New Year Special.

I stared at the water flowing down the faucet as I wash the dishes.....

Yeah. That's the inspiration for this one.

It's a bit out of the blue, no real context, but hey. I tried. 😂

Enoy. 💜

------

The sound of the waves gets louder and louder every step he takes. The gush of the wind blows in his face, allowing him to smell the distinct fragrance of the sea water.

He felt his stomach churn, remembering the smell of the sea which brings terror in his whole body.

It's like he could taste the water in his mouth, drowning him and pulling him down deeper and deeper. He could hear the waves turning into loud horrifying screams.

The memory of the people panicking as the fire consumes the ship and their loud screams for help as they jumped on the water flash in his eyes.

He felt suffocated, his steps becoming slow and uncertain as his heart thumps rapidly in his chest.

He can't do it.

Though his vision is blurring, he tried to turn around and walk away. His hand gripping his stomach, feeling his insides churn.

He ran towards a huge tree, vomiting hard as his vision starts to spin. Leaning on the tree, he tried his best to get a hold of himself when he saw a man running towards his direction.

He saw him getting nearer and nearer as he says something he couldn't comprehend. He doesn't know what happened when he completely saw darkness, letting his body fall on the sand with the image of the man in mind.

🌊

Loud noises of people talking awakened him. He could feel his head hurting as he tried to get up from bed, slowly removing the duvet covering his body.

Wait..

His eyes widened, realizing that he's inside an unfamiliar room. He stood, walking near the window, overlooking the sea.

Instinctively, he closed the window shut, his heart beating loudly in his chest as he leaned on the wall, trying to catch his breath once more.

Coming here is such a bad idea. He shouldn't have listened to his psychiatrist about facing his fears. Now, all he could think of is that fatal day that he wished to bury.

He was so out of it when the door opened, revealing a man in plain white shirt and board shorts with a tray of food in hand.

"I'm glad you're awake." He said, smiling at him. He went to the table and placed the tray on top of it.

"Here. Why don't you eat first to get your strength back." He added, motioning for him to sit on the empty chair.

However, he didn't move a muscle and just looked at the man with caution.

"Where am I?" He asked in a low voice.

He saw him smile, the kind of smile that's warm and friendly, his arms resting on top of his chest as he stared at him.

"You're in my house. I saw you collapsing yesterday in the beach." He answered, his eyes not leaving his face.

He nodded his head, eyes settling on the ground. "Thank you." He muttered silently.

"I haven't seen you around here before. Are you a tourist or something?" He inquired, standing and walking near him.

He nodded his head, eyes looking at the man's face up close. Only then was he able to see his features.

"I see. A lot of people come here to surf because the waves are amazing." He said, smiling at him. He held his hand out in front of him.

"I'm Jeon Jungkook." He introduced with his bright smile.

He looked at the hand, cautiously taking it with his own in a handshake. "I'm Kim Taehyung." He uttered, eyes meeting those charcoal orbs.

And who would have thought that fateful meeting could change everything.

🌊

"I'm afraid of the water."

Taehyung uttered, sipping his coffee as he stared blankly on the wooden table where his elbows are resting.

"Hmm." Jungkook hummed, his eyes focusing on the brunet's face. He shrugged his shoulders as he took a sip in his own coffee.

Taehyung raised his head at the response. He's waiting for the ravenette to say something, but he just continued drinking his coffee.

"Aren't you going to ask me why?" He said, arching his brow in amusement.

The ravenette just shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not going to force you to tell me the reason. I'm here to listen whatever you're willing to share." He muttered, eyes locking with his own.

"Hmm." It's his turn to hum. He looked at the ravenette over his long lashes, scrutinizing his features.

It has been three weeks since he had met Jungkook. He doesn't know why, but after the incident in the beach, the two of them kept in touch as if they're long time friends.

Now, Taehyung is even sharing his secrets to this man whom he had learned to be a surfer.

"I had an accident five years ago." Taehyung started, his eyes settling on his coffee, hand circling the ream as he recall that fatal day.

"I lost my family when our ship was caught on fire and sank. I even barely made it alive." He shuddered, grip tightening around the mug, not minding the heat coming from it.

