Heartfelt Chronicles: Echoes Of Affection
"Hearts Across Eras"— 16
Jungkook
I spent 8 years without control over my own life, submitting to the will of the only person I knew. I survived my childhood by the skin of my teeth because of a split-second decision; an impulse; a realization. I knew what I had to do.
Jungkook
That decision was the best I’d ever made, and for the last 12 years, I trained myself to never feel trapped. I wanted to be the one in control, and I did so the only way I knew how,
Jungkook paused and looked out the window again.
Jungkook
I used what I knew I had to my advantage. I was already always hyper-aware of my surroundings and my observations, but I used to be hurt because of them. It was a curse.
He was revealing the absolute inner workings of his mind, the details of his past that weren’t written in a case file for Taehyung to read, and the thought was scary. Opening up like this was hard; it made him vulnerable and reminded him of his own vulnerabilities.
Jungkook
Since my escape, I’ve learned that the way I work isn’t exactly normal, and that’s given me enough to feel like I have a grasp on the world. This world that’s so loud and yet I can hear every sound.
Jungkook gave Taehyung a quick look, seeing him never turn his gaze away from the road.
Jungkook
Nothing gets by me. Nothing. The fact that someone has slipped into my life unnoticed, watching me, threatening me, targeting me. It’s terrifying.
He paused, his mouth beginning to dry up and stomach beginning to churn.
Jungkook
If they’ve gotten by me… Me. Then they truly must be a petrifying individual.
His voice was low, and the prospect of the danger he must have been facing was daunting.
Taehyung
That little show you put on… You were trying to prove to yourself that you were still in control, weren’t you?
Taehyung asked, referring to when Jungkook ripped into Jaekhyung. He smiled a little; he really had Taehyung all figured out, down to the smallest details.
Jungkook
I think I’m rubbing off on you.
He tried to tease, a sad smile coming upon his lips. He shakily exhaled, trying to calm his racing thoughts as another silence fell upon the car.
Taehyung
So… Are you going to tell me how you figured him out, or are you going to leave me guessing?
Taehyung mumbled, and Jungkook felt a flutter pass through his chest. His head snapped towards him in surprise, the way his features were gentle, despite his usual blank expression.
His eyes were slightly narrowed, and his gaze wasn’t as icy; his breathing was paced comfortably, and there wasn’t a hint of a smile on his face. It was like a switch flipped in his head, the realization nearly cancelling out all the annoyance he had felt by him previously.
His heartbeat quickened, and he realized something different. Taehyung understands. He had always thought he’d experienced moments like this before, where his dad understood his side of things, or when Hyunjin realized what he was trying to do.
But this was something more, something far deeper than a surface-level acknowledgment. This was a relation. He related to him. He knows what he feels because he has felt it, too.
Jungkook felt Taehyung's eyes on him and noticed how the silence was stretching a bit too long, and he turned towards him as soon as he stopped at a red light, his face still gentle, but his eyes… They were knowing.
Jungkook saw it in Taehyung's eyes, too. He knew that he realized what he felt, and for once during the whole time he’s known him, he was okay with it. It didn’t feel invasive that he shared this moment with him.
It was far warmer, and the realization passed through him, too. He understands. The moment of silence stretched between the two of them for longer than they both anticipated, but it was a much-needed confirmation.
It was like when their eyes connected, their thoughts solidified. They were both in the same boat. His life had also been altered by a single moment, a tiny grain of sand in a tipped hourglass that showed him the truth of what the world should be like, and in its wake, the need to take back what has always been rightfully his; his life.
Jungkook said, his voice a little more than a murmur, and one corner of Taehyung’s lips curved upwards slightly.
Taehyung
What is it with you and people’s shoes?
Taehyung muttered back, and Jungkook smiled, releasing a little exhale through his nose, his eyes betraying him by becoming glassy. Taehyung turned back to the street just as the light had turned green and continued driving.
