The distant sound of pans clattering woke Jeongguk up Tuesday morning. Light spilled over Taehyung's room through the window sill the older loved so dearly (something about the perfect spot to paint), proving the sun had just begun rising. Jeongguk eyes found the electric clock on the bedside table, he had woken fifteen minutes past when the alarm clock should've rung. After all, the boys slept way past their bedtime, but it's weird that his alarm had just snoozed when Jeongguk has never slept through loud sounds before. He noticed Taehyung was not on the sofa anymore, and Jeongguk raised his back to see he wasn't on the ground either. The silver-head was so adamant about not letting his guest sleep on the sofa, even thought it was how he was treated at the other's house, and forced Jeongguk into his bed.

Jeongguk stared at the wall of paintings, zoning out completely until he heard the creaking of the door. Taehyung popped in, lips curving into a smile seeing the younger awake. In his hand, he held a neatly folded set of clothes.

"Your uniform, we put it in the dryer before sleeping so it's all good. I've already placed a towel and a new toothbrush for you in the common bathroom, y'know where that is, right?"

The younger nodded, stretching out his hands with a yawn. "Thanks," he mumbled, voice all groggy, as he climbed out of bed. He then took the uniform out of his hand left the room. Taehyung smiled looking at his now black hair, proud of his work.

The two got ready as fast as they could, and thank god for the twins and Hana having their separate bathrooms or the process would've taken much longer. Jeongguk wore his bangs down instead of his usual parted hair as he didn't have the right gel with him, but Taehyung honestly preferred this do more, and for once wore his uniform neatly and all tucked in. On their way down, the voices became louder and louder, which was odd. He saw Hana up looking around for pans earlier but didn't know why.

Taehyung saw his family, excluding his dad who was most likely off to work, sitting around the island eating. His mother spotted the two boys and instantly got up to grab them each a bowl of rice.

"Come, come, eat. You boys have time," she motioned the two to sit. The two thanked her and took their seat.

"Mom, why aren't at work?" Taehyung questioned, scooping a spoonful of rice to eat with his tofu soup.

"Did you forget? Mom's officially on her leave," Hana replied instead.

"Gosh, your father just won't let me work. Anyways, I know you twerps have been calling those puff balls that are basically just sugar your breakfast but from now on I can't let that slide."

Perks of being the CEO's wife, you get a leave whenever you please, or in this case, are being forced to. She met Taehyung's father when they were at the age of twenty-six. She was an intern, and he had just gotten into the family business. Both nervous on their first day collided straight into each other and that's where their love story began. It was hidden from their parents until both got to a point where they held high respect in the company and positions. Mr. Kim's parents were glad to call such a intelligent business woman who can not just bring them great profits, but can also be at their son's side and give him strength their daughter-in-law.

It was one of the stories Taehyung had told Jeongguk to pass time as they waited for the dye to settle. Jeongguk couldn't help but compare his parent's life to his own. Oh how he envied Taehyung's family. He just had everything so good.

Once they finished eating, the two put on their coats and boots but Taehyung's mother intervened as she held two large jackets. Just one of them can solely can ingulf the two together. Taehyung stared at her with a blank expression, wondering where in the world she got that. His mother had a tendency to buy the craziest things without letting anyone know. That is how they have a random stack of glow in the dark toilet papers.

"Mom, what in the..." Taehyung trailed off with a sigh.

"I bought these jackets for you to wear but you're always wearing those. You're going to get a cold!" Mrs. Kim yelled. She handed each of the boys a jacket along with a large scarf.

"Yeah, no, this is too big. How about we just wear the scarf?" Taehyung suggested. His mother frowned but nodded as it was better than nothing, taking the jackets away. The silver-head began wrapping the scarf around his neck while the other just looked at it. Mrs. Kim noticed, placed the jackets to the side and took the red knitted scarf from his hands. Jeongguk looked up in surprise to see the older woman smiling. She unravelled the scarf and threw it over his neck to tie it nicely. "T-Thank you," Jeongguk said, bowing slightly.

Taehyung smiled seeing the younger get all flustered from the simple gesture. He opened the door and grabbed Jeongguk out before his mom suddenly wanted to pack them lunch. "Bye, mom!"

Mrs. Kim waved as Taehyung ran out with the younger being dragged behind him. She titled her head to the side, there was something different about Jeongguk today, but she just couldn't figure out what.

•—•—•

The boys were greeted by five very concerned students, who seemed to be waiting at the entrance for them.

"There you two are!" Hoseok said as he noticed first.

"Matching scarfs?" Namjoon asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Just a coincidence," Taehyung lied.

Jimin nudged his boyfriend's side. "We should get a pair."

"How are you feeling, Jeongguk?" Jin asked. He remembers the boy just collapsing in his hands, and even thought he wanted to stay at the hospital with Taehyung, he knew his parents would never let him. He was glad to see the boy looked much healthier now.

"I'm good, thank you," Jeongguk answered quietly. He didn't know how to act in front of the olders, but he definitely knew it wasn't going to be by his old self. He felt grateful that they didn't only seem worried for Taehyung, but also for him, and of course will also be forever thankful for Jimin forgiveness, but he still couldn't help but feel out of place.

