All the love in the world: A Taekook Short Story

Part 2

After work, Tae was nowhere to be seen. They always had a Wednesday dinner date at their favourite restaurant, all meeting there after work. But this Wednesday Tae was not with them. Jungkook didn't even notice at first. He was hanging on every word Mina spoke about her experiences abroad. Only after Yoongi asked where Taehyung was, did he look up, with a frown. He thought Tae was at the table with all of them. "Oh, just leave him, he is probably sulking because he is not the centre of attention" Mina said sarcastically. "He is not like that, Mina, that boy has the purest heart ever. So don't say stuff like that about our friend." Hobi said. "Your friend? Seriously? You have ignored him since this morning, so don't tell me he is your friend. Even Jungkook didn't even notice he is not here, see, I told you, he is not your boyfriend. I will never ignore my boyfriend like that. He is obviously nothing to you. And he didn't even call or message you, pathetic. I am your friend, not him." Mina said with a smirk, clinging to Jungkook. Those words shocked them all, but Jungkook the most. What she said was true, they all completely ignored, even forgot about Taehyung the whole day. Jin stood up, saying he will call Tae. The others were also worried now, talking about where is Tae but Mina's voice stopped them all. "Are you seriously worrying about a sulky, whiny bitch when you haven't seen me in three years? Am I not more important?" Jungkook stood up. "You left three years ago; we all lived our lives here. You never phoned or even texted, now you are back, and we are glad. That does not mean our lives must revolve around you. Once we found Tae, we will be back, and you better behave." They all left, leaving a seething Mina behind.

Tae meanwhile was in his apartment, drinking a glass of red wine, debating this whole thing with himself. He was happy for the others that their friend was back, he could see they all missed her. He should give them space for now to get reacquainted. Sighing, he switched of his lights and went to bed, switching off his phone. He was emotionally exhausted and actually fell asleep quite quickly. He never heard the knocks on his door, no calls as his phone was switched off. The friends stood outside the door, seeing everything in darkness, calls not connecting. They left after 20 minutes, not even going back to the restaurant.

The next morning, the friends waited at the door for Taehyung like always, but he never showed. They didn't know he came early to avoid them. He was still fighting with himself on how to deal with this. He told the Woogas what happened, and they agreed with him that space might for now be the best course of action.

The others entered the office floor, with Mina again hanging onto Jungkook (she apologised to them all for her "selfish" actions, she just missed them all so much), they saw Taehyung sitting at his desk. Jimin walked to them "Hey Tae, we waited for you at the door this morning, did you come early?" "Yes, Jimin, I have some work to catch up on, can't chat now, sorry." Jungkook pulled his arm out of Mina's, walking to Taehyung. "Hey love, where were you last night? I missed you at our dinner and you didn't answer your door or your phone. Is something bothering you, baby?" Tae looked up, eyes just blank. "No, Jungkook, how can there be something wrong? I have to work now, please leave". Jungkook stared at his boyfriend, a bit confused. "Ok, angel, see you at lunch. I love you" He kissed Tae's cheek but got no response. He turned around, seeing the others just looking at Tae as well. They left to their own offices, Mina again hanging onto Jungkook, getting weird looks from employees. Jungkook noticed and tried to get his arm away, but Mina clung just tighter. "Mina, I have a meeting now, please leave me alone, go bother someone else" He finally had enough.

The whole day, the friends felt a little off. Mina hanging around them the whole day. Jungkook meanwhile was in a meeting but was not concentrating.

Lunch time, again, Mina was all over Jungkook. Tae, however, was again not at the table. They all felt funny about that, but Mina was enjoying every second of the drama. "Guys, if he can't accept that you have me back as your friend, don't force him, he will not understand our bond. Leave him be for now, he will come round when he sees his tantrums will not let you guys to push me away" Yoongi looked at her with an intense gaze, making her uncomfortable, so she just clung harder onto Jungkook.

That evening after work, Tae left immediately as soon as office time was done. He didn't say goodbye to any of the friends, didn't wait for Jungkook like before. He went straight home. He texted Jungkook if they are still having date night as arranged. An hour later a short text came through, making Tae's heart drop. He was not coming. Mina brought gifts and they were all spending the evening at her house. Tae sighed and lay down, his heart aching, he knew what was going to happen, he is not stupid. But he had no idea how to stop it from happening. He understood that if his boyfriend and friends had to choose between Mina and himself, he didn't stand a chance. So, his only option was to act first. Create distance between them all, well, more distance. He had no idea how to even speak to Jungkook about this.

Tae tried calling Jungkook later, no answer, texting good night, no reply. Good morning, nothing. He was already an hour at work, when the others all arrived, looking the worse for wear. Jungkook walked to Tae, trying to hug him, but received a cold shoulder. "I am sorry love, we started chatting and drinking and we all fell asleep at Mina's place. I am sorry, I will make it up to you, I promise." No answer. Jungkook sighed, standing straight. Enough of this now. "Taehyung, please come to my office" Well, as an employee, Tae can't refuse. He stood up, following Jungkook, the others watching.