Things can only get better: Taekook short story

Part 7

They left for the office together, this time more relaxed, Tae even singing together with the music, making Jungkook smile widely. Yes, this is what he wanted, and he had to confess, the boy had a fucking beautiful voice, so deep and smooth, blending into the jazzy song playing on the radio.

They got out, Tae having a bit of a spring to his step, as they walked into the building. Tae went to his department while Jungkook went to his office. Tae was greeted by his colleagues, Jimin hugging him softly, he heard from Yoongi about the abuse but will say nothing. They discussed the upcoming project and started planning. Timelines, deadlines, task distribution. By the time they were done, Yoongi got them all headed to the restaurant for lunch. Tae wanted to go with Lisa, Jisoo and Bogum to their friends' table, but Jimin took his hand, pulling him into another direction. 

He landed at the table with Namjoon, Jin, Hobi, Yoongi and Jungkook. Jimin sat down next to Yoongi, giving him googly eyes and Tae knew that his suspicion was correct, Yoongi and Jimin were in a relationship. Jungkook pulled out the chair next to him, sitting down. "How are you feeling Tae?" he whispered softly to Tae, so that the others don't hear. "The ointments and pain meds help a lot, thank you Jungkook. I feal good, really." He smiled at the black-haired man, getting an answering bunny smile back. "I am glad" 

They ordered food and had a comfortable dinner. Jungkook's company sponsored 5 restaurant meals per worker per month, after that the employee paid a minimal amount for the food. In that way Jungkook made sure the restaurant employees kept their jobs and all his employees eat healthy at least at lunchtime. Tea times the coffee shop was open where the employee paid the normal price. Cake and coffee were not subsidised by the company.

After lunch, the design team got back to work, not noticing the time until Jungkook knocked on the door. "Guys, enough for today, tomorrow is another day and overworking will not get good results. Go home, rest, we will pick up tomorrow at 9h00 only." They employees were used to this. Actual working hours were 8h00 till 17h00, but sometimes Jungkook will tell them to come later, especially when they are working long hours on projects, and that will happen within the next two weeks as the project nears completion. Then it is all hands-on deck, pulling all nighters.

Walking into the penthouse, Jungkook gave Taehyung a box which looked at wide yes. "I destroyed your old Sim card and phone, it can be traced, and I don't want that bastard to be able to contact you ever again. All our numbers are already on there" Tae thanked him softly. They enjoyed the dinner Mrs Park made, healthy veggies, steamed chicken and baby potatoes in a light butter sauce. No desert as it is a weekday, deserts are for weekends, and they dare not argue with Mrs Park on that.

 After a shower and rubbing the ointments and cream on Taehyung's skin, Jungkook climbed into bed, sighing a huge sigh of satisfaction. It was a very good day. He suddenly thought of asking Taehyung if he wanted to go sailing with all of them on Saturday and he might forget tomorrow, so he went to the boy's room, knocking softly. Hearing no answer, he peeked into the room. Surprised he walked in slowly. What on earth..... A bed full of plushies, with a silver head peeking over the bunny plushie held tightly into a hug. The boy's sleeping face peaceful, a little smile on his lips. That is what Jungkook wanted to see, a peaceful and happy boy. He slowly left the room; he will ask tomorrow about the sailing.

The next day was extremely busy, they started at 9h00 and went right through lunch, having a momentum they didn't want to lose. Jungkook made sure platters were delivered with salad items, cold meats, samoosas and other finger food, which they could eat while moving around. At 8 in the evening Jungkook called it a day, they will continue Monday. Meeting all the others at the door, Jungkook quickly confirmed everybody was in for the sailing the next day. 

Tae walked outside to Jungkook's car, waiting for him. "Tae, why are you standing all the way over there, come here, we are discussing tomorrow's plans." Jungkook called him. Tae was confused, he didn't think it would include him. "Did you really think you would get out of spending a fun day with all of us?" Jungkook wrapped his arms around Tae from behind, penguin walking him back to the others. "So, we are all set, everybody knows what to bring, me and Tae will make sure the Seagull is ready to launch by 10h00 tomorrow morning. Oh, and Yoongs, bring your sea legs this time, no puking on my boat." Everybody left, laughing at Yoongi's disgusted face. He will never live that down, he knew that, but it's ok, that is what friends do.

Tae decided to ask the question rolling in his mind while they drove to the penthouse. "Jungkook? Why am I going with you guys? Is it not a friends group thing? I don't want to be gate crashing. So, I will be fine at your house." Jungkook looked at him a little disbelieving. "You are not serious are you Tae? You are one of us now, one of our friends, why on earth would you not go with us?" Tae looked at Jungkook with big eyes. "I..I just... uhm..I just thought.." "Tae, you are one of us, stop pulling away when we want you near, stop hiding, stop thinking you are not worth our friendship, because you are, you are more than worth it. Understand this now, we want you with us" Jungkook looked at the boy with a very serious look in his eyes. The damage to his self-esteem will take time, he must keep on pushing until the boy realises again his worth as a human being, not just an employee. 

"And Tae, my home is your home, until such time you want to leave" Hopefully never. Now where did that thought come from, Jeon Jungkook. Are you getting attached to an angelic boy with silver hair, blue eyes and a smile that lights up the sky? Be careful, Jungkook, this boy is precious and needs care and attention, he is not just another quicky. Jungkook had a whole conversation with himself while driving home. 

He was not a virgin, far from it, he had specific male and female acquaintances with whom he had a standard arrangement if the need was there. With the understanding of no strings attached. So far it worked well, except when he had to break all contact with Lila when she wanted more than just casual sex.

 But he never felt the need for something permanent, until this boy waltzed in and awoke feelings and yearnings he didn't know he had. The feeling of home, of cuddle, of close, of mine... He needs to be careful to not mistake protectiveness for romantic feelings. He never had romantic feelings for anybody, so he must make sure he will not cause more damage with actions he didn't think through.

Looking at the boy, he saw he fell asleep somewhere during his internal monologue. He picked him up on reaching the parking, carrying him to the elevator and the into the apartment, where Mrs Park waited for them. On seeing the sleeping boy, she quickly went to his room and opened the bed. Jungkook pulled of the boy's shoes and jeans, not looking of course, and covered him with the blanket. He searched for the bag, which he now knew were the one with the plushies and found it in the closet. He pulled them all out and arranged them on the bed, same as he saw before, with the bunny plushie closest to the boy, who grabbed it in his sleep, hugging the hell out of the pink rabbit.

Jungkook had his dinner with Mrs Park, talking about the boy, the sailing tomorrow and the progress of the project. She was a good listener and Jungkook spoke to her often when he was overthinking, just to calm his mind.