Jungkook nodded his head, eyes analyzing his face. "That's why you're afraid of the water." He said.

The brunet sighed, eyes looking away. He saw people walking on the street, but his thoughts are so far away.

Taehyung was traumatized which turned into his phobia to water-- aquaphobia, as his psychiatrist named it.

In order for him to win over his fear, his psychiatrist gave him an assignment. He wants him to gradually expose himself to what he fears the most, a treatment known as desensitization.

He was up for the challenge. However, it's not as easy as he thought it to be.

"You know, fear is a disease." Jungkook uttered in a serious voice, making Taehyung snap his head to his direction.

He saw Jungkook tapping his fingers on the table, his eyes seriously gazing at him.

"It's slowly creeping in your body...." Jungkook trailed his fingers on the table, slowly making their way to his hand. "...until it consumes you, unaware." His fingers landed on Taehyung's own hand resting on the table.

"If you don't fight over your fears.." Jungkook takes his hand and curled it into fist. "You'll be trapped in it, until it's too late for you to escape." He covered Taehyung's fist with his hand, trapping it.

Taehyung tried pulling his hand, but Jungkook is way stronger than him. He blinks a couple of times, before sighing in defeat.

"Okay. I get your point." He said, removing Jungkook's hand.

However, the ravenette just grinned at him before pulling his hand across the table.

Taehyung almost fell off his chair when Jungkook planted a soft kiss on his hand.

"But I'm here to help you conquer your fears." Jungkook uttered, planting another soft kiss on his hand.

The brunet gulped, eyes wide as he stared at the ravenette who's looking at him intensely.

"W-what are you doing?" He asked under his breath.

Jungkook shrugged, finally releasing his hand. "Making you feel better?" He said, unsure.

The brunet placed his hand under the table, the warmth of Jungkook's lips still lingering on his skin.

"Well, that's unnecessary." Taehyung uttered, trying his best to hide the blush creeping in his cheeks.

However, Jungkook noticed it. He grinned playfully. "You seem to like it though."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, kicking Jungkook under the table making him yell in pain.

"Whatever." He uttered, letting his smile show on his face.

🌊

"Come on."

Jungkook reached out his hand, waiting for him to take it. He's smiling at him as if he's telling him that everything will be alright.

Taehyung took a deep breath before reaching the ravenette's hand, allowing himself to get dragged to the beach.

Jungkook had been true to his words when he said he'll help Taehyung conquer his fears.

They made progress little by little. They started with the sound and the smell of the ocean. Everyday, he'll let Taehyung gradually get used to the sound of the waves from a far.

In the first few weeks, Taehyung would vomit and get dizzy just from hearing the waves and smelling the sea. He would turn pale, his body unable to move as he clings to Jungkook.

The ravenette didn't rush him. They took the process slowly until Taehyung was able to get used to it, telling Jungkook that he's ready to see the waves and feel it.

Now, Jungkook is leading him to the beach, making sure to find a spot that's not too crowded for him.

He gripped Jungkook's hand as they went nearer, the sound of the waves becoming louder and the smell suddenly making his senses go numb.

Taehyung closed his eyes, stopping on his tracks, hand tightening around Jungkook's own. He could feel his palms turn sweaty.

"I-I don't think I can." He uttered, feeling his stomach churning. He still has his eyes shut, his body trembling, knowing fully well that if he opens his eyes, he'll be greeted by the vast sea.

Jungkook turned around only to see him so afraid. He sighed, caressing his face with his free hand.

"It's okay. You did a great job coming this far." He said, ruffling Taehyung's brunette locks.

"Let's go back." He uttered, turning around hand in hand with him.

Taehyung bit his lower lip, not wanting to end the day like this. He wants to try. He knows he couldn't back down everytime he feels scared. He has to do it now.

Jungkook felt the hesitation in him. He sighed, looking him in the eye. "Tae. It's okay. Don't force yourself." He uttered, voice so tender, blending beautifully with the waves. He waited for him to move, but his feet aren't moving at all.

The ravenette sighed, ducking down on the sand, his back facing Taehyung.

"Hop in." He said, wanting to give him a piggy back.

