A Way To Your Heart - Chapter 26: Chapter 26

The sun should've let its brightness penetrate through the white curtains if not for the dark clouds still blocking its rays. Guess the rain still miss the ground and its touches from the previous night.
So as for someone lying alone on the bed, missing the warmth.
Taehyung tried to return to his sleep since it was way too early than his usual wake up time, but couldn't anymore. Was he disappointed? Was this loneliness a proof of his disappointment? But why tho? When he clearly know the reason why he was left alone in this early morning and there's nothing to be worried about?
He finally got down from his bed, walking towards the window and poked his head out only for his mind to suddenly replay a glimpse of previous night's memory.
It didn't take long for the rain to finally escape through the dark clouds and meet the ground, dancing over it.
But when the raindrops fell on his face, something struck his mind. He shouldn't really care about someone who might probably be drenched under the rain in the middle of the road at the moment. But why did he let his feet quickened the pace of his steps on its own? From running downstairs, then towards the front door, grabbing the umbrella with his hand, till the soles of his room slippers touch the wet coal of the road.
His every steps was so determined to even listen the voice inside his mind asking him what he was doing and why he did that. But every single heartbeat that paced up seemed to encourage his feet to go further until his eyes stuck on the figure afar in front of him, running towards his direction, all drenched in rain, just as he expected.
His feet paused from taking the next step further when the figure finally stood in front of him, the water droplets rolled down from the tips of his umbrella like a curtain between him and the figure but those surprised eyes were still visible clearly.
"Taehyung? What are you doing here?"
He gasped at the voice. It seemed more good along with the sound of rain taping over his umbrella.
What was he doing there? He don't even know himself but he surely felt the sudden heat on his cheeks.
"It's raining."
What was he even saying?
"Yeah I know it's raining. So why are you here? Are you going somewhere?"
"I came because it's raining."
Taehyung saw the other tilting his head. Of course his answer was confusing, even he himself was confused.
"Did you come for me?"
Taehyung flinched when Jungkook took a step closer and bend towards his face. It's annoying that the other grasps too fast.
It's a fact that he came for him but he's too stubborn to admit it directly.
"Why did you go out without umbrella? I even gave up my sweet sleep because of you."
He yelled, frowning his eyebrows but all he get was only chuckles from Jungkook. To be honest, Jungkook never gets angry at him. Not that he want him to get angry but it sometimes annoys him when the other was too nice to him. He was supposed to be a stranger, he was supposed to be bothered by his whines and stubbornness.
"So you came for me right?"
Jungkook smirked.
That's it. That smirk annoys him the most. The face he made when he smirk was too handsome-- wait, what? Handsome?
"I came because if you're caught in rain and get sick, I might have to take care of you and that's troublesome."
What an excuse Taehyung !
"You said you came for me but still using the umbrella for your own? You said it's troublesome but you still let me drenched in the rain till now. What if I catch a cold? Do you want to take care of me that much?"
"Huh?"
That's when he realized they were still standing at the same spot and he was the only one under the umbrella while the other was still standing in the rain.
"Oh. Sorry."
Wow. Can he be more dumb?
He quickly let his umbrella cover Jungkook's head but it didn't take a even a blink of eyes to suddenly pull him closer by an arm. He could still see the smirk on the other's face when the umbrella was taken away from his grip.
"Since you brought only one umbrella, I suggest we should walk closed to each other or else we might get soaked in rain together."
Taehyung's only wish at the moment was not to get caught for his racing heartbeats while being wrapped between the other's arm.
"Do you care for me that much? That you even came out with your room slippers?"
"Do you think I care for you? Never."
"Yeah? Is that why you came out in this cold early morning only in your thin pyjama?"
"I'm not cold."
"Is that so? But your face is red."
"It's not because I'm cold."
"Then are you blushing?"
"What? Hell NO."
"You hair is all messy."
"Don't touch my hair."
"Why? I'm just fixing it for you."
"You don't need to fix it for me."
