HEARTBEAT | VKOOK - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

A groan of agony left his thin pink lips, squinting his eyes at the bright light that fell over his face and illuminated his features. He turned to bury his face in a pillow to avoid the bright rays of sun that streamed into the room through the window.
Jimin stood by the door with his arms crossed, quirking up a brow as he watched the male groan and roll around on his bed with a frown, attempting to get comfortable.
Rolling his eyes, he walked over to the bed and yanked the blanket from the younger, who simply whined and turned to the other side of the bed, throwing his arms and legs around a pillow next to him as he snuggled into his own.
"Oh my fucking god, Jeon Jeongguk! Wake the fuck up! It's noon already!" Jimin yelled, abruptly nudging the boy's arm in a futile attempt to wake him up. The younger simply ignored him and drowned out the noises around him, focusing on the sweet dreams in his mind as a subconscious smile made it's way to his lips.
Jimin huffed in annoyance and placed his hands on his hips, face pulled into a frown as he contemplated his thoughts. His eyes flickered down to the boy who subconsciously smiled in his sleep and snuggled closer to the pillow in his arms before rolling his eyes and walking away, knowing that it wasn't going to work.
Moments later, he came back with a bucket of water, a wide smirk spreading on his lips as he scurried to the boy, smiling devilishly before holding up the bucket over the younger, tilting it a little as he allowed the ice cold water to pour down on him.
Jeongguk flinched and gasped, startling awake as he immidiately sat up in his bed, shivers running down his spine as goosebumps rising on his skin, making the boy snap his head towards the older who broke into a fit of laughter. The boy shut his eyes and breathed heavily, attempting to recover from the sudden shock that almost gave him a heart attack.
"Hyung! Why'd you do that?" Jeongguk yelled, chest heaving up and down as he attempted to catch his breath, eyes blown up and glaring daggers at the male who struggled to pull himself together as he laughed uncontrollably.
Seconds later, the laughter died down as he spoke, "It's noon already, Jeonggukie. Get up now, eat something and then we'll head out." Jimin smiled softly, eyes curling up into small crescents as he looked at boy.
Jeongguk's frown crumbled to a look of confusion as he stared the blonde quizzically, tilting his head to the side. His voice came out raspy as he'd just woken up from his slumber, "Where?"
The older shrugged nonchalantly, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke, "We'll hang out the whole day today! Anywhere you'd like. It's been a while since we've hung out anyway. And there's nothing holding you back anymore!"
Jeongguk pondered over it for a while before a smile gradually made it's way to his lips, followed by a soft nod as his eyes met the older, "Sounds great."
"Alright. Change your shirt and come downstairs. I'm waiting." Jimin turned his heels and walked out of his room, closing the door behind him. The younger sighed, scratching the back of his neck before rolling to the edge of the bed and dropping his feet over his slippers. Jeongguk rose from his bed and reluctantly made his way to the bathroom to freshen up.
Once he changed into an oversized black T-shirt paired with grey sweat pants, he scuttled out of the room and made his way down the wooden staircase, eyes falling over a short figure with his back facing him as he prepared the brunch.
A smile spread on his lips, eyes disappearing and curling into crescents at the sight of Jeongguk walking over to the dining table and taking a seat, watching the older with curious eyes as he placed the plates of food in front of Jeongguk and for himself.
"Wait, I'll come in a bit," Jimin excused himself and rushed towards the direction of the staircase, disappearing up the stairs.
Jeongguk watched his retreating back disappear up the stairs before turning to the pancakes in front of him. He began digging in, munching happily on the pancakes and moaning in delight at the delicious flavours bursting in his mouth.
It had been long since he last ate something properly, and Jeongguk vaguely remembers the last time he ate something so delicious. The last time his mother cooked for him. He could barely cook properly, and had to stick to a sandwich and a glass of milk.
Jeongguk loved being taken care of, being fed and praised all day. Unfortunately, he had never gotten what he wanted, which made his heart all fuzzy knowing that Jimin had prepared something for him. Knowing that someone cared about him.
Jeongguk's thoughts were interrupted by a loud buzzing noise resonating in the large framed room, directing from the kitchen counter. His eyes fell over the phone that buzzed away on the counter, indicating that someone was calling the older.
