Secrets || VKOOK

Chapter 2

As the night wore on, the party grew louder, but the cocoon of their love remained untouched by the chaos. Jungkook whispered sweet nothings into Taehyung's ear, and he felt his heart flutter in response, a stark contrast to its usual rhythm of pain and anxiety. He watched as their friends danced and laughed, their youthful energy a stark reminder of the time he might not have.

Taehyung wanted to sleep so badly but the noise was distracting him. Jungkook noticed this and decided that they should probably go home now. He whispered sweet nothings into Taehyung's ear, "Let's go home, my love. You need your rest." Taehyung nodded in agreement, too tired to argue.

They made their way through the crowd, saying their goodbyes, and as they stepped outside into the cool night air, the reality of the situation slapped Taehyung in the face like a cold breeze. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Jungkook, can we talk?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly. Jungkook looked at him, concern etched on his features.

"Of course," Jungkook said, his grip on Taehyung's hand tightening. They found a quiet spot under a streetlight, the shadows playing across their faces. Taehyung took a moment to gather his thoughts, the weight of his secret threatening to crush him. "There's something I need to tell you," he began, his heart racing.

Jungkook's eyes searched his, filled with concern. "What is it, Tae?"

Taehyung looked into his eyes and for a moment he felt that if he told him the truth he would leave him. "I want to marry you." He said not having the heart to tell Jungkook the truth just yet.

Jungkook's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" He whispered, leaning closer to make sure he heard it right.

Taehyung swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "I want to marry you," he repeated, the words feeling foreign on his tongue. "Before... before it's too late."

Jungkook's eyes searched Taehyung's, confusion and concern warring for dominance. "What are you talking about, Tae?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Is everything okay?"

Taehyung took a deep breath, his heart feeling as if it was about to burst from his chest. "Yes everything's fine. I just wanted to marry you before someone else does." Taehyung laughed nervously, trying to lighten the mood. Jungkook stared at him, his gaze intense.

"Tae, you're scaring me," Jungkook said, his voice laced with fear. "What's going on?"

Taehyung took a deep breath. He thought of an excuse that Jungkook would definitely believe and he got it. So he told Jungkook. "It's just that I love you so much, I don't want to waste any more time. I know we're young but I feel like we've been through so much already. And if we're going to spend the rest of our lives together, why wait?"

Jungkook's eyes searched Taehyung's, looking for any sign of what was really going on. But all he saw was love and urgency. "Tae, we can talk about it. But we need to be sure. We're still young, we have so much ahead of us."

Taehyung nodded, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "But I need to know that no matter what happens, you're mine. That we're together, forever."

Jungkook's expression softened, and he pulled Taehyung closer, holding him tightly. "You know I am," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to Taehyung's forehead. "But marriage is a big step, and we should take it when the time is right for us."

Taehyung nodded, his heart racing as he felt Jungkook's pulse against his cheek. He knew he was playing with fire, bringing up marriage as a distraction from his health, but he couldn't bear the thought of Jungkook finding out about his condition this way. Not here, not now.

"Let's go home," Jungkook said, his voice filled with a gentle reassurance that made Taehyung's heart ache. They walked back to their car, the silence between them thick with unspoken words. As they sat in the car with Jungkook sitting on the driver's seat and Taehyung on his lap, Taehyung couldn't help but feel a sense of dread creeping in. He knew he couldn't keep his secret much longer.

Jungkook started the engine, the purr of the car a stark contrast to the racing of Taehyung's heart. He looked over at Jungkook, his handsome profile illuminated by the dashboard lights. The love Taehyung felt for him was so intense it was almost painful. He knew he had to tell him soon, and he will but not today neither tomorrow. He wanted to cherish their happiness a little longer.

As they drove home, Taehyung felt his chest tighten, a familiar sensation that sent a cold sweat down his spine. He tried to ignore it, focusing on Jungkook's calming presence beside him. But the pain grew stronger, and suddenly, his vision blurred. He ignored it, not wanting to ruin the moment. But when Jungkook reached over to change the music, his hand trembled.

"Tae?" Jungkook's voice was filled with concern. "Are you okay?"

Taehyung forced a smile, trying to play off the pain. "It's just... my heart," he said, his voice strained. "It beats too much for you." Taehyung said making Jungkook rolled  his eyes and slap his thigh lightly. "Yah you almost gave me heartattack you brat" Jungkook said, trying to keep the mood light.

But the pain grew stronger, and Taehyung couldn't ignore it any longer. He gripped the door handle tightly, trying to stay upright as his body began to fail him. Jungkook noticed his distress and pulled over to the side of the road, his eyes wide with fear. "Tae, what's happening?"

Taehyung's breaths grew shallow, his chest heaving. "Please check for some chest pain pills on the side," he gasped, pointing to the glove compartment. Jungkook's hands fumbled as he searched for the small bottle, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's face. The sight of his lover in pain was a stark reminder of Taehyung's fragility.

Jungkook found the pills and handed them over, his eyes filled with concern. "Here, take these," he instructed, his voice shaking. Taehyung managed to get one down, the bitter taste coating his dry mouth. He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes, and waited for the pain to subside. Jungkook's hand hovered over him, unsure of whether to touch him or not.

The pain ebbed slowly, and Taehyung took a deep, shaky breath. He opened his eyes to find Jungkook staring at him, worry etched deep into his features. "Thank you," Taehyung murmured, trying to keep his voice steady. Jungkook's hand found his, and he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"What happened?" Jungkook asked, his voice tight with fear. "Was it an anxiety attack?" Taehyung shook his head, "it was just some chest pain. Runs in the family." He lied. Jungkook studied him for a moment before nodding, his eyes still filled with doubt.

Jungkook placed his hand on his thigh. "I think you've had a tough day today, let's get you home really quick so you can rest." He said, his voice filled with concern. He gently helped Taehyung into the passenger seat and buckled him up before taking his place behind the wheel again.

As they drove, the silence in the car grew heavier, each passing streetlight casting a brief glow on their faces. Jungkook glanced over at Taehyung, who was trying to keep his breathing even. He knew there was something more to the pain than Taehyung was letting on, but he didn't want to push. He had seen Taehyung in pain before, but never like this.

❊

-lxnnie