#Vkook series

[thv-jk97]

Taekook being spatially challenged on couches

[magini0]

Kimset (IV)

Pairing: ot6 x Jungkook | Jungkook x Everyone

Genre: Witch AU, Soulmate AU, Ex's to Lovers, Angst With a Happy Ending

Summary: Jungkook has until the next Witching Moon to develop a cure for his chronic illness. With his race against time, he really doesn’t have the nerve to be constantly pestered by his old coven mates—whom he had left behind after a mission gone wrong. Back as a famous healer and sponsored by a renowned magical society, Jungkook is ready to do what it takes to survive. Now, if only his former coven would back off and stop being so damn persistent in making up for their old mistakes…

Word Count: 13k

Also accessible on ao3 => Here Previous Chapter => Here Next Chapter => Coming Soon

There was a strange, nauseating race to Taehyung's heartbeat as he walked down the hall. His feet cascaded down the tiled floor; his loud footsteps echoed tauntingly throughout the empty corridor illuminated by the afternoon sun. The shadows cast the window's silhouettes against the floor. His palms were strangely sweaty, restless as he switched through a cycle of clenching and unclenching his hands before he'd fiddle with his clothes for the umpteenth time, trying to catch a glimpse of himself in the window's reflective surface as he walked, combing through his hair. 

He followed the numbers on each door, trying to find the one that belonged to Jungkook. B013, right? He was nervous because, of course, he was. Their last conversation—if you could even call it that—had hardly even grazed the top of the iceberg that was their relationship. To be entirely fair, Taehyung strongly doubted that this conversation would go any differently. But unlike his hyungs, he just couldn't bring himself to give Jungkook space. He just couldn't. 

Not when it's been literal years since he's spent more than a fleeting moment with Jungkook, not when he had yet to fully take him in. His hair had grown out, Taehyung recalled. The still black, natural hair was cut into a styled fringe. Hair a little longer, bangs stopping a little over his cheeks with a slight curl to the end swaying from the face. The sides of his hair were still styled, covering the tips of his ears. A row of piercings lined one of his ears, along with his brow and bottom lip. His chest puffed with a momentary sense of pride as he had noticed them during their last encounter, and reluctantly wandered back to a place where he watched Jungkook marvel through a jewelry shop's showcase window—lamenting the fact that his parents would never let him tarnish his image through body modifications. 

Taehyung scoffed at the momentary reminder of Jungkook's atrocious set of parents. But there Jungkook had stood— his little bunny, sprouting piercing like it was no one's business. Because it wasn't, and Taehyung couldn't help but feel an assortment of pride and happiness that Jungkook had found that independence for himself. 

Having Jungkook before him terminated any and all of his thoughts, rendering him to nothing but a blubbering stupored twat—while simultaneously promoting such a heaviness to take hold of him. The kind of short, fleeting questions one could sense in the pit of their stomachs—sinking. What had Jungkook been like during his first piercing? 

Taehyung recalled in that vague moment by the jewelry shop window how he had promised Jungkook that when the witch turned eighteen, he'd sneak him out to get his ears pierced. A fleeting smile twitched across his face as he walked, his hand lifting to subconsciously brush against his earlobe. About a month after making that promise, Teahyung had snuck out of the academy and purchased a set of earrings, small silver stars hanging from a delicate chain, and a little clear glass diamond in the star's centers. It hadn't been much, and usually Taehyung wasn't such a fan of something so delicate. But his bun was discovering stargazing with Yoongi at the time—something that had totally not made him jealous—and seemed to be enjoying it. Taehyung had blown most, if not all, of his summer wages on that set. 

Because Jungkook getting his ears pierced had been so much more than just getting to buy some new jewelry. It was more than just an act of spontaneous defiance. It was a call for independence, a step towards individuality that Jungkook's parents refused to permit otherwise. Taehyung had understood that—he still does. 

Taehyung glanced outside, but his gaze was unfocused—did Jungkook need to hold someone's hand? Did his face scrunch up the way it always does, eyes squeezed shut, and nose crunched in that adorable way? Taehyung had missed it. That moment he had reserved for them—he had missed it all. The sense of loss that realization accompanied was unbearable. 

He couldn't help but wonder if Jungkook ever got those tattoos he had wanted, too. Of course, he wouldn't go on and ask something so personal. His bun might literally shank him for it. 

But he still felt unsettled and frustrated by their last meeting. He had wanted to say more, but just being able to see Jungkook again—before him, living, breathing, alive; vaporized any and every thought of his because Jungkook was finally there—he was okay.  

Jungkook had been angry— rightly fucking so, he might add. Emotional, frustrated, hurt. It killed him. Their eyes had locked, and suddenly he was speechless. There stood his baby, his stupid, naive bunny—crying, and he wasn't able to do anything about it. 

Ultimately, he was one of the six reasons those eyes were shedding tears in the first place. In that moment, it didn't matter how long Taehyung had prowled the streets of Korea looking for those same pair of eyes, how he scanned over the crowds to try and recognize that familiar head of tussled, unkempt hair, because Jungkook was there, crying because of him. 

Walking further down the hall, Taehyung didn't expect this conversation to go any better. Realistically, he was just psyching himself up to be yelled at, berated, and metaphorically thrown around as Jungkook vented six years of hate onto him. But Taehyung didn't mind because it was Jungkook's voice doing it. He didn't mind those heated, fiery gazes because it was Jungkook's chocolate eyes pointing them.  

Because even for a moment—he got to exist in the same space as Jungkook. 

And maybe, just maybe, after Jungkook got to say everything he needed or wanted to, Taehyung would be able to say he was sorry. He was really starting to hate that word—sorry. as if the depths of his remorse, the sheer level of guilt, regret, and sorrow could ever be narrowed down to five abysmal letters. 

Because he was so much more than just sorry. He cursed every day that had passed for the last six years—2,190 damned days, give or take a few. He hexed every watery blink, the haunting quiver of his sweet voice, the balling of his fist and shaking of his hand. For every minute, Jungkook was out there, thinking for even a second he hadn't been out there looking for him. 

Gaze following the labels against each the door, he felt the numbers nearing Jungkooks. The door was slightly ajar, and through it, Taehyung could hear the familiar voice of his soulmate. 

"But we fell in love." 

"Despite all odds—fuck, we grew to love each other above all else." 

"So—" 

"So when three of our parents demanded a trial." 

"We agreed." 

"Because—" 

"Because we thought we'd be proving them wrong." 

"We lost everything." 

"Or, at least—I had lost everything." 

Taehyung wasn't much of a crier—that was Jimin's job, and by the Gods, he hated those tears, too. So why—Why were his eyes suddenly so watery? The hair around him felt heavy, cold, and stale. 

He had half a mind to burst into the laboratory, stand before Jungkook, and proclaim that he was still here. That Jungkook still had him and that he was so, so fucking sorry. That there wouldn't be a day that would pass now where he wouldn't be there to hold his hand. Because Taehyung loved him. 

He hasn't stopped. The abrasive, explosive anger within a single night could never diminish even an ounce of the care he held for Jungkook. Because when they had first met, before it was him and Jimin, or Hoseok or Yoongi or Jin and Namjoon— it had been Jungkook. Despite having cared for all of them, Taehyung loved him first. 

He still does. 

But what should he say—now? When your soulmate stands before you, tone filled with such grief and desolation at the sheer recollection of you, of what you had and what you were. 

Taehyung didn't consider himself a coward—no, he was a true hothead who felt first and thought second. So he had practiced his confessions with Jimin, over and over, deep into the starry nights and bear ceilings. But his tongue felt heavy, and suddenly, all the words he had prepped felt inadequate. 

Taehyung had never been good with words. He couldn't string together poetic confessions like Namjoon or Jimin, lay out his soul like Hoseok, or make himself as clear and vulnerable as Jin and Yoongi. He was just well—unsure. He chose to act; when someone bothered Jungkook, he'd bash the perpetrator's head against a locker. If the headmaster went off again, he'd put a hex on the seams of his clothes. 

Jungkook deserved more than that. Not someone who immediately set out on a tyrannical war path, promising vengeance for every tear spilled because his baby bunny was upset and someone was paying for it. He deserved someone who didn't become completely overwhelmed with fury the moment he shed a tear, someone who would do more than just stand still with his head bowed low while being scolded. No, it had been six cursed years. Taehyung was going to show that he had changed, that he could—and would find the right words for him. He might not be as flowery or delicate—but they'd be his. 

"How'd it go?"

Jimin hurriedly asked before Taehyung even managed to close the front door. Taehyung, still feeling like a brooding cloud had formed over him, didn't utter a word as he meticulously took off his coat. He dusted it off despite only having walked to and from the science building before hanging it up. He stepped out of his shoes and put them neatly on the shoe rack, sliding into his slippers shortly after—to put it concisely, he was stalling.

Jimin frowned. It didn't take a genius to decipher the pensive mood looming through Taehyung's aura. Jimin would've gone with Taehyung to hopefully talk with Jungkook, but not only did the witch ignore his little note on the breakfast tray from earlier this week, but it also would have overwhelmed Jungkook. Neither of them wanted that—they just wanted to talk, to see him. 

Taehyung had finally looked up, eyes locking briefly with his own. His own breath caught briefly stuck in his throat at the pitiful sight. Taehyung's hair was disheveled, no doubt from his fidgety hands constantly combing through it. The rim of his eyes were a bit bloodshot, and trailing down his gaze to Taehyung's cheeks they appeared just a bit too red. Jimin bit the inside of his cheek, a poor attempt to keep his scolding at bay. He knew Taehyung handled his emotions differently and that whenever the witch was ever brought to tears, he'd wipe them away with such incredulous vigor till his cheeks turned raw. 

The sight was strikingly familiar. It barely felt like any time at all since Taehyung appeared like that in front of his door. Gods—it had been so late into the night that it became early. But Taehyung hadn't stopped; hadn't slept either— none of them had. The witch's cheeks had been sunken in ever so slightly, and the darkness underneath his eyes had completely altered Taehyung's otherwise healthy complexion. Taehyung had been out looking for Jungkook again. 

Jimin might never forget that night when he opened his door for Taehyung. How, during that night since Jungkook's disappearance, Taehyung had cried. Cried—a loose term for what had happened. Sobbed seemed more appropriate, the type that made one's legs feel weak, made it hard to breathe, and left you with a sore throat. It was the sound of someone losing hope. 

Taehyung never stopped looking—none of them had. But after the first few months, Taehyung's near-daily outings turned more sporadic. But they still visited Hangawoondae annually, still holding onto the fickle hope of spotting their bunny window shopping again. 

"Let's go talk in my room, hm?" Jimin suggested, carefully reaching out and taking a hold of Taehyung's cold hand. Walking past the living room still felt surreal to him, seeing Hoseok lounging while switching through the channels playing across the TV, elbow resting on the armrest and cheek squished against the palm of his propped-up hand. Jin was moving about in the kitchen, preparing a honey pastry with a ruminating look. The sweet dessert had been Jungkook's favorite, a fact that had gone unnoticed by no one. 

Nothing had been the same since Jungkook left. Being able to see some of his old hyungs and share a communal space with them again felt strange. He had missed it.  

Walking past the open space and down the hall, he ignored the twisting pang of emotion he felt by passing Jungkook's closed door. Whether Jungkook was there or not, that pale white door remained closed. He couldn't really blame him, especially after their last confrontation—Jimin understood.  

Gently nudging Taehyung into his (their) room, he gently closed the door. 

The enchantment wasn't necessarily very noticeable, the spells back boning loosely marked onto the inside of the doorframe. But walking through the door, a lingering sense of magic brushed against one's skin for a moment—not by much, but enough for anyone to be aware that the room they were entering was very much manipulated by an outside force.  

Gone was the dreary interior of a basic apartment bedroom, replaced by something more to Jimin's tastes, to his needs. The space was larger, with a wide circular window casting nearly the entirety of the room in natural light. Creams and soft colors scattered about, from blankets to pillows, frames, and wardrobes. A queen-sized bed covered in far too many throws and pillows. There wasn't a color out of place; everything followed a similar pallet. It would've looked stale if it weren't for Jimin's artistic eye, dotting little spots of complementary colors here and there, the occasional green plant from Namjoon giving the space a little liveliness. 

A picture frame of him and Taehyung rested on his bedside table, and a group photo of everyone during their third Solar dance in the academy hung against the wall. 

Jimin was aware of his contribution to their split. He had been so scared, hurt, frightened, and angry at the time. He had his reasons during that night; the time he spent in the Deep with the others was too long. The mission had been immoral from the start—who would do that to a bunch of teenagers? 

But still, he had never managed to actually get rid of any of their shared photos. He still had their old photo albums hiding underneath his bed; the one hanging against the wall was simply his favorite. Glancing at it now, their naive and smiling faces. His eyes lingered against Jungkook's young form; they had been holding hands. Jimin— Jimin couldn't bear to look at it. 

Yeontan was snoozing in his little dog bed, the hyper dog oblivious to the occurring drama. Hana, Jimin's white snake familiar, remained sunbathing by the window sill. Her sharp, snake-like eyes opened as the two witches entered the room. She remained silent, but she didn't need to say much to show her disapproval. 

Taehyung plopped himself down at the edge of the bed, his elbows resting on his thighs while he dropped his head in his hands. Seeing Taehyung so depleted unsettled Jimin to the core, his pace slightly hurried as he sat down beside him.

"It didn't go well, huh?" Jimin hummed, beginning to rub gently at Taehyungs hunched over back. There was a silence that followed, a pause as Taehyung breathed, focusing solely on the rhythmic pattern of Jimin's soothing hand. 

"It didn't go at all," Taehyung muttered, voice hoarse. 

Ah. 

Ah.  

Jimin sighed, shoulders dropping as the little flicker of hope he had built dimmed. Taehyung had cried, when exactly he wasn't sure, most likely on the way back to the apartments. 

"Hyung…" Taehyung strained, the small plea halting Jimin's actions and line of thought at the sheer���grief? That Taehyung's tone carried. It broke his heart more than it already was. 

"Oh, oh honey, come here." He ushered, pulling Taehyung into his arms. A tight hold, reassuring in the sense of telling Taehyung that he was there, that I'd be okay, and that he's got him. So Taehyung fell. Small sounds, muffled by the wool of his sweater, soon became louder. More unkempt, earnest. 

"Hyung—hyung… he, he sounded—" Taehyung choked and sniffled as he tried pulling himself together. "He sounded so sad." 

Jimin shut his eyes, inhaling sharply. None of them had been spared from Jungkook's distraught gaze, from the disappointment and anguish encapsulated within those familiar eyes. They had deserved it. That much was clear, but still. Seeing it, hearing it, Jimin had wanted to drop to his knees. Bind his soul—more than it was already bound—to Jungkook and his own lifelong pursuit towards redemption. 

"Like—like the thought of us was something to grieve over." Taehyung's wavering voice cracked, prompting Jimin's own eyes to begin watering. 

Because that was his bunny, they were talking about. His companion from day one was that sweet, shy, silly mess he had bumped into in elementary school. The boy with the kindest eyes and most amazing abilities, his little prince, "Eomma says I can't be friends with nulls, Minie." How Jungkook never became like his parents was a true wonder, but he didn't. Not when they snuck off campus during recess or when they took turns pushing each other on the swings. Jungkook had always had a heart of gold, even when he was scared and riddled with insecurities; "Jungkookie, see this red string here? It means we'll be friends forever, forever and ever! Nothin' will change that, my eomma says we're lucky. So let's be lucky, k'ay? It's our lucky ribbon." 

Glancing down at his pinky, Jimin lingers on the five vibrant, red knots around his finger. The sixth, pale and washed out, only remained visible for a few inches before fading out into the air. But Jimin knows it’s still there—now more than ever. 

"We—we have to fix this hyung." 

Jimin nodded, gaze fixed and determined as he cupped Taehyung's cheeks. Using his thumbs to gently swipe away the offending tears, he looked into the scared eyes of his lover. The past week had been an utter cluster-fuck of emotions, a cruel combination of pure elation, utter grief, and guilt, and now fear. Because what if Jungkook never forgave them? It was possible. Despite how the singular thought tore at his heart, it was reasonable, too. 

They could lose him again. 

No.

No, Jimin wouldn't let that happen. He couldn't. Jungkook might never love them again, might never trust nor care for them. But he'd be there. In Jimin's life, in Taehyungs. 

"We will." 

Taehyung looked into his eyes, all too vulnerable and teary. Looking towards him for guidance, and Jimin felt all too misplaced. This was Namjoon's job, or Jin's, maybe even Hoseok's, when the situation called for it. They were all too adept at taking control, leading. But for tonight, he'd take Taehyung's hand and hopefully lead him towards a brighter future. 

"We found each other again. That's all we need." He mused, voice hushed and soft as he leaned down and pressed a kiss against Taehyung's furrowed brow. 

"We'll have forever to get it right."

Jungkook tucked his hands into his pockets as he walked, the warm coat doing little to keep the chill away. Mornings were always chilly around this time of year, just as autumn began to creep around. Jungkook couldn't really tell when his body was being affected by the outside temperatures anymore, considering how his limbs were gradually growing colder each week; breezes like these didn't really bother him anymore. A loud, exaggerated yawn pulled him from his thoughts. Glancing to his side, he smiled at Yugyeom's bundled-up form. A thick, knitted scarf hung around his neck, chin nestled securely in the warm material. The witch had never been much of a morning person—neither was he honestly, but nowadays he couldn't get more than five hours of consecutive sleep. 

Originally, Jungkook intended to stop by for only a day, fix his Halmoni up, and hop onto the next available train. But having Yugyeom here somewhat derailed his original, concise plan. With Yugyeom by his side, he couldn't help but want to show his friend everything he'd been up to and what he'd built for himself since leaving. Perhaps he was a little biased towards Jung-so, considering how the little witch had somehow nestled itself into his heart during their sessions. 

Iseul had stopped by the bookstore this morning, only there to briefly return a book she had borrowed. They didn't usually rent out books, but Chae-won had as much of a bleeding heart as he did, trying to support Iseul and Jung-so as much as she could. Which is how Jungkook ended up offering another tutoring session. Considering that it was a weekend and wouldn't conflict with the kids' schedule, Iseul readily agreed. 

"Since when do you like tutoring so much?"

Yugyeom's voice had cut through the comfortable silence, tone a little fussy from being wrangled out of bed before ten. 

Shrugging, Jungkook tried recounting exactly when he had grown to like teaching so much. He had grown up with all kinds of tutors; attending a school was mainly used by his parents as a form of socialization, a little something required by law, a hassle. If the teachings could be affordable by mainstream magicals, then they simply weren't good enough for his parents. Resulting in his rigorous schedule of six hours of public schooling only to come back home to be tutored privately; he only ever saw his parents for mealtimes. 

A blessing, really. 

Jungkooks upbringing was rigorous, strict, disciplined, and—well, lonely. 

Amongst missed birthdays and solitary dinners, Jungkook could account for two people who made his otherwise desolate childhood bearable. Jimin, a bundle of confident sunshine he met in elementary school, and Soo Choi. A middle-aged witch who began tutoring Jungkook long before he presented, before he could even materialize his mana enough to actually do something. But where his parents lacked, shrouded in the depths of their prejudice, there was the kindness of Soo Choi. A person Jungkook deems responsible for preventing him from becoming a replica of his parents, teaching him about magicals with an openness he hadn't found or seen before. 

Jungkook found himself wanting to be, in the presence of Jung-so and other uneducated children, someone that Soo Choi had been to him. A place of education, unbiasedness, and kindness. A person who taught magic, who could make all things mana, spells, and changes less scary, more natural. 

Letting out a small hum, he glanced at Yugyeom. "Probably because of Mrs. Choi."

Nodding, Yugyeom smiled. It was a fond smile, followed by a warm gaze Jungkook couldn't stand to look at for longer than needed. Yugyeom chuckled, cheeky bastard, clearly amused with Jungkook's flusteredness.

"What?" Jungkook muttered, not enjoying the giggling at his expense. 

"Oh nothin.'" Yugyeom snickered, the witch still clearly amused. "Although I'd love to see you teach, I don't really get why I'm here. You know how I did back in school." 

Jungkook nodded. Yugyeom had never been someone who let others or work stress him out. Jungkook still couldn't get over how Yugyeom had actually managed to pass their history class; considering how often he slept during those times, must've been witchcraft—considering it now, it probably was. 

"Remember Jung-so, the kid I told you about?" Yugyeom nodded, recalling one of their first catch-up sessions in the lab during inquiry day. 

"Well, he's the kid I'm tutoring now. He just recently presented as a witch, and his mom Isuel isn't a magical. The Dads out of the picture, and you know I can't perform magic. I was hoping you could show off a little, being able to see someone manifest some mana, meet someone who was a gifted witch too, might help ease Jung-so into things a little better." Jungkook explained, looking ahead as he watched the little cafe come into view. Cars passed them on the street, the clouded sky making the surroundings appear dull. 

Jungkook might not be able to relate personally to the struggles of gifted witches, but he was aware that they existed. Young children overwhelmed with their new abilities, uncertain how to proceed and finding the concept of magic unnerving. Jung-so was like that, a gifted witch originating from a mundane household. Unsure what being a witch meant, what that made him. 

Jimin had been like Jung-so.  

And he had helped him back then, too. 

"God, you're such a softy." Yugyeom huffed, smile fond as he playfully nudged Jungkook's arm as they walked. 

The cafe carried its usual warmth, a welcomed contrast to the otherwise freshness of the morning. Jungkook had only been away for about two weeks now, but seeing the familiar, cream-toned walls made him feel a little nostalgic. Jungkook could never recall a single day when the cafe wasn't filled, couples laughing, the occasional office worker chatting on the phone, the consistent calling of names. Despite the sheer number of customers, the place never felt rushed or hectic, something Jungkook ought to give the staff the most credit for. 

"Jungkook! I was beginning to think you switched cafes on us!" Han chuckled, making him flush a little. He hadn't come here that often, only every other day—and for tutoring, of course. Yugyeom, as if sensing his embarrassment, elbows him in the arm with a chuckle. 

"Hi Han, I actually left for my seventh trial, I'm only here to visit my Halmoni." Jungkook explained, receiving a simple nod from the barista. "I could've sworn I saw little Jung-so in the back; two hot chocolates then?" Han mused, but before Jungkook could agree, Yugyeom budged in. 

"And a coffee, please!" 

Han wrote down the order while he paid, Yugyeom waiting by the counter as Jungkook went to greet Jung-so. The thought of the little kid being on his own for too long unnerved him, even though he trusted the cafe—and Han, who always kept a watchful eye over the kid—he didn't exactly trust others.

Jung-so was sitting in one of the corner booths, slightly hunched over a book as he waited. Legs kicking out idly underneath him, he was the restless sort. But he wasn't crying this time, so Jungkook considered that a win. 

"Hey, kiddo, miss me?" He mused, prompting Jung-so to look up. The kid smiled, all crescent-eyed and flashing dimples, completely unaware of how it tugged on his heartstrings. Jungkook didn't expect it, nor did he expect the boy to hurriedly hop out of the booth and crush him in a hug, small arms wrapped around his waist and head nuzzled into his lower stomach. 

Chuckling, Jungkook crouched down and pulled the boy into his arms before picking him up and spinning them in a short circle. It strained his already sore arms, but Jung-so was laughing, and that's all he needed. Lowering him back down, he couldn't really suppress his own smile. "You make it seem like I was gone for forever," he teased before ruffling Jung-so's already messy hair. 

"You were." Jung-so huffed, sliding back into the booth. Jungkook followed, sliding in beside the boy. It was their usual spot, formed in a little semi-circle against one of the cafe's corners. 

"God, you two even look alike. Jungkook-ah, you sure your dad isn't keeping a secret from you?" Yugyeom chimed in, holding three drinks in a little carrier carton as he walked over and set it down. Glancing at the labels, he distributed the drinks accordingly. Jung-so shied away a little, glancing at Jungkook apprehensively. 

Jungkook laughed at the joke, rolling his eyes at the thought. He wouldn't mind it, having a brother and all. But Jung-so and he had already formed that kind of bond; they didn't need to be blood-related. “Jung-so, this is Yugyeom. He's a good friend of mine!" 

Yugyeom bent down so he was at eye level with the kid, holding out his hand and shaking it eagerly when Jung-so held out for a hand-shake. "Good to finally meet you, little man! I'm Jungkook's friend—well, more like his bestie. Now, someone's told me you presented as a witch. How exciting!" 

Jung-so nodded, a little more shyly but less reserved than before. Jungkook smiled, ushering them back to sit at the booth. He nudged the hot chocolate towards the kid, smiling at the polite thank you he got in return. 

"Jung-so, I brought Yugyeom here because he's a witch too." Jungkook explained, watching the kid's face light up. That was good, really good, actually. It was important for him to help Jung-so develop a good relationship with all things pertaining to magic and witches; it's a community that he could fall back on in the future. 

"Mhm, I sure am!" Yugyeom mused, smiling gently. 

One of the things Jungkook always admired about Yugyeom was how quickly the witch adapted to different people. This wasn't necessarily surprising, considering that Yugyeom was an empath. 

"I’m also a gifted witch!" 

Jung-so nodded, staring at Yugyeom for a second, then two, then three before turning to Jungkook:

"Whats a gifted witch?" He asked. 

Jungkook chuckled, watching Yugyeom blink a little as he recovered. 

"Well, magicals are categorized into two parties. For witches, it's between gifted and born witches. So, if both your parents are witches and you exhibit magical traits you're a born witch." He explained, before pointing to himself. "Take me as an example, I'm a born witch. I come from a long line of powerful witches." 

He paused, waiting for Jung-so to nod before continuing. "Gifted witches—" he continued, pointing at Yugyeom. "Like Yugyeom over here, are like you. Who don't necessarily have witching parents or grandparents. Sometimes, your great-great-great grandma was a witch and was able to harvest mana. Just enough to collect traces but not enough to use it. If she had mana, then her kid would likely inherit some too but remain dormant." Jungkook explained, grabbing a pen and paper and jotting down a simple family tree while he talked. 

"If there isn't enough mana in the body, it'll remain dormant. So it can easily pass through generations unnoticed, but it'll eventually accumulate and present itself through another generation." 

"Like me?" Jung-so mumbled. 

Jungkook nodded, "Mhm, like you and Yugyeom. Somewhere down the line, which can span across centuries. One of your ancestors began accumulating mana." 

"I know it can be a little startling, suddenly finding out you're a witch and all. Trust me, kiddo, I've been there." Yugyeom reassured, smiling kindly. Jung-so nodded, although it was obvious he still felt unsure. 

"Wanna see a magic trick?" Yugyeom piped up, no doubt sensing the slight dread through Jung-so's aura. He grabbed his cup of coffee, peeling back the lid and watching the steam rise through the air. Yugyeom kept focus, beginning to slightly twirl his index finger. Suddenly, through the cloud of steam, two silhouettes emerged. Dancing a small waltz around the cup, going higher and further into the air. 

Jungkook watched, smile crooked and unrefined as Jung-so's eyes widened with a natural curiosity. 

"What's important," he began, sipping at his own drink. Is that you remember that magic is only scary if you don't understand it—I know it's hard too. I mean, we witches carry extraordinary talents. To the untrained eye, that can be frightening." 

Slowly, as the steam began fading into the air, the two dancing silhouettes followed. It was a pretty trick; Jungkook had to give Yugyeom that. Although it looked fairly simple, it wasn't necessarily easy. They had both learned how to manipulate matter during their third year. Solids were much easier to mold than gas, especially when it came to such refined forms as a couple dancing, a realistic waltz at that. 

"But gifted witches are called gifted because—well, that's just it. Magic is a gift, something special." Jungkook smiled, gently patting Jung-so on the head. He wondered vaguely what kind of witch he was himself. Without magic, it was hard to carry the title without carrying what made him that. For the first time since cutting off his own mana, for sacrificing his own gift in exchange for a little more time. Did he feel like he had actually lost something. 

It was all just survival back then. He was competent enough not to need magic on a day-to-day basis. But seeing Yugyeom, the flying books within Veil's library, the familiars, the conscious shears and watering cans in the gardens, the constellations he'd cast onto his ceilings—it was all gone. Jungkook had given it all up. All for the sake of a few more days, months; he wasn't really sure. 

Seeing Jung-so discover the wonders of magic and how pretty it could really be, he wanted the kid to love it, to adore the craft as much as he did. He hoped that if all else failed and he truly did pass away, he'd be remembered for everything he loved because there was so much he cherished about this world. 

But he still had time. Eleven more months, that's all he needed. 

"Hyung, I thought witches weren't allowed to perform in public?"

Yugyeom began cackling, slapping his knee as Jungkook glared at him. "Oh hun, trust me. That's technically true, but you won't find a single person actually adhering to that rule!" This time, Jungkook reached over and nudged Yugyeom's arm.

"Yah! You're giving the kid bad ideas—Jung-so, don't listen to Yugs here. Follow the rules please." 

"Easy for you to say! Hmm, shall we talk about what you were like growing up, Kookie?" 

Jungkook narrowed his eyes, daring Yugyeom to continue. Which he did: "So, our Jungkookie here was actually quite the delinquent—"

"Lies and slander! Jung-so, avoid eye contact and cover your ears!" 

Jung-so laughed, "I already know! Hyungs Halmoni told me about it. Said you were a little riff-raff back in the days!" 

Jungkook gaped. Covering his heart as if he'd been shot, mouth open and eyes wide. "My Halmoni? My sweet—" Yugyeom's laughter interrupted his little spiel. 

"Aish, I grow to love that woman more by the day." Yugyeom heaved, wiping away his tears. It took them a few more minutes to calm down before Jung-so went on with his endless supply of questions. 

What was allowed, what wasn't. Chatting about their own experiences with presenting, cracking jokes here and there. Jungkook looked on as Yugyeom pulled Jung-so further out of his shell, the sight warming his heart. 

"Hyung, why does Yugyeom have more strings on his fingers than I do?" 

Jungkook paused, his eyes pulling together as he lowered his now empty cup. He glanced up, briefly meeting Yugyeom's surprised expression. "You—" he cleared his throat before sitting up. "You can see Yugyeoms soul strings?" 

Now it was Jung-so's turn to look confused, tilting his head. "Of course, most people have them. But Yugyeom has six, and I only have four." 

Jungkook nodded, it wasn't necessarily unheard of for people to be able to see soul strings. It was just a level of insight that most people did not share, it was rare of sorts. 

"Ah, Jung-so, being able to see soul strings isn't common." He avoided the word normal, the last thing he wanted to do here is make Jung-so feel like he was unusual. Too many neglected witches went through that feeling, and he couldn't help but want to shield the boy from it. 

"It isn't?" Jung-so mumbled hesitantly. 

"It's not bad!" Yugyeom hurriedly chimed in, unable to bear the sight of Jung-so deflating. It would've made him feel smug at how quickly he got wrapped around the kid's finger, but he wasn't any better off. 

"Witches can have affinities. Things they're really good at naturally, like unlocking special abilities that others can't. For example, I'm a green witch. It's an encompassing term for someone who has affinities towards nature—all things living. Some people have water affinities or light affinities." He went on, gesturing with his hand before pointing at Yugyeom. 

"Affinities don't have to be elemental or physical; for instance, Yugyeom over here has empath affinities. He can decipher auras and emotions far better than the regular witch." Yugyeom smiled, making a little heart with his pointed and thumb.

"So what does that make me?" Jung-so asked, still sounding tentative. 

The two older witches shared a brief glance, "Being able to see soul strings is most common amongst seers, hun." Yugyeom explained gently. 

"What's a seer?" 

"Someone who can glance into the future, who can look into people more than the average person." Jungkook tended to stay away from seers, mostly from his own eerie encounters. There's something about getting a hollow look from a stranger that just feels unsettling; he just didn't like it. 

"So, I'll be able to tell the future?" Jung-so went on, sounding more excited. 

Sighing, Jungkook hated having to burst the kids idyllic bubble. "Not exactly, Seers can't really control their affinities. Glancing into the future comes in short visions that you can't control—" Rising his hand, he hushed Jung-so before continuing.

"I know that sounds a little scary, but that's why magicals like you go to a special school. You'll find out what affinities you carry there, and the system will cater to your needs." Jung-so nodded, mulling over the new information. 

"So no one else can glance into the future?" 

Yugyeom sighed, a fond kind of sigh. It didn't surprise Jungkook, the kid never ran out of questions. Of course he wouldn't, this was all new and scary for him. Right now, he was just focusing on laying down the fundamentals for Jung-so so that when he finally transferred to a proper school or academy, he wouldn't feel too far out in the deep end. It felt like his responsibility. 

"Well, yes and no." Yugyeom chimed in. 

Jungkook rolled his eyes, continuing to elaborate. "Most magic can be learned. It's just different when you have an affinity for a certain subject. For example, some people can learn the art of future telling with tools like tarot cards and other mediums. But it will never compare to what seers are able to do. Someone with a water affinity cannot be compared to someone who focuses on spells manipulating liquids. You can study spell mastery all your life and still be different from a grimoire witch." Jungkook wished he'd have some glasses; he could push them up right now and look all proper. If his past self could see him now—he'd probably be stunned. After all, how could he have gone from a spray-painting delinquent to an eloquently educated tutor? 

It would've satisfied his parents; somehow, that thought made him sick. 

"Yeah! It's kinda like comparing a fish with a swimmer! You can learn how to swim, but you ain't nothin' like a fish." Sighing, Jungkook couldn't help but laugh. 

"Eloquently put, Yugs." 

"I'm a natural." 

Walking from the cafe, Jung-so held Jungkook's sleeve as they walked. Jungkook walked closest to the road, the kid in the middle and Yugyeom to the left. It was cute how the kid felt too "grown" to hold his hand and instead opted for his sleeve. 

They had spent another half an hour chatting, going over what they had already talked about and wrapping up any lingering questions. 

"Hyung?" 

"Hm?" 

"What can't I see your soul strings?" 

Pausing, Jungkook looked down at his pinky. The six red knots rested heavily against the skin, and yet, somehow, they remained as feathery as always. 

"Do you not have soulmates?" Jung-so sounded sad; why was he sad? 

A small chuckle pushed past his lips, mostly to usher away the grave expression taking hold on Jung-sos otherwise soft features. "I have soulmates; six actually. You're so young; don't expect your affinity to show up clearly all the time. It's unreliable so early on, you won't be able to see everyone's soul strings." 

Jung-so pouted, nodding his head as they walked. It was still afternoon, and although Jungkook wouldn't have minded spending the entirety of his free day teaching Jung-so, the kid needed a break, and so did Yugyeom, who had been rather eager this morning to walk around Busan for a bit. 

"Hyung?" 

"Hmm?" 

"How come we even have soulmates?" 

Yugyeom smiled. It was such an innocent question. It was clear why Jungkook had taken to such a kid, and although Yugyeom didn't know what Jungkook was like throughout his childhood himself, he could see some similarities. 

"It's a long story. It dates so far back that it's more myth than fact, really." Jungkook hummed. It didn't feel right to explain the gushy tale about soulmates. Even if he tried remaining natural, a quick glance between him and Yugyeom made his discomfort clear. 

"Have you ever heard of The Three Fates?" Yugyeom asked, taking the lead here. 

"No, were they the first soulmates?" 

Yugyeom shook his head, glancing down at his own tied-up pinky. "No, they weren't. The Three Fates were Goddesses in Greek mythology; together, they controlled the destiny of both gods and humans. One Goddess works as the spinner, determining a person's birth. The second was the allotter: she measured the length of a person's life. The third was the unturnable: she was responsible for cutting one's string with her shears." Yugyeom explained dutifully, not short on the theatrics as he acted out, spinning some thread before stretching it out and finally snipping it. 

"Okay, but what does that have to do with soulmates?" Jung-so asked, lowering his hand to hold onto Jungkooks hand properly. 

"Well, back then, everyone only had one string, their own. The strings connecting us to our soulmates now are still the same as back then, an extension of our own souls—the same ones The Three Fates would've woven and cut for us," Jungkook explained. It felt easier when he was just stating supposed facts. 

"Exactly! So, one day, Atropos The Unturnable ventured to earth. They say she met a kind stranger on her path, one who was hospitable and genuine, who offered her water and bread from their bag and shelter for the night." They crossed the street, nearing the convenience store.

"To reward their kindness, Atropos bestowed upon the traveler a favor should the time come." Yugyeom finished, ignoring the teasing look he got from Jungkook. 

