Chapter Text
"The older I grow the more do I love spring and spring flowers. Is it so with you?"
Warm street lights illuminate the cloudy atmosphere and Taehyung wonders for the hundredth time if this is a good idea.
It's not that big a deal, he knows, and nevertheless, there is no point in turning back.
The sky seems even darker now, but the light welcomes him once he's inside the building.
He finds Jungkook busy just as he expected. Somehow, he looks softer, as if daylight has worn away his edges and a calm aura surrounds him. It's strange for Taehyung to have him so close and yet so serene.
Usually, when they are in each other's presence tension invades the atmosphere, and silence flees out the window.
"What are you doing here?" Jungkook asks, surprised. His tone doesn't sound irritated as it normally is when addressing him, he simply sounds tired—the weight of the day it’s clear.
Taehyung doesn't answer as he approaches, and he can feel the dim lights caressing his face now. He repeats to himself that it's just food, that it's nothing important. Even if he and Jungkook can't interact without bickering, that doesn't mean they can't help each other.
Somehow, they are always looking out for each other, deep down he knows. Though this is something they've never admitted, preferring to pretend it doesn't happen most of the time.
"Here," he simply states as he places the food on the reception desk, Yujin is no longer there.
Jungkook raises an eyebrow questioningly and Taehyung feels irritation run through his body at finding such a simple gesture so appealing.
There's no way Jungkook can get him to admit that he's doing him a favor, so he opts for the quickest and safe response.
"You need to eat or else I'll have to do all the work for you. Take a break, I'm sure Jimin can wait."
Now, Jungkook looks genuinely surprised. And maybe it's the fault of the slight moonlight outside sneaking in through the large windows that makes his gesture look so vulnerable and open. Taehyung doesn't give himself time to wonder and leaves the place, waving goodbye.
As he heads home, he tells himself that it was a simple gesture of kindness.
That the glow of the night on Jungkook's face is not worth the hours he actually devotes to it before going to sleep.
✽
If Taehyung tries to remember the moment his annoyance towards Jungkook started, he can recall it perfectly—just as he remembers how impressed he was by his presence, how attracted he was to him, and how much it upset him at the time, the melody that resonated through him sounded all too similar to how people used to describe the experience of finding their soulmate. It was like discovering a new path only to realize that you knew the way back perfectly well—a familiarity that made no sense at all.
He also remembers all too well how quickly that illusion was shattered from day one. Taehyung, in his naivety, had nestled the hope that Jungkook could be his soulmate— it was silly, he knew, but after all, there were many stories of soulmate meetings that came about in curious and unexpected ways (and even if he said no now, Taehyung deep down wished that was the case).
Nonetheless, everything crumbled easily.
Jungkook was an extremely private and evasive person, and while that may not have been a problem, the fact that he seemed to have a deep dislike of anything to do with soulmates certainly was.
From that moment on, the pain Taehyung felt turned into irritation and there was not a single moment when their relationship could be repaired.
So, Taehyung can perfectly remember the first time he saw Jungkook and with it the certainty of knowing that there is no way he's his soulmate.
✽
The flower adorning Taehyung's chest that morning is one he already knew, one he was familiar with—but it doesn't make him any less happy. It isn't permanent like the tattoos he owns, yet waking up to a drawing from his soulmate is always something that adds a special sparkle to his days.
This one is called Lily Stargazer.
Best wishes.
Here’s the thing about Kim Taehyung—his soulmate is not part of his life, at least not in a conventional way.
His soulmate is present, yes, but it is different—they are present in the form of flowers, delicate and almost perfect strokes that continually adorn his skin. They appear without fail every week to remind him that he is not alone.
If Taehyung tries hard enough, he can almost feel them in the wind, keeping him company with every step.
Over the years the two had developed a kind of habit—communicating through the language of flowers. Although sometimes, ironically, that reminder makes him feel a little lonely.
But it doesn’t matter, because he knows his soulmate hasn't abandoned him, that they are trying.
That's enough for him, it has to be.
Taehyung's soulmate is indeed peculiar, for the only proof Taehyung possesses that there is someone else on the other side of their bond are the drawings adorning his skin.
