It was the first time in almost two weeks that Jungkook would go out with his friends, and he could say he was excited.

After his talk with Taehyung on the rooftop, a fraction of his misery was removed, as if it lessened. Nothing much changed the last five days, though; Eunhyuk treated him the same, and he still hated everything. But he spent a bit more time with Taehyung during their breaks.

 
Jungkook minced out of his room wearing his dark-green sateen dress shirt and black tight pants with an aura of a model.

“I guess you’re finally ready,” Jimin teased.

“I’m super ready and hot as you can see,” he said, making the two boys crack up in a heartbeat.

“Yeah, you are.” Jimin winked at him. “Let’s go. We’ll be late.”

They left Jungkook’s apartment and took Seokjin’s car to go to the bar, where they would meet the rest of their friends.

They soon entered the bar and sat at an empty table. The pop music playing in the background wasn’t that loud, just like they wanted, so they could banter.

“Do you know that Taehyung is bringing Youngjae?” Seokjin asked.

“Why? This was supposed to be about us seven!” Jimin grumbled. “It’s the first time Jungkook went outside with us after so long.”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind,” the younger chuckled in his attempt to veil his light discontent.

“Well, I do. I mean, I don’t have a problem with him, but—”

“Hey guys, you came!” Seokjin exclaimed, cutting Jimin off.

“Hey, Jungkook,” Jaebum said with a smile as he sat next to him.

“Since Taehyung brought me, I thought I should tell Jaebum to come too. You know, so you can have some company,” Youngjae chimed in.

“I have my friends, but whatever,” Jungkook murmured. “It’s nice seeing you, Jaebum.”

“Babe, are you okay?” Youngjae asked Taehyung as he seemed to be deep in thought.

“Sure, I’m fine.” Taehyung feigned a smile, then sat across from Jungkook. “Hi.”

Jungkook’s lips twitched into a soft smile at the warmth Taehyung’s eyes exuded. “Hi, Tae,” he said out of habit — the nickname came out so naturally he didn’t have time to even process who was there and heard his every word.

Youngjae’s eyes bulged as they seesawed between the two. “Wait, what—what did you say?”

A sigh spewed from Taehyung’s throat as he rolled his head in exasperation. “Youngjae, please.”

“Drinks, the drinks are here!” Jimin exclaimed, trying to change the subject and lighten the awkward mood.

They chatted blithely as they drank their first beer. They got to know Jaebum and Youngjae a bit better as well, although the latter didn’t seem so cheerful anymore after what happened.

The group conversation died down a while later when their second round of drinks came. Youngjae guzzled the two shots of tequila he ordered, then continued with his soju. He leaned against Taehyung and draped his arm over his shoulders. “You often disappear during the breaks.”

Taehyung gently pushed his arm off him. “I just need some time alone sometimes.”

“You’re not alone, though.” Youngjae took a big sip of his soju, hoping it would wash away the searing bitterness that rushed through his insides by Taehyung’s behavior. “I know sometimes you spend our breaks with Jungkook.” The sudden loudness in his voice attracted the others’ attention and silenced their banter.

“How many times have I told you not to drink more than you can handle?” Taehyung snatched the bottle from his hand.

“I’m not drunk. You’re always changing the subject.”

“And you’re making a scene without a reason at all,” Taehyung gritted out, endeavoring to keep his voice low.

“Without reason? You’re treating me like nothing and—”

Taehyung slammed his hand against the table, drowning his words. He shot him a glare filled with disappointment and frustration, then surged to his feet and stamped out of the bar.

“Youngjae...” Jaebum sighed, shaking his head in reproach. “I’m not letting you drink so much again. Sorry, guys. We’ll leave, I guess.” He gave Jungkook a goodbye hug and went to the other side of the table.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jimin said as he watched him help Youngjae stand up and then shuffle off.

“What the hell happened?” Namjoon asked, confused.

“I have no idea,” Seokjin uttered.

“I’ll go find Taehyung.” Jungkook headed outside and searched around with his eyes, but he couldn’t spot him anywhere. He remembered he had seen a park nearby when they drove there and headed off, hoping he would find him.

And indeed Taehyung was sitting on a bench with slumped shoulders and his head lowered. “Tae,” Jungkook called as he approached him. “Are you okay?” He observed his grim countenance and hesitantly sat next to him.

