Neighbor|Taekook - Chapter 6: Chapter 6

It was evening and Jungkook has decided to do absolutely nothing, he just had a filling dinner and was lounging in the living room staring at the TV. His mom came to sit on the couch and changed the channel, without asking him first, to watch her drama. He had no interest in that, so he withdrew to his room. It has become his safe haven these days. No one to bother him, no judging stares of classmates.
After all life here has gotten a bit better, yet somehow he felt empty. Something was missing. All of a sudden his room was too big and he was too small. He walked over to his table and pulled out a sketchbook and a pen. When he was upset he liked to draw or just doodle, putting his emotions on the paper.
He was ashamed of what he did earlier today. He completely succumbed to his physical needs, without thinking twice about it. But afterwards, when he fully realized what he had done, the shame overwhelmed him. He sat down, put on a random playlist and started drawing.
I'm a mess...I won't do it again... I shouldn't go out with him tomorrow... I'm sure it will trigger something again.. How would my parents react? No... nobody must know... I really won't do it again... no matter what.
He felt angry. He was angry at himself, for losing self control like that. The pen was gliding over the paper in fast strokes, creating a shape of a monster.
Never again...
He closed his sketchbook abruptly and tried to look for another way of taking his mind off of things. He kneeled down on the carpet and started doing push-ups. He loved to work out, but with busy school schedule and being constantly tired he hasn't been able to do it recently.
He didn't care about how many push-ups he's done, all he needed was some distraction. His arm muscles started to burn, so he switched to doing sit-ups. His abs started to hurt, but he didn't care. At least the pain was making his mind switch off. He had no idea for how long he's been doing it, when he heard his phone.
Huh? A text message?
He was all sweaty at this point, he walked over to pick up his phone. His muscles were fatigued, his hands shaking. He relished in that feeling.
--Jungkook-ssi, I hope you're still up. I won't be at home tomorrow, so can we meet at the cafe instead? I know we were supposed to meet at the elevator, but I won't be able to make it. T.--
Wh...How? It's him... how the hell does he have my number?!
He strode to the living room, he knew it was his mom's work.
"Jungkook, what happened to you," she looked at him with glasses on the tip of her nose, dad napping next to her on the couch.
"I did some excercise. Mom, have you given my phone number to anyone here?"
"Your number? Hmm, let me think... oh yes, to quite a few girls. Every time I see a nice, well mannered girl, I give them your number."
Jungkook stared at her in pure horror. His mom started laughing hysterically.
"Oh Jungkookie, you should see yourself...," she couldn't finish her sentence, laughing so hard.
What the hell?! How can she manage my life like this... I'm old enough to make decisions for myself.
"Oh, you don't like it? So that must mean, you really do have a new girlfriend. I knew it, you've been acting so spaced out ever since you started school."
"Huh? A girlfriend?" his dad got woken up from his nap by the laughter.
"I don't have a girlfriend," his voice cracked.
"You are in your prime, no need to be ashamed," dad looked at him proud.
"I really don't..." he said pleadingly.
"Okay, I was just joking, Jungkookie. Do you really think that I would give out your number like that? Don't look at me like that."
"You are so mean mom. Is this what I get for passing the test?"
"I just wanted to test you. You never tell me these things, but we are here for you Jungkookie, you should know it. I can just tell, that something has been bothering you lately."
You wouldn't understand...
"So you haven't give my number to anyone?"
"Only Mrs. Kim, so you can communicate with her son, arranging the time for the math lessons."
Oh my God.
"Please don't give my number to people without me knowing, mom."
"I won't, don't worry. Well, I heard, that you two get along quite well. It's a mistake you refused to meet him when the school had started. I'm sure things for you would've been easier."
Oh trust me mom, things are only more complicated.
"He...he's okay. Anyway, I'm going to bed, good night."
"Good night," parents replied in unison.
Back in his room, he was pondering again. Well at least I don't have to ask him for his number. He was about to save his number, but didn't know how to name the conctact. Neighbor? Kim Taehyung? Hmmm... He's always been indecisive, hoping someone else would make a decision for him. Hell no, I can make decisions for myself. His fingers touched the screen, he quickly typed 'TaeTae' and pressed save.
