[ 24. the future ]
J E O N G G U K

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"Wait, so you're leaving to Kansas after prom?" Jeongguk asks, his arms full with boxes as he follows Justin into his room. Justin nods, holding the door open and going inside after him.

"It's better than going to therapy," Justin replies, taking the box from his hands and setting it on his bed. "I'd rather go to Kansas than suffer."

Jeongguk watches him begin to pack the boxes up with his belongings. He leans against the doorway, chewing on his lip realizing that this their last week together. The year's almost over, and he can't forget that Justin's graduating this year.

"Will you ever come back to visit?" Jeongguk asks, deciding to wander around his massive room. Like expected, it's huge since Justin's rich.

"I don't know," Justin says, stuffing more things into the box labeled with 'clothes'. "People here suck." Jeongguk snorts in response knowing he's right.

He then finds himself being drawn to the trophy case against one of the walls, completely in awe by the wall of gold. It's all from waterpolo, and Jeongguk's not surprised to see academic awards too.

Before he was outed, everyone used to admire Justin at school. He was a star athelete, student, and an all around good person. Jeongguk didn't really talk to him in the past, but everyone liked him then. Justin was their school's Golden Boy.

It's honestly really horrible he lost everything just because some jerk outed him for revenge. He lost his college scholarship, the support of his parents, his girlfriend, and all of his friends.

Jeongguk can't help but wonder, if this is what it means to be outed, maybe it isn't a good idea to be so open with Taehyung?

"What's this?" Jeongguk's eyebrows furrow upon seeing a picture frame on Justin's desk, thankful to get his mind away from those thoughts.

There's a girl on the frame with Justin, and two are smiling wide. His arm is around her waist, holding her the same way Taehyung holds him. She looks really pretty, and by the look in the eyes they were very much in love.

"Oh, that's just my ex. You know Laura right?" Jeongguk shakes his head. Justin chuckles softly, pain in his eyes as he continues to pack.

"She broke up with me after I was outed," Justin explains, not once looking his way. Jeongguk doesn't push any further, guessing it's a sensitive subject. He sets the frame back on the desk and walks over to join him.

"So, uh, what are you doing for prom?" Jeongguk decides to ask him, trying to lighten the mood. Justin doesn't say anything and shrugs. Jeongguk smile falls a little, noticing how upset he looks.

"I went to prom with Laura every year, but we're not together anymore so, um guess I'm doing nothing," Justin tells him, the edges of his lips curling upwards into a sad smile. Jeongguk mentally curses himself. Of course he went to prom with Laura.

"Are you gonna ask someone else?" Jeongguk tries again, though by the grimace on Justin's face he knows he messed up again. Great job Jeongguk.

"Well then, how about asking Grace?" He suggests, punching Justin's shoulder, teasing him. For a second, Justin smiles and even laughs a little. He even sees that Justin he's gotten to know over the last few weeks.

"The school thinks she's dating Taehyung remember," Justin then reminds him, which instantly makes Jeongguk's hopeful grin flop into a frown.

"Oh right," Jeongguk mumbles, his gaze averting to the floor. Justin pats his shoulder and turns to grab more of his belongings, leaving Jeongguk as he fidgets with his sweater sleeve.

"It's okay, Gguk. You don't have to try and make me happy," Justin says. Jeongguk lifts his stare from the floor and sees him standing by his desk, obviously looking at the old picture.

He watches Justin reach for the picture but instantly recoil his hand back as if he's touched something hot. Jeongguk's lips press into a line observing how Justin lets out a long sigh and his shoulders seem to slump as he walks off yet again.

"Did she make you happy?" He asks him all of a sudden to which Justin freezes. Justin's head whips over to where he stands. He looks away for a brief moment before meeting his eyes, swallowing.

"Yeah, she did," Justin confesses, his hand scratching the side of his neck. He swallows again, "I really loved her. As much as Michael tried his best to get me to cheat, she was my world."

"That doesn't sound very gay then," Jeongguk says abruptly and quickly clamps his hand over his mouth. Justin doesn't seem too offended, instead he's smiling that dimpled smile of his.

