long chapter because we gotta wrap things up ;)

•°⁴⁶°•My Love─✵─────────

"Fuck everything"

Taehyung's voice was hoarse as he opened his fifth can of beer of that evening.

"Beer tastes like shit. I don't understand why anyone would want to drink something so bitter" Taehyung said and chugged down a couple of sips from his can. Jimin chuckled from beside him, taking a sip from his own can.

Sitting on the tiled floor of Jimin's dorm that probably hadn't been swept since the beginning of summer, drinking cheap beer wasn't really Taehyung's plan when he visited Jimin two days after he broke up with Jeongguk.

He wasn't going to rant to Jimin and cry about the shit he had brought upon himself because Taehyung was pretty sure Jimin knows every aspect of the story there is to be known. But what had Taehyung stumbling into Jimin's room that evening, wanting to cry his eyes out was him seeing Jeongguk in the hallway that morning.

Taehyung didn't have Jeongguk's lecture that Monday. And he was sure he was able to get through the day without a breakdown. But right after his first lecture he caught glimpse of Jeongguk, wearing a navy blue button-down, hair a bit messy and deep bags under his eyes, walk down the hallway filled with students with his head down. He had looked so tired and Taehyung couldn't help but drown in sadness and guilt that he was the one who made Jeongguk this way.

"You're so fucking stupid" Jimin said, annoyed. "How many times did I fucking tell you this isn't going to work out? And you're going to get hurt? And how many times did you come to my dorm to cry about him after he told you to get the fuck out of his life?"

Taehyung sniffled.

"You never learn" Jimin said.

"He looked dead today. I can't imagine how much he's suffering right now" Taehyung let out a sob.

"And you look like you've died thrice and reincarnated twice on the same day. You haven't gotten any sleep in two days. Believe me you look worse than him. I can't believe the way you still pity that jerk"

"He isn't a jerk Jimin! I was being a dick to him!"

"How is choosing yourself over him being jerk to him? Girl have some self-respect. Because all I've seen is you throwing it out of the window every time you got back together with him"

Taehyung sniffled. "I told him to leave"

"Didn't he tell you that a couple of times?"

"B-But he looked so broken"

"Oh my fucking god I can murder someone with the rage I'm feeling right now. I get that you still love him but why can't you fucking get that what he's going through is what you went through multiple times after he told you to fuck off?"

Taehyung sighed and took another sip from his can. "I know, okay? It's exactly why I broke up with him. It just hurts to see him like this. And I left him when he was at his worst. I should stay with him when he's going through so much"

"Tae, look. If he can choose to have his child in his life, you can choose to leave him pursue your dreams. Both things are not related to the relationship per say, you know? Because it's not your place to tell him to abandon his child nor is it his place to tell you not to go to your dream college"

Taehyung nodded, tears brimming his eyes.

"It's nothing to feel bad about, Tae" Jimin said, "It's your life. Your dreams, which you had long before he came into your life. You don't have to pause your life for anyone"

Taehyung sipped the tears that ran down his cheeks.

"If someone in your life makes you feel bad about pursuing your dreams and they stand in the way, they don't belong in your life"

"You're right" Taehyung whispered.

"If Namjoon ever treat me like a second priority in his life, I would leave him instantly. Because I know my worth. I deserve to have someone who doesn't make me question my worth every time they throw me away. And I deserve to be treated like a main character"

"Period" Taehyung whispered as he wiped his tears.

"You've asked him so many times to not treat you like some toy but for more than half of the time you guys have known each other, he had treated you like a burden. Like some external force he wanted to keep but also would destroy his precious family. He only ever thought about divorce after he found out Aria wasn't his and that speaks a lot"

"And that never mattered because she's still his daughter. It changed nothing"

"Exactly" Jimin sighed. "And he came crying to you like a day after he told you to get the fuck out of his life. You should've held your ground. You aren't a rehab for broken men. You have no self-respect and it shows. Because after everything, you were there to welcome him with wide arms. Stupid bitch"

"I'm sorry, okay? I just love him so much. And I feel like I did the right thing now, after all this time. But I still love him and I feel so bad. It's just that... it didn't happen all of a sudden you know?"

"What?"

"I had been thinking about everything for the past week. Since I found out that the baby is actually Jeongguk's. It's selfish of me because I know he's trying but I just kept feeling like the chances of him leaving me again are higher than it used to be because of the new baby"

"That's right, though. It's his kid so who knows what would happen in the future? And he is going to prioritize the kid over you obviously. Even if he does split parenting. Like...that's his blood. And you..."

