[unedited]

Chapter Thirty-Two

"This is why I'm an underrated genius," Jungkook chimes, walking alongside a man with brunch in his hands. "I told you it would work out, didn't I?"

Taehyung glances at Jungkook holding a tray of coffee. He walks out the elevator, down the hallway, and finds the front door to Jimin's apartment. The man balances with all the food once Jungkook leans down for a spare key. The carpet by the door's corner edges for a hidden slot, allowing the first-year to triumphally smile and enter the space.

"Everything came easier to me by night," Taehyung sighs, placing the food onto the small couch. He glances at the closed tv, clean floors, and tidy counters. His confusion doesn't last long as Jungkook rubs his shoulder, grinning over at him. "It's about time," the first-year says, "Soon enough you'll be done your healing-journey and easily expressin' feelings like some love-struck puppy. Just give it time."

Taehyung nods. He's been smiling since last night. Late at night, he left Namjoon's apartment and joined you at yours alone. Nothing but soft whispers, Netflix, and sweet embraces took course of the night where he dared to kiss you on occasion. Before any of it could result in an embarrassing boner, Taehyung claimed a 'bedtime' and had you cuddle into his arms for rest. He left early in the morning, kissing your forehead and leaving a second note for you to read later.

Now, teamed with Jungkook, Taehyung's mind circles around his life. I've got my friends back and I've got my girl back. Reasons to forever smile made today a good day. Standing in thoughts, he's broken out when Jungkook whistles and catches sight of the apartment. "Why so clean?" he chuckles, starting to make noise down the hallway for Jimin's room.

Fooling around, Taehyung laughs loud, tears starting to ache at his lash-line while jumping onto the first-years back and having him carry his weight. Goofing about, they call for Jimin's name and bash his bedroom door. The man jumps off Jungkook's back, twirling the knob open only to have someone yank it on the other side.

Both obnoxious men grow quiet when a blushing Jimin faces them. His finger is at his lips telling them to shush, eyes in a sleepy haze, his tee barely covering abs that tense. Jimin rubs his hand through his hair before struggling to button his jeans. He pushes them back, trying to close the door behind him without making more noise.

There is a fight to block their sights, but Jungkook and Taehyung catch a body shuffle on Jimin's bed. "Hol—" Taehyung is cut off by Jungkook who screeches when seeing Pela's naked back. "YOU FUCKED MY BABY!" the first-year says. Jimin glares, eyes wider when slapping his hand on Jungkook's mouth.

Silence is heard for a few seconds before Jimin sighs in relief. Jungkook slaps the man's hand away, commenting, "Get your dirty sex-hand outta my face. I've been breaking out already, I don't need dried pussy-juice creatin' bumps on my cheeks."

Taehyung blinks in awe. He stares at the door before following Jimin and Jungkook babbling down the hallway. He's surprised over the sight, but more over his obliviousness. He should've known since no Pela came into sight last night. Too involved with you and the overwhelming of emotions, the man didn't care to cross-check possibilities. "I guess things are going really well huh?" Taehyung peeps in for the teasing, reaching the couch where Jimin plumps on.

The woken man rubs his face, kicking Jungkook who jumps to sit on his legs. Held down, there's a grunt when he fails, the first-year successfully on him. "Ayyyyy," Jungkook chimes, slapping the man's stomach as a drum-roll, "Our boy got laid. I never thought I'd be this proud." The fake-crying begins and Jimin groans.

Taehyung, hiding his smirk, jumps around the other side of the couch. He takes Jimin's bed-hair on his lap, slaps the shy man's hands hiding face, and joins the careless cries. "Never thought I'd see the day, huh?" Jimin tries to curl up, swallowing a smirk of his own. "Yo chill," he says, to which neither of the others do. They continue teasing until Jimin squeaks out a loud laugh.

Seated with grins, Jungkook passes along the drinks and food. Jimin thanks them, watching them eat while saving his portion for when his girlfriend wakes.

The first-year munches loudly, glancing over after a moment of silence at the two beside him. "It's crazy huh? The two of you are happy and in love and shit?"

