Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.
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The Art of War
Sun Tzu

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There was a crackling energy in the air, a thick sort of tension that made the small office feel suffocating.

Judging by the thinly veiled irritation rolling off of Min Yoongi, the following conversation probably would not be a pleasant one. The elder's eyebrows were set low over simmering eyes, his mouth drawn into a tight line. He leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over a knee, all while he drummed his fingers against the wooden desk. The persistent rhythm was the only sound that punctuated the otherwise silent room.

And based on the sharp exhales that occasionally left the Chief's mouth, he was clearly doing his best to find a resolution to this entire situation . . . The mess Taehyung inadvertently created.

Taehyung knew he had to speak, to offer up more explanations as to why he did the things he did; the lying, protecting his imposter. But he worried that his words would put him in a more precarious position - would put Jungkook in a more dangerous place. He had to think strategically, to make the best case for himself as possible. If he could find the words to explain why he didn't share his true identity sooner, or why he let Jungkook get away with everything for as long as he had, maybe the Chief would take pity on him.

Maybe the Chief would take pity on Jungkook, too.

In his heart and bones, Taehyung knew the logical move was to send Jungkook away. Having the younger stay here - stay with Taehyung - would most likely introduce more trouble. And in this uncertain environment, where gunmen actively hunted him down, someone was bound to get hurt. It would be safer for everyone to return Jungkook to his rightful home, to keep him away from the shitshow that was Taehyung's life.

But - and this was the stupid part - Taehyung didn't know how to say goodbye to the younger. He didn't want to know how. He was so sick and tired of people leaving, and for once, he wanted to be greedy. He wanted to only think of his needs; he wanted Jungkook to stay.

With him.

Here.

Having that desire made him feel like shit. How could he be so selfish, putting his wants above someone else's safety? How could he knowingly put a person in danger like that? If he genuinely cared for Jungkook, wasn't he supposed to set him free?

But Taehyung didn't want to be alone anymore. All his adult life - ever since his father became the CEO - he felt lonely, even though hordes of glamorous and influential people constantly surrounded him. But none of those people truly cared about him; they only stuck around because of his family's prestige. The only reason he had Namjoon, even, was because he worked for Taehyung's father. So he always held onto the secret wish of being valued for who he was, rather than because of who he shared bloodlines with.

And it somehow seemed, amid all this chaos and disorder, he managed to find someone who actually did want to get to know him.

Taehyung found Jungkook.

Fuck. One would think he'd be elated, thrilled to find a person who saw him and not his family name. But this was not the time or place. These weren't the right circumstances.

Sitting here across from the Chief would be so much easier if Taehyung felt nothing for the boy. If he only had to answer for his actions, he probably wouldn't be worried at all. He'd be indifferent to Yoongi's decision on what to do with Jungkook; he'd obey any orders given.

But now Taehyung had Jungkook, someone who understood and experienced so many of the emotions wreaking havoc on his body and mind. And the younger, unbeknownst to himself, tunneled past most of Taehyung's defensive layers to the vulnerable, open-hearted boy not many knew existed.

It had only been a few days, but Jungkook made him feel so much - emotions outside of anguish, fury, and pain. And he did it all so effortlessly, not even trying to break past Taehyung's wall but doing it anyway.

It had only been a few days, but Taehyung was already in too deep.

In all his life, no one ever came close to affecting him as much as Jungkook did. No one ever dared taunt him past his limits, pushing all of his buttons with devilish smiles and rousing innuendos. No one ever defied his orders so brazenly, telling him he was wrong when he was, in fact, wrong. No one ever worked so damn hard to get to know him, to be a source of comfort as well as an escape during times of duress.

And no one ever tried to convince him that he was not in this alone.

No one except for Jeon Jungkook.

Combine all of those reasons with the younger's charm, compassion, and humor, and Taehyung was utterly captivated. Once he put aside his initial annoyance and trust issues, Taehyung found himself intrigued by the different sides of Jungkook. Even though he had no time at all, he wanted to uncover every little detail about his former imposter.

But Taehyung knew he shouldn't - couldn't - feel this way. Caring for Jungkook was going to hurt both boys in the end. After years of being on the run, he learned how unwise it was to get attached to anything, let alone anyone. With no guarantees except murderers hunting him down, he couldn't afford to open his heart right now.

