Chapter Text
``🍒🍒``
Jungkook looked back startled hearing a faint noise. However, when he checked there's no one behind him. Must be the black cat he had passed. He assured himself with a nervous chuckle. The street appeared unusually deserted at that moment. Weird! But who cares as long as he gets his ice cream and returns quickly.
Jungkook resumed his walk . Though his steps halted again when he heard the same noise , much clearer this time. Footsteps, now closer than before. He turned around , hands clutching onto his phone in panic. But again there's no one.
At that moment, in that empty street he felt a tremor running down his spine. His loud heartbeat ringing in his ears as Jungkook quickened his pace, practically running . The steps following him close behind . "This is him," his mind chanted in horror. He took a sharp turn into an alley, not making the mistake of looking back and crouched down behind a huge dustbin , trembling hands typing frantic messages. Please please God. This can't be .
The steps halted. Silence prevailed in the alley. Jungkook peeked from behind the bin. A mistake! A strong pair of hands grabbed him in an instant. Jungkook screamed, with all he had he fought back , almost making it out but then a cloth was being pressed against his mouth . His world started spinning before it turned black.
The streets fell silent again , no sign of any earlier struggle . A black cat passed the alley. A dark tall figure dragged his unconscious body to a black sedan parked outside .
Jungkook's phone lay in a corner, screen lighting up again and again with incoming calls from "Taehyungie"
``🍒🍒``
“Jungkook this is serious safety concern”
“It's nothing new hyung”
“Doesn't make it less dangerous, please listen to me, this is for your own safety . And he is the best in this field, well known, trusted and ..”
“The company's previous bodyguard ended up leaking my schedule and stalking me for months so I think I'm good. And I know how to punch a guy or two it's gon’ be okay”
“And I'm sorry that happened but I promise you no such things will happen this time “
“I don't care ab-” his words were stopped by a sudden knock on the door.
“Come in. And please give it a thought” Namjoon exclaimed looking at Jungkook pointedly. Whatever protest he was about to raise got stuck in his throat as his eyes followed the man who walked through the door, donning a black three piece suit with a face of a supermodel. Sharp and confident in his demeanor.
“Oh hi Taehyung you're here . Have a seat.”
Jungkook's eyes didn't move from the man . The way he sat without paying him so much as a glance , hands resting on the table, the crisp material of his suit stretching over his bicep , long finger adorned with rings loosely curled against each other... Jungkook adjusted himself a little on the chair. Even if Taehyung had noticed his little movement he pretended otherwise.
"So Jungkook this is Taehyung and he is going to be your new bodyguard as I was saying . I know you are a little skeptical but..."
"I am fine actually. Infact can Taehyung start today ?" Jungkook batted his eyes.
"Uhh I thought .."
"I changed my mind" Namjoon narrowed his eyes, watching Jungkook openly ogle the bodyguard who is sitting straight like a log without a flicker of expression .
"You don't have a schedule today"
"Didn't you say it's dangerous out there . He can atleast drop me home right ?" Namjoon sighed seeing through the idol's well put show .
"If Taehyung is okay with that ."
"I'm fine with that arrangement."
Jungkook observed the bodyguard closely as they talk about his contract, totally ignoring Namjoon's suspicious glances.
"So as we have finalized before Taehyung will accompany you nearly 24/7 as per your schedule."
"Uh huh"
"For a month atleast he will accompany you in your private schedule as well due to the seriousness of the situation". Namjoon paused, waiting patiently for the huge protest, the big shiny eyes and the pout that never came .
"And you're okay with all that ?" He had to ask just to make sure he is not imagining things.
"Did I ever question your decisions hyung ?" Jungkook gasped clutching his chest dramatically.
"Brat" Namjoon muttered under his breath sorting his files.
"I have sent you a copy of his schedule. I trust you Taehyung." then on casting a glance at Jungkook he added with a smile. "And good luck". Taehyung didn't think much of it at that time but he wasn't far from understanding the reason either.
``🍒🍒``
"Are you always this grumpy ?" Jungkook wondered looking at the side profile of the bodyguard after his dramatic sigh got blatantly ignored for the ninth time. Taehyung drove in silence completely unfazed by his questions while he has assumed the role of a passenger princess, eyes solely focused on the man whose sharp jaw, Jungkook is sure can cut through glasses.
From the very first time he laid his eyes on the man Jungkook can hardly put his focus somewhere else, he is build like a Greek God.. broad shoulder , a perfect nose , thin lips set in straight line. The kind of man Jungkook wouldn't mind dropping down to his knees for . The only problem is that he is painfully oblivious to the little hints Jungkook has been dropping throughout the whole ride . His every little effort to start a conversation was dismissed with a curt reply. But he is not the one to give up easily.
"So Taehyung, what should I call you ? Taetae ? Just Tae ? Taehyungie ?"
"Just Taehyung is fine Mr. Jeon"
Jungkook clicked his tongue. "Call me Jungkook or kookie with love or "
"Jungkook. Just Jungkook "
A grin spread across his face as he watched the slight tick of his jaw . Well that counts.
"So Taehyungie.." Taehyung's grip on the wheel tightened. This is going to be long ride.
``🍒🍒``
Leaned against the car Taehyung waited patiently outside a famous club at downtown. It's Sunday night , no schedule, supposed be a quiet peaceful night but then when since taking this job had he a peaceful moment . The idol has personally made it his goal to ruin his peace and retaliate against his every single word disregarding all the safety concerns. From sneaking out at odd hours to flirting with him, ditching his schedule to picking fight with random dudes off streets.
As if talk of the devil Jungkook and and his friend Jimin appeared in front of the gate giggling and stumbling over their feet. Taehyung rushed to took hold of the idol who was about to fall face first on the floor.
"Taehyungie, you're here" the idol slurred. His eyes glossy, lips forming a pout. Taehyung for his own sanity ignored his words and with a little struggle maneuverd him inside the car followed by Jimin who is equally if not more spoilt.
