A couple of knocks coming by the door had Jungkook stirring on his bed. He lazily reached for his phone underneath his pillow to check for the time.

It was already 12 minutes past 5 in the afternoon, and he was still feeling tired and sleepy.

This had been Jungkook's routine every time he would be in the house. To avoid unnecessary interaction with the people he didn't want to come across in the household, he would just spend his entire day in his room, sleeping throughout the day.

A couple more knocks came followed by the opening of the door.

"Sir, your father is requesting you in his office."

Jungkook groaned at the mention of his father. It's unusual for the older to be home, more so be interested to see him.

He could just count from his fingers the number of times he would see his father for a year, so it's really unusual that he would look for him.

"What for?" Jungkook asked as he sat on the bed and looked at the maid who had her head hanging low.

"I do not have any idea, sir." She uttered which made Jungkook sigh.

"I'll go there in a bit." Jungkook responded before dismissing the maid who silently left his room and closed the door.

As soon as he was left alone, Jungkook immediately looked for clothes that were 'decent' as what his father would always tell him to wear.

In no time, Jungkook was already in front of his father's office which would only be opened when the latter was around.

He didn't have to knock as the maid already opened the door for him after announcing his presence.

The moment the door opened, Jungkook immediately saw his father sitting behind the desk.

"Father.." Jungkook greeted but the other didn't even spare him a glance.

"I heard you asked for me." He continued which made his father finally look up.

Those dark eyes seemed to grow darker from under those glasses.

"Get ready. We're having dinner outside." Jungho said before darting his eyes back on the papers he's been working on.

"What's the occasion?" Jungkook didn't stop himself from asking.

He heard his father sigh before looking back at him again in the eyes.

"Is there a need for reason for a family to have dinner outside?" Jungho asked which made Jungkook's brow meet in almost a single line.

"For starters, we're not family." Jungkook retorted, saying the last word as if it was a poison in his mouth.

He saw how his father's brow arched as he stared at him. It was the kind of look that told him not to speak anymore or else the consequence wouldn't be pleasant at all.

"Do I need to repeat myself?" Jungho asked in a dangerously low voice.

Jungkook didn't say anything as he bowed a little before excusing himself and get ready for a dinner with his play pretend family.

———

Taehyung had been gazing at the ceiling as he waited for the ravenette's message.

Jungkook called him earlier that he would be having dinner with his family. From the tone of the ravenette's voice, Taehyung could already tell he's against the idea.

He could already picture the face Jungkook was making that moment and it made him want to stop him from going.

However, Taehyung didn't say anything. Instead, he just promised to wait for Jungkook's message after the dinner was over.

That was two hours and a half ago and still no message from Jungkook. Maybe the dinner wasn't so bad after all.

As Taehyung was slowly succumbing to sleep with his phone on top of his stomach, a series of loud knocks came by the door which made him jump out of the bed in shock.

"Tae!"

Taehyung felt his heart thrum in both anxiety and surprise when he heard Jungkook's voice.

He immediately opened the door and was met by Jungkook's warm embrace.

"Tae.." Jungkook whispered as he buried his face on the crook of Taehyung's neck.

The latter could feel Jungkook's body shaking as he embraced him so tight he thought he'll suffocate.

"Kookie.. what's going on?" Taehyung asked as he caressed Jungkook's back.

He didn't hear a response as the ravenette continued to stay quiet. Only after a short while that Taehyung felt his neck beginning to get wet from Jungkook's tears.

"Kookie.." Taehyung whispered as he held Jungkook by the head, making him feel that he's with him.

The two of them were in that position for a long time before Jungkook finally calmed down.

His eyes were red from crying as Taehyung helped him sit on the couch where he finally started to tell him what happened.

Turned out his father really was an asshole who only arranged a dinner with him together with Yeri, the one he's bound to marry.

Jungkook had hoped even in the slightest that his father really just wanted to have dinner with him, like how a father should.