"All it took was some water and bread?" Jung-so exaggerated, making them laugh. "Hospitality was very important back then," Jungkook reminded. 

"Anyways, the traveler disappeared. Years later, he came back to Atropos ready to exchange their favor." It was a well-known myth, considering that soulmates were the topic and all. 

"What was it? Did they ask for a soulmate?" 

If Jungkook had a penny for every question Jung-so asked—he wouldn't be rich, but he'd have quite a few pennies at this point. 

"No, the traveler had a lover. Sickened and weak, the traveler sought out Atropos. Realizing that their lover's string would soon be cut, they begged the Goddess to pardon their dying mate." 

Jungkook could relate to that desperation. Although he was assured of his capabilities, that finding a cure couldn't be impossible, that nagging urgency and despair with each passing month; Jungkook knew he wasn't above begging. Hells, he'd probably kneel in front of a goddess too if it meant he could stick around for a bit longer. 

"Atropos could not simply grant someone pardon however; and instead offered the traveler a compromise. She'd cut both their strings and tie them together, binding their souls and saving their beloved." Jungkook felt like Yugyeom was a natural storyteller. He had heard the same tale several times before while growing up. Still, Yugyeom treated it like a performance, capturing both his and Jung-so's attention while he talked. 

"But Gods aren't exactly well…the fairest. By binding the two mortal souls together, they were bound. If one perished, the other would as well." Jungkook knew gods still existed to this day, but they were rare. Demigods were really the only ones still spotted every once and again, from what he understood was that they preferred to lay low. Blend in. But boredom breeds a need for entertainment, no matter the costs.  

"Which is why it's called soulmates!" Yugyeom finished, clapping his hands together. "Soul because the souls are tied together, and mate, referring to one's beloved!" Jung-so smiled, walking through the convenience store's doors.

"So if one of my soulmates dies, I die?" 

Jungkook chuckled, letting go of the kid's hands before ruffling his hair. Grinning at the cute huff and pouty expression he got in return. "No kiddo, it's just an old myth. You'll be fine." 

"Hyung, how come I've never met your soulmates before?" Jung-so pouted, jutting out his tongue. Just as dramatic as Yugyeom, he remarked silently. 

"Well, they don't live here." He hummed, keeping his tone soft and leveled. He didn't want to think about it, about them. All these stories of love, sacrifices, loss, and happy endings were tying his stomach into a knot. 

Jungkook had loved. 

He had sacrificed. 

And he had lost. 

So, where was his happy ending? 

"Jung-so, listen to me for a moment." He breathed, kneeling down as he grabbed both of the kid's hands. "Soulmates can be wonderful. But they are just people, too. What matters most is how they treat you. Your happy ending does not lie in the hands of another, do you hear me? You deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and love." He smiled, giving Jung-so’s hands a small squeeze before letting go. He tapped his nose, smiling gently. "Don't ever let someone tell you otherwise, got it?" 

Jung-so nodded, but his lips tugged downwards for a moment before he pushed to hug Jungkooks waist. 

"Hyung, you'll come and visit me often, right?" 

Jungkook wasn't too sure. He'd be busy, more than he already was with his inquiry. Time was ticking, and he still hadn't found a solid lead yet. He needed to work more, research more, study more, the list went on. He didn't have time to visit as often as he was, even if he wanted to. He couldn't promise Jung-so those frequent lessons anymore. 

"Hey, don't sound so sad. I'll come whenever I can, okay? If you ever need me, your eomma has my number. You can talk to me whenever you want and whenever you need something." Jung-so nodded, but he looked more upset than before. Jungkook knew that Jung-so could read between the lines, that this would be a longer goodbye than before. 

"Promise?" 

"Promise." 

Leaving the convenience store after dropping Jung-so off felt disheartening. It was always rough leaving the kid, especially when there was still so much to cover. Would Jung-so be okay? 

"I think the biggest lie you ever tried selling was the concept of you being an asshole." Yugyeom suddenly chimed in, breaking the silence. "You're a real sweetheart, Jungkook. You might not realize it yourself, but you always go the extra mile for people. Teach the lessons no one had taught you; that's admirable, Kookie." 

Awe. 

Jungkook flushed, he wasn't really used to such praises. It meant so much more coming from Yugyeom; it felt genuine. What should he say to that? 

"A twat maybe, but definitely not an asshole." Yugyeom remarked cheerily, clearly teasing as he grinned mischievously at Jungkook. 

"Yugyeom!" 

Laughter filled the air, the sun beginning to peek through the parting clouds. "Come on now Kooks, let's go shopping now!" 

Turns out that going shopping with Yugyeom was hard. 

The day had stretched on seamlessly as the two had stopped to eat lunch in a nook-in-the-wall restaurant, the type that was clearly run by an elderly married couple. The woman taking the orders before shouting them towards the back, a man skillfully preparing all forty-two dishes himself. At this point Jungkook had already taken Yugyeom to a few malls, splurging a little on his friends wardrobe, not without a little struggle of course and much to his own chagrin had been forced to try on countless items as well. 

Jungkook should have called it quits after eating; he had already felt a little rusty this morning. Joints hurting just a little more than usual, his head feeling just a little more foggy and tighter. He could tell from experience that today should have been a resting, lay-low kind of day. It was a kind of foresight one only really got through overestimating oneself, but Yugyeom hadn't been in Busan before. Maybe, just maybe, he wanted to show his friend his little part of the world. 

The pretty side. Away from all the melancholy shrouding him. 

Which is why Jungkook couldn't help but add another stop to their sight-seeing trip. "One of the best places to go for magicals in cities like Busan are markets like the Laminel Market." He explained, pushing past a metal gate. A little flash of heat prickled against his skin, a tell-tale sight of passing through a magical barrier. 

"Yeah, I haven't seen as many magicals in the city as I do in the suburbs." Yugyeom said, closing his eyes briefly as he walked past the barrier. 

"I mean, it's a lot harder to navigate a city with large wings or horns," Jungkook added, which got a shrug from Yugyeom before the witch paused and took in the sights of the market. 

Laminel was bustling with an array of magicals twisting and wandering around the lined stalls. Stalls and tents, crafted from materials ranging from spider silk to moonbeams, lined the meandering cobblestone paths. A symphony of otherworldly languages made the market hectic, but compared to other markets, that was rather normal. The air was filled with enticing aromas, whether from a wild assortment of herbs, teas, or other mystical treats from food vendors. 

Markets like these were the place to go if one needed any and all things magical; vendors, who themselves could be vampires, shifters, faeries, or witches, sell everything from cursed artifacts and ancient tomes to rare ingredients and flunky talismans. 

“Wow,” Yugyeom stammered. Eyes flicking over the surroundings as he walked through the market with Jungkook. The overarching sky was cast in a perpetual starry sky, a neat trick to make the bazaar more accessible to the nocturnally inclined. A pair of witches question and ogle a selection of simmering potions. Across the market, a dragon in human form haggles over a piece of meteorite. 

Further down, a group of mischievous pixies flit around selling maps to "hidden realms" to non-magicals. To the side, a faerie musician plays a peppy melody on a lute, captivating a crowd of diverse magicals. 

It was busy. It was hectic and so so magical.

Strings of fairy-lights hang from stall to stall, people conversing happily as they walked by. It was natural, a safe space for everyone who entered. Although humans were the most likely to get scammed in a place like this, they weren't necessarily unwelcomed as long as they behaved. 

"It's pretty, isn't it?" Jungkook teased, smiling at Yugyeom's slightly awestruck expression. The sheer auras must be a little overwhelming for the empath, but there was always a level of comfort when being surrounded by one's own kind like this. Being in a city like Busan left little room to properly indulge in all things magical; bazaars like this always seemed to refill that depleting battery. 

"It's so lively. I heard about the city markets, but I didn't think they'd be like this." Yugyeom vaguely gestured to all around him, eyes lingering on the jewelry stalls. 

"I get Halmonis tea from here, and I'm friends with the vendor." 

"Let me guess, the vendor's an oldie?" 

Jungkook passed, tilting his head as he glanced at Yugyeom. "How'd you know?" 

Yugyeom laughed, shaking his head incredulously at Jungkook's obliviousness. "Seriously! You're found fodder for them! A well mannered, polite little witchy boy who needs some affection." 

Jungkook paused, huffing as he looked away. They walked for a moment longer, his arms crossed over his chest as he pouted. "I'm not little…" 

Walking through the market was hectic, especially since Yugyeom felt the need to stop at every second stall they passed. But there was a sweetness to watching his friend converse so freely with others, laughing with vendors, trying a multitude of rings and necklaces. The occasional hat, shall, or other nicknack wasn't spared either. It felt strangely normal to be here with Yugyeom, and it still gave Jungkook a bit of whiplash to think they had only just reunited two weeks ago. It felt like they had never parted. A part of him understood why leaving Yugyeom had been a necessity and why he did it. But he also wished he never had; Yugyeom ushered away loneliness within him he hadn't even been aware he had. 

A sudden sharp throb against his forehead made him hesitate, his smile turning into a poorly concealed grimace as he let this new onslaught pierce against his skull. Jungkook knew he'd get a headache today, and most of his symptoms were accompanied by headaches. Like a headband far too tight, the pressure increasing throughout the day. 

His heart squeezed painfully like a small dull contraction, leaving his chest sore. He lifted his hand, gently rubbing small circles into his chest. His little episodes were bearable, but with each passing week, they were bordering on downright painful. But Jungkook managed; he was used to this, and he had been warned about this. He knew that if he were to glance at his wrist now, those hauntingly familiar black veins would mar his skin again like an unwanted tattoo. Instinctively, he pulled the sleeves of his black puffer jacket down further. 

"Jungkook—"

The earlier comfort in the market was gone, an unpleasant shiver running down his spine like the shadowy ghost of a hand. It was too loud, too busy, too hectic—

"Jungkook?"

His gaze snapped back to Yugyeom, blinking once, twice—again until he could focus back on who was in front of him.

“Jungkook, are you okay?” Yugyeom asked, skeptical gaze wandering across his tense frame. 

No. 

No, he felt awful. 

"Yeah, I'm good. Got a little lost in thought there, I'm still trying to find proper source material for my research y'know?" Word vomiting wasn't exactly a fair way to avoid confrontation, but Jungkook didn't have it in him to properly lie and make an excuse for himself. 

"Thornvine is good and all, but its potency decreases after introducing it to air." Jungkook paused, ignoring the confused expression from Yugyeom. "Of course, we could put it into an airtight container but the nitrogen, oxygen, and argon would still find a way to interact with the medicinal herb whenever used." 

"Jungkook—"

"Thornvine is a purifier, but it detoxifies the entire body. Considering that the mana is what is actually corrupted, would the thornvine root potentially strain the remaining body?" 

"Jungkook!!" 

Jungkook paused, mouth shutting with a small snap as Yugyeom moved in front of him. "Breath, okay?" Stable, unwavering eyes met his, and Jungkook found himself unable to do anything but breathe. Yugyeom had a very stern voice if he needed it. 

"We were talking about rings, when did you get to thornvine roots again? Jungkook-ah, I find your work ethic admirable and I understand— the pressure you're under. But balance is important, yeah?" Yugyeom explained, clear and direct. Jungkook nodded, exhaling slowly as he calmed down. He'd rather get scolded than have his friend worried, Yugyeom was enjoying the market after all. He didn't want to be the one to cut that time short. 

"Okay, sorry." He breathed, sporting a weak smile. 

Yugyeom stared at him a little longer, clearly still skeptical about something, before letting it go with a sigh. Jungkook grabbed his hand, giving it a small apologetic squeeze. "Let's go to that tea stall now, okay? They give out free samples." 

Nodding, Yugyeom let him lead them through the crowds. Jia ran the stall with her sister, the two elderly fairies had a larger space compared to the others; small foldable chairs and desks littering the front for anybody wanting a cup of tea in person. 

"Ah! Jungkookies back! Bora look—look !" Jia rushed, Bora—her sister—grabbed the dangling pair of glasses around her neck and quickly put them on. Clapping her hands together in joy, "and finally with some company too! Whose this, your boyfriend?" 

Jungkook laughed, shaking his head as Yugyeom snickered. “No no, this is Yugyeom. An old friend of mine." 

"Oh, how lovely. Sit sit! I'll make some tea." Jia ushered, waving them over to sit down. Jia was a very peppy woman, always adorned in far too many layers and patterns. A smaller but larger framed woman whose writs were always covered in large chunky jewelry. Bora was the opposite, a very tall and lean woman who wore monotone colors. Behind each of their backs were small fairy wings. Although Bora was more direct and brutally honest than Jia, both of them were sweethearts. 

They both sat down after some thorough questioning, each being given a steaming cup of tea to enjoy as they talked. Jia and Bora both busy with other customers. 

"Alright," Yugyeom announced as he set his cup down once he noticed Jungkook's thoughts straying again. 

"Thornvine root loses its potency after exposing it to the air, right?" Jungkook was a little surprised by the change of topic, feeling a little bashful at his poor concealment. His head still ached, and his inflamed ribcage was begging for a warm heating pad at the moment. 

"Yeah, it's complicated to prepare but durable. I can't use it if it loses its effectiveness during consumption either." He explained, thornvine root was the best herb he had found for his condition. "My theory is simple so far, thornvine is a strong antioxidant. It has long-lasting purifying qualities." He waited for Yugyeom's nod before continuing. 

"If my mana is the subject of corruption, introducing a purifying agent could control or reduce the levels of toxicity." Jungkook wanted a cure—something to rid himself of this disease. But he was running out of time, and being able to develop a cure that would reduce his condition from fatal to chronic, then he considered that a momentary win. 

"We could put a spell on it? A type of concealment spell to keep the air away." Yugyeom suggested, glancing at his teacup absentmindedly. 

Jungkook shook his head, sighing sadly. "In theory, but no. If you put a spell on a consumable item, you'll also be consuming a small amount of mana. That could potentially develop into a catalyst for the condition." 

Yugyeom nodded, frown deepening. Jungkook had gone through all of this before, developing a theory only to be proven wrong. The defeat grew worse the further on he went when hope was snatched out of his fingertips yet again. It breeds a hopelessness he'd like to spare Yugyeom from. 

"Oh honey, you need to find yourself an azurelbloom!" Jia suddenly popped up beside Yugyeom, making the witch jump a little as he hurriedly grabbed his nearly spilt teacup. 

Jungkooks brows furrowed, trying to recall the herb Jia was describing. "I've never heard of an azurelbloom before." 

Jia hummed, gently tapping Yugeums head in a silent apology for spooking the boy. "The azurelbloom is very old, one of the few truly sentient flowers left on the planet. It was said—" Jia began, lowering her voice into a whisper to make the story sound more interesting. She pulled out a chair, inviting herself to sit down at the table with them. 

"The flower was said to be used by the Gods." 

Gods? 

"Aish, don't believe any of that nonsense Jungkook." Bora muttered, dismissing the idea with her hand as he sat down at the last remaining chair, spooking Yugyeom once more. It made Jungkook stifle a snicker, the two sisters could be quite—sporadic. 

"What?! The azurelbloom existed!” Jia argued, crossing her arms. 

"Perhaps 500 years ago. You're feeding the kid a legend Jia, what Jungkook really needs to do is go find the Nereids." Bora objected, pushing up her narrow glasses. 

"Nereids, as in, the water nymphs?" Yugyeom asked, still recovering from getting jumpscared—twice. 

Bora nodded, waving around the closed fan she always carried with her. "Nereids pulled all kinds of things into the water with them if they were fond enough. They are masters at preservation; if they desired a daisy one day, they'd preserve it to never touch the depths of their springs. If they're able to keep air in, it's only fair to assume they'd be able to keep air out, too." 

Jungkook nodded, finding a way to preserve the thornvine roots was his biggest obstacle at the moment. Perhaps if the Nereids showed him how, he'd be able to finally begin creating proper prototypes. 

"That all said and good, but don't nymphs have an aversion to men?" Jia asked, frowning at the thought. "You're sending the boy out into danger!" 

Bora scoffed at the accusation, "as if setting him out to hunt down an ancient, cognizant flower is any better." 

"Well, it's better then—" 

Jungkooks head pulsed, his fingers trembling underneath the table. He had a lot to think about, and yet, there was so little time. But he had a new lead, and that's all he needed. 

Now, how the hell was he going to find a Nereid? 

Come on… 

A little more… 

So close—

Jungkook gasped as the library's ladder began to slide to the left. He was leaning off towards the side, trying to reach a book on Ancient Greek folklore, or more specifically, nymphs. Unlike most magicals, who could simply summon the book down from the shelves where the library's encyclopedia stood on the podium, Jungkook—for several reasons—could not. 

Perhaps he should have just climbed back down and shifted the ladder a little to the right, but it had been a long day, and he was still partially recovering from his trip to his Halmoni. So, he had been lazy and was now going to suffer the consequences of tasting the old carpeted flooring as the ladder continued to slide. 

Closing his eyes, Jungkook briefly expected the impact to come as he inevitably lost his footing on the ladder as it stretched his form out. Gasping quietly—this was still a library, after all—Jungkook braced himself only to feel tingly? 

Eyes snapping open, Jungkook shuddered as he shortly levitated in the air before being carefully lowered down. His feet touched the floor slowly, but the adrenaline still made him stumble. His savior's magic linger against his skin, like a subtle warm or fading caress. 

But Jungkook could recognize that magic from anywhere, and he didn't even need to wonder who had saved him before turning around greeting Namjoon's worried expression. 

"Did you hurt yourself, Jungkook-ah?" 

Perhaps Jungkook would never get used to the sight of his old soulmates again. The library was a loose term for what Veils had to offer; it was more like a grand and ancient archive. Long, stretching bookshelves required sliding landers just to be able to access the top sections of the bookshelves. The middle of the library had long, heavy mahogany desks available for the students. However, small, shorter desks were also littered around along with comfortable seating for anyone simply trying to read. 

Natural light seemed to flood the library, too. Windows lined the walls, filling the otherwise academic architecture with warmth. Namjoon stood before one of these windows, the light peeking around his silhouette and embracing his form. Jungkook hadn't taken the time to properly look over Namjoon, he had briefly glanced over him when moving in and during their last argument, but now Namjoon was before him and—and he looked beautiful. 

Yeah, Jungkook would surely never get used to the sight. 

There was a new sense of maturity in Namjoon's appearance, from the way his posture was straight yet still carried a certain mellowness. His face and features are now sharper and more defined. Six years had been a long time; somewhere along the way, all of them had gone from boys to adults. Of course, things would have changed. Jungkook just hadn't noticed it before, the intensity in Namjoons changed gaze. 

His style alone had changed too; back in the academy, Namjoon had never strayed from the required uniform, but on holidays, the mandatory dress code wasn't enforced; Namjoon had still chosen to dress in rather formal, business-casual attire at most. Jungkook recalled, rather fondly, how Seokjin and Jimin had dedicated nearly an entire day to pepping up Namjoons wardrobe. They had hunkered down in Jimins and Taehyung's shared room, clothes spewn half-hazardously across the floor, across chairs and their beds, Namjoon forced to parade in front of the full-length mirror like a personal manikin as they tried discovering Namjoons preferences together. Hopefully to stray from his interrogation-like style and more of a casual academic style. Their day hadn't been the most productive, but they did discover that Namjoon enjoyed certain styles over others. Jungkook had enjoyed that day, simply goofing off with his Hyungs and forcing his usually put-together Hyung in various styles and outfits. Having watched Namjoon be out of his element for once had quite the bonding factor for him, especially since Namjoon had struggled so immensely with showing his vulnerabilities. Vaguely, Jungkook couldn't help but wonder how much that has changed. 

Even now, Namjoon wore a soft set of grayish-brown suit pants—some habits never die, it seems—tied at the waist with a black leather belt that matched the black turtleneck that hugged his body. A loose, large-sleeved gray cardigan ties the outfit neatly together. Namjoon appeared soft but still put together enough that Jungkook assumed would make Namjoon feel comfortable. 

How could Namjoon simply look so effortless? It irritated him, mostly because he got caught staring. Who could blame him? He hadn't seen Namjoon in nearly six years; somehow, his eyes were still trying to catch up with the fact that Namjoon was real , that he was in front of him. Besides that, what frustrated him more was that within the past week, he had been asked the same question twice already by both Hoseok, Yoongi and now Namjoon as well. 

Jungkook had hoped silently that they could all just go their separate ways after their argument. At least they could all just pretend to hate each other, right? Hating them was easy. Even if Jungkook's feelings stretched far beyond just hate, what was going on was far more complex than just simply being sad or angry. Hating them was the only way it didn't hurt. 

Finally snapping out of his embarrassing stupor, Jungkook nodded. "Yep, just fine. Thanks." He murmured, looking around him to spot the book he had nearly taken the fall for lying on the floor. Bending down, he picked it up quickly. He wanted to leave. Lest he take a look into Namjoons all too familiar eyes. It was like taking a look at one's past while simultaneously glancing at one's own unachievable, daunting future. A world consisting entirely of what-ifs and had-beens. 

It scared Jungkook how much he was still able to hurt for these people. For him. 

"Well, anyways, I'll be going—"

Namjoon quickly stepped in front of him, stopping Jungkook from escaping the situation. Brows now furrowed in irritation, Jungkook took a step back. The string connecting them tugged lightly, almost unwilling to let him escape their unwelcome proximity.

"Namjoon, move." 

"No, please—" Namjoon exhaled, brushing his hair back with his hand nervously. He glanced around before finally locking eyes with Jungkook. It nearly took the sickly witches breath away, they hadn't been that close before, Jungkook hadn't seen those sincere eyes since— since then. 

It hurt.

“I’m sorry, Jungkook.” Namjoon began, frowning deeply. "For everything. Gods have mercy; there aren't enough ways for me to apologize to you for all that's happened. But also for our last argument, emotions were strung high and I—" Namjoon inhaled sharply, his exhale a little shaky. "You had every right to react the way you did, telling you to calm down was inappropriate of me. I spoke out of turn, and I'm sorry for that." 

Ever the diplomat, Kim Namjoon. Jungkook thought bitterly. However, an apology was better than none, Namjoon's reaction had been out of turn, no matter how diplomatically refined his apology came across. Jungkook stood silently between the narrow aisle of bookshelves, staring at the man he had loved endlessly six years ago as he let his apology dangle heavily in the air. But Namjoon was right, there weren't enough apologies in the world for his anguish to subside. 

Namjoons apology came too late. 

The silence between them made Namjoon nearly sink in on himself, the older witches hand hesitated as it briefly lifted to reach out for Jungkook, halting mid air before dropping limply to his side. Eventually, it balled up. 

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry Jungkook." Namjoons usually relaxed voice sounded wobbly, unsteady as the pleading witch swallowed. 

And just like a dormant dragon, Jungkooks anger sprung back to life. Mostly because the sheer vulnerability within Namjoon's tone unsettled him, and another because the string connecting both him and Namjoon tugged weakly on his finger. He still wasn't used to that feeling; no, their bonds had remained devoid of any and all motion during the past years; feeling it move rattled him. There was something about seeing a shine to Namjoons's eyes that also irritated him. Why was Namjoon close to crying?—he had no right. 

Jungkook had been the one hurt here. 

The silence hanging between them was uncomfortable, nearly sparking from its intensity. None of them spoke, and with a resounding sigh, Jungkook's shoulders sank. 

"I'm not sure what you want me to say, Namjoon-sii." Perhaps that was the most level-headed Jungkook could be at this moment, but there was a certain defeat in his tone. 

"I can't say that everythings fine, that you are forgiven, that I don't hate you. None of that's true—" Namjoons remorseful gaze never left his, when had been the last time they had looked into each other's eyes? "—and you know that."

Again, the library's silence grew louder in its stillness. Namjoon seemed to be mulling over his own words, before he nodded. “I know that, Jungkook-ah. I'm not asking for your forgiveness," there was a pause, and Namjoon seemed to understand that asking for Jungkook's forgiveness was beyond him. That— that was something he wasn't allowed or able to request. 

"All I'm asking for is a chance—" 

"No." Jungkook cut him off, he wanted none of it. 

"Please, just to talk." Namjoon continued, a level of desperation as he pleaded. "Jungkook, I haven't seen you in six years. Please, I know I'm in no place to make requests from you—"

"So don't." 

Namjoon heaved a sigh, combing his hair back. "I've missed you."

Gods, what would Jungkook give to never hear Namjoon say that again. Such simple words, wrapping around his throat like a noose. 

But Namjoon continued, his own draconic eyes mirroring the desolation and fear that this could be their last time talking. "Please, Jungkook. Let's talk—we need to—to talk." 

Jungkook closed his eyes, inhaled sharply, and counted to ten until he opened them again. Keeping the wateriness at bay was futile, and he watched as Namjoon's hands itched to wipe his tears away. The elder stayed still, good. 

With a deep breath, tone cold and filled with a pained contempt, he spoke, perhaps a final time with Namjoon:

"You didn't just walk out of a room that day, Kim Namjoon." 

"You walked out on me."

There was a finality to Jungkooks tone, a bit unrecognizable to his own ears. But it needed to be said, Namjoon needed to hear it as much as he needed to say it. 

"The moment you walked out that fucking door. You relinquished everything you had on me. You have no rights to my life anymore. So don't—" Jungkooks voice quivered, forcing the sickly witch to swallow down his rising emotions. "—don't ask me to talk with you, especially when we have nothing to say to each other." 

Jungkook's hand tightened around the spine of the borrowed book, taking a few steps back. 

"Not anymore," he murmured, giving a slight bow with a politeness associated with strangers. "Goodbye, Namjoon-sii." He whispered, holding onto a faulty sense of closure as he walked away.

The sharp sound of a book slamming shut, followed closely by an elongated sigh, broke the silence surrounding the laboratory. Glancing out the window, the sun had set hours ago; leaving the sky generously decorated by the stars. Yugyeom had left the lab hours ago, not without the firm prompting of the Im coven threatening to send over some of its members to collect Yugyeom personally (which they had); it had been cute. It comforted Jungkook how well-matched Yugyeom and the Im coven were. He glanced briefly at the empty food container on his desk, a gift from Jaebeom since Jungkook had made a habit of getting take-out since he didn't want to spend any more time in his shared apartment than necessary. 

Originally, he had only accepted the meal under the guise that the coven had simply made too much for dinner last night, but this being the fifth day in a row, he was beginning to have some doubts. 

It had been—what? Six days since Yugyeom and he had returned from Busan? It took nearly the entire train ride back to persuade him to tone down his fussing, and even now, Yugyeom focused more on his meals than ever. Apparently, he hadn't been all that subtle at the market. 

Nearly every morning, Yugyeom would come in with a hot drink in his hand, usually a type of tea and a little snack. The teas, always kept warm by simple magic, contained some type of health benefit. Youngjae began joining them during the mornings, explaining a little more about each current selection. Jungkook later found out that Youngjae was the one actually making and brewing the tea specifically for Jungkook's health, each day selecting something different. One day, it had been a brew specific for his metabolism, another for his muscles or heart, and something generic and basic. Occasionally—and thanks to much discussion—the Ims would only bring him food for lunch every once in a while. Now that he was receiving food nearly every night for dinner, also accepting a clearly homemade meal for lunch just felt like too much. Too leeching.

So on the rare occasion where Jungkook allowed himself to be manhandled off towards lunch, he'd eat with Yugyeom and usually some of his other coven members. Depending on who had time at the moment, Yugyeom rarely ate alone. Jaebeom was the head of the coven, prompting him to be significantly more busy than the younger members. But Jungkook managed to spend nearly most of his week with the Ims, and it was—it was nice. Mark and Jackson made him laugh more times than he could count; Youngjae was easy to fall into conversations with, especially regarding his growing herb garden. Jinyoung had traveled a lot before finding his soulmates, and Jungkook loved hearing about the man's adventures. Jaebeom gave off a sense of authority that Jungkook generally avoided, but as the days flew by, Jaebeom grew softer and more doting. BamBam, as it turns out, is as much of a brat as Yugyeom, roping Jungkook into whatever they had planned for the day. 

Glancing at the fresh bouquet of flowers in the corner by the windowsill, he couldn't help but wonder which of the Ims was responsible for replacing and filling the empty vase every two to three days. At first, Jungkook found the gesture cute for Yugyeom, if only the flowers hadn't been on his side of the lab each time.  

The flowers didn't come from Youngjae's garden, so he could only assume it was another form of encouragement from the coven.

Spending time with the Ims felt natural and easy. Despite all their poorly concealed fussing, no one looked at him with those solemn expressions he absolutely loathed. Besides the teas, the inconspicuous push of vegetables, broths, and not-so-subtle additions of meats to his plate, he was treated like a person—not a tragedy but a friend. 

It meant a lot to him. 

A soft, subtle knocking disrupted his poor attempts at getting anything done. Glancing away from the flowers, he knew he'd have to revisit the topic of nymphs and nereids at a later date, most likely tomorrow. 

The lab door opened before Jungkook could get up, glancing around to see if Yugyeom had forgotten his coat or phone again. 

"What did you forget this time, Yugs?" Jungkook hummed sarcastically, turning to look at the door before halting. His amused smile slipped, taking in the sight of Jimin holding a large bouquet of flowers. A delicate assortment of purple hyacinths, tulips, sunflowers, and white lilies separated by the occasional green leaf or branch. 

The bouquet was beautiful, as were the last few he'd received. They would've been even more beautiful if he hadn't just realized they had been coming from Jimin. 

Jimin looked shocked, as if he wasn't expecting Jungkook to still be in the lab. Which was wild, considering that it was his laboratory. His eyes were wide, staring back at Jungkook in a slight stupor. He wore a white puffer jacket that was zipped up all the way, a gray scarf tucked snuggly around his neck. His cheeks and nose were dusted a light pink from the cold, the hand holding the bouquet a cold pinkish as well. 

Jungkook seemed to snap out of his surprise first, clearing his throat as he mimicked his nonchalance. "What are you doing here?" 

He sounded calm and insouciant. Jimins' presence bothered him, and so did the newfound knowledge that the bouquet of flowers he always spent time admiring each morning was from him. But it was well past midnight, and Jungkook had woken up early that morning to head to the library—his interaction with Namjoon still heavy on his shoulders. Working just helped in that regard, with each word he read and every page he studied. Devoting himself to what truly mattered helped sway the focus back to where it should be; his cure. 

As if snapping out of a trance, Jimin perked up before tumbling over his words. "What?—OH, yes—yeah, I just umm… came here to replace the—uh, flowers." Jimin looked sheepish, which was rare considering that hardly anything made Jimin flush back in the day. At least, they hadn't been able to. Jimin had been open to, well— most things. Besides little embarrassing hiccups around strangers, hardly anything could deter Jimin's unwavering confidence back in the day. 

Did—

Did Jimin consider him a stranger? 

Somehow, between all the bitterness and sorrow he felt when looking at Jimin, the thought of being reduced to a simple stranger bothered him. Not when they had known each other for longer than they hadn't. Not when Jimin had meant everything to him. 

"Ah," for a moment Jungkook wished he could string together an actual intellectual sentence. But it was hard to think around any of his old coven members, there was something about their mere presence that overwhelmed him with emotions. Clearing his throat, he glanced away bashfully as Jimin's gaze softened on him—fondly? 

"I wasn't aware you were the one leaving those." Jimins lip quirked upwards at his words, the witch rolling on his feet before Jungkook let him in with a stunted nod. He walked over to the vase, carefully taking out the resting flowers. Besides a few petals here and there, the bouquet never managed to look withered before Jimin supposedly replaced it. He tended to them with a level of care that borderlined on affection, and Jungkook couldn't handle the thought of any of them, including Jimin, being affectionate with him. 

"Yeah, I had wanted to talk to you after you got settled in. But when I got to your lab, you weren't there." Jimin explained, his voice composed and warm. He took the new bundle of flowers, removing its rapping carefully before summoning a quick set of pruning scissors and beginning to prep the ends. Jungkook sat still, unable to process the normality of Jimin's behavior. 

Maybe Jungkook was just really tired. He still hadn't fully recovered from his episode in the market, or maybe he just hadn't slept enough. But having Jimin in his laboratory felt strange, and so did his warm, gentle tone. It was just so Jimin. 

It had been years. Nothing about the man before him should still feel familiar. 

"I just noticed how dull everything looked, y'know?" Jimin went on, skillfully beginning to arrange the set of flowers he bought into the vase. 

"This is a laboratory, not a gallery, Jimin-ah." Jungkook retorted, crossing his arms. 

Jimin laughed, lightheartedly and airily. Like the gentle music Jimin's laughter had always been, even with how soft and quiet it was now, it eased Jungkook's tense shoulders. After all these years, Jungkook still found himself so weak for Jimin. 

A weakness he couldn't—shouldn't allow. This was about himself, his protection, his self-preservation, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to usher Jimin out of his sanctuary. He only lowered his head, picking at the soft fabric of his sweater.  

"I just—" Jimin paused, hand trailing over the stem of a white Lilie. "Remembered how you used to like picking flowers every spring; the seasons are changing and all, but I thought you'd like a little color in here regardless." Sighing quietly, Jimin stepped back to admire his work. The flowers were arranged beautifully, even if Jungkook didn't want to admit it. 

A silence stretched between them, lingering lonesomely. "This room gets a lot of light. So I thought sunflowers would look quite good in here." Jimin mused, glancing around Jungkook's filled work desk curiously. 

He should've asked Jimin to leave the moment he entered. But Jungkook was at a wits end for tonight, between too much work and little sleep, spending the better part of a day trying to figure out a way to get occasionally man-eating goddesses to help him out. 

It can't be that hard, right? 

Jungkook kept his gaze on the flower arrangement, there was something ironic about the sight of sunflowers without any sun to bask in. Jimin had a light affinity, a literal, breathing, sun. 

"You shouldn't be here this late, Jungkook-ah, it's not healthy—" 

"You were like the sun." Jungkook croaked, projecting a silence against the room. Faintly, one could hear the soft calling of crickets outside despite the laboratory being on the upper floors. 

His eyes lingered on a sunflower protruding from the arrangement, a strange sense of melancholy erupting within him. Jungkook was exhausted, there just wasn't any room for anger tonight. Looking at Jimin, all Jungkook felt was a bittersweetness that edged more on sorrow than anger.  

"You were my sun." Had his voice always sounded so fragile? There was a lump in his throat forcing him to swallow.

"And—" 

"—and when you left ." 

Jungkook looked up, his absent gaze finding Jimin's rueful ones. His old soulmate's waterline glistened, a wetness threatening to spill over if Jungkook went on.  

"You took the sunlight with you." 

Just because a witch had an affinity didn't mean they had to share a personality with their abilities. Necromancers didn't have to be edgy and downright creepy, nor did seers have to be reserved and wise, but Jimin— Jimin was like a ray of sunshine. 

When they had met Hoseok for the first time, it had been like two stars colliding. Erupting to create a light so warm, so gentle that they had all been drawn to it. 

"I—I spent years in that darkness, not able to see where I'm going, where I'm heading, it was all just empty." How many times, prompted by the jinge of the bookstores bells, had Jungkook wished he'd see Jimin's familiar face? 

"So when I finally—Finally managed to light a candle, you show up." He didn't mean to sound so grim, but their reality was; in fact, far from perfect. It had always been the two of them, like Bonnie and Clyde or Robin Hood and Marian. Until it suddenly wasn't. 

"And I don't care, I don't care that your presence promises me sunlight." 

"Jungkook-ah—" Jimins voice quivered, sounding watery. "Can I just please—"

"Because when you took it the first time, you also took my sense of security within you."

Had he been too dependent on Jimin? Of course not; they had been soulmates, after all.  

"When you left, you made it look easy —" 

Jimin had always shone so beautifully; if he had been the sun, then Yoongi would've been the moon. Only now did Jungkook realize that in all his life he had never been anything more than a mere sunflower.

"—like, like it was easy to leave me." 

Autumn was approaching; Jungkook hadn't noticed it before, the subtle chill joining the breeze brushing past him. The leaves were beginning to change colours, greens migrating into different shades of yellows and oranges. The park's gravelly path wasn't littered with foliage yet, but occasionally, a leaf would separate from its twig and dance through the air before landing on damp grass. 