"Yeah exactly. And I kind of lost it when he asked if I was okay with him not getting a divorce. Because that's just ridiculous. And I got so mad, Jimin. Because that had been the only thing I had been looking forward to so he can finally be mine. And he said that it could affect our future and it wasn't something I hadn't thought about at all"

"Yeah"

"When he told me that it would even affect my future I kind of lost it. And what if he loses his job? He can't afford to lose his job especially when he's going to have another child. And I started having second thoughts the moment he told me the consequences. It only added to what I was thinking about the previous week"

Taehyung took another sip off his can. "When I got the email it was the turning point for me. it was like the solution for everything but...just not in the way I wanted. And I told him I can't do long distance because I didn't want to" Taehyung started sobbing.

Jimin patted his back with a sigh.

"Which isn't true because I would want nothing more than to be with him and forget everything"

"Tae..."

"But I also want to go to Art Academy and it felt like a huge opportunity to leave everything and start anew"

"I know, Tae"

"Part of me wants him to go with me and part of me wants to leave all my past behind and go to New York and start anew" Taehyung said. "And he needs to figure his shit out because he's entirely depending on me for happiness"

"That's not good, Tae. That's fucked up"

"I know and it's like he doesn't know himself outside of the roles he had played in his life. Like a father, husband and now a boyfriend. I had been thinking about all these things over the past week and about the things you told me. And I figured out that more than me, he needs time to heal alone"

"Yeah he does"

"I told him he needs to make efforts for me but all the efforts he had been making for me, like getting a divorce and making our relationship stable are things he should be doing for himself, you know? Because his whole life he was trapped in a marriage he never wanted and he should be getting out of it because he's suffering. Not because of me. He needs to get out of this mess for himself"

"That's true"

"But I decided to leave him for myself because I don't think I can go through another heartbreak"

Jimin sighed. "There had been a ton of red flags in this relationship since the beginning. You ignored it all, Tae. He may be a good person and his intentions towards you might have been genuine. But everything about the relationship was wrong. I think we all knew this was going nowhere but still didn't speak of it. I feel like it brought you both more sadness and damage than happiness. You two fucked up each other's lives. The best thing you can do right now is take a break and let yourselves heal alone. You both need it. You both need to get back in track"

"Yeah" Taehyung whispered. His heart ached but the truth was bitter. And harder to swallow than all the lies he had been feeding himself throughout his relationship with Jeongguk.

"You deserve someone who would treat you like a king. And he needs time alone to figure out who he is. You need to go live that life you've dreamt. Don't let anyone make you pause your life for them. No one is willing to do that for you"

-

A week later, Taehyung found himself in front of Jeongguk's front porch, ringing the doorbell.

A few moments later Taehyung heard the rhythmic tap of footsteps closing up on the door and his heart beat erratically in his chest as he stood there, fumbling with his fingers. Myriad times had he stood on this very front porch and myriad times had he rung the bell and waited for someone to open it. But never had he felt this anxious.

The door clicked and opened, revealing a tall man dressed in sweats and a t-shirt.

"Hey" Jeongguk whispered. "Come on in"

"Hey" Taehyung smiled at him and stepped inside the house. He heard Jeongguk close the door behind him.

Taehyung stood awkwardly in the middle of the living room, looking around the house. It had been almost a month since he had come inside this house. And nothing seemed to have changed. He missed the time he spent here, sneaking in and out, talking with Jeongguk, discreetly touching each other, giggling at their stupid jokes and constantly exchanging secretive glances and smiles, hiding a million lies and truths behind. Hiding the things they did when no one was looking. He missed all of it.

He missed Jeongguk.

They were playing a dangerous game. And their house of cards had stumbled down, taking everything they've built with it.

Jeongguk stood behind Taehyung. He could feel his presence. He longed to touch him. Feel his skin. Feel his warmth. Feel his-

"Aria won't probably be back for another hour probably. And Jieun won't be home until dinner. We have time" Jeongguk said.

Taehyung turned around to face Jeongguk. "Okay" He whispered.

Jeongguk stared at him, eyes tired and holding a look of longing. A silence stretched between them. Until both of them decided to speak at the same time.

"I missed you"

"I'm leaving"

"Oh" Jeongguk said, blushing instantly. Taehyung felt his heart break.

"I missed you too" Taehyung said, taking a step towards Jeongguk.

Jeongguk nodded. He looked like he didn't know what to say.