"I don't think I'm fully gay though," Justin admits, chuckling a little bit. He runs a hand through his dark hair, a small grin fitting on his lips. "I'm sure I like both genders."

"Well, if you think that, how come you never explained that to Laura?" Jeongguk's eyebrows crease, slightly confused. "If you like both genders, then why don't you get her back?"

"I-," Justin starts, but he quickly shuts his mouth. He shakes his head, biting down on his lower lip, shrugging. "I don't think she wants to see me again," He whispers, clearly hurt.

"Have you talked to her about it?" Justin shakes his head again, his head hanging low. Jeongguk sighs, stepping over the boxes on the ground to get to him.

Jeongguk stops in front of him and places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing his side gently. Justin slowly looks up at him, pain evident in his eyes as their gazes meet.

"You'll never know how she feels unless you ask," Jeongguk tells him, patting his shoulder. He can't help but feel his heart tug in his chest looking at how sad he is. "Who knows, she'll be more accepting."

"I don't know Gguk. Laura's never talked to me or approached me at school," Justin says bitterly, though Jeongguk knows he doesn't mean it. It's obvious he cares too much to hate her.

"Then we'll all approach her with you," Jeongguk responds back, a gentle smile twitching on his lips. Justin eventually smiles back at him. "We'll do this together."

"Do what together?"

Both of them hop away from each other, their attention turning to the door where Taehyung and Grace are standing. Taehyung doesn't look very amused, and Grace's on the verge of laughing.

"Hey Tae," Jeongguk waves at him, chuckling awkwardly as he feels himself gravitate towards him. In moments, Taehyung's arms around his tiny waist, pulling him close to his side and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"Dude, there's no need to get all protective," Grace snorts, elbowing Taehyung's side and earning a dirty look from him. "Jeongguk will probably bend over to anything you say," She says, smirking at the duo, whose faces are flushed with crimson.

"Can we not discuss sex in my Christian room," Justin's nose crinkles. Grace bursts out in laughter, smacking Justin's chest rather hard he grunts.

"Oh Justin, we all know you probably fucked your girlfriend in here too," Grace muses, sticking her tongue playfully out at him when Justin's face turns red.

"Grace just shut up, please," Taehyung clears his throat, rolling his eyes at her. Grace rolls her eyes back, mimicking him in an exaggerated deep voice before pushing them and plopping herself down on Justin's bed.

It's only been a couple minutes and everything's already weird. That's Grace Anderson for you.

"Alright boys, what are we doing today?" Grace claps her hands together extra cheerfully, her mood even more happier than usual.

The three boys exhange frightened looks, knowing damn well they're gonna be her victims today.

"Well, it's Justin's last week in Memphis before he graduates," Jeongguk says. Grace's attention flips to Justin, who doesn't look that happy Jeongguk mentioned that. He gulps, ready for Grace to pounce on him as he takes a step back.

"Really? You just mention that now?!" Grace hops to her feet. All the boys take a step back cautiously. "God Justin, I swear, I would have prepared something cool!" She pouts, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I knew if I mentioned it, you'd suggest fucking bungee jumping or some shit," Justin grumbles, shrinking slightly in his stance from the way Grace is intensely staring at him, probably planning his death.

"Maybe I wanna jump off a bridge Justin," Grace rolls her eyes. "Who knows, jumping off a bridge could be very therapeutic."

"No jumping off bridges," Taehyung pinches the bridge of his nose, already done with their bullshit. "Can we do something that doesn't include potential death?" He mutters.

"I mean, I love the idea of death in the morning-,"

"Grace shut up, please and thank you."

"Fine! If Justin told me he's leaving this week I would have come up with some awesome plan," Grace says, pointing a finger at Justin angrily. She tries to square up to Taehyung, but he's way bigger compared to her so it looks weird.

"It takes a good five business days to plan something in this boring ass town," She gestures at their surroundings, her tone more disappointed than mad. All three of them nod in agreement. There's really not that much to do here.

