Neighbor|Taekook - Chapter 11: Chapter 11

The cable car was already closed, so they had decided to walk down the hill on foot. Jungkook was still processing the events, as they were walking side by side in silence. The ambience of the city was mixing with the sound of their steps on the trail and their breathing. They were completely alone in the night, illuminated by the lamps lining the Namsan park trail.
This is too much... I have no idea... Why did he do all of this? He... he kissed me on the cheek... prepared a small cake... and then that padlock... I was expecting a walk through the city, perhaps a drink at best... But not this... It's really too much... he shouldn't have done that... Who am I lying to, I loved everything, I've never felt this special.... He has no reason to be doing this, though... I don't think I can pay him back. A gust of strong wind hit them, and Jungkook was glad, that Taehyung instructed him to wear warm clothes. I need some answers, I'm lost here, I need to hear truth, everyone is so secretive... it's like I'm being played here...
"Can I ask you something, hyung?" Jungkook broke the silence.
"Sure," Taehyung smiled at him.
"Do you... do you normally kiss like that? I mean... on the cheek?" I...I mean your friends?"Jungkook stuttered, his face burning up. He was wishing there were at least few people on the trail, because just two of them was making the atmosphere really awkward.
"Is there anything wrong with that?"
I don't know... maybe that guys don't do things like that?! And maybe, that I have my personal space and you just invaded it?!
"It's... a bit weird..."
"Did you hate it?"
Did I? I had no time to question that... I suppose... I... kinda liked it... but it still weirded me out...
"No, but I... it's just weird..."
"I won't do it again, don't worry... I guess I'm like that...you know touchy-feely with people. But it won't happen again, I promise."
Jungkook had nothing else to say... Maybe I would want you to do that again...
"I got carried away,"he added, his eyes sad.
Taehyung pulled out of his pocket a hot pack and stopped. He reached for the lapel of the jacket Jungkook was wearing and put the pack in the inside pocket.
"How much stuff do you carry in your pockets?" Jungkook giggled. "I had no idea, there's a pocket on the inside of this jacket," he was thankful for the heat spreading through his chest.
"I obviously know, because it's MY jacket," Taehyung looked at him annoyed.
"I'll return it to you, don't worry," Jungkook said, disappointed to have to let the jacket go.
"Do you like it?"
"A lot. It smells like you," it slipped out of his mouth.
Taehyung looked him in the eye and smiled," is that a good thing?"
Shit! Why do I not think, before I speak?!
"It's... it's a nice smell, I suppose...," Jungkook tried to brush it off.
"You can keep it," Taehyung patted him on the shoulder.
They had reached a clearing, where the city revealed itself behind the trees.
"Wow, that's so beautiful," for the first time, Jungkook was really appreciating the view of Seoul.
"I knew you'd like it."
"Why do all of this, hyung? So much effort... for a nobody like me?"
Taehyung facing the view answered,"if I can make you happy, then that's all that matters. I've hurt way too many people in my life, I don't want to do that anymore..."
"Yet it seems like it's exactly where I'm heading... hurting more people... I guess I'm cursed... for being born this way..."
Jungkook listened closely, he wasn't sure, what Taehyung was talking about, but didn't want to interrupt this moment. A moment, when Taehyung was opening up a little, something which Jungkook thought was impossible. And in this moment Taehyung looked so beautiful, so vulnerable and pure... Something changed inside of Jungkook, something deep within him and he knew that it will stay that way forever. He wanted nothing else, but to make sure, that his hyung wasn't sad anymore, to see him smile and be happy. He wanted to hug him and tell him how much he cares... How much he means to him and how fast his heart was beating, only because of him.
"I am so sorry... I try to... be different... and never hurt anyone... It doesn't work... I am so sorry Jungkookie... people around me only get hurt, that's why it's better for me to avoid having friends, I dragged you into this... and I fucking can't go back, I'm going crazy..." Taehyung voice was breaking, he was gasping for air.
Is he crying?
"You can hurt me any way you want, hyung. Punch me, kick me, step on my face, rip my heart out... I... I'll recover to stand back by your side, no matter what," it was Jungkook who was crying.
