Taehyung was at the set since early in the morning, waiting for Kookie's arrival. Anxious, stressed with just three hours of sleep, his palms were sweaty, stomach knotted , every breathe stabbing his lungs.
All night long, he was thinking of an appropriate way to approach Kookie. The proper words to tell him but none seemed to satisfy him. Too simple. Too plain. Too indifferent or cliché. He ended up preparing a long heartbreaking speech about all the reasons leading him to be the 'bad boy'. His struggles and doubts about himself and his abilities.How he gradually fell in love with Kookie, scared out of his wits to admit it and the realisation he was in fact crazy about two big, doe eyes.
When Seojoon and the crew came they discovered,to their surprise, he was already there.
" You didn't sleep a wink yesterday, did you?"
The man sighed heavily." Pacing in the room like a ghost till dawn."
" That justifies the swollen eyes and dark circles." Seojoon replied, shaking his head.
" That bad?"
" I've seen you in a better state."he admitted, laughing when Taehyung run to find a mirror and check his face.
" Fuck! I look awful!"
" Well... want me to get one of the girls and..." His fingers drew circles in front of his face." fix you?"
" Fix me? I'm not a broken car!" Taehyung complained, highly offended by the remark.
" Only a broken man!"
Taehyung smacked his cousin's head and the man hissed." Keep your opinion to yourself! You're suppose to comfort me not make me feel like shit!"
" I'm here, aren't I? Everything will be fine! Don't worry, bro! You got this!"he encouraged him , tapping his back giving him tnumbs up,however Taehyung knew it wouldn't be easy. More likely inoperable!
He had better chances of making a blind see the light than Jungkook to believe in his love!
How many times has he told himself he had fucked up? He had lost counting! Damn love wasn't easy! It was complicated, demanding, heartbreaking full of ' but' ' no' 'why'..yet as sweet as honey ,filled with promises of everlasting love! And Taehyung was easily transformed into a sucker for love! For Kookie to be exact...
Seojoon got a message in his phone." They're here. Deep breaths and act cool."
Taehyung glared at his cousin." Easier said than done! How the hell am I suppose to do that?"
" Can't help you there."
" Like you've been a great help so far!" he exclaimed , fixing his black jacket suit and grey tie.
" My abilities are limited. I don't perform miracles!" He winked at a pouty Taehyung, walking towards the main door to welcome Jungkook, Bogum and Klein's crew.
Jungkook, avoiding direct eye contact, went straight to his dressing room to do his makeup and get dressed, ignoring whipped Taehyung, whose gaze followed him without blinking.
Within an hour, the set was ready for the shooting. Jungkook followed the photographer's instructions by letter.
Dressed in 90's straight,denim matched with a white,Relaxed,Fit, Standard,Logo Crew neck Tee, he was posing seductively for the camera, moving gracefully that it was humanly impossible for Taehyung not to stare drooling, mesmerized by his beauty and elegance. He was incredibly sexy Taehyung was gasping for air.
The first part was over, Jungkook renewed his makeup, heading for the stand to have a glass of water. His mouth was dry and the heavy spotlights made him desperate to cool down his thirst.
With Seojoon distracting Bogum,or so he thought ,Taehyung found the perfect chance to approach the younger. Jungkook, having his back turned, heard the hesitant footsteps but didn't pay attention.
Holding a huge bouquet of daisies, the older offered them to Jungkook.
" For you!" The beaming smile warmed the younger 's heart but his face remained cold as the Antarctica.
He purposely ignored him." I'm allergic."
Taehyung cursed, realising the many things he didn't know about him." To flowers?"
" No. To idiots." he blurred out blatantly, gulping down the refreshing water from the cup in his hand.
It would be an understatement to say Taehyung wasn't hurt but shrugged it off, put the bouquet on the side and continued." You were stunning at the photoshoot. I think you were born for this." he pratted, waiting for his response.
Jungkook scoffed, throwing the cup away." Now that the thick glasses and gross braces are off, I can finally mingle with perfect people like your kind. Walk in public without asking for permission." he emphasized and tried to leave but Taehyung 's grip on his arm stopped him.
" Keep your hands off of me. Don't touch me." he requested sternly and was immediately released.
" Please Kookie, let's talk. Go out with me and let me explain.."
" Aren't you tired of asking the same damn thing? Because I am! Your explanations or apologies won't fix anything. I have put the past behind me , moved on just like you."
" I never moved on Kookie."
"Jungkook! Stop calling me that! It's irritating! Your life is none of my concern." He swifted, trying to go away,yet Taehyung wouldn't give up easily." Are you deliberately trying to anger me? Because it's working!"