Should I reply to him? I've waited for a while now. If I was to reply right away, he would think, that I have no life...
--It's too early for me to got to bed, so yeah I'm still up. Ok, then I'll be at the cafe, let's say at 5pm?-- he pressed send anxiously, his heart beating.
Wasn't it too informal? Oh damn it, I can't unsend it now..
--See you at 5 then :) And go to bed.--
Okay, that was quick. He's informal too... And what's up with him ordering me around?
--I won't go to bed-- he grinned as he sent the message.
Now I should really stop, what am I doing?
--Are you being a bad boy?--
What? He lost the grip on his phone, it slipped through his hands on the floor. He didn't bother to pick it up. He could feel his whole face turning red. And the worst of all, he got so turned on, reading those words.
No, no, no. Not again...
--I'm an adult, I can do whatever I want--
--Of course, but really, you should get some sleep. You weren't feeling well this morning.--
--I already have one mom, no need for another, thanks.--
Yup, and this is why I don't have any friends.
--Alright. I'll see you tomorrow Jungkook-ssi.--
He wanted to type some kind of apology for those messages, but then decided to take a cold shower and go to bed instead.
Late Saturday morning, Jungkook opened his eyes, seeing his room basking in the sunlight. The same way as his old room in Busan was when he was leaving. The sadness crawled into his heart. Only just for a second, he could smell some delicious breakfast being cooked. He couldn't be sad, thinking about food.
Mom made him warm rice porridge with honey and walnuts. He shoved a spoonful of hot porridge into his mouth.
"Mom, I'll be out in the evening."
"You will burn your tongue, you should let it cool down."
"So, can I go?" his tongue was already burned.
"Will you go alone?"
"Yeah. Well, I'm going to meet Kim Taehyung."
"Oh really? You really do get along," she smiled," don't stay out too late."
After the breakfast, he felt refreshed and full of energy. He also got plenty of sleep, no weird dreams, no waking up throughout the night. The rest of the day, he spent playing computer games. After the lunch he was starting to get nervous.
What have I got myself into...
As always he could not decide on what to wear. Majority of his closet consiseted of white T-shirts and jeans. I can make decisions for myself... He opted for the usual choice and added a thick sweater on top. The evenenings have been getting colder over the past few days. He brushed his teeth, combed his hair, put on a perfume, grabbed his phone, wallet and keys and before he could change his mind, left.
They were planning to walk to the cafe, but because Taehyung wasn't at home, Jungkook chose to take the bus instead.
What will we be talking about? I should've prepared some topics. I have no idea what he likes, I know nothing about him. Well I know something... his uniform is always perfect and he goes to the library to study. Also goes somewhere at night... Great, that doesn't help at all... there were no telltale signs in his room hinting at what he might like. He's probably a perfectionist, getting annoyed at how my tie looked like. And he probably likes to boss around... telling me to go to bed... damn, I actually listened and did go to bed... he doesn't need to know that.
He took the bus and got off at the stop closest to the cafe, which was just a few minute walk away. He was early, but he didn't want to risk being late.
The cafe was pretty quiet and cosy, with only few people scattered around the tables. It was also hot in there, so he took off his sweater. He ordered large Americano and waited.
Ten more minutes. He's probably never late. Oh God, I'm so nervous. I suppose we could talk about coffee, being in a cafe. What kind of coffee do you like? Do you add sugar? Do you prefer dark roast or light roast? Maybe he doesn't even drink coffee... I'm screwed...
He was nervous when he went on a first date with Yuki. However she ended up talking most of the tine, he didn't have to worry about what to say. Also she was the one who asked him out, she planned the whole date, he didn't have to do anything. But this time it was Jungkook himself inviting someone, he should've prepared more.
He seems like he doesn't talk much. But he agreed on meeting me, well it was him, who wanted to meet me in the first place. So, he definitely wants to be friends with me. But what do I want? I can't be myself when I'm around him, it's impossible... I keep having those thoughts... no, not this time. One thing is for certain, he's older, so I need to show him some respect, so far I haven't been good at it. Five more minutes...
