HEARTBEAT | VKOOK - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

There were numerous of times when Jeongguk found himself stuck.
Whether it was in a conversation— simply not knowing what to respond that wouldn't make him appear like a fool to the other person; or whether it was just his own choices that baffled him, and left him stuck for hours until he finally decided to go with one of them, or sometimes both.
Jeongguk found himself stuck at the times of shock or confusion, frozen in his spot, unable to think of a way to get out of the trouble he'd created for himself. Yet, somehow, he always found a way to slip out of trouble, no matter what it was.
Well, depending on the kind of trouble, that is.
Because, when it came to choosing the best outfit, Jeongguk simply found himself stuck. Stuck with his thoughts and choices, that made him feel stuck— as though frozen on his spot. Unable to decide what to choose for the day.
And Jeongguk regretted not bringing Jimin with him, as he was his only saviour at moments like this. A person of fancy tastes, who loved shopping like it was his hobby. Well, perhaps it was.
Jeongguk never really cared about what to wear so much as he did now. He chose what he found to be the most suitable for him, which was rather easy. Yet now, he found himself stuck. Well, there were times when he got stuck, times like now.
And although he knew he could pull up anything and still look ravishing no matter what he wore, there were times when he got stuck, unable to decide what to wear that fit him the best.
At least not when he had a certain someone in mind, whom he wanted to impress by donning something that complimented him perfectly and matched with his attire, making him appear somewhat attractive. The best outfits that could seemingly peak his interest in him, and perhaps, who knows? He could even be noticed.
All these efforts, only to be noticed by someone who seemingly paid no mind to him, or the things Jeongguk wanted him to notice.
Or perhaps, he did. Who knows?
"Jeon Jeongguk," Jeongguk was then startled beyond belief— snapping his head back at the sound of a voice directed to him. He then met a pair of sharp eyes that stared down at him like a hawk. Eyes that belonged to the man he began thinking of, yet again. The man who slipped into his mind ever so effortlessly.
Kim Taehyung.
"You scared me," Jeongguk then released a deep breath of relief, doe eye dilating at the sight of the man in front him, who merely lifted a brow, lips curved upwards into an amused smirk.
"What are you doing here, Jeongguk?" He had his hands buried into the pockets of his brown pants, that matched with his white button up shirt. Looking stunning as ever. "I suppose, you had to stay back at the office to wrap up the rest of the work, yes?"
"Yes, I know. But it's for tomorrow." A small frown painted on Jeongguk's face as he paused for a brief moment before  meeting the older's gaze again. "And I'm here for the same reason as you, sir."
"You don't need to call me that, we're not at work." Taehyung then pursed his lips, brows creasing together in a frown as he then glanced at his side, at the stack of clothes next to him. "So you're buying gifts for my son, huh?"
"Uhm. . . no. Why'd I do that?" Jeongguk queried, a bit taken aback by his sudden question— which made Taehyung lift a brow, amusement evident on his features.
"Well, that's what I'm here for. Since you said that you're here for the same reason as me." He then slowly moved his gaze to the younger, a sly smirk present onto his lips.
"Wait. . . why? Is it his birthday?"
"No but. . . he simply wanted the toys his friends had, sweets and clothes of course." Taehyung mumbled, lips twitching slightly. "Although he's plenty of them thrown into his closet."
"Well. . . if you're lost, this isn't the kids section though." Jeongguk then glanced around for a brief moment before locking eyes with the older male, lips curling up into a playful smirk, as if he'd suddenly found his long lost confidence again, in front of the older male.
Taehyung simply stared at him for a brief moment, before allowing his gaze to trail over the section of clothes behind Jeongguk— men's clothes, that is. Taehyung then realised that he was in the wrong store, as he hadn't spared a glance at the clothes around him. More like his gaze was solely focused on the younger male since the moment he had spotted him.
And he couldn't help but secretly stalk him. So unlikely of Kim Taehyung.
Taehyung then struggled to find a reasonable excuse, eyes meeting Jeongguk's own scintillating doe orbs. "Well, I can't check out the clothes now?"