"Wait, I have an idea," Grace's expression suddenly lights up. She jumps up and down, clapping her hands like a little excited child. She then pulls Taehyung down and whispers something into his ear.

Confused, Jeongguk watches Taehyung try to push her off, but Grace grips his ear tight, forcing him to listen. He chuckles a little, finding their friendship amazing. In some other world, he wonders if they would ever be dating.

"Okay, so, Taehyung and Justin I want you to go out and buy these things," Grace says, running over to Justin desk and ripping off a piece of paper from the notepad sitting there. She takes a pen and scribbles some items on it.

"You two do this and bond over your gayness for Jeongguk," Taehyung scowls at her and Justin looks straight-up uncomfortable. Grace just laughs, "And while you two do that, Jeongguk and I are gonna go on an adventure."

"Why can't I be with Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks, crossing his arms over his chest. Grace shrugs, pretending to not know. Taehyung opens his mouth to argue with her, but Justin clears his throat.

"Holiday lights? It's almost summer you airhead. No stores sell these things," Justin complains, his eyebrows knitting together. Taehyung looks at the list over his shoulder, confused as well.

"A sheet, snacks, and blankets are easy, but Grace what the fuck? A projector? Where are we supposed to get that? Firework flares?" Taehyung frowns, completely and utterly confused. Grace just shrugs with a smile, not saying anything.

"I think she's planning a murder," Justin whispers to Taehyung. Taehyung nods, snorting, but the two stop when Grace gives them a scary look.

"C'mon Jeonggukie, let's leave these idiots," Grace's expresion changes scarily fast. She smiles innocently, taking his hand in hers and swinging their arms between them. Taehyung and Justin don't look too great.

"Where are we going?" Jeongguk asks, not sure if he should be scared or excited since Grace is literally the most unpredictable person on the planet.

"You'll see. Later losers!" Grace gives them a peace-sign and without warning, begins to run out of Justin's room while dragging Jeongguk along.

This is going to be a long day.

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"Grace, what are we doing here?" Jeongguk questions, recognizing the rock where they went to last time. Grace's hand is still holding his as they trudge to the top and sit near the edge like they did.

"We need to talk Jeongguk," Grace murmurs, the happiness from earlier nowhere present as her tone grows serious. Jeongguk nods along, not quite sure what's wrong.

"What's up?" Jeongguk asks, but the moment he does he notices Grace's lip begin to tremble. She takes a shaky breath and holds her head in her hands, her shoulders trembling.

"I got a phone call from my dad today," She exhales, her voice brittle. Jeongguk scoots closer to her, patiently waiting for her to speak when she grows silent. It takes a moment for her to gather herself, and it's no secret she's crying.

"I don't even know why I'm sad," Grace whispers, covering her face completely as she sniffles. "He called to tell me my girlfriend was released, and so I went to call her so fucking happy to know she's okay." Grace wipes her eyes, struggling to smile.

"Well, I tried to, and when she picked up," Grace sucks in a breath, the tears falling faster from her face despite how she tries to stop them. "She was s-so mean. W-Whatever they did to brainwash her, she believed them."

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk asks, wrapping an arm around her smale frame trying to console her. Grace shakes her head, laughing bitterly.

"She fucking believed them Gguk. I couldn't recognize her, and she sat there, telling me how horrible I should feel about myself," Grace murmurs, hurt. "I couldn't recognize her, and that scared me."

"You think it's the therapy doing that to her?" Jeongguk asks, softening his voice as he rubs her back up and down to calm her down. Grace nods, the laugh that leaves her lips pained, angry.

"I know it's that therapy. What hurts the most is that she said those things. I-I love her so much, and she's back telling me I'm unnatural," Grace shakes her head, rubbing her eyes, her breaths shaky. Jeongguk presses his lips together, unsure of what to say.

The two sit there in the silence except for the occasional sniffle from Grace. Jeongguk looks out, realizing how the view isn't as pretty as it was the last time they were there.

