**

Jeongguk smelt the earthly fragrance of the lavender oil sitting in a tinted emerald jar on the dark oak side table. His fingers grasped around the bedsheets of Taehyung's bedroom, sitting up nervously as he looked around. The room had one wall acting as a shelf, filled with records.

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung, who wore the brown shirt and trousers, shirt rolled till his elbows, hair parted as usual. He was rummaging through the records to put on the right one, while Jeongguk just remained tense.

Something didn't feel right.

Jeongguk's legs were tightly pressed together, and he watched as Taehyung began playing Love Me Forever by Jodie Sands. Taehyung took out a cigar and lit the other end, and placed it between his lips while looking at Jeongguk.

"You look frightened, my love," Taehyung said lightly, and Jeongguk let out a nervous chuckle, looking down at the woven blanket he sat on.

"I-it just-" Jeongguk began and then gulped. He looked at Taehyung, who walked closer to him. "W-what are we doing?"

"Must you question your morality at a time like this?" Taehyung asked, and then brought Jeongguk's chin up to face him.

"We have wives," Jeongguk said, and Taehyung hummed, moving further to close the gap between them. "We're married, Taehyung. Rosie trusts me, a-and-"

Taehyung brought Jeongguk's thigh up with one hand until both were wrapped around Taehyung's waist, and he was lying on the bed. Taehyung looked down at him, smoking the cigar still. Jeongguk gulped. "It isn't fair for us to cause this distrust, to partake in these- these awful acts-" Jeongguk started, and then found Taehyung looking unbothered, in fact, amused.

"Doesn't these bother you in the slightest? Don't you love Veronica? Rosie told me the two of you eloped together, y-yet-" Jeongguk stammered, and then put his hands on his collar.

"Of course I love Veronica," Taehyung said, and Jeongguk gulped. "But it gets a little tiring, Jeongguk. To constantly be at wit's end with every responsibility, my home, my work, my wife, my- my principles. I just want to escape from it all, really."

"Why-why me? Why not a young woman, perhaps one who-who isn't-" Jeongguk began, and then gulped. "Who isn't a man?"

Taehyung chuckled. "I'm aware," Taehyung said, and then dipped down to kiss Jeongguk's neck, making the younger shiver. "I'm aware of our wrongdoings, of how much easier it would be for me to court a lady, yet-" Taehyung stopped, and looked into Jeongguk's brown eyes, how mystifying they were, how ambrosial. "Yet there's something about you-you, a man, that makes my desires towards men stronger." Taehyung finished, and then took his hands to the boy's hips.

"Your eyes catches out for me, Jeongguk," Taehyung said upon Jeongguk's silence. "Your mind may send you false alarms, but understand that this is natural. From the olden times, men have loved men, women have loved women. I refuse to fight against what's natural, darling."

"But i-it's not natural, Taehyung," Jeongguk tried, eyes larger in fright. "You know what they say! It's like a disease, it's like a mental di-"

"Believe what you want to, Jeongguk. If your mind is made up on being against it, then I won't force myself and my morals upon you. It simply isn't my place." Taehyung said, sitting up. Jeongguk sat up as well, clutching Taehyung's shirt.

"You must understand where I come from, Taehyung," Jeongguk pleaded. "I've never thought of a man this way, never looked at a man this way, never wanted a man t-to-" Jeongguk began, and his breath hitched at his own words that were about to leave his lips. "N-never wanted a man to hold m-me down and-and make love to me. It's all so sudden, all so overwhelming! I don't know where this attraction has risen from, a-and I'm afraid it's not natural. It can't be. Two men like us wanting to be together- how are we any better than burglars?"

Taehyung was silent, and Jeongguk looked up at him, eyes shimmering. "I-I don't know what I want. I don't know what my mind is telling me and what my heart is. I j-just don't know, Taehyung, I-" Jeongguk began, and Taehyung tightened his arms around his waist.

"Let me help you," Taehyung whispered and pressed their lips together.

Jeongguk gripped Taehyung's shirt and tried his hardest not to kiss back. Taehyung pulled away, and Jeongguk breathed heavily. Taehyung looked a little confused and then kissed Jeongguk again with more heat. Jeongguk couldn't remain clamped up, so he began kissing him back, giving into what gave him utmost pleasure.

Jeongguk felt one of Taehyung's hands traveling down his thighs, in between, and felt his two fingers slither down towards his entrance. Jeongguk felt a prod and gulped, almost moving back. "I'll be gentle, dove. I'll go slowly, make sure you don't hurt-"

"I-it'll hurt?" Jeongguk squeaked, and Taehyung sighed.