Taehyung, like old times, grumbles, "Language."

Jimin chuckles, stealing some of Jungkook's food as the first-year offers to feed him. "She's amazing...last night was fuckin' everything I'd want." His shy stance falls to the couch's cushion. The only reason Jimin straightens back is when Jungkook arches another fork-full of food.

Taehyung smiles to himself, looking past his long bangs hitting his eyes and to his friend in a haze from the previous night. Just by looking at Jimin, Taehyung feels known. Known. Jimin, along with Taehyung, thinks about the previous nights in moments most memorable. Same heart. Same mind. Taehyung stares at his friend's blushing face and sees all the times he held the same expression with you in his arms.

Jungkook catches the daze Taehyung falls in. With a smile, the boy says, "You weren't the only one who had a great night..."

Jimin's brows jump. "Oh, you and your boytoy?" Jungkook rolls his eyes and nudges towards Taehyung. Jimin's brows jump twice as high when catching the flush creeping on Taehyung's cheeks.

"For real?"

"We didn't sleep together or nothin'," Taehyung clarifies, "It was, we just had a night to ourselves talking."

Jimin smiles kind. "That's great Tae!"

The man awkwardly chuckles.

Jungkook doesn't stop his teasing. "Look at that, look at his face," he points his fork out, "Blushing like he's met Tiana or someshit." Taehyung glares when the first-year brings up his old love for the Disney princess. No stare stops him, "Lookin' so alive and well considering he normally looks like a mopin' toad." Taehyung loses at that, reaching over and trying to get a good slap in.

Jimin eases the situation as he always does. He breaks in, laughs with them both and finds his hands to Taehyung's neck. As he rubs, watching the man go back to eating, Jimin finds words to finish his train of thought. "I'm glad you're allowing yourself to live," he says.

Taehyung blinks, catching Jungkook stuffing himself and Jimin's soft scolds telling the first-year to slow down. He relaxes. All falling to place while sat next to two of his best friends.

"I finally asked her last night."

"To the dance?" Jimin says.

Taehyung smiles with a nod.

Jungkook smirks, cheeks full of food as he spits, "She said yes. We've been knowing she would!" The man in the middle laughs, "About time!"

Taehyung nibbles his bottom lip. Insides lifted from contentment.

***

You pick up his habit, teeth chewing your lip. Insides fall from hesitation.

It's past noon when your body jolts awake. A little twitch of your leg brings senses back in function. The light past curtains is the first you see, bare legs peeking from blankets the next. Unclutching the pillowcase beside you, when your messy hair is tamed from the shift of your fingertips, eyes meet the empty space beside you. The somber drop in your heart lifts when catching his second note. A petite smile graces your features.

The first line cracks you up.

This is not a suicide note. Don't let your mind trick a conclusion.

You roll your eyes.

When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes,
I all alone beweep my outcast state,
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,
And look upon myself and curse my fate,
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,
Desiring this man's art and that man's scope,
With what I most enjoy contented least;
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,
Haply I think on you—fuck, I mean thee—and I ruined Shakespeare's sonnet. Great.

Smile sweet and shy, you dip for your knees to rest. You giggle, heart matching the flutters felt in your stomach.

I need you to know that we'll conquer anything from now on.
The two of us.
It helps that you look cute when asleep.

— Kim Taehyung

You glance away from the note and out the window. The sun aches your eyes, so new to the light from such a draining slumber. With an initial squint, your pupil adjusts to the burn before sealing shut and seeing orange behind eyelids. When you hug your knees and smell his scent on your blanket, black dots amongst the orange paint a picture of his frame, eyes closed.

"I love you." You see his almond-shaped eyes, his curling lips, and the same lost expression he holds always—always but this moment, the moment you revisit. "I'm in love with you, you hear me?"

You store the second note with the first one. Next to your bed, in a drawer and under an old notebook.

When your feet meet the cold floor, you stand to get ready for a day a hundred times brighter than the day before.

As maneuver throughout the day,
They text you;

Oki: with numbers unknown to you at first, says, I'd like to apologize once more. Having slept on your ambush, I get why you'd be upset. My bad. You tell him your thanks, revisit his apology, and end the conversation with a civilized block.

