Chapter Text
The ceiling's shape was far more interesting than the boxes around him. He took a deep breath through his nose, releasing it through the same way. He wasn't tired, no, that wasn’t it. He wasn't tired. . . Jungkook was nervous. Not because he was scared or anticipating their new home, he was actually looking forward to it. His mother, his wonderful, beautiful mother just married a divorced man who had a son a couple of months younger than he was.
He wasn't opposed to their marriage, far from that. He actually likes the guy. You see, Jungkook and his mother are actually quite humble, living in a one-floor modest apartment of a single room. Yes, they could have been worse, but Jungkook is grateful.
He's slept on the couch ever since he was ten, and not once has he complained about the mismatched sofas or the back ache inducing cushions. Quite the opposite, he helped his mother as much as he could. How? Well, Jungkook, although still in high school, had a job. His mother disapproved of him working in the beginning, but after she met his employer, she allowed him to continue. Jungkook worked at a car shop.
He didn't earn much, him still being a high schooler and all, but he got enough to help out his mom. And around that time, Jungkook didn't know when it happened, but his mother met a man, a surprisingly wealthy man. His mother wasn't aware of his wealth since he didn't first mention it, but when she did find out, it was a bit awkward between them. She didn't want to seem like she was a gold digger, which the man instantly knew she wasn’t. It was his ex-wife who was a bit of a problem. As the months went by, their love prevailed, which led them to now.
His mother married the man and now they're here, packing their belongings to move in with him and his son. Jungkook has met his son a couple times, instantly assuming the type of person he was. Spoiled and cocky. Though there is something that Jungkook couldn't help but think when his eyes first laid on him. He was stupidly, annoyingly, pretty. If only he weren't spoiled. Jungkook let out another sigh, his mother hearing him this time.
"Jungkook? Are you alright? Do you need help with your things?" She asked as she walked over to him, sitting next to him on the couch.
His head was leaning back but as soon as he felt his mother's fingers in his hair, he laid down on her legs, humming softly as she continued to scratch his head soothingly.
"Can't I just live on my own?" Jungkook asked, making his mother giggle.
Her laugh always made him smile, his lips tugging up at the sound. "Unfortunately, no. You're still seventeen and in high school. You can't live on your own yet. Besides, where would you even go?"
Jungkook hummed, his eyes closing as he thought. "I could live in the communal showers for a while. I'm sure they'll let me. Besides, I’ll be eighteen in a couple of months anyways."
He could already imagine his mother rolling her eyes at him. "Come on now, don't be ridiculous. Get up, we have to hurry before Sung-ho arrives."
That was his name, Kim Sung-hoo, the man his mother married. Jungkook let out a sigh again.
"Okay" He replied, doozily sitting back up.
Jungkook looked around after his mother stood up, moving the very little boxes they had by the door. According to his mother, he was going to have his own room which was. . . overwhelming for him.
He didn't need a room for himself but he knew that his protest would be in vain. He looked at his singular duffel bag, him only having five T-shirts, three jeans, and two pairs of his high school uniform. Jungkook didn't have anything else really. He did have his personal hygiene stuff but aside from that, only his drawing notebook laid on the coffee table in front of him. Jungkook grabbed it, putting it into his backpack with his other supplies.
"Are you ready? He's here!" He heard his mother shout from the front door.
"Yeah, I'm all good!" Jungkook shouted back.
He put his backpack over his shoulder before he grabbed his duffle bag, slinging it onto one shoulder. He looked around the house, giving a last once over before he walked towards the entryway. This was his home ever since he was born. But now, he leaves it for what he could only hope for a happier life for his mother.
"Welcome to your new home!" Sung-ho said with a smile.
He glanced towards Do-yun, Jungkook's mother, before they nodded at each other.
"Here, let me show you to your room." He said as he moved his eyes to Jungkook.
Following behind him, up the stairs, passing three doors on the left side of the hallway, was his room. Sung-ho opened the door, allowing him to enter first before he walked in behind him, leaving the door open.
"Well, how do you like it?" He asked as he watched Jungkook look around the room.
"It's. . . big. A little too big, actually." Jungkook replied with an awkward chuckle.
He wasn't completely comfortable with Sung-ho just yet but he was familiar with him. He and his mother have been dating for a year after all but that didn't stop him from feeling weird and a little bit undeserving of this large room.
"Oh come now, it's not that big."
"It's the size of our kitchen." Jungkook said with a frown, giving Sung-ho a look that made him chuckle.
"Well, it's yours now. You are my son now, after all. You deserve it."
