Hello, my loves~♡ I apologize for the long time you all waited for an update.😔 I have been struggling with myself about whether to continue writing or not due to feeling a lack of skill but someone (OMGwhhhyy) helped me realize that I was just being anxious. I don't think my writing style is the absolute greatest but it's better than I give myself credit for most days. No excuse can justify my leaving this story on an unannounced hiatus for so long but I feel I can continue now without another delay later on down the road.🥰 I realize now that I was harshly judging my abilities more than normal and I could not tell you why. Although I hope that you all will continue to support this story, I understand if you do not wish to continue~♡ Either way, I love you all so much and I am so very grateful that you all have stuck with me thus far~♡ Thank you all so very much, my loves~♡ Now for the warning, there is mention of sexual content so please be advised when reading, my darlings~♡ I love you so so so much and I hope that you'll enjoy this new installment~♡♡♡

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The next morning, Taehyung woke up sandwiched between Jungkook and Hoseok. He blinked groggily, wondering why Hoseok was in bed with Jungkook and himself until he remembered what happened the night before. Taehyung remembered being wrapped up in Hoseok's arms while he apologized over and over, making everybody else feel guilty. Taehyung even felt guilty for being afflicted with an illness that was difficult to overcome when Hoseok refused to let go of Taehyung. He remembered Jungkook offering Hoseok to stay with them for the night since he was so distraught and Yoongi had no argument either.

Taehyung shifted languidly into a sitting position, Jungkook stirring from Taehyung's deliberate movements. "Good morning, love," Jungkook whispered quietly out of respect for the sleeping Hoseok. "Good morning, my darling," Taehyung greeted back softly, kissing Jungkook's lips tenderly. Jungkook peeked over at Hoseok sleeping soundly with his arms still wrapped firmly around Taehyung's waist. "You know, I'm a little jealous he got to sleep with his arms wrapped around you all night," Jungkook noted playfully, earning another tender kiss on his lips from Taehyung. They both chuckled softly as Jungkook glanced over toward the window with a soft sigh. "Does this mean they'll be joining us on our excursions from now on?" Jungkook asked softly, more serious now as he turned toward Taehyung with an empathetic smile. Taehyung shook his head, kissing Jungkook's lips once more with a loving smile. "We can sneak away, put our phones on silence, and spend the day with just you and me," Taehyung stated slyly, sneaking his pillow between his hip and Hoseok's arms already.

Jungkook laughed softly and nodded his head vigorously, climbing out of the bed first to allow Taehyung room to move next. Taehyung shoved the pillow hard against Hoseok, shifting his weight hastily and freeing himself from the latter's arms as he wrapped them tightly around the pillow. Taehyung and Jungkook hastily threw on some decent clothes and left the hotel room before Hoseok could wake up and realize they'd switched Taehyung for a pillow.

Although Taehyung was already feeling exhausted from rushing around to get dressed quickly, they dashed down the hallway to ensure they could completely escape without anyone following. Once they were outside the hotel building and inside a taxi, Taehyung collapsed breathlessly against Jungkook's shoulder. "Was that too much for you, love?" Jungkook asked out of concern, biting his lip as Taehyung inhaled and exhaled deeply to catch his breath. "No. I'll be fine," Taehyung answered softly, offering a peaceful smile- his eyes closed as he drifted off to sleep on Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook smiled softly at the peaceful smile that still graced Taehyung's lips as he caressed Taehyung's sunken face tenderly until an intense and sharp pain up Taehyung's left side jolted him awake. For a split second, Taehyung glanced about himself in confusion until he realized they snuck off to be alone together. Jungkook stared at Taehyung wide-eyed for a moment before tenderly touching Taehyung's forehead. "You're sweating profusely, love. Are you sure running like that wasn't too hard on your body right now?" Jungkook asked out of concern, checking Taehyung's temperature as well to realize he was burning up. "We may have to turn back, Tae," Jungkook noted softly, earning a soft sigh from Taehyung before he shook his head. "N- No, I'm certain we can find something that won't be too extraneous on my body," Taehyung reasoned softly, recognizing the look of guilt and sorrow in Jungkook's eyes. "I can rest now and whenever I feel too tired where we go," Taehyung added hastily, realizing he didn't want to be the reason for Jungkook to look so miserable and remorseful. He didn't want to inspire those kinds of feelings in the only person he'd ever loved this extensively.