However, nothing good would really come out of hoping for the impossible.

"He's never going to be a father to me." Jungkook uttered as he looked down on his hands.

"I should've known better." He added with a sad smile that made Taehyung angry.

Angry for the man who didn't deserve even an ounce of Jungkook's affection.

"He's an asshole." Taehyung said with a look of anger that made Jungkook smile, a real one.

"He is." Jungkook agreed before reaching out to have Taehyung in his arms as they lay on the couch.

"I wanted to punch him in the face when he insisted on making the engagement happen." Jungkook said, hand caressing Taehyung's blonde locks.

His remarks had Taehyung looking up to meet his gaze.

"Did you agree?" He asked, tone hopeful.

"Not in a million years, Tae." Jungkook responded which made Taehyung smile in relief.

"He could disown me for all I care, but I would never marry someone I don't love." Jungkook added in a firm tone.

Taehyung felt at ease but not for long when he realized the implications behind Jungkook's words.

"Will it be okay, Kookie? Won't he do something..." Taehyung wasn't able to finish his words as realization hit him.

"I don't care anymore, Tae. If I have to work nonstop just so I could live on my own and support my mother, I would. I no longer want to be wrapped around his fingers any longer." Jungkook said before cupping Taehyung's worrisome face.

"Don't worry, beautiful. Believe in me." The ravenette said with a smile that made Taehyung sigh as he nodded his head.

"I believe you, Kookie. I always do." Taehyung whispered before slowly planting a soft kiss on Jungkook's lips.

"Thank you, love." Jungkook answered as he embraced Taehyung even more.

It was such a huge leap for the both of them, but they chose to risk for their love.

That night, when Taehyung was fast asleep next to him, Jungkook called his mother through the help of Dr. Philips.

He could feel a lump on his throat when he heard his mother's voice again after a long time.

He didn't get the chance to call her often due to the restrictions his father had set, but now, he finally had the courage to break out of the rules that caged him.

"Mom.." Jungkook's voice was shaking as he uttered that one word that he had longed to say for the longest time.

"Jungkook.." Hyun-Joo said, voice soft with a hint of joy.

"Mom.." was all Jungkook could say as he gulped the lump that seemed to stop him from breathing.

"Is it really you, son?" Hyun-Joo asked which made Jungkook chuckle through the tears that seemed to threaten to fall from his eyes.

"Yes, mom. Who else? I'm your only handsome son." He joked as he heard his mother's excited voice.

"Of course. You take after my beauty after all." She said with proudness in her voice that had Jungkook smiling.

"I couldn't argue with that." He agreed before a long silence befell between them.

No one spoke as if the silence alone conveyed a lot of things they could never say.

Until Jungkook finally broke the silence.

"I'm sorry, Mom." He whispered as he felt his throat go dry.

"I'm sorry." He repeated, every word felt like a knife stabbing his heart.

"What for?" She asked in a mellow tone that almost made Jungkook burst to tears.

"I'm sorry for being selfish... for choosing my happiness." Jungkook uttered as tears started to stream down his eyes.

All his life, his mother was his refuge. He endured everything for her, so doing something selfish now seemed so wrong.

It felt like he had wronged her.

"Silly, child. Why would you be sorry for choosing your happiness?" Hyun-Joo said, voice sending Jungkook the serenity only a mother could give.

"I could never ask for anything else than your happiness." She uttered, and all Jungkook could do was control his sobs.

Why would such a loving mother experience something so cruel? Why her of all people?

Jungkook felt his heart being squeezed as he tried to calm himself.

Though he may have chosen to be selfish for the very first time, he would still do everything in his power to help his mother get better.

Even if he had to let go of other things, he would certainly not let go of the people he truly loved and treasured.

————

"Hey, babe. Have you eaten?" Jungkook asked as soon as he arrived and found Taehyung waiting for him on the couch.

"No. I've waited for you." Taehyung responded with a smile.

