Heartfelt Chronicles: Echoes Of Affection
"Hearts Across Eras"— 12
Jungkook
I'd agree with that.
Jungkook
I'll change and stuff.
Jungkook said and got out of bed, grabbing some items that Minyoung brought him earlier and going to the bathroom to get dressed. He wore whatever made him feel comfortable and adjusted his hair, making sure he looked presentable. After exiting the bathroom, he noticed that Minho and Jeonghan had already left, leaving him with Taehyung.
Jungkook
Where'd Minho and Jeonghan go?
Taehyung
What? Not satisfied with me?
Taehyung raised a brow, and Jungkook put his hands up to stop him.
Jungkook
No, that's not it at all. I was just wondering where they went.
Taehyung smiled at Jungkook's reaction.
Taehyung
I'm kidding. They both got called away.
Taehyung pointed out the door. Jungkook nodded, standing there awkwardly and fidgeting with his fingers.
Taehyung asked, and Jungkook picked up his bag. Before he could even fix it properly on his shoulders, Taehyung took it from him and carried it, leaving him with just his phone and keys in hand.
Jungkook
Um, you don't have to carry my bag for me.
Jungkook tried to say, and Taehyung didn't bother replying, walking out of the room. Jungkook quickly followed after him, watching his broad back so as not to lose sight of him.
Taehyung stood tall, but he looked like he was constantly brooding. There was a weight on his broad shoulders that Jungkook couldn't quite pinpoint, and it seemed like it was always there. The man looked like he was carrying the weight of the world in the palms of his hands, and Jungkook wondered if that comes with the territory of being part of a world-saving team. Taehyung led him outside of the infirmary, where another car was parked.
It was an armoured sedan, no doubt another way for Hyunjin to ensure Jungkook's safety. Taehyung tossed his bag in the backseat, got into the driver's seat, and Jungkook got into the passenger's side, securing his seatbelt. He then turned to see Taehyung staring at him.
Jungkook wondered, worried he had annoyed him in some way.
Taehyung
Why are you in the passenger seat?
Taehyung gave him a look.
Jungkook
Would you rather I be in the back?
Jungkook asked, ready to unclip his seatbelt and move to the backseat. Taehyung then put a hand on Jungkook's to stop him from doing that.
Taehyung
No, I’m just confused. Ain't you used to being chauffeured around?
Jungkook
You're not a chauffeur. Nor are you meant to be a protection detail, but here you are. I don't know... I guess I didn't want you to feel like you were just a driver.
Jungkook explained, and he thought he saw Taehyung's face soften, but Taehyung turned back to the road.
Taehyung
Do what you want.
He finally said, and Jungkook tightened the belt around him.
The car ride was silent, and Jungkook was feeling nervous, with Taehyung not looking at him for a second.
Jungkook
So, um... I hope my hyung didn't make you do this.
Jungkook fidgeted with his fingers as he looked at Taehyung.
Taehyung
Let's get a few things straight. I'm no babysitter, and I'm sure as hell, not your babysitter. I'm not doing this for you, or Hyunjin. I'm doing this because Minho said Hyunjin will let me go out in the field again if I succeed.
Taehyung started, bringing the car to a halt at the light to glare at Jungkook. Jungkook shrank slightly in his chair, unsure what to do when faced with the soldier's relentless complaints.
Taehyung
I have three rules: do exactly as I say when I say it, no questions asked, I don't run errands, and I am not your friend. Abide by all three of those rules, and we'll get along fine.
He spat and then turned back to the road to continue driving. Jungkook pushed his mouth to the side in contemplation, trying to figure out something to say. He sighed, leaning his head on his hand as he gazed out the window. This was surely going to be a long few weeks.
Taehyung drove Jungkook to his apartment building, and they both exited the car. Jungkook stood awkwardly in the elevator, not saying anything as he stole glances at the soldier. As he looked at the ground, his eyes fell on Taehyung's shoes. They weren't combat boots, but they were tied with army lacing.
Jungkook hummed in a low voice, and Taehyung looked at him.
Jungkook replied, and Taehyung looked annoyed.
Taehyung
If you've got a problem with me, just come out and say it.
Taehyung said coldly as he stared at the ceiling.
Jungkook
I don't have a problem with you. What gave you that idea?
Jungkook asked, and he shrugged.
Taehyung
You've been looking away from me this whole time.
Taehyung pointed out, and Jungkook sighed.
Jungkook
I was just thinking that you are a soldier.
Jungkook finally said, and Taehyung furrowed his brows, looking at him. Before he could ask anything else, the doors to the elevator opened, and Jungkook walked out of it, Taehyung following him.
