Janus
a
#taekookau
âNo, Taehyung,â Jungkook grits, his head down and his fists tightly clenched. âIâm done. Iâm so fucking done.â
Or
When news of Taehyungâs and Jungkookâs marriage gets out, the public is outraged. Poor Taehyung, they said. The nationâs darling deserves so much better than a nobody like Jeon Jungkook. Behind closed doors, things are not what they seem.
- medium length (?)
- heavy angst
- boxer Jungkook, model Taehyung
- explicit

- infidelity, pining
- happy ending!
The news comes out at 1:25 am on a Thursday:
Dispatch Korea | Top Stories | 09/10/20
âTop Model Kim Taehyung and Boxer Jeon Jungkook tied the knot, sources sayâ
[enter-talk] Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook got married!!!
[Top Comments] | [Please log in to join the conversation]
Guest (19 minutes ago): oh wow what unexpected news
Guest (19 minutes ago): who tf is jeon Jungkook
Guest (18 minutes ago): wym who tf hes that popular boxer lol
TheoTHKim (18 minutes ago): ew that guys trashwtf
THVLover (18 minutes ago): NOOOOOOO
THVLover (18 minutes ago): NONONOONO I CANT TAKE THIS NOT MY TAEHYUNGIEEE
LunaLunaLuna (18 minutes ago): calm down its not like he knows you! kkkk but damn isnât that boxer guy problematic af
Theo138 (17 minutes ago): Yea he is like doesnât he sleep around a lotkkkkk
THVLover (15 minutes ago): exactly thatâs why Iâm sad ok?! He doesnât deserve Taehyungie WTFF Iâm so mad!
Taetaetae (15 minutes ago): this is the fucking worst news!!!!
TeaseTae (14 minutes ago): im gonna cry I swear
Guest (14 minutes ago): taehyung stans so dramatic [eyeroll emoji]
Taehheeeeehyuunggg (14 minutes ago): shutupshutupshutup that guy is fuckin gross he doesnât deserve perfect taetae!
By 6 in the morning, all major news outlets and gossip sites are covering the story.
Itâs to be expected. Taehyung is one of the many global icons that hail from the country, the beloved nationâs darling.
An actor-turned-model, heâs one of the few celebs out there with a squeaky clean record. While a lot might suspect that heâs not exactly the saint the media purports him to be, that his label is just quick and thorough in cleaning up whatever mess he gets into,
there have been zero scandal attached to his name so far. He is, thus, a rare gem in an industry that thrives on filthy gossip.
Then thereâs Jeon Jungkook â the golden child, known for his prowess and unbeaten record in the boxing ring. Or at least he used to be.
Just the other week, heâs on the second page of Dispatchâs website, another dating rumor that his management, once again, does not comment on.
So, itâs odd. The news came out of nowhere, and the outrage is understandable because Taehyung has a fierce fanbase and Jungkook,
all things considered, doesnât really have a very nice reputation to begin with. Itâs âa mismatch made in hell,â as one reporter puts it, where "clearly Jeon Jungkook is simply taking advantage of Taehyung."
âKnew it,â Taehyung chuckles, mildly frustrated but not exactly surprised. He mindlessly throws the tablet on the table in front of him. Heâs fucking tired. Seojoon had been particularly rough last night,
and the bastard even left marks on his chest even though Taehyung told not to. And now he has to deal with this.
Jimin glares at him, hastily taking the tablet. âThis is what we wanted anyway.â
âNot really,â Taehyung singsongs.
He would be insulted at the insinuation if it wasnât too funny. The management could have just exposed his string of lovers to get things over with, but no, they had to take on a charity case like Jungkook â someone that he can âtransformâ â
just so they could boost his own image for next yearâs campaign.
Itâs dumb, is what he thinks. There are too many ways to do that, but they just had to choose the most complicated route out there, and for what? Just because people are getting bored of him?
As if.
âYou know you need something as big as this, Taehyung,â Jimin flatly says, not even looking at him. âThe numbers are there. People are losing interest. You need something that can put you back out there, but not something thatâs too damaging to your career.â
Taehyung scoffs. Whatever. Jimin can be such a know-it-all. He doesnât really care about all of this. Heâs used to acting in front of the camera anyway. He just hopes Jeon Jungkook wonât be a stubborn manchild like the rest of them.
He leans back against his chair, interlacing his fingers over his belly. Soobin is late with his tea and croissant again. Seriously, people around him are so fucking incompetent. Taehyung closes his eyes, recalls the photo he stared at earlier:
wide eyes, pretty nose, a lopsided smile. Admittedly, Jungkook is a looker. Heâs seen prettier boys, but he can work with this one. Maybe heâs even excited to have a new plaything.
A/N: Will continue this for real /maybe/ next week lol. Whatchuthink?
Hi! Since you're here, might I interest you in some of my other aus?
twitter.com/_hoebininefour⌠#taekook #taekookau
Itâs barely five in the morning, but all the lights inside the gym are on. Thereâs only one person inside. In the emptiness of the space, the repetitive thwack-thwack-thwacking of vinyl gloves against leather,
along with some harsh yet measured exhales, rings throughout the silence.
Itâs good like this, these rhythmic movements, the repetitiveness of it all. One-two-punch-exhale. Jungkook feels the heaviness in his steps, but heâs working to fix it.
Hoseok once joked about trying dance as a remedy, but for now Jungkook might just go for the jump rope again just to be sure.
One-two-punch-exhale.
The hour drags on. Jungkook doesnât notice because heâs already building momentum,
and his vision is starting to narrow so that all that he sees is the leather of the punching bag in front of him.
/Focus, Jeon. Focus./
He throws a cross and the bag swings lightly to the side. He cuts the motion with a counterpunch.
One-two-exhale-punch.
The focus training allows him to have drowns out the events of weeks prior â the dingy club, the even dingier alley behind it, the wall sticky with grime as his bare arms pressed against it, Yeongjaeâs tongue down his throat â
Focus, Jeon. Focus
- the flash of a camera somewhere in the dark, and then another. Yeongjaeâs voice in his ears, âlet them. Let them.â
focus, Jeon, focus. One-two-punch-exhale.
His name on gossip sites. Again. Namjoonâs and Hoseokâs exasperated whispers and defeated sighs â
/focus, jeonfocus â one-exhale-punchtwo/
â the comments on those gossip sites. âheâs at it again whatâs new doesnât that make him a slut seriously heâs so gross what a let down I used to like him wasnât he a good athlete no wonder he doesnât have any matches now â
/focusjeonfocusoneexhaleonetwopunch/
âJungkook.â
Jungkookâs rhythm comes to a screeching halt. It happens so quickly that his momentum shoves him forward and he falls to his knees. His breaths come out in harsh and uneven pants, and something inside him is tearing his lungs apart as his heart hammer against his ribcage.
Thereâs a light chuckle from somewhere above him. âTake it easy, kid.â
Yoongi being here is a two-edged sword. On the upside, it pulled Jungkook out from what would have been a dangerous spiral. On the other hand, Yoongi /is/ here, and his presence feels invasive.
The gym is supposed to be Jungkookâs space, something sacred to him as it is one of the only three places where he can totally lose himself.
Jungkook doesnât say anything as he pulls himself back up.
His vision is starting to clear so he can see beyond the punching bag in front of him.
âHow long have you been here?â Yoongi asks, like it is in his place to do so.
But the real question should be, how did Yoongi even know that heâd be here at this time of day?
Then again, what is it that Yoongi doesnât know? It seems he has his fingers dipped on everything these days.
Jungkook musters the resolve to look at Yoongi for a moment and then feels the urge to wipe the sweat off his face. He does so with the back of his arm,
but his arm is just as sweaty so it doesnât do much.
Yoongi walks forward, and something inside Jungkook recoils. He looks so out of place here, a man in a bespoke suit and patent leather shoes,
standing in the middle of an empty gym that reeks mildly of sweat, rubber, and detergent.
Itâs jarring, Yoongi being here, but he manages to look casual about it, hands in his pockets and looking only slightly inconvenienced.
Jungkook takes off his gloves, but only to tighten his hand wraps. Then he starts over. Itâs always good to be doing something strenuous when in the presence of Min Yoongi. That way, at least, when thereâs heat creeping up Jungkookâs chest and spreading towards his face,
he can chalk it up to the intensity of his workout instead of that shame that he always feels in the presence of his older brother.
Because for someone so small, Yoongi has that undeniably overpowering presence, and always, Jungkook feels insignificant around him.
âHave you been online lately?â
Jungkook snorts at the question, throws a harsh punch. The punching bag sways and the chain holding it up rattles at the force. Itâs hard starting over when your momentum had been interrupted.
âNot my thing. You know that, hyung. Why? Any more trashy bits about me? What am I this time? A slut?â Jungkook throws a straight. The bag swings forward, then back. âA cunt?â A jab, another straight. âA manwhore?â
âA married man.â
For the second time since Yoongi stepped into the gym, Jungkook stops, head whipping towards his older brother who has an unreadable expression on his face.
Yoongi sighs when Jungkook doesnât say anything. Heâs obviously exasperated,
clearly done with the conversation but having no choice but to continue because Jungkook only looks at him with a dumb expression on his face.
Jungkook looks as dumb as he feels.
âWe talked about this, Jungkook-ah.â
âYeah, but ââ he stammers. What does even one do in this situation? He feels untethered, dizzy, like he used to whenever Yoongi dragged him along with anything and everything he did. This is exactly why Jungkook wanted out of the family,
why he took on his motherâs name and settled on being Yoongiâs non-existent brother.
Though honestly, why did he even think heâs way past that? What even gave him the idea that heâd be able to escape the clutches of his father and his older brother?
Clearly, whatever that was, it was idiotic. In the end, Jungkook will always be subject to their whims, a puppet on a string, and their father and Yoongi will forever be looming over him, always telling him to do their bidding.
âBut â But I didnât think youâd actually go through with it,â he counters because itâs true. It had been too bizarre when Yoongi first brought it up: âdate someone from my agency, rebuild your reputation.â No one even said anything about marriage.
Yoongi actually laughs, and Jungkook feels miniscule. âYou know I do not joke about things like this, Jungkook-ah. This is for your own good. Besides,â Yoongi shrugs, âThe news is out anyway. Some intern got too excited, so we can only move forward from there.â
He shifts his weight to his other foot because he can. Because his joints are not locking up in dread; after all, itâs not his life thatâs once again spiraling out of his control.
âI have to talk to Namjoon-hyung and Hoseok-hyung ââ
âNo you donât,â Yoongi cuts him off, stepping back before taking lazy strides as he surveys the gym. Once again, that bitter feeling of his space being violated bubbles somewhere from the pit of Jungkookâs stomach.
Yoongi lightly runs an index finger over the cords of the boxing ring at the center of the gym, and then he frowns when he rubs his thumb and index finger together. âIâve watched from the sidelines as those two did nothing while your reputation was being butchered by the media.
Iâve had enough.â
Yoongiâs voice does not bear the resentment and frustration that his statement implies. Instead, he sounds flat and businesslike, and itâs how Jungkook knows arguing is futile. Yoongi has made up his mind about this,
has compartmentalized these events as /facts/ instead of /mere suggestions/. So instead of arguing, Jungkook meekly follows his brother with his gaze and asks, âwho is it, then?â
âKim Taehyung.â
At that, Jungkook cannot help the laugh that escapes him.
âTaehyung-hyung? You got him to agree?â His hands are starting to strain, so he starts removing his gloves and then unwrapping his hands. That he can flex his fingers is a welcome relief.
Yoongi regards him for a moment, and then flicks a non-existent lint from his suit.
Yoongi always has this way of making Jungkook feel like he is nothing but dirt under his expensive leather shoes, and heâs doing it again now. Jungkook isnât sure if heâs doing it on purpose or not. âWhy wouldnât he?â
âI mean ââ
âThat summer?â Yoongi chuckles. âThat was years ago. I doubt he even remembers who you are.â
As if that makes this any easier. If anything, that only leaves Jungkook in a limbo. Should he tell Taehyung, then? Or should he keep it to himself?
After all, itâs such a silly little thing, a childhood crush that he should have long since outgrown.
Yoongi looks at his watch. âAnyway, weâve got a meeting tomorrow. My agency at 10 in the morning. You can bring Namjoon or Hoseok with you.
I doubt you have a lawyer? If you donât, let me know so I can get you one as well.â
Of course Jungkook has a lawyer, but he doesnât get to tell Yoongi that. Yoongi is a busy man after all, so without even waiting for Jungkookâs reply,
heâs out of the gym as quickly and inconspicuously as he had come.
Once again, the gym is quiet, and Jungkookâs ears are ringing.
#taekook #taekookau
The Min Corporations headquarters sit in the center of Yeongsan-do. It is an imposing building that stands tall and proud, distinguished even among other high-rises surrounding it. Jungkook hates what it stands for.
Each time he passes by it, heâs reminded of his own inadequacy. Despite his fame, his proven track record in the field heâs chosen for himself, seeing this building only reminds him of a life that heâs let go but cannot fully escape.
And yet here he is, sitting in one of its many conference rooms for almost an hour now. Yoongi said 10 in the morning, but itâs almost 11 and his supposed âhusbandâ is nowhere in sight. Seokjin, at least, sits calmly beside him,
muttering words of encouragement to him every now and then.
On the head of the table sits Yoongi, who might appear calm but judging by the tightness of his jaw, Jungkook can tell his patience is quickly draining out of him.
Directly to Yoongiâs right is an equally irate-looking person, but this one does not bother to hide his annoyance. He checks his watch every minute and then proceeds to mutter to himself. Some choice words like âfucking entitled bratâ escape him at times.
Jungkook thinks his name is Jimin, although he is not exactly sure what this guyâs role is in all of this.
It takes a few minutes more before the door opens and Taehyung struts in, sunglasses still perched on his nose,
followed by a haggard man whoâs carrying what seems to be most of Taehyungâs things. He must be Taehyungâs assistant, Jungkook thinks.
Even in a simple white shirt and khaki slacks, Taehyung manages to look like he owns the space he moves in.
Taehyung briefly pauses, clearly looking at Jungkook, before heading wordlessly to sit beside Jimin. He doesnât offer any explanation as to why heâs late. Instead, as soon as heâs seated, he simply takes off his glasses and briefly smiles at all of them.
His hair cascades down his forehead in soft curls, framing his face nicely. Heâs wearing make-up, though Jungkook is sure he never goes out without any. Still, it looks good on him. His eyes are hooded and heavy, more so when he turns his gaze towards Jungkook.
For a brief moment, Jungkook is taken back to one summer years and years ago, in the garden of the Min mansion, under a table where he and another boy are hiding. The boy has the kindest eyes, the softest cheeks that bunch up when he grins.
âYou be the dad, okay?â the boy whispers, giggling. âAnd Iâm the mom. Get it?â
âWhy are /you/ the mom?â Jungkook pouts.
While that pout usually works on any other adult in Jungkookâs life, this boy remains unaffected. âBecause Iâm the pretty one,â he says matter-of-factly.
And well, Jungkook really cannot argue with that. Because as young and impressionable as he had been that time, that âTaehyung is the pretty oneâ is one of the many indisputable truths he has come to learn, something he has carried with him all his life.
This Taehyung now is still the most beautiful man he has ever seen, maybe even more so, for he has only aged gracefully. Time has been kind to him, it seems.
But this Taehyung lacks the innocence of that boy Jungkook once knew, once loved. This Taehyung looks jaded,
but with that self-assurance that he wears as naturally as his own skin. Thereâs unmistakable entitlement in there, too, dancing in the smirk that tugs at his lips.
âWell, hello there, dear husband,â Taehyung grins. Jungkook decides he doesnât like this Kim Taehyung at all.
A/N: Stopping here for now! As always, if you've read up to here, thank you! The response to this one has been overwhelming LOL I hope most of you like it so far. Anyway, interactions are super duper appreciated, especially qrts (I live for those)
See you in the next update!

#taekook #taekookau
âSo â uh â where do I sleep?â
Taehyung stares, mischief dancing in his eyes as he languidly leans back on his own bed, supporting his weight with one arm behind him. He slowly crosses his legs, and something about the motion pulls Jungkookâs gaze in.
âWhat do you mean, âwhere do you sleepâ?â Taehyung asks, and then he pats his thighs, smirking. âHere, of course. Where else?â
âTaehyung.â Jungkook huffs, intending it to convey his frustration, but the laugh that follows it betrays his amusement. He canât help it.
Just a week ago, Jungkook decided he dislikes this Taehyung. He didnât like the attitude Taehyung had when he came in, as though he did not just inconvenience everybody in the room by coming in almost an hour late.
But. A catch.
It seems he may have judged the model too quickly. You canât really blame him, though, because Taehyung is the kind of person who is quite difficult to discern. He is a public persona, so it is never easy to know when he draws the curtains to reveal his true self.
During the meeting, Taehyung had been mostly serious when they were talking about the intricacies of their set-up â things about how they supposedly met, how long theyâve been together, who moves into whose house, non-disclosure agreements,
what constitutes a breach of this contract, among many others.
But in between the monotony of the conversation were playful winks and flirty grins obviously directed towards Jungkook. And try as he might to ignore them,
they still had Jungkookâs face heating up so much that he had to excuse himself several times so he could step out and calm down.
Everybody noticed, of course. Jimin â who turns out to be the head of Gloss Models, a subsidiary of Min Corp â
only became increasingly agitated at Taehyungâs antics, channeling Yoongiâs own frustration.
Seokjin, on the other hand, had been thoroughly amused, so much so that he ended up wheezing when they headed back to the gym to recount the whole story to Hoseok and Namjoon.
Despite those hiccups, now that he can objectively look back on it, Jungkook can finally say that this entire agreement is not so bad at all. In a matter of days, all traces of photos of him and Yeongjae have been deleted, as if they never existed in the first place.
Sponsors came pouring in, courtesy of Yoongiâs company and much to Namjoonâs and Hoseokâs utter delight, and his name is finally being talked about in a more positive light. Though that might have been thanks to the public statement Taehyung issued to his fans,
telling them to accept âthe man he decided to give his heart to.â
So when he and Taehyung went on their first âpublic date,â a simple dinner at a lowkey restaurant in Itaewon, Jungkook felt himself breathing lighter despite the multitudes of cameras pointed towards them.
While he did freeze up at first, Taehyungâs hand in his had been grounding.
And Taehyung had been a wonderful company. Heâs candid about it all, despite the fact that itâs not only Jungkookâs life thatâs been upturned by this supposed marriage, but also his.
Jungkook couldnât exactly tell if Taehyung was just playing along, or if he was taking on a role he was supposed to play, but he laughed at the right moments, seemed keenly interested in what Jungkook had to say, had been open about his life as a model.
At the end of the night, Taehyung posted a selca of them together, and the public ate it up.
All things considered, then, the only thing Jungkook really had to give up was his apartment. âItâs the closet space, darling,â is Taehyungâs only explanation,
which made sense because he had a fuck-ton of clothes. And while Jungkookâs own place is also a high-end condo, it might as well be a toilet when compared to Taehyungâs penthouse.
But thatâs okay. Itâs not like Jungkookâs attached to his old apartment anyway.
For him, itâs only a place to go to after training, or a more private space when he and Yeongjae managed to align their schedules and felt the need for some release. Not that those mattered anymore, or maybe they never did, so saying goodbye to that condo hadnât been hard.
That leads him here, now. Heâs just finally finished moving his things, though they are still mostly unpacked in Taehyungâs living room. It had been a long couple of days of packing and hauling stuff,
often interrupted by a quick photo that are immediately uploaded to Taehyungâs Instagram. (âNow that itâs out, we can finally build our love nest together!â one caption reads. Itâs annoying. Jungkook full-on laughed at Taehyungâs brashness.)
Now, Jungkookâs ready to go to bed and rest, but Taehyung is an annoying little shit who wouldnât even tell him where his room is. âWhat?â Taehyung gasps, âare we going to be /that/ kind of couple?â
âWhat kind of couple?â Jungkook asks in turn, just about done with this conversation but still feeling oddly amused.
âYou know, that couple who canât stand each other in private but has to pretend to be all lovey-dovey in public?â Taehyung slowly uncrosses his legs and stands,
then walks closer to Jungkook. Itâs intentional, the way he swings his hips, an equal measure of seductive and playful.
âWhat?â
âBecause thatâs not exactly how I imagined my marriage would be like, Jungkookie,â he pouts, crossing his arms against his chest.
Jungkook chuckles at the display of petulance. The Taehyung he once knew might be gone, but then he thinks, maybe this one is okay, too.
Because what he might have considered as entitlement when they first met is actually just a measured kind of playfulness,
that attitude that never really takes things seriously. Jungkook finds it easy to get along with, this lighthearted way that Taehyung goes about things. âJesus Christ,â he mutters, still lightly laughing, deciding thereâs really no harm in playing along.
âSorry to disappoint you, dear husband, but I cannot give up my chastity until a real ceremony happens. I mean, weâre not even really married, if you think about it.â
âEugh, didnât expect you to be this pure and traditional, you know.â Taehyung rolls his eyes, taking Jungkookâs hand so he could hook their arms together. âBut fine, what kind of ceremony do you want? Like, do you want a beach wedding? A garden wedding?â
Jungkookâs laugh is hearty as he goes along with Taehyung to the room next door. âA garden wedding would be nice.â
âA garden wedding it is, then. Geez, I canât believe I have to do this much just so I could get into your pants.â
âTaehyung!â Jungkook chokes at what he just heard, furiously blushing even though he knows theyâre just joking around. His face heats up too quickly, and he becomes too aware of their interlinked arms, his skin on Taehyungâs.
Itâs such a minimal contact, but it has Jungkook feeling like a teenager with a humungous crush. He really should have known better than to play along with Taehyungâs flirting. But then his breath leaves him when Taehyung leads him to his own room.
âIs this okay? You like it?â Taehyung asks, quietly, shy all of a sudden. âI did have to research a bit to figure out that youâre into black and darker colors, so I just went with that. And uh, the shelf for your trophies isnât here yet, but when it arrives,
I think we should put it in the living room.â
His room is simple, but itâs obvious that much thought has been put to it. Thereâs a huge bed with black and white sheets. The TV from his own apartment and his gaming console have been set up already,
and thereâs also a new gaming PC. But what surprises him most are the photos on the wall â blown-up pictures of two of his most memorable wins: his debut fight and when he won the championship belt for his division.
âI â Taehyung, this is ââ heâs feeling choked up.
Being reminded of the days when winning had been his constant isnât easy because itâs also a reminder of what heâs lost due to a stupid misunderstanding. Yet somehow, as Taehyung gently wraps his arms around Jungkookâs waist, hugging him from behind,
he canât help but feel settled, feel hopeful. âThis is lovely, Taehyung.â
âTae,â Taehyung murmurs from behind him, chin hooked on his shoulder. âCall me, Tae. Or baby. Or darling. Or husband. Cause thatâs what we are now.â His giggles lightly tickle Jungkookâs cheek.
Normally, Jungkook would feel uncomfortable at this touch because, in truth, theyâre still practically strangers.
But itâs so easy to get used to Taehyungâs touches like this. Because at the end of the day, theyâre also just two people who were shoved into this situation,
and Taehyung is so, so kind to welcome him into his home like this. âTae it is then,â Jungkook replies, then laughs when Taehyung huffs and immediately untangles his arms.
âKnew youâd go for that, you boring fart. But Iâll take it. Anyway, Iâll leave you to it so you can rest.â
He steps back, biting his lips though an obvious grin is there. But then he doesnât leave. He just stands there, hands on his hips like heâs waiting for something.
âWell?â
âWell what?â
âNo goodnight kiss for your husband?â
Jungkook snorts. âMy purity, Tae. Have to wait for the wedding first, remember?â
At that, Taehyung rolls his eyes. âOh my â we got to see a doctor soon, have them pull that stick up your ass.â Then he grins again as he steps out.
Later, when Jungkook is ready for bed, he stares at the photos on the wall again with an awed kind of smile on his face. He thinks heâs gotten quite lucky. Maybe he should give Yoongi a call, maybe thank his older brother for this agreement.
Because itâs due to such agreement that his reputation is starting to get better, heâs starting to regain the trust of sponsors, and heâs motivated to train more than ever. Maybe heâll even have a comeback match soon, who knows? Plus, he gets to live with his childhood crush,
who turns out to be not only the most beautiful person heâs ever known, but also a playful, funny guy who never fails to make Jungkook laugh and feel at ease. So, not bad, he thinks. Not bad at all.
#taekook #taekookau
[tw// implied nsfw in the next two twts]
âHyung, right there â fuck, donât stop â Iâm almost ââ
Taehyung comes with a strangled scream, his mouth hanging open as Seojoon relentlessly fucks him from behind, chasing his own release. It doesnât last long, and in no time, Seojoon comes as well.
He pulls out with a grunt, and Taehyung slumps on the bed right on where he spilled. Itâs sticky against his skin, but he couldnât care less. Heâs sated, his muscles pleasantly aching. Itâs been so fucking long.
[tw ends here]
In a hazy daze, he watches as Seojoon walks over to the bathroom. When he returns, he has a wet towel that he throws towards Taehyungâs direction. Taehyung uses it to clean himself up.
âSo,â Seojoon starts as he wipes his now flaccid cock, âyouâre married now, huh? How did that even happen?â
Taehyung huffs. Heâs not exactly in the mood to talk about his /marriage/, not when heâs still not entirely out of the pleasant post-sex daze heâs in.
âYoongi-hyungâs got the means for that. You know how that guy is. Besides, youâre way ahead of me in the âbeing-married departmentâ, hyung. Got any advice?â
âHmm, donât let them get too much time on their own. Who knows? They might just find some model to fuck.â
The tone is playful as Seojoon says it, but the implication is there. Somehow, the illicitness of it all has his stomach twisting in nervous excitement. He sits up, stares at Seojoon as he takes the towel from Taehyung and casually strides back to the bathroom.
Theyâre both too lazy to put on their clothes, so when Seojoon walks back into the bedroom, Taehyung takes in his naked form.
Heâs lean, well-built, sharp angles and soft curves in all the right places. And heâs gorgeous, maybe too gorgeous for his own good.
Too bad heâs such a pussy to let the world know heâs bisexual. Plus, heâs married, but thatâs neither here nor there. That certainly did not stop him from hitting on Taehyung all those years back when they first started working together in one of the movies Taehyung starred in.
Now, in the public eye, theyâre just the best of friends who hang out often. Maybe Taehyung should even introduce Seojoon to Jungkook, have some photo-op to show that his best friend and his husband get along just fine.
Because if thereâs one thing that let him and Seojoon continue these secret âmeetings,â itâs that Yuna â Seojoonâs wife â likes Taehyung. A lot.
So really, itâs thanks to Yuna and her fond âTae! Keep him in check while Iâm away, will you?â each time she leaves for business meetings overseas that Taehyung gets fucked good like this.
âHas he fucked you yet? Your husband?â Seojoon asks as soon as heâs on the bed,
groaning as he stretches his arms.
Briefly, his mind flits to Jungkook. Or more accurately, the photos of Jungkook that he had framed. Jungkook should really stop wearing all those baggy clothes. They donât do him justice.
When Jimin handed Taehyung that dossier on Jungkook, he never really gave it much thought. Sure, Jungkook looked good in that almost-mug-shot-looking photo, but Taehyung would daresay he looked soft, pretty almost. So, not exactly Taehyungâs type.
Itâs only when Taehyung saw Jungkook during their first meeting that he noticed what the picture failed to show. Jeon Jungkook is an athlete, alright. He might have been wearing loose clothing,
but itâs clear in the way that his chest and arms pressed through the fabric of his shirt that heâs definitely well-built.
And then there were those photos. /God./ Taehyung almost drooled. Heâd been wrong, so wrong, when he thought that Jungkook looked soft.
Underneath those baggy clothes were pure muscles, hard and toned to high definition. The photos showed all of it â the broad chest, the gentle curve of his waist, the rivulets of sweat tracing down the contours of his abs. Taehyung could almost taste that sweat-slicked skin.
Thinking about those pictures has his dick twitching again. He sniffs. âNo, hyung. He doesnât really like me that way. Besides, heâs too â how do I say this? â naĂŻve?â
Seojoon laughs. âNaĂŻve? That guy? Huh. Never would have expected that. Heâs a beast in the ring, you know.â
âI havenât seen any of his matches. Iâm not interested in those,â Taehyung retorts, dismissively waving a hand. âBut he is really a bit naĂŻve. He blushes easily, but when I tried hitting on him, he wouldnât even budge.â Thereâs a pout starting to form on his lips,
revealing the annoyance that he has tried so hard to conceal.
What Taehyung wants, Taehyung usually gets, and he wants Jeon Jungkook. Wants him so bad. But Jungkook is stubbornly stuck to his own made-up moral code, refusing to give in despite Taehyungâs many advances.
Taehyungâs starting to feel his annoyance and frustration itch under his skin. He has to do better, has to up his game because he might just lose his mind if he doesnât get to taste that delectable piece of Jungkook pie.
No worries, though. Taehyungâs been good, and heâs sure Jungkookâs been happy in his company. It wonât take long before Taehyung will have him wrapped around his dainty fingers.