It was early. Early enough in the morning, that the park was still a tranquil haven, cloaked in the soft hues of dawn. The trees stretch out the shadows of the rising sun, its golden hue forcing the dewdrop-covered leaves to practically sparkle as the warming light peaked through branches. The air still had a certain bite to it, a crisp that usually faded throughout the later mornings, currently carrying the sweet fragrance of dew-kissed grass and blossoming flowers. 

Jungkook wasn't usually an early bird; he was late to rise and even later to rest. But it had been Yugyeom's suggestion for Jungkook to indulge in other things outside the laboratory, which is why he was here now. Caring a small bag Yugyeom had gifted him consisted of nothing besides a small sketchbook and pencil. It was an old hobby of his—to draw. Quite frankly, he had ceased all of his hobbies after his diagnosis. It felt bittersweet; Jungkook hadn't really realized just how much he had given up that day. 

Jungkook consistently trod the delicate line between elation and guilt. Throughout his years of study, he carefully avoided any and all thoughts of his inevitable death. He could—He couldn't accept it. Every action he took, every chapter, every essay, every paper he read was done with an innate sense of dedication—of urgency. 

He wasn't going to die. 

The grass, still dappled with the glistening remnants of the night's dew, crunched underneath Jungkook's boots as he wandered off the path and towards an empty bench looking out onto the lake. A sense of renewal pervades the air, and the stillness carries a promise of unknown possibilities. Mallards still stayed floating on the water's rippling surface, heads tucked on their backs and against their wings. The birds nesting amongst the surrounding trees had gradually begun to sing, soft chirps and boisterous calls echoing through the rustling leaves. It was almost as if the park itself was awakening with the day, ready to unfold its wonders for those fortunate enough to witness its early morning beauty.

Jungkook almost found it amusing how Yugyeom's exuberance rekindled his own. How, in his steel-fortified focus, he hadn't recognized the depths of his own isolation. Along the way, toeing between different kinds of grief and sorrow, he had somehow convinced himself that companionship was unnecessary. Now, he had someone holding his hand again. Looking out onto the lake, Jungkook watched as the first ducks began awakening, beginning to prune their feathers before he glanced at the small beige tote bag Yugyeom had handed to him. 

It felt surreal—how things were beginning to change. Jungkooks own echelon was beginning to form, and watching the ducks cluster together as they awoke made Jungkook oddly happy. He had his Halmoni, now Yugyeom and Balam, and he was even becoming evermore familiar with the Im coven from their frequent visits to his shared laboratory. 

With every passing day, Jungkook felt his head slowly emerge from the water he felt himself sinking into. He had always boasted about his ability to move forward after his verdict, but comparing his current now and his previous then.

Had he ever really moved forward? 

His eyes caught onto the still resting form of a swan, the bird's long neck laid across its back and eyes closed as it drifted across the lake. He couldn't help but wonder lazily, what was the saying—Swans mate for a lifetime? Moving to grab the tote bag, Jungkook grabbed the small sketchbook and pencil, perching the notebook on his lap before beginning to sketch the idyllic swan. He was rusty, no doubt from his six-year gap, but he quickly familiarized himself with the nostalgic peace sketching gave him. 

But the reposed silence didn't last long, the sound of someone sitting down beside him had Jungkook tensing. The slight edges of annoyance filling his aura, as a quick glance around gave way to several empty benches. Glancing to his side, Jungkooks breath caught in his throat as he looked at Taehyung. 

The witch wore a long, gray-textured wool coat that reached a little past his knee. A large, red and dark gray chequered scarf draped over the back of his neck, leaving his neck exposed. Jungkook wanted to scoff, partially because wearing the scarf was pointless like that, and to resist the urge to wrap it around Taehyung's neck properly himself. The hell was up with him?

The witch also wore a pair of auburn brown pants that matched well with his white sweatshirt. Taehyung's entire outfit gave off a clean but simple look, matching well with the growing autumn colours. Taehyung had yet to look at Jungkook, eyes instead gazing forward and observing the same picturesque scenery Jungkook had been soaking up all morning. Most specifically, Taehyung seemed to be watching the rising swan. 

Jungkook hated it. He found it abhorrent how his hands itched to fix the witch's scarf, how he couldn't keep his eyes from marveling at the stark change between his Taehyung and this Taehyung. However, he figured the worst part of all—was how beautiful Taehyung still was. 

Jungkook was no longer looking at a rough-looking delinquent with smokey eyeliner and overly moussed hair, and neither was he breathing in the smell of old leather or subtle spray paint. No, the Taehyung beside him was entirely different. He smelt of subtle cologne and wore no make-up at all, adorning a well-picked-out outfit for autumn that complemented his stature entirely too much. Taehyung, when did you change? 

"The others told me not to talk to you." Taehyung began, and somehow Jungkook couldn't help but connect the opposing witches' aura to their surroundings; somehow Taehyung carried the same nippy frost the freshening air did. 

"But I don't care," Taehyung added, and despite the clear disregard towards his own wishes—he found Taehyung's disobedience comical, familiar. "Jimin told me about what you said to him." 

Ah, Jungkook had almost forgotten just how close they all were with one another. Jungkook had accepted the fact that his path would never align with his soulmates again—he came to terms with that. But that night, all of them had split up. Jungkook had remained unaware that while he trotted around the world like a pariah, they had been wandering together. 

Jungkook inhaled, his shaky breath coming out quivery as it clouded against the fresh morning air. There was no way that that realization would ever not hurt him. 

"He looked for you." 

Taehyung hadn't looked at him as he spoke, but it carried a curtness he was familiar with. There was a subtle, pensive sweetness to the familiarity; that despite the physical changes, Taehyung would always remain Taehyung. It took Jungkook a moment to catch onto exactly what he had said, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion before realization dawned on him. 

Briefly, the scene of Taehyung entering the auditorium and jogging towards Jimin's brooding figure during Yugyeom's presentation flashed through him. The sight of Jimin's turbulent thoughts vanishing, practically melting under Taehyung's doting affections. They were so close to one another. Bonded. 

"What?" Jungkook piped, looking out at the grooming swan. It was ironic to be surrounded by so much ataraxia and yet remain utterly troubled. 

Jungkook watched as Taehyung's blank expression cracked, the facade quivering as he whispered, "We—well, we looked for you." 

This time, it was Jungkook's turn to avoid eye contact because—what was he supposed to do with that information? Give Taehyung a participation sticker? A part of him wanted the other witch to stop this conversation entirely because, despite his efforts, his unbridled hate and contempt for everything regarding soulmates—Jungkook still bled for them. With every word, with every encounter, his heart would begin to weep all over again. Taehyung's words hurt, an ache entirely different from anything that could've been caused by insulting him. It was a deep, visceral kind of throbbing.  

"We searched for years," Taehyung whispered, and perhaps if the park wasn't nearly as serene and empty as it was, Jungkook would've lost the softness of them to the wind. 

A moment passed, Taehyungs gaze lowering to the ground as his expression contorted into one of mild frustration. Jungkook vaguely remembers a similar reaction to a conversation they had long ago, where Taehyung confided in him and complained about his inability to properly express himself. Jungkook couldn't help but wonder if those words still applied today. 

"There wasn't—" Taehyung paused, inhaling as his tongue flicked to wet his lips. "There wasn't a pebble we left unturned Jungkook." Please, Jungkook thought pleadingly, please don't say my name like that. 

As if the world depended on Jungkook believing him. 

"Jimin hyung," Taehyung began again, "Jimin even went to your parents." The witch let out a dry, bitter-sounding chuckle that was more spiteful than anything else. Jungkook instantly understood, his own surprise at the information wearing off. His parents were huge, bigoted classists who were pretty prejudiced against gifted witches—those who weren't born into a witching bloodline—opposed to their superiorly born witches. 

Jimin was a gifted witch, as in he hadn't actually developed his abilities until the MCA classified him as a magical. There wasn't necessarily any difference between the abilities of a born witch and gifted witch, but prejudices still existed nonetheless. Jungkook never cared for any of that bullshit. But to imagine Jimin, a man who has always been viewed as inferior by his parents, knocking on their door and asking about his whereabouts stirred his mixed emotions even more. 

"You could imagine how well that went." Taehyung cursed, hands scrunching up. "The old hag tore him apart—rightfully so, but Jimin only ever repeated his question." 

A small flock of ducks flew down towards the lake, circling it once before slowly lowering into the waving water with energetic wingstrokes. They squeaked and squawked, playfully circling each other as they occasionally ducked for food. Gradually, people began entering the park too. The lonesome jogger or dog walker following the path outlining the body of water. 

"So I went to find Jimin, and together we began combing through Hangawoondae together." Taehyungs expression never truly changed as he recounted what occurred after Jungkook left. His fists were hidden in his coat pockets, but Jungkook could tell that he was cycling through a restrained pattern of clenching and unclenching his fists. 

"But together, we couldn't find you either." Somehow, Taehyung still managed to tone his words with a level of despair that made Jungkook wonder if he was still missing. "So we went to find Namjoon and Jin." 

Jungkook knew he shouldn't be indulging Taehyung like this—he should've left. But another part of him wanted to know , he wanted to know what they did when he left. The first weeks on his own were gruesome, a collaboration between being cold, hungry, and lonely. When all Jungkook had was an empty park bench to lay on for the night, his gaze cast up into the desolate starry sky. Wondering vacantly where they were, whether or not anyone was out there looking for him.   

Jungkook knew that despite all the supposed hate and disassociation he had prided himself on, he never lost a certain hope throughout the beginning. With every jingle of the front entrance bells at his Halmoni's store, Jungkook had hoped to see a familiar face. But that day never came, and those hopes died after the third year had passed. 

So Jungkook remained seated, his pale hands resting on his knees, fingertips dusted a light pink from the cold. Though the temperature hardly bothered him, his body didn't really heat up anymore. His mana too preoccupied at keeping himself stable to waste energy on heat.

"Namjoon and Jin went and found your Grandparents—fuck, we even tracked down your Uncle," Taehyung muttered. Jungkook frowned; he had cut all ties with his family when he left. There wasn't one member worse than the other, and they were all just dreadful. But to hear they had managed to track down his salacious, estranged Uncle? That must've come from Namjoon's connections. 

"Hoseok and Yoongi had apparently already searched for you on their own," Taehyung said that strangely—spitefully? And here Jungkook thought they were all lovey-dovey with one another. He had to stifle a snarky remark, but despite all that could've changed with Taehyung, they were still so much alike. And Jungkook knew that if he interjected now, Taehyung might close up and leave. 

"Not even Yugyeom knew where you were." Taehyung pushed through, and unlike the seething stare Jimin had centered around his best friend only a week ago, Taehyung had managed a look of anguish instead. 

Jungkook didn't know where to place that information, the thought of them looking for him. But then why hadn't they just cast a spell? A tracer. Hells, they could've just followed the red soul string connecting them if they had wanted to. It wasn't and never had been impossible to find him. 

Taehyung twisted to face him, steely, determined eyes nearly taking his breath away. "I'm not saying this to guilt you, Jungkook. I just—I want you to know. Know that there wasn't a day you were out there where I wasn't looking for you." There was an unyielding tone to Taehyung's words as if daring Jungkook to disagree. 

"Years we searched the media for any sign of your apprenticeship. But nothing, you were just—gone." Taehyung went on, an almost reminiscing look casting over his gaze. 

Distantly, birds sang, chatting and flitting through the air. Taehyung sighed, scrunching up his face before meeting Jungkooks. "We fucked up!—more than just that—we royally screwed up everything good in our lives." 

Jungkook felt a bubble of protest stuck in his throat because that couldn't be true. It just couldn't. They fucked up, yes. But Jungkook hadn't been that quintessential to their coven; they had moved on without him. How far would they have gone still if he hadn't shown up on orientation day?

As if sensing his straying thoughts, Taehyung reached over and grabbed one of his icy hands. Weakly, Jungkook could still make out the now unfamiliar tingles the touch of a soulmate provided. "Jungkook-ah," Taehyung called out softly. 

"Jungkook, you don't have to forgive us." When had Taehyung garnered the ability to look so vulnerable? Where had the turbulent man of his youth gone? It nearly pained him to look up at Taehyung to meet his soft, pleading features for longer than he already had. 

"Losing you," he began again, looking out onto the lake briefly as the swan swam closer to them before subsequently passing them by. "Was the greatest mistake I ever made." 

The handing holding his squeezed, and Jungkook wasn't sure whether or not he wanted to pull away or not. "I'll be the first to admit it. One year is what I get with you," and for a second Jungkook's heart sank before he realized that the Veils program only lasted so long.  

Suddenly, Taehyung's warm eyes were back on him. "But don't think that I—we won't spend every minute of it trying to make up for those mistakes." 

A silence stretched between them as Jungkook searched Taehyungs face for any integrity, or perhaps anything to promote the opposite. Softly, Taehyung began to chuckle. Letting go of Jungkook's warmed hand to comb his hair back, breathing deeply to relieve the phantom pressure that had settled over the older witch. "Big words, huh?" He mused, trying to lighten the mood. 

"I'll prove it to you, I—"

"Why didn't you just follow our bond?" Jungkook interrupted stubbornly as he looked up at Taehyung. But the pure confusion that met him somewhat derailed him. Taehyung's eyebrows had pulled together as the other now searched his face for signs. 

"What?" The unease settling in his gut made him feel antsy; why did Taehyung look so confused? 

"Jungkook," Taehyung's voice cut through the tension between them. 

"Your soul-string faded away after you left." 

[iamyoursinblog]

R-P-S

Pairing: Jeon Jungkook x Kim Taehyung

Genre:  smut

Word Count:  3.2 k

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LIST

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Part: [0,5] [1] [2] [2,5] [3] [4] [4,5] [5.25] [5.5] [5.75] […]

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Jungkook quickly entered the code for Taehyung's front door as he stepped inside. He chuckled as silence met him. Is he already sleeping, Jungkook laughed softly, taking off shoes. His smile widened as he heard running water in the bathroom. Couldn't have been more perfect, Jungkook sat on the couch looking at the bathroom door.

Jungkook laughed as Taehyung came out of the bathroom staring at Jungkook in surprise. "What are you doing here? Did you mix up the address when you were driving home?” Taehyung laughed as throwing the towel he used to dry his hair at Jungkook.

“No,” Jungkook smiled broadly shaking his head. “I'm right where I'm supposed to be.” Jungkook stood up from the couch and walked closer to Taehyung. “Rock paper scissors!” Jungkook said as he showed the paper. He laughed at how even unexpectedly Taehyung reacted to the game.

"What the...?" Taehyung laughed as he showed the stone.

“Rock paper scissors!” Jungkook said again. This time they both showed scissors. “Rock paper scissors!” said Jungkook for the last time, laughing. He showed scissors, but Taehyung showed paper. “2-0, I won, hyung!” Jungkook said as he eagerly examined Taehyung's body.

“Whatever,” Taehyung laughed as he headed to the bedroom. “What for were we even playing, hah?” Taehyung asked as he entered the bedroom.

Jungkook took off his hoodie and threw it on the floor, taking a few quick steps approaching Taehyung from behind. Jungkook hugged Taehyung, pressing Taehyung's back against his chest. Jungkook sank his teeth into his shoulder causing Taehyung to swear in surprise.

“Who'll be Top” moaned Jungkook, ripping the towel off Taehyung's hips. Jungkook fell into the bed, pressing Taehyung with his weight against the mattress.

“Oh my god, Jungkook,” Taehyung moaned as Jungkook continued to cover Taehyung's skin with bites and kisses, pressing into Taehyung's ass with his erect cock. "What are you doing?" moaned Taehyung trying to pull away as Jungkook slid his hand between Taehyung's body and the mattress, fingers squeezing Taehyung's half-hard cock.

“Don't we need more practice,” Jungkook chuckled, turning Taehyung to face him, pressing Taehyung's hands to the mattress. Jungkook covered Taehyung's lips, intertwining their fingers together.

“Gosh, you're crazy,” Taehyung moaned as Jungkook kissed Taehyung's body. Jungkook's fingers dug into Taehyung's skin, causing Taehyung to wriggle under Jungkook's caresses. Taehyung moaned loudly as Jungkook bit on the skin on Taehyung's lower abs. Jungkook ran his tongue over Taehyung's cock causing him to bent his back in pleasure as Jungkook continued to tease Taehyung by playing with Taehyung's head with his tongue. Jungkook slowly lowered his mouth onto Taehyung's cock getting used to its size Jungkook coughed fighting back tears as Taehyung's head touched Jungkook's throat. Jungkook laughed as drooling and tears continued to flow uncontrollably every time he tried to take Taehyung's cock all the way into his mouth. "Fuck Jungkook" Taehyung hissed in pain, squeezing Jungkook's hair hard when Jungkook accidentally brushed Taehyung's cock with his teeth.

“Sorry hyung,” Jungkook smiled broadly as he met Taehyung’s ferocious gaze as he ran his tongue over the red marks from his teeth. Taehyung’s eyes filled with pleasure as Jungkook took Taehyung’s cock in his mouth again, caressing the tip with his tongue. Taehyung gathered Jungkook’s hair with both hands into a ponytail the back of Jungkook's head, lowering Jungkook's head faster onto his cock. Jungkook tried to ignore the pain in his jaw, allowing Taehyung to fuck his mouth however Taehyung wanted. He was surprised that after a while he was able to take Taehyung's cock deeper, even though tears were still running down his cheeks. Jungkook dug his fingers into Taehyung's thighs as Taehyung forcefully thrust into his mouth all the way in. He fought the spasms that twisted him, making it hard to breathe. Taehyung let go of Jungkook, removing his hands from Jungkook's hair. Taehyung's hand moved quickly over his cock before he came leaving a trail of cum in his body. Jungkook ran his tongue over Taehyung's cock making him groan loudly. Jungkook rested his hands on the mattress, bringing his breathing back to normal.

Jungkook got out of bed, drawing Taehyung's attention to him. Jungkook slowly ran his hand over his cock, squeezing it through his pants. Jungkook slowly unbuttoned his pants without taking his eyes off Taehyung, who was following Jungkook's every move. He took off his pants and underwear, tossing them aside. He ran his hand along the entire length, meeting Taehyung's gaze. “Suck me, hyung,” Jungkook practically growled while looking into Taehyung's eyes as he continued to jerk off.

Taehyung chuckled as he sat up on the bed. Taehyung squeezed Jungkook's thigh, pulling him closer. Taehyung took Jungkook's cock in his hand, running Jungkook's head over his lips while looking into Jungkook's eyes. A smirk appeared on Jungkook's face at how sexy Taehyung looked now. Jungkook ran his fingers over Taehyung's face, enjoying Taehyung's caresses. Jungkook chuckled at how different Taehyung was from him. Taehyung did everything gently, unlike him. Heat slowly filled Jungkook's body, with every movement of Taehyung's tongue over his cock. Jungkook moaned as Taehyung took Jungkook's head in his mouth, sliding his lips over it. Taehyung slid all over Jungkook's cock making him go crazy with pleasure. “Have you practiced before?” growled Jungkook, lifting Taehyung's chin up.

“No, I'm just better than you,” Taehyung chuckled while winking at Jungkook. “Plus I asked _________ about the best way to do it”

“Poser” smirked at Jungkook as Taehyung took his cock in his mouth again. “Then can I fuck your mouth like I fuck _______'s mouth?” Jungkook gave a strong thrust, causing Taehyung to cough.

“Punk,” Taehyung growled as he slapped Jungkook's thigh, making Jungkook laugh. Jungkook leaned in to kiss Taehyung. Jungkook straightened up, guiding his cock into Taehyung's mouth.

“Suck it hyung,” Jungkook groaned as Taehyung started moving over his cock with his mouth. “You do it so well.” Jungkook ran his fingers through Taehyung's hair. “I love it when you do it so gently.” Jungkook rolled his eyes enjoying Taehyung's every slow movement. Taehyung was impatient and liked hard sex, but when it came to oral sex, he liked to drive his partner crazy with his tenderness and leisurely pace. Today, Jungkook felt it firsthand, understanding why you were pleading when Taehyung played with you.

Jungkook's fingers squeezed Taehyung's hair as Taehyung quickened his movements taking Jungkook's cock deeper into his mouth. Jungkook growled wanting more, but Taehyung just chuckled. Jungkook looked down to meet Taehyung's gaze, who was watching Jungkook with amusement. Jungkook laughed as he realized that Taehyung would not let him cum until Jungkook begged Taehyung to do so. Jungkook's laughter turned into a loud moan as Taehyung slid his mouth down the length of Jungkook before returning to his previous pace. “Fuck, Taehyung, please,” Jungkook whined, unable to bear Taehyung's torture. “Please… hyung, please...”

Taehyung laughed at Jungkook's plea, causing Jungkook to fight the urge to hit him. But Jungkook could only moan when Taehyung increased his speed, bringing Jungkook closer to orgasm with every thrust. Taehyung grabbed Jungkook's cock with his fingers, moving quickly along the entire length along with his mouth. Jungkook growled in pleasure as he cummed in Taehyung's mouth. “Fuck…” Jungkook cursed as Taehyung continued to jerk Jungkook's cock while Jungkook's cum dripped from Taehyung's chin. Taehyung chuckled while wiping his lips as he met Jungkook's heavy gaze. Jungkook collapsed onto Taehyung, falling back onto the bed, biting into Taehyung's lips. Jungkook kissed Taehyung greedily, digging his fingers into Taehyung's thighs, rubbing over Taehyung's cock.

Jungkook quickly got out of bed and went to the living room. He grabbed his bag, pulling out some lube before heading back to the bedroom. Jungkook poured lube onto his fingers, smearing it all over Taehyung's ass. Taehyung fell on his back as Jungkook let his finger slide slightly into Taehyung's ass. Jungkook was holding back himself, trying to be gentle with Taehyung. Jungkook definitely didn't want to hurt Taehyung. Jungkook wrapped his fingers around Taehyung's cock, slowly fingering Taehyung's ass until Taehyung moaned in pleasure.

Jungkook lowered his mouth onto Taehyung's cock, caressing his head while adding a second finger to Taehyung's ass. Taehyung groaned as he tried to pull away from Jungkook, but Jungkook pinned Taehyung to the mattress, preventing his hips from moving. “Fuck Jungkook,” Taehyung growled, digging his fingers into the mattress, practically tearing the sheets. Jungkook began to move more slowly by adding more lubricant.

“If you cum it will help you relax hyung” said Jungkook starting to quickly move his hand over Taehyung’s cock. Jungkook stopped when Taehyung squeezed hard around his fingers. Taehyung leaned on his heels into the mattress lifting his hips, thrusting deeper into Jungkook's mouth as Jungkook curled his finger slightly into Taehyung's ass, pressing on his prostate. Jungkook smiled at finding the right spot as Taehyung's moans grew louder Jungkook's fingers started to move again slowly fucking Taehyung. Jungkook added his thumb with his other hand stretching Taehyung's tight anus. Taehyung continued to moan and curse out for Jungkook's thrusts. Taehyung grabbed his cock, moving quickly along its length. Taehyung squeezed Jungkook's fingers hard before relaxing as he cum. Jungkook quickened his movements as his fingers began to slide more easily into Taehyung's ass.

“Fuck,” Jungkook growled, lubricating his cock profusely. He pulled his fingers out of Taehyung, thrusting into Taehyung’s ass with his cock, letting his head slide into Taehyung. He made slow thrusts deepening each time Taehyung relaxed getting used to the sensation. He stopped clutching Taehyung's thighs when he was finally able to enter Taehyung to full length. He did a few pushes before getting out of Taehyung. Jungkook turned Taehyung on his stomach, bending Taehyung's leg at the knees. Jungkook gave Taehyung a hard push going full length into Taehyung's ass.

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung, hugging him completely against his back. “Fuck you gotta tell me what we were playing for” growled Taehyung panting. Jungkook laughed turning Taehyung's face in his direction.

“Do you think that would change the outcome?” asked Jungkook, thrusting his tongue into Taehyung's mouth. Jungkook got on his knees, lifting Taehyung's ass up before colliding into him again. Jungkook ran his hand down Taehyung's back, thrusting deep into Taehyung's ass. Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's hair, lifting him to his knees, pressing Taehyung against his chest.

“What if I would win in this game?” Taehyung moaned, digging his fingers into Jungkook's thighs as Jungkook gave a gentle push into him.

“Then you would be top.” Jungkook hugged Taehyung tightly, kissing his neck and shoulders. “Do you want to fuck me, hyung?” moaned Jungkook into Taehyung's ear, again giving a gentle push.

“Yes,” Taehyung groaned as Jungkook caressed Taehyung's body with his hands.

“Then win game next time,” Jungkook laughed, giving a hard push, making Taehyung’s body tremble. Jungkook sat on his heels, pulling Taehyung on top of him. Jungkook squeezed Taehyung’s hips, making Taehyung move on his cock. “Ride my cock, hyung,” Jungkook squeezed Taehyung's shoulder, sat Taehyung to his full length. Jungkook rested his palms on the mattress behind him, allowing Taehyung to move on his own. Jungkook growled as Taehyung only went down half the length of his cock. Jungkook lifted his hips hard and went full length into Taehyung's ass. Taehyung lost his balance from a sudden jerk, falling forward. “Not forcing me to be rude with you, hyung.” Jungkook said while lying down completely, straightening his legs and resting his elbows on the mattress. “Ride my dick. Now!" Jungkook growled as he slapped Taehyung's ass. “Facing me,” Jungkook said as Taehyung knelt down again. Taehyung sat on top of Jungkook’s thighs, glaring at Jungkook with an angry look. Jungkook ran his hand over Taehyung's body, squeezing his neck, pulling Taehyung towards him while kissing him. “I know you want it as much as I do, hyung,” Jungkook whispered against Taehyung’s lips before kissing him again, thrusting his fingers into Taehyung’s ass. Jungkook let go of Taehyung. Jungkook moved up slightly, resting against the headboard. Jungkook stroked Taehyung's thighs with their fingers as Taehyung sat back down on Jungkook's thighs. “Fuck” laughed Jungkook. “I want to see your face, but I also want to see my cock slide into your ass. Let's start with the face" Jungkook ran his fingers over Taehyung's face, smile to him widely.

Taehyung chuckled at Jungkook's words, and his eyes darkened with excitement. Taehyung wrapped his fingers around Jungkook's cock, rubbing along the length before directing Jungkook's cock into his ass. Jungkook moaned softly as Taehyung slowly sat down on Jungkook's cock, taking it all the way into his ass. “That's it, hyung.” Jungkook's eyes narrow slightly in pleasure. Jungkook gulped loudly as Taehyung got up before getting back on Jungkook's cock. Taehyung placed his palms on Jungkook's chest as he continued to slowly lower himself onto Jungkook's cock, getting used to Jungkook's size. Jungkook couldn't take his eyes off Taehyung's face as he closed eyes, completely focusing on the pleasure. Taehyung chuckled as he met Jungkook's gaze as he opened his eyes.

“Like looking at me that much?” Taehyung groaned. Taehyung raised his hand, running his thumb over Jungkook's lips, thrusting into his mouth. Jungkook closed his lips around Taehyung's finger, sucking on it with his tongue.

“You're so beautiful, hyung,” Jungkook moaned, leaving kisses on Taehyung's hand, which was stroking his face.

“Even so,” Taehyung’s gaze turned dark and seductive. Taehyung leaned back his hands against the mattress, next to Jungkook’s knees. Taehyung raised his hips, resting his heels on the mattress. “So do you like it better?” moaned Taehyung as he sank down onto Jungkook's cock.

“Fuck hyung…” Jungkook growled as he watched his cock slide into Taehyung's ass. Jungkook stretching Taehyung's buttocks as Taehyung slides all the way down his length. “Fuck I'm going crazy about how sexy you look right now” leaned forward sharply, lifting Taehyung's hips up. He ran his tongue over Taehyung's ass before lick Taehyung's balls.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung's eyes widened and he tried to pull away from Jungkook who continued to caress Taehyung with his mouth. Jungkook thrust his tongue into Taehyung's ass, making Taehyung blush completely. Jungkook moved forward, pushing Taehyung onto his back, Jungkook squeezing Taehyung's ankles, pressing them close to Taehyung's shoulders. Jungkook covered Taehyung's ass with his mouth again, caressing his anus and cock with his tongue. “Fuck, Jungkook.” Taehyung covered his face with his hands as he blushed even more.

Jungkook laughed at Taehyung's reaction. “I don’t remember you being so shy when you did this to _______,” Jungkook chuckled, removing Taehyung’s hands from his face. “You don’t like it, hyung?” Jungkook asked, running his tongue over his ass, looking into Taehyung’s eyes.

“That... I feel too vulnerable when you do this,” Taehyung moaned trying to hide his face, but Jungkook squeezed his wrists along with his ankles.

“That's not what I asked,” Jungkook continued to swirl his tongue around Taehyung's hole. “Do you like the way I play with your ass with my tongue, hyung?” Jungkook asked again, thrusting his tongue into Taehyung's ass, making him moan.

“Yeah, I like the way you lick me,” Taehyung groaned. Jungkook moved forward, thrusting into Taehyung's ass with his cock.

“Hyung,” moaned Jungkook. “Look how easily my cock slips into your ass when you’re so open to me.” Jungkook bit his lip as he watched how easily his cock entered Taehyung all the way in. Jungkook growled at not being able to move fast in this position. He released Taehyung, bringing him to his knees. “I'm not going to hold back this time, hyung.” Jungkook squeezed Taehyung's hair, glaring at him.

“I didn't ask you,” Taehyung groaned as he covered Jungkook's lips.

Jungkook broke the kiss by placing Taehyung on his knees facing the wall, placing Taehyung's hands on the headboard. Jungkook pulled Taehyung's hips towards him, causing him to arch his back into a doggystyle. Jungkook pushed hard into Taehyung's ass. “Fuck hyung, you're so tight,” Jungkook moaned loudly as he thrust hard into Taehyung's ass. Jungkook placed his palms on Taehyung's lower back, which gave him the ability to move even faster. “That's so fucking awesome.” Jungkook couldn't help himself. Jungkook wanted Taehyung to know how much he enjoyed fucking his ass. “hyung can i cum in your ass?” moaned Jungkook, feeling how close he was to the edge. “I want to fill your tight ass with my cum, hyung,” Jungkook started fucking Taehyung harder. “I want my cum to run out of your ass, hyung!” just the thought of it drove Jungkook crazy.

“Fuck, Jungkook,” Taehyung groaned as he tightened his grip on the headboard. “You and your dirty talk...” Taehyung shook his head with a loud moan. “Why does this turn me on so much!” Taehyung laughed before moaning again.

“Hyung, cum with me!” Jungkook squeezed Taehyung's cock, jerking it off quickly. Jungkook and Taehyung's moans turned into screams due to being too close to orgasm. “Now hyung,” Jungkook growled, unable to contain himself any longer. Jungkook's fingers dug into Taehyung's skin as he cum hard. Jungkook continued to slide over Taehyung's cock as Taehyung cum too, covering the sheets in front of him with sperm. Jungkook just now noticed how sweaty his and Taehyung's bodies were. Jungkook came out of Taehyung stretching his buttocks with his fingers. Jungkook growled as a trickle of his cum ran from Taehyung's ass down his balls dripping on the sheets. "Fuck hyung, this is so hot" Jungkook bit Taehyung's buttocks before thrusting cock again into Taehyung's ass.

Jungkook leaned forward falling with Taehyung onto the bed. Jungkook kissed Taehyung's body hugging him tightly, moving gently in his ass. “Are you going to stay in my ass?” Taehyung groaned as he tried to pull away, but Jungkook squeezed his thigh.

“Think of it as an ass plug. When I become hard again, I will already be inside you and you will not need to be stretched for me. Isn't it cool, hyung"

“Punk,” Taehyung groaned as he rolled his eyes, causing Jungkook to laugh.

Jungkook's body shuddered with sensitivity as he pulled his cock out of Taehyung's ass. Jungkook turned Taehyung to face him while kissing him. “Did you like it, hyung?” asked Jungkook meeting Taehyung's gaze.

"Isn't it noticeable?" Taehyung laughed as he ran his fingers along the long trail of his cum between their bodies.

“I made you cum. But that doesn't mean that you liked everything the way I fucked you, hyung"

Taehyung ran his fingers over Jungkook's face, kissing him gently. “I enjoyed every minute with you so much that it even embarrasses me,” Taehyung laughed. “I want you to fuck me again,” Taehyung said as he ran his tongue over Jungkook's lips, making Jungkook moan at Taehyung's words. “If you can win once again,” Taehyung winked at Jungkook while laughing. “Let's go shower.” Taehyung got out of bed, pulling Jungkook with him. “We still have to clean up the mess you made on my bed.” Taehyung nodded at the sheets covered in cum and lube.

"I was not alone, hyung" Jungkook smiled, hugging Taehyung.

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Part: [0,5] [1] [2] [2,5] [3] [4] [4,5] [5.25] [5.5] [5.75] […]

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LIST

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[minalexys]

Welcome to my masterlist, some of my works (if not most) are constantly being updated.

⸻ WARNINGS:

My stories contain sensitive content, such as offensive language, explicit sexual scenes, substance use, etc.

FANFICTIONS;;

🥊 RING 《KookV/Vkook》

Un romance candente con toques de drama que sigue la historia de Jeon Jungkook, un boxeador profesional de 23 años que pierde su pelea más importante y decide renunciar a su carrera. Kim Taehyung, un joven rico de 20 años obligado por su padre a aprender boxeo, se convierte en su aprendiz.

A través de sus divertidas y picantes semanas de entrenamiento, el joven Kim Taehyung desarrolla sentimientos inexplicables.

En medio de una lucha de poder y seducción, sus vidas cambiarán para siempre. ¿Podrá el orgullo y la sed de revancha hacer que Jeon Jungkook vuelva a subirse al ring? ¿Podrá Kim Taehyung enamorar perdidamente a su joven entrenador?

¡Averígualo aquí!

⸻ #preview #warnings #prologue

💵 THE ESCORT 《Spanish》

Jeon Jungkook, heredero de una de las familias más influyentes de Corea del Sur, nunca imaginó que su vida daría un giro al conocer a Maíra Ribeiro, una enigmática escort extranjera. En medio de la élite de Seúl, sus encuentros se llenan de deseo, tensión y secretos, pero cuando los sentimientos comienzan a florecer, la realidad de sus mundos opuestos amenaza con destruirlo todo.

⸻ #preview #warnings #prologue

🕯PROPHETIA

Dentro de las oscuras paredes de una vieja casa de campo ubicada en Great Caves, una serie de eventos aterradores e incomprensibles se abaten sobre su único habitante, Kim Seokjin, un joven misterioso y melancólico que busca una vida tranquila. El horror se hace presente cuando un poderoso demonio conocido como Levhiar se hace presente, dispuesto a cumplir una supuesta profecía, debilitando su cuerpo y mente para llevar a cabo su cometido.

¿Podrá Kim Seokjin luchar contra el poder de Levhiar y salvarse a si mismo de tan aterrador destino?

⸻ #preview #warnings #prologue

🎈HIDDEN

Tras creer que habían "derrotado" a Pennywise, el Club de los Perdedores se enfrenta a un nuevo horror cuando la oscuridad regresa a Derry.

Con la llegada de una nueva integrante, el grupo se ve envuelto en un juego aún más peligroso, donde deben explorar los rincones más oscuros de sus miedos y secretos. En esta intensa lucha, confrontaran sus peores pesadillas y descubrir verdades ocultas que marcarán su crecimiento.

A medida que la amenaza acecha en las sombras, su supervivencia depende de su capacidad para exterminar el mal que amenaza con consumirlos de nuevo.

⸻ #preview #warnings #prologue

[mixhec]

Les gustaría si subo My Only One? Una serie vkook

[jungk0oksthighs]

Against The Odds | Happy Birthday pt.3

Pairing - jungkook x reader, taehyung x reader

Genre - angst, smut, fluff, established relationship, ceo!jungkook, ceo!reader, attorney!taehyung

Word Count - 4.4K

Taehyung stops by your apartment while you're home alone

Warnings: swearing, heavy drinking, heavy angst, unrequited love, violence

FULL SERIES COLLECTION

It’s officially your birthday, the alarm on your phone signalling the arrival of midnight comes like a sucker punch straight to the jaw. You’re sitting alone in your apartment, surrounded by presents and balloons and decorations that leave a sour taste on your tongue. Taking a page from Jungkook’s book you started drinking champagne from the bottle around an hour ago, the one you’re clutching to your chest while you sob being the second one – and it’s almost empty.

