Jungkook's pov

Back to present

I was yanked back to reality by the sound of a car rolling into the driveway. Peeking through the window, I spotted Jimin pulling up in Yoongi's ride. But the kicker? Taehyung was slumped in the passenger's seat, out like a light.

As Yoongi swung open the door and headed out, I trailed behind. Jimin was dishing out thanks to Yoongi for letting him borrow the wheels, but my focus was on Taehyung, dozing away. My gaze lingered on Taehyung's serene face, the sight stirring a mixture of nostalgia, longing, and a pang of uncertainty. Jimin expressed his gratitude to Yoongi for the car, but amidst their exchange, my mind raced, a storm of emotions brewing within me as I grappled with the sudden resurgence of memories and the inexplicable feeling of both worry and love.

I exhaled deeply, refocusing on Yoongi and Jimin's conversation. They were engrossed in their chat, oblivious to the whirlwind brewing inside me.

"Anyway, I'll take Taehyung inside and give you the key," Jimin mentioned to Yoongi.

He nudged Taehyung in the passenger seat, trying to rouse him. "Tae, we're home... wake up..."

Taehyung stirred but remained deep in a drunken slumber. Jimin persisted, shaking him a bit more, but Taehyung remained unresponsive. He was conscious but lost in the haze of intoxication. Jimin attempted to lift him, but despite his efforts, it seemed futile. Disheartened, he withdrew, visibly dispirited.

Then, Yoongi proposed, "Maybe Jungkook can help you pick him up. He's pretty strong."

I froze, torn by conflicting emotions. Memories and uncertainty clouded my mind. I didn't know if I could handle touching him, given our history. My gaze locked with Jimin's, an ocean of insecurity and doubt swimming in my eyes. But in response, Jimin's expression softened, and he nodded, urging me to help with a gesture. It was a whirlwind of emotions, tangled feelings, and a surge of memories, all colliding within me.

I approached Taehyung, slipping my hands beneath his waist and behind his back. As I readied myself to lift him, I whispered softly, "Bub... I'm picking you up, alright? I apologise for touching you without asking."

Lifting him into my arms, he nestled his head against my chest, murmuring, "Kookie, you're here... You're here, I'm okay."

A warm smile tugged at my lips, and I followed Jimin, carrying Taehyung to his house. When we entered the living room, Jimin asked me to wait and disappeared inside. I took a moment to take in the elegant simplicity of the house—shades of white, beige, and subtle hints of gold decorating the space.

Soon, Jimin returned and led me to Taehyung's room, and I was astonished by what I saw. The room was themed in black, an atmosphere of sheer elegance. At the center lay a grand bed with black sheets. I carefully laid Taehyung down on the bed.

As I attempted to retract my hand and stand up, I felt his fingers wrap around my wrist. Looking down, I found Taehyung grasping my hand, his half-closed eyes seeking mine with a plea. It was a moment that stirred up a storm of emotions inside me.

Taehyung whispered, "Please. don't go. stay..... Just for tonight... please, kookie"

I hesitated at Taehyung's plea, torn between honouring his wish and my own complicated feelings. but how could I not grant my love's request? Eventually, I relented, allowing him to hold my hand and settling down beside him on the bed, maintaining a cautious distance.

But Taehyung, with a frown, tugged at my hand, urging me closer. He nestled into my chest, wrapping his arms around me and intertwining his legs with mine. Guiding my hands to his waist, he held them there, and soon, we found ourselves cuddling each other, enveloped in a soft yet nostalgic warmth that flooded my senses.

Our intimate moment was interrupted by Jimin's unexpected entrance. I looked at him, a mix of uncertainty and an urge to explain, "I was just... keeping him, and then he-"

But Jimin cut me off, reassuringly saying, "It's okay. Get some rest. I'll inform Yoongi that you'll stay at Taehyung's tonight. Good night."

I nodded in acknowledgement, feeling a sense of gratitude for Jimin's understanding as he offered a warm smile before leaving the room and gently closing the door behind him.

Alone with my beloved, I found solace in the quiet rhythm of his breaths. Gently caressing his hair, I felt a surge of bittersweet emotions, cherishing every fleeting second of this precious moment, unsure if we'd ever find ourselves entwined like this again.