"I've decided that I want to go" Taehyung said, breaking the silence between them. "My mom and all my friends told me I should go. And the campus is willing to give me a refund of this semester's money since it had barely been two weeks. My mom told me she could afford to pay the tuition and I could find a job too"

Jeongguk nodded. "Yeah that's good. You don't have a reason not to go"

"Jeongguk I really don't want to leave you but..."

"I get it, Tae" Jeongguk said, looking at him with hooded eyes. "I know you love me and I know you want to be with me. It's alright"

"I'm sorry"

Jeongguk shook his head. "Don't be. It's just...I don't want you to. And I really thought we could stay together and I...you're my only happiness. I don't know what to do without you" Jeongguk shook his head. "I'm not trying to guilt trip you. I'm sorry. I mean... your decision is right. If I were you, I'd leave me too. I wouldn't stay in a place I'm not treated less than what I'm worth.

Taehyung sighed. "I always told you not to leave me. And you did. Multiple times. But now I'm leaving you so I won't have to go through it again when you leave me someday"

Jeongguk stayed silent for a while. And then he let out a soft whisper. "But I'm not going to leave you"

"But isn't that what you said all those times? And you still left me, told me fuck off even after you knew I had feelings for you. It'll only be a matter of time until you say that again when something comes up with your family. And I just can't go through that again"

"But I love you"

"I love you too but I love myself a little more. And I don't want to get hurt when the possibility of me getting hurt again is like the elephant in the room. Because all this time we've spent together you've never hesitated on discarding me out of your life when it comes to your family's stability. And throughout our relationship, all I've been is a mistress. So I'm stepping out of this relationship first"

"I understand you but things are a lot different now, Tae. I treated you like that when we weren't in love with each other. A lot of things had changed now. And I want to be with you now. You're one of the most important people in my life, Tae"

"I know but you did tell me to leave you even after we confessed to each other? I don't understand why you didn't tell me not to leave you that moment because it's not like finding out your daughter isn't yours changed anything. You could've taken the decision to divorce her earlier if you really wanted to be with me but you didn't. And the responsibilities on your shoulders had only gotten heavier"

Jeongguk shook his head, eyes brimming tears. "I was just scared of ruining Aria's life. I didn't want her to find out that I'm so fucked up as a father"

Taehyung placed his hand on Jeongguk's shoulder. "You are a good father. But you're more than just a father, Gguk. You're you and I don't think you know that yet. You need to find out who you are"

Jeongguk looked at taehyung with glassy eyes. "Can't we find out who I am together?"

"Then will you come with me to New York?"

Jeongguk stared at Taehyung for a few long seconds.

"I...can't"

Taehyung already knew what his response was. "You know...me going to New York...it really isn't something to think twice about. It's every art student's dream. But I keep thinking twice because of you. Because I love you and I want to be with you. I don't want to leave you right now. I really don't, Jeongguk. Not when you're going through all this and you're at your worst. I'm scared of the consequences of me leaving you. But I also want to go to New York. Since I want to live my dream. It has been my dream since I was like ten. And deep down I wish you'd come with me, even though I know we need time apart"

Jeongguk sighed. "I can't come with you. I talked to my lawyer after we broke up that day. He said that Jieun is right but the chances of our relationship getting exposed is rare. Especially your name. Unless Jieun's lawyer finds out and decides to use you against me. And it would really be better if Jieun would decide to settle so none of this would happen. Until all of this settles down, and I take my divorce I would have to stay here, Tae"

Taehyung nodded. "Okay"

"And I...can't really leave Aria behind like that. And I promised Jieun that I would do split parenting after the divorce so...I really can't come with you even if I wanted to. I'm sorry"

"I didn't really expect you to so...it's alright. I know you can't choose me over your family"

"They're still my children. I can't abandon them. But I love you, Tae. You're the love of my life. You know that, right?"

Taehyung sniffled. "Yeah. You're the love of my life too"

Jeongguk cupped Taehyung's face. "Don't cry now. You look adorable when you cry. Makes me want to kiss you"

"Then kiss me"

Taehyung raised his gaze to meet Jeongguk's glassy eyes, shining under the electric bulbs of the living room. He felt Jeongguk lean in; his lips lingered over his own as if the older man was hesitating. So Taehyung closed the gap between them.

Jeongguk's lips were hot but soft against Taehyung's cold ones. Taehyung pressed further, eager to taste Jeongguk at least once more. Before he leaves next Monday.

Jeongguk pressed his tongue against Taehyung's and the younger boy opened his mouth to let him in. Jeongguk tilted his head, kissing him deeper, and his tongue wildly exploring Taehyung's mouth. Jeongguk's hands were on Taehyung's hips, pulling him closer to himself, their clothed bodies pressed together. He could feel Jeongguk's-

Taehyung moaned.

