Fading Away | Taekook

43 - Damage

⚠️ This chapter contains implications of physical and sexual abuse.

Jungkook is worried. After getting distracted the night before with sex, TV, and more sex, Taehyung decided to show Jungkook his new contract only the next day, which is today.

The more Jungkook read, the more the wrinkles on his forehead deepened. Taehyung approached and massaged his forehead to try to lessen them, "babe, don't worry so much. I can handle it."

"Tae, I understand that you're focusing on the money to invest in your lands, but you should be more careful. This contract will demand a lot from you; I'm not sure if it's worth it." Jungkook didn't pay much attention to the part about strict control over appearance; that was a routine clause in modeling contracts. What worried him more was the promise of a busy schedule with many trips for promotional events as an ambassador.

"This will be the last contract I sign. It will all work out, it will be worth it. And I owe it all to you. Thank you for introducing me to your friends, to your work. I'm so blessed to have you in my life."

Jungkook melts, "all I did was take some photos of you, the hard work you've put into it is what's yielding results. And I'm so proud of you. Thank you for passing by that road, that night. You rescued me in ways you can't imagine."

"And you were the best birthday gift I've ever got. You can hit a door in my face anytime."

The couple spends the entire morning and afternoon together, being clingy and affectionate with each other. In the evening, Jungkook has an event to cover, different from the gala dinner Taehyung needs to attend with Jackson. They dress up and say goodbye, each going their separate ways. Jungkook is trying hard to control his discontent, but work is work, and he trusts Taehyung.

.

"Ever heard of hair gel? Could have styled it better." Jackson doesn't wait for a response, just signals for Taehyung to follow him to the entrance of the reception hall. The gala dinner stretched majestically under a vaulted ceiling, illuminated by gleaming chandeliers casting a soft light over the guests. The atmosphere was imbued with elegance and sophistication as the fashion and society elite gathered to celebrate the glamorous night. Taehyung felt like he was in a scene from Titanic; never in his life had he attended such a fancy party.

Taehyung gets distracted by all the decorations and almost loses Jackson in the crowd. He follows the model through the sea of guests, being formally introduced to all the businessmen responsible for hiring him as an ambassador in his latest contract.

The supermodel has a presence that is as magnetic as it is controversial. Jackson is surrounded by an aura of charisma and confidence, his imposing posture and easy smile attracting admiring and envious looks. The two exchanged some polite words, and Taehyung quickly engaged in conversation with the businessmen, gaining the sympathy of almost everyone. Taehyung is alert to a sudden change in Jackson's mood at any moment, ready for him to start mistreating him in front of everyone, but so far, everything was going well.

During dinner, Taehyung tried to keep himself busy chatting with other guests, avoiding Jackson whenever possible. And also Bogum, who sat at the same table but didn't interact with him. That's good. He must have accepted that Taehyung wasn't interested.

And Taehyung gets excited about the buffet, not paying attention to the fancy people eating almost nothing next to him; he collects dishes like Pokémon, blaming the portions for being too small; "your suit button is going to pop, take it easy, boy." Taehyung looks in the direction of the voice and sees a slim woman in her sixties smiling at him. He unbuttons his suit and reacts casually, thanking her for the advice. On the outside. On the inside, shame and self-awareness began to burn again. He excuses himself and leaves the table.