Taehyung
What's that supposed to mean?
Jungkook said as he pulled out his keys, searching for the right one and putting it in the door. Before he could open it, Taehyung held it closed by the handle.
Taehyung
Are you trying to piss me off?
Taehyung asked, his face blank.
Jungkook
I didn't mean to piss you off, Sergeant.
Jungkook looked at him, not fazed by his annoyed expression.
Taehyung
Then answer me. What's that supposed to mean?
Jungkook
Exactly what it sounds like.
Taehyung
Is this you throwing a hissy fit over my rules? They're not going to change.
Taehyung stated and shook his head, his hand still clutching the door handle.
Jungkook
When you walked into the infirmary, you checked for all the access points. Exits, windows, and other rooms. I also took note of your shoes in the elevator.
Jungkook explained calmly.
Taehyung's face contorted into one of confusion and irritation, as though Jungkook was spouting nonsense.
Jungkook
They're not combat boots, but they're laced with a Korean army technique. Inner crossovers and outer verticals allow the sides to flex more easily.
Jungkook started to explain.
Jungkook
It has nothing to do with your rules; I was just saying that some of the things you do are very military. That's all.
Taehyung seemed to understand, but he was still surprised that Jungkook had caught him scanning the room in the way that he did. Observant is a fcking understatement, Jeonghan. He thought as he let go of the door handle and let Jungkook push it open.
It was a simple yet beautiful apartment, everything neatly tucked into its place with the most up-to-date appliances in the kitchen. The rooms were fairly open, the only walls in the apartment were separating the bedroom from the rest of the space. The floor-to-ceiling windows let the sunshine in, with a fabulous view of Seoul City.
Taehyung couldn't help but gaze out of the place, letting the view engulf his vision. He started to relax, and Jungkook watched from behind as that weight was momentarily lifted from his shoulders.
Jungkook asked, and Taehyung turned around, his back returning to its straightened state.
He replied, and Jungkook gave him a knowing smile, picking up the letters that had been slipped under his door, tossing them onto the coffee table before going into his room to start packing his essentials.
Taehyung looked around Jungkook's apartment as he waited for him to get his stuff together and leave. He noted some of the pictures around the place, most of which were of Jungkook and Taeyong.
He remembered reading in Jungkook's file that he hadn't met Taeyong until he was 9, which explains why there were no pictures of them together when he was younger than that. He also noted the absence of Jungkook's mother in the photos and recalled how she was arrested and taken to court by Taeyong when Jungkook was 11.
There were a few photos of Jungkook and Hyunjin, making silly faces, and there was another one of all three of them together. Taehyung smiled slightly at them. It seemed like despite Jungkook's past, he grew up with a good group of people around him.
His eyes then fell to the coffee table, where there were a few unopened bills and an unmarked manila envelope. He didn't want to go through Jungkook's mail, so he waited until he was done packing to ask if it was okay if he checked them.
As he was inspecting the place, Jungkook came out of his room, a small suitcase packed with clothes and daily necessities. Taehyung turned to him, and Jungkook gave him a small smile.
Taehyung
I'm going to go through your mail. To make sure there's nothing worrisome in there.
Taehyung stated, and Jungkook dipped his head down.
Taehyung started to check the various bills, ignoring them and moving onto what had caught his attention. He picked up the manila envelope and opened it, slipping out its contents. His eyes widened as he looked through them, and even though he thought he was putting on a good poker face, the shift was enough to catch Jungkook's eye.
Jungkook asked and walked over to look at what Taehyung was holding. He took in a sharp inhale. Inside, there were pictures of Jungkook, exiting the cafe that he frequented with two cups of coffee and going to the car. There were a few sets of these photos, each of them taken on different days, in addition to some photos of his apartment building.
Jungkook looked up at Taehyung, uncertainty filling his eyes. If there was any doubt before that this wasn't a random attack, these photos eradicated them.
Taehyung looked out of the window, trying to figure out what angle the pictures were taken from, and then turned, quickly ushering Jungkook out of the apartment.
Taehyung
We're leaving. It's not safe here.
Comments
Katsumi.Orbiting_. かつみ
what a clever way to not get along 🥸
2024-06-19
0
Venizia
😲😲 okey hear me out I might be wrong but I feel that jk knows this person....not like know who he is but someone close to him or close his brother I don't know damnnnn this story is good I can't get enough but at the same time I wanna cry cause it's short one 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
2024-03-31
0
Venizia
😲😲😲 author wasn't playing when she said "very observant"
2024-03-31
1