(a/n: ignore time stamps)

KTH, POV

Was it because it is someone who knew nothing about him? Someone who genuinely made a connection with the person that he is and not who his brother is or the amount of money is his bank account. Maybe it was the way he was so quick to open up to Taehyung despite knowing nothing about him other than his phone number. That blind leap of faith, the willingness to be open and vulnerable with a complete stranger, that drew Taehyung in.

That's what led him to continue the conversations, to build some type of relationship with that guy. The one that wrecked everything Taehyung thought he knew for himself. He would've been fine never hearing his voice again...really he didn't need to be sung to sleep. Nor did he need to listen to the way Jungkook's voice dropped a few octaves just to rile Taehyung up on the phone. He was fine with letting Jungkook go and live his life. 

Of course, he just had to be there. He had to be in Seoul. He had to be in the conference room that day. As if there was an invisible tether, constantly pulling at them until eventually they met. And it could've been the way Jungkook's dark brown orbs glistened as if they held the stars or the sly smirk that creeped on his face when they spoke for the first time but Taehyung knew. He just knew  that Jeon Jungkook was going to ruin everything. That's why he's here. That's why he's where he is now. Crying. When was the last time Taehyung allowed himself to cry? Was it when they found out their dad would never come back? Was it when his mom left them too? Was it whenever Namjoon told him he was failing? He didn't know. All that he knew was that he couldn't handle this. The clenching of his heart. The heaviness in his eyes. Taehyung hated this helpless feeling. 

***a few more days pass***

As if he needed another reminder that the feelings he's been harboring are too far out of reach to ever do something about. He can't just suppress them anymore so he results to his only other method of defense he's ever known. Protection. Putting up a barrier. He has to. He has to shield himself from what he has already opened himself up to. There will be no going back if he doesn't. 

love me. fucking love me and don't leave me like everyone else in this life. Is what Taehyung wants to say but he knows that's too much to ask. He knows it isn't possible. Even if Jungkook lied and said he loved him now, it would fade. It always does. In the end love blossoms and then dies just like the most beautiful rose, it is only meant to last temporarily. All beautiful things: Flowers, People, Love...they all have an expiration date. 

Once again. Taehyung found himself in a bar. Drinking himself stupid, falling into the motions of beautiful strangers, bitter drinks and broken hearts. A near-lethal combination when put together but there's nothing he can do to stop himself now. So he fades. 

JJK, POV

Jungkook has always been bad at being open. He let people in slowly but never revealed too much. That's possibly why he was so infatuated with Taehyung from their very first text message because there were no ties. Taehyung was like some anomolie to all of the things Jungkook had told himself about opening up--because he didn't know him. So he couldn't possibly hurt him with his knowledge. 

That's why he confided in him. That's why he kept confiding in him but that's not why he fell for him. No, he fell for his words. The way someone who was so sure he hated the concept of love, spoke so beautifully when he gave Jungkook advice on how he should be loved. Whenever they would speak on the phone and Jungkook had a crappy day in the office so Taehyung would just rant about his classes, his latest projects. There wasn't a single topic that the older male didn't put his whole heart into. That's what made Jungkook fall in love with him. It was quick, it was unexpected, it was foolish. Only a fool would fall in love with Kim Taehyung but Jungkook never claimed to be a wise man. 

Jungkook feels like his heart is going to burst. To think that the loving and happy bubbly male that loves watching cheesy romance movies and takes extra long to complete his nightly face routine--has been walking around with so much pain for so long. It makes him want to go straight to the airport to Greece and hug him. Yell at him. Beg him. to show him what is possible when someone really loves you with their whole heart and you love them in return. 

He hasn't even gotten to talk to Taehyung about his own problems because the chance wasn't given. There's so much to say to him now that Jungkook thinks he will die before Sunday. 

KTH, POV - Sunday Afternoon 

Taehyung sighed heavily as he put his phone back in his bag to rest his head on the window for the remainder of the drive home. 

"Do you wanna talk about it Taebear?" Jimin asked sweetly and Taehyung was so grateful for the way Jimin never pressured him. All Taehyung had to do was shake his head and remain silent and Jimin would drop the topic. He always had a knack for knowing when Tae had hit his limit of expressing himself. So whenever they pulled up to Taehyung's apartment, Jimin only gave him a tight hug and a kiss on the head before parting ways. 

"I love you, I'm so glad you made it home safely. Text me if you need anything okay?"

"I love you too Chim. Thank you for everything." 

Forty-five minutes. That's the only amount of time Taehyung had to himself before he heard knocking at his door. Despite Namjoon's warning text he was still surprised when he saw Jungkook standing at his door steps. Looking an absolute wreck. 

"Jungkook"

"J-just let me come in. Please." The younger male said breathlessly through his choked back sobs and Taehyung just wanted to pull him in and kiss his tear stained cheeks but he couldn't. 

Jungkook made his way into the house the same way he had just a few weeks ago, walking straight for the kitchen and taking his place at the table. The seat on the left facing the doorway so that he could watch Taehyung enter and leave...he loved doing that. 

Taehyung didn't wait a single second before walking right over to his fridge, chuckling to himself when he saw the cartons of banana milk in the fridge. He forgot that he added them to his grocery list before leaving so he wasn't expecting that to be one of the items Namjoon purchased for him. Regardless he was grateful. So he took out a carton and placed it in front of Jungkook. Earning a shy smile. 

