Taehyung isn't completely down when he walks through the apartment door of his new home but he thinks he can act sober long enough to convince his dad.

"Taehyung." Jakyung says from the living room.

"Jaki." Taehyung says. "I mean Jakyung. Shit."

"Where have you been?" She asks.

"Taeil lost my book. So..." Taehyung says.

"You smell like marijuana. And alcohol." Jakyung says. "Where have you been?"

"You didn't let me finish." Taehyung says. "Taeil lost my book so. We hung out with his older brother. He was drinking and stuff. But we weren't."

"You expect me to be that when you are obviously under the influence." Jakyung says.

Taehyung sighs. "Alright fine. What are you going to about it?"

"I don't want you bringing this into my home." Jakyung says.

"It won't happen again." Taehyung says walking passed her and into his room.

Taehyung was glad that Jakyung was a bit of a pushover and he knew she wouldn't mention it to his father.

Taehyung laid down and stared up at the ceiling.

Nothing hurt tonight like it usually did and he felt like he could do anything.

Like nothing could stop him. Not even what Suho did to him.

All that seemed to be in the back of his mind as he enjoyed his high.

He even slept that night without being shaken awake by his terrible nightmares.

When he gets dressed for school he doesn't feel like death like he usually does.

When he gets out front his father and Jakyung sit down at the kitchen table.

"Good morning." They greet him.

"Hey." Taehyung says throwing his backpack over his shoulder and heading towards the door.

"Jakyung was going to take you to school." His father says.

"You don't have to do that." Taehyung says.

"I don't mind. Are you ready?" Jakyung stands grabbing her keys.

"Yeah." Taehyung says.

Jakyung leads him out to the car and they both get in.

"Jakyung." Taehyung says breaking the silence.

"Yes?" She asks.

"I'm sorry about last night. I was out of line and I promise it won't happen again." Taehyung says.

"Don't worry. I know you're under a lot of stress with the move and everything. It's natural for you to act out."

"I'm not acting out." Taehyung says thinking it was a stupid thought.

"It's okay. I just hope you don't bring drugs into the apartment." Jakyung says.

"I won't. I don't usually do stuff like that. It was a mistake." Taehyung says.

They remain silent for the rest of the ride and Taehyung thanks her when they get to the school and he gets out of the car.

Hoseok waits for him outside and he watches the car pull off.

"That's her?" Hoseok asks when Taehyung is close enough.

"Yeah." Taehyung says. "And she's fucking perfect. I hate her."

"Hate is a strong word." Hoseok says.

"It's just not fair Hobi." Taehyung whines as they start walking again.

Hoseok laughs. "You look good today. What's gotten into you?"

"Are you saying I look bad every other day?" Taehyung asks.

"Yes. Exactly." Hoseok says.

"Delete yourself from my life." Taehyung says.

Hoseok puts an arm around Taehyung's shoulder and smiles.

"Hey guys." Jungkook appears beside them.

"Hey Jungkookie." Hoseok says.

"Hey." Taehyung says.

The three of them walk to class and somehow end up making plans to go to Jungkook's after school.

"I better text Jakyung and let her know I don't need a ride after school." Taehyung says pulling out his phone.

"Is that her name?" Jungkook asks.

"Yeah." Taehyung says finding he woman's number and sending a quick text.

"I know the years almost over. But do you think Mrs. G will ever let me sit in my seat again?" Hoseok asks.

"Probably not." Taehyung says patting his friends shoulder. "Bye Hobi."

Hoseok sighs and walks to his seat with his head down in fake sorrow.

Jungkook laughs at him and the two sit down.

Taeil walks up to Taehyung with a small smile.

"So about last night." He starts making them both laugh a little.

"Yeah?" Taehyung says chuckling.

"I closed my eyes and you were there and then I opened them and you were gone." Taeil laughs.

"I couldn't stay all night my dad would've flipped out." Taehyung says.

"I know. You were okay when you left right? I didn't want you on the streets like that." Taeil says.

"Yeah. I was fine." Taehyung says.

"Good. I know it's a lot of pressure when everyone is watching but you really didn't have to. And you don't have to again. You can still chill with us." Taeil says.

"Yeah it's cool. I had fun." Taehyung says.

"We'll do it again sometime." Taeil winks before walking to his seat.

Jungkook looks over. "You two a thing or something?"

"No. Just friends." Taehyung says.

"You should invite him to hang out sometime." Jungkook says. "With everyone."

"Yeah. I might." Taehyung nods.

Jungkook focuses on the lesson and Taehyung does the same.

-

It's been a week and Taehyung has finally gotten used to living with Jakyung.

But he's also been finding himself at the underground more and more lately.

"You've been smoking a lot Taehyung. It's starting to worry me." Taeil says.

"Everyone here smokes a lot Taeil." Taehyung says already feeling slightly affected my the drug.

"I know. But I shouldn't have brought you here. You're not like us. You have way more potential than anyone here." Taeil says.

"Offense not taken." Doyoung says offended.

"Sorry." Taeil says. "But I didn't want you to become a pot head."

"I'm not. Just chill. Alright." Taehyung says with a reassuring smiles.

"Yeah. Chill Tae. It's not going to kill the kid to get high every once and a while." Taeyong says.

"Fine. I'm leaving now. I'll see you at school tomorrow." Taeil says standing.

"You go to our school?" Taeyong asks.

"Yeah." Taehyung nods.

"I'm usually stoned at school so I wouldn't remember if I saw you." Taeyong laughs.

Taehyung laughs too as they light another blunt.

This wasn't where Taehyung saw himself but he felt like he fit.

He much rather preferred the feeling marijuana gave him over living in constant fear and the feeling of constantly reliving that moment.

If he had to chose between getting high or dying everyday he lived he would definitely have chosen this.

--