Pellem Albam

The White Pavilion

Jungkook woke up an hour later, smiling.

It was unbelievable and yet it was right there, the little twist upwards on the corner of his lips. He opened his eyes, blinking away the brightness until he could focus on the ceiling, and noticed the strange occurrence with an astonishing little chuckle. It was so bizarre to feel his head so... light.

He sat up, pushing the covers off himself, but the moment he remembered who had put those on him, he nearly flinched. He thought all the memories of today would hit him hard and mercilessly like they had when he had been in Taehyung's room, but... it didn't happen. He remembered it was Garrett who had placed him on the bed, remembered the conversation that they had, remembered why he had cried his eyes out in the bathroom before the latter came here to help him take the pain away, and felt nothing but understanding.

He was understanding something he had been denying since that same morning and wasn't cringing at the weirdness of it all, instead, he blinked and nodded. Now that his head felt lighter than it had ever been in his life, he couldn't deny the fact that these people existed.

His shoulders did hang a bit, however, when he tried thinking over the possibilities of what he might mean to them, so he stopped it right there, not denying it, but also not wanting to ruin what felt like what was going to be an amazing evening with Taehyung.

The moment his name appeared in his mind, his heart rate accelerated excitedly and he jumped out of bed to organize it. When had been the last time he felt so excited about anything that didn't involve his friends? It felt so lovely to look forward to something that will happen to him. He'll have a date for the first time in his life as he has a picnic for the first time in his life with the first person he had ever loved and then later... he'll have his first time. Truly and fully.

It brought color to his cheeks as he took off his clothes in the bathroom and he giggled shyly to the floor. He felt so nervous and yet so excited like he couldn't wait for it to finally happen. He didn't feel put on the spot or rushed to do anything, instead, he felt like the time was just right. It's the first week anniversary of their meeting, after all.

As he showered, he thought yet again about how fast his life had changed. In merely a week, he changed from being a depressed and lonely child depending on his two only friends to being a grown young adult in love with a man who has been trying to be found by a clan of magical people. He had merely come here to this university to start over, end the fighting, find new friends, and roam all he wanted thru the beautiful and ancient university side by side with Emily and Leo, and instead, he fights more, lies more, hides more, and loves more than he had ever done in his life. He came here not believing anything outside the ordinary, and the first day he got here he was pulled towards the woods by an invisible string that led him through the dark until he got to the white pavilion where he met the first person he had ever felt completely free to talk to.

The white pavilion of the woods was guarded by a spirit, according to Garrett; the second floor to the right where the encyclopedias were kept was hunted, according to Namjoon; and Jungkook and Taehyung have always been able to get in and out of the two places without ever being disturbed. They had found sanctuary in those places where other people would easily be frightened of or get lost in, and Jungkook had always kept that information in the back of his head all this time he had been denying the signs. The signs that something was way more different than it could be for both of them.

It was somehow easier for them to be together thanks to these secret places where other people aren't allowed to get to. Jungkook remembered then how that man on the phone asked him if he believed more in logic or magic and he couldn't stop musing "what if their union couldn't be logical because it was magical?".

Garrett's father had spoken to and about him as if they had actually been family once, and his astonishment to hear him being so close-minded on the phone was because it went at odds with how he actually was; how they had met him once.

As Jungkook dried his body and felt satisfied with the soft vanilla scent on his skin, he thought of how everything pointed that... Taehyung and himself were both reborn in this lifetime.

That would explain so many things. But, as of now, he was just a first-year university student breaking all the rules to be with the one he loved. Regardless of the magic and possibly past lives with an ancient clan, this was his present reality and who he was right this instant: A first-year university student breaking the universal law against same-sex attraction and lying about where he was always off to so he can be free with the one he loved most dearly.

He put on his black, thin-fabric jeans, black boots to warm his feet up a bit more, the soft black shirt from before, and (because it was all too much black) a dark-green turtleneck sweater. He ruffled his hair a bit -which he hadn't washed again since he did that in the morning- and, just as a precaution, flattened himself on the floor to check beneath each bed just to see if Jimin had been hiding there all along. But, upon seeing he hadn't been, Jungkook stood up again and thought that maybe he would be with Tom... or more like Tyr. Maybe they were talking about what happened that morning in another place.

Jungkook took the bag he had taken with him that morning, which wasn't the same bag he had forgotten in Taehyung's apartment, and just in case, he put inside another change of clothes he knew Leo would recognize. He didn't want his friends to see him with unrecognizable clothes and think that something weird was up. Even if Leo and Finn had their own... something going on.

It will be difficult for him to ever forget what Finn had tried to do, even if his hand had barely lifted from the table.

Jungkook checked once more that he had everything ready. He had his bag, phone, keys... that was all. He was ready.

...was he?

Oh, no, he was nervous. Jungkook placed a hand over his forehead and rolled his eyes as he giggled. It was ridiculous but the butterflies in his tummy were starting to behave mercilessly. He knew it was ten minutes to four o'clock and the walk to the pavilion lasted as much so he wouldn't be early even if he headed that way right now, and yet... what if he got early? What if he got late? What if Taehyung was already waiting for him? What if he was planning to surprise him and he shouldn't get there this early?

No. Jungkook took a deep breath, wishing for the lightness in his head to come back to him, and, once the tension left his shoulders, he lowered his hand and gave a sure nod to himself. He walked to the door and, just when he turned around to close it, looked over at his wall of paintings, at the beautiful sights he had never wanted to forget for they all called to him in a deeper way than anything else could, and he smiled softly.

He had found his safe place, and it was a person.