"Nobody said so." Jeongguk shrugged, nonchalantly. "Enjoy your time here, Mr. Kim."
Jeongguk then turned to the section of clothes he was previously looking at, seemingly lost between his choices, as he couldn't seem to make up his mind on which one suit him the best. And he had to keep his budget in mind and purchase accordingly, of course. What a bummer.
The distressed look on Jeongguk's face as he went through the various options of fabrics hung on the large stand, didn't go unnoticed by Taehyung who watched him with a subtle smirk plastered on his manly lips. His eyes then flickered between the various colours of fabrics before pausing at a specific shirt.
"Blue suits you, Jeongguk." The aforementioned male then haulted in his movements, a soft frown embedded on his face as he then moved his gaze towards the blue suit that he was previously conflicted with. Jeongguk stared at it for a brief moment, actually considering the older's compliment.
"It does?"
"You look good in anything." Taehyung then met Jeongguk's gaze, "If I say, you're tantalizing, Jeongguk."
The aforementioned male felt his cheeks heat up at the older's words, thin lips agape as he stared at the older male for a brief moment before quickly averting his gaze to the floor. And Jeongguk found himself actually considering Taehyung's choice for him, as it didn't look so bad, and to say that Taehyung chose it for him meant a lot to Jeongguk.
And he came to the conclusion that Taehyung does notice the things he want him to. Which certainly meant that his efforts didn't go to waste like he'd expected. As Taehyung's an observant man, with the eyes of a hawk.
And that made Jeongguk's heart flutter, the thought of him being noticed by someone— who didn't ignore him like everyone else and actually called out to him, made him genuinely happy.
Jeongguk felt rather jubilant around the older male, and his son, although he was uncertain of why. Maybe it was simply because they were fun to be with, as they never seemed to ignore what he truly desired. Perhaps, Taehyung once did, once ignored his existence like he wasn't really there, or simply avoided him due to his hatred towards him.
Perhaps, that hatred that was once built in a mere misunderstanding, had now crumbled to something softer, and Jeongguk might have gotten himself a place in Taehyung's heart and mind. He'd never know. Yet, Jeongguk didn't want to get his hopes up. At least not for something he was uncertain of.
As he feared that they'd be crushed down yet again.
Hope. A strong word, that Jeongguk once believed in as a child. Jeongguk hoped for things to get better, for the cruel reality to change, for it all to be a horrifying nightmare, a mere fragment of his imagination.
Yet, things only turned worse than he'd expected, and slowly crushed his hopes by each passing day. Ripped him apart until he was left with nothing but emptiness. Which led him to disbelief in the four letter word.
And now, Jeongguk feared the word hope, when it came to the chances of Taehyung reciprocating his feelings, as he was afraid of being hurt and torn apart yet again.
Yet, even after everything, Jeongguk couldn't seem cease the feelings blooming in his heart for the aforementioned male.
Which terrified him.
After purchasing all the things he'd chosen, along with the ones Taehyung had helped him choose, the two of them then exited the store, Taehyung seemingly not wanting to leave his side.
"Since we're both here, wanna help me choose the toys?" He lifted a brow, eyes meeting Jeongguk's, who only shot him a perplexed look. "Toys? What—"
Taehyung didn't answer him, rather pulled the younger male into a store full of toys, which baffled Jeongguk for a split second, before it actually registered in his mind. Minjun wanted toys.
"I'm kinda bad at choosing things for my son, so. . . how about this? He likes it, as I know." Taehyung held a superman toy in his hands, looking up at Jeongguk for his opinion, only to see him frown in utter distaste, disapproval written on his face. "He doesn't fancy superman."
This had Taehyung frowning, "Of course he does, what makes you say that?"
"Because I know him." His lips curved upwards into an amused smirk, eyes meeting Taehyung for a brief moment before Jeongguk averted his gaze to the shelf next to him, scanning the various toys placed in front of him.
"He fancies Iron man, just like I do." A pleased smile crept up to his lips as he picked up the miniature Iron man figure. "Or even the colour blocks and puzzles."