Inside the car he tried to tune out the giggles and whispers coming from back but it's really hard to do so when the hot topic of their conversation is he, himself. It's as if he is not sitting right in front of them.
The short feisty one is an actor , Park Jimin his Manger Min Yoongi Taehyung's old acquaintance was waiting for them infront of the gate of his house. Sharing a sympathetic smile he managed to separate the two friends with a bit of struggle. The idol on the back is still giggling about something when he started the car again , something about his big hands wrapped around his neck... Gosh!! Taehyung rolled his eyes. He learned a new lesson that night, a drunk Jungkook is a pain in the ass but then sober Jungkook is not much different either.
By the time they arrived, the idol was fast asleep. He looked so peaceful like that, as if he was not being a menace all evening. Taehyung did not have the heart to wake him up so he picked him up carefully.
From up this close it's hard not to notice how pretty the idol is. The smudged makeup , the soft curve of his lips , the cute nose even the small scar on his left cheek is adding to the beauty. He looked eternal like this.
Ofcourse Taehyung was not blind. Jungkook is one of the most sought after idol in the country. His face is everywhere - in newspaper , billboards , television. He wondered how could a face this angelic has a personality so devilish.
Reaching the doorway of his apartment Taehyung gently placed the man on the stairs and tried to wake him up for the key but apparently he has lost it. Great! With a sigh he pulled out his phone and made a quick call to Namjoon explaining the situation they have there, who promised to come quickly.
But his "quick" didn't come until half an hour later. By then Jungkook has stirred awake. Sitting across from him Taehyung can feel his eyes on him. Though when he looked up the idol made a weird noise and hid his face behind his hands. 'What the hell ?' Taehyung frowned in concern.
Sitting there in silence trying to the process the reaction Taehyung gave in after five minute. He should ask him if he needs something. Afterall it's his job to make sure of the idol's comfort .
"Do you need something ? Water maybe or..."
"Uuu I neeed uuu" Jungkook burst into another fit of drunk giggles , almost toppling over, onto the fake plant he was leaning against.
"Okay nevermind" Taehyung pinched the bridge of his nose. Thanks to whatever Supreme power up there decided to take mercy on his misery , Namjoon's car pulled onto the driveway .
"Sorry. Something came up. But..". He flashed a apologetic smile rushing over to make Jungkook sit straight . "You can go now I'll take over and make sure he is safely tucked in."
"Tucked in" Jungkook repeated giggling . He got up with the help of Namjoon.
Taehyung essentially ignored the loud smootch and the over enthusiastic "Goonight-ie Taehyung-ie" thrown his way as he quietly left, cursing himself on the way for getting into this mess.
``🍒🍒``
Taehyung was in the middle of a call when he felt a tap on his back . He turned around to find Jungkook standing in front of him with two drinks in his hands .
"Hey! I'm sorry for causing trouble last night though I believe had no fault in it but since I have a good heart here's a peace offering." Taehyung blinked at the pink drink being offered his way .
The "trouble" he caused nearly took his peace and his job. The idol without informing him or anyone else for that matter dissappeared for good three hours with his phone switched off. Then as if nothing happened he appeared back in the studio (where he was supposed to be) with a cut on his elbow and dirt all over him. When asked about his whereabouts he merely shrugged with a casual explanation,
" I was just taking a walk you know, in search of some peace cause..." Then he had leaned in a little too close, to whisper the next part "Hobi hyung was getting on my nerves". When he noticed Taehyung's eyes on the cut on his forehead he added with a grin "a dog chased me and I fell that's why. But its nothing I chased him back dont worry"
Well Taehyung hoped Jungkook found his peace cause he was officially losing his own.
"Take it "
"I don't drink those" his nose scrunched taking a good look of the drink.
"Really ?" Jungkook scoffed "You're rejecting my strawberry boba with extra strawberry!!". Another scoff "I'm not even joking right now this will take you to literal heaven" , he threw his hands up to emphasizes the point.
Taehyung closed his eyes calming his nerves before he opens his mouth, "Jungkook what you did last night was dangerous and .."
"Yeah blah blah blah I have already heard plenty of it from Namjoon hyung. So take it." He pushed the drink on his hand "I gotta go or Hobi hyung will Jinja kill me" and just like that he was gone..hopped away like a bunny. God. What is he even doing to him ?
After much consideration Taehyung decided to take a small sip of the drink . His face immidiately scrunching up in disgust at the sugary taste . This is nothing like his morning black coffee. It's totally against his diet . All this sugar is bad. He went through the list of all the bads and wrongs in his head while continuing to sip the drink in his hand . Only once he finished the last drop did his eyes catch the writing on the cup sleeve.
For Taehyungie ♡
Taehyungie . No one has called him a nickname in ages. It felt strange when he first heard it . Even annoyed him a little. But with time it started to grow on him so much so that his heart will pull weird stunt everytime the idol sing songed the nickname with the sole purpose of annoying him. So why is he no longer annoyed ? Why does his heart stutter everytime he hears the nickname from the younger ? So many whys with no answers .
Taehyung glanced around the empty parking lot before slipping the sleeve into his pocket and tossing the cup away into a bin.
First and last time, he told himself. Well safe to add it wasn't the last. It was in fact the beginning of a new routine where Jungkook would bring him colorful drinks with weird names "to add some sparkle to your boring days" he would say .And Taehyung? Does he even have a choice but to accept them. One look at those big shiny eyes and he is pretty much done.
Despite the coldness he shows towards the idol's advances he is not completely unaware of the odd feelings slipping into his heart. Feelings that surfaces everytime the man throws one of those flirty grins at his way or the soft pout whenever he doesn't get his way through . Spending time with him nearly 24/7 comes with the job and he has done that for many other big names of the industry but never was he even slightly intrigued towards any of his client. With them it was nothing but business. Most barely acknowledged him , which made it easier for him. But with Jungkook it's so differnt.
Every day he knows the younger would pull some silly tricks to grab his attention. Started with the drinks to buying him foods and leaving tiny notes on them. Hijacking his phone to save his number as kookie with a heart and bombing the chats with messages while they were literally at the same place same time. He pretended to be annoyed but it's hard to school his expression when the boy keeps on finding new ways to come closer to him.
