Fallen (Taekook)

CH 23 - Recovery

(2 weeks later)

Jungkook was heading back to college. It was the first day of his final semester. Initially he offered to postpone a semester in order to help with Taehyung's recovery, but Tae insisted that he prioritize finishing his degree. Jimin and Hobi offered to stick around and help Taehyung for at least the next couple of months, and that allowed Jungkook to feel more comfortable leaving Tae at home during days that he had classes.

A couple days earlier, Yeonjun had returned from his ski trip with Soobin's family. Jungkook texted Yeonjun before he returned to the apartment and asked that he not bring Soobin home for at least a few weeks. Knowing not to question things, Yeonjun agreed and made up some barely believable excuse to Soobin. Since they'd spent so much time together recently, neither were too upset about having some "alone" time.

As soon as he returned to the apartment, Yeonjun sensed the change in atmosphere. He had spent the weekend before classes started mostly being as quiet as possible. He shot Jungkook a few questioning looks, but didn't get any response.

As the two college students were driven to their classes by Taehyung's driver, Yeonjun finally asked, "What is going on?" Jungkook let out a sigh but did not speak, so Yeonjun continued, "Everyone is acting like they're attending a funeral or something."

"I didn't want to tell you anything, but I guess it's pretty noticeable," Jungkook replied. "You know I can't get specific, but Taehyung has gone through a really traumatic experience." He looked over and saw his currently blue-haired friend's eyes grow large. Jungkook continued, "Just realize that Tae is still processing things and may be moodier than normal. Please be there for him if he needs you, and don't get your feelings hurt if he says something un-Tae like."

Chewing on his lip, Yeonjun nodded his head. "I'll do whatever I can. You know you can talk to me any time, right? If you want to talk I mean. You don't have to. But I can be there for both of you."

"Thanks, Jun. I really appreciate you." The two friends were dropped off in front of the main campus gate and before walking onto the campus grounds, Jungkook pulled his friend into a hug. As he held his friend, he heard someone clearing their throat behind him. Unwrapping himself from his friend, Jungkook looked back and said, "Hey Soobin! Don't worry, I'm not making a move on your man."

Yeonjun giggled and pulled Soobin to him, connecting their lips. As he pulled away he asked, "You don't get jealous, do you babe?"

The three men chatted about their Christmas breaks while walking towards class. It was mainly Soobin and Yeonjun relaying their adventures in skiing while Jungkook nodded along. They stopped in front of the art building, but continued talking since they had 15 minutes before classes. Soobin asked, "So what about you Kook? Did you get anything good for Christmas?"

"Oh, yes I did. I forgot to tell you," Jungkook said as he looked down at the ring on his hand.

When Yeonjun's eyes fell on his ring finger, he gasped. "Did you and Tae get engaged?!"