Jungkook shook his head at Taehyung's insistence, feeling rather terrible for even asking about the others joining them during their excursions. If he hadn't brought up that question, Taehyung wouldn't have raced to get ready and leave. "No, Tae. I really don't want another hospital visit like the last one... You nearly died and I was almost a widow so soon, love. I'd much rather do nothing at all if it means having you here with me that much longer," Jungkook reasoned softly, tapping the cab driver on his shoulder. "We'd like to--" Jungkook was cut off by Taehyung pressing his lips hard against Jungkook's own, surprising the younger before Taehyung pulled away and spoke next. "Take us to the Crystal Bridges museum, please," Taehyung spoke firmly, leaving no room for argument from Jungkook as the younger stared at him in a daze. He wasn't expecting that heated a kiss in front of someone else, especially with Taehyung being in and out of the hospital for over-exerting himself. Jungkook forgot himself for a moment while he was silently contemplating what Taehyung meant by that kiss before he shook his head of that thought completely. "Tae, you should really think of yourself," Jungkook reasoned hastily, turning toward Taehyung to chastise his actions. However, before Jungkook could get even get one word out, Taehyung wrapped his arms firmly around him and kissed him once more. Jungkook flailed his arms out in an attempt to keep from falling onto the backseat, although that did them no good as Jungkook's back hit the dirty plush seating. Taehyung's arms still wrapped firmly around the younger's back, he kissed Jungkook with a passion that wasn't expected. When Taehyung pulled away with pleading eyes, Jungkook could say no more as he breathed heavily for several moments before straightening up again.

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Once they arrived at the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art, Jungkook helped Taehyung out of the taxi with an extended hand. Taehyung smiled as he grasped Jungkook's hand and was pulled, more easily than both of them would like to admit, into Jungkook's firm arms. Taehyung flushed this time, feeling like a rag doll as Jungkook steadied him on his own two feet. Once Taehyung was steady and the taxi driver had driven off after being paid, Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's hand with a small smile. Jungkook navigated the way toward the front foyer doors, hand in hand while Taehyung looked around the venue. When they reached the door to the venue, Jungkook held it open for Taehyung in an attempt to keep him from doing too much once again. Taehyung sighed softly at the dedication Jungkook was putting forth before grabbing his hand once more. "You know I'm not completely incapable of doing things for myself," Taehyung reiterated for the umpteenth time during their travels together. Jungkook simply beamed Taehyung with a smile and walked alongside him while they made their way toward the walls decorated with art.

They walked alongside each other, hand in hand, admiring the magnificent art that lined the walls. Taehyung admired the effort that most people had put into each one of their works while Jungkook silently admired Taehyung. While he appreciated the art before him every now and again, even that couldn't compare to the effort that was Taehyung's perfection. When Taehyung finally caught Jungkook staring at him, he flushed slightly and averted his eyes with an embarrassed mumble. "What?" Taehyung mumbled softly, his sunken cheeks a rosy red as he couldn't meet Jungkook's intense gaze.

Jungkook simply shook his head with a laugh and kissed Taehyung's cheek. "Nothing, my love. I was just admiring your beauty," Jungkook offered playfully, more heat evidently rising into Taehyung's cheeks as they grew more flush. "Stop that," Taehyung whimpered softly, trying to cover his face while avoiding eye contact with Jungkook. His gaze was just too intense for Taehyung right now. With a throaty chuckle, Jungkook attempted to pull Taehyung's hands away from his face now to continue admiring him. "You're supposed to be admiring the art," Taehyung croaked out in embarrassment, fighting with Jungkook to keep his flushed cheeks behind his hands. Jungkook laughed at Taehyung's statement boldly, shaking his head as he finally got Taehyung's hands away from his face. "I am admiring the art, Tae. Nobody ever said you weren't a work of art yourself though," Jungkook quipped playfully, watching as the apples of Taehyung's cheeks were now a crisp red. "You're not being funny," Taehyung whimpered softly, groaning at how incredibly mortified he felt as Jungkook wrapped an arm loosely around Taehyung's shoulders. "You know I love you," Jungkook announced unabashed, navigating the elder toward a different painting on the wall now. Taehyung, with his cheeks still flushed, stared at Jungkook's profile with just a slight incline of his head. "I love you too," Taehyung whispered tenderly, meeting Jungkook's gaze with a soft smile. Jungkook couldn't help but stare again because Taehyung looked every bit the part of an effervescent angel to him with that loving and gentle smile to the flush settled across his cheeks.