Unbeckonst to him he started to look for them everyday , not only the notes but the sender of the notes as well. Jungkook's habit of scrunching his nose while smiling , his little hops to the car when he finished his work and ready to go home , the frowning while eating anything he particularly likes , his soft humming in the sillent car ride back home.
Taehyung can't quite pin point what is it exactly that made the annoyance turn into admirance but he knows for sure he is in big trouble. Nowadays Jungkook doesn't even have to do anything silly to grab his attention, his eyes are always on him.
``🍒🍒``
One fine Sunday Taehyung was waiting for the idol outside his studio when he got an urgent call . Stepping away from the car , he walked a bit to the back while taking the call and within minutes he had returned to his original place . That's when something caught his eyes. A piece of paper carefully planted on the windshield of his car. Did Jungkook come out sometime when he was gone and put that there ? Knowing Jungkook and his ways he didn't think much when he went closer to grab it , expecting another silly little note with its dramatic contents .
But as he read the note his brows slowly furrowed. It's nothing like the kind of notes Jungkook leaves for him . Firstly it's not written in the familiar glittery pink ink but in a red one, then it's missing the pretty signature of kookie in the bottom actually it has no name at all. And lastly, why does Jungkook sounds like an obsessed stalker all of a sudden ?
That exact moment Jungkook stepped out, sipping on his favourite banana milk . Completely unbothered with anything in the world. Taehyung opened the car door for him. Only once he was settled in the car with him, did he speak.
"Are you in love with me ?" Jungkook choked on the drink coughing violently as Taehyung sat there looking at him with pinched brows.
"I'm sorry what ?"
"It started with the small note and those sickeningly sweet drinks.."
"You finished them all," Jungkook cuts in .
"Not the point. And then you decided to write me a whole love letter and in the same line threaten to harm me if I.."
"Wait wait, I flirt with you. I accept that." He sat up straighter "But beside that caramel macchiato with extra syrup I didn't get you anything today." Jungkook paused and then added "But we can go and get some ice creams you know like a date!! What do you say ?" he wiggled his brows knowing it'll only annoy the bodyguard further but his face looked alarmed all of a sudden devoid of the usual annoyance.
"So you didn't write this ?" Taehyung pulled up the note from his pocket to show the idol who snatched it from his hand instantly.
"Are you kidding me ?"Jungkook sat up straighter, eyes going through the letter.
"What ?" Taehyung leaned in slightly, in alert.
"Did you really think I wrote this ? My handwriting is way more pretty and neat and.."
Taehyung blinked "Are you serious !"
"No, let me talk. The spellings !! like who writes forever like that and.."
"So you didn't write this "
"Nope I mean I do like you but not there quite yet to write love letters of this kind . It looks like some obsessive lover's word" He handed back the letter to Taehyung who looked deep in thought.
"So that's not for me" Taehyung paused "It's for you".The realization sat in both of them . Taehyung's eyes went onto the last few words of the letter.
You can't run away from me forever. I'll find you everytime.
Jungkook's stomach dropped , a feeling of danger creeping up his chest slowly. Taehyung cursed under his breath and immediately started the car. Jungkook sat stiffly beside him as Taehyung made calls, voice low and tense. Probably to Namjoon asking to pull the security footage of that area.
"This is him. Isn't it ?"
"We don't know that yet. I told them to check the footage."
"He did say he will find me." Jungkook muttered in a small voice.
"And I'm here to protect you Jungkook. I'll not let anything or anyone harm you". the idol looked up . Their gaze met . Taehyung's steady , unwavering eyes meeting his shaken scared one. And in the darkness of the car a silent promise was made, a promise of protection and trust. Something shifted around them at that very moment, something neither of them could deny.
Taehyung waited in Jungkook's house for Namjoon to come like they have decided in the phone . Jungkook, the ever chatty one is oddly quiet , constantly bopping his knees sitting opposite to him on the couch. He felt unease just watching the boy in distress like this .
With Namjoon joining them soon after they made a small circle around the centre table watching the footage on Namjoon's laptop closely. It was all going alright but then something really weird happened. Right the moment Taehyung leaves the frame with phone in his hand the camera gets fuzzy, image distorted until Taehyung returns and spots the note. They watched it again and again but nothing changed.
"It's like someone very skillfully removed only that part" Namjoon exhaled.
Taehyung noticed Jungkook has slumped back in his spot and he didn't like that look of worry etched with fear in his face.
"Can we check with any nearby establishment for their footage ?" Taehyung asked fidgeting with the laptop as if it'll miraculously recover the tampered video.
"I have to talk with the management but I'll do my best." Namjoon sighed, guilt evident in his face as he looked at Jungkook "I'm sorry Jungkook you have to go through all these again because of me"
Jungkook blinked , snapping out of his thoughts "No hyung why would you blame yourself ?"
"I should've done more research before hiring him" Namjoon admitted, his eyes casted downwards "This must be so stressful and scary for you."
"How would you know someone's true intention hyung ? Don't blame yourself I'm sure we'll figure this out as well." Jungkook looked at Taehyung who was too focused on the clip.
"You two should go home . It's late"
"No I'll stay" Namjoon protested
"Nope Jin hyung will be worried. Go home, I'll be fine." Jungkook assured despite the havoc going on, in his mind.
"Taehyung" the aforementioned hummed pulling his gaze away from the footage to Namjoon who's looking at him expectantly.
"Can you stay the night ?"
"I.." Taehyung blinked , his eyes instinctively finding Jungkook who is about to protest but the eyes never lie . He can still see how badly shaken the idol is from everything.
"Sure . If Jungkook doesn't mind, I would like to stay till we have all this things sorted which shouldn't take long". Taehyung assured eyeing the boy.
"Jungkook ?"
"I uh yeah I don't mind . He can stay in the guest room ." Jungkook shrugged, his heart betrayed by beating so hard at his own words.