âDonât worry your pretty little head, Taehyungie,â Seojoon murmurs,
pulling Taehyung close and once again pressing kisses on his jaw. Heâs harsher this time, a tad possessive. âI can keep you satisfied when it comes to that.â
Taehyung lets out breathy giggles. Heâs getting hard again, and Seojoon is relentless.
âOf course, you will, hyung. You always do.â
But itâs good for business, and while it does make him extremely uncomfortable, Jungkook is also used to a more negative and malicious kind of attention. These ones, he can manage. At least itâs free publicity.
None of them have dared to approach him yet, and he can only hope that it stays that way. Not that he minds, but he can be incredibly awkward, and any unpleasant interaction he might have with these strangers can only reflect negatively on Taehyung as well.
For now, heâs directing his focus on his training. Itâs good to stay in shape like this, to keep his form in check, especially since he /might/ have a match soon â an up-and-coming boxer who wants to move up a weight class privately sent him a challenge a few days ago,
and word on the grapevine is that promoters are willing to bid on the fight. Theyâre just waiting for the final confirmation to give it a go, and Jungkook is thrumming with anticipation.
Evidently, his team is also feeling the excitement. Namjoon, his coach,
a burly man who has had his time in the limelight before retiring due to an injury, is stricter than ever as they go through his routine. They just finished sparring a few moments ago, Jungkook relentless in his punches while Namjoon comments on his footwork.
Maybe he should really consider those dance lessons Hoseok had been hinting at.
Heâs spent, and it doesnât help that most of the gymgoers are watching him train instead of focusing on their own workout. Some phones are pointed towards him again,
no doubt taking videos that would soon be floating online later. Maybe heâd ask for that video, too, just so he can check his form from another angle.
At this moment, though, all he wants is a quick shower so he could go home,
maybe hang out with Taehyung for a while if he isnât busy. But he has another round of sparring in a few minutes, and he knows Namjoon wonât let him slack off.
True enough, Namjoon approaches him sooner than he expected. âReady for ano â â Namjoon abruptly pauses,
his gaze moving to somewhere behind Jungkook.
âLook at you all sweaty. What a sight.â
Jungkook turns, too quickly that he almost looses his footing.
The grin on Taehyungâs face as he looks up at Jungkook is dazzling. Heâs wearing a simple shirt with the words âCELINEâ printed on it, tucked in brown slacks. Despite the plainness of his outfit, he manages to look like he owns the place.
He can own the world, in Jungkookâs opinion, but he doesnât voice it out loud because he knows heâd get a hell of a teasing if he does.
âTaehyung,â he sputters, âwhat are doing here?â
Thereâs a light chuckle out of Taehyung,
and itâs so pleasant that Jungkook feels his fatigue draining out of him. âWhat, I canât visit my husband while heâs training?â Taehyung approaches the ring slowly, looking up at Namjoon while he holds the ropes asking for permission.
As soon as Namjoon nods, he pulls himself up, so now heâs just outside the ring, and Jungkook is all too aware of how sweaty and drained he looks. âTake ten,â Namjoon tells Jungkook,
patting him on the shoulders and giving him a knowing smile as he exits the ring and heads to Hoseokâs office.
âDid I interrupt your training?â Taehyung asks as soon as Namjoon is gone, though he does not exactly look sorry about it.
Thereâs a smirk playing on his lips as he ignores the people blatantly ogling them now. He knows heâs drawing attention, but maybe heâs just so used to it that he drowns the unnecessary noise with ease.
Not Jungkook, though.
His face feels hot, and heâs sure it isnât because of his training. âNot â uhm. Geez, whyâd you have to see me like this? I look gross.â
âYou look hot, darling,â Taehyung says, âcome here.â He takes a handkerchief from his pocket, and when Jungkook is near enough,
he uses it to wipe the boxerâs sweat off his face. Jungkook stutters at the gesture, but Taehyung gently holds his chin to steady his head, and his hands are gentle as he pats pats pats Jungkookâs face.
Itâs so easy to melt against Taehyung like this. Jungkook wants to protest,
doesnât want to soil Taehyungâs handkerchief with his sweat, but the fabric feels cool on his heated skin, and it smells of Taehyung, too â lavender with a hint of cotton. Jungkook eases into it. âFeels nice,â he murmurs.
âIt does?â
âYeah.â
Taehyung hums in response, seemingly glad that Jungkook likes what heâs doing. âI should do this more often, then â visit you here, wipe the sweat off your face, stuff like that. Iâd be the best cheerleader, donât you think?â
âIâm sure you will be, uhm. The best cheerleader, I mean. But you donât have to, Tae,â Jungkook chuckles. âI donât want to be a bother. And I got ââ Jungkook untangles himself, sees Namjoon heading back to the ring. âI got another sparring session now. It might take a while.â
âThatâs fine. But can I watch though? See these guns in action?â He giggles as he firmly presses on Jungkookâs biceps, seeing how Jungkook sputters at what heâs done.
âYou â uhm â you can. Of course. Um. Hang on.â
He steps off the ring, finds a chair that Taehyung could sit on. He knows itâs hardly comfortable for his model husband, but Taehyung is not complaining because heâs so nice like that. He simply lets Jungkook go with a âyouâre so kind, darlingâ and a tickle on Jungkookâs chin.
The sparring session is more intense. Jungkook does better than their previous round because now thereâs an audience he actually cares about. His feet feel lighter somehow, and itâs effortless when he shifts his weight from one foot to another.
His combos are easily executed â jab, cross, straight, uppercut. Jab, hook, straight, block, evade. His punches are heavy, pushing Namjoon back with each hit. Jungkook resists the urge to look at Taehyung, but fails at one point.
The intense gaze Taehyung has on him drives him on, pushing him further â
The bell rings.
âJesus, kid,â Namjoon wheezes right after, then turns to Taehyung. âTaehyung-ssi, make sure to visit more often. It seems Jungkookie here does better when heâs tryna impress someone.â
The news comes right when Jungkook steps into Hoseokâs office after heâs showered. As soon as he opens the door, three heads turn towards him. Namjoon looks serious, Hoseok looks excited, and Taehyung looks unsure but is grinning nonetheless.
âThe promoters are willing to bid. Official announcement will be in a week,â Hoseok says.
Jungkook trips, his knees feeling weak. âI â when?â
âFour months from now.â
Jungkook takes a deep breath. He has to calm his nerves. âThis is it, then?â
âThis is it, kid,â Namjoon agrees. âWeâll meet with the rest of the team tomorrow.â
Finally. After being out of the game for over a year. Fucking finally. He whips his head towards Taehyung, unable to contain the magnitude of how he feels.
Heâs been trudging through the thickest mud for so long, and simply by walking into his life, Taehyung managed to turn things around.
âThatâs good news, right, babe?â Taehyung asks, unsure.
Jungkook dumbly nods, eyes wide.
It feels like getting a new lease in life, and heâs just so fucking grateful. âThe best. And â fuck â itâs all thanks to you, in one way or another.â
Thereâs a different smile on Taehyungâs face now â knowing and victorious,
and Jungkook could not help but think that those emotions are for him. So he doesnât stop himself from reaching out, from grabbing Taehyung and embracing him in the biggest hug. âYouâre my fucking lucky charm, Tae.â
âI am, arenât I?â Jungkook agrees. Taehyung might just well be the best thing thatâs happened to him.
A/N: Stopping here for this update. We're finally getting the plot moving hhh what do you think? Don't be silent readers, pls, I love reading and responding to your reactions

see you in the next one!
A/N: Hello! Before we begin this update, I'd like to point out a couple of things. Apparently, someone complained that I did not tag "cheating" in this au, so they were caught off-guard when they got to that scene with TH and Seojoon. Thing is,
I did. "Infidelity" is clearly tagged at the beginning of this au, so if you're uncomfortable with that, then this au might not be for you. Please do take time to read and understand the tags before reading anything.
Second, TH in this part of the story is a mess,
and he will progressively get worse before he gets better. Please understand hehe. It's all part of the process.
Anyway, that's all for my A/N for now. Let's go!
#taekook #taekookau
Taehyung likes Jimin's office more than all the conference rooms they have in all of the Min Corp building. This one is a little less stuffy, with floor to ceiling windows that has a great view of the city, with a plush couch,
an endless supply of coffee and tea and fruit juices and chocolates. There's a particularly comfy loveseat that has a faux-fur seating. Taehyung has claimed this spot for himself.
It's the best office there is in the building,
even better than the offices of other VPs and board members of Min Corp. This is the kind of office that you exactly get when you sleep with your boss. Jimin's so smart for that, Taehyung thinks. Who knew Yoongi would be so weak for some plump ass?
Apparently Jimin did, and look where that got him.
Anyway, Taehyung likes this office, but something tells him Jimin isn't exactly pleased to have called him over.
"How are things at home, Taehyung?"
Jimin is staring, in that way he has that is supposed to make Taehyung feel small and scrutinized. It had taken years for Taehyung to get used to it, to stop the urge to vomit each time he's being regarded like this. Now it barely affects him.
"They're fine," he answers, briefly glancing at Jimin before going back to mindlessly flipping the pages of the latest issue of Vogue International. He lingers for a moment on his own photo, a one-page editorial of the latest Alturazza Fall/Winter collection.
He looks good, but a single page? The audacity of those people. Ella Rattigan got a full spread, and she's a fucking kid.
Really, Jimin should be doing shit about this atrocity, but here he is, interrogating Taehyung of his "home life."
"So, you had Seojoon and Jungkook meet, is that right?"
Taehyung glances up. Jimin is staring right at him. It makes him feel like a little kid who got caught with his hands in a cookie jar, and he doesn't like it. "For lunch the other day, yep," he replies.
"Why? Is that so bad?"
"No, not exactly," Jimin says, and then stays quiet for a moment.
"Then what's wro-"
"What's bad, however," Jimin continues, not letting Taehyung finish his question, "is that immediately after that lunch you had,
with your husband, Seojoon, and his /wife/, you let Jungkook and Yuna leave. And then for some reason, you thought it would be a good idea to get fucked in the same hotel you had lunch in. On the balcony of a random room, for fuck's sake.
Sometimes I honestly think all that pretty head of yours is just for display."
Taehyung's blood runs cold. It hadn't been his idea, and to be honest, he hadn't been too enthusiastic about it. Sure, he might be a bit adventurous when it comes to sex,
but exhibitionism isnât really his thing. But Seojoon insisted and Seojoon assured him it'd be safe. The balcony they were at overlooked the garden below, and they'd been too high up. Seojoon swore he checked. But then why-
"The amount of money, Taehyung, the amount of money that we had to shell out to get rid of your photos and to get that pap to shut his mouth. He was getting brave, and for good reason."
Jimin is exasperated, obviously. He has his tells -
the clenched jaw, the repeated brushing up of his hair, the cracking of his neck. Taehyung has seen Jimin in various degrees of frustration, but it has never been this bad. Jimin has never brought up /money/ into the conversation.
And he had never stooped so low as to resort to insults.
It's a mess, Taehyung admits. Fine. Maybe they had been careless. He has to talk to Seojoon about this. Maybe lie low for a while.
"It's -" he starts, a futile attempt at an explanation that is not necessary at this point. But Jimin isnât having it.
"Yoongi isn't happy. One more misstep, Taehyung, and I'm sure not even I can get you out of it. Yeonjun will debut soon, so will Danielle.
Their portfolios have been sent out, and major houses are showing interest."
Jimin doesn't say anything more, but the threat is there, so loud and so clear it has Taehyung's ear ringing. His fingers itch, so he grabs his phone, types out a hasty text.
He can't let them do this. He's been the face of Gloss Models for so long, he has always been the first choice, and they can't just drop him like this in favor of nobodies because of some photos that have been dealt with already anyway.
But a part of him, buzzing and insistent, tells him that yes, the agency can do just that because at the end of the day, such is the reality of this industry. Models come and go, and he'd been lucky thus far that he was able to continue his career for this long.
[tw// mild depiction of beginnings of panic attack]
His mind is starting to spin. Jimin looks like he's everywhere in the room even though he's just seated right across Taehyung and Jimin doesn't care. No one does and Taehyung feels alone always alone.
The ringing in Taehyung's ear gets louder and louder and louDER AND LOUDER. There's an instinct to curl up, to cover up his ears to block out the nasty sound
but he knows he knows it won't do anything because the ringing is inside him and it's a warning that somethings wrong so terribly wrongwrongwrong
His phone vibrates. He visibly jolts and then chokes on the sudden rush of air that floods his lungs.
[tw// ends]
His hands shake but it's fine, everything's going to be fine. Jungkook is on his way. Taehyung knew he could count on Jungkook because Jungkook, somehow, acts as though he cares. He's naive, he easily gets excited, easily gets flustered.
He's already partly dancing on Taehyung's palm, out there to do Taehyung's bidding except when it comes to doing nasty stuff together, but no matter. And it's good because like this,
Taehyung can count on him to come running even with just a single, "hon, I dont feel good. Where r u?"
"You okay?"
"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah." He's choking on his own breath, his eyes sting, but he's okay. Jungkook is on his way.
Jimin regards him for a moment,
and all those years Taehyung spent trying to get used to this kind of gaze go out the window. Once again he feels small, weak, a dirt under Jiminâs and Yoongiâs heels.
"Okay then," Jimin nods. "We're done here. Please tell Heein to come in on your way out."
#taekook #taekookau
"What happened back there?"
It did not even take Jungkook an hour to come and pick Taehyung up from Min Corp. He really must have cut his training short because his hair was still a bit damp and he still looked a bit flushed.
His hands were red, maybe from the hand wraps he must have hastily removed. Taehyung sort of wanted to devour him as soon as he saw him.
But he couldnât because Jungkookâs also a prude and he's still worried,
puttering about the kitchen so he could prepare some tea for both of them. They did not get scones because Jungkook is on a strict diet and Taehyung, when worried about anything related to his career, usually goes for days without eating.
So now they settled on some tea and some fruits that Jungkook sliced. Taehyung takes a slice of strawberry, then another, but it tastes and feels like wet foam in his mouth so he stops eating.
"Nothing - just - Jimin-hyung wasnât too happy that I introduced you to Seojoon-hyung," Taehyung shrugs.
Jungkook's brows furrow. "Why? What's the big deal?"
"I dunno, he said it was, uhm, unnecessary and stuff."
"Unnecessary? And he had to call you into his office for that?"
Jungkook chews on a slice of melon and some of its juice trickles down to his chin. He quickly wipes it, mutters a /fuck, sorry/. He doesnât have to be. Taehyung wonders what Jungkook's thoughts are on food porn, the literal kind.
"He could be intense like that, Jimin-hyung. Especially when it comes to me cause, I dunno, we've been working together for so long and my career's more important than my friends, apparently."
Jungkook shifts in his seat. His confusion doesnât leave his face as he leans back.
"Tae, that isn't right. That shit's so minor, he didnât have to chew you out for that."
"Whatever," Taehyung shrugs again, and then draws his shoulders in. The feeling of being small lingers, still there on his skin like grime that he has to scrub off. "I'm used to it."
"You shouldn't be," insists Jungkook, now visibly getting agitated. He looks hot like this, the way his jaw gets more defined, the way his eyes get sharper. "Do you want me to talk to him? Or to Yoongi?"
At that, Taehyung had to laugh.
Jungkook is cute for thinking he has a say in any of this. Maybe he's just being protective, but it's not like the opinion of a charity case like him matters to Jimin, let alone to Yoongi, of all people.
"No need, darling. I'm just happy you're here with me now."
"Of course, Tae. Anything for you." Jungkook's expression softens, an earnest smile forming on his face.
"Anything? How about a kiss then?"
Jungkook laughs. He still really thinks Taehyung is joking, but Taehyung couldnât be more serious.
It's getting annoying and his self-esteem is starting to take a blow because what? Isnât he hot enough for Jungkook?
"Tae, I'm being serious here,â Jungkook says even though he's still lightly chuckling. "Want me to talk to them?"
"It's fine, darling. Just, come he-"
They're interrupted by Jungkook's phone, which loudly vibrates over the counter. Jungkook quickly grabs it and answers, but not quick enough because Taehyung is sure that that's a girl on the contact photo that popped up the screen.
Jungkook excuses himself, but Taehyung can hear him clearly when he says, "no, Iâm free now, what's up?" /Excuse me?/ Taehyung wants to grab the phone, maybe tell the other person on the line that Jungkook isnât free, he's in the middle of comforting his own husband.
"Theres a presser tomorrow, but I can go after that," Taehyung hears Jungkook say to the other person. It doesnât sit well with Tae because that's definitely a girl he's talking to and he sounds happy. Like, really happy.
"Who was that?" Taehyung asks as soon as Jungkook steps back into the kitchen.
Jungkook pauses, clears his throat. "Oh, uhm, a friend."
A friend? Huh. Who is Jungkook kidding? No one sounds /that/ happy to talk to a friend.
Suspicious. Taehyung doesnât like it one bit. He's gotten used to Jungkook telling him his plans, or talking to him about the people in his life, like Namjoon, who is gorgeous but walks with a slight limp, or Hoseok, who is also gorgeous but is too loud for Taehyungâs taste.
A friend. Sure. Taehyung's got "friends," too.
"Anyway, after the presscon tomorrow, how about a road trip? Or a gym date? You can work out while I watch?" He waggles his brows suggestively, but of course Jungkook doesnât take the bait again. He chuckles as he shakes his head.
But this time, instead of just brushing Taehyungâs teasing off, Jungkook adds, "I cant tomorrow. Uhm. I have to meet that friend, so. Might not be here until late."
Taehyung's stomach is slowly filling with acid. He definitely doesnât like who that bitch is.
"Oh? How late?" He fiddles with the handle of his teacup. His tea has gone tepid so he will just throw it away anyway. What a waste.
And Jungkook won't even look at him when he answers. "Not sure yet.
But definitely past midnight. Or I might spend that night. Is that - is that okay?" When he finally looks at Taehyung, there's a smile on his face. Something apologetic. Something sheepish. Taehyung hates it.
The presscon ends at 4 pm at the latest.
That's what Jungkook said. What could this 'friend' and Jungkook possibly do that would take them hours and hours? Taehyung has a few ideas in mind. Things that he'd do if he were in that position too.
"That's fine, darling," Taehyung answers.
"Can I come with? Meet this friend of yours?"
"I donât think that's a good idea, Tae,â Jungkook answers, much too quickly. âUh - they're â uh â a very private person, so. Uhm. I don't think theyâd be comfortable."
"Hmm. Okay then." Taehyung tugs at the sleeve of his robe, looks away. He said "okay then" but made sure the disappointment is there, heavy and evident in his voice.
It works, of course it does. Jungkook rounds the table and crouches in front of Taehyung.
"Tae, cmon. I'm sorry." He takes Taehyung's hands in his. "Let me make it up to you? Please? Like, a cuddle? Or, uh, how about I draw you a bath?"
Taehyung doesnât look at Jungkook because if he does, Jungkook might notice the amusement in his eyes.
So he stares at their hands instead, at their intertwined fingers.
"Hmm, not in the mood for a bath just yet." He really isnât. That clammy feeling that he's had since leaving Jiminâs office is still there. He's not yet fully confident in his skin this time,
and he wonât let Jungkook see him naked when he's feeling this vulnerable.
A cuddle, on the other hand. "A cuddle would be perfect."
This time, it's Taehyung who leads Jungkook to their living room as tiny thoughts floated through his mind. A plan.
A nice plan because a faceless, nameless bitch is trying to hog Jungkook's attention even though the whole nation knows he's already married to Taehyung.
Itâs a marriage for show, but who cares? The public doesnât know that.
Good thing Jungkook is obviously attracted to him.
So despite the lack of any intimacy clause in their contract, Yoongi never said they couldnât have a bit of skinship in the privacy of their home.
[TW// NSFW!

Minors do NOT interact]
Taehyung lets Jungkook sit on the couch first, making sure that the smile on his face is neither too sultry nor too naive. He thinks back to photoshoots he's done. He thinks Guerlain, La Mer. He thinks Chanel, Saint Laurent.
Nothing too playful nor suggestive, just classic timeless attractiveness that doesnât try to hard. And of course, as always, it fucking works.
Jungkook is all wide eyes and parted lips and stuttered breaths as he stares at Taehyung, who now puts one leg beside Jungkookâs, then another.
When Taehyung is finally seated on his lap, straddling him, Jungkook is quick to put his hands on the model's waist.
His hands are firm, calloused. It's more to steady him than to suggest anything else. But Taehyung will take what he can.
He puts his arms loosely on Jungkook's shoulders, giggles at the dumbfounded expression on his husband's face.
He looks adorable like this, like a lost little bunny. Taehyung feels feral.
The thighs underneath him are hard, solid, and the faintest suggestion of Jungkook's cock under Tae's ass has his mind reeling. Because it isnât even fully hard yet, but Taehyung just knows it's huge,
and fuck, this is what Jungkook has been depriving him of.
"Tae -" Jungkook breathes, and his gaze is hooded and heavy. "What - Taehyung. What are you - what's this?"
"What? You said we could cuddle," Taehyung murmurs as he presses their foreheads together.
They're so close like this, Taehyung could clearly see Jungkook's pretty lashes, could take in his breath that hits Tae, smelling nicely of mint and of jasmine tea.
Jungkook grips his waist tighter, and the force of it is absolutely delicious. "So we cuddle. Like this."
"Jesus Fuck," is all Jungkook could groan out in response because Taehuung subtly grinds on top of him. Jungkook throws his head back, eyes closed as he pants in uneven breaths.
Taehyung's mind is going haywire because Jungkook's cock stirs underneath him, and fucking hell,
he's grown even bigger. âYou like that, baby?â Taehyung rasps. Heâs crossing the line, he knows, but a thought fully forms in his head. This is all for Jungkook, to remind him what he has here at home as he goes to meet whoever that hag is. âFeel so good like this, Jungkookie.â
Evidently, Jungkook feels good, too, because finally, /finally/, he gives in, wrapping his arms around Taehyungâs waist like his life depended on it. Heâs wearing just a thin shirt and flimsy shorts, so when he ruts up, Taehyung could feel everything.
This is supposed to be for Jungkook, a reminder as to whom he belongs to, but itâs all so good, so heavenly. They arenât even fully undressed. There are layers of clothes between them, but Taehyungâs mind is reeling. Heâs hard, too, his cock pressed in between him and Jungkook.
Thereâs heat that builds in the pit of Taehyungâs belly as his thoughts dissolve, and it coils and coils until he couldnât hold it back anymore and it snaps.
Taehyung gasps as he climaxes, arms tightly wound around Jungkookâs shoulder.
Itâs his name that spills out of Jungkookâs mouth as he finds his release, too, a sated and quivering mess underneath Taehyung. Itâs the first time Taehyungâs felt like this, so fiercely embraced during and after sex.
Had he been more lucid, he would have thought of the implications of that.
But Taehyung isnât fully lucid now. Heâs riding his high, his brain a mush after that very quick but mind-numbingly, insanely good dry humping.
[TW// ends here]
There are so many things that heâd thought wrong of Jungkook, and the boxer being a prude might be one of those.
When Taehyung untangles his arms from Jungkookâs shoulders, however, he realizes that Jungkook wonât let go of him.
His arms are still tight around Taehyung, and he refuses to meet Taehyungâs eyes. âBaby, whatâs wrong?â
Jungkook only shakes his head, adamant in his refusal.
âHey,â Taehyung tries again, hands cupping Jungkookâs face to gently coax him to look up.
âWhatâs wrong? Did you not like it? Was â Was it disappointing?â
Panic surges into Jungkookâs eyes. âNo! I mean, it wasnât disappointing at all, Tae. It was so good. Itâs just ââ There are tears in Jungkookâs eyes now, wetting his lashes but refusing to fall.
He looks so good like this, his post-sex glow making him look softer yet also more raw.
âJust ââ Jungkook tries again, and thereâs determination slowly settling on his face. âTaehyung. I like you. I like you so much, I donât know what to do with myself anymore.
Youâre the best thing that ever happened to me, and I just â I donât even know if I deserve you, Tae, and Iâm so fucking scared that Iâm being too much, because I am always being too much. Itâs why no one stays with me. But youâre here, and â
and tell me if Iâm wrong, I donât want to get ahead of myself,â
The more Taehyung listens to Jungkook, the more he feels it â something slithers around his chest, wounding around his lungs and his heart so tightly itâs getting difficult to breathe.
Jungkook should just shut up now, because he doesnât know what heâs talking about, but -
âBut I think you like me, too, Taehyung. Or we wouldnât have done this if you didnât, right? I mean, I know people fuck around with no feelings attached, I get that,
but there was something there, right?â
No. No, there wasnât. Taehyung doesnât do feelings, and he wants to run away from here.
âIf â if Iâm wrong, Tae,â Jungkook croaks as his voice is starting to break. His arms are still wrapped around Taehyung,
and Taehyung isnât sure if he should pull away or of he should stay like this. Itâs comfortable right here on Jungkookâs lap, but it also isnât. âIf Iâm wrong, tell me now, okay? So that I can keep my distance and deal with these feelings on my own.
I wonât bother you with it, I promise.â
Taehyung doesnât like Jungkook. Not that way, at least. Heâs hot, absolutely, and from what just happened a few minutes ago before Jungkook decided to run his mouth and ruin everything,
it would seem like heâs also insanely good when it comes to fucking. However.
Taehyung doesnât do feelings. That has been one of the biggest truths in his life. Feelings are unnecessary, they make him weak, they make him feel small.
But then, Taehyung remembers that thereâs a nosy slut somewhere, bidding her time, waiting for the opportunity to jump on Jungkook. Taehyung doesnât like that thought at all, so he says, âof course I like you, too, my darling.â
He smiles at Jungkook, who looks at him with open adoration, and itâs a smile that he has worn so many times in front of the camera. Itâs easy even if he doesnât mean it because heâs practiced it his entire life. âOf course I like you. So very much.â
A/N: We're officially done with Part 1! Those who stuck with this au up to here, especially those who waited for the angst, good news: the angst train is coming, and it's full steam ahead. See you tomorrow for the start of Part 2!
As always, please interact. Even just likes and RTS are a big deal

they motivate me and keep me going

They also help me write faster hoho
But now he canât even ask for their help because this doesnât have anything to do with his career, nor his public image. This has everything to do with the man sitting in front of the room, with several cameras trained towards him.
This is why Taehyung doesnât do feelings or relationships in general. It requires him to pay attention to things that he does not really care about. To worry about someone other than himself.
But heâs supposed to be married to this man, to Jeon Jungkook, who actually likes him. And who thinks Taehyung likes him, too.
And to make matters worse, Jungkook is, quite obviously, fuming. He doesnât care to hide it, the way his jaw is clenched,
the way his fists are tightly curled. Heâs been like that since this morning, his annoyance so palpable that Hoseok and Namjoon had to calm him down when he snapped at someone. Taehyungâs never seen him this way. Granted, it hasnât been that long since theyâve known each other,
but in that short time, all heâs ever seen is a slightly awkward, always flustered, deeply smitten Jungkook whoâs too hot and attractive for his own good.
It was probably that phone call this morning. It turned Jungkookâs mood so quickly it was almost scary.
One moment he was all soft, waking Taehyung up with kisses on his face. Heâd been that cheesy itâs ridiculous. He even made breakfast and then easily gave in when Taehyung pushed him against the kitchen counter.
That had been nice, especially when Jungkook reversed their position and then lifted Taehyung up to have him sit on the counter instead. Who knew morning make-out sessions could be that hot and heavy?
But then that phone call happened, and the next moment, Jungkook had his veins popping. Curse that person, really, whoever that was. Taehyung had been so ready to be taken right then and there, okay? After all, he âlikesâ Jungkook now.
If he knew that it would only take that silly little lie for Jungkook to give in, he would have said it a long time ago.
Hopefully, it had been that bitch that got him this angry, so Jungkook might have to reconsider seeing whoever she is after this whole presser is done.
Taehyung flexes his fingers. Jungkook had held onto his hand so tightly earlier, and when they got here, had pulled Taehyung to his side with a fierce kind of possessiveness. Taehyung isnât used to being a side character like this, but turns out,
being Jungkookâs arm candy can be an experience. The way everyone looked at him earlier â with something close to awe and disbelief â was something that he reveled in. He didnât even have to try, he obviously got their attention.
This is an entirely different presser from what Taehyung is used to. The crowd of reporters are noisier, less⌠classy. And donât even get Taehyung started on the other athletes on the table with Jungkook.
Theyâre boxers, all right; seeing their faces, itâs obvious that they get beaten up for a living.
Not Jungkook, though. Heâs pretty. He stands out over the rest of them, shining like a beacon, the sole saving grace of this presser.
He sits by Namjoon, a few of his team members that Taehyung had already met standing by.
âItâs all thanks to my husband, actually.â
Taehyung startles, and then grins when he sees that Jungkook is looking right at him. He didnât hear the question, but clearly, it had been something that involves him.
âHe gave me the motivation to return to the ring,â Jungkook continues. Thereâs a rush of murmurs from the crowd at his answer, but Jungkookâs eyes are solely on Taehyung. âAside from my team, it was him who pushed me to do better.
So, it wouldnât be an exaggeration to say that when I win, itâs because of my husband, too.â
The murmurs get louder. Namjoon looks amused. Itâs clear this is going to be one of the things that Jungkook will get asked about later during the Q&A.