With excitement bubbling up in him once more, he closed the door and went straight to the exit. In a bit of a fast pace since he didn't want anything or anybody to stop him. However, even in his unwavering fast pace, he noticed the eerie silence, and right when he got to the lobby of the living area and headed towards the glass doors, he heard the undeniable sounds coming from the three televisions in the Arcade Room. But even if he heard screams, shouts, and a tremor ran down his spine, he opened the door and got out.

Everything was getting much more serious than before; the fighting, the lying, the hiding, it wasn't only him the one doing it. The bombing, the battle, the tribe behind it all, somehow he was connected to it; somehow they know about him and somehow he was important to them. He knows he'll have to get involved if they need him so restlessly, he knows he'll have to listen to these fighters and help them however they need him to aid them in this battle for the good of all; he'll have to sit down and listen to how they knew him. And he knows, above all, that all this knowledge will surely change his life even more than it already has.

So, since today will officially be the last day of the life he had always known, let this be the first beautiful thing in this new beginning. Let this be proof that no matter what, from now on and forever, Taehyung and himself will stay united. Let this be, without anyone or anything stopping it, let this be.

As Jungkook took a step outside the white, rocky path and into the woods itself, he took a deep breath and looked up at the heavens through the green leaves illuminated by the sun, and gave a sweet little smile. And he knew, somehow he knew, that the rest of this day and into the night will be beautiful.

However, he stopped walking once he realized...

He wasn't hearing the water of the creek flowing past. Not even a hint of it. He looked around and saw no hint of the wall of bushes he always has to go through before the meadow was visible, not for long distances away. He looked behind himself and found that he had indeed been walking a straight line which he had always done the nights they had come here, and still, there was nothing in front of him.

Jungkook frowned, confused, and walked over to the closest tree. Maybe... if he had never been able to see the path but hear the water...

He leaned against the tree, placing his forehead gently against it, and closed his eyes, trying to hear more clearly. He heard the chirping of birds, the flow of the wind rustling the leaves, the snapping of twigs beneath his boots when he moved, he could smell the pure scent of damp woods, feel the cold air against his cheeks, and the steadiness of the tree in which he rested; it was pleasant to be here, surrounded by nature; it was calming, this atmosphere, serene and beautiful, just like when he was with Taehyung...

Water... Without making any sudden movements, Jungkook slowly opened his eyes to the floor and looked no higher than the points of his shoes, and then, sure that this sound would lead him safely, he walked forward as slowly as he needed to while placing his palms against the trees he passed. And he thought of nothing but how lovely everything was as he followed the sound of distant falling water without the intention of finding a place, but to find Taehyung.

It was only when he felt the sound of water being closer to him that he looked up from the floor, and the sight surprised him. Right before him, still more than a couple of paces away, there was the wall of bushes and low-hanging branches or short trees which hid the meadow. And which wasn't there when he was first looking for it.

He forced himself not to look behind and instead walked forward, but his excitement was such that he ended up running the last few paces. However, he stopped right before entering, hiding behind a tall bush. He breathed in deeply, trying to calm down, and then let it out slowly before finally going around it and entering the meadow.

The second he entered and saw him standing there, Jungkook's breath caught in his throat and he stopped walking.

Taehyung... Taehyung was standing on the clearing, right next to the white pavilion where they had never been. They have only been next to it, on the bench overlooking the sight, but they had never actually taken the step over the narrow creek to stand on the pavilion's ground. Yet, Taehyung stood there now, and Jungkook nearly forgot everything about himself with how breathtaking the sight was.

Glorious was the way in which the sun lit up the white pavilion making it look as if the marble stone had merely been washed and shined. Heavenly was what met his eye, as the sun shone over the green grass and made the colors of the little flowers here and there come to life. Pure magnificence was the sight to behold as the most beautiful of humans stood beside it and the white light reflected off him in a way that made him beyond anything Jungkook could ever describe.

Glorious... Heavenly... Magnificent... He had to paint it someday.

Consequently, as Jugnkook was able to breathe once more, he also noticed for the first time that Taehyung was wearing a comfortable attire of his own choosing, which just made the occasion even more pure and intimate. Completely their own. He noticed, as well, the large handbag Taehyung had brought with him, no doubt containing their picnic. And finally, he noticed the way Taehyung was surveying the pavilion. He wasn't in it, but beside it, standing with his hands folded behind his back and looking intently at something on one of the pillars.

Feeling curious about what it was that had grabbed his attention, Jungkook walked over to the bench and left his bag there to then walk forwards. But before he took a step over the creek, he looked down at it.

Would he be trespassing? Or will the fact that he was already here mean that he was allowed? Either way, he took his next step cautiously, moving his foot over the creek slowly just to give any higher power the time to make him take the step back. In all honesty, he believed Taehyung had way more chances of being loved by spirits than himself.

However, as if his foot had been pulled downwards harshly, he fell forwards into the clearing.

For a moment, he stayed there, still taking in how strange that had felt, and then slowly... he moved his fingers against the grass. It was so... soft; it wasn't damp or dry, simply soft.

- Kooky. -

Jungkook looked up and saw Taehyung walking up to him with a smile on his face and a hand already outstretched to help him up. He smiled at him and sat back on his heels as he dusted his hands against his pants.

- Tae. - He chuckled as he accepted his hand and stood up.

And yet again he felt that pull, but it was coming from Taehyung's hand. At once, Taehyung took him in and held him in a tight hug as he chuckled into his neck, so he did the same, embracing him over his shoulders so he could hug him even tighter against his chest. A moment passed and they were still embracing tightly, feeling so comfortable that it was hard to step away.