"You know.." Taehyung stepped closer, his voice dropping a few octave "for someone who writes love poem in my coffee sleeves you look oddly nervous with me staying here " Taehyung whispered as they bid Namjoon goodbye .
"I am not nervous" Jungkook stuttered.
"You shouldn't be. I'm not gonna bite you." Taehyung teased to ease up the younger a bit. And it did work the color rushing back to his cheeks instantly.
"What if I do want you to bite me ?" Jungkook shot back wiggling his brows .
"Ah there he is, the brat in him is back" Taehyung threw his head back biting his lips to conceal the smile.
"That will be your room." Jungkook pointed at the 2nd door of the hallway. "I'll be right next to you don't be shy to knock if you need anything."
"Thank you but I'll be right here on the couch. You can go to bed." Taehyung walked past him to reclaim his seat on the couch .
"Don't be ridiculous. You're not straining your neck waiting for some stupid stalker who is never coming" Jungkook stood infront of him with his hands on his hips.
"Go to bed Jungkook" as if he didn't hear any of his words Taehyung made himself comfortable on the couch pulling his laptop onto his lap.
"Alright then I'll also stay here right beside you" he plopped down beside him "I have a black belt in taekwondo." Jungkook added "Bet I can take you down as well." Taehyung rolled his eyes at smugness.
"You really don't listen to a word I say . Do you ?"
"You know me very well , now don't you Taehyugie ?" Jungkook sing songed . He was expecting another warning maybe an eye roll. But a screech left his lips as he was picked up in the air and thrown on the bodyguard's back like a sack of potato .
"What the hell Kim Taehyung!!"
The man, unbothered with his screams threw the door to his room open with a nudge of his foot and placed him on the bed gently .
"You.. you threw me like I'm a bag of potato"
"A pretty one" Taehyung butted in, quite enjoying the redness spreading across the younger's face .
"You stupid muscled man, you could've just told me to go."
"Would you have listened ?" Taehyung crossed his arms
"No" he found it quite amusing the way Jungkook's cheeks puffed.
"Exactly" with a shake of his head Taehyung went to close his door but stopped at once when he heard the call of his name , this time sounding much more vulnerable.
"Taehyung ?"
"Yes ?" he turned around instantly to face the boy .
"You think he will come here ?" He asked quietly.
"Probably not , unless he is stupid ." Taehyung assured , his eyes softening at the idol looking up to him with so much trust.
"Okay" Jungkook eased up in his position.
"I'll be right outside. If you need anything."
"Hey that was my line" Taehyung's lips curved up in a smile "Sleep Jungkook"
Before the younger can open his mouth again he shut the door from outside chuckling lowly hearing the muffled voice from the other side of the door
He settled back on the couch, opening the case of Lee Soomin, the stalker or old bodyguard of Jungkook who was fired over his obsessive stalker conduct. But that wasn't enough to stop him. Soon after he attempted to kidnap Jungkook but he was caught and sent to jail. Where he served a good few years. And he is out now. Needless to say it ruled out any doubt he had about a different person being involved in this. They have to be extremely vigilant, that bastard is already way ahead in his plan.
Taehyung spent the rest of the night doing his research so they could be prepared in case of any emergency till the first ray of sunlight slipped through the window sills. His own reflection on the black screen of the laptop took him off guard. He is looking like a complete mess (Jungkook would like to kindly disagree) his hair is tousled from running his hands through it hundreds of times throughout the night , his suit jacket is gone, sleeves rolled up, tie loosened and his eyes heavy with sleep. He is looking like a ghost of himself.
Taehyung got up , stretched his limbs and went towards the kitchen to grab a glass of water when the bedroom door opened revealing the idol in all his morning glory . Taehyung's tired eyes not so subtly checked him out . He has changed out of his flowery pajamas into a black tank top and a very tiny pair of shorts. Taehyung's eyes quickly averted from the muscular thighs as Jungkook cleared his throat in an attempt to meet his eyes.
The smirk is evident in his face when he spoke up "I'm going for a run"
"Like that ?" The words escaped him before he could control them. Taehyung bit his tongue as the smirk on the younger's face only grew wider.
"Like what Taehyung-ie ? Do I not look good" the menace batted his eyes, lips turning into a pout as he twirled to give a good view of his attire . The grip on the glass in his hand tightened as Taehyung willed his eyes away to the counter top.
"That's not what I meant. Anyways it's still very early and not safe to go out without proper safety measure"
"I'm not worrying about my safety cause you're coming with me" Jungkook shrugged, heading to the kitchen to prepare his protein shake purposefully bumping into Taehyung despite the huge space.
"Give me half an hour. I will go grab some of my stuff from home and.."
"Nope. Dont wanna wait"
Taehyung sighed "Then lend me some of your clothes." Jungkook's eyes gleamed with mischief at the words.
"More than happy to do so, Taehyungie. Follow me" Jungkook put extra effort to sway his hips as he exited the kitchen. The heated gaze he felt on his back only fed his smugness.
.
.
"That's a crop top!! You want me to wear that ?"
"What's wrong with it ? You'll look like a five course meal" he made a show of licking his lips knowing very well it'll irritate the bodyguard more .
"Can you not? It's 5 in the morning"
"Okay then how about this tank top"
"It's too short for me" Taehyung frowned at the flimsy fabric.
"Okay you know what ! I'm done with you. Either you pick one of these or I'm going by myself"
Their heated battle of eyes lasted for a full minute before Taehyung snatched the tank top and the longest pair of shorts he could find and stormed out of the room.
He was right, the top is too short ending right below his mid waist and right above his navel , it clung tight to his chest. He is definitely doing this purpose , Taehyung grumbled exiting the room .
One moment Jungkook was peacefully waiting , sipping on his drink and the next, he was choking on it breaking into a fit of cough . But can you blame him ? Taehyung had just walked out of the room with his defined abs peeking from under the top , chest straining against the tight fabric, those muscular veiny hands flexing as he stretched.
"You're ogling," Taehyung commented, walking past him casually as if he did not just make him see the gates of heaven.
