Past

43 | “No rumours?”

“What? Ji-hoon and Aria are dating? What the fucking fuck? Mom, are you sure you saw those losers together? Like for real?” Taehyung couldn't believe what he heard just a minute ago. It was so weird, because as he summed up, Ji-hoon and Aria both were like opposite forces that couldn’t be merged. Literally, everyone knew this at the school and they could barely be seen interacting so Taehyung’s reaction was valid.

Once, he even heard Ji-hoon declaring openly in the locker room to the boys that Aria was way too snobbish for his taste when someone asked him to hook up with her as a dare — You know the boys' things where they want to show male superiority and prove themselves who is best— Taehyung was never interested into their bullshit games and bitching. However, now he heard this juicy news, he couldn’t contain his joy.

Sitting on the bed, holding the cup of coffee that Seon bought for them, he fluttered his lashes to bring his attention to this very subject— gossiping with his mother was one of his favourite thing in this world— A whiff of a smile ghosted the corners of his lips, a victorious one and why not? Defying his own words, the pretender, good boy Ji-hoon was hooking up with the snobbish Aria in secret.

It was a secret, without any doubt, it was. otherwise, Taehyung would find out about them by the tattletale lurking in the school corners. And they were the popular kids, jumble and fuss could be heard on every table of the canteen, or the lockers and the classroom of course. 

Aria and Ji-hoon? Wow— It was humorous for Taehyung that he had to let out a good chuckle of mockery.

“I can't wait to see how Ji-hoon's best friend and Aria's worst enemy will react to this news. I'm such a bad person to use this for my benefit, but if it makes me get closer to my red, then why fucking not." Taehyung’s eyes glinted, the spark of mischief prowled in them as he gulped the coffee in delight, letting out a ‘ah so good’ under his breath.

“Taehyung, you aren’t supposed to call your friends or anyone a loser. That’s rude, baby.” Seon flashed him a look, shaking her head as she took a sip of her coffee.

“Meh, they aren’t my friends. They are sore losers.” Taehyung rasped, taking a sip from his cup. “Forget about it, tell me did you really see them being all pathetically lovey-dovey? I need to know everything.” Taehyung gaped at Seon through the rim of his cup like one of those nosy aunties who just want tidbits of rumors.

"Because you mentioned Ji-hoon's name and yesterday when I went to this diner with my friends, I saw them together. They didn't hesitate to flaunt their PDAs. Not that I have any issues with youngsters displaying their affection to one another, but the tongue down to Aria's throat in public was kind of—” Seon’s face twisted then a smile settled when Taehyung snapped his head at her with a disgusted expression as if he had bitten the lemon.

"Mom! Your innocent mouth shouldn't spout this kind of shit.” Taehyung shook his head furiously, his eyes rounded in shock. “Wait, your innocent eyes shouldn't witness their scandalous act.” His one hand held the cup and the other one cradled her face in his palm as he proceeded to shake his head with an astonishing face.

Look who was acting shocked as if he hadn’t made a hot mess out of Nina in a public parking lot and made her walk inside Daisy's cafe with a proud smile. Exceptionally proud. Through the glass window, he even caught Daisy and other female workers giggling and blushing while Nina still looked in a daze behind the counter… Yeah, they all understood what happened between them.

"But you wanted to know everything in detail." Seon patted Taehyung’s cheek in return, the delicate lining occurring in the corner of her eyes eased Taehyung.

It relieved him knowing that Seon could smile freely, not all the time but at least with him. It wasn’t like he couldn’t see the gloominess of her heart reflecting in her eyes and the way she concealed it in front of him so Taehyung couldn’t be disheartened. He was always stressed over Nabbi and Seon didn’t need to burden him with her emotional baggage.

Hyeon had ruined everyone’s life who stayed in his space, he sickened every one of them but that’s how he was, ugly and rotten from inside out. At least something good happened. Because of him, Taehyung got Seon, a mother who loved him unconditionally when she didn’t need to.

“Yeah, but you weren’t supposed to witness that.” Taehyung scrunched his nose, his brows knitted in distaste.

“It was a kiss, not a big deal.” Seon took the cup from Taehyung’s hand and sat up.

“But your pure eyes Mom—” He clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth when Seon lovingly mushed his hair. A hint to drop this subject because Seon couldn’t take Taehyung seriously.

“You do not create any trouble, okay?” Seon’s voice was sweet and gentle and her smile was even more. Was that even a warning? She would never be able to be strict with her son and even if she wants to, it would be a futile shot. Especially when he flashed his well-practiced puppy-like eyes that still made her heart all jelly.

“Me and trouble? Me? What?! Why do you think your saint-like son will do something?!” Taehyung wasn’t offended, he was just being dramatic like usual. And saint? This mere word couldn’t dare to step into his cluster-fuck dictionary.