Jeongguk drew away, eyes wide with surprise.

Taehyung blushed scarlet. "I...I...You're hard"

"So are you!"

Taehyung grinned.

Jeongguk grinned back, an adorable blush covering his own cheeks.

"Do we have time for one last time?" Taehyung asked.

Jeongguk's smile faltered. "That hurts but yeah..."

"Fuck me one the kitchen counter then" Taehyung said, eyeing the kitchen.

Jeongguk grinned. "Fuck yeah" he pulled Taehyung towards himself and connected their lips in a hungry kiss. Taehyung pulled at his hair and was about to feel his cock up when the doorbell rang.

"Fuck" Jeongguk cursed in annoyance. "Who could it be at this time?"

Jeongguk walked towards the door and opened it. Taehyung walked towards the living room, so he wouldn't be seen. He could hear Jeongguk talking with someone outside. In a few moments, Jeongguk was walking towards Taehyung.

"It's the neighbor...she needs help with something. I'll be back in a few minutes. Take a seat, will you?"

"Yeah sure" Taehyung said, nodding. Taehyung sat down in a couch, looking around the living room as he waited. A few minutes later he heard the front door open again and Taehyung stood up, hoping that Jeongguk was back so they could continue where they left off.

But it wasn't who he wanted to see. His blood ran cold upon seeing who it was.

Aria Jeon.

The moment Aria saw Taehyung, her eyes widened, a look of disbelief portraying her face. Then her expression turned into one of anger.

"What the fuck are you doing in my house?"

"None of your business" Taehyung snapped. He had hoped he would never get to see Aria ever again. He hated her, especially after what she had done to him.

"Get the fuck out. You whore" Aria shouted.

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Your dad took me in. I'll leave when he tells me to"

Aria scoffed. "Came to scrape off some money from him, did you?"

"No I actually came here to fuck him" Taehyung flashed her a fake smile.

Aria's mouth fell. "How dare you! My father is married! He's my father! You're disgusting"

And I'm your half-brother

"It actually did cross my mind every time we fucked. I just thought it was really hot and badass that I was fucking my girlfriend's father"

Aria gasped. "You whore"

Taehyung smirked. Serves her right.

But he didn't see it coming. He saw a flash of skin and then a slap echoed through the house. Taehyung's right cheek was burning.

The fact that Aria had slapped him dawned on his and he saw red. "You bitch-"

Before Taehyung could sputter a string of curses, the front door opened again and in came Jeongguk. He paused at the hallway, taking in the scene before him.

"What the hell is going on here?" Jeongguk asked.

"Dad why is he here?" Aria asked.

"She slapped me!" Taehyung said.

"Why did you slap him?" Jeongguk asked Aria.

Aria scoffed. "He was saying disgusting things. And he's a whore"

"Aria shut up" Jeongguk's tone was annoyed. "Why are you back so early? You said you would be late"

"I can't come home when I want to, now? Were you going to fuck him when me and mom were away? Is that why you have him over?"

"Aria shut up" Jeongguk thundered.

"Didn't I already tell you? He was just about to fuck me. If you came in five minutes later, you could've enjoyed the show too" Taehyung smiled.

"Tae!" Jeongguk's face was red with anger. And this time it wasn't only directed at Aria.

"Both of you shut up. Aria, go to your room. Tae, come outside with me" Jeongguk said.

Taehyung scoffed, looking at Jeongguk. "Yeah I was just leaving. See you never" Taehyung started to walk out.

"Tae, stop. I still need to talk to you" Jeongguk took hold of Taehyung's arm right before he reached the front door.

"Get out of our house and don't ever come back. You home wrecking whore" Aria said.

Taehyung paused.

His anger rose and he could feel himself losing his self-control by the second. He would not tolerate such insults from the person who almost raped him.

So he turned around, anger burning behind his eyelids. He shook off Jeongguk's hold off his arm and walked towards Aria.

"Listen here you rapist pussy ass bitch" Taehyung thundered.

Aria's eyes widened.

"Yeah I fucked your dad. What are you going to do about it, huh? Cry about it? Stupid bitch. I'll fuck your mom if I want to. If your dad marries me I'll become your fucking step dad and ground your ass for weeks"

Taehyung saw Aria tearing up and he walked towards Jeongguk, who looked speechless.

"You're the only whore in here" Taehyung said to her.

He marched to Jeongguk, wrapped his hand around the older man's throat and slammed his lips against Jeongguk's.

