Neighbor|Taekook - Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Jungkook woke up, Taehyung's warm breath tickling his neck, arms holding him tightly. The cutest human koala... God I love him... Jungkook gently kissed the tip of Taehyung's nose, making sure to not wake him up. He then wiggled carefully out of his arms, walked to the bathroom and took a look at himself in the mirror. What the hell is going on with my hair? He laughed quietly, seeing the unicorn horn which Taehyung made from his hair. He washed his face with cold water, then peeked inside the hotel fridge. He grabbed a bottle of juice and as he turned around to go drink it out on the balcony, Taehyung woke up as well.
"Is this the result of your hairstyling?"Jungkook asked, pointing at his hair.
Taehyung rubbed his eyes and looked at Jungkook, giggling,"you look cute."
"Should I start styling my hair like that?"he frowned and crossed his arms.
"I can't help it, your hair is so irresistibly soft."
And he manages to be even cuter, somebody save me. He turned the juice bottle upside down and gulped the cold juice in one go.
"Come here," Taehyung outstretched his arms, inviting him back to the bed.
Jungkook put down the empty bottle and then lazily dropped on top of Taehyung, crushing him beneath himself. He planted a fluttering kiss on his lips, followed by a deeper one, using his tongue to part his lips.
"Have I gotten better at kissing?"
"Well, you were good to start with...but now I feel like there's more passion in it. Or at least you're less shy about it."
Jungkook had a smug look on his face as he let his fingers trace Taehyung's bottom lip.
"Also, I'm starting to feel this newfound longing in your kisses."
Jungkook's fingers stopped and the smug look was exchanged by a blush creeping onto his cheeks.
"I can tell how much you want me," Taehyung smirked.
"That's just your theory, it doesn't mean that it's true,"Jungkook wasn't aware of how bright pink his cheeks were.
"Of course, just a theory...However, one thing is for sure, you've been deprived of many things this life has to offer and now you're savoring all of them. All I can say is, that I'm happy for you."
"Well, I'm very happy too,"Jungkook smiled and rested his head on Taehyung's chest with a sigh. "You do like hugging me, don't you? I had to try really hard to get out of your arms."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I don't know."
"Doesn't it help you sleep better when I hold you in my arms?"
"It does, but you aren't doing it just for me, are you?"
"As a matter of fact it helps me sleep better too. I...it's embarrassing to admit it, but I always sleep better hugging someone, or I should say, something."
"Like what?"
"Pillows, soft toys, whatever...At home, I don't have the luxury of sharing my bed with someone, so I just have extra pillows around."
"That's cute," Jungkook started drawing circles on Taehyung's chest. "But also kind of sad...Would your mom allow you to have sleepovers?"
"I don't thing she would be against it, but if you're suggesting that you'd like to have a sleepover at my place, it would be weird. You're my neighbor, it's not like you live on the other side of the city."
"Would she...be suspicious?"
"She would probably know instantly what's going on. You know, if you weren't my neighbor, she would know that there's something going on. I don't usually invite people over."
"And...you wouldn't want her to know, right?"
Taehyung sighed,"I prefer to keep this between us."
"What about this trip? Just you and me together? Isn't that suspicious?"
"Mom knows that I have wanted to come to Jeju for ages, so I don't think it's a big deal. I just happened to finally find a friend willing to go along on the trip."
"What if she finds out?"
Taehyung shrugged,"then be it..."
"Oh God, what if she would talk to my mom?! It will be over!"
"My mom is not that type. She probably gossips with your mom about all kinds of things, but I trust her, she wouldn't say anything."
"I wish my mom was like that...She has to be involved in everything..."
"She cares about you, that's all. You should be glad,"Taehyung cupped Jungkook's cheek.
"I wonder if she would still care about me if she knew that I'm into guys..."
I can just see the disappointment on her face...and on dad's too.
"Never doubt a mother's love."
"I know she expects grandchildren and all of that..."
"That's exactly what I'd talked about...Us, being together is not that easy..."
"I know,"Jungkook admitted. "I don't want to think about it..."
"Let's just enjoy the small things. Whatever happens, happens."
Jungkook nodded in agreement, but he felt a dull pain deep within his chest. Is it okay to not think about the future? I'm scared of it, but maybe I shouldn't ignore it, as well as all the issues which will arise...Because there will be issues. Well, not if we move away. Somewhere, where people won't judge us...However I doubt that hyung would want that...But, if he's serious about me, wouldn't he do anything for me? I would for sure do anything for him...well, that's only because I'm an idiot...and deeply in love.
"So, as it's our last day here, we should go somewhere," Taehyung interrupted his thoughts.
"I presume my amazing boyfriend already has a plan,"Jungkook looked up at him, his eyes full of expectations.
It was Taehyung, who blushed this time,"I swear, sometimes hearing you say some words, makes me turn into a mess...Like a middle schooler with his first crush or something."