The moderator clears his throat. The murmurs quiet down. Whatever it was that Yoongi planned when he thought of announcing their marriage, itâs starting to work. People are hooked on Jungkook.
The questions move to other boxing-related topics, and Taehyung loses his train of thought again. Somehow, he canât take his eyes off Jungkook, who also throws him a glance every now and then. Thereâs something unreadable about the way he looks, a bit agitated, a bit gritty.
Taehyung thinks heâd probably stop Jungkook from meeting that bitch later, just so he can ride his husband to oblivion. The thought alone has Taehyung nibbling on his lower lip.
âLook at you all smitten.â
âShut up, hyung,â Taehyung snaps. Why did Seojoon even insist on coming here? He just showed up out of nowhere earlier, and then proceeded to stick by Taehyungâs side the entire time
even though Taehyung told him earlier that they need to lie low for a while because Jiminâs pissed as hell. Apparently Yunaâs out of the country again, and this guy has got too much free time.
âWhat?â Seojoon chuckles, whispers, âDonât deny it, Taehyungie. Itâs too obvious. He fucked you already, didnât he? You liked it that much? His cock that good?â
Itâs dangerous. This is all too dangerous. There are people all around them.
Not just regular people, but reporters, with cameras and recorders, and who knows what those mics near them might pic up? Seojoon is playing a nasty game. Heâs never been this insufferable before, but lately, heâs gotten clingy.
He texts and calls every day, insists to fuck every chance they get even when Taehyung tells him he isnât in the mood. Itâs getting creepy, and now heâs here whispering all this filth to Taehyungâs ear.
Taehyungâs just about to respond when he hears it. âWhy am I sure Iâll win? Itâs because the great Jeon Jungkook has gotten soft,â says the other boxer, the one Jungkook is supposed to fight â a mousy-looking man with pebble-like eyes and huge nostrils.
âHeâs gay, so. Honestly, it makes me uncomfortable knowing that he might touch me during the fight.â
Taehyung freezes. Jungkook is glaring at the man while Namjoon is tightly gripping his arm, probably to hold Jungkook back.
For a moment, Namjoon is able to, but then the other boxer just had to open his mouth again.
âIf not him, itâs probably that other gay dude heâs sleeping with who might harass me. Thatâs why I got full security.â He laughs for a second.
A grin is still on his face when all of a sudden, Jungkook is on him, literally leaping over the table to get to him and grabbing him by the collar of his shirt. The security of the event flood the stage trying to break the fight, and in the commotion,
a mic picks up Jungkookâs words, quiet but seething. âSay anything about my husband again, and we wonât even get to the ring before I bash your head in.â
The presser ends abruptly as Jungkook is dragged backstage.
Seojoon in still laughing by Taehyungâs side, amused at the entire chaos, but Taehyung has no time for that now. He rushes backstage.
[A/N]: ok ok I'm back let's geddit
#taekook #taekookau
[enter-talk] Jeon Jungkook punched American boxer Peterson in the presscon earlier!
[Top Comments] | [Please log in to join the conversation]
KimSongSSIBAL98 (5 minutes ago): that guy dserved TBH
KimSongSSIBAL98 (5 minutes ago): *deserved
KimSongSSIBAL98 (5 minutes ago): homophobe like were not in 202o shm
Guest (5 minutes ago): ok but r we really talking about sports here what is this kkkkk
Guest (5 minutes ago): Jungkook is a celeb too soâŚâŚ.
TheoTHKim (4 minutes ago): JK really fought for Tae!!!! Canât believe that!!!!
THVLover (4 minutes ago): IDK I think it was scripted
TheoTHKim (3 minutes ago): Scripted???? Like JK got realy punched wtf how is that scripted
THVLover (3 minutes ago): wtv I donât like jk for th I said wat I sed
TaeTaeTae (2 minutes ago): tae alr said to respect his husband??? And he clearly loves tae since he litrally punches ppl for taeâs honor??? R U an anti or wat THVLover???
LunaLunaLuna (2 minutes ago): but the question issss⌠did yall see th and seojoon being loveylovey in some vids????
Guest (2 minutes ago): kkkkk omg yes! They looked so good together honestly I miss their interactions
Guest (2 minutes ago): theyâre besties and Seojoon is married and th is married but LET ME BE DELUSIONAL FOR A BIT I WANT THEM TOGETHER
THVLover (just now): ur not alone there kkkk they look sooo good together way betterthan that jk trash
This part of Busan is quiet this time of night. Itâs ways away from the city center, so thereâs not much traffic, just an occasional car passing through. Thereâs the playground that Jungkook used to play in when he was young,
as well as the sidewalk where he tripped and cut his cheek. Inside the car, the AC is in full blast. A popular track is playing on the carâs radio, some catchy beat that Jungkook follows by tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
Beside him, Minji is scarfing down her food. Itâs just a burger and fries from McDonaldâs, but sheâs eating it like itâs her last meal. Itâs a bit gross, he really should have taught her some manners, but at least it manages to pull a laugh out of Jungkook.
Thatâs good because heâs still a bit pissed, the adrenaline from earlier not yet fully draining out of him.
Heâd woken up earlier in the morning in the best mood. To be honest, he still couldnât wrap his head around what happened last night.
It was all too good to be true â Taehyung on top of him, grinding down, asking him if he likes it. Itâs almost humiliating how fast he came, but then Taehyung did, too, so at least it worked out in the end.
And then there was that â the confession.
Jungkook never really intended to spill out his feelings that time, but his head was spinning and he had been on a post-sex high and was overwhelmed by the sight of Taehyung sitting on his lap with his arms around his shoulders.
Taehyung has always been the most beautiful man Jungkook had ever seen, but that moment, with him on Jungkookâs lap, his silk robe partially falling off his shoulder, a bit sweaty, a pretty blush high on his cheeks, Jungkook felt his heart skip a beat.
It could have been bad. Jungkook has always had this tendency to fall too quickly, which is why he had fiercely guarded his heart. It was almost a miracle that he didnât catch feelings for Yeongjae, but then again, Yeongjaeâs always been a bit of a creep, to be honest.
But with Taehyung, well, Jungkook never really stood a chance. So it could have been bad, because heâs fallen too quickly again. He said he /likes/ Taehyung, but he knows for a fact that itâs a little bit more than that.
But then, it wasnât bad at all, because Taehyung said he likes Jungkook, too. For a moment, Jungkook felt the world stop when he heard those words. It was probably unattractive the way he broke down after that, his tears falling down his face in a steady stream.
Taehyung didnât mind though.
And Taehyung also did not mind it when Jungkook asked him to sleep in his room. The only argument Taehyung really said was, âBut my bed is more comfy.â Indeed it was, but that was mostly because they slept with Jungkookâs arms around Taehyung.
So Jungkookâs morning had been good. The best. He woke Taehyung up with kisses because he could. Because Taehyung liked him, too. Then Taehyung even made out with him during breakfast, and Jungkook could scream out that heâs the luckiest man in the entire world because he is.
He fucking is.
Itâs a dream, and Jungkook is living it.
All it took, however, was a single phone call from Min Yoongi to ruin Jungkookâs mood.
Being in his position, Yoongi had never really been one to understand that not everyone works around his own timetable. As such, the most random of phone calls from him can come at any hour. And he just so happened to call just as Jungkook was feeling up Taehyungâs legs.
And it wasnât even about anything important. Yoongi just wanted a follow up on how Jungkookâs doing. Of all times that Yoongi had decided to be a decent older brother, it had to be right then. Seriously, whatâs wrong with that guy?
Just because he isnât getting any doesnât mean he has to spread his be-a-prude agenda.
But there was something there, an off-handed remark near the end of the call, that had Jungkookâs mood turning from sour to absolutely shit.
âI heard you picked Taehyung up from the office yesterday,â Yoongi said. âIâm all for the lovey-dovey façade, Jungkook-ah, but careful what you do in private. Donât go catching feelings because Taehyung isnât the person you think he is.â
Jungkook couldnât even get a word in. The call got cut off with Yoongi saying âanyway, good luck later. Donât go making a mess.â So in all, Jungkook really didnât know what to make of Yoongiâs words of caution.
Itâs all too ominous, but Yoongiâs also a distrustful asshole who thinks everyone is out to get him.
Yoongi doesnât know shit, so he has no right spewing bullshit like that, not when itâs Jungkook who lives with Taehyung, who sees him in his most private and intimate moments.
ââŚike their songs so much, yâknow? Like, theyâre the best.â
âHuh?â Jungkook startles. When he turns to look beside him, thereâs a grimace on Minjiâs face. âWhat?â
Minji scoffs and angrily eats a french fry.
âAre you being serious right now? You havenât visited in months, and now youâre not even paying attention?â
âIâm sorry, okay?â Jungkook sighs, leaning back on the backrest of his seat. âIâm just tired. And the presser earlier was hell.â
Minji turns on her seat so she now sits facing Jungkook. âOoh! I saw that! Heh. You think youâre all cool, huh? And Iâm still pissed at you, by the way.â
âHuh? Why?â
âYou didnât invite me to your wedding, duh!â Minji rolls her eyes,
but Jungkook canât take her annoyance seriously when her cheeks are puffed up because of her burger. âAnd /The/ Kim Taehyung, huh? Got lucky there?â
âThere wasnât even a wedding, Minji-yah,â Jungkook reasons. âItâs all Yoongi-hyungâs scheming or something.
Heâs got this grand plan thatâs supposed to help me fix my reputation.â
A snort is what he gets in response. âAnd then you had to ruin it earlier by punching that homophobe. He got what he deserved, though. But Kim Taehyung, huh?â A pause.
Minji looks like sheâs thinking. Who knows what goes on in her head. Jungkook has stopped trying to know that a long time ago. âI donât like it.â
âWhat?â Jungkook chokes. âWhy?â
âI dunno. I mean. Thereâs something fishy there. Besides,â she shrugs, âwhy him, of all people?
Did you know he used to get shipped with Park Seojoon a lot before?â
Oh. Seojoon had been in the presser, too. Why he was there, Jungkook doesnât know. Jungkook supposed that he was just being supportive, being Taehyungâs best friend and all. Jungkook even thanked him.
After all, Taehyung was out of his element, and Jungkook couldnât be there for him while he was being interviewed.
The only time that Jungkook didnât see Seojoon was when he got sent to the waiting room after that brawl with Peterson, that homophobe fucker.
Taehyung was there, though, a worried mess as he cradled Jungkookâs face with his hands, a frantic âAre you okay? Did he hit you back?â rushing out of him in between kissing Jungkook senseless.
It may have been why he insisted that Jungkook should stay at home tonight.
Jungkook can still see Taehyungâs disappointed pout when he told him he really needed to leave.
Because as much as he didnât want to go, itâs not often that he and Minji could get to hang out like this.
In between his messy public image and Minjiâs school schedule, itâs been months since heâs driven all the way to Busan and spend some time with her.
Though he isnât really happy with what Minjiâs trying to insinuate right now.
âTheyâre just really good friends, Minji-yah,â he tells her. âIâve met Seojoon-hyung. Heâs a good guy.â
Minji snorts again. âSure he is. Which is why people like shipping him with Taehyung. Have you seen what the fans are saying in online forums?â
Jungkookâs stomach is churning. He never really likes thinking about online forums because heâs only reminded of how people see him as â a failure, a whore, a bully, a reckless madman.
Minji should know this because sheâs part of the reason why he had to stop fighting for a while, but sheâs always been tactless, too, a little bit too careless with her words. Itâs why she got in trouble in the first place,
why that series of shitty events that ultimately led to Jungkook's hiatus happened. But Jungkook canât remind her that because that would be cruel, so he keeps his mouth shut.
âI donât like him though,â Minji continues. She crumples the McDonaldâs paperbag.
âYou know, there were rumors before that Park Seojoon cheats on his wife, like a lot. And if that were true, and if Taehyung-ssiâs okay with that, then I donât like them both.â
She opens the car door and goes out. Thereâs a trash bin near where theyâre parked,
and Minji walks towards it because she knows Jungkook doesnât like it when she leaves a mess in his car. But she doesnât get to reach it.
Thereâs a flash in the dark, from somewhere near the other end of the park where there are no street lights. Minji freezes in her tracks.
Jungkookâs just about to step out of the car when she comes running back.
When she gets in again, sheâs pale as a ghost, shivering and sweating at the same time. âShit shit shit,â she mutters as she puts on her seatbelt. âWe should go, oppa. Hurry.â
Jungkook doesnât waste time. He drives away. Itâs bad. Heâs using a different car this time, one that he doesnât always drive, but still, people know this, too. Theyâve seen him driving this before, and if that was indeed a flash of a camera,
it wonât take long before photos of him leak out again. And Minji isnât wearing any hat to cover her face. Shit.
His stomach is in knots as he drives around, making sure that they arenât tailed. Minji is still visibly trembling, her hands curled tightly into fists.
Jungkook thinks he should call Yoongi, who should still be awake because that guy doesnât sleep anyway. But heâll be pissed for sure, and Jungkook canât risk that.
He can only hope that wasnât a pap. Thereâs no tail behind them fortunately,
but he still drives around a bit before turning a corner so he could drop Minji off in front of her house.
âItâs the same guy, hyung. Itâs the same fucking guy,â Minji grits. Sheâs regained a bit of color in her face, but sheâs still visibly shaken.
Jungkook startles at that. âWhat? Are you sure?â
âFucking sure. Heâs been following me around campus, too.â
Apparently, a restraining order isnât enough. And why is this guy even out of jail? Heâs not supposed to be out for another year or so.
Thatâs it then, Jungkook decides. If thereâs anyone who can do something about this, itâs Yoongi. Itâs not going to be a pleasant conversation, thatâs for sure, but he doesnât care. Yoongi can berate him for all he cares,
because if they want to be sure that something gets done about this, heâs their only shot.
âIâll talk to Yoongi-hyung about this,â he tells Minji then.
She looks surprised. âAre you sure? That guy hates me.â
âHe hates everyone.â
That, at least, makes her ease up a bit. âThatâs fair. Oppa, you sure you donât want to go up?â
âYour dad there?â Jungkook asks, teasing.
Minji only rolls her eyes. âHe is.â
âNo chance in hell then.â
The drive back to Seoul is quiet, punctuated only by the rambling of a late-night radio host whoâs currently on a drawn-out rant about a girl group Jungkook doesnât really know. At least it keeps him awake. Itâs past 1 in the morning, and he still has an hour to go.
His mind is churning, half-formed ideas flitting too quickly for him to catch. He dreads the call he has to make later, but it canât be helped, not when Minji might be in danger again. Itâs why he didnât let Taehyung come with him.
Aside from Minji being uncomfortable around strangers, Taehyung is too well-known, and he canât risk anybody spotting them. Theyâve worked so hard to regain Minjiâs anonymity after all.
Heâs too tired to think, exhaustion seeping into his bones.
Heâs about to pass out when he makes a turn and drives into the basement parking of their building. He just wants to rest, cuddle with Taehyung a bit. Taehyungâs kisses do wonders, and heâs sure a couple of those could calm his nerves.
The elevator ride up to their penthouse takes forever. Thereâs a repetitive jingle playing overhead, and it only makes Jungkookâs annoyance flare. No matter. Heâs almost home. Just a few minutes more and he can finally engulf Taehyung in the biggest hug.
Or Taehyung can hug him. Whichever works.
The elevator dings. A few steps more, and then heâs in front of their door. He types in their keycode, and the door unlocks with a beep and a click.
âTae, Iâm homeâŚâ he pauses, his words trailing off as his mouth runs dry.
Seojoon is chuckling as Taehyung lightly shoves him away. Itâs subtle but Jungkook notices it, the way that Taehyungâs eyes widen, the way he pulls his robe up to cover his shoulders. All at once, Yoongiâs and Minjiâs words come rushing back.
âTaehyung isnât the person you think he is.â
âDid you know he used to get shipped with Park Seojoon a lot before?â
âThere were rumors before that Park Seojoon cheats on his wife, like a lot.â
Thereâs a prickling sensation at the back of Jungkookâs neck, which worsens as Seojoon comes closer. âJungkook-ah. I was just about to leave. Kept Tae here company while youâre away.â He pats Jungkookâs shoulder and waves at Taehyung as he walks out the door.
Meanwhile, Jungkook stays rooted on his spot. Did he imagine it when Taehyung said he likes Jungkook back? He didnât, did he? Last night really happened, didnât it? Jungkookâs sure it did. And they woke up together, made out right on their kitchen counter.
Taehyung said he liked Jungkook. Jungkook is sure of that because that had only been less than a day ago. And Jungkook believed him.
So why is there a large hickey on Taehyung's neck?
A/N: Stopping here for now. Who might Minji be??? Lol. You'll know next update uwu see you all again tomorrow!
A/N: I really need to go cos am tipsy lol but before I do, lemme just reiterate that this au involves INFIDELITY. Once again, if you're uncomfy with that, there are a bunch of other aus that might better suit your taste. Keep yourselves safe most of all. ILY!
A/N: Before we begin, here's a note from me regarding this update:
(correction: in this specific update)
#taekook #taekookau
Taehyung doesnât know how it has come to this. Maybe it had been his vindictiveness pushing itself to the surface, or maybe it had been petty jealousy because after all those kisses he gave Jungkook,
after he and Jungkook practically humped each other in the car before heading back home after the presser, after Taehyung being genuinely worried about someone else other than himself for once,
Jungkook still had the audacity to tell him, âsorry, Tae, but I really canât cancel on this one.â
So technically, Jungkookâs partly to blame because it was he who left Taehyung high and dry. Thatâs really the main reason why Taehyung called Seojoon over, so he could sulk a bit,
maybe get a good fuck because Jungkook just left after turning him on so bad it actually started to hurt. Jeon Jungkook is both the best and the worst thing thatâs happened to Taehyungâs self-esteem.
Jungkook should really just drop that side chick, whoever that is. No one else should get to take all of Jungkookâs attention with just a single phone call. Taehyung will make sure of that.
At least, that had been the plan, until Seojoon just had to fuck everything up.
[tw// mentions of emotional manipulation, questionable consent]
Taehyung told him repeatedly: ânothing close to midnight.â Heâd been clear about that because Jungkook said heâd be back a little after 12 am.
But Seojoon had been insistent, wanting to fuck several times even though Taehyung already said he wasnât in the mood anymore.
So now Taehyung is sore all over, heâs walking with a limp, and it wasnât even that good. Seojoonâs usually good in bed,
but lately heâd been rougher than usual, what with all the dirty talk and the manhandling and grabbing and the slapping. That last oneâs totally new.
Should Taehyung worry? He thinks, maybe. But Seojoonâs always been rough, and Taehyung at some point told him that he liked it that way. So maybe he shouldnât be too worried.
But it was clearly an asshole move for Seojoon to try to make out with Taehyung right when he heard the door open. That oneâs foul.
Now Jungkook is just standing there on the foyer, staring at Taehyung with a disconcerted look on his face.
Taehyung should really talk to Seojoon about this, maybe set some boundaries because heâs already in trouble with his agency, he canât have Jungkook mad at him, too. Especially not when theyâre supposed to like each other, like, romantically.
Relationships are a pain in the ass.
Seojoon used to be the only person Taehyung could truly trust, especially when Jimin got particularly stern with him. Seojoon would listen to his endless rants, would let him hide away for a bit when he needed some respite. He understood Taehyung when no one else did.
Which was why sex had been easy. He could trust Seojoon, and Seojoon trusted him back.
But now, Taehyung has another person heâs starting to trust.
Jungkook also listens. He also takes Taehyungâs side when it comes to it. He makes really good breakfasts and as it turns out, his cuddles are comfortable enough to give Taehyung the best sleep of his life.
And hell, no one has ever fought for Taehyung publicly like Jungkook did during the presser. Thatâd been hot, sure, but more than that, seeing Jungkook seething with rage because of what was said about Taehyung, something foreign surged inside him,
something so strong it propelled him to run back to the waiting area just so he could make sure Jungkook had been okay.
No one has ever stood up for him like that before. Whether Jungkookâs just naĂŻve, or he is really serious about liking Taehyung, it doesnât matter.
This is someone clearly on Taehyungâs side, and Taehyung canât afford to lose him.
Jungkook was okay, thankfully. At least okay enough that he could go off galivanting with some other bitch that isnât Taehyung.
At least heâs home now, but it doesnât bode well that heâs looking like a lost little bunny.
âBaby, youâre ho-â
âTaehyung. Whatâs going on? Why was Seojoon-hyung here this late?â
Thereâs desperation seeping into Taehyungâs veins at Jungkookâs question.
Why does Jungkook sound so betrayed when he himself just came back from snoozing with some random whore?
âWhat do you mean whatâs going on, darling? Seojoon-hyung just kept me company. He told you.â
Jungkook openly stares, clenching his jaw so hard Taehyung fears it might lock. âKeeping you company? Is that what we call leaving gigantic hickeys on each otherâs neck now?â
Itâs almost instinctive how Taehyungâs hand fly towards his neck. Fucking Seojoon. How many times does Taehyung have to remind him that he shouldnât leave marks? And on the neck of all places.
âThis â uhâ Taehyung stammers, struggling for a reasonable excuse because Seojoon just made his life more difficult. âSeojoon-hyung â he â when heâs a bit drunk, he tends to get â uhm â a little bit touchy.â
Itâs not a lie at least. Seojoon does get friskier when alcohol is involved. Taehyung could barely count the times that heâd almost gotten into trouble because of people spotting them in some random bar with Seojoonâs face on his neck.
But those people donât matter because they could easily be paid off.
Not this one though. Not Jungkook. He still looks disappointed, tongue pressing against his cheek. âTouchy. Huh. And you just â you just let it happen? Just like that.â
âJungkookieâŚâ The desperation inside Taehyung flares, clouding his mind because Jungkook genuinely seems angry and Taehyung doesnât like seeing him like that. He tugs his robe tightly, the silk in his hands providing him with a grounding feeling,
something to hold on to because the ground under him is swaying.
Thereâs something urgent in him, telling him to go to Jungkook, to hold, to come clean â
to say âIâve been sleeping with Seojoon-hyung for as long as I can remember but itâs really only that he doesnât matter Iâll stop, tell me to stop.â
But another part of him, a bigger and louder part of him â
one that heâs always listened to because itâs the part of him that always made the right choices at the most critical moments â also protests. Whatâs the big deal? Why is Jungkook so mad about this when he himself had been warming someone elseâs bed just a few hours ago?
He should know, then. Sex is fun, and if Jungkook can go around fucking other girls, then Taehyung can just continue opening himself up for someone heâs trusted all his life as well.
âTaehyung,â Jungkook sighs, this time coming closer. But it isnât close enough.
He still standing a few steps away from Taehyung and it isnât near enough. âIâm genuinely asking so I would understand. Because if I remember it correctly, we did confess last night, didnât we? That we like each other?â
Taehyung nods. He looks down at his feet because he canât bear to look at Jungkook now. Jungkook looks the way Jimin does when heâs disappointed, and itâs a look that has Taehyung feeling unsure about himself.
âAnd if I remember it correctly," Jungkook continues, "I did tell you that if you didnât feel the same about me, that you should just tell me. Did I miss something there?â
This time, Taehyung shakes his head. Thereâs something bitter surging up his throat as his hackles rise,
his defensive tendencies staring to take over. But Jungkook doesnât /sound/ the way Jimin does when heâs disappointed. He still speaks kindly, soft in the way he just asked his question, and that is what Taehyung holds on to.
âJust,â he begins. âHe â I dunno if you would believe me, Jungkookie. But Seojoon-hyung, heâs not a bad person. Itâs just. Sometimes, he does those things, you know? Itâs not â itâs not that I like it, but ââ
âBut?â
âBut â he gets angry.â Taehyung trails off.
That much is true as well, to some extent. Seojoon has this particular way of showing his anger. It doesnât just simmer away or disappear. Usually, it resurfaces the next time theyâre together, and heâd remind Taehyung that heâd been disappointed last time.
So it shows in bed, that anger â a bite, a fistful of Taehyungâs hair, a position or a location Taehyung doesnât like. Sex with Seojoon is fun, but there are moments when it isnât.
Taehyung wishes he could tell Jungkook that,
but Jungkook did just remind him now that they confessed their "feelings" to each other. So Jungkook might not be too happy when he knows what Seojoon and Taehyung usually do if theyâre alone.
So instead of coming clean, Taehyung wraps his arms around himself, tightly so his shivers do not show. Heâs not shaken about this or anything. Heâs just so, so annoyed that Jungkook is pushing him into a corner like this when he has no right to do so.
When he himself got another person who keeps his cock wet. A hypocrite is what Jungkook is.
But a hypocrite who, outside the bedroom, has proven that heâs on Taehyungâs side, so.
âAre you disappointed in me, Jungkookie?â
Suddenly thereâs a hand on Taehyungâs shoulder, another hand on his chin urging him to look up. âBaby,â Jungkook breathes. There had been disappointment in Jungkookâs eyes earlier, but now thereâs none of that.
Instead, whatâs looking back at Taehyung is an expression full of worry. âYou canât â fuck, Iâm so mad right now.â
The hand on Taehyungâs shoulder is shaking, but he doesnât get to feel that for long as he is pulled into an embrace.
Itâs warm and solid and secure, and Taehyung easily sinks into it.
âHe canât just do that,â Jungkook grits, âthatâs not being a good friend, Taehyung. Heâs taking advantage of you.â He pushes away, and Taehyung whines for a bit at the loss of contact,
but Jungkook is adamant as he stares into Taehyungâs eyes. It the eyes of someone determined, dead-set in whatever it is theyâre thinking. âI know we havenât been together long, but â and I know you think of him as your friend. But Iâll protect you, okay?
As long as Iâm around, he wonât get his filthy hands on you.â
Taehyung finally breathes easy. Thatâs more like it. âAs long as heâs around,â Jungkook says. Does that mean he wonât go sleeping with his other girl? This is even better than what Taehyung have expected, then.
âHeâs really not that bad, Jungkookie,â he says anyway. Itâs nice like this, seeing Jungkook angry for him instead of at him.
âHe is, Taehyung. He fucking is.â
[tw// ends here]
This restaurant isnât Jungkookâs typical scene. Heâs a low-key guy, so he gets by with slightly-above-midrange food outlets. As long as theyâve got a great selection of high-protein, low calorie salad, thatâs good enough for him.
This one is too high-end, too stuffy, but he isnât here for himself so he doesnât really have a choice. So heâs in his better clothes â a button down and a pair of slacks that Taehyung chose for him earlier.
Meanwhile, Yoongi in front of him is in a t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. Jungkook never really thought that Yoongi had other kinds of clothes aside from suits and leather shoes. Huh. Who would have thought?
Yoongiâs phone wonât stop pinging, but he ignores it in favor of meticulously cutting into his galbi. âStop staring and eat your rabbit food, Jungkook-ah,â he says out of nowhere.
Jungkook doesnât eat his salad. His mouth feels dry.
He hadnât really had much of an appetite since he got home that morning and found out what Seojoon had been doing to Taehyung. Itâs been a couple of days, but man, Jungkook wants to rip someone to shreds, that someone being Park Seojoon.
Now heâs just a bundle of anxious and agitated mess. Heâs got the second presser for their match in the US in a couple of weeks, which means he wonât be able to easily go to Minji when she needs him. Which also means being away from Taehyung for a while.
Just that thought of leaving Taehyung here where Seojoon can easily get to him has Jungkookâs stomach churning. For now, he makes do with constantly texting Taehyung, and they also agreed that Taehyung would drop by the gym whenever heâs free.
Thatâs good for now, but not nearly enough to have him really calm down.
So he isnât in the mood to eat.
Besides, rich people food like this doesnât sit well with him.
Why should he pay hundreds of thousands of won when he can get an equally decent salad from Avoh for less than half the price? Itâs Yoongiâs money, but still, heâs never been comfortable in letting Yoongi pay for anything.
He moves his salad around just so he could pretend like heâs doing something. âHyung,â he starts, but Yoongi holds a hand up.
âNo business or favor talks before 3 in the afternoon. Thatâs the rule.â
Yoongiâs an asshole, alright.
As if he didnât just barge into the gym at 5 in the morning to interrupt Jungkookâs workout once. As if he didnât call out of nowhere at 6 in the morning at one point, interrupting Taehyung and Jungkook in the process. So Jungkook says, âthatâs never been a rule, hyung.â
âWell now it is,â Yoongi retorts. âLet me enjoy this wonderful meat for a bit, for fuckâs sake.â
âYou can still enjoy your food while listening. Youâre supposed to be good at multitasking.â
Yoongi glares, leans back. âGetting mouthy, arenât we? Taehyungâs rubbing off on you.â
âThis isnât about Taehyung. Itâs about Minji.â
Thereâs sudden interest there, but guarded. Yoongiâs eyebrow quirks up for a moment. âIs it about your rendezvous with her? The other night?â
Fucking hell. Of course, Yoongi knows.
Jungkook groans. âOf course you already know about that. Are you tailing me or something?â
âNah,â says Yoongi. Heâs eased back into his normal self, his interest gone as quickly as it had been there.
