Busan, South Korea. 

They were Taekook— Taehyung and Jungkook, inseparable since their very childhood, from elementary to high school;  lazy afternoons were spent holding hands, playing basketball in the roadside playground, sharing Pokemon cards, keeping secrets, endless talkings, walking home together, then calling each other randomly from the windows of their bedrooms which had a good three-meter distance and continuing whatever discussion they left till midnight were their everyday things. 'Where's Taehyung? —Ask Jungkook.'  'Where's Jungkook? —Must be in Taehyung's house.' Not only their parents, but everyone in the colony would know 'Taekook' never left each other. 

  One fine morning, dropping himself on the edge of the little couch in Jungkook's bedroom, Taehyung set out what weighed his mind, "Economics ain't giving me any hope. I'm quitting."

  Jungkook, whose face was jammed against his phone, made no reaction. He was shirtless, his baby abs like carved marble glowing under the beige sunlight peeking through the semi transparent curtains of the windows beside him. Where the other boy was in casual blue jeans and white shirt, uncombed long curls falling on his face making it seem smaller like a Japanese doll.

  "Bunny, Are you listening?"

  "What?" Jungkook was so absorbed in texting  that he didn't notice when his friend had gotten closer to him. He made a whinny sound at the back of his throat when his phone was snatched away from his hand, "Hey, wait," He stretched his arm to get it back which was drawn farther out of his reach. He pulled the other by his collar, not forcing though, actually didn't want to tear his shirt  which was new he knew. He groaned and gave up a second later. Hands falling on lap defeatedly. None of his tricks he knew would work on his best friend, who would definitely make him listen to whatever he had to say. "At least you could let me say her a bye. What will she think of me keeping her message on seen?" 

  "She'll probably think you have no interest in her." Taehyung handed him his phone after switching it off. 

  "What happened now? Tell me." 

  "I will but first, tell me who I am?" 

  "Ughhh!" The annoyed groan projected that it wasn't Jungkook's first time facing this question, "Taehyung."

  "Only Taehyung?" His perfectly arched eyebrow demanded something else. 

  "Kim taehyung." Jungkook leaned back and watched him sulk. 

  "Tae is," Taehyung said, kicking his foot gently, "The first part of Taekook. No one can take Tae's place in Kook's life. Not even that short hair skinny girl you are courting." 

  Jungkook kicked his foot back. "Why the hell are you getting so possessive and aggressive day by day?"

  The word 'aggressive' somehow triggered the other boy as he raised on his knees to crush himself on his thighs and cupped his face with both of his hands, squished his cheeks until a pout popped up on his mouth, and made him look up at him. "Why aren't you paying attention to me these days?"

 "I do," It was difficult speaking with a squished mouth, though Jungkook didn't push him away. "It's you who confuses me."

  "What-da-ever. Remember this," Taehyung brought his face closer to his face, warm breath ghosting over his pink pout where his eyes lingered, "You can't escape from me."

  Jungkook didn’t flinch. His brow furrowed, eyes tightening on his blinkless stare. Almost 24/7 he was with him. He couldn't remember the last time they had a fight and stopped talking for a whole day.  Taehyung was damn right— none could take his place in his life. They'd become like each other's habits— hard to let go. 

  Even a year ago, after spending whole days together, he felt lonely at nights when Taehyung closed his curtains after saying 'Goodnight' and dimmed his bedroom light as he prepared himself to sleep. Jungkook knew they were going to meet tomorrow, however laying on his bed looking at the empty ceiling he kept wondering if he could cross the fence that separated their houses and talk with him more on topics that were left on his mind or better sleep in his bed, cuddling till they fall asleep.

  He was an early riser, Taehyung not. Everyday he waited for him outside his house to go to their school together. They had the same class, the same additional subjects and their hobbies were the same. Classmates addressing them as soul-twins always made him feel proud. 