“Because I noticed the sparks in your eyes and with that, I know you are up to something.” Seon walked to the door and smiled when he chuckled. Seon noticed that since he came home after meeting Nabbi which was two days ago, there was a rare sort of joy pouring out of his being.

“My lady, I'm born to wreak havoc.” Taehyung cackled. Seon knew Taehyung would only do what he wanted. This boy couldn’t be tamed.

“You are my sweet, sweet boy.” Seon scrunched her nose.

“Ew don’t call me that… call me wicked. Told you, I’m born to wreak havoc, Mom, havoc!” Taehyung threw his head back and cackled like a lucifer sitting on his dark throne. 

He was changed, she could see it in the tilt of his lips and hear it in his tone. He wasn’t her son who was always in control. Always hiding and concealing behind the indifferent facade that she was accustomed to. He looked a little soft, a little more radiant than his usual presence.

“By the way, happiness suits you.” Seon grinned and Taehyung’s face softened.

“I love you, my lady.” Taehyung mirrored her grin.

When Seon left the room, Taehyung pulled out his phone and called Jungkook. After a few rings, finally, Taehyung finally heard a breathy grunt and some grumbling words that were swallowed by the loud music.

“Fucker, did you miss me?” Jungkook slurred out, and then a groan followed. “Tell me or do you also hate me like her?” Another groan, another chug of drink, and the loud music. God, this boy was wasted and Taehyung couldn’t help but discern a sliver of sympathy that he usually didn’t acknowledge for people. Because sympathy and Taehyung’s didn’t fit well.

But it was Jungkook, the only man whom Taehyung conceded worthy of his friendship and trust.

“Where are you and the other guys?” Taehyung rubbed his thumb over his lower lip when the music was the only thing he could hear. “If you are done with your pity party then care to answer.”

“You moron bitch.” Taehyung could tell Jungkook had his eyes frigid. “At the local club, the usual.”

“You need to stop drinking, it’s too much. You barely look like yourself now.” Taehyung had lost count of how many times he had said the exact sentence to Jungkook. If Taehyung was there, he’d surely smack his head.

“You are not my father… or mother.” Jungkook snapped with a low laugh. “Fuck, I'm so rude. No man, fuck I'm  pathetic.” Taehyung sighed in response, the sliver of sympathy had worsened, even exacerbated at some levels.

And for some moment, Taehyung wondered what if he also had to go through this misery too? Because that’s what happens when you hand your heart to someone, right? With all trust and faith. The pain was inevitable. Was heartbreak a phase or an eternal tragedy? Love is love and unfortunately, love has many sides. What would be his reaction to these ugly outcomes? The love sickness that decays your insides and abandons you with nothingness? Would Taehyung be able to bear it?

“If namjoon is with you, pass him the damn phone.” Taehyung shook himself from the shackles of gloom. The thought of getting his heart broken by Nina’s hands put him in excruciating discomfort— but again, his heart was already her to demolish, she could walk all over it and Taehyung wouldn’t be able to do anything.

“Before you ask, yeah I'm babysitting his drunk ass.” There was a whiff of pity in Namjoon’s voice that winced Taehyung.

“It’s an everyday thing. What is he doing?”

“Weeping while watching Talia from across the club and drowning in the alcohol as if this is his last day on this earth.” Namjoon sounded annoyed, Taehyung could tell he was also tired of seeing Jungkook like this.

“Jungkook, shut your mouth and swallow the puke inside. Don’t glare at me or I'll toss your drunk ass in the dumpster. I'm  not cleaning your mess.” Taehyung was damn sure that it was all empty threats. Namjoon would clean Jungkook’s puke and even tuck him into the bed. From the appearance, Namjoon was one of those tall, brooding guys who could intimidate you but in reality, he was the softest monster in the heart and the smartest in the school making girls chase him even harder despite him being in a happy relationship.

“No one cares for me hyung.” Taehyung heard Jungkook’s voice dosed in loathing.

“I care for you—” Taehyung and Namjoon speak in unison and Taehyung shut his eyes, damn Jungkook’s sorrow was rubbing all over them.

“Sad life.” Taehyung mumbled, stroking his hand over his face. “Drop him home.”

“Mhm, but why did you call? If you are coming then we can wait for you.”

“Let’s see.” Taehyung cleared his throat. “Is Ji-hoon with y’all?” He should be, the basketball team and cheerleading squad always visit this club to celebrate the victory or just enjoy themselves, it was like a tradition.

“Uh, yes but why are you asking about him?” The curiosity flickered in Namjoon’s tone.  

“He thinks he owns something of mine, I just want to prove him wrong.” The corner of Taehyung’s lips twisted and a vicious twinkle prowled in his eyes.  “What is he doing?”

The answer from Namjoon splayed his lips for a full-fledged smile.

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