Jeongguk squeaked in surprise but couldn't pull away because of Taehyung's grip on his neck. Taehyung opened his mouth and for a split second, so did Jeongguk, letting Taehyung thrash his tongue into his mouth, kissing him deeper and harder.

Taehyung really wouldn't mind getting fucked by Jeongguk right then and there, in front of Aria just to leave her traumatized the way she left him.

The thought lingered on his mind for longer than it should've and Taehyung was too enticed in the kiss that neither of them heard the front door opening.

Someone gasped.

Taehyung pulled away in an instant, his whole body burning with embarrassment upon seeing who stood by the entrance of the house, face portraying absolute horror.

Taehyung took a step back. He didn't know what to say or do other than hide his face.

"What the hell is going on here?!" Jieun screamed. She was shooting daggers at Taehyung with her eyes.

"Jieun..." Jeongguk said, stepping in front on Taehyung and hiding him behind himself.

"Jeongguk what is this? How dare you let him into our house?!"

"He just came here to talk with me" Jeongguk said. He sounded calm but his ears and face was red. "He was just leaving"

"I..." Jieun still looked traumatized. "Get out of my house" Jieun told Taehyung.

"I'm sorry, ma'am" Taehyung stuttered out.

"Let's go" Jeongguk said, taking Taehyung's hand in his and starting to walk towards the front door.

"You're such an ungrateful person, do you know?" Jieun said just as Taehyung started to walk, making him halt in his steps.

Taehyung raised his gaze towards hers.

"I let you stay here for months and fed you and this is how you repay my kindness? By fucking my husband?'

"Jieun please..." Jeongguk tried.

"I never thought you were such a...disgusting person"

Taehyung stayed silent.

"It's not his fault, Jieun. I brought him here and I...was having an affair with him before I brought him to our house. I know it was wrong of me to do that but I only let him stay here because he didn't have anywhere else to go"

Jieun scoffed. "He's still a home wrecker"

"Ma'am" Taehyung said. "I'm sorry but don't act like you didn't destroy Jeongguk's whole life"

Jieun's eyes widened. "W-what?!"

"You can't really blame him. He was just trying to get back what he missed in his younger days. And you can't really blame me for giving it to him. He deserved someone who knows how to fuck him good"

"You-"

"You're just as evil as he is...if not more" Taehyung said and dragged Jeongguk out of the house, leaving Jieun burning with anger.

Jeongguk followed him outside and the moment the door closed behind him, the younger boy pushed the older man against the wall and kissed him.

Jeongguk kissed back eagerly, grinning in to the kiss. When they pulled away, both of them were smiling like fools.

"Wow that was...wow" Jeongguk said, doe eyes glinting.

"I'm not sorry"

"Jieun deserved it" Jeongguk whispered. "I'm not happy with what you said to Aria though. But she deserved it for what she did to you"

"No wonder she's not your daughter"

Jeongguk chuckled. "God, I love you so much. I love that spice and sass you have"

Taehyung grinned. "I love you too daddy"

Jeongguk bit his lip. "Wish you could call me what while I fuck you"

Taehyung's smile faltered. "I'm leaving next Monday. And I won't be coming to classes because I already applied for resignation. The interviews are starting in two weeks so I'll be staying with my mom until then...I haven't met her in ages so I can't wait to meet her"

"Did you find a good place to stay at when you enroll?"

"Not yet. But my mom said we could find one when I arrive at New York. I'm really excited, Jeongguk. This is a dream come true"

Jeongguk smiled, but there was sadness glinting in his eyes he reached out to touch Taehyung's cheek. "I'm happy for you. I really am. And I'm so fucking proud of you for getting selected. And I'm so proud of you for taking this decision of leaving me. Because I know it's not easy. It must've taken a lot of strength. I could've never been that strong"

"I don't want to leave you but I want to-"

"I know, baby. I know. And it's alright. I thought about the things you told me and you're right. I need to get that divorce and find myself all over again. We both need to grow. I don't want you to go but I'm sure I will be fine as long as you are"

"Jeongguk..."

"I'll try to be happy as long as you are. So be happy in New York for me, hmm?"

Taehyung nodded, tears cascading down his cheeks. Jeongguk smiled sadly at him. He wiped away Taehyung's tears with the pads of his thumb.

"Maybe..." Taehyung sniffled. "Maybe our paths will cross in the future and if it does, we would have become so much different from who we are today. Let's grow and mature separately, independently so maybe if we meet in the future, we would be able to maintain a healthy relationship in a healthy background"

Jeongguk smiled. "Of course. We would've become different people in the future. I hope to meet you again"

Taehyung smiled and cupped Jeongguk's face.

