Three days was enough.

Well, not really, not in any case, but something in Taehyung's chest, some heavy weight, wouldn't let him comfortably sit in his apartment for another day.

So he found himself walking anxiously to school the next morning, scratching the insides of his coat pockets because he couldn't suppress his nerves. And he had left his car near the campus those few days ago...

Taehyung made sure he wore one of his his hooded coats and a sick mask to hide himself as much as possible. He knew it wouldn't really work, though. He wouldn't blend in by putting on extra layers or hiding his face. People would still look at him. People would surely recognize him.

Stepping on to campus that morning was one of the most nerve-wracking, sickening moments of his life.

No one said hello to him. They noticed him, stared at him, and a couple people offered tentative waves with concerned looks on their faces.

The news had spread alright.

Can't trust anyone.

He didn't care how early he would be. Taehyung briskly walked to his classroom as though he had but ten seconds to spare.

Seokjin tried to get his attention but to no avail.

Once he arrived at the classroom, Taehyung sought out his usual seat and set his stuff down. He took off his coat but left it draped around his shoulders. And the mask stayed.

As did the anxiety bubbling in his chest.

It stayed, it traveled to the tips of his fingers which then began to tap vigorously against the desk's surface. There were several people already in the classroom.

Whispering.

Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up-

"Taehyung-"

"Shut up."

He froze. As did Jungkook.

"I-...I was gonna say 'good morning'," the boy said slowly, eyeing Taehyung with concern. "I'm...glad to see you're back. Even if you're not glad..."

"I can't afford to skip class forever," the other sighed, voice as shaky as his hands. "I can't avoid the public forever. I can't keep moving. I can't. I have to stick it out this time. I promised."

It tugged at Jungkook's heart to see Taehyung so acutely on edge, as though even now he sat upon a bed of nails, eyes plunged with needles. And he could see it - that presence of something in those eyes, something that practically cried, not again, it's happened again.

It hurt him, too.

Without saying another word Jungkook slid into the chair next to Tae's. Then he took out his phone, opened his Notes app, and typed out something before sliding it subtly over to Taehyung.

The boy nearly flinched. That's how on edge he was.

Puzzled and uneasy, he shifted a quick, demanding glance over at Jungkook, who gestured at the phone. 

So Taehyung gave the note a reluctant read.

For a second, the message caused him to do the exact opposite - he lost his breath. But before too long his breathing fell into a more steady, relaxed pace that he could maintain without hurting his chest.

It was harder to maintain, though, as more people began to file into the room. Taehyung strove to block out voices, footsteps, everything.

He just needed class to start and for it to be over.

"Taehyung, there you are."

He tensed at the sound of Seokjin's voice - being this close, and directly addressing him, Taehyung couldn't block this one out. With one hand he clutched the sleeve of his shirt.

"You've been out for a couple days now," Seokjin said, pulling out a chair to sit beside him. "Past three days I've been without my left side seat partner. Are you..." He paused noticeably and Taehyung held his breath. "Are you alright? I heard...about what happened."

He didn't want to respond - didn't know how to, also. Seokjin and him weren't friends. They weren't friends. Only Yoongi. I can only trust Yoongi. Only...only Yoongi.

"Listen, man, if-" Seokjin let out a quiet sigh. "If you're worried about what I think of you, don't be. I know some people been acting and talking real suspicious 'bout it but I don't think you're weird. It's...different, obviously, but I don't think I'm in any danger being near you. You'd tell me if I were."

Breathe. Just...breathe, Taehyung.

"In other news, glad you're back, buddy!"

He could survive the day. That's what he told himself. That's all he needed to do. He just needed to get through his classes, then he could go to work and try to wind down a bit. His breathing gradually steadied. He looked down at Jungkook's message on the phone again before sliding it carefully back to him.

Jungkook watched him for a moment. To his relief, the boy seemed to be calming down. A bit. Which for him, given the circumstances, was perfectly fine right now. He could still sense that Taehyung was tense, but perhaps, he hoped, that feeling would dissipate as the day went on.

First and second classes went by. Those were all Taehyung had for the day. And thankfully so, because he had never been so eager to get off of his college campus before. All the while he could sense the stares. Whispers and so on. To what extent the rumor had been exagerrated this time, there was no way of knowing just yet, because so far no one had confronted Taehyung directly about it. And if he were honest with himself he wasn't sure if he wanted them to.

No one believed him before, why would they now?

Moreover, Taehyung had never truly been able to reassure people of anything concerning his condition - after all, he refused to go to the hospital, to get it checked out. Solely because of his paranoia, that acute fear of finding out something he didn't want to.

A short ways into the afternoon and Taehyung was climbing into his car, quickly as he could but at the same time trying not to seem as though he was running again. He didn't leave right away. He sat there for a long moment, inhaling and exhaling.

He felt his pockets for his phone. Good, I didn't forget it this time.

He took out the device, but along with it the sticky note from Jungkook he'd forgotten was also in there. Jungkook's reassuring message. His phone number.

