Echoes of the Past
Once Yoongi and Jungkook reached outside Jimin's dance center, Jimin quickly got inside the car, settling into the passenger seat beside Yoongi, who was driving
With a bright smile, he leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to Yoongi's cheek
JIMIN
(sweetly) I missed you
From the backseat, Jungkook clicked his tongue in annoyance, making an exaggerated cringing sound.
JIMIN
(turning around, shocked) Who invited this coconut head?
JUNGKOOK
(smirking) I don't need an invitation, shorty
Jimin huffed, crossing his arms over his chest
JIMIN
Great. My day's ruined now
Yoongi chuckled, shaking his head at their usual banter.
He was used to the love-hate relationship between Jimin and Jungkook, their playful rivalry never failing to amuse him
Soon, they reached a restaurant and took a table for three.
Jimin eagerly launched into a long-winded story about his day, his voice full of excitement as he spoke to Yoongi, who listened intently, admiration clear in his eyes.
Jungkook, seated across from them, tried to ignore the warmth between the two.
But he couldn't stop the pang of envy creeping into his chest, not just at their bond, but at what it reminded him of
His mind drifted back to a different time, a different face
Taehyung and Jungkook are sitting in a library
Taehyung(past)
(annoyed) Oh my god, this is so frustrating!
Jungkook looks at Taehyung
Jungkook(past)
What happened?
Taehyung(past)
I have a lot of assignments to do, upcoming exams, and various club activities to participate in
He sulked with his arms crossed over his chest, watching Jungkook, who was struggling to hold back his laughter
Taehyung(past)
Why are you laughing? (angry)
Jungkook suddenly lets out a soft, hearty laugh
Taehyung(past)
(frown) don't talk to me!
Jungkook pauses his laughter and holds onto Taehyung's arm to stop him from walking away
Jungkook(past)
(softly) sorry Tae
Taehyung plops down in the chair, his face showing signs of frustration
Jungkook(past)
I’ll assist you with your tasks and any work you need help with. Sound good?
Taehyung was still sulking
Jungkook moved Taehyung's chair closer to his own
Taehyung(past)
(gasp) what are you doing? People are watching!
Jungkook(past)
(smirk) let them
Jungkook(past)
Is it wrong to want to be close to my boyfriend?
Taehyung(past)
(embarrassed) kookie..!
He could almost hear Taehyung's voice, filled with frustration, as he complained about his difficult university courses
He could see the way Taehyung pouted, expecting Jungkook to comfort him, only for Jungkook to laugh in response
Now, as he gazed out at the starry sky, he wondered...
What was Taehyung doing at this moment?
Or was he, just like Jungkook, lost in the echoes of the past?
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Taehyung had finished cleaning the entire house
His body was weak, exhaustion weighing him down, yet he forced himself to keep going
But as the hours passed, his body finally gave in
Now, he lay curled up on the bed, his fever worsening
His skin burned, yet shivers wracked his frame
His eyes watered every now and then, a silent plea escaping in the form of unspoken words
His head pounded, his body aching, yet the worst pain wasn't physical, it was the hopelessness that clung to his soul
TAEHYUNG
(Thinks to himself) What sort of life am I even living...?
His fingers clutched the blanket tighter around himself as he stared at the ceiling
His thoughts drifted, searching for comfort in a memory long lost to time
Taehyung had been sick, too weak to even inform Jungkook that he wouldn't be attending university
It wasn't until later that night that Jungkook found out through Jimin
And so, without hesitation, Jungkook did what he always did, he found his way to Taehyung.
Under the cover of darkness, he sneaked into Taehyung's bedroom, slipping in through the window while the rest of the house slept
There, on the bed, Taehyung lay curled up, hugging his stuffed toy, his face flushed from fever
Jungkook(past)
(softly, kneeling beside the bed) Tae?
Taehyung stirred slightly, his lashes fluttering as he slowly opened his eyes, adjusting to the dim light
His breath hitched when he saw who was beside him
Taehyung(past)
(whispering, alarmed) Jungkook, what are you doing here?
Taehyung(past)
You have to leave before my parents find out—
Jungkook simply smirked, sitting down on the edge of the bed
Jungkook(past)
I'll disappear before sunrise. Don't worry
Taehyung sighed, shaking his head weakly
He knew there was no stopping Jungkook when he was like this
Jungkook, ever the caretaker, placed a gentle hand on Taehyung's forehead, frowning at the heat radiating from his skin
Without another word, he reached into his bag and pulled out a container
Jungkook(past)
Sit up. I made you some soup
Taehyung blinked, surprised
Taehyung(past)
(softly, touched) You made it yourself?
Jungkook only nodded, his expression unreadable as he helped Taehyung sit up
Carefully, he brought the spoon to Taehyung's lips, feeding him the warm, comforting broth
Each sip brought a little more warmth to his cold body, a little more ease to his aching throat
As he ate, Taehyung found himself staring at Jungkook, admiration shining in his tired eyes
Once the soup was finished, Jungkook handed him some medicine
Taehyung took the pills obediently, gulping them down with water.
And then, in the silence that followed, he just looked at Jungkook
Jungkook(past)
(tilting his head) What?
Jungkook(past)
(Smirk) Am I that handsome that you can’t get your eyes off me?
Taehyung(past)
(soft smile, voice barely above a whisper) I'm so lucky to have you.
Something in Jungkook's expression softened, but he didn't say anything. Instead, just pulled Taehyung into his arms, holding him close.
Taehyung melted into the warmth, feeling safe for the first time that day
Taehyung's fevered eyes blinked open, the memory dissolving like a cruel mirage
His chest ached, not from illness, but from longing.
TAEHYUNG
(Weakly, to himself) Jungkook…
A single tear slid down his cheek as he closed his eyes, letting exhaustion pull him under once more
Author
This story may include several flashbacks, including the main one
Author
After that, there won't be any further flashbacks
Author
I’ll let you all know when all the flashbacks end!
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