Chapter Eight

...Past Timeline...

Taehyung and Jungkook arrive at the hall and Bam jumps onto Taehyung making him fall with the pup on top of him. The giggling and laughing filled the empty parking lot, Jungkook staring at the cheerful face.

"Come on we have to get in, '' Jungkook said, pulling the giant pup away from Taehyung. The pup lets out a whining growl wanting to be with Taehyung.

Taehyung waves at the angry puppy and blows a kiss, making the pup slime again. Jungkook being done with the two walks away letting the pup do whatever he wanted which was him running to Taehyung.

"It's fine uncle, we will get the deal ready by next week" Hoseok answered Mr. Jeon who was walking alongside him. Mr. Jeon, being Hoseok's uncle and business partner, had to visit him at this hall.

"You should stay for the party tonight," Mr. Jeon said, patting Hoseok's shoulder. He smiled politely to deny the offer because tonight he was going over to Kim's place to see Taehyung.

"I am sorry-"

"Appa!" They both turn to see Jungkook walking towards them. But what made Hoseok's heartbeat was the person strolling behind him with the pup. AN unknown smile appeared on his face when Taehyung met his eyes with him.

"Finally you are here! And may I say how beautiful you look Taehyung" Mr. Jeon compliments walkins towards Taehyung who's cheeks were red blushing.

"And you look so handsome," Taehyung said giggling wide as he placed his hands onto Mr. Jeon ones.

Jungkook on the other hand rolled his eyes at the two, he doesn't know why but his dad seemed to be more lively than he already was. His dad has always been a cheerful person, never the shy type but now ever since he met Taehyung again he looks very happy and fun. With Taehyung having the same energy as his father it just seems to be perfect.

"Taehyung met my nephew Hoseok" Mr. Jeon brought him closer to Hoseok who was already smiling at Taehyung.

"I already know him, uncle," Taehyung said, smiling wild. Hoseok comes to hug Taehyung, surprising them all.

Taehyung had wide eyes as Hoseok held him in his arms. A warmth surrounds hoseok heart feeling Taehyung near him. But someone who was standing nearby didn't feel happy seeing the two holdings each other in arms.

"How do you know Hoseok?" Mr. Jeon asks, smiling seeing the two. "Taehyung just happened to be my friend's brother. I met him a couple of days ago" Hoseok smiled when Taehyung returned.

"That's great! No trouble getting along" Mr. Jeon said. After a couple more minutes of them talking and Jungkook scolding at how comfortable Taehyung and Hoseok were, it was finally time to get the hall decorated.

Taehyung got busy with the decorations, more than 50 people were working but among them, Jungkook's stares were glued to taehyung. For some unknown reason, he had become too interested in seeing how his cousin was following Taehyung around being his little assistant carrying his flowers while Taehyung put them together.

And the fact that Taehyung wasn't denying anything Hoseok was doing, it was clear to Jungkook that his cousin was into taehyung. Jungkook himself hasn't got any chance to talk to Taehyung. He tries to be helpful too but it seems like any move he makes Taehyung only ignores it. Did he mean it when Tae said he will stop having feelings for him?

But isn't that a good thing? That's what he always wanted, then why doesn't it feel good now it is finally happening.

"Taehyung-ssi where should I put these vases?" Hoseok asks, holding a giant vase with beautiful red roses.

"You can give it to me Hyung" taehyung felt awful that the older one was during everything for him but he was very thankful for it.

"It's heavy so don't worry about it, just let me know where to put it" hoseok was struggling to keep a grip on the large vase but he can't have Taehyung carry it.

"Then let me help you" taehyung holds the other end of the vase but accidentally his hands' corridos with Hoseok.

They both freezes at the sudden touch, Taehyung with a light shade of redness appearing on his sun-kissed skin. Hoseok chuckled at his cuteness which made Tae pout thinking that others were laughing at him.

"Let's put it here" Taehyung points at the space on the top of the staircase. Hoseok nodded, setting the vase down. "That was the last piece Hyung, thank you so much for helping me" taehyung bowed but hoseok put his hands on Taehyung's shoulder to bring him back.

"No need to thank me, I am always here when you need me," he said genuinely to which Taehyung smiled.

