Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.
━
The Art of War
Sun Tzu

≣

Love did not exist without fear.

Fear only existed when there was something to lose.

And when one had something to lose . . .

"I'm taking Jungkook with me."

. . . they acted irrationally.

Fuck. Every single emotion Taehyung experienced almost two weeks ago - when he witnessed the murders - came rushing back full force. Fear coated his tongue, the taste like metal as he attempted to swallow it down. Panic locked his muscles, rendering his body immobile and frozen. And terror obliterated all pretense of logic, preventing him from thinking with a rational mind.

Any control he once possessed slowly slipped from his grasp, leaving him with nothing more than fear, panic, and terror. But none of those debilitating emotions were centered around his self-preservation. No, he truly wasn't concerned over his own well-being at all. And maybe that's why he couldn't think clearly . . . He wasn't thinking with his head. His heart had taken the lead and dissipated his once wise thoughts into nothingness.

The blinding desire - that primal need - to protect his love at all costs overpowered everything else.

So, Taehyung decided to bring Jungkook with him, to take the boy out of one cage and potentially introduce him to another.

He didn't weigh the risks, didn't stop to consider what new threats would develop because of this decision. He didn't do any of those things because he wasn't stupid. He knew he just invited unimaginable dangers into both his and the younger's lives. And his common sense, while muted by paranoia and anxiety, told him this was the entirely wrong call.

But Taehyung wasn't willing to consider the alternatives - hell, he didn't have the time to debate which path forward would be the safest. The only immediate action to ensure Jungkook's safety was to keep him close, to protect his life with his own.

And he'd do it, too. If worse came to worst, he would do anything necessary to protect the younger. No matter the costs, Taehyung would pay them without pause.

As soon as he had that revelation, he understood why Yoongi initially sent Jungkook away. The Chief probably knew that by keeping the two boys together, they'd inevitably endanger themselves in an effort to defend the other. And while Taehyung hated the decision at the time, he had wanted to put as much distance between Jungkook and potential violence as possible. So he watched the younger leave even though it shattered his heart, and he didn't consider going against Yoongi's ultimate ruling.

But their circumstances had changed.

So, with an unyielding tone in place, Taehyung declared his decision regarding Jungkook to the Chief. He left no room for discussion, no opportunities for rebuttal. His fear, panic, and terror would not allow him to bend to anyone's will but his own.

And while he felt extremely confident with his plan, trepidation immediately flooded his senses. The hair lifted on the back of his neck; a slight shiver ran down his spine. Adrenaline pumped through his veins and increased his heart rate until the organ slammed against his ribcage. Every single part of Taehyung understood there was so much more at stake this time around. There was so much more to lose.

One wrong move on Taehyung's part could mean a certain death for Jungkook. And that scared the shit out of him.

Sure, he could tell himself he already protected Jungkook before. He kept the younger alive for days, and despite the lies and obstacles, he managed quite well. With that logic, stepping back into that role of protector - of a bodyguard - shouldn't be that difficult, right?

Wrong.

All of Taehyung's priorities had shifted; everything had changed. An obligation to repay Namjoon morphed into an obligation to safeguard his love from potential harm. No longer was this an unwelcome responsibility he didn't sign up for . . . This was now a matter of the heart.

And because of that, Taehyung was petrified he'd once again fail when needed the most. Even with years of defensive training and an arsenal of weapons at his disposal, they meant nothing if terror paralyzed his body. And if that happened . . . if he froze at a pivotal moment . . . his uselessness could cost Jungkook his life.

Useless . . .

No.

Taehyung couldn't afford to think like that; he couldn't keep viewing himself as useless. Yes, he hesitated out of fear and it cost his loved ones their lives. He didn't take action. But he would not let the scars of his past dictate his future. This time around, he was going to be the strong, capable, and useful protector Namjoon once trained him to be.

And he would sacrifice whatever was needed to shield Jungkook from the oncoming storm.

With a renewed strength coursing through his veins, Taehyung temporarily pushed down his lingering fear. He took a deep breath, focusing on how the air filled his lungs and then pushed through his parted lips. And then he emerged from his tumultuous thoughts, immediately struck by a firm grip on his hand and a booming voice yelling in his ear.

It would appear that he zoned out for a bit.

Taehyung ignored the endless stream of words coming from the Chief's side of the phone call and focused entirely on Jungkook. The younger's eyes were wide and unblinking, most likely due to a disbelieving shock over all that had happened. He didn't say anything; he didn't even appear to be breathing. Everything about him was so still.

