• M a k t u b : Spirit of the desert • [ Taekook ]

12. Jungkook, hope

Two months later

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Not a single moment went by without Jungkook thinking about Taehyung for these two months.

Deep inside he was crying and the guilt was eating him alive because he didn't show up at the airport that morning. Jungkook himself knew that the elder waited for him until the last moment and that he boarded the flight with a broken heart.

He wanted Taehyung.

He did, he wanted him, but his job which his father gave him got in the way. And it was indeed a sensible decision.

Therefore Jungkook couldn't understand why he burdened himself all over again every day as soon as he opened his eyes in the morning.

The man couldn't understand his feelings for the other, which over time became even stronger than before. Wrong choices clouded his consciousness and he was sure that this regret he felt then would become even worse over time.

Jungkook knew that while he was in Morocco, he was constantly tormented by such thoughts, especially when he caught Ali's gaze. Ali could hear his sighs that night in the desert and it would only remind him again and again what was actually a mistake and what wasn't.

Now that he was in Korea again unplanned, thoughts of Taehyung came to the surface even more.

Seoul was a big city, just as he remembered it before leaving. The chances of meeting another by chance were minimal. But the very fact that the smell of the city brought him the same sandalwood smell which he loved so much, he couldn't ignore it.

The young man easily met him and fell in love with Taehyung in Morocco, so far from Seoul, which reminded him immeasurably of him.

As he watched the open sea in front of him on the ferry, he thought about his roots and his childhood spent in this country. Korea seemed more foreign than ever. People were so famous but inaccessible. The looks were questioning and he felt as if he didn't belong on this East Asian soil.

The ferry's horn sounded and that was the sign it had arrived at its destination. Jeju Island.

As soon as he stepped into the port, he headed to the only address he knew.

A thunderous knock on the door of a small house startled the man. It had been a long time since Choi had guests. The man was a recluse, ever since he returned to his native land, devoted himself to fishing and gardening almost oblivious to anything around him.

Choi let out a sigh as he rose to his feet and staggered to the door, with a quiet octer doorknob, the door opened and revealed in front of him a beautiful man in a green shirt with a smile on his face. It took the older man a few seconds to recognize him.

- Jungkook? Jungkook!!! - the hands were wrapped around the younger man's neck in the same second.

- Hey, Choi... you're going to suffocate me. - Jungkook laughed as he gently patted his elbows hoping that the other would loosen them up a bit.

- Oh sorry... I missed you so much, Kookie. Come in, come in. - he said and made room for the young man to pass.

Coffee was on the table, along with a bowl of ramen and dried seaweed. Jungkook loved the smell of Korean cuisine and he was happy to return to it. He even taught Ali to prepare several dishes, but he knew it was difficult to get some Korean products because Morocco didn't officially import them. So, he was really looking forward to at least enjoying the kitchen for these few days as long as he is in Korea.

- Kookie, where did you come from? Why didn't you tell me to wait you in the port? Oh, you really look like your father. - Choi spoke haltingly, watching with sparkles in the other's eyes.