For some reason, the skies look gloomier today. Above them, the vibrant blues are a murky gray, and dark clouds plague the sky, blocking the sun. The town below their feet is empty, the darkness enveloping every building with lonely shadows.

He can't help but remember how hopeful this scenery used to be. On that day, they felt on top of the world, and somehow now it feels as if they're slowly slipping.

"You know you aren't any of those things," Jeongguk says suddenly, his head resting on the side of hers. "Whatever they told her in those camps isn't true, and I'm sure you know that."

"Of course I do," Grace replies, crying softly beside him. He isn't used to her crying.

Jeongguk rubs her back again, still not used to making people feel better. He tries to remember what his mom used to do, but sadly, there isn't any ice cream around and Grace isn't five.

"I know she meant a lot to you, but Grace, I think it's time to let go," Jeongguk whispers softly, his frown deepening when Grace begins to sob.

"I-I thought you'd say that," She says, trying her best to smile through the tears. "Honestly, I thought we'd have some future when she came back, but I guess not." She turns to look at him, a heartbroken smile trembling on her lips.

"People like us don't deserve futures."

"That's not true," Jeongguk replies, his brows furrowing. "Everyone deserves a future. Even though it's not with her, you still deserve one." He says, his tone gentle.

"No, Jeongguk," Grace exhales sharply, wiping her eyes with her sleeve. She sniffs, clearing her throat. "I mean we will never end up with those we love."

"You don't know that," Jeongguk replies, remembering how Taehyung had said the same thing with the same sad, defeated smile. It just hurts his heart just to think of it. "You just haven't found the person willing to fight with you."

"Jeongguk, you know that won't work," Grace whispers, swallowing thickly. "There's gonna be more conversion camps, therapies, and our parents will do anything to make us normal. We're just teenagers-love for us isn't supposed to last."

"Grace-," Jeongguk tries to say something but she interrupts him. She shakes her head, facing him with those saddened eyes of hers which are red and puffy from crying so hard. He's never seen her so broken, so tired of everything.

Grace has always been so hopeful. Even as a kid, he can clearly remember her being the life of the party. When the sun's gone, everyone relied on Grace for a tasts of sunshine. When everyone's sad, Grace is there to bring you back up.

This isn't the Grace he knows, but he guesses even the happiest of people can be sad.

"No matter how hard we try to get our rights, we will never get them. There will always be that one homophobic person wanting us to die or disappear. There will always be an angry parent, a betrayed friend, a hurt lover," Grace murmurs, turning away to look out at the horizon, her voice thick with pain.

"Face it. One day you will have to say goodbye to Taehyung. One day Taehyung will wake up and realize the therapy is right. One day you will realize this isn't worth it," She sucks in a shaky breath, ready to say more, but Jeongguk isn't having it.

"Listen to yourself Grace, you of all people shouldn't be losing hope," Jeongguk frowns, pulling away from her, disappointment all over his features. Grace slumps, not daring to look him in the eye.

"You told me to accept myself yet you're here, regretting it all. I know she means so much to you, but that doesn't mean you won't ever be happy," Jeongguk points out. "You have us." He gestures at himself, his heart feeling heavy in his chest.

"Jeongguk," Her voice drifts as she shakes her head. She continues to cry softly, the tears that run down her cheeks making Jeongguk's heart clench.

"So what if nobody will accept you? Like you said to me, accept yourself when nobody else will. What happened to that?" Jeongguk asks, desperation in his voice. God, he can't stand seeing Grace like this. He just can't.

Grace says nothing, her eyes closed shut. Jeongguk sighs, carding his fingers through his hair. "Grace, everyone may think it's wrong, but do you feel it's wrong?" He asks, staring right at her.

She says nothing, and as moments continue to pass, Jeongguk doesn't know what else to say. He's not at all hurt by what she said, though he admits she's right about some things.

All good things come to an end, and eventually there will be a day where Taehyung might decide he doesn't want to love him anymore. Maybe the therapy will get to his head or even worse, they'll get caught and Jeongguk will never see him again.