"Pabo, why are you crying?" Taehyung turned to face him. "Why say those words?"
"No matter what you say... if you push me away," he sobbed," I won't give up... I'll do anything to make you smile, hyung..." he wrapped his arms around Taehyung and buried his head on his chest.
Taehyung wiped Jungkook's soft cheek with his thumb and squeezed him tightly. "I've never seen a Busan man cry so much," he laughed.
"Shut up, hyung!"
Taehyung laughed again, his voice sounding even deeper in Jungkook's ear. His chest was so warm and he could heart the strong beat of his heart.
"Hyung? How much do you know about Busan men?
Taehyung sighed," quite a lot."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
I wonder... does he know many people from Busan?
"You made my sweater wet, Jungkookie, so stop crying."
"I'm pouring my heart out here, why do you have to be so insensitive?"
"Well, wasn't it you, who told me to stop treating you like a baby?"
"I don't care anymore... I'm clearly a baby... Always needing to be comforted by someone, having someone to wipe my tears, being needy and all of that..."
"I don't mind doing those things."
"You are right, hyung... you are going crazy... But, that's fine with me."
Another laugh rumbled through Taehyung's chest and he ruffled Jungkook's hair. He grabbed Jungkook's arms and freed himself from his grip. "We still have a long way to go, better get going."
He is so turbulent... hot and cold... caring and nice... manly and aloof...One minute he teases me and jokes, next minute he's so serious, then opens up about things and gets emotional, he's a mystery... I don't know what to think anymore...
"What is your blood type?" Jungkook asked.
"AB"
That explains it...
"Yours?"
"A"
"Hmm, we are quite compatible," Taehyung poked him and grinned.
Jungkook didn't need the hot pack to warm him up anymore. Every time Taehyung would say something suggestive, he would get flushed by a wave of heat.
"How do you know? Have you ever dated someone with A blood type?"
"There was one special person..."
"Are you going back to Busan on Chuseok?" Taehyung changed the topic.
"Huh?"
"There's school only on Monday."
"I totally forgot about it."
"You really must have a lot on your mind..."
You have no idea... "Oh not at all... Are you going to Daegu or Geochang?"
Taehyung shook his head," my mom is flying to see my father, so I'm staying in Seoul."
"Wouldn't you feel lonely?" Jungkook stopped.
Taehyung put his hand in his pockets, shrugged and walked ahead. Jungkook couldn't help, but feel sorry for him. The tall figure in front of him looked so strangely lonely... He could tell, that Taehyung went through quite a lot in his life and he was hiding a lot of pain. What caused that pain, Jungkook had no idea...
He must get lonely... I haven't seen him talking to anyone at school, he himself said, that he doesn't have friends... I hate seeing him sad... Whatever burden he's carrying, I'm determined to help him with it... probably I'm the one who's going crazy...
"Wait for me!" Jungkook ran to catch up.
"That person you were dating... can you tell me more?" He went back to the topic.
"No,"his face void of any emotion.
"She must've been pretty."
"Not as pretty as you."
"Ah, not this again..."
"Remember what I said? If you were a girl I would kiss you without a hesitation."
"Stop it, hyung..."
"Then stop asking me about things I don't want to talk about."
Jungkook pouted, seeing a chance to tease his hyung instead.
If we're playing this game, then be it...
"I won't stop," he grinned. Jungkook searched through his jeans and found his lip balm. He applied it to his lips slowly. "This is a peach lip balm. Wanna know how it tastes?" He pouted again.
Taehyung looked at him, taken aback, then frowned and pushed Jungkook strongly away. " I said it once before, don't fucking test me," he growled, looking scary.
Holy shit! What was that...
"Okay okay, I was just joking..." Jungkook almost fell down from the impact.
"I'm warning you... you don't know what boundaries you're crossing."
"Jeez, okay okay... ouch, you hurt my shoulders."
"I...I didn't mean to... See? I hurt everyone..." he took a step closer towards Jungkook, but the younger one put out hands in front of him.
"I'm fine."
"Just let me see."
"Stay away."
