Jungkook's POV

Everything is still. Too still. No one is around; no cars, no people, no barking dogs. It's almost like time has frozen. The slight quiver of the leaves in a tall oak tree is the only sign that time is continuing to pass as I make my way down the silent path.

I decided to take a different route to work today. Its a way that not many know about, like my own secret that will never be told. My own place to go when I need time to think or reflect, or simply look at the scenery. The familiar sound of birds chirping in the tree canopy above tempt me to look up. I give in to temptation, watching as the early sun peaks through small gaps in the green leaves that shelter me from harsh winds.

My briefcase sways in my hand, shoes slapping against the stones as I shuffle in between broken stone walls and planks of wood painted with green moss.

Pink flowers stick out of gaps in a garden fence, spiralling upwards in a pathetic attempt to be free. Next to it, a large brown spider sneaks up on its prey, ready to feast on a small, hopeless insect. Light grey feathers have been spluttered across the stones of the pathway. One of them is flecked with blood, the result of a careless killing.
That's when I remember the sad truth.

There's darkness behind everything beautiful.

-x-

Ring ring.

"Hello stranger"

"Hey Jiminie~"

I spin around in the chair in my office, a goofy grin on my face.

"How is my lil bunny?" I hear him giggle down the phone and do the same. I quickly shut up when I remember the thin wall between mine and Taehyung's office.

"Alright thanks. I'm currently at work and probably shouldn't be calling you but oh well"

"Ahh Kookie, you're all grown up! How's it all going?"

"It's going okay so far. I just need to get used to getting up so early" I pout, stopping my spinning before I get too dizzy. My back is facing Taehyung's office, hand fiddling with a pen on my desk.

"I'm sure you'll get used to it"

"Mmh, I hope so"

"Anyways, I was gonna ask--"

The phone in my hand is ripped away, disappearing from my hand. I spin around to see Taehyung, a frown on his usually calm face. I stand up from the chair, the wheels causing it to glide backwards and hit a bookcase.

"Who are you talking to?" Taehyung asks in a harsh tone. He holds my phone in his hand like its a piece of trash ready for disposal.

"M-my friend..."

He clicks the speaker icon on the screen, Jimin's voice erupting throughout the room.

"Jungkookie? Are you there?"

"He's fine, but please don't call him whilst he is at work. Goodbye" Taehyung says down the phone, hanging up the call and handing it back to me. I struggle for words to say, his intimidating eyes silently telling me to put it away.

Quickly, I shove my phone back in my pocket. As I look back at him, I notice his expression hasn't changed, nor his hard glare.

"I never want to see that again, understand?"

Sheepishly, I nod and provide a small smile which he returns.

"Yes, Mr. Kim"

-x-

I make my way towards the café on the bottom floor, stomach churning with hunger. I release a heavy sigh when I see the long line of workers waiting to buy food and warm drinks. Joining the back of the line, I take in the soft aroma of coffee and sweet chocolate. It reminds me of when my mother used to make cakes all the time. There would always be one standing proud on the kitchen counter when I got home, a sticky note telling me to only have a small piece. Of course, I never obliged.

The line soon goes down until I'm ordering at the counter. I ask for a tall Americano and place a sandwich from the fridge in front of the cashier. Once I pay, I cast my gaze to the large array of tables and chairs, most of them occupied.

Where the hell am I supposed to sit?

Suddenly, a bold orange beakon catches my attention, hand waving in my direction.

Hoseok.

Smiling, I make my way over to his empty table, slumping into the chair opposite.

"Hello again" he chuckles, eyes slightly creasing. In front of him is a large cup of milky coffee and a slab of chocolate cake decorated with swirls of cream.

"Hello" I giggle, opening up the packaging of my sandwich. I watch as he adjusts his brightly coloured hair, taking a sip of his coffee.

"So, how are things?" He asks, pushing the coffee aside with a look of distaste. Clearly it is not to his liking.

"Ok I guess, and you?" I take a bite of my sandwich, pleased with the flavour.

"Busy busy! Lots of stuff going on!" He waves his hands around for added effect.

"How's Taehyung?" His voice drops slightly, like saying his name is a burden.

"Ummm... Strange, actually"

He tilts his head with interest, implying for me to go on.

"One moment he's all happy and cheerful, the next... Well the complete opposite!" I huff, sipping my coffee and soon recoiling. The coffee is terrible.