And yet he did. Ever since he saw glimpses of the real Jungkook, he formed an attachment to the boy that he couldn't shake.

For all of those reasons, Taehyung wanted to be so incredibly selfish and keep Jungkook here. He wanted to navigate the road towards his uncertain future with the younger by his side, a gentle promise that he wouldn't be alone.

But in the end, Taehyung would not make that call. The verdict of what would happen to both Taehyung and Jungkook resided in the Chief's hands. Nothing he could say or do would affect that decision.

Because the fact of the matter was that Yoongi reported to Taehyung's father, not to Taehyung himself. The elder would only obey orders set forth by the CEO and would not be influenced by the wishes of anyone else. And in this case, his top priority was to keep the son of the CEO safe . . . To keep Taehyung safe and no one else.

So Taehyung knew better than to beg for anything right now. He was already fortunate that the Chief didn't outright harm Jungkook, though there was no telling how long that goodwill would last. All he could do was make his case as professionally as possible and hope that Yoongi felt generous.

After a few more moments of tapping his fingers on the desk, the Chief slammed his fist down. "You've put me in an impossible situation, Taehyung. You know I'll have to tell your father about this."

"You could lose your job," Taehyung speculated, doing his best not to appear meek or submissive. He couldn't afford to shrink in on himself right now.

"Your point?" Yoongi asked, his tone both incredulous and demanding at the same time.

Taehyung shifted in his seat, leaning closer towards the elder. "Don't tell my dad. I'll help you if you can help me."

"Are you suggesting that I lie to my boss?" Yoongi replied, planting both hands on the desk so he could rise out of his chair. "Lie to one of the most influential people in our country?"

A soft inhale sounded next to Taehyung, and he turned to see that Jungkook had shifted back in his seat. He was clearly intimidated by the angry and imposing Chief.

"All I'm saying is that there's no reason for you to lose your job over something I did. You couldn't have known who I was when we met," Taehyung offered, still not taking his eyes off of the younger. "If you let me talk to my dad, I can explain it all to him."

Jungkook met gaze and gave him a tender smile. It was meant to be encouraging and supportive, though the trepidation in his eyes was evident.

"You'll talk to your father soon, Taehyung," Yoongi responded, remaining in a standing position above the boys. "But before then, we're going to discuss what the next few days will look like. And you both will cooperate to make this all as easy as possible."

Taehyung finally turned to look at the elder, removing his gentle expression for Jungkook and pasting on one more unyielding. "Swear to me that no harm will come Jungkook's way. Swear to me that he won't be punished or retaliated against in any capacity. Swear to me those things, and I'll comply all you want."

The Chief regarded him, searching his face for god knows what. Whenever he found what he was looking for, he waved his hand in a dismissing manner. "I've already told you that I wouldn't harm the boy. How many times do you need to hear it?"

"As many times as it takes for me to believe you're telling the truth."

"Taehyung, look. I'm not in the business of hurting people. While my main objective is to protect you, I'm not going to willingly harm another if it's not needed. And truthfully, I'm not going to hurt Jungkook. There's no reason to."

Jungkook gasped, a light sound involuntarily ripped from his throat. "Really? You won't kill me?"

Yoongi scoffed, finally sitting back in the leather desk chair. "Why do you both assume I'm going to put a bullet in anyone who crosses my path?"

"Because that's what the old Chief did," Taehyung answered, his tone caustic and biting as he thought of that man. "He didn't care for anything or anyone but his own regime."

"Namjoon always used to complain about his boss," Jungkook supplied quietly. "Granted, he complained about a lot of the people at the company, but his boss especially."

Yoongi stared at them blankly, his fingers idly tapping against the desk once more before continuing. "I'm not that man. And while you two don't have to believe me, I swear I'm only trying to do my job to the best of my abilities."

Taehyung observed the Chief for a couple of minutes, making eye contact and not looking away. He waited for the elder to break, to shy away from his sharp gaze in order to hide any signs of dishonesty. But Yoongi persisted, barely even blinking as he waited for Taehyung to come to a conclusion.

After what seemed like a lifetime, Taehyung nodded his head. "Alright. I believe you."

Yoongi dipped his chin before turning towards Jungkook, finally breaking eye contact with Taehyung. "And you? Do you have anything else to say?"

Jungkook shook his head. "No, I . . . Just . . . Thank you. You know, for not killing me."