Other than that, he had never seen them.
At his age, most people are already in a stable relationship with their soulmates, or at least dating. If it is a platonic relationship, there's a very deep friendship involved.
For him, that's very different.
So yes, Taehyung's relationship with his soulmate is somewhat particular and different from others. They haven’t met in person—nor does it look like they will anytime soon. Taehyung always knew his other half is... particular, to say the least. Their interactions from the start were cautious, almost fearful, and he soon got used to the idea that this person should be extremely reserved.
But Taehyung accepted it.
He knows there are worse things, worse things like the radio silence, the fear of never getting an answer, or worse—the knowledge that your soulmate is no longer here.
He has decided, a long time ago, that he will wait as long as it takes until his soulmate is ready to accept it.
The flowers on his skin, the ones that are permanent and are the silent testimony that the two of them have been building—beautiful forms swirling, almost dancing along his left leg. Taehyung loves them as much as he loves the person who drew them with him.
So yes, sometimes it is lonely to see people on the streets walking hand in hand and notice they have twin drawings adorning their bodies.
Sometimes he wishes that for himself, for sure.
But again, he's happy with what he has.
Or at least, he tries to be.
✽
After the previous night, Jungkook shows no effort to acknowledge what happened, but Taehyung is used to his indifference.
It's a quiet evening for everyone at the tattoo parlor, and as he and Jimin chat, Jungkook is finishing up some final recommendations to a couple who were there for a soulmate's tattoo.
Once they leave, Jimin whistles, impressed. "How was the job?"
Jungkook tidies and cleans up his work area as he replies. "The same as always, matching tattoos are easy to deal with."
Funny, how his voice always lacks emotion when he talks about it. True, the three of them have done more soulmate’s tattoos than they can count, but the emotion has never left Taehyung when he does them. Jungkook, on the other hand, never showed that giddiness, even at the beginning of his working days.
"Would you like to have one?"
He doesn't know why he asks, but it's too late to turn back so when Jungkook looks at him incredulously and weirded out by the question, Taehyung feels self-conscious.
"That's none of your business."
And okay, that's true, but why does he have to be always this difficult? Honestly, Taehyung is getting tired of it.
Jungkook looks surprised as if he had expected Taehyung to respond with something else. It doesn't make sense, nothing has made sense for a long time.
He tries to take a deep breath as he pulls out a cigarette and lights it. Deep down he knows Jungkook's comment and attitude shouldn't affect him that much, but maybe he was still vulnerable from the night before, the memory of his co-worker's eyes looking so bright, brighter than usual is still present. And a strange longing to be able to see that vulnerability again has taken root strangely in his heart, Taehyung fears wandering plants will bloom and take over the place.
The drag is long and deep, and though the effect is not instantaneous the simple act brings him peace. Minutes pass as he watches the sky from the terrace.
"Are you hiding now?"
He sighs. "Maybe. Maybe I just wanted a moment alone without annoying distractions." Taehyung's gaze is fixed on Jungkook as he replies, to which the only response is a sound of annoyance and disbelief.
"Right," Jungkook replies but doesn't look like he's going to leave anytime soon.
Determined not to pay any more attention to his presence, Taehyung continues to consume the cigarette in his hand.
The mood on the balcony is calm, and as the clouds begin to turn shades of orange and pink the atmosphere brings a sense of tranquility. This is what he needs, Taehyung thinks, a little peace after so much emotional baggage.
But of course, the peace of his escape is being interrupted.
It has always been this way with Jungkook, Taehyung doesn't understand why his co-worker can't leave him alone for a moment. He can't attribute it to the younger caring about him, he knows this is not the case. However, although conflicts are more frequent than silences when it comes to them, Jungkook never seems to be willing to leave him alone. Much less on days like today, when his energy seems to run away from him.
And Taehyung understands perfectly well how hard it's not to find him even when he's not looking.
It's like a pull. A troublesome annoying pull, he thinks. But a pull regardless.