At the feeling of Taehyung's heart beating so fast and hard against his own, Jungkook chuckled shyly and leaned back enough to look him in the eyes. Taehyung leaned away too and, once he was able to look closely at the color of them, Jungkook found that it was like looking at the healthiest tree trunk or the richest soil; bright, beautiful, vividly colored, it was more than just brown or even honey, it was like the earth itself. The ground of free, healthy woods. And Jungkook got lost in it.

- Hi. - Taehyung whispered sweetly to him.

Jungkook smiled back at him and, as he tucked a golden strand gently behind his ear, he answered.

- Hello, beautiful. - Taehyung chuckled and looked away shyly, making Jungkook's smile grow before he looked back at him and leaned forwards to softly rub the tips of their noses together. - Have you been waiting long? - Jungkook asked before finally leaning in and stealing a little kiss.

Taehyung chuckled before answering.

- Not at all. - And then he leaned in and stole one himself.

Jungkook was melting already, but once he remembered what he had been curious about, he looked straight at him and asked.

- What was it that you were looking at just now? - He inquired with a little nod over Taehyung's shoulder to where the pavilion was.

Yet, Taehyung shrugged as he softly let go of him to guide him closer.

- Just a symbol I thought I recognized from a book or something. But I don't remember exactly where or what it means. -

Jungkook thought that was interesting so he went ahead to get a bit closer to the pavilion. The marble seemed even better up close but--... it was actually carved in. The pillars and the railing and all the way to the pointy, circular ceiling, it was all carved in white marble. The carvings themselves were different as far as Jungkook could see, so he rounded the whole piece of art to look at it. And nowhere could he find one carving the same as the other. Symbols enveloped the stone all around and yet it never seemed too much; but too much was the amazement Jungkook felt once he could find not a single flaw, not a single weed trying to creep inside the circular step or go up any of the five columns. As if it had either been preserved somehow or well kept by someone else who could also find this place.

Once Jungkook got to the column Taehyung had been looking at when he got here, he stopped as well. It was the only symbol larger than the rest as it also kept a distance from any other. As if somehow it was a signature or a brand. It was simple in shape, a sun shining bright, but inside its circle, there were intricate lines. He must admit that although he couldn't discern any of it, it did look beautiful in some way. There was harmony once you see the final picture. But then again, he couldn't recognize any of the symbols he had just seen.

- Maybe you saw it in a book about ancient philosophy. You do have a lot of books. - Jungkook muttered and then turned around. But Taehyung met him halfway and the look and soft smile on his face were such that the gentleness of his hands on his waist was almost not enough to keep him steady, so he placed his hands on his shoulders.

- Once I saw this pavilion up close, I was immediately reminded of you. - He whispered back. Jungkook smiled back, a bit confused. - It's full of details better seen up close that have been carved steadily, professionally, and patiently... It's a beautiful piece of art that seems to have been made by nothing but prodigy hands, so it reminded me of your own art; your paintings. - He finished with a kiss on his rosy cheek and then let him go to step towards the bag he had brought. - Ok, now... - He looked up at Jungkook. The silence just made their smiles grow brighter before he finally said, - Close your eyes and don't open them until I say so. - He ordered with an excited little chuckle that made Jungkook's heart melt.

- Very well, then. - He muttered back in agreement and then closed his eyes. He heard Taehyung's laughter and the bag opening up. And so he simply took a deep breath in so he wouldn't be tempted to spoil the surprise.

For a moment, he was tempted to do another thing, however. He thought of leaning sideways against the pavilion, but then remembered how Taehyung had been with his hands folded behind his back and thought against touching it as well. In the end, he folded his arms over his chest and stood with his feet aligned with his shoulders so he wouldn't move out of place even if he couldn't see.

He heard Taehyung taking out things from the bag, heard something soft being draped over the grass, and his excitement grew as well as his smile.

- Have you had picnics before? - He asked out loud knowing Taehyung would listen. And, in return, he earned a soft chuckle.

- Yes, with my family we used to have our own picnic spots both on our own property and outside of it on different mountains or natural parks. And I also have had a few with... my kids. But just a few; Daphne doesn't really like nature so she tries to keep them away from it sometimes. - He sighed heavily and Jungkook felt a cold breeze hit his cheeks. However, once Taehyung went on, the smile was brought back to his face. - So this, mister Jungkook, is a dream come true for me. - He could hear his soft smile. - You can open your eyes now. -

Slowly and nervously, Jungkook did as he was told, and immediately placed both hands over one of the biggest smiles he had ever had on his face as he saw him sitting there.

Taehyung had brought one of the white bed duvets, fluffy and pure, it went beautifully with the color of the pavilion and with it the rest of the meadow; over the duvet, by the side, there was a plate Taehyung had just filled with blocks of cheese and cold meat, and surrounding the plate there were three different air-tight food containers with... wait, he had no idea what that was.

He took his hands off his mouth and stepped closer cautiously, trying to look better at what it was.

And, with a silent little gasp, Taehyung rushed to explain.

- This is Scalloped Portobello Mushrooms. - He said, pointing at the first container, and went on with the second. - This is Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo. And these are Berries and Cream Crepes. - He finished with the third and then gasped again. - Oh, the drinks... - He turned around in his seat and took out two glass bottles filled with yellow liquid and showed them to him. - And this is a Citrus peach cooler. No alcohol cause I... - Shyly, he looked down at the drinks with a little smile. - Cause I'm keeping the wine for tonight. - His cheeks turned a bit rosy, but he looked up with excitement once more. - I also have another recipe for tonight. Left it in the oven. But don't worry, I made sure I turned it off. This time. - He chuckled nervously and left the glass bottles over the duvet before taking in a tight deep breath and asking tentatively, - Do you... like it? -

Jungkook had an obstruction in his throat. He smiled with the corners of his mouth looking down as he placed his hands over his chest where it felt aching with love, and he walked forward towards Taehyung. Without saying a word or disconnecting their eyes, he knelt right before him and gently embraced him.

