Those angry will be happy again, and those wrathful will be cheerful again, but a destroyed nation cannot exist again, the dead cannot be brought back to life.
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The Art of War
Sun Tzu

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The time had come for Taehyung to make a decision.

All afternoon, he wandered around the bed and breakfast in an attempt to sort out his thoughts. That proved to be an obstacle with Jungkook trailing him most of the time, asking both vague and specific questions alike about Min Yoongi, Chief of Security at Korean National Oil.

Taehyung repeatedly explained how little information he had on his boss, yet the younger never abandoned his inquisition. It seemed Jungkook was desperate for answers, demanding to know more of the Chief's views on loyalty and the right for a fair trial. And truthfully, Taehyung didn't have the details Jungkook was after. He had only met Yoongi a few days ago, and beyond the conversation they had during the interview, they didn't get the chance to discuss their philosophical opinions.

Throughout his incessant questioning, Jungkook spoke in mild curiosity, a tone that mixed boredom with intrigue. There was no frantic energy clinging to the boy like an aura, no pacing or wild eyes that might hint at an internal fear. But Taehyung knew to search for more subtle clues, and when he did, it was obvious how much anxiety consumed the younger.

There was the constant licking of lips, a sign of a dry mouth that could be traced back to nerves. There were fingers curling into a fist when questions went unanswered, a sign of aggravation over the lack of material on the Chief. And, of course, there were the questions - often repeated - in the first place. So, so many questions on the man coming to meet them.

It was rather evident to Taehyung that Jungkook was nervous about meeting Min Yoongi.

But Taehyung couldn't focus on the younger's concerns now. He needed to drown out Jungkook's constant yammering to determine his next move.

Taehyung needed to decide whether or not to disclose the valuable information he'd been safeguarding for the past week. Information that would change everything for Korean National Oil . . . for him . . . for Jungkook . . .

But fuck, he was at such a standstill. He knew what he should do, knew coming clean was the right move, but he was afraid.

Just not for himself.

When Yoongi arrived, the first thing the man would probably do would be to interrogate the living shit out of both Jungkook and Taehyung. He'd demand a full recount of all that had happened, separating the two boys to make sure their stories aligned. And then he would dive into the specific details, dissecting everything piece by piece.

And while Taehyung could hold his own with Yoongi and his arsenal of pointed questions, he knew Jungkook would get himself in trouble. It was inevitable and unavoidable. Because while Taehyung was willing to tolerate the lie Jungkook had fed him, he was confident the Chief of Security would not.

Why Taehyung tolerated the lie still remained to be answered. But from the very beginning, he knew that Jungkook wasn't being honest about his role in all of this. And the entire time, the younger remained clueless about Taehyung knowing.

The whole situation was a web of delicately spun lies.

By early evening, Taehyung still hadn't reached a decision. His head throbbed and his neck felt stiff, tension running high throughout his body. And Jungkook had yet to grow tired of trailing him, talking nonstop to the point where Taehyung ordered him to leave. He just needed a few minutes alone to think, to map out every single outcome of how the rest of his life could be impacted. Jungkook reluctantly backed off, saying he'd find his friends to talk to instead.

So now, seated in the quiet gardens and marveling at the setting sun, Taehyung knew the time had come to make a decision.

Closing his eyes, he tried to envision what would happen if he continued as he was now. If he purposely withheld essential information from the people who might be able to help, a whole litany of unfavorable events could occur. Taehyung dreaded the thought of anyone else getting hurt and feared that that was a plausible outcome if he remained silent.

There weren't too many benefits of hiding his past, but there was one rather important consideration: Jungkook was less likely to get hurt if Taehyung didn't speak up.

But he wasn't stupid; Taehyung knew it was impossible to keep this up long-term. One way or another, he would slip - or Jungkook would do something careless - and the whole facade would come crashing down. So wouldn't it be better to control the fall rather than be caught unprepared?

Yes. But again, it wasn't his life he feared for in all of this.

