LOVE YOU TO DEATH | TAEKOOK

19. Hello, I'm Right Here

*trigger warning for discussion of homophobia and violence. also the usual warning for bad language, bad behavior, etc. not to be flip, but this book probably requires a thick skin*
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TMZ: More photos of JJK and Kim Taehyung have been emerging. The latest image shows the pair in the Emergency Room of a Los Angeles Hospital. Taehyung is seen sleeping against JJK's chest, with the author's arm around him. The public is now questioning whether the two have been together for much longer than had previously been thought.

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JIN: Where are you?

TAEHYUNG: On my way
back to the palace

JIN: Let me know when
you arrive

JIN: I'll bring dinner

TAEHYUNG: Okay

TAEHYUNG: There were a
bunch of reporters outside
the building he moved into

JIN: Okay? So?

TAEHYUNG: They want to
know about our relationship

TAEHYUNG: Asking about
the photo

TAEHYUNG: Asking how
serious we ARE

JIN: I see. What did you say?

TAEHYUNG: I said no
comment obviously

TAEHYUNG: It was just weird

JIN: Why was it weird?

TAEHYUNG: It was like
they either knew or
assumed I was gay?

TAEHYUNG: I guess I thought
the public didn't really know

JIN: I don't think they do

JIN: Don't you think the reality
is that times have changed and
it has become a no-no to hound someone about their sexuality?

TAEHYUNG: It was just weird

TAEHYUNG: I understand now
why Jungkook hates New York

TAEHYUNG: People at least
pretend to leave me alone in LA

JIN: You need to stop
thinking about him

TAEHYUNG: I don't think I can

JIN: Why were you even
over there?

TAEHYUNG: Idk anymore, it
was fucking bad

JIN: Okay well let's talk
more when I see you

JIN: What do you want
for dinner?

TAEHYUNG: Let's just order
food to the room

JIN: OK

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"Tae, you need to just take a few months to chill out," Jin promised, making his voice low and soothing.

Taehyung shook his head, closing his eyes in an attempt to hide from the words, "I'm not sure if I can do that," he replied, feeling an awful tightness in his heart.

Jin absentmindedly picked at his salad as he stared into space, "You might not have a choice," he countered, though his tone was apologetic.

Taehyung's shoulders fell.