He couldn't speak, the love was too great, the pain too deep, the gratitude too much to explain. But he opened his mouth and spoke softly as his lips brushed the side of Taehyung's neck.

- I love it. -

He heard Taehyung chuckling softly and felt him embrace him tighter, hiding his smiling face in his neck.

- Good. It's all for you, my Love. - He said and then pulled him closer so he would sit on his lap.

Jungkook fastly dried the little tear that slid from the corner of his eye and leaned back to look at him.

Unreal. Incredibly unreal. Taehyung in the sun... he looked like he was made to be shining; his skin glowed healthily, his eyes shined as if diamonds had been sprinkled over the soil, and his smile was so heartbreakingly loving. Even after all he did for him to make this a special moment, he still has love to give; massive love to give.

Jungkook sighed and delicately held his angel's face.

- How long did it take you to make all of this? - He asked, curiously. And Taehyung sighed as well while holding his waist.

- I started just after lunch so I guess... three hours? Because I also made dinner to leave everything ready and the crepes took me a bit longer than necessary because they kept on breaking as I was flipping them over. - He chuckled a bit. But then shrugged. - And I also cried a bit since... Well, my family taught me all of this and it was the first time in ten years since I cooked so thoughtfully for someone else, and... and it's for the one destined for me so it just made it all more special. - Taehyung's voice had turned so soft just as he slowly leaned a bit closer to be nearly nose to nose with him. And then he said, in a soft raspy voice that touched every part of Jungkook's soul. - As I said, this is a dream come true. I always dreamed of taking my one and only to that place I talked to you about, just where I wanted to build my own house, and have a picnic there on a sunny day. - He laughed a bit. - I'm so lucky. Today turned out to be sunny. -

Jungkook couldn't keep it in any longer, not when he felt like his chest might just start bleeding open if he didn't let this feeling be known to the world. He held Taehyung's face a little closer, gently closing his eyes and leaning in, tilting his head to the side so their lips brushed like butterfly wings as he declared,

- I'm so in love with you. -

Taehyung gasped slightly, his body stilled, and his hands held him tighter just when he closed the distance and took Jungkook's lips as his own.

The moments went on as natural as the air around them and as pleasant as a cold breeze on a sunny day. Giggling and smiling, with their eyes shining and hearts chanting, they gave a bit of every food to one another. Though, thinking it would be best, Taehyung placed the container's lids back in place as they ate the cheese plate first, just so the food would keep the warmth.

Jungkook had changed positions, and now they were both with their legs folded and knees touching as they took in the warmth of the unusually sunny day. And they talked over bites, Taehyung always keeping a piece of cold meat or cheese in his hand just so he could give it to Jungkook every time he finished the one in his mouth.

And they talked...

- You know? Just now you called me just as you had the first time we met. - Jungkook started as he gave a piece of cheese to him, and Taehyung chuckled as he chewed, nodding along. - "Mister Jungkook". - Jungkook said with a chuckle of his own, and just when Taehyung reached to give him a cube of cold meat, he leaned back. - Come on, throw it. - He said with a smile and opened his mouth, tilting his head back a bit.

Taehyung chuckled and aimed as he answered.

- I was just so happy when I found out... - He stopped talking and threw it. Once it successfully landed on Jungkook's mouth, they chuckled, and he went on. - When I found out that I would have the most beautiful guy in my class. But I was also a bit scared, you know? Cause I was slightly afraid of myself back then. -

Jungkook nodded as he chewed and reached to grab his glass bottle.

- Yeah, me too. It was all so confusing at first. Because I've always believed I was the one wrong in the head, but then you seemed like you also liked my closeness, so it was all such a mental debate. -

Taehyung nodded in fierce agreement.

- Yeah, it was just like that. I thought I was wrong, but then you did the same things and I could never think you were wrong, so then how could I be wrong? -

Jungkook nodded as well and took a swig. Then his attention was momentarily averted.

- Oh, wow, this is good. - It looked like normal orange juice, but it had so many other flavors. Taehyung chuckled, and he went on with what he was going to say. - It's a bit like a mirror. The argument that only one is right or only one is wrong proves false when both parties are doing the same things for the same purposes and coming from the same place. It could only mean that we're both either wrong like everyone else says, or we're the only right ones in a world where everyone else is wrong. -

- I like the second one better. -

- Me too. Either way, we're outcasts. -

- So long as we're alone together. - Taehyung said with a half-smile and lifted his glass.

- So long as we're together. - Jungkook agreed and clicked their glasses in a toast.

Once the plate of cheese was finished, Taehyung went on and took the mushroom's container, then he slid back a bit just so there was space for the food in their midst. And their pleasant conversation went on.

- A week ago seems like a lifetime. - Taehyung chuckled as he took the first mushroom in his fork and presented it for Jungkook to take, which he did. And then he delighted in the taste of it as Taehyung went on. - The first time I saw you, the first time we talked... -

- And I gave you my coat. - Jungkook added, making Taehyung chuckle as he remembered.

- Yeah, and I touched your face. -

- And I ran away like a scaredy-cat. - He rolled his eyes, but Taehyung placed a hand over his knee and made him look back at him.

- You were simply doing what you were told. - He smiled reassuringly and accepted the mushroom Jungkook gave him before leaning back again and muttering. - You were more yourself the day after that. -

Jungkook nodded.