"You know, there's something different about you," Hoseok pointed out, rubbing his chin examining Jeongguk head-to-toe. Jin, Jimin, and even Yoongi copied thinking the same thing.

As if they sensed Jeongguk was in the most awkward situation ever, Minki, Saejoon, and Namsoon came running in and attacked their friend in what seemed to be a group hug. "Where the hell have you been? You didn't answer any of our calls!" Jeongguk remained silent and just let the boys huddle him in.

"You know there's something that's off, did you get a new jacket?"

Taehyung and the rest watched their interaction awkwardly, and of course the boys noticed. 

"Uhm, we'll be stealing Jeongguk, if you don't mind," Saejoon said, finally letting go of him. His eyes met Taehyung and didn't know what he should say.

"We'll be stealing Tae for a bit, if you don't mind," Yoongi said to stop whatever staring contest had begun between them.

Saejoon then exchanged some kind of message with Taehyung as they both smiled at the same time. He shook his head. "Nah, he's all yours." Then they dragged Jeongguk away to do a full inquiry somewhere else.

"Okay the scarfs can not be a coincidence. Y'all dating now or what?" Hoseok started.

Taehyung sighed. He explained the situation with Jeongguk living with him now, and how he asked for time with his confession.

"God that boy obviously likes you! Why can't he just admit it?" Jin groaned, slouching back against the railing and crossing his arms.

"Let's just hope for the best guys," Jimin said patting Taehyung's back.

The boys nodded. "No but seriously why does he look so different today??"

"You're all fucking imbeciles, except you babe. It's his fucking hair! He dyed his goddamn hair!" Namjoon yelled, throwing his hands into the hair. He turned around and began angrily walking into the school, mumbling about how hard it is to be in a world full of idiots. They looked at each other before laughing and following Namjoon inside.

Back with Jeongguk and his friends, the boy did his best to hide as much truth from the story as possible. He explained how he had ran away from home and now some how living with someone he knows. The boys did ask who the said someone was, but Jeongguk lied saying a friend from one of his previous school.

The rest of the day felt normal. Taehyung hung out with his friends, and Jeongguk hung out with his. Except there was a significant change in the younger of the two. He didn't want to tease girls passing in the hallway, nor did he want to skip line in the cafeteria or even eat. He had a lot on his mind, keeping quiet a lot and still did when he met with Taehyung waiting at the gates for him.

"Are we going straight home?" Taehyung asked as they began walking.

"Home..." Jeongguk echoed, still lost in his own thoughts, but he snapped out of it. "Oh right! I actually have to drop by my house to get some things."

The older nodded. "I'll come."

"No!" he said a bit too loud, shocking the other a little. "I mean no, it's okay. You don't have to."

Taehyung nodded again. They split ways and before they did Jeongguk handed him the large scarf. He was going for a I'm doing fine without you look but with it he looked like a soft little lamb, especially with his black hair all down and covering his forehead.

Jeongguk reached what he never wants to call home again. He punched in the code for the gate then walked over to the front of their door. He hesitated, but gave three loud and hard knocks. A few seconds passed before Auntie Cho was the one to open it, her face instantly lighting up.

"Jeo– I mean, young master, you're home."

Jeongguk smiled, seeing how formal she was being, something he hated — a sign his father was home. "Where is father?" he asked coming inside, rubbing his hands together and removing his shoes.

"In his office."

Jeongguk thanked the lady and headed towards the lounge. His mother sat there as always, but today nothing was on the television. She just stared blankly at the empty screen.

"Mom?" he called out. Her head turned back as fast as light, lips curling upwards into a smile. She stood up, walking over to the boy looking as beautiful as ever, he still wondered how she managed to do that.

"How are you, Ggukie?"

"I'm good. Mom, we need to talk," he said, walking her mother back to the couch to sit down.

"Gguk, what's wrong?"

Jeongguk took in a big breath. "A lot. A lot is wrong, mom. This entire family is wrong, messed up. You know, I know, everyone in this house knows it. I just don't get it, why do you still put up with this life? Are you really happy? Happy with him? Happy with this life?"

Her face dropped. It's the first time Jeongguk had ever expressed his feelings, his voice cracked in places from trying to choke back tears. She placed her hand over her son's and gulped hard. "Of course I am."

"Stop lying. Please, just stop lying to me, to yourself!"

Mrs. Jeon flinched when his became suddenly loud. She watched as her son let out the tears and hold her hand tightly.

"Mom, just get a divorce. Take father's money and live your life how you want. Who cares if your partnership gets cut, I'm sure grandma and grandpa value their daughter's happiness more. Meet someone else if you want. Do something that makes you happy, release yourself from this place, from that man."

She couldn't help but let out tears of her own. She raised the unoccupied arm wiped his tears then cup his cheek. "I know I look stupid, like the biggest idiot, but I still have hope. Your father was once a loving man, and I know he's still in there. The life I had been living all this time would be a lie if I were to just give up now. Please understand me, please?" She cried louder and she rested her forehead on the boy's shoulder, not being able to look him in the eye.