He was so nervous, that he drank all of his coffee. He thought that having an empty cup in front of him would look weird, so he threw it away. He looked at his phone, it was five in the afternoon.
Maybe he's not going to come. And maybe that's for the better. Maybe I should just leave... Why did I come here so early... I should've ordered some cake.
As he was about to go and get some cake, he finally saw him.
He entered the cafe and immediately smiled at Jungkook.
"I hope I'm not too late. Have you been waiting for long?"
"No. N...not at all," Jungkook stuttered, seeing his charming smile for the first time.
"Okay, just wait here, I'll go and order. Do you drink coffee, Jungkook-ssi?"
"Yes, but please, it's on me, I'll pay."
"I'm older, I'm treating you."
"But, I invited you, Taehyung-ssi..."
Taehyung just turned around, not listening to Jungkook.
Definitelly likes to have things his own way... whatever... Oh, he looks so good even from the back... compared to him I'm just...
Taehyung looked back and caught Jungkook staring at him. Jungkook looked away immediately, pretending to do something on his phone, hiding his embarrassment.
After a while Taehyung came back carrying a tray with two cups and a slice of chocolate cake.
"I hope cappuccino is okay."
"Sure."
"I got some cake for you."
"You really didn't have to, Taehyung-ssi."
"Just call me hyung. And I don't want you to faint, like you almost did yesterday, so you need some sugar."
"Thank you. Next time I'll treat you, hyung."
"Oh, is there a next time?" Taehyung rose his eyebrow and looked at him with a smirk.
"I...I mean...well...there doesn't have to be...I... just...was thinking...but never mind..."
"Okay, you'll pay next time," he took off his leather jacket and winked at Jungkook.
Oh God, how am I still alive? This is too much to handle...Does he enjoy torturing people?
Taehyung pushed one cup and the plate in front of Jungkook,"so how has you day been so far? You look well rested, that's good."
"I...I actually didn't sleep much, yeah...I went to bed early in the morning."
Why am I lying?
"And what were you doing?"
Jungkook took a sip of the hot cappuccino, burning his tongue for the second time today,"nothing much, played some games and stuff."
Taehyung reached over with his hand, Jungkook instinctively flinched. "Wait, just let me," said Taehyung.
He wiped foam from Jungkook's lip with his thumb and licked it,"you say you're an adult, but honestly you remind me of a baby more."
Jungkook felt paralyzed from the touch of his warm finger on his lips. Why would he lick it, though? Not gonna lie, that was pretty hot...
He could feel his cheeks heating up, he looked down," you're not that much older hyung, why do you treat me as child?"
"Do I? I'm sorry, I don't mean to, you're just so cute, I can't help it."
Cute? Me? Jimin said the same thing...These guys don't know what they're talking about...
He took a large gulp of the hot liquid and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand immediately, to prevent Taehyung from doing it for him.
"Hyung, where were you whole day?"
"I actually have a part-time job, so I was working."
"Oh, wow. Aren't you feeling tired?"
"No, not in a good company," he smiled and pushed the plate closer to Jungkook," eat."
For some reason Jungkook obeyed without question. He almost felt a bit scared of Taehyung, his gaze was so powerful, he felt like he would fulfill any order he would give him.
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Taehyung and set a small neatly wrapped black box on the table.
"Is that for me?"
"Yeah."
"You didn't have to really, I don't have anything for you," Jungkook felt a bit ashamed.
"Just open it."
Jungkook slowly untied satin bow and opened the box, revealing the same candle Taehyung was burning in his room during their math lesson.
"Oh wow, I really loved the smell of this one. Thank you, hyung."
Now he's really playing with my emotions... How can he be so nice and thoughtful, he's too perfect...
"Now your room can smell nice, when you're pulling your gaming all-nighters."
"Thank you once again. I normally never get any gifts."
"When is your birthday?"
"September 1st."
"Didn't you celebrate?"
"Not really, we were moving at that time, I almost forgot it's my birthday."
"Hmm, we should celebrate it then."
"Oh, there's no need."
"Well, I say it should be celebrated. So next time I'll think of something."
"Are you always this considerate towards others?"