"Alright, then," Yoongi mused, finding a pen and paper on Hoseok's desk. "I've spoken to you both individually, but now I want to hear the entire story. Once we get through all of that, I'll determine the best course of action. You may begin."

Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged a glance - that look of solidarity they shared earlier in the day - and started to recount their tale. They fluidly explained all that had happened, easily filling in details the other might have missed. It felt like they were truly partners, working together for some common mission.

The two told Yoongi almost everything; the only topic they chose not to divulge was their growing intimacy with each other. Taehyung certainly didn't think that was any of the Chief's business, and Jungkook's silence on the subject seemed to prove that he agreed.

Throughout their long and drawn out explanations, Yoongi stopped them several times to explore different areas in more detail. He'd often ask for clarification or would rephrase his original question in an attempt to validate all that was said. The Chief was most interested in Jin and Bogum's involvement in everything, though the trio lacked any further insight on those two individuals.

An hour or so later, all that could possibly be shared was out in the open. Exhaustion yet again crept up Taehyung's spine, along with a raging headache that ceased to go away. What he longed to do was soak in that glorious bathtub upstairs, then fall into a long and undisturbed sleep.

But first, he needed to hear Yoongi's verdict.

Taehyung's heart preemptively slammed in his chest as he waited for the elder to speak. His palms slowly became moist and his leg wouldn't stop bouncing up and down. He didn't know why he was so apprehensive. He already knew what the answer was going to be.

And yet . . . He held out hope that he was wrong.

Finally, Yoongi cleared his throat. "Jungkook, will you please give Taehyung and me a moment alone?"

"Anything you want to say to me can be said in front of him," Taehyung rushed to argue, not wanting to let the younger out of his sight. "I trust him."

The Chief sighed impatiently, clearly not appreciating the disruption. But he rolled back his shoulders and nodded his head. "Fine. Have it your way. First, I'll be hiring you a new bodyguard to start immediately."

"Why can't you be my bodyguard?" Taehyung asked, not exactly wanting to be tied to the Chief but thinking the elder would do a good job regardless. "Isn't that technically one of your responsibilities? Keeping me safe?"

"Taehyung, I oversee the entire Security Department of this global corporation. While yes, one of my functions is to protect you, I have other priorities as well. One of those being understanding who the fuck is behind all of this. So, I need to have someone else watching you twenty-four-seven," Yoongi said mildly.

Taehyung instantly felt the cage locking around him once more. These last few days of freedom were something he took for granted, something he wished he appreciated more.

"Until I can find your replacement, we'll stay here," the Chief continued, fingers starting their tapping sounds yet again. "I had the lodge owner clear out his guests for the next few days, which will be safer for everyone."

"How will you interview people if you're here?" Jungkook piped up, his eyebrows knitting together. "Or are you going to leave, too?"

"I'll conduct phone and virtual interviews," Yoongi explained, nodding to a dated looking cellphone on the desk. "I have special equipment that can't easily be traced."

The phone was a prepaid device, one that had no functionality beyond the ability to make and receive calls. Outside of tapping into cell tower logs - which could take up to a week - these phones were virtually impossible to track. With no GPS or contract with a cellular company, these phones were great for using then destroying. If Yoongi was half as prepared as he seemed to be, he probably had a handful of these devices on him.

"Now, Jungkook," the Chief spoke, breaking Taehyung's focus on the phone, "I've thought a lot about what to do with you."

Taehyung licked his suddenly dry lips and turned to face the younger. He dreaded this part all morning . . . He wasn't ready to hear the words that would push him into solitude once again. That would tear away his source of support and comfort.

Jungkook nodded at the Chief, doing his best to appear unaffected. "And what's that?"

"I'm sending you home," Yoongi stated firmly, his tone allowing no room for argument. "Based on what you said, that's right here in Busan, so I'll even drive you there myself."

Taehyung knew this was going to happen, and yet his heart still sank to his stomach. He watched as the color slowly drained from Jungkook's face, draining right along with any hope Taehyung previously safeguarded.

The younger slowly shook his head, his fingers digging into his thighs. "But I -"

"But he knows my name," Taehyung cut him off, whipping his head towards Yoongi. He couldn't just sit here and allow this to happen; he couldn't let Jungkook be taken away from him, even though it was the right thing to do.

In the end, he was too selfish to let that happen.