The ravenette went near him to give him a kiss on the lips before showing the food he had brought home.

"I bought your favorite." Jungkook grinned as Taehyung beamed in delight.

"As you should." He responded before taking Jungkook's hand.

It had been almost a month since Taehyung and Jungkook started living together. As Taehyung continued to study while working, Jungkook had to drop out of school.

His father had cut all the support he had given him when he decided to leave home for good.

Even though Taehyung was against the idea, Jungkook chose to focus on his numerous part time jobs that he had to prioritize in order to pay the bills for his mother's hospitalization.

It was tough, seeing how Jungkook seemed to have lost weight from overworking. Though he wouldn't say anything, Taehyung knew the struggle.

But just seeing the genuine happiness in Jungkook's eyes and smiles whenever he would look at him, Taehyung knew he's happy with what he's doing.

And that's enough for him to support Jungkook's every decision.

"How was your exams?" Jungkook asked as the two of them started having their dinner together.

"I probably did okay." Taehyung responded while wiping the sauce on the corner of Jungkook's mouth before licking it off clean from his fingertip.

"Only okay? I doubt. You probably aced it." Jungkook confidently said which made Taehyung scoff.

"I wish. I did better than Jimin, though. That's for sure." Taehyung grinned as Jungkook chuckled at his remarks.

"To that I agree." Jungkook uttered which had the both of them laughing at Jimin's expense.

Those little things, simple moments together were both of them would always look forward to at the end of every single day.

The laughter during a simple yet satisfying meal...

The conversation of the most random things...

Those moments were what Jungkook had chosen in exchange of the grand and the wealth he used to have, and it had been the choice he did not regret even for a single moment.

"I'll do the dishes tonight." Taehyung said as the two of them were done eating.

"You go ahead and shower before going to bed." He added as he took the plates on the sink while Jungkook just stared at his back.

"I want to help." Jungkook whined but all Taehyung did was shush him with a glare.

"You need to rest, Kookie. I can handle this much." Taehyung assured as he started washing the dishes.

The sound of cascading water resonated in the room as Jungkook stood and walked nearer to the blonde.

Taehyung felt Jungkook's arms slowly circling around his waist as he hugged him from the back.

"Thank you, love." Jungkook whispered as he rested his chin on Taeyung's shoulder.

"Thank you." The ravenette repeated while tenderly planting little kisses on the crook of Taehyung's neck that had him sighing in satisfaction.

"I should probably do the dishes from now on if you're going to give me snuggles like this every time." Taehyung couldn't stop himself from giggling when Jungkook suddenly sucked him by the neck which sent tingles all over his body.

"Stop..." Taehyung purred.

"You smell so good." Jungkook whispered, trailing his kisses up and down the base of Taehyung's neck.

"Liar. I haven't showered yet." Taehyung said in pout. He almost dropped the plate on the sink when Jungkook turned him around to face him.

"Really? Perfect." Jungkook beamed as he leaned to plant a kiss on his lips.

"Let's shower together." He added which had Taehyung rolling his eyes.

"We have a busy day tomorrow." Taehyung reminded, knowing fully well that showering with Jungkook would probably end up late until the break of dawn.

The ravenette couldn't help but laugh as he cupped Taehyung's face.

"We will just shower. I promise." Jungkook assured but the gaze Taehyung was giving him had him laughing even more.

"Okay.. maybe just a bit.. sexy time?" The ravenette cutely stared at Taehyung under his lashes.

"Your definition of a bit is scary, you know?" Taehyung retorted as Jungkook pulled him closer, his hands now pressed on the other's broad chest, wetting his shirt.

"But you like it, right?" Jungkook sexily smiled before claiming Taehyung's lips in a passionate kiss that had the latter responding with the same intensity.

"Is that a yes?" Jungkook uttered, voice hoarse as he cupped Taehyung's face.

The blonde just stared at the ravenette before glomping him in another mind-blowing kiss.