He really didn't want to trust him. But, Taehyung thought regrettably, he owed the boy at least some word of appreciation for helping him calm down earlier that day.

Sighing, Taehyung put the number into his phone and shot a message Jungkook's way.

###
it's taehyung. i'm not fully on board with having your number in my phone but i guess i just felt the need to thank you for this morning

###
you're still kinda sketchy to me but either way it was thoughtful so thanks

Save this contact as Jungkook?
Yes            No

Jungkook saved your contact as Taehyung.

Jungkook
omg you actually texted

Jungkook
and you really don't have to thank me taehyung

Jungkook
I mean it I just want to be your friend

Jungkook
so what are you doing rn?

Taehyung
i'm about to drive to work

Jungkook
oh? where do you work?

Taehyung
you don't need to know

Jungkook
why, is it like a drug cartel or something lol

Taehyung
what?? no, it's just a cafe

Jungkook
which cafe

Taehyung
don't you also have a job??

Jungkook
I do, but we're closed for maintenance today

Jungkook
so can I know where you work?

Jungkook
I wanna pop in for a visit

Jungkook
and before you say anything taehyung i swear to you i'm not a stalker please believe me

Taehyung
i'm not telling you unless you promise to order something. don't be a loiterer.

Jungkook
oh, no, of course not. I'll gladly order something.

Taehyung
it's called the fermata pavilion

Jungkook
omg sounds fancy

Jungkook
will I be able to afford it lol

Taehyung
it's not expensive...

Jungkook
awesome. i'll be there :)

Taehyung
you don't have to...

He had no will in him to keep Jungkook from stopping by. After all, his boss always encouraged him to recommend the place to his friends and fellow college students, which Taehyung felt guilty for never having done, so maybe this would make up for it.

Taking one last deep breath, Taehyung put the car into ignition and drove the short distance to his work place.

The Fermata Pavilion. A quaint little café on the corner of the street, known locally for its friendly working staff but more so for the wonderful live music it provided on a daily basis for its customers. Taehyung was a favorite here. And though he found it hard to smile most days, he always felt at peace performing at this quiet café.

Upon entering The Fermata Pavilion, Taehyung was straightaway greeted by the overenthusiastic gasp of his delightful co-worker Hoseok, who nearly came bounding up to him the second they made eye contact.

"Tae! You called out the past few days, what gives??"

Taehyung could only sigh. "Sick. I'm okay now. I guess."

"People have been asking about you," Hoseok told him, whistling as he combed his pale brown bangs out of his face. "You know you're the customers' favorite here. Staff favorite, too, honestly." He chuckled. "You're a real stress reliever, Tae."

"Mm." Taehyung's eyes drifted over to the piano on the small stage across the café. Taekwoon, another co-worker of his who often came in to play, had just finished a song. He had a nice voice but hardly sang - rather, he was much more a fan of merely playing the piano. Taehyung typically stepped in to take the mic whenever Taekwoon was here.

The boy in question lifted his head fully once he spotted Taehyung walking over to him out of his peripheral vision. He was a person of quiet nature, but had no issue with talking to his fellow musician. Taehyung didn't mind him, either. "It's good to see you back."

"Good to be back," the other admitted. "You okay with accompanying me with the usual?"

"I'm sure the customers would love that."

And with that, Taehyung stepped up to the mic and waited for Taekwoon to start playing again.

Can't Help Falling In Love. A popular, relaxing favorite of everyone at the café.

As he began to sing, the door of The Fermata Pavilion opened again and in walked Jungkook.

Hoseok greeted him upon arrival. "Welcome to The Fermata Pavilion! Are you here with anybody or would you like a table for one?"

"I'm...just here by myself," Jungkook replied hesitantly. His ears picked up the faint sounds of singing and piano but at first he didn't see the stage across the café.

"Your first time here?"

"Yeah."

"Right this way, then!" Hoseok cheerfully started off towards one of the cafe's seating areas. "You're in luck, we have a few tables available with a clear view of our little star."

It became clearer now indeed. With less distractions and a closer view, Jungkook could see him.

Taehyung wasn't a waiter like he had assumed. Not at all.

"Could I get you something to drink, sir?"

Mesmerized. By that voice, everything else faded out. That voice, deep and smooth and captivating, like thunder but of the gentlest nature imaginable. And the piano's accompaniment, like sweet rain that came with the storm. Jungkook swore his breath escaped him longer than any human should go without breathing.

"It really must be your first time here," Hoseok couldn't help but laugh. "He's here most days, except these past few ones he's been sick. Come by more often and you might catch him on a day he's multitasking."

"Multi-...tasking?"

"He plays piano, too. But if someone else is here then he usually just sings. Beautiful, isn't it?"

"He is..."

Truly, Jungkook couldn't tear his eyes away. For that reason, he caught Taehyung's attention the second the performer finished the song.

And a dreamy smile slipped itself onto Jungkook's face.

"He's so beautiful..."

*
*
*

end of chapter four.