"Not always, but I try. There's just something about you, Jungkookie which makes me like you. Ever since I first saw you, I knew you're different."
"Different? In what way?"
Jungkook panicked for a second, because Tahyung pierced him with his eyes. It was almost as if he was looking right at his soul. As if he could see all the things he's been trying to hide...
"Just different."
Jungkook couldn't hold an eye contact anymore,"h...have some cake too," Jungkook pushed the plate in front of Taehyung.
"Aren't you going to feed it to me?" he asked, raising that one eyebrow again.
The younger one grabbed the fork right away and without questioning fed him a piece of cake. Afterwards they continued talking about various things, asking each other questions, getting to know each other. The conversation was effortless, although Jungkook was still uncomfortable, their dynamic was great.
"I think we should go, it's already dark outside," Taehyung suggested.
Jungkook's lost the sense of time, he wasn't paying attention to anything or anyone other than Taehyung.
"Jungkook-a, do you want to go home?"
"I...not really."
"How about we walk for a bit. We can got to the Han River, it's full moon today, it might look nice."
"Okay."
The river bank was fairly close, they were walking side by side in the moonlight. The streets were filled with people, mainly couples enjoying Saturday night. The temperature outside has dropped and Jungkook shivered in the wind.
"Here, take this," Taehyung took off his leather jacket and handed it to Jungkook.
"What about you, hyung? Aren't you cold?"
"Just take it," Jungkook didn't take it, so he draped it over his shoulders, whether he liked it or not.
"And this," he pushed a hot pack into his hands,"your hands are so soft Jungkookie, almost like girl's."
Why is he doing this? Does he really think I'm a child which he needs to take care of? It's annoying, but also not... I could get used to this... someone caring about me...
He hugged the jacket closer," thank you for today, hyung."
"No problem, it was your idea, wasn't it? I was wondering, shouldn't you be spending a night like this with your girlfriend?
Oh, fuck! What now...
"Uh, sh...she's not here. She...isn't from Seoul."
"Aha, so it's long distance."
"Y...yeah."
"It must be hard for you," he patted his shoulders.
Jungkook didn't say anything, he was not used to lying, but now he had no idea how to get out of his own lie.
At last they had reached the waters of the Han River and sat down on a bench. The pale silvery light of the moon was reflecting on smooth surface of the river.
Jungkook's stomach growled,"hyung, aren't you hungry? How about some Tteokkochi? I will go and buy us some."
"Fine with me, just ask for less sauce, I can't eat things which are too spicy."
"Sure thing," Jungkook had jogged to the food cart nearby and bought two Tteokkochi skewers."
They ate in silence, sitting on the bench, staring at the river.
"This is a beautiful night, isn't it," Taehyung interrupted the silence.
"It is. I'm glad I'm here with you, hyung."
They looked at each other, not saying a word, but it was almost like they've had a whole conversation happening between them.
What is this strange feeling? I don't ever want to leave this bench, I want this moment to last forever...
Taehyung slowly leaned in, Jungkook's heart was beating so fast and loud, he couldn't hear anything. He looked at those lips...
Taehyung reached out, his hand wrapped around Jungkook's nape," we should go," he smiled, ruffled his hair and stood up.
Just like that, Jungkook has been pulled back to reality. Taehyung was already walking, not waiting for Jungkook. He caught up to him, but Taehyung had a strange expression on his face and wouldn't look at him. He wouldn't speak either, so there was silence yet again, only the strong wind and rippling sound of the river could be heard.
They had made it almost to their apartment complex, Taehyung stopped.
"I have some business to do, so you go ahead and go inside."
"What do you mean by business?"
"I have something to do. I'll return probably early in the morning. Anyway, I had a great time with you, hopefully we can repeat it soon. Now, just go inside and warm yourself."
"I don't understand, hyung. You must be tired, you should get some sleep."
"Don't worry about me," he smiled and pinched Jungkook's cheek.
Jungkook flinched a bit, still not understanding, he was about to return the jacket back to him, but Taehyung refused,"you can return it next time."
"Good night, Jungkookie."
"Bye, Taehyung-hyung."
With a smile on his face, Taehyung turned away and walked into the night.