Twilight of Itaewon | Taekook ✔

56. Strive & Survive

It took them a moment to realize what they were seeing. The complex brains have already registered the sight in front of them. Steps stuttering to walk forward, stumbling upon past and present. Heavy breathings piercing the faint breeze passing around them. Blinking multiple times, they controlled their heartbeats. Yes, Kim Baekhyun wasn't alone and that's real.

"Channie...?"

The low voice from behind brought them back to reality. It's been months. They didn't forget the person. They can never. As the light spread around them,  a tall figure came into their view, black hair parted neatly, wearing a sky blue shirt tucked inside his black jeans. The facemask couldn't disguise the sharp gaze of the male. As Jimin's words left, breaking the silence of the farmhouse, Jeongguk relaxed. He was not wrong.

"Officer Chanyeol?"

Jeongguk uttered in pure surprise. Yoongi welcomed them to sit inside the farmhouse. They entered in silence. Settling in the living with Baekhyun and Chanyeol, they glanced at each other. A glint of nervousness and comfort lingering on their faces. Comfort, because Baekhyun and Chanyeol are family. Nervous, how did they find out, and why are they here? Taehyung sat next to his brother while Jimin was silent after a small hug with his brother, Park Chanyeol. The officer who investigated the case of Kim Taehyung's suicide before Jeongguk. The said officer was quiet, pursuing every action the new two men doing, the way his best friends relaxed and waiting. He has no words to say, but sure a lot to ask. Maybe another time. Gulping down a glass of water, Chanyeol looked at Taehyung then his eyes landed on an oblivious yet cognizant officer. Jeongguk wasn't unfamiliar to Chanyeol. Of course, he has heard of the new case in-charge officer. The elder wanted to bow and greet professionally. But something stopped him. Neither he nor Jeongguk was meeting each other officially. They're with their family now. Jeongguk noticed the concern and comprehensive pairs of eyes on him. Acknowledging their presence with a glance, he turned to look at Yoongi then Taehyung.

"Don't freak out, I informed Channie that we're here..."

Yoongi said while sitting comfortably on the bean bag, next to Jimin. They all looked dumbfounded at the male. Yoongi had a neutral expression like always. It was then Chanyeol who broke the silence.

"Officer Jeon. I'm Park Chanyeol. This is Byun Baekhyun, my husband. And... Tae's brother..."

Keeping his voice stern and formal, Chanyeol greeted. Jeongguk oh so badly wanted to return that small smile on Chanyeol and Baekhyun's face. But he was so into the tone and the voice of the male, he even forgot to extend his hand for a handshake. Park Chanyeol is his senior, with a lot more experience than him. The dark orbs of Chanyeol are scrutinizing his every movement like determining if the younger is a threat or not to his family. Jeongguk came out of his trance to greet back and said in his deep voice.

"Hello, officer Chanyeol. And Baekhyun-ssi. I'm Jeon Jeongguk. Well... I'm..."

He paused. Who is he? Seoul Superintendent General, talented Police officer, great friend, dear lover. But who's he to Taehyung?

Jeongguk was in a dilemma of emotions. Something hurting him while thinking that he's doesn't know what his place in Taehyung's life. What's his role in Taehyung's story? Just an investigation officer who was allocated to his suicide case? Maybe a friend Taehyung loves to spend time with. Or does Taehyung thinks something else about him? Either way, Jeongguk doesn't want to be that old dear No one to Kim Taehyung. He doesn't want to go back to square one. That chapters are closed. However, the silence engulfing him and the sting of tears in the back of his eyes are not helping him to gather himself up and answer logically. Thank the mother earth and father of heaven, because Taehyung answered.