Kintsugi (Taekook)

New Beginnings, Old Wounds

"Hyung, I think you will get the job. There is nothing you have to worry about. The school committee takes into consideration the actual talent of the teacher rather than any fancy degrees or references. And you did well. I knew you could sing, but acting? You surprised me hyung." Jungkook couldn't help gushing over the way Taehyung managed to portray his capabilities as a music and performing arts teacher, in the same school he was coaching for sports and martial arts.

"I just hope it works, Jungkook-ah. That place is the best thing that can happen for both me and Byeol. Their in-house daycare and play school would be a huge help for me. And the pay also seems to cover at least the bare necessities for both of us. If I get it I will work really hard to get the probationary position to change into a permanent one." Taehyung said, gently caressing the little head peeking out of the baby carrier strapped on his front. Both of them along with the toddler were walking back home from the school interview. It was right after the Christmas holidays that the school was about to reopen. Jungkook had dragged the under-confident Taehyung along to the school, in the hopes of applying for the position. But luckily they landed into a walk-in interview which took his hopes even higher.

"Bare necessities? Why? It seems fine for now."

"Yeah but the rents here are so high, once I shift to a different place half of it would go to cover the rent itself…" Taehyung muttered. 

"Shift? You are planning to move out? Is something wrong with the house? Is it too small? Or did I do something wrong, hyung?" Jungkook hurriedly asked.

"Jungkook-ah, it's not that. You have been more than just kind with me. You covered all our expenses, provided us shelter. But I cannot overstay your welcome." Taehyung said.

"You are Yoongi hyung's close friend. And he is married to my cousin. So it makes you family hyung. Why would you think like that?"

"Truth to be told Jungkook-ah, I don't want to be a burden or invade your privacy. Since the day we arrived, you have so graciously offered us your bedroom and have been sleeping on the living room couch. It makes me feel bad. You cannot bring anyone over, or stay out for more than a few hours because you are always thinking about our comfort. This is too much to take, when I have nothing to offer in return." Taehyung stopped walking, and turned to face Jungkook with pleading eyes.

"Whoa! Where is all this coming from? And you are not a burden. You cook and clean after all of us, more than half of the time. About me sleeping on the couch, I hardly slept in my room hyung. It always gets very lonely at night. So I'ld just switch on the tv and lie on that couch, waiting for the sleep to take over. And about me going out or bringing someone in, I have no friends other than the ones you met in school, and as you might have observed, we are not exactly the outgoing kind of people. Also, if you cannot tell already, relationships are ruined for me. So no worries on that front too." He stated matter of factly. 

"But what about Byeol, she takes so much of your time…"

 "And what about it? Byeol, she's my happy pill these days. I smile so frequently because of her. Are you going to take that away from me? Maybe you just don't like my company. In that case I will definitely find a place for you…"

"Jungkookie, you are just too kind for your own good! Okay, I am not moving out, but you are going to let me pay my share of expenses once I start earning and also, you should stay in the room with us. It's big enough and it won't be as lonely anymore. If you say yes, then we have a deal!" Taehyung said with so much adoration for the younger. 

"Ugh! Okay! But I get to spoil Byeol with whatever I want to buy for her, and you have no say in it. It's between me and her, the besties!" Jungkook chuckled.