Maybe if he wasn't such a pacifist, if he didn't care so much about the wellbeing of others, he could reveal everything without pause. Life would certainly be easier if he didn't have to hide his insight anymore. But he hated violence and he did care. And if he opened his mouth, Yoongi would press a gun to Jungkook's head and probably wouldn't give anyone a chance to explain.

Jungkook wasn't Taehyung's favorite person in the world by any means, but he had a duty to protect him. And besides, Taehyung never wanted to see someone die because of him again. He would not fail as he did one week ago.

So was that it? Had he reached a decision? Did he just convince himself to hide everything he knew to protect Jungkook?

Fuck. What was happening to him?

For some stupid, nonsensical reason, Taehyung didn't want to see anything bad happen to Jungkook. Sure, he still didn't know the younger's true motives - didn't know much about him period - but he didn't want to come to any rash conclusions. He didn't want to do something he'd regret.

All Taehyung wanted to know was why Jungkook lied in the first place, why he went along with this for so long. But in asking those questions, in revealing his knowledge to the younger, he was putting himself at risk. He still didn't trust Jungkook . . . Not when he didn't understand anything about the boy.

But he trusted him enough not to kill him. And for that reason, Taehyung didn't want to be the cause of Jungkook's death.

And the best way of ensuring the younger's safety? Continuing to hide all Taehyung knew.

It was the wrong call, the absolute fucking wrong thing to do. Everything he'd been trained on, all the lessons drilled into his mind . . . Out the window. And why?

Because of obligation? Yes and no.

Because of attraction and lust? Yes and no.

Because he - somewhat, kind of, maybe - developed a soft spot for Jungkook? Yes and no.

Taehyung didn't understand his own motives anymore. He didn't know why he did half the things he did since seeking out Min Yoongi earlier in the week.

But he was officially out of time as he saw a nondescript car pulling into the parking lot, a familiar-looking man stepping out.

Min Yoongi.

And as Taehyung walked over to his boss, he knew he had reached a decision . . . For now.

"Chief," Taehyung nodded, falling into step behind the man as they progressed through the parking lot.

"Did you clear the place?" Yoongi asked as a form of greeting, gaze narrowed as he swept the area.

"Yes," Taehyung affirmed, focusing all thoughts on the matter at hand.

Yoongi hummed in a curt acknowledgment. "How many people are currently inside?"

"Ten guests and nine workers. Two of those workers live full time here."

"And the boy?"

Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. Both actions were clear signs of uncertainty, though Yoongi was thankfully preoccupied with observing their surroundings.

"He's inside," Taehyung said, deciding to provide as minimal details as possible. "The two workers who live here are his friends. From what I've gathered, they know next to nothing. They don't even know Namjoon is dead."

An irritated sigh left the Chief's mouth, one of heavy inconvenience. "We'll revisit the friends later. In the meantime, I'll need to sweep the area and put some security measures in place. You and I will talk first, and then we'll meet with the kid. But before all that, I've been driving for six fucking hours and need to eat."

Taehyung led Yoongi into the bed and breakfast, relieved when he didn't see Jungkook hanging around. For now, until he figured out his exact plan of attack, he wanted to keep the younger far from his boss.

Hoseok wasn't at the front desk, and no other employees were in sight. So Taehyung took a tentative step back, jerking his thumb over his shoulder.

"Let me find someone to get you a room."

"Fine. Then you and I will have dinner and talk," Yoongi intoned, eyes sharp as he appraised the interior of the building.

Taehyung wasted no time in jogging up the stairs, hoping to run into Jungkook before he inadvertently met Yoongi. From what he remembered overhearing, there was a large balcony on the second floor that Jungkook and his friends sat out on yesterday. So he headed there, hoping that his search would be a quick and easy one.

And for once, something went his way. Jungkook, Jimin, and Hoseok were seated on the balcony in a half-circle, backs to Taehyung as he strolled outside. He fixed a relatively happy and carefree look over his face, not wanting the younger's friends to pick up any trace of tension.