It doesn't matter that no one knows where the other is, somehow the universe seems determined to put them in each other's path. It wouldn't be a problem if it isn't for the fact that they can't seem to stand each other's company.
It's hard to remember how they got to that point, maybe it was a misunderstanding at first, but soon enough one of them was responding with disdain, leading to more angry words. Quickly, there was no turning back.
Even with that, it didn't stop Jungkook from checking on Taehyung's mood whenever he seemed to be having a bad day. The tattoo artist always attributes it to him making sure Taehyung didn't neglect his work, though.
There are no more words exchanged between them, they're not like that. Just the sound of the wind swaying the plants that adorn the terrace, the voice of people in the distance.
Minutes pass, and Taehyung lets out a long sigh, finally feeling better.
"Don't forget it's your turn to close today." That is the last thing Jungkook said before leaving, giving no room to receive a reply.
✽
Just like everyone else, Taehyung grew up believing his soulmate was out there waiting to meet him, sharing the same longing he possessed to identify his other half.
What else could I expect after growing up in a world that spoke so devoutly of soulmates?
Unfortunately, he soon learned that expectations are not always the same as reality and that his reality was not like everyone else's.
✽
Taehyung won't admit it out loud, but he actually enjoys watching Jungkook while he's working. It's certainly entertaining, from the process of him sketching to when he's working on a tattoo for hours.
Also, he kind of loves Jungkook's artistic style—it's quite close to realism, with his own personal touches, where the lines are bolder, just like him. It's a contrast to Taehyung's art, which has always been more abstract and vanguardist. Jungkook himself has mentioned that Taehyung's art undoubtedly possessed a soul of its own.
It is a curious thing, in fact, that despite how much they may differ Jungkook has never mentioned anything negative about his art. Whenever it comes to commenting to clients about each other to see who fits their ideas better, especially when said clients are indecisive, the words are gentle and genuine. It's probably because they both know that art is something they keep in the closest and most vulnerable part of their heart.
He's looking at the younger now, trying not to be distracted by the way his muscles contract as he adjusts his drawing position. Until a few weeks ago, his hair had grown to a considerable length and it was a kind of torture for Taehyung, who had to remind himself all the time that it was not normal for him to hold the locks between his fingers.
Now he wears an undercut and Taehyung doesn't know if that's better or worse, perhaps Jungkook's presence itself is an irresolvable problem.
To Taehyung's surprise, Jungkook is still in the tattoo parlor even after his schedule has ended. The weight on his chest is foreign, almost invasive, at what point did his heart start to associate Jungkook with the brightness of the night?
No, it isn’t just that. There is something else there, as if it isn't the night itself that reminds him of Jungkook but the longing they make him feel.
Grabbing his belongings, Taehyung asks, "you're not leaving yet?"
"I have some work left to do."
"At this time of night?"
"Why? Are you worried about me or something?"
It is curious how Jungkook's attitude usually fluctuates between two extremes, two extremes that confuse him and are not entirely to his liking. Sometimes his co-worker chooses to ignore him, and Taehyung doesn't know if he truly doesn't know what to say to him or prefers to avoid him. At other times, however, his tone is light, almost as if he wants to escape the conversation as quickly as possible.
Taehyung glared at him, "I'm worried we'll have some robbery because of your carelessness. You've been here late recently."
Surprisingly, Jungkook lets out a laugh, amused.
"Don't worry, all the clients I see at night are my friends. Besides, I need to make up for the lost hours."
Taehyung wants to tell him he knows Jimin would still pay him, because he is important to him. After all, Jimin has learned to consider him a friend, and Jimin always takes care of his friends.
He doesn't tell him, though one of his hands has seemed to find his path towards Jungkook's elbow, surprising both of them.
"Right," Jungkook doesn't say anything as Taehyung gives a little squeeze of reassurance, he must be crazy to touch him like that. "Okay, make sure to close everything properly then."
With nothing more to say, Taehyung leaves.
A short time later, however, he finds himself re-entering the place, leaving the food on the counter with no other trace but a note that reads;
Take care of yourself, brat.
—T.