"I really wanted to go with you and I would've...maybe if I wasn't going to have another child"

Taehyung nodded. "I understand you"

"I love you, Taehyung. And I always will"

"I love you too" Taehyung smiled at him, tears brimming his eyes. He planted a quick kiss atop Jeongguk's lips and turned around, walking away from Jeongguk as tears cascaded down his cheeks.

He didn't dare look back once.

-

"Oh I'm going to miss you, my child! You were one of the most peaceful kids who had stayed here" Mrs. Hooper said as she squeezed Taehyung in a bear hug.

"I will miss you too, Mrs. Hooper. Thank you for treating me so well. I can never repay you enough" Taehyung said as he pecked the older woman's forehead. She smelled like cookies, like she always did. And as much as Taehyung didn't want to admit, he would miss her love and care.

The old woman finally drew away and Taehyung smiled at her. The day had finally come. The day he was leaving to New York. His flight was in five hours. His friends were coming to pick him up and drive him to the airport so they could bid goodbye to each other one last time.

"You know Mrs. Hooper..." Taehyung said as he walked towards the front door with his suitcases. "That guy I had over...my friend...he was my boyfriend"

"Jeongguk? Oh I knew that! I knew the moment he started telling me about you. The way he looked at you. He was surely in love with you. It was so obvious"

"Oh" Taehyung said, surprised. "I didn't think..."

"Well I've lived eighty years on this earth and I've seen my fair share of people. That's enough to read someone in and out"

"You weren't mad that I was having him over?"

"No! Of course not. He was a sweet man. And you guys didn't make much noise. I had two girls stay here last year and they were so loud in the night time if you know what I mean"

Taehyung blushed. "We...I'm sorry for not telling you earlier"

"You must've thought I was not supportive. But I am. I just don't care, darling. Now go on about your way before you get late. Safe travels, my child"

"Thank you, Mrs. Hooper. I will never forget your kindness" Taehyung said, bidding goodbye to the granny. He stepped out, only to see Hoseok's old car outside the house.

Waving at Mrs. Hooper one last time, he got inside the car and they drove away.

-

"Why are you staying home today?" Jieun's voice made Jeongguk snap out of his trail of thoughts.

"Oh the students are having their sport festival today. I'm not going" Jeongguk said, looking at Jieun who had a load of files in her hands. "Aren't you going?"

"I'm going in the afternoon...I have some work to do from home" She said as she walked to the study.

Since the ruckus with Taehyung that happened almost a week ago, Jieun had been treating Jeongguk differently. She hadn't talked about the divorce and about anything, for that matter. They barely talked at all. And since Jeongguk slept in a separate room, other than at breakfast and sometimes dinner where the three of them sat together, they didn't talk at all. Seeing Taehyung and Jeongguk kissing must've had an effect on her. Jeongguk just wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

Jeongguk took out his phone and checked the time. 10.23 a.m. Taehyung would be leaving in five hours.

He sighed and pushed his phone to his pocket. He went upstairs to change into jeans to drive to the grocery store to get himself alcohol. He had finished up all the bottles he had at home in the last few weeks after he and Taehyung broke up. And today, he really needed it.

Jeongguk skipped downstairs and was about to head outside when he heard a sound. He halted in his steps, confused as to what it maybe.

Then it came again. A moan of pain.

His heart started racing wildly in his chest. It must be Jieun. It was only them inside the house. He ran to the study and barged in.

He saw Jieun sitting at her desk, leaning back on the chair as she held her belly in her hands. Her face was scrunched with pain.

"H-hey what's wrong?" Jeongguk asked, fear lacing every word.

Jieun opened her eyes. "H-hurts"

"Where?" Jeongguk asked. Jieun touched the lower part of her baby bump.

"It feels weird" Jieun said. Jeongguk could see that her whole face was sweaty. This isn't good.

"Hey let's go to the hospital" Jeongguk said. "Come on"

Jeongguk helped her sit up and just as she stood up, she screamed.

Jeongguk looked at her, horrified. "Wha-"

And then he saw it.

Blood was gushing down her thighs, soaking her clothes and the floor beneath her.

"Oh my fucking god. Come on. Let's go to the hospital" Jeongguk said and picked Jieun up, only for another scream to escape her and more blood gushed down her thighs.

Jeongguk placed Jieun on her back and started calling an ambulance.

"The ambulance would be here soon. Just hold on. Please" Jeongguk said, stroking her head as she screamed in pain.

"What's happening to me?!" She sobbed.

