Chapter 3: ♡~2♡

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The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the meeting room, casting soft rays over the group assembled around the large table. Taehyung, seated confidently near Jungkook, had been his usual charming self, briefing the team on their next moves with a casual ease that belied the seriousness of the situation. Everyone listened attentively, as always, hanging on to his every word.

Jungkook, however, barely heard any of it. His mind was elsewhere, locked in the same quiet turmoil it had been for weeks now—his growing feelings for Taehyung.

It wasn’t the first time he’d found himself in this predicament, stealing glances at the man who had become more than just his right hand.

But no matter how much he tried to push those feelings aside, they refused to fade. Every joke, every smile, every teasing comment from Taehyung only made Jungkook fall harder.

He sat silently, trying to keep his expression neutral as Taehyung continued to speak. Then, in the midst of their usual discussions, Taehyung dropped a casual bombshell that sent Jungkook’s heart plummeting.

“So, by the way,” Taehyung began, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed smile, “I’m heading home for two weeks starting tomorrow. I haven’t seen my family in a while, and they’ve been bugging me to visit. Figured now’s a good time.”

The room buzzed with congratulations, the other members immediately chiming in with comments about how much Taehyung deserved a break. Some even suggested places he could visit while at home, laughter and good-natured teasing filling the space.

But Jungkook couldn’t hear any of it. All he could focus on was the sudden, heavy weight settling in his chest. Two weeks? Without Taehyung? The thought hit him like a blow, one he hadn’t seen coming. How was he supposed to manage without him?

Taehyung wasn’t just his right-hand man; he was the one constant in his chaotic world, the one person who brought a strange sense of peace to his otherwise turbulent life.

And now, he was leaving.

The sour mood overtook Jungkook almost immediately. While everyone else was smiling and clapping Taehyung on the back, congratulating him on his time off, Jungkook’s jaw tightened. He couldn’t even fake a smile.

The frustration and confusion that had been building up inside him for weeks boiled over in a single moment of quiet defeat.

Without a word, Jungkook pushed back his chair and stood up, drawing a few curious glances from the team. He didn’t care to explain himself.

All he knew was that he needed to get out of there—away from the laughter, away from Taehyung’s oblivious smile, away from the sinking feeling that had taken root in his chest.

He left the meeting room in silence, his heart thudding in his chest as he made his way down the hall and toward his private quarters. As soon as the door clicked shut behind him, he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

Jungkook ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room as his emotions swirled. This wasn’t like him—he was always in control, always composed. But when it came to Taehyung, all of that seemed to fall apart.

How was he supposed to go two whole weeks without seeing Taehyung? Without hearing his voice or having him close by? The thought left a hollow ache in Jungkook’s chest, one he didn’t know how to handle. He had spent months burying his feelings, convincing himself he could keep everything professional.

But with Taehyung gone, there would be nothing to distract him from the gaping void his absence would leave behind.

Jungkook sat down on the edge of his bed, his hands clasped tightly together. He stared blankly at the floor, trying to figure out what exactly was happening to him.

It wasn’t just that he’d miss Taehyung’s efficiency or the way he handled their operations with precision. No, it was something far deeper, far more personal than that.

The truth was, Jungkook had grown so used to Taehyung being around, so dependent on his presence, that the thought of him leaving—even for a short time—left him feeling strangely vulnerable.

He hated it. Hated how much power Taehyung had over him without even realizing it. Hated how his heart had betrayed him by falling for someone who, in all likelihood, didn’t see him as anything more than a boss and maybe a friend.

But there was nothing he could do about it now. Taehyung was leaving, and Jungkook would have to figure out how to cope with that fact.

There was a soft knock at the door, pulling Jungkook out of his thoughts. For a moment, he didn’t move, hoping whoever it was would just go away. But the knock came again, more insistent this time.

Reluctantly, Jungkook stood and opened the door, his heart skipping a beat when he saw Taehyung standing there, leaning casually against the frame, a curious look in his eyes.

“Hey,” Taehyung greeted, his voice as smooth as ever. “You left in a hurry. Everything okay?”

Jungkook swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet Taehyung’s gaze. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Just... had something to take care of.”

Taehyung didn’t seem convinced. He crossed his arms, studying Jungkook for a moment before a small, teasing smile tugged at his lips. “You know, you’re a terrible liar.”

Jungkook’s heart raced, but he didn’t let it show. He forced a shrug, turning away to hide his expression. “It’s nothing. Just... a lot on my mind.”