Studying his features, I marvelled at how Taehyung appeared both different and yet unmistakably himself. The charming mole gracing his nose, his captivating eyelids both different—each detail a testament to his singular beauty. But it was his hazel brown eyes that captivated me most, holding depths that seemed to mirror an entire ocean. That, undoubtedly, was my favourite facet of Taehyung.

His eyes, they held the weight of a thousand emotions—the silent yet expressive orbs that mirrored his soul. They had witnessed my joys and mirrored my sorrows, whispering reassurance in their silent language. His gaze, always tender and understanding, had granted me the solace to stumble, to fear, to lean on someone else.

While I was engrossed in my thoughts, I felt taehyung shift closer in my embrace, shivering. I looked down, at him, worried. It was a cold night, taehyung was wearing a pretty thin dress and the blanket that engulfed us was not very thick. 

I removed taehyung from my embrace and walked to his wardrobe. Opening it, I found a thick hoodie. I went to taehyung and picked him up. He was in a deep slumber. I made his body wear it and laid him down again, shifting closer to him and cuddling him.

This took me back to the first time he had cuddled me. It was the same day he had first seen me vulnerable. this was that day... the day I had a fight with Kith.

Flashback

Taehyung had ventured into the kitchen after cleaning my bruises and settling me into my bed. he returned after 15 minutes, bearing a bowl of ramen. Although it was a ready-to-eat dish, he claimed victory in preparing it, asserting that he barely knew how to boil water. I couldn't help but chuckle at his adorable pout while he defended his culinary prowess.

Despite his playful banter, he seemed genuinely concerned. He argued that my arms needed rest, insisting on feeding me. As I allowed him to do so, a warmth enveloped me. It was as though a fleet of butterflies had taken flight within my stomach, a sensation both comforting and unsettling. His attentive care, so unanticipated yet tender, created a turmoil of emotions inside me.

As I looked at Taehyung, a surge of gratitude overwhelmed me. "Thank you. Thank you," I murmured, barely holding back the emotions bubbling inside.

He appeared puzzled by my heartfelt expression. "For what?" he inquired, his eyes reflecting genuine curiosity.

A genuine smile graced my lips as I conveyed my heartfelt appreciation. "For caring about me. For thinking about me. For taking care of me. Since the day I was born, no one has ever shown me this kind of care. I've grown accustomed to fending for myself. But you've shown me that it's alright to allow someone else to take care of me."

His response was tender, taking hold of my hands in his. "Don't worry. Now, you've got me. I will always be there for you. Whenever you're hurt, whether physically or emotionally, I'm just a call away. I'll always be there to take care of you."

His affectionate reassurance touched me deeply, bringing tears to my eyes. It was a rare moment, to feel cared for and supported in a way I hadn't experienced before. Taehyung's kind gestures filled a void I hadn't known existed, making me realize how much I longed for such empathy and compassion.

I gave him a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt for taehyung to change into as he was still in his uniform. Witnessing Taehyung come out of the bathroom clad in my clothes stirred a unique feeling within me. His little frame was swallowed by the oversized sweatshirt, the fabric draping down to his thighs, barely revealing his shorts. The sight of his collarbones peeking through the neckline of the sweatshirt seemed oddly captivating.

He approached me and settled under the blanket, gently pulling me closer into his embrace. As he wrapped his arms around me, an unfamiliar warmth enveloped me, and I found solace in his closeness. Being held in Taehyung's arms felt comforting, a haven amid turmoil.

Throughout the night, we engaged in casual conversations, discussing inconsequential topics that, somehow, felt captivating in Taehyung's presence. With him, even the mundane became intriguing, sparking endless discussions that flowed effortlessly between us. Lost in our talks, I drifted into a state of serene calmness, gradually succumbing to sleep in the safety of his embrace.

It was more than just feeling secure; it was a sense of contentment I hadn't experienced in a long time. Taehyung's presence brought an unspoken reassurance, a silent promise of unwavering support that lulled me into a peaceful slumber.

----

Just like that day, as he had made me fall asleep effortlessly, his sweet and comforting embrace lulled me to sleep today too.