Somnium & Rem

Dream & Reality

There was a man much like the last one, a stranger in a suit and tie reading a newspaper from the stack beside the glass doors to the library, looking too stiff for him to be casually reading without paying attention to his surroundings.

Jungkook walked with strong strides and an annoyed expression to classroom C-123, passing beside the man and paying close attention to everything that his senses could pick up without appearing to do so. The vigilance camera looked the same as always and Jungkook was sure that it was illegal to record audio so that could be why they sent a man to listen. If it was only the vigilance camera he could do as he's done other times and enter the classroom closing the door behind him. But this guy was here. Jungkook wasn't sure if he was sent, paying attention, or casually being too tense, but just in case he was there strategically it could mean that these men aren't following Jungkook, they were following Taehyung, so Jungkook had to put on a good show that would enhance Taehyung greatly.

He got to C-123 and the door was already open so he just leaned against the frame. The classroom was deserted but for one breathtaking Greek God who was seated on the teacher's table reading some papers, patiently waiting for his love.

He was the bad guy, Taehyung the hero, and that man over there the audience. Action.

- I'm here. - He said, bored, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest, and Taehyung looked up with a breathtaking smile. - What did you call me for? - Jungkook said annoyed, seeming like he was averting his eyes from his confused man but really looking outside the door to a specific point. If he looked like he was staring at something Taehyung couldn't see, then he would get the hint that there was something there. Even if Jungkook wasn't looking at the man, the same message could be delivered. And it was.

- I said I didn't like your attitude, didn't I? - Taehyung said loudly and briskly and then started to organize his papers on his desk. Perfect, he got the hint.

- And what's that got to do with me? It's your problem if you don't like it. Also, what's it to you anyway? I mean, you know I'm not going to hear anything you got to say so why do you even bother? - Jungkook finished exasperated. And Taehyung chuckled silently while he took his briefcase and put his papers inside. Then he started walking towards Jungkook.

- My father always used to tell me how only good things come out of hard work. My mother, how every bead of sweat turns into gold. My wife, how diamonds are made by putting them through the strongest of pressure. So tell me, after hearing which kind of people I surround myself with, do you think I'll stop before I succeed? - He stopped in front of him, chin held high, one eyebrow raised cockily and his eyes cold, but surprisingly, so surprisingly that Jungkook was frozen, his eyes had a glint in them. - To my office, now. -

Jungkook pursed his lips and looked to the floor while grudgingly leaning away from the door so Taehyung could close it.

That had been true, what Taehyung had said, it was obvious in his eyes that that was one of the reasons he was so sure of their future. Because he wouldn't stop until he succeeded. His own parents were like that as well, but Taehyung was so different in the way he wanted to succeed because of the way he had been raised. His parents were raised in the city, in the heart of society, they wanted to succeed in society, to be on the highest pedestal where only a few were able to get to. They wanted to succeed for greed. Taehyung had been raised in freedom, still with the obvious limitations of society but free nevertheless, so he wanted to succeed by going back to it. He wanted to succeed for liberation.

He looked up from the floor, his arms folded tight over his chest as Taehyung turned around from the closed door immediately in the direction of the Professors' Living Area, and Jungkook followed, knowing better than to turn around to check if the man was still there or to start talking to Taehyung like nothing was wrong anymore. His character was annoyed and angry, he had to play the part till the last second.

It felt so strange, hearing something his father would say coming out of his lover's mouth and feeling nothing but adoration. He knew it was because he knew each of their backgrounds enough to know that their words could be the same but the meaning was completely different.

- Did you get in trouble today? - Taehyung asked. Or he should say Mr. Kim asked. Jungkook chuckled darkly.

- Noooope. - He obviously lied, and Mr. Kim took a deep angry breath. - Only with a girl, and she deserved it. - He shrugged and saw from the corner of his eyes that Taehyung looked around to see him.

- A girl? You fought with a girl? - He sounded surprised but not in the way a mad teacher should be, so Jungkook looked around them casually, and when he saw no one he looked around them more vigorously, turning around as he walked to watch behind them and all, but no one was there, not even a shadow coming from any other corridor. Jungkook turned back around at Taehyung and started talking in a low whisper just in case.

- Yes. - He answered with a smile and Taehyung silenced a chuckle. - It was no big deal, of course, just bickering. And she started it. -

- How? - Taehyung asked with a smile, looking down at the floor.

- I was talking with Garrett and suddenly she was offended by something I said to him. So stupid really. Then she had the nerve to say she had done nothing to deserve my poor treatment. Really? So looking at me with disgust was completely justified, wasn't it? I swear. Some girls I can respect but others just infuriate me the moment I see them. - He grunted as he shook his head, hearing Taehyung's faint chuckle beside him. - I can be a gentleman of course, but she didn't deserve it. She said I was a pain in the arse without having ever started a conversation with me, I ask you. - He shook his head again.