"You talk like he's your own son," Taehyung rolled his eyes, placing the toy back to the shelf. "When technically, he's my son and I know him well."
"Didn't you want my help a minute ago, Taehyung?" Jeongguk queried, amusement evident on his face as he eyed the older male, who seemed as though he'd regretted his decision.
"I do, but quit acting like a brat, Jeongguk. It's annoying. You're here to help me, not to make fun me." Taehyung turned away, now scanning the shelf for something different.
"Who says I'm making fun of you? I'm simply stating that I know him more than you."
"I've seen him since he was  practically a month old baby, Jeongguk. It isn't going to work. Because I know him well. And if you don't want to help me, just get lost. I don't need your pathetic help." An exasperated frown embedded on the older's face as he analysed the toys placed on the shelf, before picking up a random one.
"Of course, I'm helping you. But you're simply rejecting my help even if you need it." Jeongguk shrugged, simply trailing behind the older as he strolled ahead, barely glancing at the toys they passed by.
Taehyung then suddenly pivoted on his heels, looking at Jeongguk straight in the eye, that made him freeze in his tracks due to their close proximity. "Because. . . I don't like it. Minjun's never mentioned of Iron man before, like he did for superman. And you say that its your favourite. Let me remind you, we're buying toys for my son, not you. And you're no kid, Jeongguk. Quit acting like one."
Taehyung turned back to looking for the toys, not bothering to spare a glance at the younger male, who was frozen in his tracks and left speechless, doe eyes dilated as he attempted to regain his composure— that he'd lost due to their close proximity, which caused him to be at a loss of words.
Yet, Jeongguk was as equally stubborn as the older male. Hence, he followed after him, quickly catching up with the older who substantially ignored the presence looming behind him. As he paid his utmost focus on getting his son the best of things  that'd make him happy. And perhaps, proud of his dad.
Yet, there was always something that'd successfully manage to distract him.
Jeon Jeongguk.
"Why does it seem like it's your first time buying things for your son? I mean, why are you so confused if you really know him?"
The older male paused for a brief moment, collecting his thoughts as he pulled out a medium sized box. "Usually, I let the guards do whatever he likes. But now, he wants me to buy him gifts and toys. And to my luck, the guard's gone to his hometown for his sick mother." Taehyung muttered, sarcasm dripping from his voice like venom as he whipped his head back to the younger.
"But that doesn't mean I don't know him at all. Because, as a matter of fact, I do know him well, and more than you'll ever do."
"Oh? Then what's his favourite colour, Taehyung?" Jeongguk queried, a smug look imprinted on his face, as he raised his brows in amusement. The aforementioned male pursed his lips, delinquent orbs boredly scanning the store in search for something that could catch his eye.
"Blue." Jeongguk's smirk then widened at his response, "Wrong. It's green, black and red."
"So what? That doesn't mean you know him more than I do." Taehyung then picked up a robotic Iron man figure, scanning it for a brief moment before placing it back on the shelf. "I'm his father, and you're just his friend."
"But I know him more than you. Even if you're his dad." Jeongguk softly snickered, walking by the the shelf as he scanned the items placed neatly in front of him. "That makes me his father too, doesn't it?"
"Shut up. You're not his father. I am, and I know him well." Taehyung grumbled under his breath, an exasperated look etching on his face as he turned to the next shelf. "If you're so confident, tell me what's his favourite movie?"
"Avengers endgame."
"Wrong. Captain Marvel." A smug look embedded on Taehyung's face this time, as he watched Jeongguk frown at his answer. "See, you don't know him."
"What's his favourite game?" Jeongguk shot back, equally infuriated to win this small arguement between them, challenging the older male who merely rose a brow, unamused.
"Mario Kart." Jeongguk chuckled at this, "Overwatch."
This had Taehyung pursing his lips, brows drawing together in a deep frown as he glared at the younger male, "This conversation is getting nowhere."
"Well, then it certainly proves my point that I know him well, even though you're his father and you're supposed to know him better."