- When I held your face for the first time, in your classroom. -

Taehyung swallowed and took a deep breath as he tilted his head back so the sun would shine on his face and warm his skin.

- It felt just like this. -

Jungkook chuckled.

- Yes, indeed. - Beneath all the strangeness he had felt over liking it so much, he had felt like he had been holding the most precious treasure of all, and, once he understood how lucky he was, he held him gently with both hands.

Taehyung leaned back in with a soft smile and gave him another bite.

- Then the library. - Jungkook smiled as he remembered that as well, how they had played hide and seek and found that secret place in the back. - Was that the time you called me a hypocrite? - Taehyung asked with squinted eyes and a grin. And Jungkook rushed to swallow so he could speak again.

- Only because you were the first one who broke the rules by touching my face and then you were trying to make me follow them. -

But Taehyung opened his eyes wide as he chuckled.

- May I remind you that it was I the first subject of your touch, mister Jungkook? -

Jungkook laughed in earnest. But of course: the coat over his shoulders.

- Ok, fine, I was first, but you still broke them and then you were preaching them, like... na-ah, you can't do that, sir. - Taehyung laughed with him. - And then you had the nerve to try to close me off right after you promised me that you would stop worrying so much about rules. -

- I was still fighting, ok? - Taehyung defended himself with a wide smile and a hand over his chest. - It was my first day of being able to be fully myself with someone I found beautiful right after ten years of being a puppet, like, come on, cut me some slack. -

Jungkook shook his head slowly with a chuckle. Everything made so much sense after putting it in perspective. But still, this was fun.

- And even when you had my face in your hands, you were still trying to make me find a reason to run away. -

- And yet, you never did. - Taehyung said with a huge smile and warmth in his eyes. - I told you I had a wife and kids and still you came back to the meadow that night. -

Jungkook nodded softly and leaned in to give Taehyung another bite.

- Because I couldn't keep away. I knew it was wrong, I knew it was illegal, I knew you had a wife and I even though it was a loving union, and still... I couldn't keep away. Does that make me a possible home wrecker? - With wide eyes, he looked off.

But Taehyung yet again held his knee, more securely this time.

- Look at me. - Jungkook did, but... nearly felt ashamed of doing so. - Jungkook, you broke nothing. Alright? Nothing at all. Daphne and I have never been a real couple. The only ones who have my heart are my children and you have never tried to cut my connections to them. Instead, you saved them. And you were so soft and kind, calling Eddy "honey" and making him feel safe and secure. - He shook his head with such a loving smile. - You didn't break anything, you were the missing piece. - Jungkook looked down at his hand on his knee, a bit shyly. And then he placed his own over it as he sighed, relieved now that Taehyung had put it into words. - Now... - Jungkook looked up and saw Taehyung's fork right before him, so he giggled and accepted the bite. - That's right. - They both chuckled.

- How are they today? - Jungkook asked between bites. But, at the sight of Taehyung's smile ebbing away a bit, he worried.

- They're... stable. This morning wasn't that good for them because... you know, they were in a strange place with strange people. Daphne had just walked downstairs for a coffee so she couldn't have known they would wake up at that moment. She told me that Eddy tried to hit anyone with a chair if they got too close to Ady, and she was screaming again, so they had to sedate them... - He sighed and, at the feeling of a cold breeze hitting Jungkook in the cheeks once more, he placed the container to the side so he could sit on Taehyung's lap and hold him closer. The latter answered with a tight hug and a deep intake of breath before he went on. - The worst bit is that she told me they have to stay there for a week or so and that she wouldn't be able to stay with them because of work. And I'm here... -

No kid should go a day feeling lonely. No one should be left alone. No parent should have the need to put their work before their children and no child should have to understand why work matters more than them, because it's not true. No one should have to decide between work or family. And Jungkook knew this.

He never, in his life, thought about having his own children. He couldn't, not when no girl lured him enough to think about having a wife. But even so, every time he would look at kids playing around or crying by their mother's side, he always thought of all the things he would do differently as a parent. The first thing on the list was that he will never be like his own father.

So that's why he said,

- We can call them again, Tae. You can call them every night, call them every morning, and make them know that they are safe at all times. So long as they can feel your presence, they'll know you're always with them. -

Taehyung let out a very deep breath and held him tighter to his chest. Then he whispered something in his neck that Jungkook's almost sure he wasn't supposed to hear, but even so, he was able to. And it made him smile brighter than ever.

- I can't believe my luck. -

For a while, they embraced each other. Until Jungkook remembered the food, that is, and he moved to sit back once more. However, only a few mushrooms remained so they divided them into equal bites and, feeling the warmth of the sun setting by the trees to their side, they gave each to the other. Jungkook found it a bit funny how they hadn't decided on feeding each other, the conversation never took place, it simply happened. And it was lovely.

As Taehyung closed the lid of the empty container and placed it in the bag once more, Jungkook started to take off his sweater so he could feel more of the natural warmth thru the thin fabric of his shirt before the cold of the night would creep in at last.

However, before he could take the sweater completely off his head, Taehyung leaped towards him and flattened them both against the duvet.

With laughter in both chests, Jungkook finally took his sweater completely off and looked down at Taehyung hiding in his neck.

- What happened? - He asked as he left the garment somewhere beside him and placed a hand over his back. But Taehyung, laughing, started kissing his skin; his neck, his jaw, his exposed collarbone, his cheek, the tip of his nose, and Jungkook couldn't stop giggling until Taehyung finally kissed him on the lips. And once he leaned back was when he answered.