Jungkook rushed to grab his things and followed the elder out , his face and neck flushed a deep shade of red. Safe to say the colors didn't leave him for the entire run , Taehyung's sweaty body and flexing muscles certainly didn't help .
After about an hour they decided to stop and catch their breath.
"You're impressive" Jungkook huffed , passing his bottle to the bodyguard.
"I was in the military"
"Cocky"
Jungkook turned his head to pass on a teasing comment but shut his mouth quickly getting a proper glance of the man. His honeyed skin glistening with sweat under the soft rays of sun, Jungkook's gaze lowered to his throat. Tracking the slow bob of his Adam's apple with each gulp he took and suddenly he felt his own throat going dry. He had to will his eyes away to the view of the river in front of him , hoping that would help to calm his heart. But with Taehyung beside him that's almost impossible.
"Why so silent?" Taehyung raised a brow.
"I no..nothing" Jungkook stuttered falling back on the soft grass , throwing his hands over his face to block the sun definitely not to hide the blush spreading across his cheeks .
"Right and you're like so pink , like pretty pink but." Taehyung bit his cheeks as the younger sat up quickly looking at him with a wide grin. Great! Now he won't shut up.
"What did you just call me ?"
"Nothing let's go" Taehyung stood up, brushed the leaves from his shorts and started walking without looking back if the other is following. Cause he is.
"Hey stop . You can't run away from me"
Jungkook didn't waste a second to get up. He had to run a little to catch up but he won't miss this golden opportunity to tease the man.
They were infront of Jungkook's apartment when something caught Taehyung's eyes making him halt in his steps . A black sedan parked right opposite to the entrance of Jungkook's apartment. Now that he thinks about it, it was also there when they left in the morning. Taehyung frowned.
"What happened ? Are you not coming ?" Jungkook called , holding the gate open.
"Go inside I need to check something" Jungkook pouted but he felt too tired to retort. And he needs a cold shower. He is all sweaty and his heart is beating too fast. Also the fire burning low at the pit of his stomach needs to be extinguished before he does something stupid in front of the bodyguard.
Taehyung on the other hand crossed the road to check what's going on but before he can go any closer the engine roared to life and the car sped away almost crashing into a scooter before disappearing into the traffic.
He did manage to get the number plate, that'll hopefully bring some leads and he is sure , will connect some dots. That bustard was right under his nose the whole time and he didn't notice. "Fuck"
``🍒🍒``
"Did you get a name yet ?"
"Yes" Namjoon looked up from his laptop.
"And ?" Taehyung took a seat in front of him.
"It's apparently registered under a 60 years old woman from Dongdaemun named Park Yuri"
"Any more details on who she is ? Her connection with Lee ?" Taehyung asked , brows knitting in a frown.
"Nope, nothing significant." Namjoon shook his head. "Taehyung, are you positive that's him ?" The man slumped back against his chair.
"Even if it's not him we still can't loosen up . He will not just drop a note and disappear. We need to take every little thing seriously" Taehyung sighed , his phone vibrating in his pocket .
"I think Jungkook is done with his recording. I'll get going now ." He got up pulling his phone out to check the message. There were at least eight separate messages all from the idol waiting for him to check .
The first one came at 12.50
Hiya Taehyung-ie I'm done early gotta go get some ice creams before you come. Don't miss me too much ^_^
Then at 12.55
I think someone's following me
The next series of texts were sent within the same minute
Fuck
I don't know what to do
I'm hiding in an alley
It's dark
Taehyung
I think I hear footsteps
That was the last message sent 5 minutes ago . All this time he thought the younger was spamming him with updates on his recording session like he does everyday and the only day he chose to ignore them this happened.
.
.
"Please be alright please alright" Taehyung chanted sitting behind the wheel, his knuckles turning white at how hard he is griping it, beside him Namjoon is losing his calm, shouting into the phone.
"His last location is showing the alley behind the studio and then switched off." Namjoon said, cutting the call .
"Fuck" Taehyung slammed his hands against the wheel . Anger, fear, anguish rising all at once. He couldn't let this happen. He should've known.
"The footage... Taehyung, look this is the same sedan you saw." Taehyung watched with horror as a man covered in black mask dragged an unconscious Jungkook out from the alley and shoved him inside the car .
"Police are trying to locate the car through CCTV but ..
"Can you play the video again ?" Taehyung cut in.
"Yeah Sure" Namjoon replayed the video , looking closely for anything else he might have missed.
"Can you see if Jungkook is wearing any bracelet ?"
"Wait let me see, yes he is. It's a bit blurry but I think it's pink”. Namjoon looked up so many questions in his mind but he waited for Taehyung to say something.
"Check my phone hurry , there's tracker in it"
Taehyung felt he could cry in relief when Namjoon found what he was looking for.
That bracelet was his mom's . It has an airtag in it since she had this habit of losing things . After her death Taehyung always carried it with him as a piece of her.
Jungkook took it from him the other day cause it matched his outfit. Giving it to him surprisingly didn't bother Taehyung at all. In fact now he's glad he let him take it.
Taehyung pressed his foot on the gas as Namjoon cited the way , he didn't care if he broke a couple signals. He is trained to handle situations like this calmly then why was his hands trembling ? Why was his heart pounding ? Why did his mind keep chanting prayer for the idol's safety ?
With Taehyung's skill and speed they arrived at the locations not long after. The Police were also on the way . Taehyung couldn't just sit in the car and wait while god knows what's happening inside.
"Taehyung"
"Stay here . Wait for the police"
"But it's not safe to go alone and.."
"Jungkook is not safe and he is alone with that psycho." The veins on his forehead popping as he slammed the car door, hands finding its way to the gun tucked in his waist.
``🍒🍒``
Jungkook closed his eyes, the blood dripping down the side of his face from a cut that is throbbing with pain with each passing minute . His hands and legs were tied with a chair. In front of him , Lee Soomin sat , reciting his love for him , some poetic shit he had written. Despite all the pain Jungkook is feeling , there's some satisfaction as he watches the man clutch his stomach and wince with each line he utters . Of course he didn't give up without a fight . He almost took him out . Almost. But then something was pressed against his mouth and everything went black. Fucking bastard.