Jeongguk looked around, mouth stuffed with food, attempting to find the older who seemed to be nowhere in sight. The phone continued to buzz away, alerting the younger as he grew concerned over the fact that it could be an emergency.
Swallowing down the food, he slowly rose up from his seat and walked over to the kitchen counter, peeking over the screen that flashed the name of the person.
'Taehyungie'
Jeongguk narrowed his eyes at the name, which seemed somewhat familiar to him. His eyes widened once a certain memory crossed his mind— the day he was accused of kidnapping a rich brat's son. Taehyung. Kim Taehyung. The CEO.
"Jeonggukie?" Jimin called out, his small frame appearing from the staircase as he skipped down the flight of stairs with a bunch of papers in his hand. "I got the—"
Jimin cut himself off upon hearing the buzzing of his phone sitting on the kitchen counter along with Jeongguk who stood next to it, eyes looking up at the older who walked down the stairs.
The older strode towards the counter and picked up his phone, swiping the green button as he pressed the device to his ear. "Hello?"
"Ah, alright. Yeah, it's done. I'll see you later, bye." Jimin hung up the call shortly before slipping the device into his pocket and looking up at the younger who shot him a baffled look.
"What happened, gguk?" The older frowned, tilting his head to the side as he examined the younger.
Jeongguk snapped out of his thoughts and looked up at the older with his big doe eyes that could melt anyone instantly. Jeongguk hesitated, averting his gaze and contemplating his thoughts before shaking his head, "Nothing."
Maybe it's not him, there could be many people with the same name anyway, or is it?
Taehyung sighed once he stood in front of the cafè his friend owned. Lifting his hand, he reached for the door and pushed it open, entering the establishment and immidiately being greeted by the fresh smell of coffee and bread. His eyes scanned the area with a stoic expression before walking over to the furthest table beside a window, settling down and gazing out at the view of the streets.
Moments later, a waiter came over to him, taking his orders before leaving him alone to dwell in his own thoughts. That's until the owner of the cafè skipped towards him with a bright smile etched on his face, unnoticed by the younger who kept gazing out the window with a bored look.
"Hey Taehyung," Jin took a seat in front of him, catching his attention as he averted his gaze from the window and looked at the male, nodding softly. "I'm glad you decided to meet me after so long. How've you been?"
"As usual. I've been. . .busy. I'm sorry I cut you guys off for the past few months. I-I was really pressurized." He mumbled, looking up at Jin apologetically, who paused before nodding in agreement, knowing very well about the boy's condition.
"It's okay. We know you need time. . .we're not gonna pressurize for anything but if you need us, we're here for you." Jin muttered softly, eyeing the boy with a calm expression. Taehyung gulped down the lump that constricted his throat and nodded, eyes refusing to meet the older's.
"So how's it going with the company?" Jin started, attempting to make a conversation with the younger who seemed closed off and distant from the past few months.
"It's. . .great I guess? I've been stressed lately with all the work and my dad bugging me all day." Taehyung mumbled, a pissed look appearing on his flawless face as he averted his gaze out of the window, glaring at no one in particular but his own father in his head.
"Well, I don't know what to say about that, honestly. It's been five years and I think you need to move on. But it's up to you to make up your mind. I won't pressurize you about marrying some girl but. . .just follow your heart. Maybe you'll find the one for you soon." Jin shrugged, drumming his fingers over the sleek surface of the table as he rose his eyes to look at the younger who pursed his lips, deep in thought.
"I'm tired of explaining the same thing to everyone, hyung. I'm tired of listening to the same thing over again." Taehyung simply avoided the older's eyes and gazed out of the window, not wanting to face the disappointment of his friend although he knew, almost everyone was disappointed and frustrated at how he chose to live a plain life and raise a kid all alone.
Well, he was doing a pretty bad job at raising the kid anyway. And knowing it all, he refused to marry anyone, refused to replace his first love with someone new so easily. He did hire babysitters, but they quit immidiately after a day with his kid, for he's a damn troublemaker and way different from other kids.
"It's for the best though. We want to see you happy. It's been five years, Tae. I hope you'll make up your mind." Jin pursed his lips and reached up to pat the younger's shoulder lightly before allowing his hand to rest over the table.
