So I really felt like writing an otp one shot. If it's not for you, that's fine. In the beginning I didn't like bangtan ships but here we are now🙌🏽
This was inspired by the media ^
Enjoy and don't forget to vote~ 💜
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"Tae!"

15 year old Jungkook had just run up to Taehyung in a flurry, with his bag bumping against his back and his scarf flowing out in the wind, his cheeks and nose tinted pink due to the kiss of the cold.

He flopped down onto the bench next to his best friend, grinning and clutching in his hand two lollipops.

After handing one to Taehyung, Jungkook unwrapped his own and popped it into his mouth and relaxed with a contented sigh, earning a small giggle from the elder.

Taehyung swung a casual arm around the younger boy's shoulders and smiled as the latter adjusted immediately to fit into place.

"How was school?" Taehyung grinned, watching Jungkook absentmindedly play with the drawstrings of his hoodie. Taehyung's hoodie.

"It was fine," Jungkook shrugged, giving a small smile. "I got given tonnes of homework though," He pouted, and Taehyung had to refrain himself from closing the gap between himself and those pouty little lips, instead looking away as Jungkook acting cute was just one of Tae's many weaknesses.

"Well it will keep your brain sharp," Tae chuckled, pushing Jungkook with a forefinger to the younger's forehead, causing the latter to scrunch up his nose.

"You sound like my mother," He laughed, jumping up and pulling the older boy to his feet. "Come on, let's hit the arcades!"

It was when Taehyung was 19, that he began to doubt the nature of his feelings towards his best friend. He assumed the protectiveness over the younger boy was because he felt the need to keep him safe as his little brother, as his closest friend. Every time Jungkook patted his back or swung an arm around his shoulders, the blush that tainted his cheeks unknowingly he brushed off as fondness, rather than what it actually was. The heat that prickled his skin whenever they happened to touch he shrugged off.

Until one day he let himself accept that he'd fallen for his best friend. It didn't hit him like it does it in films, it was more of a feeling that settled in the back of his mind, an afterthought whenever he was in the presence of the younger.

He hid it so well that Jungkook didn't even guess; he had no idea. But today, today Taehyung was going to tell him how he really felt. Not necessarily to see if Jungkook reciprocated his feelings because he highly doubted he would, but just to get it off his chest, to make the younger boy see how special he was to Taehyung.

"Jungkook-ah?" Taehyung smiled, watching the boy grin widely and flop himself down onto the bed, Taehyung's bed. There was a permanent smile etched on his lips that Taehyung wondered what was the cause.

"I have news, hyung," The 17 year old sat up, his eyes glinting.

"Oh yeah? Me too actually," Tae could feel the nervousness bubbling in the back of his throat, now pondering whether or not revealing was a good idea.

"I'll go first!" Jungkook wiggled to the edge of the bed and perched there, his feet on the floor and his hands on his knees.

"So there's this girl..."

And Taehyung felt his mouth go dry.

"She's so pretty, hyung, so pretty. She's in my maths class, I'm not sure if you know her? Her name's Areum."

Taehyung swallowed thickly. "Yeah I know her."

"I speak to her sometimes," Jungkook scratched the back of his neck with sparkles in his eyes, the kind that Taehyung only saw when he brought over Jungkook's favourite dish from the takeout 20 minutes from his house.

"I was thinking... Maybe..."

Taehyung knew what the boy was going to say even before he said it. And it started a dull ache in his chest; the seed of pain had been planted in his heart.

"..to ask her out tomorrow," Jungkook finished, smiling sheepishly and tapping his fingers on his knees, a habit he did when he was nervous.
"What do you think, Tae?"

I think you'd be better with me.

"S-sure Kookie," Taehyung smiled softly, clenching his fist tightly behind his back and biting his lip, barely feeling his fingernails dig into his palms.

"You think so hyung?" Jungkook looked up at the elder, and Taehyung was long gone into those deep imploring eyes, hopeful and excited.

"Of course, anyone would say yes to you," He whispered, but Jungkook had already bounced off the bed with a cheer, missing that sentence.

The 19 year old was laying on his sofa the following evening, flicking between TV channels and eventually turning it off due to the lack of quality programmes. With a sigh, he stood up and slipped his feet into his grey bunny slippers (which he may have bought because they reminded him of his best friend) before heading for the kitchen to fix himself a mug of tea, hearing the door bell ring four times in quick succession.

A smile unknowingly made its way onto Taehyung's lips as he put down the mug and walked to the door, opening it to reveal a very excitable 17 year old.

"Tae! She said yes!"

She said yes.

Of course she would say yes.

"See, didn't I tell you?" Taehyung winced at the slight break in his voice but Jungkook hadn't seemed to notice, already bustling into the apartment and heading for the kitchen to hunt for food like he'd done countless other times.

"We're meeting up tomorrow afternoon," Jungkook smiled, his cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk after stuffing chocolates in his mouth.
"I'm so happy," He sighed contently, leaning against the counter.

Who was Taehyung to prevent his love's happiness?

