One month later..

Taehyung misses him. He misses his face, his stupid, flirty remarks. He misses his lips, misses feeling alive. Taehyung can't forget Jungkook. He acts like he already has- but he hasn't. He can't. Taehyung is going crazy. He knows that it was the right thing to break contact with Jungkook- but on the other hand he wonders if he should have given him five minutes to explain everything, to explain himself.

Taehyung has just finished his shift at the restaurant and heads outside. It has started to get warmer- spring is around the corner. He starts walking towards the bus stop.

"Hey- Taehyung, right?"

Taehyung turns around to face Yugyeom. Seeing Jungkook's best friend makes his heart hurt. Yugyeom reminds him of a time when Jungkook and him have been crazy about each other, craving the other's touch. Taehyung misses it. "Hey, how are you doing?"

"I am good, I am good. And you?"

"I'm alright." Taehyung smiles. He scratches his head awkwardly. "Hey, I never thanked you for that time when you protected me against Minho. So- thank you for that. It was very nice of you."

"Don't mention it. That guy is seriously sick in his head. I am glad he got what he deserved."

Taehyung wants to ask what Yugyeom is talking about, but he doesn't want to hear about Jungkook. He knows that he has punched Minho for hurting him. "Okay, then, take care and-"

"Hey, do you have time for a drink? I want to talk to you."

"No." Taehyung shakes his head, knows what Yugyeom wants to talk about. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Come on. If you are thankful for my help, then please, give me a few minutes. Let's drink a beer."

Taehyung sighs, but nods. "Fine. One beer."

"That should be enough."

They head back inside the restaurant Taehyung is working at and order two beer. Taehyung feels tense. He is sure that Yugyeom wants to talk about Jungkook. "So, what is it?"

"Okay, listen. I don't know you. We have only met twice. So- obviously I don't know what's going on inside your head or your heart. But I know my friend. And I know who he is and what he has done. And I just want to clarify something."

"It doesn't matter anymore. It's in the past."

Yugyeom stares at Taehyung in disbelief. He smiles, but he shakes his head. "Please, just give me five minutes without interrupting me. You don't have to agree- but please just hear me out."

"Did Jungkook ask.you to talk to me-"

"God, no. No." Yugyeom laughs. "Jungkook would probably kill me if someone tells him that I am doing this. So, please keep it for yourself, yeah?"

"Okay." Taehyung nods. "Five minutes."

"Thank you." Yugyeom takes a deep breath. "Jungkook made two big mistakes. First, he went out for a drink with that fucked up ex of yours and had a terrible, drunk idea- and second, he didn't tell you that he has fallen in love with you without even realizing it."

Taehyung shifts on his seat, feeling uneasy.

"I won't say anything about you two kissing behind that fucker's back- I am not a saint either. But that's not the point. I know Kook for five years. He has a soft, warm heart. Yes, he acts like a tough guy, but he is a good soul."

Taehyung takes a big sip of his beer, keeps his eyes on the glass.

"Jungkook didn't fake anything when he was with you. Believe me. He's not that good of an actor. Everything he has said to you, every touch and kiss- that's him. I mean, he can't fake eye fucking you in the water park."

Taehyung ignores the shiver running down his spine when he remembers their intimate position behind the lockers.

"Yes, Kook offered Minho to test you- but when he met you, he didn't care about that anymore. He's just happy to have a reason to be with you. He couldn't even wait to see you again."

"He could have told me about that earlier. We could have-"

"No. That's the point. Jungkook couldn't tell you earlier. You would have reacted the same way back then."

"No, I wouldn't have. Because back then, I have harldy known him. I haven't fallen for him yet-" Taehyung trails off, realizes what he has just said. He grabs the glass and drinks his beer, curses his loose mouth.

"Kook was scared. If he would have told you back then, you would have left and never talked to him again. You wouldn't get to know him better. Jungkook didn't want that. He also didn't want to lose his job- but primarily, he didn't want you to leave his life. You have no idea how often he has talked about you."

"I think five minutes are over-"

"I don't know what you've dealt with in the past, and I don't need to know. But I saw you two together- dude, you are beaming, you are happy, and your eyes are sparkling and shit like that. Kook is a good guy and I know that you know it, too." Yugyeom takes a sip of his beer. "But it's up to you. That's all I wanted to say. You two are happier together. Thank you for listening."

There's a beat of silence. "You are a good friend."

"Jungkook is great, too."

Next chapter is the last chapter of this book...