“No, Jungkook, I’m not,” he spat out with an edge of rage that startled the younger. “I’m neglecting Youngjae because I spend time with you! And I didn’t even realize it, but you didn’t stop it either.”

“We’re friends, aren’t we? What’s wrong with spending time together?”

“You know what, Jungkook? Between Youngjae and you, I choose him. He doesn’t deserve to be hurt again.”

“What are you talking about? Taehyung, if you’re in a relationship where you can’t even have friends, you shouldn’t be in that relationship.”

“He doesn’t think you’re just a friend. That’s the difference.”

“It’s the same thing. Today is me. Tomorrow it’ll be someone else. He has trust issues, and you can’t change that.”

“Don’t talk about him like you know him because you don’t.”

“Apparently, it’s true that he has trust issues. And he has to overcome this by himself. If he doesn’t choose to trust you, you can’t help him. But I think you can’t even trust yourself. How do you expect him to trust you?”

Taehyung’s hands clenched into tight fists as his brows drew together. He rose to his feet with a jerk and nailed him with a fierce stare. “I’m sick and tired of listening to you. You talk like you know everything, but you can’t even figure out your own shit.”

Jungkook stood up as well, gazing at the fury in his face that seemed about to explode at any moment. “It’s true. I can’t figure out my own shit. But sometimes it’s easier to help someone else than helping yourself. And I’m not saying you need help. No, you’re fine. You’re so happy with your life. You’re so happy you can’t even see you’re hurting Youngjae.”

“You don’t know anything.”

“Okay. Let’s go inside now.”

“I don’t want to see Youngjae.”

“He left.”

“Then I don’t want to be with you.”

“Why? Maybe because I’m right?”

The fury running all over his form finally popped, leading Taehyung to spew whatever came to his mind. “Screw you, Jungkook.” He took off, feeling his insides blaze with a churning of vile emotions.

“Really, Tae? Screw you?” Jungkook shouted as he stared at his figure that soon vanished from his sight. He dropped his head and trudged back to the bar.

Yoongi spotted Jungkook stepping into the bar and frowned. “Where is Taehyung?”

“Just don’t,” he breathed out, then chugged down his beer. “So, what are we doing?”

“We were ready to leave...” Seokjin said.

“Let’s take drinks and continue at my house!” Jungkook chirped.

“Um, are you okay?” Jimin asked in surprise as it wasn’t something Jungkook would propose to do.

“Of course,” Jungkook said — he would do anything at that moment to prevent that burning wetness in his eyes from leaking. Taehyung didn’t deserve his tears.

They paid for their drinks and left. The two drivers, Seokjin and Yoongi, didn’t drink more than a beer, so they drove them to Jungkook’s house after stopping at a convenience store to buy drinks.

The group continued to have a good time once they arrived, drinking and chatting. Jungkook seemed at the limits of getting drunk, but he couldn’t stop. That bitterness in his gut persisted so hard he thought he would get sick if he didn’t drink.

“Music, we need some music!” Jungkook tottered to the speakers to turn them on and connected his phone. He played the first song he found and started dancing to the upbeat rhythm, laughing by himself.

It was a whole new sight for his friends, but they weren’t complaining. It was better to see him like this, smiling and dancing, as if no ounce of sorrow was left inside his heart. They all joined him and danced together, forgetting about anything else.

Jungkook plumped down onto the couch when the song ended, panting. “We n-need chips. We—We don’t have chips, guys,” he slurred his words so much it was impossible for the others to understand what he said.

“Did you guys understand that?” Hoseok asked with a chuckle.

“We need chips, he says,” Jimin explained.

“How did you know that?”

“I know him for a long time. When he’s drunk, he talks like that. I don’t know if it’s cute or annoying, actually.”

“The second one,” Yoongi quipped, pulling choked laughs from the others.

“You know what would be fun?” Jungkook jolted forward, eyes wide open.

“No, Kook, what would be fun?” Jimin asked, taunt dripping from his tone.

Jungkook let out a silly giggle. “If you and Yoongi kissssed right now on the lips!”

“What—What is he talking about?” Yoongi asked, flustered.

“I have no idea...” Jimin whispered.

“You don want to kiss Jimin, hyung?” Jungkook mumbled.

“No!” they answered at the same time.

“You want to kissss Yoongjei too?”

“His name is Youngjae, and who else wants to kiss him? You?” Jimin asked eagerly.