Yoongiâs never really liked Minji anyway, so it comes as no surprise that heâs so disinterested in this. âWhat made you think that it was a good idea to meet with her after that mess of a press conference?â
âWe agreed to meet before the presser, hyung," Jungkook answers. "And it isnât about me. That guyâs back.â
âI know. Heâs the one who sent us your photos.â
Jungkook drops his fork as he recoils. He really should have known the moment that Yoongi told him heâs aware of that trip he made to Busan. Of course heâd be in contact with that guy. Thereâs bile rising up his throat, betrayal making his nerves vibrate.
âAre you fucking kidding me?â
âAnd I delt with those photos myself,â Yoongi says with a shrug. Itâs almost amazing how casual he looks as he talks. Like all this is so insignificant to him. And maybe it is, because he never really cared enough about the people around him,
not when it doesnât bring in any money. âYouâre welcome, by the way.â
âThatâs not enough, hyung, and you know that,â Jungkook insists, clenching his fists as he tries to hold himself back. âI want that guy back in jail. Heâs been harassing Minji again.
And heâs not supposed to be out yet!â
âCalm down, will you?â This time, Yoongi finally gives Jungkook his full attention, carefully placing his knife and fork on the table as he does so. âYou want to send him to jail? Okay then.
But that means youâd also have to be okay with exposing Minjiâs identity. Last time had been messy enough, but at least it was you who took the brunt of it all. This time, thereâs no contact between you and the guy.
All we have are photos, which are supposed to be non-existent by now, given the amount of money I paid for them. Are you okay with that?â
Jungkook could only gape. The way Yoongi lays down all of this in front of Jungkook is cold, objective, calculating.
He doesnât understand where Jungkook is coming from, why heâs so worried, because all their life, Yoongi had never been a good older brother. All that matters to Yoongi is his company and the money that gets into his bank account. He never cared about the people around him.
He never cared about Jungkook. Why would he care for Jungkookâs sister, then, especially since theyâre not even related?
Jungkook just wants to keep Minji safe because after what happened last time, she hadnât been well. Is that too much to ask?
âSecond,â Yoongi continues. âYou have an upcoming match. And filing a case would only derail that. It would also throw Taehyung into the mix because youâre married to him, and it doesnât take long for people to connect the dots. You should know that by now.
Do you really want a repeat of what happened before?â
âNo.â Jungkook slumps in his seat, feeling powerless, feeling helpless. The only person he thought he could turn to has dealt with the situation, but not in the way Jungkook would have liked.
Not in the way that would make Minji safe from that fucking stalker who once had the guts to actually accost her when she had just been minding her own business.
âVery well then,â says Yoongi with a sense of finality. âThere you go.
But I also know that you wonât be able to focus on your training as long as youâre worried about her, so I sent some people to keep watch. Once again, youâre welcome.â
Yoongi takes his phone and scrolls through it for a bit before sliding it over to Jungkook.
On the screen are photos of Minji. One shows her on her way to uni, another shows her in a coffee shop with her friends. Thereâs another photo of her entering her home. It all feels dirty, feels so invasive. Jungkook wants to vomit.
But Jungkook doesnât have a choice but to accept what Yoongi is doing because itâs either this or the stalker who has a history of harming her. Choose the lesser evil, so they say.
At least this way, Minji is safe.
âThank you, hyung,â Jungkook finally lets out, even though all he wants to do is curl up into a ball and cry. Thereâs a message from Taehyung telling him he just woke up from his morning nap, and at least that makes Jungkook smile a bit.
Taehyung never fails to make him feel better whenever he feels shitty.
In front of him, Yoongi nods in response, and they donât say anything more as Yoongi finishes his breakfast.
With Minjiâs stalker being dealt with, Jungkook only has one other concern to settle before he can train in peace. Itâs why heâs back in the Min Corp headquarters. At least this time, itâs in a much nicer office.
Jimin raises an eyebrow at what Jungkook just told him, and itâs eerily similar to Yoongiâs expression. Now that heâs thinking about it, Yoongi and Jimin are really alike, two peas in a pod. He recalls their first meeting, where Jimin basically had been Yoongiâs extension.
Heâs also just noticing Jiminâs ring, which is also similar to the one Yoongi wore earlier during lunch.
Now, Jungkookâs not one to be nosy, heâs not really much into gossip, but Taehyung loves those. And this could be interesting.
Maybe he could bring this up with Taehyung later just so they could disparage Jimin and Yoongi at home. Thatâs always been fun to do.
âYou want to take Taehyung with you?â Jimin asks after a briefly considering what Jungkook just asked.
Jungkook nods. âIf heâs okay with it, of course. Iâm just â Iâm not exactly comfortable being away from him right now. For â uhm â personal reasons.â
He says itâs personal because it is. Seojoon is a creep who thinks itâs fine for him to put his filthy hands on Taehyung whenever he feels like it.
But Jungkook wonât let that happen. Not anymore. Taehyungâs got him now, and heâll do whatever it takes to protect his husband.
Jimin studies him for a bit, long enough to make Jungkook a bit uncomfortable. âHmm. Jungkook-ah. You know Yoongi cares for you, right?â
Okay, that came out of nowhere. Jungkook tilts his head, confused.
He just wanted to ask Jiminâs permission to let Taehyung travel to the US with him for the press conference. What does Yoongi have to do with any of this?
So he asks, âwhat does hyung have to do with this?â
Jimin waves a dismissive hand. âI believe heâs already reminded you to be careful? That Taehyung isnât who he seems?â
Where is this all coming from? Jungkookâs massively unsure about what his request has to do with Yoongiâs meddling with this marital set-up with Taehyung.
Jimin and Yoongi may very well be a couple. Theyâre both nosy, dipping their fingers where they shouldnât.
âAnyway, Iâm sure you have good reason to ask this, and since Taehyung doesnât really have anything lined up for now, off season and all,
he can go with you if he wants to. However,â Jimin leans back, resting his chin on his interlaced fingers. His ring that matches Yoongi's glints when the light hits it. âWe care about you, Jungkook-ah, so Iâm doing this for your own good.
Because Iâm worried that youâre getting in too deep. Remember that this marriage of yours is all for show.â
âJimin-ssi,â Jungkook replies. Thereâs an uneasy feeling that's finding its home at the bottom of his chest, clawing at him from inside out.
Jiminâs being cryptic, and Jungkook really doesnât have time for this. He still has to train, and heâs wasted enough time as it is because apparently people in the fashion industry likes drawn out mindless conversations.
âI donât have all day. I really just came here to ask for your permission before I talk to Taehyung about the presser in the US. So if you want to tell me anything else, please, cut to the chase.â
Jimin doesnât say anything else.
Instead, he throws a folder to Jungkookâs direction. Itâs like breakfast with Yoongi is repeating itself. Jungkookâs cautious as he opens the folder, but there really isn't that much for him to browse through. Just a few photos â three to be exact.
Theyâre just a few photos but Jungkookâs mind is reeling.
âDo with those as you please,â Jimin says.
The photos have timestamps at the bottom. One was taken a few days back, on the day of the press conference.
It shows Taehyung leaning against Seojoon in what seems to be a bar. The second photo shows Seojoon nuzzling against Taehyungâs neck.
The last one is older. Jungkook remembers that day, remembers what Taehyung had worn â from his dress shirt to his slacks.
But the photo doesnât show those slacks because Taehyung isnât wearing them as heâs bent over a balcony railing, face twisted in a sick display of pleasure while Seojoon stands behind him naked.
Thereâs something vile that takes over Jungkook, a thousand pinpricks running all over his skin because how dare Jimin show him this. And in the guise of caring at that. Clearly, they donât know whatâs been going on.
That last photo was taken before he confessed to Taehyung, way before they made things truly official between themselves. So it should hardly matter.
Jimin is Taehyungâs boss, so what he should be doing instead of throwing Taehyung under the bus like this is to protect him.
âWhat do you think youâre doing?â Jungkook seethes. âDo you have any idea about what that assholeâs been doing to Taehyung? Heâs taking advantage of him, Jimin-ssi, yet here you are, ready to just put all the blame on Taehyung. Ready to paint him as a, what? A cheater?â
âWatch your mouth, Jungkook,â Jimin warns. He really thinks he can pull that tone, but no. Jungkookâs done with this shit. He really couldnât count on anyone, after all. Everyoneâs just out to get him, out to get Taehyung, but he wonât let them.
He throws the folder back to Jimin as he stands. âWhat you should have done a long time ago is to protect him from predators like Seojoon. Which is exactly what Iâm doing right now. Youâre fucking welcome, by the way. If youâre not willing to do that,
then donât comment on what Taehyung and I do in private. Weâre holding our end of the bargain in public anyway. Tell Yoongi-hyung that, too, because obviously youâre fucking him as well, right? Think I didnât notice? Youâre a bunch of hypocrites, seriously.â
He doesnât wait for any response from Jimin as he walks out and slams the door behind him. Heâs sure heâd get a stern warning from Yoongi much later, but he doesnât care. Heâs never been this angry before.
He just wants to get to Taehyung as soon as he can. Fuck training. That can wait.
A/N: That's it for this update! Lol maybe it was too obvs that Minji is JK's sister, but to clarify, she is his sister on his mom's side. Meanwhile, JK and YG have the same dad.
Also, this bout to get toxic. Heh. You really thought that the hickey would wake JK up

A/N cont.: but the thing is, in people who 1) have been down in the dumps before the relationship & 2) are easily manipulated emotionally, it takes waaaay more than that.
Also, note that these are two highly unreliable narrators. So just remember that as you read. hehe.
That's it for now. As always! Interactions are highlyyy appreciated

See you all next week for the last update of the second part!
A/N:

please read this first before we get to the update. It has additional tags and important reminders
Taehyung never really liked the Las Vegas weather. Itâs too arid, too dry. At least he gets the chance to wear flimsier clothing, which he knows Jungkook really likes, going by the way he stares. Heâs been doing that a lot lately, staring at Taehyung.
Thereâs nothing uncomfortable about it, and itâs very much unlike the way others stare at Taehyung.
Then again, Jungkook is very much unlike others before him. Itâs only here in the US that Taehyung is really seeing how big of a deal Jungkook is. Back at home,
Jungkook had taken on a more unassuming personality.
Jimin did tell Taehyung that the media and the general public did not like Jungkook a lot, but never did it occur to Taehyung that theyâd been downplaying his fame as well.
Here, Jungkook thrives. Here, he doesnât hide his face when he goes out, and when people call out to him, itâs often because theyâre his fans. His name is usually uttered with admiration instead of disdain, and heâs plastered on several billboards,
posed in a fighting stance with a fierce, fierce expression on his face.
The only thing Taehyung doesnât like about it is that the billboards show his abs, and Taehyung is feeling particularly possessive of those.
Here, people /know/ Jungkook not just as a regular subject of online gossip, not as Kim Taehyungâs husband, but as the undefeated and reigning middleweight boxing champion.
Even in the gym where Peterson (that homophobe asshole, at least heâd been ordered to issue a public apology) trains, gymgoers approached Jungkook and expressed their support. They ask for his autograph, they ask to take photos with him, some have even dared to spar with him.
Heâs so loved here, and Taehyung feels like a bubble around him just burst.
âHe is a world champion, after all,â Hoseok says beside him. Theyâre on the sidelines now, watching as Jungkook provides a demo to a few amateur boxers in the middle of the gym.
Surprisingly, a few of them recognize Taehyung, too, whispering âshit, itâs that model husbandâ and âI donât know whoâs luckier, him or Jungkookâ and âof course people like them go together, look at them.â
One even asked for Taehyungâs autograph,
a teenage boy who confessed to Taehyung he liked boys, too.
âYou and Jungkook are such an inspiration,â the boy said. Taehyung doesnât remember what he told the boy, overwhelmed as he was knowing that he inspired someone â not because of how he looks but because of who he is.
Whatever it was that he said, it was enough to get the boy tearing up.
Taehyung called Jungkook âa charity caseâ before, and once again, heâs proven wrong. Itâs a wonder why Jungkook just didnât move here when his name was being dragged all over the local news back home.
At least here, he could train in peace, he would have had people who supported him. But he stayed in Korea, where people called him names, where people questioned his track record.
âBut you know, Taehyung-ah,â Hoseok continued.
Heâs been using that more informal name ever since they first met, and Taehyung never minded it. He likes it, in fact, because itâs not often that his name is usually uttered in such a friendly and adoring way. âI donât know if Iâve already said this, but thank you, really.â
Taehyung startles. When he turns to look, he sees Hoseok watching Jungkook sparring with someone. Thereâs a smile on his face, warm and fond. âWhat? What for?â
Hoseok waves a dismissive hand. Itâs something Jimin does, too, often to show disinterest.
This one isnât like that, though. The way Hoseok does it, itâs as though heâs pushing through his embarrassment. âJust, you know â you really turned him around,â he says.
âJungkookieâs a great kid. Heâs driven, heâs weird. Heâs affectionate, too. Very protective.
But after everything that happened, he just â I donât know â itâs like he shut down. He turned down matches, we lost sponsors. For him, it was just boxing, Busan, an occasional night out that never really did him any good
because that guy he used to go out with was not really the type to hide from the media. Then you came along, and itâs like ââ
Hoseok looks at Taehyung then, and his smile is blinding.
But Taehyung cannot fully take in the gratitude that Hoseok radiates because there are too many questions running through his mind. Whoâs that guy Jungkook used to go out with? Does Jungkook have more than one fuckbuddy? And whatâs with Busan?
âItâs like heâs gotten a new lease in life, you know? Like heâs found his drive and purpose again. Remember what he said during the presser? That itâs all thanks to you?â
Taehyung nods. Of course he does.
Hoseok chuckles.
âA few of my colleagues actually asked me why we werenât offended by it. After all, weâre his team, but Jungkook chose to thank you instead. But Namjoon and I agree with Jungkook though. Itâs really thanks to you that heâs getting this opportunity again.â
Taehyungâs head is about to burst, so does his chest, which slowly fills with something unknown, something unfamiliar. It isnât something heâs felt before, mainly because no oneâs ever told him something like this before.
No oneâs ever told him heâs affected someone this way, to be someoneâs second chance.
At the start of it all, he only ever thought of Jungkook as someone to play with, someone whose reputation he can help fix, but also someone whoâd help him retain his relevance.
He never expected for things to turn out this way, for people around Jungkook to be so different from the people heâs used to, and now he doesnât know what to do.
He doesnât know what to do because theyâre all so kind and truth be told, he isnât sure if he deserves it.
Itâs a heavy burden to bear, especially for someone like him.
Jungkook is looking at him now, something like worry flitting through his face, but itâs gone as soon as Taehyung flashes him a grin.
âYou okay? Was what I said too much?â Hoseok asks from beside him.
Taehyung shakes his head. âNo, Iâm fine. Let me ask though. What exactly happened?â
At that, Hoseok grimaces, crossing his arms across his chest. âI donât think itâs for me to say, but you can ask Jungkookie if you get the chance.
Heâd tell you for sure cause that dude trusts you and is like, crazy in love with you.â
Taehyungâs heart stutters. Thereâs something choking him and he wants to get out of here because breathing is getting difficult.
No one said anything about being in love. Surely Jungkook couldnât be in love with him. Heâs got a fuckbuddy on the side, someone heâd leave Taehyung for with only a single phone call. Apparently he has another dude he used to sleep with. Is that still a thing?
Does Jungkookâs team know that their marriage is a sham? Surely they do? Theyâre included in the contract.
He takes a couple of deep breaths to steady his heart.
As he usually does, he doesnât dwell on the heavier things for now because theyâre in public and he doesnât want to have a mental breakdown. Jungkookâs looking at him again, as if he has some radar that can easily detect Taehyungâs discomfort. Taehyung always feels seen,
feels bare, when it comes to Jungkook, and for someone who thrives in attention, Taehyung isnât sure if he likes it.
âAh,â he says with a light laugh. Heâs feeling lightheaded, and he almost feels relief when his phone vibrates in his pocket.
At least it provides him an excuse to veer away from this conversation thatâs getting a bit too deep for him.
But then he sees the message, and he sort of wants to bang his head against the wall.
[PSJ]
Howâs vegas
Itâs late here
Yuna says hi btw
She wants us to have another double date soon lol how funny is that
Sheâs tryna start something now but all I can think of are your pretty pretty legs, Taehyungie
Thinking of you makes me fucking hard
Taehyung locks his phone. Heâs considering flushing it down the toilet later. When he turns to Hoseok, heâs wearing that smile again, one he uses in front of cameras, the practiced one. âWell, Iâm crazy in love with him, too, so I guess that makes the two of us.â
#taekook #taekookau
âHyejin-noona, I donât think this works.â Taehyung turns sideways, carefully inspecting his outfit in front of the mirror. Itâs too shiny, and to be honest, he isnât really a fan of the latest Balmain collection.
He has to keep his mouth shut about that, though, because they also just asked for his updated portfolio, as did a few other major houses. Looks like he got his work cut out for him, then. Hopefully Jungkook wonât have matches by February, Taehyung thinks.
He wants to return the favor and show Jungkook around New York when heâs at work.
That thought is a respite, something to look forward to. Right now, heâs just tired, and the things lined up seem endless. Just for today, heâs got an ad shoot, a brand meeting,
a cameo appearance in a music video.
Itâs only been a week since theyâve gotten back from the US. As soon as he got back to work, a handful of projects were dumped on his lap. Soobin was almost on the verge of tears when he saw the amount of work they have to get through.
It seems petty, especially since Jimin knows that Taehyung is also set to leave for Japan the following week so that he could watch Jungkookâs match live. As such, Taehyung has to finish everything within a very short period of time.
He wants to cry, but he holds his tears back. Jungkook promised heâd be making salad for dinner, and thinking about that keeps Taehyung going at least.
Hyejin steps beside him. âYou donât like it? We got a Chanel blazer that could work, but you donât like tweed.â
Taehyung snickers. Hyejin is the best stylist heâs ever worked with. âRather silk than tweed, but letâs try it anyway.â
âRather silk than tweed,â Hyejin laughs as she tells Soobin to get the blazer in the backroom of the studio. âBy the way, how was that trip, huh? You had fun?â
âI did!â Taehyung says immediately. Stifling weather aside, it had been one of the most fun trips Taehyungâs ever had. âThe presser was really just a few hours, and Jungkookie doesnât really have to train for the entire day.
So we got to spend a lot of time just walking around and shopping. And then he took me to this really nice bar with /the best/ strawberry daiquiris.â
Hyejin snorts. âI know. You posted that one on Insta.â
âOh I did?â He turns when Hyejin gives him a nudge.
âWell, anyway, we got drunk and then I told him we should get married again, just for fun, you know? Like in one of those chapels in Vegas? But then we got lost and ended up in this dive bar that only had old people in it.â
âWow,â Hyejin says with an amused grin on her face.
âYouâre really whipped, arenât you?â
âHuh?â Heâs not. It was just really fun because most of the time, he only gets to travel for work. He doesnât have many close friends to go on vacation with because this industry is mostly made up of jealous bitches.
That trip to Vegas was a breath of fresh air, and Jungkook is really fun to be with.
Thatâs partly why, when Jungkook asked him if heâd like to go to Vegas with him, Taehyung did not hesitate to say yes.
Jungkook had been kind enough to ask for Jiminâs permission in advance because Taehyung never really liked talking to Jimin about those kinds of things.
Another reason, however, was that he really just wants to get away from Seojoon, just for a bit.
Heâs still not over that stunt Seojoon pulled last time. And Seojoon hasnât apologized for that yet; instead, he had the audacity to brush it off as a funny prank. That had almost gotten Taehyung in trouble.
But Taehyung should really have known that thereâs no getting away from Seojoon, because even when they were in Vegas, the lewd text and video messages he got were enough to keep him jumpy.
There had been times when Jungkook almost got a look at the screen of Taehyungâs phone, but no matter. If thereâs one thing Taehyungâs good at, itâs keeping things to himself.
Which is good, he really needs to reel his emotions in
because thereâs no forgetting what Jung Hoseok said.
/cause that dude trusts you and is like, crazy in love with you./
Fuck, what had he gotten himself into?
âOh, Taehyungieâs whipped, alright,â someone pipes in from behind. Taehyung stops his groan. Now, of all times?
When he said âlater,â as in, maybe wait for his text. Then again, when did this guy ever listen to him.
âShit,â Hyejin mutters lowly, and Taehyung doesnât miss how her face twists into a frown. Taehyung flashes her a grimace.
She briefly glares at him in response,
but then only rolls her eyes and packs her things. She adores Taehyung, after all. âHow long do you need?â
âHalf an hour max.â
âFuck you, Tae. Seriously.â
Taehyung chuckles. âYou love me.â
âStarting not to.â
[TW//

NSFW | Minors DNI]
As soon as Hyejinâs out the door, Seojoon tugs at Taehyungâs belt loops and pulls him close. âHmm,â he hums when Taehyungâs chest is pressed against his own. âMissed this. You smell nice, Taehyung-ah.â
âItâs Jungkookâs perfume,â Taehyung chuckles as he wraps his arms around Seojoonâs shoulders. He cranes his neck to the side to let Seojoon press wet kisses there. He hears Seojoon click his tongue.
âNo talk about that guy. Or are you trying to make me jealous?â
Thereâs a sneer on Seojoonâs face now, and Taehyung would like to think that itâs teasing, but it feels off, as though it isnât, as though there is an undercurrent of something vicious that runs through his voice, his words.
Taehyung swallows. âKay.â
âGood.â
No, itâs not. At least it doesnât feel like it. Thereâs something off about this whole thing. Taehyungâs hands feel clammy, and thereâs something bitter that creeps into him. When Seojoon pulls him onto a nearby couch and has him sitting on his lap, it feels wrong.
âLike that, Taehyungie?â Seojoon breathes after he digs his teeth into Taehyungâs shoulder and then rolls his hips up. âBet Jungkookie doesnât do shit like this. Bet he does you soft and slow. But you like this better right?â
Another bite, harder this time, and Taehyung wonders if it might bleed. Hyejinâs going to kill him if it does.
For the life of him, Taehyung canât stop the onslaught of fragmented memories that rush to his mind: Jungkook on their couch at home, Jungkookâs wide eyes.
The firmness of his thighs, the way he has his arms wrapped around Taehyungâs waist â possessive, bordering on obsessed but still with a hint of gentleness.
âTell me, Tae. You like this better, donât you?
You donât like that vanilla shit that you probably get when Jungkookie fucks you, right? You like it rough, donât you, my little slut?â
âYeahyeah, better much better,â Taehyung grits out
because Seojoon usually loses his marbles when Taehyung doesnât play along and they donât have time for that. âLike â like it like this.â
Now Taehyung canât even moan out because his lungs feel like theyâre collapsing into themselves,
and he tells himself âitâs good this is supposed to be good.â
Jungkook hadnât tried touched him again after that brief affair, and god, what would Taehyung give to have that again? But without any clothes to keep their skins from touching?
Seojoon is also built, lean, toned, but not as defined as Jungkook, and maybe thatâs the problem here. Taehyungâs gotten a taste of how Jungkook feels and now he wants more of that. This, whatever this is,
isnât enough because /fuck,/ he remembers sitting on Jungkookâs hardness and that had almost driven him mad with want.
This, he doesnât want this, he thinks. It feels dirty, somehow, but not in a good way, which is weird because heâs supposed to like it rough and dirty.
Somethingâs really off. Maybe he should call Jungkook? Hear his voice for a bit? Thatâs it. Thatâs what he should do.
Something clatters from somewhere, and thatâs enough to jolt Taehyung out of his own head.
Itâs with that thought in mind that Taehyung scrambles off Seojoonâs lap. Thereâs something akin to relief that washes over him as he does so.
âWait here, hyung,â he mutters, walking over to the other side of the fitting room to check what had caused that noise.
He rounds a partition and -
Oh. Fucking hell, how did he forget? âSoobin-ah.â
Taehyungâs assistant is curled into himself, fear in his eyes while the Chanel blazer he had been asked to get is clutched tightly to his chest. âI â Taehyung-nim, I didnât ââ
âYou didnât see anything, right?â Taehyung asks. He isnât sure, but Soobin, for all his awkwardness, is probably the most competent assistant heâs ever had. He canât afford to get this kid fired. âRight?â
Soobin rapidly nods.
âOkay,â Taehyung sighs in mock relief. Soobin definitely saw something. He wouldnât be this rattled if he didnât, but Taehyung will let him off this once because itâs also because of him that Taehyung got off Seojoonâs lap without having to make any excuse.
Seojoon looks irritated, though, throwing a nasty glare at Soobin. Soobin scoots further back into the wall. âScram, kid.â
Soobin doesnât waste time as he runs out the door. Frankly, Taehyung would have preferred having Soobin stay,
because thereâs discomfort thatâs creeping up his skin, and having someone else here other than him and Seojoon keeps that sensation at bay.
âYou should leave,â Taehyung tells Seojoon anyway. Usually, when Seojoon drops by, theyâd be done in less than 15 minutes,
but now Taehyung didnât even get turned on and their half an hour is almost up. Hyejin should be back soon, and he doesnât want to push his luck, seeing how irritated she had been earlier.
But Seojoon only scoffs in disbelief. âSeriously? Youâre sending me away?â
[TW// Assault]
âUh, yeah? Hyejin-noona will be back soon, and â â
âFuck that woman. You know what? Fuck all this shit.â Thereâs acid in Seojoonâs voice as he pushes Taehyung against the wall and tightly grips the modelâs cheeks with his fingers.
They dig deep into Taehyungâs face, Seojoonâs nails cutting into his skin. âYou donât get to order me around, Tae. Youâve been doing that a lot lately, and frankly, Iâm starting to get annoyed by your attitude.â
Teahyung whimpers, a heavy feeling sinking into the pit of his belly. This is way out of their normal routine, and he doesnât like it one bit. He doesnât know what to do, too, because Seojoonâs never been this mean. Sure, he gets rough in bed,
but thatâs because he gets off on it. Heâs never been this physical for the sake of just doing it.
âHyung,â Taehyung manages to say, âhurts.â He frantically grasps at Seojoonâs wrist to try to pull his arm off, but Seojoon is way too strong for him. âHurts â let go. Please.â
That must have been what Seojoon had been waiting for - for Taehyung to beg. As soon as the word âpleaseâ is out of Taehyungâs mouth, Seojoon pushes him. Seojoon scoffs. âSee you around,â he says as he fixes the cuffs of his dress shirt.
âAnswer my calls next time. Learn some manners, for fuckâs sake.â
And as soon as the door slams shut behind Seojoon, Taehyung crumples to the floor, feeling, for the first time, truly afraid of the man heâs considered his best friend.
#taekook #taekookau
Japan is nice this time of year. It would have been the perfect time for a little vacation, maybe some sight-seeing even though heâs been here so many times before that itâs practically his second home, but Jungkook canât focus on that right now.
His match is about to start, and the tension in the dressing room is so palpable itâs making the air around him vibrate. Hoseok is pacing. Namjoon is muttering reminders to him, his corner men are preparing their equipment â the ice box, the Vaseline, the first aid kit.
He sees them all but he canât fucking focus because all his mind is processing right now are the nail indentations on Taehyungâs face.
Itâs been a week, and Jungkook can't find it in himself to let the matter go.
Taehyung even tried covering it with concealer, but heâd been unsuccessful in doing so because Jungkook always notices these things. How could he not? In between training and talking with Minji, looking at Taehyungâs face probably takes up most of his time.
Heâs also noticed some things about Taehyung, how heâs gotten more subdued, jumpier, how heâs been clinging to Jungkook more insistently. Not that Jungkook complaining, but he would have liked it better if Taehyungâs clinginess would be because of something else other thanâŚ
whatever this is thatâs bothering him. And if thereâs something that Jungkook has come to loathe with all his being, as of late, itâs seeing his baby being bothered.
Of course, Jungkook isnât stupid. It may have been by accident,
but he did see the lewd photo that Seojoon sent Taehyung when they were still in Vegas for the second presser of this match. He did see how that rattled Taehyung, too. That Seojoon - what a fucking asshole. Jungkook would like nothing more than to tear that bastard to pieces.
He supposes he can just take it out on Peterson later in the ring. Itâs his comeback match, and he really shouldnât count this as a win even before stepping into the ring. But he knows heâs got the advantage.
Petersonâs nothing but a homophobe who felt like he got the chance to move up the boxing game just because he thought Jungkook had gone soft. Just because he married another guy.
Jungkook will show him.
Heâs burning with anger right now, his rage just waiting for the right moment to be unleashed. His blood is boiling and its rush is all he can ever hear. This isnât the right mindset before a match, he knows this, too. But heâs so fucking angry,
and if he doesnât get to destroy someone soon, heâll probably lose it.
âYou got that?â Namjoon grips his shoulders. âRemember the strategy, kid. And for fuckâs sake, calm down.â
Fuck the strategy, Jungkook thinks. He just wants to see blood.
âYeah, yeah. Got it. The strategy,â he says anyway. He takes a deep breath to refocus. Peterson isnât very light on his feet. He prefers his left over his right. His combos are a fucking joke. Heâd be on the floor by the second round, but the promoters want ten rounds at least.
Okay, then. Heâll give them a show.
The walk in between the dressing room and the ring is a blur. Jungkook hears the rabid cheers, sees the blinding lights, feels the energy of the crowd, but his mind is there, in one of the seats near the ring.