"The man you loved is dead. Maybe one day you'll understand that," Jeongguk said coldly before he leaned back. He wiped away the tears a little too harshly then walked away from his mother. He just felt so upset and angry, yet also felt pity for her. Jeongguk found a mirror and waited 'till his eyes didn't look so puffy and red. Then he walked to the office. He took in another deep breath before opening the door, not even bothering to knock. His father was leaned against his custom made ebony desk, one hand in pocket and the other with a drink, looking as if he was expecting Jeongguk's sudden visit.

"Homesick already?" Mr. Jeon asked, raising his glass of whiskey to his lips to take a sip.

Jeongguk noticed the wisp of white hair that peaked through his perfectly pushed back hair. Such a flaw on such a man is a surprise, but on him, nothing looked like a flaw. From everything he wore to what he said, they all held purpose and importance.

"I wanted to ask if I can take just my clothes with me. I'll pay you back for it when I can." Jeongguk stared at the ground, feeling weird for having to come back and get permission to take his clothes, but he wanted to stop having to live off the man's money.

His father chuckled. He placed his glass down on the table and approached the boy carefully. "Hmm, I wonder how serious you are about this."

"As serious as I'll ever be."

"You know, you're quite loud."

Jeongguk looked up, confused at what his father was saying.

"I've told your mother the same suggestion once, to get a divorce with me when she looked so miserable. God, it was as if her whole world had shattered. She broke down as if I gave her divorce papers."

He glared at his father, hand tightening in his fist. "Why are you telling me this?" Jeongguk asked through gritted teeth.

"Just thought I'd share. Anyways, I've changed my mind on Australia."

Now that was a surprise. Jeongguk raised a brow, seeing his father was usually set on his plans on something.

"Too far. I've changed it to Hong Kong. You can have your own flat to have the freedom you're so desperately trying to seek, finish your studies, then take care of my branch there. Once you get enough experience, come back and work alongside me."

Jeongguk shook his head. "Tsk, what a joke."

"A joke it is, whatever you're trying to pull. Where are you living, with that Taehyung boy, I presume?"

"Oh like you haven't been following me, you probably know everything."

The man chuckled. "No, not anymore. But I have done my research. Kim Taehyung, oldest son of Kim Jaehyun and Kim Chaeyoung who run Huallu Enterprises, one of our partners. Attends Bangtan High in his final year with an average of seventy-three. I've got more, but you probably know all of that as you two are... close. Isn't he just a charming young man?"

"Mess with him and hell will be raised," Jeongguk warned with the sudden ignition to his anger.

"Calm down there. Your flight to Hong Kong has been booked for Thursday after the end of school. Call Mr. Han and he'll drive you to the airport where Mr. Lu will accompany you on your flight as your guardian. I'll give you two days. And go ahead, take your clothes, I'll have the rest packed for Thursday."

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and bowed one last time before turning around and heading to the exit.

"Oh Jeongguk," his father stopped him, "The hair suits you."

Now Jeongguk really wanted to rip his hair out, but he ignored it and remembered why he had dyed it in the first place. He was going to do things he enjoyed and liked instead of being caught up with trying to ruin his father. He stormed out and up the stairs to his room to see Somi already there, large suitcase in hand.

"I've had it ready for you," she said, rolling it over to him. "I heard you're living with Taehyung. I've stashed some protection in the front pocket just in case y'all fuckers are carrying S— OW" she started but yelled in pain when her brother flicked her forehead. "Hey! It was so hard to get tho— OW! Stop flicking me!"

"Is this really what a high school girl should have," he said, flicking her again. "You need to focus on your studies, Somi." He raised his hand to flick the girl again making her eyes shut tightly and lips pursed inwards. Jeongguk stopped mid way and instead opened his hand out and patted her head slowly. She opened her eye to see her brother's features all softened. He patted her head once more. "Take care of mom." Somi smiled as she nodded. The two shared a small laugh before Jeongguk grabbed the luggage and carried it down, and Somi followed him until he was outsid.

Jeongguk stopped and turned to his sister at the first few steps out. "You were kidding right?"

"About?"

"About your dumb protection."

Somi giggled evilly, if that was possibly. She raised her shoulders before slamming the door shut on him. Jeongguk sighed. He bent down and unzipped the pocket to see that there really was those basic condom packets you could get at the school's guidance office. Jeongguk rolled his eyes before shoving the thing back, not wanting to look at it for another second. Then he heard the door open again by Somi.

"By the way, you look really different today, but I just can't place my finger on what it is?

Yup, the boy really wanted to slam his head in a wall because of his mess of a family.

—•
ALLAKSKKEK FIRST OF ALL GUYS WE'Re AT MORE THAN 50K READS
WHOSMT THE FUCK IS EVEN READING THIS TRASH
ANYWAYS TY <33333333

Also this update was supposed to go up yesterday but I was just having those days where everything felt so ugh and I was just disgusted in doing anything especially touching my phone BUT HERE IT IS

Bye<3