Almost There

"Do you fancy a night of masks , mystery and mischief at a Masquerade ball?

Jungkook was literally rolling in his duvet on the bed reading the message again and again. Cheeks turned red , grinning ear to ear , heart beating fast. He was swamped by the emotions that are consuming him, just a message from Taehyung has this much effect on him .Remembering that he forgot to reply to it, Jungkook suddenly started to type

"I would love to"

And send~

_

Taehyung has no idea what came over him to invite Jungkook to the Banquet. When he cut the call , he felt like doing that and he did it. Never in his life has he been so impulsive. And seeing that Jungkook accepted it , he was happy and worried at the same time. He knew the risks , the problems that could happen if something goes wrong. What mattered to him now was that he would get to see Jungkook and that was enough. Still he thought it was gonna be okay . Is it?

                                 ***

To say Jungkook was overwhelmed with joy would be an understatement.

He was literally skipping instead of walking sometimes , he smiled unknowing of where he was, his cheeks turning red . His sister knew for sure something was up with her brother when he didn't pick a fight with her during breakfast. And Jungkook was also blushing sometimes, Is this really her brother, she thought.

Jungkook explained all the details to Jimin when he went to college. And jimin was more than happy for him.

"Jungkookah do you think he is interested in you? I mean romantically"  Jimin had to make sure his bro isn't gonna end up hurt.

"I think he is ... Well I hope , cause the conversation we had was certainly not just between friends, he literally was chuckling and stuff , and I am sure he was blushing , so yeah I think he might be interested in me " Jungkook said smiling ear to ear.

"So, when is that event, kook? " Jimin asked curiously

" He didn't told me the exact date or time , whenever it is , I am attending it no matter what." Someone was more than eager to meet Taehyung.

"Then you have a lot to prepare for it kook, like do u have thee outfit, and when I say outfit I want Taehyung to fall for u in first sight seeing you in it "

And Jimin was more than enthusiastic to get him ready.

                                    *

TAEHYUNG

Next Day

Never in his life , he felt this much excitement over something. He doesn't know if it is because he was doing something that is not allowed for him or he is just happy to meet Jungkook . His heart was beating so fast and for the first time he was not worried it is anxiety cause he knows exactly why he is like this.

It was almost 11 pm and Taehyung knew he was risking whatever this was between them. He made sure that his mom and dad went to bed and ofcourse he locked the door , so that he don't get caught. He turned the lights off in his room ,slid under his duvet ,and took his phone to call Jungkook. He knew it was a huge step and if things got awkward he could just say he called to let him know of the Banquet's Date and Time .

He pressed the call and

ring...

ring...

ring...

Helloo~

A voice that was smooth as velvet and warm like sunlight on your skin after a long winter reached Taehyung's ear and he forgot to breathe.

"Were you asleep?"  the older tried his best to lower his voice , so that only Jungkook could hear him .

"No , I usually sleep close to 12 hyung, so no worries" Jungkook tried to stay calm , otherwise he would have literally screamed out of joy .

"Jungkookah , I couldn't sleep and thought of letting you know about the

Banquet " Taehyung made it as subtle as possible

" I am so excited hyung , tell me all the details , and thank you so much for inviting me "  Jungkook eagerly blurted out.

" It will be held in my house in Daegu . Two weeks from now,  on 23rd January. The event starts from about  5'o clock in the evening and ends late at night. There is no certain dress code. " Taehyung explained

" Since it is a Sunday , there is no problem. I will be there hyung " Jungkook replied .

"Jungkookah, I know you have a lot of questions about me and I think I can answer all that when you get here. I need you to trust me for now . Will you trust me? "

That was the question that changed Jeon Jungkook's life forever and the answer to that question changed Kim Taehyung's life forever

" Yes , I trust you Hyung " Jungkook replied.

As the night unfolded the two of them found themselves laughing and giggling like two idiots. Mostly Taehyung was asking stuff about Jungkook's college and family. And Jungkook answered them all and told the older , stories from his childhood and also about his friend Jimin. Taehyung said he would definitely want to meet Jimin sometime . And just like that they talked for almost two hours .