It had been the only request he had for this match â to give Taehyung a particular seat, one which will give him the optimal view of the match. Because this comeback isnât exactly Jungkookâs.
If thereâs blood to be drawn inside the ring today,
itâs the blood of Jungkookâs opponent, and it will all be for Taehyung.
The bell rings. The match starts tentatively. Jungkook knows Peterson is trying to measure him up, throwing some weak-ass straights to test the waters. Jungkook lets him.
He opts to pull back only by a little bit, just far enough so he wonât get hit. Peterson gives it another go, another straight, a jab. They donât land.
Jungkook decides heâs had enough of testing it out and he also knows that at this point, the crowd should be getting impatient.
Time to take control then. He starts with a light combo â a straight then a cross before pulling back. They both land cleanly on Petersonâs nose and jaw, but it seems Peterson is hardier than he thought. Barely a cut. Doesnât matter. Jungkookâs just warming up.
He advances as Peterson steps back, goes into defensive. His face is fully covered now, and Jungkook wants to chuckle because that should have been the most basic thing. If Peterson tried to watch Jungkookâs previous matches, as what a good boxer should do,
he should know that Jungkook always goes for the face.
But clearly Peterson didnât, because if he did, he should also know that if Jungkookâs opponentâs face is no longer open for hitting, then he goes for the ribs.
Jungkook lands a hook, doesnât miss how Peterson flinches when his right side is hit. The commentator is starting to rile up the crowd, so Jungkook pushes on, maintains the momentum. Another aim at the ribs, but he misses this time,
but Jungkook easily lets that go as Peterson lowers his defenses. Jungkook goes on full offensive, majority of his punches hitting, and heâs just about to throw an uppercut when the bell rings.
The rest of the match goes like this, and the crowd is starting to feel uneasy.
The promoters want a ten-round match, and Jungkook had planned to give them that, but this match is clearly uneven. Itâs only the third round. Why isnât the ref calling it? Why is this fucker still pushing when his face is already a bloody pulp?
Itâs annoying. Jungkook throws another jab, another straight. Peterson can barely lift his arms so the punches land. Jungkook sees red. Literally. Petersonâs face is barely discernible underneath all that blood. Should he hold back?
No. Itâs annoying. Peterson thought Jungkook had gotten soft, so this is what he gets for running his mouth, for insulting Taehyung. Jungkookâs never gotten over that.
The promoters wanted a ten-round match,
but itâs just halfway through the third round and Peterson is lying on the floor unconscious.
Jungkook heaves a breath. Shit. Heâs done it. Is the guy dead? Thereâs chaos all around him, but he doesnât know whatâs going on because did he really kill this fucker?
His ears are ringing. The ref calls the match, and slowly, everything around Jungkook hits him like a wave.
He won. Heâs still the undefeated champion. He defended his title.
At some point, his arm is raised. Petersonâs back on his feet now
but he doesnât talk to Jungkook because apparently heâs a sore loser, too.
The belt is handed to Jungkook. Thereâs confetti. Thereâs screaming. There are banners showing his name, but none of those matter.
The only thing that matters is that his husband is now climbing into the ring and rushing to him.
Taehyung jumps into his arms and in front of thousands of people, kisses him. Thereâs booing and thereâs screaming, thereâs music, thereâs confetti, but Jungkook doesnât see,
doesnât hear, doesnât feel any of that because thereâs a rush of emotion within him, begging to get out. It has taken him so long to keep this in, but the adrenaline is draining out of him and he can barely control himself with Taehyung so light in his arms, so -
âI love you. Taehyung. I love you. This â fuck â this, everything. This is because of you. For you.â
Taehyung nods, breathes, âI know, baby. I know,â before kissing him again. âIâm so proud of you.â
Jungkook feels like soaring.
Ah, fuck.
Jungkook should have known. Nothing good ever happens to him.
Theyâre at a restaurant now, a celebratory dinner because Jungkook just won, his belt snug to his side. The entire place reserved for them because Yoongiâs feeling like being a good brother for once.
Jiminâs here, too, supposedly for Taehyung, but really, whoâs he kidding? Itâs so fucking obvious.
Taehyungâs off to one corner talking to Hoseok. Theyâre laughing about something, but theyâre too far from Jungkook for him to hear. Must be hilarious, Jungkook thinks.
Itâs probably about him because those two have nothing in common.
Jungkookâs phone feels heavy in his hands. He flips it in his hand once, twice. Puts it on the table. Picks it up again. He thinks about unlocking it, thinks about whether he should stare at the screen again.
Seriously. He should be happy. He should be celebrating. Itâs his comeback match and he won.
He taps the screen so it lights up and the lock screen wallpaper stares back at him. Itâs a picture of him and Taehyung,
a selca taken one morning when they just woke up and decided to have breakfast in bed. That had been nice.
A lot of things had been nice since Taehyung came into his life. This match for example. Taehyungâs company, too, and the way he flirts, the way he shows affection.
It honestly feels like a dream, and sometimes it still does.
But maybe it is a dream because Jungkook doesnât know whatâs real anymore.
From across the room, he sees Taehyung grin at him. Fuck. Taehyungâs just so gorgeous, isnât he? Makes sense then,
that heâs got all these people lusting after him. Jungkook canât and wonât blame them. Taehyungâs got this allure, this magnetism, a force so strong you canât help but be drawn in.
Jungkook knows that because heâs been drawn in even before he knew it.
So he just confessed his feelings in front of thousands of people, and heâd been too ecstatic, too high on his victory, that he barely registered what Taehyung told him in response.
What was it? âI knowâ? Huh. Really, Jungkook should have known.
Not that heâs expecting Taehyung to return his feelings. If anything, heâs already aware that thereâs an imbalance that exists between them because he tends to fall too quickly while Taehyung takes everything in a stride.
Then again, didnât Taehyung also tell him that he liked him? Or was that a lie, too, something said in the heat of the moment? Jungkook canât tell.
Heâs never been good at reading these kinds of cues anyway, never been good at reading people. Itâs one of his many, many faults,
and now he feels like an idiot.
Groaning, he gets up and pockets his phone. Heâs starting to get a headache, his head swimming with vile images that he canât drive away.
âWhere to?â Jungkook hears Namjoon asks. What does he care? This dudeâs all about training anyway.
Surely, here, outside the ring, where Jungkook decides to go is none of his business.
âTo smoke,â Jungkook replies casually.
Namjoon chuckles at his words. âYou donât smoke, Kook-ah.â
He doesnât, but heâs also feeling hilarious, feeling like the butt of a joke.
God, he needs some air, the filthy kind more preferably. He scoffs before walking away. âNever too late to try.â
âYou smell awful, darling. Ugh. Did you smoke?â
Meanwhile, Taehyung smells of cotton and lavender, both scents Jungkook adores. Jungkook sees the way Taehyung scrunches his nose, though the smell doesnât seem to stop him from nuzzling into Jungkookâs neck.
Taehyungâs wearing a robe with nothing but some silk boxers underneath, and Jungkook can feel the gentle curve of his waist as he pulls him closer.
Theyâre on their bed in their hotel room now, a high-rise in the middle of Shiba that provides a nice view of the Tokyo Tower.
Itâs late into the night, or maybe itâs past midnight now, Jungkook isnât sure. What heâs sure of is that he smells awful despite taking his time in the bathroom earlier.
Since he was young, Jungkookâs told himself heâd never try smoking.
Itâs a nasty and costly habit thatâs only going to ruin his stamina in the long run. Then again, he did tell Namjoon earlier that itâs never too late to try, so he did.
He didnât exactly know how to do it,
but at least when he got out of the convenience store after buying a pack of cigarettes, thereâd been a guy, who turned out to be a fan, and he was cool enough to show Jungkook the ropes. So Jungkook ended up smoking half the pack.
Now the stale smell of cigarettes wonât leave his skin even after furiously scrubbing it in the bathroom earlier.
Of course, Taehyung notices, but Jungkook doesnât care. He canât bring himself to care.
He turns to his side and faces Taehyung,
draws him closer so now theyâre lying face to face. âTae,â he murmurs. âGot something to say.â
Taehyung lets out a quiet hum. The sound lingers momentarily, hanging over them. Jungkook takes it as affirmation.
âI donât know if you remember,â Jungkook starts slowly,
dusting the cobwebs away from some old memory, âbut we met once, when we were kids. It was back in the Min mansion in Daegu. There was a party and we hid under this table.â
âOh?â Taehyung giggles. âI donât remember this. What happened then?â
Figures, Jungkook thinks. Of course Taehyung wonât remember. Looking back, he canât help but realize how insignificant that part of their childhood had been. Now he doesnât understand why heâs tried to hold on to that memory. Yoongi had been right, after all.
Does Yoongi know about that video, too? Maybe. Thereâs not a lot that Yoongi doesnât know, that much Jungkook is sure of. Itâs likely that Jimin knows about it as well. Maybe itâs only Jungkook whoâs been blind this whole time, and largely itâs his fault anyway.
âHmm. We played house,â says Jungkook, âyou said youâre prettier so you get to be the mom.â
At that, Taehyung fully laughs, this time pressing his face into Jungkookâs chest, and Jungkook canât help but tighten his arms around Taehyung,
feeling his husbandâs laughter reverberate through his own body as though here, in the darkness of their room, theyâre one and the same person.
Jungkook wonât let go, he thinks. Even if there may be others who get to hold Taehyung like this, at the end of the day,
Taehyung goes home to him. Shares the bed with him.
They havenât really done anything past that one night when they confessed to each other, mostly because they had been pretty busy,
but also because Jungkook didnât want to cross any line that might have made Taehyung uncomfortable.
But it seems like there are only a few things that Taehyung isnât comfortable with.
Jungkook feels a boulder sit atop his chest. It makes inhaling difficult.
âNow look at us, being actually married,â Taehyung breathes.
Jungkook chuckles at that. No, theyâre not actually married. Jungkook knows that, though he got carried away in the bliss of it all. This is nothing but an agreement.
This relationship is built on a lie meant to deceive the public, but somewhere along the way, Jungkook got himself believing the lie, too.
Now he lies here, with Taehyung in his arms, but he canât help but let his mind stray elsewhere. Stray to his phone, to be precise.
To a video sent to him by an unknown number hours ago.
âThat we are,â Jungkook murmurs. âAre you happy with me, Taehyung?â
Jungkook doesnât miss the way Taehyung briefly recoils at the question, the way his shoulders tense up, the way he further hides his face.
But Jungkook has to ask. He needs to know what could set him apart from Seojoon, from anyone else that Taehyung might be sleeping with.
âOf course, darling. Iâm the happiest with you.â
Somehow Jungkook canât bring himself to believe that. Not this time.
Jungkook believed Taehyung when he said that he never liked it when Seojoon touched him. Thatâs why he vowed to protect Taehyung from that man. Thatâs why Jungkook opted to not heed Yoongiâs and Jiminâs warnings, despite the photos they showed him.
He really should have listened. Turns out, Yoongi can be a good brother at times.
Given what he saw in that video, Jungkook canât help but wonder if Taehyung even needs his protection. He doesnât even know if Taehyung genuinely likes being here, being with him.
After all, what was it that Taehyung said in the video? Ah. He said he likes it better when Seojoon fucks him instead of Jungkook.
Because apparently Jungkookâs too vanilla and Taehyung likes it rough and filthy.
Jungkook doesnât even know that because theyâve never actually slept with each other anyway.
And maybe heâs vanilla, sure, but thatâs only because he knows himself well enough, knows that at times,
he loses control of his strength that he ends up hurting people even when he never means to do so. Thereâs enough violence in his life, itâs what his career is hinged on, so could you blame him for seeking solace in softer and gentler kinds of intimate acts?
But Taehyung likes it rough, likes it filthy, apparently. Jungkook doesnât know if he can do that without hurting Taehyung in the process.
Heâs just feeling desperate. If he canât give Taehyung this, then could he really blame Taehyung for seeking pleasure elsewhere?
From Seojoon, for example?
Outside, the Tokyo Tower stands as a beacon. Standing tall, looking phallic. Jungkook inhales, breathes out slowly. Jungkook thinks, âfuck it.â If he canât give Taehyung the kind of physical intimacy that he wants, then heâd let Taehyung set the pace.
âTae.â He says again. âI wanna do something.â
âWhat you wanna do?â Taehyung slurs, voice soft with oncoming sleep, but Jungkook canât let him do that just yet because he doesnât know if he can do this at any other time. Itâs his misery manifesting, his anguish made physical,
because he doesnât know what in this relationship is real and what isnât.
Heâs never given this part of himself this way before, but for Taehyung he thinks he can. This way, Taehyung can set the pace;
this way, he can do with Jungkook as he pleases so he doesnât have to go around sitting on another manâs lap like he did just a week ago.
Gently, Jungkook untangles his arms around Taehyung and cups his cheeks. âI want you to fuck me, Tae.â
He hears Taehyungâs quiet gasp,
sees how wide his eyes get. âAre you â Jungkook-ah. We â I â my darling.â Jungkook lets him when he moves to tuck the boxerâs hair to his ear. âDarling, are you sure?â
âItâs okay if you donât want to, Tae ââ
âOf course I want to, Jungkook,â Taehyung cuts in,
urgent in the way he does so. âItâs just â I donât have that much experience when it comes to that. I usually take, and after what happened between us last time, I just sort of assumed that you preferred, you know, giving. Do you prefer it like this?
Iâm just realizing that weâve never talked about this before. We should have done this a long time ago.â
Jungkook has never let anyone top him before. Yeongjae has tried, though, thatâs they usually settle for just getting each other off with their hands or their mouths.
But this time, he thinks he can. Or rather, he should, if he wants a chance to have Taehyung for himself. âI donât mind it.â
âOkay,â Taehyung nods, still wide-eyed. âOkay, darling.â
[TW//

NSWF | Minors DNI]
And so Jungkook surrenders himself this way, with Taehyung taking control of everything, his thrusts harsh and powerful yet slow and deliberate. This is how Jungkook surrenders himself,
by letting go of the reins even though his mind protests against it. Itâs mostly pleasurable anyway, especially seeing how good Taehyung feels, how Taehyung loses himself as he takes Jungkook.
Jungkook grasps at Taehyungâs pleasure and takes it for his own,
drinks it in so that he may feel it as well, and he does, eventually. He feels that pressure at the base of his belly, feels it coil tighter and tighter.
Above him, Taehyung is sweaty as his pace builds, as his thrusts become more forceful, become harsher and more insistent.
And maybe itâs the bliss of it all, the physical pleasure that this intimacy brings. Or maybe Taehyung has truly lost his mind because as he chases his climax, he doesnât seem to notice what heâs muttering.
Jungkook does though, still fully aware of everything,
and he sobs and he chokes, feels his mind fracture and split into two.
Jungkook is used to violence. He knows when a hit is meant to be just a hit, or when things get an underlying cruelty in them. Heâs experienced many kinds of violence in his life â
in the ring, that guy who stalked Minji, from his mom abandoning him, from his dad who thinks he is a useless son, from Yoongi and Jimin who think nothing of him but as a tool in all their scheming, from some other boxers who still doubt him,
from the faceless public who believed rumors and took pleasure at dragging his name through the mud.
But he thinks, Taehyung might just be the cruelest of them all. Jungkook did vomit out his heart earlier, spit it out and handed it to Taehyung in front of thousands of people.
Isnât this humiliation enough? Because why does Taehyung have to lie to him now? Why does he have to say âI love you, my darling, my Jungkook, youâre mine, youâre fucking mineâ over and over, when clearly he doesnât mean any of that shit?
If he did, he wouldnât have let Seojoon fuck him just a week ago.
Itâs all a fucking lie, but as he reaches his peak, a few seconds before Taehyung does, Jungkook thinks, maybe living that lie isnât too bad. Live it long enough, and maybe it becomes real.
Itâs the last thing that flits through Jungkookâs mind before he comes and everything goes white.
[enter-talk] Jeon Jungkook and hubby Kim Taehyung spotted in Shiba earlier after the boxerâs victorious comeback match!
[Top Comments] | [Please log in to join the conversation]
Guest (5 minutes ago): did anyone catch what he said when he won omomo
Guest (5 minutes ago): shouldnât we at least focus on the victory instead of this shit lol
THVLover (4 minutes ago): ugh jk was too much that poor guy
JK_Champion (3 minutes ago): shut ur trap h8tr
TaeTaeTae (3 minutes ago): JK was awesome and when Taetae got into the ring? Did yall hear? JK said ILY WTF theyre so inlove???
THVLover (3 minutes ago): ew no JK using him for clout only uughghghgh
Guest (2 minutes ago): Kim Taehyung is done. Youâll see. Give it a month.
Guest (1 minute ago): The world will see what kind of filth that man is.
TaeTaeTae (1 minute ago): ???
LunaLuna (1 minute ago): uhm well that sounds like a threat lol screenshotting this lololol
THVLover (just now): wtf?
THVLover (just now): whoâs that
TaeTaeTae (just now): hello what are u saying stranger
THVLover (just now): ???
- End of Part 2 -
A/N: Hah. Those who got to the end of this mess, hello hello how are you doing?
I'd like to note that I do not necessarily agree with JK's views on sexual preferences here, but that frame of mind is integral to his character.
Anyway, LMK what you think?
A/N: Also, this au is much more challenging to write compared to my other aus, so give me around 3 days for the next update. For now, lemme see your qrts I love reading them

#taekook #taekookau
Sleep doesnât come easy as of late, so much so that Taehyung can barely tell if itâs deep into the night or if itâs the earliest part of a new day. Itâs been like this since Japan, since that night after Jungkookâs match, in their hotel room,
when Taehyungâs world tilted on its axis.
So now, in his disorientation, Taehyung makes do. He tells himself that at least, this way, he gets to be more productive. He gets more time to himself, to do things, to think.
This morning, he does just that.
As the pale morning light starts creeping into their room, Taehyung curls to his side, pillows his head on his hands, and takes his time carefully observing his husband.
/I love you. Taehyung. I love you./
That was what Jungkook said when he won his comeback match.
That had been a different kind of rush altogether, to be surrounded by screams and jeers that were eventually drowned out by Jungkookâs confession.
But what does that really mean? Taehyung canât help but wonder. He closes his eyes for a moment, digs deep into himself,
searches every little nook and cranny for any bit of clue, for a hint of an answer to that question.
His previous relationships, if you could call them that, had been⌠transactional, for the lack of a better word. He and his partner get a release,
they both get to maintain anonymity, and sometimes, he even gets deals out of it. But to be fair, those men also got to spend time with someone like him, and that should have been enough to even things out. At least that was how Taehyung saw it back then.
But then Jungkook comes along.
/This â fuck â this, everything./
Is this how it feels to have the world offered to you?
All his life, he thought that he had the world in his hands.
Standing near the top of the fashion industry, to be rubbing shoulders with influential people, sometimes even getting to bed them, to have a name thatâs always uttered with admiration, Taehyung always felt this certain degree of power, of control that he can do with as he liked.
But seeing Jungkook there in the ring, easily demolishing someone whoâd said a few silly words against Taehyung (words that heâs used to hearing anyway), Taehyung felt like imploding.
Seojoon once called Jungkook a beast, and Taehyung saw then just how inadequate that was.
Jungkook was a fucking god.
So for Taehyung to hear that all that power, all that raw force, had been exerted because of him, /for him/, it was enough to have his world turning into itself.
/This is because of you. For you./
Taehyung has no doubt that Jungkook can do that for him, and at this point, he doesnât know what to do with all this thatâs being laid down at his feet. He revels in it, but at the same time, a part of him is terrified. Because what does this all really mean?
This is all a bit too overwhelming, to be worshiped this way. Because if Jungkook is a god, what does that make Taehyung then?
Heâs not used to feeling all these heavy things. But he supposes he should get used to it now.
Maybe this is what causes people to fall, all this weight they bear in their chests.
Taehyung breathes out. âLook at youâ, he tells himself, âbeing all philosophical and shit. This isnât you, Taetae. Youâre an idiot, remember?â
So he sets the heaviness aside for now and focuses on what heâs used to. That is, pretty things.
Taehyung canât help but sigh. Jungkook is so pretty. So, so pretty, with his long lashes and perfect nose, his slightly parted mouth that somehow forms a tiny pout.
Taehyung doesnât fight it when he gets the urge to tickle the tip of Jungkookâs nose, laughing quietly when Jungkook scrunches and wiggles it like a cute little bunny.
Taehyungâs eyes wander down. Thereâs Jungkookâs jaw, his clavicles.
His chest, the gentle rise and fall of it with each breath. His arms, one entirely covered with tattoos that never fail to mesmerize Taehyung. Each time Jungkook flexes his bicep, each time he so much as moves his arm,
his tattoos look as though theyâre alive, moving and breathing entities inked on a loverâs arm.
Heâs yet to ask what they mean, but he thinks maybe he should, soon. Maybe he could organize a date night, one where they focus only on Jungkook because all this time,
their date nights are almost always about Taehyung. Not tonight though; heâs got a few things to keep him busy.
âTae, youâre staring,â Jungkook suddenly says, his voice still scratchy with sleep. Eyes closed, he mindlessly reaches out and finds Taehyung, pulls him closer.
Taehyung easily obliges.
For someone chiseled to perfection, a god created by fellow gods, Jungkook has stunning softness to him.
âCanât help it,â Taehyung murmurs into Jungkookâs skin,
pressing his face into the crook of his husbandâs neck and inhaling the sweet scent of cotton and wildflowers. âBabyâs so pretty. Could stare at you forever, Jungkookie.â
Taehyung really could.
Itâs calming to be able to just bask in how soft and delicate Jungkook looks in the pale morning light.
But Jungkook huffs out a disbelieving chortle. âToo early for flattery, Tae.â
âAm serious, you little shit,â Taehyung retorts,
pulling away from his husband and playfully swatting his tattooed arm.
It makes Jungkook laugh out loud. Jungkookâs always been so terrible at taking compliments, and Taehyung just wishes that Jungkook would believe him because itâs true. Jungkookâs the prettiest thing ever.
But Jungkook doesnât believe him anyway. He pulls Taehyung again and pins him down the bed. Slips one hand underneath Taehyungâs shirt. Itâs technically Jungkookâs, but theyâre more comfortable than Taehyungâs silk ones.
Besides, âwhatâs yours is mineâ. Isnât that how the line goes? So this shirt is also technically Taehyungâs now.
Jungkookâs hand trails up to the curve of Taehyungâs waist. âIâm a little shit, huh?â Thereâs a smile on Jungkookâs face,
some playful glint in his eyes as he gently rubs Taehyungâs side. His hand is calloused, rough as it brushes over Taehyungâs skin.
Still, the motion is too gentle, too soft, and Taehyung easily finds himself giving in, his breathing slowing down. âJungkookie, what ââ
[TW//

NSFW | Minors DNI!!!]
But he doesnât get to finish the question as a gasp escapes him instead. Jungkook leans down, suckles on the skin on Taehyungâs neck. It should be alarming how fast Taehyung feels himself harden.
Just a few touches and his skin is already heating up. âLove,â he lightly chuckles, moving to wrap his arms around Jungkookâs shoulder.
But Jungkook, it seems, is a man on a mission this morning. His lips trail down Taehyungâs neck, his chest.
A light brush of Jungkookâs tongue over a nipple has Taehyung groaning and arching his back.
Jungkook takes delight in it, taking his time licking and sucking one nipple while playing with the other with his deft fingers. Itâs too early for this,
but Taehyung couldnât find it in himself to care, not when his quiet moans are starting to fill the room.
Taehyungâs feeling pleasantly bruised. He doesnât even notice that heâs already grinding his hips, finding pleasure in rubbing his hardness against Jungkookâs thigh.
Jungkook notices, though. At least thatâs how it feels because he detaches himself from Taehyungâs chest and trails down, down, down. He noses against Taehyungâs clothed cock and groans and mutters a dazed out âfuck.â
Despite Jungkookâs apparent eagerness,
he takes his time in pulling down Taehyungâs boxers. He lightly tosses it aside and then stares for a moment. âSo pretty,â Jungkook breathes before taking a tentative lick. âSo good like this.â
Jungkookâs patience shows in moments like this,
in the way he takes his time in making Taehyung feel good. Heâs slow and gentle with his ministrations, taking heed of the noises that spill out of Taehyungâs tongue, savoring each lick, each playful nibble.
Taehyung finds he likes it. Slow as it is, gentle as it is,
thereâs something deep and intense in the way Jungkook takes him.
And when Jungkook finally decides itâs time, when he finally sinks Taehyungâs entire cock into his mouth, Taehyung throws his head back, his eyes fluttering shut while his mouth opens in a silent scream.
Heâs losing his mind, his veins are on fire, and thereâs something electric thatâs running all over his body. His hands find purchase in Jungkookâs hair as he grips it,
unsure if itâs to keep Jungkookâs face in between his legs or if itâs to pull him away because this is too overwhelming, all-consuming.
There are tears wetting Taehyungâs lashes, ones he never expected
because heâs never felt pleasure like this from having his cock in someoneâs mouth. The blowjobs heâs used to are quick, efficient, just a hasty alternative when thereâs not much time but a release is needed.
This is not at all like those.
With the way Jungkook also groans and moans, it seems like heâs drowning in this as well, like he intends to make Taehyung feel good, and by doing so, he feels good, too.
When Taehyung feels that familiar pressure at the base of his belly,
he scrambles to say âJungkookie, love â wait ââ He intends to pull Jungkook off him because heâs about to reach his peak, but instead of pulling off, Jungkook sinks further down until Taehyung comes with his entire cock still in Jungkookâs mouth.
That release is intense, as good as the one Taehyungâs felt in Japan, but in a different way. His mind blanks out for a moment, feels it at he empties himself out.
[TW// ends here.]
When Jungkook finally pulls off Taehyungâs cock, he trails kisses again, to Taehyungâs soft belly to his chest. Then he buries his face on the crook of Taehyungâs neck this time, a reverse of where they started out earlier.
Thereâs a giggle that comes out of Jungkookâs mouth when he whispers, âfucking good breakfast.â
âEw!â Taehyung cackles. âDonât ruin it, you dork!â
But nothingâs exactly ruined, Taehyung thinks. Their mingled laughter fills the room, bounce off their walls,
and it has Taehyung feeling spent yet full at the same time. Who knew sex could feel this light?
âBut Iâm serious,â Jungkook says once their laughs even out. He rolls off Taehyung and breathes out, his gaze directed towards their ceiling. âBetween the two of us,
youâre the pretty one, Tae. Not me. Iâm just a â hmm â how do I say this? At the best of times, Iâm just â hmm â normal? But mostly Iâm just a nobody. Or a monster. You take your ââ
âHey,â Taehyung interrupts. Heâs getting whiplash at how quickly the mood turns somber.
He would have liked to stay in that nice little bubble that they had just a few moments ago. But now thereâs desperation crawling out of him because why does Jungkook even see himself this way?
âNone of that, Jungkookie. Youâre not a nobody. Youâre a fucking world champion,
and youâre kind, and â and â â what can he even say at this point? His tongue feels heavy with the compliments that sit there, but he also feels like theyâre not enough. Like theyâd all fall flat at the magnitude of what heâs really feeling right now.
âYouâre perfect, okay?â he says instead. He clears his throat to dispel the roughness that starts building in it. âSo perfect, and â and â Jungkook-ah.â
At that, Jungkook turns to look at him, and thereâs a quiet and resigned smile on his face. âHmm?â
âJungkook-ah, youâre the best person Iâve ever had the fortune to meet, okay? And maybe that doesnât mean much, because â because, well, I havenât really met a lot of good people. Thereâs â maybe Jimin-hyung?
And then thereâs your Hoseok-hyung, and Hyejin-noona, Soobinie, Seojoon-hyung ââ
âNope,â Jungkook cuts in this time. âNot that guy.â
âHe is,â Taehyung insists. Sure, Seojoon has moments when he can be an asshole, but heâs also Taehyungâs oldest friend.
Taehyung doesnât expect Jungkook to understand the dynamics of their friendship, but he just wants Jungkook to understand that whatever it is that heâs come to know about Seojoon, that isnât all there is to it to that guy.
After all, it was Seojoon who was there for Taehyung when he felt caving in from all the pressure around him, when not even Jimin would listen to him.
And sure, Seojoon might have been a little bit rough lately, a bit too insistent in getting Taehyungâs attention,
but Taehyung believes itâs just his way of adjusting to all these changes thatâs been happening around them. Taehyung does admit that he hasnât been spending much time with his hyung lately, and thatâs truly his fault.
But Jungkook, again, doesnât believe him. He scoffs. âThereâs nothing you can say that would convince he isnât an asshole, Taehyung. Not when he ââ he trails off, rubbing his face aggressively with his hands. âAnyway, breakfast? A real one this time.â
Taehyung doesnât get to answer. Jungkook is off the bed in an instant, taking giant strides towards the bathroom and then slamming the door behind him. Taehyung has no idea how things turned to something so sour.
âSee?â he murmurs to himself as he looks at the space on the bed that Jungkook just left. It's as empty as he's feeling right now. He really should have kept his mouth shut. âYouâre an idiot, Taetae.â
#taekook #taekookau
âYou okay?â
âHuh?â Taehyung startles at the question that comes out of nowhere. Heâs still feeling out of sorts given the way the morning turned out, but heâs got things to do. Thatâs why heâs here, in Jiminâs office.
