VENOM | TAEHYUNG

4

"What's your occupation, Anastasia?".

I lift my eyes, glancing at his father. We all sat around the dinning table, feasting on the delicious meal their mother had made. I mean- it would be delicious but right now, everything I swallowed left a bitter aftertaste. My gaze shifting to taehyung, who was eating as if there was nothing wrong.

"I work in marketing. A secretary-", my voice trailed as his eyes met mine. "Great. It's nice that you two work together. The bond grows stronger ", his father add. "I for one don't agree-", namjoon ,the oldest brother interrupt. He was actually sweet to me. "Why not?", jungkook chomped on his roasted chicken. "Because- it's weird seeing each other 24/7. How will you both have private lives?", he laughed and jungkook rolled his eyes. "It's not hard-", taehyung commented and all eyes bounced to him. I swallowed hard. Palms sweating while twirling the fork around in the spaghetti. "I enjoy being with her 24/7", jungkook ignored his brothers. "Jungkook has always been the sensitive child", his mother giggled. "Namjoon is our brainiac and taehyung is our little fire cracker -", we make eye contact at the mention of fire cracker. What he had called me while choking the fuck out of me.

"So different- ", their father smiled. "I'm sure-", I whisper. From what I've grasped thus far - namjoon is a surgeon in Australia and taehyung had moved back to New York a few weeks back. He was the youngest son , working in the engineering field. How can someone so smart be a total prick?

"I'll get the desert ", his mother was about to stand when I beat her to it. "I'll get it -" , I forced a smile. "Told you she's helpful ", jungkook chimed and taehyung scoffed. Ofcourse only I take notice because my eyes were on him. "Thank you sweetheart-", his mother said as I walked out of the claustrophobic dining room. How could ones life just keep getting worse? Like where the gods upset at me? For what? I had done nothing wrong to deserve so much trials.

I lay out the little glass bowls and begin to dish out the ice cream on the tiny chocolate brownies she had baked. I helped blend the ice cream. Honestly- at this point. I wouldn't be surprised if he spewed out my secret life to jungkook. He'd do anything to embarrass the girl who rejected him.

"Why am I not surprised-", his voice made me drop the spoon. I glance over my shoulder at him leaning against the doorframe. "You truly are a little bitch", his words stabbing my heart. He pushed himself off the framework , making his way to where I stood. "Fucking my brother? ", his question made the blood running through my veins feel like venom. "No-", i shake my head. "Kookie has always been a naive fuck", he rolled his eyes. "You're playing an innocent man who's intentions are pure", he was trying to make me feel guilty. "You don't have to do that", I whisper. "I already feel guilty " , I add and he nod , "good. I'm glad that slut heart has feelings".
His tone unbothered and face blank. He was so hard to read. I didn't know if he was upset or being cocky. His lack of facial expressions gave no clue.

"Please don't tell him-", I beg. How pathetic. "Oh? Begging are we?", his tone sarcastic. "I will eventually tell him but he needs to hear it from me". He drummed his fingertips against the marble counter. "Hmmm, I believe this is a give and take situation ", he said and I went cold. "I don't have money-", i mumble. "I don't want fucking money", he was quick to grip my jaw in his hand. "Stop-", I whimper. "You know exactly what I fucking want from you. Quite frankly- I don't give a fuck about you playing innocent infront of my brother. I don't care about your relationship. But if you don't answer to my every order and command then we're going to have problems sweetheart. You will be in a whole lot of shit-", he grit his teeth and released my aching jaw. I bring up a hand to rub my face. His hands were so rough.

"You guys good?", we both turn to look at jungkook. "Yes-", I smile , bending to pick up the spoon. "Dropped this", I chuckle nervously. "Tae? You good?", he asked the asshole who simply nod , walking out without shooting me a glance. Jungkook waltz in - "sorry about him. He may come across as rude but he's actually nice". Nice? Nice never existed when dealing with his brother who clearly had psychopath issues. "Allow me to assist", he bowed and I laugh.

The truth remained a secret...for now.

-
19 : 21 pm

"It was a pleasure meeting you ,Anastasia ", his mother hugged me alittle longer and I wasn't complaining. It was soothing. "Do visit soon ", she smiled. "Oh she's definitely tagging along every time I come over -", jungkook nudged my shoulder. "Well - I gotta admit. You're the only girl kooks ever introduced us too. And I'm glad I got to meet you -", namjoon gave his dimpled smile. "Likewise ", I smile back.

"Have a safe trip-", jungkook hugged him. He had just come over for Thanksgiving. Being a surgeon demanded all his time. He would leave for Australia tomorrow. "Thank you brother ", namjoon pat kooks back. "Tae- come visit. You're literally around the corner now-", jungkook seemed to be trying really hard to bond with that shit head. "Yeah", was all he uttered. He hadn't spoken, neither looked at me for the rest of the evening after the whole kitchen incident. I was somewhat grateful that he kept his distance.

"Family barbecue on Friday- you two better be there ", his father pinched my cheek again and I giggle. "We will", jungkook held my hand and lead me to the car after we said our goodbyes. Apart from Taehyung being his brother, I liked his family. They were humble and kind. I never felt out of place. They made sure I was comfortable and loved. Jungkook was clearly like his parents and so was namjoon. I couldn't understand why taehyung was such a devil.

-

"Namjoon and you are alike", I whisper as he drove me home. "Yeah? Everyone says the same", he smiled , staring ahead at the road. "Taehyung is alittle closed off ", I say without trying to sound as if I'm fishing for information. "I don't think any of us have answers to why he is the way he is. Taehyung has always been different and not in a unique way. He's just an asshole-", he muttered and I swear it was the first time in 2 years I've heard this man cuss. "He's just wired wrong", he add. "You said he was nice-", I trail and he shrugged. "I'm sorry baby. I just - I didn't wanna say anything back there. I wanted you to be comfortable ", he reached out to stroke my head before gripping the steering again.

"Does he have friends? ", I ask and he let out a laugh. "Taehyung having friends is like me not having friends. It's just an impossible fact ". I've never seen kookie harvest such negative energy toward an individual. "Like I said - he's an asshole. I don't expect you to try and get along with him. You don't have to force bonds where there is none to make. You have my permission to stay away from him. Just because he is my brother , that doesn't mean I want you consumed by his toxic nature".

Wow.

I was dumbfounded. Speechless actually. I had no response to what he had just said. It's like a switch went off and he just poured out so much hate toward his own flesh and blood. I didn't pry anymore. I just nod and turn to face the window. Having jungkooks permission meant nothing. Taehyung had already seen my double life . He knows my darkest secret. How could I possibly stay away from someone who wouldn't leave me in peace?