There might be a day in the future where they're married to women like how it should be. They would be religious, have children, and live in those big suburban houses. Jeongguk will never hear of him again, and Taehyung would just be a fond memory.

However, he doesn't want to imagine that. People like them may not deserve a future in the eyes of their town, but Jeongguk isn't letting that stop him.

Whatever comes their way, he wants to fight it. Taehyung is the best thing that's ever happened to him, and even though he doesn't want to admit his sexuality, he knows Taehyung is worth it.

"It's not wrong," Grace speaks up. Jeongguk looks up from his lap, shocked that she actually said something. Grace's lips curl into a smile, and finally it's one that he recognizes.

"I'm sorry Gguk, for saying that. I-It's just so so fucking hard, but that doesn't allow me to say those things to you," She apologizes, her hand finding its way to his. He flashes her a small smile, folding his hand on top of hers.

"Don't worry," He says quietly, squeezing her hand. "You were right though." At this, Grace's smile falters a little bit.

"You shouldn't stop loving Taehyung because of what I said. Who knows, maybe you will end up together," Grace says, guilt sparking in her huge eyes as she holds his hand tight. Jeongguk shakes his head, biting his lip.

"No, not in this time period," Jeongguk admits, feeling his heart constrict in his chest as the words leave past his lips. "Maybe when people grow more accepting than yeah, maybe."

"Jeongguk, you have to fight for him," Grace's eyebrows knit together, her smile tumbling into a frown. Jeongguk nods, patting her hand with his free one.

"Grace, we both know we can't ever get married or announce anything if we're dating. It's still illegal," Jeongguk laughs, though there's no humor in it at all. It's more of an empty laugh- the painful truth.

"So? Screw people," She says, looking a little upset. "Fuck them. You don't need labels to be in love with somebody or tell anyone."

"Yeah, I guess," Jeongguk replies, shrugging, his gaze falling back to his lap. Grace sighs, removing her hands to instead wrap him in a tight hug. Jeongguk hugs her back without thinking, burying his face on her shoulder.

"We shouldn't dwell on the future," Grace whispers, holding him close, her nose pressing into his shoulder. "I think if it's best if we focus on the present."

"That sounds like a great idea," Jeongguk replies softly, his fingers gripping the fabric of her jacket. "Love you Grace," He tells her, sighing, content.

"Love you too, you punk," Grace chuckles, patting his back, her lips pulling into a thankful grin. "But Taehyung loves you more."

The two pull away, looking at one another before bursting into contagious laughter that Jeongguk can't help but already miss.

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When they get back, they find Taehyung and Justin at the gazebo. Jeongguk waves goodbye to Grace after she explains that she's tired from today, and with that, Justin offers to take her home.

Once everyone's gone, it's just Taehyung and Jeongguk left alone.

"Can't believe she leaves after making us run all over town for fucking holiday lights," Taehyung grumbles, setting the bag of items on the bench as he joins Jeongguk on the steps of the gazebo.

"She's going through something with her girlfriend," Jeongguk smacks his side, a small grin dancing on his lips. He then leans his head on Taehyung's shoulder, exhaling tiredly.

"Did something bad happen?" Taehyung asks, his tone rather concerned as he drapes his arm over Jeongguk's shoulder. Jeongguk nods.

"Her girlfriend came back from therapy today," Jeongguk says. Taehyung hums and rests his head on Jeongguk's, pulling him close.

"Is she alright?" Taehyung questions hopefully, tracing shapes down Jeongguk's arm. Jeongguk nods, playing with the edge of Taehyung's sweater sleeves, feeling at ease by his side.

"Yeah and she believed everything. I don't know what they teach there, but I'm guessing it's bad," Jeongguk murmurs, his chest feeling heavy remembering their conversation. Taehyung moves his hand from his shoulders to his waist.

"Is Grace fine?" Taehyung asks, thumbing the edge of his shirt. Jeongguk shrugs, not entirely sure. After they left the place, Grace didn't talk during the car ride back.