"You said it yourself, Taehyung. You trust him. Combining that with all the kid told me, I trust him not to reveal your identity, too," the Chief answered stoically, arms crossed over his chest.

Taehyung's breathing hitched as he scrambled for any other ideas. He needed to find some plausible reason to keep Jungkook here. Anything. "But people have seen his face. The attackers and Bogum and -"

"And he'll stay in his house until this is all sorted out."

"I can be of use. Anything you want me to do, I'll do it," Jungkook offered, though it sounded more like begging. "I can . . . I can be Taehyung's bodyguard."

Yoongi just shook his head. "Do you even know how to use a gun?"

"He doesn't need to know how to defend me," Taehyung said, muscles tensed as he restrained himself from getting in the elder's face. "I can protect myself and him. I've done it before and I'll do it again."

A deep exhale pushed through the Chief's lips and his facial expression softened. "Look, I'm not blind, you know. I know you two have formed some type of . . . bond. Even if I didn't see those marks on both of your necks, it's obvious in the way you look at each other. But here's the thing. I'm not your fairy godmother and I'm not a matchmaker. I'm the Chief of Security at Korean National Oil. My job is not to help secure your happily ever after."

Taehyung felt about ready to explode, but he swallowed all of that anger and fear down in exchange for as much calm as he could muster. "I understand, but -"

"That's my final decision, Taehyung," Yoongi dictated, his words heavy but containing a small twinge of regret. "That's what I think will keep you both the safest. So Jungkook, pack your stuff. We leave in fifteen minutes."

The younger let out a shaky breath but otherwise said nothing. He rose from his seat and left the office, his back rigid and his mouth clamped shut.

Taehyung hated seeing him like that; that wasn't the talkative and teasing boy he adored. He stood, preparing to chase after Jungkook when Yoongi stopped him with an outstretched hand.

"Taehyung, I'm sorry things couldn't work out the way you wanted. But I want you to realize that I'm doing this for your own good."

The worst part of it all was that Taehyung did know the Chief felt remorseful over the situation, even though the elder shouldn't care one way or another. Other people certainly wouldn't have given Taehyung and Jungkook the same consideration, and somehow, that made it all the more difficult to bear.

"I know you are, Yoongi," he said, fiddling with his fingers while trying to contain his nervous energy. "It's just that . . . I feel . . ."

"Go say your goodbyes," Yoongi ordered when it was clear Taehyung couldn't elaborate any further. "Bring him down to the lobby in fifteen. And if you decide to delay like last time, I won't be so patient. I won't hesitate to drag the boy out by his balls if need be."

Taehyung managed a sharp nod before he fled after Jungkook, navigating the empty halls on quiet feet. He moved as quickly as possible, needing to close the distance between himself and the younger.

The countdown until their separation had now begun.

He took the stairs two at a time, idly comparing his situation to that of two star-crossed lovers. It was comical in a sense; historically, he never once believed in destiny or fate. He secretly laughed at all those people pining after their one true love.

But now that he met the younger, his entire body called out for the boy. It was like someone had finally turned on his soul, electrifying his very being so he was wired to always search for Jungkook. Whispers filled his mind, saying he finally met his match and that he couldn't let Jungkook slip through his fingers. His heart begged him to do whatever possible so they didn't have to part.

Taehyung heard of all those terms - other half, soulmate, twin flame - and never once believed in them. He wasn't sure he did now. And yet . . . He wanted to find out. He wanted to know if Jungkook could be all of those things.

But their stars were misaligned. It wasn't in the cards for them.

Pushing thoughts of destiny and fate aside, Taehyung ran down the hall to their room. The door was unlocked once he got there, so he hastily flung it open and closed again. Striding into the room, he immediately spotted the younger standing hunched over on the balcony.

"Kook," he called as he walked outside, hand reaching for the boy even though he was still a couple of feet away.

Jungkook's back remained stiff, hands planted on the railing and head hanging low. He didn't turn as Taehyung approached; he barely moved at all.

So Taehyung wrapped his arms around his waist, securely holding the younger and inhaling his scent. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Tae," Jungkook murmured, his voice lacking its usual color. "This . . . I think we both knew this was going to happen."

"Yeah," Taehyung agreed, pressing his cheek against Jungkook's shoulder. "But for the record, I didn't want this. I wanted to stay with you."