✽
Taehyung's skin began to show hints of his soulmate when he was five. At first, only a few small, meaningless figures showed up, almost like shy clouds peeking over the mountains. At nine, the figures still had little explanation, but were more recognizable, narrating small everyday events or anecdotes that he imagined belonged to the other half of his soul. For a ten-year-old boy, this was enough to capture his undivided attention and devotion. Taehyung responded to each one of them without fail, even if it was only with small doodles without much of a message.
When he was fourteen, the drawings stopped abruptly.
At first, Taehyung thought that maybe his soulmate had a very tiring day and decided to stop.
A week passed, and everything was still the same.
Of course, he tried to get answers. For the first few weeks, he tried hard to draw all kinds of figures that he thought were beautiful or entertaining enough, hoping that his soulmate would appreciate them. But no matter how hard he tried, he received no response from the other side.
Over time, the drawings became less frequent and less enthusiastic.
Within three months, Taehyung understood that he would never again see the drawings he had learned to love adorning his skin.
Apparently, Taehyung belonged to the small percentage of people who had a soulmate who wanted nothing to do with them. It wasn't a very frequent occurrence, after all, who wouldn't want to meet their perfect match...but mistakes are never impossible, and it seems Taehyung was one of those peculiar cases.
The other option was the darker option, the one he didn't want to think about — the possibility that his person was no longer alive.
There was no way of knowing, especially since he was so young and didn't have any other kind of contact other than drawings.
However, he decided not to let it cloud his life, he refused to lose the color of his days.
Every year, without fail, he drew something for his soulmate.
If his soulmate was still there he would see them, and if not, he was determined that the drawings would be a tribute to their bond.
✽
The night perseveres and next to it, Taehyung observes the most recent drawings that he and his soulmate had painted.
Roses, lilies, and more flowers run along the skin on his leg, extending until they shyly reach his hip. The last tattoo he had done was a pink daisy, on the part near his ankle.
A gentle, timid, love.
The tattoo had not been modified in two weeks, a typical and understandable time. The usual is that when one of them has an idea, they would suggest it in the form of some non-permanent drawing, and if the other agreed, they would not erase it.
Most of the time, both agreed with what the other proposed, and when there were changes they were minimal. Curiously, also, without much planning, the flower arrangement has remained on their left leg. A rather peculiar place unlike the usual, as most people wear their marks in visible places, after all, a mark connecting you to your soulmate is always a source of pride, something worthy of celebrating—
A notification from his cellphone interrupted his thoughts.
Not a brat.
???
who’s this?
…
can’t believe you didn’t save my number
jungkook?
why would i?
whatever
The conversation seems to end there, but Taehyung doesn't want it to, trying to gain a few more minutes, he tries to answer.
are you ok?
of course
why wouldn’t i
i don’t know
you look tired lately
have you been watching me?
Taehyung swears he can hear the amusement in the other's tone.
of course not
right
thank you, for the food
of course
don’t worry
The smile on Taehyung's face is his only company when he goes to sleep, and he doesn't feel lonely at all.
✽
When Taehyung was twenty-four his soulmate reached out to him again.
It was early spring, and with this season Taehyung could once again witness a drawing on his skin.
Nothing more than a shy flower that accompanied the mole on his arm—
A perfect, balanced, shape
A flower which meaning he knew—
A purple hyacinth,
regret (please forgive me).
✽
If there is one thing that goes along with Jungkook's presence, it is the frequency with which he is gone without a previous warning.
Jimin has never delved into his reasons for being absent, but from what Taehyung has been able to grasp it seems that Jungkook's parents need special care from time to time.
"Have you heard from him?"
Jungkook has been missing for a week now, he hasn't answered any calls or messages from Jimin, even Taehyung tried to contact him but the answer was the same—absolute silence.
This is so far the longest amount of time he has spent without going to work, not to mention that he is used to let Jimin know of his absence.
Taehyung doesn't like to ask for the reasons behind his absences, and it's not information he can have because both Jimin and him are sure that's information Jungkook wouldn't want to provide. But now he's starting to get worried.
"Jimin, please."