- Well, that was really rude of her. What were you saying to Garrett? -

- I was asking him about the class, I got late so I wanted to know what I missed. And when he told me how the Professor hadn't said anything about the class but the history of Asian Philosophy as a whole, I asked him if he had said anything about how important that information would be for the class right now, and all of a sudden she got mad. Well, it's not my responsibility that she didn't like what she overheard. And it wasn't even that serious, what's her problem? - He shook his head again with a grimace and did a quick look around them again. The black glass doors were some paces away now.

- That was a stupid reason for a fight. - Taehyung sighed.

- I know. - Jungkook sighed too.

- Did she even tell you her name? I might be able to help you out. - His lips were barely moving and when Jungkook looked at him fleetingly he saw the corner of his mouth lifting a little. Jungkook scratched his nose to hide his grin.

- If I have to, I would prefer to end her myself. - They both stifled chuckles as Taehyung put his teacher's card over the glass to open the door.

- Would you ever hit her? - Taehyung asked in normal volume. Mr. Kim again.

- If she hits me. - Jungkook answered as they walked towards the elevators. Some of the teachers walked from one room to the other and Jungkook got stiff again, wanting nothing but to be in the elevator. - I like to treat others like they treat me, and I don't usually get to do that, so, if she's my equal, my classmate, why not? - He shrugged while they waited. - It's easier to fight people my age, it always has been. - This was true, and it was easier to say it coldly like he was.

- What about their parents? What if they get angry? - Mr. Kim asked with slight anger, a show for the teacher getting out of the elevator, which widened his eyes for a brief second when he heard Jungkook's cruel chuckle.

- A warm apology in this cold world always seems true even if it isn't. - Jungkook said coldly while he entered the elevator. He leaned on his usual corner while Taehyung took the complete opposite and stood stiff, head down, hiding his face from the vigilance camera.

- Have you ever had a problem with any of their parents? - Taehyung asked curiously. Jungkook looked down at the floor as well to answer.

- Nope. I was just a nuisance to talk to so they would just send me to the counselor's office, and when I fought with any of the boys it was all between men. If anybody went to their parents, they were weak. And no man can be weak, am I right? - The last sentence was cold, but true in the way that that was exactly how they were brought up. No man who's respected is ever weak. Taehyung slowly lifted his head to look at him and Jungkook could see in his eyes how he had momentarily forgotten about the camera. - Remember to look mad for the camera, Love. - He said with a smirk. Taehyung chuckled, head completely down.

- You're a little devil. - Taehyung said with a smirk too and the doors opened. No one was outside as they walked out.

- And you listen to me. What would that make you, I wonder. - Taehyung chuckled as he unlocked his door. Then he opened it and Jungkook got in.

- A sinner. - Taehyung answered while locking the door again, and Jungkook chuckled as he left his bag on the kitchen counter. Jungkook then remembered how the last time he looked around his kitchen it was all empty, and he frowned as he turned to look at Taehyung leaving his briefcase beside his bag.

- Is your fridge full? - Jungkook asked and Taehyung turned to look at him, his eyebrows raised.

- No, not yet. Why? Do you want anything? - He asked as he brought Jungkook closer by his waist.

- No, is not that. I was just asking because... Where are you eating? - He asked with slight worry as he put his hands around Taehyung's neck, his slightly cold hand warming up with his body heat, and Taehyung smiled sweetly down at him.

- I take my coffee here, then I go down to the Professors' launch. -

- Is there food in the Professors' launch? -

- There's a whole kitchen there and all the cabinets are filled with food provided by the vicinity. For the majority of the teachers, it's just a place to go for a snack or if any is missing some eggs or sugar, they could get it down there. But I do want to use this kitchen. - He looked around at the kitchen. - It has been some time since I cooked, but I used to enjoy it. - He looked back down at Jungkook and he smiled up at him.

- Really? - Taehyung nodded. - Come, I wanna hear about it. - Jungkook leaned away from his hold to take his hand and guide them to the couch in the living room. Butterflies erupted in his stomach at the memory of what happened there the last time they had been in it, but he disguised his nervousness with a smile.

- Wait. - Taehyung stopped him before they could reach the living room and Jungkook turned. - Go sit, I'll go change fast, ok? - Taehyung looked at him reassuringly, like saying he wouldn't take long was a promise, and Jungkook smiled endearingly at him.

- Ok. - He nodded and felt how Taehyung squeezed his hand before letting go and going fast to the bathroom while taking his suit jacket off. Jungkook chuckled and then turned around to the couch again, and before sitting down he realized Taehyung hadn't been able to fill the bookshelf yet.