"Jungkook, I love you, I really do . And I'm sorry baby" Jungkook hissed, making the man pause momentarily "I'm sorry for hurting you or taking you like this but trust me you left me with no choice . I have wanted to come to you for one month".
"So you've been stalking me for a month now, you asshole." Jungkook snapped , the rage rising through the pain.
"Shhh don't raise your voice baby you're gonna strain yourself I can't see you in pain now can I ?" Lee pouted, shaking his head in dismay.
"You ass hole I'm gonna kick your shin" Jungkook thrashed in his chair but with both his hands and leg tied he could barely move .
"So feisty that's why I love you baby. And this time I'm gonna keep you forever."
"Yeah ? well Lee soomin let me tell you something you have five minutes to untie me or ..."
"Aish you look so cute when you make threats like that" the man clutched his chest, his eyes glistening with mirth.
"No . I'm warning you . Taehyung is going to find me in no time ."
"Is that so ?" The man barked out a laugh "Let me break your bubble baby cause it's been an hour and still no sight of your little bodyguard . I'm sure he gave up probably got kicked out by the boss already"
"And don't talk about any other man when I'm right here" Jungkook closed his eyes. The pain is overpowering his senses. There's a strong urge to close his eyes and rest. But he can't give up. He has to fight . Taehyung is coming. He has to be.
"Anyways don't you think I deserve a reward for all this effort " the man threw his hand in the air pointing around them.
"Yeah I'll give you reward you fucker untie my hand first ." Jungkook spat on his face.
The man tutted, getting up from his chair, cleaned his face with his hands. He crouched down infront of Jungkook and clutched his jaw tightly when he tried to move his face away.
"How about a kiss hmm ? A little kiss won't hurt .."
"I'll bite your lips off, " Jungkook fumed.
"You won't dare, baby". Jungkook paused, thrashing the moment he felt the press of a cold metal against the side of his head .
"See Jungkookie I'm a very patient man but people say I have got some wires twisted up in here" he pointed the gun towards his own head. "So don't make me do something we both will regret" the warning rang around the empty building.
Surprising the man, Jungkook started to laugh .
"Bab-"
"Five"
"What ?" The man glared.
"Four"
"The fuck you're talking about"
"Three "
"Stop now or I'll pull the trigger" he growled but Jungkook didn't flinch.
"Two"
"Shut up shut up"
"One"
And Bang .
Jungkook closed his eyes, ears ringing with the loud bang , a gunshot . A loud groan broke the eerie silence of the building. He waited for the pain to shoot up , for the blood to gush out but all he felt was the touch of a rough but gentle hands clutching his face. When he opened his eyes he was met with a familiar pair of concerned almond eyes looking at him .
"Taehyung-ie"
The relief he felt made the tears he was holding back break free. They trailed down his cheeks as Taehyung started to cut through the ropes around his wrist and ankle . His hands lingered a second longer on the red painful lines on his wrist. Jungkook let the man caress the skin , a deep frown sitting on his worried face .
"It will be fine . Just a cut" Taehyung didn't respond , moving to his feet to do the same.
"Get the fuck off me, fucker" Jungkook flinched at the loud voice behind Taehyung. He was so much into the bubble with Taehyung, he almost forgot the fucker was still there. Lee is on the ground groaning in pain while there're three officers surrounding him getting him in cuffs . Namjoon is behind them talking with another officer, visibly distressed at the turn of events .
His eyes drifted back to Taehyung who was intently scanning for any other cuts on his body .
"Hey I'm alright" he assured, matching the bodyguard's eyes who looked down immediately, avoiding his gaze. Jungkook frowned.
"Let's go". Taehyung stood up, extending his hand for Jungkook to grab, which he did happily. The long fingers engulfing his own as he stood up. But the next moment his legs gave up, thanks to the hand wrapped around his waist firmly instead of kissing the floor he collided with a hard chest.
"Careful" Jungkook felt his heart pick up it's speed, goosebumps rising in his body feeling the vibration of the deep voice against his back.
'Not the time for it Jungkook' he reminded himself but when did his heart even listened to the logical part of his brain.
"Uh, it looks like I can't walk, what a shame". Jungkook let his head fall on the sturdy chest with a dramatic moan. "I guess someone gotta pick me up and uff" all the air was knocked out of his chest as he was swooped off the ground , making him forget half of his words. His hands instinctively circling round Taehyung's neck as he was carried out bridal style.
Taehyung avoided looking at the idol in his arms despite feeling his eyes on him the entire time. His heart clenched feeling the younger make himself smaller in his arms with his face cocooned beside his neck. Seeing him like this, the relief is strong but the guilt is slowly overpowering any other emotions.
He gently placed Jungkook on the backseat of the car as Namjoon stepped forward and opened the door for them .
"Taehyung, I'm really sorry . I tried to talk to them but..” Namjoon sighed and handed him his phone. There sits an message from the company . An urgent meeting with him. The reason is not hard to guess.
"Hyung it's my fault I should've been more careful". Taehyung shook his head , eyes heavy with guilt. "Take him to the hospital, he needs to be stitched up" he looked back at the idol who was staring at them with so many questions in those doe eyes.
"Wait what's happening ? Are you not coming ? Why am I not in your car ?" Jungkook asked, looking at Taehyung in particular who still wouldn't meet his eyes.
"Jungkook, Taehyung had been called by the company. They're putting the blame on him to save themselves from the rage of the fans and media"
"What ? He is not responsible for this."
"I should've been there after your first message." Taehyung cut him off with his eyes casted downwards.
"No you couldn't have . And you know that. I didn't listen to your word and went alone which is my fault not yours"
"Hyung, why don't you say anything ?" He looked at Namjoon expectantly.
"I tried but they're not ready to listen. They have called him in for a meeting "
"I'll go with you then"
"No you won't. "
"Yes I will" he stared back with determination. He is not letting this happen.