————

Taehyung was pulling his laptop out of his bag when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Jimin's smiling face immediately welcomed him.

"Hey." Taehyung greeted as Jimin took the seat next to him.

"Hey, babe. What's that for?" Jimin asked, pointing at his laptop.

"Don't tell me you forget our presentation?" Taehyung asked with his eyes wide.

"No shit... We have a presentation?!" Jimin's face was too comical that Taehyung burst into laughter.

"Biiiitttccchhhh! You're kidding?" Jimin felt his heart stop for a moment in horror. Turned out Taehyung was just making fun of him.

"I hate you." Jimin pouted, pushing Taehyung away as he tried to hug him.

They were goofing around when Taehyung's phone started ringing in his pocket. Still with a smile, Taehyung fished his phone out and saw an unregistered number calling him.

He hesitated for a bit before finally answering the call.

"Hello?" Taehyung started.

"Hello. This is Choi from ASAN Medical Center. Are you a family of Mr. Jeon Jungkook?"

At the mention of the ravenette's name, Taehyung's smile immediately faded.

"I am... What's going on?" He asked as Jimin looked at him with curiosity in his eyes.

"Mr. Jeon is currently in our hospital right now."

Taehyung felt his heart drop upon hearing those words. He immediately stood from his seat, dragging the chair which created a bit of a screeching sound.

"What happened? Is he okay?" Taehyung's voice started to shake as he went out of the room. He couldn't hear Jimin's voice as he called after him, for his mind was already picturing the worst scenario.

"He was involved in an accident earlier. Will it be possible for you to come right now, sir?" The woman asked and Taehyung quickly answered.

"Yes.. yes.. I'll be on my way." He uttered, rushing out of the university premises with his heart on his sleeve.

The woman gave him the address and in not time, Taehyung was already rushing inside the hallway of the hospital where Jungkook was admitted.

On his way to the hospital, he was already briefed of what had happened and the room number where the ravenette was resting.

He immediately found the room and as soon as the door opened, his heart fell off his chest at the sight of Jungkook.

"K-kookie.." Taehyung breathed as he went nearer the ravenette who was fast asleep.

His eyes landed on the bandage on his head and the cast on his right arm.

Taehyung learned that Jungkook had an accident during his shift in the repair shop he's working at.

He had accidentally slipped and knocked a box full of heavy metal parts on the shelf and it fell over him.

His right arm took most of the impact, but few hit him on the head which resulted for him to pass out.

"Kookie..." Taehyung felt his tears fall down his eyes as he touched Jungkook's face.

He saw Jungkook slowly opening his eyes before a soft smile showed on his lips to console him, but Taehyung was already a crying mess.

"I told you every single time to be careful.." Taehyung was bawling his eyes while Jungkook could only touch his face with his left hand.

"Hey... I'm alright.." Jungkook assured but Taehyung just kept on crying.

"You don't look alright." Taehyung retorted, gazing at his bandaged head.

"I told you to be careful.." He repeated which had Jungkook chuckling as he reached out to wipe his tears.

"I'm sorry.. please don't cry." Jungkook whispered as Taehyung nuzzled his head on his chest.

His sobs were the only sound that resonated in the room.

"It's my fault.." Taehyung uttered after a long while which had Jungkook frowning.

"Hey.. baby.. none of this is your fault. What are you even saying?" Jungkook retorted.

Taehyung didn't say anything as he cried on the ravenette's chest even more while the latter consoled him with caresses.

It wasn't his fault... was it really?

Jungkook had to work and drop out of school just so he could stay by his side.

Taehyung knew he was having a hard time. He knew how he had to work and double his effort.

He saw how Jungkook's been struggling.. how he's losing weight from all the jobs he had to do.

Taehyung knew everything, but he chose to be quiet because Jungkook seemed to be happy with him.

But for how long?

How long would he stay blinded of Jungkook's struggles because of him?