"It'll be fine" Jeongguk said. But he wasn't sure if that was the truth.

When the ambulance arrived and took her to the hospital, and jeongguk followed the vehicle with his car, he thought her would go crazy from all the stress. When the nurses started piling up and taking her inside the hospital and Jeongguk put his head on his hands, something told him that not everything is going to be fine.

He didn't know how long it took for the doctors and nurses to come out of the room Jieun was taken to but when they did, they didn't look happy.

"Mr. Jeon?" The lady doctor said, making jeongguk walk towards her.

"Yes? Is my wife okay? What happened to her?"

"Her condition is stable...but..."

"But?" Jeongguk asked. Fear bubbled in his chest.

"She was having a miscarriage"

Jeongguk felt his stomach drop. "What?" He whispered.

"The baby...isn't alive anymore. I'm sorry, Mr. Jeon. But Mrs. Jeon could've been in danger too. But fortunately we were able to make her condition stable. We couldn't save the baby"

Jeongguk stared at her, horrified. "What...what could've caused it?"

"There could be many causes but since she had had a healthy childbirth before, we aren't so sure. We would have to look more into it if we want to find out the exact cause. But I'm not sure if your wife would want that..."

"I understand" Jeongguk said. "Will she be alright?"

"She will. She is asleep now since we have medicated her. She will be out for a few hours. You can visit her after she wakes up"

"Thank you" Jeongguk said, voice breaking. The doctor walked away, shooting him an apologetic look.

Heart beating wildly in his chest, he sank into the metal seat of the hospital chair outside the hospital room. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.

However, as a war raged in his mind, amidst the clatter of hopes and dreams falling against the bare, dry ground of his heart, the word "Miscarriage" that rang in his ears was like rain to his desert of a heart.

And he sighed, as wrong as it felt, as the doctor's words played in his mind over and over again, like a broken record, all he could feel was absolute, terrifying...

...Relief.

So Jeongguk bolted up and ran. He could not be late. If he drove fast enough, he could catch Taehyung before he leaves. He ran to his car and drove into the road instantly, heading to the airport.

Anxiety swelling up in his stomach, he drove as fast as he could, ignoring the angry honk of cars as he drove carelessly past them.

When he meets Taehyung he will tell him that he could go with him. That he no longer needs to be the parent of the new baby. That the responsibility is off his shoulders and that there's no reason not to divorce Jieun now and live separately. He will tell him that they could move in together and that he could convince Aria that he needs to go to New York. He will tell Taehyung that Aria is old enough now and that she would be okay without him. And that there's no reason to not get back with Taehyung.

He would tell him that they could be together, after all the things they've been through. Now, the biggest burden was off his shoulders.

Jeongguk didn't know how long it took for him to get to the airport. But the moment he arrived, he parked the car and ran towards the entrance. He looked around quickly before running inside. He took hurried steps into the vast airport, looking around like a maniac in search of a blond head. He walked further inside, towards the lines of people who were lined up to register their baggage. He looked at each and every one of them, gaze flickering from one person to another as fast as his mind could register information. And Taehyung was nowhere to be found. Had he already gone inside? Had he already boarded to the plane? Had he-

Then Jeongguk saw him.

Dyed blond hair, sharp jaw, round cheeks and shining chocolate eyes. He was dressed in jeans and a baggy sweatshirt. Jeongguk's lips stretched into a grin and his heart bubbled with happiness as he saw Taehyung.

But his smile faltered a little upon seeing him talking to someone he had never seen before. Taehyung was laughing at something the other boy had said, eyes forming crescents as he did. Nevertheless, Jeongguk started sprinting towards the place Taehyung stood.

"Taehyung!" He called.

Taehyung's smile disappeared, as he looked around the vast space, eyes darting from person to person to see who had called his name. Until they landed on Jeongguk, who was running towards him.

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung shouted. He dropped the backpack he was holding and ran to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk spread his arms and Taehyung jumped onto his embrace, making him stumble back with the force.

"Oh my god I didn't think I would see you again" Taehyung said, breathlessly.

"Oh Tae"

"I didn't think you would come" Taehyung said, grinning, as he pulled away. "I'm so glad that you did"

"I wanted to see you"

"My flight is in around two hours. Jimin and the others left like one hour ago but we were in the line for a long time and I was just about to go inside. You came just in time" Taehyung said. "Oh and I found a new friend! He's going to New York too!" Taehyung said, pointing at the other male he was talking to earlier, who was paying no attention to them now.

"He was selected to art academy too! Oh my god I can't believe I already made a friend" Taehyung blabbered.

