FOR ALL ETERNITY [ TAEKOOK] ✓

22. Fear of losing

When the worst wave of grief crashes down, it becomes nearly impossible to breathe through it alone. You need someone to hold you still, to steady your heart, to remind you that you are not facing it in isolation. Two men sat together in that silence, wrapped in an experience neither of them had ever imagined.

Taehyung's loud sobs had gradually softened into quiet sniffles. He buried his face deeper into Jungkook's chest, hiding himself in the safety of that steady heartbeat. Jungkook said nothing, just continued to run his fingers slowly through Taehyung's dark brown hair, offering calm in the only way he knew how.

Eventually, he lifted one hand and gently cupped Taehyung's cheek, his thumb brushing away the last traces of tears.

"Are you all right?" Jungkook asked, voice low and tender.

Taehyung blinked up at him with red-rimmed eyes and gave a shy, crooked smile. His shirt was crumpled, his cheeks were warm and flushed.

"Uhm... I think so. I'm sure your legs are numb now. I've been sitting here for what, thirty minutes?"

He hesitated, not wanting to move, but not wanting to trouble Jungkook either. He slowly shifted, trying to get off his lap.

That was when two strong arms looped around his waist and gently pulled him back down. Jungkook held him in place with ease, anchoring him right where he was, legs straddling his lap once again.

"You're light as a feather," Jungkook said with a small smile. "You don't hurt me. But your tears do. So stay."

Without waiting for permission, he reached up with the sleeves of his sweater and wiped away the last stubborn streaks of tears from Taehyung's cheeks. It was done so gently that Taehyung couldn't help but lean into the touch.

His heartbeat was loud in his ears. He curled into Jungkook's chest again, hiding his face.

"Uhm... I'm sleepy, Kookie," he mumbled, voice almost a whisper. He didn't dare look up. Those eyes were too intense, too sincere. He wouldn't survive another second of eye contact.

"All right," Jungkook replied. "Let's get you to bed, shall we?"

Taehyung nodded and made an effort to stand, but before he could do anything, Jungkook had already lifted him up in his arms with practiced ease.

"What are you doing, Kookie?" Taehyung squirmed, cheeks heating even more. "I can walk. I'm not broken or anything. Pl-please put me down."

Butterflies. Everywhere. His lips trembled. His eyes widened. His heart was knocking against his ribcage like it wanted out.

Jungkook smiled and looked down at him.

"You helped me when I was sick, remember? This is my turn. Let me take care of you."

The last words came out softer than the rest. Almost shy.

Taehyung felt his throat tighten. He couldn't understand what was happening, not completely, but his arms moved on their own and wrapped gently around Jungkook's neck. His head rested against the younger's shoulder without resistance.

Jungkook carried him to the bed with care, his steps slow and steady. Once there, he lowered him onto the mattress like he was placing something precious and breakable. He pulled the duvet up to Taehyung's chin and tucked it in gently.

For a brief moment, neither of them said anything. Their eyes found each other and held. Time felt like it had stopped. Something heavy lingered in the air between them.

Then Jungkook looked away, clearing his throat.

"Don't overthink it. Whatever that scumbag is trying to do to you, he'll have to go through me first. All right?"