"Sweetheart," Taehyung whispered, not meaning to speak but unable to stop the pet name from rolling off his tongue. "Kook, are you -?"

"Taehyung," Yoongi interrupted, his tone harsh and biting. "Are you even listening to me? Did you hear anything I just said?"

"No," Taehyung answered honestly, rolling his shoulders back as he prepared to hear an argument. "But I'm not asking for your permission or guidance, Yoongi. I'm simply looping you in on my final decision. And if you have a problem with it, I don't care. This is my choice. This is what I believe is the best move for both me and Jungkook."

"Will you calm the fuck down and listen to me? I'm not trying to change your mind," Yoongi replied stubbornly, his voice loud as he talked over Hoseok and Jimin in the background. "If you paid attention, you would've heard me say I agree with you. You're making a smart call. If Kim Seokjin is involved in all of this - if he has any idea what you two mean to each other - he could potentially use the kid to get to you. So, until we have a better idea of what's going on, Jungkook stays with you."

A sizable weight lifted from Taehyung's chest, and he let his shoulders droop forward. While he didn't necessarily need the Chief's approval, it nevertheless gave him solace. It was a small confirmation that he wasn't completely irrational, that he was doing the right thing.

"I want you two out of that house immediately," Yoongi continued after a brief pause. "But before you leave, let's talk logistics."

"Okay," Taehyung readily agreed, nodding his head along with the elder's words. "Just give me a minute."

He slipped the phone into his pocket before returning all of his attention to Jungkook. There were no traces of the cocky, charming brat he'd come to love. Instead, an undeniable tension kept the boy unnaturally rigid and silent.

Taehyung hated seeing the younger like this, hated that he was so visibly afraid. So he stepped even closer, pulling the boy into the safety of his arms. "Everything will be okay, Kook. You're coming with me, alright? I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I'll keep you safe."

Jungkook instantly relaxed into the embrace, tucking himself tightly against Taehyung's body. "I'm not afraid for me, Tae. I'm afraid for you. Fuck, I feel like this is all my fault. If I did a better job with Jin, maybe he wouldn't have been so suspicious. I just couldn't think clearly. I was so terrified the entire time that he'd find you."

"This isn't your fault, sweetheart. You did so well, okay? If anything, it's my fault. I left that postcard behind and didn't put away our condoms and shit. And I didn't even give you any advice on how to handle people you didn't trust. This one is on me." Taehyung carded his fingers through the younger's hair, wanting to soothe him as best as he could.

"Will the two of you stop wasting time? This isn't either of your faults . . . Taehyung. Where the fuck are you?" Yoongi shouted from the phone in Taehyung's pocket, frustration tangible even though layers of fabric muffled his voice.

Taehyung ignored the Chief for just a moment longer. "If there's anything you think you'll need or anything you want to bring specifically, go pack now. Keep it light, though, and don't take anything people will realize is missing."

The younger's chin dipped, his hair tickling Taehyung's cheek. "Won't people - Jin and potentially my dad - notice that I'm the one missing?"

"Fair point," Taehyung chuckled lightly, a little embarrassed that he overlooked that fact. "Nothing we can do about that. Go get ready and be ready to leave in five."

Jungkook attempted to smile, though his trembling lips only formed a thin line. "Do you want me to bring anything else for you?"

Taehyung shook his head, then watched as the younger ran down the hall and out of his line of sight. He didn't want to leave Jungkook unattended for even a moment, though he stayed put and turned towards the window. He had to keep watch in case any unwelcome visitors showed up unexpectedly.

"Taehyung."

Taehyung quickly retrieved the phone from his pocket and pressed it against his ear. "Relax, I'm here."

An aggravated sigh sounded from the other line. "You don't know how incredibly pissed off I am with you right now. I gave you more freedom than anyone else in my position would have, and how do you repay me? You sneak off and leave me to deal with two idiots who handcuffed me to a refrigerator with fuzzy pink - whatever."

A startled laugh left Taehyung's lips at that last part. "They what?"

"I'm not going to entertain you with the details," the Chief retorted snarkily. "My job is to keep you alive, though you seem determined to make that as difficult as possible. You've given me little reason to trust you."

Taehyung knew everything the elder said was the truth. Compared to the old Chief, Yoongi was a godsend who tolerated a lot more shit than he should have. And for that reason - along with not outright hurting Jungkook - Taehyung owed him so much.