"Ok but your blush is too obvious."
"I told you I'm not blushing."
"But you look cute tho."
"Shut up."
"I won't. It's so fun teasing you."
"Urgh !"
"Hahaha !"
Even if the sky couldn't see the sparks in their eyes through the umbrella, the rain surely witnessed it while dancing over the moist coal.
‐‐‐
Taehyung waved his hands to his mother when she stood by Jungkook's car. His father will be back from his business trip so she had to go back. Jungkook was too generous to ask her if he could drop her on his way to his office which she readily agreed.
"Why are you making that face? Are you that sad that I'm going?"
Mrs. Kim chuckled looking at his son.
"Don't worry. I'll visit you often. Be good ok?"
Taehyung nodded his head. His mother is going. That's what he wanted the most so that he would be free and don't have to act like a couple with Jungkook. But why he wasn't happy with her going? Is it because he'll miss her? Of course he'll miss her but that didn't seem to be the exact reason for him being upset.
"Baby, I'll be off now. Take care ok?"
A sudden voice behind his ear and the hand that slid to his waist from back, he shivered to the sudden feeling he never knew he wanted. When the soft lips landed a quick peck over his cheeks, he could still feel the gentleness even if it was just for a fraction of second.
That's what he should've realized the reason he had been searching for but he still ignored the part of him wishing if it could've last longer, if those hands linger around his waist for a bit longer.
He just stood there, watching him getting into the car with his mother, then being drove away. But it won't be the same anymore when the car returns.
He breathed out as he sat down on the couch. Shouldn't he feel free now that he was alone? No one will stop him from doing whatever he want. Yeah, that's what supposed to be.
Then something struck his mind. Jimin. Yeah. He need to talk to Jimin. He quickly changed into a gray hoodie and headed to Jimin's house since he knew it won't be a good idea to just talk on the phone only to find out Jimin wasn't home and went for work.
And now, he was standing in front of the Jimin's cafe, looking at his small little friend smiling at his customers while taking their orders.
Yes, Jimin opened his own small cafe, he wasn't from a wealthy family like Taehyung or Yoonji. His father was the only one for him after his parents divorced when he was sixteen. It was hard for him as well as for his unemployed father to run their family. He was young but he took part time jobs to help him until his father get a good job in a small company through a friend of his who was working in the same company. But later, after his graduation, his father remarried to a very kind woman whom he didn't hesitate to call his mother. He could even open his small cafe because of his mother.
Even if he's living well by now, it was during his hard time when he saw Yoongi for the first time playing piano alone in their school music room. His melody helped him calm his wandered mind and wounded soul. That's when he madly fell for the person he knew nothing about except for his pleasing melody and the face with pale skin he saw through the glass window.
Taehyung always heard Jimin talking about a piano guy but he never thought faith would bring them together after they met Yoonji.
As he think about Jungkook's words all over again, that Jimin might still find happiness in Yoongi and might want to see only happiness, he finally got it. He finally realized how much Yoongi would've meant to Jimin.
Yoongi was Jimin's happiness.
Taehyung felt so guilty for not understanding his best friend. He took his steps towards the cafe until his hand could reach the glass door, hoping he could make everything right between them and to say he was sorry.
The smile on the plump lips of his small friend suddenly replaced with a plain expression just when his eyes fell of Taehyung.
"Can we... have a talk Jimin?"
Taehyung asked while fidgeting his fingers nervously.
"I'm working."
That's what Jimin answered. He might really be upset at him.
"Then I'll wait for you."
"It'll be late."
Does he really not want to talk? But he can't back off until he clear his misunderstandings with him.
"It's fine. I can still wait. I don't have anything to do anyway."
Jimin could just let out a sigh, he knew he can never win over his stubborn friend. So that's how they're finally sitting by the corner of the cafe after Jimin let his other workers replace him for some time.
They would normally laugh while cracking jokes, telling stories which none of them with no idea of the endings. But the atmosphere at the moment was different and unfamiliar. None of them spoke a single word maintaining the most awkward silence.