"A little, perhaps."

"Have- have you done it before? With a man?" Jeongguk asked, and Taehyung shook his head. "No. You're one of the firsts to entice me."

Jeongguk blushed, and then saw Taehyung move closer to him and push him back until they were lying down again. "If you forget about all that cluttering nonsense in your mind, you might be able to enjoy yourself, love."

Jeongguk looked up at him and then nodded. "O-okay." Jeongguk let out. Something still didn't feel quite right. Taehyung leaned down to press their lips together, but then a shrill loud ringing sound filled the room.

Both turned their heads to the sound and saw the black telephone ringing loudly in the corner. Taehyung groaned in annoyance, and Jeongguk sat up. Taehyung got off the bed to walk over to the steel phone.

Taehyung picked the phone up. "Hello?"

Jeongguk watched as Taehyung heard some words from the other line, and then saw the man run a hand through his hair in annoyance, looking a little discomforted. "That's wonderful, love. Great. I'll see you," Taehyung said, and then put the phone down.

Taehyung turned around to look at Jeongguk, who gulped, knowing what he was about to say. "Veronica and Rosie are reaching in an hour. Decided to come back early."

Jeongguk chuckled, looking down. He got up from the bed, looking around for his things. "Look- you can come over another time, perhaps when the girls aren't here, or-"

"Let's be honest with ourselves, Taehyung," Jeongguk said. "God didn't want us committing such a heinous act. It's good we stopped before we got too far,"

"You say a lot but your actions never coincide with your words," Taehyung said, and Jeongguk buttoned up his shirt and then looked at him wearily.

"Or perhaps you just say everything that's on your mind. Being confident is one thing, Taehyung. Being dishonorable is another," Jeongguk said, and Taehyung scoffed.

"Oh shut up," Taehyung snapped, and Jeongguk tensed. "As if you weren't just swaying around in my kitchen completely naked in nothing but a woman's apron,"

Jeongguk blushed brightly. "Which you made me wear!"

"I didn't hear any complaints!"

Jeongguk looked away, putting his pants and trousers on quickly. "Well I- I shouldn't have to explain myself to you. You're simply a terrible man who-who manipulates young men-"

"You're just afraid, Jeongguk. Don't pretend this is my fault. You begged me to kiss you and then ran away. You begged me to fuck you and now you're running away. You can't keep running away from something that scares you. Especially when you want it so much," Taehyung said sharply, looking at Jeongguk closely.

Jeongguk gulped. He wavered a little while looking at Taehyung, but held his ground. "You know this isn't right, Taehyung. Not only are we married with two wives who've done no wrong, but we're men. I don't care if you think it's disgraceful to care about one's morality- I do!" Jeongguk said, and then reached for the door.

Taehyung leaned against the doorframe. Jeongguk expected him to get angrier at his words, but he looked pleased, almost smiling. "You're feisty, little on. It's captivating." Taehyung said, and Jeongguk gulped, trying to leave his room. He walked away but then felt Taehyung grab his arm.

"You know," Taehyung said, and then looked at him. "Even a blind man could tell you're hiding from yourself. This isn't a battle against me, angel. It's one with your own notions." Taehyung said, and Jeongguk paused, looking at him with wide eyes.

"Y-you don't know me. You don't know me at all. We've only known each other for a month, y-you-" Jeongguk stammered, and Taehyung let his arm go, bringing the cigar in his other hand to his lips.

Jeongguk turned around to rush out of Taehyung's home. He ran down the stairs and to the foyer, but before he could open the door, it opened itself.

Veronica stood there, holding a leather suitcase, hair falling to her shoulders, wearing a red coat. "Oh, Jeongguk. Fancy seeing you here,"

Jeongguk gulped and looked at her. He heard footsteps from behind him and then realized Taehyung was now standing beside him. "Veronica you said you'd be back in an hour,"

"Yeah, I lied. Wanted to make sure you weren't doing anything wrong," Veronica said, and Taehyung snickered. She put his hand on his chest and pressed their lips together, and Taehyung kissed her back. Jeongguk looked away.

"What were the two of you doing?" Veronica asked, and Jeongguk's throat went dry.

"I was helping him out with an upcoming exam he has for law school," Taehyung explained, and Jeongguk gave him a look. Veronica hummed.