"Oh really?Jungkook smirked. "It's about time I start making you flustered. Boyfriend."
"Feel free, I love it," Taehyung closed his eyes, fighting another wave of shyness.
"Do you?" Jungkook raised one eyebrow and pinched Taehyung's cheek.
Taehyung smiled coyly and covered his blushing face with his hands.
"Fuck, you're so cute."
Taehyung mumbled something, turned his head to the side, and buried his face into the pillow.
He just turned into a mush because I called him my boyfriend...Is it possible to love him more? I don't think so...
Taehyung took a deep breath and sighed loudly, he turned to face Jungkook with his usual composed self, as if he wasn't having an emotional crisis seconds ago. "Let's get dressed. We should probably pack everything, so we don't have to think about it in the evening,"his voice was firm, but there was still a remainder of red on his cheeks.
"When do we have to leave?"
"Our flight is at four in the morning."
"Four?!"
"I wanted to use up all the limited time we have on this island."
"I get it, but...shit, we have to go to school...We won't get that much sleep, won't we?"
"It was a good idea to take a nap now."
After putting clothes on, they packed all of their stuff and were ready to enjoy the last day to the fullest. Taehyung talked to the receptionist at the front desk, asking about the check out time, whilst Jungkook patiently waited for him. He takes care of everything, I hope that one day I can be like him...He's just a little bit older, but he just has shit together...Me on the other hand...Perhaps it's for my own good that I ended up with such an amazing guy.
"Okay, we can check out when we go to the airport,"Taehyung joined Jungkook. "Why are you smiling?"he tilted his head, puzzled.
"Oh...it's nothing...just thinking. So when are we going to the airport?"
"After midnight, it will take around forty minutes to reach the airport. We should be there at least one hour early, so I guess maybe around two in the morning."
"We still have plenty of time, it's not even noon now,"Jungkook checked his phone.
"We'll go for a lunch and then drive a little bit, okay?"Taehyung ruffled his hair as they walked outside the hotel.
"Whatever you say, honey,"Jungkook grinned, knowing perfectly what kind of reaction he'll get from Taehyung.
The weather was nice, not too hot nor cold. They decided to go for a short walk along one of the paths near the hotel.
They held hands, but every time they would pass one of the many couples, they would let go of each other's hands. The further they walked, the more couples they encountered. What's the big deal? Jungkook lost his patience and when Taehyung wanted to let go of his hand once again, he held it firmly. I'm not letting you go.
Taehyung looked at him surprised, but then squeezed his hand, smiling brightly. "I guess these young couples wouldn't judge us too much." And it was just as he said, no one looked at them strangely or said anything.
"We just need to hang out around young people, hyung."
"Jungkookie, do you want to hold hands in school then?" Taehyung teased him.
"No way."
Taehyung poked his ribs,"I wouldn't do that anyway. You, getting bullied for holding hands with a guy is the last thing I want."
"Nobody gives a damn about me anyway...I'm invisible to other students...In order to bully me, they would have to notice me first."
"You think nobody notices you? Oh how wrong you are..."
"You don't notice me at all in school. You behave like I'm a stranger to you."
"Do you feel neglected?"
It would be nice if you at least smiled at me when you pass me in a corridor or something!
"Nope, I have Jimin-hyung. He gives me plenty of attention,"Jungkook said loud and clear.
The muscles in Taehyung's jaw tensed up slightly and Jungkook felt a twitch of his hand. "Well isn't he nice?"Taehyung said, putting on the sweetest smile he could.
They didn't talk much after that and chose to walk back to the hotel parking lot. "Would you like to stop a horse park? There's one not too far away from here."Taehyung asked, searching for the car keys.
"Sure, I love all animals."
"I'm interested in horse riding. I was thinking about taking horse riding lessons back in Seoul."
"Oh wow, really? Then my hyung will really be like a knight in shining armor."
"So every guy who knows how to ride a horse is a knight?" Taehyung laughed.
"No, that title is reserved just for the handsome guys."
After a short stop at a horse park, copious petting and feeding the horses, they had a quick lunch and then continued on their journey up to the north of the island.
"The next stop is Manjanggul Cave."
"A cave? Really?"
"It should look cool."
"You know hyung, in these few days, I got to experience so many things and see so many beautiful places. All thanks to you! And I know my assigned role is to be just cute, but I really don't know how I can make it up to you."
"Just be nice to your hyung, okay? That's more than enough."
"Hey, am I ever not nice to you?!"
"Let's see...Oh yeah, when you talk about your beloved Jimin-hyung in front of me. That's not very nice."
Oh he doesn't like it, does he? That's good to know, I might use it next time.
Jungkook scoffed,"you being jealous is not my problem."
"What a brat..."
"I guess you need to teach me how to be a good boy."
"I guess I do."