Jungkook swallowed hard but offered a smile in return, swallowing down his desire in that moment as well. He knew Taehyung couldn't handle another one of their trysts now and fighting that urge with Taehyung being as angelic as he was made it that much more difficult to dismiss. "Who's the one that's not being funny now?" Jungkook asked softly, trying to hide the fact that Taehyung's pure glow had aroused him. Taehyung seemed confused by his words for a moment before Jungkook pointed at the painting to divert Taehyung's attention. While Taehyung studied the painting intently, Jungkook struggled to get himself under control and tamp down his once growing erection until Taehyung leaned his head against Jungkook's shoulder. Jungkook was immediately surrounded by Taehyung's intoxicating scent, sending his thoughts spiraling out of control. Jungkook felt embarrassed as he felt himself harden more because it had been his fault for staring too long, especially when Taehyung's hand accidentally brushed him and he almost whimpered with need.

Taehyung glanced up at Jungkook and bit his lip at the realization. He knew it had been a week since they were last together in any intimate setting and he had his weakness to blame. He loathed making Jungkook feel like that and then Jungkook forced himself in check. It made Taehyung feel like he was doing nothing but teasing Jungkook constantly. "We can go somewhere more private," Taehyung whispered tenderly, glancing up at Jungkook with understanding in his eyes. Jungkook simply shook his head and plastered a smile on his face. "No, my love. Let's just stay here and marvel at the art. Just stand right here for a second," Jungkook stated softly, moving Taehyung slightly to block others from being able to see his indiscretion while he fought to get himself under control. Taehyung's gaze shifted toward the ground in remorse while Jungkook remained silent and stared at the art on the wall in determination. After some time, Jungkook took Taehyung's hand once again with a smile while leading him toward the outdoor art exhibit.

Once they were outside, Taehyung glanced around to see that there weren't a whole lot of people around. "You didn't have to force yourself to behave. We could have found somewhere private and I could have helped you out," Taehyung addressed softly, watching Jungkook brush off the topic. "Jungkook. Say something, don't just block me out like I didn't just say something to you," Taehyung added in determination, staring at Jungkook hard while he navigated them toward a bench for Taehyung to sit. Jungkook sat down first and motioned for Taehyung to join him. When Taehyung finally sat down beside him, Jungkook opened his mouth to speak. "Tae, you are the absolute most precious person to me. My desires mean nothing if I can't be with you intimately and I don't want to push your body to a limit that I may lose you again. I'd rather be celibate and wait alongside you until we know whether or not you're going to get better or meet that untimely end. In that case, I'll probably just remain physically distant anyway... So if we can't be together, Tae, then I really don't want to be aroused," Jungkook explained softly, staring out over the distant hiking trails that were part of the art museum. Taehyung stared at Jungkook hard for a moment, taking in all that he'd said before opening his mouth to speak. "You do realize that while I may not be physically able to perform, I may be able to perform orally. We haven't tried that yet, especially since that day when we almost lost each other... So please don't treat me like I'm completely incapable of doing something until I physically tell you I am unable to do said task," Taehyung reasoned softly, earning an exasperated sigh from Jungkook. Before long, Jungkook shook his head and smiled softly at the sun setting over the mountains. "I don't want that all the time, Tae. I'd much rather have you in your entirety," Jungkook noted softly, a touch of sensuality behind his voice as he leaned toward Taehyung and pressed a desperate kiss to his lips. "I hate that you can bring about that arousal once again without even trying," Jungkook whispered sensually, his breath fanning out against Taehyung's lips before pressing another kiss to his lips. He pulled away hastily to cut the kiss short, attempting to regain control of his hormones once again.