My Personal Stand-in (TaeKook)
20
As expected, Jungkook and Taehyung have a falling out, and Jungkook doesn’t come home for several consecutive days.
At first, Taehyung doesn’t feel anything, especially with his busy work schedule. But after a few days, discomfort starts to creep in.
The house feels empty, like it's missing someone. Everywhere he looks, there are reminders of Jungkook. It’s only when reality sinks in that Taehyung realizes just how much he misses him.
Though Taehyung is usually even-tempered, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own principles. Jungkook is the only one he has ever been so patient with, and although he believes he did nothing wrong, Jungkook’s coldness is starting to take its toll.
Jungkook said he wouldn’t come back—and he really doesn’t. He ignores Taehyung's calls, and doesn’t reply to his messages.
Eating dinner alone becomes a dreary experience. The food feels tasteless, and when Taehyung glances at the empty seat across from him, his heart tightens with fear.
//He can’t deny it anymore: Jungkook has entered his heart long ago//
It takes a lot of courage for a man Taehyung’s age to admit he likes someone, especially someone ten years younger.
If they had continued living together, he would’ve been content. But with Jungkook suddenly disappearing, Taehyung is faced with an overwhelming sense of loss and anxiety.
They had always gotten along well. Taehyung never thought about what it would feel like if Jungkook left him one day.
//Now he knows—it feels terrible//😔
It has been years since Taehyung last experienced a relationship where he finds himself constantly worrying about every little thing, uncertain about his feelings and actions.
It feels like he’s a teenager falling in love for the first time, unable to stop himself from getting closer to Jungkook.
Impulsively, he had invited him to live together, growing infatuated, making compromises, and only now realizing that everything he did—every irrational decision—was because he genuinely liked Jungkook.
No wonder he’s been handling this so poorly.
Taehyung sighs, his heart heavy but a bit excited too. He’s the kind of person who takes responsibility for his actions. It’s not every day you find someone you truly like, and he’s not one to give up easily.
Besides, they were already living together—if he tries hard enough, maybe Jungkook will reciprocate his feelings, and they’ll both be happy.
Taehyung doesn’t feel like eating anymore and begins to call and text Jungkook again.
For the past few days, he has pretended nothing happened, sending texts filled with jokes or asking about Jungkook’s well-being. Today, he finally folds and types
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
💬 Jungkook, don’t be angry anymore. I really miss you. Come home, and let’s have a proper talk
If Jungkook still doesn’t come back, Taehyung knows he’ll have to go into the study to find out where Jungkook works and seek him out directly. They can’t keep dragging things out like this.
To his surprise, after ten in the evening, Jungkook returns.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*feels thrilled rushes forward, hugs Jungkook, and kisses him fiercely*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Precious, has your temper cooled? 🥺
The house hasn’t felt right without you these past few days.
Jeon Jungkook
*expression softens slightly, but he remains unforgiving*
Jeon Jungkook
You said you wanted to have a proper talk.
What do you want to discuss? 😒
If you’re just going to repeat what you said last time, save your breath.
Taehyung runs a hand through his hair and falls into a brief silence, unsure of the right words
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*decides to go straight to the point*
Jungkook, can I pursue you?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
I want to pursue you
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*replies sincerely*
I don’t want to merely cohabitate with you like we are now.
We’ve been together for over three months.
We’ve gotten along really well, and I really like you.
I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I want to get closer to you.
Seriously I want to be together with you, so can I pursue you?
Jungkook is taken aback, a faint, indescribable change passing over his face.
Jeon Jungkook
You like me?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*nods, feeling a bit embarrassed* 😳😳
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
I’m a direct person. There’s nothing wrong with admitting I like you.
I really like you, and it’s not like you feel nothing for me, right?
Otherwise, you wouldn’t have been so angry these past few days, am I right?
Can you give me a chance?
Jungkook’s bright eyes stare at him unblinkingly. Although his face looks calm, his mind is swirling with intense emotions.
Taehyung has made his intentions clear. He wants a serious relationship, no longer just living together as friends with benefits.
Jungkook feels he should be angry at Taehyung’s
/‘Be Given An Inch, And Take A Mile’/
attitude.
If he had known that this relationship would become so tangled, he never would have gotten involved
But looking into Taehyung’s slightly bashful yet warm and determined eyes, he can’t bring himself to say the words of ridicule that usually come so easily.
It seems that when you spend a long time with someone, you inevitably develop feelings and can’t bear to hurt them.
Hearing Taehyung confess his feelings fills Jungkook with a sense of complacency, clearing away the moodiness that has built up over the week
He isn’t surprised; he had noticed long ago how Taehyung’s eyes brim with adoration whenever he looks at him.
Since childhood, he has seen that expression in many people’s eyes, but it feels different to hear Taehyung say it directly.
Jeon Jungkook
*lets out a light laugh and, in a stubborn and arrogant tone, says*
Okay, you can pursue me, but if you want to chase me, you’re not allowed to see Jimin ever again.