Heâs just taking a little breather before he gets on with the things that he needs to do.
âYouâre spacing out,â is what Jimin says. Heâs looking at Taehyung this time, but instead of that stern gaze he usually has, thereâs something thatâs akin to concern in his eyes.
Itâs been so long since Taehyungâs seen that in Jimin. âWhatâs bothering you?â
Taehyung stares at his hands. They havenât stopped shaking since this morning, perhaps due to whiplash that heâs been getting. When Jungkook stepped out of their bathroom and made breakfast,
there was already a smile on his face, a big one, startlingly in contrast with the dour expression heâs had when he got off the bed.
Jungkook was amicable even as he made pancakes, even as they got dressed for the day. He even joked around,
but Taehyung couldnât help but notice how superficial it all was. Heâd like to think that he already knows how to read Jungkook at this point. They had been married for almost half a year now after all.
So Taehyung can honestly say that that hadnât been the kind of smile Jungkook usually wore when he was genuinely happy.
It has Taehyung deeply troubled for some reason, and he supposes his trembling hands is a manifestation of that. Heâd make it up to Jungkook somehow.
Thereâs a checklist that he has in his bag, the first page of a thick binder, and by the time every item in that list is crossed out, heâd like to wish that Jungkook would be proud of him.
âNothing, just â do I have a lot of things scheduled for the day?â Taehyung asks instead of answering Jimin. âCause if I donât â â
âThereâs not much,â Jimin answers. âJust an ad shoot this morning actually.â
âHow about tomorrow?â
Jimin stares at him for a while,
and itâs back to the discerning kind. âWhy? Somewhere youâd like to be?â
Taehyung shrugs. Should he tell Jimin about his plan? Heâs not sure if he could trust Jimin with this, not when heâs likely to tattle to Yoongi,
and then itâd be just a litany of stern warnings and various iterations of âyou donât know what youâre doing, leave it to the adultsâ.
He decides it would be better if he keeps this to himself for now, so instead he says, âJust â you know. Iâm meeting Seojoon-hyung for lunch.â
âTaehyung.â And that tone is back â the frustration is heavy in Jiminâs voice, and it makes Taehyung feel as though heâs seen as a good-for-nothing kid whoâs always getting into trouble. Maybe that has been his fault, too.
Maybe he really has been an insufferable person whoâs always been up to no good.
For some reason his mind flits to that time in Vegas, to that conversation he had with Hoseok while they watched Jungkook train.
Thereâs something in the way that Hoseok talked about Jungkook,
the way his team holds him to such high regard despite how his reputation had been through so much shit.
Taehyungâs the opposite of that, he admits. Jungkook got people who truly root for him despite how horrible the public perceives him to be;
Taehyung, on the other hand, while adored by the public, is actually surrounded by people who feel nothing but frustration and judgment towards him.
Thereâs something that can be said about what people really think about you in private,
and Taehyung doesnât know what to do with this piece of information. Itâs a tough pill to swallow, and though heâs eager to make amends, Jimin isnât making it easy.
At least he still has Jungkook on his side, and he supposes thatâs all that matters.
Heâs still got someone whoâs still truly rooting for him, someone whoâs willing to set aside his own rage just for Taehyung.
âCan you just ââJimin snaps, âyouâre supposed to be a married man now. At least have some decency to hold your horniness back, for fuckâs sake.â
Taehyung reels at Jiminâs statement. âWhat?â he chokes out. âItâs just lunch ââ
âSure,â Jimin scoffs. âCause thatâs what really happens when you and Seojoon go out.â
Taehyung can almost taste the vitriol in Jiminâs voice, the venom that drips out of his mouth.
There had been a time when Jimin truly believed him, rooted for him, but in the chaos of their lives, that got lost somewhere along the way.
Now all that fondness Jimin used to hold for him had been replaced by deep-seated exhaustion, and Taehyungâs feeling choked up.
He knows he must deserve it because after all, itâs Jimin whoâs been cleaning up his mess all this time. Still, he didnât have to be too crass about it. Even Jungkookâs anger towards him earlier had been nothing compared to the mockery that Jiminâs throwing at him.
He just wanted a breather, for fuckâs sake.
Jungkook should be in the gym now, right? He should be training now. Taehyung feels a desperate need to see his husband because Jungkook never fails to make him feel better about himself.
Maybe he should just ask for the shoot to be rescheduled so he can drop by Jungkookâs gym instead. But then again, itâs Jiminâs approval thatâs needed for that reschedule, and something tells Taehyung that Jimin wonât be too pleased with that request.
âNever mind, then,â he says as he stands. His hands are still shaking, goddamnit, why wonât they stop? Now even his knees are starting to buckle. âIâll get ready for the shoot.â
âTaehyung ââ Jimin says,
sounding apologetic all of a sudden as though he didnât mean what he just said. âIâm sorry, that was uncalled for. Iâm just â thereâs too much going on and â â
âWhat timeâs the shoot again?â Taehyung cuts in, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
He veers away from Jiminâs apology because itâs a load of bullshit, and he just wants to get out of here, wants to get the shoot over with so he has enough time to get to Jungkook before his day truly begins.
âTaetae ââ
âIâll figure it out. Soobinie knows, right?
Thanks for your time, Jimin-ssi.â With that, Taehyung gives Jimin a curt bow. Itâs only when heâs already outside that he wipes his tears. He just wanted a fucking breather. He really didnât need all that shit.
The shoot takes longer than usual, mostly because Taehyung keeps messing up his angles. By the time that itâs done, itâs almost lunch, thereâs already a text from Seojoon saying heâs at the restaurant where theyâre supposed to meet, and Taehyung wants to cry.
He thinks about cancelling on Seojoon so he could just hang out in Jungkookâs gym the rest of the afternoon. Thatâs be nice. A sweaty Jungkook is always a sight to behold, plus he also promised Hoseok that heâd be giving him a bunch of luxury skincare products.
Heâs got a lot of them at home, and itâs the first time that heâs actually got someone to rave about them with. Thatâd be a perfect afternoon. Then he and Jungkook could get home together, and maybe he could reciprocate what Jungkook had given him this morning.
But then he remembers his checklist, about this being the first time that heâs doing something outside work thatâs truly worthwhile. So he pushes through.
The restaurant isnât too crowded, and Taehyung thinks this is perfect.
Itâs public enough so that Seojoon wonât be able to do anything to him if it comes down to it, but they have enough space around them to be able to talk freely without being overheard. His stomach is in knots as he enters the restaurant, but he also knows he has to do this.
Their table is near the window, and itâs a little bit too exposed, but Taehyung doesnât have time to make a fuss. He greets a couple of people he knows before making his way to Seojoon.
âBeen a while,â is what Seojoon says in lieu of a greeting.
âI already ordered. They have that pasta that you like so I got that for you.â
Taehyung gapes. Shit. Taehyung forgot to tell Seojoon. âAh, hyung,â Taehyung starts tentatively. âYou didnât have to. I wonât be staying long.â
âHuh?â
âI just ââ
âYou said lunch, Taehyung.â Again, thereâs a steely quality to how Seojoon says it, stern, like heâs reprimanding a little kid. âSo thatâs what we will do.â
âNo. Hyung â just â listen. I have to go somewhere after this. But I also need tell you something, okay?
And I respect you enough to not do it over the phone or over text.â
At that, Seojoon leans back and stares at Taehyung. Heâs got an eyebrow raised, a visible show of his surprise at Taehyungâs insistence. Itâs another change that Seojoon needs to adjust to â
Taehyung being able to say no to him. âLetâs have it then. What is it?â
Taehyung takes a deep breath. There are things that must be done. Itâs not as though this would be the last time that they will see each other, but given how things have been going for some time now,
given how hard Taehyungâs tried to give order to the mess that is his mind, heâs decided that some things must come to an end, that boundaries have to be laid.
So. âWe should stop. What ever it was that weâve been doing. We should â um â we shouldnât to do those anymore.â
When he looks at Seojoon, he isnât surprised to see the disbelief written all over his hyungâs face. But for some reason, thereâs also a hint of amusement there.
âHuh,â is the only thing that comes out of Seojoonâs mouth. âHuh. Youâre serious.â
âYes.â
âCause of your husband, isnât it?â
âItâs not just Jungk ââ
But he doesnât get to finish his explanation because Seojoon puts a hand up to stop him. âDoesnât matter. Sure, if thatâs what you want.â He shrugs, nonchalant, and okay, Taehyung did not expect this to be this easy.
Maybe itâs because theyâre in public, but it doesnât matter. This is, obviously, the best outcome for Taehyung. Heâd been prepared for the worst.
Relief washes over him. Heâs always known Seojoon is a good friend, and this just proves it. âThank you, hyung.â
âSure,â Seojoon says again. âYouâre leaving now, right? You have somewhere to be, you said.â
The waiter comes around this time and offers Taehyung a glass of wine, which he politely declines. The waiter leaves with a bow.
âYes, ah â I feel so relieved, hyung,â Taehyung grins.
Finally, something good that he can latch on to after that disaster of a conversation with Jimin. Underneath all that rough persona that Seojoonâs been wearing lately, thereâs still his hyung who understands him.
âThank you. Iâve â Iâll go now, okay?
And â uhm â we should do this again. Like, just hang out like this. As friends. I kind of missed this.â
Seojoon scoffs, but Taehyung thinks itâs just to dispel the awkwardness between them now. âDonât be dramatic. Go.â
âOkay. Bye, hyung. See you around.â
And he will, just not any time soon. Thatâs one item off Taehyungâs checklist. He still has a lot of things to do and Busan is hours away.
Taehyungâs a fucking good liar, Jungkook will give him that. Maybe itâs his acting background. Or maybe heâs just so used to it that it comes so naturally to him. Heâs so good at lying, in fact, that Jungkook found himself believing him at times.
Like this morning, when all those pretty little untruths came out of Taehyungâs mouth unbidden.
Fuck, why is Taehyung even trying too hard? He didnât have to do all that soft shit this morning. Canât he see heâs already got Jungkook wrapped around his fingers?
And of course, Jungkook got carried away. Again. Offered himself up and sucked on that liarâs cock unprompted. What was he trying to prove again?
Itâs cruel, Jungkook thinks.
He really shouldnât have confessed. Itâs pointless.
What even gave him the idea that he could keep Taehyung for himself? When heâs just⌠this? An inexperienced nobody.
He stares at his phone again, and the title of the gossip siteâs article glares back at him:
"Best buds Kim Taehyung and Park Seojoon spotted on a lunch date!"
The photo shows Taehyung grinning. Of course. Of course heâd be happy. Heâs probably just excited to get fucked after that /lunch date/. What was it that he called Seojoon just this morning?
âA good personâ was it?
Jungkook scoffs as he blows out a puff of smoke. He lets the cigarette fall on the ground and crushes it with the heel of his shoe.
Whatever it is that Taehyung tells him later, heâll probably eat it up again.
Turn a blind eye because itâs easier that way.
For now, itâs back to training. Jungkook just wants to destroy something.
A/N: Welcome to JK's villain arc!
as always interactions are super appreciated! LMK your thoughts?
Hello, loves! Please read before we begin:
#taekook #taekookau
âSo? What do you think?â
Jungkook pops the gum in his mouth and leans back. Itâs fucking hot despite the AC in Hoseokâs office being in full blast. âWhoâs this kid again?â
âJohnson,â Hoseok replies as he hands Jungkook the tablet.
The screen shows a photo and the record of the person heâs supposed to have a match with. âSpecializes in Jiu-jitsu but heâs got some boxing background.â
Jungkook stares at the profile. Johnson huh? Seems like solid fighter.
32 wins under his belt with only a few years in the game. Not bad.
Jungkookâs still not sure about this match though. Itâs not often that he does exhibition matches because he never really sees the point in doing so. To him itâs just a glorified pissing contest.
But then again, why not? There hasnât been a match in months now, and heâs already feeling a little bit on edge, what with all thatâs happening. âWhereâs this again?â
âVegas. In six months.â
âHuh. Just for this match? Whatâs the catch?â
Hoseok shrugs. âNothing. Promoters tell me you might just want a grand welcome after your break, but Iâm thinking this Johnson just wants a solid footing into boxing.â
Thatâs fair, Jungkook thinks. Moves like this are common in his field anyway.
This Johnson kid looks too lean, though, and after that last match with Peterson, Jungkookâs not that eager to send another poor chap to the hospital again.
Fuck, heâs getting a headache. Heâs been thinking too much lately, and that really isnât his forte.
Thatâs why he has Hoseok to make these decisions for him anyway. Thereâs an ache in his shoulder, too, which intensifies each time he tries rotating it. Namjoonâs been telling him to hold back on the power when hitting the bag because he ruined another one, but he canât help it.
Itâs the only release he ever gets.
He's just tired, is all. Itâs draining to be regularly oscillating between living the dream and being in a waking nightmare, and heâs starting to feel that ball of unease within him.
The last time he felt this, he sent Minjiâs stalker to the hospital.
But itâs fine. Jungkook feels like he can still take it, all this pretend shit. As long as there are no other photos, no other proof of Taehyungâs infidelity, then heâd be fine.
Itâs easier to forget about Taehyungâs betrayal this way. Out of sight, out of mind, so they say.
At least Taehyungâs been perfect lately, so Jungkook thinks he can still deal with things without seriously imploding. Like this weekend. That had been too fucking perfect.
Saturday was spent on the couch, with wine and some cheesy movie that Taehyungâs been wanting to see. Then come Sunday, they slept in, and Taehyung woke him up by sucking him off.
Jungkook wonât deny just how good Taehyung is at it,
with the way he just found his place in between Jungkook's legs like he belonged there. Then those eyes, the way the flutter like Taehyungâs having a blast. There were those sinful sounds he made, too.
That filthy mouth on Taehyung, seriously.
Must have gotten a lot of practice, what with all the men he sleeps with. How many cocks had been on there, Jungkook wonders.
Jungkook chuckles at the thought that he gets something good out of Taehyungâs sleeping around. Jesus. The headache is getting worse.
He needs another smoke.
âSure,â Jungkook tells Hoseok, mostly just so he could finally step out for a cigarette break. âWhy not? Give me the details later.â
âAre you sure?â Namjoon pipes in this time.
âYouâre going to have to seriously train again if we agree to this, Jungkook-ah.â
And okay, what is this guyâs problem? Itâs not like Jungkookâs an amateur. Of course he knows heâd be training seriously. Thatâs all heâs been doing all this time, so why this unnecessary reminder?
Joonâs been breathing down his neck like this since Japan, and itâs starting to get on his nerves. Thus, he doesnât stop the scoff that escapes him. âIâve been training â â
âYouâre going to have to quit that nasty habit, is what Iâm saying,â Namjoon interrupts before Jungkook could even finish.
Another scoff. Namjoon should learn to mind his own business. He should know that heâs the expendable one here. âWhatever.â Jungkook says.
âItâs not that bad. Mayorgaâs a fucking chimney and he still did well. Pretty sure Lomachenko does, too. And donât forget Locche.â He could chuckle at that, but itâs also at that moment that he hears Namjoon groan.
âLocche â fucking hell â seriously, Jungkook-ah,
whereâs all this cockiness coming from?â
âCockiness?â Jungkook lets out a disbelieving huff. Itâs not cockiness when itâs backed by his track record. âYou think Iâm being cocky here?â
âHonestly? I do.â Namjoon crosses his arms.
âAll those you mentioned. Theyâre defensive players, Jungkook-ah. You, on the other hand, are pure offense, so you canât just fuck your stamina like this. What, so you think thereâs no way youâd get beat? You think youâre as good as fucking Locche?â
âI might as well be!â Jungkook snaps. The pain in his head is staring to spread, and his visionâs going hazy. Itâs just now that itâs sinking in, his teamâs lack of confidence in him. After all his wins, Namjoon still doesnât believe in him.
Of all people, his trainer, for fuckâs sake. âNeed I remind you that I am still the belt holder for my weight class. Un-fucking-defeated world champion.â
He needs to emphasize that because he knows heâs good at what he does. Itâs probably the only thing heâs good at,
and he wonât let Namjoon doubt that for a second. Thereâs already a daily reminder of the things heâs failing at, like keeping Taehyung happy and satisfied in this godforsaken relationship, so heâs not about to let anyone take away the things that he actually thrives in.
âAnd also donât forget that I can fucking fire you and find another trainer, so you better watch your mouth, Namjoon.â At that, he storms out. Heâd rather be anywhere else than here, where heâs surrounded by ungrateful pricks.
He thinks he should head home, but then he remembers itâs a fucking Monday, and itâs the day of the week that Taehyung goes home late. Probably still got Seojoonâs cock buried in his ass at this point. Something nasty lodges in Jungkookâs throat at the thought of that.
Thereâs that familiar ball of unease inside him again. His chest is starting to heave and his hands are shaking but he canât fucking cry. He just needs a fucking release, but Taehyungâs still out there, seeking something that apparently Jungkookâs not good enough to give.
Well then, Jungkook thinks. Two can play at this game. He lets out a drawn-out breath and dials Yeongjaeâs number.
Who knew turning over a new leaf would be this easy?
Right now, Taehyung is sprawled on Minjiâs bed, mindlessly scrolling through online catalogues. Heâs thinking of revamping his wardrobe, and it wonât be too bad if he also buys some stuff for Minji and her mom.
âMinji-yah,â he calls out when he sees a cute bag that matches her usual style. He groans as he pulls himself up and joins Minji and Soobin on the floor.
Theyâre currently in the middle of some game that Taehyung can never find himself interested in.
âYou like?â He shows Minji the photo.
Minji, on the other hand, barely looks at it. âHang-on, oppa, Iâm about to win.â
âLike hell you are,â Soobin retorts, just as focused on the game.
/These kids/, Taehyung chuckles to himself. He buys the bag anyway.
Itâs his third time visiting Minji here in Busan, and heâs having the time of his life. He calls these âMondays at Minjiâsâ and heâs really enjoying these now. Theyâre starting to feel like a real escape.
It also helps that Minji is such an amazing girl.
Sheâs got a ready smile, a loud laugh, a witty mind. In a way, sheâs very much like her brother, and Taehyung feels a bit silly for even thinking that she was one of Jungkookâs hook-ups. She actually gagged when he told her that on his first visit here.
It turns out, there were no hook-ups at all. The binder in Taehyung's car attests to that. Itâs a thorough file, showing even the most intimate details of Jungkookâs past â his connection with Yoongi, what made Jungkook quit boxing for a while, how it all ties back to Minji,
the scandals that are mostly unfounded, the sort-of-ex who, in Taehyungâs opinion, really just latched on to Jungkook because he also wanted clout.
Truth be told, Taehyung did not want to even resort to hiring a private investigator to know all these,
but heâs also noticed just how guarded Jungkook gets when it comes to his past. Itâs mostly why Taehyung had doubts in the first place. Taehyung just wanted to feel sure before accepting certain things that have been boggling his mind as of late.
Things would have been easier if there were no secrets between them.
Then again, he feels like a hypocrite for even thinking that. Heâs got skeletons in his own closet, a lot of them, and heâd rather jump off a cliff before coming clean to Jungkook about a lot of those.
But Taehyungâs just ready to move on from those. He and Jungkook are just starting out as a couple, and they have a lot of time ahead of them. In the future, when theyâre more stable in their relationship, maybe they can really start talking about those.
For now, he just wants to focus on this task. When Taehyung started this, he mostly just wanted this to be a surprise for Jungkook, but lately, heâs realizing that maybe thatâs no longer the case.
He seriously adores Minji after all.
Hanging out with her feels like spending time with a little sister he never had, and seeing how jumpy she gets when there are any suspicious people around annoys Taehyung a lot.
He gets it. Heâs been there. Stalkers are a lot to deal with,
more so when theyâre willing to cross lines just to get to you. Minji is such a sweet girl, and a private individual. She doesnât deserve all this shit thatâs been handed to her.
âI donât want to sound paranoid, oppa, but I think things are getting worse lately?â
That was what Minji told him earlier when they just got here, and Taehyung is bound to agree because he noticed them, too. Itâs not just one man now, but there seems to be several of them, and theyâre not even trying to be discreet when taking photos.
Itâs why heâs insisting on this â he knows Minji will be safer if she agrees because in the US, sheâs bound to be anonymous. Taehyungâs got a lot of contacts in New York. He can easily get her settled there, and even if her parents want to come with her, it wonât be a problem.
Minji says sheâll think about it, but Taehyung thinks it wonât take long before she agrees. Itâs a reasonable offer anyway, and once she gives her go signal, itâs just a matter of talking to Yoongi about it. Given that heâs Jungkookâs older brother,
it wonât be difficult to convince him anyway.
âArgh! What â youâre a cheat!â
Thereâs a chuckle from Soobin. Itâs good to know that heâs enjoying these as well. âIâm not, noona. Youâre just really bad at this.â
At that, Taehyung tuts at them both. âGive me attention, or I will take that away.â And he can, because heâs the one who bought that console for Minji anyway. âAnyway, I bought this for you. And this oneâs for your mom.â
âOppa! Youâre the best!â Minji giggles. âItâs so cute! When does it get here?â
Later, they have an early dinner courtesy of Jeon Mirae, Jungkookâs and Minjiâs mother. They can't afford to wait for Minji's dad this time because he'll be staying a bit later at work,
but Taehyung's met him, too. He's a bit taciturn, but Taehyung can hell he's just looking out for his daughter.
On the table now, thereâs some simple stew and a large serving of jajangmyeon because âyouâve been craving, Minji told me.â
âYou didnât have to, Mirae-ssi ââ
âTaehyung-ah, how many times to I have to â â
âAh! Sorry,â Taehyung chuckles, blushes too, because heâs still not used to this. âThank you, eomma.â
Heâs been told to call Mirae that since the first time he visited.
âYouâre my sonâs husband, after all, so that means youâre my son now, too,â is what she told him. Taehyung spent the entire drive back to Seoul that time quietly sobbing in the passengerâs seat of his car.
Jungkook has given him too much, even unknowingly.
Itâs like having a family, a real one, one that he hasnât had since he was young because at this age, he can barely remember what his parents were like when they were alive. He supposes they were busy with work, which was to be expected anyway.
Itâs how Taehyung ended up with a hefty trust fund but with barely any memory of his childhood.
Now, he can just bask in this. Mirae ruffles his hair. âYouâre welcome. Now dig in. Youâve got a long drive ahead of you.â
Thereâs an upbeat track playing on the carâs radio, something from a Japanese artist. Taehyungâs head bobs to it, a finger tap-tap-tapping on the steering wheel as he hums along. Itâs a good song, one from the playlist that Jungkook made for him a while ago.
These days, Taehyungâs realizing just how easy it had been for Jungkook to figure out the things he really likes. Like this song, itâs upbeat but it has a jazzy beat that Taehyung really vibes with. It lifts up his mood, makes a good day even better.
Beside Taehyung now, on the passengerâs seat, thereâs Soobin. Taehyung gave him a break earlier and offered to drive back to Seoul, so now Soobinâs just sleeping, his mouth hanging open. Poor kid must be tired.
Taehyungâs honestly thankful for Soobin. He couldnât have asked for a better assistant. As far as Taehyung can tell, his assistant hasnât told anyone about these not-so-random trips that theyâve taken.
Thatâs a day well spent, and Taehyungâs patting himself on the back. Beside him, Soobin is jolted awake by his own snore, and it makes Taehyung chuckle. âYah, Soobin-ah, right on time. Weâre almost at your apartment.â
âOh.â Soobin sits up, rubs his eyes. âShit, I was asleep the entire time. You heading home after this, Taehyung-ssi?â
âHyung.â
âHuh?â
Taehyung chuckles again. âI told you to call me âhyungâ, remember?â
âAh. Yeah. You heading home after this, hyung?â
Taehyung wants to, but he also promised Seojoon that heâd meet him for a while. Itâs almost been a month since they last saw each other, and Taehyung did tell Seojoon that time that they should hang out more often as friends. He wonât stay long though because heâs also tired.
This is what Taehyung tells Soobin as he parks in front of the youngerâs apartment. He doesnât expect for Soobin to appear obviously uneasy about this, though.
âDo you have to, hyung? I mean, itâs late? Or do you want me to go with you?â Soobin asks,
and thereâs something insistent in his tone.
However, heâs obviously tired, so Taehyung wonât push the kid further. Heâs been doing more than his job really entails, what with all these trips to Busan. Besides, itâs just with Seojoon and itâs a public place anyway.
âItâs fine, Soobin-ah. I wonât stay long. I wonât even drink anything,â he assures, but Soobin remains planted on his seat, his hands gripping the seatbelt. Thereâs something suspicious there, but he wonât have this conversation now.
Itâs late, theyâre both tired, and the sooner Taehyung meets Seojoon, the sooner he can go home to Jungkook, too.
Eventually, Soobin relents with a sigh. âBut â hyung â tell me if anything feels off, okay? Iâll â I dunno â Iâll go pick you up or anything. Okay?â
Taehyung chuckles. âWhereâs this coming from? Iâll really be fine.â
And things were supposed to be fine.
The bar in Hongdae isnât as crowded as Taehyung expected it to be. Thereâs some pap hanging outside the bar, but thatâs to be expected since a lot of celebs visit this place. Inside, there are a few familiar faces, too,
and Taehyung makes sure to say hi to them before heading to the booth where Seojoon is.
Once he gets there, he sees Seojoon casually drinking. Despite the lackadaisical appearance, Taehyung can clearly see Seojoon looks tired. A bit on edge, a bit fidgety.
Thereâs that telltale tightening of his jaw, the tapping of a finger on the table, the bouncing of the leg.
âYou okay?â he asks without preamble as he slides into the seat across Seojoon. âYou look stressed.â
Seojoon doesnât answer for a moment.
Instead, he just presses a tongue against his cheek as he swirls his drink in its glass. Taehyung doesnât press further even though heâd much rather just head home and sleep.
Eventually, Seojoon does speak up, and when he does, thereâs a certain grittiness to his voice.
âYou havenât told Yuna anything, have you?â
âHuh?â The question startles Taehyung. It comes out of nowhere. When he got here, he honestly just expected for them to catch up.
But the accusation now hangs heavy in the space between them,
pointed and vile and all directed towards Taehyung. âWhat are you â huh?â
âDonât play dumb, Taehyung-ah. Yunaâs starting to ask about cheating and shit.â The glare that Seojoon directs at him is vicious, and itâs like heâs made up his mind about this before even bringing it up.
But Taehyung hasnât told Yuna anything. He hasnât told anyone. Why would he? It was he who cut things off with Seojoon, and telling someone about all the shit they did together would only compromise his career, too.
âMy entire agency probably knows about us, hyung,â Taehyung nervously chuckles. âWhy pin this all on me?â
âBecause youâre an idiot, thatâs why.â
At that, Taehyung can only gape at Seojoon. Did he seriously just say that?
Under the dim light of the bar, itâs like watching someone he knows morph into a total stranger. He isnât sure if this is still the Seojoon he once knew. Things are happening so fast, and he wonders if heâs just seeing this now, Seojoonâs true colors,
or if Seojoon really just changed that quickly.
But he doesnât have any answer to that now because his blood is boiling. It had been such a good day, only for things to end like this. He should have listened to Soobin after all. He quickly grabs his bag.
âYou know what, I canât have this conversation right now. Call me once youâve cleared your head.â
He quickly walks out of the bar, desperate to just get this day over with. He still canât believe Seojoon would have the audacity to accuse him like that.
Seojoon of all people. Itâs like having his fabric of reality being ripped from under his feet, and his mind is reeling.
But just as heâs about to enter his car, someone grabs him by the arm. Of course. Seojoon stands there, seething,
and Taehyung, for the second time, feels absolute fear towards this man he thought he knew. âLet go!â he struggles to pull his arm free, but Seojoonâs grip is tight.
âYouâre getting mouthy now, arenât you?â Seojoon grits. âYou donât know what I can do to you,
Taehyung-ah, so you better be careful. I can fucking ruin you.â
Taehyung knows. Of course he does. Seojoon is married to someone who belongs to an untouchable family, which is probably why heâs desperate to keep Yuna with him. Seojoon could very much ruin Taehyung in an instant.
Taehyung has seen that happen to others.
Still, heâs not about to take this shit. Itâs been a perfect day, and just before he got to this bar, he got a message from Jungkook asking where he is and what time heâd get home.
Itâs a reminder of who he has by him. Heâs got a family now, one here in Seoul, an extended one in Busan, and that thought alone gives him the courage to stand his ground. âGo ahead,â he sneers. âDo it then.â
[

TW// next twt contains depiction of assault]
But that courage does not give him the foresight to anticipate what Seojoon does next. Suddenly heâs pinned against his car with Seojoonâs mouth in his. It takes all of him to push back, and when he finally manages to do so, he sees the smirk that Seojoon wears.
[TW ends]
âFuck you, Taehyung. You donât know whatâs coming.â
With that, Taehyung is left starting dumbfounded while Seojoon walks away with the kind of ease that only someone with a plan can have.
Taehyung is still shaking by the time he gets home. Though heâs tired, his mind is still reeling from all thatâs happened within the last hour.