"I'm sorry. You know Jungkook doesn't like when people talk about him, though this time I am worried..."
Taehyung understands, this is not the first time the younger is absent, but he had never been missing for such a long time before. For him, it is usual not to hear from his co-worker until he returns, but this time Jimin also doesn't have any idea of his location and worry invades them.
There's nothing they can do, though, so they both stick to texting him from time to time, reminding him that they're there for him whenever he needs them.
Without Jungkook occupying the majority of his days, Taehyung begins to have more free time, time that makes him notice it has been almost a month since both he and his soulmate have shared tattoos.
Luckily for him, the temporal flowers haven't stopped, and every week he continues to receive messages through them.
These days, Taehyung has been researching more about the language of flowers, eager to find new symbols to share. His most recent discovery has been yellow lilies. He has known them before, but their symbolism denoting life and joy seems to have a darker side he had not explored. They can also represent falsehood, hidden truths.
It is curious, how in some ways it can be used to describe the relationship he has with his soulmate—despite the fact that this person makes him immensely happy, the absence of truth on their part sometimes overshadows the joy he feels from time to time.
He tries not to have resentment and is sure that this is not what he feels towards his other half. Yet, at times it gets confusing, not knowing if it's a negative thing or not. Perhaps it's because Taehyung, like many, grew up loving the concept of soulmates, but surely life gave him a counterpart who didn't feel the same way.
He decides and draws the flower on his leg, careful to use the right colors, wondering what his soulmate will think of it.
✽
One week quickly turns into two, and finally, Taehyung gets an answer.
hey
sorry, i'm okay
you don't need to worry
He doesn't know what to answer, so he opts for a simple response.
it's okay
when will you be back?
tomorrow, probably
Tomorrow, and okay, Taehyung can wait for tomorrow.
✽
When Taehyung wakes up, the flower is no longer there.
✽
As he arrives at work, his heart cannot help but flutter at the sight of Jungkook talking with Yujin. He's glad the younger looks calm and collected. As he approaches them, he notices the conversation is about Jungkook's customers, who thankfully don't seem to be angry and are willing to wait.
"Everything is perfect, then," Yujin announces, "please let me know if there are any changes in your schedule."
"Of course, thank you again."
"Don't worry, we're happy to have you back, all of us," at this, she observes Taehyung before excusing herself saying she needs to talk to Jimin.
With nowhere to run when Jungkook's eyes find him, Taehyung decides to talk.
"You're back."
Jungkook arches an eyebrow, but his smile is genuine. Definitely something new, something he wouldn't mind seeing more often if possible.
"You seem surprised, did you miss me?"
"Maybe."
Jungkook is taken aback by this answer, and Taehyung is too. He doesn't comprehend exactly at what point the comments turned into flirty teasing but honestly, this is better than the previous fights.
The younger does not answer anymore and retires to his area in the studio. Still, the blush in his ears doesn't go unnoticed by Taehyung.
On the first night since Jungkook is back, Taehyung again leaves dinner on the counter for him.
On the second night, there is money on the counter waiting for Taehyung when he leaves the food. He doesn't accept it, though.
On the third night, Jungkook receives the food and before Taehyung can react, he takes his wrist and places bills in his hand, whispering a sweet thank you.
Taehyung is so surprised he doesn't notice how he gets out of the place, with his wrist still feeling an unfamiliar but no less welcome warmth.
Two weeks later, the routine hasn't changed, and Taehyung finds Jungkook in an already usual scenario for them.
"Leaving late again?"
"Yes, Jimin almost murdered me when he saw all the unfinished work." The joke makes them both laugh, knowing perfectly that Jimin has a sweet spot for the younger.
"I'm sure he was just worried."
Jungkook's smile is tender, soft, "I know."
"We were all worried."
"You don't need to be."
Taehyung looks at him feeling offended and surprised, it had been days since they had used such cutting words between them.
Jungkook seems to notice what he is thinking, "I don't mean it like that, I don't want to be a burden."
"You would never be, though."
Getting no response, Taehyung opts to lead the conversation in another direction.
"How much longer will you be here? I can wait for you."
