A/N: Okay, it feels good to return to my comfort book! Geesh, I've visited books I haven't seen in years 😂 Anyway, I am back to my love! Let's keep this a secret from Jinkook readers! Although the Cunning Alpha is my baby, it's just I can't deal with that JK right now 😭

******

Taehyung stood in the shower, the warm water cascading over him in a soothing waterfall. He ran his fingers through his damp hair and pulled at it. His mind was far from calm; it was a whirlwind of thoughts, all swirling around his conversations with Seokjin.

He was caught in a tug-of-war between his head and his heart and torn between the desire to protect himself and the indisputable truth that he cared for Jin more than he had ever cared for anyone. He knew he couldn't pretend that everything was fine. Disregarding his feelings was impossible; they clung to him like the steam in the air, persistent and suffocating.

Yet, he also refused to wear the mask of a fool again, wary of repeating the painful history they once shared. The memories of feeling like a doormat, taken for granted rather than cared for, were still fresh in his mind.

He leaned against the shower tiles, letting out a heavy sigh that echoed in the shower. The hot water cascaded over his body, easing the tension in his muscles. Each droplet provided a small relief, washing away not only the stresses of the day but also the heavy fog of confusion that had settled on his chest.

He closed his eyes and let the calming shower surround him. He tried to put aside the worries that clouded him. The outside world faded away, and the sound of the water muffled everything else, allowing him to focus on the feelings inside. Taehyung took a deep breath, hoping to find clarity, even as the struggle continued beneath the surface. He knew soon he would have to give Seokjin an answer.

"I need to figure this out," he said to himself.

*****

"How did it go with Taehyung?" Hoseok asked, sitting beside Jin and handing him a cup of coffee.

Jin accepted the coffee but then set it down on the coffee table without taking a sip. His mind drifted back to the earlier meeting with Taehyung, particularly the coffee Taehyung had bought for him. "I already had my fill of coffee earlier, but thanks," he replied absentmindedly.

"To be honest, I'm not sure where things stand between us now. He didn't seem satisfied with the way I approached our conversation earlier. But honestly, it made me angry to see him with that guy.

And you! Why did you have to make that ridiculous comment when you saw him without his shirt? I can't believe you thought that was appropriate."

Hoseok leaned back, considering Jin's frustration. "Look, you were upset, and that's why you reacted the way you did. If you had been in a calmer state of mind, I doubt you would have acted so impulsively.

I tried to drop some hints that making a scene could come off a bit reckless, but you clearly followed your instincts in the moment. That said, I don't think that should make Taehyung dismiss your feelings for him. If anything, it probably showed him how strongly you feel for him. A little bit of craziness never hurt anyone," Hoseok said with a laugh.

Then, with a teasing grin, he said, "As for my reaction to him being shirtless, well, I was just surprised! I had no idea he was packing that much muscle. I can see now why you might have an interest in him; it's hard not to with that kind of look. Not that I'm saying he isn't good-looking. He definitely is.

However, I have to admit, and will always say this, I never really pictured him as the type of guy you would actually be interested in." Hoseok confessed.

Jin sighed heavily, rolling his eyes with a hint of exasperation. "Is that really your reasoning? Just because what? You might think you might be a better match for him?

Let me explain something to you! You are not Taehyung's type, and you are not even close. So, if that's the thought you've got running through your mind, you need to erase it!

In case you haven't noticed, he and I have not talked in months. And yet, despite the time apart, he still hasn't allowed anyone to take my place in his thoughts. Why do you think that is? It's simple! I'm the one who consumes his thoughts, and that's not going to change anytime soon. I will always be the one he thinks about."

Hoseok shook his head, his eyes narrowing slightly as he stared at his best friend, who was practically glaring at him. "You know," he started, "while I will never admit this to anyone else, you are a little crazy!

I can't stress this enough, Seokjin, but believe me, I have absolutely no interest in Taehyung, and I promise you that with all seriousness." He ran a hand through his hair, softening his tone as he continued, "But I genuinely want you to find happiness and be with someone who makes you happy. If that someone happens to be him, then you have my full support."

He took a breath as he began to ask the questions that were important to him. "So, tell me, what did he say? Is he open to giving you another chance? Did you manage to apologize to him? Have you told him everything that's been going on with you, what really happened with everything? And for the love of all that is good, can I please go back to sleeping in my own bed now?" With a playful roll of his eyes, he threw in a teasing smile to lighten the mood, but the genuine concern for his friend in his eyes remained.

Jin reclined against the sofa, his arms falling to his sides as a deep pout settled on his lips. "I don't know what to do anymore," he sighed.

"He said he would think about it, but it already feels like an eternity. He made it clear that my reaction and how I acted toward that guy was not nice. Like I was somehow wrong for feeling angry, he also thinks my thoughts and the way I express them are reckless. I don't understand what he expects from me!

I mean, did you see how that guy acted toward him? It was anything but friendly; he was outright flirting with him!

I was trying my best to stay composed and ignore it, but then I saw him touch Taehyung's face. That's crossing a line! I felt so insulted. How can he just put his hands on someone I care about like that? It's infuriating!" Jin couldn't hide the disgust on his face as he reflected on the earlier incident.

"Now, I can't stop thinking and feeling that Taehyung is upset with me because of my outburst, but I also think it's just a temporary thing.

He did say that he has never stopped caring about me, and that thought alone made me smile inwardly, though I quickly masked it. I can't let him see that it brings me joy, it's too vulnerable.