"I'm sorry, okay?" He started, his words rich with sincerity and feeling. "I know I've put you in a tough position, and I realize your job is at stake because of me. You don't have any reason to trust me . . . I've gone behind your back twice now. But I had to come to him, Yoongi. I can't explain it . . . He's one of the only people I have left. So I don't regret what I did. And now, no matter what, I'll keep him safe."

It seemed Taehyung's impassioned declaration made little to no impact on Yoongi. "Are you done with your monologue, or do you still have more?"

Taehyung knew better than to remark on the Chief's edgy tone. "I'm done."

"Good. Now, look. I'm not going to spend time chastising you for running off. I'm just going to ask you to work with me moving forward. I really am trying to keep you alive, and I'd appreciate it if you could cooperate with me. Is that fair?"

It was more than fair. Anyone else would've demanded that he return to a designated location without delay, not run off - again - on his own. "Yes. I . . . Thank you, Yoongi. For everything you've done."

A gruff sort of noise sounded from the Chief's end, though he didn't add any additional comments on the subject. "Alright, let's move on. You said you have a secure place to go. I don't need an exact location but give me some general stats. Are you staying within the country?"

"Yes," Taehyung answered factually. "It's remote but not completely inaccessible. Close to major amenities if needed."

"Will there be other people at this location?"

"No. It's not a hotel."

Yoongi hummed in satisfaction. "Good to know. Will you be able to remain there for an extended period of time?"

This felt a lot like twenty questions to Taehyung. "Yes."

"Perfect. Now I doubt I need to remind you, but don't head directly to your destination. In case you're followed, make your trail confusing and difficult. Also, if you can stop before you leave Busan, withdraw the maximum amount of cash the ATM will allow. I want you to have as much on hand as possible."

"Will do," Taehyung affirmed. "And I'll keep the phone on me for now. Do you want me to let you know when we're off the road?"

"Yes. Once you secure your next position, call me and we'll go from there."

Taehyung felt Jungkook's presence before he heard or saw him return. He blindly reached out his hand - still not turning away from the window - and signaled the younger to come closer.

Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung's waist, pressing his chest against his back. He tucked his head into the crook between Taehyung's head and shoulder, allowing him to listen in on the conversation with the Chief.

For Jungkook's benefit - and to fulfill his own curiosity - Taehyung asked one final question. "What's your plan for Jimin and Hoseok? You're not keeping them at the bed and breakfast, are you?"

"They're coming with me to Seoul," Yoongi said with a slight twinge of annoyance. "Though neither of them is particularly pleased over that fact. They're packing and locking up now so we can get on the road as
soon as possible."

When Taehyung zoned out before, he must have missed hearing Yoongi order Jimin and Hoseok to prepare to leave. Regardless, he would need to ensure his father didn't fire the Chief at the end of all this. He was a good man.

Jungkook lips dragged against Taehyung's hand as he angled his mouth closer to the phone. "You'll keep them safe? Even though they're not your responsibility?"

"They're my responsibility now, so yes," Yoongi consoled him with a mild tone. "No harm will come to your friends, Jungkook."

That seemed to appease the younger, and he murmured a quick thank you in appreciation.

"Kook," Taehyung added softly, "do you have anything you want to ask?"

"I don't think so," the younger said, his fingers soothing over Taehyung's sides.

The gentle touch helped to keep Taehyung grounded, something he desperately needed to be at the moment. A successful journey was dependent on his ability to keep a clear head. "Alright. Yoongi, anything additional for us?"

"No, just be careful and smart. When I speak to you two next, I better hear that you safely arrived and ran into no issues whatsoever."

Before Taehyung could even agree that they wouldn't get into trouble, the Chief disconnected the call. So with a sigh, he pocketed his phone and scanned the street one final time. No suspicious vehicles lingered and no shady individuals loitered about. Just as before, nothing was out of place.

All of that meant it was time to move, time to begin their retreat towards safety.

And it was time to return to a city that filled Taehyung with dread.

Just thinking about their destination caused chills to erupt over his arms and a shakiness to weaken his limbs. A wave of dizziness threatened to unsteady his balance as he turned around, and his heartbeat slowed to a sluggish rate.

His expression must have appeared uneasy because Jungkook instantly brought his hands up to cup his face. "Tae?"

Taehyung couldn't talk about his growing worries now. For one, they didn't have the time to get into the panic bubbling up inside of him. And, maybe even more importantly, he couldn't afford to be vulnerable. He had to concentrate and save his looming meltdown for later.

And there was no denying that there would be a meltdown. Because once again, he chose to restrain the crushing emotions he lacked the capacity to process. He understood that would only work for so long, that he needed to deal with the pain he harbored.

