and progress indeed it was.

As the weeks pass and Jungkook's presence in the office and Taehyung's life becomes far too necessary--Taehyung has to take a step back.

He honestly didn't even notice himself until this morning when Jimin was in his office at the same time as Jungkook entered with his coffee.

"Taehyungie, I didn't get you the extra creamer this time."

Taehyung pouted and Jungkook laughed, "C'mon..you're too reliant on the additional sugar. I promise it's still just as sweet, hmm?"

He takes a sip of the drink and deems it okay enough to endure. Waves Jungkook out of the door blushing whenever he winks at him with puckered lips.

"Holy fucking shit" Jimin breathed out through laughter "You are wrapped so tightly around that man's finger, it's unbelieveable"

"Yah! What are you on about?! It's just coffee."

"Kim Taehyung you once nearly fired ME because I didn't order it exactly as you asked for and I'm your fucking soul mate." Jimin crosses his arms with a raised brow "and if the way he walked in here and right back out with that smug ass smile on his face is anything to go by, Mr. Jeon knows exactly how tight he has you wrapped."

"I am not wrapped around his finger. Not even a little. He does everything for me."

"Oh I know, like telling you what employees to yell at and when to calm your shit? You're right he does do everything for you--even tells you how to speak." it's teasing, really Jimin finds it so cute how Taehyung is a love-sick fool over Jungkook.

However, his words don't sit well for Taehyung. They sting. It reminds him of the last one and sends a bad feeling down his throat.

~

"Taehyung--" he stops when he enters the office and finds it empty. It's strange for Taehyung to not be in there at around 3 p.m.

He walks in anyway and is about to sit in Taehyung's chair just to piss him off when he sees the note

Left early for the day. Feel free to leave as well. See you tomorrow.

-Taehyung.

Now Jungkook doesn't feel like Taehyung owes him anything, of course not but with as close as they've gotten. It's unusual for them to not leave the building together, normally lingering in the parking lot longer than necessary.

He was quite busy working on the upcoming schedules for the field reporters today so he didn't spend as much time as he otherwise would with Taehyung...he can't help but wonder if something's wrong and it's crazy how desperate he is to find out.

But of course, a day like today is one where he has a class to teach immediately after work.

~

It's nearly midnight when he's finally leaving the BigHit building and he can't help but dial Taehyung's number.

A grumbled out "hello" makes him sigh in relief that Taehyung picked up

"Ah, sorry for waking you. I was worried, why did you leave early today?"

There's a brief pause before Taehyung makes a noise and Jungkook can picture the way he stretches his arms behind his head, "Just needed to get out of there, I dunno..."

Jungkook wants to ask what's on Taehyung's mind but also doesn't want to cross any boundaries. He would be lying if he said he didn't notice the small shift in their dynamic, it's been gradual since he very first started but he is afraid of making assumptions and pushing some of their progress backwards.

"Well, as long as you're okay. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow, Jungkook"

"Goodnight, Taehyungie"

|||

The first think Jungkook notices whenever he enters the office today is that Taehyung? Looks absolutely remarkable. He's standing at reception desk talking with some man Jungkook's never seen before and he can feel himself quite literally salivating at the sight.

He's about to walk up and say hi when he sees the strange man lean forward to hug Taehyung and pecks a kiss to the crown of his head. Jungkook's eyebrows furrow but he coughs to make his presence known.

Watches as Taehyung seems panicked at first but it shifts immediately to something he hasn't seen before, doesn't recognize...almost, taunting?? He quirks a brow at the thought and just sees a small smile curve up on Taehyung's lips.

"Talk to you later Seo-hyung"

"See you, Taebear"

Taehyung turns to find Jungkook waiting for him, drink in hand as he passes it to Taehyung, "Didn't know you were expecting someone today?"

"Me neither, he just stopped in." shrugs, taking a sip of the drink...has to fight back a smile when he notices Jungkook returned to his normal order.

"Who is that? Cousin? Brother? Uncle?" Jungkook lists out various options and Taehyung honestly finds it humorous the one word that Jungkook seems to avoid as if it were foul.

"Try boyfriend" he says, teasingly, watches as Jungkook visibly deflates and he smirks with a wink "Kidding, only kidding. Very close family friend, basically a brother"

Jungkook nods happily and Taehyung pretends he didn't notice the way the man puffed out his chest a little more after confirming that it is not anyone of romantic interest for Taehyung.

~

Maybe he feels a little threatened or maybe it's because of that sheer shirt that is so drastically different from anything else Taehyung has ever wore that has Jungkook's mind a mess all day. Can't even focus on the task at hand because Taehyung's chest is a bit more exposed than normal and it's all Jungkook can think about.

How nice the tanned skin looks against the dark fabric. Decides after watching Taehyung graze the expanse of skin with his fingers for the third time that he's not going to be the only one flustered by this situation.

Makes his way over to give his normal shoulder massage and smirks when Taehyung immediately relaxes under his finger tips, digs them in a little harder than normal.

"Y'know, you look fucking hot today" he deadpans and notices the way Taehyung stiffens but doesn't seem too bothered.

"Well, thanks. Considering I'm going on a date after work."

Jungkook is so quick when he grabs the back of Taehyung's chair and twists it around, "date?"

Taehyung's eyes have a glint of something Jungkook can't pinpoint and he just knows this is all some type of game, "Yes Mr. Jeon, y'know that thing where two people are attracted to each other so they go out and spend time together."

"Where is this date taking you? Bet he isn't taking you to the VR arcade.." he huffs, looking away and Taehyung just wants to reach up and pinch his puffed out cheeks for being all jealous but is enjoying this change of pace too much.

It's always him and thinks it's time for Jungkook to get a taste of it himself.

"No, he isn't. We're going to a club...then maybe back to my place, not sure."

Watches as Jungkook's tongue practically stabs through his cheek.. "what kind of club? like an art club? where you'll be painting or some shits?"

Taehyung stands from his chair and is practically chest to chest with Jungkook as he glowers, "No, babe. The kind of club where I happened to bump into you before--remember?"

This is different. Haven't been this close to each other since the very night in question and Jungkook is freaking out.

"Except, I'm actually going to get what I wanted the last time I went out...this time"

Jungkook is practically seething with the mocking tone of Taehyung's voice. His hands are itching to find home on the tiny waist decorated with sinfully tight jeans and a leather belt. So he does, rests his hands there and pulls Taehyung flush to himself, "Yeah, that's not happening"

Taehyung looks amused and tilts his head, "Sorry, didn't know you're in charge of my personal life?"

"I'm not..." he drawls, pad of his thumb teasing the thin fabric against Taehyung's stomach "..but there's no way in hell someone else is gonna get to fuck you before I do" lets his hands slide back to Taehyung's ass with confidence and pull him even closer again.

Their noses are so close to brushing and Jungkook for a split second thinks Taehyung is going to let him kiss him...the way his head leans to the side and he feels warm breath ghosting over his lips, "and who said it would be you that fucks me Jeon?" then he's pushing Jungkook off of him and grabbing his coat.

"I'm out for the rest of the day, feel free to head home whenever..have a nice weekend Kookie"

and Jungkook is suddenly on a mission to visit every club in Seoul tonight.