Jungkook wants to postpone the wedding, your heart aches at the mere thought of it all. The argument, how he exploded, how you exploded. All because of Taehyung’s confession. Taehyung – one of your closest friends, the idea of him being in love with you makes no sense, what’s worse is that you know how guilty he feels for it. The look in his chocolate brown eyes when the words left his mouth, the way his lips quivered and pouted.

You’re the reason he and Jungkook stopped talking, and guilt gnaws your insides at how you couldn’t just simply let it go. You had to push Taehyung, wanting answers, wanting to help. That’s your problem, you never know when to stop caring and in turn it’s always you who gets hurt the most.

Your fiancé must be feeling so betrayed right now, Taehyung is his nearest, dearest, oldest and best friend in the entire world. In a way you feel as though it’s all your fault, perhaps if you’d never met Jungkook he and his bestie would be as happy as ever. But instead, he’s roaming the streets of London completely alone with a bottle of champagne being his only company. At least you think that's where he is, honestly? You don't know. He left his phone at home so your guess is as good as anybody else's.

Maybe postponing the wedding is for the best, your plate is painfully full of steaming horse shit right now. What with the ongoing missing persons investigation involving your sister and nephew, work has been non-stop, you know for a fact Jungkook’s work has been hectic lately too. It’s not the fact he wants to postpone the wedding that’s hurt you, if he’d calmly come to you with his concerns and you two had a rational, sober conversation you would’ve probably agreed with him.

But he didn’t.

Truthfully all you want to do is make things right with him, apologise, kiss and make up. Now that you’ve been left alone to calm down you can see why he was so angry, and you hope that a similar realisation has dawned on him too. It’s not that you didn’t want to tell Taehyung that his feelings aren’t reciprocated, you just simply couldn’t. You were in a total state of shock, and then to be bombarded by a surprise part you were promised wasn’t happening… It was all too much.

Your heart aches for Taehyung, it really does, you keep replaying your interactions with him over and over, trying to spot any hints or clues as to what he was feeling at the time. The man’s a natural flirt so it’s hard to say what was genuine and wasn’t. You groan, knocking back the rest of the champagne in hand. How do you feel about Tae? He’s handsome for sure, funny, sweet, caring and kind… But he’s your fiancé’s best friend. Or at least he was before you unintentionally stood in the way.

Some time passes before you hear the familiar chime of the elevator doors opening, winning you to sigh with equal parts relief and dread, scrambling to your feet – almost knocking over the table adorned with gifts and flowers in the process.

“Jungkook, I’m sorry-, I’m so fucking sorry…” Tears begin to prick your eyes as every emotion you’re feeling bubbles to the surface, the champagne you've drank making you dizzy, “I hate arguing with you I just want us to be okay again. If you want me to message Taehyung and talk this out with him I will, but I promise you I don’t—”

Your movements come to a sudden halt when you catch sight of the suited man stepping out the elevator, eyes growing big and round with shock when you struggle to muster the right words to say. Much to your genuine surprise and dare you say it a little disappointment, the man standing there is not Jungkook.

It’s Taehyung.

“Um…” You swallow, mouth opening but no words successfully coming out. Tae’s cheeks are puffy, his eyes tinted pink and his lips swollen. It’s obvious he’s being crying, still dressed in the forest green suit and cream shirt you’d seen him in a few hours prior. He’s wetting his lips with his tongue, Adam’s apple bouncing in his throat when he looks to the ground.

“Jungkook’s not here?” He asks, tone low and riddled with insecurity, you know he feels small and uncertain but truthfully you don't know how to comfort him. You don't know if you should comfort him.

“No… We had a fight and he went for a walk…” You state matter-of-factly with a heartbroken sigh, messily wiping the tears from your face, “Listen Taehyung you should go—”

"I will, I will..." His large palms raise defensively, nodding in defeat, "But there's something I need to ask you first."

“Taehyung… Why are you here? Now’s not a great time.”

“I came here to apologise, figured the party would be over by now.” He murmurs, stepping into the apartment, “Y/N I’m sorry.” He shakes his head, shame and regret washing his usually sharp feline-like features, “The last thing I wanted to do was make you uncomfortable, or make you guys fight.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry,” Your eyes well up again, the realisation crashing down on you so hard it earns you to scoff, “I shouldn’t have kept pushing for you to tell me what was wrong and—”

“You have nothing to apologise for Y/N. This is my fault.” His chin visibly quivers, eyes darting round the room when he finds the gift he bought you slumped onto a table, “I-, I thought I was doing something nice by buying you such a sentimental gift… I realise now it was naïve of me to think that, honestly? I’m not sure what my intentions were. So I came here to ask for it back… I was expecting a right hook from Jungkook too if I’m being completely honest.”

You follow his gaze, turning to said gift with a solemn expression, “Oh… Well he’s not here, and I haven’t actually opened it yet, Jungkook and I… Well we argued about-, something else.” You refrain from giving him all the details.

“I’m sorry Taehyung but if you’re here when he gets home it’s just going to make things a million times worse… I’m sorry… But you need to go.” You sigh, closing your eyes, you hate seeing him so upset but you know he can’t be here when Kook gets home, he's already in a bad mood and Taehyung's presence will do nothing but heighten it.

“You haven’t opened it?” You can’t pinpoint the exact emotion blanketing the attorney’s features. Sadness? Disappointment? Relief? You’re not sure, he’s making his way over to you cautiously and you take a step back. “Y/N…” Taehyung exhales, pursing his lips awkwardly, “I’m-, I’m not gonna try anything you don’t need to be scared of me—”

“No I’m not scared of you.” You offer an apologetic smile, gently shaking your head, “Trust me that’s not it I just-, I’m still… Processing-, what you… I just think it would be best if you leave. I’m so sorry…”

“Stop apologising.” A puff of air rips from his nostrils when he brushes past you in a few long strides, collecting his gift, “I’m the one who ruined your birthday, I just came by to ask if I could take this. I’ll be going now…”

As much as you hate to admit it, curiosity envelops your senses and you find yourself gripping his elbow loosely, turning until his face is in arms-distance of yours, “Wait… What’s so bad about the gift? I thought you said it was sentimental? ...Actually-,” You release him from your hold, shakily running fingers through your hair, “Doesn’t matter… Sorr-, okay….”

“You really didn’t open it, did you?” Taehyung whispers, swallowing.

“No… Should I have?”

There’s a beat of tension, entirely silent. Taehyung’s expression is pinched, brows furrowed, he looks to be having an internal moral debate with himself for a few seconds before he opens his lips to speak again, “No. It’s a good thing you didn’t open it, like I said I’m not sure my motives behind it were exactly… Friendly.”

Nodding slowly you blink at him, registering how heartbrokenly devastated he looks. Usually he’s such a confident, albeit a little eccentric man – but everything about him screams self-loathing. Down to his deflated posture and glassy eyes. He’s such a great guy, so caring and considerate and not to mention effortlessly handsome. It’s not like he’ll struggle to find someone that will make him happy… That’s all you want for him.

Happiness.

 “Tae…?” You peer up at him through damp eyelashes, breath catching in your throat.

His gaze is intense yet threatening to be hopeful, “Yeah?”

You blink at him again, inhaling, “I-, please don’t… You’re not going to do anything stupid, right? I know you’re hurting and I’m so sorry that I can’t make it go away… But please, I’m worried about you Tae… please promise me you won’t-, that you won’t do something reckless…”

“Y/N.” He cuts you off with a tiny smile, dipping his down low enough to look you dead in the eye, “I won’t… You may not feel the same way about me, and that’s okay… But I care about you too much to cause you any more pain. You’re going through enough—”

“Stop that,” You sigh, growing frustrated, “Don’t put me on some kind of pedestal, I’m asking you not to do something reckless for you. Not because of me. For your family, friends, Jungkook would be deva—”

“I meant every single word I said tonight.” Taehyung’s fingers itch to reach out and touch you, comfort you, you can tell by the way his fist keeps balling and unbaling, unsure of what to do, “I never intended for this to happen and I wish I could stop my heart from bleeding every time I see you, but I can’t. So… This is gonna be the last time you’ll see me for a while, not forever but I need to stay away from you and Kook for a bit, for my own sanity if nothing else.”

“Taehyung…” Your eyes well up, drowning in his sorrow.

“I promise I’ll look after myself.” He gnaws his lower lip anxiously, “Take care of Jungkook for me...” You can hear how wobbly his tone is, how badly he’s hurting. “This isn’t forever, when everybody’s calmed down and things have blown over I’d still like to be best man at the wedding… Providing Jungkook wants that of course.” A pained smile tugs the corners of his lips.

You can’t catch the scoff that bubbles your throat in time, sniffling, “Right… The wedding.” The wedding that may not be going ahead anymore. You cough, attempting to rid yourself of the lump forming at the back of your throat, “I’m so sorry about how things have worked out between you two, you're his best friend... He'll come around.”

“You don’t have to apologise for anything, really it’s okay.” He nods, though you don’t know whether he’s trying to convince you or himself with that statement as he begins to walk back to the elevator, the gift firmly in his grip.

But then he stops, his broad shoulders noticeably tense and he peers back at you, frowning a little, “I’m sorry that I’m even asking you this…” He exhales, wetting his lips before nervously biting down on them, “You… You don’t-,” He dramatically sighs with puffed out cheeks, “Would it be fair to assume you feel nothing for me?”

You fight a surprised gasp, “I—”

“Doesn’t matter,” He dismisses you, shaking his head, “I already know the answer, it’s written all over your face…” He says, turning his body to face you while hugging the dry-cleaning bag he came for, “A part of me was naïve enough to think I’d feel relieved now you know, but I guess loving someone out loud is more painful than loving them silently. They look at you differently, their perception of you changes, and in turn the things you love most about them start to disappear…”

He’s sniffling, avoiding your gaze. “You haven’t smiled at me once tonight, haven’t thrown your head back from laughing, haven’t rolled your eyes at me and shut down my compliments… Loving you from afar was lonely, but openly being in love with you knowing that you don’t feel the same way is much lonelier.”

“…I’m so-, Taehyung I am so sorry.” You whisper, your heart shattering into a million tiny pieces for a million different reasons. Selfishly you don’t want to lose him, he’s too much of a good person to be going through something like this alone. But you know you have to prioritise your relationship right now, you have to, it’s already hanging on by a thread.

“Don’t be.” He manages to catch a sob in his throat before it’s wholly audible, “You and Jungkook are perfect together, it’s me who’s the problem here. I should’ve never told you both about my feelings, and I sure as hell shouldn’t have gone out of my way to buy you the wedding dress you wanted.” He scoffs, looking to the ceiling in disbelief at the exact moment your heart stops beating.

“You did… what?”

He groans, regret evident in his large-rounded eyes, “I mean… Shit!” Taehyung’s head flies back, eyes squeezed shut, “Just forget—”

His words fizzle into background noise, your heart beating so fast it can be heard through your ears. He tracked down the wedding dress you wanted, the one Yuri had shown him a picture of once in your office. Everybody knew how much that dress meant to you, but it was Taehyung who went out of his way to buy it? Shocked isn’t the word. Dumbfounded isn’t the word. Confused isn’t the word. There is no word to explain the conflicting emotions whirling round your mind, simultaneously filling and breaking your heart all in the same breath.

“I can’t believe you’d do that for me…” Your voice is broken, barely audible.

For the first time in what feels like a long time you see Taehyung's real smile, his signature boxy grin brightening his tanned skin. He looks flustered, a little awkward and child-like, but it’s not long before his features drop with despair, “It was too much… I know it was, I-, I just wanted you to be happy.”

“Taehyung…” You openly sob, covering your unsteady jaw with your hands, “Thank you so much… But I can’t accept that.”

“I know... Jungkook would kill me.” He almost laughs.

“No-,” You sigh, averting your eyes away from him, there’s still a good amount of distance between your bodies and you figure it best to keep it that way, thinking it’s a really good job you didn’t open that gift in front of your fiancé…

“I can’t accept it because-, well…” Do you tell him the truth? Should you tell him the truth? You want to tell him the truth, so you do, alcohol clouding your judgement, “Jungkook wants to postpone the wedding… I’m not even sure if there’s going to be a wedding anymore.” You crumble, clutching your pained chest with your hands as the realisation hits – Jungkook might not want to marry you anymore.

“What?” Tae’s mouth falls open in something akin to astonishment, but he doesn’t look happy or smug or anything like that. He looks… Exhausted, desperate and blanketed with empathy. “Y/N he’ll come around, sometimes he says shit out of anger that he doesn’t mean. He didn't mean that, I know he didn't.”

You visibly disagree, “He’s never said something he didn’t mean out of anger to me… Never. I-, I’m sorry you’re the last person I should be telling this to. Just-, you should go before he comes back. If he even comes back.” You sniffle, on the verge of a mental breakdown.

Taehyung edges closer to you, until he’s close enough to pull you into his strong chest in a warm embrace, you welcome the comfort, pressing your forehead to his collarbone all while continuing to cry against him, “Sweetheart listen to me, okay?” He’s serious, voice calm and reassuring, his large palm soothingly rubbing the spans of your back, “Jungkook loves you more than anything in this world, nothing, not even his idiot best friend catching feelings for you can change that. He’s… Well you know how he is, he bottles shit up until he can’t take it anymore and it all explodes… It’s not fair, he shouldn’t have told you he wants to postpone the wedding... But listen to me when I say that man wants nothing less than to be your husband. Y/N… He’s-,” He sighs, hand coming up to the back of your head to hold you closer to him, “You’re everything to that guy. Everything.”

“But he—”

“I know… I know…” He coos, hushing your wails, “You’ll be okay… Everything’s gonna be okay… I’m here, you’re gonna be okay. You both are.” He cradles you, dropping the dress to the ground to completely wrap his arms round your frame. You’re too emotional to make sense of what’s happening, but you’re almost certain you feel the sensation of his lips pressing a tiny kiss atop of your head.

You don’t know how long you stood holding onto Taehyung as though your life depended on it, you can’t remember him leaving or if any other words were exchanged after that. But as soon as he leaves, taking the dress with him, you find yourself drinking again, wanting to numb the pain, wanting Jungkook to come home, wanting to take Taehyung’s hurt away, wanting to fix this, wanting to fix everything.

The fact the attorney bought your dream wedding dress is at the forefront of your mind… Not even Jungkook himself had gone that above and beyond for your special day, which leaves the question: How long has he wanted to postpone the wedding for?

Your stomach hurts, anxious knots and pains like a vice grip on your internal organs. You love Jungkook more than anything, more than anyone… You can’t lose him, you just can’t. What’s worse is that you’re not angry with Taehyung for this, you have no reason to be, there really is nobody to blame for all of this.

It's all just one big, shitty, painful turn of events.

It's almost four AM and there’s still no sign of your fiancé… Or ex-fiancé… You’re not entirely sure anymore.

With a heavy heart and a dull headache you toss and turn beneath the sheets, the bed feels too big without Jungkook hogging most of it. The bedding is fresh too, meaning the familiar scent of his body wash or cologne hasn’t tainted it yet. You truly feel lost, like you’re not supposed to be here without him. Where the hell could he be? You groan, frustratedly pulling the hairs at your scalp. He’s never stormed off and left you to your own devices, the last time, the only other time you argued it was you who left.

Guilt, devastation, fear, dread, hopelessness. It’s all suffocating you right now, there’s no chance you’ll be able to sleep in this condition. Should you go and look for Jungkook? He’s left his phone here so calling him isn’t an option… Do you call Hoseok? Will he know where he is?

“Jungkook… Please just come home.” You whisper, shoving your face into your usually shared pillow. He has his own pillow of course, but when the two of you aren’t screaming at each other he prefers nuzzle his head onto yours, your noses touching. It’s been all of twenty four hours since you were last laid here like that, and you already miss it so much.

You miss him.

The sound of the emergency staircase doors opening wins you to jump, nobody ever uses the stairs to come up here, giving that you live on the very top floor. Why would Jungkook take the stairs…? You sit up in bed, covering your pyjama clad body with the fresh sheets, wide-eyed and heart racing.

“Kook…?” You call out, stare fixed to the closed bedroom door. “Kook is that you…?”

The unmistakable sound of banging, smashing and thunderous crashes flood your ears. Someone’s breaking in. You forget how to breathe, completely panicked and terrified for your life. There’s no lock on the bedroom door so you hurriedly rush over to the walk in closet and begin looking for a place to hide.

The noises get louder, heavy footsteps approaching. This isn’t Jungkook, you know he would never scare you like this. You fumble with his hanging suit jackets, slipping between the dark fabrics with a trembling body, silently cursing yourself for not bringing your phone with you to call the police.

Could it be Jimin? No, he would’ve climbed into bed with you any day before trashing the apartment. Yoongi? No, Jimin would kill him. Yuri? No, what reason does she have to break in? Taehyung wouldn’t do this either… There’s nobody you can think of who’s capable of being this brazen. It has to be a very poorly timed random break-in.

You’re covering your mouth to stifle your heavy breaths, completely concealed behind one of your favourite suits of Jungkook’s – the black one with faint white pinstripes. The one he wore to cheer you up one day because he knew you liked it.

A loud thud makes you jump in place, you’re forcing yourself not to scream, not to move, not to make any noise. The presence in the room is overbearing, you know whoever is here is just at the other side of Jungkook’s suits, you can make out a pair of white sneakers on the ground. You’re crying quietly, petrified for your life, too afraid of what’s going to happen.

“Happy birthday Y/N.” The voice says, and you’d recognise that voice in a heartbeat. Every hair on your body stands to attention, every nerve in your being washing equal parts repulsed and outraged. You’re not scared anymore, when in reality you should be. Pushing Jungkook’s blazers to one side you stand to your full height, adrenaline coursing your veins.

“What the fuck are you doing here?!” You spit venomously, “Trying to scare me?!”

“It’s working, isn’t it?” Your sister’s smile is sinister, pure evil gracing her features that look even more identical to yours than usual. She's grown her hair, it's styled the exact same as yours, her makeup, her posture, her expressions, her clothes... It's like you're standing in a mirror.

“Where’s Charlie?!” You yell, pushing Ruth away from you with so much force that she stumbles back a good amount of distance. “Where the fuck is he?! What have you done with him?! I'm gonna call the police!”

"He's fine, you'll see him soon." She softens her tone, she even sounds just like you now.

Taehyung, Jungkook, the wedding, your birthday… It all gets pushed to the back of your brain when you lock eyes with your sister. It’s at that exact moment you hear a second pair of footsteps approaching, but before you have time to turn and focus on their owner you’re struck in the head with something heavy and everything snaps to black. The last thing you hear is the sound of Ruth’s voice, her words ominous and threatening.

“Wait outside a sec, I need to change into her clothes first if I'm gonna make this work.”

x

[sombreboy]

Love Maze »10

Previous  » Next Series Masterlist ▎ 18+ ▎ pairing: Taehyung x Jungkook ▎ genre: School AU, crack humor, smut, angst, ETL, slow burn, fluff. ▎ word count: 9.9k ▎ ch.warnings: cursing, JK is an emotional baby, fluff, jealousy, censored slurs, smut, blowjob, fingering, anal(riding), Top!JK, Bottom!Tae (they switch it up a lot lmao)

Co-writer: @velvetwicebang ♡♡♡

A few minutes into the class, and the guilt was still very much present. Taehyung couldn’t seem to focus on anything.

His leg was bouncing up and down from under the table as he chewed on the inside of his lip, phone held tightly in his hands.

His thumbs hovered above the keyboard, thinking if he should send Jungkook a text along the lines of, ‘hey, sorry for acting like a dick this morning. it won’t happen again’.

But then again, his boyfriend was a horrible texter. If he barely texted before, what was going to make him text now?

“Fuck..” Tae ran a hand through his messy hair, frustrated as hell.

The heavy sigh caught the attention of Mila, who previously insisted on sitting next to him. Since she was a new student, the teacher let her have it.

“Are you okay?” She questioned, setting down her glittery pen on the table.

“What? Yeah, I’m fine.” Taehyung forced a smile, oblivious to the way Mila was staring at the screen of his phone. Jungkook’s photo was on the contact.

“Really? You’re a bad liar.”

It was then that she scooted her chair closer to Tae’s, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Peers from around them seemed to take notice, and being the noisy students that they were, some began recording.

The foreign girl and Kim Taehyung? Now that was interesting..

The elder tried to make more room between them, but he couldn’t. Mila was really getting in there.

“I’m cool, really.” Taehyung smiled, awkwardly rubbing at his nape when he realized she wasn’t planning on backing down.

With a cheeky smile of her own, the woman waited until Tae turned his cheek to her so that she could press a loving peck on the tan skin, letting her lips linger for a second too long.

Tae was like a statue, visibly tense and unsure of what just happened.

As it all was ingrained into a digital memory, the video recording by one of the female students was posted on her snapchat story-- Of course, she was known on her social media. The video of The Kim Taehyung & the new, foreign girl within the next twenty minutes had spread like a social media wildfire among the students.

Everyone seemed to know. Well, everyone except Jungkook.

~

As Jungkook headed out from his own class, everyone was gossiping, phones glued to their faces as they giggled among each other. He shrugged, it was probably some new trend going on-- and he wasn't interested.

Kook made it to the cafeteria, his routine of grabbing a banana milk unbroken til this day. The weather was nice, however, so he decided to step outside to have a seat by the large steps in front of the school building.

''Did you hear about Taehyung and the new girl?''

The nameless students walked past him by the stairs, the way they said the elders name caught his attention, so he listened in as much as he could as they passed,

''Yeah, I can't believe she would do that!''

The girls left, and as he was furrowing his eyebrows in confusion, sipping his milk, another set of voices passed, this time a couple guys,

''First day and the foreign chick already wants the douchiest of them all. Why wouldn't she choose me?''

''Because it's Taehyung, all girls want him...''

''Even he seemed pretty stunned in the video.''

One again, the strangers passed, and Jungkook was left feeling extremely confused at this point. What were they talking about? 

What video?

Jungkook pulled up his phone, noticing that the notifications on his snapchat were going off. Everyone was re-sharing the same thing, the same video.

Curiosity got the best of him, so he decided to click it, watching the small circle spin as it was buffering.

~

To Taehyung’s luck, class was dismissed. 

Which meant one thing, he would no longer have to tolerate the uncomfortable, flirty comments from Mila. For the first time ever, Tae was heavily engrossed in doing his work. Maybe that way she’d get the hint that he wasn’t keen on talking..

Mila wasn’t Jungkook, and for that reason, he wasn’t interested.

The elder briskly roamed through the halls, eyes solely searching for one specific person.

His mind was set on trying to point out Kook from the crowd, not the way his peers stared holes onto his figure. 

At this point, Taehyung was used to the attention.

“Kook!” Tae finally called out when he spotted Jungkook near the stairs, jogging up to him.

Fuck, where should he start?

With one look at their surroundings, Taehyung parted his lips.

“Baby— I’m sorry.” He blurted out, just throwing it out there for Jungkook to do as he pleased with his shitty apology, “It was rude of me to leave you in the cafeteria. I just walked her to class, I swear!”

Jungkook didn't respond right away when he heard his boyfriend attempt an apology behind him, his back slowly rising and falling as he was breathing deeply to collect himself.

He'd clicked the video, a view from a students POV of Mila sitting way too close to his boyfriend, whispering words and even kissing his cheek. 

The worst part was, Taehyung didn't even pull away. No, he didn't even say anything to protest.

The video wasn't extremely clear, so he couldn't tell exactly what kind of expressions were on the elders face, but it didn't matter. She kissed him, and he let her.

Jungkook's hands were trembling, gripping his phone so hard it almost felt like it would burst between his fingers, "That's all that happened?" He finally broke his silence, voice laced with some unnamed emotion.

Taehyung furrowed his brows, confused as to why Jungkook would ask him that.

He saw what happened, what else was there to explain?

“Yeah? I mean.. she was being really clingy in class, but nothing happened.” Tae shrugged his shoulders, brows knitting closer together at the lack of emotion in Kook’s usually cheery voice.

“Hey, I’m sorry.” The elder apologized a second time, and he would do it a third, fourth, fifth— so on until Jungkook forgave him.

Jungkook turned his head over his shoulder to glance up at Taehyung. His eyebrows were just as drawn together as the elders, "Then what is this?" He held up his phone, once more clicking the school-viral video to play it for him.

Kook kept his eyes on Taehyung, observing his reaction,

"This counts as nothing?"

Oh yeah.. That.

“Jungkook, that meant nothing to me. She just— she kissed me on the cheek and I guess I just kinda froze.” Taehyung desperately tried to clear up the misconception, trying to keep his anxiety on the down low every time students passed by.

He didn’t want them to assume anything was going on.

“Kook, come on. Don’t be mad at me.” He sighed, feeling defeated by his boyfriend’s shortage of words.

Jungkook pressed his lips tight, an eyebrow crooked as he put the phone back down in his pocket,  "What if she tries again?" He sighed, he wasn't really mad, just... hurt, because he started to feel like he was being hidden away like some dirty secret.

“I won’t let her.” Taehyung determinedly reassured, glad that Jungkook wasn’t too angry with him. He didn’t know what he would do if Kook stayed mad at him for long, the thought was enough to send a shiver of uneasiness down his spine.

“You saw how I was at the lunchroom.. I was uncomfortable.” Tae stepped down one more step, taking a seat next to his boyfriend, trying so hard to not let the stares affect him.

For all everyone knew, they were friends. Taehyung had to keep that in mind.

“I just..” 

Should he say it? 

Jungkook did want him to be more honest, and that’s what he would be doing by telling him.

“During practice, the reason I was so angry was because Kai called you a f*g.” Tae gulped, looking over at Jungkook to see his reaction.

“Something just came over me I guess. I really wanted to hit him, but then I remembered you saying you like my face so.. better not fuck it up even more.” A small chuckle slipped past his lips, but it went away as soon as it came, “The reason I did that in the lunchroom was ‘cause I’m a idiot. I was a coward. I guess I didn’t want them to find out— about us, I mean.” Taehyung was quick to add on, “I love being with you, Kook. Don’t get me wrong. I just don’t think I’m completely ready for putting us out there yet. Shit.. that makes me sound like the shittiest boyfriend in the world, huh?”

Jungkook's expression managed to change from frustrated, to surprised, to soft within the same moment of Taehyung explaining himself, quietly nodding as he listened. He took a second to process it all, eyes focused on his hands as he fiddled with them.

He took a deep, soft breath before turning his attention back to the elder, a soft smile pulling on his lips, ''You're not shitty, you're just... Kim Taehyung.'' His grin grew wider, ''Thank you for standing up for me, and for keeping your face intact.''

Jungkook's smile faded, he wished he could kiss Tae so badly, praise him more-- if he only knew how much of a personal growth he'd just done, one; being honest with kook, and two; stood up for him. One step at a time, he was improving himself, even if he didn't see it himself,

''You've grown a lot. One step at a time.''

Another moment of silence followed, Jungkook glanced at his surroundings before leaning in slightly to whisper, ''I really want to kiss you for it.''

Jungkook’s words hit him a lot harder than Taehyung would’ve ever imagined, feeling a faint smile of his own creep up onto his lips.

God, he really liked this boy.

Tae wondered if he ever showed that enough..

A tint of red washed over the apples of his cheeks, deeply affected by the idea of having his lips dance against Jungkook’s. Every time felt just like the first, and Taehyung couldn’t seem to get enough.

“Really?” The elder chuckled, eyes skimming around the place before grabbing Kook’s hand, dragging him along to the other side of the school. It was a place that was almost always unoccupied, and it was out of sight to the rest of the students.

With his hands on Jungkook’s waist, Tae slowly drove him back against the worn out wall, fresh breeze flowing through his hair as he leaned in, grinning mischievously before breaking the distance between their needy lips.

Taehyung’s thumbs rubbed circles from under the fabric of his boyfriend’s shirt, feeling the warm skin of Jungkook’s hips clash against his touch.

Jungkook smiled into the kiss, little sweet wrinkles appearing in the corners of his eyes. He genuinely felt happy in this moment, all his past worries once more washed away because of this boy. His lips chased after Taehyung's in between their sweet kisses, he could never get enough of this feeling, his own hands instinctively settling on the elders shoulders to keep himself steady along with pressing his back against the wall, small hums of satisfaction vibrating in his throat. 

When the kiss broke apart for a moment, kook finally managed to reply,

''Yeah, really... Going this long without kissing you has been frustrating,'' he chuckled, squeezing Tae's shoulders playfully.

Taehyung threw his head back, laughing softly in amusement only to face Jungkook once again, head tilted to the side in the slightest bit, “Kook, it’s only been a couple hours.” He reminded, now tightly wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist, pulling him all the more near,

“Plus, we kissed in the shower. Or did we not..? I dunno.”

Taehyung disregarded his own question, leaning in to press a chaste peck on Jungkook’s neck.

After he pulled away, that’s when Tae unlatched his arms, resting one hand against the wall by Kook’s head, leaning his body weight on it, “Just to make sure.. you’re not mad at me? Or are you just saying that..”

Jungkook let his hands fall to his sides, leaning the back of his head against the wall as his eyes were transfixed on the almost worried look in Taehyung's eyes. It was rather cute that he seemed anxious about how Kook felt about him-- which made sense, but it was still surprising that he'd ask to make sure,

''I'm a little annoyed at the blondie,'' He smiles though, to reassure him, ''But no, I'm not mad at you. Promise.'' The smile turns wider, he raises his hand to softly smooth his fingers across Tae's jawline.

Oh, how Jungkook wishes to tell him how much he loves this guy.

Taehyung seemed a little less tense afterwards, shamelessly leaning into Kook’s touch on his face whilst he held eye contact with the younger, as if making double sure that there was no hidden message behind his words.

“Alright.” The elder exhaled after finding no sign of a lie, shoulders falling down to their natural position. He dug out his phone from his pocket, turning it on before taking a quick glance at the time. The bell was going to ring anytime soon, meaning their small break was almost over.

Sadly.

“Okay, well.. meet me in the common area after school, so I can give you a ride.” Tae smiled, feeling the need to constantly remind Jungkook that he was his ride, even though the younger probably knew that by now.

Sooner than he expected, the sound of the bell’s awful ringing could be heard from outside.

Tae didn’t want to leave, he finally felt calm. But, he’d see Jungkook after school, they’d still get to spend more time together.

Even better, away from people.

Jungkook lowered his hand back down, placing both hands the pockets of his pants as his smile remained intact, ''Okay, sounds good.'' He nods, content with how things were going and feeling between the two of them.

They walked back together, but as they had different classes, they had to separate on the way. Kook wishes once more that he could hold his hand freely, or give him a 'see you soon' kiss. But, he wanted to be- and was understanding of Taehyung's wish to keep it low key for now.

For how long, he didn't know…

''See you soon, then.'' Kook glanced over at the elder, a vague smile pulling on the corner of his lips before he gave a small wave as he turned to walk towards his classroom.

He missed him already. God, he was a lost cause for the man.

~

In a blink of an eye, Taehyung’s class was over. And so was the next, and the next one after that, until he had none left.

Like always, Tae rushed out of his chemistry classroom and strolled over to the common area to wait for Jungkook. And like always, he had no clue about what he’d just learned.

It was a repeating cycle..

What wasn’t common, however, was seeing Mila walking up to him.

Her hips swayed with every strut of her high-heels, a flirtatious grin glued onto her red tinted lips.

Fuck, not again.

“Taehyung, hey.” She waved at him, standing close to Tae’s side.

“Are you waiting for someone?”

“Yeah, Jungkook.” The elder answered more clearly, not wishing to give his boyfriend the wrong impression by continuing with the conversation.

He should’ve known better, though. Mila was not one to easily give up.

“Oh.. cool.” She hummed with a nod of her head, peeking outside at the cloudy sky. It was obvious it was going to rain “I wish I had a ride home.. I’d hate to walk home in the rain.” The girl shyly rubbed at her arm, gaze flickering back to Taehyung.

~

Jungkook kept his backpack tightly strapped on his shoulder as he headed towards the common area, brushing his dark fringe away from his eyes as his gaze searched for Taehyung. As he did, he started walking faster, a small smile growing on his face until he reaches him,

''Hey, I'm here-- uh..'' His steps came to a halt when he saw Mila standing next to Tae, as always, no consideration for his personal space,

''What's up?'' Is all he could say, eyes flickering between the two as his posture straightened, head tilted in slight annoyance.

Why was she here?

He'd been annoyed with this girl for a bit now, but after that video, he felt the swirling anger in his chest at the very sight of her, his brain replaying the way she kissed his boyfriend so casually.

Taehyung scratched at the back of his head, the awkward tension too thick to cut with a knife.

At this point, he’d need a chainsaw.

So, he hesitated whether or not to tell Jungkook so suddenly.. but, he’d find out soon anyways.

Tae just worried about his reaction, he knew Kook wasn’t too fond of Mila.

“Uh, she asked me for a ride, and I said it was okay.” Taehyung couldn’t bear to meet Jungkook’s doe eyes. God, why did he have to be kind during inappropriate situations?

The way Mila was staring at him.. if he was in her 10 inch heels, he’d want someone to help him out.

It was just a car ride, anyway.

“It’s gonna rain and, apparently, she lives close by anyways.”

Mila nodded, staring over at Jungkook, waiting for what he had to say.

Jungkook showed no sign of being upset, nor did he express that he was excited. He just... Seemed neutral. However, on the inside his jealousy was burning through his veins. Wow, he really didn't like Mila at all.

''Alright, whatever, let's.. go.'' His voice was low, nudging his chin in the direction towards the parking lot.

Jungkook supposed that, in the midst of his anger, he wanted to feel proud of Taehyung for being kind. For being considerate, as this was rarely a thing that'd happen normally, probably starting with him.

But, of course Jungkook was selfish in a way, wanting that kindness all to himself.

Whatever... It's just a car ride, right?

Nothing weird could happen during that short time.

Taehyung walked close to Jungkook, not too worried that Mila was left a few steps behind.

During the time that they were ‘alone’, Tae looked over at his boyfriend, flashing him an apologetic glance and mouthing a short, ‘I’m sorry’.

Once they finally got to his car, the elder unlocked the doors, expecting Jungkook to sit next to him. But, that didn’t happen. Mila slightly pushed the younger out of the way, plopping down on the passenger seat that would normally belong to Kook.

“Sorry..” Mila chuckled, noticing the way Taehyung’s expression shifted, “My heels were killing me. I needed to sit down.”

...Why couldn’t she sit down on the back? It was the same distance.

Tae snapped out of it, not bothered to question it any further.

Suddenly, he regretted giving Mila a drive.

Taehyung sat down on his seat, glancing up at Jungkook through his rear view mirror before driving out of the parking lot, trying to ignore the girl’s hand on his thigh.

The elder tried being subtle about it, scratching at his thigh and bouncing his foot. But Mila wouldn’t budge.

Jungkook has his lips tightly pressed together as he sat down in the backseat without a word, his patience was being tested. His gaze darkened when it landed on milas extended arm, grasping at Taehyung's thigh.

In his mind, he wanted to grab the girl by the collar and throw her out the window.. but he kept it as it was, simply imagination.

He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression growing stern as he continuously prodded the inside of his cheek with his tongue, a common ritual of his when he was upset.

Things did get worse.

Just Jungkook's luck.

But why didn’t Taehyung protest? It was like stepping on kooks nerves, and if anger could form a cloud around his stature, it’d be fuming off of him. Taehyung was being too nice, the earlier attempt at a sorry slowly slipping through the cracks of the younger's mind.

The car ride was.. uncomfortable, to say the least.

But luckily, Mila’s fancy house was only a few streets down.

If they could make it without any problems, that’d be great.

Just a couple more seconds and they’d be free of her.

“Gosh, thank you Tae. I have to find a way to repay you!” Mila looked at him with a smile, turning her upper body around to finally acknowledge Jungkook’s presence, “Nice seeing you again.” This time, her smile wasn’t as genuine. She was still a bit confused about the boys’ relationship.

Namjoon said they fought a lot, but every time she’d look over at them, they were laughing and stealing secret glances.

They acted like a couple at times..

Just.. the way Taehyung looked at Jungkook— it was concerning.

Whatever, Mila knew that wasn’t the case. She was just being paranoid. After all, Kim Taehyung was not gay.