But that would not happen today.

So instead of answering Jungkook verbally, Taehyung leaned forward and pressed their mouths together. The gesture was nothing more than a chaste peck, though it helped fortify his nerves and give him the endurance he desperately needed.

"You have everything you need?" He asked as he took a step back, bending down to grab his backpack.

Jungkook signaled to the bag secured over his shoulders. "I think so. And I even packed the lube."

A small smile tugged at Taehyung's lips as he pulled out his Glock. "There he is. There's my horn dog."

"I'm merely hiding the evidence, Taehyung. Control your imagination," Jungkook tried to say with a blank expression, though a quiet twinkle lit up his eyes.

"Whatever you say," Taehyung responded, locating the car keys and getting them ready. "I parked a block away, so we'll need to move fast. If anything happens - if anyone opens fire on us - don't try to get involved. Just find someplace to hide and I'll take care of it."

The twinkle in the younger's eyes burnt out and was replaced with alarm. "But . . . But if they're shooting at you . . . If they hurt you -"

Taehyung cut him off. "If people are shooting at us, my first concern is going to be you and your safety. So if you want to help keep me safe, I need you to avoid all gunfire, alright?"

"I just don't want to see you get hurt," Jungkook mumbled, his teeth sinking into his lower lip.

Taehyung reached out, unable to stop his hand from moving to that mouth he adored. He gently pulled on the younger's lip, waiting until it was released. "I know, sweetheart. I don’t want to see you get hurt either. But in this situation - for today at least - I need you to listen to me. I need you to let me be your bodyguard."

"You'll always be my bodyguard," Jungkook whispered, lips moving against Taehyung's fingers. "I'm giving you the job for forever if you want it."

"I'll always want it," Taehyung professed tenderly, savoring the feel of the boy's skin before reluctantly letting his hand drop. "Now, let's go."

After one final look out the window, Taehyung gradually opened the front door. He stuck his head outside, gun concealed behind his body, as he surveyed every single parked car, building window, and random passerby. No one looked at him and nothing appeared out of the ordinary. All was seemingly normal, though that didn't mean he'd lower his guard.

Taehyung fully stepped out of the house and ushered Jungkook to join him. And once the door clicked shut, they were on the move. They walked in tandem, long strides matching and barely any space between their bodies. They probably looked intimidating with their grim expressions and purposeful paces, though it was better than appearing susceptible and unprepared.

As they neared the car, Taehyung strained his ears to pick up on any unusual noises. Even if they didn't see anything questionable, an odd sound or two could preemptively alert them of trouble. But there was nothing - no screeching tires, no angry shouts, no bullets piercing the air. Maybe it was all dumb luck - or maybe it was his mother and Namjoon in the heavens above - but no one seemed to be after them.

They made it to the car without incident, where they quickly tossed their bags in the backseat before buckling their seatbelts. And after one final glance around the neighborhood, Taehyung started to drive away.

"This brings back memories," Jungkook said absent-mindedly, adjusting the seat so he had more room to stretch out his legs. "It feels the same, but a lot different, too."

Taehyung knew exactly what he meant. "We're still on the run, but we don't hate each other this time."

"And I'm not worried about you killing me," the younger added, placing his hand on Taehyung's thigh. "I'm just worried about your life this time."

That sentiment caused Taehyung's throat to constrict as all of his fears threatened to resurface. But no. He reminded himself that his full concentration was needed. Falling apart while driving probably wouldn't end well. So, rather than let his repressed panic consume him, he changed the topic.

"I need you to get us north of the city," he started, focusing solely on the road ahead of - and occasionally behind - them. "There's a GPS in my backpack if you need it. We'll stop to get cash on our way."

Jungkook turned in his seat, reaching behind them to sift through the bag. "North? Are we going to Seoul?"

"No," Taehyung responded, keeping his eyes peeled for an ATM. "We're going to a bunker my dad purchased once he became the CEO."

"A bunker? That sounds like some sort of underground lair," the younger commented when he was resituated with the GPS in his lap.

"It kind of is. You'll see."

A curious hum sounded in Jungkook's throat. "Why didn't we go there last week, when we were running and had no idea where to hide?"

A smile widened Taehyung's lips even though his apprehension was steadily increasing. "I didn't exactly trust you when we first met. Even after I learned you were Namjoon's brother, I wasn't going to risk bringing you to a place only my parents and I knew about."

"You didn't want to bring your own imposter to your secret hideaway?" Jungkook teased as he squeezed his thigh. "I'm offended, angel."

"Hey, I'm bringing you there now, aren't I?"