“No, no, no.” Jungkook rubbed his face with his hands and sank back into his seat. “Hyung wants.”

“Which one?”

“TaeTaehyung,” he murmured, then broke into giggles.

“Who’s TaeTae hyung?” Yoongi asked, confusion engulfing his face.

“Taehyung, dude, try to keep up!” Jimin whisper-yelled and shifted to sit next to the drunk boy. “Is that bothering you, Kook?”

“It’s not my business...”

“Let’s get you another drink, my cute baby.” Jimin reached for another beer, but Yoongi snatched it out of his hold. “What are you doing?”

“What are you doing?” Yoongi growled. “He’s already drunk. Are you trying to kill him?”

“No, you jerk! I’m trying to make him talk.”

“I don’t feel well,” Jungkook breathed out as he laid his head on the arm of the couch.

“Okay, let’s take you to bed.” Jimin grabbed his hand to help him stand up, but the younger slapped it away.

“No. I’m waiting for Tae. I can’t sleep now.”

“Honey, Taehyung isn’t coming. You got in a fight, remember?” Seokjin asked.

“I should apologize then.” He felt for his phone and slipped it out of his pocket. He turned off the Bluetooth, then tapped on Taehyung’s name.

“It’s too late, Jungkook. He’s probably sleeping.” Jimin stole the phone and threw it on the couch.

“I’m not going to bed if he doesn’t come.”

“Hello?”

Namjoon frowned in confusion at the distant voice. He located Jungkook’s phone and picked it up. “Taehyung.”

“What is going on?”

“Jungkook is drunk, and he called you by mistake.”

“No, it wasn’t a mistake! He has to come here,” Jungkook hurried to say.

“What did Jungkook say?” Taehyung asked.

“I didn’t really understand either. Anyway—”

Jimin yanked the phone out of Namjoon’s hold. “He wants you to come here, you jackass. I don’t know what happened, but get your ass here so he can sleep.”

Taehyung stared at his phone in absolute bafflement when he hung up on him. “What the fuck?” He jumped to his feet, took his jacket, and left right away.

He was soon standing in front of Jungkook’s house and rang the bell. Seokjin opened it seconds later, and he glanced around the living in search of Jungkook.

“It’s Taehyung,” Jungkook exclaimed, grinning. “Let’s drink!”

Taehyung pressed his lips together in rage as he walked inside, narrowing his eyes on Jimin. “Why is he this drunk again?”

Jimin broke into an awkward smile and took his things. “We really should go now. It’s late.”

“You’re so dead, Park Jimin,” Taehyung screamed, then the door shut in his face only seconds later, leaving the two alone. He released a sigh as he turned to the younger. “What happened to you?”

“Hyung is here,” Jungkook cheered as he threw his arms above his head, then giggled.

Taehyung blinked at him. “H-Hyung?”

“You’re the hyung, hyung.”

“I know, but... Never mind,” Taehyung tittered. He chose to erase it from his memory for now and joined him on the couch.

“You made me break my promise,” Jungkook mumbled.

“What promise?”

“The promise that I made between me and myself,” he said, making the other chuckle at his cuteness. “I promised if I pass the audition, I won’t get drunk never ever never again.”

Another round of fond chuckles fell from Taehyung’s lips. “I’m sorry, Kookie.”

“Kookie... That’s nice.”

“You like it?”

“Yes!” His beaming expression switched into a pouty one in an instant with the question that roamed in his head. “Do you want to kiss Youngjae, Tae?”

The unforeseen inquiry surprised Taehyung, but he didn’t let it show. “Right now? No, not really,” he snorted. “Wait, do you want to kiss him?”

“No!” Jungkook dissented in a shout as he slapped his shoulder. He tossed his body sideways against the back of the couch, facing him. “Do you want to kiss me?”

Fuck, each question Jungkook spewed seemed to tense him up more and more. His eyes stared at him in two big circles of disbelief, but soon the realization that he wasn’t in his right mind eased his startle. “You’re drunk, Kookie.” He cupped his cheek in a tender hold and smoothed his thumb over it.

“Maybe I am,” Jungkook giggled, closing his eyes at the touch. He wormed his way into his hug before Taehyung could react.

“Jungkook...” He stayed completely still, as if he became a statue.

“It hurt when you chose him over me,” Jungkook muttered against his chest.

The said chest fell with a deep exhalation. His hands crawled up, and he set them on his back. “I’m sorry.”