"Hey, sweetheart," he called out, coming up behind Jungkook's chair and placing a hand on his shoulder. His fingers gripped him firmly, sending a silent signal of warning. "How are you guys?"

Jimin turned in his seat to beam at Taehyung, the gesture so pure and full of joy. "Hey, Taehyung! Hope you didn't mind us stealing Jungkookie for so long. I'm sure you want some alone time with him."

At that, Jungkook tilted back his head, a mischievous smile spreading over his pink lips. "Oh, I'm sure he does. And guess what, angel? Hoseok let me know he slipped a little something special inside of the nightstand. He's the best, isn't he?"

Taehyung's grip dug into him harder, though he kept his expression relaxed. "You're a kind man, Hoseok."

"Why don't you join us?" The lodge owner offered, standing up to pull over another chair. "It's a beautiful night to watch the sunset."

"That's a lovely offer. But I wanted to let you know there's a man downstairs asking to check in." Taehyung felt Jungkook stiffen underneath his touch, correctly assuming who had arrived.

"Oh, I wasn't expecting any new guests tonight. But sometimes travelers need a place to rest, and my place is one of the only lodges on the outskirts of the city. I'll go," Hoseok explained, brushing off his pants and leaving the three boys on the deck.

And while Taehyung didn't want to be rude, he desperately needed to get Jungkook alone and explain his game plan. So he hooked his arms around Jungkook's shoulders, tucking his chin into the crook of his neck.

"Well, someone missed me," Jungkook chuckled, his face so close to Taehyung's.

"Oh, I always do," he drawled in return, his fingers tracing over the younger's neck in a mildly threatening - and tantalizing - way. "Do you think I could steal you for a private conversation?"

Jimin laughed, gracefully standing from his chair and heading towards the door. "I'm going to see if Hoseok needs anything from me. Enjoy your private conversation."

With a wink, the elder strutted from the deck and left Jungkook and Taehyung alone.

"We need to talk. Let's go to our room," he said lowly, unwrapping his arms and stepping back from the chair.

They walked to the room without conversation, a shared suspense hanging between them. And while the younger attempted to come off as relaxed, Taehyung found him gnawing on his bottom lip.

Once they were safely in their room, Taehyung ran a hand over his face. The weight of everything slowly began to press harder onto his shoulders, and he felt the need to run away and hide. That or scream.

But sadly, there was no time for any of that now.

"My boss wants to have dinner with me and to catch up," Taehyung started, coming up close to the younger. "So I need you to stay in here for now, okay? Order dinner, watch TV, do anything but leave this room."

"I . . . Am I going to talk with your boss?" Jungkook mumbled, eyes wide and dark with apprehension.

And Taehyung understood that apprehension; Jungkook knew the gravity of the situation for himself. "You'll talk to him eventually. But not tonight. Everything will be okay . . . You can trust me."

That was it. That was his decision. He wasn't going to do anything that would put Jungkook in harm's way.

"Trust me," Taehyung repeated when the younger remained silent, watching as he continued biting his bottom lip.

"I . . ."

"You're going to break your skin if you keep doing that," Taehyung lectured gently, eyes locked on that lying, carnal mouth. "There's no reason to be afraid of Yoongi, I promise."

"I'm not afraid," Jungkook scoffed, letting go of his lip and hardening his expression. "He's just someone who works for me. If anything, he needs to stay on my good side."

Taehyung nodded his head, letting the younger say whatever he wanted. Because he could tell Jungkook was unraveling, even if the boy was doing everything to appear unaffected.

"Alright, then," he said instead of arguing. "I'll come back soon. Just . . . Don't leave the room, Jungkook."

He left at that, doing his best to clear his mind as he searched for his boss. But conflict stirred within his stomach; he was so fucking confused. Because - based off of everything he knew - he should hate Jungkook. He had every right to distrust the boy.

But Taehyung didn't want to hate him at all. And for that, he felt like absolute shit.