Jungkook let out a sigh at that, his shoulders slouching after he placed his duffle bag on the ground. "About that, I know you're probably not going to agree but I'm planning on saving up. . . To eventually move."
Sung-ho's eyes slightly widened but he remained quiet, allowing Jungkook to continue speaking.
"I'm not sure if my mom told you but I have a part time job and well. . . Since you're now together, I trust you will keep her happy. I'm planning on saving up what I earn to get myself an apartment."
Sung-ho let out a hum, a smile appearing on his face. "What about school?" He asked.
"Will you still go to the same one you were going to or would you like to move to one closer to the house? You can always get into online classes like Tae-"
"No, I want to stay on the one I'm currently in. I. . .” He let out a sigh, “Take no offense but I won't feel comfortable moving schools now and I don't like the idea of homeschooling. It's a bit. . . I don't know, stressful? And I wouldn't want to leave my childhood friends."
Jungkook looked down at his hands, finding himself twiddling with his own hands. He didn't look up at Sung-ho until he felt a pat on his left shoulder.
“Don't worry, I'll respect your decision. I know how different and strange everything must feel. Living in this house, eating and living with people you don't really know. It's bound to be stressful but hopefully exciting?"
Sung-ho added with a hopeful smile. Jungkook smiled back, reassuring him.
"I just ask for one thing. Please, if there is anything you need, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask me. I know you might think it's an inconvenience or even feel like a burden but it’s not, you’re not. Please let me know when you need anything. Whether it be for books, supplies, or a ride. Especially for advice, please let me know. I am always here to listen."
Sung-ho's hand, which was still laid on Jungkook's shoulder, tightened a bit, looking straight into Jungkook’s eyes.
"I'm here for you. You might never see me like a dad but hopefully you'll see me as someone you can rely on."
Jungkook instantly felt his nerves leave his body, his body relaxing at his words. Ah, this was why his mother fell in love with this man. He was truly someone you feel you can trust easily. Not to mention he was a great guy. "Thank you, Mr. Kim."
"Sung-ho, please."
Jungkook nodded, "Thank you, Sung-ho."
And with that, Sung-ho left the room, letting Jungkook finally settle into his new room. . . His new home.
It was a couple hours later that Jungkook finally emerged from his uncomfortably large room into the kitchen, where he heard voices coming from. He saw his mother and Sung-ho chatting whilst the two worked together on making dinner. Jungkook's mother has always had the most beautiful smile he's ever seen. He didn't think he'd ever see her smile so widely towards anyone else but him. . . That is, before today.
He was surprised and surprisingly glad to see the way she smiled at Sung-ho. And the way she looked at him, with a certain sparkle in her eyes, a look he's never seen on his mother's face before that made him realize how moving here was probably the best decision they have ever taken. He's never seen her so happy before. If Jungkook had to suffer through the awkwardness it would be to live here with two new people he's not used to in order to see his mother look like that from now on, he will accept and sacrifice what he has to in a heart beat, without a second thought.
Clearing his throat, Jungkook made his presence known.
"Jungkookie! Are you already done unpacking?"
Jungkook nodded, instantly walking towards his mother to help move dishes of food to the dining table.
"I don't really have much." He replied.
"Well, we can fix that."
Jungkook instantly shook his head at Sung-ho, "No, it's fine. I wasn't complaining. Besides, I couldn't possibly-"
"Jungkook, you know that we're family, right? Let me gift you something. And don't worry, don't feel guilty. I want to give you something, even if it's something small. Please? Will you let me? This could be a bonding moment too."
Jungkook let out a sigh, his lips tugging up into a small smile. "Alright, but nothing expensive."
Conversation continued smoothly, Jungkook actually enjoying his time here though when it came to finally sit down at the table, Jungkook finally noticed the empty chair across from him. He glanced up towards Sung-ho.
“Uhm. . . where’s-”
Jungkook pointed towards the chair, about to finish his sentence, but didn't need to since Sung-ho instantly knew who Jungkook was referring to.
“Ah, Taehyung, yes. He’s with his mother. She has him on the weekends, but he’ll be back by tomorrow for dinner.”
Jungkook frowned, confusion written all over his face. Both his mother and Sung-ho smiled but waited for Jungkook to ask, wanting him to feel at home and open up.
“Why is he with his mother during the weekends but with you on the weekdays? What happened? I mean, if it’s not too rude to ask.”
“No, not at all. You can ask whatever you want, I don't mind. As for Taehyung, his mother owns a model agency and she’s also a fashion designer. I used to work in a roughly remote area a few years ago so I had to always commute to my job but I was fine with it. I trusted Taehyung’s mother to watch over him and he even had a nanny whenever she couldn’t watch him.”