Taehyung
What about his shoes, Jungkook?
Taehyung asked, and Jungkook's breath caught in his throat. Taehyung had never used his name before this moment, and it was as though it was proof that the two of them were coming to understand each other in ways they couldn’t have imagined.
Jungkook
The laces were tied in heaving line knots. They’re coiled around each other. The knot is used to make rope easier to throw far distances because of the weight. It’s often used to help people back onto boats when they fall overboard. Also, the tan lines on his wrists.
Taehyung
How’d you know he didn’t tell his fiance?
Jungkook
There were long hairs on his clothes, a ring on his finger. They live together. They’re not well off. They’re comfortable, but surely not enough money to splurge on a boat. His clothes; they were cheap.
Taehyung
And why would you hide the fact that you had enough to buy a boat unless you couldn’t explain where the money came from?
Taehyung stated, finally understanding Jungkook's reasoning, and he nodded.
Jungkook
When we passed by his desk a few days ago, he was looking up horse race statistics, so that was enough of a confirmation.
Taehyung
What about him looking to cheat on his fiance?
Taehyung asked, and Jungkook felt a sense of pride bubble up inside of him; the simple excitement of being able to explain what goes through his mind to someone similarly experienced.
Jungkook
His ring. It was dirty and unkempt. He didn’t care about it, and yet the ring is relatively new. You could argue it’s because he never takes it off, but I noticed the ring move slightly. No tan line.
Jungkook recalled, and Taehyung came to a conclusion.
Taehyung
He removed it often.
Jungkook
He’s also kind of an aśs, so that certainly helped.
Jungkook joked, and Taehyung gave out a scoff-like laugh. A comfortable silence hung in the car after that, the two of them basking in the presence of one another. Things were different now between the two of them, and they both knew it.
Taehyung parked in the basement of the apartment building and got out of the car. Jungkook stood in front of Taehyung, stopping him from moving.
Taehyung looked down at him, and Jungkook got closer to him, wrapping his arms around Taehyung's torso and tucking his head in his chest.
Taehyung froze, not expecting this sudden development. Jungkook could hear his heartbeat quicken with his ear to his chest. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Jungkook counted in his head. He pulled away and looked up at him.
Jungkook
Sorry, that was really unprofessional of me. But thank you for not pushing me away; I kind of needed that.
Jungkook said. Taehyung looked up at him innocently, and he nodded once. There was a short pause before Jungkook spoke again.
Jungkook
What do you want for dinner?
Jungkook and Taehyung spent some time together, watching TV and hanging around the living room. Jungkook then let him read while he made dinner, using the TV to pull up one of his playlists.
Jungkook
I don’t know what kind of music you like.
Jungkook said, and Taehyung shrugged.
Taehyung
I don’t mind. *he replied shortly and then continued to read his book*
Jungkook hummed along to the music as he made dinner, and Taehyung couldn’t help but get distracted by that moment a few hours ago when he looked up at him so innocently.
He had a hard time fighting his heartbeat to stay at base level, especially when Jungkook was so close to him. His mind was consumed with the gentleness of his arms wrapping around his body, the way his head rested gently on his chest, the way he noticed Jungkook's head nuzzle into him slightly, and how his eyes narrowed at him affectionately with his lips ever so slightly agape.
It was unlike any expression he’d ever seen Jungkook wear, and he was looking at him with wonder. Taehyung was looking at the book, but his eyes weren’t moving, his mind having been cast to a different moment.
Jungkook
Oh, I love this song!
Jungkook exclaimed as "Greek Tragedy" by the Wombats started playing.
Taehyung grabbed the remote and turned it up, watching as a smile came upon Jungkook's face, and he sang along, moving around in the kitchen to make him dinner, momentarily pausing to sing a part that he loved.
Taehyung had never seen Jungkook so carefree, and seeing that made a small smile come up on his face. Taehyung gave a quick exhale through his nose as he made a new realization.