“You shouldn’t be.” Jungkook pulled away as he recalled the bitterness he felt all over again. “It was your choice. He’s your boyfriend. It’s reasonable.” He heaved himself to his feet, but a sudden flash of dizziness had him stumbling. He felt two robust arms wrap around him, steadying him. “Sorry for making you come here.” He squirmed out of his grip and staggered to his room.

“If you need anything, I’ll be here...” Taehyung whispered, although the other had already disappeared.

He observed the mess in the living room and decided to clean it up since he couldn’t sleep yet, anyway. He disposed of the empty beer bottles and bags of chips, wiped the table, and put the pillows back in their place.

He lay down on the couch and stared at the ceiling. A blanket would be nice... It’s cold in here. With this thought, he looked around for anything to cover himself with, but he only found Jungkook’s oversized jacket. He threw it over him, using it as a blanket. Jungkook’s sweet scent infiltrated his senses, and he closed his eyes, getting drunk on it.

🥀

J

ungkook swallowed past his dry throat, his head buzzing with a headache. Water. He reached beside his bed for his bottle, only to find it empty. With a groan, he wore the first shirt he found he headed to the kitchen.

He gulped down abundant water and placed the bottle on the counter. “What the hell happened yesterday?” he murmured to himself, frowning. The sound of muffled hums from the living room had him spinning around in puzzlement, and he edged closer to inspect.

“You don’t remember?” Taehyung sat up on the couch, rubbing his eyes.

Jungkook let out a small shriek and jolted, hiding behind the kitchen table. “What are you doing here?”

“Good morning to you, too.”

“Yah! I’m not joking. Why are you here?”

“You called me yesterday and commanded me to come here. You were drunk as fuck.”

Jungkook blinked at him. “I see,” he uttered. “Anyway, can you wait until I change? I think I want some more details.”

“Okay.” Taehyung shrugged. He glanced towards him again as Jungkook just stood there awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. “Aren’t you going to change?”

“Well, I’m kind of not wearing pants...”

Taehyung tsked as he rolled his eyes. “I see you in your boxers almost every day in the changing room, you know.”

“Well, it’s—it’s different...”

Taehyung shook his head, then turned his back to him. “Whatever.”

After making sure Taehyung wasn’t looking, Jungkook scuttled to his room. He swiftly wore casual clothes and went back outside. He found Taehyung looking around the kitchen and squinted his vision on him.

“You don’t have coffee?” Taehyung asked.

“Of course I do.” Jungkook opened the top cupboard and rolled to the tips of his feet to reach for the coffee. A muted chuckle made him snap his head in Taehyung’s direction, and his forehead filled with lines of slight annoyance at the fleer on his lips. “Why are you staring?”

“I’m not.” He whisked his gaze away as he sucked his lips inwards to obscure his smile.

“Go and sit. I’ll make coffee for you.”

“Okay.”

 
Soon Jungkook appeared with two cups of coffee in his hands and placed one in front of Taehyung. “There you go.”

“Thanks.” Taehyung blew on his coffee to cool it down and took a sip. “It’s good. How did you know how I drink my coffee?”

“I remember... the first time we went for a coffee all together. You had asked for two teaspoons of sugar.”

“Oh.” Taehyung didn’t give it more thought and sipped his drink again.

“So what exactly happened yesterday?”

“Do you remember us fighting in the park?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know much either, then. You called me, but Namjoon talked to me. And then Jimin said to come here so you can get some sleep. Apparently, you were asking for me. And when I came, you asked me if I want to kiss Youngjae.”

Jungkook’s mouth popped open with the gasp that jumped out. “Did I really say that?”

“Yes.”

“What... did you answer?”

“I said no.”

“Did I say anything else? You know, stupid like that?” He chuckled for no apparent reason.

Taehyung just stared at him, mute. Hyung hyung hyung hyung hyung hyung hyung—

“No. You just went to your room after that.”

“Thank God,” Jungkook sighed in relief.

“Kook. I’m sorry for what I said yesterday. I’m sorry for choosing Youngjae over you and—”

“He’s your boyfriend,” he cut him off in a whisper. “Of course you will choose him.”

“It didn’t hurt you?”

Jungkook huffed an awkward laugh, refusing to meet his eyes. “No, no, I mean, it’s reasonable to choose him.”

Taehyung’s brows creased as he dove into his thoughts. So when he’s drunk, he says truths or lies? Should I tell him what really happened? No, it’s better for him this way.

