Distorted Reflection ✓

E I G H T E E N

Hoseok tried to be as much of a help as he could, but there was only so much he could do. Both Taehyung and Jeongguk knew that, appreciating him for trying, and for not ringing up the nearest institution once Taehyung explained a little to him. 

Taehyung only got a little wiser from that last phone call. He had wanted to see the footages for himself, but of course it couldn't be that easy. When something looks easy, in this case, it probably is too good to be true. The license plate tracking didn't work. The footages are now non-existent. The driver passed away a long time ago, and they doubt that the relatives have anything to do with it. Plus, he wouldn't be able to start knocking on their door -that is if he would be able to find them in the first place- explaining everything and bringing up the past. 

Not only would they slam the door close in his face, they would call the police since it would be rather suspicious that a random stranger suddenly brings it all up again with more information than anyone has ever known. Obviously, not everyone was going to believe his story. Taehyung couldn't blame them, but that did mean that he had to be careful with his words and who he does decide to tell it to. 

The only thing he can wait for now, is Saturday, when he meets up with both Namjoon and Seokjin again. Which is great, not only because he has missed them dearly, but knowing what happened last time, perhaps he could get some more answers, or clues. Who knows, he might even believe the reading. He had to adapt his beliefs before, he could do it again. 

Taehyung currently found himself busy with his latest work related things, typing away on his laptop behind his working desk. He greeted a few co-workers every now and then, only standing up to grab a new cup of coffee when he felt like quitting because he got tired. 

That was the thing; he couldn't get tired. His work has been overloading him lately, and even though his boss, Mr. Min, has been feeling guilty about it, he had to. Taehyung understood that, and didn't mind the extra pay at all. But he did mind the stress that has been bubbling up, almost suffocating him. In normal circumstances, he'd go home once his shift was finished, and relieve his stress then. 

But in his case, he got a whole other situation back at home that needed just as much attention. He got stressed over both sides, leaving no more room to breathe. It all has been so much on him lately, it took a toll. Yes, he had told Jeongguk to not feel guilty. And by that he stands. The younger male can't help his position either. He didn't ask for any of it. But it was just so much in just so little time, Taehyung felt utterly overwhelmed with no idea how to rest properly.

He wanted to help Jeongguk really badly. He pitied the male. He wanted to give him his freedom back, if that was even possible. He wanted to see him happy. 

But on the other hand, his worksheets only piled up higher, meetings had to be hosted. It got to the point it was so much, he needed time at home to finish it. It left no room for a nice dinner or thorough breakfast, neither did he get much sleep. 

Saving a new file on his laptop and watching it load, his mind drifted back to the brunette male who got stuck living in his home. A smile crept up on his lips. Jeongguk was nice. He really was. He was a great friend, talking to him made him feel better. He was smart, kind, playful and he had a good sense of humour. He was always there -not that his situation gave him any other option- but Taehyung was sure that if he had met the male in different circumstances, they'd get along just as well, and he'd be there for him always, anyhow. 

''Hey, Taehyung! How are you doing today?'' He got pulled out of his latest thoughts when one of his co-workers walked up to him, he smiled. ''I'm doing fine, what about you, Ji-eun?'' 

Taehyung could see the girl had taken a bit of an interest in him lately, but he didn't let that bother him much. It wasn't like she tried to get his attention from his work every single day, nor was she pushy about it. So he let it be, he didn't have room in his mind to stress about other things either.

''I'm doing great, actually! I'm not one to pry, but I couldn't help but notice that boss has been giving you loads of work lately. If you want me to help, I'll always be here. I don't need anything in return, I just want to be nice.'' She smiled, twirling her hair around her finger before tucking it behind her ear.

Her eyes scanned every inch of Taehyung's face, but stopped once their eyes met. She stared while he blinked, giving a small smile back. 

''Thank you, Ji-eun. That's actually really nice of you. I'll make sure to keep it in mind.'' She nodded, beaming. ''Anytime! If you give me your e-mail, o-or number, you could send the works to me as well.'' 

Taehyung blinked again, looking over at the pile of work on his desk and scrolling swiftly through what seemed like thousands of work pages on his laptop and things he had to thoroughly examine. He wasn't really keen on giving her that, but at this point, what other option does he have? The stress is too much to handle, she's here offering her help, who's he to decline? That'd be stupid.

''Uh, sure. Here.'' He grabbed a pen and a small piece of paper, scribbling down both of the things she asked for and handing it over to her. He didn't fail to notice her face lightning up, smile even wider. 

''Thank you! Don't hesitate when you need me, alright?'' Taehyung nodded, flashing her another grin and watching her walk away. She was the only one with the same work position as him when it came to this department in the building, so he definitely could rely on her. He also needed to host some upcoming meetings with her, so perhaps this indeed would come in handy.

At this point, he could use all the help he could get. He is so occupied trying to save Jeongguk from his position, he almost forgets to save himself.