"That's not necessary."
"You have been going back alone all this time, haven't you?"
Jungkook doesn't need to answer, the response is clear.
"It's settled then," Taehyung says with a tone of finality as he relaxes on one of the chairs. It's going to be a long night after all.
✽
Taehyung decided to get his first tattoo.
For years, it was an idea he had resisted, wanting to wait.
Regardless, after years of silence, part of him was beginning to accept that it was a lost cause. That maybe his soulmate might even be dead.
It was a weak possibility, but a possibility regardless, and a painful reality for many. Taehyung would not be the first or last human to lose his soulmate before he got to know them.
So when he showed Jimin the sketches of what he wanted, he didn't hesitate.
As his friend worked on the tattoo, Taehyung wished that wherever they were, his soulmate wouldn't hate him for making a decision without consulting them.
He cried when he saw the result as he touched the flowers that now decorated his thigh, knowing full well what they meant.
Red camellias, white tulips.
A tribute to him, to his soulmate, and to the love he thought he had lost.
✽
Jungkook and Taehyung's relationship has taken an unexpected turn since they started sharing work nights.
During the day, and especially while Jimin and Yujin are present, the two maintain their usual dynamic—although now there is more friendly banter in between and less anger, and Jungkook no longer seems to want to run off every time they have a conversation. During the evenings, however, between the comings and goings of the latest customers and with only each other's constant company and starlight, things seem somehow different.
Especially right now.
"What are you drawing?" Jungkook asks as he approaches from behind, Taehyung had been so immersed in sketching that he didn't even notice that the younger has finished with his last customer.
"Just some ideas."
"Are those flowers?"
"Yes," the hesitation before continuing is present, his love for flowers and their language is something only he and his soulmate share, not even Jimin knows about it, "they're really special to me." Despite this, Taehyung quickly closes the notebook, not feeling entirely sure he wants to share that part of him with anyone else.
"Are they for anyone?" Jungkook's hand easily finds Taehyung's waist, who shudders slightly before answering.
"No, just a personal project."
"Hm, I understand." He then pulls away slightly and Taehyung tries to catch his breath, nevertheless, Jungkook's hand doesn't let him go, stroking the skin peaking under the clothes. The closeness and contact is something Jungkook doesn't seem entirely aware of, and when Taehyung turns to look at his face, his eyes denote surprise, as if he's been caught.
It's the first time Taehyung feels such comfort in having someone so close, something he didn't feel even with previous partners.
In the past, after learning that his soulmate was not part of his future plans, he tried dating a few people. Of course, it was all in vain, as no matter how hard he tried no relationship felt right .
The idea of starting to get to know someone else had been foreign, at least until now.
Is that what they are doing? Getting to know each other? He can't say they are still just colleagues who can barely stand each other, but he doesn't know if he could call their relationship a simple friendship either. Is the longing he feels not reciprocated? Or is there any hope of it being mutual?
Deep down, he hopes Jungkook can reciprocate what he feels, even if he does not know exactly what this new craving is about. It's the first time he doesn't feel like he's on the wrong path. Jungkook, as unbelievable as it may seem, feels like the right place.
Neither of them knows quite how to act at the moment, and it's Jungkook who after a shy cough walks away, but not before gently thumping Taehyung's chin.
Taehyung, again, is left there, speechless.
The rest of the night goes like the others, with Taehyung dropping Jungkook off at his house.
As he lies in his bed, a message on his cell phone catches his attention.
have a good night, get some rest
✽
Taehyung wonders if he should be worried—if Jungkook's blank stare when he thinks no one notices him means anything, or if he should point out the increasingly prominent dark circles on his face.
In the end, he can't do much about it, too intimidated by the distance that has always been present.
And that's when the question he usually avoids comes up again,
what is this feeling that people call longing?
✽
"Do you want to come inside?"
This is certainly not a question Taehyung expected today, or at any other time. Jungkook's eyes are almost pleading, though, denoting loneliness of which he saw only glimpses in the previous days.
"Of course."