Taehyung
(I like this song, too.)
As Jungkook wrapped up making dinner, he stuck it in the oven and cleaned up, going to sit by Taehyung and setting a timer on his phone. He turned the TV on, and Taehyung said something without looking up.
Taehyung
You never told me how you found out that Jaekhyung had eggs for breakfast. *Taehyung pointed out*
Jungkook
You want me to be honest?
Jungkook asked, and he looked up at him. Jungkook pursed his lips.
He replied, and Taehyung put his book down frustratedly.
Taehyung
Bullsh!t. *Taehyung said in disbelief*
Jungkook
I wish. I just know that 65% of average humans like eggs for breakfast, and he fit the category for an average male human.
Jungkook said, and Taehyung scoffed.
Taehyung
Okay, that’s not just a guess. It’s an educated one, at least. *he said, and Jungkook chuckled*
Jungkook
Maybe. But it’s a guess nonetheless.
Taehyung
But you were right.
Taehyung put his book aside as he pointed out.
Jungkook
I’m rarely ever wrong.
Jungkook boasted jokingly, and Taehyung rolled his eyes.
He replied, and Jungkook giggled, flipping through streaming channels to find out what to watch.
He put on something that they would both find entertaining and chatted with Taehyung while they waited for dinner to be ready when all of a sudden, both their phones chimed at the same time.
They both looked at each other, their faces falling, and their heartbeats quickening as they reached for them, both unlocking them at the same time to see what was going on.
Jungkook furrowed his brows as he scanned the headline of a news article that just dropped, his breathing beginning to pick up.
He looked up at Taehyung just as he looked up at him, and Jungkook could only think of one thing to say.
Jungkook
Are you fcking kidding me?
Jungkook woke up the next morning with anxiety filling his heart. He felt sluggish and nervous, the headline of that article sticking in his head the entire time as he trudged through his morning routine, putting on some jeans and a semi-formal shirt to match as he laced up his sneakers. Taehyung was ready as soon as he left the room, his face mirroring Jungkook's.
Taehyung asked, and Jungkook shook his head.
Jungkook
No. *he murmured*
Taehyung
It’s going to be fine.
Taehyung tried to reassure him, and Jungkook hesitantly nodded, walking out of the safe house with him and down to the parking lot. He opened the passenger door, letting Jungkook get in and shutting it before he went to the other side to step into the driver’s seat.
The tension was thick, and Jungkook's heart was beating rapidly as he worried about what would await him as he went to the tower.
Taehyung parked a street down so that no one Jungkook ran into could recognize the car and try to tail it. Jungkook held his sunglasses in his hand as he walked side-by-side with Taehyung, noticing people take secret photos of him on the street.
He hid his face with his shaky hand as they approached the tower, keeping his gaze to the floor.
The closer they got to the tower, the bigger the crowd around them got, and the more camera flashes came out of it.
Jungkook put his sunglasses on while Taehyung tried his best to shield him from the press as they bombarded him, shouting out questions.
“Jungkook! How does it feel to have been outed as the illegitimate son of Taeyong Jeon?” Someone shouted, and Jungkook kept his head down.
“Jungkook! Is it true your mother was a drug addict? What does that say about Taeyong Jeon’s character if he had a child with an addict?!”
“Didn’t Mr. Jeon leave you with your abusive mother for more than 8 years? Do you resent him?!”
Jungkook covered his ears with his hands, sick of hearing about what people think his father’s character was. He felt himself becoming more anxious, and his pulse was getting faster, his breathing was becoming shallow as bright lights bombarded his eyes, and his field of vision grew narrow.
The sounds of all the reporters started to be muddled, and for once, he couldn’t pick out each individual sentence. It was impossible; they were all shouting things at once, and the sounds were blending into each other.
His control was slipping away from him until Taehyung noticed, standing next to him and pushing reporters away.