The moment Mila stepped out of his car, Tae sped the hell out of there, noticing how visibly upset Jungkook had become. He didn’t blame him, though. If it was uncomfortable for him, it was bound to be for his boyfriend.

A couple silent minutes later, Taehyung parked in front of Kook’s apartment building, shutting the door before following behind the younger, already familiar with the apartment number.

He was so worried about how Jungkook felt, that Tae didn’t notice the apartment next to his boyfriend’s was wide open, various things found scattered inside.

“Fuck. Remind me to not give her a ride again.” The elder plopped down on the couch with a sigh, running his hands down his face.

Jungkook had remained silent until they were inside, he'd kicked his shoes off and thrown his bag somewhere on the floor before striding over to stand in front of Taehyung's sitting frame, hands firmly placed on his hips. His eyes were sharp, burning down at the elder with an intensity that was intimidating, "You want a reminder?" He scoffed, "Okay. I'll give you a reminder.."

Jungkook had no hesitation in his bones, slowly pulling his shirt over his head to expose his firm torso, glancing down at himself before his gaze meets the elders again, "Take your shirt off, and sit still. You're really good at being still after all, aren't you?"

His voice had no humor nor weakness in it, no patience left to play games.

Taehyung was going to listen to him now.

Not to the guys. Not to Mila. To Jeon Jungkook.

Whatever reminder Jungkook had in mind, it wasn’t what Taehyung originally had in his.

“Kook.. what are you doing?”

The elder’s sharp eyes raked down his boyfriend’s toned torso, taking in the way the muscles in his arms flexed, making up for all of that time spent hidden away in the gym.

He was so fucking muscular..

Taehyung was a mixture of aroused and confused, and he didn’t know which was stronger.

“Jungkook—“ At the sudden command that slipped from the boy’s lips, Tae followed through with his orders, “Yes..”

God, the elder felt so pathetic.. the second he spoke to him in that tone, Taehyung knew his body was Jungkook’s playground.

“Baby, what’s going on..?” Tae sat his shirt down on his lap, trying to hide the evident bulge poking at his jeans.

Jungkook held a finger up, indicating for the elder to stop asking questions,

"A simple reminder, just like you asked for." He glanced down at the shirt in taes lap, crooking an eyebrow, "Looks like your body already knows before you do."

Kooks gaze travels back to meet the confused one of his boyfriend, using his hand to point down at taes pants, "Take it all off, no hiding."

A small sense of satisfaction settles in Jungkook's chest when he sees how easily subdued Taheyung can be, he must really like this side of the younger.

And that's great, because Kook really enjoyed the little good boy side of Tae as well, his own bulge becoming more and more prominent against the fabrics of his pants.

Tae followed through with Jungkook’s clear instructions, his hands seeming to have a mind of their own as they tugged at his jeans, pulling at the band of his boxers as well.

The elder felt extremely exposed sitting on Kook’s couch, butt naked with his dick standing as still as a pole.

Fuck.. Taehyung wanted to see all of his boyfriend, too. It wasn’t fair.

Tae man-spread even further, sinking into the couch with his hooded eyes lusting over the scenario they were in, one hand going down to tug at his cock, slowly spreading the pre-cum erupting from his slit to the rest of his shaft.

Shit.. was Jungkook going to ride his dick? He hoped so.

Either way, he couldn’t wait to see what the younger had in mind.

Jungkook rolled his tongue, prodding the inside of his cheek before 'tsk'ing,

"Did I say you could touch yourself?" His tone lowered another octave as he spoke, taking one step closer so that he was standing in between the elders legs, "And here I was planning to give you something even better.." he raised his eyebrows, the hint of playfulness sparking in his eyes, "You might still have a chance to redeem it, if you say please."

His lips were tugging unto a small grin, but this one wasn't playful. It was devilish. He was determined to get that one word out of him--the one word only Jungkook could have the Kim Taehyung to roll off his pretty, plushy lips.

Jungkook bent forward, his hands placed firmly on taes knees as he was gazing at taehyungs through his dark locks dangling over his eyes, "Say I'm sorry, please."

The elder’s wet hand dropped down to his side, slender fingers gripping at the cushion whilst he waited for the next command, staring up at Jungkook like a needy boy.

He’d already obeyed the younger by not continuing to touch himself, what else did Kook want?

The constant wondering kept Taehyung on the edge of his seat, toes curling in excitement.

Fuck.. he wanted to say so many things, but his lips stayed sealed.

That is, until they parted in shock from what Jungkook asked of him.

Was this his boyfriend? He couldn’t tell.

The bunny grin that he learned to love was now replaced by a rather wicked one, causing Tae’s breath to hitch in his throat.

“Kook, come on.. just give it to me.” His words came out in the form of a whine, tongue swiping over his lips at the close gap of their faces.

The elder’s veiny cock twitched from the lack of contact, his hands itched to push Jungkook down on his lap. But, he wouldn’t.

He’d be a good boy for him.

He wanted to be good..

After realizing that his boyfriend wasn’t going to budge, Taehyung finally whispered out those set of words, voice heavy and deep,

“I’m sorry, please..”

Jungkooks smile softened at the plea, leaning in further to press a chaste kiss on his nose before kook dropped down to his knees with a thud, his hands slowly roaming the skin of the elders thighs, Relishing in Tae’s responsiveness to his mere touch,

“You’re doing well. I like this.’”

He kept his eyes fixed on Tae’s, a hint of affection visible in his gaze, maintaining the eye contact while his hand slowly skimmed over his inner thigh until he was painfully close to the throbbing erection waiting for his attention.

A quick glance down, and Jungkook's own cock was aching beneath the fabrics, his mouth watering.

This morning he’d been dreaming about how his cock would taste.

How well he’d be able to take it.

What kind of new noises would Taehyung make?

He was ready to find it all out, but first— his hand found its way to Taehyung's shaft, wrapping his long fingers around the girth.

If there was one thing that Taehyung didn’t like about Jungkook, is that he was the biggest fucking tease.

From the way that the younger’s finger slowly rubbed against his prostate at the party, to now taking a hold of his erected cock when it was clear that Tae had horrible patience— It irked him, but not in the way that he thought.

Instead, the elder wanted to fuck into Jungkook’s mouth; make him gag.. show him who’s boss.

But at this very moment, he was his boyfriend’s bitch.

He was a puddle of goo under the younger’s sensual touch, dying to feel his pretty lips wrap around his shaft and slowly envelop him whole inch by inch..

“Baby, quit teasing..” Taehyung’s hips rocked into Jungkook’s hand, wanting to feel the friction he was so desperately craving.

"I've never had the chance to properly feel you like this..." Jungkook’s voice was low, and his breath was getting heavier as he felt the weight of Taes cock in his palm. Taking a moment to just... feel it in his hand, the velvety skin so delicate yet rough with the way the veins protruded.

Absolutely delicious looking, "And you're so cute when you get that wrinkle of frustration between your eyebrows." Kook winks at the elder before guiding the tip of Tae's cock to his mouth, without hesitation he wraps his plushy lips around it and gives it a tasteful suck, the small beads of precum staining the younger's lips.

He hums quietly, the vibrations of his throat reaches his mouth-- and he dares to slowly take his boyfriends cock a little deeper.

This was delicious, and with the way Taehyung is so responsive to him-- he could do this forever.

“Ah.. fuck..” Taehyung stared down at his boyfriend, hand reaching down to run through Jungkook’s hair, tugging at it for the hell of it.

The further the younger took him in, the further Tae verbalized how he felt, hips jittering slightly.

“So good, baby.. so good..” He bit down on his lip, still rocking his hips a little.

Taehyung didn’t know if this was Jungkook’s first time giving a blowjob— so he had to be considerate. Even so.. the thought of another guy’s dick in his boyfriend’s mouth was unsettling, it angered him. But the way Kook sucked him off so wonderfully was enough of a distraction.

Jungkook's eyes were glazed over with a layer of tears that refused to fall, glancing up at his boyfriend as he continued to go deeper, half way down he had to stop his movement to breathe through his nose. Taehyung's cock is thick, so it wasn't easy. But kook wanted to make the elder feel good, the praise and sounds echoing in his ears enough to spur him on to withdraw himself until just the tip was between his lips, just to sink back down, his tongue providing friction against the silky length in his mouth.

Jungkooks hands grasped the elders thighs, squeezing the flesh between his fingers-- he never knew he'd be into taes thighs so much... but then again, he's into everything that is Kim Taehyung.

A muffled moan vibrated in his mouth, drool starting to dribble down Tae’s cock and kooks chin glistening with spit.

Nothing beat seeing and hearing his boyfriend in this state-- the younger felt his cock starting to ache further, and this time he didn't want to deny himself. One hand travelled down to unzip, pulling his pants and boxers down just enough to pull his length out, stroking with the rhythm that he sucked off Tae with.

If Taehyung wasn’t over the moon before, he sure was now.

The way Jungkook’s tongue provided him with enough warmth, enough friction— he was in pure bliss. His rosy lips were parted and eyebrows furrowed with small beads of sweat at the corners, thighs slightly trembling from the strong grasp of his boyfriend’s fingers.

“Ahh, getting a little messy, hm?”

The sensation from Kook’s drool traveling down his cock only turned Taehyung on even more, feeling his cock harden up at the visual image of Jungkook’s chin glistening with spit, doe eyes watery..

“Fuck yeah..” Tae grabbed a handful of the younger’s hair, guiding his movements when a sudden, blaring noise was broadcasted through the thin walls.

He ignored it at first, continuing to grind into Jungkook’s mouth, his free hand roaming up and down the boy’s forearm.

Then, another piercing drag.

Taehyung finally opened his eyes, looking around for the source of the noise while his boyfriend was sucking him off, his curiosity getting the best of him.

Then, a loud bang against the wall was enough to make Tae jump in his spot, hearing some mumbled curses follow soon after.

“Wait, Kook..” Taehyung dreaded separating his cock from Jungkook’s mouth, but he had to see what was going on.

What if someone was trying to break in? He quickly put on his clothes, not bothering to zip up his fly before he unlocked the door, poking his head out to take a look at the commotion.

“Shit! Why won’t this go in..”

There stood a woman, seemingly around their age, trying to push a wooden desk into the apartment next to Jungkook’s. She was obviously struggling, and the babbling baby strapped to her chest surely didn’t make it any easier.

“Hey, you need some help..?”

Taehyung hesitantly offered, standing there awkwardly.

“Wha-? Oh, please! Here, it’ll only be a second.”

Tae was expecting to help her in terms of strength to push the big desk into the other side, but what he didn’t expect was to have a baby strapped to his chest.

“Thank you so much! This will hopefully make things easier.”

The boy was frozen, arms woodenly hanging at his sides, eyes staring right into the big ones of the little human in the baby carrier.

Did a random woman just give him her baby..?

“Uh..” He gulped, not knowing what to do when the small baby started moving her small limbs around, chubby hands reaching for Taehyung’s face, “S-stay put.”

For fucks sake, she wasn’t a dog.

Jungkook pulled a shirt over his head & zipped up his pants before heading over to the doorway, one hand combing through his hair,

"Tae, are you coming back... uh, what.." he stopped when he saw taehyung standing there, the most tense he's ever been in his entire existence--- wait, is that a baby?

Kook said nothing, walking up to stand next to his boyfriend, doe eyes staring down at the cute little human, peering closer as he shares a small smile, making the tiny girl giggle,

"Who's this?" He withdrew to glance over at Taehyung, who seemed anything but thrilled to have a baby on him. Kook was still confused, as he didnt see the source of the baby as of yet--- like, a parent!

“I don’t know.” Taehyung’s muscles were stiff, “But I’m.. scared.”

Before the elder could diminish into a pile of his own shit, the familiar girl reappeared from behind the door, wiping the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand.

Taehyung didn’t know much about babies, but.. wasn’t, ‘Don’t leave your kid unattended with a stranger. They might kidnap them’, the first rule in some sort of parenting manual?

But, the hell does he know.

“Thank you so much for watching her!” She unclipped the baby carrier from Taehyung, who let out a breath of air he didn’t know he was holding until now.

His chest was free.

“Oh,” The girl’s eyes traveled over to the new face, “Hi! Sorry for bothering you guys.. This stupid desk just wouldn’t budge.”

The little girl began chewing on her small fist, slobbering all over it whilst she gawked at Jungkook, already growing fond of him.

Awkward silence filled the air, until it didn’t.

“I’m Jisoo! Apparently we’re neighbors..?”

Jungkook's eyes abruptly fell on the strange woman, he straightened his posture before giving her a bow when he did put two and two together-- She is indeed gonna be next door neighbours with him!

''Ah, really.. Yes, hello!'' He really was such an awkward boy,

''I'm Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you! Uh, welcome..'' He scrunched his nose as he smiled, eyes now trailing back to the cute baby, ''And who's this?''

Taehyung kept to himself, allowing Kook to take the lead in the introduction as his eyes raked over the woman’s face, and then to the blabbering baby attached to her chest.

She looked young, like she could be in High School. Surely she wasn’t the mother, perhaps the big sister.

Why was nobody else helping her move in?

“Oh, her?” Jisoo fondly smiled, taking a hold of her chubby hands before waving it in the air, as if the baby was the one greeting Jungkook, “Her name’s Min Yuna,” The girl seemed a bit hesitant to elaborate on it, but she did nonetheless. “My daughter.”

Whenever Jisoo broke the news to people, she was showered with dirty looks. Because god forbid someone her age was capable of raising a child.

“I’m not too young— well, I’m twenty-two so.. I guess that’s young?” She rambled, in her own little world as she tried to explain herself to the pair.

Jisoo was still sensitive to judgement.

“Uhm, anyway. It’s nice to meet you too, Jungkook. And..?”

The woman cocked a brow at Tae, chuckling a little.

“..man that watched my baby.”

“Taehyung.” A small smile pulled at the corners of the boy’s lips, who bowed out of respect.

“Taehyung! Got it.” Jisoo made herself a mental note of their names, having a feeling that they’d talk to each other more often than not.

Maybe to borrow some sugar, time will tell.

After Jisoo bid her goodbyes, Taehyung stepped back into Jungkook’s apartment, waiting for the younger to join him.

Jungkook waved goodbye before shutting the door tightly and heading back inside to join Taehyung. It was rather funny, how just ten minutes ago the younger was taking his boyfriend cock down his throat, and suddenly he'd been welcoming his new neighbour.. Well, neighbours, the small one counts.

''Well, that was.... bad timing.'' Jungkook jokes, stretching his arms up in the air as he walked closer to Taehyung, ''Never thought I'd see you with a baby. You looked incredibly comfortable,'' Another tease, a crooked eyebrow to make his point.

Taehyung pulled his shirt over his head, playfully aiming it at Jungkook’s face.

“Shut up..”

The elder boy kept his gaze trained on his boyfriend, leaning in closer to pull him down by the waist. They weren’t done yet, and Taehyung was going to make sure he was aware of that.

“Now that that’s over..” Tae bit down on his lip, hands sensually rubbing at the pair of thighs that were keeping him in place, looking up at Jungkook as the latter straddled his lap, “I wanna suck you off.”

Straight to the point. No hiding, no beating around the bush— Tae wanted to make Kook feel just as good.

Although he’d never actually sucked a guy off before, Taehyung was confident in his never before attempted skills from what he’s seen on the screen of his phone. 

Ever since Jungkook and him started to date, Tae has binged a lot of gay porn. Admittedly, he wanted to make sure he was doing it right..

“So, that’s what I’m gonna do.” 

With a smirk on his face, Taehyung flipped them over without any trouble, Kook now being the one with his butt on the couch. His hands fumbled with his boyfriend’s zipper, slipping off his pants and underwear in one go, desperate to get a feel.

The moment his eyes fell on Jungkook’s throbbing erection, Tae was practically foaming at the mouth.

He spread the precum from the pink, mushroom tip to the rest of the boy’s shaft. Taehyung kept his hooded gaze on Kook’s face, waiting for a reaction.

Jungkook  couldn't even react properly to Tae's sudden words, a small yelp the only thing heard as he was flipped on his behind, eyes widening when he finally catches up with what is going to happen. His lips part with a soft sigh when his cock is finally freed from the uncomfortable strain of fabrics, however, his lips part even further when the elder touched him, his cock twitching within his boyfriends grasp,

''Shit...'' He had no words, and honestly-- he was excited... He's never actually had somebody suck him off before, and that in itself made him a little nervous.

Ironic since he's literally been fucked by the man below him. But this... It's new. Hands? Yes, he knows it.

Ass? Fucking amazing.

But Taehyung's mouth? A foreign concept, about to be explored, and Kook was about to give his boyfriend one of many firsts once again.

Taehyung seemed pleased with Kook’s reaction, slowly continuing to attend to the younger’s cock with his utmost attention.

He was doing the bare minimum, and he’d already managed to receive an airy curse from his boyfriend.

Fuck, he couldn’t wait to show Jungkook what he’s got.

Maybe Tae was being too cocky, maybe he was just being Taehyung. But what he knew for a fact was, he was going to make the other cum.

While his fingers tugged and played with Jungkook’s balls, the other set wrapped around the base of the boy’s cock. Wanting to be a tease, Tae pressed kitten licks on the tip, looking up at Kook through his dark eyelashes, wanting to see the frustration and arousal on his face.

Jungkooks gaze was fixated on Taehyung's ministrations, unable to rip his eyes off of the scene below him. Tae’s hands on him, the tasteful licks from the tongue that playfully poked through his boyfriends plush lips.

It was blissful, and frustrating. He wanted more.

“More...” he voiced out his needs, voice almost whiny as he kept his hands gripping onto his thighs, lips parting wider in breathy curses. His eyebrows were drawn together, hips automatically rutting for more friction.

Wanting it just as much, Taehyung gradually took more of Jungkook into his mouth, squeezing his eyes shut when he felt the tip of his boyfriend’s cock challenge his gag reflexes.

Reaching a comfortable length, Tae began to slowly bob his head, once in a while allowing his teeth to gently brush over the skin for the thrill of it.

His eyes were watery, but he pushed through.

He loved the way Jungkook tasted..

The hand that was wrapped around the base started to move, pumping the rest of what he couldn’t fit into his mouth.

Jungkook slouched down lower in his seat, one hand gently settling on top of taes head. He didnt guide the movements, he didn't force anything, just feeling Taehyung move his head on his own was incredibly hot.

"You're so good at this...." kook tilted his head down, dark locks dangling his eyes as a broken moan escapes his lips, his hips twitching. The urge to actually fuck his throat was strong, but... he knows itd hurt the elder.

"Harder...." kooks favorite word to utter during their moments, the younger was always greedy for more friction, more sensations. Harder, faster-- he relished and shuddered everytime Taehyung would tease with his teeth against the smooth skin of his length.

Tae heavily breathed through his nose, cheeks hallowed whilst he indulged himself in how it felt to be giving Jungkook a blowjob, adoring the way his boyfriend would plead for more.

It didn’t matter if he was straining his throat, Kook’s string of soft moans was his reason to keep going.

The elder listened, hand now moving at a faster speed, his head bobbing at a steady pace.

Lewd, wet noises of him sucking on Jungkook’s needy cock as if it were a lollipop arose to the ears, making Taehyung hum in approval, the vibrations hitting the other’s shaft.

He looked up at Kook, his innocent gaze so contradicting from his dirty, dirty actions.

Shit.. Tae felt his own erection scream for attention, for any kind of release— but he wouldn’t jerk himself off, he had other things in mind..

With one last bob of his head, Taehyung pulled away from the boy’s dick with a loud pop, staring down at the swollen tip that was drowning in his spit, a string of saliva still connecting them together.

Taehyung wiped at his swollen lips with the back of his hand, poking his tongue out of the corner of his mouth to retract some of Jungkook’s precum.

The elder worked on freeing himself from his pants, throwing the fabric to the side before straddling Kook’s lap, one hand on his shoulder while the other searched for the younger’s cock, guiding the tip to his hole.

“A-ahh..” Taehyung rubbed the tip against his entrance, rocking his hips.

Kook was confused about what Taehyung was doing, until he wasn't. His hands immediately grasped the elders ass to spread his cheeks further, needily rutting against his hole,

"Shit, you're really gonna ride me?" He breathed out in awe, the visuals before him of his boyfriends body on top of him was unmatchable, his thighs tightly pressing on each of kooks sides, his needy cock pathetically remaining untouched and hard.

Kook decided he wanted this faster, bringing his fingers to his lips to wet them before bringing them to taes hole, replacing his tip with his fingers pressing inside to stretch him,

"Just a little precaution..." he murmurs as he sits up straighter, placing kisses over his boyfriends torso as he keeps fingering him, stretching until he's able to scissor his fingers inside.

Taehyung’s body visibly trembled at the raw touch of his boyfriend’s active fingers, immediately clenching down on the pair as his initial response, biting down on his lip to prevent a strained cry of bliss from escaping.

Tae had yet to completely get used to the feeling, but if they kept this up, he’d get there in no time.

“Hmm.. Kook-ah.. t-that’s good.”

Both hands grasped onto the younger’s broad shoulders, staying somewhat still until he jolted in his spot, Kook’s fingers having poked against a certain area.

“Oh— yeah.. right there, baby.”

God, his boyfriend was the best. Just after fucking once, Jungkook knew where all of his weak spots hid.

Taehyung was impatiently dying to feel Kook’s dick inside of him once again, to re-experience that feeling of fullness. Thinking he knew best, the elder reached for the boy’s fingers, stubbornly pulling them out before carelessly plopping down on Jungkook’s cock, lips parting in a small gasp.

Fuck, that was a bad idea.

“Hngh.. shit.” Tae’s eyes watered, regretting his previous actions as he hid his face in the crook of his boyfriend’s neck, inhaling his scent whilst his legs shook at his sides.

Taehyung was stubbornly impatient, and for that he internally cursed himself out.

"Oh...!" Jungkook breathed out a surprised whimper, his cock suddenly being hugged by the warm tightness that is Taehyung's ass. It was so tight, it felt so good…

"Are you okay?" Kooks hands were back on the elders ass to spread him, keeping his hips still with his cock buried inside of the other male.

Just staying like this felt incredible. Kooks cock was throbbing,

"Move on me..." he wanted taehyung to decide when he was ready, scared to hurt him if he got too eager to begin with.

“Yeah..” Taehyung weakly breathed out into the other’s skin, arms loosely embracing Kook around his neck. The elder did as Jungkook told, beginning to gyrate his hips, squeaky moans muffled by their close contact.

Tae rocked on the younger’s cock back and forth, back and forth..

“Fucking love how you feel inside of me..”

He continued to rock them, fingers playing with the short strands of hair on the back of his boyfriend’s head, biting back his whines.

“You’re so strong.. and muscular— Ah..”

Back and forth..

Taehyung’s walls abruptly closed in on Jungkook’s cock, urging Tae to increase his speed.

So he did, hips rotating on the younger’s dick a little faster, pressing small kisses along his jawline.

'I fucking love you'... is what the younger wishes he would say--but instead chose to think it, moving his head to the side to grant taehyung better access to his neck,

"Yeah? You love my body?" Jungkook fished for praise, his strong hands squeezing at the flesh of the elders ass between his fingers as he started to buck his hips upwards to meet the movements of taes hips, his hands allowing him to start controlling the way Taehyung's ass smacked down on kooks cock, "And this fat cock? It's all yours, baby..."

Taehyung whined, throwing his head forward on Jungkook’s shoulder as he added a small hop to his movements, the sound of sticky skin against one another taking over.

“L-love is an understatement..”

He choked out, gyrating his hips faster than before, panting for breath.

“A-ahh! Ri-right there.. oh fuck, Kook that’s the spot.”

Tae clenched down on his boyfriend’s cock even harder, squeezing his eyes shut whilst he bit down on Kook’s shoulder, not wishing to scream out from pleasure.

Fuck, Taehyung was making the most beautiful noises, it was driving Jungkook mad, feeling every single hormone in his body awaken, burning in need to draw out more of these sinful sounds from the elder,

''Right there?'' Kook's voice was strained, breathy from fucking up into his boyfriend, putting an effort into using the muscles he's worked hard for. He's never been so grateful in his life for building his body, able to please Tae this way was everything, ''Fuck, Taehyung, you feel so good...'' He grunted lowly, digging his blunt nails into the flesh of Tae's ass, his thrusts becoming less and less merciful as his own greed for pleasure grew.

And as his desires for the man grew, he deemed this position now enough for him to fuck Taehyung the way he wanted, instead moving his hands to grasp the elders hips, flipping him over on his back against the couch, his own body towering over his lover.

''I can't get enough of you-- fuck..!'' Kook moaned out as he placed Tae's legs over his shoulders, leaning forward to push his cock as deep as physically possible inside of the man, this time able to fuck him to his own content. His core was strong, flexing as his movements were anything but gentle this time around.

The elder’s back hit the couch with a sharp cry of alarm, turned on by the way Jungkook manhandled his trembling body however he chose, knowing his only intention was to make them both lose their minds.

And fuck, was it working..

With every hard slap of his boyfriend’s balls against his skin, Tae’s legs slightly jolted from their place on Jungkook’s shoulders, toes stiffly curled inwards.

His head was turned to the side, outgrown fringe shielding his glassy eyes, fingers gripping at the other’s arms as they left behind faint dent marks from his nails. 

Taehyung was still extremely sensitive to the feeling. After all, it was only the second time he’s gotten fucked in the ass.

“J-Jungkook..!”

A tear managed to roll down his rosy, sweat-glistened cheek, now facing Jungkook as he moaned out his name, craning his neck upwards so he could press a soft kiss to his boyfriend’s nose— his own way of letting him know that he was doing such a good job.

Tae felt a warmth bubble up within his lower stomach, building up with every second, every thrust of Jungkook’s cock into his gaping hole.

“I-I’m close.. real close!”

And just like that, Taehyung came, hard.

His body shook slightly, chest covered with a thick layer of sweat as he panted, feeling another tear stream down the side of his face, and finally onto the cushion of the couch where it joined the sweat shed by the both of them.

It hurt, but it was so, so good. It was the only pain Taehyung would go through again and again, until he was completely used to it.

“Fuck..”

As Taehyung came, his ass squeezed Kook's length so hard that it triggered his own orgasm, fucking into Taehyung with earnest until his hips stilled, leaning down closer as he cursed out a broken moan, his cock throbbing desperately as he filled Tae with every single drop of cum he possessed. He stayed still inside of him, drawing out the moment of letting his high last for as long as possible before it slowly faded down, exhaustion hitting him. He smiled weakly, beads of sweat trickling down his temples as he pressed soft kisses over Taehyung's cheeks.

Oh, how close he was to saying the forbidden words once more.

Should he? Why shouldn't he?

It could be so easy. A simple 'I love you'.. But, he was scared he wouldn't get the same words back.

''Hey... You're amazing.'' Is what he settled for, placing another kiss, this time on Tae's lips before he withdrew to sit on the couch, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand-- Naked, sweaty and a cock coated with his cum, ''I'm gonna prepare a shower, then we can eat something?'' He glanced down at the exhausted male, ''Are you okay?''

A lazy, barely visible smile pulled at the corners of Taehyung’s lips, who laid on his back like a starfish— arms and legs outstretched to their full potential, one of each hanging off the couch.

“I’m great.” This time a worn out chuckle, finally allowing the light to reach his eyes as he sat up, or at least attempted to.

He was going to be extremely sore again, wasn’t he?

Taehyung pushed his fringe back, not worrying much about the fact.

“Hey..” The elder quietly called out, voice a little strained. “You’re kind of amazing, too.”

And with that being said, Tae’s face flushed even more, embarrassed.

His lips parted once more, about to add on to his words when a loud, piercing cry emitted from the other side of Jungkook’s wall.

Oh yeah, the new neighbor.

“The baby doesn’t seem too happy..” Taehyung tiredly breathed out, attempting to stand on his own, “What do you think of her, anyways.” He asked, knowing what he thought.

She was a little funky, talkative.

Definitely didn’t expect her to be a mother, but Taehyung isn’t one to judge. Sometimes.

Jungkook hums, a smile pulling on his lips, 

"She seems nice." He didn't elaborate. She did seem nice, a little wonky maybe. Surprised that she had a baby at her age, honestly-- but jungkook was in no position to judge. Besides, from what he gathered, there was no boyfriend to help her, so he automatically deemed her as a strong person. Who the hell manages to move on their own, with a baby?

Kook smoothed his hand over Taehyung's thigh as he looked at his boyfriend, his nose scrunched in a grin, "How about that shower? Come on." He offered his hand to help the younger, pulling him up on wobbly legs before guiding him to the bathroom, turning on the water. While waiting for it to heat up, he glanced over at taehyung, pulling him in by the waist to nuzzle their noses together, completely unbothered by the cum staining taes stomach now pressing against the stomach of his own skin, "Maybe we should check if she needs help with anything else. You could show off your skills as a babysitter."

“Fuck off, Kook.” Despite his harsh words, Taehyung chuckled, playfully hitting Jungkook’s chest, “Babies scare the shit out of me.”

He mumbled as he carefully stepped into the bathtub, humming in content at the warm beads of water trickling down his skin.

Taehyung wanted to thank whoever invented showers.

After his boyfriend fucked his brains out, it helped ease his sore muscles.

‘’I could tell," Jungkook teased, getting into the shower behind his boyfriend, grabbing the rarely used loofah to soap it up, "I think shes cute," he started to gently massage the soap against Taehyung's back, down to the back of his thighs before snaking his hand around the elders torso to wash off the cum, "The baby, I mean. I think babies are cute."

Taehyung was relishing his moment of glory, content moans dripping from his lips at the care Jungkook was putting on cleaning him up.

He peeked over his shoulder at his boyfriend, grinning.

“Of course she’s cute.” The elder agreed, now turning around to repay him, taking the loofah from Kook’s hand, “She’s a little human. Little humans are cute.” He kept his eyes glued on to what he was doing, lathering Jungkook’s chest with soap, then trailing it down to his stomach.

“But they also cry a lot, and puke, and throw up— no.” The elder shook his head in accentuation, now scrubbing along the other’s arms, focusing on the task at hand.

Jungkook smiled widely, lifting his arms slightly to give the elder better access to wash his skin,

''Puke and throw up? I've taken care of adults doing the same thing. Much cuter when it's a baby,'' Kook snatched the loofah back from Taehyung when he was finished, hanging it on the small hook attached to the wall before wrapping his arms around his boyfriend, forcing them both to step underneath the shower to let the water do the job of washing the soap off,

''Anyways... I'm really hungry... But I don't think I have anything in my fridge, honestly.'' His smile faded, feeling guilty about the fact that he couldn't even feed Taehyung, knowing he's a big eater, ''We could uh.. order something?''

Kook furrowed his eyebrows, trying to remember how much he had left in his bank account. Which is, never enough.

“You know what I meant.” Taehyung sighed, trying to stifle a grin of his own because of his stupidity.

He really shouldn’t let himself ramble all that much, nothing ever made sense.

His mind traveled back to him laying on Namjoon’s couch, holding a bucket of his own puke as if it were his most prized possession, his caramel skin faded and lips no longer rosy.

Tae felt bad for putting the both of them through that— through him, just.. being him.

Although Jungkook was only joking, Taehyung felt bothersome, but he didn’t show it on his face.

“Hey, it’s okay.” He gently cupped his boyfriend’s jaw, not wanting him to go through all that trouble for him.

Taehyung knew money was tight, Kook didn’t need to order anything.

When he was done with High School— which was in a couple months— Tae promised himself to find a job to help Jungkook, financially. It was no doubt that the monthly rent was a big strain on the younger’s bank account, as well as the obvious need for food.

“We’ll figure something— who’s that?”

Taehyung’s head whipped to the sound of the knocks on Jungkook’s front door, pulling himself away from the latter before grabbing a towel, quickly drying himself and the other off before throwing on his spare clothes.

Who would it be?

© sombreboy 2020. Do not repost, edit or translate.

[bts-shipping]

When you are gone for one second and your social butterfly of a friend is already getting pulled away by others? Try holding them back from going... literally

And in this endeavour if they get upset with you?

Just guide them to the refreshments and hope they forget about this one when you pull such stunt again in the future XD

[add-v-bae]

Sweet Dreams (11)

Rating: T 

Pair: Taehyung x Reader x Jungkook (poly relationship) Word count: 1,080

Part one ; Part two ; Part three ; Part four ; Part five ; Part six ; Part seven ; Part eight ; Part nine ; Part ten ;

Gif found on Google

You couldn’t believe he actually did it.

But if you were being honest with yourself, you really shouldn’t have been. Something like this didn’t seem much like something Taehyung wouldn’t do.

You were looking at your phone for what was probably the hundredth time, looking at the photo that was being passed around.

Taehyung had posted it on the BTS twitter and it was taken down shortly after, but not before the fans got to it. Screenshots were everywhere. A picture of the three of you, Jungkook and Taehyung each kissing one of your cheeks and making a hand heart together below your face while you took the picture. The caption of the tweet read simply “confirmed -V”

You distinctly remember when the picture was taken too. It was early on into the relationship, Taehyung wanted a cute picture of the three of you so he could have it as his background. He then later got into both yours and Jungkook’s phones and changed your backgrounds to it.

Taehyung and Jungkook had been called to talk to management as soon as he posted the picture, needing to go talk to them, so you were in your apartment alone, just thinking about it.

You’d imagined that you’d feel a great amount of relief with being open with the both of them, but you didn’t. You felt the same as you did before. Nothing really changed except that people now know about all three of you instead of you and Jungkook.

You were deep in thought when you heard the door open, followed by a loud “Wooo!”

Taehyung and Jungkook walked in, both grinning. “I’m guessing the talk went well? You guys look really happy,” you said to them.

Taehyung flopped next to you, his head on your lap. “They said they wish they could do something, but it’s spread too much, so for now, they’re gonna let it play out.”

Jungkook sat down on the end of the couch, Taehyung putting his legs on him. “So basically, for now, we’re all allowed to be open.”

You nodded and smiled widely at the two of them. “That’s great! You two can be open as well, the fans are going to be ecstatic,” you said.

Taehyung snorted. “Yeah, of course. They seem to like you though, at least most of them, so we should be fine.”

You shrugged. Only time could tell.

“Y/N help!” you heard a cry from the living room. You were in the kitchen, making lunch. You sighed and decided to go see what was going on.

When you walked into the living room, you were greeted by Taehyung and Jungkook on the floor, your son Ilsung sitting on top of them and laughing. “Y/N we’ve been captured, help us!” the older man said, smiling, clearly doing it to make Ilsung laugh.

You rolled your eyes. “It’s lunch time anyway, I think he’ll be fine letting you go long enough to eat, yeah?” you asked the boy.

Quickly, Ilsung got off his fathers, going to the table to wait for his food. He had a strong love for food, something his uncle Jin was proud to find out and used to his advantage when he was watching him.

You remembered when you found out you were pregnant with Ilsung almost three years ago. As soon as you found out, Taehyung and Jungkook decided that they didn’t want to know who’s baby it technically was, that they were content both being the fathers. However, once he was born and got older, the fact that he looked just like Jungkook made it clear who’s it was. 

Despite that, Taehyung still treats Ilsung like he has no clue, happily treating him like his own. However, he became mindset that he got to make the next one. He definitely followed through. You were once again pregnant, 17 weeks along.

As you were walking around, passing out the food, you were stopped by a hand on your stomach. “Noona, make sure you don’t strain yourself, alright?” Jungkook asked, rubbing your rounded stomach. Despite the fact that you had his child and have been with him for going on 6 years, Jungkook still called you that, although you didn’t mind. It was cute.

You nodded before continuing to set the food down. “I know, I won’t. After all, all you two let me do is cook when I’m pregnant, I’m not porcelain you know,” you stated.

Taehyung swallowed his food and nodded. “We know, but we don’t want you to get hurt or hurt the baby. After all, we took good care of you last time, and look how that turned out,” he said, looking at Ilsung, who was mowing down on his food.

You nodded and walked to Ilsung, kissing the top of his head. “I know, I wouldn’t take him any other way.”

Taehyung nodded again. “By the way, we’re going to be having another comeback soon, so we’re not gonna be around a whole lot,” he said with a frown.

You sat down in your usual spot, looking at him. “Yeah? I’m used to it. It’s not like you guys haven’t been idols most of our relationship, and with Jungkook it’s been the entire relationship.” you said, starting to eat.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook, who spoke. “Yeah, we know. We’re going to have someone stay with you while we’re gone so that you won’t be alone.”