"I know," the younger said introspectively, seeming to understand that that meant he earned Taehyung's full trust. "So you said your dad bought it when he became the CEO. Were there any threats to you guys then?"

Those initial days, while hazy, never had any hints of trouble. Taehyung had been blissfully unaware of the dangers of the oil industry. But his parents were not; they knew full well what they were getting themselves into.

"No, but my dad wanted to plan ahead. This place was meant to be a last resort when we had nowhere else to go."

When they had nowhere else to go, not if. After his mother and father showed him around the bunker, they finally sat him down to educate him on the unforeseen levels of peril potentially headed their way. And at the time, with Taehyung being so young, he didn't believe things could get as bad as they described.

But, as he knew now, he was wrong . . . Things were much worse.

Jungkook, curious as ever, still had more questions. "Have you ever stayed there before?"

"No. This will be my first time."

"Why didn't you go there after all those attacks years ago?" The younger continued asking. "Or even after the attack a couple of weeks ago?"

"I don't know why my mom didn't make the call all those years ago. I never asked," Taehyung revealed as he reflected on the months spent moving from place to place. "But as for why I didn't choose to go there . . . My mind was so messed up. All I wanted to do was get the hell out of Daegu. And to me, risking the trek to Seoul on foot made more sense than staying in the place where my mom and bodyguard were murdered before my eyes."

Jungkook was quiet for a few seconds as he thought that over. And then, in an anxious tone, he put the pieces together. "Get out of . . . Staying in . . . We're going to Daegu, aren't we?"

Taehyung tried not to think about it. He tried not to envision the house that had been his home for almost three years, the place that splintered his soul. But the more he tried to stop thinking about it, the more it pushed to the forefront.

"Yes," he said at last. "That's where we're going. Just a couple kilometers away from where I used to live."

Taehyung left out the obvious: They were going to be staying just a couple kilometers away from where his mother and Namjoon died.

After that, the two boys remained quiet for a while. The younger was clearly lost in thought, and Taehyung wanted to give him the time to mentally prepare for the road ahead. To keep his own mind busy, he continuously checked for cars behind them and searched for pull-offs if needed.

When they reached the city line fifteen minutes later, Jungkook was the one to point out a freestanding ATM. He ran inside the tiny building while Taehyung kept watch, ready to defend them if necessary. Thankfully nothing eventful went down, and the younger returned to the car - with 1,000,000 won tucked into an envelope - without issue.

As their journey continued, the scenery slowly transformed from urban to rural. Gone were the tall buildings and bustling streets; in their place were open fields and quiet roads. The setting was quite picturesque, though everything was so damn serene. With nothing to track or observe, Taehyung's mind began to wander.

And it wandered right back to everything he didn't know how to handle.

Suddenly he was a hostage in his own body, the trauma that had not yet healed his unrelenting tormentor. He couldn't breathe as everything he tried to repress blocked his airways; he couldn't swallow down his endless list of failures. And the flashbacks that trailed him like a shadow finally overpowered his conscious mind, veiling him in memories of the past.

The distant sounds of screaming and gunshots rang in his ears; the sight of his bleeding mother on the floor appeared like a mirage before his eyes. And the memory of his fingers wrapped tightly around the grip of his gun flooded his senses; his index finger yearned to pull a nonexistent trigger.

Taehyung was slipping . . .

Falling . . .

Suddenly the flashbacks stopped, dissolving into thin air as Taehyung inhaled shakily. But before he could calm his racing heart, something infinitely worse dominated his awareness.

A delusion. A hallucination. A nightmare.

Fuck, it felt so real. He saw Jungkook, who had blindly followed him into this fucked up world, bleeding and lying crumpled on the floor. Gasping for air. Looking at him with bloodshot eyes.

Dying.

No . . . That wasn't real. That would not happen.

Because if something happened to Jungkook, if he got hurt because of Taehyung . . .

Taehyung wouldn't survive the pain this time.

"Tae, pull over," a faraway voice called out, sounding like it was underwater. "Tae."

The pain would drown him, filling his lungs until he was nothing more than a vessel.

Something gripped his leg tightly. "Angel, it's okay. It's okay."

And any remnants of his heart and soul would vacate his body, leaving him a useless, empty shell.

"Taehyung, snap out of it!"

With a sob, Taehyung finally returned to the present moment. His foot was heavy on the gas pedal, his knuckles white over the steering wheel. And his cheeks were coated with liquid, the taste of salt on his tongue. Both he and the car were out of control.