  Everything was fine until he noticed the sudden change in Taehyung's behaviour when they became eighteen. Taehyung chose the same major as him knowing it would be difficult to conduct. In college Jungkook couldn't make many friends as his best friend was clinging to him almost all the time, touching him often, getting jealous, sulking on silly things, making him uncomfortable when they were in public. He didn't know the reason, never asked for it, just thought Taehyung was naive, he would act maturely if they gave each other some space. He started talking with this girl Nana for a couple of months, and went on dates like a normal college couple. He did all the things with her which Taehyung opposed, which was abnormal according to some, but he never stopped him for once. 

 However Taehyung's possessiveness ascended and it did affect his love life. Nana started avoiding him. 

  "Get off." He pushed the thin boy off of him and sat upright. Deep breath, he faced him. "Alright tell me where you're stuck? I could help you."

  "No need." The other sighed, his voice dropped to a murmur, "I'm dropping out."

  "Now you're saying this? Before the final semester?" Said Jungkook. 

  "Uhm," The corner of Taehyung's lips downward, "I wasted my two whole years on the thing that never got inside my head. I got the lowest marks in our college, got called by the principal three times, if that's not embarrassing he humiliated me in front of my dad. If I were the chairman, I would have kicked that bald pig out but I could only stare. My dad didn't say anything but I know he hates me now."

  "I don't think so. He never forced you to do anything ever unlike my dad."  Jungkook was always good at calculations so his father wanted him to become an accountant, whereas Taehyung was more into arts, creative things and not so well in Maths. His father had a garments shop in the city Busan which he was supposed to run after graduation, that's why his father let him choose whatever he wanted to.

  "I know. He'll probably tell me to drop out if I say this now, and caged me in that boring business of his." He sighed and looked at Jungkook, "I don't want that. I just want to be with you." 

  Jungkook studied his expression, "What do you want me to do now?" 

  "Run away with me." 

  Jungkook's eyebrows rose immediately. "What?"

  "I said—" Taehyung touched his elbow and bent close like he was going to share something confidential, "Come with me, Bunny. I'm going to Seoul to try my luck in acting. Got some money from my insurance last year and my dad hasn't asked for it yet. Also, becoming an actor was our dream when we were teens, remember? We used to participate in school plays?"

  Jungkook's mouth ajar, though remained silent.

  Taehyung added, "Don't worry. I've talked with uncle Gong who lives in Seoul. He said we can stay in his rooftop room until we find a job. He's not that rich who can afford our meals but we can manage that." His eyes were so earnest, so hopeful, Jungkook couldn't reply immediately. 

  "You ain't serious?" He spoke after a long moment of silence. 

  "I am." Taehyung took his hand into his, lightly pressing, "Let's go together. This'll be our last chance to prove ourselves to our parents."

  Jungkook hadn't come out of the shock. He knew Taehyung wouldn't say something out of the blue or joke on certain things, but what he was saying was impossible. "Impossible. We just can't run away like this. What will my dad say? Yaejoon, my brother is a college topper, maybe I'm not as good as him but, dad has high hopes for me. He wants us to become government employees like him. I can't break his hope."

  "What about your dreams? And me?"

  "I am not the same fourteen year old if you haven't noticed it before. I can't." Jungkook lowered his head. It was so hard for him to choose between them. 

  "Then," Taehyung lowered his face, mirroring him, his eyes closing as if he was hurt, quietly said, "We'll be seeing each other less from now on. If this is what you want, I'll honor it. I shall  come tomorrow to say a proper goodbye. Uhm?" Releculantly he got up. Hands fisted and let loose. Before coming here he thought his best friend would immediately agree with him, in fact encourage him, and prepare himself for their journey towards a new life. But it seemed really impossible. 

  He took a deep breath and a step toward the door but immediately got held, pulled by the other, and losing balance he thumped back on the couch where he was a moment ago. 

  "Wait," Jungkook didn't let go of his wrist, gently asked, "Where are you going now?"