You finished the food in your mouth before sighing. “Guys, I really don’t need that. I’m fine on my own, I can handle-”

“Yes, we know but it’s just in case. You’re pregnant and Ilsung is two, you’re both pretty vulnerable while we’re gone. Just so we feel a bit better about leaving, okay?” Taehyung asked, taking your hand and squeezing it.

You paused, looking between your boyfriends, then to your son before sighing. “Yeah..okay. To make you feel better,” you said with a playful smile.

They became busy again a week or two later, having a friend stay with you to help out. Their schedule cleared up just in time to be around for the birth of your new daughter, once again, looking just like her father. You made a joke about how nobody would ever be able to know they're your kids because neither of them looks like you, but in all reality, you wouldn’t change it for the world. You love your kids exactly as they are, as well as their two idol fathers.

End! Hope you enjoyed!

[vincentaegguk]

aşığım size

[jamaiskookie]

mutuals (pjmxreader) [02]

[02] thirst tweeting

~mutuals~ {youtuber!reader x idol!parkjimin}

masterlist

synopsis: park jimin is a (slightly problematic) idol singer, and he becomes completely smitten with a youtuber after stumbling upon her dance cover to his own song.

[A/N] [02] is finally up! the next part is already done, so expect it to be up in a couple days. it’s a written bonus. this chapter is a personal fav, hehe give it some love! love u guys :-)

[taglist] @notmontae97​

[bangtanfancamp]

the one where you and jungkook sing a duet

——————————————————————-

•masterlist

•series masterlist

• jungkook x reader, mentions of Tae x reader

• sneaky part 14! Of the jungkook drabble series

•roughly 4. 5 of the most aggressive

~✨ E M O T I O N S ✨~

(She’s a real roller coaster, friends)

•forbidden lovers au, love triangle au, heavy pining, the slowest burn

•note: it’s 6:30 am now and I’ve been writing parts 13 & 14 since 2pm yesterday. Have lost my mind? maybe. You’re welcome. if the editing is egregious, I apologize sincerely.

What if you met the perfect person at the worst possible time?

previous. next.

———————————————————————-

“Now, that’s that. No more looking back.”Jungkook instructed, a happy chirp to his voice. He cleared his throat, pulling away from you to steady himself. Your glassy eyed smile beamed back at him, and in that moment, Jungkook knew he would do anything to make sure you smiled that forever. “Now, back to the real question at hand- how long have you been playing piano? And if you can play like that, why in God’s name have you been listening to me all day?”

You laughed though the last of your tears. “You’re not bad, Kookie. You’re really good actually. I’m not anything special. I think we all took 8th grade piano and then tried to play out our feelings in high school.” You shrugged.

“Key word being try. I tried. You succeeded. There’s a vast chasm between the two.” He laughed, tucking a wavy strand behind his ear. You smiled warmly as he did. You loved the way his curls softened the edges of his face. 

“When you have as many feelings as I do, you get plenty of practice with these sorts of things,” you sniffled, once again distracted by the rivulets of rain on the glass.

“Hey, you wanna sing with me?” He asked abruptly, all wide eyed innocence.

“Now?” You gushed, startled.

“Yeah, why not? We’re both here, with too many emotions and nothing to do with them. We survived a tricky conversation. You sing like a Greek muse, and I need the practice to clear out the musical cobwebs. . should I continue?” 

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I thought ‘no singing’ was a clause on my half of the contract,” you teased, ignoring his compliment, your sky high eyebrows taunting him salaciously.

“Oh, get over yourself,” he laughed. “My voice is very tempting too, you know,” he lifted his chin, affecting a cocky air that he wore far too well.

“I’m sure. I’ve heard plenty of stories of college Kook discovering the affect of his golden voice on the ladies,” you bounced your eyebrows at him.

“Oh god. Don't ever bring that up again. Bleh,” he gagged. “I was so shy back then. The guys act like I had all this game in college- it’s all lies.I was a mess. There’s no way I would have been able to hold my own with a girl as pretty you as you back then. I wouldn't even have been able to look you in the eye, let alone sing with you. God, I would've passed out,” he shook his head dismissively at his poor bumbling past self. 

Blushing at his compliment, you dropped your eyes, hands fiddling with the hem of your T-shirt. “You’re not gonna drop this, are you?”

“And miss a chance to sing with you? Never.” He winked.

“Insufferable,” you scolded, covering your smile with your hands. He was so charming, without even trying. And he didn’t have a clue.

“Is that a yes?” He leaned your way.

“Am I going to regret this?” you muttered, looking at him out of the corner of your eye.

“Not if you say yes,” he shrugged.

“This is a direct violation of the contract- you understand this?” you tried to level him with a threatening look, but it didn't work.

“I think the pretty girl is just scared of how impossible it is not to love me when I sing,” he teased, eyes electric with laughter.

“Oh my god, you brat! just play a song.” You laughed, burying your burning cheeks in your hands.

A victorious “Yess” hissed through his teeth as he swung a triumphant fist in this air.

“I can’t stand you,” you muttered into your hands as Jungkook’s laughter filled the dreary living room, your spirits undampened by the summer rain falling continuously outside. 

He began to play something pop driven and bouncy, the first happy song he’d played all day. His sweet airy voice made something inside you tingle with warmth. You’d forgotten how delicious it felt to be this happy again. And as Jungkook began to sing, you realized you’d forgotten how beautiful his voice was.

He cracked in a few places, but that was to be expected with a cold voice. You joined in with a soft harmony halfway through, Jungkook's eyes flicking over to meet yours with a giddy smile as your voices began to blend. 

It felt so good to sing with him. Something about it felt so carefree and lovely. For the first time in days, the incessant anxious weight pressing down against your chest finally alleviated. Singing with jungkook wasn’t just cathartic- it was freeing. 

Four songs in, and you were happier than you’d ever felt. Half high off the honey sweet tone of his voice, you were lost in the way your voices blended so seamlessly. You felt so buoyant and light when you’d catch each other’s eyes. Nothing felt better than this. Nothing.

Perhaps that’s why, for better or for worse, you finally let the last of your shields completely drop.

“Hey,” You started, “What was that one song?” You queried, nose scrunched in memory.

“Are you always this specific?” He eyed you sideways, his dimples showing as he bubbled over with laughter.

“Shut. Up! You know the one I’m talking about.”

“I genuinely don’t. You’ve given me zero clues.”

“Oh c'mon. The first one we sang together.” You smiled, tugging on his sleeve. “The greatest showman one.” Your eyes glittered as a toothy smile stretched across your face.

“Rewrite the stars?” He chuckled.

“Yeah! That’s it. Do you still remember how to play it?”

 The happiness radiating off of you in waves was enough to give Jungkook a contact high.

“You sure?” he asked, hesitant to pull out such a romantic song.

“Why not? It's so fun to sing, and the harmonies are so pretty.” You looked up at him, wide eyed wonder filled- positively oblivious to why it might be a bad idea. And when you smiled at Jungkook that brightly, he didn't quite have the heart to tell you why either.

“I mean I can try.” He relented, propping his tablet up on the music stand and pulling up the lyrics for you both. “Let’s see.”

You were practically bouncing out of your seat as Jungkook began to pick out the intro. He’d be first to sing, so you waited, giddy and reverent for your turn to join. A few botched chords later, Jungkook finally had the progression down and began to sing- airy, confident and gorgeous.

You know I want you, It’s not a secret I try to hide

I know you want me, so don’t keep saying our hands are tied…

Oh. 

Shit. 

Had those always been the words? Why didn’t you remember that?  You began to wonder if this was what had made Jungkook hesitant to play this one. Maybe you shouldn’t have picked this song. Stuffing down your growing concerns, you cleared your throat when you realized your verse had already come around. Attempting to recover quickly, you smiled nervously, your eyes following your lyrics as you began to sing.

You think it’s easy? You think I don’t wanna run to you?

Oh no. Keeping your eyes focused ahead, you began to belt the chorus, attempting to ignore the words. To ignore the warmth of jungkook’s body beside yours and the heady sandalwood scent of him. To ignore the overwhelming, beautiful way your voices tangled into one as you both sang 

No one can rewrite the Stars

How can you say you’ll be mine?

Everything keeps us apart-

And you’re not the one I was meant to find….

You pressed it all down. Ignored it. Denied it. Even when he turned over his shoulder to look at you as the bridge began to crescendo, and you almost got lost in the caramel flecks in his dark brown eyes. 

All I want is to fly with you,

All I want is to fall with you 

So just give me all of you

The rain outside had built into something torrential, crashing into the glass as your heartbeat crashed against your chest. Even when the final chorus came and you both poured your hearts into it, belting a gut wrenching-

Say that it’s possible

What if we rewrite the Stars

Say you were made to be mine

Nothing can keep us apart

You were the one I was meant to find…

What if we rewrite the Stars?

Changing the world to be ours?

You stayed lost in all that was Jungkook. His gentle eyes, the perfect curve to the apples of his cheeks,  the soft edges of his supple lips, the way his own chest was crashing  like he was in a race for his life. Eyes locked on his, as the music plummeted back to a small, quiet refrain, you began to sing the last lines from memory: 

You know I want you

It’s not a secret I try to hide

I know you want me 

I’m bound to breaking- my hands... are tied.

The silence that enveloped you both then was nerve rattling.

Not a sound in the room but hushed, frantic breaths. Not a thing on your minds but each other. Jungkook was transfixed by you, the delicate unreal creature in front of him whose voice gripped his chest like he was under a spell.

 Neither of you said a word as lightning flashed outside and the vicious rain pelted the glass. None of it mattered as you and jungkook stared at each other, breathless, irrevocably lost in each other. 

“Jungkook, I-“ 

Whatever words you were about to say disappeared as his strong hands reached out to cradle your face, his fingers slipping back to tangle in your hair as his thumbs caressed your incredibly perfect, delicate face. He pressed his forehead to yours. He couldn’t hide the weight of what he felt for you just now; he knew it must be etched in every detail across his face right now, and he couldn’t bear for you to see it.

“Shhh, it’s okay.” He whispered. You didn’t have to say a word. Every molecule of him knew exactly how you felt.

Your lashes fluttered shut as you leaned against him. Clutching fistfuls of his shirt, the cloud of his scent overwhelmed you. His breath was so warm, so close. Everything about him was so sweet, so him. You exhausted yourself clinging to his shirt to keep your hands from tracing the gorgeous lines of his face. You could not let yourself do that. If you started, you’d never stop.

“Jungkook,” the whisper came out strangled and thick. It caught in your throat as you pressed against him.

“Shh, y/n. It’s okay. I swear.” He breathed, pressing his lips softly to your hair again, this time pulling himself back from you so fast his head got light.

When you pulled back up to look at him, your eyes were a cluster of chaos. He watched every sparkling star go out as your sadness crept back in. The sadness he’d spent the whole afternoon chasing away. He couldn’t let you fall apart in his arms, not again.

Gently, his fingers dragged down the edges of your face to cradle you, the most precious thing in the world to him. As his touch ghosted across your skin, he watched you freeze, tension tugging at your angelic face. Had he gone too far? Did you hate him for touching you like this? He was terrified he’d just made everything worse- until you melted into him, relief washing over your face as you let even the smallest part of yourself revel in the splendor of his touch, a small weary smile attempting to blossom on your full lips.

God, Jungkook loved those lips. He could never tell you this, but your mouth was just so… pretty to him. He didn’t have a better word for it. Your mouth was incredibly, impossibly pretty. The gentle dip of your Cupid’s bow. Your bottom lip, so decadently full. On its own accord, one of his hands began absentmindedly tracing the curve of your mouth, the smoothness of it hypnotizing him. He wanted to kiss you so badly then. The tide of it overwhelmed him as he studied your mouth. 

Time seemed to stop altogether when he felt himself falling into the pull of the gravity around you. He willed himself to look up at you, to assure you everything was okay, that he had you and nothing would happen. That it was okay, that you could breathe. But he couldn’t bring himself to say any of it. He was too transfixed by the way the rough pad of his thumb caught against the incredible softness of your lip. He completely missed the chaos of wonder and panic in your eyes.

Delicately, you reached up to cover his fingers with yours as panic swam behind your eyes.The Jungkook you knew was kind and loyal. He would never push too far, you knew that. Even if you wanted him to- to come find you that day you’d hid away from him. To call you out on hiding from him these last few days. To dip low now as he took the moment to memorize you, drinking in every detail of your face. The Jungkook you knew didn't look at you like this- like he was a man possessed, starving, craving you in ways you'd blush to say out loud. The Jungkook you knew was in control of his emotions- this was not the jungkook looking at you now.

You needed to tell him to stop. You needed him to stop to being so beautiful, to stop smelling so warm and intoxicating, to stop being so close. God, You couldn’t think when he was this close. You couldn't breathe when he did things like this. He was so close that his nose was brushing against yours, the warmth of his breath completely unraveling you. To feel his skin this close to you, your brain felt like someone was overriding it- someone else was in control. You couldn’t stop yourself if you tried. You were too desperate for more of him. 

Why? You thought, Why was he still so far away? Your fingers slipped up to tangle desperately in his wavy hair, your eyes fluttering closed. Why was he still so far away? You felt your heartbeat quicken and rage inside your chest as you desperately tried to still it, to remind yourself why you couldn’t have this wonderful thing before you…but why? Why? You couldn’t remember.

All you knew was how badly you ached for him. How overwhelmed with misery you’d felt to be so close to him but so desperately far away these last few seconds.

All you could think of was Jungkook. The sweetness of his touch, the hazy look in his eyes, how badly you wanted him to never let go of you, and how close his lips were. He was so close, he was right there. You could practically taste his breath- it was so sweet and so him. Why wouldn’t he just-

And then your world crashed.

Tae.

That’s why.

That’s why he wouldn’t kiss you.

No, no, no no no no no no no. Oh god. Taehyung.No. What were you thinking? No, no, no, this was all wrong. You had to stop… you had to -

“Kookie, stop!” you gasped, pressing his chest away with both hands.

The alarm in your voice snapped him from his reverie, the spell shattered as his big brown eyes flicked up to yours in concern. “Wha- I’m- oh my god. I am so sorry.” He shook his head, trying to gather his bearings. His thick hair ruffled into his eyes, his brows furrowing as he struggled to grasp what he’d almost done. He covered his mouth with his hand in horror at himself. 

You clasped both of your hands over his that still remained on your face and pulled it down away from. You held it tenderly but with an urgency that jungkook was scared to acknowledge. It pleaded with him to understand how important what you were about to say was.

“That...can’t ever happen again.” Your eyes were firm, unwavering, and for the first time in all of this, jungkook felt truly, deeply ashamed of himself. He hadn’t kissed you, but god, could he have gotten any closer?

“I know. You’re right.” He tipped his head back toward the ceiling, pinching his eyes closed in concentration and remorse. You swallowed thickly at the sight of his beautiful throat. You’d give anything to be able to give in, just for a second, and kiss the arc of it. But that could never happen now. You tried your best to push the thought away, dropping his hands as you pulled back, standing now as he continued.

 “God, you’re right. I’m so sorry, y/n. I’m right here. I just...i  got… lost… for a second. It won’t happen again. It can't.” He dragged his calloused hands down his face.

“No, it can’t, Kookie. I’m so sorry.” You couldn’t bring yourself to look at him anymore. It hurt too much. Instead you occupied yourself with the way you were worrying your own hands. He put his hands on his hips, trying to find something else to do with them so he wouldn’t reach out for you again.

“Tae doesn’t deserve that. God. Tae…..,” he stopped, his voice suddenly grave. “Y/n, Tae can never know about this…....” he stilled. His eyes glazing over in the most potent cocktail of regret you'd ever seen. His jaw was set, his eyes resolute as he looked over at you. For the second time today, a look you’d never seen before consumed Jungkook’s angular face. This one made you too sad to name, so you didn't- not even to yourself

“Please,” he breathed, “promise me he wont?” he stepped forward to cradle your chin in his hand. You stilled for a moment,frozen in his touch, before pulling back from him.

The last pieces of your heart shattering like glass.

“I can’t- I cant promise you that. But this cannot happen again, Kookie. It can't.”

“ Of course not. Of course you can’t,” He sighed. “I shouldn't have asked you to. I don't know what I’m doing. God, this is all such a mess. How did this even happen?” He raked a hand through his hair, and your world collapsed. 

You loved that messy dark hair he was fixing now. You loved the way he cared for his friend like he was his brother.And you couldn't be mad at him for wanting to keep the past five minutes from Taehyung. You knew how much Jungkook hated the idea of causing anyone harm. You hated to think what he must be saying to himself inside his head as his body language screamed shame from across the room. It broke your heart - for him, for Tae, for all of you. Because, if you were truly honest, some part of you knew you loved both men. And it destroyed you to think you were hurting either one of them. Or how much this was destroying you.

“Me.” An undignified sob cracked through your voice. “That’s how this happened. It’s my fault.I caused this mess.” You sniffled, tears rushing violently down your face. “I ruined everything,” you cried, hugging your elbows tight to your body.

“No, no, no, no. None of this is your fault, y/n” Any part of jungkook’s heart that hadn't broken up to this point, cracked at the pain in your voice. In an instant, he was by your side again. “Y/n, you can’t possibly believe that. You’re so innocent in all of this. Neither of us asked for this. In fact, you tried to fix it. You tried to-“

“Stop. Please. Just stop,” your shoulders were shaking from how hard you were crying as you held a hand up between you and him.

“No, I’m not going to stop. Let me talk, for once. Y/n, you never asked for any of this. I never asked for this.”

“But we fed it, didn’t we? I should have tried harder. I should have-“

“You can’t seriously stand here blaming yourself right now. How in the world could either of us have ever known this was coming?” Jungkook drew in a measured breath as he closed his eyes. “What were you supposed to do? Refuse to meet Taehyung’s best friend? That’s impossible. We both know he could never date a girl who didn’t get along with his friends. His friends are like family. That’s a deal breaker for him. And what was I supposed to do? Do you know how many texts from him I deleted? How many phone calls I declined after I met you? I fell in love with you the moment you walked into the diner, y/n……” his voice was raspy with the crushing weight of the truth in his words. “I’m in love with you.”

The world stopped.

“Do you have any idea how much it kills me to see you sad, y/n? To know how badly I want to hold you and protect you from everything but to have to give you space- because it’s not my job to comfort you. It’s Tae’s. And if I’m gonna be your friend there are lines, I can’t cross. But God- How do you honestly expect me to just stand here and listen to you say nasty things about yourself when you’re every star in the universe to me? I don’t want another girl, y/n, but I’ll find one. Because I have to. Only because I can’t stand to hurt you. You love Tae. And he loves you back. I missed my chance to find you first, and that’s fine. I can’t change that now. But at least I know now that this is not my fault. And it’s not yours either. We didn’t choose this. In fact we’ve done everything in our power to fight it. So don’t you dare stand there and make me listen to blame yourself or blame us for making this happen.” 

Collapsing back on the piano bench, jungkook dragged his hair out of his eyes. “You’re a good person, y/n.So is Tae. But it doesn’t mean he always knows how to take good care of you. Like right now- where is he? Literally where has he been this whole past month?” His voice cracked with hysteria.

“I don’t know.” Your tears flowed silently now, your arms clinging to yourself for comfort.

“I don’t either,” he said more softly. “I don’t know. We tried talking to each other to fix this and we just made it worse. Why didn’t either of us ever talk to him?” He shook his head at the ground.

“We didn’t want to-“

“Hurt him,” jungkook finished. “Well all I’ve done is hurt myself. And you. Secrecy hasn’t gotten us anywhere.”

Sniffling, you nodded a silent assent. The air was so thick with melancholy now, too deep a breath would’ve suffocated you. Thunder roared so loud outside it shook the roof. Still, it was quiet compared to the roaring in your heart

“You’re right,” you whispered. It was all the volume you had left. 

As your thumb brushed across the curve of your bicep, you realized you couldn't go back. Something in you had snapped. You didn't know if it could ever be put back together, but there was at least one thing left to try. One last attempt to stitch this all back up. Gathering your courage, you knew the next words to leave your mouth would begin the undoing of whatever brief, beautiful thing you and Jungkook had had. Mourning what was to come, you spoke them anyway.

 “There’s barely a week left before he and I will be back at our places. The repairs are almost finished. How bout we finish this well?” you sighed.

Jungkook brows pinched in confusion as he looked up at you. “What does that mean?” He murmured.

“It means, we stay in our separate parts of the apartment while he’s gone. We can spend time together while he’s here. But no pining glances or fingers brushing against each other by “accident”, you gestured. “We’re straightforward. We don’t entertain this dance anymore and pretend that we’re not. We act like real friends. We go back to this being as normal as we can make it. We’ve cleared the air, we know where we stand. I've had my breakdown, you've had yours. There are no secrets left. We don’t push this anymore, whatever this is...” He winced at the sting in your words. This couldn't be how this day was going to end. He’d finally had you back. You’d been right there in his hands. He couldn't have gotten you back and lost you in the same day. Not again.  

“And then in 7 days, I’m out of your hair. No more torture. No more pining. You’ll be free.” Your tone was flat, unnervingly even. Arms crossed, you glanced at him again, your eyes so hollow jungkook was sure he’d just watched some part of you die.

“Is that… really how it has to be?” He tugged the fabric on his sleeves to keep himself rooted instead of reaching out to you.

Sighing, deep and resonant, you chose your words carefully before you spoke. “Yeah, Kook. I think that’s how it has to be.” He’d never seen your eyes so devoid of feeling. It was like seeing a bare winter tree in the middle of a luscious orchard full of blossoms. It felt so wrong, it ached. This was not how things were meant to be- not with your spirit flickering out like a candle in front of him.

 Feeling his eyes study you, you slowly crossed the room until your bare feet tapped the toe of his boots. Taking his hands gently in yours, you gathered all the courage you had left to look up at him, your thumbs memorizing the curves of his knuckles like you were studying Braille.

“Thank you, jungkook.” The smile you tried to paint wobbled the second his eyes met yours. He saw right through you. You couldn’t bear to think about that now. You had to say this now or you didn’t think you ever could. 

“Thank you for loving me the way you do. I’m so sorry for any pain I’ve caused you. I pray one day, if you ever fully realize it, that you’ll forgive me for it all. But for now, please, can we let the next few days be good ones? I couldn’t bear to hide from you again. I don’t want to waste this. And I don’t want to hurt each other anymore. It’s been such an honor to be loved by you. Can we please just- make the best of this? End this well?” You closed your eyes, posture falling heavy beneath the Atlas weight you’d just taken back up onto your shoulders. 

“Are you sure? That’s what you want?” Jungkook tipped his head to the side, studying you.  Please tell me if that’s what you really need. Please don’t hide from me.

Taking another deep breath, his actress put on her best smile for him, nodding your head sweetly, with altogether too much pep for the heartbreak of this moment. “Yes,” you said breathlessly. “I’m sure, Kook.”

Swallowing, he squeezed your hand in his. “Okay. I can do that for you.”

The saddest smile he’d ever seen on your perfect lips shone back at him. “Have I told you you’re wonderful?” Rising up on your toes, palms to his chest, your pressed the softest kiss to his cheek. There, with your face to his, was the only time you would let your veneer slip for the next seven days. Time was gracious for the first time to you both, slowing its breakneck pace as you decided in your heart to say goodbye to the most precious love you’d ever known. Taking one last breath of his warm spicy scent, you memorized the feeling of his silken skin beneath your lips. Lingering a few seconds to let your face crumple before your mask returned, you pulled away from him, beaming back that same shellacked smile you’d given him moments before.

“I think it’s been quite long enough since I cooked us all dinner,” you announced, straightening yourself up despite your lingering sniffles. “I’ll see what I can find in the pantry.”

“Yeah, That’d be great.” he managed to say. None of this felt right. None of it. But if it was how you chose to cope, he would try his best to go along with it, no matter how much it pained him. “I did a grocery run a few days ago. There should be plenty in there.” He nodded half heartedly.

“Good.” You cracked your knuckles. “Time to shake off the rust,” you declared optimistically. “Depending on what I can find, maybe I can join you guys if you watch a movie tonight?” Your offer was tentative. Another olive branch peace treaty. Jungkook needed to accept it, but feared the weight of carrying anything else in this moment would crush him. So he deflected it.

“Yeah, sure. Sounds great.” The tug of his half smile got lost long before it ever reached his eyes. “While you do that, I think I’m just gonna get a shower real quick.”

“Yeah, of course. Do you mind if I put music on in the kitchen?” You asked, turning over your shoulder as you began to stride toward the kitchen.

“Not at all. Go ahead.” This time the smile he crafted was just a hair more convincing and you disappeared around the corner, rummaging through the cupboards, pots and pans.

Jungkook dashed immediately to the bathroom. Clicking the lock and cranking the water pressure as high as it would go, he ignored the smell of your lilac candle you’d left burning. He chose not to look at all your flowery bath products, ignoring all the traces of you that had seeped into his life. He set to peeling off each piece of his black clothing. He didn’t know if he’d ever want to touch these pieces again after today. Your music began to float in from beyond the door, the beat strong-heavy and honest. Then and only then, did jungkook climb behind the shower curtain , submerge his head beneath the current and cry.

previous. next.

----------------------------------------------------

well hot dog, there she is folks. drop me an ask! I’d love to hear your feedback, lovelies!

[magini0]

Kimset - (II)

Pairing: ot6 x Jungkook | Jungkook x Everyone

Genre: Witch AU, Soulmate AU, Ex's to Lovers, Angst With a Happy Ending

Summary: Jungkook has until the next Witching Moon to develop a cure for his chronic illness. With his race against time, he really doesn’t have the nerve to be constantly pestered by his old coven mates—whom he had left behind after a mission gone wrong. Back as a famous healer and sponsored by a renowned magical society, Jungkook is ready to do what it takes to survive. Now, if only his former coven would back off and stop being so damn persistent in making up for their old mistakes…

Word Count: 16k

Also accessible on ao3 => Here Previous Chapter => Here Next Chapter => Here

The sound of clapping filled the room like an encouraging symphony, the student at the podium trying—yet failing—to hide their smile at the favorable response to their inquiry. Kim Yugyeom, a face Jungkook hadn't intended to see again in his life. Yet again, he hadn't intended to see any familiar faces when attending this university. A thought he didn't want to dwell on; he had barely managed to push the subject away this morning. He had gotten dressed and rushed off to present his inquiry to his fellow students and the MCA association currently present. 

After all, your inquiry had to be approved before you could actually start. The university's board of education and the MCA would then score your presentation; the higher the score, the larger your funding pool would be. How exactly the scores were determined was yet to be defined; publicly, it was described as a completely unbiased procedure and criteria; however, it was clear that even in the magical world, influences could come from anywhere. 

Corruption was truly the only one unbiased. It affects everyone.  

The sound of heavy auditorium doors opening shifted his attention from Yugyeom's presentation. The aspiring witch's inquiry consisted of finding a caladrius and further studying the bird's supposed healing properties. Jungkook barely knew anything about mythical beasts; he had never been very good with animals nor very interested. But he did know that caladrius were rare and practically extinct. That was why the university board was so approving of the inquiry, considering that if Yugyeom's mission was successful, it would benefit the university itself. 

But all that seemed to simmer into a lingering thought when his eyes locked onto the sight of a sitting, silently brooding Jimin, arms folded over his chest as he observed Yugyeom's presentation. Even to the untrained eye, the blonde witch appeared tense. Shoulders pull back slightly more than what was considered casual, mouth etched into a slight frown. Jungkook hadn't meant to stare; he wasn't a part of Jimin's life anymore. The thought was supposed to console him, but in reality, it only fueled the sinister ache inside his chest. 

Jungkook hadn't actually gotten a look at any of his old hyungs this morning, having gotten dressed and heading for a quick escape out the front door. He didn't want to face them. Perhaps it was the naive hope he clung to that he could simply avoid them for the remainder of the year. 

But even at the sight of Jimin simply sitting in the auditorium, Jungkook realized that his ambitions were rather hopeless. Like a moth to a flame, he couldn't keep his gaze focused. How could he? Look away from something— someone he had hoped to see for the past six years. 

"Jimin!" Taehyung's hushed voice called out, light and happy. 

The brunette sneaks up behind Jimin's brooding form, snaking his arms around his neck and pressing a few gentle kisses against the other's cheek. Jungkook watched, with an untold heaviness, as Taehyung trailed around Jimin's seat—the witch was sitting at the end of an aisle—before plopping himself in the still vacant seat beside the blonde. And Jungkook's gaze lingered with an untold masochism as Jimin's unhappiness melted away. The earlier locked jaw pushed out an exhale, the previous frown turned into a smile, and those chilling eyes took on an expression entirely too fond. 

Jimin leaned forward, cupping Taehyung's cheek and pressing their lips together. It wasn't an all-too-sensual kiss, considering that neither of the two witches could push down their smiles long enough to kiss properly. But it hurt.  

It hurt so much.  

But the worst part was that it still hurt to be hurting. 

As Jungkook sat down aisles ahead of them, partially to remove the temptation to further damage himself by glancing back, the world around him grew distant. The loud, projecting voice of Yugyeom drowned out the applause that would follow a particularly enthused statement. It was all gone, distant. Although present, Jungkook wasn't really there. 

He was somewhere else entirely, a place with rhythmic ballads, self-playing violins and cellos as witches danced tangos and waltzes. He recalled the night vividly, their first festival at the academy, celebrating the Veilweaver's Moon in all its glory. But Jungkook didn't remember the night over some planet in the sky—no, he had gotten something most precious that night. That night, he had his first kiss.    

He had felt so jealous.

Jealousy.

An adjective with different meanings, but in this case, it could be defined as feeling fiercely protective or vigilant of one's rights or possessions. Only Jungkook didn't have a right over what he was jealous of; after all, he didn't own Jimin. 

The witch was his own person, and Jimin had always been like a bird prancing in the wind. Free. It hadn't bothered him before, quite the opposite; in all of Jungkook's coolly constructed and scheduled childhood, Jimins adventurous nature was like a breath of fresh air. He had adored it. But watching as Jimin, his sweet Park Jimin, dance with another oddly stung. The rational part inside Jungkook pleaded for an audience inside himself, trying to explain that Hoseok was Jimin's soulmate. They all were soulmates; it was unreasonable to feel how he felt. 

But that didn't change the fact that he felt it. He felt greatly, wave upon wave crashing against each other like tsunamis pushing against his heart—his soul. Seeing Jimin laughing, eyes creasing, and teeth on display. Nose occasionally scrunching up, his own giggles distracting him enough to misplace a step or two within the dance. Jimin looked so gosh damn happy. 

Those smiles used to belong to him. 

The sight was too much; it fueled the insecurities inside himself like gasoline thrown into a bonfire. It provided a speaker to that voice inside his head that insisted he wasn't enough. Jimin was like the sun, warm and giving. And Jungkook felt himself become inadequate to be basking in its soft glow. 

It was why he had left the event in the first place; the academy's ballroom had seemed so endless when everyone had come together to decorate it. Marble tiles stretched out, meter-long windows reached for the curved ceiling, and a chandelier reflected light off of its glass embellishments and jewelry. It had been beautiful. It still was. 

Only now, the room felt suffocating. His own jealousy wrapped around his throat, body, and soul before it squeezed. Everything felt inconsequential; the classical music sounded distant, washed out as if underwater. The chatter surrounding him drowned alongside the music, nearly mimicking a language he chose not to understand. All he could focus on was them. Hoseok and Jimin. 

They looked perfect together. Hoseok was similar to Jimin in ways Jungkook could never be. A realization that made the phantom noose around his throat tighter, unyielding in its pursuit to torture him further. Although Jungkook barely bothered with any of his other soulmates, from the little interactions he had shared with Hoseok, the older male carried a similar chipperness to Jimins. Once, during breakfast, Hoseok had reduced Jimin to a pile of wheezing laughter, the kind that hardly made any noise at all. 

Jungkook was rarely ever that funny. 

But it wasn't until the halls began whispering about how Jimin and Hoseok were the perfect couple, how the soulmates were so clearly made for each other, that birthed the intensity of his envy. At first, he made nothing of those words; they were idle chit-chat students murmured to pass their time with senseless gossip. No one knew Jimin the way he did.

But seeing them dance, Hoseok's hand tauntingly resting against Jimin's waist. Laughing so beautifully, a thought—realization—skipped across his mind. 

Those students had been right.

"Kookie?" 

Jungkook sniffled, shoulders hitching up as the voice seemed to protrude his little moment of solace. He had left the party nearly twenty minutes ago; instead, he sought asylum in the academy's library. Aisles were replaced by extended bookshelves, reaching so high up to the ceiling a sliding ladder was against each shelf. They weren't used often, mainly by first years who hadn't learned the proper spell yet to simply pull the needed book towards oneself. There was a second floor that took the shape of an O, leaving a gap in the middle to peer down at the stretching wooden desks available to students. Narrow but long windows decorated the west side of the room, and small cushioned ledges made the window sills most desirable. 

The sun rose in the east and set in the west, casting the library in an orange hue that made everything look golden. Jungkook sat against the windowsill, legs pulled against his chest and back leaning against the wall that separated this window from the next. He had watched the sun die against the horizon, replacing the warm sky with something cold and encompassing.  

 A small thread of irritation lit inside him; the night had gone horrible; no, the week had been an accumulation of utterly shitty events. So why? Why couldn't he at least be left to sulk in peace? 

The entire week, Jimin had been distracted with the others, helping Namjoon with his cultivation, Jin with cooking duty—It wasn't even Jimin's scheduled date to help—and herding the griffin babies together with Hoseok. For an entire week, Jimin had spent time with the others instead of him. Even Taehyung, their rudest covenmate, was teaching Jimin how to spray paint. Or Yoongi, who had offered to tutor Jimin in herbology. Jimin hated herbology, but all of a sudden, he was its biggest fan. 

It's only been a month since the two of them came to the academy, thirty days since the six red strings knotted to his finger found their destinations. He hated it. 

Hated that he hadn't been bunked with Jimin and instead got Taehyung, a rude riff-raff wannabe who had cussed him out for placing his suitcase on 'his side of the room' only thirty minutes into their introduction. To put it simply, he vehemently disliked the edgy artist. He was irascible and unpredictable, a potential danger to Jimin, if not only a bad influence. His other soulmates were more bearable, but he wasn't really interested. He had Jimin; the two were a team. Not a group or a party—it was them against the world. No one else. 

But Jimin was so eager in his utterly loving nature. It wasn't even surprising to Jungkook how quickly the rest of them fell for the bundled-up sunlight that was his hyung. Who wouldn't fall in love with Jimin? 

He knew he did. He had loved him instantly. 

A bundle of nerves had taken place inside his chest like all the strings inside his soul became knocked. A painful tug erupted within him whenever he saw Jimin smile for one of them—the same way he used to smile for Jungkook 

"You should be at the party, hyung." He murmured, voice hoarse in a way that made him cringe. He didn't need prying eyes against his crying figure. His own gaze was still cast out the window, taking in the colors of the sky as if he'd never see the sunset again. Perhaps not meeting Jimin's gaze right now was his own weak attempt at preserving his already bruised pride. 

"I would," Jimins voice trailed off as his footsteps approached the window. Slowly, Jimin's figure sat down beside him. Immaturely, Jungkook refused to look at him. Sniffles still occasionally betrayed him, prompting him to wipe at his wet cheeks rather irritably with his pulled-up sleeve. "But my soulmate isn't there." Jimin finished. 

"One." Jungkook muttered bitterly.

"What?" 

"One of your soulmates wasn't there." He clarified, his own jealous bitterness sinking into his tone. Tainting it with his anger. "You seemed to be having fun; who knows—maybe Namjoon stopped dancing with Seokjin? Or maybe Taehyung's free. You seemed to be all for bad boys lately." 

Jungkook felt guilt spread through him at the sound of Jimin's sharp intake of air, the silence between them adding invisible weight to his chest and shoulders. He felt foolish and immature for his feelings. It wasn't Jimin's fault for wanting to spend time with his very own soulmates; it was normal. Good even. Jimin shouldn't fall victim to his envy. 

If only he could tell his feelings that. 

"Oh Kookie…" A hand rested on his arm, thumb rubbing softly against his uniform. Still unable to meet Jimin's gaze, the irrational fear of finding a look akin to pity kept his gaze outside. Where the night choked out the colors in the sky, stars began to peek through, and the moon began to show. 