Taehyung paused, staring at him silently for a brief moment, before shifting his gaze towards the shelf. "Stupid." Was all he mumbled, incoherently, eyes scanning the shelf as he trudged ahead.
"Fucking dumbshit." Jeongguk mumbled under his breath, which clearly didn't go unnoticed by Taehyung, as he trailed behind him in the slightly crowded store. Which caused a scoff of amusement to emerge from his lips as he averted his gaze.
"Show me respect, darling. Must I remind you that I'm your boss?"  Lips twitching upwards into a mischievous smirk, Taehyung then proceeded to pick up a box of coloured blocks, before stealing a quick glance at the younger male.
Only to see his cheeks flushed in a deep crimson, scintillating doe eyes wide and thin lips agape as he haulted in his steps and stared at the older male. Jeongguk was the first one to look away, unable to hold the eye contact for long, as he found himself at a loss of breath. All due to his heart hammering against his pigeon chest.
Due to Kim Taehyung calling him names.
And that smirk, only caused him to turn a deeper shade of red, the tip of his ears turning red along with his cheeks, that displayed the prominent red scattered on his face. And that's when Taehyung realised that it was the only way to shut him up, which caused his smirk to widen as he eyed the younger male for a brief moment before going back to looking for the best toys.
All the while, Jeongguk stayed silent, not a word being exchanged between the two. Not even when Taehyung asked for his opinion on his choices, as he'd just nod and dismiss the conversation. Hence why Taehyung purchased all the things he had chosen, along with the ones Jeongguk had suggested him. Well— before turning awfully quiet, that is.
"Are you free today?" Taehyung began, once they exited the store and headed to the parking lot.
"I guess." Jeongguk mumbled, uncertainty laced within his tone as he then glanced at the older male next to him. "Why?"
"Let's go somewhere." Taehyung suggested, turning to look at the younger male who haulted in tracks, a baffled look painted on his face. "Where?"
Taehyung simply shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, "Somewhere far. . . just the two of us." He whispered the last sentence, which clearly went unnoticed by the younger male who dropped his gaze to the floor, pursing his lips in thought.
"How far is it?" Jeongguk seemed hesitant, torn between his thoughts that battled within his own mind. His eyes then drifted to the older male's retreating back as he trudged towards his car, proceeding to open the boot of the vehicle, "Its not too far, you don't need to worry about that."
Jeongguk simply stood there, contemplating his thoughts as he  watched the older male for a brief moment, before deciding to follow after him. Helping him stuff everything inside the boot of the black vehicle before eventually settling in.
"Do you know where it is?" Jeongguk queried, curiosity burning deep within his onyx orbs that were fixated on the older male next to him, once he fastened his seatbelt. This had the older male scoffing slightly in utter amusement as he started the engine and drove out of the perimeter.
"Of course I do. You're worrying too much, Jeongguk."
A tense silence then lingered between the two of them, once Jeongguk turned to look out of the window, not bothering to say anything further. The only sound being the soft vibrations of the engine, that enhanced the tension between the two of them.
Although the silence bothered the older male, he simply couldn't find a way to initiate a conversation without making things awkward between them. As Jeongguk would simply stop answering out of nowhere, which was slightly frustrating, yet perplexing for Taehyung. It was as  though, he was attempting to avoid something. And perhaps, that something could be him.
"What's wrong, Jeongguk?" The awfully tense silence was then disrupted by a deep voice, that brought Jeongguk out of his thoughts. As he then tore his gaze away from the window and laid his eyes on the older male. However, averting his gaze almost instantly.
"Nothing's wrong. Why're you asking?"
"You're awfully silent." Taehyung stated, taking a quick glance at Jeongguk for a brief moment before averting his gaze ahead, to the road. "Something's on your mind."
Jeongguk pursed his lips at this, dropping his gaze down to his lap as he fiddled with the hem of his shirt. Unable to decide where to begin, as his thoughts were a mess— scattered all around his mind in pieces. And when it came to speaking up about his thoughts to the older male, Jeongguk seemed to be at a loss of words, as though the words he had planned to say in his mind simply vanished whenever he'd look at the older male.