" I love you... I've always been in love with you...even when I mistreated you, hurt you my heart knew but my ego wouldn't let me show it." He took deep breaths." I've changed Jungkook. I'm not that boy anymore. I admit , I lost myself, disgraced my family and friends, letting everyone down. I wasn't thinking just acting tough to hide my pain, insecurities... please give me a chance to show you the real me. Win your heart. I understand you hate me... don't love me and how could you? I'm willing to wait for you... offer you the happiness you deserve. Please baby...one chance. One date... that's all I'm asking." he begged but Jungkook's expression when he faced him, broke his heart, brought tears to his eyes. It was blank, lifeless.
" You love me? Is this some kind of a sick joke? Do you find me so naive to fall for your confession and handsome face? Love coming from your mouth sounds like an insult. You haven't changed a bit. Still the arrogant, selfish, overbearing thug that bullied me, in a better package. How do you expect or request from me to fall in love with you?" He grimaced in disgust." Our relationship is strictly professional and I'd like to keep it that way. As soon as the campaign is over I'm going back to the States. Home.To my life. Besides your pretty fiancé would be incurably broken to find out you're messing around behind her back." he threw at him, shaking his head.
Taehyung went pale at the haughty remarks and the realisation Jungkook knew about Aecha but not the whole story." I can explain..." was all that came out of his mouth when Jungkook cut him off.
" Try explaining to her...Mmmm...Aecha right?" His index finger pointing at the door.
The older was fuming in anger seeing Aecha arriving at the set, marching their way. He squeezed his fists so intensely, his nails dug into his palms. The veins in his neck popped out." There's a perfectly reasonable explanation for...her."
" Do I look like I give a rats ass? You're a shadow of a past I wish I could erase. You lovebirds can talk." Giving him a sassy smile, wiggling his brows he walked away, completely satisfied with his reaction.
Taehyung rumpled his hair in despair,heaving . What the hell was she doing there uninvited? Who gave her permission to intrude and mess his life once again? His effort to help her caused irreparable damage to his own. Was it worth it? Destroying his happiness for her?
No.
A big, fat NO.
He had to draw a line. Put some boundaries to her unsubdued behaviour. Jungkook jumped to conclusions without giving him the opportunity to set the record straight. Who could blame him? Seojoon and his mother were absolutely right about her. He was blind in identifying her true intentions. His stupid, fake engagement would ruin his chances with Kookie.
Aecha stood beside him, an innocent smile creeping on her glossy, pink lips, holding a bag in her right hand.
" What are you doing here? Why did you come? Are you fucken insane showing up uninvited? Again?" the man snubbed, wipping the smile off her face." I warned you!"
" I didn't realise I needed permission to visit my fiancé 's company! "
" Fake fiancé!" Taehyung corrected her, stepping back when she tried to touch his cheek." Are you some kind of an idiot? Is your brain not functioning?"
Aecha dismissed his comments." I brought you lunch."
" Since when do you bring me lunch? I didn't ask for it, nor do I want it!" His answer stern, matching his dour expression.
" Don't blame me for wanting to take care of my fiancé."
He clenched his teeth. The woman was clearly mentally unstable!"I.am.not.your.fiance. Our engagement is fake. You fucken well know it! What kind of a twisted game are you playing? I don't love you. I'll never love you. Get it through your stubborn head!" Clasping her arm, he dragged her to a corner, at the other side of the room and the woman hissed in pain.
" You're hurting me! " she protested , using her other hand to release his grip.
" Not so fast! What are you after Aecha?" Taehyung pushed her as she staggered, breaking out in cold sweat.
Aecha wasn't expecting this kind of reaction and gave him the first excuse popping in her head." I wanted to meet JK! He's a superstar and..."
He raised his hand stopping her." I'm not falling for this. Stay out of my life, my house and my company! Get your things and leave before I lose it and throw you out!" he warned her, eyes scanning the room to locate Jungkook, who was chatting with Bogum and the photographer.
" But Tae..."
" No buts! Get out now! I'm warning, woman!"
Aecha had no choice but to obey in order to avoid a scene. She swallowed her pride, lifted her head up and walked out of the set.
Jungkook avoided Taehyung like the plague during the rest of the shooting, using the back door to leave along with Bogum. His hyung never left his side throughout the process.
Taehyung had fucked up again! Missing the chance he was given to talk to him. The next shooting was scheduled in three days. Until then, the man had to endure Jungkook 's absence , which freaked him out,but also Aecha's unexpected invasion to his house, due to being threatened again.