"This place looks great Taehyung, you did a wonderful job" Mr. Jones comes and hugs Taehyung. "I am glad you like it, uncle. I hope you enjoy your day tomorrow" he politely said.

Jungkook walks to them to tell Taehyung it was time to go and he would give him a ride but of course, his cousin had to beat him to that too "Taehyung did you come by yourself?" Hoseok asked.

Taehyung finally looks up at Jungkook who was already staring at him. Jungkook wanted Taehyung to tell hoseok that he came here with him and went with him "I got here with Jungkook but I will be taking the bus back" Taehyung said staring at Jungkook as if he is telling him that he doesn't want to go with him.

"Why? I can drop you-" Tae cuts Jungkook off

"I have to stop by Minnie's house so I don't want to trouble you" Taehyung made an excuse. He didn't want to go back with Jungkook because it means they two will be alone in the car. This whole time he was able to ignore Jungkook and force on getting over him but if he was left alone with him he doesn't know if he has that kind of control over his feelings.

"Then I will drop you, I don't live far from Jimin's house" Hoseok offered, looking hopeful at Taehyung. Taehyung looks back at Jungkook who looks like he was about to protest but he doesn't give him the chance.

"I will appreciate it hyung thank you" Taehyung accepted which put a great smile on Hoseok's face. But Jungkook was burning in anger, he could have dropped Taehyung wherever he wanted but the other man was doing everything to ignore him.

Mr. Jeon noticed the change in the atmosphere and his son, a great idea came to his mind "Taehyung why don't you come to the party tomorrow? The younger ones decided that the theme of the party was partners but my son here doesn't have one. So why not be his date?" He said hoping for it to hit it.

Taehyung's eyes widened at the offer and looked at Jungkook but seeing the anger written on the other face he knew it was not needed, he was gonna deny it anyway. "I am sorry-"

"I already have a date, my girlfriend is going with me, don't need a pushover" Jungkook's voice was linked with hatefulness.

Taehyung looks down because he already expected this. Why would Taehyung even think that Jungkook would even consider being with him when he already has a girlfriend. But sometimes he wished Jungkook would just understand just how hurtful his choice of words to describe him can be.

Mr. Jeon sighs at his son's stupidness! And wants to smack his head for hurting the beautiful boy but he can't. Jungkook had told himself about his girlfriend yesterday and explained that whatever he was trying to do but getting him close with Taehyung wasn't gonna work. He just wanted his stupid son to give Taehyung a chance but he doesn't want to push his decision on his son because that be unfair to him.

But he didn't mention anything about bringing her to the party tomorrow because he wanted Taehyung to be with Jungkook. Yes, he won't force his son to be with Taehyung but that doesn't mean a man can't dream right. But his son is the biggest idiot on this planet.

"Then Taehyung will be my date. I also don't have anyone to go with so I would love it if you came with me" Hoseok said, holding Taehyung's hands.

Taehyung having wide eyes and rosy cheeks flustered at the sweetness in Hoseok's voice. He doesn't know if he wants to come, especially knowing Jungkook and Ji-Eun are gonna be together. He doesn't want to be pathetic and hurt himself more.

"Yes, do that! Come with Hoseok Taehyung. I love to have you" Mr. Jeon insisted because he wanted Taehyung there.

Taehyung looked troubled because he didn't want to hurt Mr. Jeon but at the same time he knew he would end up getting himself hurt if he did come. But seeing how Mr. Jeon was pleading he didn't have the heart to deny the older person.

"Okay," he whispered but loud enough for Hoseok to smile brightly and have Mr. Jeon hug him. Jungkook's hands fisted with anger thinking the two were here. Jungkook didn't want to deny the fact that he was hoping Taehyung agrees to come with him but seeing the hesitation on his face pissed Jungkook so he made up that he brought Ji-eun with him.

"Thank you Tae, I can't wait to see you," Mr. Jeon said.

Hoseok and Taehyung said their goodbyes to Mr. Jeon and headed towards the door. Jungkook is being himself and glared holes on their back as they leave. "You had your chance" Mr. Jeon came beside him. Jungkook ignores his father and walks away towards the stairs but not before kicking the vase that Hoseok and Taehyung set.