"I... I'm sorry."
It was Taehyung who finally broke the ice.
He was scared of what Jimin might respond, what if he's still upset? What if they don't talk anymore? So he just continued before the other could say anything.
"I.. I know I shouldn't have said those things to you. I should've tried to understand you instead of raising my voice. I'm sorry Jimin. But please don't ignore me, yeah?"
He was about to tear up, his little pout made it more obvious that he was trying not to cry.
Jimin bit his lip, probably trying to hold his tears too. He took a deep breath and held Taehyung's hand making the other look at him.
"It's alright Taehyungie. You don't have to say sorry. You were just caring for me. In fact, I'm sorry too, for getting mad and ignoring you just like that. I'm never going to ignore you again."
Taehyung smiled in between his sniffles. It wasn't that hard to talk it out instead of burying everything inside.
"I miss you."
Jimin smiled when Taehyung said it with a pout.
"I miss you too idiot."
"Why am I idiot today? You're idiot. Not me."
Jimin could just burst into laughter. His best friend was too cute to get mad at for long. So he just ruffled his fluffy hair and spread his arms for his friend who readily gave him a warm hug with a smile.
"Jiminie, will you tell me what happened between you and Yoongi hyung? You never told me and always find excuses everytime I bring this up. I sometimes feel like you're hiding something."
Taehyung asked after they had their little moment.
He wanted to know what exactly happened between them because not knowing anything made him worry for his best friend more.
But it didn't seem to be a good idea asking it at the moment after seeing the look on Jimin's face.
"Taehyungie, It's not like I want to hide anything from you and it's not really a big thing but I want to forget it. We're already in good terms now and I enjoy spending time with him, at least I want to be a good little brother to him. I'll tell you when I get over from it. So please don't push me, yeah?"
"Ok. I get it. I'm never going to ask you about it until you tell me whenever you're ready."
Taehyung let out a relief sigh after Jimin smiled and thanked him for understanding. He thought he almost mess everything up again.
"So... leave about me. How's your handsome husband? Is he treating you well?"
Taehyung cleared his throat when Jimin mentioned about Jungkook. He was happy that Jimin was back to his self who love to tease him but why would he use the word handsome husband?
"Ah... I think I need to go and--"
"Wait wait. Don't ever try to think about running away."
"Jiminie look, you have so many customers. Your workers might need your help."
"No. They can handle it well. I often play with you while they do all the works right? So now--"
"Jiminie they look troubled. Go help them. I won't disturb you anymore. Bye. Let's hang out later."
"Taehyung wait. You can't--"
Jimin just shook his head while laughing. His friend always look so obvious when he get flustered.
He could only wonder if Jungkook notice this side of Taehyung. And if he did, he wonder how he's surviving from the cuteness till now.
‐‐‐
Taehyung was sitting by the edge of his bed while watching Jungkook packing his things. Shouldn't he be practically happy that the other was going back to his own room which means he'll be free to be alone his room? Then why it bothered him so much everytime Jungkook put his each of his clothes inside the bag?
"Want some help?"
He asked but Jungkook just shook his head as a no.
He couldn't even say anything when Jungkook finally stepped out from his room. What probably would he even say? That's how it was from the beginning.
But why everything felt so empty? His closest was no longer filled with black and white clothes. The bed felt so big to lie down alone.
He pulled up the blanket as he stared at the white ceiling. He couldn't sleep. Even the pillow in his arms didn't help him fall asleep anymore. It wasn't warm like someone.
It was already late and still raining outside. The sound of raindrops tapping the glass panels of the window was clearly audible. It reminded him of a certain day when the room used to be filled with warmth.
Then the sound of thunder made its way to his ears. Why do everything keep happening which reminds him of that day?
If Jungkook was with him, would he hug him when it thunders?
He flinched when he heard a knock on his door. Is it Jungkook? Is it okay to get his little hope up?
