Love Me Again...

Chapter 13: Christmas Tree

A few minutes later, Jungkook composed himself. Once again he found himself being comforted in the arms of Tae. Deep down he realized that he was slowly starting to crave his calming presence around him and it scared him. He didn't know what to make of the warmth that he was starting to feel in the deepest crevices of his heart. All he knew was that in that moment no one else could make him feel complete. Every time he heard Tae's voice, he was starting to feel butterflies in his stomach. He was surprised but also alarmed. 'Am I starting to have feelings for Tae hyung?' he thought to himself, 'Is that why I kissed him?' Slowly he took a step back so he could gaze at Tae's face. 'He is so handsome,' Jungkook reflected, 'From the moment I met him until now, he has been nothing but supportive, standing next to me giving me strength and confidence. But I mustn't confuse his friendship for anything else. I don't think he has feelings for me.'

As Jungkook stepped back, Tae noticed his deep gaze. He knew that he was deep in thought trying to come to terms with his anxiety and working out his feelings. He couldn't help but realize just how precious the young man in front of him was. In his young life, he had gone through too many devastating losses - his parents and his partner. Anyone else would have been completely defeated by these tragedies, but Jungkook was able to gather up enough strength to keep moving forward with a smile on his face. Tae admired his courage but knew that deep down he still struggled with truly moving past the shadows of his past. He wanted to make him realize that no matter what, he would always be by his side offering his unyielding support. Jungkook still wasn't saying anything or averting his gaze, so Tae decided to test the waters. "If you keep looking at me like that, I may just kiss you," Tae whispered.

Tae's words snapped Jungkook out of his trance. "What?" he muttered as he stepped back out of Tae's arms. "Too soon?" Tae questioned while winking at Jungkook, "I guess I shouldn't be making jokes about kissing you just yet." Jungkook smiled a little relieved that Tae was joking in an attempt to put him at ease. Tae on the other hand couldn't help but notice Jungkook's relieved reaction. He felt a tiny pang in his heart but reminded himself that Jungkook's happiness was his ultimate goal and he would gladly sacrifice his own feelings to make that possible. "I guess we should get going then, Tae hyung," Jungkook suggested, "It's getting late." "Yeah," Tae agreed, "You're right. Jiminie is probably headed home right about now." Just as he said that, his phone buzzed. Jimin had sent him a message. "Speak of the devil," Tae muttered looking at his phone, "He is in fact headed home. Let's go."

They walked out quietly, hand in hand instantly interlacing their fingers as they made their way to the car. Jungkook was amazed at how natural that felt. When Tae let go of his hands to get into the car, Jungkook suddenly felt incomplete. He felt like Tae was the missing puzzle piece who could fill in the empty space in his heart. "Kook?" Tae mumbled, "Do you want me to drive? Are you okay?" Jungkook slowly lowered his head into his hands and nodded. "I'm just tired," he replied, hoping that Tae wouldn't catch his lie. Tae knew that something else was bothering him but decided to let it go. Jungkook started the car and soon they were headed to Jimin's apartment. A short while later, they had reached the apartment. Jimin was waiting downstairs to help with the tuxedos. "You didn't have to come down Chim hyung," Jungkook insisted, "I would have brought it upstairs." "Of course not," Jimin retorted, "Besides, you've had a long day. Rest up Kook. Tomorrow will be very busy." Jimin and Tae grabbed their tuxedos after which Jungkook made his way home.

The quiet drive home helped Jungkook settle his thoughts. He had come to the conclusion that he was starting to have feelings for Tae but he wasn't sure about the depth of his feelings. He was glad that tomorrow was going to be a busy day which would help distract him from his inner confusion. He quickly parked his car and took a couple deep breaths before walking into his house. "Kookie!" Tahee yelled excitedly as he ran towards Jungkook, "Why are you so late?" "I'm sorry baby!" Jungkook said as he picked him up and hugged him. "Kook, did you take Tae to the venue?" Jin asked as he made his way to him, "Tahee, go to your Dada." "Yes Jin hyung," Jungkook replied as he set Tahee down. Jin and Jungkook watched as Tahee quickly ran to the living room as soon as his feet touched the floor. "Kook, I was hoping to talk to you. Let's talk in your room," Jin finally said. "Sure Jin hyung," Jungkook stated as they walked to his room.