Important Business

Part 10.2

After showering and changing they are off to find another restaurant and they stop at a barbecue place, where Taehyung grills meat for Jungkook and shows him how to build artistic salad meat wraps stuffed with banchan.

They continue the easy banter throughout dinner and Taehyung enjoys Jungkook's company.

"Do you want to go to a bar?" Taehyung asks when they leave the restaurant. "Maybe we can do more scouting on a guy you would approve of," he smiles. "And one for you?"

"Let's not," Jungkook answers, clipped, and turns to head in the direction of the apartment. "I'm tired."

Taehyung stands on the street, looking at his retreating back. The humor had vanished from Jungkook's face as soon as he had said the words and he followed.

"Are you mad?" he asks, when he catches up to him and touches his arm to make him stop.

Jungkook looks over his shoulder. "Let's not talk here," he answers briskly, looking at the passing people, and walks on.

They are silent on the rest of the way back and Taehyung wonders if he pushed him too far. But on the other hand, Jungkook didn't have the right to be mad at him. They were friends. He wanted to be his friend because of his stupid rules and nothing more.

"Are you going to answer me now?" Taehyung asks when the door closes behind them and he follows Jungkook down the hall. He stops in the middle of the living room and runs his hands through his hair. He looks angry but he tries to rein it in.

"I'm not mad... I just..."

"I think you are," Taehyung answers coolly. "You were jealous and angry throughout the day when other people..."

"I don't like other people hitting on you," Jungkook says heatedly. "And I can't be your wingman... what a bullshit idea."

Taehyung crosses his arms, standing his ground. "You sound like a jealous lover, not a friend."

Jungkook's hands open and close at his sides like he is trying to stay calm and not act on an impulse.

"You are being selfish, you know," Taehyung accuses. "I can see that you are battling with yourself for what you want. Don't think I am stupid and don't notice it."

"I don't think you are stupid," Jungkook replies, and Taehyung realizes he is not denying the other things he said.

"Good, because don't treat me like you have a right to be jealous. Because you don't. You have your morals and rules, though I don't see how it applies to us, since we don't work permanently together. It was one fucking photoshot. One!"

"I know that!" Jungkook growls. "I know that I don't have the right...I know...But I will be leaving in a few months."

Taehyung shakes his head, not believing what he hears. "I just hear excuses. You are living here now and we can't be friends if you don't respect me."

Jungkook's eyes turn stormy and he walks up to Taehyung, getting into his personal space. "I respect you too much to just use you," he whispers heatedly. "Yes, I want to be more than friends. Yes, I want your hands on my body and only my body. Are you happy now?"

They look at each other, their gazes drilling into one another and it is like no one gives way. "I don't see a problem here," Taehyung replies calmly and licks his lips. Jungkook's eyes follow the movement before looking back up.

Taehyung feels his pulse spike. Was this it?

"Touch me," Jungkook whispers, still staring into Taehyung's eyes and he slowly lifts one hand. He palms Jungkook's cheek and he turns his face into it, nuzzling the skin but Taehyung turns his head to face him.