  "Now? I have to go to arrange the tickets. Buy some handy items and pack them in my bag. It'll take some time, you know." Taehyung tried sounding cheerful, "I’ll be okay. Don't worry." An obvious lie.  Jungkook could read that on his face. 

  "I know you're good looking and I never doubted your acting skill, but how can you say I'll get a role in dramas or movies with this face?" He swiped his hand over his face, "I mean, just look at me. They'll probably reject me in the audition."

  "No." Taehyung shook his head and didn't waste a moment to say, "Bunny, you are the most good looking guy I've ever seen. You have a perfect body, perfect face, fair glowing skin, they'll cast you before me I'm saying this." 

  "You sure?"

  "Damn sure." 

  "Fuck." Jungkook's mouth stretched in a full smile, "I'm going with you." 

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Two months later, 

Seoul, South Korea. 

  "Are we having jajangmyeon tonight?" Taehyung very carefully took the bowl from Jungkook's hand, took a deep breath and sighed, "Ah, it smells so good. Thank you." 

  Jungkook smiled, "Wait, I bought some kimchi on my way home. Let me get it for you." He walked over to the kitchen counter, opened a drawer and pulled out a small kimchi can he got in the departmental store at a fair discount. He washed his used knife and the can before opening it. 

  In the meantime when Jungkook wasn't looking, digging his chopsticks into the bowl, Taehyung took out a good amount of his share and filled Jungkook's bowl with it. When Jungkook came and sat on the floor beside him, he smiled widely till his cheeks curved with childlike fullness. "So nice of you, my lovely Bunny. You know how much I love noodles with kimchi." He plated out a spoonful of kimchi and mixed it with his noodles, having the first bite while savoring the flavor. "Mhmm, so good. I'm having a foodgasm." 

  "You're what?" Jungkook raised his eyes at him. 

  Taehyung shyly shook his head. "I won't repeat. Just eat your food." 

  Jungkook nodded, "Is the kimchi good?" 

  "Oishi."

  Jungkook couldn't help but laugh at his stuffed face and puppy eyes, then suddenly got serious and said, "My mom makes better kimchi than this. I miss her cooking. Actually I'm missing her badly these days." 

  Gulping the semi-chewed noodles Taehyung had in his mouth, sat closer to him, "You could visit her for a couple of days and come back again." 

  "I wish I could." Jungkook took a pause, "I'll go home only if I become successful in life as written on the letter I left for my dad. Don't want to go now and stand in front of him being a loser. I don't want to give him the chance to laugh at my face. I don't want to be as pathetic as he has assumed. I can't right now."

  "Bunny," Taehyung opened his mouth and closed. He didn't like the fact that Jungkook was helpless and the reason was his stupidity. No matter how many auditions they gave, how many production houses they visited in these couple of months, nothing worked for them. Everyone either had asked about their experience or the connection with the influential families, or directly had asked for money. And they'd none of them to begin with. He wished he could turn back time, return to their usual comfort place in Busan. Their houses. Maybe it wasn't too late. 

  But of course that wouldn't be the same as before. 

  They laid side by side on the mattress. Two pillows touching, not their bodies. The metallic moonlight through the unrepaired rooftop ceiling created a mosaic pattern on the floor. It was long past midnight. Stars were fading one by one. The world was taking a rest. A serene peace settled over the white blanket they were sharing. 

  "Jungkook," Taehyung said, looking at one of the holes on the ceiling, "How much do we have left?" 

  Jungkook tiredly opened his eyes, turned to his side, facing him. "Enough for a week or two. You don't have to worry, just give your best in the auditions. I'll manage the rest." 

  "I gave my hundred percent each time. Nothing worked." The broken ceiling, the endless space outside had become a metaphor of his life. He closed his eyes and sighed and opened them towards Jungkook. "One thing I've learned coming here, you don't always need talent, what you need is power. If you've money, you have the power to do anything literally." 