It was another day at school but today was a little different because it was more chaotic than before. The whole school had a spring festival in two days. Everyone was decorating and planning for the big school day. People were decided into two groups, the "boring" theater students and the "famous" sports guys. The spring festival also holds a lot of sports games and other fundraising activities for the school.

Taehyung being in the theater group was in charge of decorating the stage for all the performance that was to happen. So here he was in the middle of the stage setting up the stage with spring flowers and other musical themes.

"To the right Taehyung!" Jimin shouts glaring at Taehyung who couldn't put a single banner right. "If I go any more right then I fall, you idiot!" Taehyung yells as he was on the ladder trying to hang the banner along with another friend.

"Yes, Jimin beside it is too high up! Who the hell is even gonna see the banner here" the president said, bringing more stuff to hang.

"Fine but if the teachers complain about you guys," Jimin rolls his eyes, shutting down from the stage to pick up another banner.

Everyone goes back to their stuff, no one notices when the doors to the room open and the basketball team walk in. The others took their place among the main seats while Jungkook went closer to the stage seeing Taehyung up on the ladder.

Jungkook comes closer to stand behind Taehyung, watching Taehyung who looked kinda cute with a hammer on his hands while some pins were closed between his lips. The other person who was helping Taehyung on the ladder turns to grab something but gets shattered by Jungkook suddenly appears.

And in seconds screams and things were falling as the other boy fell from the ladder and on the floor but thankfully there were soft corns but no luck for Taehyung because when the man falls Taehyung was holding the other end of the banner and was dragged making him fall from the ladder.

Taehyung eyes widen with fear and scream when he feels his body falling but the hard-hit never comes but he feels a stronghold on him and soft touches. Taehyung whose eyes were clenched in fear open to stare at Jungkook's brown orbits.

Taehyung grips onto Jungkook's arms knowing the other just saved him from having a very brutal fall. Taehyung unknowingly links his arms around Jungkook's neck to bring himself closer to him. Jungkook could feel the racing heart of Taehyung and his shaking frame. Without thinking Jungkook's hands go around Taehyung rubbing his sides.

"It's okay I have you" he whispered in a soft tone, Taehyung could feel tears in his eyes hearing how caring Jungkook was being with him. It reminded him of their childhood when Jungkook and Taehyung were in his arms and comforting him.

"T-thank you" he whispered, never wanting to leave this warmth that he was craving for so long. Jungkook forgot that many eyes were on them. Jimin had his jaw dropped seeing the two in each other's arms.

Never in his right mind would he think Jungkook would be this close to his best friend let alone beholding him like this. So being the good friend he is he took his phone and quickly took a photo of the two and smiled wide, he knew how much his friend wanted that.

But the sweet moment was short-lived when Jungkook looked ahead of the theater room and saw Ji-eun standing by the door. Jungkook's hands immediately leave Taehyung, he pushes Tehyung slightly and runs off the stage towards her.

"Baby" Jungkook calls once reaching Ji-Eun. Jungkook felt guilty seeing the look on his girlfriend's face. "I am sorry" he started but she didn't let him finish.

"Why are you sorry?" Jungkook frowns at her "you did nothing wrong, I saw what happened and I was scared Taehyung-SSI was gonna be hurt but thankfully you were there to catch him. Don't be sorry gukkie I know it must have scared him" she said looking back at Taehyung who had his head lowered.

Jungkook was heartwarming at his girlfriend's words, this is one thing about Jungkook loved and admired about Ji-Eun, that she was very mature about the situation and didn't jump to conclusions. He brings her to his arm and places a kiss on her head.

Jimin comes to stand in front of Taehyung and his heart hurts seeing the tears that Taehyung was trying so hard to hold in. no words were needed as he brought Taehyung to hide in his arms. Taehyung doesn't say anything either but also doesn't want to look at the couple in front of him but even his heart is used to hurting him because he couldn't help but stare at the two.

Oh how easily Jungkook was able to push Taehyung away and run towards someone else. He cringed on to Jimin because the picture of Jungkook pushing him away was on repeat. Just when Taehyung thought he will be able to move on with his stupid crush here he is about to break from the simple pain of being let go.