Taehyung found Yoongi sitting in the dining area, the setting sun washing over his features. The Chief of Security wore a neutral expression, with no indication of his inner thoughts presenting across his face. He looked as unmoving as a statue, set in his ways and cast in stone.

It was surprisingly intimidating.

"I ordered us some food," the elder intoned, finally shifting his gaze to assess Taehyung. "Sit. Start talking."

"Where should I start?" Taehyung hedged, easing into a chair and studying his boss. "Do you want a full recount now, while we're out in the open?"

Yoongi set his elbows on the table, leaning forward and cocking his head to the side. "Tell me how the fuck you got into trouble just hours after I hired you. Tell me why that house was broken into and why you didn't properly detain the two men I found lying unconscious. Tell me how you managed to do all that so damn quickly."

This reaction was expected, though the elder's hostile tone still pissed off Taehyung. "If I had been properly briefed in the first place, maybe I could've given you some answers. Or avoided an attack altogether. But no one at this company seems to have any idea of what's going on. So I did what I could to keep the kid and myself safe. And since I had limited resources, I like to think I did a good fucking job."

The two stared at each other, both unwavering and unwilling to back down. But Taehyung had anger behind his eyes, a fury directed towards everyone at Korean National Oil who left him unprepared and vulnerable.

Yoongi seemed to recognize this, relaxing his shoulders marginally and sitting back in his chair. "You kept the kid alive, so I guess that's all that matters. His father flipped his shit once he learned of the attack at the house, so he'll be glad to learn his son is okay."

"He's okay," Taehyung affirmed softly, shifting into a similar position as his boss. "And the three of us can debrief all you want, but we're waiting until morning. Everyone here is exhausted and twelve hours won't change much."

A smirk pulled up the corner of Yoongi's mouth, finally molding his face into something less cold. "Are you calling the shots now?"

"All I'm saying is that one more night won't make much difference. A clear mind will, though," Taehyung answered lightly, knowing he was out of line for pressing orders onto his boss. But if it bought Jungkook and him more time, he really didn't care if he angered the Chief.

Before any other debates could occur, a server brought out a cart filled with multiple dishes. The man slowly unloaded the plates onto their table, smiling amicably while completing his task. But Taehyung wasn't focused too heavily on the food or the server. He kept his eyes locked on Yoongi, waiting for his final verdict on the matter.

"Fine," the Chief let out once they were alone again. "The three of us will talk in the morning. But for now, run me through a broad outline. Then I'll fill you in on some news on the case."

Taehyung nodded, glad he didn't have to divulge too much at the moment. "Sounds like a plan."

The two started eating, with Taehyung covering the most critical occurrences from the last three days. He barely brought up Jungkook at all, not wanting to put too much emphasis on his involvement. And through it all, Yoongi remained stoic and quiet, not even bothering to ask any clarifying questions. He was probably making careful mental notes, analyzing whatever Taehyung said to reference small details again later. After thirty minutes, Taehyung revealed all he wanted to for the moment and finished eating his meal in peace.

Once the server had cleared their dishes - with Yoongi graciously paying for the dinner - the Chief cleared his throat. "Before I let you go for the night, I wanted to share some news on the murders."

Taehyung swallowed heavily, the topic already making him uncomfortable.

Yoongi didn't notice. "I don't know why it took over a week to collect this data, but we finally received photos and samples from the crime scene. It was a gruesome attack, so I won't show you the pictures unless you need to see them. Our team also extracted a couple of bullets used for the murders, which are being analyzed at a lab now. Based on the reports, the bullets were shot at close range, making me think the attack wasn't expected. Whoever the shooter was, they were able to get within a couple of feet before pulling the trigger."

Yoongi continued speaking, highlighting some disturbing pieces of information he gathered. But at this point, Taehyung wasn't even listening. As soon as the Chief began talking about bullets, shooting, and gruesome photos, Taehyung fell deep into his memories. His own trauma slowly crept along his spine, sharp pinpricks that reminded him of his failure.