The younger straightened his posture, looking out at the garden and resting his hands over Taehyung's. "Because you care for me?"

A sad chuckle left Taehyung's lips. "Because I care for you. Because I like you."

"I care for you, too, Tae. And I like you a lot."

The birds chirped in the background as Taehyung loosened his hold on the younger. Jungkook immediately turned around, his hands finding Taehyung's hips.

"What am I going to do without my bodyguard telling me off all the time?" Jungkook asked, his lips attempting to pull up into a teasing smirk but ultimately failing.

Taehyung circled his arms around Jungkook's neck, playing with the silky hair at his nape. "Well, what am I going to do without my brat blabbing in my ear every moment of every day?"

"We'll both be lost," the younger settled on, letting his mouth fall into a neutral line. "We won't know what to do with ourselves."

Taehyung nodded, eyes focused on that mouth he cherished so much. "That sounds about right."

They rested their foreheads against each other's, breaths mingling as their lips hovered barely a couple of inches apart. Taehyung pulled him closer, close enough for their hips and chests to press firmly together.

"Can you believe it's only been a few days? I feel like we've known each other for much longer than that," Jungkook mumbled, thumbs rubbing circles over Taehyung's hips.

"We've been through a lot," Taehyung agreed, angling his head so their mouths were even closer. "And you became a constant for me. The most constant thing I had for a while now. You came into my life when all I knew was pain, and you saved me from crumbling in on myself."

Jungkook's lips faintly brushed Taehyung's as he leaned in. "Will you be okay?"

Taehyung shook his head slowly, trying not to think of how quiet his life was about to become. "No. I don't think I will be. Not for a while, at least. I . . . Will you? Will you be okay?"

"No," the younger admitted quietly, a whispered truth that sounded raw and broken. "I'm feeling too much. This is all too much. And you understood all of that. I didn't feel so helpless knowing you were here with me, feeling what I felt."

Taehyung couldn't stand the distance between them anymore. He pressed his mouth against Jungkook's - that mouth that drove him wild - and let his lips say the words he couldn't. Don't go. I'm scared. I need you here with me. Please stay.

Their grips on the other's body tightened in an attempt to eliminate all space between them. Their mouths moved more frantically, their lips parted and tongues met. And all the while, soft gasps and labored pants sounded around them, the soundtrack to their emotional farewell.

Taehyung let Jungkook lead him backward, their mouths still connected as they clumsily made their way to one of the lounge chairs. The younger deftly spun them around, sinking into the plush cushion and pulling Taehyung down on top of him. And while Taehyung expected the younger to continue kissing him, to potentially even get a little handsy, Jungkook surprised him completely.

"I want to hold you for whatever time we have left, that way I can remember the feel of you in my arms," the younger murmured, taking deep and controlled breaths.

"Such a sap," Taehyung chuckled, letting his legs drape over the boy's lap as he readjusted his hold on the boy. "I didn't expect you to be so sentimental."

Jungkook tucked one arm under Taehyung's knees while the other settled around his waist. "There's still a lot you don't know about me."

"Oh, yeah? Well, tell me something now," Taehyung ordered, eyes flitting over every part of the younger's face. He had the impossible task of committing him to memory in just ten more minutes.

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

"We don't have time for everything," Jungkook said softly, quoting the words Taehyung used earlier when they were about to sleep together.

That brought a regretful smile to Taehyung's face, one that tightened in the middle and quirked up at the edges. "Alright. If you could be doing anything anywhere right now, what and where would that be? And your answer better not be doing me on this balcony."

"Well, guess I'm going with my second option then," Jungkook smirked, his fingertips rubbing the hem of Taehyung's shirt and occasionally slipping under. "If I could do anything, anywhere . . . This is hard. I told you how I never got the chance to explore what it was that I wanted to do."

"I know, so dream big."

"Big? Okay. Ziplining in New Zealand. Or maybe swimming in Hawaii," the younger provided, eyes turning contemplative as he envisioned those sorts of adventures.

Taehyung placed a hand over his heart, taking solace in its steady beat. "Ah, so you're an action sort of guy."

"What can I say?" Jungkook laughed, his eyes regaining a bit of their light and his heartbeat pounding a little more heavily. "I love getting some action."

"I know you do, sweetheart," Taehyung said, easily laughing along with the boy.