Taehyung took a step inside, the lightness in his tone contrasting with the tension Jungkook was feeling. “Well, you can always talk to me, you know. You’re acting weird today. Is it because I’m leaving? I mean, you’ll survive two weeks without me, right?”

Jungkook’s back stiffened at the question. He wanted to say yes, to brush it off with the same easy attitude Taehyung always had. But instead, what came out was a strained, “I’ll manage.”

Taehyung laughed, completely unaware of the storm brewing inside Jungkook. “You’re acting like I’m never coming back,” he joked, his voice light. “It’s just a quick trip home. Don’t worry, boss, I’ll be back before you even notice I’m gone.”

Jungkook didn’t respond. How could he possibly explain that he already noticed? That he wasn’t sure how he was going to make it through the next two weeks without seeing Taehyung’s smile or hearing his voice?

But he said nothing, letting Taehyung remain oblivious to the turmoil he was leaving behind.

Jungkook stood there, tense, trying desperately to hold everything in. He wanted to say something—anything—to stop Taehyung from leaving. But the words stuck in his throat, tangled up with the raw emotions he couldn’t put into words. His heart pounded painfully in his chest, and all he could think about was how much he wanted Taehyung to stay.

But he couldn’t say it. Not out loud.

Being introverted and shy had always made it hard for him to express his feelings, especially feelings as confusing and overwhelming as the ones he had for Taehyung. He’d learned to bury his emotions, to stay quiet even when he wanted to scream. But this time, it hurt more than usual. He could feel the burn of unshed tears in his eyes, a deep, hollow ache in his chest that threatened to break him apart.

He clenched his fists, trying to control the shaking in his hands. He wanted to cry, wanted to tell Taehyung not to go, not to leave him alone like this. But he couldn’t. He didn’t know how. So instead, he stood there, helpless and lost, the pain of his unspoken feelings eating away at him.

Taehyung, oblivious to the depth of Jungkook’s turmoil, was still standing nearby, watching him closely. Something in Jungkook’s posture, in the way his shoulders were hunched and his head was slightly bowed, seemed off. Taehyung wasn’t used to seeing his boss like this—so quiet, so withdrawn, so... vulnerable.

Without really thinking about it, Taehyung stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He wasn’t sure why, but something told him that Jungkook needed comfort, and Taehyung had never been the type to hold back when it came to offering warmth and support.

Before Jungkook could react, Taehyung wrapped his arms around him from behind, pulling him into a soft, simple hug.

For Taehyung, it was a gesture of reassurance—a silent way of saying, I’m here for you. He didn’t think much of it. To him, it was just a way to ease the tension he could feel radiating off Jungkook, to remind him that everything would be fine.

But for Jungkook, it was everything.

The moment Taehyung’s arms circled around him, all the walls Jungkook had so carefully built crumbled. The warmth of Taehyung’s embrace seeped into him, melting the ice that had formed around his heart. It wasn’t just a hug. It was a lifeline. It was the one thing he hadn’t known he needed until it happened.

His breath hitched, and for a moment, he stood frozen, not knowing how to respond. His heart was racing, pounding so hard in his chest that he was sure Taehyung could feel it.

But instead of pulling away, Jungkook found himself relaxing into the hug, his body leaning back ever so slightly against Taehyung’s. It felt like a release, like something inside him was finally letting go after being held back for too long.

His eyes fluttered shut, and for the first time that day, the tension in his chest eased just a little. He didn’t need to say anything. Taehyung’s hug said enough. It was the only thing that could soothe the ache, the only thing that could quiet the storm raging inside him.

Taehyung, still holding Jungkook gently, didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. The silence between them was comforting in its own way, and though he couldn’t understand why Jungkook was acting so strange, he trusted that the hug was helping in some small way.

Jungkook’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, longing, sadness, and something else he couldn’t quite name. But underneath it all was a deep, unspoken affection for the man who had unknowingly become the center of his world.

And in that moment, held in Taehyung’s arms, Jungkook realized just how deeply he had fallen for him.

It wasn’t just a crush anymore. It was something far more terrifying, far more profound.

He wanted to stay like this forever, but he knew it couldn’t last. Eventually, Taehyung would let go, and the distance between them would return. But for now, Jungkook allowed himself to savor the warmth of the hug, to let it anchor him in a moment that felt almost too perfect to be real.