Sung-ho let out a sigh, Jungkook could hear the disappointment in his voice.
“Because I was so busy. . . I didn't-, I didn't expect her to-”
Jungkook noticed his mother, Do-yun, placing her hand on top of Sung-ho’s, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Sung-ho continued,
“One day I received a call from Na-rae, Taehyung’s mother’s, agency. He had fainted and had to be taken to the hospital. When I asked for his mother, they told me she was in an important meeting. I couldn’t believe that she would prefer to be in that meeting than go with Taehyung to the hospital.”
He let out another sigh, “I left work and made my way to the hospital. Taehyung was not only exhausted but severely dehydrated. He hadn’t eaten that morning either. When I finally got the chance to ask him what had happened, he told me that his mother told him that he had to watch his weight or he wouldn’t look good for the cameras. That’s when I found out that his mother was trying to turn him into one of her models. She was ‘training’ him to eat less and to ‘have figure’.”
Sung-ho said that last bit with an angry frown. Jungkook, as well as his mother, was also wearing a frown. Jungkook wasn’t aware of that information but he could clearly see that his mother did know. That story almost sounded familiar.
“I fought for his custody and won. She no longer had any right to use him and if I wanted, she wouldn't be able to see him either. But. . . I couldn’t do that to Taehyung. He wanted to keep seeing his mother even though now he knows the wrong she did. That’s why I allowed her to have him on the weekends with the exception that he can not leave the country without my consent and she can not have him working unless I allow it.”
Jungkook nodded, somewhat proud that Sung-ho was not only showing how much he cares about his son, Taehyung, but that he’s also a respectable and responsible man. Jungkook smiled, glad and relieved that his mother found someone like him.
“Well then,” Sung-ho suddenly said, changing the subject, “we can talk more about Taehyung when he’s here. For now, I want to know a little bit more about you. Do you know what you’re gonna do when you graduate from high school? You’re a senior and almost eighteen, you should roughly have an idea of what you’d like to do.”
Jungkook nervously moved his food around with his fork, his eyes staring down at his food. He wasn’t embarrassed of what he wanted to do nor was he particularly shy but he still felt a bit hesitant to act himself around Sung-ho since he hasn’t really interacted with him much.
“I’m going to study mechanical engineering.”
Sung-ho’s eyes widened, not expecting the answer. “Mechanical engineering? I’m surprised. I thought you were going to follow with your love for drawing.”
“I might. If all goes well and I don't feel stressed with my first major, I’m planning to get a second in commercial photography or on game and interactive media design. I’m not quite sure yet.”
The expression on both of his mother’s and Sung-ho’s faces were surprised and extremely proud. Jungkook felt himself shy away when he began to receive praises. Jungkook wasn’t used to receiving this much praise and compliments before. Except of course whenever his friends teased him or the few he received from his teachers. This was nice, a lot nicer than Jungkook expected. Dinner went well after that, the night even moreso. He’s never slept in a nice and plush, luxurious, bed before. It was a once in a lifetime experience for Jungkook. He expected everything to stay relatively the same. He wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster of a life he will now have.
“So, how’s life being a rich kid?”
The question came from a pink-haired boy. He smiled after his question before he rolled the lollipop he was twirling around his fingers. Instead of answering his question, Jungkook gave him a question of his own.
“I’d like to ask Yoongi how life would feel without his boyfriend before I kick him. Seriously, Jimin, the car has been done over an hour ago, fuck off and let me work.”
The pink-haired boy, Jimin, giggled as he threw his head back. He smirked down at Jungkook, who was currently on his back, on the dirty ground, under a greasy car.
“It’s actually been twenty minutes, for your information. Besides, Yoongi’s busy, so who better to bother than my favorite little friend?”
Jungkook tsked, “Little?”
“Clearly.” Jimin quickly replied with an eye roll. “You’ve got to lay off the cars man, you’re getting buff without even meaning to. You’re starting to look a bit scary. If I didn't know how much of a brat you were and I wasn’t with my handsome boyfriend, you’d be sexily intimidating.”
Jungkook smiled, ready to let out his comeback but Jimin quickly interrupted, “That was supposed to be a compliment, by the way. Do not expect me to give you another one. You have to earn it.”