“Sergeant Kim! Is it true that you’re Jungkook’s protection detail?” A few reporters called.
Taehyung directed, creating a path through the crowd.
Taehyung shouted at them as he pushed some of them away from Jungkook. In the mess of his feelings, Jungkook leaned into the one feeling he recognized; Taehyung’s touch. He focused on what he knew, and left what he didn’t, trying to regulate his breathing and avoid panicking.
All of a sudden, the cool, ventilated air hit him, and he realized he had finally made it into the tower, with security keeping the clamoring members of the press outside as they tried to photograph him and shout questions. Jungkook looked over his shoulder at them and felt his stomach churn.
Taehyung gently put a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, and they walked together to the elevator. As soon as they got inside, Jungkook sighed. He couldn’t believe that headline. It was plastered all over the news within a few hours of the first article dropping.
'Jeon Taeyong’s Illegitimate Son Works at his Company!'
'The Illegitimate Child of Jeon Taeyong Has Been Discovered: How Many More Kids is He Hiding?'
'Jeon Taeyong had a Child with a Drug Addict: Now He Works at his Company.'
The whispers at the office were even more blatant than before, as Jungkook ducked his head down and weaved in between everyone, Taehyung using his back to shield Jungkook from their eyes as he ushered him to his seat.
Jungkook stopped short just before he could sit down and hide behind the frosted glass. There was an envelope sitting on his desk, and Taehyung noticed it. His back straightened, and Jungkook gave him a look. He reached to touch it, and Taehyung stopped him.
Taehyung ordered and then picked it up himself. He opened it up to find an ID tag, just like the one Jungkook already had, but instead, it said ‘Jeon Jungkook.’ Jungkook sighed.
Taehyung
Did you request a new one?
Taehyung asked, and Jungkook shook his head.
As soon as he said that, a group of employees passed by, the one in the middle was Jaekhyung.
Jaekhyung
Oh, I see you got our present.
Jaekhyung said, and Jungkook looked at them, his face scrunched up in worry. His stomach churned, and he eyed them.
Jungkook
You leaked the story.
Jungkook realized, his face changing into one of anger as he took note of Jaekhyung's body language.
Jaekhyung
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Jaekhyung smirked, and Jungkook glared at him. Taehyung tossed the keycard onto Jungkook's desk and got up in Jaekhyung’s face.
Taehyung spat. The entire office was watching this unfold, several of them concerned at Taehyung’s sudden appearance into the argument.
Jaekhyung
Or what? You’re gonna run to your Appa or Hyung?
Jaekhyung looked over Taehyung’s shoulder at Jungkook as he glared at him.
Jaekhyung
You won’t do it. You couldn’t even do it when Agent Yoon got fired.
Jaekhyung said, and Jungkook's ears started ringing.
Jungkook shouted, putting his hands to his ears.
Jaekhyung
What? Hiding behind Jeon because Yoon liked you a little too much? You couldn’t even tell him; your daddy had to find out through the security cameras—
Jungkook's voice was bordering on screaming, tears forming in his eyes.
Jaekhyung
Oh, come on. You think just because you’re a Jeon I’m going to go easy on you? You’re still the same wh0re—
Taehyung didn’t let him say another word, his fist coming into contact with Jaekhyung’s face.
The whole room went into an uproar, inhales and gasps being sucked in.
Jungkook grabbed his things and swiftly exited the room, Taehyung leaned over Jaekhyung, who was knocked over, and grabbed his collar.
Taehyung
You talk to him again, and I will kill you.
Comments
Katsumi.Orbiting_. かつみ
Damn, he is up to date with the songs. i didn't expect that from a guy who had skipped 83 years on calendar
2024-06-20
0
Katsumi.Orbiting_. かつみ
😂😂🤣🤣
2024-06-20
0
Katsumi.Orbiting_. かつみ
He is mini Sherlock Homes. that is how he figured ou
2024-06-20
0