In the end, they both end up watching a movie of Jungkook's choice, who falls asleep after the first hour, head hidden on Taehyung's neck, their hands holding. Taehyung knows he needs to wake him up so he can leave, but his peaceful expression makes the task impossible.
Just a few more minutes, he tells himself, before he ends up joining him in the dreamscape.
Of course, it was more than a few minutes.
The morning is quiet at Jungkook's apartment, and when he stirs to get up Taehyung feels it, disoriented at not being in his own home.
Embarrassed, he tries to apologize for oversleeping, but Jungkook just smiles and tells him there is no problem.
"Do you want breakfast?"
Taehyung accepts, and that's how he stays at Jungkook's house until lunch.
✽
Taehyung fears things would get awkward now, but the opposite is actually the case.
Now it's usual for Jungkook to invite him to stay at his house, and more than once Taehyung would sleep on the couch, accepting the excuse that it was too late to go home even though he had his own car.
Occasionally, he can hear Jungkook wake up in the middle of the night to talk on the phone, his voice is calm most of the time as if he is talking to someone he is close to. Nonetheless, there are times when he sounds anxious, almost afraid.
It is on those nights that Taehyung remembers how often Jungkook used to disappear.
He wonders if Jungkook maybe needs help or someone to listen to him. If somehow he can help him.
Though, he doesn't dare to ask.
✽
Taehyung understood that he could no longer ignore the longing he felt.
Jungkook doesn't look any better.
That night they both follow their usual routine, but this time when Jungkook prepares to close the place, the atmosphere is different, totally charged with a tension that was always present but now breaks the limits they had imposed long ago.
Jungkook seems lost most of the time as if his mind is so far away for everyone to reach. The only solace Taehyung has left is that the dynamic between them has settled down gently, that Jungkook still welcomes his company.
The light, innocent touches of the previous nights are repeated, but this time they are prolonged, and as Jungkook tucks a lock of hair behind Taehyung's ear he once again feels that same selfish impulse from many years ago, the one that marked the first tattoo he shares with his soulmate.
This time it's not about soulmates, though. This time it's the raw, burning desire he feels, the urge to hold Jungkook close that leads him to take the younger's face in his hands and—finally, kiss him.
Kissing Jungkook is much better than he had imagined.
Though of course, Taehyung hasn't thought too much about it (he's not ready to admit to himself otherwise). But kissing Jungkook is so amazing that he finds himself wishing it became a regular activity from that moment on. Luckily for him, Jungkook seems to share the feeling if the way his body pressed against his indicates anything.
For the first time, Taehyung doesn't feel guilt, nor the emptiness of not having his soulmate. For the first time, he's so full with fondness and want.
Jungkook kisses him back and Taehyung doesn't want to do anything but completely lose himself in the feeling of proximity.
However, the echo of guilt kicks in. Not for his soulmate, who clearly doesn't have much interest in him, but for Jungkook's—
"What about—What about your soulmate?" He asks because he needs to.
"It's complicated." Jungkook simply replies as he kisses Taehyung's neck, trying to distract him from the topic. Taehyung doesn't complain though, too busy with the delicious sensation of Jungkook's lips leaving marks on his skin.
He can feel Jungkook everywhere, and his hands are surprisingly gentle on him.
He needs him to keep touching him.
The ends of Taehyung's shirt are lifted as he raises one of his legs and positions himself on Jungkook's lap.
Meanwhile, Jungkook pauses to contemplate him, caressing his sides. When Taehyung tries to kiss him again, Jungkook stops him, looking dumbfounded.
"Is there something wrong?"
He could still feel Jungkook's gentle touch still burning on his skin, but his hands are shaking now, something is off.
"I need to go." Jungkook gives no further explanation as he stands up, but not without positioning Taehyung carefully on the couch.
"Wha—"
Before Taehyung could express his confusion, Jungkook is gone, taking with him the fragile moment that had been formed between them.
✽
Heartbroken, Taehyung tries to reach his soulmate, he doesn’t know what is he asking for—maybe words of encouragement, advice, or simply company.
He just knows he needs his other half to be there for him.
But of course, the answer doesn’t come.