Destination Wedding

39

Taehyung returned to his room to find Jeongguk fast asleep. He marveled at the man's striking features and built physique, which contrasted with his childlike slumber and soft snores. Rather than continue to stand over him like a creep, Taehyung busied himself with preparing fresh towels, comfortable clothes and a few pieces of fruit from his gift basket so the younger wouldn't have to take painkillers on an empty stomach.

After arranging everything at the foot of the bed, Taehyung quietly sat down, facing away from the younger. His thoughts began to whirl as he held his weary head in his hands.

Shit, I'm in deep, aren't I? I care for him so much. I don't want to go back to LA. I want to go home. But am I ready? Or am I still just damaged goods? The thought of being oceans away from him, from everyone, is killing me. But my little bubble in LA has been safe enough. Fuck, my heart hurts.

"Taehyungie-hyung?" Jeongguk rasped, pulling Taehyung out of his thoughts. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Taehyung smiled at him fondly. "Nothing. Just a million thoughts fighting for space in my brain. The usual."

"That doesn't sound good." Jeongguk sat up with concern. "Did I do something... to worry you?"

Taehyung met the younger's concerned gaze and instantly moved closer, cupping his cheek. "No, Kook-ah. Don't stress. You didn't do anything wrong." Taehyung rubbed over the younger's still swollen pink lips with his thumb. "Hate that you thought that... I'm sorry."

Jeongguk smiled softly at the elder. "Let's talk through it then. What's bothering you?"

Taehyung chuckled. "Wait. I mean, yes. We can do that. But eat something and take your medicine first. I'm going to start your bath."

Jeongguk felt a hint of worry at the elder's demeanor but followed his instructions before walking, unabashedly naked, to meet Taehyung in the bathroom. Taehyung, having heard the younger approach, turned and gaped at the sight before him.

"What?" Jeongguk chuckled.

Taehyung scoffed. "A little warning would be nice! My fragile heart and mind can't handle surprise appearances by naked Jeongguk!" Taehyung turned to test the bathwater with his hand. "So fucking hot," he mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" Jeongguk questioned. "It's fine. I like the water hot, hyungie."

"Uh... right," recovered Taehyung. "Give me your hand." Taehyung helped the younger step into the tub where he eased down and sighed in comfort.

"Thank you, hyung. You're getting in, right?"

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Do you want me to?"

"Of course. I want to talk to you. Want to know what's worrying you." Taehyung nodded and got in after stripping himself of his briefs, settling down with his back against Jeongguk's chest. He felt so safe and comfortable in the younger's arms which quickly found purchase around his waist. He reveled in the tattooed hand stroking his soft tummy, but was distracted by his intrusive thoughts.

Jeongguk didn't love the elder's quietness so he pressed on. "Is this about last night?"

Taehyung sighed. "Ugh, Kook-ah... last night was amazing and I'm annoyed with myself because I always manage to spiral. I don't want to give you the wrong idea because I loved it and would do it again, but I suppose it's related."

Jeongguk squeezed the elder's hip in reassurance. "It's okay, hyungie. I'm listening and I won't judge you, ever. Just say what you need to say."

Jeongguk could tell that Taehyung didn't know where to begin. He thought back to their younger days, when Taehyung would get overwhelmed with a challenging decision or unknown outcome. Jeongguk would always encourage him to sort out his thoughts by weighing pros and cons. He decided to help the elder by guiding him through some version of that.