"Jungkook, you'll go to the hospital with Namjoon hyung and then go home and rest." Taehyung finally looked at him , his voice strict.
"Nope, not happening. Either you come with me or I'll follow you"
"Stop being a brat and listen."
Jungkook gulped as Taehyung bent down to whisper the words, their faces merely inches apart. But he is not the one to back down without a fight.
"Then make me" he challenged with equal vigor.
"Okay how about this" Namjoon cut in "Taehyung take him to the hospital I'll go to the company and see if I can do anything in the meantime" Their heated eye contact broke as Taehyung stood back with a defeated sigh and walked back to his car . He held the passenger door open for the younger who can magically walk again. Taehyung squinted watching the idol hop his way to his side. He flashed him a toothy grin of victory before getting inside the car.
"Brat"
``🍒🍒``
"I punched him here. I think he lost a tooth. Did you see it ?" Taehyung glanced at him as Jungkook threw some imaginary punches in the air. To think he nearly lost this , lost him.
"I almost got him, if not for whatever he pressed against my nose. That coward"
"Did he do anything to you apart from that cut ?" Taehyung's eyes found the cut on his forehead, not bleeding anymore thankfully.
"Nope. Didn't dare to. Though he did say he will kiss me". Taehyung's jaw clenched, his hand tightening around the wheels. One bullet wasn't enough; he should've emptied the whole file.
"I said I'll bite off your lips mf get away from me" Jungkook's cheeks puffed.
"You did ?"
"Hmm" Jungkook felt his heart flutter as Taehyung's lips curved in a small smile.
As much as he felt pride in Jungkook's courage, it also makes him mad to think how close that bastard got to him.
His attention was drawn again to Jungkook as he threw another few sweet curses at the occurrence of a new thought.
"What's that ?"
"Did you find my limited edition Balenciaga purse ?"
"I don't know." Taehyung shook his head. But seeing the boy deflect he added quickly "Namjoon hyung might know something"
"Damn it. It was customized. So hard to get. And my phone ?"
"Yeah that hyung got it ."
"Good. Better not be broken or I'll chew his head off through the prison cells"
"But wait .." Jungkook paused with a gasp.
"How did you find out where he took me ? I mean that asshole threw my phone away and.." Jungkook paused when he felt the gentle grip of the elder on his wrist.
"This" Taehyung tapped on the bracelet "has a tracker"
"It was my eomma's. She used to lose things easily, so gave it to her". Taehyung looked back at him not getting any response to find the idol staring at where he was still holding his hand. Clearing his throat he dropped the hand as suddenly as he picked it up.
"We are here "
The hospital visit didn't show anything concerning. Some minor scratches here and there and the cut on the forehead was not deep. Taehyung made sure they did all the tests the doctor suggested despite Jungkook whining about them not being necessary.
When Taehyung got inside the car with all the medicines and ointment, he found Jungkook staring out of the window with a huge pout decorating his face .
"What's wrong ? Are you feeling sick, should we go back ?"
"I want ice-cream"
"What ?"
"I did as you said, now you have to listen to me. And I want ice cream."
With a shake of his head Taehyung started the car . There's no point in saying no cause that won't work . The pout itself is enough to stop his heart. He won't be able to take the shining eyes on top of that , which will come next if he says no. You see he is a man of experience now.
By the time he parked the car and got out to follow him, Jungkook was already standing at the gate of the shop, staring at him with a brow raised.
"You never come"
"I'm never leaving you alone again" Taehyung held the glass door open.
"Never ?" Jungkook's lips curled into a smirk.
"Let's go."
"Coward"
"Excuse me ?"
"Nothing let's go I'm hungry" Jungkook pushed past him
"For ice cream ?" Taehyung muttered, following the idol inside.
"One mint choco and one strawberry". He was about to pull his wallet when he felt the warmth of a sturdy chest behind him. Taehyung had leaned in , tapping on the machine with his card.
"Oh, paying for me already." Jungkook titled his head to look back. "Is this a date Kim Taehyung ?" Jungkook teased, concealing the way his heart stuttered at the proximity.
"How were you gonna pay dummy ?"
Taehyung chuckled at the face the boy made at the realization.
"Well I can always use my face card" Taehyung whizzed. "Ofcourse"
"Hey, you don't believe me? I can prove it to you. I can flirt with...him" he pointed at the cashier who was staring at him with an open mouth. Taehyung's jaw tensed.
"Let's go" he gripped his wrist carefully so as not to hurt and pulled him out of the store.
"How romantic! Paying for ice cream, holding hands. Kim Taehyung I wasn't aware of your game" Jungkook bumped into his shoulder.
"You're annoying," Taehyung huffed, opening the car door for him.
"Oh and opening the.."
"Shh" Jungkook stilled, eyes crossing as he looked down at the long finger pressed against his lips . Though the touch vanished as quickly as it came but the feeling lingered.
Taehyung cleared his throat "Just get in"
``🍒🍒``
"Eww it's all sticky now, it's your fault" Jungkook complained, licking the melted ice cream running down his hands.
"What did I do ?"
"You distracted me by putting those long fingers in my mouth ."
"They were not in your mouth" Taehyung rolled his eyes, taking a bite of his own ice cream to cool the heat creeping up his neck. Lucky for him it was dark inside the car or Jungkook would never shut up about the blush.
"I want them to be though ." Jungkook muttered loud enough for Taehyung who choked on the frozen dessert.
"You're gross"
"And you're blushing"
"I'm not," Taehyung groaned . Apparently swallowing down huge bite of the ice cream does not help with the redness from spreading further.
He looked back at the idol who had busied himself with cleaning each corner of the empty cup . His own strawberry one, sat half finished on his hand as his eyes lingered on the younger. A weird fondness seeping into his heart as he watched Jungkook mumble something softly to himself.
The realization that this could be the last time he gets to spend time with him like this, thawed at his heart. He knew he had lost the job the moment the meeting was called. Though losing the job hurts far less than the possibility of not being able to see Jungkook or hear his voice ever again .