And he heard it all again: the screaming and begging and gunshots. Everything repeated in his mind like a never-ending circle, no beginning or end in sight. And as he relived those memories over and over and over, his throat began to close. The blood drained from his face. And he had the unsettling urge to throw up everything he just ate.

Taehyung was going to implode.

"Excuse me," Taehyung mumbled, pushing out of his seat and standing. "I . . . I need air. We'll catch up later."

He didn't wait for a dismissal; he ran outside at full speed. And while the fresh air should've helped to clear his mind, he was too far gone. Running like this reminded him too much of how he ran a week ago, how he ran from his responsibilities and guilt and grief.

And now, just over a week later, everything finally caught up to him.

Taehyung bolted through the garden, his breathing out of control and his legs burning with effort. He hadn't felt so lost - so overwhelmed - since the day of his failure. The day he lost so much. But every single feeling he repressed since that day rose through his body, making him feel too much too soon. He wasn't able to process it all at once.

If only everything could fade into a bearable numbness, maybe then he could breathe again.

Taehyung stumbled upon the garden's gazebo, a rustic wooden structure that was open on all sides. He clambered inside, leaning over the railing and inhaling slowly through his nose. If he didn't calm down soon, he'd start hyperventilating . . . He'd break down completely.

And he couldn't fall apart; he couldn't face his agony head-on. He wasn't ready.

Taehyung balled his hand into a fist and slammed it against a wooden beam, rejoicing in the pain that traveled up his arm. If he couldn't be numb, if he had to feel, then this was the sort of pain he chose.

Five more jabs into the wood did nothing to soothe Taehyung. So he hit harder, becoming lost in the physical pain, thinking it was better than the pain he felt in his soul. He convinced himself that this was what he deserved anyway. This was karma, payback, and vengeance for all he did and did not do.

This was -

"Taehyung, stop," a harsh voice called out, the tone pitchy with alarm. "Stop, you're hurting yourself."

It was Jungkook.

The younger ran around the corner, panting as he neared the gazebo. His face showed open concern, eyebrows knit together and lips drawn tight.

Taehyung didn't look at him for long. He stalked deeper into the gazebo, back facing Jungkook as he searched for a new place to punch. But before he had the chance to feel that satisfying smack against his skin and bones, a pair of strong arms wrapped over his arms and around his stomach, holding him in place.

"Stop," Jungkook breathed into his ear, squeezing him tightly. "If you don't care about hurting yourself, at least find a way that doesn't destroy Hoseok's place in the process."

Taehyung twisted his body, attempting to dislodge himself by vigorously shaking Jungkook off. But the younger wouldn't budge, holding him so securely that he couldn't even raise his arms. He was trapped.

"Let go," Taehyung hissed, trying to force as much bite into the two words as possible.

"I got you," Jungkook said softly, tone incredibly gentle even though he held Taehyung in a harsh grip. "You're hurting . . . angry. And you don't have to keep it all inside if you don't want to. But please stop hurting yourself. Let me help you."

Angry. Yes, anger was one of the emotions Taehyung felt. He was so fucking mad at himself, so furious for the hesitation that cost his loved ones' their lives.

"Let me help you, Tae," Jungkook whispered, tucking his head close to Taehyung's. "You don't have to hurt alone."

The younger's chin came to rest on his shoulder, his breath fanning over his ear. "I got you. I'm here."

Taehyung remained still, closing his eyes and trying to reign in his despair. "I thought I told you to stay in the room."

A small step brought Jungkook even closer, his chest coming into contact with Taehyung's back. To an outsider, the stance probably looked like a sweet back hug. "I know. You did, and I disobeyed you. I was on the balcony, though, and I could see you. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

A bitter laugh rose from within Taehyung's chest, his head dipping forward as he let the sound out. "I'm not okay."

"That's alright. Do you want to talk?" The younger offered in an even and calm tone. "Or we could scream. Or just sit here. Hell, I'll even let you hit me if you want."

That last option caught Taehyung off guard, and for one second, he escaped the suffocating heat of his self-loathing. "Why would I want to hit you?"