"But, first you would have to be a good boy yourself...which you aren't."
"What did you say?"
They continued to bicker, until they arrived at their next destination. Without wasting more time, they paid the admission fee for the cave and walked through the impressive lava monument. The air in the cave was cold and humid, but they paid more attention to the interesting lava formations in the cave.
"You learn more things here than in school,"Jungkook whispered quietly, reading one of the information boards.
"Should we send a complaint letter to the government about how ineffective the Korean school system is?"Taehyung whispered, standing behind him, peeking at the board from behind his shoulder.
The soft whisper brushed against Jungkook's ear and immediately gave him tingles. He shivered,"you're standing too close, hyung,"he hissed.
"Do you find that distracting?"Taehyung made sure, to stand extra close, and whisper it directly into his ear.
You know that I do...
"Even if I did, Jimin-hyung always stands this close to me, so I guess I'm used to it,"Jungkook's mouth twitched as he was trying to keep a serious face.
"I'm not playing your game, Kookie."
"What game?"he asked, pretending to be clueless.
"You are not going to make me hate Park Jimin."
"I'm not doing anything..."
"He's a good guy, okay? So enough,"Taehyung said and without giving Jungkook time to talk back, he turned around and headed for the cave exit.
I was just joking! Jeez, he got so serious all of a sudden...Well, it's not my problem, there's still more to see here. He didn't go after Taehyung, instead he wanted to check the entire cave in detail. Only when it was too cold for him to stay there any longer, he decided to end his excursion.
Jungkook found his hyung outside, leaning against the hood of their Mustang. When Taehyung spotted him, he threw something away and straightened himself. He waved at Jungkook, then went to get something out of the vending machine near the cave ticket office. He bough a can of soda, took a large gulp and then bough another can for Jungkook, who was standing by the car.
"Here,"Taehyung extended his arm to hand him the can.
Jungkook ignored him, instead he was inspecting the ground near the car wheel.
"Kookie? I bought you something to drink." Jungkook didn't even look at him. "Did you lose something?"
"What was that thing you threw away?"
"Huh?"
"You threw away something."
"Oh, it was a pebble. A pretty one."
Jungkook looked around, the entire parking area was covered with pebbles. No it wasn't. Along with the round stones, there were countless cigarette butts all around. I don't believe you...None of them look like they were lit recently. He turned around and faced Taehyung, who was still holding the soda can in front of him.
"Breathe,"Jungkook ordered, his face inches away from Taehyung's.
Taehyung pushed him away,"why?"
"You were smoking, weren't you? You promised me..."
"I wasn't-"
"Then prove it!"
Taehyung rolled his eyes and reluctantly breathed in front of him. All Jungkook could smell was a strong artificial strawberry flavor. He took the soda can from him and held his hand. He brought Taehyung's fingers to his nose and sniffed. Nothing...
"Where did you get the cigarette from? Answer me,"Jungkook reached for Taehyung's pockets, searching for the pack or lighter.
"I'm telling you, I didn't-"
"Did you borrow it from someone?"
"You are overreacting"
Jungkook sighed,"I don't believe you, hyung."
Taehyung walked past him and opened the car door. "So your trust in me crumbles because you think I was smoking? Don't you think that's a bit too childish?"
"Whatever..."Jungkook felt a little bit ashamed, but still had his suspicion.
"Do you intend to stand there forever?" Taehyung gave him a wry smile, already sitting behind the wheel. Jungkook opened his soda can and got inside as well.
"Our next and unfortunately the last stop is the Hamdeok Beach, I really hope you'll like it. It's just few minutes from here."
Jungkook nodded and put on his seatbelt. "I'm sorry..."he dropped his head down,"if I offended you, hyung..."
"It takes a lot more than that to offend me. But next time when I say that I didn't do something, believe me, okay?"he gently touched Jungkook's chin. "Come one, cheer up...otherwise hyung will get sad."
Jungkook smiled, peeking up at him from behind his bangs, then leaned in as much as his seatbelt allowed and lightly kissed Taehyung's strawberry stained lips.
"Give me a proper kiss," Taehyung held the front of Jungkook's shirt, not letting him sit back.
Mission accepted.He looked around to see if there are any people at the parking area, then unfastened his seatbelt. If it wasn't for the open soda cans between them, he would've climbed into Taehyung's lap. Instead he snaked his hand to the back of Taehyung's neck and pulled him in close. Then he cupped both of his cheeks, licked his lips and gave Taehyung the deepest, sloppiest and the most aggressive kiss in his arsenal. Taehyung tasted just as he imagined, that sweet strawberry flavor still lingering in his mouth. He sucked on his lips, pulling them and biting, his hands traveling up into Taehyung's hair.
Is this your idea of a proper kiss? He got the answer right away, Taehyung moaned, seemingly wanting more. That was a signal for Jungkook to pull away and get the most out of his frustration.