He quickly got down from his bed and held the doorknob and opened the door after a deep breath revealing a concerned face in front of him.
It was really Jungkook. Did he really come for him? Is he worried?
But why he felt so happy all of a sudden?
"Taehyung, are you alright? It thundered just now. Were you scared?"
He's not scared of the thunder but would he stay if he lie and say he's scared? He had been lying all his life anyway.
So he lied with a nod. But he never regretted lying when two arms suddenly wrapped around him. The gentle pats on his back made him forget all the sins of his lies. He felt so relieved to be in those arms again.
"I'm sorry. I should've stayed with you."
Why was he even smiling at those words? Was he being creepy to even smile at that while the other was worried for him? But he felt so happy.
"Will you be ok? Do you want me to stay here until rain stops?"
What should he say? He want him to stay. But is it really alright to keep lying and fooled the one who was being concerned for him? Will he feel guilty later for making the other worried for nothing? Will be selfish if he asked him to stay?
"No. I'll be fine."
That's the most regretful word he ever said in his life because Jungkook just nodded and already turned away after saying good night, he probably didn't want to push much. But he want him to push more and insist him to stay with him eventhough he denied. He must've really gone insane.
But he wanted to go insane one more time, if that cost him for the other to stay. So there he was, clutching the hem of Jungkook's shirt which made the other turn back again.
"Will you just stay here? I can't sleep."
Jungkook smiled as he ruffled Taehyung's messy hair, dragging him towards the bed and cover them with the blanket.
"I'll stay here till you fall asleep so you won't be uncomfortable with me staying in your room for long. Is that ok?"
What? Uncomfortable? Why? When?
"Who said I'm uncomfortable if you stay here?"
He mentally slapped his mouth for speaking his mind out loud.
"Huh? You don't need to say like that to make me feel comfortable. Fine. I'll stay till morning then and I'll go before you're awake--"
"Why would you always go before I wake up?"
What was he even saying? He must really have gone insane for real.
He saw the surprised look on Jungkook's face, he knew it didn't make sense, but he still wanted to say more.
"Why did you always leave before I woke up? I couldn't even see you when I opened my eyes. I know you go to jog or whatever, but why don't you just wait for me till I wake up? You could've even just woken me up before you leave. It's annoying when you're already gone when I wake up. It's annoying to wake up feeling cold."
Why was he even shedding tears while saying those things?
He hates crying. But why was he even crying now? What's wrong with him? It's not like he's drunk to blabber whatever was in his mind. It's annoying that he cried for such simple things but it's even more annoying that Jungkook was just staring at him. He might probably think he has gone crazy, right?
But he suddenly felt a warmth in his hands only to find Jungkook was holding them and caressing it gently with a smile.
"I'm sorry. I didn't wake you up because I thought you might want to sleep more. I'll stay until you wake up then."
What's this feeling? Those simple words with that smile was enough to bring a glimpse of happiness in him.
"You said you hate crying. So why are you crying now? Are you a cry baby huh?"
Jungkook chuckled as he wiped the tears from Taehyung.
"I'm not."
Taehyung said in between his sniffles.
"Really? But you look like a cry baby tho."
"I said I'm not."
"Ok. You're not a cry baby but you're my baby."
Jungkook ruffled those fluffy long messy hair.
"I'm not your baby."
"You are."
"Don't touch my hair."
"Why? It's so soft."
Taehyung finally stopped fighting back and started tilting his head at the touch like a tempted tiger.
"Don't ever cut you hair ok? You look cute in long hair."
Taehyung smiled as he closed his eyes, too into enjoying the soft touches from Jungkook's fingers that were running through his hair.
"Sleepy?"
Jungkook chuckled when Taehyung nodded with his eyes still closed and snuggled closer to him.
Taehyung heard Jungkook wishing him good night after he turned off the lamp beside the bed and hug him closer.
It was still raining but he couldn't hear it anymore, because his ears were filled with the sound of Jungkook's heartbeat and soft breaths that helped him drift to his sleep.