I’ll say it again; he irritates me.😠
Jungkook doesn’t know why, but he feels a strong aversion toward Jimin. He makes Jungkook feel threatened and very uncomfortable.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*laughs*🤭
Jungkook, I get the feeling that you’re feeling jealous right now.
Just admit it; let Hyung feel happy.
Jeon Jungkook
*frowns*
Are you trying to change the topic?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
I wouldn’t dare. I understand. Unless we run into each other at the company, I won’t meet him in my private time, okay?
Jeon Jungkook
*Only then does Jungkook nod with satisfaction*
Cook me food; I’m hungry.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*says gently*
It’s already so late. Why haven’t you eaten yet? Sit here and wait a bit; I’ll whip something up for you right away.
After two days of doing his utmost to coax Jungkook, Taehyung finally smooths down Jungkook’s ruffled feelings, and they resume their previous lifestyle.
One difference, however, is that Taehyung begins to deal with his feelings with a more conscientious attitude.
Taehyung had always been smooth and evasive in how he handled things, but when it came to relationships, he was still idealistic and pure.
Despite having a fair number of past partners, his experiences were nothing more than two men relieving their physiological needs.
Now that he had discovered he truly liked someone, he was determined to treat them well. He wasn’t a philanderer.
Once he found his heart’s treasure, he wanted to wholeheartedly devote himself to that person, build a steady relationship, and strive to make it last.
Taehyung was quite content with his current situation. Many relationships started in bed and evolved into something real, and to him, the thought of that happening with Jungkook was beautiful.
Though he felt a bit nervous and fearful, the image of him and Jungkook becoming a couple was too enticing. After hesitating for just a moment, he plunged into it headfirst.
From the beginning, Taehyung had treated Jungkook very well, but now he took it a step further.
At home, Jungkook didn’t have to lift a finger—Taehyung took care of everything.
Jungkook’s reliance on him had subtly permeated every aspect of their daily life, but Jungkook didn’t seem to realize it and took it as a matter of course because he knew Taehyung liked him.
These were the most contented days of Taehyung’s life. He had a well-paying job, the person he liked by his side, and he was fully invested in the relationship, dreaming of a beautiful future.
It seemed like there was nothing he needed to worry about.
One day, when he went to meet Hoseok at the company, he unexpectedly ran into Jimin.
Taehyung greeted him and didn’t plan to chat further since he still needed to talk with Hoseok.
But after he finished his conversation and walked out of the office, he saw Jimin waiting for him, leaning against a wall.
Park Jimin
*approached him with a smile* ☺️
It’s rare for us to meet. Let’s have lunch later.
Thinking of Jungkook, Taehyung hesitated. Although Jungkook’s demand not to meet Jimin was a bit unreasonable, Taehyung didn’t want to get too close either.
First, they had parted on bad terms in the past.
Second, Jimin’s status had changed, and getting too close to him now wouldn’t benefit Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*made an excuse*
I’m busy today; let’s do it another time.
Park Jimin
*A flicker of disappointment crossed Jimin’s face"
Park Jimin
Hyung, have you forgotten? You said you’d invite me to lunch last week.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*smiled awkwardly* 😀
I’ve just been too busy, and I’m sure you’re swamped too. I see you on TV all the time. Let’s wait until we both have more free time.
It was clear to Jimin that Taehyung was brushing him off.
Park Jimin
*lips trembled as he spoke*
Hyung, I always thought you were kind and open-hearted.
I never imagined you still wouldn’t forgive me.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*quickly replied* 😮
What are you talking about?
I forgave you a long time ago.
Park Jimin
Then why are you acting so distant?
*eyes filled with resentment*
Park Jimin
You’re the only person I’ve ever considered a true friend because I knew you genuinely cared for me. Can’t we go back to how things were?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*sighed*
Jimin, we can’t go back. You’re not the no-name model you once were, and I’m not single anymore. Do you have time to hang out with me every day? No, and neither do I.
We both have our own lives now, but I swear, I’m not holding a grudge against you.
Park Jimin
*suddenly slammed his fist against the wall* 😠
Hyung, the real reason you’re keeping your distance is because of your little boyfriend, right?
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*felt uncomfortable*
Jimin hadn’t matured as much as he’d thought; he was still impulsive, still immature.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*glanced down the hallway to make sure no one was around and then patted Jimin on the shoulder*
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
Jimin, the past is in the past. I’m really happy to see how successful you are now, but—
Before Taehyung could finish, Jimin grabbed his arm, spun him around, and pressed him against the wall. The usually amiable and cute smile Jimin wore on TV was twisted with resentment.
Park Jimin
Hyung, I regret not coming back sooner.
You liked me before, didn’t you?
I was stupid and ran away.
What does that boyfriend of yours have that I don’t?
Tell me, is there still a chance for us?
I want to start over—not as friends or brothers.
I want to be with you.
Kim Taehyung (Before Reincarnation)
*eyes widened in shock*
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