"I-I'll be going now. Rosie's at home, yes?" Jeongguk asked, and Veronica nodded with a smile. "Yes, I've dropped her off," Veronica said, and Jeongguk nodded hurriedly. "Thank you. Goodnight." Jeongguk said, and Taehyung cleared his throat.

"Do come around again, Jeongguk," Taehyung said, and Jeongguk frowned at him, grabbed his coat and ran out of the house, closing the door behind him.

Once he left, Veronica looked at Taehyung. Both looked at each other for a few seconds, and then Veronica looked around the house. "What did you do alone?"

"Nothing much. I met up with Namjoon one night at the pub, that was fun," Taehyung said, and Veronica hummed, walking to the kitchen.

"Ah, Jeongguk made some dinner, huh?" Veronica said, and Taehyung walked behind her, standing by the door.

"Must've gotten cold," Taehyung said, and Veronica looked at the floor, and then frowned.

"Where did that apron come from?"

Taehyung took a glass from the kitchen and then walked out, finding his bottle of whiskey outside. "How am I meant to know?"

"I've never seen this thing before- you know I would rather die than wear crap like this," Veronica snapped, and Taehyung chuckled, pouring whiskey into his glass.

"Angry again, are we? Relax, love. You've just gotten back-" Taehyung said, and Veronica walked closer, looking up at him with darkened eyes.

"Don't be funny with me, Taehyung," Veronica whispered, and Taehyung looked down at her. "I know you did something- and from what we agreed upon, you have to tell me."

Taehyung put his hand down her hair, stroking it softly and then reaching his fingers to her chin. "I don't know what you're talking about,"

Veronica pushed Taehyung away lightly and then took a step back. She turned around, and Taehyung rolled his eyes. "If you're so worried then I'll assure you, love. I didn't fuck anybody."

Veronica took her coat off, placing it onto the sofa. "That's what you said last time,"

Taehyung snickered. "As if you told me about that Latin professor at your college you let fuck you last month? You can't expect me to share everything if you share none of it, doll."

"Don't call me that," Veronica snapped, turning around. "And I didn't bring the Latin professor home, now did I? You probably asked your assistant from work to come over and fucked her again!"

"I didn't bring anyone home, Veronica. I was caught up with work, and the only person who came here was Jeongguk. Are you threatened by him?" Taehyung asked tauntingly, and Veronica snickered.

"Me, threatened? You should be the one that's threatened, dear. Men love me," Veronica said and turned around to walk up the stairs to their bedroom.

"You have no idea," Taehyung said to himself, taking a last sip of the whiskey and putting it down, following Veronica up the stairs.

*

Jeongguk reached home and walked inside the shabby flat quickly. "Oh, Jeongguk!" Rosie let out, turning around and rushing over to him. She wrapped her arms around him quickly. "I-I got so scared when I didn't see you here,"

"I was with Taehyung," Jeongguk said and wrapped his arms around her. "I apologize."

"It's okay," Rosie said, smiling. She kissed him on the lips, and Jeongguk kissed her back. "I met your mum. She- she was quite upset that you couldn't come. But I told her you had a lot of work,"

Jeongguk smiled at her and then took his coat off and walked to sit down on their couch. Rosie sat down beside him. "Also, um- well- I-I talked to my father..." Rosie mumbled, toying with her fingers.

"What happened?" Jeongguk asked, and Rosie sighed.

"He says I shouldn't be studying at college," Rosie said in a small voice. "Said it's a waste, me doing botany and what not."

"I agree, honestly," Jeongguk said. "I think you should take business. Or better, English. You could become a teacher, Rosie! Or-"

"No, Jeongguk," Rosie said, and then looked at him. "He means it's a waste that I'm at any college at all. He says as a woman I should know my place-"

Jeongguk frowned. "What?" Jeongguk said, and then groaned, shaking his head. "Your father, he- he still thinks he's in the '20s. That must've been really upsetting for you, I'm sorry."