Moving into the guest room, was a permanent situation for him because she refused to leave the safety and comfort of the Kim mansion ,disregarding his warnings and threats. YunHee was experiencing a mental breakdown, her patience was severely tested. The staff was tired of being bossed around fulfilling her absurd demands and she was acting like a bloody loyalty.
Aecha's visits to the company became daily, knowing Taehyung wouldn't put his threats into motion without raising suspicions about the true nature of their relationship and jeopardize her safety. She had become a master at exploiting him.
Taehyung, on the other hand, was fed up with this situation, searching of ways to get rid of her. He finally had the brainstorm of hiring a professional to investigate her in laws, the threats and attempts against her life. At this point, he was begging this whole messy situation was either in her imagination or a nasty scheme!
During the second day of the shooting Taehyung was watching Jungkook like a hawk. Jungkook's perfectly shaped, milky chest and abs were fully exposed to everyone, dressed only in denim and a short, oversized jacket, flying Taehyung over the handle!
Who the fuck thought of the concept? He was practically half naked!Having so many eyes drooling over his baby! Impossible to maintain his sanity!
Strangers touching the younger 's body, adjusting his clothes, fixing his make up...giving him the urge to scream and shout, dragging him to the dressing room and locking him there for good!
Thankfully,Seojoon was present to tame his idiotic impulses. Aecha's visit , during the short break, made things worse. Being all clingy, cheesy, suffocating him, giving the wrong impression to Jungkook.
The younger acting cold and indifferent, turning a deaf ear, was concentrated on his job. At some point, Seojoon managed to keep Aech busy, grading Taehyung the opportunity he needed.
" Jungkook please! I beg you, hear me out. If here is not the place , go out with me." His suggestion was knocked- back without hesitation.
" You explained. I listened. There's nothing more to be said. Leave me alone Mr.Kim. This is clearly harassment and could cost you the deal and reputation. Think carefully before acting." he rebuffed but Taehyung couldn't care less about the deal or the company right now.
" All I'm asking is one date. One night. A few hours of your time. Could you at least give me that?"
His persistence was flattering, even though Jungkook wouldn't make it easy on him." No."
" Why? Why can't you give me one freaking chance? What do you have to lose?" he insisted, hamd raised to touch the younger 's face, who stepped back.
" My time is too valuable to waste it on you. You should be more concerned about you darling fiancé. Is she aware of your little scheme behind her back? Not that I care but what do you hope to earn?"
" You! Only you!" he replied without hesitation, observing Jungkook 's laughter.
" Tough luck! You can never have me. I belong to someone else. My boyfriend will definitely object me going out on a date during his absence. He's very possessive and jealous."
Seeing the desperation on Taehyung 's pale face, his teary eyes his heart dived in pain but shrugged it off. He deserved it and much more for the tears he had shed for him over the years. For his incompetence of falling in love with another man. His inability to experience intimacy.
" You have a... boyfriend? No...no... it's impossible..." the older lisped in horror, a racking pain bled his heart. His nails piercing holes in his palms.
" You're engaged ...soon to be married. I have a wonderful boyfriend and when I return to the States we'll get married as well." Slightly shaking when said that, so he diverted his gaze, focused on Bogum across the studio.
A searing pain in his chest, forced Taehyung to rest his fist on the aching surface, trying to control his sharp breathing." My engagement is fake. I gave a promise to my friend, her late husband, to help and protect her. I don't love her. Never touched her. Gave her false hopes. It was an arrangement, nothing more." he managed to blur out, holding back his tears.
" Mine isn't. I love my boyfriend very much amd it wouldn't cross my mind to cheat on him." he imparted cockily with a leer." I don't know if you love her, she's clearly crazy about you! Don't hurt her with your attitude. It's not her fault she loves a bastard like you!" Jungkook used his hand to make ways and leave only for Taehyung to back hug him out of the blue.
" I love you baby....so damn much...I can't even breathe without you...seven years away from you were hell...every day...every night I dreamt about you...your face...smile...voice...echoed in my head...there were the only moments I could live...hope...Believe me! I love you more than I thought possible! Give me...us a chance. I can make you happy, baby."Although he was whispering, his voice sounded firm , resolute.
The man's warmth encircled him. His hot breath smashed his senses. His heart was pounding on his back. His trembling body glued on his, produced chills. His words igniting a fire he hated, making him weak , vulnerable.Jungkook wanted...no needed to be set free. Escape the tormenting prison of his own emotions, pilling up. He allowed himself to savour the moment, tossing his head to the right, inhaling Taehyung's musky scent, devouring the words he longed for years. The feeling of their bodies colliding, becoming one.