  "Hey," Jungkook reached his hand under the blanket, interlocking their fingers, "Once we get a job, we're getting tons of money. Uhm?" 

  "Don't raise my hopes. I'm already frustrated." 

  "Don't be." Jungkook squished his hand once and left it after a sigh. "I forgot to tell you I've an audition tomorrow which is for a negative role."

  "No way. You," Taehyung turned on his side, scrutinizing his expression with a frown. "Aren't serious. Right?"

  "Why? What's wrong with that?" Jungkook said in a pout. 

  "Cancel it. If your first impression comes out negative, nobody will cast you for the male lead." 

  "Male lead?" Jungkook laughed, showing his two front teeth, "Don't make jokes in the middle of the night, Tae. With your face and talent you aren't getting the main lead, how do you expect me to get one?" 

  "No." Taehyung whined, "I told you you're more handsome than me." 

  "Yeah sure." Jungkook rolled his eyes, "Anyways, if I get that gangster role I'm telling you, all our life problems will be solved."

  "Ok, but how would you play a gangster?" Taehyung came inches closer to him, eyes glinting clearly, "Tell me who'll fear a baby faced bunny? Your co-stars would die on your cuteness first, and then the audience." 

  Jungkook's eyes narrowed, "Hey, you shouldn't say that. I'm preparing myself to get into the character." 

  "What-da-ever you say. No one's gonna take you seriously. Nobody will fear you."  Two fingers  on Jungkook's nose pinching playfully, Taehyung laughing so loudly as if he said something funny. Jungkook gripped his arm and his laugh disappeared. "Aah!"

  "So you're saying I can't act badass huh?" Jungkook said in his deepermost voice, his eyes were shining with a dark glee aligned with the other's widened ones. "You want me to be a bad boy right now?" A smirk, "I can be worse than you imagined."

  "I was just joking." Taehyung tried to laugh like before but the grip on his hand tightened, and he yelled in sudden pain, "Yah! Leave me, you bunny man. I hate you."

  "See," Jungkook left his hand and giggled, "You've underestimated my talent"

  "For a moment I thought you've gone crazy." Taehyung clutched his forearm where he was being held, though it wasn't hurting much but left a tingling sensation behind. "How are you so strong? I envy you." 

  "Everyone in our college did." Jungkook sighed and crossed his arms behind his head as he rolled on his back, closed his eyes, remembering those days his lips curved in a smile. 

  Taehyung felt ice in his heart with a certain memory in their college. A moment later he whispered,  "Did you feel something when you kissed her?" 

  "Huh?" Jungkook opened his sleepy eyes, looked at him like he'd seen him a lifetime ago, "You mean Nana?"

  Taehyung arched his brows, "How many girls have you kissed?" He was with him all the time. What if Jungkook hid the others! No! 

  "Only her." He confirmed. "Twice."

  Taehyung bit his inner lip, "Did you feel something?"

  "Yeah of course. That was so magical. I never knew girls' lips could be that soft. It felt like having an ice-cream or a chunk of butter or marshmallow softly melting inside my mouth." He smiled slowly, shyly, "I can't even describe."

  "Oh!" Taehyung didn’t take his eyes off him for a second, expressionless. 

  "Why did you ask?" Said Jungkook. 

  "Just asked." He turned the other side facing the wall, pulling the blanket over his head and murmured, "Sleep. You've an audition tomorrow." 

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A/N: Hello, thank you so much for the visit. I would love to hear your opinion. Please leave some love and good words —

Before proceeding to the next chapter I would like to mention three things:

First, Don’t upload my works anywhere else(I am posting parallelly on Ao3 under the username iambips.)
Don't copy or translate without my consent. All rights reserved.

Second, The characters will behave according to their nature, if you can, try to understand them. If you can't, please quit reading the story without being rude.

Thirdly, Jungkook is the top here, he's a virgin but Tae is not. If you're okay with these settings, please read ahead. I hope you'll enjoy the journey💜