And no, I haven't told him about my past or anything that happened to me. I worry it would drive him away. I mean, do you really think someone who has never had sex would want to commit to someone who has faced such trauma?

Trust me, I'd rather he not know; I don't want his pity, and I certainly don't want his sympathy as a crutch.

It's already so demoralizing that I feel like I'm begging him for another chance! This is so unlike me; I've never had to beg with anyone to stay by my side.

"I really don't think he understands how desperate this makes me feel," Jin said, leaning his head toward Hoseok and resting it on his shoulder.

"I feel completely overwhelmed right now. It's as if my mind is in complete chaos; I can't figure out what to think or how to feel because everything around me feels like it's exploding.

Do you think he will really give me another chance? Should I just show up at his apartment? I don't think I can sit and wait for him to make a decision; the waiting is so unbearable and feels unfair!"

Hoseok shifted his arm, draping it over Jin's shoulder in a comforting gesture. "You know, he has a point, your actions did seem a bit rash," he said softly. "But like I mentioned earlier, I really don't think it's enough to drive him away completely.

It's also important to remember that what happened doesn't make you any less deserving of his love. Please don't ever imagine that you might appear weak or evoke pity in Taehyung's eyes.

From what I know, he doesn't come across as someone who would view you that way. He likely would share the same frustration and hurt I've felt since I learned what happened and the guilt of not being there for you when you truly needed it."

After a pause, Hoseok continued, his face turning more serious. "On another note, it would not be good for you to show up to his apartment right now. If you do, it might make him even more hesitant about giving you a chance.

He could end up thinking you're being overly obsessive, and honestly, you've had your fill of dramatic moments for one day. Adding more chaos to what you've already done is really unnecessary.

Let me take the lead on this. I think I have a plan that could help you see him tonight." A confident smile spread across Hoseok's face as an idea flashed in his mind.

*****

Taehyung stared at the message on his phone and quickly jumped out of bed. He grabbed his shirt and put it on, followed by a pair of pants and his jacket, before running out of the room.

*****

Hoseok couldn't contain his laughter as he listened to the persistent ringing of Jin's doorbell, a playful grin spreading across his face. "And it worked! You owe me."

"I guess it was wise that we informed security beforehand," he said with a chuckle before leaving the room.

Jin sat in silence, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow as he pondered how Taehyung would respond to Hoseok's scheme.

Hoseok, bubbling with excitement, went toward the door, and as he flung it open, he barely had a moment to react before Taehyung burst through the threshold. "Where is he? Is he okay? How badly did he fall? Does he need to go to the hospital?" His voice trembled, a clear reflection of the worry on his face.

Hoseok raised an eyebrow, his tone shifting to a more serious note as he tried not to laugh. "I don't know, but it looked like a pretty hard fall. He hasn't stopped talking about you, which may or may not be a good sign.

You should probably go check on him to ease your mind. And honestly, it would be best if you stayed with him tonight, just to be sure he's alright. I can't stay; I've got plans, and he really hates sleeping alone for some reason." With that, Hoseok slipped out the door, closing it quietly behind him, leaving Taehyung speechless and confused.

Taehyung hurried down the familiar halls, his heart racing as he called out Seokjin's name. Each of his steps echoed as he moved from one room to the next. Finally, he found Jin sitting alone in the living room, his posture tense and his gaze distant.

Taehyung paused for a moment, as he stared at Jin, "Seokjin, are you okay? Hoseok said you fell—"

Jin looked up, his eyes meeting Taehyung's with a serious look. "He lied. I didn't fall. But he thought it would be easier to get you here by making up a story than to have me come to you."

Taehyung swallowed hard, feeling a knot twist in his stomach. "Oh, so you're okay then?"

"No, no, I'm not okay, Taehyung."

Taehyung frowned, confusion creeping into his mind. "Is something wrong, then?"

Jin's gaze sharpened as he stood up and took a step closer to Taehyung. "Have you given up on me completely? Or are you willing to give me another chance?"

"Seokjin—"

"I don't need a long speech, Taehyung. Just tell me, yes or no!" Jin yelled.

"It's not just a yes or no, Seokjin. So please don't push me. Yes, I like you. Hell, I love you. More than you can ever imagine. But like I said earlier, I matter too, and until I feel like you realize that—no, I'm not giving you another chance."

Jin's frustration escalated, his voice rising as he called out, "And when exactly is that?!"

"When you're not standing in front of me and yelling," Taehyung shot back, his own heart pounding. He took a deep breath to steady himself, feeling the tension radiating off Jin as he stepped closer.

"I'm sorry," Jin said. "It's just... I've never felt so desperate in all my life. I keep telling myself you're not worth the pain, but I'm only lying to myself, Taehyung. If anyone isn't worth it, it's me." Tears filled Jin's eyes, reflecting all he was feeling.

"No, please don't say that. That's not true. You are always worth it, Seokjin. Always." Taehyung said as he moved closer, reaching out to comfort him.

"Then why haven't I been feeling like it, Taehyung?"

Taehyung sighed deeply, his heart aching for Jin. "I don't know," he replied softly, wrapping his arms around Jin. "I'm so sorry you've been feeling this way."

Jin melted into the hug, wrapping his arms tightly around Taehyung, breathing deeply and inhaling the familiar scent that brought him comfort. "I missed you so much. Please don't leave me. Please."