"I'm sorry Kookie. I'm ruining everything. I wanted to prepare something special... I only made you cry and hurt you."
What kind of issues is he dealing with?! I'm starting to think, that my initial impression of him was true... He seems messed up... Ugh, I don't care... We're both messed up...
"I'm tired, hyung. For how long do we have to walk?"
"I thought, that having a walk here... just two of us could be quite nice. I was mistaken... I'll call a taxi if you want."
"That's a good idea." It was very late and Jungkook was feeling sleepy.
They stood in silence waiting for the taxi to arrive.
"When is your birthday, hyung?"
"30th of December."
"I'll make sure to prepare something special for you too on that day."
"Do you think you will still be my friend by then?"
"Even if you rip my heart out... Remember that, hyung."
The taxi arrived and thanks to no traffic drove them quickly back home. Jungkook had a hard time not falling asleep during the ride and now walking towards the front door seemed like too much effort. He managed to make his tired legs work and with Taehyung by his side, got inside. They got into elevator.
"Sleepy bunny," Taehyung said quietly.
"What did you say?"
"Nothing."
They got in front of their doors, both looking for their keys.
"So, I hope this night wasn't a total disaster, Jungkookie. I'm sorry for everything," he squeezed Jungkook's shoulder.
"Ouch!"
"Oh my God, I'm sorry... I forgot... I'm really sorry."
"It's okay."
"Sleep well Jungkookie," Taehyung turned and was about to walk into his apartment.
"Aren't you going to hug me, hyung?" Jungkook looked at him with sleepy eyes.
"D...do you want me to?"
"Please."
"Say it again."
"Please, hyung could you give me a hug?"
Taehyung crossed the space between them and gently wrapped his arms around Jungkook, being careful to not hurt him again. Jungkook automatically rested his head on his hyung's shoulders. "I like it when you ask nicely," Taehyung whispered into his ear.
Jungkook blushed, parted with his hyung and half asleep walked into his place, falling asleep in his bed immediately. He got woken up on Saturday by his mom knocking on his door.
"Wake up, son."
"Mhh, not yet," he mumbled and rolled over.
His mom walked towards the windows and opened the curtains. Jungkook squinted his eyes.
"It's afternoon, so get out of the bed."
"Oh, what's this?" she asked, holding something.
"Huh?" Jungkook squinted his eyes even more, to see what she was talking about.
Oh hell no!
"I... I just bought it."
"Bought it? Looks worn..." she was holding Taehyung jacket, which Jungkook tossed on his couch last night, too tired to put it in his wardrobe.
"That's... that's the fashion, mom."
"Whatever you say, son. Your food is ready, by the way," she paced out of the room.
I can't wait to have my own place one day, without parents...
In the dining room, the usual interrogation by his mom has began.
"When did you come back?"
"I have no idea."
"What did you do?"
"Went for a walk."
"Just two of you?"
"Yeah."
Jungkook was cringing... She must think it's strange... I wonder, what Taehyung-hyung said to her, when he gave her that envelope... They say that moms know everything about their children... some kind of sixth sense... Maybe she knows more, than she says... Maybe she can see through me...
"I'm happy, you two are getting close. It's wonderful," she said, looking genuinely happy.
"Really?" Jungkook was glad, hearing those words.
"I hope you're not being a bad influence on him."
Me?!
"I... I don't think so?"
"Oh, I almost forgot to remind you... Don't forget to pack everything."
"What do you mean?"
"We're leaving on Monday evening."
"Where?"
"Earth to Jungkook... are you here? It's Chuseok, we're going to Busan."
"Oh, right..."
Damn, I can't believe I actually don't want to go... How the hell has this happened?! Me preferring Seoul over Busan... Then the image of the sad lonely figure from last night flashed through his mind... He is the reason... That guy... if only he knew... He is going to be alone... Jungkook's heart started hurting for his hyung, he remembered how he wanted nothing else, but for him to be happy... And that strange warm feeling inside... Maybe it was the damn hot pack again... I'm getting paranoid...
"I'm not going," he blurted out.
"Sorry?"
"I'm staying here."
"What happened to you Jungkookie?"