"It did upset me," Rosie said, and Jeongguk nodded. "Because he's right! I should be at home! I should spend more time doing what I'm supposed to. I made dinner one night and he said it was awful! And-and he's surprised you haven't left me yet,"

Jeongguk was paused for a few seconds and then scoffed. "Are you mad? Why would I leave you because you made bad food- and god, Rosie. The reason you're doing botany is so you can get a job out of it! Maybe as a gardener for a rich home, or-or a horticulturist! Or open a flower shop, or-"

"No no, I don't want any of that!" Rosie said, and Jeongguk frowned. "I don't want to work, Jeongguk. I'm a woman, I'm meant to be a homemaker or a mother. Cooking, cleaning, raising children, that's what I'm suppose to do!" Rosie said firmly. "I admire Veronica immensely but- it was awfully strange seeing her back in the town. She wore pants and did fishing and all these tasks men do, and-"

"What's wrong with you? Rosie, you aren't meant for anything. I know you think being the mother is the only thing you can do, but you should get a job! Rosie, you need to get a job. My salary is not enough for the two of us. I-I would hope you would get a job, at least for a little while until I become a proper lawyer."

Rosie looked at Jeongguk wearily. "But that's- that's odd! Why must we change how things were? Women belong in homes, that's how-"

Jeongguk stood up. "Rosie, you're being stupid!"

Rosie's eyes widened. "I-I don't mean to anger you! I just- I-I don't think it's right to-"

"At least stand your ground, Rosie. I'm getting a little tire of you constantly apologizing to me for every little thing, constantly thinking I'm superior to you! I don't want that," Jeongguk snapped, and then paused breath hitching.

Rosie gulped and opened her mouth to apologize, but closed it. She just nodded. "I-I'm only trying to treat you like one should treat their husband. You work so hard, and-"

"Fine, but I don't need you to treat me like I'm your father or something," Jeongguk said sharply, and Rosie looked away and nodded again. Jeongguk sighed, looking down. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice-"

"No no please- don't apologize. You have all the right to shout at me," Rosie said quickly, and Jeongguk tsked and turned around.

"I'm tired, I'm going to bed," Jeongguk mumbled, walking to his room. Rosie followed behind him like a lost puppy, and that's when Jeongguk realized.

Rosie's complete submission to him was unpleasant, something that irked Jeongguk. But Taehyung complete domination was something that made his insides crawl with pleasure.

He didn't understand why.

*

Two weeks passed. Jeongguk wondered if Taehyung thought about him. Because all Jeongguk thought of was Taehyung. Even after Jeongguk been so horrid to him, he thought of the older.

Rosie had dropped out of college. She stayed at home now, reading more than usual. She looked bored, if honest. Jeongguk couldn't be bothered to argue with her once more, so he stayed quiet.

Every time she opened her mouth, all she was do was praise Jeongguk and treat him like he was some sort of kind. He didn't want that, he just wanted normality.

"The things those Americans are doing in Vietnam is absolutely vile! Would you look at it?" Rosie complained angrily, and Jeongguk hummed, walking back inside the warmth of his flat, seeing Rosie on the couch.

"It's idiocy. To protect their ideology, they go fight a war in another country halfway across the world." Jeongguk snickered, and Rosie hummed.

"I think America should let them be. Especially if the country wholly wishes to be a communist state, I don't understand why the US wants to meddle-" Rosie began, and Jeongguk nodded along, agreeing quite a bit with her remarks. "Then again- what do I know? I shouldn't be so into politics anyway. Should leave that for the men," She laughed, and Jeongguk sighed.

Rosie got up to walk over to him, but then frowned when she saw Jeongguk looking upset. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know, Rosie. It's sickening how lowly you talk about yourself. You being a woman should at least think they deserve more. Plus, ever since you dropped out of school all you do is sit around the house! I much rather have you working or doing something of value! I'm afraid, Rosie. I don't think my income will last for both of us for much longer. I-" Jeongguk began.

He saw Rosie reaching in to hold his hand, but he pulled his hand away. In doing so, he accidentally hit her on her cheek.

"Oh-" Jeongguk gasped and then widened his eyes. "Oh gosh- I'm so sorry. I-I didn't realize, I'm sorry-"

"I-it's okay," Rosie said, putting her hand on her cheek. Jeongguk reached forward to look at the slight redness forming on her pale skin, and then heard her say; "I read somewhere it's actually somewhat therapeutic for quieter, shyer men like you to be abusive towards their wives-"

Jeongguk took a step back. "What?" He let out and then frowned. "I'm not going to hurt you, Rosie! Don't think that-"

"I-I don't! I'm just saying, it would be fine if you did," Rosie said softly. "You get so upset with me sometimes. I-I can't help but feel like I'm being rather hopeless and stupid. If you t-think you can teach me in stricter ways, then-"

"Are you out of your mind?!" Jeongguk said, and Rosie looked up at him. "W-why- why would you even think that? No, I'm never going to hit anyone, especially not you! Your stupid old fashioned morals have driven you to absolute ludicrousy, Rosie," Jeongguk snapped, and then froze.

