♥║ fifty-two ║♥     

It's prom night. Jungkook has been mentally preparing for this night the past few weeks, even with the permission slip from the office for Taehyung to go, since he's technically no longer on a student. It'll be their first time in front of the school's population in months, their first time after the wedding and after all of Jungkook's fights. He just knows they'll be the scenery everyone pauses to stare and he's dreading it.

So much so, he tries to get out of it.

"My stomach is cramping," he murmurs after knotting his tie, situating it around his neck.

Taehyung falls out from the closet, one leg through his pants while he stumbles and lands on the bed with a huff. "You think it's from those hot wings you had at lunch?"

Jungkook frowns with a shrug as Taehyung stands and shimmies his pants up, looping his belt through. "Maybe."

"Maybe you just need to sit down a minute," the elder suggests.

Jungkook does so, and he gives up trying to play the stomach bug card. He's a shit liar, especially when it comes to faking pain. He acts as if it's blown over and it was merely his food from earlier settling.

Downstairs in the kitchen where his mother is searching frantically for her camera, he tries a different approach. "Well, I guess if Mom can't get pictures we can't go."

Taehyung takes it as a joke, laughing.

His mother shouts from the living room, "Oh, I'm getting pictures one way or the other!"

Mina stomps into the room, sliding into the bar stool with a grouchy expression. "Seon Woo is so confusing. He told me he loves me and now he said he needs time! What kind of freak does that to a girls heart?"

"Guess I'll have to stay behind and teach him a lesson," Jungkook teases, albeit, this time Taehyung glances up at him with a small frown.

"Kookie," Mina says, placing her hand on his arm as she gives him a look. "I think I can handle it."

"A-ha!" his mom exclaims, hurrying back into the kitchen with her camera raises proudly in her hand. "I found it. Now get outside in front of the rose bushes!"

Quickly obeying, the two boys follow the woman to the porch, two rose bushes spreading tall behind the side railing. Taehyung gives Jungkook a sheepish smile, wrapping his arms around the younger's waist while Jungkook's naturally rests across his shoulders. Practically on instinct, Jungkook kisses the top of his head as Taehyung beams at the camera. It's probably an adorable picture, but Jungkook can't think about that right now.

"Have fun you two!" his mother calls, waving as the two trot down the driveway to his mother's car, which she's graciously letting Taehyung drive.

Mina stands in the doorway, hands around her mouth as she says, "Don't get arrested!"

Jungkook snorts as he considers the thoughts an eleven year old could possibly have to make her think her brother could get in trouble with the law.

Taehyung turns the key in the ignition and the car sputters.

"Damn," Jungkook mumbles. "Well, we can always stay home and watch--"

"Oh, Tae," his mother says, pointing. "I forgot to tell you the trick! Push the brake and hold the key up when you turn it. The car is a piece of--" She catches herself, noticing Mina is still in earshot, cheeks going red.

Taehyung follows instructions and the car starts instantly. He smiles at Jungkook's mom, giving her a thumbs up before backing out the driveway.

Jungkook clenches his jaw, heat creeping up the back of his neck.

He hates how silent and tense the car ride is.

The two don't speak, completely unlike them, until Taehyung is in the school parking lot and turning the car off. He snags the cuff of Jungkook's blazer before he can escape. Jungkook can't stare into Taehyung's eyes after seeing how disappointed they look.

"Jungkook-ah," Taehyung says quietly. "If you don't want to go, just say it."

"N-no, I want to," the younger lies.

Taehyung presses his lips together, looking down at his lap. "I don't want you to... be embarrassed, or anything."

"I'm not," Jungkook retorts immediately. And truth is, he isn't embarrassed of Taehyung. Hell, the older boy is so damn stunning, anyone would want him. It's just the attention that irks Jungkook, the idea of everyone gawking at them like they're the new circus in town.

Jungkook forces a smile nonetheless, leaning across the console to kiss Taehyung's cheek. "I'm not," he repeats, stepping out the car.

Taehyung sighs before following suit.

To prove himself, Jungkook laces their fingers together, locking their hands tight.

"The boys should already be here," he says.

Taehyung chews the inside of his cheek, nodding softly.

Feeling indescribably guilty, Jungkook falls quiet too as they walk towards the gym. He isn't trying to ruin the night, but he feels like he already has. Maybe he shouldn't give a fuck and put on a show the crowd so desperately wants to see, but that's just not him. Taehyung makes him feel so special, and that isn't the type of feeling Jungkook wants to share with the world. He likes when it's just the two of them, no one around singling them out or making them out to be this big spectacle. He just wants to be with his boyfriend and not have it treated like an unknown species has walked into the room.

It's already crowded inside despite the event just starting a few minutes ago. Sure enough, their group is waiting on the back wall for the last two pieces of the puzzle to arrive. Jungkook notices Jin's hand in Namjoon's and nudges Taehyung, a grin appearing on both their faces. It's about damn time, honestly.

"The original duo has arrived," Jimin announces, tucked into Yoongi's side.

"I see another duo has joined," Taehyung remarks, smirking at Namjoon and Jin, who both blush profusely and look away, however, they lean into each other. Taehyung's eyes move, sparking with amusement. "And then there's Hobi."

"Typical, huh?" Hoseok laughs. "Actually, I came with a guy, believe it or not. Just so happened he found out the girl of his dreams got stood up, so I got ditched like a hot potato." He shrugs. "Not into the romance shit anyways. Honestly, I'm hoping someone spikes the punch soon."

"Sad," Taehyung tsks.

"I think I heard the cheerleaders talking about you the other day," Jin adds in. "Miss Bea specifically."

Hoseok's eyebrows quirk. "Hmm," he hums thoughtfully. "Guess I might have to find me a cheerleader later."