Jason: with a number you recognize, says, You mad still? In the process of doing your hair, you swallow pride and allow yourself to smile. You write him humour where he sends love out of relief. Civilized conversation ends with no block, but a new friend.

Jungkook: with name 'Soul'sSoulmate❤️' framed across the screen, says, My best friends are together now and I'm flippin shit man. Don't forget my ass. You know I'll always be your first loyal man!!!!! He makes you laugh out loud, lipstick almost strapping down your chin.

Jimin: with name 'AwkwardMan' framed across the screen, says, Pela's over...I'll drive her to class no worries. There is a pause and you pass away from shock, watching the man write, Thank you for giving Taehyung a shot. You tell him your thanks, revisit Pela's name in his text-bubble, and end the conversation with a proud emoji.

Pela: with name 'Main😘' framed across the screen, says, WHAT YOU MEAN TAEHYUNG AND YOU AERJEBKLJSGBSKFBG. The rest you try not giggling at, walking towards a bus that will take you down to campus. You tell her the details in the smallest sentences you can, and she shyly gives you most of her night when asked. TONIGHT! MOVIE NIGHT! WE'VE GOT SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT OMG I CAN'T FUNTIONSDKASJBGKB. You laugh out loud when she spams you with memes.

Taehyung: with a name that has changed on repeat, says, I see you.

You look around from your spot in the café after class. Time to spare, your gaze meets his smiling face across the street, you wave with curling lips of your own.

I see you back, you say.

The boy cutely looks to his screen, types until bubbles form for too long. You wait, anxious and excited, only to be teased when he erases his words and leaves a '❤️' instead.

Before you can smile at the only man you've been waiting for, long beautiful hair stands close to him on a petite body you remember. Ella.

Without guess, conclusion, or threat. You smile into your screen and say, Get your closure. I'll wait for your secrets.

Taehyung glances at his phone, beams, then looks back to an oblivious Ella who holds bagels out for him. He takes it, slowly, while glancing up at your trusting eyes that let him go without anymore assumptions.

As he leaves with the woman, you face your coffee and sigh. It's hard for you to not fall into your bad habit, but when he messages, I love you, at last, your shaking knee subsides, and you remind yourself of worries that no longer need fuel.

Your distraction finds the memory of his first note. Finding it on your living room table, place looking untouched. Your hands shook while reading the first few words.

"I love you. I'll say it again and again if I have to. I don't regret my timing, nor do I regret coming before your date. But I do want to apologize. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for taking so long. I'm sorry. Depending on what happens next, I may or may not get the chance to send you Sonnets for notes or kiss those lips some more. I hope you'll choose anything but the latter. – Kim Taehyung."

You panicked while reading the end, thinking he meant 'next' for a life that may not be. You remember running, rushing, and screaming to find him. When he laughed in your face, you realized the 'next' he spoke of was not life or death, but love or regret.

Your knee stops its rattle.

Relaxation issues as your heart wishes for Taehyung's day to go well alone.

***

"Why exactly did you want to meet?"

Taehyung glances at the woman who sits across from him. He finds it in himself to smile politely her direction, eyeing the run-down sides of campus Ella familiarized herself with. "I thought you could use some help out of everything I've left you in," he says, causing her legs to twitch.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Her eyes fail to meet his.

Taehyung nods. "Hear evil, see evil, but you're still refraining from speaking about it, huh?"

"It's what comes with the territory," Ella says through her teeth. Her finger nails pick at her half-eaten bagel. "You can't be scamming people and rounding up drugs with a babbling mouth."

"You don't have to save up money this way."

Ella glares at him harsher than expected. "I don't got many options Taehyung. You're to thank for that."

The man blinks. There is sadness in his eyes, regret. "I'm sorry for stealing your money...I hurt the both of us by doing that."

The woman's eyes seal shut. She lets her shoulders sulk after a few deep breaths. "I'm sorry too...Everything with Namjoon, it kinda just—" She sighs, "You've heard excuses, I'm done oversharing."