Taehyung slowly opened his eyes, seeing Jungkook kneeling in the sand, his back waiting for him.

"N-no.. It's okay, really." Taehyung uttered, his eyes not leaving Jungkook's back.

"Hop in, Tae." Jungkook turned to look at him. "Or do you want me to carry you, bridal style? I think that would be better? Don't you think?" Jungkook smiled playfully, making Taehyung hop in as fast as he could.

"Fine. Fine! Not the bridal style." He pouted, wrapping his arms around Jungkook's neck, his legs on his side as he carried him. He could feel Jungkook's arm supporting his thighs, making him feel comfortable.

The ravenette started walking on the sea side with him nuzzling his head on the crook of his neck.

"You can close your eyes if you feel scared. You have me. I won't let anything bad happen to you." Jungkook whispered, tilting his head on the side so he could look at his face resting on his shoulder.

Taehyung did the same, his eyes settling on Jungkook's charcoal eyes, so deep and full of promises.

"Why are you so kind to me?" Taehyung asked in a soft voice. He stared at this beautiful man and felt himself drowning in his eyes.

Jungkook didn't answer. He just stared at him as if his eyes are telling him the answer. He leaned forward, brushing his lips against Taehyung's own in a sweet fleeting moment.

Taehyung has his eyes widened in shock, his heart beating wildly in his chest.

"Does that answer your question?" Jungkook whispered with his voice so low that send tingles down Taehyung's spine.

Jungkook smiled at him before turning away. "Tell me to stop if you can't handle it, okay?" He reminded before walking forward to the sea.

Taehyung inhaled a sharp breath, seeing the blue water painted with orange and yellow streaks of light coming from the setting sun.

For a while, Taehyung forget about his fear as he breathed in the beauty of the scenery.

He felt Jungkook slowly walk in the water, dipping up to his knees.

"Ready?" Jungkook asked, making Taehyung gulp. He closed his eyes, clutching Jungkook so hard, his body heat calming his nerves as they slowly sink in the water.

"It's okay. I'm here." Jungkook whispered, his hand securely holding Taehyung as they went deeper in the water.

The brunet gasped, feeling the water rising from his feet, going up to his waist and even higher.

"N-no more.." He bit his lower lip, feeling his insides turn to jelly. He gripped harder to Jungkook, afraid to get drowned by the water.

Jungkook halted, letting him breathe. His hand caressed his thighs, wanting him to feel secured in his arms.

"Trust me." Jungkook murmured, slowly moving Taehyung around until he's in front of him. He held him by his waist, letting him cling to his body as if his life depended on it.

The ravenette saw Taehyung with his eyes shut, his lips trembling and pale.

"Open your eyes and look at me." Jungkook whispered, face impossibly near to Taehyung as he securely held him in his arms.

"It's okay, baby. Look at me. Just look at me." He urged, lifting a hand and tucking Taehyung's loose strand behind his ear.

With his fear still evident in his face, Taehyung opened his eyes, meeting Jungkook's face, smiling proudly and lovingly at him.

"Just look at me." Jungkook said once more, holding Taehyung's face as he leaned his forehead against his, their eyes still locked in each other.

"I won't let anything happen to you. Remember that." Jungkook promised, sealing his words with a kiss.

Taehyung felt himself getting drowned by the kiss, but he's not afraid. He was held by Jungkook with too much care, knocking his breath away as tears flow down his eyes.

The kiss is tender, full of promises that the both of them have for each other.

They were in the middle of the sea, but Taehyung felt no fear. He responded to the kiss with the same intensity and longing, gripping Jungkook by the shoulder before pulling away.

"We'll stop here." Jungkook said, smiling so fondly at him. He walked out of the water, carrying Taehyung away from the beach, letting him sit on the wooden chair in the front porch of his house.

He smiled, kneeling in front of the brunet as he cupped his face.

"You did great, Tae. I'm proud of you." He uttered, planting a soft kiss on his forehead.

He felt Taehyung melt in his arms, like a candle set on fire. He held him tight, making him feel his presence.

"Nothing bad happened, right?" He added, gliding his hand up and down his back, giving him the comfort he needs.