Itâs dark in their penthouse, so Jungkook must already be asleep. Taehyung quietly makes his way to the kitchen,
pours himself a glass of water. It takes several tries to pour water into his glass because of how much his hands are trembling.
Then, he heads to the bath. He takes his time. He scrubs his arm specifically, rubs it until its red and raw,
but the feeling of Seojoonâs grip wonât go away. He spends much longer brushing his teeth, and by the time heâs done, his gums are red and bleeding. Still, Seojoonâs mouth is there.
Taehyung lets out a sigh.
Maybe the nasty sensation that lingers on his lips would go away with sleep.
He steps out of the bathroom, changes into his nightwear, and crawls into bed. It wakes Jungkook up because heâs a light sleeper, and immediately, there are open arms waiting for Taehyung.
Taehyung eases into it. Jungkook smells divine. He smells of Taehyungâs body wash, and somehow it makes Taehyung feel all choked up because it really feels like home here, like heâs safe.
âWhere were you?â Jungkook murmurs after kissing Taehyungâs forehead.
âAround,â is Taehyungâs simple reply.
It pains him that he canât talk about his day. The first half is meant to be a surprise for Jungkook. The second half is a pure shitshow, and Taehyung doesnât want to see just what Jungkook can do to Seojoon if he knew what happened.
So he keeps his mouth shut and tries his best to let his breathing even out.
âJungkook-ah,â he says instead. âI missed you today.â
At that, Jungkook lets out a light chuckle. Thereâs softness in the way he sounds, and Taehyung lets that calm him down.
He tries closing his eyes, but as soon as he does, itâs Seojoonâs face that he sees.
âJungkook-ah,â Taehyung says again because he knows at this point that sleep wonât come. âTomorrow, can we have pancakes?â
âPancakes?â
âHm. For breakfast. Can we?â
Jungkook lets out a quiet breath and tightens his arms around Taehyung. âOf course. With strawberries?â
Taehyung only hums because thereâs a lump forming in his throat and itâs starting to choke him.
Thereâs desperation thatâs grasping at him, clawing at his insides. He just wants normalcy. He just wants a fresh start, turn over a new leaf because heâs in love. Heâs so fucking in love with this man whose arms are around him,
and for Jungkookâs sake, he just wants to be a better person. Is that too much to ask?
âTae, you okay?â Jungkook asks out of nowhere. âYouâre shaking.â
âIâm fine, my darling. Go back to sleep. Iâm okay.â
Fortunately, Jungkook believes him.
By the time Taehyungâs tears start falling, Jungkookâs already lightly snoring.
A/N: That's it for now. The next few updates are going to be heavier, so brace yourselves ig? hhh See you tomorrow!
A/N:Before I forget! Of course interactions are always appreciated. I love reading your qrts, and I can't wait to read your thoughts on these developments hhh
Hi, my loves let's geddit uwu
#taekook #taekookau
âSo,â Taehyung breathes. Heâs been talking for quite a while, without any kind of interruption that it almost felt like he was talking to himself the entire time.
âSo â uhm â thatâs really it.â He fidgets in his seat, feeling cold sweat trickle down his nape. He hasnât been this anxious since forever, but the absence of any response to his confession makes his stomach churn.
He lets a few seconds more tick by, but the silence in the rather bright dining area is getting quite oppressive. Thereâs a prickly sensation on his palms thatâs slowly intensifying, so he rubs them on his pants. âSay something. Please.â
âYouâre an idiot, is what Minji says after a sigh. She doesnât sound angry, just resigned. Truth be told, this reaction is much more tame than what Taehyung anticipated, especially after he comes clean with everything.
Right across him, Minji takes a careful sip of her cold barley tea. She regards him for a moment, and the stare she directs towards Taehyung is familiar â itâs one he sees on Jungkook as well, especially during moments when he thinks Taehyung isnât looking.
Itâs scrutinizing, one that makes Taehyung feel bare and powerless, and really, how heâs gotten away with all that sleeping around is almost a miracle given how perceptive Jungkook can be sometimes.
âIs that â is that it?â
Minji shrugs. She seems too casual about all this, and much to Taehyungâs surprise, she even sends him a slight smile. âI know,â she says simply. "I've known about all of that for a while now."
âYou â what?â Taehyung chokes, eyes going wide as he feels a shiver down his spine.
She knows? About everything? How? For how long? If she knows, then why does she keep on welcoming Taehyung to her home? Is this all an act, too? âMinji-yah.â
âRelax, oppa.â Minji lets out a huff, looking down so sheâs staring absently at her glass of tea. âIâm not mad. At least not anymore. I suspected it before, back when Jungkook-oppa first told me about your marriage.â
Taehyung swallows a lump in his throat, but itâs a stubborn one. It stays lodged there no matter how hard Taehyung tries to push it down or cough it out. His eyes sting somehow.
âSo.. so whyâŚâ The thought that this has all been an act, that Minji has been faking this friendship between them, makes Taehyungâs stomach drop. Then again, he knows heâs a hypocrite for feeling this way,
given that he did that very same thing at the beginning of his marriage with Jungkook.
But itâs all different now, one side of his mind argues. Heâs different now â heâs sure about how he feels, for Jungkook, for his family, as foreign as that feeling used to be for him.
For months now, heâs considered them, truly, as his own family.
A part of himself wants to desperately cling to that, to them. He knows heâs being greedy, but he thinks, who can blame him?
He hasnât had this kind of bond for as long as he can remember, and he wants it more than anything.
So just thinking about how none of this was true, at least on Minjiâs side â Taehyung wants to hurl.
But Minji, ever the sweetest Minji, moves to sit beside him and places a hand on his back.
Taehyung knows he doesnât deserve this kindness that Minji extends to him, but then again, heâs being greedy, he knows that.
This is his family now, and he will do whatever it takes to keep them in his life. Heâll grovel if it comes down to it. Heâll kiss the ground they walk on if they ask him to.
But Minji doesnât ask any of that. Instead, she just tells him, âOppa. Breathe. Stay with me.â
âMinji-yahâŚâ and Taehyungâs just noticing now that heâs hyperventilating. That heâs crying. He hasnât cried this openly for as long as he can remember, and it feels like a burden as much as it feels freeing. âMinji-yah. Iâm sorry. Iâm fucking sorry.â
âYouâre fine, oppa. Youâre fine,â Minji soothes him, pulling him closer to let him lay his head on her shoulder. âYou and Jungkook-oppa will both be fine.â
âHowâd you know?â Taehyung asks. Itâs after dinner, and he and Minji are both on dishwashing duty.
They both agreed not to tell Minjiâs parents about what happened, so when a worried Mirae pestered them earlier about why Taehyung was crying,
they simply told her that they watched a sad movie. In a way, that holds a kernel of truth to it. Taehyungâs life feels like a sad movie, one where heâs the antihero whose bad decisions are sure to bring about his ruin.
Beside him, Minji heaves a breath as she wipes a plate. âBeen talking to Soobin. For a while now actually. He worries about you a lot, you know?â
âAh.â
So, Soobin finally reached his limit then. Itâs bound to happen with the number of secrets that he knows.
Taehyung canât really blame the kid. And at least itâs to Minji that he opened up. Since Minjiâs name never really comes up when he stops by the agency, he knows that Soobin hasnât told anyone about these little excursions to Busan.
âDonât fire him, okay?â Minji nudges him then. âSeriously, oppa, that kid adores you. And he worries a lot.â
âI wouldnât even dream of firing Soobinie. I might even give him more vacation days, like today,â replies Taehyung, and he means it.
Soobin might have had a rough start, but heâs by far the most competent assistant that Taehyungâs ever had.
Besides, heâs grown fond of Soobin, too. With this new information about how much Soobin worries, Taehyung just knows he can trust him.
And if thereâs one thing that Taehyungâs learned in all his years as a public figure, itâs that people he can truly trust are hard to come by.
Itâs half past 10 in the evening, and Taehyung finds himself on the couch in Minjiâs familyâs house, dressed in Minjiâs oversized ratty shirt and, surprisingly, one of Jungkookâs very old sweatpants.
He puts down his phone after sending Jungkook a message, telling him he wonât be able to make it home tonight. Apparently, heâs staying over for an impromptu sleep-over.
Itâs because Minji insists that heâs in no condition to drive. Maybe sheâs right. Taehyung finds himself randomly bursting into tears every now and then, still overwhelmed by finally being able to tell someone about what heâs done behind Jungkookâs back.
âI donât get it, oppa,â Minji muses out loud. âWhy didnât you just tell Jungkookie-oppa everything? If all that shit bothered you too much, why come all the way here just to confide?â
Taehyung barely manages to hold back the gasp that almost escapes him.
âAre you serious? I canât just do that, Minji-yah! Heâll hate me! I need some â hm â guidance?â
âGuidance?â
Taehyung nods, leaning back on the couch and closing his eyes. He feels lighter now. âBelieve it or not, I really want to tell him everything, you know?
But â hm â but all this is new for me, so Iâm really not sure about this honesty thing. And I donât really have anyone that I could confide in and ask for help. So. Here I am.â
âHuh,â Minji breathes. âYouâre really serious about telling him the truth, huh?â
âI am.â
âAnd youâre literally friendless.â
Taehyung pouts. âIâve got Jungkookie, okay?â
âAnd youâre whipped for my brother. I donât know which is worse.â
At that, Taehyung throws a pillow at Minji before letting out a dreamy sigh. âWhatâs not to like about him? Heâs perfect.â
âEw, can you not?â Minji makes a display of shivering and gagging, which helps fully dispelling the last tendrils of discomfort in Taehyungâs chest. âAnyway, letâs plan how you can tell him, okay?â
Taehyung nods, eager. It feels like a step forward in the right direction. Minjiâs reaction to all this gives him hope that things will also turn out fine when he tells Jungkook, so heâs feeling hopeful.
The only thing that would have made this night better is if Jungkook replied to any of his messages.
Oh well, Taehyung thinks. His darling husband might be busy training, especially since he has an upcoming match.
Jungkook is such a hard worker, and Taehyung reminds himself to give his husband the best massage when he gets home tomorrow.
At this point, Jungkook doesnât really give a shit anymore.
Itâs Monday, after all â the day when Taehyung spreads his legs for Seojoon. Itâs been consistent for months now, no Mondays missed.
Is Seojoonâs game that good that Taehyung still craves to get fucked by him despite doing it with Jungkook daily?
If Taehyung can stay out and whore around one day a week, then Jungkook thinks he can, too. Thank goodness Yeongjaeâs such an easy pull.
Itâs why heâs here. Itâs been a while, so the club feels unfamiliar. The alcohol is acrid, the music irritating, and it smells mildly of smoke and piss. Still, Jungkookâs decided heâll have fun tonight.
A few people definitely noticed him, judging by the way they openly stared. Itâs the Jeon Jungkook after all, husband of the nationâs beloved darling, yet currently heâs got someone else griding against him on the dance floor.
Oh well, people used to see him as a slut before he married Taehyung anyway; might as well live up to their expectations, right?
So even though the club takes its patronâs privacy seriously, Jungkook wonât be surprised if he sees his name in some sleazy gossip sites tomorrow.
But he truly doesnât give a shit because apparently just a whole Monday isnât enough for Taehyung to have his brains fucked out of his body. Or is it that heâs too tired, too sore to move that he just had to stay over?
Whatever. Jungkook is too fucking tired, too fucking done to really give a shit. He closes his eyes. The music is grating to the ears â some retro synth pop that wasnât good when it was released and still isnât good even now.
At least the alcohol helps, despite how horrible it tastes. Somehow his mind wanders to the cocktails he and Taehyung had in Vegas, how those are way better than what heâs having now.
He thinks, too, of the way Taehyung danced against him that night, all giggly yet sultry and teasing at the same time.
So far, Yeongjaeâs tried several times to have Jungkookâs arms wrapped around his waist, but each time, Jungkook pulls back.
He knows he looks like an idiot, dancing in the middle of a club with one hand always holding a cocktail glass and the other buried deep in his pocket.
He himself doesnât know why heâs doing this.
Itâs so easy to just wrap his arms around Yeongjaeâs waist and lose himself in the sensation. But for some reason, Jungkookâs mind and body rejects the idea of feeling a strangers curves and under his fingertips.
Really, he doesnât give a shit.
Itâs just that heâs gotten used to holding Taehyung and only Taehyung, so touching another man now feels all kinds of off. He wonders how Taehyung does it.
How does Taehyung find it so easy to lose himself in another man and go home like nothing happened? Maybe the schedule helps in compartmentalizing things?
Jungkook really needs to know how because heâs slowly losing it.
Or maybe heâs truly lost it because when he turns to look at the direction of the bar, heâs sure that itâs Seojoon heâs seeing. Jungkook blinks.
Isnât he supposed to be with Taehyung right now? Does this mean Taehyungâs also here?
Jesus fuck, he just needs one night of peace. One night where heâs not tortured by his own inadequacy, yet here he is, feeling his muscles shake and his brain melt.
He shakes his head. No. Taehyung isnât here. Jungkook would have seen him if he is because thereâs no way Jungkook would not notice his own husband, in this or any other crowd.
So where is he? Does this mean he has more than one lover on the side?
Or did he actually go meet a friend this time? What about all those other times, then?
Jungkookâs about to vomit and pass out with all the questions swimming in his head. He needs to make sense of this.
He pushes Yeongjae off of him, pulls out his phone from his pocket, and types âwhere are you?â
Then, he makes his way to the bar. Seojoonâs still there, in deep conversation with the bartender. Jungkook promises to himself heâll keep his cool. One step, another.
He shoves a stranger aside, squeezes through another group. Somehow it feels like heâs not getting any closer to the bar.
When he finally does, he takes his time in steadying his breathing. Heâs calm, he thinks. Zen. Chill. It feels like heâs about to step into the ring.
He reminds himself to keep his manners in check. âPark Seojoon.â
Slowly, Seojoon turns. Initially, thereâs a look of confusion on his face, but it is easily replaced by an easy grin. Thereâs something sly about it, something vile. âJungkook-ah. Fancy seeing you here.â
âWhereâs Taehyung?â Jungkook asks. He has no patience for small talk right now. Thereâs heat building up in his chest, and itâs familiar. Too familiar.
He clenches his fist when he sees Seojoon fake a pout. âHe isnât with you?â Seojoon asks with a light laugh.
âObviously. I wouldnât be asking if he is.â
âAh,â says Seojoon, still with that mocking smile on his face, though his eyes are trained towards his cocktail. âBit difficult, isnât it, Jungkook-ah?â
âHuh?â Jungkook has no patience for small talk, but thereâs something gripping about what Seojoon is saying, how heâs saying it. Vaguely, heâs aware that he wonât like the things that will come out of Seojoonâs mouth, but he canât help it. âWhatâs difficult?â
Slowly, Seojoon pushes himself off the bar and walks closer to Jungkook. Closer and closer until he can whisper right next to Jungkookâs ear: âbit difficult to tame, Taehyung, isnât it? Especially cause heâs such a whore.â
#taekook #taekookau
âWhat did you say?â
Itâs like someoneâs lit a fire at the back of Jungkookâs neck. Its heat spreads throughout his head, his body, and then heâs seeing red.
But Jungkook also sees the way fear flits through Seojoonâs eyes, especially when he steps forward and tries grabbing Seojoon by the collar. The weasel of a man steps back, chortling, but thereâs a tell-tale edge to it. âNothing, nothing,â Seojoon says.
âJust. You /should/ know about Taeâs⌠proclivity for attention.â He tries to be casual, but itâs clear that heâs scared.
And he should be. Jungkook clenches his fist. Vaguely, he could tell someone is holding him back. Maybe itâs Yeongjae.
Jungkook can hear him say âKook-ah, itâs not worth it,â but hereâs the thing: Yeongjae doesnât understand.
Itâs not in Yeongjaeâs place to say that itâs not worth it when for Jungkook, Taehyung has always been worth everything â
whether Jungkook takes a beating, or if he throws some punches, Taehyung will be worth the blood on his skin.
Or at least thatâs what Jungkook used to believe in. Right now, a part of him screams to believe the filthy words that spilled out of Seojoonâs mouth.
Maybe he believes them already. There were the pictures, after all, videos even. Maybe he should have believed Minji when she said that Taehyung cannot be trusted.
Heâs a fool, he knows this quite well. An idiot whoâs only ever good at fighting.
No wonder Taehyung found it too easy to use him as a plaything. Yoongi gave him a chance to be with his childhood crush, and he took to it like a starving dog to a bone with scraps of meat.
Now here he is, torn in between fighting for his husbandâs non-existent honor and walking away knowing that what Seojoon just said is true.
Still, heâs never been good at walking away from fights. So he steps forward, crowds Seojoon against the bar.
âKeep Taehyungâs name out of your filthy mouth,â he sneers. This close, he could smell the alcohol in Seojoonâs breath. âOr I swear thatâll be the last thing you say before I rip your jaw off.â
They say a cornered animal is almost as dangerous as a wounded one, and this time,
itâs like Jungkookâs seeing Seojoonâs self-preservation instincts flare. He tries pushing Jungkook off, saying ânow, now, sâ all good fun, Jungkook-ssi.â
So, okay, maybe it should have ended at that.
Jungkook stares at Seojoon for a moment as he tries to assess the next most logical move. He thinks itâs better to let things go for now. Itâs a public place, after all, and despite this clubâs privacy policies, whoâs to say rumors wonât spread?
He takes a step back. It takes a bit of effort to calm his breathing down, but itâs starting to be manageable. He turns, takes a step, another. But just then, Seojoon just had to open his mouth.
âAs good fun as seeing Tae sucking cock, thatâs for sure.â
Jungkook spins, and in a second his hand is connected to someoneâs jaw. It isnât Seojoonâs but on a stranger who instinctively punches back.
Things after that happen too quickly. With Jungkook much too focused on Seojoon, the stranger's punch lands squarely on his face.
All of a sudden, Seojoon and the stranger he hid behind are gone, Jungkookâs being pulled away by two bulky men and shoved into a van. Next thing he knows, heâs here.
The office remains as Jungkook remembers it, for the most part anyway. It has the same oak wood panels on its walls, the same floor to ceiling bookshelf on one end, the same dark gray marble floors.
The imposing dark wood table still stands where it used to, and on the wall behind it is the same abstract art thatâs been hanging there for decades.
Itâs been years since heâs stepping into this office â the last time was when he was eight, stared down by his own father,
and was asked to choose if he would rather go to the US and cut off contact with his mother, or lose the Min name and all that comes with it altogether.
And while itâs now Yoongi whoâs sitting behind the chairmanâs desk,
he still holds the same cold glare that Min Il-hee used to send towards Jungkookâs direction.
âAnd what, pray tell, were you doing in a club with a man who isnât your husband?â
Yoongi looks as well-put-together as always,
in another tailored suit despite it being 3 in the morning. But there are tells that Jungkook could see, habits that Yoongi has never been able to shake off since they were kids â heâs chewing on his lip again. Heâs picking on a hangnail on his left thumb,
and his right leg wonât stop bouncing. Yoongi is evidently stressed.
Jungkook scoffs as he presses the cold compress to his face. âNone of your business.â
His face hurts so fucking much, and he isnât sure how heâs supposed to hide the black eye that heâll definitely have from Taehyung.
Good thing the barâs big on privacy; it would have been hell if word got out that he, /The Jeon Jungkook/, boxing world champion,
got punched by a literal nobody.
But he did get punched right in the face, all because Seojoonâs too much of a wimp to reap the repercussions of his filthy mouth.
And sure, there may be truth to what Seojoon said â Taehyung does sleep around after all.
But it would not have mattered if itâs all just this shitty agreement that they signed.
It isnât just that agreement anymore, though. This thing between them had been so much more than that for quite some time now. Or at least thatâs what Jungkook thought.
So sure, Taehyung might be a fucking whore. But thereâs something so vile about hearing that truth from Seojoon.
âWhyâs it matter to you?,â Jungkook grits. âHowâd you know Iâd be there anyway? Got me followed, too? Were those your men?â
Jungkook feels a tight knot forming in his stomach because he knows heâs being disrespectful. Heâs never spoken to Yoongi this way.
Everythingâs getting a bit too much though, so politeness be damned,
Jungkook just needs some time away from all of the shitty things thatâs been going on in his life. Yoongi wonât understand because heâs too much of a workaholic who doesnât understand how human emotions work.
Yoongi sighs. âIt might not seem like it, but I care for you, Jungkook-ah. Iâm your older brother, and itâs my duty to protect you. Iâm doing my best here.â
Well, Jungkook thinks, this is all just a little bit too late, isnât it?
That is, if Yoongi even means half of the bullshit heâs spewing right now. Frankly, he finds it hard to believe because where was all this care and protection when Jungkook got dragged through the mud when all he did was protect Minji from a filthy stalker?
So, no, Jungkook doesnât believe it one bit. âWell, itâs really none of your business, hyung.â
Cautiously, Jungkook looks at Yoongi, expecting at least some hint of surprise on his hyungâs face. However, itâs neither surprise nor frustration that he sees there.
Even the subtle tells of stress that he saw on Yoongi earlier are now gone, replaced only by cold detachment.
Yoongi leans back in his chair, hands interlaced atop his stomach. Like this, he looks like an exact replica of Il-hee, their father,
except instead of the harshness that usually lined Il-heeâs face, Yoongi wears his apathy like itâs second skin. Honestly, Jungkook doesnât know which is worse.
âIs that what you think?â Yoongi asks, now not even looking at Jungkook.
âHate to break it to you kid, but it /is/ actually my business.â
Jungkook stares at Yoongi this time. He looks bored as he checks his nails, a clear picture of someone whoâs given up on the conversation. Well, that caring façade was dropped too quickly.
âNeed I remind you, I have vested interest in your public persona now. If you donât believe me when I say that I care for you, fine. But remember, Jungkook-ah,â Yoongi drawls, leaning forward and resting his chin on his interlaced fingers,
âthat all those sponsors, this upcoming match and all the future ones, basically your entire career. Theyâre all thanks to that contract you signed with Taehyung. So if you want to fuck around, at least do it like your husband and learn how to cover your mess. Do you understand?â
Like his, Jungkook thinks thereâs no one else more threatening than his hyung. Suddenly, Jungkookâs tongue feels heavy, his jaw tense. It always ends like this, with him feeling small and Yoongi knowing exactly how to stomp on him even more.
Jungkook nods because thereâs nothing else he could do.
âDo you understand?â
âYes, hyung.â
Itâs almost 6 in the morning when Jungkook gets home.
The problem with their penthouse apartment is that the flimsy curtains barely do anything to block the sunlight that streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room.
It exposes everything, so when Jungkook steps in, he immediately sees the mess on their living room.
He just wants to head to his own room, pass out on his bed. But then he had to see this: Taehyung is sleeping on their couch,
still wearing the clothes he wore when he left yesterday. He looks so soft with the way his curls cascade down his face, the way his lips are lightly parted, letting out light puffs of air.
But there are dark circles under his eyes. On their coffee table are several cans of coffee and energy drinks. Taehyung isnât supposed to be here yet. Jungkook isnât ready to deal with this.
Itâs just then that he remembers to check his phone, and when he does, he sees the 20 missed calls and the 108 messages Taehyung sent. It seemed he worried since Jungkook asked him where he is and rushed home, and Jungkook doesnât know how to interpret that.
Did he rush home because he felt he might get caught sleeping around? Or did he actually worry when Jungkook did not reply at all? Or is he really just concerned about the âmarried coupleâ image that theyâre building, just like Yoongi was?
No answers come. Heâs got a mild headache to deal with, and heâs desperate for some sleep.
But it also feels like itâs been foreve since heâs seen Taehyung like this â vulnerable and open.
And regardless of Taehyungâs reason for rushing home, the fact remains that he tried waiting up. That has got to count for something, right?
Jungkook doesnât even know why heâs trying to justify Taehyungâs actions.
All he knows is that in the early morning light that spills into their home, Taehyung looks soft, especially when his eyebrows scrunch and his pout.
He squirms in his sleep, and out of nowhere, he murmurs, âdarling, darl â hgn â Kook-ah,â and that just tears Jungkook to pieces.
He wants to ask Taehyung if he calls his other lovers by that name, too, or if he has different terms of endearment for them.
He wants to ask if Taehyung is having fun doing this, if heâs happy taking Jungkookâs heart and stomping on it repeatedly.
Jungkook just wants to know why Taehyung felt the need to lie like this. Jungkook would not have minded a more casual set-up if only Taehyung were more honest at the beginning.
Yet here they are, a few months shy of their first anniversary, and Jungkook is slowly losing grip of whatâs real and whatâs not.
He doesnât ask any of the questions he has, though, because itâs only when it comes to Taehyung that he turns into a coward.
So instead, he murmurs, âTae baby.â He gives in to the urge to kiss Taehyungâs forehead. Somehow, thereâs a scent thatâs sticking on Taehyungâs skin, and itâs one thatâs eerily familiar. He swears heâs smelled that somewhere, but he canât exactly place it.
Somehow, for some odd reason, it reminds him of home.
He ignores it for now. âTae, baby.â
âHng.
âTae, wake up. Gotta move you to our room.â
Taehyung groans. His eyes are barely open, but thereâs a ghost of a smile on his face. âHusband dearest?â
âHmm.â
âI missed you.â He reaches out, and when he grasps Jungkookâs hand, he plants a tiny kiss on it.
âI missed you, too,â Jungkook replies, but this time, he doesnât mean it as much.
[A/N]: That's it for now. Will try to update when I can. Thanks :)
#taekook #taekookau
âWhat do you mean, âwhat should you doâ?â
âJust,â Taehyung shrugs, slumping down on the couch in the fitting room after trying on some of Hyejinâs personal designs.
As much as heâd like to be more supportive now that Hyejin is in the process of launching her own works, especially because Hyejin has been the best stylist heâs worked with, there are more pressing matters that have been bothering him for quite some time.
âJust â agh! Noona! Help me!â
He makes a show of pouting and whining as he tries to appear candid. Meanwhile, his stomach has not untangled itself from when it formed knots some weeks ago.
God, he wants to puke. Again.
âWhy donât we start at the beginning, hm?â Hyejin kindly asks as she returns a one-piece jumpsuit onto a rack. She sits on the couch, body angled towards him to give him her full attention. On any other day, Taehyung would have appreciated this, but not today.
Today, heâs feeling a bit out of his depth.
Truthfully, itâs just that he doesnât know how to explain the shit heâs in. He doesnât know where to begin because it feels like itâs divulging too much. In a way itâs like showing his weakness, and he isnât used to doing that.
Then again, heâs been doing and experiencing a lot of things heâs never been used to since meeting Jungkook â especially since Taehyung admitted to himself that he actually loves his husband.
See, Taehyung was just 13 when he was scouted by Kim Soo-hyun, founder of Gloss Models, also Min Yoongiâs mother â a woman who had so much free time because her husband let her do anything she wanted just so he could get her off his back.
And perhaps it was because he was her agencyâs first model, or perhaps because she could not exert control over her own son, she turned her attention to Taehyung. It was she who decided what Taehyung should wear, what and when he should eat, who he could be friends with.
Taehyung did not mind because Kim Jinyong, his uncle and supposed legal guardian, was often overseas, and Soo-hyun was the closest thing to a parental figure that he ever had. So when Soo-hyun asked him to drop out of school so he can be a model full time, he never questioned it.
Taehyung was 15 when he met Hidefumi, a fellow model around his age, who kissed him after a photoshoot and held his hands as they walked around the streets of New York. Taehyung sort of liked Hidefumi.
He was a pretty boy with a silly laugh and a goofy personality and when he told Taehyung that he liked him, it sounded like he meant it.
But Hidefumi is a boy, just like Taehyung, and he comes from a relatively small agency. Those things are not good enough for Soo-hyun.
âDisgusting. You have no time for silly little crushes, Taehyung-ah. And that boy is just using you.â This is what she said before forbidding him to see Hidefumi again. Without telling Taehyung anything, Hidefumi flew back to Japan before their campaign ended.
The last thing Taehyung heard about Hidefumi was that his agency went bankrupt.
Taehyung was 19 when he met Jimin. The agency had more models by then, and Soo-hyun was off to her new venture. Jimin was to take care of Taehyung as his manager.
Even though they are of the same age, and even though Taehyung had been in the industry for far longer, Soo-hyun trusted Jimin more because âheâs not an idiot drop out.â
Taehyung did not mind.
He liked Jimin instantly, and he agreed with Soo-hyun that Jimin was infinitely smarter than him. He further proved that a year after they met.
They were in an afterparty when an up-and-coming designer that Taehyung had been secretly dating for a few weeks finally told Taehyung he loved him. Jimin noticed this, of course, and at the end of the night, he calmly told Taehyung,
âDonât believe whatever he told you. Thereâs no such thing as love in this industry. Not for people like us, anyway.â
And Jimin had been right. A week after Taehyung ended things with the designer, he found out that he had a wife.
After that, it was just a string of casual fucks. He met Seojoon and after a few days of flirting, they sleep together. As much as Taehyung liked Seojoon, them sleeping together only proved to him that there's no such thing as a serious relationship when it comes to him.
So, often, it's him and Seojoon. At times, it's with random men Seojoon introduces him to.
All this to say, Taehyung doesnât really know much about relationships, or how serious relationships work anyway.