As at that simple moment, nothing else seemed to matter to him. No words were enough to describe Taehyung as how he saw him, and how perfectly imperfect Kim Taehyung was. Jeongguk's mind would turn blank whenever he'd attempt to voice out his thoughts to the older male. As at the moment, his thoughts were all about how truly ethereal and marvelling Taehyung was. And Jeongguk didn't know how he was supposed to tell that to him.
As of course, it'd weird him out. And perhaps, make things awkward between them.
Clearing his throat, Jeongguk then pursed his lips for a brief moment, eyes fixated on his lap as his fingers twirled with a loose thread of his ripped jeans. "I'm thinking of Minjun. Where is he?"
"Oh? You miss him, huh?" Taehyung chuckled, a slight scoff emerging from his lips as he glanced at the younger male next to him for a brief second before turning to the road. "He's with Hoseok hyung and Jin hyung."
"Wasn't he supposed to be at the station for his shift?" Jeongguk queried, a soft frown appearing on his face as he then glanced at the older male, merely quirking up a brow.
"Well, he kinda felt sick so Yoongi hyung sent him off and took over his shift for the day."
"Oh," Jeongguk paused briefly, before turning to face the window again, only to realise that they were amidst nowhere, surrounded by colossal green trees and long endless roads without a turn. Which baffled Jeongguk, as now they were quite far away from their city, perhaps somewhere beyond Jeongguk's utter expectations.
"Where are we going, Taehyung?"
"Its a surprise." The older male's  lips twitched upwards into a smirk, eyes never leaving the road as he spoke to the younger. "You'll see."
"B-But we're so far away from the city." Jeongguk turned to the brunette, thin lips agape and scintillating doe eyes full of curiosity and fear, with an ounce of anticipation lingering within his onyx orbs. A sigh then emerged from the older's lips, pursing them afterwards as he thought for a possible answer that wouldn't ruin his plans.
"Don't you fret, I'll drop you off later."
"Honestly, it would've been better if Jun was here. At least he could entertain me." An exasperated look then etched on his features as he leaned back in his seat, boredly gazing ahead at the long endless road they've been on for who knows how long.
"You say I can't do that?" Brows drawing to a disappointed frown, Taehyung averted his gaze to the younger male for a brief second before turning to the road, balancing the steering wheel effortlessly. "I'm better than him."
A scoff emerged from Jeongguk's lips as he rolled his eyes playfully at the older's words. "You? You're just a grumpy old dude who happens to be my boss, simply ordering me around only for your needs. You can't entertain anyone."
"You haven't seen that side of me yet, darling. So don't talk like you know me. You'll be surprised if I showed you." His lips curved into a sly smirk, eyes never wavering from the road. "And even flustered if I say."
"Why'd I be flustered?" Jeongguk attempted to substantially ignore the blush spreading across his cheeks due to the male's words. And his deep voice that dropped an octave low, whenever a mischievous grin crept up to his lips. As he was, unfortunately, right. Jeongguk was indeed a  flustered mess just by his mere words and stares, that were enough to set his heart on fire, and take his breath away in a glance.
"Who knows? Could be. . due to a lot of reasons. Could be that you're in love with me too." Taehyung quirked up an amused brow, the sly smirk still present on his face as he took a glance at the younger male to study his reaction.
Which was, in fact, surprising.
Since Jeongguk had turned crimson at his words, the blush spreading across his cheeks quite evident even as he kept his head low, in hopes of avoiding the older's gaze. Doe eyes dilating and lips agape as he gazed down at his lap, unable to meet Taehyung's eyes.
Jeongguk wondered, how did he know? Was he too obvious or too easy to read? Even whilst he attempted to hide his feelings and pretend like he wasn't actually falling for the male. When in reality, he was. It perhaps, he's already fallen for the older.
He just didn't wish to acknowledge it.
"W-What are you saying, Taehyung?" Jeongguk attempted to compose himself, and seem confident, although his heart was drumming in his chest, the blush deepening on his cheeks although he attempted to resist. At this point, he clearly knew that he was being obvious, and there's no denying it.