A moment of silence settled between the two, with Taehyung looking out of the window and Jin pondering over his thoughts as he watched the boy. The older of the two took a deep breath, eyes scanning around the cafè before turning to look at the younger. "I don't know if you're up for it, but there's a party tomorrow at my house. I'd be glad if you join us, it's been a while since we hung out together anyway."
"Ah, Jiminie told me about that. I don't know though. I did change the schedule for tomorrow but— I don't want to leave Minjun alone." Taehyung bit down on his lower lip in distress, glancing up at the older who shrugged his shoulders.
"You could bring him too. I don't mind. I'd love to have some fun with the kid and I'm sure Joonie will like it too."
"I don't want him to trouble you guys." His shoulders slumped down as anxiety piled up at the pit of his stomach. His son was a really bratty child and a troublesome kid nobody wants. His parents never allowed the kid to their mansion and he never cared either. He'd be fine as long as he doesn't have to face his dad again.
"What the hell are you saying? Bitch, He's a sweetheart! He never troubles us. I miss the kid so damn much and you better bring him tomorrow," Jin glared playfully at the younger, who chuckled nervously and scratched the nape of his neck, nodding softly.
"He is a troublemaker. He almost left with a guy some days ago and it was all over the media. People accused me for not being able to take care of him." Taehyung rolled his eyes.
"Oh yeah, I saw that. But it's said to be a kidnapping. I almost got a heart attack when Hoseok said that he was trying to escape his own house." Jin chuckled, holding his hand over his lips as he leaned back a little.
"Well, technically, Minjun was being a dumbass when he decided to go out with a random dude. But the guy was a dumbass too. He could've just avoided him and went on with his life but no, he had to fucking take him out and my damn butler was busy on the phone to even give a fuck about it. I almost lost my kid!" Taehyung huffed, shaking his head in disappointment as he scrunched his brows in irritation.
"Hey hey, take it easy. Your kid's fine now. And there must have been a reason for it. Minjun is a smart kid. He wouldn't just simply run off with anyone, most likely a stranger."
"The workers were abusing him when I was gone. He tried to tell me but I just shrugged him off. Then he threatened the maids to take him out and that's when it all happened," Taehyung dropped his gaze to the table, brown orbs swirling with sadness and distress, mixed with a hint of frustration over his own self.
"No wonder." The older sighed, shaking his head in slight disappointment as he averted his gaze and looked out of the window next to him, interlacing his fingers over the table.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Taehyung." The older stated grimly, eyes flickering over to the boy facing him with a clueless expression. Taehyung looked down at his hands over his lap, fiddling with his fingers as he nodded hesitantly.
"I don't know what to do, hyung. I did hire a babysitter but he was a bad influence on him and I don't want it to happen again." Taehyung stated, looking up at the older who frowned at the younger's words.
"I could take care of him. Why'd you need a babysitter?"
"You're always here and. . . Namjoon hyung is always busy. He's barely ever home anyway." Taehyung shrugged nonchalantly, lifting up his cup of coffee that had arrived a few minutes ago.
"Well— he's a Lawyer, what do you expect?" Jin sighed, leaning back in his seat. "But I could take care of him you know. He loves it here."
"I don't want to trouble you, hyung. You've a cafè to manage. I just need a someone to handle my kid when I'm gone." Taehyung placed his cup down on the table and massaged his forehead with his slender fingers. "I can't take him to my office either, he'll mess up everything and distract the workers."
"Raising a kid alone isn't easy." Jin commented thoughtfully. "Is there anyone he's comfortable with? Besides us?" He queried, eyes narrowing as he titled his head and stared at the younger.
"He doesn't even make friends! He's never okay with anyone." Taehyung mumbled, creasing his brows in utter frustration. "He messes up everything, and only ever brings trouble with him."
"There's someone though." Taehyung paused, collecting his thoughts for a brief moment. "Minjun's obsessed with a guy. The guy who was accused of kidnapping my son. But— how am I supposed to find him now? He's gone."
"Find him, maybe he's the only one who can tame your son." Jin stated, amusement laced in his voice as a look of astonishment embedded over his handsome features.