It wasn't until he was pulled into a hug, arms wrapped around him in familiarity, that forced his defenses to lower. Because this was his Jimin, his sweet little sunlight. And unlike the sky, Jungkook would keep its light blazing within the sky for an eternity. 

That night, Jungkook's lips had pressed against Jimins for the first time. He had savored the taste and feeling of those lips against his in an empty, closed-off library. It was simple, sweet, and innocent. A type of kiss that, with Jungkook's inexperienced eagerness, left their teeth hitting against each other's, resulting in some breathless giggles. Jimin's hands had cupped his cheeks, pacing Jungkook gently as the two soulmates grew closer. This was simply one of the many firsts Jungkook would give to Jimin. 

Watching the sunset filled Jungkook with an irrational sensation, a collaboration between fear and dread. Jimin was like the sun, but what if he, too, would set in Jungkook's world? What if one day, his world would become just as dark and obsolete as the night sky. 

The sound of clapping bid Kim Yugyeom goodbye, the witch-polished smile somehow seeming unfamiliar to Jungkook; he had always known Yugyeom as a completely genuine person, seeing him plaster on something so fake threatened his nose to scrunch up in distaste. Jungkook didn't know Yugyeom anymore. 

With a quick glance around, anybody could practically sense the anxieties and tensions in the air. The constant rustling of clothes being tugged and rearranged, legs bouncing up and down rhythmically, the sheer restlessness nearly seeping into the other magicals auras. Everyone was nervous, well, almost everyone. 

Walking up to the podium himself was, admittedly, a little nerve-wracking. Jungkook wasn't shy; the thought of strangers silently evaluating him didn't really bother him. What irked him was the knowledge that they would be watching too. An observant gaze lingering against his skin, something that would've left a trail of goosebumps across his skin in a welcomed way, now became all too unwelcomed . 

A strange sense of urgency lingered inside him, bubbling like an overflowing cauldron as he walked up the small steps. He wasn't sure if it was his pride or hurt ego at their presence, but Jungkook wanted to show off. He was feeling petty. A part of him so desperately wanted to shove it into their faces that he was doing good without them. That he had and was successful after their separation. However, a nagging little voice inside his head wasn't necessarily certain which party he was trying to convince. Them or himself? 

Clearing his throat, he finally stepped up to the podium. Head held high, something Balam drilled into him before reaching the auditorium, posture straight and confident. A polite, practiced smile tugged at his lips. Jungkook knew that the university sought him out specifically due to his achievements during his apprenticeship; if successful, Jungkook could bring the establishment glory. 

“Hello, I am Jeon Jungkook.” He introduced himself politely, with a small bow to his introduction. This was standard procedure; not many witches actually strived to complete the seventh level; it was an extracurricular in the magical world—one with benefits he was more than eager to reap. Glancing around the room, the smell of wood and carpet filled his senses. The auditorium was clearly as old as the university itself, large and glorious as it took on a circular shape. Instead of a flat ceiling, a large dome covered the structure. Before the stage, three rows of seats stretched to the back of the room, only separated by two narrow aisles lined with an extravagant red carpet. Its high, vaulted ceilings are adorned with intricate frescoes, and towering columns line the periphery between the windows, further creating a sense of grandeur. Rich, polished dark wood paneling and plush velvet drapes added warmth to the sophisticated space. Again, the fact that this university reminded Jungkook more of a castle was a theory evermore confirmed the longer he observed. 

Candles floated above their heads, no doubt there to provide everlasting light. Something entirely unnecessary at the moment due to the walls of the auditorium bearing long, narrow windows that kissed the edges of the dome ceiling. Natural morning light flooded the space. It felt oddly bright, silently waking even the still drowsy students. The sky was a clear, untainted blue. Making the small glimpses outside even more captivating, the nature surrounding the university was just as mesmerizing as its interior. 

"Throughout my apprenticeship, I studied Astrobiomedicine under the guidance of Kwang-sun with the pseudonym JJK." He paused, swallowing down the temptation of his lips to turn crooked—a smirk begging to contort his practiced feature and reveal how much he reveled in the small gasps and murmurs within the room. Ah, he had nearly forgotten how famous JJK had gotten. 

"Throughout that time, I have managed to leave a more positive footprint on our community. With supported inquiries, guidance, and dedication, I was able to develop aid and cures in the Astrobiomedicine field." A smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes as the small dopamine of praise washed out. A strange—no, familiar feeling began blooming inside his gut. As if Balam could feel it herself, she nudged her head against his leg. In her cold stare, she encouraged him to go on. 

"One of my first achievements under Kwang-suns guidance was by making witching flu medicine more available for everyone; this was done by replacing newt syrup—we all know how arduous it is to get a hold of that—" A light-hearted joke escaped him, a desperate attempt to have the audiences own amused chuckles lift his own spirits. Save him from his own gnawing thoughts. It didn't work. "With the widely available thistle." He concluded, smiling politely at the clapping that interrupted his presentation. 

A traitorous thought escaped him. Were they impressed? 

"Throughout my second year under Kwang-sun, I modified the pre-existing medicine for Draemori Flux with a specifically cultivated flower found on the peaks of Mount Chelopee, previously endangered and now being reintroduced into our ecosystems. Successfully extending the life expectancy of those diagnosed for approximately twenty years." Another wave of clapping finished his sentence for him, the strange feeling inside his gut and chest growing nauseating. 

"During my last year, I worked with Kwang-sun and my team to develop a cure for Faerune Fever, a disease we are most aware of that is fast, rapid, and deadly." A small whooping noise followed by, again, intruding applause made Jungkook pause. The voice of the praising noise sounded familiar, but Jungkook suddenly didn't want to boast anymore. He felt uncomfortable, and the smile he should be wearing felt like the hardest thing to maintain at the moment. 

"Throughout my apprenticeship, I wanted to remain as true to myself as I could be. One of my goals has been, and always will be, to give back to my community." The sinking feeling inside his gut grew claws, howling and hissing inside himself as it clung to his heart painfully. "Therefore, as my inquiry for my seventh level, I have taken it upon myself to develop a cure for Nexus Entropy." 

Encouraging clapping fills the room as Jungkook ends his presentation, bowing politely as he exits off the podium. The eager looks, the chattering about selflessness, and the fond look surrounding him make Jungkook sick. Without a word, Jungkook leaves the suddenly suffocating atmosphere the acceptance of his inquiry brought him. Breathing unevenly as he wanders outside, seeking asylum on a nearby bench. 

Closing his eyes and gulping down his growing emotions, Jungkook focused on leveling the overwhelming amounts of emotions he felt. They weren't strange; he had grown used to them, but perhaps he was surprised by their frequency since arriving at the university. 

The sight of the school board and MCA holding up a small paddle with the heavy, glowing numbers of a bold ten burned themselves into his mind. A ten. The highest score one could get. He had gotten full funding. And yet, Jungkook sat on a wonky park bench, trying to even his breathing. Slowly, the monster inside his gut reveals itself. 

Guilt. 

It swallowed him whole because he was the only one who knew. Jungkook had never been selfless. He had never done anything purely from the goodness of his heart. 

Jungkook was doing this for himself.

"Do you know who I'll be sharing the laboratory with?" Judging by the sun and the lack of students roaming the halls, it must've been around lunchtime. The sun was high in the sky, merciless as always, forcing the lounging students in the courtyard to seek shelter underneath the inviting shade of the trees planted around the grounds. It looked peaceful, nothing but idle chatter and a still-warm breeze delicately shifting strands of hair. Perhaps if Jungkook wasn't feeling so cowardly, he would've gone and searched for Yugyeom, taken that time to catch up with his old friend—a strict understatement considering how inseparable they were during their academy years— yeah, Yugyeom had been his best friend. 

But after they returned from the Deep before graduation and split up, Jungkook had sought refuge in Yugyeom's arms. A few days had passed, and Jungkook had made up his mind to leave everything behind. Although Yugyeom knew the most, Jungkook left him behind, too. With a hug and a vague, I'll be alright , was all Yugyeom had for the past six years. As if the earlier guilt didn't gnaw holes into his constitution already, the endless uncertainty regarding his relationship with his old friend tormented him regardless. Yugyeom would have moved on, too. 

Before attending the university, Jungkook was aware of how much had changed. None of them were kids anymore; he wasn't an innocent, naive first-year who read about happy endings anymore or, the sixteen-year-old with immense temperament issues, or even the seventeen-year-old who felt nothing but love and devotion regarding his coven. Glancing around himself, now more than ever, Jungkook could see the past six years, from immature teenagers to the adults that now sauntered the halls looking to fulfill a great witches purpose. 

"Why do I even waste my breath talking when you aren't even listening? Honestly, it's like talking to a wall sometimes." The sharp tone of Balam's chiding tugged Jungkook back into the present, the sound of his footsteps echoing lonesomely amongst the halls. Balam, as elegant as always, didn't even make a peep. 

“What?—Ah, sorry Balam.” Pulling his gaze from the windows, he glanced at the disapproving look from Balam before shifting entirely against the opposing wall. Closed, wooden doors, each labeled with a letter and number indicating which laboratory one would find behind it. 

"Tsk, if you're going to ask someone something, at least have the common courtesy to listen for their answer." Balam paused; she had a small habit of doing that between scoldings, perhaps to give whoever was on the receiving end to actually absorb the lecture. "Like I was saying, I don't know who you're going to be sharing the space with." 

"But why do we even need to share a laboratory with someone? It could invite all kinds of trouble, like accidental contamination—or they could just be distracting and—" 

"Will you stop? You'll drive yourself crazy in the first week alone at this rate. Every laboratory is shared between two people, partly because of convenience but mostly for socialization." Balam finished, a tone filled with finalization that didn't leave Jungkook any room to argue. It's not like he had any. 

"Ah, here we are. Room B013 that'll be your laboratory." Balam stated, tail swaying casually as she watched Jungkook nod before opening the door. The sight was pause-worthy, at least for the young witch who stood stunned by the doorframe. Balam walked idly between his legs, a smugness to her gaze as he sauntered inside and hopped onto one of the black marble counters. Beginning to groom herself dutifully. 

The laboratory was a large space, a silent worry of Jungkooks deminishing as the space could easily fit two magicals. The walls were a creamy white, contrasting with the deep mahogany of the windowsill and framing. Two large, ceiling-reaching windows gave the space a good amount of natural light. For the actual workspace, there were long rectangular islands made out of a marbled black stone. Material like that could withstand certain chemicals; no doubt why the university chose such a heavy surface in the first place. 

To each side of the room, hugging some free space against the walls, was a display case. Walking over and opening the case, Jungkook marveled at the sheer amount of vials, cylinders, and other equipment waiting to be used. Looking around, he didn't mind the slight unevenness of the floorboards. The university was old, and although he was sure certain spells kept it maintained, age was something irreversible. 

The space was open, not as homely as other aspects of the castle, but this was a laboratory. It wasn't supposed to be overly decorated or warm, places like these never were. But Jungkook found himself comfortable, which was rather important considering how many hours he'd be spending within this room. He should get to work.

Setting his bag down on an empty chair, Jungkook began familiarizing himself. Grabbing an empty notebook and taking inventory of what was available already, having found a section of dried-out herbs on a shelf on the south side of the room. It was important to note what he already had and what he needed to order, although there were rare oddities he would need to cultivate himself. He had sent Balam off a few minutes ago to check the greenhouses for thornvine—a plant that would only grow in October—making it important for him to know in case he needed to cultivate some of his own. 

"I should've known you'd be in here."

Spinning around on his heels, Jungkook sucked in a sharp breath at the sight of his old friend, Kim Yugyeom. Now that he wasn't mentally preparing himself to present in front of an audience, Jungkook silently looked over the way Yugyeom, after all this time, hadn't really changed appearance-wise. Still, the same straight black hair parted to the side and loose, comfortable clothing. The only noticeable difference was that Yugyeom wore light, natural-looking makeup. Small dabbles of highlighter and eyeshadow extenuating his already soft features. 

What do you say to someone you left behind?

Although the sight of Yugyeom warmed his heart, feeding it with a bittersweet nostalgia that threatened to tug a crooked smile across his lips. Sweet because he and Yugyeom were like two peas in a pod, they understood each other. Unlike Seokjin or Namjoon, Yugyeom never tried fixing Jungkook. Not because he wasn't worried or approved of Jungkook's delinquent tendencies but because Yugyeom had faith in Jungkook. Because, unlike anyone, Yugyeom understood where the aggressive behavior came from. Yugyeom knew that one day, Jungkook would move on. So on days when Jungkook would hide out from his Hyungs after having gotten into another lone fight, lord knows how fussy they all could get, lip busted and bruises forming above his cheekbone, Yugyeom would let him in and simply listen. He wouldn't touch or coddle, ask a hundred-and-one questions, scold or reprimand him—no, Yugyeom would continue playing on his computer, waiting for Jungkook to talk if he wanted to. 

Jungkook hadn't wanted to for a while. 

He would sit by the window, beanbag, or bed, and simply exist for some time. Waiting for Yugyeom's accepting personna to break, for the other to finally realize he wasn't going to get some juicy gossip from Jungkook and move on. Only Yugyeom never did. Not when Hoseok came knocking on his dorm door, asking about him, and Yugyeom convincingly lying about his whereabouts. Covering for him over and over again. So one day, sitting on Yugyeom's bed, back leaning against the white wall the bed frame was pushed against, knees to his chest, and fingers idly picking at some of the scabs covering his knuckles. Jungkook talked, and Yugyeom had listened. 

So, how do you talk to someone you left behind six years ago? Fully expecting and accepting, never to see them again? 

"What, not gonna say 'Hi' or anything?" Yugyeom's mused lips curved upwards in a kind smile. A smile so strikingly familiar, that Jungkook felt practically unworthy to be basking in its warmth. Just moments ago, Jungkook was reminiscing about how everything in his life had changed without him, and there stood Yugyeom, again , standing utterly unchanged before him. Still, the same buoy that kept Jungkook afloat all those years ago. 

The prompt got Jungkook out of his momentary stupor, hurriedly fumbling over his words as he tried narrowing them down to just one sentence. Thousands of questions plagued him all at once, wanting to know so much while simultaneously apologizing for even more. Fortunately, Yugyeom seemed to have mercy on him once more, filling the room with a genuine laugh at Jungkook's fumbling. 

"What? You can't be surprised to see me; you presented your inquiry right after mine, after all." Again, Yugyeom carried a smile that reminded Jungkook of the Cheshire cats, only less mischievous and more amused. And Yugyeom's question wasn't wrong; he wasn't surprised by his presence but by the fact that Yugyeom was actually talking to him. Yugyeom should be mad at him; he'd have every right to , he thought deprecatingly. 

"Well, I just didn't think you'd, well," Jungkook paused, gesturing with his hand, "come find me." He concluded, sigh heavy on his tongue. 

Yugyeom's smile dwindled at his words, the sight reminding him of nyctinasty, a rhythm that allowed plants to open and close depending on the time of day. Although his words were unorganized, watching them have such a horrid effect on Yugyeom made them feel terrible. Without much hesitation, Yugyeom walked over slowly, methodical in his steps before pulling Jungkook's still-tense body into a hug. They stood like that for a moment, Yugyeom's arms wrapped around Jungkook, a type of hug that felt just so encompassing, warm, and protective. Yugyeom was hugging him like he used to. Jungkook's arms worked on their own, wrapping tightly around his old pillar in life, hand carefully clutching the knitted material of Yugyeom's warm, marbled-looking sweater. His head disappeared into the crook of his neck, mostly to keep Yugyeom from seeing the watery shine to his eyes, inhaling the subtle scent of citrus still clinging to his friend. A perfume oil Jungkook had gifted Yugyeom for his seventeenth birthday. 

A comfortable, emotional silence spread throughout the room. Distantly, one could hear a bird chirping, singing softly to itself as it landed in its nest, tucked against the outside windowsill along the left window. Sunlight shone through the windows, its light subtly spreading heat wherever it touched Jungkook's body. The two simply held each other, wordlessly making up for lost time. 

"It's really good to see you again, Jungkook," Yugyeom murmured into his shoulder, and even without seeing the other's face, Jungkook knew he wasn't the only one choking on his feelings. 

Jungkook wasn't exactly sure how long they stood like that, either party unwilling to release the other. Perhaps, in a silent fear of losing the other for another six years— or maybe even forever. They didn't say anything; however, the room never ceased to actually quiet, whether that was for the birds singing or occasional students passing down the hall or the pure liveliness of the castle itself that kept the room from ever really feeling silent.  

It nearly forced an ironic chuckle to escape Jungkook as he recalled one of the first things that had pulled him towards Yugyeom in the first place. No matter what, the quiet had never felt uncomfortable. Maybe that's Yugyeom's true specialty. Jungkook mused to himself, hands subconsciously tightening their ghostly hold on his friend. 

But just like any moment, this one had to leave them too. Jungkook struggled between saying too much and simultaneously not enough, apologies prancing at the tip of his tongue. But he also wasn't sorry. For leaving them, for distancing himself after they left him. However, in his pursuit to feel nothing, Jungkook accidentally lost what he still had. 

"I'm sorry." A croaked, emotional voice broke the silence. 

Yugyeom chuckled, but Jungkook could hear the heart behind it. Somehow, Yugyeom had grown emotional too. But it wasn't anger like Jungkook had expected, nor resentment or aloofness. Perhaps it was because Jungkook found none of that—that Yugyeom still looked and embraced him with all of his flaws, that really broke the nonchalant facade Jungkook tried so desperately to maintain. 

"I don't know for what in the world you could be sorry for, Jungkook." Yugyeom mused, a delicate sing-song voice that made his words just sound so easy. So simple. 

Maybe Jungkook simply was just a masochist, someone in strict denial that his actions would go unpunished. Because in an instant, Jungkook didn't hesitate to remind him. "For leaving you, for not contacting you, for disappearing for the past six fucking years—"  

The discouraging tutting noise from Yugyeom quickly shushed Jungkook's feeble attempts at self-sabotage. The older male pulled away from their hug, instead cupping both of Jungkook's cheeks and forcing the spiraling witch to gaze back at him. “Jungkook, I understand . You needed to get out, to leave and collect yourself. At your own pace, in a place of your choosing." Yugyeom reminded, as if the barebone intentions had escaped Jungkook in the midst of all this chaos. 

"I knew that one day we'd see each other again. And when that day happened, I told myself that I'd greet you like the friend you always were." Yugyeom's voice shifted from serious to one lighter in tone, filled with fondness. "And here we are, nothing but old friends getting to spend time together once more. I'm really happy to see you again, Jungkook; you've been up to quite a lot, haven't you?" Yugyeom teased, letting his words wash over Jungkook as if his unconditional affection was only a mist against Jungkook's skin and not a complete and all-consuming wave crashing against his fridged heart. 

Jungkook hadn't even realized it himself, when exactly his heart had grown so brisk and glacial . Uncaring and detached from his past. But being with Yugyeom again, in an occasional silence that never once felt overbearing, melting at the sheer love that still endlessly poured from the other. Jungkook felt himself slowly thawing, begrudgingly accepting that Yugyeom was something of his past he didn't want to let go. 

"I know I let you pace our conversations yourself, but I am dying to know what you've been up to. Besides being a famous physician and all—which I'll get to later, don't think I'll let that one go." Yugyeom began, pulling away from Jungkook and instead hopping onto one of the working surfaces in the laboratory. Dangling his feet carelessly. 

Jungkook smiled at the shift in tone and Yugyeom's tendency towards the dramatics. Jungkook found himself sitting beside his best friend, talking about the past six years. About how he had met his Halmoni, about the rather—abrupt adoption into Chae-wons family. Helping out in the bookstore, dealing with angry customers and dodging flying books, even tutoring. A fond tone edged his words as he described Jung-so and how Jungkook looked forward to seeing the little witch grow. 

Along those lines, Jungkook skipped his diagnosis. Not necessarily intentionally, but mostly due to the fact that he couldn't bring himself to ruin the fond smile that had etched itself onto Yugyeom's lips. 

"What I don't understand is why you went with medicine, like—you hated herbology, biology, any of that stuff. You hated it because your parents forced you into it; the Jungkook I knew cared more about which colored paints to pair with which because apparently there's this entire color theory thing—" Jungkook couldn't help but laugh at Yugyeom sidetracked rambling. The chuckles got him a huff from the other and a playful nudge against his shoulder. "Anyways, what I'm saying is, why Astrobiomedicine?" 

Ah. 

Jungkook hummed, acknowledging the question as he tried to formulate his words. Eyes suddenly glued to the floor, legs swaying before stopping altogether. The truth was unwelcoming, cold, and bitter; the reality sunk into one's skin like poison. If Jungkook could, he would spare Yugyeom of it. The inevitable truth is that Jungkook would die sooner rather than later. 

"A year after I left, after we graduated and went our separate ways." He began, "I started feeling ill. My magic, well, it grew weak. I couldn't feel it like I used to, had to focus more when I needed to pull on it, and eventually it began hurting when I did." Jungkook vaguely recalled the nights spent trying not to hyperventilate when his undiagnosed symptoms would appear. How he would gently palm and rub on his chest to try and soothe the ache away, trying to convince himself it was lingering soreness from an earlier activity. But it wasn't until the shadows appeared that Jungkook sought help. 

A pregnant pause, a shaky breath, and Jungkook continued. Eyes clouded as he talked, body present but mind far away, recalling in vivid, gruesome detail what he had gone through. "The pain—the pain, it got so bad eventually, like someone was sucking the mana out of me like I could feel my magic die inside of me. Felt my body go absolutely haywire, trying to mend itself. Using what little mana I had available to subconsciously attempt to restore myself. But using magic made it worse, and the pain intensified. It wasn't—it wasn't until I started coughing blood that I went to see a healer." 

Jungkook hadn't realized how weak his voice had gotten or how Yugyeom had pulled him close and into his side. Rubbing small circles into his back like little incantations meant to soothe him. Jungkook hesitated because he didn't want to say it. Saying it made it feel so real . It invited the fear he tried so hard to suppress to consume him, body and soul. 

"I was diagnosed with Nexus Entropy." 

Yugyeom didn't have to say anything. That quiet, quivering breath spoke volumes. 

"How—" Yugyeom visibly struggled to ask; the sight plunged Jungkook's heart from its roots. He didn't want to make Yugyeom say it; to ask him that question, everyone eventually narrowed his condition down to. 

"How much longer do you have?" 

"By the end of the year—" Jungkook couldn't meet Yugyeom's gaze but reluctantly looked into his best friend's eyes. He could see the teary reflectiveness threatening Yugyeom, and all it needed was the catalyst Jungkook was about to provide. 

"By the end of the year, I'll be dead." 

Jungkook had until the next Witching Moon to figure out a cure, or else JJK would have been a prodigy.

The sound of the front door unlocking and Jungkooks shuffling inside filled the space, a long, exhausted sigh escaping him as he removed his jacket and hung it onto the nearly filled coat rack. Sliding off his shoes and slipping into a comfortable set of slippers, glancing at the remaining ones. It was always easy to tell who was and wasn't currently home simply based on the amount of house-slippers left. Two pairs were still there, which unfortunately meant for Jungkook—one-third of the coven was present. With everything that had happened today, presenting his inquiry, reconnecting with Yugyeom, talking about his diagnosis, Jungkook felt drained. Emotionally and physically, he had nothing left to give. It was worse enough that his supposed safe space wasn't a place he could recharge in either, quite the opposite actually; Jungkook had rarely ever felt such dread . 

He was good at distracting himself, diverting all his attention and energies to certain subjects or jobs to the point that nothing else was able to occupy him. Somehow, Jungkook had even managed to push the topic of his exes away, too. Beside his feet, Balam yawned and stretched out her front paws, arching her back in a dramatic gesture. The sight made Jungkook slightly guilty; unlike all the other familiars who had been allowed to rest alongside their witches throughout the day, she had opted to stick by his side. Today was supposed to be easy. 

"Balam, why don't you head to my room already? I'll just go and eat some dinner first." He suggested, glancing at the Siamese cat spirit beside him. She looked skeptical, and he wasn't exactly sure what persuaded her: the thought of sleep, Jungkook entering his dormitory space instead of hiding, or perhaps Balam was able to decipher the fact that Jungkook wanted some space. Either way, Balam nodded and sauntered her way down the hall and into his room. 

Jungkook walked alongside her until they reached the living room, momentarily getting paused by a small pomeranian with mixed-colored fur circling his legs excitedly. Jungkook had been a little surprised to see the dog until he quickly recalled that this must be one of the other familiars. In Jungkook's rush during the previous night to escape the others' prodding stares or simple presence, he had failed to notice the company of any other familiar besides Balam. A part of himself wanted to be a bit immature; the need to nudge the dog away with his foot and move on nearly made his leg tingle. But the other familiars weren't responsible for their witches' actions; it wasn't fair to let his frustrations out on the spirits. 

With a tired smile, he kneeled down before the hyper dog. It's tail wagging wildly, sniffling at Jungkook's outstretched hand. “Hello, I’m Jungkook.” He introduced, amusement twisting his drained expression into a more genuine one. Talking to the familiar was apparently like opening Pandora's box. 

"Hello Jungkook, I'm Yeontan! But I go by all kinds of names, like Tannie, or if you wanna be really formal with me, you could call me Kim Yeontan. But I don't really like it when people call me that—So Yeontan, or maybe Tannie? No, I'll go with Yeontan. Call me Yeontan!" The pomeranian spirit babbled, his tiny tongue slightly hanging from his mouth. A small, quiet panting accompanied Yeontan's excitement. 

But before Jungkook could even utter a word in response, the admittedly cute pomeranian shot back instantly. "I've heard a lot about you; I mean—he won't shut up about you. I wasn't listening very much, but soulmates! Isn't that romantic? It's very romantic, oh gosh, it's kinda like candy. We should go get some candy—"

"Yeontan!" The sharp, scolding voice from Seokjin contained the chipper dog; the other witch must've come from the kitchen if the amusing, pink with white polka-dotted apron didn't speak for itself. Yeontan listened, pausing his train of thought and remaining seated in his spot—well, trying to felt more accurate. The little dog shifted on its feet, swaying between the left and right front paws, tail swishing hazardously against the floorboards. The thought that this might be Seokjin's familiar flashed through Jungkook, but it was rather odd, considering how different the two were based on his outdated knowledge. Soekjin was an earth witch, different from a green witch like Jungkook—who dealt more with energy—earth witches could literally manipulate the ground around them. Although it was stereotypical to assume all earth witches were low maintenance, Seokjin did carry himself with a very grounded nature. At least, that's what Jungkook remembered. 

"Why don't you tell the others that dinner is going to be ready soon?" Seokjin suggested in a soft tone, but a quick glance at his expression gave the hyper pomeranian the idea that his suggestion wasn't debatable at all. But the dog didn't seem deterred by the command, excitedly nodding its head and trotting down the hall. The soft patter of the familiars paws and nails tapping against the floor gradually disappeared into another room. 

But with the sudden absence of the overzealous spirit, Jungkook so desperately wanted him to return. He didn't want to be alone with Seokjin, not with any of them, actually. The pause between them stretched, and unlike his earlier interactions with Yugyeom, the quiet between them was heavy against his shoulders. 

"Uh, is Yeontan your—"

"What? Oh, no." Seokjin chuckled; the sound was happy, even if he looked a little relieved. "No, that familiar belongs to Taehyung." 

Taehyung?

The thought of the old academy Taehyung, more delinquent than student. The witch who would bite and bark at the slightest hint of coddling, who complained about anything slightly outside of his apparent agenda. Who was too cool for bright colors and cutesy stuff, being paired up with a small, hyperactive, easily enthused fluff ball? Unwillingly, the thought made Jungkook's lip curve upwards. 

However, it did remind Jungkook about the sheer amount of time he had missed. Recalling the soft colors Taehyung was dressed in last night, the way his style had changed from rough-and-rugged to a well-put-together, although easy-going, student. Exactly how much had Jungkook missed from Taehyung's growth? The small, vague smile that had crossed his expression disappeared. A cruel, intimate feeling of being robbed slowly took shape inside himself. Growing vicious, more dominating the longer he thought about it—

"Come, I made Bibimbap." Seokjin successfully interrupted Jungkook's spiraling, even if it was just for a moment. The older witch spun on his heels, walking back into the open kitchen. The space overall was very open, besides the two corridors that led off to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen was off to the far left, raised a step from the rest on a wooden platform that expanded to the dinner table. The only thing that mildly mimicked a wall between the kitchen and dining room was a long marble island. Then, the floor lowered a step or two and made room for the living room. Two couches rested on the now carpeted floor in an L formation around a coffee table. The space was wide and open, with potted plants and large windows, making the space oddly homey but exclusive. Again, another reminder of how loaded the university was. 

The seducing scent of Bibimap wafted through the space; glancing at the counter, he noted the already prepared namul and signature gochujang paste being set off to the side on the counter; the meat still seemed to be sizzling inside the pan. Which is what Seokjin had hurriedly returned to, back now turned to Jungkook as the elder stirred the cooking meat. Bowls of white rice, another with eggs and other dishes to serve as toppings filled the space. It kept Seokjin distracted, allowing Jungkook to lean against the island counter. Arms crossed over his chest, gaze painfully observing the sight of Seokjin cooking. 

Jungkook distantly recalled how when he released the glimmerkins in beastology—the study of magical beasts—he had gotten detention and a date with the Headmaster, where he was promptly trialed without having gotten to eat dinner. Originally, Jungkook did it purely to prank the new first years, glimmerkins were ghastly little beasts who caused chaos wherever they went. What hadn't been part of the plan was for the glimmerkins to team up on one first year in particular and hang them from the ceilings chandelier. Or splash an entire group with blue eldertwine ink, an ink that was derived from a wilted twine root and was completely waterproof—subsequently staining both faces and uniforms. Or for the glimmerkins getting into the bestiary pens and releasing the Nixalopes and Gryphalos.  

Yeah, Jungkook truly learned the extent of how mischievous glimmerkins were that day. But despite the scolding he had gotten from both the dean and Headmaster, along with his hyungs, Seokjin still loathed the idea of Jungkook going to bed hungry. Which is what had led them to sneak into the kitchens after curfew; Seokjin easily navigated the space, considering how often he volunteered to work cooking duty and made Jungkook a serving of bibimbap.  

Returning to the present, Jungkook fought the bitter feeling of wonder as he watched Seokjin cook. The taunting, daunting curiosity of what if. What if Seokjin was making bibimbap because it had been Jungkook's favourite? 

Jungkook had to stifle both a scoff and grimace. Since he had reunited with the others, he was uncertain which emotion he felt more. Blinding, engulfing anger, or all-consuming sorrow. As if Seokjin could feel Jungkook's burning gaze against his back, the elder attempting to fill the silence with idle chatter. 

"Yeontan and Taehyung seemed to be really close already; I wouldn't be surprised if the two actually formed a proper spirit bond. Though, my familiar is a real cutie too; they're—"

"Is this what we're doing now?" Jungkook interrupted with a badly hidden snarl, distaste and frustration evident in his tone. "Pretend like nothing happened?" anger . The pendulum dancing between hurt and anger stilled for a moment, and like those cheap magnetic knock-offs human kids would get to try and predict the feature; Jungkook's internal pendulum stopped spinning over his anger. The kindling had been lit earlier, and now Jungkook had a fire inside himself itching to burn. 

"Bunny—"

"Oh please, spare me the informality, Seokjin-sii." He watched as Seokjin inhaled at the formal address, and a sadistic satisfaction watched over himself at the twisted expression it earned him when the elder turned off the stove and turned to him. Untying the apron, folding it before setting it onto an empty space along the counter. Seokjin, like always, seemed to be taking his time formulating a response. 

"What was the plan here, huh? Act like nothing happened? Like I just went on a dainty little vacation, and now we can all go back to playing family again?" Distantly, Jungkook could hear chatter down the corridor halt. The others, although he was uncertain on who , had become aware of the confrontation currently occurring. Of course, in an open space like this, there wasn't much room for privacy besides in their own separate rooms and the two bathrooms. Good, let them hear. Jungkook thought bitterly. 

"Although, it seems you guys already did that. How long did it take for you all to get back together? A week ? A month ?" Jungkook's voice was mocking, and although he knew he'd feel remorseful for letting his own anger singe other people, a part of him wanted them to hurt, even if their pain was insignificantly narrowed compared to his. 

"We're not together." Namjoon's voice injected, walking up to Seokjin and standing only a meter or two away. Body leaned against the sink, arms crossed, as he calmly looked at Jungkook. It was those signature, composed expressions that really irritated Jungkook. Because he was feeling it all at the moment, and before him, one of the six causes to all this turmoil and mess, was a man who had the gall to look so unphased?

"Namjoons right, we aren't all together like we used to be," Jimin added, standing by the dining room table with Taehyung. Although, Jimin's expression contorted into one of—remorse? Sadness? Jungkook didn't linger on it. 

"I don't give a flying fuck who you've all decided to fuck or not; my point is that you don't get to address me so casually anymore. We aren't friends; I'm not your bunny ," A sharp glance towards Seokjin, "Or your Kookie , I'm your roommate. Don't call me out for dinner, or lunch, or any other domestic little spiel." Venom laced Jungkook's tone, and he could feel his own magic simmer and boil underneath his skin. He could feel it pulse, submerging some parts into his aura, subconsciously signifying how absolutely volatile Jungkook felt at the moment. He could see the witches in the room react, inhaling sharply or quiveringly. What infuriated him more was that Seokjin or Jimin didn't even have the nerve to meet his gaze. 

After all, Jungkook's anger and pain were the product of their betrayal. 

A sudden but hesitant tug on his finger pulled Jungkook's fury away from Namjoon and Seokjin. One of the red strings tied to his pinky tugged once again until he met Jimin's remorseful gaze. The blonde's eyes were teary, lip seemingly bitten raw, and hands a little restless with nerves. It was clear, but Jimin had a contorted expression that the witch was holding back tears. 

"Jungkook, please , I–" Jimin's quivering, raw voice was cut off by Taehyhung. 

"We're sorry. I’m sorry, Jungkook.” 

It wasn't enough; two words would never make up for how Jungkook was hurting. How he had been left behind , how the unwanted jealousy coursed through him in dangerous, turbulent waves. Threatening to take what little restraint, what morality, he had left under with it. It wasn't fair ; it wasn't fair that even if they didn't have all of each other, they still had some parts of each other. 

Had they honestly expected him to stay and keep contact after everything that had happened? The mere thought made a cold, bitter scoff escape him. Expression twisted into a small sneer, Jimin lowered his gaze at Jungkook's response, suddenly seeming all too interested in the shiny, laminated floorboards. Taehyung, always the prideful one, did not divert his gaze. But the brunette's expression was filled with remorse, a glassiness to his eyes that threatened to make Jungkook feel guilty. 

But the longer the silence filled the room, the less wind there was to fan Jungkook's flames. Slowly, he loosened his hands. Not having noticed exactly when he had balled them into fists. His nails have dug into his skin, leaving red, slightly irritated crescents indented into his palm. The pain, although as cynical as it was, grounded him. Inhaling, the sound of sucking breath into his lungs, only to eventually let out a vulnerable breath filled the otherwise barren room. 

Jungkook's eyes flickered over to Namjoon; the older witch had his arms crossed over his chest. But unlike Seokjin, who also had his arms crossed, Namjoon looked like he was shielding himself while Seokjin was practically hugging himself. It was the sight of Seokjin's glistening cheeks, reddened eyes as the oldest cried unabashedly, that somehow derailed Jungkook from his tyrannical warpath. Because why was Seokjin crying? After all, it was them who hurt him . The only person currently allowed to cry was Jungkook. 

“Jungkook, Bun, Kookie—”

"Jungkook." Jungkook's tone was sharp in its reprimand, but the sound of his old nicknames from any of their lips felt like salt in the wounds he already carried. He hated it, hated how vulnerable Seokjin sounded, how much sorrow and sheer regret was tainting his aura. 

The sound of Seokjin sucking in his breath, gulping audibly as the elder clearly tried to swallow the choked sound of a sob down. Grimacing and contorting his face to control the wobble of his lips, the sight was enough to make Jimin's muffled sniffling more auditable, too. The sight and sounds somehow managed to irritate Jungkook further, the threads tied around his pinky tugging uselessly. The souls inside themselves weakly calling out for reconciliation. 

But Jungkook wasn't going to reconcile. 