Jungkook shifted his positioning, keeping one arm around Taehyung while he extended the other. He splayed his hand wide, displaying his palm. "You can hit my palms, just like in boxing. Growing up, boxing was my favorite way to release stress besides . . . Nevermind."

"Besides what?" Taehyung questioned, trying to concentrate on all things Jungkook rather than the splintering of his heart and soul.

"It's not important," the younger soothed, slowly letting his arms drop. He lightly grasped Taehyung by the shoulders, spinning him around so they were eye to eye. He then raised his hands, palms facing outward, and nodded reassuringly.

"If you need to hit something, hit me. Throw a punch."

"I'm not going to hit you, Jungkook," Taehyung murmured, looking down at his reddened and raw hand. "I don't want to do that."

"Okay," Jungkook nodded again, letting his arms lower to his sides.

As he continued appraising his hand, which thankfully didn't show signs of broken bones, Taehyung felt a pair of eyes running over his body. He lifted his head, watching as Jungkook assessed every inch of him, almost like he was searching for any other damage.

When his inspection completed, the boy met Taehyung's gaze. "What do you need?"

Taehyung didn't know what he needed, he only knew what he wanted. "To turn it all off. To forget."

"Taehyung . . ."

"But I can't," he finished hoarsely, the edges of his voice low and rough. "I don't know how."

Jungkook smiled sadly, the corners of his lips rising incrementally. "I know the feeling. Sometimes, you just want to crawl into a hole and hide."

"That or burn alive," Taehyung responded, uncertain of what to make of Jungkook's expression. Did he think about his past, the lies he wove over the last several days?

He didn't have the capacity to analyze Jungkook at the moment, so he collapsed onto a small bench tucked into the corner. His body felt spent, almost numb in the way he desperately craved.

Jungkook joined him a moment later, the limited space forcing him to sit right alongside Taehyung. Their thighs pressed together, but surprisingly Taehyung didn't mind. The touch helped give him something to cling to, a physical tether that kept him here rather than floating in the abyss of his mind.

"Do you want to talk about it?" The younger asked quietly, his hand tentatively coming up to rest in Taehyung's forearm. His fingers lightly smoothed over his skin.

"I don't know how to talk about it," Taehyung admitted openly, his words honest and broken. "And I don't know if I'm ready to either."

Jungkook continued lazily caressing his arm, tracing shapeless patterns with a light touch. "That's alright. Let's just sit here then."

And they did. For a while, until the sun dipped below the tree line, the two sat and didn't speak. The whole time, Taehyung listened to the controlled ins and outs of Jungkook's breath, trying to mirror the breathing pattern. He focused on that and that alone, and soon enough, the remaining sparks of anger cooled off.

Taehyung knew his outburst - or break down - had been a long time coming. Over the last week, he continuously repressed all he felt in an effort to control his anguish. But as the days progressed, he became a ticking time bomb. Ignoring his suffering could only sustain for so long, and when it all became too much, he was bound to crack.

And he did.

But Taehyung knew there was still so much more to come, more pain he needed to process and then let go of. But he was terrified of feeling the depth of his emotions. He was so adamant that as soon as he let himself succumb, he'd never know how to feel anything but anguish again.

His pain would destroy all that he was until only a shell remained.

So he decided to deny his feelings to prevent that from happening. That was easier - better - than accepting responsibility. But everything he subdued, all of the grief and rage and guilt, were eating him alive.

They demanded to be let out, but that was the one thing Taehyung was so terrified to do.

Maybe one day, he could venture down the road towards healing and acceptance, but tonight was not that night. He had enough reliving of the past for one day.

"We should go back to the room," Taehyung spoke after a while, tilting his head to look at the younger. "I don't want my boss to see you yet."

Jungkook nodded, but he didn't make to move. His hand continued to brush over Taehyung's arm, an unconscious action, as his teeth bit down on his bottom lip. He appeared to be debating something.