"Tae," Jungkook commanded, his voice acting as an anchor, "pull over."

Taehyung quickly did as was told, slowing down and coming to a stop in a narrow breakdown lane. He turned off the car and buried his head in his hands.

"I'm sorry," he cried softly, trying to rein in his emotions. "I'm sorry, Kook. I could've killed us, I'm . . . I . . ."

This was too much. He had tried to be strong, had tried to keep his composure, but as with everything else, he failed.

He broke down even more.

"Angel, stop. It's okay," Jungkook whispered, moving his hand to run through Taehyung's hair. "You have every right to be upset. I can't even begin to imagine what this feels like, what going back to Daegu must be like for you."

"It's more than that, Kook. It's you. I'm so fucking terrified that I'm going to screw up and get you hurt. I have no idea what I'm doing and now . . . Now I'm realizing just how unprepared I am for all of this. I can barely function, so how am I supposed to keep you safe?"

Jungkook's hand soothed down his back before tracing up again. "I'm just as scared, Tae. Knowing that there are people out there who want to hurt you . . . It's all I've been thinking about. But we're not in this alone. Since the very beginning, you and I have always relied on each other in a different sort of way. We get it. We understand the pain, doubts, and fears. And that's what we'll continue to do. We'll support and protect and love each other, Tae. That's what will get us through all of this."

Taehyung lifted his head, turning towards the boy who owned his heart. "I feel like I've been running from everything for so long. Running from attackers and running from my pain. And now it's all caught up to me. And I'm tired. I'm just so tired."

Jungkook unbuckled his seatbelt, shifting in his seat and leaning over the center console. He pulled Taehyung closer, resting their foreheads together. "You've never had a chance just to stop, to process what you're feeling. So it makes sense that it's all boiling over now. You need to let it out, Tae. I think we both do."

"I don't know how," Taehyung whispered, the truth turning his voice raw and broken. "And even if I did know how, I'm scared I won't be able to come back from it.

"You will come back from it. Do you know how I know?"

Taehyung shook his head, pulling back marginally so he could better see the younger.

"Because you have me. Just as you're going to take care of me, I'm going to take care of you. Anything we have to face, we'll face together." Jungkook had tears falling from his eyes as well now, though he made no move to wipe them away. "That's what it means to care for someone, what it means to love someone. You and I are a team, Tae. You're not alone."

And Taehyung felt the conviction in the younger's words, he felt the warmth and veracity. He was by no means healed or any less terrified, but the sharp edges of his distress had smoothed over. And as he finally regained a semblance of control, he realized he truly wasn't on his own.

Jungkook was right here, holding him and promising to help him through the storm. The younger witnessed some of his most vulnerable break downs, and yet he didn't run. Instead, he held Taehyung tighter and offered his unending comfort and support. Despite the danger, risks, and threats to his own life, Jungkook stayed right by Taehyung's side, a constant tether and anchor.

And Jungkook had given him love - so much love.

Taehyung slid his fingers into the boy's hair, holding him close. "Sometimes, I think you're the angel, sent into my life to save me from myself."

"Hey, you can't just steal my nickname for you, angel," Jungkook teased lightly, his hands moving up to hold Taehyung's shoulders. "And you don't need anyone to save you from yourself, Tae. You just needed someone to stand with you, to be your light when it got dark."

"Should I call you my nightlight, then?" Taehyung joked with the ghost of a smile, the tension gradually easing from his jaw and back.

"I prefer sweetheart."

"Just one week ago, I recall you saying the sweetheart shit was annoying," Taehyung said, having a difficult time believing they met only a week ago.

Jungkook lips twitched upward before he angled his head, kissing Taehyung's mouth slowly and carefully. He pulled back all too soon, a devious look in his eyes. "And I recall you saying you'd never fuck me, but here we are."

"Yeah, well, who could've predicted that I'd fall in love with you, my annoying brat?"

"I knew it could happen," the younger revealed with wide and honest eyes. "I wasn't convinced that you only looked out for me because of Namjoon. I think after you cleaned my cut - you know, the night we saw your ex - I felt something shift. You said you wanted me that night. And deep down, I knew it wasn't just about sex."

Taehyung faintly pressed his lips against that spot on the younger's cheek, which showed the unwelcome promise of a scar. "You kind of just barreled into my life, somehow slipping past every single defense I put into place. And when I had no one else, I knew I had you. You kept me from falling apart more than you probably know."

"You did the same for me, Tae," Jungkook admitted easily. "Forgetting the whole part where I pretended to be you and you let me get away with it, I was a grieving, lonely wreck. I still am, though I'm a lot less lonely now. I have you."