Until he got a glimpse of his fiancé and reality struck him hard. Aggressively, he unfolded the man's hands, wrapped around his waist, taking three big strides, facing an aghast Taehyung." Dare touch me again and I'll sue you for harassment." he threatened petrified Tae." The innocent, frightened boy you bullied no longer exists." His long, black lashes fluttered, giving him a long sided grin." Speak of the devil!Your lovely fiancé is coming! She can't stay away from you!" he mocked a worked up Tae.
Aecha tagged his arm, standing next to him, drawing him closer , smiling fondly." There you are baby! I've been looking everywhere for you... I've missed you!"
Jungkook smirked devilishly noticing Taehyung 's raging features. The man pushed her slightly, shoving both hands in his front pockets but her expression remained unbothered.
" I'm sorry for ..stealing your fiancé... He was just telling me how much he had missed you!" Jungkook lied merely to observe their reactions. He could practically hear Taehyung cursing in his head.
Jungkook - Taehyung 1-0.
The woman 's eyes popped out and sparkled at the comment." Really? We can't stay away from eachother for too long! We're so much in love!" She rested her head on Taehyung 's shoulder. Wrong move! He took two steps forward, leaving her head hanging. He was appalled and the words were stuck to his throat.
Jungkook continued the mocking being too satisfied with their attitude." It's obvious you share an amazing bond! " He offered his hand , which the woman gladly took." We haven't been properly introduced. I'm Kim Jungkook."
" I'm Lee Aecha. Soon to be Mrs Kim. A pleasure meeting you Jungkook!"
" Oh the pleasure is all mine! Believe me!"
" Baby you should have introduced me to this gorgeous man earlier!" She avoided looking at him knowing she had gone to far but it didn't stop her from continuing." Don't mind him Jungkook...He gets really jealous when I talk to other men!"
" Who can blame him? You're so charming, elegant! I would be jealous too!" The younger 's gaze landed on the pale figure a few steps away." You're very lucky Mr Kim! Experiencing such a unique bond, full of love and...trust!"
Jungkook - Taehyung 2-0!
The man gulped. Jungkook was messing with them and that bitch was getting a kick out of it while he was living a horrible nightmare!
After chatting about this and that Aecha found the right opportunity to blur out an inappropriate question, making Taehyung's blood boil as he scrunched his lips in frustration.
" Jungkook are you single ?"
The younger was anticipating her question. He intended to ease her worries for the time being and gradually sizzle her in the future. He detested women of her kind. A person helps you and in return you exploit his kindness for your benefit. Taehyung was a dupe!
" No... I have a fiancé. Hoseok. We're planning on getting married soon."
Jungkook -Taehyung 3-0! He was on fire!
Aecha's prayers were finally answered! Her fear of losing Taehyung to that dreadful boy were decreasing rapidly." That's wonderful! Congratulations!! I bet you make an amazing couple!" Impossible to hide her happiness.
" Hobi is everything I ever dreamt of! Handsome, thoughtful, but above all he adores me! Willing to fulfil my desires..."
Taehyung wasn't going to stick around and hear Jungkook 's praises about his rival. He abruptly departed, leaving them both dumbfounded. Jungkook's words were blades piercing holes in his already bleeding heart and needed to get out as soon as possible.
" Don't mind him! He must have remembered something important. So typical of my tiger! "she justified his sudden departure and Jungkook nodded. He exaggerated in his description of his perfect boyfriend as it was absolutely essential. Acting tough, not letting his heart take over his mind and logic seemed a one-way street , despite hurting deeply to see him so broken.
Aecha's next words brought back down to Earth." I'd love for you to come to our house for dinner. Meet my mother-in-law and the rest of the family."
" I'm on a tight schedule..."
" Please whenever it's convenient. I insist!"
The younger nodded reluctantly, even though he never intended of going.He continued the rest of the shooting, forced to act cool and seductive for the camera.
Returning home , he cried alone for hours in his empty room,since his family was still in the States. He dozed off after sobbing like a baby , questioning his own decisions. Imagining a situation was completely different from acting. Nevertheless, a tiny part of him was getting immense pleasure from torturing Taehyung. Payback time!
Taehyung was even worse. Locked in his family's loft, screaming, snarling like a wounded animal, weeping his heart out and smashing everything getting in the way.
Helpless. Desperate. Heated.
Tears wouldn't stop brimming down his cheeks.
The ghastly smell of cigarettes and strong alcohol cloaking the air.
For three days in a row he was grieving his fucken luck. On the fourth, he had decided his next move.
Never surrender.
Never retrieve.
He loved Jungkook and putting all obstacles aside he intended to fight for his heart. Fight for the boy his soul desired. He didn't give a damn about his boyfriend!
Jungkook belonged to him and only him!