"Can we go to the beach now, oppa?"
Taehyung blinked few times, he was out of breath, his hair a mess and his lips completely swollen. "Y...yeah,"he nodded and turned the key in the ignition with shaky hands.
Mission accomplished.
When they arrived at the beach, it was early afternoon, but the sun already was setting. "The days are really getting shorter, aren't they?"Jungkook said, shielding his eyes from the rays as he got out of the car.
"It's supposed to get a lot colder next week as well. We were lucky to catch the last bit of Indian summer here,"Taehyung went to throw away the empty cans.
"The water must be cold though,"Jungkook ran his eyes over the azure water, pale sand and black lava rocks lining the beach.
"Let's try it," Taehyung held out a hand for him, and together they walked across the fine sand toward the sea. They dipped their fingers in the shallow water. "It's not as cold as I was expecting,"Taehyung said, running his hands over the frothy waves. "Shall we build a sandcastle?"
"Sure,"Jungkook replied enthusiastically.
After about half an hour they've built a decently sized castle from the wet sand. "It looks more like a house,"Jungkook remarked, biting his lips somewhat disappointed.
"It depends on how you look at it. You know, you can always turn your house into a castle."
"Is this our house?"
"Would you like to live in a house with me?"
That idea is too nice...
"Yeah."
"We would have to have a huge bedroom, with a king size bed in it. Also a nice kitchen, maybe a home cinema, hmm a pool wouldn't be bad either," Taehyung kept on naming all the things.
"We would definitely have to have a dog in there," Jungkook interrupted him.
"Oh that's without a question,"Taehyung laughed.
"So that means we would have to have a huge backyard to go with it."
Taehyung smiled and nodded, watching Jungkook level the sand with his palm, creating a flat wide area for the imaginary backyard. His smile faded as Jungkook's finger traced a curved front walkway into the house. He watched his artistic hands put some finishing touches to their creation and his mood changed.
He suddenly got up and started erasing everything with his foot.
"What are you doing, hyung?"Jungkook looked up, confused.
"Don't you realize?"Taehyung kicked the edge of the house, making the entire half crumble down.
"Realize what?"Jungkook stood up.
"How destructive this is?"
"Yeah, you're ruining our sandcastle."
"No, I'm not talking about the bloody sandcastle,"Taehyung spat out.
"What's going on?"Jungkook had puzzled expression on his face.
"This,"he pointed at the castle which was now a lump of sand. "It's destructive...to us. It's literally like torture. Imagining all the beautiful things which will never happen. Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do I do it to myself?! It hurts..."
"Hyung,"Jungkook got sad immediately. "It's just sand...forget about it..."he wrapped Taehyung in his comforting embrace.
"Why do all the nice things have to be taken from me?!"
"What do you mean?"Jungkook asked softly.
"Do I not deserve to be happy?"
Jungkook couldn't find any appropriate words to say, so he remained quiet.
"That's right, I don't..."
"Tae...stop. Come on, what's gotten into you?"
"Sorry..."Taehyung sighed.
"Let's not ruin our last day,"Jungkook spoke quietly. "I already feel like I had ruined it enough earlier."
"Isn't it painful for you too though?"
"I try to not think much about it." I can't think about it...Those thoughts eat me alive..."Why can't we just enjoy a fantasy? I know it's not the reality, but why not dream for a while?"
"Because it makes the reality seem even harder in comparison."
"So you're not happy with the reality."
"That's not what I said..."it's gotten darker outside and Taehyung's face was covered in shadows.
"Look, we can't do all the things which a regular couple could, but we can still try and make this a nice experience. For both of us. However long it will last..."
"I know...I'm sorry Jungkookie,"he kissed his forehead."I don't want you to think that I'm not happy, because I'm very happy when I'm with you. It's just, there's a potential for things to be much better and unfortunately we don't posses that potential."
"Because we are two guys in love and that's apparently disgusting."
Taehyung smiled,"isn't our society lovely?"
"You're smiling,"Jungkook nudged him.
"What would I do without you, my baby,"he gave him a tight hug.
"I can say the same thing. I think we would be really good friends, you know, ignoring the physical aspect of our relationship. I think we balance each other well through the rollercoaster of our emotions, and even if we weren't attracted to each other, we would get along well."
"But we are good friends...and more," Taehyung ruffled his hair, them paused and kneeled down. He untied his shoelaces, took off his shoes and socks, then rolled up his pants. He paused for a while, Jungkook was just silently observing him. He took few steps towards the water, then stopped. He turned back and gave Jungkook a mischievous smile, taking off his jacket, shirt and then his pants as well.
"What the hell are you doing, hyung?" Jungkook asked.
"I'm going for a swim,"Taehyung replied, peeling off the last piece of clothing.
"Naked?!"
"Yup, naked."