Insulation. Taehyung decided this was the best way for him to cope with the loss of his beloved Tannie. And JK.
It felt to him like he lost JK to superstardom. Tae decided to immerse himself in the military; waking up at the crack of dawn to start their daily routines. He followed the strict schedule like his life depended on it. He politely asked his unit members to refrain from taking his picture and they obliged. Tae also stayed away from any activities that involved music.
Those in the military were given a limited time to use their phones once a day, but Tae declined. Before enlisting, he informed his family not to expect any calls from him and that the team leader will provide them with updates. He wanted to be like in a cocoon so he could sort his feelings. Tae also declined to see or speak to Jin, Hobi and Yoongi and felt they'd understand him. He was thankful that the physical challenges of military life made him so exhausted that he he fell asleep so easily every night.
Tae's unit members are so impressed that this guy, who is part of the global phenomenon is so humble and thoughtful. He actually memorized all their names and birthdays and did not complain even when assigned the dirtiest of tasks. Even Jeon Wonwoo of Seventeen was impressed. He didn't realize that Tae had enlisted the same time as he did and was so suprised that they ended up in the same unit. Tae and Wonwoo used to see each other at the Hybe building but never really had the chance to become friends until now.
Wonwoo knew that Taekook was real and wanted to respect Tae's decision to completely stay away from limelight. He heard all sorts of updates about JK's massive success, including a Grammy win for Dance Pop for his song Seven, but did not tell Tae.
Instead of BTS updates, Tae and Wonwoo talked about life. Their lives when the cameras stop rolling. Their actual dreams for the future. Real talk. Both of them appreciate these talks...and the friendship that developed between them.
Before they knew it, a whole year has passed.
Bangshit organized a dinner for all 7 members of BTS, to celebrate Jin and Hobi coming home and of course, to talk about Jungkook's success, which added a ridiculous amount of revenue to their portfolio. Everyone cheered when JK walked in with his Grammy statue.
Tae was the last one to arrive and surprised everyone with how healthy he looked. And peaceful. There was an air of calmness around him that they've never seen.
Taehyung brightly smiled and said 'I want to say thank you to all of you. For all the years we were together, for everything you guys taught me and mostly, for your patience. I know I was a handful when we were younger. Spending a year in the military made me realize a lot of things. Made me realize who Kim Taehyung really is.
Bangshit-nim, with all due respect, I would like to not renew my contract with Hybe. I don't know what the future holds for me but I'm excited to find out after I finish my enlistment'.
With that, Taehyung got up to leave. Jungkook followed him.
'Tae...can we talk? Please? There's so much I need to say'
'Jungkook...I'm happy for you'.
'Are you, really?' JK noticed that Tae did not address him as Kookie, like he always did in the past.
'Jungkook, I don't hold any grudges because that's what you always wanted. You wanted to go higher and you did! You should be proud. I really am happy for you but it seems our directions have changed. You can keep going higher, that's your dream.
Please know, I will always care for you and that we gave it our best shot.'
Tae walked away without looking back.
'