Jungkook chuckled, ignoring Jimin’s rant, and continued to work on the car. He let out a huff when he deemed it fixed. He scurried his way out from under the car, wiping his greasy hands on a cloth he normally places in his pocket. Jungkook nodded as he gave his work a once over. Jungkook, besides helping fix cars, also asked his boss if he could work on a rundown car so that he could learn how to fix it from scratch. He doesn’t think it’s drivable just yet, but he thinks he’s done a pretty good job if you ask him.
“Hey, where’re you going?” Jimin asked when Jungkook began to walk into the mechanic's garage, where his boss was currently located.
“Gonna call the boss, I want him to inspect it before I start up the engine.”
Jimin sighed, bored. He stood up and dusted his pants, stretching his arms over his head. “You’re boring so I’m leaving. I’m sure Yoongi should be out any minute now.”
“Yeah, and I’m sure he would definitely ask why your oil change lasted more than an hour.”
“Oh shut up, you and I both know that Yoongi already knows I like teasing you.” Jimin pushed out his tongue before he turned away, instantly walking towards his car. . . or well, Yoongi’s car.
Jungkook let out a sigh, shaking his head lightly as he watched Jimin drive away. He doesn’t understand how Yoongi trusts Jimin with the car his dad bought him sometimes but each to their own he guessed. At least Jimin had a driving permit though he wasn’t supposed to drive alone. He’s lucky he hasn’t been caught yet.
The time drove by and soon it was time to go back home. . . to his new house. As per usual, Jungkook would always take a quick shower before heading home, thankful that his boss was nice enough to provide his workers with one. Jungkook was back to his usual clothes, catching the train back home. He wasn’t that far but he was a much farther distance than he used to be when he and his mother still lived in that old apartment building. It took about an hour for Jungkook to arrive, the clock already reading seven p.m.
As soon as he arrived, he kicked off his shoes, bending down to fix them against a rack. On his shoulders, his backpack laid heavily, making him roll his shoulders back and forth. He felt exhausted. He ruffled his own hair, yawning, as he made his way towards his new room. It was then that he heard footsteps heading his way. He looked up, his eyes landing on wide eyes and dark brown hair strands covering a bit of said person’s face. He was staring back at him.
"Uhm. . . Welcome home." The person said, a shy look on his face.
Jungkook nodded, unsure whether or not to respond, but before he was able to decide, said person hurriedly left the hall, into where Jungkook knew led to the living room and kitchen. Jungkook took a deep breath before releasing it.
‘Well, that was surely awkward.’ He thought as he continued his path towards his room.
He quickly threw his backpack on his bed before he walked towards his joint bathroom. He washed his hands and face, towel drying them before making his way back to the living room and into the kitchen when he saw no one there.
“Jungkook, you’re back. Welcome home.” Sung-ho said with a smile.
Everyone was sitting at the dinner table, all seemingly waiting for him to sit as well. Sung-ho signaled a chair with his hand, making Jungkook follow directions with haste. He didn't like being the center of attention. The longer he stood, the longer all three sets of eyes were going to be on him.
“How was work?” Jungkook’s mom asked.
“Good, nothing exciting. Just the usual.” Jungkook replied without a thought.
“Which reminds me,” Sung-ho imputed, “You’re going to need someone to drop you off at school, or would you like me to get you a car to-”
“No, no, I’m fine. I’m more comfortable with taking public transportation.”
Sung-ho frowned at Jungkook’s response, his eyebrows furrowed. “But the school is far. Are you sure you’re okay with taking the train or bus?”
Jungkook smiled, feeling touched by his worry. He nodded and gave him a soft smile. “Yes, thank you. I’ll be fine.”
He heard his mother let out a sigh before he felt her fingers in the back of his head, ruffling his hair.
“My Jungkookie has always been very independent. Always wanting to do things by himself. Make sure not to be like him, okay, Taehyungie? When you need anything, whatever it may be, you’re more than welcome to ask me too. Okay?”
For the first time since he sat down, Taehyung looked up, his eyes widening when he saw Do-yun smiling at him. His eyes lingered on her before they shifted to look at Jungkook, who was sitting across from him. He quickly diverted his sight from Jungkook and turned to glance at his father, who had an equally soft smile as Do-yun’s. Taehyung smiled then, his eyes returning towards Jungkook’s mother.
“Thank you, Do-yun ssi.”
Jungkook’s mother laughed as she shook her head, “Please, just Do-yun. We are a family now after all.”
Jungkook watched as Taehyung’s smile widened, and a soft blush appeared on the apples of his cheeks. His expression surprised Jungkook. Maybe Taehyung wasn’t a spoiled brat after all. The conversation quickly shifted after that, everyone talking about their days whilst they all began to eat. The meal was apparently made by Sung-ho, which Jungkook found impressive. He’s never met anyone whose cooking rivaled his mother’s. He said as much, which got a good laugh from Sung-ho and a playful scoff from Do-yun. Jungkook was also surprised to hear a soft chuckle coming from across him as well.