- You're so goddamn beautiful. - He said with clenched teeth and, just when Jungkook had started to laugh again, he kissed his lips once more. Jungkook sighed in the kiss and tangled his fingers thru his hair, when the latter leaned back and said, as the tips of their noses brushed slightly. - So beautiful... Have you never painted a portrait of yourself? -

Jungkook laughed.

- That would be artistic blasphemy. - However, Taehyung leaned back suddenly just to look at him with furrowed eyebrows. Confused and angry, and sad as well. So Jungkook rushed to explain, his smile gone. - Because artists were never allowed to paint their portraits, you know? Since that would be painting a person of the same gender-- It's an old... rule, which's still used to this day only to preserve the original "purity of the arts". Artists can't paint themselves, dancers can't dance with their same gender, and singers can't sing love songs with their same gender which is why choruses have to always be evenly matched with males and females... I don't know why you would get the joke. Now that I think about it, it's not even funny. -

Taehyung nodded slowly, still frowning.

- So... that's why music groups are always even. - He seemed to realize. - I always thought-- You know, because I'm from South Korea and the k-pop thingy and everything... I always thought that it was because it sounded better or simply because of looks. - He shrugged and then gave Jungkook a last little kiss on the cheek before pushing himself up and sitting back in his place. - Even so, I would like a portrait of you-- Wait, but then... - Completely disregarding his previous wish which made Jungkook jolt a bit with excitement, he started another question completely as Jungkook sat up. - Why are the roommates here the same gender? -

- Ooooh... Yeah, that. - Jungkook hissed a bit and got slightly tense. - Yeah, Amelia had the same question when she got here since... she didn't much like it like that. So I heard the answer. Apparently, the rooms were indeed abiding by the "natural course", so the rooms were boy and girl, to always keep that boundary between the same gender. But then one girl got up and said that her roommate had been... abusing her. - Taehyung gasped silently and Jungkook nodded. - And that's when others stood up as well, many, many others. Too many. So, some universities changed their accommodation of the rooms, including this one, while others stayed the same; stating that it would also help to create healthy relationships between the same gender, something that was very scarce before the problem arose. I think this was in the... seventies? I can't remember the date. And it was mostly in western cultures, so I guess you wouldn't really have heard of it. -

- Yes, nothing at all. That's awful. - Taehyung blinked and looked off, trying to make sense of it.

But really, by this point, the gender conversation would be a very large one at that. There's too much history, too many things to say and point out. Like the fact that before the women took over the beauty industry, it was males depicting what would make a woman look better, same with fashion, same with housework, same with every single other thing because it was the typical "men are creatures of reason", so only men were the ones "capable" of being in charge, it wasn't 'til the sixties came by that things started to change for both women and people of color, yet still, till this day, there are rules. There have always been gender rules that people follow relentlessly, even fanatically, which goes hand in hand with culture and status. Therefore, the more flawlessly you follow the rules, the more people will believe you're a cultured person that comes from a very high class.

This is actually completely contradictory, now that Jungkook can think more clearly about what life is all about. If the rules depict that he should be driven by reason instead of feelings, then he should be nothing but a work machine; deprived of love unless a woman gives it to him or he finds comfort in her skin. That whole way of thinking it's what makes opinionated men believe they are entitled to women because they were taught that females are there to give love and comfort to the male.

Sadly, that's exactly what Emily had always given to their friend group. Lovely, allowing them to touch her, to simply grab her to hug her if they needed her without ever asking for permission first. Yes, Jungkook's guilty of it; even if he was always gentle, he always assumed she would let him instead of asking her first, and he feels guilty about it now that he knows what it's like to have someone who keeps asking gently if they're allowed even if he had given permission before. He acted just as impulsively with her as any other love-deprived man, and he blames it all on the way they were all raised. Because, if he hadn't been neglected, love-deprived, or in need of affection of any kind, he wouldn't have been so violent as to punch his other classmates or as needy as to grab his only female friend whenever he pleased.

However, his thoughts were taken back to the beautiful present in their little hiding spot when Taehyung presented him with a fork holding spaghetti.

Jungkook smiled gently at him and the way he looked excited to see if he would like them, and so he leaned in with his mouth open and took the bite. It was amazingly delicious, of course, and, once Taehyung saw his expression, he smiled brightly as well.

If only they had all been raised as Taehyung had... if only they had all had a family like Taehyung's... maybe there wouldn't be people fighting in the capital. There wouldn't be a need to fight, a reason to be angry, a thirst for any vengeance; there would be none of that if only everyone lived in a world free of selfishness and instead full of love. Maybe everyone would be as happy as he was right now and there would be nothing but peace all around.

Jungkook chuckled with a mouth full as he noticed a bit of white sauce sliding from the corner of Taehyung's mouth. And, as the latter looked at him wide-eyed without a clue, he lifted a hand and cleaned it with his thumb to then take it to his own mouth and lick it.

His own action sparked up another thought in the back of his head as he saw Taehyung giggling and reddening a bit before taking his glass bottle. The thought was an image, a small video which replayed side by side what he just did, yet the hand on the other memory was not his own but Finn's, and the face was not Taehyung's but Leo's, and the feeling in his chest as he followed the instinct of catching that little drop from his lover's face was of pure endearment. So what would that say about Finn and Leo?

But then again, even now, he wouldn't let himself think about the possibilities, not because he was being hypocritical but simply because he couldn't see his best friend, his brother, the epitome of a modem, high-class, and cultured male, doing something like this. He couldn't imagine it, Leo breaking the rules? He had done it before but it was a mild rebellion, not this. And also, he thought Leo would always marry Emily one day, so his brain couldn't simply recalibrate something as solid as that, not even if another person outside the group had had the instinct of cleaning a drop of chocolate from his cheek with his thumb.

