Secrets || VKOOK (ON HOLD)

Chapter 11

The next day, the sun peeked through the blinds, casting a soft glow on their sleep-crinkled faces. The apartment was still littered with the remnants of their all-nighter, but the mess was a testament to their shared triumph. Jungkook was the first to stir, his hand reaching out to the notepad on the coffee table, his eyes scanning the scribbled lyrics that had become their life's anthem.

Taehyung woke to the sound of Jungkook's voice, humming the melody that had been playing on repeat in his mind. He stretched out his arms, a content smile spreading across his face. "We should record it," he murmured, his voice still groggy with sleep. Jungkook looked up, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Yeah," he agreed, "today."

They spent the morning cleaning up the apartment, their movements a choreographed dance around each other. The excitement of their creation lingered in the air, urging them to bring their song to life. Taehyung's kitchen skills proved surprisingly useful as he whipped up a hearty breakfast, fuel for their upcoming adventure. Jungkook couldn't help but watch him, his heart fluttering at the domestic scene playing out before him.

Once the dishes were cleared, they set up their makeshift recording studio in the corner of the living room. The camera was propped up on a stack of books, the camera lens pointed at the microphone they had borrowed from a friend. The walls were lined with blankets to absorb any echoes, and the sound of their breathing seemed amplified in the sudden stillness.

Taehyung's heart raced as he picked up the guitar, tuning it carefully. Jungkook sat cross-legged beside him, the lyrics in his hand, looking like a poet ready to share his deepest secrets with the world. They took a moment to breathe together, their eyes meeting, and then Taehyung began to play.

The music filled the small space, each note a declaration of their love. Jungkook's voice was a gentle whisper that grew stronger with each line, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's as they sang their story. The camera rolled, capturing every nuance of their performance, the intimate moments that made the song theirs alone. They sang of the quiet strength that had seen them through hard times, the laughter that had carried them through the good, and the promise that every day together was a gift to be cherished.

As they reached the chorus, their voices rose in unison, a powerful declaration of their bond. The lyrics were simple, yet profound, resonating with a depth that only those who had lived their experiences could truly understand. The camera captured the passion in their eyes, the way their hands would brush against each other as they played, the unspoken language that only lovers know.

The recording session was intense, with each take revealing new layers of emotion. They sang until their voices grew hoarse, until every note and every word felt perfect. They didn't need a professional studio to feel the magic of their creation; their love was the best instrument they had.

After hours of recording, they finally had a version they were both proud of. They listened back to the playback, heads resting on each other's shoulders, and watched the video with critical eyes. "It's beautiful," Taehyung said, his voice thick with emotion. Jungkook nodded, a proud smile on his face. They had done it, together.

"Shoukd we upload it?" Jungkook asked, breaking the spell that had settled over them as they listened to their song. Taehyung paused, his finger hovering over the button. Should the world knowing that he's dying soon. Should the world know how he left his love? Should the world know that the person that sang the song is already dead?

"No," Taehyung said after a moment of contemplation, "not yet." Jungkook's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, but he didn't press the issue. Taehyung had a vision for their video diary, a journey that was still unfolding. He wanted their music to be a part of it, but he's dying so he can't.

They decided to put the video aside for now, allowing the emotions of their creation to settle. The rest of the day was spent outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and ticking off more items from Taehyung's wishlist. They visited the café where Taehyung worked, the familiar scent of freshly ground coffee beans and the chatter of customers bringing a sense of comfort to the usually quiet apartment. Jungkook watched him, his heart swelling with pride as Taehyung effortlessly juggled orders with a smile, his passion for his craft evident in every gesture.

In the early evening, they found themselves at Jungkook's tattoo parlor, the buzz of the needles and the hum of music a stark contrast to the serene morning they had shared. Jungkook led Taehyung to his office where he worked on his designs, the walls adorned with vibrant sketches of future ink.

"You know," Taehyung said, his eyes scanning the artwork, "I want to get matching tattoos." Jungkook's hand paused mid-sketch, looking up at Taehyung with a mix of surprise and excitement. "Really?" he asked, his voice a little too eager. Taehyung nodded, a shy smile playing on his lips.

"Which one?" Jungkook asked, his eyes darting around the room, searching for the perfect design. Taehyung stepped closer, opening his shirt revealing the fresh tattoo Jungkook did a few days ago. The tattoo was a phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and strength, with 'JK' and 'TH' intertwined in the flames.

"I want you to have this on your body too," Taehyung said, his voice filled with a gentle firmness. Jungkook's eyes grew wide, his heart pounding in his chest. The thought of having a permanent reminder of Taehyung on his skin was overwhelming, but the love shining in Taehyung's eyes made it feel like the most natural thing in the world.

Jungkook took a deep breath, setting aside his pencil. He traced the outline of the phoenix on Taehyung's chest with his finger, feeling the warmth of his skin and the steady beat of his heart. "Alright," he murmured, "but we're doing it together."

They spent the next few hours discussing the placement and size of the tattoo, finally deciding on a spot on Jungkook's chest, mirroring Taehyung's. The atmosphere in the tattoo parlor grew electric as the sun began to set outside, casting an orange glow through the windows. Jungkook prepped his station, laying out the inks and sterilizing the needles, while Taehyung's stomach fluttered with a mix of anticipation and nerves.

Taehyung took a seat in the chair, watching as Jungkook put on a pair of gloves and opened a fresh pack of needles. The buzz of the tattoo gun was the only sound in the room, aside from their breathing, which grew more ragged with every line etched into Jungkook's skin. Jungkook winced but never complained, his eyes locked on Taehyung's. They held each other's gaze, the pain a silent testament to their unwavering bond.

As the phoenix took shape on Jungkook's chest, Taehyung felt a strange sense of peace wash over him. The needle was a physical representation of their love, a shared experience that would forever be a part of them. Jungkook's hands remained steady, his concentration unbroken, as he mirrored the tattoo he had given Taehyung. The sight of their matching ink brought a tear to Taehyung's eye, a silent promise that no matter what the future held, they would always be connected.

"Let me try," Taehyung said, reaching for the tattoo gun once Jungkook had finished his half of the design. Jungkook handed it over, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and trust. Taehyung took a deep breath, his hands shaking slightly as he lined up the gun with the stencil on Jungkook's chest. "Ready?"

Jungkook pulled Taehyung to his lap saying, "always," and leaned back against the chair, exposing the bare canvas of his chest. Taehyung took the gun in his hand, feeling the vibrations resonate through his body as he gently pressed it to Jungkook's skin. The buzz grew louder as the ink began to flow, creating a bond that transcended the physical. Each line was a promise, each stroke a declaration of eternal love.

The tattoo was almost complete when Taehyung's hand trembled, the weight of the moment becoming too much. Jungkook took over, finishing the delicate details of the phoenix's feathers. They sat in silence, the only sound the rhythmic buzz of the gun, their hearts beating in sync with the pulse of the needle. When the final line was drawn, they both took a step back to admire their work, the mirrored phoenixes now a part of their shared story.

The pain was a fleeting memory as they held each other, their matching tattoos a silent testament to the love that had grown stronger through each challenge. The video diary played in the background, a montage of their shared moments, each one a thread in the tapestry of their lives. They watched themselves, the smiles and laughter captured on screen a stark contrast to the quiet intensity of their current embrace.

❊

-lxnnie