"See, you're flustered." A deep chuckle rumbled out of his throat as he fixated his gaze on the road. "And I was kidding, dummy."
"Don't tell me that you're really in love with me." Taehyung then lifted a brow, gazing at the younger male who simply stayed silent, fiddling with his fingers on his lap.
"I'm not, don't worry." Jeongguk mumbled, the hint of melancholy laced within his tone, eyes saddening as he gazed down at his lap, clearly lost within his ocean of thoughts. The sudden change of mood didn't go unnoticed by the older male, which had him frowning slightly, yet he didn't question it.
As he was too, battling his own thoughts. Contemplating his decisions and wondering of the outcome of every action taken. As every action had its own consequences. Good or bad, depending on their perspectives. No one knows until they truly make a move for it.
"We're here." The car then haulted to a stop, Taehyung removing his seatbelt and trudging out of the car soon after. He then proceeded to help Jeongguk by holding the door out for him. As the younger male ambled out, stepping onto the hard grassy pavement underneath his black boots.
"Where are we?" The ivory skin between his brows creased to a soft frown as he took in his surroundings. Giant colossal trees towering over them on either sides of the slightly wide and grassy road. It seemed as though they were in the middle of nowhere, stuck amidst a forest with no possible end. And  Jeongguk was truly baffled as to why Taehyung would bring him to a forest.
Well, that was until Taehyung grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers together, pulling Jeongguk with him as they strolled through the absolutely vacant and eerie road. His doe eyes then widened at the sight of their interlocked hands, which caused the warm blush to appear back on his cheeks. Heart fluttering at the feeling of his large hands on his own, the warmth of his palm spreading on his own cold ones.
They passed by the same trees they'd seen quite a few times. Well, all of them seemed the same to Jeongguk, who became bored of the sight of giant trunks. Soft beams of sun attemtping to peak through the leaves and branches of the trees towering over them, as they sauntered ahead to somewhere unknown.
However, his eyes then lit up at the sight of an opening, where the sight of a large lake came into his view, once they stepped onto the grassy pavement, that is. Taehyung then pulled him towards the large lake, glistening under the soft rays of sun, concealed by the puffs of clouds wandering in the sky.
The view was truly breathtaking for Jeongguk, who was blown by the mesmerising sight of the large and brilliantly blue lake. Surrounded by trees towering over it at the far distance, yet clear enough for the eyes to see.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" The older's deep voice had then brought him out of his daze, as he then met the older's gaze for a brief moment,  before averting his gaze to the lake. His lips then curled upwards to a fond smile, "Of course, it's truly beautiful."
"I found this place two years ago, when I just. . . needed a break from everything." He paused, squinting his eyes slightly as he gazed at the bright blue lake. "This place just makes me feel at ease, I don't know why. This place. . . reminds me of her somehow, her presence was just as calming as this place."
"I wished to bring her here when I first saw this place, but unfortunately, she was gone." Jeongguk then turned to the older male, gazing at his side profile— substantially ignoring all that he was blabbing about. As Jeongguk got lost in his stunning features. That seemed absolutely flawless. All due to his sharp jaw, smooth slope of his nose, plump manly lips that seemed almost kissable to Jeongguk who gazed at them longingly.
Kim Taehyung was undeniably perfect.
This had Jeongguk wondering, whether his lips would taste like almond and honey, so soft and moist. And the mere thought of having Taehyung's lips pressed against his own was enough to make his heart pound vigorously against his chest. And Jeongguk didn't know how long he'd been staring at the older's lips. Yet, he couldn't seem to remove his eyes from the older male.
And that's when the realisation struck him hard, like a truck. Jeongguk had already fallen for the older male.
"Jeongguk?" A soft gasp then emerged from his thin lips, eyes flickering up to Taehyung's own delinquent orbs, with his heart hammering vigorously against his chest. A soft hue of pink then dusted his round cheeks, eyes dropping to the male's lips as he couldn't seem to refrain himself from gazing at them longingly.