Jeongguk's heart ached but he smiled. "I'm happy about that"

"Me too" he grinned.

"Thank you for coming" Taehyung said. "To say goodbye. What if I never see you again?"

Jeongguk smiled at him. He wanted to tell him that this is not the last time Taehyung will see him. That Jeongguk will come to New York soon too. But...

"I wanted to see you off" Jeongguk said.

Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jeongguk again. "I really hope you would be alright"

"I would" Jeongguk whispered. He tried his best to keep his tears at bay. "I promise"

"You know Jeongguk...if we meet in the future, we would've changed so much. And I really hope we would meet"

Jeongguk smiled. The sob that threatened to escape his throat faltered his smile. "Me too"

Jeongguk couldn't help it. Taehyung looked happy. Truly happy. And when he starts a new life in New York, away from all the bullshit and drama he got in the middle of because of Jeongguk, he would be happier. New York is a new beginning for Taehyung. New York was his future.

If Jeongguk follows him there, Taehyung would be stuck with his past. He would not be able to move on and start his life anew. He would not be able to live his life without a leash tugging him back, if Jeongguk followed him. Taehyung needs a fresh start. Away from Jeongguk.

And so does Jeongguk.

If Jeongguk follows him there, he would stay as a living breathing reminder of what Taehyung used to be and what he had gone through in here. And that would only be burden on his shoulders. Something that would prevent him from becoming a new person, the way he's meant to be.

It's best that Jeongguk let him go. For both their sakes.

Jeongguk took a deep breath. "If we were destined to be, if we are each other's true love, I'm sure we will meet again. We will find ourselves back together. If we don't, it's still going to be the best for us"

Taehyung smiled. "Yeah. I just hope we would meet though. That we would find our way back to each other. I really hope so"

"Me too" Jeongguk said. "I love you, Taehyung"

"I love you too, Jeongguk. Don't ever forget me"

"Forget you? I would forget my own name before I forget you. You are my home, Tae. My happiness. You made me live my life and showed me that life was meant to be lived. Not just exist, like I used to before I met you"

"Oh Gguk" Taehyung's eyes brimmed with tears.

"I will remember the things you taught me for the rest of my life, my love. You will always be in my heart, where ever you are"

"So will you" Taehyung said. "Gguk you know, I didn't fall in love with you. I walked into it. I was aware of each step I took and loved every step I took towards you"

"Tae"Jeongguk smiled at him. "I think I did too. I never intended to fall for you. but you're so hard to not fall in love with, my love. And I'm glad I did. You're the best thing that happened to me"

Taehyung sniffled as he smiled. "But let's move on from each other"

"Yeah"

"Let's not wait for each other"

Jeongguk nodded. A stray tear trailed down his cheek. "Let's give other people some space in our heart too"

"Yeah" Taehyung said, smiling. A thousand emotions swirled in his chocolate orbs. The emotions made their way in the form of tears down his cheeks.

Jeongguk wiped his tears with the pads of his thumb. "Great things await you there. A great future. I wish you all the best. You're strong and you will make it. I will always support you from afar. I will always love you. So forget your past and start a new life. Don't go back to any of your old ways, hmm?"

Taehyung nodded, sniffling. "Okay"

"And be careful. New York is different from here"

"I will" Taehyung whispered. "You should get that divorce as soon as possible and move out, okay? You can still take care of Aria that way so just move on from Jieun. And find yourself. Start doing things for yourself. When you're out of that marriage, you're a free man. And you're young so you can do whatever you want"

Jeongguk nodded. "I won't disappoint you. I will focus on myself"

"Good" Taehyung whispered.

"Taehyung! Taehyung's friend called as he approached them. "The other guys who are on our plane started going inside. We should go with them"

"Oh okay. I'll come. Give me a minute" Taehyung told him and faced Jeongguk again.

"I should get going" Taehyung said to Jeongguk.

"Hope you get there safely. Be careful, okay?" Jeongguk said.

"I will. Please be happy"

"I will" Jeongguk said and cupped Taehyung's face. He pressed his lips against Taehyung's. Taehyung tasted the same way he tasted the first day Jeongguk kissed him. He was sweet as honey and left jeongguk starving for more taste.

When they pulled away, Taehyung smiled at him as he took a step back. "Goodbye, Jeongguk"

Jeongguk smiled at him sadly.

"Goodbye Taehyung"

》♡《

Next is epilogue :)

Tell me...
Who was your favourite character?

What was your favourite scene from the book?

Thank you for reading and holding on till the very end. Let's meet at the epilogue 💜

No one:
Ya'll: