chapter 2

The one who could always get through to him, was Jimin. Jimin, Taehyung’s soulmate. Undoubtedly, anyone could see that their bond was something special. Jimin, who is always there for Taehyung, who takes care of Taehyung, who is happy when Taehyung is happy, is sad when Taehyung is sad. He laughs with him, he cries with him, he is always there, like a guardian angel. Jimin usually notices right away when something is up with Taehyung. Yesterday he didn’t notice it, because he was so exhausted himself. Jungkook understood, they had had a long day with a fully booked schedule. Jimin was really busy these days, he was practicing for his solo stage and was often in the practice room, even in his free time.

Jungkook brought his thoughts back to Taehyung. What could be the matter? Taehyung could have simply felt tired. But he wouldn’t have looked this vulnerable, he would not have shed tears. Was he hurt? No, Taehyung wasn’t one to keep his physical pain a secret and did not shy away from asking help. They all knew that it was in the important for themselves, but also for the group to be in good health. Jungkook could not think of anything else that might be weighing heavy on his youngest hyung’s heart. He decided to let it go for now and tried to fall asleep.

The next morning they were on their way to the venue where they would film Run BTS!. Jungkook took the car in which Taehyung, Hobi and Jin were seated. Taehyung seemed fine today, the vulnerability that he showed in his eyes last night, nowhere to be seen. He was joking around with Jin and leaned on Hobi’s shoulder, looking relaxed. Jungkook felt relieved and shot him a smile when they locked eyes. Taehyung wide smile diminished a bit, but he gave small nod to Jungkook, as if to let him know that he is ok.

After the shooting, Jungkook went to his room to call his older brother. It has been a while since he had spoken him, but it was his brother’s birthday today. He spoke a bit with him and then his brother asked for Seokjin. Seokjin and his brother were close to each other. Jungkook left his room and went to the living room where Taehyung and Jin were sitting. “Hyung, it’s my brother”, he said and he handed Seokjin the phone. “Oh, it’s his birthday today, right?”, Jin asked. “Yeah, here”. Jungkook replied and he went to sit on the sofa. Jin took the phone and left the room to talk. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung. Taehyung was staring in front of him, a bit glassy eyed. Jungkook decided not to say anything. Taehyung silently stood up and left the room. Jungkook was slightly startled. There might really be something up with Taehyung. He really wanted to know what, but he did not want to pry.

They all had separate rooms now and Jungkook did not visit the others in their room as much as they used to do back when they had shared rooms. His room and Taehyung’s were only separated by a thick curtain. He and Taehyung were considerate neighbours and tried not to bother each other. They liked their living situation. Taehyung could hear Jungkook softly humming to himself whenever he was editing GCFs. He could hear him groaning while he was doing 50 push-ups every morning. He could hear him diligently practicing English every other night. He could hear him softly sniffling to himself, whenever he was watching sappy romantic movies and animes. Taehyung never said anything about the last thing to Jungkook, but Jungkook was pretty sure he could hear him. Jungkook could hear Taehyung cursing under his breath whenever he was playing video games late at night. He could hear him listening to all kinds of genres of music he found on Youtube. He could hear him softly laughing whenever he was reading funny webtoons. He could hear him facetiming Jimin, even when they were both in the same apartment. He could hear Taehyung play the violin every other night. Even if it was very off tune, since Taehyung was still a beginner, Jungkook never complained.

This night it was Taehyung’s soft sniffling that Jungkook could hear from his room. This was not the first time he heard this. Usually he left Taehyung alone. They all needed a good cry from time to time. It was a good relief of stress. Taehyung had once even told him in confidence, that when he was in distress once, in the middle of the night, listening to Jungkook’s languid breathing on the other side of the wall, had helped calm him down. Jungkook had not known how to reply and had given him a shy smile.

Jungkook decided to check up on Taehyung. He gently knocked on the door and gave Taehyung some time to recover. He heard some rustling of covers and then Taehyung’s deep voice. “What is it?”. His voice sounded gravelly. “It’s me, hyung.”. “Come in”, Taehyung responded. Jungkook slowly opened the door. Taehyung was under the covers looking at the door. Jungkook wasn’t sure whether Taehyung would want to talk today, but he wanted to be a comfort to his hyung. “My bed is feeling a bit cold today, I was wondering if I could sleep here tonight, with you?”, he asked tentatively. He made up this excuse quickly. Everyone knows Taehyung is a very affectionate person and loves cuddling. It was bound to cheer him up a little. Taehyung gave him a warm smile and lifted his covers while shifting to the side of the bed to make room for his younger friend. “Of course, Kook, you are always welcome here”. Jungkook settled down next to him. He was usually not the one who initiated the skinship whenever they were lying next to each other. He simply didn't have to. It was usually Taehyung who would throw his limbs all over Jungkook and hug him tight like an octopus before Jungkook could even lift a finger. This time Taehyung just faced the ceiling and had already closed his eyes without another word. Jungkook took in his features. His eyes were a bit puffy, that is all he could make up in the dark.

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