This experience, though short, was enough to let Jungkook know that maybe things in this house. . . with new family members, might not be so bad after all. He just hoped he didn't jinx himself with that thought, though.
The music was loud, which was good since Jungkook needed to stay awake. It was Friday after school, and Jungkook currently found himself sitting in the back seat of Yoongi’s car. Sitting beside him was his friend, Namjoon. Sitting next to Namjoon was another one of his friends, Hoseok. In the driver's seat was none other than Yoongi, and in the passenger seat was the annoyingly loud Jimin, who was singing his heart out to the song playing on the stereo. He didn't know where they got this CD from, but thanks to that, they all knew who Selena, the famous Texan singer, was.
The song currently coming out of the stereo was bidi bidi bom bom. Jimin’s loud singing encouraged everyone, excluding Jungkook and Yoongi, to sing loudly as well. Yoongi had a soft smile on his face as he winced every now and then whenever they got particularly loud, whilst Jungkook held a wide smile as he watched them all sing.
It was Friday, the start of the weekend. Jungkook’s mom knew that this was the day he would stay with his friends and sleep over on the weekends, but unfortunately, because this was the day she was off with Sung-ho for their late honeymoon, he wouldn’t be able to go straight to Yoongi’s house after school. Compromising, Do-yun allowed him to go with them at night since Taehyung would be leaving with his mom. Jungkook agreed.
“Alright, kid, call me when you want me to pick you up.” Yoongi said, reaching over to the back to ruffle his hair.
Yoongi was technically the oldest of them all, him already being in his first year of college alongside another one of their friends, Seokjin. He’s eighteen, becoming nineteen in six months. Jimin will be eighteen by the time Yoongi turns nineteen. Following behind him was Jungkook. Hoseok was already eighteen, who had only a month difference with Namjoon, who was also eighteen. Jungkook was the ‘youngest’ of them, him being a couple of months different from Namjoon, Hoseok, and Jimin, but all four were in the same school year, senior year. He and Jimin were the only ones who were currently seventeen in the group.
Jungkook playfully pushed Yoongi’s hand away before he got off, waving goodbye when they all waved. Jimin pouted as he too waved, earning a smack to his thigh from Yoongi. Jungkook chuckled as he walked through the house’s gate. As soon as he entered, his eyes landed on the suitcases that were already stacked by the front entrance.
“You guys need help with putting these in?” Jungkook called out when he heard the thumps of suitcases bumping down the staircase.
He didn't know why they were taking so much to their trip since it was only going to be a two-day and three-night trip.
“No, no, we’re alright. I’m glad you’re here, by the way. I thought we wouldn’t be able to see you before we left.” His mother said with a smile.
“I left some dinner for you and Taehyung. Make sure he eats before he leaves with his mother, okay?”
Jungkook nodded, mentally rolling his eyes. He’s been in this house for five days now, and he quickly realized how they would baby Taehyung even though Jungkook could easily tell that Taehyung didn't quite like it. . . well, sometimes he didn't like it. There were times when Taehyung would smile shyly, accepting the things they gave him, like sweets and small gifts.
Jungkook silently yelped when he felt a flick to his forehead, his mother’s stern eyes looking straight into his.
“Please watch over him, okay. You’re only going to be with him tonight and Sunday night. I know you want to be with your friends, but please, Sunday night, come home so you can keep him company. I don't want him to be alone. Oh! And please cook for him on Sunday, yeah? I don't know how he is in the kitchen.”
Jungkook had to chuckle at that but kept anything sarcastic in his head, not wanting to get flicked again.
“Yeah, yeah. You two be careful and come back safely.”
Do-yun smiled as she pulled him in for a hug. When they separated, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his forehead, her thumb quickly moving up to rub at the lipstick stain she left on his skin.
“Take care of each other, okay? You two are like brothers now.”
Jungkook wanted so badly to say how he didn't see Taehyung like a brother, like at all, but kept it to himself. He knew how much his mother and Sung-ho wanted them to get along, but Jungkook didn't think he could ever see Taehyung like a family member, maybe a friend? Much less a brother. Jungkook simply nodded and hugged Sung-ho when they were done placing their luggage in the car boot. Taehyung had walked downstairs too, hugging them goodbye. The two stayed by the door, waving at them as the car began to drive off.