"Maybe . . . Maybe we'll have some time to work through our shit now. And maybe we can do it together," Taehyung mused aloud, knowing he wouldn't be able to grieve on his own. He didn't want to, either.

"You got me," the younger said adamantly, "and I got you. No matter what."

And Taehyung felt it in his chest then, or maybe it was in the invisible seams of his soul, that he was so much more than just falling in love with the boy.

And while he wasn't ready to express his feelings aloud just yet - he wanted to give them both the time to heal before making such a declaration - Taehyung knew exactly how he felt for Jungkook.

It was obvious, wasn't it?

He couldn't imagine navigating this scary path without the younger by his side; he wasn't sure if he would be strong enough. But luckily for him, he didn't have to be. He could borrow strength from Jungkook and could lend it out in return. Together they didn't have to be alone.

And for those reasons and so many more, Taehyung would always love Jungkook.

"Alright," the younger said suddenly, drawing Taehyung's attention back to him. "You're going to let me drive now."

"Kook -"

"It's not up for debate. So get your pretty ass out of the driver's seat and over here."

Taehyung didn't have the energy to argue. Truthfully, he knew he wasn't in the right mindset to operate a moving vehicle. So, he stepped out of the car and headed towards the passenger side.

Jungkook met him halfway, pulling him into a tight hug. They stood there silently for a minute, just holding each other and soaking in a limitless amount of affection and encouragement. And around them, in the middle of nowhere, it was quiet.

Peaceful.

Calm.

A short while later, they were back on the road, with Jungkook driving and Taehyung providing the directions. Their hands were clasped between them, their intertwined fingers resting on Taehyung's thigh. And instead of falling prey to their own thoughts, they talked about anything and everything, from video games to childhood fantasies.

And even though Taehyung feared for what was to come, he didn't let that panic and terror conquer him. Instead, he used it all as fuel to remain alert and to make the best decisions possible. Jungkook's life depended on it; his life depended on it.

After driving for a couple of hours - they avoided major roads and purposely took a few wrong turns - they finally reached their destination.

Daegu.

Taehyung knew the area well. Not only had he lived here for the last two and a half years, he also grew up downtown. Years of his life were relegated to this city - he was intimately familiar with the history, buildings, and landmarks.

He directed Jungkook through busy streets and abandoned roads alike, setting a confusing trail while working to avoid the old hideout. No part of him was ready to see that house again; he knew the flashbacks would overtake him if he so much as set foot in the general vicinity of that place.

As they reached the other side of the city, farmlands and orchards pretty much dominated the setting. Seeing the strawberry fields and peach groves brought back fond memories for Taehyung, as he and his parents used to take trips here to pick fresh produce. And as he pointed out a dirt path to the younger, he rolled down his windows, taking in the sweet scent of all the fruit.

"Tae?" Jungkook asked as he carefully drove down the dusty road. "Are you sure we're heading the right way? I don't see any buildings . . . All I see is apples."

Sure enough, Taehyung had them maneuvering through a large apple orchard. Rows upon rows of trees lined their car as they continued deeper into the field, effectively concealing the vehicle from the main road.

"We're almost there," Taehyung affirmed, both eager and anxious to show the younger their temporary home. "Just a few more rows . . . There."

Taehyung pointed at a group of trees, all void of apples. They looked quite sickly in comparison to the surrounding vegetation, though that wasn't surprising.

These trees were fake.

Turning around in his seat, Taehyung could confirm they were far off from any lingering eyes. And while he was sure no one had followed them here, he still had the urgent need to act quickly.

"Alright, when the ground opens, drive in. I'll hop into the car before we go down," Taehyung said to the younger as he hopped out of the car.

"Wait. What?" Jungkook called out, though Taehyung wasn't going to waste time explaining. This sort of thing needed to be seen in order to be properly understood.

So he walked into the orchard, eyeing each of the fake trees until he found the one with the mossy bark. Bending down, he ran his fingers over the area until he felt a latch, which slid open to reveal a keypad. One twelve-digit code later - one that his father made him memorize years ago - and the ground began to move before him.

The fake trees slowly rose into the air, exposing an elevator built specifically to handle cars. Taehyung was always impressed with the contraption; it seemed right out of some sci-fi movie.

Once the elevator locked into place, Taehyung signaled Jungkook to drive inside; the thing was on a timer and would only remain above ground for so long. He then re-entered the car, smiling proudly to himself as the contraption started to lower.