He still wanted to help him organize this apartment for it to feel more like home. For it to be the place Taehyung deserves. Starting with the kitchen. He was happy to know that Taehyung was still eating well, that there were eggs downstairs and coffee in his fridge, but he wanted him to be truly happy in this place that he had to live in for the majority of his months.

With a sudden frown, he remembered that Taehyung will go back to his family every holiday. He wasn't frowning at the children, it made him happy to know that Taehyung will be more than ecstatic to see his kids again. With a disappointed sigh, he realized why he frowned. It was because Taehyung would be away from him. How utterly selfish. But he didn't want to take him away from his kids, he just didn't want to be away from his side.

- I'm back. - Taehyung said a little breathless with an audible smile and Jungkook turned to look. He was wearing a black sweater, blue jeans, and white socks. Jungkook chuckled, loving how his hickeys were in full view.

- You look exactly like a God trying to appear mortal. - He smiled up at him and Taehyung snickered at the floor. He rounded Jungkook to sit by his other side, just like that first day Jungkook had been here. Jungkook swallowed, trying to stop the anticipation from distracting him, and, instead took off his own shoes. Taehyung sat down and immediately put his arm around him, hugging him close to his side.

- You wanted to know something? - He asked, his voice as soft as his stare and as embracing as his hug. Jungkook looked into his eyes, smiling just as softly and resting his head back on Taehyung's arm.

- Everything. - He said in earnest, making Taehyung chuckle silently and then nod for him to start. - You said you liked to cook? -

- Yes. It was really fun cooking with my family. At home we usually had a... Well, she wasn't a certified cook, she was just someone who needed the job and my parents gave it to her, but just like everyone else, she became part of the family. Mi Young, that was her name... wow, I still remember it. - He looked unseeingly away from Jungkook, with a satisfied -but sad- smile on his face. - So she was the cook for the week and on weekends it was my family and me, and we always went all out on those meals. - He chuckled. - And it was fun laughing with them while everyone was doing their own thing in the kitchen. It felt really good whenever I made a good meal all by myself. My mother taught me how to make desserts, the desserts she said were the reason my father married her "even sooner". - He smiled endearingly.

- Do you know how they got together? - Jungkook asked softly as he looked with a smile at how Taheyung's eyes turned to him, shining like stars.

- My father grew up on that same farm. - He started. - And every once a month two trucks would pull up at the farm, one with fresh fruits and vegetables and the other with meat. One of those months when my father was fifteen and he went to help with the boxes, a girl jumped out of the passenger seat. - He smiled. - And he said it was the prettiest girl he had ever seen, her skin looked so soft and delicate, she looked like a doll. But that wasn't the only thing that caught his attention. She jumped out of the passenger seat into the back of the truck, took one heavy-looking box like it was nothing, and started to help unload it just like any other man in there. - He chuckled.

- My father always said "I had to talk to her" like there was nothing else he could've done like he was helpless. - He chuckled again. - My mother on the other hand hadn't seen him until he talked to her. She said she was there for work and that she knew there could be a chance a boy might catch interest because she knew she was pretty, so she was resolutely just doing her job. But then when he talked to her, she said that she hadn't seen a more handsome guy ever, but it was because of this reason that she was much more skeptical of his approaches, saying that a guy like that might've been used to getting any and every girl he wanted so she was just another one. Little did she know he was a nerd. - He chuckled, shaking his head.

- Yes, he was tall and muscular, but it was because he lived mostly in the wild, and also the farm work, lifting heavy things and fixing trucks. But he was a nerd, he loved plants and knew everything about every flower there was on the farm, he liked to learn and read, and he loved his family. My mother only came to the farm one day a month with the truck, and every one of those days my father was persistent, talking to her about everything while they unloaded the truck, trying to get her to talk to him and tell her something about herself, but she was still skeptical, she was still disbelieving that this handsome guy wanted her. Yes, she knew she was pretty, but he was "too good-looking for her to be in his league", that's what she used to think. It wasn't until one of those days that my father gave her a thick envelope that things started to change. Inside the envelope, there was a very long letter. -

- In the letter my father had opened his heart completely, writing about everything he could think about himself, he wanted to tell her what he was really like, he wrote the good, the bad and the ugly about himself, his life and what he wanted for the future, and he also wrote why she was the one. The next month, when they met, my mother ran to him, and he was so euphoric when he had her in his arms. - His voice got dreamlike in the end, his eyes looking ahead at the memory his parents had painted in his head. It was beautiful, and Jungkook could see it.

