hidden hearts » vkook (book 2)

14

Taehyung slid open the patio door and stepped out onto the balcony. He was glad Jin made him wear a suit tonight. The early September air was brisk as the wind picked up his hair. 

He walked to the ledge where Jungkook was leaning against the railing. He kept a good distance between them and stared out at the city.

"Hey." Taehyung said, leaning forward on the railing, his hands clasping together.

"Hey." Jungkook took a sip from the amber liquid in his glass. 

The air was crisp and thick around them. Taehyung didn't know what to say or where to start. They had so much unfinished business between them, but it almost feels like too much time has passed to even bring it up. 

God, this was hard.

"I'm glad you came tonight." Jungkook said. "I know it means a lot to Hobi."

Taehyung nodded but kept his stare forward. He wasn't sure he could handle looking at Jungkook right now. "He deserves to be celebrated."

It was Jungkook's turn to nod. "Yeah, he does." A pause. "So do you, you know. The cover of Vogue? That's amazing, Taehyung."

"Yeah." Taehyung let out a soft chuckle. "I didn't think I'd ever be here doing this."

"How did it even happen? I mean, three years ago you were stocking books at Barnes and Noble, and now you're here, on the cover of Vogue."

"Jimin was scouted first. He was performing at a showcase at NYU when someone propositioned him to model. He introduced me and Jin and they loved us for some reason. Offered us contracts here in LA. It all happened very fast." Taehyung shrugged. "That was a very weird year."

"Yeah." Jungkook's voice was quiet. "Taehyung, I-... I'm sorry for how I left. I just-"

"You took the easy route." 

"Yeah, I did. I was a coward. I'll admit that." Jungkook took in a deep breath. "It hurt to leave you. I didn't want to hurt you even more."

"You didn't even ask me to go with you." It was out of Taehyung's mouth before he could even register what he was saying. Shit.

"What?" Jungkook turned to face him.

Jungkook's surprised tone ignited the fire in Taehyung's gut again. Even after three years, this kid still didn't think about what would've happened if he had asked Taehyung to go with him? The nerve on this prick.

Taehyung whirled, his gaze burning a hole in Jungkook's. "You didn't even ask me to go with you, Jungkook!" 

"I didn't- I didn't think you'd-" Jungkook's brows were furrowed in confusion, his eyes wide. It made Taehyung furious.

"I had nothing holding me to New York, Jungkook. Nothing. You, Joon, and Jin were already moving out here. I would've followed you guys." Tears pricked Taehyung's eyes. "I would've followed you."

Jungkook's mouth dropped open, but no words came out. Taehyung held his gaze just to show him how much he hurt him. He wanted Jungkook to see the tears in his eyes. He wanted him to feel an ounce of what he has felt for three years.

Jungkook reached his hand out to touch Taehyung, but the sound of the glass door sliding open made him pull back. 

"There you are." Joshua walked up to Taehyung and planted a wet kiss to his cheek. Taehyung held Jungkook's gaze as he did it. 

Taehyung sniffed and blinked his tears away. He turned to face Joshua and smiled at him. "Hey. Joshua, this is Jungkook."

"It's great to finally meet you. Mingyu has told me so much about you." Joshua grinned and held his hand out.

Jungkook assessed him cooly before sliding his hand in his. "Nice to meet you, Josh."

"It's Joshua." Joshua smiled. Always so polite. Taehyung cringed.

Taehyung didn't know how to describe the feelings he was having in this moment. He felt... dirty. Him and Jungkook were only talking, but it felt so intimate. He felt like Joshua was a third wheel right now, and that's not how it's supposed to feel. 

"And how do you two know each other?" Jungkook asked, his eyes not leaving Taehyung. Taehyung watched him take another drink.

"We're, uh..." Why couldn't Taehyung answer? 

"We're dating." Joshua happily supplied. Jungkook stared.

"Hm." Jungkook hummed. He threw back the rest of his drink and straightened. He looked at the two embraced in front of him and shook his head. What the fuck is that supposed to mean? 

Taehyung wanted to scream.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Josh-"

"It's Joshua." Joshua cut in, but Jungkook plowed forward.

"-and good to see you again, Taehyung. Enjoy the party." Jungkook threw open the sliding door and stalked back inside.