The younger's hand pressed onto Taehyung's bare skin, holding him more directly. The touch was comforting, not provocative at all, and warming from the inside out.

"Tae?"

Taehyung hummed gently, looking into Jungkook's dark eyes and feeling his heart expand. "Yeah?"

"I know I've said this before, but I want you to know again. I really am sorry for lying when we met."

Honestly, Taehyung wasn't sorry at all. If neither of them lied about their identities, they would never have known each other like this. They wouldn't have had this time together. Nonetheless, he understood where the younger was coming from.

"Do you regret it?" He asked, searching Jungkook's face for an answer. "Would you have done it differently?"

Jungkook thought about that, sucking his lower lip in between his teeth. But before he could bite down, Taehyung was there, softly kissing him until he let it go. They kept the kiss short and chaste, yet it was enough to get both boys' hearts beating wildly.

After a few moments, the younger finally spoke up. "Do I wish I could go back and change what I did? Of course. But whoever learns from being perfect? If I was perfect, I probably wouldn't be holding you now."

Taehyung laughed, thinking the answer was very Jungkook. "Well, I'm glad you're not perfect. I'm glad you lied. I needed you in so many ways I didn't realize. I . . . I still need you."

"I need you, Tae. Fuck, I need you more than I can even explain. And knowing that I can't call you . . . I can't hold you . . . Will I ever even see you again?"

"I hope so, sweetheart," Taehyung murmured, shifting his hands up to cup Jungkook's face. "But until then, you need to promise that you'll try to stay out of trouble. Can you do that for me?"

"As long as you promise to be safe, to not get yourself killed before I can see you again," Jungkook quipped, his eyes fluttering shut as Taehyung continued to hold and caress his face.

"I promise."

"Then, I promise, too."

"Kook . . ."

When Jungkook opened his eyes again, they shined with tears. "I'm happy that we met each other."

And Taehyung was too. He was so fucking happy he had the chance to meet someone like Jungkook. A person who challenged him every step of the way, who wasn't afraid to voice his convictions or fears alike. A person who shared his pain, who offered to work through it all together.

A person who reminded him he wasn't alone.

Taehyung didn't have any more words left to say, so he kissed Jungkook to show him all that he felt. As he brushed his lips over the younger's, he silently said I miss you already. When he lightly nipped that plump lower lip, he meant You'll always be my brat. And when he licked into Jungkook's mouth, he demonstrated that I'll always be thinking about you.

"Tae," Jungkook said against his mouth, pleading and whimpering and crying out.

"I know," Taehyung responded, kissing alongside his jaw until he could bury his face in the younger's neck. "I know."

"I don't want to say goodbye," Jungkook whispered against his skin, "I can't."

"Then, we won't. Okay? This won't be our goodbye. It'll be more like a see you later." Taehyung nodded his head, attempting to convince himself as much as the younger. "We will see each other again. And when we do, we'll get to know each other properly. I'll take you out on dates and we won't have to run anymore. We can look forward to that day."

A soft sniff sounded close to Taehyung's ear. "You want to date me?"

Taehyung giggled lightly, envisioning what it would be like to go to the movies Jungkook or take him to a nice dinner. "I think I'd like to spoil my brat a bit."

"Then it's a deal. When this is all over, you, Kim Taehyung, can take me on a date."

"Good," Taehyung said, lifting his head to look at the younger's face up close like this one last time. "Now . . . You need to pack now, Kookie."

Five minutes later, Jungkook gathered everything he needed into his duffel bag. He left a few things behind for Taehyung - a couple of oversized shirts, a pair of sweatpants, and one of Namjoon's sweatshirts. He argued that he didn't need those things since he had a closet full of clothing at home, and Taehyung had nothing.

They walked down to the lobby hand in hand, not even caring to hide their affection from Yoongi anymore. And for a moment - a small, fleeting moment - Taehyung let himself believe he'd actually see Jungkook again. He pretended everything would work itself out, that the attackers and hitmen would be caught and life would go back to normal. He imagined what his life could be like if he wasn't the son of a CEO, an heir to a fortune.

That illusion shattered once he found Yoongi standing in the lobby, arms crossed and a gun tucked in his waistband. Taehyung hoped he wasn't making a big mistake in trusting the Cheif; if the elder turned out to be lying about protecting Jungkook . . .

No, Taehyung couldn't afford to think of that. But his mind did present one rather important question.