- My parents' love story was a beautiful one that keeps on going every day, it was natural and it was true every step of the way. Just like my grandparents, just like my great grandparents and my older brother was starting his own fairy tale when I had to leave. - The dreaminess faded along with his smile, and his eyes slowly looked down at the floor. - That's why they were all so furious when this city family wanted to decide my future for me because of something that wasn't even a mistake of mine. - His voice had gotten so sad that Jungkook hugged him, putting his forehead against his neck. Taehyung hugged him as well, and kissed him on the top of his head. Then he sighed. - I thought I would never have my own fairy tale. - He said with relief as he hugged Jungkook tightly, and Jungkook's throat closed at that. Now he understood him even more, why he was so sure that he believed it was...

- Destiny. - Jungkook whispered, and then pulled away from the hug to see Taehyung's eyes, his sparkling eyes filled with love.

- Yes. I believe that if we were meant to be together, we will be together. - That's why he was so sure of their future. He wasn't thinking logically like Jungkook was brought up to be, he was trusting fate like he himself was brought up to be. Jungkook was sure of their future as well, or at least he was sure that they would both do whatever it took to be together forever. He smiled at Taehyung.

- Yes, we will. - He agreed softly, and Taehyung seemed like he couldn't take it anymore, and he leaned in to kiss him, gently, softly, holding one cheek with a careful hand while hugging him around the waist with the other, and Jungkook answered it just as lovingly before leaning away to keep talking, but Taehyung leaned in again very fast. Jungkook chuckled in the kiss and tried to lean back again, but Taehyung leaned in once more, making them both laugh as the kisses made them more and more tilted towards Jungkook's side of the couch. - Stop it. - Jungkook laughed when he had the chance, turning his head so Taehyung kissed his cheek instead. Finally, he leaned away letting Jungkook sit up straight again, but he never let go of him, always with a hand around his waist. - Tell me about your kids. - He requested softly, feeling comfortable in Taehyung's hold.

- Oh, my kids. - He smiled brightly again, looking ahead. - Audrey and Edward. -

- Who picked their names? -

- Umm... - His smile faltered. - Daphne's parents. They always said that we were too young, too immature to make decisions like their names or their school. Well, more me than her of course, for them it was all my fault, it was some time before I could have any kind of unproblematic conversations with them, they always ended in a fight, or with her father just screaming at me and me not being able to do anything because it's her father. - He sighed unpleasantly. - They chose where we would live, they paid for it, they paid for each of our universities and they told us which work to take while we were studying so we could have our own income. She was working at home after her classes and I had two jobs. I was the assistant of two different teachers at my university so sometimes I would get to the house too late at night. I do... I do owe them of course, for all the help and things. - He finished with a sad expression, and Jungkook could understand.

- I wanted to be a good husband for her even if neither of us wanted this. I wanted to be... loving or something, but most of the time she was too cold or too distant, too concentrated on something else, we barely talked about anything that wasn't serious like money or work. It was so uncomfortable to live like that, in a house like that, filled with maids and cooks, everyone serious and cold just doing their jobs and then leaving without us even realizing it. She was much more comfortable than me of course, she had grown up like that. But for me, changing from a big, loving, warm, beautiful home filled with my big happy family, to this cold house in a cold country, surrounded by cold people with dull faces, and practically living alone doing something I never wanted to do... Well... you know what happened. - Jungkook hugged him again really tight. Then Taehyung took a deep breath.

- Edward and Audrey. - Jungkook could feel Taehyung much more relaxed so he leaned away to look at him. - Edward is... too damn smart. - He chuckled. - I swear he took it from my father, that kind of intelligence skipped a generation. - He shook his head, still laughing.

- What do you mean? - Jungkook asked with a chuckle. - You're very smart as well. -

- No, no, he has a different kind of intelligence than I do. - He explained with a smile. - He has this natural ability to connect information, it's so mesmerizing how he does that so easily. - His smile changed, it grew somehow, turning almost dream-like. - ...Like your intelligence. - He let out a little laugh.

- In what way? - Jungkook asked with a chuckle, slightly confused.

- You are also intelligent that way. - He explained. - With the way you can come up with things so easily. Like the "I'm the good influence to this problematic guy" thing and how you connected it with everything else, acting the part so perfectly when you saw that man. -

- Well, - Jungkook started to explain. - I thought he could be sent by my father to check on me so I thought, if what he heard would go to my father then might as well show him how stubborn and reluctant I am to get your help so he sees I need your good influence even more. - He finished and then Taehyung's head went back with a laugh.