Old fashioned morals.

"I-I-I'm sorry! I-" Rosie began, but then Jeongguk walked past her.

"I have some work to do. I just remembered," Jeongguk said, and Rosie frowned. "What work?"

"At law school. We were meant to meet up for a project, it slipped my mind completely. I think I'll go over there, though I might get late." Jeongguk said, grabbing his coat.

"O-oh. Yes, of course. If it gets too late, then do stay over at Jimin's or such. The road outside your college has many muggers," Rosie said, and Jeongguk nodded.

"Yeah," Jeongguk said, and then gave her a quick nod. "I'll get going." He mumbled and then walked out. It was dark outside. He walked down the steps of his house and walked rather quickly.

When he finally reached the lavish mansion, he took a deep breath.

Inside, Taehyung was standing in the living room, looking down, trying his hardest not to say anything harsh. "All I'm saying, Veronica," Taehyung began, digging his fingernails into his palm. "Is that we should at least think about-"

"Don't bring it up again, Taehyung." Veronica cut him off. "You know I despise it when you even bring up the thought of having a child."

"But I-" Taehyung began.

"Why do you think you get to have a say in things? You never did, and you never will. So keep your mouth shut and go do your stupid law work," Veronica snapped, and Taehyung clenched his fist.

"Right, of course. You could go on a tangent, but dare I speak a word against you," Taehyung mumbled, and Veronica walked up to him and grabbed him by the front of his shirt.

"Don't you dare fucking talk to me like that," Veronica growled lowly, and then pushed Taehyung back. Taehyung walked past her and into his study, practically fuming, but knowing he couldn't say anything to her.

"You think I'm your stupid housewife or something, willing to have a baby for you and-" Veronica ranted from outside.

"You know I don't think that, Veronica. I never have. I just think it'll help us settle down. And we have a big house and we're earning fairly well, so-" Taehyung tried, but then saw her grabbing her coat. "Where're you doing?"

"I'm going out to meet my cousin, the one who's come here from Italy," Veronica said sharply. "I'll probably return tomorrow morning," Veronica said, and then walked out and slammed the door shit behind her.

Taehyung dropped his pen onto the table and covered his face with his hands. She gave him a fucking headache, she really did. She didn't let him open his mouth during arguments like these, and if he did, he was somehow demeaning women. He'd never understand it.

Veronica wasn't like this when they met. When they were only 18. It's like she'd become a different person altogether at 26.

There was a knock on the door. Taehyung got up from the chair after a few seconds, assuming Veronica forgot something. He walked to the door and opened it, and then saw Jeongguk on the other side.

His hair was light brown in the moonlight, and he wore a high neck sweater and a long beige coat. Jeongguk looked at him with a needy look in his eyes.

"If you're here to tell me I'm a horrible man, I've just heard it. Really not in the mood." Taehyung said, and Jeongguk gulped.

He shook his head. "It isn't that," Jeongguk said, and then looked up at him. "I saw Veronica leaving. Is she going to be back soon?"

"Not until tomorrow."

Jeongguk hummed, and his eyes twinkled. Taehyung looked at him as well, waiting for his words to be said.

But there were none. Both knew.

"I-" Jeongguk began and then stepped into his house. "I-I want you to fuck me."

Taehyung closed the door behind him and paused for a few seconds. "Are you going to run away again?"

"N-no," Jeongguk whispered, clutching onto Taehyung's shirt. "Not this time. This time I want everything- I-I need it. I need it so bad, Taehyung," Jeongguk said, whispering it into his ear. Taehyung hummed to himself, taking Jeongguk's coat off and hanging it to the side.

"What do you need me to do?" Taehyung asked, and Jeongguk looked up at him, feeling his waist get cradled, his fingers pinching the warmth of Taehyung's jaw.

"I need you-" Jeongguk began. "I need you to be mean," Jeongguk whispered. "I-I need you to not hold back, not be pliant, not be nice, just-" Jeongguk said, and then kissed him quickly and pulled away, feverish. "Fuck me."

Taehyung smirked wildly and reached down to pick Jeongguk up bridal style. "That is exactly what I need too, Jeon Jeongguk," Taehyung whispered, and Jeongguk wrapped his arms around his neck and kissed him again.

This time, it felt absolutely right, and both needed it more than ever.

**