Taehyung shakes his head. With hesitancy, he leans his hand over the table and lands it over hers. Ella glances up in curiosity when he does, only to soften when his eyes share the light of his smile directed her way. "Another reason why I wanted to talk to you...I want an end—closure. If that means hearing things I normally wouldn't want to, I'm ready for it all."

Her voice is slow. "Everything?" The man nods, pulling his hands onto his lap under the table.

"But," Taehyung licks his lips, "I want this to be it. I need to move on. I need to know what I'm doing is right—sitting here with you—"

"Act selfishly," the woman sighs, "'cause if you're planning on saving the both of us from this, then you can forget it."

"Ella..."

Her head sinks. "I'm serious Taehyung. It's not your job to play hero. I can take care of myself."

Taehyung holds his nod until he genuinely means it. He carries a condition, a circumstance that changes all thoughts rambling within his head. "Fine," he breathes, "but I need one thing from you."

"What?" her eyes perk up. "What is it?"

The man owns his responsibilities, saying, "Let me give you the money I stole."

"H-How?" Ella swallows hard, "Taehyung that's not easy money. Where have you foun—"

"I haven't got it yet," Taehyung says. The man reads her expression, sees the distress, and evaluates the cries for help. She may say she doesn't need him or want his assurance. But the burden that he carries is a selfish one when he finishes, "But I'm looking into a job as stage coordinator at the local venue by campus. It's the one where my brother and his friend gathers for mini concerts. From the money I raise from there, little-by-little, I want to give you back as much as I can."

"That'll take years Taehyung," Ella shakes her head. "It's a sweet gesture but no matter what you've done to me, I won't have you worrying about this like you owe me some sort of loan."

"Then do it with me."

"Huh?" Ella's brows jump.

Taehyung smiles. "Work alongside me. I got hired due to my extra hours in English, with plays and theatre, but there are other slots you'd be perfect for! This way, you can chip at the debt without getting your hands dirty, and I can help by settling on a great savings account. It'll be like a piggy bank collecting over time, money lost on both sides—including my side."

The woman blinks in shock. "W-Wha...What could I possibly qualify for?" The insecurity is laced within her words and Taehyung's uneasiness strikes when seeing so much of his old-self in Ella's present-self.

"Sing, sing like you used to," Taehyung whispers. Ella hunches in discomfort shaking her head. "You can open up for the acts every weekend. The crowds are starting to become larger by the day, it could real—"

"I don't sing anymore." Ella purses her lips.

Taehyung, defeated, sulks his own shoulders. Before he can say a word, another voice carries on conversation from behind him. The man feels weight on his shoulders as hands pat him before taking a seat beside. Namjoon. Namjoon plumps beside Taehyung with a reassuring smile, glancing over at Ella who practically gasps.

"Then run food. I've heard about your baking. They need a crafts manager backstage and I can work up a good reference for you—" Namjoon glances to Taehyung, nodding his head, "...for you too brother."

The awkwardness in seeing both the brothers before her, Ella runs silent.

Taehyung, smiling adorably, catches her hesitancy and snorts, "Right," he pats Namjoon's back, "We're on our way to becoming the same we used to be."

The older brother stares over at the woman. The beautiful woman he once fell for. His hand is shaking in manners that he reminds himself to be cool for. Waiting for her fingers, Ella's softness swells the atmosphere. She takes Namjoon's hand, to which Taehyung smirks.

"You'll consider?"

Her hands are back to her sides. Eyes side-glancing to Namjoon who stares at the side of Taehyung's excited state. "Just...just give me a while to think about it? This is a lot to take in at once—I mean we weren't even looking at each other a few days ago but now you're talking about working together? All three of us?"

Namjoon corrects, "Technically I do gigs there so I'm not crew. But I know the owners and can definitely find you two opportunities. I think it'll be healthy."

"How can this be healthy for us? We'll see each other every weekend?" Ella blushes.

Taehyung stares at Namjoon. The older brother stares back, a small side-smile easing the situation. "Healing takes time and that's fair," Namjoon coos, "But when you start to take that time and substitute it with distance and distraction, the journey remains foiled."