Something inside Taehyung was frightening him and that was him never being able to move on. How will he ever stop loving his man who doesn't even once care to show sympathy? But it was more hurt to know that he was pathetic. Loving Jungkook made him so pathetic that he feels disgusted for himself.

He watches the bright smile on Jungkook's face, the man was giggly teasing the woman he loves. How he was messing with her hair and sneaking kisses here and there. She also looked so happy with Jungkook. Her smile never once leaves her face, holding his hand on her own.

(Taekook History)

"Gukkie, can I tell you a secret?" Jungkook looked at Taehyung who had a silly smile on his face. They were in their little treehouse where their parents had a bult for the two to play.

Jungkook was sitting on the floor while Taehyung was on the small bed next to Jungkook. Technically it was just a puffy matter layed on the floor but for whatever. Jungkook waited for Taehyung to speak but the other was just so nervous and shy.

Today was the day that Taehyung took the courage to tell his best friend that he loves him. He was so happy and nervous at the same time "promise me you won't get mad" he said but Jungkook only smiles.

Jungkook hmm in return yearning for a pout from the small boy. Jungkook laughs because teasing Taehyung was his favorite game. "Don't hmm me you silly bunny and promise me" he said, bringing his pinky out.

"Okay sorry I won't be mad now, tell me beautiful" Jungkook said, bringing his hand and connecting their pinky. Taehyung smiles wide at Jungkook calling him beautiful. Jungkook never once called him by his name but always called him "beautiful" "gorgeous" etc.

"I-i" his heart was racing so much. And seeing Jungkook's soft stare on him made it even more difficult to say. "I like you gukkie" Taehyung lets out.

"I like you too but that is not a secret. Of course, you like me that's why you are with me" Jungkook smiled not understanding what Taehyung meant.

"No! I like you as in I love you! I do gukkie-" but before he could finish Jungkook pushes Taehyung away as if he just touched someone disgusting.

"gukkie- "

"You can't like me!" Jungkook out bust. Taehyung starts panicking thinking he just made the biggest mistake.

Taehyung stood to come near Jungkook but what Jungkook said broke the other man "you are disgusting Kim Taehyung! Don't come near me!" He shouts, not knowing how much damage it has done to Taehyung.

It wasn't as if Taehyung was being called disgusting for the first time, people in school always tell him how disgusting he was for being so female, his neighbor calls him disgusting because everyone called him weird for reasons he doesn't know. So it never bothered him when others said he was disgusted because Jungkook always said he was beautiful and said there was no one like him. He was special.

But now his only person called him disgusting too. It was like a stab in his heart. He gulps feeling like crying for being so stupid.

"I knew you were into men and I never said anything but never thought you would ever think so disgusting about me too. You can't like me because you aren't a girl and love can only happen between man and woman" Jungkook again shouts at his face and pushes Taehyung enough to make him drop on the hard floor.

Many may disagree and say that "love doesn't limit to man and a woman" but that is what a 15-year-old thinks because that is what he has seen. That is what the world has shown him. His parents are a man and woman, his friends have girlfriends too. Everyone where he goes he doesn't see two men walking holding hands, or kissing each other goodnight as his parents do. No one ever saw a man holding a child in their arms or living happily.

But what would this young child know just how harsh this world is to people who dared to love someone the same as them. Theme homophobic society has ashamed of those lovers who came in the front and broke their bonds with the hard reality. This narrow-minded society had drawn a line as to who you can love and choose to be happy with.

The reason for Jungkook to not see a man/or woman walking down freely holding hands is because society eyes them with disgust as if they had committed an office crime. No two same-sex couples can ever be free to dream to have a family because of the fear that the people in society will come a take their loved ones. Harm the one they treasure.

Jungkook was a young mind who was never able to understand the double standard of the society he so looked up to.

For a young boy that is what love was and he wants that too. To fall in love with a beautiful woman and live like his parents. Not with another man because that is "disgusting". He never saw Taehyung like that so it scared Jungkook to even think.

That day Jungkook had run away from Taehyung as if he was running away from a monster or a freak.

(History Ends)

Taehyung watches the two smile and is free to love each other. "If I wasn't born the way I am, could you have loved me, Jungkook? If I was the girl in your arms you couldn't have run away from me right? And I wouldn't have been hurt this much"

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