Jungkook felt like his eyes was threatening to close down and he tried his best to keep them open. But as sleep was beginning to consume him, he started mumbling some words.

"Hyung..."

" Yes , Jungkookie what ? " Taehyung was still wide awake and not sleepy at all.

" Taehyung hyung... orrr Taehyungie... hyung    nahhh Tae hyung,  mmmmm Taehyungiee hyungiee hyungg , itshh  sooo cuuutee "

Taehyung's heart pounded in his chest and each beat thundered in his ears as heat rose to his skin.

"Jungkookiee... " Taehyung asked when Jungkook stopped murmuring.

And nothing could be heard anymore from Jungkook's side for some time.

The older pressed his ears to the phone screen to hear from the younger and he heard it,   a faint snoring sound . An adorable smile took place on the older's lips and after listening to it for awhile he said

" Goodnight Jungkookiee  , I hope the stars guard your dreams "

Setting his phone aside he also fell into a deep slumber

                                   *

The following days for a week, Taehyung called Jungkook three or four times , at daytime and they only talked very briefly .Even though Jungkook hoped for the call at night, there wasn't any. The second week  the older didn't call at all , since he was busy with the preparations but he did text him sometimes.

Jungkook understood that he might be busy. Two days before the banquet Jungkook decided to go shopping for his outfit. He picked up Jimin and went to a mall.

They entered a men's exclusive clothing store and went straight to the suit section. Jimin grabbed a few suits that he thought were good and gave it to Jungkook to try them on. He tried them all , but some of them didn't fit , some were dull . They were on the verge of giving up and that's when Jungkook saw a black suit on a mannequin.

Smooth and dark fabric , well tailored blazers with sharp lapels , the suit was paired with a white shirt . Its collar was sharply peaking out of the jacket and a black bow tie was neatly placed on the neck.

And Jungkook knew that it was the dress. Jimin also agreed . They bought that suit and a black shoes . He didn't know if they would provide a mask at the banquet or not, so he also bought a white masquerade mask .

TAEHYUNG

The day before the event:

Taehyung was busy all day with the preparations, since everything has to be flawless. The Kims knew that to stay in power , they needed to show that they are mighty as always. The arrangements for the event were nearly complete. He also picked a new full Black suit from his wardrobe.

At night he texted Jungkook about the location of his house. He thoroughly explained the turns to take from Daegu town and everything. And Jungkook also let him know that he would call him when he got there.

The Kim mansion was situated in the middle of a huge property. You need to derout from the main road and drive for about half a mile to get there. All of that place was owned by the Kims. Both sides of the way leading to the mansion were densely filled with Silver Oak trees crowning orange flowers. It was a beautiful scenery, a perfect veil to mask the Opulent estate.

            The Day of the Banquet

The day of the masquerade ball arrived in a swirl of anticipation.

The mansion was transformed into a world of mystery and allure, with soft candlelight flickering across marble floors, casting shadows that danced like whispers and massive chandeliers adorning the ceiling.    The scent of exotic flowers drifted in the Banquet hall while an orchestra was playing some classic music. The ambience was lavish, elegant and exquisite.

( A/n:Imagine the mansion looked something like this)

JUNGKOOK

Jimin came over to Jungkook's home in the morning to help him get ready. Jungkook put the outfit on and he was looking so freaking handsome.

(Jungkook's Look)

" Dudee, you are looking so damn HOT , if the Kim dude won't fall for you, I will " Jimin said with a mischievous smirk.

" But you are already head over heels for some cat , aren't you Jiminahh"  Jungkook retorted

" What the heck,  you knewww???"

Jimin was shocked

" You thought I was too blind to see you two sneaking around and stealing glances from each other, Are you for real broo. You were literally blushing whenever he opened his mouth. I think the whole college knows by now. You both really need to learn to be more secretive. And why didn't you tell me huhh. I was waiting for you to tell me , but it's okay . Don't worry "  Jungkook said making Jimin baffled.

" I am sorry kook for not telling you, I didn't know how to tell you, I was acting stupid. It's cause there were some problems at the start, it's all okay now though " Jimin said in a tone of regret.