Hoseok nods, leaning forward slightly.

"Ah, yes... That sounds about right. Just get on his good side and you'll be fine."

"I thought I was..." I frown, thinking back to his stern voice and instructions. Perhaps I'm not.

Suddenly, a loud slam resonates throughout the room. Everyone turns their heads to look at the source, a man bursting through the door and the wood hitting the wall, leaving a mark.

And that man just so happens to be Taehyung.

I watch as he storms over, an odd look on his face. He grabs hold of my arm, tugging on it slightly.

"Jungkook, come with me" his voice wavers slightly, almost like he's about to cry.

"What? Why?" I ask, slowly standing up from my seat. Hoseok watches with a look of concern.

"Because I said so" the elder answers bluntly, his hold on my arm tightening. I begin to let him pull me in his direction, only to be pulled back by another hand.

"Taehyung, leave the poor kid alone" Hoseok sighs, his hand now grabbing onto my sleeve. I look at him and back at Taehyung, a dense feeling of tension weighing down on my shoulders.

"Don't touch him!" Taehyung shouts, earning the attention of others sat at surrounding tables. He yanks my arm hard enough for Hoseok to loosen his grip, my body falling into Taehyung's chest. He wraps an arm around my waist holding me close like he's protecting me from something. Or rather someone.

"Taehyu--" Hoseok reaches for me but Taehyung tightens his grip. I look up to see his face, full of emotions. One of them, I notice, is that he's scared.

"Don't." He pulls me away from him and snakes his hand down to mine, interlocking our fingers. His gaze moves from the other male to me, eyes watery.
"Jungkook, please"

I nod, letting him drag me out of the café and into the hallway. I don't look back to see Hoseok's expression. Our shoes hitting the tiles below our feet is the only sound between us. Biting my lip with anxiety, I stop. He looks back as he feels the tug on his hand, facing me.

"Taehyung, what's going on?" I ask, releasing my hand from his. He looks down at our detached hands, frowning.

"I'm sorry it's just..." He takes a deep breath, like it's something that hurts him on the inside.

"Hoseok stole my previous lover away from me. It left me heartbroken and angry. I fell into depression, I could never forgive him for what he had done. Him working here just makes things ten times worst. I wasn't the same after it happened. I stopped trusting people. I haven't been in love since. However, seeing him with you just now...." He swallows harshly, looking down at the floor.

"I was scared he was going to steal you away from me. I don't want to lose you"

My eyes widen at his words, guilt making my heart feel heavy, legs weak.

"I-I'm sorry" I manage to say, stepping forward and wrapping my arms around him in a warm embrace. He stiffens but soon relaxes, holding me close and stroking a hand through my hair.

"Its okay, you haven't done anything wrong" he says in a soothing voice. Suddenly, making me jump, a piercing ringing sound fills the corridor. Taehyung sighs, fishing out his phone with one hand, the other still firmly wrapped around my waist.

He holds the device up to his ear.
"Hello, Kim Taehyung speaking"

I should move out of the embrace, but something within me tells me to hang onto him and never let go.

"Ah, okay, I'll be right there" he drops his phone back in his pocket and shoots me an apologetic look.

His arm releases from me and I use all my courage to let go of him.

"Come by my office later. I have something to show you" he whispers in my ear, tucking a strand of hair behind it with his soft long fingers. Stroking my cheek, he moves his hand away and turns his back to me. I watch as he strides down the corridor, slowly getting smaller and smaller.

I wait until he's out of sight and spin on my heels, running to the nearby bathroom. Bursting through the door, ignoring the sudden pain in my shoulder, I make a beeline to the mirror. My reflection stares back at me with large eyes and touseled hair. Something catches my eye as I look myself up and down with a frown.

A red sticker has been stuck on the lapel of my blazer, decorated with gold swirly writing. I recognize it from the many books that occupy Taehyung's bookcase in his office. Looking down I read the writing and feel a warm rush of energy surge through my body.

Property of Taehyung.

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Huehuehuehuehue ;)))))))

Why am I like this omg :')
The next chapter will be fun to write ifyaknowwhatimean

Anyways! Myself and Tae_tops are creating a kakao group chat for fellow potatoes so if ya wanna join, comment your kakao ID and I'll be sure to add you :)))

Ok that's it from me, bye for now! Ily all :3