However, the question still remains. Because he, Jungkook, had changed drastically in a matter of moments, so what says there wouldn't be other people who did as well? It simply took the right person to make him connect with who he really was inside, didn't it?

- Do you remember... Tuesday? - Jungkook asked just before taking the next bite from Taehyung, who in turn lowered his gaze with a sigh that wasn't altogether displeased.

- Of course, I do. Tom punched you in the mouth. -

- After I punched him in the face. - Jungkook said between bites alongside a half-grin which made Taehyung chuckle a bit.

- And I had to take you both upstairs. - The humor left his features as he remembered what had happened to Jungkook as he was taking them and to whom he was taking them. The ghost of this morning's rage lured too close for Jungkook's liking, so he rushed to swallow and continue.

- Then, you took me to your apartment for the first time and I met your love of certain kinds of romantic books. -

Taehyung gave a weak chuckle before starting to play around with his fork, moving a shrimp in the container. A bit shy if Jungkook's watching correctly.

- And then I cleaned your wound and we talked and had lunch and talked a bit more and then--

- It was dark enough, yes. -

Taehyung chuckled and finally handed Jungkook the last bite, which he took with a cheeky grin.

- Yes... - Taehyung answered with a grin without looking up at Jungkook and then reached over to close the lid of the empty container. - And that's when I saw fully what I had glimpsed the night before that one, right here. When I hugged you for the first time and you all but made me unable to walk in a straight line back to my room. - He groaned as he remembered and closed his eyes as he placed a hand on his forehead. Yet with a chuckle on the corner of his lips that Jungkook echoed.

- I genuinely acted under the influence of your touch, I swear it wasn't on purpose. - Jungkook lifted his hands at either side of his head and Taehyung laughed as he lowered his hand and leaned over to take the last container with dessert.

- And then again at the library the next day. - Taehyung shook his head.

- That was my fault, sorry. - Jungkook said with a guilty chuckle as he let his hands fall. But Taehyung shook his head and looked up.

- No, that was my fault. I hadn't really thought it through-- I wasn't thinking, that's what happened. So I never thought of the possibility of this culture's differences from how I grew up which then would've meant that... you were much more touch-deprived than I was. I should've thought of that--

- What would you've done differently? - Jungkook shook his head. - I actually think I needed it, to be honest, it pushed me a bit more, pushed me to accept--

- But I was pushing you. - Taehyung cut in with furrowed eyebrows. - That's why you got overwhelmed. If I would've been more thoughtful and shortened the distance between us a little at a time--

- Don't you realize I was pushing you as well? - Jungkook asked with a disbelieving half-grin. - I was the one who cornered you on Monday and pushed you to accept me being close to you, I was the one who didn't want to let go of that hug that night, I was the one who wanted to be closer to you on the library the next day, and I was the one who disregarded your boundaries because I "wanted more" - He made the quotation marks and then lifted his hands as if to say "what more evidence do you need?". But then again, when Taehyung looked like he had all the intention of flipping the fault over, he sighed and added, - It was both of us, alright? Both of us and our relentless hearts and needy selves. I wanted you to be closer and you couldn't resist me, oh what a tragedy, now we're in love, who would've thought? -

Taehyung laughed at last as he shook his head, making Jungkook smile bright. And then he opened the lid and left it to the side so he could cut a piece with the side of the fork and then lift it up for Jungkook.

And right as the wind passed and caressed Jungkook's cheek, he remembered what he must tell Taehyung before any other person reaches him first. So he accepted the bite, melted yet again because of the amazing flavors, saw Taehyung clap his hands in victory, and then rushed to cut a piece for him with his own fork.

Then, once he swallowed, he started.

- Ok... I need to tell you something. - Taehyung blinked up at him as he stopped chewing. And slowly squinted his eyes. - It's nothing... bad... - Jungkook tried yet failed miserably to reassure him. It's difficult to be convincing when he can't even convince himself.

So Taehyung shook his head, lifted a hand to stop him from talking, and once he swallowed he spoke.

- It seems serious. - He assessed.

- It is. - Jungkook answered with a nod and something of a grimace. It was too serious, too much information, and too sudden to tell it all to someone who knew nothing of it.

Taehyung nodded and lowered his hand to sit a bit straighter, looking at him with furrowed eyebrows, concerned about what it could be.

- Ok... Is it related to tonight? -

Jungkook sighed a bit, realizing now what it was that concerned Taehyung the most at the moment and feeling relieved that he could truthfully say,

- Not at all. - But then his smile froze and he added. - Not for the reasons you think. - Because Garrett's father had made him doubt if this connection was somehow part of the magical... something.

But then Taehyung's confusion and concern grew, making him purse his lips.

- So it is related to... - And then slowly he pointed a finger at Jungkook and then himself. So Jungkook took a deep breath and nodded.

- Yes. Please eat while I speak or I'll feel anxious. - But even as he said it, he sounded anxious already.

- Was it something I did? - Taehyung's question was said frightfully as he placed a hand over his chest and raised his eyebrows.

Jungkook spluttered.

- What? No. -

- Did I do something or did I not do something, or am I going to do something wrong? - He just went on and on looking anxiously at Jungkook, trying to understand and blaming an undone wrongness on himself.

Jungkook had no idea where this was coming from.

- No, you... Taehyung, stop it. -

- No, wait, I just--

Jungkook rapidly placed the container to the side and got on his knees so he could grab Taehyung's shoulders and make him look into his unwavering eyes. However, all he saw there was a man redying for impact. And then it hit Jungkook that maybe it had to do with what happened the night before, with his kids, with Daphne's call.

