Lovely | BTS ✓

9

August returns to the house just as Taehyung fixes the last shutter, his stomach growling when he sees groceries in his boss's hands.

"I'm blown away, honestly," August says, shaking his head as he stares at the exterior of his estate. "I didn't think I'd ever see this house in anything less than ruins again. Thank you, Taehyung."

Taehyung smiles, wiping his hands on his dirtied slacks. "Want me to cook? You look tired."

And indeed, he does look tired to Taehyung. Bags are underneath his eyes, a shine to his irises that has Taehyung half convinced he's on the verge of tears. Feet dragging through the newly cleaned walkway - crumbling as ever but more visible now that the weeds have been torn away - as he makes his way to the front door.

"I'm more than happy to cook for us," August says as he pushes the door open, he and Taehyung slipping their shoes off before heading to the kitchen. "It's been a long time since I've been able to cook for someone, and it's a hobby I quite enjoy."

Taehyung relents, his entire body aching with exhaustion. "I'll go freshen up while you cook, then."

"Take your time," August calls after Taehyung as he turns away to go to his bedroom. "Relax. I don't want you to work yourself to the bone. You just got here."

Taehyung heads up the stairs, pulling his sweaty shirt from his aching torso as he sets a shower hotter than he would normally have it. He needs the hot water to relax his muscles after everything he's done in the last twenty-four hours. He's overworked himself; he knows that. He just can't stand the thought of lounging around while his parents struggle to put food on their table.

Part of him is hoping that when August realizes how serious Taehyung is about this job - about how willing he is to work himself to the grave if he needs to - he will give him his pay before he finishes, and he can send it to his parents.

The original deal is that Taehyung stays here, cleaning and repairing August's home and then keeping it that way until August is able to keep up with it himself. Then, Taehyung will be paid and he will get to go back home to his parents with pockets full of money to give them the life they have always deserved.

He winces slightly at the blisters on his hands being disturbed by the washing of his hair, and once he's stepped out of the shower to towel dry, he's convinced himself that he will take tomorrow to relax and recuperate. He has gotten a fair amount done in such a short time; most of the cleaning aspect is done and he just needs to do the bigger projects like replacing all the rotted wood around the place and dealing with the upkeep of sweeping, mopping and dusting the entirety of the home.

Just as Taehyung walks into the dining room, the smell of dinner cooking in the kitchen has his mouth watering as he sits down, running his hands through his damp hair as he waits for the food to be done.