"Do you think your boss can help us? Help figure out who's after us and why?" He voiced a couple of moments later.

In short, yes, he did. Especially since Taehyung held such valuable information that could drastically change the outcome of this entire situation. But he was still reluctant to disclose his knowledge; he didn't want to endanger Jungkook.

But he couldn't say all that. So instead, he settled on something a little more diplomatic. "The more experienced people we have, the better. But finding people with that experience isn't always easy, though."

A heavy exhale sounded from Jungkook, his shoulders slightly drooping. But his eyes . . . his eyes were locked in determination. "But if your boss could help, then I shouldn't hide from him. I should talk to him."

The younger's tone was resolute, decisive about some conclusion he apparently reached. And that unnerved Taehyung . . . It triggered alarm bells in his head.

Was Jungkook going to admit the truth to Yoongi? If he was . . . If that happened . . .

"No," Taehyung let out, not even meaning to speak but accidentally voicing his inner thoughts. "I, uh . . . Don't talk to him without me. It'll be better if I lead the conversation."

Jungkook turned away from Taehyung, gaze locked forward. His hand lifted from Taehyung's skin and rested in his lap. "I think I need to talk to him alone. It's . . . It's the right thing to do."

"Jungkook, promise that you'll wait for me. I don't want you speaking with him unless I'm there, okay? Please?" Taehyung's heart rate steadily increased as he imagined the younger admitting everything to Yoongi. He couldn't envision a scenario that didn't end with a gun pressed to the boy's head.

Fuck, he couldn't let that happen.

"Tae," the younger breathed, acceptance rich in his voice. "You can't stop me from having a conversation, you can't -"

"Look at me," Taehyung ordered, waiting until he had the boy's undivided attention. "I said you could trust me, remember? So when I'm telling you to not talk to the Chief, I'm making my best judgment call for you."

"Why do you care so much about this?"

There was a slight pause as Taehyung considered the question. He genuinely shouldn't care, shouldn't have this burning desire to keep the younger safe.

"I don't know." It was the truth.

But Jungkook didn't accept that. "Bullshit. Tell me. Why do you care about what I do? Is it because you're my bodyguard?"

"I don't know. I . . . I don't know, Jungkook. I don't know what to tell you. I'm just trying to keep you safe."

"Are you trying to keep me safe because it's your job or because of something else?"

Oh, it really wasn't Taehyung's job to keep Jungkook safe. It never had been.

"Do you care for me?" Jungkook asked quietly, eyes so incredibly vulnerable.

"I . . ."

He didn't want to care for Jungkook.

But he did care. For some reason unbeknownst to him at the moment, he did.

"Yes," Taehyung said honestly, twisting his body to face the younger better. "I don't know why."

Jungkook turned more towards him as well. "I don't know why you do either."

And now Taehyung was staring at Jungkook's mouth, that mouth that never failed to drive him completely insane. "It's not right."

"It's not." Jungkook bit down on his lip again, his teeth sinking into the plump flesh.

So Taehyung reached up and ran his thumb over the area, shocked at the softness and smoothness. And slowly, all while maintaining eye contact with the younger, he pulled Jungkook's lip from his mouth.

A hand found its way to Taehyung's hip, holding him securely in place. And even though Jungkook's eyes were growing darker by the second, he didn't move.

Jungkook was allowing Taehyung to control whatever the hell was going on here.

And while he should be thinking of what he was doing and why he was doing it, all thoughts vacated Taehyung's mind. He thought of absolutely nothing at all as he brought a hand to Jungkook's neck, his finger sliding into the boy's hair. And he thought of nothing as he leaned closer, his nose faintly brushing against the younger's.

Taehyung thought of nothing because he knew what this was: a temporary distraction.

At least that's what he told himself. That's what he could live with for now.

"Do you want me?" Jungkook asked, voice undeniably husky as his fingers smoothed over Taehyung's hips.

Leave it to the younger to ask such a loaded question. And fuck, Taehyung understood all of the implications of that question as well. But he wanted it all; he could manage feeling as long as he was feeling with Jungkook.