- You see? - He said excitedly when he looked at Jungkook again. - I was just doing it for the man right there, I never saw deeper than that, but you did. That's the intelligence I'm talking about, the ability to see deeper into what you know to connect with the problem you have at hand and come up with a solution. Edward is developing that intelligence so naturally, but he still has some difficulties with thinking fast like you. I swear, your mind goes a hundred miles an hour, how were you able to think of that so fast? so easily? I didn't even notice, your expression never changed. - He looked at him questionably with a smile, wanting him to explain even more.

- When I have to think fast, I enter this state of stillness. - He tried to explain by moving his hands. - Like, when you don't know if you should run or attach and you're in this unmoving state. When I'm in that unmoving state where I need to think fast, outside I'm still the same, calm, laughing, frowning, whatever it is that I need to be in that situation and I think fast because I have to think fast to not blow my cover. Whether I'm playing a violent child who likes to get in trouble and fight his classmates or the cold last child of that dinner's host, I always try to lie perfectly. So I don't get hurt. I hope... - He said softly, looking up at Taehyung. - I hope Edward never needs to use his intelligence this way. To lie. - He said in earnest, and Taehyung nodded grimly.

- I hope so too. - His voice was too sure for him to think it could never happen. - I'm not entirely happy that you had to learn how to do that of course, it just means you're in pain. But I'm grateful that you're smarter than me in that way, otherwise, I would've just run to hug you when you got to my classroom just now. - He chuckled and Jungkook shook his head with a grin.

- I thought you would. You need to... keep it down a little bit more when we're outside. - He cautioned, looking up at Taehyung.

- Tell me how you do it. - He said, surely. - I'm dreadful at it compared to you. -

- Oh, no, you were amazing. Understanding what I meant when I looked outside the classroom and knowing what you had to say, was brilliant. - Jungkook praised him.

- Thank you, thank you. - He said bowing his head jokingly, and then he chuckled. - Come on, teach me. Sadly you've been doing it for longer, so you must know something I don't. - He nudged him a little bit, so he started.

- Ok, I'll tell you this and you tell me about Audrey. - He proposed and Taehyung nodded in assent. - So, hmm... - He thought for a moment. - A lie is something delicate, it's got to have some truth the other person knows so the lie is convincing enough but it's also about the way it's said, it needs to be said in a way the person you're talking to would believe you, body language is very important as well. If you look at me with an immediate smile, and then when you realize I'm not alone you drop it, that would make the other person suspicious enough to pay much more attention to us and our interactions than before, and because you know you've messed up you might let something slip, looking nervous or fidgety. -

- You have to try to think how a certain reaction or way you could do in the future may affect the next moment. Think in advance about how would be the most appropriate way to react to different scenarios. That's what I call "think three times before you say or do anything". First, before the moment even arrives. Second, when you're right at the moment. And third, to make sure it would be the most appropriate way to approach the situation. Like, think about this: The person might've been so suspicious that they might've tried to see the vigilance cameras that show how we have entered and exited the library at about the same time every day, and if they go even further than that and ask my friends about me, they would say how I'm currently starting a relationship with a girl, a girl that the person had never seen on the vigilance cameras. So you see? Big lies, big consequences, so one big lie at a time is the safest way to go. I'm already working on "finishing" that "relationship" with "that girl". My friends already think something about it makes me sad and that she's the cause of the trouble because they know that I am a gentleman and I would never hurt a girl. - He finished with a satisfied smile. - Except the ones that deserve it. - He shrugged.

- You... - Taehyung trailed away, he was looking at him with so much adoration, so much admiration, like he couldn't believe he was in his arms. - I am... so grateful. - He looked around out the window as Jungkook chuckled, his face heating up. - So grateful. - He closed his eyes at the gray darkening sky like he was giving his thanks and then looked around at Jungkook. - I would've never thought of everything you have. Only when something would've gone wrong would I've noticed I messed up. I'm so grateful that if I had to live through this deceitful life it was with someone that knows how to live through it so we can survive. So grateful for you. - He finished with his eyes melting with happiness and finally leaning in to kiss him on his grinning lips.

Oh, how good it felt to be loved, to be appreciated. Finally, all this past time suffering alone through a life full of lies and fear meant something. Finally, he had someone by his side that not only understood but was grateful for all his past misdeeds as they could only be counted as experience in this never-easy path of deception they had to live through. He felt like all these years had finally counted for something.

Jungkook leaned back from the kiss, not before having a good hold on Taheyung's face so he could stop him from leaning in again. When Taehyung tried and failed, they chuckled.

- Go ahead with Audrey. - Jungkook reminded him and Taehyung leaned back again with a smile.