"What do they even teach at those places?" Jeongguk asks, pulling his knees to his chest. Taehyung tenses behind him, and instantly Jeongguk opens his mouth to take it back, but Taehyung shakes his head, smiling sadly at him.

"I told you, I wanted to be more honest so it's okay," Taehyung chuckles softly, patting his hip. Jeongguk nods slowly, feeling his cheeks warm up as he rests his chin between his knees. Taehyung draws in a breath, taking a moment before speaking.

"At the therapy sessions, they teach you all kinds of things," He starts. "Where I go, they usually talk to you about your gender identity. They ask you about your past and your current situation to see if it's affected your 'choice' to be gay."

"Being gay isn't a choice though," Jeongguk says, frowning. These camps already sounds ridiculous. Taehyung nods, continuing on.

"So they try to look at your past. False identity influences, trauma, every little detail that could have made you gay. Then once they find out, they tell you things. They try their best to persuade you what you're doing is wrong," Taehyung explains, his voice a mere whisper.

Jeongguk doesn't push him to say anything further, instead he throws his arms over him and pulls him into a hug. Taehyung's surprised at his suddenness, but it's not long until he wraps his arms around him too, hugging him back.

"Not all conversion therapies are like that though," Taehyung whispers, entangling his fingers into Jeongguk's hair, playing with the soft tendrils. It's been getting longer lately, though it's not as long as his.

"I'm glad you don't believe them," Jeongguk pulls back, their faces a fraction away from one another's. He can see every little detail, including the cute little scar above the corner of his lip and the mole on the tip of his nose. Taehyung chuckles lowly.

"Of course I don't believe them. I have you," He smiles gently, and God, Jeongguk feels himself falling for him over and over again.

Taehyung then connects their lips into soft kiss, their lips hot against one another's and mouths moving slow. Jeongguk's hands drift to his sweater collar, his fingers teasing the fabric as Taehyung's lips press feverishly against his.

He feels his other hand settle on the dip of his lower back, gently pushing him closer. The kiss doesn't last very long, the duo pulling away sooner than expected just to admire one another's features.

Jeongguk lifts his hands to his face, his thumb delicately tracing the curve of his jaw, the little crease of his cheeks as he smiles, and he finds himself getting lost while tracing the outline of his perfect lips.

"Have I ever told you, when I first met you, I thought you were really beautiful?" Taehyung murmurs. Jeongguk rests his hands on Taehyung's chest and raises his eyebrows, his smile widening.

"Oh really?" Jeongguk laughs, watching as Taehyung pulls away and gets up. He offers him his hand, and Jeongguk takes it, letting Taehyung lead him to the center of the gazebo.

"Yeah, I'm not joking. I thought you were the prettiest boy in the entire room," Taehyung moves his hands to settle on his chest once again before placing his hands on his hips. Jeongguk blushes, wondering what's going on.

"What are you doing?" He asks. Taehyung simply gives him a smile and begins to sway in place. Jeongguk suddenly realizes what's happening, feeling a little dumb he didn't understand sooner.

"Prom's coming up soon," Taehyung tells him, taking Jeongguk's hand and spinning him. At this, Jeongguk ends up laughing, his face scrunching with happiness as he ends up in his arms again.

"Are you asking me to be your date?" Jeongguk teases, smacking his chest playfully. Taehyung nods, pulling him closer to him, laughing.

"Well, I have to go with Grace since she's my fake girlfriend, but we got a plan," Taehyung assures him. Jeongguk snorts, rolling his eyes. He knows these two would surely come up with something dumb.

But the mention of a plan has Jeongguk's smile falling. He remembers their conversation from earlier, his heart feeling that particular heaviness once again. Taehyung notices the shift in mood, the playful smile he wears turning into concern.

"Are you okay?" He asks, worry glowing in his dark eyes. Jeongguk doesn't answer, his head hanging low as they stop moving.

Taehyung's hands cup his cheeks, gently tilting his head up to meet his gaze. "Tell me what's wrong love." He murmurs softly.

"Do you think we have a future together?" Jeongguk says quietly, thinking about what Grace had told him earlier. At this, Taehyung says nothing, the expression unreadable on his face for a moment.

