?"

"I will not."

But Jungkook reached for the door knob.

Taehyung's unease turns into full-blown panic.

He stands so quickly his chair scrapes against the floor.

“Jungkook.”

Jungkook freezes, his hand on the doorknob.

Taehyung doesn’t know why his heart is racing.

Doesn’t know why his chest feels tight.

But he does know if Jungkook walks out that door, something will change.

Something he can’t fix.

So he does the only thing that makes sense.

He moves.

Reaches Jungkook in three quick strides.

Grabs his wrist.

Jungkook turns, startled. “Hyung...”

But Taehyung doesn’t let him finish.

He cups Jungkook’s face and kisses him.

Jungkook stiffens.

Then he shatters.

Because Taehyung is kissing him.

Taehyung is kissing him.

Not because he’s thinking.

Not because he’s analyzing.

But because he feels it.

And Jungkook.... he has wanted this for so long.

Too long.

His hands grip Taehyung’s shirt, clinging to him, like he’s afraid to wake up.

Like he’s afraid this isn’t real.

Taehyung pulls back, breathless.

Jungkook stares at him, wide-eyed.

His bottom lip trembles.

Then a tear falls.

Taehyung stiffens.

“Why are you crying?” he asks, voice hoarse. Still cupping Jungkook's face.

Jungkook exhales shakily. “Because I...”

His voice breaks.

He doesn’t finish the sentence.

He doesn’t have to.

Because Taehyung already knows.

So he pulls Jungkook into his arms, holding him tightly.

Jungkook grips his back, burying his face in Taehyung’s shoulder.

And for the first time

Taehyung feels everything.

The weight of Jungkook’s love.

The depth of his own.

And the terrifying, undeniable truth.

He never wants to let go.

🐻🐰