He heard a small sob coming out of his lips as he nuzzled his head on his neck. "T-thank you." He whispered low, hand clutching him firmly by the chest, tears welling up in his lovely eyes.

Jungkook lifted his face, his thumb wiping away his tears. "Let's rewrite the bad memories with good ones... together." He promised, kissing Taehyung in his lips.

And for the first time in five years, Taehyung didn't feel scared as he nodded his head.

🌊

Taehyung stood away from the crowd, holding his breath at the sight of people surfing the huge waves.

He could see the people cheering, betting on the surfer who they think would bring home the trophy.

The brunet on the other hand, barely contain the breath he's holding, eyes wide in horror everytime the waves almost engulf the surfers.

He couldn't prevent himself from sitting on the white sand, still not used to being this close in the ocean.

He was snapped out of his thoughts, hearing the announcer introduce the next contestant, the reason why he's here by the beach.

"Our title holder and last year's champion, Jeon Jungkook!"

The crowd cheered, getting out of the way of the ravenette, his smile wide and full of pride as he walks in the crowd.

It's his first time seeing Jungkook surf, and he couldn't help but feel the horror of witnessing him being taken away by the waves.

Taehyung couldn't prevent himself from admiring the man. He's full of confidence, his face showing the happiness he's been feeling as he looks at the waves, full of excitement and thrill.

Without hesitation, he went on the water with his surfing board, eyes gleaming bright like the sun as he waited for the surge of the wave.

Taehyung felt his body tremble in fear, his eyes not tearing away from the ravenette when a huge wave came.

His eyes widened, seeing Jungkook's boyish grin as he fearlessly conquered the wave, his surfing board gliding the water, letting his whole body dance beautifully with the waves.

Taehyung finds himself gaping, his heart thumping off his chest as he stared at the man riding the waves unafraid as if he's one with the water.

His wet raven locks dance with the wind, his arms wide opened as if he's flying, his smile so bright and blinding.

He's....breathtaking.

Taehyung stared at Jungkook, finally getting out of the water as the crowd cheered on him, shouting "Champion!" at the top of their lungs.

He was mesmerized by the joy he sees in the ravenette's eyes. The crowd began to get even wilder when the winner is announced, and it's Jungkook - no doubt.

The announcer came to his side, handing him the trophy and the microphone. Jungkook smiled at the crowd, his eyes shining brightly as he speaks.

"Thank you everyone for continuously supporting us - surfers. I know all the contestants did their best to win, but I think my desire to win badly helped me get this trophy." He said, smiling at the crowd. His eyes went farther back, stopping on the brunet who's sitting on the sand, far away from him.

But he knows it's him.

"I want to show someone that the sea is a friend and not something to be afraid of." He muttered, eyes not leaving the brunet.

Taehyung felt his heart skip a beat. He felt warm all over his body as he stared at the ravenette who's looking at him so fondly.

"I want that person to be free from his fears and the painful memories that the sea brings to him." He added, making the crowd silent as they listen intently.

The announcer came to his side, smiling so wide. "That's so sweet of you, Jungkook. May we know who's this lucky person?"

Jungkook just smiled, eyes still staring at the brunet. "He's someone I don't want to lose."

🌊

The sea took away his family five years ago. He was lost and hurt, scarred and bruised deep within.

However, the family that the sea once took returned to him in the body of one man.

The sea gave him Jeon Jungkook.

Who would have thought his love for Jungkook would be deeper than his fears?

Deeper than his aquaphobia that haunted him in years.

"Love." Jungkook called out, his arms wide opened as he stared at the brunet in front of him.

Taehyung smiled. He ran towards the ravenette, throwing himself in the arms of his love.

He's drowning unafraid.

Drowning in the love that this man unconditionally gave to him.

------

I hope you enjoyed this oneshot.

I'm a little sad because up until now, Jungkook hasn't posted his birthday greeting to Taehyung in twitter. Well, it's just a simple thing but I'm really a bit sad. 😩

Anyway, I hope this oneshot was able to make you smile.

Love you and Happy New Year 💜

Let's soar high with BTS in 2020 as well. 💜💜💜💜