"How do you even have groceries?" 

"Hyung bought them for me. Didn't want me to have to do my own shopping after my flight." 

"and he included banana milk? You hate banana milk?" his cocky tone had Tae wanting to smack him but he was happy that Jungkook wasn't crying anymore. 

"Well I wrote my own grocery list on the fridge before I left..he just happened to shop based on that" Tae responded shyly "are you going to tell me why you're here?" 

"Tae..I don't even know where to begin" 

"Start with telling me why you have a luggage."

"I'm leaving Chae or rather I'm making her leave." He deadpanned and Taehyung nearly choked on his soda. 

"W-what.. why? I'm so sorry Koo-"

"Don't be sorry. Don't you dare." Jungkook scoffed "The baby isn't mine Taehyung. Her and I have only had sex that way ONCE, meanwhile she was having regular unprotected sex with some guy she met at training. There's no way that baby is mine."

"Kookie.."

"I'm fine. Honestly, I'm not upset about that baby. I mean, I guess I should be considering I really did think it was mine but I'm not surprised??? Am I hurt, abso-fucking-lutely. But I'm not hurt because of her Tae. I'm hurt because her lies are the reason why I let myself close you out. Her lies are why I pushed you away months ago when there was nothing I looked forward to more than our phone calls." Jungkook was nearly whispering and Tae was sure if he stopped speaking you'd be able to hear the way his heart was threating to pound through his chest. 

"I-I need a second.." Tae spoke and he quickly left the room. Rushing into his bathroom and turning on the shower to muffle his cries. Taehyung knew Jungkook had feelings for him. You don't do the things the younger male did for someone you don't have feelings for but hearing his words...seeing his hurt expression..knowing that he means it is all too much for the man who has done nothing but shut people out his whole life. 

He hates himself right now for forgetting to lock the door because the last thing he needs is to be pulled into Jungkook's embrace but that's exactly what happens. Those strong arms grab his wrists gently. Pulling him from his seat on the toilet and holding him close. One hand rubbing circles on his back while the other gently grasped his neck. Letting Taehyung release his sobs into his shoulder. 

"Baby, why are you crying?" 

"b-because, I-I don't know" 

Jungkook couldn't help but laugh at that. He leaned back, putting one hand underneath the blondes chin, sweetly bringing his face up to where he could peck those lips softly. The kiss was so soft that Taehyung could've missed it if his sense weren't amplified in this moment. It didn't take him long to return the kiss, there were so many things Taehyung wanted to say, ask, yell, shout but he couldn't. Not now, not whenever Jungkook was holding him like he was a fragile piece of china that would shatter the second he let it go. 

Jungkook was surprisingly the first one to pull away from their sweet kiss and he just smiled. Reaching into the shower, turning the faucet from the shower head to the spout. Replacing the plug and allowing the tub to fill with warm water. Turning back to Tae, he fiddled with the ends of his shirt asking for permission to remove it for him. Even though Taehyung blushed at the insinuation he knew that Jungkook wasn't trying to do anything sexual. He just wanted to take care of him and if he was being honest, this is all he's wanted for the last two weeks. 

So he let him. 

Jungkook took his time. Removing every article of clothing the older male had on. Carressing the skin so softly and placing chaste kisses all over his shoulders and legs. Before taking his hand and leading him to the bathtub. Once Taehyung was fully submerged, Jungkook went out into Tae's room and brought in his bluetooth speaker..connecting it to the older males phone and turning on his favorite playlist. 

Tae watched the entire thing in amazement. Jungkook didn't say a single word the entire time. He stole glances now and then but stayed quiet. As if he knew that what Taehyung needed right now wasn't words or excuses or explanations..he just needed to be cared for. Something that he hasn't had in a very long time. 

The older male still found himself surprised whenever Jungkook kissed his lips gently once again and left the bathroom. He was going to yell for him to come back but he decided against it. He just wanted to enjoy the serenity of this moment and would talk to Jungkook..honestly, openly, after his soak. 

He thought he had his words perfected whenever he finally left the bathroom. He tried to bite back a smile when he saw his bathrobe and some boxers laid out on his bed. Excitement took over his body when he rushed to put the clothes on and ran to the living room. Expecting to see Jungkook there watching something but found himself disappointed to find an empty room. Instead there was a note left on the sofa. 

Baby,

My intentions were never to upset you. I should have respected your request for space...after finding out that my only reason for holding back my feelings for you was an entire lie I couldn't resist. I needed to see you and I'm glad that I did. 

One because I'm glad I was able to tell you the truth about my situation.

Two because I don't think I realized exactly how deep your emotions ran until I saw you in your bathroom. I never ever want to be the reason for your tears, Taehyung. 

I only ever want to see your brilliant smile staring at me. 

I want you to know that I respect whatever you want/need or don't want/need from me. All that I want is to be a part of your life, however you'll let me for as long as you'll have me. 

So whenever you are ready to let me show you how much love has grown in my heart for you, just call me and I'll show you. 

Love,

Your Kookie. 

and it was that note. The smallest gesture, the acknowledgement of Taehyung's feelings and needs. That assured what he thought he already knew. He was without a doubt in love with his number neighbor. 

Kim Taehyung had finally found love and love's name was Jeon Jungkook.