“What are you thinking?”

“Nothing,” Taehyung rushed to say. “I think I should go.”

“You didn’t even drink your coffee.”

“I forgot I have to meet Youngjae soon,” he lied.

“Are you okay? You’re acting weird.”

“I’m fine, Jungkook. I just have to go.”

“Okay then.” Jungkook viewed him as the other stayed still for a moment, looking away from him. He jerked up and hurried to the exit without another word.

What got into him? Jungkook thought as he stared at the closed door. He shrugged it off and continued drinking his coffee. I was so stupid yesterday. I actually asked him if he wants to kiss Youngjae. So casually like, ‘Hey Tae, do you want to kiss Youngjae?’ He let out a nervous giggle at his thoughts.

“Do you want to kiss Youngjae, Tae?”

“Right now? No, not really. Wait, do you want to kiss him?”

“No, no. Do you want to kiss me?”

“You’re drunk, Kookie.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Jungkook.”

“It hurt when you chose him over me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You shouldn’t be. It was your choice.”

Flashbacks from last night surged into his brain, freezing up the blood in his veins. “Oh God,” he whispered in despair as he dug his face into his hands. How am I supposed to face him now?

The bell ringing through the room interrupted his freakout, and he neared the door a moment later. “Who is it?”

“Your best friend,” Jimin chirped.

“And your other best friend,” said Seokjin, as the younger opened the door.

“Hi.”

“What’s with that tone, Kook?” Jimin asked as they settled down in the living room.

“Taehyung was here when I woke up.”

“What? Seriously? He stayed the night?” Seokjin asked.

“Aww, he wanted to make sure you’re okay. How sweet,” Jimin cooed.

“Guys, I said a lot of stupid things yesterday.”

Jimin burst into laughter, folding in half. “Yeah, I remember.”

“You were in front of that ridiculous conversation?”

“Yeah—Wait, what? What conversation?” Jimin asked.

“The things I said to Taehyung, oh my God—”

“No, Kook, when Taehyung came we left,” Seokjin said with furrowed brows.

“Oh God, help me.”

“He has better things to do, honey. He doesn’t care about your drinking problems,” Jimin sneered, earning a glare from him. “Now spill. What did you say?”

“I kind of asked him if he wants to kiss Youngjae...”

“Yeah, you asked Yoongi the same. Damn, you even asked me and Yoongi to kiss. On the lips.”

Jungkook sank into his seat and hid his face in his hands. “Don’t let me drink again.” The frustration waltzing around his expression disappeared as he darted his gaze at Jimin. “Wait, did you do it?”

“No! Are you crazy?”

“What? You like him.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Oh, come on, Jimin hyung,” Jungkook snickered. “You stare at him like you want to marry the guy.”

“And you stare at Taehyung like you’ve fallen for him or something. I don’t even need to mention that you’re so happy that only you get to call him Tae.”

“Shut up! He has a boyfriend.”

“Oh, you’re aware of that. What are you doing then?” Nothing sneering survived in Jimin’s voice — it was a question he wanted to ask for a while now.

Jungkook groaned as he ran his fingers through his hair, looking away from them.

“Is that true?” Seokjin asked. “Jungkook, do you like Taehyung?”

“No!” Jungkook exclaimed. He heard Jimin snort and stared him down. “I don’t.”

“Jungkook, you can’t fall for him. He has a—”

“I know! And I won’t,” he snarled, frustrated, cutting Seokjin off. “He doesn’t even like me. He said it himself.” The sudden silence that swept over the room brought a frown to his face, and he observed the two, catching the look they exchanged. “What was that?”

“Nothing,” they answered at the same time.

“Guys.”

“Nothing!” Jimin repeated with a titter.

“What do you know?” Jungkook insisted.

Seokjin sighed as he glanced at Jimin and then riveted his eyes on Jungkook. “Well, he came immediately when you called him yesterday. He stayed the night. I don’t even need to ask who cleaned the living room.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Are you sure?” Jimin asked.

“Yes!”

Seeing his defensive behavior, Jimin decided to drop the matter. “Okay then. Let’s go get something to eat.”

With a nod, Jungkook picked up his oversized jacket and slipped it on. Taehyung’s intoxicating scent reached his nose, and he closed his eyes insensibly. How can you not fall for his scent if not for him?

⚜✳⚜