Eventually, in the suffocating atmosphere of the room, Seokjin found his words, perhaps with the gentle help of Namjoon, who had started rubbing circles onto the weeping witches' backs. 

"Kook—" Seokjin inhaled, hurriedly trying to amend his mistake at Jungkook's sharp glare. “Jungkook, I’m sorry. I'm so, so, so sorry. I've hurt you and—"

"Why?" Jungkook prompted, turning his full attention to Seokjin. Back now turned towards Jimin, the witch's downcast gaze desperately trying to avoid contact with the world. Ah, when had Jungkook's world turned so melancholic?

He had never wanted this. He had never wanted to be so sad. He never intended to spread that sorrow either. 

"Why? Why are you sorry, Seokjin? Was it because you left me?" A choked-down, heartbreaking sound escaped Seokjin's lips. The elder hurriedly cupped his palm over it, hiding his fully trembling lip and runny nose. Eyes squinted with tears, yet the witch refused to look away. Jungkook wasn't sure what motivated him to go on, maybe, in the most twisted parts of himself; did it feel good to see one of the people who hurt him feel even the slightest amount of what he's been carrying for the past six years. Or, perhaps it was also a combination of adrenalin from actually having this confrontation that didn't let Jungkook relent in his sadistic pursuit to shed tears. 

"Why?" He prodded further, voice whispery yet mocking.

"Jungkook, that's enough—" Namjoon tried cutting in, realizing how this conflict was escalating. The sight made Jungkook snicker because where was that motivation when everything was on the line?

"Was it because you didn't even look back? Or, maybe how you didn't even fight it?" He prompted, taking a step closer. 

"Jungkook, stop. Let's calm down—" 

"Hmm? Come on, Seokjin, tell me what you're sorry for. Was it because you knew how much our coven meant to me? Or, was it because you knew how much I lov—"

"Because I failed you!" Seokjin finally cut Jungkook off, voice loud and booming, but it cracked at the end. Raw with emotion, with pure, unfiltered desolation . 

And the gusto inside Jungkook dwindled, and for the first time since, he had been reintroduced to his past. Felt the mockingly familiar pull on the red strings uniting them; the bulwark that had been protecting what little face he had left relented. Hot tears threatened his waterline before falling down his cheeks and kissing at the bottom of his chin. No one dared utter a word; the only sound was the sniffles, hiccups, and weak attempts to downplay the depths of their shared agony. 

It took a moment for Jungkook to find his own voice, shoulders trembling as his gaze turned downcast, too. Gulping down a sob, he nodded.

"Yeah, you did." 

"All of you did." 

Before his knees could collapse under his weight, the heart in his chest suddenly felt miles heavier than it ever had. He turned around, desperate to preserve what little dignity he had left, and retreated to his room. He swayed, tears making his vision blurry as he swung open his door and nudged it shut behind him, the bang unintentional and imposing. In some ways, the bang signified, or rather— felt , like the means to an end. An odd, somewhat relieving feeling spread through him as he dived face-first into his mattress. Arms swinging around his pillow, face pressed into the downy as he finally let sobs wrack through his body. 

Because finally. Finally , he was able to tell them. He was able to say it to them. 

His coven hadn't just left him. They hadn't just misused his trust, hadn't just broken his heart—They had failed him. In every sense of the word, they had let him down to shatter amongst the floor. But Jungkook had time—six years, to be specific—and within that time, had pieced himself back together. 

He'd be damned if he ever let them break him again. 

“Mr. Jeon?” 

Perking up from his spot in the waiting room, Jungkook glanced at the nurse standing by the hallway closest to the front desk. Raising his hand, the woman spotted him quickly, a friendly but stale smile plastered onto her lips as she tucked a brown clipboard against her chest. 

“The doctor will see you shortly; follow me, please.” Her voice was honeyed, but it was something Jungkook was used to by now. Nearly every nurse he’s met was sweet, voice usually soft, not always in tone—but in nature. 

Sitting up from the uncomfortable waiting room chair, he always tried to avoid touching the small cushions patched on the base and back of the seats. They were always in different colors depending on what hospital you went to; in this case, they were a faded pink. But it wasn’t the color that made Jungkook cringe slightly; it was that fake, leathery texture. Of course, he understood why it was that specific texture. They couldn’t go for actual fabric since it couldn’t be cleaned easily; authentic leather was expensive and shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh chemicals, either. Therefore, fake leather was the best option. But that didn’t change the fact that Jungkook disliked it, the texture, and the hackneyed appearance. Maybe it was so because the only time he’d ever had to sit in one was when he was in the hospital.

At this point, Jungkook was no stranger to any hospital. No matter the location, they all worked on the same principles. The only thing that was ever different or mildly difficult was finding the damn floor you were supposed to be on. 

But Jungkook had managed; he always did. Standing up, smiling a timid but kind smile to return the nurse's politeness before promptly following her. 

Hospital hallways were always eerie; he wasn’t exactly sure what contributed the most to its unsettling atmosphere. It could be the pure whiteness of practically everything: the stale gray vinyl flooring, the off-white, sometimes cream-colored walls, the haunting pattern of your footsteps. The sound was hard to explain in hospitals; it was usually quiet, unsettling as one dangled from their own anxieties, but when there was noise, it was loud. 

Whether that noise came from an incessant EKG monitor or the vital sign monitors that practically start screaming when a value is off, to the minute details, such as grabbing a set of gloves from the glove compartments hung against the walls, unwrapping medical supplies, moving machinery around on unoiled wheels, and the constant pacing footsteps of nurses flying around like busy bees. 

But Jungkook preferred that, preferred the noise over the silence any day. Which is why he hated his sessions so much; the kind nurse guided him down the hall before entering a room. She let him enter first before plugging a set of gloves from its respective box before checking his vitals, jotting them down, before giving Jungkook a moment to settle. 

Jungkook sat at the edge of the hospital bed, not yet wanting to lay down on the thin mattress. There was a process to this he had grown accustomed to; first, the nurse would check his vitals, then he’d wait— that following silence taunted him with gruesome ambition. Then, the doctor would arrive, observing the progression of Jungkook's health and determining the speed at which he was actively deteriorating. Then the doctor would leave, and silence followed before a nurse pushing a heavy, modified centrifuge entered. Lastly, Jungkook would dance with unconsciousness for approximately four hours until the Satan spawn was removed from his arteries. 

The entire process had made Jungkook so incredibly anxious the first time he had done it, but his Halmoni had been there with him. Holding his hand, fussing over him, and eventually taking him down to the bakery across the street when he was done, those moments filled him with a gentle warmth because he hadn’t ever asked Halmoni for any of it. They weren’t even related, but the old witch saw something within him that Jungkook might not ever see. But she loved him, and in all her disorganized glory, Jungkook loved her, too. 

It was that very love that prompted him to grow more silent over his festering condition. Why he had eventually asked her not to accompany him anymore because seeing the sheer amount of sorrow in her old gaze whenever the doctor confirmed his worsening symptoms and not the desperate hopes she clung to about his improvement made Jungkook take care of his diagnoses independently. 

He couldn’t stand the sight of her spirit and hope dying alongside him. 

Jungkook hadn’t changed doctors before, but he couldn’t exactly make the ten-hour trip back to Busan for every appointment or check-up; that would be an absolute hassle; besides, he had an illness to cure. He couldn’t necessarily afford many distractions, and he needed to consume what little energy he had left for his research. He couldn’t take time off once every two weeks just to get an apologetic look and poorly hidden pity from a doctor or nurse three towns over. So, Jungkook allowed his primary provider to share his medical history and current treatment plans with this new doctor. 

A knock on the door, followed by a gruff sounding “Mr. Jeon?” Was the only warning Jungkook got before the doctor entered. The woman seemed to be approximately in her late thirties, visible tiredness hanging from the slight discolouration underneath her eyes. Hair tied into a bun, with curtain-like bangs poking out and framing her face. Sharp, pointed ears sported elegant but subtle jewelry, making a bold guess Jungkook might assume the doctor was a fairy. Based on the pointy ears, the natural grace with which she sat down, and the purely calming—settling aura she gave off. 

It was a stereotype Jungkook wouldn’t admit to socially. Still, it was relatively common that fae, witches, fairies, and elves focused their attention on healing and the general health of the magical society. But Jungkook couldn’t necessarily refute that stereotype, considering that he’s a part of it. 

“I’m Sook Geumseong, and I’ll be your doctor for the foreseeable future. I have taken a look inside your medical history and treatment plans sent to me by your previous doctor, Mr. Jee.” Jungkook nodded absentmindedly, trying to snap out of the taciturn mindset he always entered when in a hospital. It wasn’t his fault ; he didn’t want to be here, after all. It was simply easier to nod and drift off than currently be present. 

Geumseong nodded, making a slight hum as she spun in those small half-stools with wheels at the bottom. She typed a few curt sentences into her computer, the soft clicking of the keyboard doing little to put him at ease. 

“Any new symptoms that have occurred within the last two weeks?” She asked, gaze now locked onto his. Suddenly, Jungkook got the impression that Geumseong was a very efficient person.

He nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat as he pulled up his sleeve. There, against his pale skin—an unfortunate side effect from his illness—stood imposing black veins along his left wrist. That morning, when Jungkook had been woken by his alarm and Balam. He had nearly refused to leave his bed; the temptation to hide and sulk within the comforts of his downy fortress was impossible, especially with Balam swiping at his face. 

The freshness of his confrontation with Seokjin, Namjoon, Jimin, and Taehyung stuck fresh in his mind and body. Brain-wracking senselessly over everything he had said, over everything he hadn’t said, or everything he could’ve said. Body, an accumulation of relief, heaviness, and bitterness, and an odd sense of guilt . Because throughout the jumbled mess, he could still hear Seokjin choke on his sob. Blinking, Jungkook could see Jimin's reddened cheeks and raw-bitten lips. And although it had somehow fulfilled him during that moment, Jungkook hadn’t felt satisfied. 

Seeing Jungkook's hyungs, his old lovers , in pain didn’t relieve his own. It didn’t mend the six years spent sulking and healing, bandaging wounds that had just started scabbing over. Seeing his hyungs again, they’ve all been reopened. But yelling and spreading more grief didn’t help him in finding more bandaids or bandages, and it didn't provide him with a sling or crutch. It just left everyone aching, and Jungkook felt so tired of hurting. 

It was the sound of a knock, knuckles hitting against the wooden door, that prompted him to sit up. For a moment, tense and nervous that one of them would enter. Jungkook couldn’t afford to lose the little safe space he had left. But that didn’t happen; the sound of someone clearing their throat was slightly muffled against the wall between him and whoever was outside. 

“I—I’ll leave your breakfast outside. I know you said not to call you for breakfast or anything, but—well, you didn’t eat dinner, so—” Jimins voice mumbled, rambling on as Jungkook could practically picture the blonde wringing out the end of his shirt nervously as he talked. 

It was the short, hiss-like voice of Yoongi that he could distantly make out. “Jimin, let him be now!” 

Balam had perched herself back on his desk, tail swaying as she glanced at the door before back at him. It amused Jungkook because if she could, she’d probably be scowling with a raised brow at their behavior. It also reminded Jungkook that their late-night fiasco must’ve been passed on to the two absent witches. 

It was good to know Yoongi still understood and respected personal space as much as he had done back then, too. 

But Jungkook hadn’t heard the sound of footsteps padding away, only the silence as he anxiously waited for any sound to indicate Jimin's departure. 

“There’s so much I want to say, Jungkook I—”

“Jimin!” 

A pause, the sound of a sharp inhale, and ruffling outside the door followed. 

“Have a good day, Jungkook. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated, yeah?” Jimin finished, the subtle sound of defeat infiltrating his tone before the sound of footsteps told Jungkook of Jimin's departure. 

Once Jungkook was sure Jimin and no one else was in the hall or nearby, he opened the door. Gawking at the tray that stood before him, a small bowl with what he assumed to be miso soup, steaming gently beside another small bowl of rice and a side of banchan. He picked it up, kicking the door closed gently behind him with the heel of his foot. Walking over to his table, he sat the tray down. An uneasy feeling settled inside his stomach, making him subconsciously gnaw on his lip piercing. Along the tray was a folded piece of paper, folded in half, the cardstock material stood up. It was noticeable and a part of him dreaded the message that could be written on the note. 

“Breakfast in your room?” Balam questioned, but that tone of her voice gave hint to her subtle disapproval. It was clear that although she encouraged Jungkook to take his time with handling his situation, she didn’t necessarily approve of his hiding habits. 

Nodding numbly, Jungkook felt conflicted. Somehow, it felt as if accepting the meal would also be him accepting the small gesture of apology. But Jungkook didn’t accept their apology, no matter how exactly their remorse was shown. 

Letting the food sit on his desk, he eventually grabbed the note meant for him. Sitting on the edge of his bed, stomach tied in knots, Jungkook was about to fold the paper open properly when a spine-curdling sight crossed him. There, where his hoodie hiked up at his movements, showed his wrist, but unlike the usual assortment of small blue, green, or maybe purple veins, now stood in terrifying vividness—thick, black veins. The dark lines faded into his palm, most prominent around his wrist and a little down his forearm before fading. They were spreading. 

Jungkook knew what this meant, but it was such a rapid change from two weeks ago. Why hadn’t he noticed earlier? Grabbing the end of his now rolled-up sleeve, Jungkook roughly pulled the fabric back up. Covering the sight, he leveled his breathing. Perhaps it was his own fault to be so caught off guard. He had noticed the gradual change in his skin; once tanned and healthy-looking, it had now grown pallid and dry. That happened weeks ago. The note, now long forgotten, fell beside him onto the mattress as he jumped to get ready. 

Which is how he had found himself here, sitting in front of his doctor, Geumseong, slowly rolling up his sleeve. He didn’t even notice the chill all hospitals came with like usual; no, his body was cold. A part of him wasn’t sure if that was a byproduct of his fear and anxieties or another symptom. Presenting the disturbing sight of black arteries replacing his blue ones. The doctor didn’t need to say much; the subtle, sharp intake of air was enough. 

This wasn’t a good sign. 

“Have these appeared anywhere else?” Her straightforward, authoritative voice questioned. 

Shaking his head, he watched as a small flicker of relief flashed within the doctor. But it was quickly replaced with what he assumed to be pity; they both knew what this meant. 

“We’ll have to double your treatment plan, replace it from every two weeks to one.” Nodding, Jungkook let out a long, tired sounding sigh. 

“You’re all set, Sir; take as much time as you need.” 

The dizziness eventually diminished, that signature odd tingling leaving from his fingertips and feet. The debilitating weakness that would usually follow faintness gradually said its goodbyes and the signature ding from his phone alerted Jungkook to a notification. 

Reaching out to his phone, he managed a weak smile at Yugyeom's text notification. Upon their last meeting, the two friends hurriedly exchanged numbers. Jungkook still felt in slight shock, or rather, disbelief, that Yugyeom held no resentment or reclusiveness towards him. No, it was like he and Jungkook had never parted. 

Yugyeom: 

“Has your appointment finished? I’ll pick you up! Mark suggested we go to Enchanted Brews. The café just opened up, and since you’re in town right now, I thought we could eat lunch?” 

Smiling slightly, the message reminded him of the café visits he’d indulge in with his Halmoni. Besides the old witch and Yugyeom, no one knew about his condition. In some ways, it was comforting to have his closest friend be there for him. It filled him with a fluttery, light warmth, similar to when one would get to bask in the warmth of golden hour. It felt good. 

Somewhere in this cold body of his. There was a subtle warmth. Similar to when the meadows get covered in a layer of thick, frosty ice. Making a once lush field plane, berron, and monotone in its white colors. But then, as the first primrose pokes its head out to greet the warming air. Jungkook, too, felt something bloom subtly within him. 

Jungkook: 

“Just finished; I'll be outside in a minute.” 

It was bizarre, the feeling of knowing someone was waiting outside the hospital for you. It made the lingering smell of rubbing alcohol and sterilizing cleaners escape his senses sooner. Slowly lifting his body in an upright position, he slung his legs over and off the hospital bed. Waiting a moment as if to challenge the dizziness to return before he slowly stood up. Patting down his pockets—these appointments always made him so forgetful—before heading out. Back down the hall, past closed-doored rooms. 

A lingering thought washed through him as he walked—as if the very words he formulated were written in sand. Will I die here—among these sad, dreary walls of white? Although most of his wardrobe consisted of black, Jungkook loved color. The vibrancy of life was stunning, a combination of pure, raw beauty that had no benefit to gain from its resplendent nature. What did the sky gain from painting the heavens? When a bunny hops between the blades of a thriving meadow, what does the grass gain from its rich shade of green? Or the poppies from their dying red? 

Color was a sign of life, and when Jungkook walked along these erie corridors, past the reception with faded pink chairs. A sense of urgency, a need tugged him forwards. 

He will not die here. 

Opening the front glass door of the hospital, a breeze of fresh air fanned his skin. Somehow, it felt welcoming. As if greeting him back to the world of the living, even in its freshness, threatening to tint the tip of his nose pink, he welcomed its presence with open arms. 

“Jungkook!” 

And just as those solemn words were carved into the sand, the sight of Yugyeom, smiling at him from across the street, was like a wave, crashing against the shore and washing them away. 

No, Jungkook would most certainly not die here. 

Yugyeom had crossed the street, a slight skip or pep to his step as he sauntered over. A smile, genuine and significant, was displayed across the witches' features. A contagious happiness that seemingly infected Jungkook within minutes, the usually brooding sickly witch breaking his misanthrope-like persona rather quickly. Yugyeom had hooked his arm against the crook of Jungkooks, leading him down the street and away from the hospital. 

The town adjacent to the university was quaint and consisted of considerably more foot traffic than vehicular. The streets beside the sidewalk are no longer a flat pavement but a combination of closely arranged cobblestone. 

“How’d your appointment go?” Yugyeom asked, breaking their streak of idle chit-chat. At least, Yugyeom considered the topic of his coven—one Jungkook knew nothing about— idle . He was reeling; the thought of having missed the moment of Yugyeom finding his own soulmates left a bitter taste on his tongue and a sinking feeling in his gut. He had missed it . He had missed hearing about their first meeting, had missed Yugyeom's first date, and had missed the day the witch completed the bonding ceremony with his soulmates. 

It made the words of abandonment echo inside his soul, his mind reeling on the fact that, effectively, he was a stranger. Yugyeom had been okay with him leaving, or rather, hadn’t stopped Jungkook from leaving. But the sickly witch felt uncertain how deep that okayness actually went. 

“—Jungkook? Hello, earth to Jungkook?” Yugyeom called out, drawing out the words theatrically as he stopped. Waving his other hand in front of Jungkook's face, successfully snapping the witch out of his guilty stupor. 

Yugyeom, unaware of the heavy turn Jungkook's feelings went, snickered, amusement clear in his expression. “Where’d you run off to this time?” 

“I’m sorry, Yugyeomm.” 

Just like with his first apology, Jungkook watched as Yugyeom's carefree smile turned crooked and forced before resigning to its fate entirely. 

“You already apologized, and I already told you that it’s fine—” The witch began, but a shake from Jungkook's head hauled him to a stop. Throughout their time, Yugyeom learned through the rare times Jungkook would talk to let him express what he needed to before jutting back in. 

“It’s not, though. I’m sorry, I really am Yugyeom. I missed so many special moments in your life; you were there for me. But I wasn’t there for you.” He began, for a moment, not meeting his friend's gaze, inhaling sharply as he collected his thoughts before returning to those clear, bordering eyes. “I can’t,” He began, his own face contorting into one filled with regret. “—can’t change that. But I can promise you now that I’ll be there.” Grabbing Yugyeom's hand, he gave it a gentle squeeze when he finished his sentence. A silent, physical reminder that he was actually there. That he meant it. 

“And I’ll be staying, Yugyeom. I’m done hiding; I’m done running. I want to be a part of your life again. If you still want me to be in it, of course—” 

Jungkook's words were cut off by the force of which Yugyeom hugged him, the witch's arms wrapped around his neck. Momentarily knocking the air and his words out of him. It took Jungkook a moment to process, his own arms hovering over Yugyeom's back. Before the sick witch fell into the embrace, hiding his face in his friend's shoulder—arms snaking tightly around Yugyeom, as if the witch would slowly evaporate within his hold. 

“Oh, Jungkook, I missed you,” Yugyeom admitted, the words making Jungkook's arms tighten as he exhaled shakily. Yugyeom's jacket muffled the sound. 

“Whatever the world holds for us now, let’s face it together again, yeah?” Yugyeom suggested, a hopeful tone dominating the otherwise emotional voice Yugyeom spoke with. 

Unwilling to shed tears in public, Jungkook nodded. Letting out a sad, wet chuckle. “Yeah, let’s face it together.” 

The rest of the walk was subtle and easy-going, the sight of what Jungkook assumed to be the cafe approaching. It had a similar style to his Halmonis bookstore in that the bottom floor was styled differently, the second floor remaining simple and most likely only serving as an apartment. The block the establishment was located in split the road, creating a Y formation where the streets parted ways. The store was, literally, a corner store. A set of two doors, blunket in color, provided entry to the cafe. Adjacent to the doors were carved, varnished wood beams with a deep but aged appearance with two large rectangular patterns carved into the panelling. The designs were growing much darker, nearly black in color from age. Nailed against the wooden beams was a black picture frame displaying the menu. The sides of the cafe, besides the large, open windows, had its wooden frame painted a matt black. Over the entrance doors was a neatly hidden wooden ledge, an extended assortment of vines growing down onto either side of the doors. The bougainvillea and purpleleaf grape vines mingling well with the otherwise green foliage, it almost gave off the appearance that the entry to the cafe was somewhat hidden. The plants were supposed to remain above striped, black, and white awnings; however, the vines had grown bulky and already begun to stretch over the protective fabric. 

The cafe was clearly busy, bustling with customers inside and out. Small, circular tables and woven chairs hugged closely to the outside of the store were already occupied. Entering the cafe, the overpowering aura of magic filled Jungkook's lungs with a quick glance around the otherwise lively space. He watched how brooms swept the floors by themselves, washcloths wiping over vacated desks, dirty dishes collecting themselves and floating into the kitchen. Once again, the sight of such mundane magic made Jungkook's heart swell. Although he can no longer indulge in magic himself, being able to observe it, practically living all around him, felt somewhat consoling. 

The cafe had its charm, mimicking the same aesthetic as its outside within the store. Matt blacks, rich varnished woods, and plants decorated their surroundings. A black, spiraling staircase stood beside the end of the counter. Leading to a second floor, which remained open and covered only one half of the remaining cafe. Delicately designed railings line the open wall. The occasional lamp, chandelier, or lined LED gave off a warm orange light. Mixed with the dominant scent of grounded coffee beans and vanilla, Jungkook knew he’d visit this place more often. Walking over to the counter, Jungkook couldn’t help but smile a little as the fae took their orders. The sight of two large, ivory wings resembling those of a bird. Pointed ears, adorned with hanging jewelry, and pale skin. Within the midst of Busan, Jungkook hardly ever saw a lot of magicals. Sure, the occasional creature here or there. But it was no secret to anyone that magicals preferred to stick together, making small towns like these heavily populated with all kinds of magical folk. It made Jungkook feel strangely at home. 

With their orders placed, Yugyeom and he sat down at an available table. They had chosen a table on the second floor, hugging the railing and giving them a good view of the interior design and general clientele of the cafe. 

“You know, you never did answer my question.” Yugyeom chimed in, having taken off his jacket and draping it over the back of his chair as he settled in. 

Perking up, Jungkook shook his head as he shrugged. “Which question would that be exactly?” He mused, tone playful and a little jokingly exasperated. 

“About how your appointment went,” Yugyeom reminded, and if he had seen Jungkook tense at the clarification, he hadn’t mentioned it. A long, calculated sigh escaped the sickly witch as he mulled over his thoughts and words. Having Yugyeom support him was a bittersweet but heartwarming feeling. But again, Jungkook found himself wanting to spare his friend from the gory details. There was a pause in conversation, Yugyeom clearly giving Jungkook the time he needed to formulate his response. 

“Well, the procedure itself went fine.” Jungkook began, debating silently whether or not to keep his answer at that. But a glance at Yugyeom and a resolved shake of his head, Jungkook confessed. 

“I’m, well—I’m getting worse.” He watched as Yugyeom inhaled sharply, his friend's chest filling with air and keeping it there for longer than necessary. A shaky, broken exhale followed soon after. But Jungkook was stuck trying to formulate his words in a way Yugyeom understood; unlike Jungkook, who had studied Astrobiomedicine for the past years and understood complex medical procedure terms and certain biological cell structures going on within him, Yugyeom didn’t. Jungkook knew from experience that adding large, imposing words to anxious confusion simply made things worse. 

“Jungkook, will..” Yugyeom drawled out his words, looking away at the patrons below them as he seemingly swallowed a lump within his throat. “Will you be okay?”

Before Jungkook could answer that question, he was unfortunately interrupted by two flying porcelain mugs and two plates carrying a slice of strawberry shortcake. Their earlier placed orders floated towards them before gently landing on the table before them; the subtle smell of vanilla and latte, along with the warm breath of steam lightly kissing his face, Jungkook found himself relaxing a little. 

“Yugyeom,” He began, his town a practiced level of clarity and stillness. “Nexus entropy develops in stages. But at its core, it develops when your magic grows unstable. The mana begins to attack itself, gradually becoming more corrosive as the disease develops.” Taking a sip from his latte, Jungkook let the bitter taste of espresso settle him. Glancing at Yugyeom to check if he was following, a curt nod from the witch was all he needed before continuing. 

“Of course, there are all kinds of side effects throughout this process.” A dry, humorless chuckle escaped him. Recalling the restless nights spent in bed, tossing and turning because his entire body ached. Or the times when he would lose nearly all of his energy, spending days absolutely bedridden and at the mercy of his Halmonis hellish soups and regenerative concoctions. The spouts of nausea, vertigo, heat and cold flashes, headaches, the list was excruciatingly endless. 

Sometimes, in his delusional state, he imagined Yoongi sitting by the end of his bed. Hand resting firmly on his ankle, a distant but reassuring touch, similar to how when he had gotten sick at the end of his first year. The stoic witch had feigned nonchalance at missing the ceremony—where the present witches graduated into a higher class—and remained by his side. Yoongi didn’t say much during those times, but Jungkook didn’t need him to. Whenever a cough would wrack through him, leaving him hunched over and wheezing slightly, that red string connecting their hearts would tug, needily, silently prompting Jungkook to lift his drooping head and look at Yoongi. To confirm to the older—secretly worried—witch that he, too, would be alright. 

Jungkook still recalled his sheer surprise as he was startled awake, not even having realized he was nodding off until the door was nearly slammed off its hinges. His soulmates had ushered in, all still wearing their traditional ceremonial robes; if Jungkook didn’t feel like he had just trudged through the moors by himself, he would have smiled at their urgency to return to him. Yoongi, unlike Jungkook, was very unamused by the intrusion. Berating the others for waking him after having just dozed off. Everyone was there, in their tight two-bed dorm room, even Taehyung. That night was spent by six powerful witches desperately fighting the little gremlin that was Jungkook's cold. Namjoon constantly realigning or replacing the cold towel over his forehead, Jin having gone off before retrieving a steaming bowl of soup, Hoseok nudging a pillow behind his back and helping him sit up before subsequently feeding the steaming bowl of soup to him. Jimin was gently massaging his sore muscles, chatting aimlessly since the witch knew how much Jungkook hated silence. Surprisingly, Taehyung had helped with the conversation, helping in his own, reserved way. Yoongi, throughout all of this, had not let go of his reassuring hold on his ankle. 

But opening his eyes, Jungkook would always be greeted by the sight of his white ceiling. The rhythmic patter of rain hitting his windows would never soothe him like Jimin's theatric gossiping, nor would soup ever cure what he has. 

Clearing his throat to get back on track, Jungkook leaned his elbows against the table. “Well, I’m sure you know how mana works. Although it's spread throughout your entire body, it is most dominant within the bloodstream. Hence, when powerful magicals get injured, their powers quickly diminish along with them.” He made a slight motion of his hand, gesturing to his body as he explained their basic biology. Not because Yugyeom was dense or misinformed but simply because Jungkook remembered Yugyeom nearly failing their biology class. 

“When mana becomes–” He paused, trying to find the right words for Yugyeom. “—Corrupted?” He settled on that, waiting to absentmindedly rub his cold thumb over his wrist. “It becomes visible; it turns black.” 

Watching Yugyeom's eyebrows furrow with untold questions, Jungkook rushed to explain. “It’s kinda like when we cast a detection charm, and the magic surrounding you gives off a colorful aura? Dark magic usually has a red or black atmosphere, not because it has gained sentience and wants to appear all brooding and edgy, but because it's dangerous. Spells with red auras are that way because the spell caster sacrificed something to conjure it. Black auras aren’t given something; they take something. Similarly to how the color black absorbs the wavelengths of light.” Jungkook prayed to the gods that his explanation made sense. He wasn’t used to explaining his diagnosis; his Halmoni knew because the doctor had explained it to her for him. No one else knew. Well, besides Yugyeom.

Taking a moment to pause, Jungkook let his friend process his abbreviated explanation. “My veins are turning black because the mana inside me is consuming itself.” Jungkook's magic, his essence, was killing itself. Subsequently, taking Jungkook with it. 

Yugyeom had stilled somewhat before beginning to pick at his slice of cake anxiously. No longer lifting pieces to his mouth but instead gently nudging a cut strawberry across the white porcelain. 

Guilt crept up on Jungkook like an old acquaintance, tapping his shoulder before becoming his companion once more. He had never been able to forget the glassy eyes of his Halmoni, her gray eyebrows contorted and expression low. Seeing Yugyeom like this reminded Jungkook of the sheer helplessness he felt in those moments. Because what should he say? He couldn’t promise a brighter future, especially since he wasn’t sure if he’d even have one. 

But the urge was there, persistent and relentless. Clearing his throat, he pulled the lost Yugyeom back towards him. Unable to bear the burden of those far-off gazes. “Do you know what a centrifuge is?” With a shake of Yugyeom's head, he continued, “Well, it's a machine that basically separates heterogeneous mixtures into their various components. Humans use a centrifuge to separate red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The red cells are then transferred back to the human.” 

Jungkook shrugged off his jacket, folding down the soft woolen ring around his neck to reveal a skin-colored bandaid. “Something similar happens to me; they take my corrupted blood—” He then moved to scrunch up the left sleeve of his black turtleneck until he reached the juncture of his arm. A bright turquoise self-adhesive bandage, bulging slightly where the wool swab laid underneath, “and transferred the “clean” blood back into my body. Devoid of any mana.” Pulling his sleeve back down and correcting his turtleneck, Jungkook leaned back against his chair with a tired sigh. 

“The procedure takes about four hours.” He stated, watching Yugyeom's mouth gape. The witch had been awfully silent throughout his entire lecture, and Jungkook couldn’t really blame him. He wouldn’t be faring much better if he had just found out his best friend had a terminal illness and then gotten a crash course in said illness only a day later. 

He should be in the lab right now. Jungkook thought absentmindedly, although even his own thoughts were laced with a bit of bitterness.  Meeting with Yugyeom would never feel like a waste of his time, it just felt like something he didn’t have at the moment. He didn’t have any time left to spare. 

“I—” His words choked him, their heaviness preventing him from pushing them from his tongue. He wanted to gag. “In order to give myself time, the mana inside me needs to be removed.” He repeated, frowning deeply. “I don’t really have any magic anymore.” He whispered, blinking rapidly to prevent the wetness clouding his eyes from spilling over. Mana was a part of a witch's soul. They were made of it. To be without mana— without magic , was a witch's equivalent to being a wanderer without a soul. Incomplete. 

Before Yugyeom could shed a tear, something Jungkook now realized was a genuine threat. He reached out, plucking one of Yugyeom's hands and encasing it tightly within his own. He rubbed his thumb over the warm skin, a taunting contrast to his own, lifelessness. Lifting his head, Jungkook locked his gaze in with his friends—a steel-like, determined look and tone accompanying his promises. 

“But don’t worry, Yugyeom, I might not have magic now. But I don’t need it at the moment either. I have enough time till the end of the year, and by then—” An auspicious smile graces Jungkook's features, “I’ll have a cure.”  

A moment of silence, the nonsensical chatter, and gossip of other patrons felt distant, swallowed by a wave neither of them could see. The sound of silverware greeting porcelain, the coffee bean grinder below them, the opening and closing of the front doors. It all felt so distant as if Yugyeom and he were part of a much more melancholic reality. Before Jungkook's running nerves could force the silence away, Yugyeom spoke, “Promise?” 

Now, Jungkook wasn’t in the habit of making idle promises. To swear on something he wasn’t certain about. To lie for comfort was never his style. 

With a nod, Jungkook sighed. “I promise, Yugyeom.” 

Internally, Jungkook hoped this wouldn’t be the first time he’d break a promise.

Yugyeom seemed satisfied with that answer before covering his face in the palm of his hands and sighing dramatically. “I leave you alone once! Once Jungkook.” He joked, pulling his face out of his hands and collapsing against the back of his chair exasperatingly. 

And Just like magic, the tension between them faded into the air like steam. Finding himself relaxed, Jungkook lifted his now lukewarm latte to his lips, sipping on it with a new sense of appreciation. It finally gave him the right deck of cards to be the one asking the questions. With a mischievous smirk, he pointed towards Yugyeom vaguely. 

“So, is that coven of yours responsible for that purple hickey on your neck?” Jungkook asked, tone casual and nonchalant as he poorly hid his mischievous gaze. Yugyeom blinked, once, twice, before slapping his hand onto the crook of his neck harshly. The sound made a few customers glance their way briefly, all bearing different levels of intrigue or confusion. Jungkook's shoulders slightly shook with how desperately he was holding in his own laughter. The heated look of Yugyeom before the witch grabbed their bag, rummaging through it before grabbing a small compound mirror and checking the validity of Jungkook's teasing. 

Upon finding the dark, bruised love bite, the witch flushed. Grabbing some concealer and dotting it onto the spot, he tried to salvage a quick cover-up as he rubbed the pigment in. “And how long were you planning on sitting on that information?” Yugyeom asked a hiss to his tone. It was a fake kind of heat, even if Jungkook wasn’t familiar with it already; the slightly amused curling of Yugyeom's lips gave the flustered witch away. 

Shrugging, Jungkook chuckled. “We were having a moment.” 

“You brat.” 

Jungkook laughed, rolling his eyes as he finished his latte. Yugyeoms feathers successfully ruffled, he could relax again. Watching his friend settle back down, putting away the compact and concealer with a bemused expression. “But seriously, tell me more about your coven.” He nudged, desperately wanting to make up for lost time. 

Jungkook wasn’t exactly sure what caused his feelings of bittersweet nostalgia, the way Yugyeom lit up at the mention of his coven or the fact that the love-drunk witch couldn’t stop himself from gushing about them. Pushing those feelings aside, Jungkook felt himself feel happy for Yugyeom; his coven, a total of six members excluding the witch, sounded perfect for Yugyeom. 

They seemed to make him very happy. 

[nunakookv]

[ Cliché series ] class president Taehyung and bad boy Jungkook

[spis-bts]

The Big Picture Series

All’s Fair In Coffee And War

♕ -Cholera, Kim Taehyung! -jęknął Jeongguk. -Myślałem, że dostanę cię z soją.

(Thought You Knew) You Were In This Song

♕ Taehyung prawie się dusi, ale tylko prawie. Zamiast tego unosi brew i przywołuje najbardziej uprzejmy uśmiech, na jaki może się zdobyć. -Lubisz mnie?

Jeongguk czerwieni się i patrzy na swoje stopy. Uśmiecha się. -Oczywiście.

-Naprawdę? -mówi Taehyung. -Lubisz? Czy lubisz, lubisz? 

To Tie Or Knot To Tie

♕ Taehyung: chłopak, żartowniś, twórca gier...

Nagle rozłożony na kanapie, ze stopami podpartymi na podłokietniku, z czymś, co wygląda jak pieprzony krawat na szyi.

Jeongguk myśli długo i intensywnie nad tym, co powiedzieć. Bierze głęboki oddech.

-Twoje stopy są na kanapie.

[inseobts]

soulmate tattoos

Jimin x reader // Jin x reader

- sexy boy -

previous ← pt.24 / ? → next

playlist: jin - jimin - y/n