Secrets || VKOOK (ON HOLD)

Chapter 13 (M)

They sat on the blanket, the sand cooling as the night approached. Taehyung pulled out a surprise, a small bag filled with glowsticks. They cracked them open, the neon lights casting a soft glow on their faces. They twirled them around, creating patterns in the air, their laughter mixing with the rhythm of the waves. It was a magical moment, one that Jungkook wished could last forever.

As the last of the sun disappeared, the stars began to emerge, twinkling like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas. Taehyung lay back, his eyes wide with wonder. "It's so beautiful," he murmured, his hand reaching for Jungkook's. Jungkook took it, interlocking their fingers.

"It is," Jungkook agreed, his voice thick with emotion. He couldn't remember the last time they'd had a moment like this, just the two of them under the stars. He wanted to hold onto it, to keep Taehyung safe in this bubble of happiness.

They lay there for a while, their breaths syncing with the rhythm of the ocean. Jungkook could feel the sand sticking to his skin, but he didn't care. All that mattered was the warmth of Taehyung's hand in his.

A lot of time passed and the moon had risen high, casting a silvery light over the beach. Jungkook broke the silence, "Tae, there's something I need to tell you," his voice was serious, his grip on Taehyung's hand tightened. Taehyung sat up, his eyes searching Jungkook's face. "What is it?"

Jungkook took a deep breath, "You know how you've been feeling lately?" Taehyung nodded, his smile fading. "I think we should see a doctor," Jungkook said gently, his eyes never leaving Taehyung's.

"Kookie, I'm fine, you don't need to worry too much. And besides, I'm already seeing the doctor," Taehyung said with a forced chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. But Jungkook could see the shadow of fear in his eyes, the same one that had been there every time he'd brought it up.

Jungkook took a deep breath, his own fear bubbling to the surface. "Tae, I know you don't want to talk about it, but you can't ignore it forever. You're getting weaker, and I can't stand watching you in pain," he said, his voice cracking.

"And why is this happening? Are you having a fever?" Jungkook pressed, his thumb brushing over the pulse in Taehyung's wrist. Taehyung swallowed hard, his heart racing.

"Uh y-yeah, I'm kinda getting a f-fever," Taehyung stuttered, his eyes dropping to their intertwined hands. Jungkook cupped Taehyung's face. "Why didn't you tell me? We were going to stay home today and rest if you told me sooner," he said, trying to keep the worry out of his voice.

Taehyung shrugged, his eyes meeting Jungkook's. "I just didn't want to ruin the trip. I've been feeling okay mostly, just a bit tired. I can handle it," he said, trying to reassure him. Jungkook knew that was a lie, but he didn't push it. Instead, he leaned in and kissed Taehyung softly, feeling his feverish skin. "Let's get you home," he murmured.

They packed up their things and headed back to the car, the beach now a silver landscape under the moon's glow. Jungkook helped Taehyung into his lap as he sat in the driverseat, his arms wrapped around him protectively. The journey back to the city was quieter than the drive there, the laughter and playful banter replaced by a heavy silence. Jungkook could feel the heat from Taehyung's body, his own heart racing with the fear of what might be happening to his lover. And Taehyung was stressing about how to get Jungkook to make love to him.

The car ride back was tense, with Jungkook's eyes focused on the road and Taehyung's on the passing scenery. The silence between them was deafening, filled only with the hum of the engine and the occasional cough from Taehyung. Jungkook's mind raced with thoughts of what could be happening to Taehyung, his heart aching with every jolt of pain he felt through their joined hands.