Second Chapter: A Taekook short fairytale

Part 9

a/n mention of a freak accident that resulted in death - warning

"Kim Taehyung, I am so sorry for my reaction this morning. Will you give me a chance to try and explain? No excuses, just an explanation." Taehyung looked up into the earnest black eyes and nodded.

"My wife, Soo-hee, and I have been friends since we were 15. She is Hobi's sister. We got bonded when we both were 20. We loved each other so much, from best friends to lovers. We found out Soo-hee was expecting. She was 10 weeks when the accident happened, just one week after out fifth bonding anniversary."

Jungkook took a deep breath. He hated talking about this, but he knew Taehyung had to be told, so he could understand.

"Soo-hee and some of her friends were at a friend's house, having a wonderful time. They were sitting outside, when a freak gust of wind broke a huge branch of the tree, which fell directly on Soo-hee and her friend Nala.

The girls all tried to get the heavy branch of them but couldn't move it. Some men heard the screams and ran over. Word spread quickly and we all ran to help. I remember hearing what has happened and realising that was where Soo-hee was. My heart burst apart with terror. When I got there, the branch was off them. Nala, unfortunately already passed away, seems she was killed almost immediately. Soo-hee was lying on the grass, blood coming out of her mouth, nose, ears and yes, between her legs. She knew she was not going to survive, she told me she loved me and made me promise to live every day, be happy again and love again. I promised, I would have promised her anything at that moment. She passed away in my arms, her and our unborn baby."

Tae could see tears falling slowly down Jungkook's cheeks, his nose and his chin, dripping onto the fidgeting hands. He wanted so much to hold them, to show Jungkook that he was there, but he knew he should let the story unfold.

"After the funeral, I saddled my horse and left, Yoongi and Hobi following me. I forgot that Soo-hee was Hobi's sister and he was in pain as well, I forgot that Yoongi was Nala's brother-in- law, and that he also lost someone so close to him. Jin and Namjoon tried to keep us together, but I couldn't, so I ran. For 4 years I ran, fighting whomever I could. I stopped living and started existing. It took a long time for me to admit that I missed my clan, my friends, the familiarity of Korma Glen. So, we finally went home. I perfected the art of acting like I was all better, while inside, I still refused to take a bite of living again"

Jungkook looked up into the grey eyes, shining with unshed tears.

"A few weeks later, you and Jimin arrived, and my whole façade was shattered. I thought I would never find someone that will make my heart race again, pull me back to living again. But then you came and just bulldozed through my walls with your love for life, your joy and happiness. It scared the shit out of me at first. I was in a panic every time I saw you. I felt such guilt for having these feelings, it felt like I cheated on Soo-hee, even though my mind told me it was ok. I have been running from my pain for four years, I didn't have any reason to stop. Until you came.

This morning, the pure intensity of my feelings caught up with me. I realised I loved you in a very fierce way, that I wanted you forever, and I let my emotions take over, clouding my mind, ripping the bandage of my heart. How can I even want to be happy again when Soo-hee is gone. I am supposed to mourn forever.

That special moment between us was like a dream, a wish upon a star come true. And it scared the hell out of me. I am so sorry, so extremely sorry, with my whole heart.

I love you Taehyung, but I will understand if you don't feel the same, can't forgive me, I just needed to tell you."

Taehyung looked into the black eyes, reading the truth in them.

"Jungkook, my heart breaks for what you lost, I know there is no pain that can equals that. I am going to tell you my story now. Do you want to hear it?"

"Yes" a soft whisper only.