How long would he deny that Jungkook would be far better off with his family?

With them, Jungkook wouldn't have to worry about money to pay for his mother's hospitalization.

With them, he wouldn't have to go through all the efforts of working and getting hurt in the process.

Taehyung's heart couldn't take the sight of Jungkook being hurt just because he chose to be with him.

It wasn't what he had hoped for when the two of them chose their happiness over anything else.

It wasn't what he's prepared for.

————

Jungkook had finally received the approval from his doctor to be discharged.

He still had his cast, but the bandage on his head was already been removed after a week in the hospital.

Throughout his recovering stage, Taehyung was there to look after him.

However, two days before his discharge, Taehyung suddenly stopped coming.

No texts.

No calls.

Jungkook couldn't get a hold of him which started to make him anxious. Something must have happened.

His hunch was finally confirmed when he learned that the hospital bills were fully paid already.

And when he went out of the establishment, he saw his father's secretary waiting for him outside the hospital.

"What are you doing here?" Jungkook asked in a stern voice.

"I came to pick you up, sir." The man uttered, opening the car door for him.

"Fuck off." Jungkook spat, walking past the other.

"Make smart choices just like what your lover did.... was your father's message in case you declined, sir." The man said which made Jungkook stop.

He couldn't help the rage from rising from his chest as he glared at the other.

"What did he do?" Jungkook asked in a sharp voice.

"Have your father answer your questions, sir." The man said, urging him to get in the car.

Jungkook couldn't understand what's happening, but he's not dumb not to have even the slightest idea.

But he chose to see Taehyung and hear his explanation. Regardless, Jungkook would always believe in him.

There's only one home he wanted to be in that moment, and it was the one with Taehyung in it.

"I'd rather not. Tell him I'm smart enough not to go back to that hell he calls home." Jungkook firmly stated before walking away.

He would see Taehyung and listen to his explanation. He would only believe him, and everything else won't matter.

However, when he reached Taehyung's house, no one was there to welcome him.

He tried calling his number but still no answer. Texted him a few more times, still no response.

The ravenette could already think of a possible reason why Taehyung suddenly left him.

He already had an idea.

But it wasn't enough to justify the pain he was feeling in his heart at the mere thought of Taehyung choosing to leave him as his only answer.

As his only resolve.

"That's too cruel of you." Jungkook uttered as he gazed at the house that harbored the memories he truly treasured.

Jungkook chose to leave everything behind for Taehyung.

But in return, Taehyung chose to leave him without a word.

As if he's not worthy of even the slightest explanation.

Taehyung may have thought it would be for the best, but it wasn't what Jungkook had wanted.

However, his love for him was greater than his pain.

Jungkook was determined to look for him and win him back. He chose to be with Taehyung and he would choose to be with him regardless of his reasons.

He tried contacting Jimin and ask for Taehyung, but all he received was cold treatment from the other and a blank "I don't know."

He didn't stop, though.

While he continued to live and provide for his own and his mother's hospital bills, Jungkook continued to look for Taehyung.

He waited for him to come back.

He longed for him every single day.

Jungkook truly waited.

He did.

Until the moment came when he could no longer wait as fate decided to break his already shattered hope.

Until he could no longer recover.

"I'm such a fool." Jungkook uttered as tears streamed down his face as he gazed from outside his mother's room.

The glass panel that separated them seemed to turn blurry as tears continued to stream down his eyes.

He's a fool for believing that he could keep the people he truly treasured while choosing his own happiness.

In the end, he couldn't keep any of them.

Not Taehyung.

Nor his mother.

During the time he needed him the most, Taehyung wasn't there for him.

He wasn't there.

In the end, Jungkook was left all by himself.

-----------

End of flashback.

Finally ended the flashback. 😪
Took me a week to finish this chapter like wtf. I seriously need motivation to finish my books.

Let's get it. Present in the next chapters to come.

Love you. 💜