Jungkook let out a sigh as soon as the car was no longer in view.
“You hungry?” he asked, not necessarily looking at Taehyung.
Through the corner of his eye, he could see Taehyung nod. He too didn't look at him but did follow him back into the house. Jungkook made quick work of reheating the food his mother had left them in the microwave.
“I hope you like spicy fried chicken,” Jungkook said as he served him a bowl as well as a good enough serving of white rice.
He placed it in front of Taehyung, his eyes landing on the bowl before he picked up his spoon. He began eating, but stopped when he noticed Taehyung not eating, his spoon continuously moving the pieces of fried chicken around.
“What’s wrong? Not that hungry?” Jungkook asked, his eyebrows furrowed.
Taehyung shook his head, still hesitating about bringing the chicken into his mouth. Jungkook watched and waited, his eyes following Taehyung’s spoon when he finally took a bite. Jungkook instantly noticed the scrunched-up look Taehyung had on his face. Taehyung reached for the cup of water that was placed on his right, chugging it down before he let out a relieved breath.
“Not a fan of spice?” Jungkook said more than asked.
Wordlessly, Jungkook stood up and walked towards the kitchen pantry, pulling one of the lemons they had there. There were only two left, but Jungkook only needed half. He grabbed a knife and cut it, grabbing the squeezer before walking back towards Taehyung. He watched as Jungkook squeezed a lemon on the chicken and rice, making sure there was no more juice left before tossing it in the bin.
“There, try it now,” Jungkook said as he sat back down.
Once again, he waited until Taehyung took a bite, and when he did, he noticed the surprised look on Taehyung’s face.
“Wait, how did you-”
“Lemon calms the spicy feeling in food. I guess the sourness neutralizes the oils that cause the chili to be spicy. Learned it when I was a kid. Mom likes her spicy chicken, and I didn't like that she had to alter her favorite food just cause I couldn’t handle the spice when I was younger. That’s when I found out that lemon helps. It doesn’t help with the shits, though. Does it taste better?”
Taehyung chuckled before he nodded, his lips stretching up into a smile Jungkook had only seen a couple of times before. It was rare whenever Taehyung would smile this big in front of him. His smile was. . . Jungkook couldn’t explain it. He’s never seen anyone smile like that before. Well, Sung-ho does smile similarly, but for some reason, Jungkook thinks that smile suits Taehyung best.
“It really does help, thank you, Jungkook.” Taehyung replied as he continued eating, happily this time.
Jungkook smiled back and continued eating his own food. Their meal was quiet after that, and soon, the two were cleaning up. Jungkook was washing the dishes when Taehyung approached him. Jungkook frowned when Taehyung took the dishes he was placing down on the dry rack and began to dry them with a cloth.
“I should help since Do-yun ssi cooked for us. It’s not fair if you’re the only one cleaning.” Taehyung said when Jungkook gave him a curious glance
Jungkook simply smiled, nodding his head as he continued to wash the dishes. And at long last, the time for Jungkook to leave with his friends arrived. He was packing his duffel bag when he received a text message. Yoongi was here to pick him up. With his keys tightly held in his hand and his duffle bag slung on his right shoulder, Jungkook made his way downstairs. He was about to leave without a second glance when he saw that the television was on.
“Taehyung? Why’re you still here? I thought your mom came to pick you up already.”
Taehyung peeked up from the couch, his expression a bit sad. “She called, told me she had an important trip to take, so I won’t be able to go with her since I can’t leave the country.”
“Ah-. . .” Jungkook felt his phone vibrate again, knowing Yoongi was hurrying him since he wasn’t the most patient of people.
“You can go, don't worry about me. I’m not a kid anymore, and I won’t leave the house.” Taehyung added when he saw Jungkook hesitating at the front door.
Jungkook took a deep breath, releasing it as his shoulders fell. “Do you. . . want to go with me?”
He saw Taehyung’s eyebrows shoot up, a gasp escaping his lips with surprise. “You. . . want me to go with you? Won’t your friends mind?”
Jungkook chuckled, his left hand moving behind his head to ruffle his hair. “Ah, nah. I’m sure they won’t mind. You should go pack an outfit or two and grab your wallet. Quick, hurry. Yoongi’s not so patient.”
Jungkook watched with a smile as Taehyung quickly stood up and ran upstairs. Whipping his phone out, Jungkook sent a quick text, telling Yoongi that he was on his way. It was about three minutes later when Taehyung came running down with a laugh, a nicer-looking suitcase trailing behind him.
“I don't have anything smaller.” He said when he saw Jungkook’s expression.
