Cigarette Duet ✓

Chapter 5

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension in the air dissipating slowly. Jungkook knew he had to keep a closer eye on Taehyung, to prevent any future temptations. As they sipped their drinks, Jungkook watched Taehyung's eyes drift back to Bogum and the cigarette. He felt his own anger and frustration bubbling up again.

"Tae," Jungkook said, his voice tight. "Let's go. I don't feel well." Taehyung's gaze snapped back to him, his eyes searching Jungkook's. "But we just got here," he protested. Jungkook gave him a small, sad smile. "Please, Tae. Just trust me."

Taehyung nodded, his curiosity piqued but his love for Jungkook overriding his desire to know more. They left the café, Jungkook's hand firmly in his, leading him away from the smoke and the danger that lurked there. Once outside, Jungkook took a deep breath of fresh air, his chest expanding with relief. "What was that about?" Taehyung asked, his voice gentle. Jungkook looked at him, the weight of his secret heavy on his heart.

"It's just... I don't want you to start smoking," Jungkook said, his voice raw. "It's not good for you, and I can't bear the thought of losing you." Taehyung stopped, his eyes searching Jungkook's. "You're really worried about me, aren't you?"

Jungkook nodded, his eyes shiny with unshed tears. "More than anything," he said. "You're my world, Tae." Taehyung's expression softened, and he leaned in to kiss Jungkook, the sweetness of his breath a stark contrast to the acrid scent of Bogum's cigarette. "Okay," he said, his voice soft. "I won't do it. I mean I'll try to resist the temptation of wanting to doing it."

They walked home hand in hand, Jungkook's mind racing with scenarios of how he could ensure Taehyung never picked up the habit. He knew he couldn't be with Taehyung every second of every day, but he was determined to do everything in his power to keep him safe. When they reached their apartment, Jungkook pulled Taehyung into a tight embrace, holding him as if he could somehow absorb the danger that lurked outside their door.

"Kookie what's wrong with you today huh? Tell TaeTae if there's something wrong," Taehyung said, his voice muffled against Jungkook's chest. Jungkook took a deep breath, inhaling Taehyung's comforting scent. He knew he couldn't tell him the truth, not yet. He had to protect him, even from the knowledge of his own fate.

"It's just... I love you so much," Jungkook whispered, his voice breaking. "I don't know what I'd do without you." Taehyung pulled back, his eyes searching Jungkook's face. "What's really going on?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. Jungkook forced a smile. "It's nothing," he said, stroking Taehyung's cheek. "I just had a bad day, that's all."

"Oh you do you want TaeTae's love and kisses to make it all better?" Taehyung teased, his eyes sparkling with affection. Jungkook felt a pang of guilt at the innocence in Taehyung's words. He couldn't tell him about the nightmare that had brought him here, about the future he was desperately trying to change.

"Yeah," Jungkook said, his voice a hoarse whisper. "That's all I need." He leaned in, capturing Taehyung's lips in a kiss that was both fierce and gentle. He could feel Taehyung's smile against his own mouth, the warmth of his breath mingling with his. When they pulled apart, Jungkook felt a sense of peace that he hadn't felt in what felt like an eternity.

"Then you will get. Come here and get more of TaeTae's kisses," Taehyung said, pulling Jungkook into a warm embrace. Jungkook's arms wrapped around him tightly, as if trying to hold onto the moment, afraid it would slip away like sand through his fingers.

The days that followed were a dance of shadows and light, with Jungkook vigilant over Taehyung's every move. He accompanied him to every outing, his eyes never straying far from his lover's face, watching for any sign of temptation or craving. Taehyung, for his part, remained blissfully unaware of the turmoil within Jungkook, attributing his clinginess to his love and concern.

One evening, as they sat on the couch watching a movie, Taehyung reached for the pack of candy they had shared a year ago, the same night Jungkook had lost his battle to save him from the clutches of addiction. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as he watched Taehyung's hand hover over the candy, the memory of his earlier failure a stark reminder of what was at stake. He gently took the pack away, replacing it with a piece of gum. "Try this," Jungkook suggested, his voice steady despite the chaos in his thoughts. "It's just as satisfying."

Taehyung looked at him confused and disappointed at the same time. "But I wanted the candy," he pouted, his eyes glossing over. Jungkook's heart clenched at the sight of his lover's sadness, but he knew he had to stay strong. "I know, but candy isn't good for your health," Jungkook said, trying to keep his voice light. "Besides, we can find something else to share."

The next week was a tug-of-war between Jungkook's fear and his love for Taehyung. Every time they were out, every time they saw someone smoking, Jungkook's heart would race, his grip on Taehyung's hand tightening involuntarily. He knew he couldn't live like this, hovering over Taehyung like a helicopter parent, but the alternative was too terrifying to consider.

One night, as they lay in bed, Taehyung turned to Jungkook with a thoughtful expression. "You know, you've been acting weird lately," he said, his voice gentle. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat. He had been so careful, so vigilant. Had he slipped up? "What's going on, Kook?"

Jungkook took a deep breath, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. "I just... I had a bad dream," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "It made me realize how much you mean to me, and I don't want anything to happen to you." Taehyung's eyes searched his, and Jungkook could see the wheels turning in his mind.

"That's the same exact sentence you tell whenever I ask what's wrong with you. Seriously what's going on?" Taehyung's voice was a soft whisper in the quiet of their bedroom. Jungkook sighed, his eyes welling up with tears. He knew he couldn't keep the truth from Taehyung much longer.

"Tae, I... I saw something," Jungkook began, his voice shaking. "Something terrible that could happen if you start smoking." Taehyung's expression grew serious, his eyes locking onto Jungkook's. "What did you see?"

Jungkook took a deep breath, his chest tight with the burden of his secret. "I saw you," he whispered. "I saw what smoking does to you. It takes everything away from us. Our future, our happiness." He swiped at the tears that had spilled over, his voice breaking. "I can't let that happen, Tae. I can't lose you."

Taehyung's eyes grew wide with shock and concern. "Kook, you can't just decide for me," he said, his voice firm. "I know it's bad, but it's my choice." Jungkook nodded, his throat tight. "I know, I know,"

"And I'm sorry for not telling you sooner but I kind of started smoking a week ago. Bogum called me over again and we smoked together,"

❊

Bloop bloop bloop!

-lxnnie