"Why are you staring hmm ? I know I'm hot but I have Ice cream all over my face". Jungkook chuckled but the laugh got stuck in his throat as Taehyung's fingers tilted his chin .
Wide starry eyes stared at Taehyung as he brushed his thumb gently on the side of his lips to wipe the melted ice-cream. The air around them thickened with tension . Jungkook's eyes fluttered close, feeling the tender touch. His heart beating so loud he feared the other might hear it over the slow music playing in the car. Jungkook instinctively leaned into the touch.
Taehyung's eyes flickered to his lips. There's a small cut on the bottom side probably from the events earlier . His brows furrowed as he caressed the skin gently earning a small shudder from the younger .
"Does it.." Taehyung cleared his throat. "Does it hurt ?" his voice came out gruff with tension.
"Just a little" Jungkook swiped his tongue, the tip of it touching the thumb, still pressed against his lips . Taehyung's breath hitched at the touch.
Don't ask anyone who moved first, cause the next moment they found themselves fervently kissing and devouring each other's lips with equal passion. There's nothing soft about the kiss. The hunger they have surpassed for so long , the tension they ignored finally breaking through all bars of restraints.
The hand on Jungkook's neck that was keeping him still , slided down to his waist before pulling him up and manoeuvring him into the lap of Taehyung.
"Fuck" Jungkook moaned , steadying himself by holding onto Taehyung's shoulder. But Taehyung didn't give him much time to compose before crashing their lips once again in a maddening kiss. The soft hand cascading through his hair pulling at the locks making him groan into Jungkook's mouth.
"We should not," Taehyung muttered, pulling away slightly. Eyes still closed , lungs burning with lack of air, heart threatening to beat out of the chest any moment, mind completely hazy, he couldn't complete the sentence cause Jungkook is pulling him again like he could not physically bear the distance. Not anymore. Not when he has finally gotten a taste of him.
The kiss turned messy with each suck and pull of the lips. The air inside is turning hotter with each passing second . Taehyung felt his clothes getting a little too tight. He couldn't stop the groan when Jungkook rolled his hips against his lap showing he is not the only one affected.
"Don't" he warned, pulling the neck of the younger who looked genuinely wrecked, eyes glossy, lips swollen, hair messy. Taehyung felt he was losing the last bit of sanity he had left. Jungkook rolled his hips again , trying to find friction. His lips opened in a silent moan with each move.
"Jungkook" the warning was only answered with a whine as Taehyung's hand tightened on his hips , holding him still.
"We should stop" Taehyung mumbled the words against the hot mouth pressed on his own.
Suddenly his phone rang, startling them both. "Ignore it" Jungkook pulled at his shirt collar, biting on his lips as a punishment for breaking the kiss.
"Could be Namjoon," Taehyung breathed, struggling to form a sentence.
"I need to take it bun" he whispered, placing a short peck on the red swollen lips that are getting hard to resist with each second. Reluctantly he picked up the call and indeed it's Namjoon.
"Hello ?"
"Taehyung, where are you two ? I thought you were going to drop him home ?"
"Yes um I am taking him home" Taehyung replied his hands caressing the back of the younger's neck who has resumed his ministration on his neck, biting and sucking enough to leave marks.
"Alright. Also I tried my best to clear the situation . I'm worried there still might be some consequences I couldn't help with."
"It's okay I'll be there after dropping him home safely" Taehyung stared at Jungkook who sat back with a serious expression.
"What did he say ?"
"That there will be consequences of my negligence" Taehyung's fingers absent-mindedly tracing patterns on Jungkook's waist where the shirt has ridden up.
"I can talk to them. You have no fault in it" Jungkook shook his head.
"I do Jungkook," Taehyung sighed.
"No you don't. They can't touch you. I'll fix this and I..."
"Shh" Taehyung silenced him with a peck .
"I failed at my job Jungkook" Taehyung looked down at his lap "and they have the right to hire someone else, someone more competent , more.."
"You're all I want though" Taehyung paused, his eyes searching Jungkook's face for something.
"Regardless of what happens you will come back to me right ?" Jungkook's voice wavered as Taehyung lowered his eyes.
"You can't just tilt my whole world with a kiss and leave me alone to dwell with all these" Jungkook felt his voice closing in "all these feelings" he punched the sturdy chest beneath him meekly.
"Taehyung, say something. I know you feel the same, don't you ?" Jungkook bunched the material of his shirt in his fist , tears of frustration rolling down his cheeks at the silence that followed.
"Let me drop you home ."
"You got to be fucking kidding me" Jungkook pulled at his shirt making Taehyung look up "Listen here you idiot. I'm giving you a week to come to me. If you don't come and sort this out I'll go find someone else to mmmh" Taehyung crushed their lips swallowing the rest of the words . Jungkook felt himself melting despite the anger as Taehyung cupped his cheeks, gently wiping the tears away.
He huffed when Taehyung broke the kiss and patted his ass to move onto his seat which he complied half-heartedly.
As Taehyung drove in silence he could feel the gaze on the side of his face boring holes through the skins. He swallowed a laugh as Jungkook kept huffing and puffing trying to draw a reaction out of him.
Of course he would come back to him. He had to. His heart had made it's choice. And he hoped whatever happens in the company today won't stop him from chasing whom his heart truly desired .
"I can't believe I let you kiss me"
"Actually.."
"Shut up" Taehyung closed his mouth as quickly as he opened it.
"If you don't come back to me I'll drag you here Kim Taehyung I swear to God" Jungkook threatened as the car came to a halt in front of his apartment .
"Also here take this" Jungkook muttered, pulling the bracelet out but Taehyung caught his hand before he could take it off.
"Keep it"
"But -"
"Keep it Jungkook." His voice softened "It's not the only thing of mine that belongs to you now." Jungkook gulped. Searching the elder's eyes , he wished he could read the emotions flickering through them.
Taehyung watched in silence as Jungkook opened the car door and left . He waited until the idol was inside before pulling away with a sigh. Unbeknownst to both of them this will be their last meeting for an agonizingly long period of time.
``🍒🍒``