"I'm proud of you Jungkook-ah," Tae smiled, gently stroking the younger's hair absentmindedly.

"Oh yeah hyung!" Jungkook stood up straight, causing Tae to rest his hand on the back of Jungkook's neck.

"Weren't you going to tell me something yesterday?"

Taehyung's hand dropped to his own side.

"Oh that? It doesn't matter," He replied dismissively, waving it away, pretending not to see Jungkook's dubious expression.

Taehyung was sat in the café waiting, waiting for Jungkook to turn up like he said he would. He'd dressed up fairly nicely in his opinion, with a smart pale blue button up that was untucked and dark blue skinny jeans, paired with his black boots. It was smartly casual, and Taehyung was quite pleased, even if he did say so himself.

Now all that there was to do was wait.

He was excited to meet the younger, after a whole 2 weeks without having seen him. Now that doesn't sound like a long time but the closeness of the two had always meant that they'd see each other almost everyday. Well, ever since Areum had come into their lives Tae hadn't spent the same time as he used with the younger, but he wanted to change that.

He checked his watch. 6:35pm. He had the time correct, didn't he? He was sure he did; they'd agreed for 6:00pm.

Maybe he's just running late.

Taehyung ran a hand through his hair and quickly smoothened it out as a ping sounded from his phone atop the table. With a smile he picked it up as he saw the name.

Jungkook:
Hyung! I'm so sorry, Areum isn't well so I'm at her house to take care of her. Maybe another time, sorry again! I know you'll understand :)

Taehyung's smile faltered.

I understand.

It was Areum's 22nd birthday.

Jungkook had called Taehyung over to help him plan. Thing is, Taehyung could not hold anything against Areum, for she was a lovely girl who really took care of Jungkook.

But I bet I could take care of you better.

So he agreed; it's not like he could refuse the younger anyway.

"So what are you thinking?" Taehyung asked as he popped a strawberry in his mouth, pouting as Jungkook pushed his hand away from the bowl.

"Those are for later," He insisted, and Taehyung just stuck his tongue out childishly, earning a laugh from the younger boy.

"So we need to bake a cake-"

"Oh I'm a pro at baking," Taehyung said proudly, puffing his chest.

"Hyung, we all know you can't cook to save your life," Jungkook chucked, leaving Taehyung to pout once more.

"So yeah, bake a cake. Then set up banners and balloons, and put out the rest of the food. There's going to be around 30 people."

Taehyung just nodded, happy to be spending the day with Jungkook, even if it was to prepare for the latter's girlfriend's birthday party. He could just forget that part for now.

"Pass the flour Tae, it's to your left," Jungkook pointed, and the said 24 year old reached over to grab the bag, only to have it slip from his fingers and explode in a cloud of white.

There was a pause, before Jungkook's exasperated cry of "Tae!"

Taehyung hopped from one foot to the other, before bursting out laughing, unable to help himself.

One look at the elder was all it took for the stern look to disappear and for Jungkook to fall into laughs, flicking a large clump of flour at Taehyung.

"You just-" Taehyung spluttered, attempting to brush off the powder but only making it worse.

"Hahaha- oh!" Jungkook was hit in the chest with an even bigger amount of flour, and that's when the war started, the pair of them throwing not only flour but sugar and smearing butter.

They decided it was time to stop when an egg fell and cracked on the floor.

"For god's sake Tae, now we're going to have to clear this up," Jungkook sighed but couldn't help but crack a smile at the elder, who returned it. They felt like kids again, the same carefree kids they used to be.

"Hyung," Jungkook spoke, catching the elder's attention.

"Hm?"

"Why don't you get a girlfriend?"

Taehyung froze, before laughing off the question. "I don't want one," He smiled thinly.

"But hyung, don't you want to have someone to love?"

I already have you to love.

"How do you know I haven't already?" Taehyung grinned playfully, raising his eyebrows, to which Jungkook laughed.

"Because you would have told me."

Taehyung simply smiled.

"Just imagine," Jungkook swung an arm across the elder's shoulders and outstretched the other. "Imagine your wedding! The sweet melody, the gorgeous view of your bride walking down the aisle...imagine it hyung!" Jungkook grinned, removing his arm as he went back to tidying.

Taehyung was indeed envisaging his wedding. But instead of a beautiful girl in a long white dress he could see a handsome man in a suit, with his raven coloured hair gelled back to expose his forehead, and a cute toothy grin with his thin pink lips.

He was so caught up in the wistful image, that he failed to notice the smear of butter on the floor, and of course he stepped right onto it and toppled forward, grabbing onto the closest thing which happened to be Jungkook, sending the pair of them to the ground.

Somehow, Taehyung ended up sprawled on top of the younger boy, the close proximity making his heart race. He could observe how well the boy had matured, his features becoming more masculine and sharp. His eyes still held the same shine though, and currently were wide open and staring straight at him with an unreadable look.

"Tae, are you alright?" Jungkook mumbled, removing his hands from Taehyung's waist, where he had grabbed upon reflex.