The woman searches Taehyung's eyes for help to understand. The man laughs, translating his older brother. "Basically," he starts, "The more we're around each other at safe proximities, the better we'll learn to deal with each other. Time in healing shouldn't be fooled for distraction from healing."

Ella nods very slow.

"Consider it..." Taehyung's smile speaks his mind, body jumping back from his seat.

Namjoon stares at the man on his feet in confusion.

Ella follows the same expression, only for Taehyung to beat in a quick, "Well, you two talk and catch-up. Imma—I gotta...I gotta meet some old friends for my last stop."

"What? You said you wanted to talk about everything?"

Taehyung nods. "And we will, when you accept my offer and come work with me—"

Ella's eyes widen. "Taehyung!"

"What?" The man smiles. "For now, just take this moment to have some time with him—" Taehyung pops his chin in the direction of Namjoon who stirs uncomfortable in his spot, "— 'cause we all know there are issues plottin' in that pan as well."

"Taehyung I don't think..." Namjoon sighs, watching his little brother shoot out a wave.

"Distance and distractions are a 'no-no' remember!" Taehyung hollers, skipping away.

Ella stares away from Taehyung's back, sweaty palms rubbing her pants. When her nervous eyes meet the man before her, there is hesitancy in his actions mirroring her.

"Hey," she says.

"Yeah," Namjoon sighs, forcing himself to become ready for the moments ahead, "...hey."

***

"I'm sorry for—" Taehyung cuts Jason off with a chuckle, bringing the boy into a hug out of surprise. "Save it you asshole, she's told me last night," the man sighs, "...and she also made me promise I wouldn't be mad so I'm not gonna be." Jason's dimples find their comeback when pushing for a tighter hug.

"Group hug!" One friend chimes, high so early in the afternoon. He jumps onto the two boys and has others following. Taehyung's hair is ruffled, back is patted, and remarks of missing him are departed into the air. He remembers them as friends, but cares to never forget six others that are his brothers elsewhere. Namjoon, Yoongi, Hoseok, Jin, Jungkook, and Jimin.

Taehyung slips away from all and stares to one face that holds no amusement. Taehyung faces Khalil in the boy's apartment, standing with his hands to his sides. He expects no hug but knows of heart that yearns in the boy's eyes. "What you say?" Taehyung whispers, extending his arm. Khalil pokes his tongue at his cheek, glances at Taehyung's fist, and slaps is knuckles lightly in response. The man smiles with a sigh, nodding when Khalil nods in respect.

"You gonna talk to him too?" Khalil asks.

Taehyung notices the bond formed between the boy before him, and another that remains far. "I...I was hoping he'd be here with you all," Taehyung says, thinking of facing Oki.

The high friend chimes in, "He's in his apartment, searching for someshit. I don't know, he's been getting distant."

Taehyung nods, seeing it in everyone's eyes and knowing of his next move.

His weight shifts from one leg to the other. Taehyung knocks on the door again, hearing groggy shuffles of feet make the front door. When the door yanks open and a familiar face dodges smiles before him, Taehyung carries his awkwardness in a greeting, "Hey Oki."

"H-Hi," Oki blinks, shifts his weight in mimic of Taehyung. "What did you need? You good?" The boy stops his rambles, sealing his lips and waiting for Taehyung to do the speaking.

The man flicks his palm flat onto his other hand that leans in a loose fist. Making a noise of impatience with his hands, Taehyung does the opposite and remains patient. He carries his eyes to meet the same shapes that once carried his best friends gaze. With a soft, "I'm okay," Taehyung points to the living room behind Oki's shoulder.

A space that looks different.

"May I come in?" the man says, "I'd like to finally talk."

Oki blinks. He stares at the insides of the apartment that was once half Taehyung's.

There's a strength in the boy's nod as he opens the door wider, giving room for his old friend to enter for future's closure.

An end.

-
[a.n. The next chapter will be the last offical chapter, along with an addition special chapter. So, in total my bbs, there will be 2 updates. Stick around and I'll say it one last time: Prepare yo nachos.]