- Audrey... - He thought, looking ahead like he seemed to do every time he was remembering something. - She's always smiling, laughing, jumping around, playing games by herself that only she understands, painting... - He looked at Jungkook then, again with that dream-like smile on his face. - She likes to paint like you. - Jungkook's breathing stuttered, but then he smiled up at him. - And the most amazing thing about her paintings is that they're all about nature and she has never visited places like that. The widest patch of nature we usually go to is the park. - He shook his head with a smile. - She loves it when I bring flowers to the house. It's a little bit harsh for me to go into flower shops but I do it for her, and sometimes for me as well. Just one Daisy. - He shrugged, his eyes looking down.

- She loves to paint me flowers. I brought all the paintings she has given me, but I haven't had time to organize anything. - He chuckled. - Something I really love about my kids is that they're always together. They have been each other's best friends since they were born. And they also have a unique way of communicating with each other. - He chuckled, looking up at Jungkook. - The way Edward thinks is sometimes by saying it aloud, he starts saying just words, disconnected words, over and over again until he finds what he was looking for between those words. I have no idea how he does it, - He shook his head, smiling. - but Audrey understands it all and she even says some words to help him. That's how they communicate, with one word they understand what the other is saying in an instant, which is so amazing to watch. -

- I would like to see that someday. - Jungkook said happily. And Taehyung, without warning, leaped up from his place and hugged Jungkook tight, making them both fall over the couch, laughing merrily. Jungkook laughed with him as he hugged him and organized their legs so Taehyung could be comfortably between them.

- Of course, you will. - Taehyung said with a huge smile, his forehead against Jungkook's neck and hugging him up against him from the waist. - Of course, you will. - His voice got wistful, dream-like like he was imagining Jungkook with his kids and loving the sight of it.

Jungkook felt like he could cry, his smile couldn't get wider, his heart couldn't love more, his lungs couldn't hold in his breath a second longer but his excitement was such that he couldn't breathe properly. Slowly so Taehyung wouldn't realize it, he tried to calm his breathing. After some time of doing this, he realized Taehyung appeared to be doing the same thing, and he chuckled in disbelief that all of this was actually happening. That he was finally in the arms of the one and only that was destined for him.

- I love you. - Jungkook said to him with a huge smile, his heart beating with excitement. Taehyung chuckled and gently let go of the hug to hold himself up over him, looking down at him with happiness. And he leaned into his lips but didn't kiss him.

- I... love... you. - He made the words float in the air with honesty in every single one.

Jungkook smiled softly and leaned in.

The kiss was slow and gentle. Jungkook felt a warm feeling spreading through him and he felt so content he hugged Taehyung tight to him with arms and legs. At that, Taehyung deepened the kiss softly and placed one hand on his waist, moving it up and down his side and making Jungkook's breathing go deeper. It felt so comfortable, so right. Laying here on this leather couch, with his lover caressing him so gently and kissing him so good, holding him like he didn't want to let go, the both of them leaving the cold world outside. Yes, Jungkook was sure this was heaven's gate, and he was eager to get to the promised land Taehyung had told him about, with wide flower fields and him by his side, his kids playing in the green grass...

Jungkook softly leaned back from the kiss and turned his head a little to the side. Taehyung tried to kiss him again, and when he kissed his cheek, he chuckled softly and kissed it again.

- There's one thing I still want to talk to you about. - Jungkook remembered in a whisper.

- Sure, what is it? - Taehyung asked in the same whisper before kissing his cheek again.

- This apartment... - Jungkook started and a shy smile started to widen on his face. Taehyung leaned back just enough to look at him with a questioning little smile.

- Yes? - He nudged, curious.

- It will need... a little decorating, don't you think? - He asked with a smile, suddenly really shy and averting his eyes. - And you'll need some help with unpacking, right? - He looked around everywhere he could look without looking up at Taehyung. - Some curtains and... and you might need some help with choosing the right colors for everything, you know? So it all looks... good... - He brought his hands from around Taehyung to his own chest, the nerves eating him alive.

- My love, - Taehyung called him in a wistful voice and Jungkook looked up at him again. Eyes full of endearment, shining like a dream. - Would you like to help me make this place feel like home? - Jungkook let out a surprised chuckle and covered his blushed face with his hands, his heart going a mile an hour, his brain stopping on that one question and replaying over and over again.

- Don't say it like that. - He giggled nervously.

- Like what? - Taehyung chuckled, one hand holding himself up over Jungkook and the other going up and down Jungkook's side, feeling him over his gray turtleneck, making him shiver pleasantly but still in slight shock with Taehyung's proposal.

- Like... Like.... - He couldn't find the right words and he lowered his hands with a sigh, only to see Taehyung's adoring smile looking down at him. - Like this is ours or something like that, you know... - Jungkook said slowly and tentatively. Taehyung leaned down looking at his lips.