To feel his lips on his own.
"What's on your mind?" A frown embedded on the older's face as he gazed down at the younger male, who immidiately looked up at him, as though startled and distracted by his own thoughts.
"I— uh. . . no, I-I was just. . . wondering how you found this place. I-It's truly awesome!" He stammered over his words, unable to think of a possible answer, and immidiately regretting it as he made himself appear like a fool in front of the older male.
"What? Uh. . . haven't I told you about it just a minute ago?" Taehyung was absolutely baffled by the younger's rambling, it's as though he couldn't seem to focus on his thoughts, or as if he paid no attention to whatever he had said a few minutes ago.
"Oh? Y-You did? I-I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. I guess. . I spaced out." He muttered sheepishly, scratching the nape of his neck awkwardly as he dropped his gaze down to the grassy pavement.
How foolish of him. Truly embarrassing to stutter like a fool in front of your crush.
But Jeongguk knew that it wasn't just a mere crush. It had something more to it. Something he had longed to have for years, all his life. And now, he was uncertain whether he'd get it, or whether he'd be broken again.
"W-Why did you bring me here though?" The younger male softly queried, now meeting the older's sharp, piercing gaze. And Jeongguk found himself slipping yet again, now getting lost in his obsidian eyes, the darkness consuming him almost entirely.
His eyes held a depth. A story untold to the world. And Jeongguk craved to know that story. The deepest secrets of him, that shaped him into the man he is today.
"I feel like you needed it. To get your mind off something that's been bothering you. . I'm not sure of what it is, and I wouldn't force you to tell me about it either." Taehyung then turned to sight afront him, a fond look appearing in his eyes as he gazed at the bright blue water that glistened under the sun.
It's you. A voice in Jeongguk's mind whispered, almost eerily to him as he gazed down at the ground, lost in his ocean of a mind. You're my problem, don't you realise it?
"I'm okay. It's just. . . I'm heavily exhausted from all the work you've assigned me to do." Jeongguk sighed, before turning to gaze ahead of him, at the mesmerising sight of the calm and tranquil lake.
"I'll try to make it easy for you then, I guess." Taehyung mumbled, almost inaudibly. And Jeongguk would've almost missed it if it weren't for the tranquil and awfully silent atmopshere embracing them like a blanket. The corners of his lips then stretched into a sweet smile at the older's words.
The ravenette whispered a quiet 'thank you' to the older male, who simply nodded in response, "No problem. Although I could've done this a long time ago. I guess. . you could say, I didn't fancy you back then."
"Do you now?" Jeongguk then looked up at the older male, bright doe eyes meeting his own delinquent orbs. Taehyung simply threw him a baffled glance, "I do what now?"
"Do you like me, Kim Taehyung?" The glint of hope swirling within his onyx orbs didn't go unnoticed by the older male, who now became perplexed of his conclusions. Yet, Taehyung didn't show it to the younger male.
"I do. I must say you're a great companion. No wonder Jimin chose to be your friend on the first place. You're a nice guy, Jeongguk. And I'm happy to have you as my friend." Taehyung flashed him a small smile, that seemed a bit forced to Jeongguk, dropped his gaze to the floor, a crestfallen look painted on his face.
Jeongguk then too, forced a smile, despite his heart tearing apart at every word he had uttered, that he truly never meant. "I'm glad to be your friend too, Taehyung."
A lie. Jeongguk had to lie in his face. In order to convince the older male and himself, that he too, had no feelings for him. That he too, saw him as a friend. As he knew, how observant Taehyung was. And he feared to be pushed away.
It hurt. Of course, it tore him apart, made him feel like a hypocrite. A fucking liar. But even as he thought of it, it'd hurt him more if Taehyung were to push him away, and cut off all connections with him, going back to being strangers, like they were.
Yet, no matter how hard he attempted to deny it, the bitter truth would simply never change.
Jeongguk was in love.
With someone who didn't look at him the same way as he did. Who only thought of him as a mere friend.
Or perhaps, not.