"How rich is your family?" Jungkook stuttered out, shock coating his tone. "This thing is incredible!"

Taehyung laughed, loving the amazed expression on the younger's face. "My dad was given a sizable bonus when he became the CEO. And while some may have chosen to buy a penthouse suite, the safety of his family was more important."

When the elevator reached the bottom of the rig, the boys found themselves in a decently sized garage. One other vehicle - a compact sedan with tinted windows - was parked as well.

"Is someone here?" Jungkook asked as he pulled up alongside the car.

"It's a spare," Taehyung informed him, shoving the GPS back into his backpack before stepping outside. "Always good to have a backup."

Jungkook joined him outside of the car, stretching his arms overhead before pulling out all of their bags. He waved Taehyung off as he attempted to help, motioning that he'd bring in everything for them.

A separate twelve-digit code was required to open the heavy metal door to the bunker. The amount of security in this place was a bit ostentatious, though Taehyung didn't mind. Especially now, with Jungkook's life also at stake, he was incredibly grateful to have such a secure place to hideout.

A soft click sounded after the code was entered, signaling that the door was now unlocked. Taehyung pulled it open, feeling blindly along the wall for the light switch. And when the room was ridden of its darkness, a soft gasp left Jungkook's mouth.

"Wow," he breathed in awe, stepping inside and looking around the space. "This is beautiful."

The bunker certainly was an upgrade from the shoddy motel they once stayed at together. White walls, white ceilings, and pine floors made the space feel light and airy rather than dark and dense. A small kitchen was tucked into one corner, with basic amenities and a full pantry. There was no stove or oven; it was too hazardous to keep that sort of appliance underground. While they were here, they'd have to rely on non-perishable items in the pantry, and maybe even pick fresh fruit from the fields above.

Outside of the kitchen, there was a cozy living room with a number of bookshelves. Reading and board games were the only source of entertainment; again, a television could easily turn into a risky amenity to have. But that was okay, Taehyung welcomed an environment free from reminders of the outside world.

There were two equally sized bedrooms and bathrooms off of the main space, both equipped with plush beds and loaded wardrobes. Taehyung nodded towards his designated room, a relatively bare space but still cozy at the same time. The two boys spent a few minutes unloading their bags, setting aside the essentials from the piles of clothing.

With everything unpacked, the two collapsed onto the bed and just stared up at the ceiling for a moment. Yet again, they found themselves completely wiped out after a long and emotional day. But each found solace in one thing: for the time being, they were safe and they were together.

Before Taehyung got too comfortable, he pulled out his phone and dialed the Chief's number. While he was in no mood to discuss tactics and strategies, he had to make good on his promise to call once all was safe.

Yoongi answered on the first ring, with the sounds of Jimin and Hoseok talking in the background. After hearing that Taehyung and Jungkook had made it to their destination without incident, the Chief explained that they were almost to Seoul. Thankfully, he had no desire to talk next steps at the moment, so he informed Taehyung that they'd talk in the morning. He hung up after that, begging both boys to think wisely and not to do anything stupid.

So with that out of the way, Taehyung finally laid back down next to Jungkook. Exhaustion weighed down each of his limbs, and for once, his mind was too sluggish to piece together any disturbing thoughts. It was almost blissful.

Jungkook instantly brought Taehyung up against his muscular chest, wrapping his arms securely around his stomach. "Let's just lay here for a while. I'll hold you. I'll keep you safe."

And Taehyung knew he would. He knew that as long as Jungkook was here to guard his heart, things would be okay. He was not in this alone; he had his love sheltering him from the endless fear, panic, and terror.

So he buried his face in the younger's neck, inhaling his scent and letting it overtake his senses. And when he fully relaxed against Jungkook's body, he let sleep pull him under its seductive spell.

And he knew that whatever came next, he would not travel that road without Jungkook by his side.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《

Another chapter with a whirlwind of emotions! When people are stressed, they experience so many feelings all at once. It's overwhelming and constantly changing. One moment we have everything pulled together and the next we're struggling. That's just what it means to be human, so I tried to capture that all in this chapter with Tae.

Anyway, I know many of you have been checking in on me this last week (you are all too sweet!). For one, yes, I'm okay! I think I just need to move to a weekly update schedule - I hate it, but I know this decision is best for my mind and my writing quality. I tend to stress myself out because I want to give you guys as much content as possible, but I want that content to be good and up to my standards. So for now, expect weekly updates. If I can get something out sooner, though, I absolutely will.

Thanks for always being here for me - I hope you all know I love every single one of you so, so much.