Zero O'clock Warfare (TaeKook)

Chapter 15: Eight

Kim Taehyung does not know if he should be relieved or grieving right now.

It is funny how he shouldn't care about Yashimoto that much but the fact that he is his real father, it felt like he was being cheated upon. It felt like he was deprived of having a parent all over again. It's all unfair and unjust.

His father, Dr. Kim Jongsu, who did horrible things without him knowing. It doesn't make sense anymore. He just wants to discard all of the contents in his stomach.

His poor mother who only did was settle for the one she loves, died a horrendous death in the hands of one of his soulmates. Taehyung couldn't fathom how his mother suffered the most.

Then there was his Hyungsik hyung who killed himself because of him. How can he bear such guilt? As long as he lives? It's so tragic, it breaks his heart so much. Taehyung blinks the impending tears in his eyes away, crumpling his shirt with his hands close to his chest.

It's been a week since the incident and now that Yashimoto is dead, there's no looming threat anymore. Who is he fooling? Of course, there will always be someone who would ruin this borrowed peace. Not to mention, he belongs to a mafia family. He belongs to one of the top criminal organization in Seoul.

Sitting on the daybed beside the window glass, he hugs both of his knees, resting his cheeks on it. Staring at the pretty stars outside, he exhales slowly and closes his eyes. After what happened, he can't really sleep anymore although there's no need to worry. He just can't sleep because how can he? How dare he? He is just grateful he hasn't gone crazy yet. He squeezes his tired eyes shut, wishing for some miracle to let him just forget everything. He knows he is being a coward, but who can blame him?

The pain in his heart won't stop.

The pain doesn't want to stop.

He can still hear the revelations. He can still see the dreadful scenes playing before his eyes. The way Yashimoto's face contorts into a kind but mysterious smile into an evil one. The way the old man's words felt like a terrible song he can't seem to get out of his head. Jungkook being tortured in front of him still felt like Taehyung's the one in his position. Taehyung can still hear the shouts, the gunshots, everything. He can still see how Hyungsik killed Yashimoto. How Hyungsik killed himself. The sound of the gunshot hitting the flesh. The blood. The lifeless bodies.

He can still see all vividly.

Taehyung exhales again shakily, shutting the tears in his eyes, not letting it drop. He doesn't know what to feel, should he grieve at the lost friend and father? Or be gratified because they can no longer bother him and his soulmate? Being miserable seems like the only emotion he could think of right now.

When Taehyung opens his eyes, he sees Jungkook's half-naked form, standing firm and observing him fondly and drowsily on the reflection on the window. He immediately rolls his sleeves down, and swiftly wipes his tears with the sleeves in his wrist. He turns his head, greeting the younger with a warm smile.

Jungkook frowns, blinking multiple times when he caught a glimpse of Taehyung's wrist earlier.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Jungkook grumbles sleepily, sitting on the other side. He rests his back at the glass window comfortably, grunting in pain at every movement. His gunshot wound didn't heal completely yet. He has bandages on his shoulders and a little patch on his forehead. His cheeks have visible bruises too.

"Not just a penny. I want millions, heh." Taehyung grins his boxy smile, teasing the younger.

"Deal." Jungkook smiles smugly. Taehyung giggles. "You seem to be deep in thought. What's on your mind, hyungie?"