Secrets || VKOOK (ON HOLD)

Chapter 4

The next day, Taehyung woke up to the sound of Jungkook bustling around in the kitchen. The smell of coffee and sizzling bacon wafted into the bedroom, and Taehyung's stomach growled. He pushed himself up, wincing at the pain in his chest. Jungkook's voice called out, "Breakfast is almost ready, baby!" Taehyung took a deep breath and forced a smile, determined to enjoy the day ahead.

He padded into the kitchen to find Jungkook wearing an apron that read "Best Boyfriend Ever," flipping pancakes with one hand and juggling a spatula and a plate with the other. The sight of him, so carefree and happy, made Taehyung's heart ache even more. He leaned against the doorframe, watching the play of early morning light across Jungkook's features, committing every detail to memory.

Jungkook looked up and beamed at him. "Good morning, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?" He placed a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of Taehyung, along with a steaming mug of coffee.

"Better," Taehyung lied again, taking a seat at the table. The aroma of the food made his mouth water, but the thought of eating felt like a chore. He picked up his fork and took a bite, chewing mechanically. Jungkook watched him with a furrowed brow, his own breakfast forgotten.

"Are you sure?" Jungkook's voice was tinged with worry. "You look pale."

"That's my natural skin color, Kookie," Taehyung teased, trying to lighten the mood. Jungkook didn't laugh, instead his gaze searched Taehyung's eyes, looking for the truth. Taehyung took another bite, swallowed it down with a gulp of coffee, and managed a more convincing smile.

"Come on, let's eat," he said, gesturing to the food. Jungkook sat down opposite him, his own plate untouched. "I'm okay, really," Taehyung assured, reaching out to squeeze Jungkook's hand. "Just tired."

Jungkook nodded, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's face. They ate in companionable silence, the only sounds the clink of cutlery and the occasional sip of coffee. After breakfast, Jungkook cleared the table and suggested they spend the day together, doing something Taehyung had always wanted to do. Taehyung's heart skipped a beat as he thought of his list.

"Hey uh Kookie can i ask you something?" Taehyung started, his voice cracking a bit with the weight of his words. Jungkook paused in his cleaning, turning to face him with a concerned look.

"Of course, what's up?" Jungkook replied, setting the plate down and walking over. He sat next to Taehyung, taking his hand in his.

Taehyung took a deep breath, the words sticking in his throat. "I... I want to make a video diary," he finally managed to say, his eyes darting to the side, avoiding Jungkook's gaze. "You know, just to document our days together. It's something I've always wanted to do."

Jungkook's eyes lit up with excitement. "That's a great idea!" He squeezed Taehyung's hand. "We'll start today. What do you want to do first?" Taehyung thought of the first thing on his list. "Arcade?"

Jungkook nodded, "sure, if that's what you want."

They spent the morning getting ready, the excitement of their impromptu adventure pushing Taehyung's fears to the back of his mind. Jungkook didn't know it, but this trip to the arcade was more than just a fun day out. It was the first step in fulfilling Taehyung's wishlist.

As they pulled into the neon-lit parking lot of the arcade, Taehyung felt a rush of nostalgia. The familiar smell of greasy pizza and the cacophony of video games filled the air, a stark contrast to the sterile hospital scent that had haunted his nose the day before. Jungkook looked over at him, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ready to kick some ass at Dance Revolution?"

"Will it overexert? You I get breathless easily," Taehyung said, a hint of concern etched in his smile. Jungkook leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."

Inside, the arcade was a whirlwind of lights and sounds, a stark contrast to the quietude of their home. Taehyung felt a pang of excitement as they approached the dance machine. Jungkook inserted coins and selected a song, a throwback to their high school days.

The beat began, and Taehyung stepped onto the dance pad, the lights reflecting off his glasses as he started to move. Jungkook watched him with a proud smile, his own hands hovering over the buttons, ready to jump in if needed. But Taehyung surprised him, his movements fluid and in sync with the music despite his condition. They laughed and danced, the pain in Taehyung's chest momentarily forgotten in the joy of the moment.

As they played, Taehyung's eyes kept darting to the prize counter, where a giant teddy bear sat, its eyes gleaming in the neon glow. It reminded him of the one he'd won for Jungkook on their first date, the one that now sat proudly in their living room. He wanted to win another, not just for the nostalgia, but to add to their collection of memories. He stepped up his game, his feet flying over the lights with newfound determination.

After several rounds, Taehyung's chest was heaving, and his heart felt like it was trying to escape his ribcage. Jungkook noticed and suggested they take a break, but Taehyung was too focused on the prize to quit. He pushed through the pain, ignoring the warning signs his body was giving him. Finally, with a triumphant shout, he nailed the final move, and the game declared him the winner. The teddy bear was theirs.

When they gave him the teddy, dropped to the floor breathing heavily while laughing, Taehyung felt a warmth spread through his chest that wasn't from pain. He looked up at Jungkook, who was grinning ear to ear, clapping and cheering for him. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so alive, so free from the shackles of his condition. Jungkook picked up the bear and handed it to him, "Here's to more happy memories," he said, and Taehyung nodded, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

They spent the rest of the day playing games, winning small prizes, and laughing until their sides hurt. Taehyung felt a renewed sense of purpose with each item they checked off his list. They held hands as they walked through the crowded arcade, bumping into each other, sharing smiles and whispered jokes. The fear of the future was pushed aside by the joy of the present.

They found a private spot as Taehyung clutched the teddy bear to his chest, his breaths coming in short gasps. Jungkook's eyes searched his face, the concern returning. "Tae, are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Taehyung nodded, a tear escaping down his cheek. "I just... I don't want to miss out on anything," he whispered. Jungkook took his hand, squeezing it tightly. "You won't," he promised, his voice filled with conviction. "We're going to do all those things, together."

Taehyung hugged Jungkook tightly and whispered "Thank you, I really don't deserve someone like you." Jungkook leaned down and kissed him gently, whispering back, "You deserve the world and more, and I'll make sure you get to see it." With a nod, they left the arcade, the neon lights fading behind them as they stepped into the cool evening air.

❊

-lxnnie