Taehyung nodded, not trusting his voice, still marvelling at the masterpiece that was Jeon Jungkook. He only snapped out of his daze when the younger wiggled underneath him and Taehyung quickly scrambled off and stood, holding a hand for Jungkook who took it with a laugh, standing up and brushing down his T-shirt.

"Come here Tae, you have flour all over you," Jungkook chuckled, stepping closer to brush off the mix from the front of his chest and Taehyung had to hold his breath and bite his tongue so he didn't lean forward and kiss the boy senseless.

"It's cake cutting time!"

There were so many people, more than Jungkook said there would be - all of their friends, plus Areum's friends. Jungkook had it all planned out so well, with sophisticated decorations and speakers set up for music. In the end they'd managed to bake a huge cake which Jungkook had decorated himself and Tae had to admit it was good. But when did Jungkook ever do something that wasn't perfect?

Guests gathered around the table on which the cake lay, Jungkook looking proud of himself as Areum smiled at him, commenting about how she loved it.

Taehyung was stood at the back of the crowd when it happened.

"I have something to say."

The chatter quietened to a low murmur until it petered out completely. Taehyung leant forward in curiosity; lucky for him that his height enabled him to have clear sight over the heads of the other guests, clear sight of Jungkook.

Jungkook smiled nervously, and Taehyung could tell the boy was slightly worried for he could spot the small tremor in his hands even from the distance.

The younger boy reached into his pocket, and Taehyung suddenly knew. It dawned on him what he was about to do.

A small velvet box lay in his hands as Jungkook kneeled on the ground, gasps emitting from everyone around them, Areum's hands flying to her mouth in shock.

"Areum..."

Taehyung could feel in it in his heart. The seed planted almost 6 six years ago had grown into a beautiful yet fatal rose, full of thorns that pricked him, sinking deep into his chest as the pain spread throughout his body.

"...so will you marry me?"

Taehyung could see the hope gleaming in his love's eyes, looking up at girl he wanted to spend his life with. The elder watched as the girl nodded vigorously, pulling him into an embrace as cheers and clapping erupting around them, filling the room but Taehyung heard none of it, blocking it out completely.

It twisted in his chest, burying more and more thorns into his body as he simply observed the couple's eyes shining as they smiled softly at each other, absorbed in their own world of happiness.

He's gone.

Taehyung knew a long time ago that he'd lost Jungkook, he'd lost him to someone else and every waking moment he'd regret not confessing sooner.

Would that have changed anything?

Taehyung was about to turn away when Jungkook caught his eye. The younger smiled softly, mouthing just two words.

Thank you.

Taehyung bit his tongue in a futile attempt to stop the tears from forming in his eyes.

Anything for you.

It was the big day.

Of course, Jungkook had asked Taehyung to be his best man, which came as no big surprise. He'd just never imagined having to be the best man at a wedding he'd wanted to be the groom of.

The freshly washed and ironed suit lay on his arm of the chair, ready to be worn. Taehyung was staring at it, his mind aware that he needed to start dressing up but his body unwilling.

It was Jungkook's wedding.

To Areum.

Not to me.

Taehyung reached for his wallet which lay in the depths of his bag, opening it. Inside was a photo, an old photo of himself and Jungkook, 18 and 16, back when there was no one else, just the pair of them having fun. A smile made its way to his lips as he held the photo, chuckling at the sight of Jungkook caught mid-laugh as Taehyung tickled him. If Taehyung wasn't mistaken, it was Jimin who had taken the photo on his phone.

Placing it carefully back in his wallet, he dropped the wallet back into his bag, zipping it up.

I'm sorry Jungkook. I love you.

Grabbing the bag, he swung it on his shoulder, taking one last fleeting look at the black suit on the chair.

He couldn't do it. Not now, not ever. He was letting his love down, but he couldn't do it, for he knew that as soon as the priest asked if anyone had any objections Taehyung would not have the restraint to stop himself from shouting yes, yes he did have an objection.

But all he wanted was Jungkook's happiness, and that meant that Taehyung had to leave before he broke completely, entirely.

He stepped out of the door, swinging it shut behind him and locking it, adjusting the bag on his shoulder. He checked his phone one last time, checking he'd sent the message he'd always wanted to send to the only person he could ever envisage himself with.

To Jungkook:

I'm sorry I couldn't be there.
I hope you're always happy.

I love you.

Taehyung stared at the phone screen for a few moments; the message hadn't been seen yet. He hoped the other wouldn't see it until after the wedding - he didn't want to cause any issues. He'd already requested Jimin to take his place after a lot of persuasion, and Jungkook didn't know about this but he would soon find out.

Hopefully he wouldn't be too disappointed.

They say that if you love something let it go, and if it's yours it will come back to you.

But Taehyung knew that Jungkook isn't his, Jungkook was never his, and Jungkook would never come back to him. Because Taehyung had already lost Jungkook to someone else.

If only he'd confessed sooner.

But it was okay.

As long as he moved away, away from here, away from him, Taehyung could live with the pain.

He had been doing for the past 6 years, after all.