The moment Daphne had blamed it all on Taehyung was when Jungkook started to see this look in his eyes, this look of utter guilt as if he truly believed he was the reason everything's wrong with this world and he should burn because of it.

But it only started with her call; when she asked him where the kids could be, when she screamed at him that they were in the middle of all that battle because of him, and she never took back her words or her cursings.

Does she usually mistreat Taehyung?

The sudden question brought a flame to Jungkook's chest and he pushed Taehyung's shoulders back to flatten him on the duvet. He placed his knees on either side of his hips and it was the fact that Taehyung hadn't held him by the waist as he usually did that made him see red. So he made sure Taehyung was looking straight at him as he said,

- You have done nothing wrong. Just as you said that I haven't broken anything because there was nothing there to break, you haven't done anything wrong because there was nothing you could've done badly, not when you're so loving and respectful. You've never done anything wrong between us because we always talk about everything. So think about it, if we do have very good communication all the time and you're always sweet to me, how could you have done something wrong that you haven't even realized yet or that I never brought up to you before? -

Taehyung didn't answer with words, instead, he furrowed his eyebrows as the breath got cut in his throat as if reason had hit him so hard he was cursing himself for his previous unsureness, and then he closed his eyes as he let out a deep breath and finally held Jungkook's waist softly.

- You're right. I'm sorry. I just... - He shook his head. - Why did I think you were keeping things from me? - He said out loud as he opened his eyes to the heavens, confused and angry with himself.

He was indeed keeping things from him, but it had nothing to do with something he, Taehyung, had done.

As he brushed his soft hair from his forehead, he asked,

- ...does Daphne do that often? - He vividly remembers Taehyung on more than one occasion telling him that he has a lot of memories he would much rather avoid or forget.

And he did in fact avoid his eyes as he answered.

- She would–... I'm sorry. - He shook his head again, holding him a bit tighter. - I really shouldn't have thought that you--

- No, no... - Jungkook whispered reassuringly and placed a hand on his cheek to gently redirect his stare back to him. - Tell me. What does she do. -

As Taehyung looked up at him a bit unsurely, he caressed him softly with his thumb.

- She would... - But he averted his eyes downwards again, unable to keep eye contact. - She would do that thing where she wouldn't speak to me and when I would ask her what was wrong she would suddenly snap. And she would... Yeah, be angry that I didn't know what I did wrong, essentially. - His voice was so little, low like a man and yet fragile like a punished child.

Jungkook had to let go of his face to turn his head to the side and sigh greatly; lips pursed, shoulders tensed, chest tight. He couldn't help but react angrily, he was livid with this woman, but Taehyung's reaction was way worse.

- I'm sorry I thought you were doing the same thing, I know you're entirely different, I--

- Tae. - Jungkook cut him with a gentle but firm hand to the chest and made sure he was looking at his eyes as he told him. - I'm not angry that you thought I was doing what she does, I'm angry that she does it. - Taehyung took in a deep breath and nodded, understanding. However, Jungkook thought he hadn't made himself clear enough, so he added. - Do you remember this morning and what happened to that coffee mug? - Taehyung blinked, and his eyebrows pulled up, finally understanding the level of his anger towards a person who had clearly wronged him. - Yeah, too bad I can't destroy what she had touched because that would include the majority of your possessions. - He patted him on the chest once before leaning back and sitting on his lap.

Taehyung actually chuckled at that. There was a moment where he simply smiled softly up at the sky whose light was getting softer by now and less golden, and then slowly he straightened up until he was sitting again.

With gentler hands, he held Jungkook's waits, letting the sides of his palms rest against the start of Jungkook's open tights, as he looked up with that sweet stare that didn't reach his tired shoulders. So Jungkook reached up and placed his hands on his shoulders and caressed them soothingly while he looked at the worry lines in the corner of his lover's eyes which must've been there since the night before and only aggravated with the weight of the day.

He couldn't tell him what he had to know. He couldn't tell him about Garrett and everything that happened today and even yesterday night, he couldn't put more weight on him, not today.

Taehyung's job was done for today. In Jungkook's eyes, he deserves the most beautiful evening of his life and then fall asleep free of any worry and guilt. He deserves to be loved and touched softly, he deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and care. So Jungkook smiled back at him and with two fingers gently pushed his chin up so he could give him a lasting, loving kiss. He felt his hands tightening on his waist, heard him taking a deep breath, and finally felt how he straightened up a bit better against him as if the kiss had actually grounded him once more.

He was ready to ignore the subject completely. However, once their lips disconnected as softly as ever, Taehyung asked him,

- What was it that you wanted to tell me? -

So he sighed as he leaned back to look into his eyes better and answered,

- I'll tell you tomorrow. - But he saw Taehyung's eyebrows beginning to tense once more, so he added. - It's not that important. - Even if it... absolutely was because it involved both of them with magical people.

The situation just got crazier the more Jungkook thought about it.

But Taehyung believed him, he saw it in the way he relaxed once more and said in a tiny voice,

- Alright. Tomorrow, then. -

A lot of things were scheduled for tomorrow, weren't there? Most of all, things that would make everything much more understandable. Or much crazier.

But for now, Jungkook simply reached beside him and took the container once more to place it in between their chests, and they went on with feeding the other little bites at a time with smiles and chuckles. Focusing on nothing but the other, as they were the other's safe haven and this, next to the white pavilion, was their safe place.                               

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🌼Thank you for reading Chapter 53 <3<3<3

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