Then Jungkook came along, with his insanely gorgeous build. With his wide, trusting eyes. With his silly little confession about liking Taehyung since they were kids. With his promise of giving Taehyung everything he has, with him following through with this promise.
Jungkook was supposed to be this fun little plaything, a means to get some positive buzz about him going.
But now things have gotten too serious, especially since Taehyung realized that Jungkook is different from all the men he has been with before.
Heâs straightforward about his intentions, sincere about his feelings. Most of all, he is, perhaps, the first man to make Taehyung feel truly wanted â with no reservations, with no conditions.
Thereâs a simplicity to Jungkookâs love â
a steady and quiet yet persistent kind of affection that Taehyung is still getting used to.
Itâs somewhat overwhelming and exhilarating at the same time, being in a serious relationship for once. And when itâs good, itâs good, but when things go south,
Taehyung finds himself fumbling.
Occasionally, he finds himself wanting to run. Or maybe go back to how things were before, when things were simpler and he can still see everything as a fun little game.
Or maybe hide from Jungkook for a bit because he knows deep down that he does not deserve the kind of love Jungkook feels for him. At times, it makes him feel too aware of how dirty he had been.
Itâs mostly why heâs having such a hard time lately, so heâs partly blaming Yoongi and Jimin for indirectly putting him in this situation.
He doesnât know what to do. Heâs almost at the end of his rope because his darling husband has been acting off lately.
Jungkookâs been leaving the house too early, often before Taehyung wakes up, and he now usually comes home after midnight. He barely answers Taehyungâs calls and text messages, and even at home, he opts to sleep in his own room than in the one theyâve been sharing.
Somehow, a tiny part of him keeps on saying that all he really wants is just a few minutes of attention from his husband.
He misses Jungkook, is all.
Taehyung tried reading about it, and all the articles heâs read tell him the same thing: misunderstandings and arguments are best resolved through communication and understanding.
But the thing is, he doesnât think thereâs a misunderstanding or an argument. How could there be?
Theyâve barely talked, so thereâs nothing to misunderstand or argue about. Their last decent conversation had been weeks ago, and back then they were both sporting their post-sex haze. Jungkook hasnât touched him for weeks now, and Taehyung feels like heâs slowly going insane.
Did Jungkook find out about his affairs before? Just the thought of that has bile rising up his throat. He admits that that thought has kept him up several nights. Then again, heâs too scared to ask because what if Jungkook confirms his suspicion? What then?
On the other hand, as far as Taehyung knows, people who get cheated on usually lose their shit, right? People who find out theyâve been cheated usually go on a rampage, donât they? Jungkook, with his temper, seems far too calm to know about Taehyungâs previous affairs.
So, maybe he doesnât know, which would be ideal.
All Taehyung knows is that things started to go awry when Jungkook sent that âwhere are youâ message, which, Taehyung admits, made him freak out. Rightfully so.
Heâs pretty sure something happened because, for one, Jungkook never responded after that, and two, Jungkook wasnât even in their apartment when Taehyung got home after driving from Busan like a madman in the middle of the night.
So, Taehyung knows he might be stupid,
but he still can put two and two together. He just needs to figure out what happened, but for some reason, no one wants to tell him.
The rumor thatâs been floating around gossip sites is that Jungkook got into a fight at a bar, but Taehyung thinks that canât be right.
Jungkook hasnât been going to bars or clubs on his own since the announcement of their marriage. Besides, Jungkook isnât even supposed to drink. Heâs very strict with his diet during training, and with how rigorous his training usually is before a match,
even just one glass of beer would be too much for him.
So, heâs back to square one, and itâs so frustrating that he wants to pull his hair out. He wants a bit of distraction, which is why heâs hanging out here with Hyejin.
Then again, being here just reminds him that there hasnât been any callback for the upcoming fashion week, so now heâs even more stressed.
âI just â I think heâs mad at me or something,â he tells Hyejin. âAnd thatâs bad because I really like the pancakes he makes for breakfast.â
Taehyung pouts because that always works. Heâs starting to feel petulant because he thrives on attention, and this silly little stunt that Jungkook is pulling is depriving him of that. âI mean. Just â noona, what do I even do?â
At least Hyejin pretends to think about it before throwing Taehyung an exasperated look. âHave you tried talking to him?â
âI did!â
âLike, really talking to him?â
âI tried, okay?â Taehyung hums and pouts some more.
He knows Hyejin would probably just reprimand him when she knows how he tried talking to Jungkook. It mostly involved him staring at the door to Jungkookâs room and then chickening out the last minute.
Eventually, as Taehyung expected, his pout works. Hyejin lets out an exasperated sigh and plops herself beside him, and he leans into it when she ruffles his hair. âWell, if you want to make your marriage work, youâve got to try harder, Tae. I know itâs hard for you because â
okay, this is going to sound mean, but donât get me fired for this, kay? â I know youâre used to easily getting what you want, but believe me, most good things need effort and persistence. I can tell you really like Jungkook-ssi, and that he makes you happy,
so I hope that you guys settle whatever this is, okay?â
âKay,â Taehyung mumbles, feeling fragile all of a sudden. He didnât know it was that obvious how happy he is with Jungkook, but it seems like people do notice.
As they should, he thinks, because Jungkook does make him happy, so much so that it overwhelms and scares him sometimes.
But maybe this is a good thing, so maybe Hyejin has a point. Heâll try harder, although he has to add, âbut noona, I dunno know how.
Heâs barely home anyway, heâs always at the gym.â
Hyejin gives it a thought. âThen go visit him there.â
It turns out, Soobin agrees with Hyejinâs idea. So today, his kitchen is a mess, heâs covered in flour, and some stick substance wonât come off his cheek. On the kitchen island are some misshapen cookies, some unevenly sliced fruits. It looks like a grade-schooler's work.
Taehyungâs a bit dizzy, but that doesnât really matter. Heâs so damn proud because he and Soobin prepared most of these.
âHyung, I made you a sandwich,â Soobin offers once theyâre done packing everything into a small picnic basket.
The sandwich looks good, with some layers of cream and fruits in between, but Taehyungâs too jittery to eat.
âMaybe later? We should go soon so we can get there by lunchtime, donât you think?â
At this, Soobin almost glares at him. âHyung.â
âWhat?â
âWhen was the last time you ate?â
Taehyung rolls his eyes and chuckles. âDoesnât matter. And Iâm not really hungry,â he tells Soobin because that sounds better than /I donât remember./
Heâs not deliberately skipping meals. Itâs just that when heâs stressed, food doesnât really stay in his stomach. Heâd only end up puking everything out, so might as well not eat anything at all. At least, he remembers nibbling on a piece of biscuit Hyejin gave him yesterday.
Soobin still seems worried, however, so Taehyung groans and gives in. âFine,â he mutters, and then he takes a tiny bite of the sandwich. Immediately, his throat tightens as it rejects the food and he also feels his stomach roiling. He pushes the food down with effort. âHappy?â
Soobin tuts. âNot quite, hyung, but Iâll make sure that you eat later when we get to Jungkook-nimâs gym.â
The ride to the gym is tense. Soobin tries to dispel some of the tension by saying whatever comes to his mind,
and so far, heâs told Taehyung about the show heâs been watching on Netflix, that weird food he tried last weekend, that even weirder newbie model in the agency.
Taehyung barely registers any of this because all he hears is the rush of blood in his ears,
the hammering of his heart against his chest. He tries breathing in and out slowly to calm down, but so far, all it does is make his throat feel even more dry. Every now and then, he feels some kind of shiver that runs up and down his whole body.
The last time he felt this nervous, he was preparing to walk his first runway.
When the gym comes into view, he seriously considers jumping off the car. Heâs never been good at confrontations, even more so at confronting any problem that needs to be solved.
This could go a number of ways, and he can only hope that Jungkook would appreciate this gesture and maybe open up a little bit.
One thing he learned from all his years of modeling is that âfake it till you make itâ is a legitimate piece of advice.
So when they finally park the car, he doesnât get out immediately. He spends a few minutes perfecting the smile he needs to wear â it should be a smile that looks easy, looks effortless.
It should be one that does not look like he forced himself to be here and that heâs about to shit his pants. After a couple of tries, he finally finds a smile that does not strain his facial muscles too much.
âReady?â
âIâm not the one trying to woo their husband, hyung.
Iâm just here to watch,â Soobin laughs. His voice comes out shaky, and it tells Taehyung his assistant is just as nervous.
The gym isnât as crowded as Taehyung expected it to be, but thereâs some sort of tension in the air. There are few regulars that Taehyungâs familiar with milling about outside, and when he greets them, they look uneasy.
He doesnât give it much thought because heâs got more important matters to focus on. He lets Soobin open the door as he steps inside.
Itâs Hoseok that they find behind the reception desk, and he looks too surprised and rattled when he sees him. âTaehyung-ah!â he exclaims,
and it sounds more panicked than pleased. âWhat brings you here?â
âUh â â Taehyung tries looking inside, hoping to catch a glimpse of his husband, but within seconds, Hoseok is blocking his way. âUhm â is Jungkook in there? I bought lunch for all of us.â
âOh,â Hoseok breathes out, and now his surprise is mixed with something unfamiliar. He chews on his lower lip and scratches his nape. âOh. I â Tae, I donât think this is a good time.â He looks down, and itâs clear that heâs trying to avoid Taehyungâs eyes.
It only makes Taehyungâs worries flare. Is Jungkook okay? Did something happen? Did he injure himself? Taehyung wants Hoseok to look him in the eye so that he could get some answers. âIs â hyung, is everything okay? What happened? Is Jungkookie okay?â
He feels his panic rising, and a ball of worry starts forming in his chest. He feels like an idiot. A selfish fool. Heâs been too wrapped up in his own worries without even considering how stressed Jungkook must be for his upcoming match.
Now Hoseok wonât even meet his eyes, and Taehyung feels terribly betrayed. âWhere is he, Hoseok-ssi?â
âHeâs inside, but â â
âIâll go see him.â
âTae ââ
Hoseok tries grabbing his arm, but Taehyung easily pries off his grip.
âIâm going to see my husband now, Hoseok-ssi, and I better see him uninjured or I will burn this place to the ground.â
He walks away before Hoseok can even say another word. Heâs running on adrenaline now, his hands shaking as he pushes the door to the training area open.
The place feels familiar, though he doesnât know when he started seeing it that way. Freestanding heavy bags are lined up on one side and on the other are speed balls. In the middle are two boxing rings. One of them is empty. In the other one, thereâs Namjoon and Jungkook.
Fortunately, Jungkook doesnât seem to be injured, but judging how Namjoon and Jungkook glare at each other, itâs also clear that thereâs something going on here.
Taehyung walks towards the ring slowly. Both Namjoon and Jungkook donât notice him yet,
and even though Jungkook has his back towards him, Taehyung can feel the waves of anger radiating off him.
âYou sure?â Taehyung hears Namjoon ask Jungkook. The trainer has his hands in the pockets of his sweatpants, relaxed,
a stark contrast to the tension that coils itself around the entire floor. âCause Iâm not on the losing end here.â
âIâm fucking sure, Joon,â Jungkook snaps back. âAs sure as I am of how useless you fucking are.â
Hearing that, Taehyung doesnât manage to stop the loud gasp that escapes him. He tries covering his mouth with his hand, but itâs too late.
Jungkook whips his head around too quickly that he almost loses his balance, and Taehyungâs head is starting to spin at what he sees.
This isnât his husband. Sure, it wears Jungkookâs face like a mask, but it seems more like a cheap and vile imitation of it.
Gone is Jungkookâs warmth, the child-like innocence in his eyes now replaced by a rabid kind of violence. His breathing is harsh, his chest heaving,
though it cannot be because of his training because his shirt is dry. âWhat â â Jungkook chokes out.
Behind him, Namjoon is chortling like something is funny. âYour husband finally sees your true colors now, I guess. Good luck with that, Jeon.â
With that, he steps off the ring and storms out.
Taehyung barely notices Namjoon leaving, though. Somehow, he canât focus on anything else but the stranger that wears Jungkookâs skin. The stranger looks at him, eyes red and livid.
Taehyung feels the wicker handle of the picnic basket dig into the skin of his palm.
For a while, nothing is said, and itâs only Jungkookâs ragged breathing that cuts through the deafening silence that sits between them.
Eventually, after what feels like an eternity of just the two of them staring at each other, Taehyung finds his voice.
Fake it till you make it, right? He tries smiling at Jungkook to ease the tension. âJung ââ
âWhat the fuck are you doing here?â
âHuh?â Taehyung dumbly asks. Heâs not sure why Jungkook is asking him that because him dropping by unannounced isnât something new. Sure, itâs been a while since heâs dropped by, and sure, things might not be okay between them, but does that mean heâs now unwelcome here?
His head is spinning again. Thereâs a not-so-distant memory that surfaces:
Weeks ago, he vaguely remembers falling asleep on their couch as he waited for Jungkook. He also remembers Jungkookâs voice, gentle yet insistent. He thinks Jungkook was asking him to wake up,
but he canât be sure. He tells Jungkook he missed him because itâs true, he missed his husband terribly. He remembers Jungkook answering him, telling him he missed him, too.
This stranger in front of him doesnât sound like that Jungkook. This one sounds menacing,
like violence incarnate, and for the first time since he met Jungkook, Taehyung feels unsafe.
âI said, what the fuck are you doing here?â This time, Jungkook's voice sounds lower, more threatening. Taehyung can practically feel the pressure building between them.
âI-â Taehyung tries opening his mouth, but the words wonât come out. Theyâre starting to choke him, and their jagged edges dig deep into the tender flesh of his throat. âI â Jungkook-ah, darling â â His desperation hits him like a wave,
and heâs now caught under it, struggling to breathe. His heart feels like itâs about to burst out of his chest. Sweat is starting to form beads on his forehead. âMy darling, whatâs wrong?â
âDonât fucking call me that,â Jungkook snaps,
his voice now loud that it makes Taehyung jump a bit. âGet out. Get the fuck out.â
Taehyung just wants Jungkook to be okay, but he doesnât know whatâs going on, and now everythingâs spinning. âJungkook â â
âI said out!â
Then everything happens too quickly.
Something hits Taehyung in the face, and itâs the shock of it that causes him to fall backward. The floor has foam matting, but it doesnât stop the sharp pain that lances from his tailbone to his entire body. He wants to scream, but for some reason he canât.
He feels weak all of a sudden, like all of his energy is drained out of him. Itâs like heâs floating, like heâs barely there.
There are two things he notices before passing out: thereâs blood on his shirt, and Jungkookâs boxing glove is beside him.
[A/N]: Stopping here for now. As always, your interactions are very much appreciated. See you on the next update!
Dispatch | Today | Top Stories
âTop Model Kim Taehyung rushed to hospitalâ
[enter-talk] Top model Kim Taehyung rushed to emergency room⌠no news from agency
[Top Comments] | [Please log in to join the conversation]
Guest (19 minutes ago): who? lolol
TheoTHKim (18 minutes ago): wtf what happenEd
THVLover (18 minutes ago): NOOOOOOO
THVLover (18 minutes ago): NONONOONO
Prettae (18 minutes ago): shibal whatâs going on GLOSS MODELS sPeak up!
Prettae (18 minutes ago): first baRely any Guestings after he got married now heâs sick cmOn
TheoTHKim (17 minutes ago): Yea no this is so not ok
TheoTHKim (17 minutes ago): not like they should share everything abt tae but the lack of press is concerning
TheoTHKim (16 minutes ago): I dont wanna sound like a conspiracy theorist but⌠you knw⌠since the wedding and all
Taetaetae (16 minutes ago): I WANNA KMS
TeaseTae (15 minutes ago): MY HAERT HURSTS FOR TAEGHYNUGNIE PLSSS
Guest (14 minutes ago): wow poor guy
Taehheeeeehyuunggg (14 minutes ago): âŚ
Taehheeeeehyuunggg (13 minutes ago): donât you guys think that boxer got anything to do with this
Taehheeeeehyuunggg (13 minutes ago): shady aF
Guest (12 minutes ago): kkkkk deserved
Guest (12 minutes ago): this is punishment for the slUt
When Jungkook was eight, he moved out of the Min mansion in Daegu and moved in with his mother in Busan. They lived in a 9 pyeong studio apartment where Jungkook spent most of his time alone because his mother had to work two jobs to make ends meet.
It was a much smaller space than what he was used to. In the Min mansion, his room had its own bathroom. The hallways were wide enough that he could ride a bike through them without hitting anything.
He went on for days without seeing Yoongi or their father even though they were all at home in the evening.
In Busan, when his mom was home with him, there was not a place where he felt himself alone. People might think it was an obvious downgrade of lifestyle,
but to his young mind, it had been the best thing that happened to him.
âIâm glad, Jungkook-ah,â his mother had said. âThank you for not being greedy and choosing to stay with me. Your abeoji â that is a greedy man.
He takes even the things that he doesnât really deserve, and believe me, Kook-ah. Heâs miserable. Donât be like that.â
He took those words to heart. After all, if there was one thing he did not want to be, it was to grow up a miserable and cruel man like his father.
Yet here he is.
"Hi - uhm."
"Ah, Jeon Jungkook-ssi. Good evening."
/Monster./
The nurse introduces herself as Kwang Mina.
There are two other nurses with her, and their wary hesitation is palpable when they give each other silent glances and a couple of nods before Mina stands up and exits the nursesâ station.
"If you follow me, please."
Her face is neutral as she leads Jungkook to an elevator. There's barely anyone here at this hour, and there's a hushed atmosphere about the place, punctuated only by the occasional crackle in the speakers somewhere overhead each time there's an announcement.
The clock behind the nurseâs station earlier showed it's 11:45 PM. Taehyung was rushed to the hospital a little after noon. Now it's way past visiting hours, and Jungkook still doesn't know if he has any right to be here at all.
He lets out a slow exhale.
He pulls his bucket hat lower over his eyes, wears his mask so most of his face is hidden.
/Again./
The elevator dings open and Nurse Kwang Mina lets Jungkook walk in first.
She presses the button to the 7th floor and then leans against the wall close to where the elevator buttons are. Jungkook stands awkwardly in the opposite corner.
"Won't you get in trouble for this?"
She startles, clearly not expecting Jungkook to start any conversation,
but she's quick to school her expression into a trained smile. It looks very professional, the kind that's pure muscle reflex. "For what?"
"I mean - it's past visiting hours and all. And - uh -"
"Ah, no, it's fine. Each patient is allowed one guardian,
and you're his spouse. Kim Seokjin-ssi already explained the situation to us earlier. So, it's good. We won't get into any trouble."
"Ah. That's good, then."
He nods and then averts his gaze. Heâs sure thereâs more to it than that, but he wonât press any further.
Should he send Seokjin a thank you gift? A fruits basket maybe? A bottle of wine? He really should because technically he isn't even allowed to be here. At least, that's what Seokjin told him earlier in a very one-sided phone call:
"Park Jimin is pissed to high heavens, says you're not allowed to come near Taehyung-ssi until they figure out what happened. Taehyung is fine, he's awake, but they're running some tests. I just have to -"
"He awa-"
"Don't interrupt.
Not much time because Jimin's about to tear Hoseok apart. Taehyung-ssi's awake but he's not saying anything. Call you later."
/Monster./
Maybe he shouldn't send that thank you gift after all. Seokjin's a good lawyer, maybe too good,
so now Jungkook's here even though he's not supposed to be anywhere near Taehyung. Even though he himself doesn't want to be anywhere near Taehyung.
But there's no turning back now. It doesn't take long before they reach the 7th floor and the elevator dings open again.
This wing of the hospital is quiet, with only the dull thud thud thudding of his boots cutting through the silence. Kwang Mina is wearing crocs. Figures. Her steps barely make any sound.
/Monster./
He blinks.
There are blood on his hands, sticky and warm and darker where they stain his knuckles. Its metallic tang assaults his nose and all of a sudden he's back in Busan. Minij is cowering behind him as he looks down on her stalker, the man's face beaten to a bloody pulp.
/Again.Monsteryou'vedoneitagain/
"Are you okay, Jeon Jungkook-ssi?"
He blinks again, looks down at his hands, clean and free blood.
/Monstermonsteryoudontknow/
There had been blood on Taehyung. From his nose, down his mouth, down his neck and on the collar of his shirt.
There was blood on the boxing glove that grazed Taehyung on the face.
Where there was heat at the back of Jungkook's neck, making him feel like he was going to implode at any moment, now there's a familiar chill. It is ice spreading,
seeping through his skin because he's done it again and now there's blood on Taehyung's face and it's his fault.
/You don't know your strength./ That's what Namjoon told him before, way back when he was just starting out as a professional athlete.
It was meant as a compliment. It was meant to make Jungkook feel better about himself.
But what Namjoon failed to tell him was that not knowing his strength meant that he can also hurt those who are important to him without meaning to.
Like Minji, who had tried to stop him and ended up with bruises all over her arms, her stomach, her jaw.
"This is nothing, oppa. At least you're not in jail," was what she said. They couldn't prove that the man assaulted Minji.
Given the severity of the man's injuries, it didn't look too good.
In the end it was Min Yoongi who bailed Jungkook out. Somehow he also managed to frame the guy for some other crime, just so he'd end up in jail after he was released from the hospital.
But the damage was done. Jungkook took his time in asking Yoongi's help, so the news was out before they could do anything: pro boxer Jeon Jungkook assaults random civilian.
On the upside, there was no mention of Minji.
Jungkook could handle the bad press, the outlandish rumors. He shrugged it off when people called him murderer. When people first saw him hooking up with Yeongjae at a club and called him a brazen slut, he took it in a stride.
He could even handle owing Min Yoongi his freedom if it meant that Minji was okay.
And for a while Jungkook thought things could be okay. There were no sponsors, but Namjoon allowed him to train. He was thinking of becoming a trainer himself.
As bitter as he had been about abruptly losing his career, he was ready to live as a normal person whose reputation oscillated between dismal and non-existent.
Then Min Yoongi just had to step into the gym at five in the morning and offer him something he's only ever dreamed of.
And now he's here, walking through a brightly lit hospital corridor because he's done it again. He's hurt someone important to him because he's a monster who doesn't know his own strength.
"Ah. Uhm. Yeah I'm fine - I'm - yeah."
Nurse Kwang Mina flashes him another practiced smile, but this time there's a hint of doubt that briefly flashes through her eyes. She nods. "Well, we're here."
There's a brief moment when the hesitation that tugs at Jungkook feels so strong he considers turning and running back. Heâs not sure heâs ready to see the state Taehyung is in.
A kinder part of himself reminds him he never really hurt Taehyung.
It was just a series of events that look connected but not really. Still, the vicious voices are louder.
/youreamonsterjeonnowlookatwhatyouvedone/
But it's too late. The nurse is already pushing the door open, and as Jungkook stays rooted in the spot,
he could hear her quietly saying "Taehyung-ssi? You have a guest."
Despite the lack of any audible response from inside the room, Nurse Kwang steps aside and offers a hushed, "you can enter now."
As soon as Jungkook moves forward, she is already walking down the corridor, brisk in the way nurses are, and Jungkook is left here where he knows he has no right to be.
The room is mostly dark when he steps in, and the only source of light comes from a lamp on the table beside the bed. It casts a dull yellow glow on Taehyung.
That dull yellow light is enough, though. Jungkook can clearly see Taehyung.
Half of the bed is raised, so Taehyung is almost sitting up. He smiles, big and bright, when he sees Jungkook. Extends both arms like he's asking for a hug. As though Jungkook isn't able to crush his feeble frame in his arms.
"Darling husband," Taehyung says, a sense of relief heavy in the way he sounds. "I thought you'd never visit. Was waiting for you."
His face is gaunt, his cheeks hollow, and it only makes his cheekbones more prominent.
He's thin, thinner than when they first met that he almost looks emaciated, and Jungkook can't believe he's just noticing this now.
Malnutrition. It was never Jungkook's fault that Taehyung bled all over the gym floor earlier. Taehyung's just deficient in vitamin k,
along with a slew of other vitamins and minerals and nutrients his body needs to function properly.
It turns out, Taehyung hasn't been eating. And Jungkook never noticed. His guilt tugs at his insides again, hooks onto his ribs and pulls and pulls.
Pulls him to a point in the past - a hotel room in Japan, Tae deep inside him. He just won his comeback match, spilled Peterson's blood on the ring as an offer for Taehyung's affection.
He remembers soaring the highest of the highs. Then he remembers the video.
Remembers realizing Taehyung had been lying this whole time.
He remembers, too, the promise he made â to surrender himself to Taehyung completely. That he's still the one Taehyung comes home to, no matter how many men he sleeps with on the side, he still comes home to Jungkook.
He remembers accepting that as enough.
When did he become so greedy?
He vowed that night to still take care of the part of Taehyung that comes home to him.
Clearly, the men he's been sleeping with, Seojoon included, do not care enough to notice the hollow cheeks, the jutting ribs.
According to what Seokjin told him earlier, Taehyung hasn't had a decent meal for over two weeks,
and they all know he didn't exactly have the healthiest appetite before that.
Taehyung asked him once if they could have pancakes. It feels like a lifetime ago, and Jungkook doesn't even remember if he actually got to making those pancakes for his husband.
Seokjin said over the phone earlier, "The kid - his assistant, yeah, that Soobin kid, yeah. He says all Taehyung had for some days now are a biscuit, maybe some sandwich? A bite, yeah, yeah." Then, in a quieter voice, continues,
"he throws up, Jungkook-ah. Whatever full meal he's eaten, he throws it all up."
Jungkook recalls Taehyung telling him he can't eat when he's stressed, that he can't keep the food down.
Earlier, there had been a picnic basket. Taehyung doesn't eat but he bought Jungkook lunch, and now Jungkook feels like the biggest asshole in the world.
When did he become so greedy?
Heâs gotten so caught up in his own head that heâs forgotten his place in his world.
Taehyung may be cheating on him, and maybe thatâs what monsters like him deserve.
"What's wrong?"
Taehyung is still reaching out to him, even though Jungkook doesnât know if he deserves this.
It irks him somehow, the way Taehyung acts like nothing happened. As though he isnât in the hospital. As though Jungkook did not throw a boxing glove at him earlier, with the intent to hurt, screamed at him to leave when all Taehyung wanted was to have a meal together.
He lets his emotions wash over him â the guilt, the regret, the rage thatâs been abruptly doused with water so now itâs nothing ash and smoke inside his chest cavity. âTae.â
He comes closer. Kneels beside Taehyungâs bed. âTae.â
âDarling. Jungkook â there â chair. Jungkook-ah.â
Jungkook shakes his head no, presses his forehead on Taehyungâs arm, and a shiver runs down his spine when he barely feels any muscle on it. Itâs almost just skin and bones, and somehow, Jungkook could not help but feel like itâs his fault, too.
âJungkook?â Taehyung sounds worried. Heâs kind. Too kind. He could just go around and sleep with other men because he can. Because who would be satisfied being forced into a marriage with a monster like him? No one deserves that fate. Clearly not Taehyung.
âDarling husband, what are you doing?â
Jungkook still doesnât meet Taehyungâs eyes. He keeps his face pressed against Taehyungâs arm because no matter how kind Taehyung is, thereâs still a chance that Jungkook would see regret and disdain in his eyes.
âSorry,â he murmurs instead.
âHm?â
âMy fault.â
Thereâs a rush of breath, then Taehyung trembles. âNo â what? Whatâs your fault? This?â
A nod. By now Taehyungâs arm is wet with Jungkookâs tears. He didnât even notice he was crying.
âJungkook-ah, no.â Itâs unnatural how Taehyung laughs, like the situation now is funny. âThis â oh my goodness, you. You really do have the tendency to blame yourself for everything. Hey, look at me.â Taehyung manages to tug his arm free from Jungkookâs hold.
He uses that hand he just freed to lift Jungkookâs chin. The touch is soft. Too soft. Jungkook thinks it's kinder than anything he will ever deserve.
When Jungkook finally manages to look at Taehyung directly, he feels his breath leaving him.
Because how did he ever get so lucky as to be this manâs husband? Sure, the marriage is a load of bullshit, and sure, maybe Taehyungâs been walking all over his heart lately, but what even gave him the idea that he deserved more?
When did he become so greedy?
âBaby,â Taehyung murmurs. âMy love. I missed you.â This time, itâs Taehyung who pulls Jungkookâs hand and presses the wrist to his lips. âI love you, Jungkook-ah.â
Jungkook doesnât believe it. He shouldnât.
Itâs too much of a good thing and he shouldnât be greedy.
âJungkook-ah. I love you so much.â
Jungkook nods. He doesnât believe it still. He still thinks Taehyung is a good actor, staring at him now with wide, glassy eyes,
and for a moment, Jungkook is so, so tempted to pretend that he means what heâs saying. But he doesnât.
âI love you, too, Tae. So, so much.â And he means it. But in the grand scheme of things, that admission never really mattered.
[A/N:] Eeyy would you look at that? Who said this au doesn't have fluff heh.
By the way just to be clear, I do not endorse any thought process depicted in this au, okay? I've been clear, both of these characters need serious help. Which they will get - uh - probably.
[A/N cont:] Anyway, see you next updates! Heh your interactions are the best. I love reading your qrts, so keep them coming pls. Love you!