- Why can't it be? - He whispered wistfully before kissing him. As Jungkook kissed him with butterflies all over trying to make him float, he stayed resolutely on the ground that Taehyung had left behind.

He leaned back from the kiss.

- Tell me something, - He wanted to check a dumb theory that he just had. Taehyung stopped his advances to look at him expectantly.

- What? - He nudged. Jungkook didn't know if he should... Would it be wrong? But if he didn't ask then how could he be sure? He decided on starting softly.

- Do your kids resemble you? - He asked innocently with a smile, and Taehyung chuckled.

- I guess so. - He thought. - Edward likes to read and Audrey likes flowers. - He half shrugged. Jungkook tried again with another tactic.

- And physically? - He then giggled and held his face softly. - Do any of them have your beautiful smile? - Taehyung chuckled, closing his eyes a little shy and then opening them again.

- I don't really know about that, I mean, their smiles are beautiful but I couldn't really know if they looked like mine. - Then he looked Jungkook's face over with a soft dream-like smile, and Jungkook's breathing stopped for a moment. - They have your hair color. And your eyes. - His smile got wistful.

Jungkook's heart missed a beat, this was exactly what he thought, exactly why he was asking these questions.

- My hair color? - He tried to bring Taehyung back down from the clouds, but that wasn't enough. Taehyung chuckled happily, nodding before he leaned in to kiss him again. Jungkook didn't object to the kiss, even if deep down he knew maybe he should.

Taehyung has let himself drift into the fairytale life he had always wanted. Jungkook was sure of it. He has dreamed about his fairy tale love for so long, driven by the cannon history in his family where it was usual to find your one and only and be happy for the rest of their lives, he had longed for it so long that now that he was sure he had found it, he was most susceptible to leave all reason behind. Jungkook knows how that feels, it's the same as when he denies the truth and lives in his dreams, ignoring everything else. But he does it knowing fully well that he was doing it, Taehyung, however, was talking about things not even Jungkook dreaming would've said.

Edward thinks like him? Audrey paints like him? They have his hair color? His eyes?

Jungkook felt so guilty when he realized he also felt happiness. He shouldn't be feeling so euphoric that Taehyung dreamed about them having a family. Them having a family... A family... Them... Both of them with his kids... Both of them with kids... "Would you like to help me make this place home?"... A home?... Both of them with a family and a home?... Jungkook wanted to dream, to accept that it could happen instead of thinking about how things were moving too fast; he wanted to drift away wherever it was that Taehyung was right now while he wrapped his arms around his waist, arching his back from the couch so they could be closer. Leaving time and place behind.

One half of his mind was dreaming, it was drifting, dancing among the clouds with Taehyung, decorating their home with flowers, having a family dinner with his kids, and all of them happy. But his ankle was tied to the floor, and the other half of his mind couldn't fathom such a future with the reality they were living in.

This is exactly the reason why he didn't like thinking about the future, all he sees are problems. He is sure that they will be together, he is sure of it because he is sure of the attachment they have for each other, he's sure of their love and he believes in their promises, but he never said it would be easy, that's why he said he was ready to fight. And he is ready to fight, but that doesn't mean he isn't scared of what they would have to do.

He liked the present better. He liked to melt into Taehyung's kiss and hide in his tight hug, he liked talking about Taehyung, about his past and his feelings, his worries, his happiness, he was even getting better at hearing Taehyung talking about him without feeling so nervous, and he liked when Taehyung listen to him as well. He loves to be with Taehyung and talk dreamily, wistfully, and calmly about their unknown future because that was the only way he could talk about their future without feeling anything but joy.

But Taehyung's dreams weren't making sense, that's what he should be careful with.

He leaned away from the deep kiss with a deep breath.

- Let's sit up for a second. - He suggested just above a whisper.

- Ok, love. - Taehyung accepted with a soft smile, and then more swiftly than Jungkook was ready for, Taehyung took a good hold of him and pulled them back where Taehyung was seated, now with Jungkook seated on his lap. Jungkook gasped at how fast and sudden that was. Then, they looked at each other and laughed. But slowly, Jungkook's smile went away for an uncomfortable expression to take its place. Once Taehyung noticed he got worried, and Jungkook averted his eyes. - What is it, Kook? - He asked softly.

Jungkook hesitated for a second, but then looked at him, holding his face gently and saying just above a whisper.

- My eyes, Tae? - Taehyung looked at him confused, and Jungkook took a deep breath. - Wouldn't it be their mother's eyes? - The reaction to the reminder was instantaneous. Taehyung's eyes went wider for a second, losing their hazy dream-like state completely, and then looking around the apartment while his hands on Jungkook's waist got rigid. He got tensed all over. It was clear for Jungkook's sad stare on him that Taehyung had indeed completely surrendered himself to the fairytale he had in his mind, believing for a moment that reality was his dream, forgetting that his dream could never be a reality. Not in the way he was talking about anyway.