“It’s fine, come on. Let’s go! Let’s go!”
Taehyung continued to run behind Jungkook when he too began to run. Out, in front of the house’s gate, was a car. The driver was beeping, the engine rumbling.
“Come on before I leave you!” The driver yelled out the window.
Jungkook quickly opened the car’s trunk, shoving his bag and Taehyung’s suitcase inside before he got in. Taehyung followed and got in the back.
“Who’s your friend?” Yoongi asked with a frown, his eyebrows furrowing as he glanced at Taehyung through the rear-view mirror.
“Yoongi, Taehyung. Taehyung, this is Yoongi.”
Yoongi’s mouth slightly opened, realization hitting him. “Ah, the stepbrother, right.”
“Nice to meet you.” Taehyung replied shyly.
“I’ll explain later, with the others.” Jungkook said.
Yoongi nodded and began to drive. Where? Taehyung didn't know, but he was excited. He has never slept out in anyone’s house aside from his parents. He was nervous but extremely excited.
“Welcome, welcome, to my humble abode.” Yoongi said as soon as he unlocked his front door.
Taehyung walked in, his eyes quickly scanning the living room. Behind him, Jungkook held his duffel bag over his right shoulder, wheeling in Taehyung’s suitcase with his left. The house wasn’t small, but it wasn’t as big as Taehyung’s house. Jungkook’s been here hundreds of times, but for Taehyung, this was the first time he’s been into a house that wasn’t his mother’s or his own.
“Yoongi!” They heard someone yell from another part of the house.
Loud steps were heard before someone with bright pink hair flung themselves towards Yoongi, wrapping their arms and legs around his entire body. From the looks of it, Yoongi was used to this kind of welcome, since he instantly spread his legs and crouched a bit, groaning when he suddenly had to carry another human’s weight.
“What took you so long?! You said you were only going to take twenty minutes,” the pink-haired man said.
Jungkook tsked, “clingy much? Careful or he’ll dump you.”
“Shut up, I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to-. Oh, who’s this?”
Taehyung smiled softly, waving his hand. “I’m Taehyung, Kim Taehyung. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Jimin, and no, the pleasure is all mine to meet you. Jungkookie, why didn't you tell me your stepbrother was this beautiful?”
Taehyung blushed at Jimin’s words, his eyes widening. Jungkook rolled his eyes, a groan escaping his lips.
“Really, Jimin? Have you no shame at all? Your boyfriend is right there.”
Yoongi scoffed, “And you think he gives a shit?”
Yoongi released Jimin and began to walk away from everyone, choosing to throw himself on the couch with a loud thump.
“Come, Taehyungie, let me show you around and present the others to you.”
Jimin reached and grabbed Taehyung’s hand, pulling him towards the stairs when Taehyung felt another tug behind him. He turned his head, his eyes catching Jungkook’s disapproving expression.
“Nuh uh, I don't think so. If you want to present the others, call them here. I don't want you to start pressuring him into doing anything.”
“Yet,” Jimin finished, smirking at Jungkook, who gave him a stern look.
“Jimin”
“That’s hyung to you, bitch.” Jimin replied with a pout. He crossed his arms in front of him and huffed childishly.
“We’re literally a month apart.”
“Just call the others. You can have your fun later.” They heard Yoongi say from the couch.
“Fine, I’ll go get the others then.” Jimin stomped away, making both Yoongi and Jungkook roll their eyes.
“Don't mind him, and please, don't fall into whatever trap he sets you. Don't take or do anything you don't want, got it? He means well, but sometimes he can be a bit pushy.” Yoongi said as soon as Jimin was in earshot away.
Taehyung frowned but nodded his head, worriedly glancing next to him, at Jungkook. Jungkook gave him a reassuring smile as he walked closer to the stairs, beckoning him to follow. When they made it up the stairs, Jungkook led him to one of the rooms. Inside, there were two bunk beds and a single bed, each one lined up next to the other.
“Yoongi’s got a lot of sisters, older sisters. They don't live here anymore, but whenever they come to visit, they sleep here. Thankfully, none of them are here right now, so they let us sleep on their bunks as long as we change the sheets before and after we sleep on them.” Jungkook answered Taehyung’s questioning expression.
“Jimin sleeps with Yoongi, so we don't have to worry about that. Yoongi’s parents are out of town for a business trip, so we have the house to ourselves.” Jungkook added. “You can take any of the bottom ones; the two top ones are for Hoseok and Namjoon. Someone else is gonna take that one.”
Taehyung followed Jungkook’s signal towards the singular bed, making him nod his head.