"Nothing, I'm just saying I don't want to go to Busan."
"Why not? It's Chuseok, families get together..."
Because of one lonely boy...
"I... I have to... study."
"You can study there too, you know."
"I won't go, even if you force me."
"What got into you?"
"Yugyeom is going to Namyangju, I have no one to see there."
"What about grandparents?"
"There's always time for them."
Is he really that important to me?
"I can't believe, what I'm hearing right now. You have to pay respect to your elders."
"If you want me to fail at school, fine. But I'll be blaming you."
"Oh, I give up, do whatever you want. But I won't tolerate attitude like this next time."
I'm fucking risking my ass for him... He doesn't deserve it...
"Yeah, yeah..."
"We'll be gone till next Sunday, so you'll have to take care of yourself. Just don't burn down the apartment, got it?"
"Yes, mom-nim."
"Sometimes I forget, that you are...all grown up... Staying here on your own... You're a big boy now."
"Are you crying mom?"he laughed.
"Shush," she threw a kitchen towel at him.
The weekend went by quickly, followed by a Monday morning. Knowing that he only has to go to school today and then he can relax for the rest of the week, Jungkook had no problem waking up. No Taehyung in sight this morning either...
The classes were boring as usual, during the lunch break he met Jimin with Yoongi.
"Jungkookie, how was your weekend?" Jimin asked all rosy cheeked.
"As usual," he answered with full mouth.
"Come, oppa," Jimin dragged Yoongi to sit next to Jungkook.
"Jungkook-a, do you still remember the conversation we've had?" Yoongi asked, squeezing his sore shoulder a bit too hard.
Of course, Jimin-hyung is your possession, whatever that means...
"I do."
"Good."
"Aish, can't you see, your scaring him," Jimin swatted Yoongi's hand from Jungkook's shoulder.
"I just want him to remember his place, that's all."
Jimin leaned in and whispered something into Yoongi's ear.
"Jungkookie, are you going to back Busan?"
"Nope. What about you?"
"Uh, I'm going to Daegu for a change..."
"I see..."
"Jungkook-a do you know how to make perfect ramyun?" Yoongi asked mixing his cup ramyun with chopsticks.
"I don't know."
"400 ml of water per one, that's the key. I am the expert cook for ramyun."
"Oookay."
"Stop it hyung, you're making Jungkookie uncomfortable," Jimin poked Yoongi.
"Hyung, you have those bruises again," Jungkook pointed out, after noticing Jimin's neck.
"Honestly... how innocent are you, Jungkookie?" Jimin asked.
"I don't understand..."
Yoongi just grinned and pointed at Jungkook, "you better not spoil this one, Jimin."
"Me? I would never..." Jimin winked at Yoongi and giggled.
Yeah... Jimin-hyung was right... they are in their own world when they're together...
"I got to go now," Jungkook excused himself. "Happy Chuseok."
"To you too," they replied in unison.
Wait... Why is Jimin-hyung going to Daegu? Ah, nevermind... I'm too tired to think...
Back at home, his parents were packing clothes and gifts for their relatives. The whole apartment was messy, so he retired to his own room. He was surprised, that he has not been encountered by his dad. He was pretty sure, that he will scold him for not wanting to see family at some point. So far it hasn't happened... His dad always wanted Jungkook to excel at school and work hard, so he probably understood why Jungkook wanted to stay in Seoul and study a lot.
I'm not going to study at all... Screw that... I will have a well deserved rest, oh yeah... that's exactly what I need...
In the evening, his mom kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye to him, followed by dad giving him a bear hug. "You are the man of the house now, so be responsible."
"Of course, dad."
He helped them carry all their baggage down into the car, waved them goodbye for the last time, then exhaled.
Finally freedom... For the whole week...
Most of the people living in the complex were gone too, visiting their friends and families in their hometowns. It was very quiet everywhere.
Now this, seems like a paradise. He closed and locked the apartment door behind him. His phone beeped.
--Are you on the road now?-- it was Taehyung
--No, I'm not going to Busan.--
--Why? Did something happen?--
--My girlfriend lives in Busan. I just broke up with her.--