After what felt like both a heartbeat and an eternity, Taehyung finally spoke, his voice soft and reassuring. “You’ll be okay, Jungkook. I promise. It’s just two weeks.”

Jungkook nodded, his throat too tight to form any words. He knew Taehyung didn’t understand the real reason behind his sadness, but that was okay. Just having him here, even for this fleeting moment, was enough.

For now.

--

Taehyung stood at the door, waiting, his bag slung over his shoulder as he looked around for any sign of Jungkook. The other members had come to see him off, wishing him a good trip and telling him to take care, but the one person he had expected—needed—to say goodbye was nowhere to be found.

His heart sank as he glanced at the hallway one more time. Jungkook hadn’t shown up. Not even to say a quick goodbye. It wasn’t like Jungkook to be so distant, especially after the strange tension between them earlier. Taehyung’s jaw clenched, his mood souring with each passing second.

Why didn’t he come?

Annoyance and disappointment twisted inside him as he stepped out into the crisp morning air. He knew Jungkook wasn’t the most expressive person, but this felt different. It felt personal, like a deliberate avoidance.

With an angry sigh, Taehyung tossed his bag into the back seat of his car and slammed the door shut harder than necessary. His mood had gone from bittersweet to downright upset in a matter of minutes. He had thought that after their quiet moment together, Jungkook would have at least come to see him off.

But no. He didn’t even bother.

As he drove away from the mansion, the frustration boiled inside him. He didn’t want to be upset—he wasn’t supposed to care this much. But for some reason, Jungkook’s absence stung more than he wanted to admit.

Meanwhile, in his room, Jungkook was watching through the slightly parted curtains, his heart shattering as he saw Taehyung leave without him.

He had been there the whole time. From the moment Taehyung had stepped out of the door, Jungkook had been watching, too afraid to move, too afraid to face him.

His hands trembled as they clutched the windowsill, his body wracked with silent sobs. He wanted to run down the stairs, to stop Taehyung, to say something—anything—that would keep him from leaving. But his feet wouldn’t move. His voice wouldn’t come.

Tears streamed down his face as he watched Taehyung get into the car, drive off, and disappear into the distance. The sight of him leaving felt like a punch to the gut, a painful reminder of how helpless he was when it came to expressing his feelings.

Jungkook’s whole body shook with the force of his grief. He felt like the walls were closing in, like he couldn’t breathe. The loneliness he had always kept buried deep inside him surged to the surface, overwhelming him in waves of regret and self-loathing.

Why couldn’t he just tell Taehyung how he felt? Why was it so hard to speak when all he wanted was for Taehyung to stay by his side?

He pressed his forehead against the cool glass, tears blurring his vision as the reality of Taehyung’s absence hit him full force. Two weeks. Two weeks without him. And Taehyung didn’t even know how much it hurt Jungkook to let him go.

Jungkook wiped at his tears with the back of his hand, but it was useless. More kept coming, pouring out in an uncontrollable flood.

How am I supposed to live without you for two weeks, Tae?

His chest tightened, the overwhelming sadness nearly suffocating him. He wasn’t strong enough for this. He wasn’t strong enough to be without Taehyung.

But he had no choice.

Jungkook stayed by the window long after Taehyung was gone, his heart heavy and his soul aching for the one person who could never know the depth of his feelings.

Taehyung arrived at his family’s home, the familiar warmth and comfort of the house immediately lifting his spirits. The scent of his mother’s cooking drifted through the air, and he couldn’t help but smile as he stepped inside.

“Taehyungie!” His mother’s voice called from the kitchen, and moments later she appeared, arms wide open, ready to envelop him in a hug.

He grinned, dropping his bags and walking into her embrace. “Hi, Mom. Missed you.”

“We missed you more,” she said, squeezing him tightly. “It’s so good to have you home.”

His father and siblings soon followed, all gathering in the living room to welcome him back. They asked him about work, about the city, and Taehyung found himself laughing and chatting easily with them, letting the frustrations from earlier slowly slip away.

For a while, he managed to push thoughts of Jungkook to the back of his mind. Being home always had that effect—it was a safe place, filled with love and familiarity. But as the evening wore on and he found himself alone in his childhood bedroom, the memories of Jungkook’s absence started creeping back.

He sat on the edge of his bed, staring at his phone. He was still upset. Angry, even. How could Jungkook just let him leave like that, without so much as a goodbye? He didn’t understand it. They had been through so much together, and after the hug earlier, Taehyung had thought... well, he wasn’t sure what he had thought.