"If Yoongi ever gives you a hard time, just let me know , I’ll beat him up," Jungkook said with a laugh, making Jimin chuckle too.

Jungkook had styled his hair in a sleek, refined manner, neatly combed for the elegant event. A touch of setting spray ensured it stayed perfectly in place.

Finally he put on his shoes and was fully ready. Then Jimin made sure to touch up his face and put some chapstick on.

It was nearly 2 pm, and with the trip to Daegu taking at least two hours, Jungkook had to leave immediately to make it to the banquet on time. Grabbing his car keys, he quietly slipped out before his mom could notice. After dropping Jimin off at his place, he made sure to text Taehyung, letting him know he was on the way. He also called his mom to let her know that he will be staying Jimin's that day.

TAEHYUNG

As the crisp evening settled in, Taehyung began getting ready for the event. He had to look his absolute best after all, everyone attending would be watching him, judging his presence and poise as the heir. He dressed in an all black suit, sharp and tailored, and paired it with a sleek black masquerade mask.

(Taehyung's look)

Glancing at his phone, he saw Jungkook’s message. It was nearly 5pm, almost time for him to arrive. Taehyung decided to call him, just to check. Jungkook picked up and explained that he’d be there in about twenty minutes, caught in a bit of traffic. Taehyung told him to call again once he arrived so he could meet him outside, without drawing any suspicion.

Of course, Taehyung couldn’t officially invite Jungkook as a friend; he didn’t have friends. Instead, he planned to sneak him in unnoticed and this year’s masquerade theme was the perfect cover.

He double checked his reflection, smoothing out his hair and straightening his outfit. He had to look flawless ,not just for the guests, but for another reason too as tonight, he’d be meeting Jungkook officially for the first time. Just the thought of it made a warm blush creep across his cheeks.

For the final look he took out a brooch with the letter K engraved in gold from a drawer and pinned it in his blazer . That brooch meant he was the heir of the Kim family. Just putting that on made him too anxious about everything. But he needed to use it today for something. He peeked from his room window and saw that a lot of guests had already arrived and music was also playing . The sky was starting to get dark and he was worried about why Jungkook still isn't here. The next second , his phone started vibrating.

Jungkook said he was on the route to Taehyung’s house, and the older told him to park the car and wait so he’d come get him from there. He also reminded Jungkook to put on his mask so no one would recognize him. Jungkook replied that he’d be wearing a white masquerade mask to make it easier for Taehyung to spot him.

JUNGKOOK

As he diverted from the main road to Taehyung's house , his heart began to beat like crazy. As of now he knew , that Taehyung was not living a normal ordinary life. He was feeling anxious and excitement at the same time about what was waiting for him.

The scene before him was absolutely beautiful, the trees in full bloom and there was a road leading to a big gate . He saw there were some security in front of the gate with guns . That made his assumptions about Taehyung's life seem spot on .

He is in a Mafia family , isn't he ??

To his left, Jungkook spotted a sign for parking and steered his car in that direction. After finding a spot among a lineup of sleek, luxury vehicles, he parked and called Taehyung. “I’m at the lot,” he said, to which the older replied, “Wait there. I’m coming.”

Cars continued to roll in, one after another, the lot steadily filling with elegance . From his window, Jungkook noticed a smaller gate where people were entering the estate grounds from the parking area.

He slipped on his white mask and stayed in the car with a racing heart. The thought of meeting his potential sweetheart sent waves of something unfamiliar through him , an odd mix of excitement, nervousness, and maybe even hope.

Then, the gate creaked open.

A tall figure in a fitted black suit and matching mask stepped through. Just one glance at the curve of his jaw and lips , Jungkook knew it was Taehyung. (Not surprising, considering how many times he might’ve stared at his pictures🌝)

Jungkook hurriedly got out of the car and waved, unable to stop the smile tugging at his lips. Taehyung spotted him instantly -

As their eyes met, time seemed to still, the distant hum of laughter and music fading into a silence that only they could hear. In that fleeting moment , they felt like a piece that was missing from their puzzle that is life , had fallen into the right place .

A smile bloomed on Taehyung's face and Jungkook swore it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

                                 °*°

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