The Escort: A Taekook Love Story, Season One

Part 51: Betrayal

Jungkook's POV

Shocked is the only word I have to describe what I just heard walking into the room. I take the phone from Tae and give him a quick peck on his lips as he leaves me to my call.

"Hey." I respond casually.

"Your boyfriend seems nice." His voice was of good humor. Something I'm unfamiliar with that makes me uneasy, so I make light of the situation.

"Careful, he's taken." I said teasingly.

He utters a soft laugh. "I got it." It's been a long time since I heard my brother laugh. His smiles and chuckles were usually reserved for Jin and his babies. My lack of trust and protectiveness over Tae has me on guard. I assumed he was calling about business, but it was late.

"Didn't you get my report? I sent it hours ago." There's an edge to my voice as I believe he'll complain, and we'll fall into our normal routine of fighting.

"No, I received it and it's good, thank you." Is he being gracious? He must be ill. There's an awkward silence.

"So, what can I help you with?" I said flatly.

"Can't I just call my brother and see how he's doing?"

"Seriously, what can I help you with? I cannot recall the last time we've had a conversation that ended well." And then I hear it again, light strains of laughter.

"Is there a reason that you're being weird?" I ask.

"I uh, missed out on a lot of time with you and I-I'm sorry, Kookie." I don't think I'm in a dream but who knows.

"Now there you go again being weird. You never call me Kookie." The call again goes quiet and I'm a bit concerned about what's coming next.

"Uh, mother used to call you her sugar Kookie. I don't call you that because, uh, it, uh makes me think of her and... it makes me sad." His voice trails off to nearly a whisper. He then clears his throat. I'm now the one that has no words. I can't remember him ever talking to me about our mother or sharing his feelings. I questioned if he even remembered her.

"I never minded that you were her favorite. Uh, but I've been recently reminded of how important family is. I'd like to work on getting to know you uh, Jungkook. Sorry but calling you Kookie is still painful for me, but it doesn't mean I don't care." Something heavy moves through me as I bat my damp lashes and swallow. His vulnerability is new, and I feel it.

Although stunned, I can't say I'm not interested. I had always desired a closer relationship with my brother but had long given up on it. The problem is I don't know him. I've lost a lot of trust with him over the years. If he's trying to change, I'll have to wait and see.

He shifts the conversation. "Tell me about Taehyung, no he told me to call him Tae." I tell him about my man, and he's impressed at how close we are. "You really love him, don't you?" The corners of my lips turn upward lightly.

"He's the most important thing in my life, Namjoon."

"Sounds like he's the one. Kookie, never take him for granted and don't forget how fortunate you are." He sounds different, sincere. But what about all that talk about having the right name, the right family, and the right connections. No, those values don't change overnight.

"Thanks, I appreciate the advice. How are things with you and Jin?" Once again, the call turns silent. I wonder if we've lost connection. "Namjoon?"

"Aw, I-I really messed up with Jin." His voice cracks. I don't know this guy.