- I'm--... - He looked back at Jungkook but he looked ashamedly away from his eyes. - I'm sorry, I--... - Jungkook leaned in and connected their foreheads tenderly.

- You were trying to connect them to me instead of their mother. - His theory was right. How sad to know that Taehyung dreamed of such impossible things and to know that he'll never have them. It was so sad for Jungkook.

Taehyung opened his mouth a couple of times but couldn't talk.

- I'm sorry. - He repeated again and then got silent, thinking until he finally broke and hugged Jungkook tight, hiding his face in his neck. - I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have--... I was just...dreaming and then--... You looked so beautiful... I couldn't--... - He broke off, trying to keep his breathing calm. Jungkook brushed his hair with his fingers trying to soothe him, rocking them very softly from side to side like Taehyung usually liked to do. And after some time it worked, Taehyung was calm and comfortable in his arms.

- I understand. - He whispered soothingly. He wasn't angry, and much less disappointed, he was worried for him. - Just as long as you don't lose your grasp on reality, even in your dreams. -

- Never. No. I won't. I promise. - Taehyung straightened his head up and looked at Jungkook with determination, but still seemed slightly ashamed. - I'm sorry. I went completely under and I lost myself a little. - His eyes were pleading, and Jungkook smiled softly while he nodded, successfully calming down the stress on Taehyung's shoulders. - Did I scare you? - Taehyung asked low and nervous, probably thinking of how Jungkook had covered his face when he proposed making this place into a home.

- Hmm... - Jungkook thought, watching how Taehyung's nerves mounted. - Did you scare me? Maybe. - Then before Taehyung could start apologizing again he held his face and placed one thumb over his lips. - Talking about making this place home right after you told me about your kids. It painted a very beautiful picture in my head. So it scared me to think that maybe I could never have it. - He admitted, his eyebrows going up in the middle, sadness lacing his soft tone. Taehyung's eyebrows went up in the middle just like his, a desperate sadness in his shocked eyes. Slowly Jungkook removed his thumb from his lips.

- Do you... want to...? - "Form a family with me in the future?" "Have a home with me?" Is that what Taehyung was asking him? Jungkook tilted his head in slight disbelief.

- Do you doubt me? - Inquiring if Taehyung has ever doubted that he would want anything else other than what he's proposing. Taehyung frowned, apparently annoyed that the words couldn't come to him.

- No, no. - He shook his head. - I don't know what I'm doubting. - He thought. - I don't know why I asked. It was just that, suddenly, I couldn't believe it. Even if I knew, even if you've told me before, I still got momentarily surprised. - He shook his head.

- Yes, you seem to do that. - Jungkook noted. - Whenever you open your heart and say what you want and I tell you I want the same thing, you look momentarily surprised. - Jungkook smiled at him and Taehyung chuckled softly. - But this was the first time you asked out loud. - He noted and Taehyung nodded before averting his eyes, it seems it's embarrassing to him to have doubted. Jungkook leaned in and hugged him tight with endearment, and happily, Taehyung hugged him back just as eagerly.

- Ok. I'm a hopeless dreamer and you keep your feet on the ground. I think we couldn't be more perfect for each other, don't you? - Taehyung asked with a chuckle and Jungkook laughed.

- Yes, I agree. - Happily engulfed in their tight hug, they moved past the previous conversation with ease. Taehyung leaned back from the hug with a satisfied sigh and held Jungkook securely by the waist while he looked into his eyes.

- Anything else you might want to talk about? - Taehyung asked with a little tension on his neck and a kind smile that tried to hide what he actually wanted to do with him now.

Jungkook smiled as the butterflies returned.

- Hmm... - He acted as though he was thinking, but he didn't need to, he had been wanting this as much as Taehyung since this morning, he just wanted to play for a while. A smile spread through his lips.

- What? - Taehyung looked at him inquiringly with a smile, and Jungkook leaned in a little, hands tracing the neck of Taehyung's sweater.

- Is anyone expecting to see you later today? - He asked tentatively, warmth spreading through him.

Taehyung understood what he was asking in an instant and his smile turned into a smirk, hands going slowly up and down Jungkook's sides.

- No. - He answered slowly. - Is anyone waiting for you? - Then his hands went to Jungkook's back and moved slowly and tightly up just like he liked it.

Jungkook gasped and then giggled.

- Nope. - Then he looked to the side, out the window.

It was dark enough.

With a mischievous little smile, he looked back at Taehyung.

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🌼Thank you for reading Chapter 26 <3 UwU (I love you so much)

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