But he hadn’t expected Jungkook to avoid him like this.

Maybe he didn’t care as much as I thought he did, Taehyung mused bitterly, though a part of him knew that wasn’t true. He had known Jungkook for a long time—long enough to recognize that something was off, that maybe there was more to his silence than just indifference.

Still, it didn’t change how hurt he felt.

Sighing, Taehyung grabbed his phone. His finger hovered over Jungkook’s name in his contacts, debating whether or not to call him. A part of him wanted to ignore the whole thing, to let his anger fester and give Jungkook a taste of what it felt like to be ignored. But another part of him—a larger, more caring part—wanted to understand what was really going on.

Maybe there’s a reason...

His thumb hesitated for another second before he finally pressed the call button. The phone rang a few times, and with each ring, Taehyung’s heartbeat seemed to get louder in his chest. He wasn’t even sure what he was going to say—he was still angry, but more than anything, he just wanted to hear Jungkook’s voice.

The call connected with a soft click, and for a moment, there was silence on the other end.

Then, Jungkook’s voice came through, quiet and hesitant. “Tae?”

The sound of his name, spoken so softly by Jungkook, made Taehyung’s heart skip a beat. His anger wavered, but he wasn’t ready to let go of it just yet.

“Why didn’t you come to say goodbye?” Taehyung asked, his tone sharper than he intended. He didn’t mean to sound so accusatory, but the hurt was still there, simmering beneath the surface.

There was a long pause on the other end, and Taehyung could hear Jungkook’s breathing, uneven and hesitant.

“I... I’m sorry, Taehyung,” Jungkook finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just... I couldn’t.”

Taehyung frowned, his anger giving way to confusion. “What do you mean you couldn’t? Jungkook, we’ve been through worse than this. I just wanted a goodbye, that’s all.”

Another pause. And then, in a voice so quiet Taehyung almost missed it, Jungkook said, “I didn’t want you to leave.”

The vulnerability in Jungkook’s voice hit Taehyung like a punch to the gut. His frustration melted away in an instant, replaced by concern. “Jungkook, what are you talking about? I’m only gone for two weeks. It’s not forever.”

“I know,” Jungkook said, his voice thick with something Taehyung couldn’t quite place. “But... it feels like forever.”

Taehyung sat in stunned silence, his heart racing as he processed Jungkook’s words. He had never heard him sound so... broken. So vulnerable. It was like a window had opened into Jungkook’s heart, revealing just how deeply he felt things—things Taehyung had never realized were there.

His voice softened. “Why didn’t you just tell me that?”

“I don’t know how...” Jungkook admitted, his voice trembling. “I didn’t want you to think I was... weak.”

Taehyung’s chest tightened. He knew Jungkook struggled with expressing his emotions, but he hadn’t realized how deeply it affected him. How much it pained him to keep everything bottled up inside.

“Jungkook...” Taehyung’s voice was gentle now, all traces of anger gone. “You’re not weak. You’re the strongest person I know. You don’t have to hide from me. If you don’t want me to go, just say so.”

Jungkook was silent again, and Taehyung could hear the soft sound of his breathing, as if he was trying to compose himself.

“I... I didn’t want you to know how much I need you,” Jungkook whispered, the confession breaking something inside Taehyung’s heart.

Suddenly, the distance between them felt unbearable.

“Tae?” Jungkook’s voice cracked.

“Yeah?” Taehyung replied softly, his throat tightening.

“Please... don’t be mad at me.”

Taehyung closed his eyes, his heart aching for the man on the other end of the line. He had been so focused on his own feelings, on his own anger, that he hadn’t stopped to consider what Jungkook might be going through.

“I’m not mad anymore,” Taehyung said quietly. “I just... I didn’t know. But I’m here, okay? I’m still here.”

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words, but for the first time that night, Taehyung felt like he understood Jungkook a little better. And maybe, just maybe, they were closer than they had been before.

“Thank you,” Jungkook whispered.

And in that moment, Taehyung knew, no matter the distance, he would always be there for Jungkook.

--

┌─── W͜͡e͜͡l͜͡c͜͡o͜͡m͜͡e͜͡   t͜͡o͜͡ m͜͡y͜͡ p͜͡a͜͡r͜͡a͜͡d͜͡i͜͡s͜͡e͜͡

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