“What did you mean by the way? About Jimin?” Taehyung asked, genuinely curious.
“Jimin’s very. . . friendly. He likes to introduce people to new things. Things he swears he’s a professional in.” Jungkook replied with a chuckle.
“Like what? Did he introduce you to something?”
Jungkook hesitated a bit before he finally answered. He sat down on one of the beds. Taehyung followed his lead and sat on the bed adjacent to that one so that they were facing each other.
“Jimin actually introduced me to a lot of things, you’d be surprised. He, uhm. . . how do I say this without making it sound weird?”
At Taehyung’s laugh, Jungkook looked up. He had glanced down at his own thighs, his hand moving to the back of his head out of habit.
“You can just say them, I won’t judge.”
“Right, well, Jimin was. . . my first time. . . for everything. He was my first kiss, my first sexual experience, my first actual fist fight, my first best friend. He’s everything to me. Of course, this was before he met Yoongi. I had a rough start with Yoongi, him being jealous and all that, but we talked about it, and we ended up becoming good friends.”
Jungkook sighed as he remembered the moments he’s had with his friends, “I can’t see my life without them, you know? Namjoon, Hoseok, and Seokjin came after. Seokjin was Yoongi’s friend, but soon we all became this group. It’s like. . . we were meant to be friends, you know?”
Taehyung held a small smile as he heard Jungkook speak. This was probably one of the times he’s ever heard Jungkook speak for this long. And the expression on his face, a fond and loving smile on his face. . . it was truly a sight. Especially for Taehyung, who’s only seen some of his expressions since he met him.
“I’m glad you have people like that. I. . . I have trouble approaching people. Especially since I’m homeschooled. I rarely see people my age in general.”
Jungkook frowned at that. He reached out and tapped Taehyung’s knee, making him meet his eyes.
“Hey, it’s okay. We can all be friends. I’m sure they’ll all like you.”
Taehyung smiled brightly, his boxy smile catching Jungkook off guard for a bit. He cleared his throat before he straightened up.
“For the other thing, Jimin likes to be people’s first. Of course, he won’t offer to have sex with you, since he’s with Yoongi, but he’ll most likely want to be the one to introduce you to. . . other things.”
“Like what?” Taehyung found himself asking.
Jungkook groaned, his head slinging to the side. Taehyung felt his eyebrows shoot up when he saw Jungkook walk towards him, sitting beside him.
“You have to promise not to say anything to your dad or my mom, okay? You don't have to do it, if you don't want to but. . . you know, the others, including myself, wouldn’t want to get in trouble.”
That surely got Taehyung’s eyebrows to shoot up. “It’s. . . illegal?”
Jungkook chuckled as he leaned on his hands, which were now stationed behind him, on the bed. “Yes and no. It’s illegal because we’re minors, but generally, not really? At least, I don't think so? It’s. . . you know, drinking, vaping, smoking, and all that.”
“O-oh. . .” Taehyung didn't know how to reply to that. He didn't know that they were into that. They didn't seem like the kind of people to be.
“We limit ourselves. We don't do it all the time, just sometimes, just like, twice every couple of weeks, and we don't like, go crazy and all that. Well. . . I guess sometimes, but we always have supervision! Jin, you’ll meet him soon, he doesn’t like doing any of that stuff. He’ll sometimes take a drink here and there, but he’s never once passed out before. Also, Yoongi knows how to stop when he needs to, too. Mostly to watch out for Jimin and me, to be honest.”
“You get drunk a lot? Or get. . . high?” Taehyung was a bit concerned, which was evident in his expression.
“No, not in the drinking aspect. I do take a sip, but I don't quite like it very much. I do vape and sometimes smoke, but not often.” Jungkook began to rub behind his neck again before he sat up again.
“Like I said, you don't have to do anything. No matter what Jimin says, if you don't want to, you don't have to. Don't let anyone peer pressure you, okay?”
Taehyung nodded but wasn’t able to ask or say anything else. Footsteps were heard entering the room, making the two turn their heads.
“Oh, Kook, you’re here. Yoongi told us about your brother.”
Jungkook let out a groan again, “He’s not my brother. Taehyung, this is Namjoon. Namjoon, this is Taehyung.”
Namjoon smiled and reached his hand out, Taehyung instantly took it and greeted him. “Well, it doesn't matter. The others are already in the living room waiting.”
Namjoon threw his bag over one of the top bunks before he made his way out of the room, leaving the two again. Jungkook let out a sigh, offering a smile towards Taehyung.
“Come on, you should meet the others.”