As the chatter continues, Jungkook isn't oblivious to the many looks that get tossed their way. A lot of people notice Taehyung and whisper behind their hands to each other, eyes widening with amazement as if they thought he fell off the face of the earth and miraculously returned, just for a measly high school prom. A few are brave, though--and kind--coming up to Taehyung for a quick hello. Probably people that were actually friends to him.

Taehyung used to one of the most popular kids in school, after all.

Then Jungkook ruined that image.

Thinking this, the younger scowls. He's just about to remove his hand from Taehyung's when the elder excitedly tugs him closer, his favorite song spilling through the speakers. "Oh, Jung-ssi, let's go dance!"

And dammit, Jungkook can't say no to his bright eyes and wide smile.

He wishes he could say no. He wishes he could've said no back home, settled for laying in bed and watching a movie. He wishes he said no when Taehyung reminded him of the prom, asking if he still wanted to go. He could tell Taehyung had wanted to come. He's a senior after all--or at least, he was. Every senior is "supposed" to experience prom at least once, and Taehyung is definitely the sap to want that experience.

Jungkook can't say no.

Not to Taehyung.

Jungkook does his best to ignore everyone around them, attempting to focus on the most important person here. He manages for most of the night, until it's time for the slow dance, one of the final songs.

Taehyung gets so giddy, his arms instantly winding around Jungkook's neck, his cheeks reddening as their eyes lock. Jungkook holds his waist, staring into those eyes he loves so much, eyes that can make or break his mood just by the emotions they show. He finds himself letting his forehead fall to rest against Taehyung's, their noses inches apart, breaths mixing from their proximity. He wants to close that space. It's just the two of them; no one could possibly--

A flash goes off.

Jungkook jerks his head up, catching the culprit with bulging eyes and a tomato face, clearly surprised with himself that the flash had been on. It's one of Choi's little minions, undoubtedly to spread the video with his holy leader and the rest of the school. Because it's hilarious, right? The idea that two men minding their own business are showing affection for each other? What a joke.

Right?

The crowd had split, as if people were afraid to be near the couple, and now most averted their gazes or watched in anticipation for Jungkook to make the first move. People are used to him acting rashly now. They practically starved for it.

He finds himself taking a step, hands falling off Taehyung's side, but the elder tightens his arms around Jungkook's neck, one hand sliding down to catch his chin and lock their eyes.

"Don't," Taehyung whispers, eyes pleading. "They're not important, Jungkook."

"It doesn't bother you?" he grinds out through gritted teeth, his darting over Taehyung's shoulder to see the boy escaping with a grin.

"Of course it does, but the second you start a fight, that's when they win." Taehyung cups his cheeks, voice firm. "Stop letting them win."

Jungkook can hardly breathe properly, much less think straight and comprehend what his boyfriend just said. He's so livid, all he can picture is him running after that prick, snatching his phone and shattering it beneath his shoe.

"Jungkook--"

"I need to go," he snaps, squirming out of Taehyung's grip to push through the crowd, albeit most students see the angry kid and step out of harm's way quickly.

Taehyung hurries after him as Jungkook throws open the gym doors, standing outside in the brisk air as he paces, rubbing his face.

"Jungkook, let it go," Taehyung tells him, not understanding just why it irritates the boy so much. "If he's that fascinated and needs it for the shower tonight, fucking let the pervert!"

"How can you say that?" Jungkook asks, scoffing. "You're okay with being t-this circus act everyone is obsessed with?"

"I'm not okay with it, but it's happening and I can't stop it." Taehyung throws his hands up. "You can't stop it, Jungkook. So stop letting it put you in these weird moods."

"I can't stop," Jungkook argues. "Because it bothers me, Taehyung. It bothers me that I can't go out in public with you without someone pointing fingers, o-or that I can't even smile at you without people exchanging looks. It fucking bothers me."

"But why?" Taehyung is exasperated, gaping at the younger, begging for an answer so he can figure out how to make this all stop. He's so tired of this Jungkook being so angry and paranoid, so tired of him hurting.

Jungkook rakes his hands through his hair. "Because I love you and everyone makes me feel ashamed for it!" he shouts, slamming his fist against the brick building, breaths fleeing his lips in short, rapid bursts.

Taehyung swallows the lump in his throat. He looks down to his toes, listening to Jungkook's irate breathing as the younger continues to grumble, hitting the building again. Taehyung isn't sure what to say. Everything he wants to say could potentially break his heart.

Jungkook speaks first, softer now, though there's still an edge to his tone. "I'm sorry, Tae. I-I didn't mean that."

Taehyung blinks up at him, eyes watering. He tries to smile. "Yes, you did. It's okay, Jungkook."

"N-no... it isn't..." Jungkook rubs at his own eyes. Taehyung notices his knuckles are bleeding.

"If being with me makes you like this," Taehyung says slowly, gesturing to him. He closes his eyes a moment, nearly prying the words out of his mouth. "T-then I don't want you to be with me."

Silence falls over them for what feels like years.

Jungkook inhales a shaky breath, breaking it. "W-what?" he all but whimpers, pure agony carved into his expression, from his creased forehead to downturned lips and worried eyes.

Taehyung casts his gaze to the side, a tear rolling down his cheek. "I hate seeing you like this," he whispers. "If I'm the reason you're like this then--"

"No," Jungkook interrupts. "No. No, no, no. Tae..." He steps forward, hesitates. He reaches out, but lets his hand fall to his side. Swallows hard. Speaks up, barely audible. "If... if that's what you want."

Taehyung can't look at him, swears he hears his own heart crack. "I do," he chokes out, struggles to catch his breath.

He just wants Jungkook to be happy again.

Jungkook is quiet, before he ushers a mere, "Okay," and disappears back inside.