"I hope we do," Taehyung answers, his eyebrows furrowing slightly. "Why do you ask?"

"Have you ever thought what would happen if we get outed? Do you think we'd lose it all like Justin and Grace?" Jeongguk asks, his throat tightening with each word he says. Taehyung swallows, licking his lips.

"I have," Taehyung murmurs, "and I believe we would." Jeongguk tenses, that fear he hasn't felt since he first met Taehyung numbing his nerves. He gulps, ready to pull away but Taehyung holds him still.

"But that doesn't mean we will be outed. We can still be careful, my love," Taehyung adds, not once letting his gaze leave his. Jeongguk nods slowly, biting on his bottom lip anxiously.

"Tae, what if we get caught even if we're being careful?" Jeongguk's voice breaks, the look of fear on Taehyung's face chipping away at his heart. Taehyung shakes his head, running his thumb over the curve of his cheek.

"Then I'll protect you. I promised you that, love," Taehyung tries to smile, the corners of his lips struggling to hold. "I promise to make sure you'll never get into a conversion camp, and that nobody will ever hurt you, okay? I promise."

"But you're just one person," Jeongguk whispers, his gaze flitting to the ground, unable to bear looking into Taehyung's saddened eyes.

"So? As long as I'm with you, it's worth it," Those words he asked Grace surface into his thoughts. He averts his stare back to meet his, his heart wavering in his chest.

"Taehyung, if we ever do get separated, can you promise me that you'll find someone else?" Jeongguk whispers, the words that leave his mouth painful to say. Taehyung's smile disappears.

"What did you say?" He asks, frowning. Jeongguk shakes his head, trying to break free from Taehyung's hold but he can't. Inhaling sharply, he meets his eyes, the smile he forces himself to wear painful.

"If we get separated in the future, date a girl that's better than me. Marry her and treat her the same way you do to me," Jeongguk tells him, his voice brittle. Taehyung shakes his head, scoffing.

"I'm not gonna do that," Taehyung says bitterly, his features crumpling into a scowl. "Jeongguk, why are you saying this?"

"Because," Jeongguk whispers lowly, "eventually you have to learn how to be happy without me."

Suddenly, Taehyung throws his arms around him, catching him off guard as he hugs him tight. Jeongguk exhales softly, finding himself smiling sadly in Taehyung's warm embrace. He slowly winds his arms around him, hugging him close.

"Never say that ever again," Taehyung whispers burying his face into his neck, his hot breath fanning across his skin. "Don't worry about the future just yet, Love. We're not there yet."

"Okay," Jeongguk murmurs, resting his cheek on his shoulder. "I won't," He says, willing his eyes shut.

His fingers absentmindedly play with his long locks. There's something weighing his chest down, though he's not sure what it is except that it feels heavy and it hurts. It hurts so much, and he doesn't know why.

"I wanna focus on now, not ten minutes from now or a day or a year," Taehyung says, beginning to sway them in place, their bodies moving slowly as one. Jeongguk nods, saying nothing, his heart thumping in his chest.

"There's no way I'm going to find someone else," Jeongguk opens his eyes, feeling Taehyung pull away to face him. He tilts his gaze up to meet his, his eyebrows creasing slightly when Taehyung seems to hesitate.

"Why?" Jeongguk asks, naturally leaning into Taehyung's touch as he envelopes his cheek into the cusp of his palm. He stares into his dark eyes, the gentleness of Taehyung's touch easing his nerves.

"Because," Taehyung breathes out, nearly whispering. A few seconds past, and he's silent, but before Jeongguk can ask what's wrong Taehyung tells hims.

"I love you, and there's nobody in this world that can possibly make me love them more than I love you."

▂▂▂▂▂

hi i hope your emotions are in ok!
i'm just warning you but things don't look
quite pretty from here so take my love 💛

worst behavior is about 40-45 chapters,
so just a heads up. my school ends very soon
so that means this book will eventually end

i love you guys, and i hope you
like worst behavior (: 💛