"Why don't you let Jungkook drive himself home? I sold his car, so it's only fair that he can have the new one," he said to Yoongi once they reached the bottom of the stairs. "And he needs a phone, too."

"Once you and I leave Busan in a few days, I'll make sure Jungkook has a car and phone. But until we leave -"

"You're stranding him," Taehyung interrupted, clutching the younger's hand in a tighter grip. "I told you that I trust him. You don't need to lock him up in a cage, too."

But before Yoongi could respond to argue, Jungkook had pulled Taehyung into his arms. "It'll be okay, Tae. I'll be okay. I can go without those things for a few days."

Taehyung wrapped his arms around the younger, close to breaking down completely but biting his tongue to keep it all inside. He didn't want Jungkook's last memory of him to be filled with endless tears and a breaking heart. For Jungkook's sake, Taehyung had to keep himself together for just a few more minutes.

Jungkook hugged him even tighter, his face hiding in the crook of Taehyung's neck. But even then, he still attempted to speak to the Chief. "Are my friends here? Can I say goodbye to Hoseok and Jimin?"

"They're not here, and besides, that would open up too many questions," Yoongi stated, his voice sounding a bit further away.

When Taehyung shifted his head, he found that Yoongi had turned around, giving the two boys some semblance of privacy. So he lowered his voice, whispering just for the younger to hear. "I'll fill them in on what I can."

"Tell them I'm sorry," Jungkook said, moving his lips to brush against Taehyung's ear. "Do you mind?"

"Not at all."

"Alright," the Chief called out, clearing his throat a couple of times. "We need to go. I want to get back here as soon as possible and start working through the candidates. I'll . . . I'll go pull up the car."

Yoongi walked about of the bed and breakfast with a purpose, giving Taehyung and Jungkook one final opportunity to say their goodbyes.

And fuck, Taehyung's chest hurt so badly he could barely breathe.

"Angel . . .," Jungkook murmured, drawing Taehyung's eyes up to his own. "Thank you for everything, Tae. For protecting me, for caring for me, for it all. I will always be thinking of you and hoping that you're happy and safe. And when . . . And when it gets too much, try not to be too hard on yourself. Just think of me, maybe pretend I'm there, and it'll all be okay. You'll be okay, Tae."

Taehyung didn't bother wiping at his eyes as a tear fell loose. "And that goes for you, too. I want you to be happy. I want you to find your passions and chase your dreams. I want you to live, Kook. And I want you to know that you'll always be on my mind, and I'll always be hoping that you're doing well. So please, please stay safe for me. And when this is all over, I swear I'll come to you. Even if you've forgotten all about me, I'll still make sure that you're okay."

"I'll never forget about you," Jungkook whispered, his eyes shimmering once again. "And I'll watch the news every day, praying a report will come out that they've discovered who the attackers are. And when that happens, I'll wait for you to come to me. I swear."

They met in a mutual kiss, a gesture that was barely anything more than lips against lips. And as soon as it started, Jungkook was already pulling away. He walked out of the lodge to Yoongi's waiting car, sparing Taehyung one last glance before getting inside.

And then they drove away.

The tears started leaking from Taehyung's eyes as he walked back up the stairs, a painful lump building in his throat. He had to clasp a hand over his mouth to keep his broken sobs from echoing in the silent bed and breakfast.

But as soon as he returned to the safety of his room, it all came pouring out. He fell to his knees, letting his emotions shake his body and tear at his heart.

This was all too much. He wasn't ready to lose yet another person. But he did. Jungkook was gone and there was no telling when they'd be reunited.

So Taehyung curled up in a ball, the process of crumbling slowly beginning.

And in this room - in his heart - it was quiet.

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》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

I was full-on crying while writing/editing this chapter. I always get really into my characters and stories, but this one just really hurt for me.

I always try to keep plots/character reactions as realistic as possible. I wondered if Taekook in this story felt too much too soon. But thinking over the scenarios and the depth of what they've been through - individually and together - it just made sense to me as to why they had such strong feelings/connection so soon. I tried my best to demonstrate this over the last few chapters, especially. But long story short, I think there is no set time line for emotions or how we're supposed to feel about others!

So, what are everyone's thoughts? Were we expecting this, not expecting this? How are we feeling?

If anyone needs a hug, I'm sending out virtual ones right now!!