**Viewer discretion advised**

***Contains mature themes (Emotional manipulation)***

"Here. For you." Taehyung said and pushed the banana milk towards Jungkook. 

"Banana milk? How did you know I was craving one? Thanks." Jungkook smiled and immediately went to poke the straw through.

"Aren't you about to drink some alcohol with me? You didn't have to drink that now for my satisfaction," Taehyung shook his head at the other but was happy that the other didn't think too much of the gesture.

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Gotta let you know that I appreciate the favor. Anyways, pick your poison." Jungkook said and gestured to the two cans of beer. 

Taehyung wasn't much of a drinker so he had no idea which to pick. Picking a random one, he twisted back the lid. Jungkook followed suit and held out his beer. "To the first time we're drinking together." He said before clinking his can with Taehyung's.

Hesitating slightly, Taehyung ended up taking a swig and grimacing at the taste. He could feel the burn travel down his throat. It seemed like Jungkook was completely unfazed in front of him. The silence was just a little unbearable but Taehyung's mind was blank of any sort of conversation starters- perfect time for a bite of food. 

"Jimin hyung loves to boast about how you guys met and started dating, but I want to hear it from your perspective." As they munched on chips, Jungkook's piercing gaze seemed to beg Taehyung for the story.

Taehyung cleared his throat and began, "It's not as exciting as Jimin makes it out to be. We were desk mates and started chatting. Or should I say he talked my ears off."

Jungkook's eyes twinkled with interest, and Taehyung felt his heart thumping in his chest. As long as Jungkook didn't suspect his true feelings, everything would be fine. The conversation drifted to movies, and Taehyung was relieved. Jungkook became surprisingly animated as they discussed different genres and titles.

"I never thought the day would come where someone shared my opinion on that movie. It was so ... how do I put this?" Jungkook leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest as he was deep in thought.

"Always loud?" Taehyung offered as that was his opinion on the film.

"Exactly! Sure, it contained everything a good movie should have, but it missed the mark by bringing nothing new to the table. I wouldn't have thought to describe it that way but it was definitely what I was thinking." 

Taehyung hadn't seen the other ever as animated as he was when talking about movies and he couldn't help but feel his face warm up. He was so happy that he was spending time with him and even more happy that they shared the same opinion.

"An unpopular opinion I have is that relatability is a terrible metric to judge how good a piece of media is. There are so many good films or even songs out there that people don't give a chance because they don't think they could resonate with it. Sure it could help you connect with the media, but I think it's more impressive when an artist or director can showcase and open your eyes to a foreign perspective." Taehyung was about to add more but stopped himself for rambling any more than that.

"I never thought of that before ... I think I'll have to get back to you on that when I'm able to think with a clear head." Jungkook replied.

To Taehyung, the seemingly trivial moment held profound meaning. The recognition and appreciation from Jungkook validated his thoughts in a way his parents had never managed. A gentle warmth bloomed within him as he acknowledged this contrast, realizing that Jungkook valued his insights and opinions, offering him a connection he had long been denied.

**flashback**

"Mom ... there's something I need to tell you." Taehyung said frantically, grabbing hold of his mother's arm as she was preparing dinner in the kitchen.

"What is it now? Do you need more supplies for school? Because I'm not going to give you any spending money given how horrible your marks were this midterm." 

"I-it's not that. Please, please promise to not get mad at me." 

"Let go of my arm, Taehyung! Spit it out already."

Tears spilled over, tracing paths down his face as he sank to the floor, wrapping his arms around his mother's leg. The weight of the secret he'd been carrying pressed heavily upon his shoulders, urging him to unburden himself. "D-dad has been rap-" He had started just to get cut off by his mother's cold words.

"I know," she interrupted, her voice cold and detached. "So what? You want to stay here, don't you?" 

As he grappled with the weight of this revelation, his world seemed to halt around him. She ... knew? And did nothing? The silence was deafening, and for a moment, he could only gaze at his mother's face, frozen in a mask of neutrality. But upon closer inspection, he noticed the subtle glimmer of tears in her eyes, a sight he'd rarely seen before.

The shock of this discovery hit him like a wave, illuminating the complex dynamics of their family unit and his role within it. He realized that if not for his presence, their lives would be precariously close to the edge, cast into the harsh realm of uncertainty.

Following that pivotal moment, Taehyung's personal desires took a backseat to the pressing need to preserve their fragile stability. With a quiet strength, he embraced this role, accepting the sacrifice of his own aspirations as a necessary means to ensure their well-being.

**present**

As the night wore on, Taehyung found himself slumped in his chair, lulled by Jungkook's soothing voice and the cool air conditioning. He closed his eyes, only to be stirred by a warm touch on his forehead.

Taehyung blinked, his gaze meeting Jungkook's concerned eyes. "You look sick, Taehyung. Should I take you home?"

Taehyung's head felt heavy, and all he wanted was to be closer to Jungkook. The younger male was now standing right by his side. Taehyung clung to him, resting his head on Jungkook's stomach, his heart fluttering at the closeness.