Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 7

If there was one thing Namjoon knew as a leader, it was when one of his members was off. And Taehyung was definitely off.

Namjoon had decided a few years ago that they didn't have enough time for beating around the bush, so when someone seemed to be struggling he would go directly to the source to see what was going on. That's how he ended up corning Taehyung in their reception room after lunch before they could head over to dance practice.

"What's going on, you seem like something's bothering you. Why don't you tell me and we'll see if we can fix it" Namjoon started. He knew he couldn't fix everything, but if he could at least figure out the issue perhaps he could resolve it, or he could ask one of his Hyungs to follow up to give some comfort or advice.

Taehyung just shook his head no, "Nothing's wrong Hyung, I'm just tired today from all of the practices and my other obligations for the television show I've been shooting. I'll be OK, I promise. Sorry if I've been a burden."

"Taehyung, look at me, first of all you are never a burden, and second we all have days we are tired. Let me see if I can get the manager to let us go a little early today. I think even a few extra hours of sleep would do all of us a lot of good."

"Thanks Hyung, I'm sure I'll feel fine soon."

With a pat on Taehyung's back, Namjoon went to find the manager and ask for a small adjustment to his schedule. He knew that if at all possible the manager would make it work. Really the guys asked for so little and everyone knew they worked harder than anyone else in the whole company.

But even after Namjoon's departure, Taehyung didn't find himself alone. Yoongi didn't waste any time before launching in, "Taehyung, you really should just talk to Joon about Clara. It's clearly bothering you, the best thing you can do is at least clear the air so you can close the door and move on."

"But I'd be too embarrassed. Jimin told me all about their kiss and how excited he was for Hyung to finally find a girl he liked. You've seen how close Clara and Namjoon are, it really was only a matter of time. Why wouldn't he go for her, she's beautiful and kind and his family already loves her. Bringing it up would only make things awkward, and it's not like I'd ever have a chance."

Yoongi sighed, "I understand. Just know that your time will eventually come and you'll find the right person. Don't be discouraged." Yoongi offered Taehyung a brief pat on his back before heading to the dance practice room.

"Yeah, my time will come" Taehyung sadly breathed out as a kind of pep talk. "Time to move on".

Over the next couple of days Taehyung didn't seem to improve even though Namjoon had gotten their schedule slightly reduced and he was off from filming. Namjoon continued to inquire about what was wrong and how he could fix it, while Yoongi watched with increasing exasperation from the side. He knew exactly what was wrong and right now they were getting nowhere fast.

After another grueling dance practice Yoongi asked Namjoon if they could head to his studio to listen to a track together. Both of them were always relieved when they were finally released from dancing and could go back to their comfort zone.

But if Namjoon thought it was going to be an opportunity to relax he was definitely mistaken. When he walked into the studio he found Yoongi and Taehyung arguing, although he wasn't sure about what. Maybe this would finally shed some light on the problem so they could move forward.

Yoongi broke off their argument and instructed Taehyung, "Sit down and listen, you can't go on like this". When Taehyung began to protest Yoongi cut him off. "It's not very often I pull the Hyung card, but at this point I'll do it if necessary. Sit down and respect what your elder tells you to do".

Taehyung sat down in a huff, staring at the corner of the room, unwilling to make eye contact with anyone.

"Joon, you sit down too. It's time to clear the air and get everything on the table", Yoongi instructed.

Namjoon sat down totally confused. Was Taehyung mad at him? He quickly wracked his brain trying to come up with any disagreement or fight they'd had, but he was drawing a complete blank.

"Joon", Yoongi began. "it seems that Taehyung-ah has developed feelings for Clara. But he also knows that you like her and he's been feeling down that he didn't even get a chance to explore how he feels. He feels awkward around you now because while he wants you to be happy, he's disappointed for himself and he doesn't know how to deal with that." Yoongi paused. "Does that about cover it Taehyung-ah?" he asked the boy who was still firmly staring at the corner, refusing to respond.

Namjoon sat in shock. First of all he liked Clara, but as a sister. He wasn't sure how they would think that he liked her in a different way. He certainly hadn't said anything like that. And second, Taehyung...liked Clara? I mean she was a great girl, but Taehyung generally avoided women.  And the few times he'd expressed an interest it was always Korean girls. His parents were very traditional and he was incredibly close to them. He's always said he was hoping to find a girl who would care for his parents as much as the girl cared for him. And his parents definitely were not going to be open to a foreigner.

"Namjoon?" Yoongi finally broke into his train of thought.

"Oh, yeah, sorry. I guess I just needed a few minutes to think. First of all, let me assure you I am not interested in Clara as anything beyond a sister."

"But then why were you kissing her at the dorm?" Taehyung cried out.

Oh yeah. That kiss. Now that he reflected back some of his members were around that day.

"It was a mistake. It just happened, but we both agreed afterward that it was awkward and we only like each other like siblings. Trust me, while I love Clara dearly I don't have romantic feelings for her. It is not something I can ever imagine doing again."

Taehyung felt unconvinced, and snorted in response. "You don't accidentally kiss someone Hyung. This isn't like a TV drama."

"Yeah, I know," Namjoon said sheepishly while scratching the back of his neck. "I think we have both felt a bit lonely since Namsoo's passing, but trust me, it was a one time thing. Even if I liked her like that, which I don't, she certainly doesn't see me as anything more than a brother."

Taehyung finally turned to look at him, "Really? You really don't like her like that?"

"I promise Taehyung-ah. I really don't. And while I have no idea how Clara feels, I'm ok if you want to pursue a relationship with her. But know this, if you break her heart I will never forgive you. So make sure you know what you're doing and how you feel. I don't want to ever see her go through the pain of losing someone she loves again."