If he was going to burn alive anyway, he might as well be the one to strike the match.

"Yes."

Taehyung closed the distance between them, capturing Jungkook's mouth with his own and igniting flames within his body. There was nothing gentle or tentative about the way their lips tangled, about the way they pressed their chests together. They wrapped their arms tightly around the other's body, with fingers digging into skin and knotting in hair.

It was carnal, a fury and passion. It was a mutual desire that had been denied for some time now.

And Taehyung wanted it, he truly did.

Jungkook was the first to pull away, cutting the kiss short. "I want to enjoy you, angel. Take my time with you. I want to kiss you until your lips are swollen, until every inch of your mouth is tasted by my tongue. I want you so badly. I want to forget the world with you."

Taehyung wanted that, needed that, too. And sure, he could say it was a diversion, a fun way to put his mind at ease. But it wasn't. He cared for Jungkook in a way that made him uncomfortable, a way that wasn't sustainable given all the information he guarded.

But damn it all; he didn't want to stop and think about what caring for the younger meant. All he was ready to admit was that he wanted Jungkook, wanted to finally lose himself within the boy and blissfully forget.

Though he was still apprehensive about one thing - he didn't trust that Jungkook would listen to him. For all he knew, the younger would track down Yoongi the moment Taehyung turned the other way. If that happened . . . No. It would not happen.

Taehyung needed to find Yoongi before Jungkook had the chance to get himself in trouble.

"I need to do something. I'll bring you back to the room, okay?" He breathed against the younger's lips, hands sliding down his chest.

Taehyung could feel the hard swell of muscles beneath his palms, and a hot desire ran throughout his body. He wanted to feel every part of Jungkook's body, taste every inch of him.

Jungkook smiled, hands squeezing Taehyung's hips. "And we'll pick up where we left off?"

Taehyung wasn't sure what type of mindset he'd be in after doing what he was about to do. But he kissed Jungkook anyway, a sensuous press of his lips against the other's that caused his stomach to clench. It was brief and fleeting, but fuck he knew he wanted more.

And after speaking with his boss, he'd most likely need a way to forget all over again.

"Just listen to me," he said, pulling back and standing. "And you need to stay inside this time."

"I'll listen."

"Good."

Ten minutes later, Jungkook was safely in their room with the door locked. He pouted when Taehyung didn't tell him what was going on, but didn't argue too much. And while Taehyung wanted to just lay in bed and consume Jungkook entirely, to ravish him whole, he steeled his mind instead.

No part of him wanted to do what he was about to do. He didn't want to recall all of the events that led him to this point; he didn't want to relive the grief and sadness and pain. The guilt. He just wanted to forget.

But the time had come.

He made his final decision.

Taehyung arrived at Yoongi's door, not nearly prepared enough for any of this. But he convinced himself that this was for Jungkook. If this was the best shot at keeping the younger safe, Taehyung needed to take it.

He knocked forcefully on the door, hardening his expression until he appeared as unyielding as marble.

Taehyung would become as unyielding as marble.

"Why the fuck are you knocking so loudly?" Yoongi glared at him upon opening the door.

"We need to talk," Taehyung gritted out. "But you need to swear to me that you'll hear me out. You will not jump to conclusions. And no matter what, you will not touch Jungkook. Do we have a deal?"

Yoongi stared at him for a minute, intrigue etched across his features. He appeared to be considering the consequences of agreeing to something he didn't fully comprehend. But he stuck his hand out anyway, willing to shake on it.

"We have a deal."

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

Are you even more confused now?? I swear, a lot will come together soon. The curtain to Tae's mind has been parted, but still hasn't been opened fully . . .

But ah!! This was another chapter with so much happening! What was your favorite part? Mine might have been JK saying "Tae" for the first time 🥺

And we have an official countdown guys: 3 chapters until you know what Tae knows and what JK is lying about. 4 chapters until we learn about Tae's past.

T H E O R I E S ↴