Taehyung, an optimistic, street-wise, charming young man born deaf, meets Yoongi, a gorgeous, educated young boy, who is new to town. Taehyung is smitten but the only problem is that Yoongi is engaged already.
However, in the middle of all this, a s...
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As Taehyung moved along the winding road, his gaze landed on the window of a bakery. Inside, a row of cookies, freshly baked, golden and tempting, were calling out to him. He moved a bit closer and looked around. Confirming that no one else was watching, his hand, led by impulse and a streak of bravery, slipped through the window pane of the display. He clasped his fingers around 2 cookies, plucking them away from the rest of their friends.
Quietly moving back, he retreated to the other side of the street, the small thrill sparking joy inside him. With a single bite, he closed his eyes, the flavours bursting on his tongue, chocolate chips, dough, and sweetness. With a twinkle in his eyes, a hint of pride in his successful shenanigan, he soaked up the fresh breeze.
Sunghun was watching it all from where he was standing, and he couldn't help the little head shake that escaped him with reluctant amusement, He knew the glint - he was way too familiar with it, It was the same spark that kept their small world functioning, the same spirit that filled their humble home with laughter and safety. Taehyung's zest for life, the exuberance, and the mischief, were the heartbeat of Sunghun and their home's existence.
And when Sunghun would make a purchase at the same store on his way home and tip an additional few wons; this was a secret best kept from others.
It was almost dusk when Taehyung entered as well. He parked his bicycle, roll of thread, and balloon pump, and after carefully parking each one against the ledges, he went inside his house.
The aroma of steamed rice welcomed him as he entered. Sunghun sat at the low table, his chauffeur uniform hung on the hangers covered in plastic to save from any food spills or splatters. Taehyung's stomach grumbled, perhaps a little too loudly, because Sunghun immediately looked at him and they both laughed, knowing very well that the grumble was the butt of the joke.
"Did you have a safe day?" Sunghun signed, and the look on his face was a little serious.
"Adventurous day," Taehyung signed back, his eyes lit with enthusiasm as he went to narrate silent stories, his hands moving deftly and gracefully.
"How was your day?" Taehyung asked his father with gestures.
"Mixed!" Sunghun signed back. Taehyung remained quiet to allow his father to continue. "Today, Mr. Kang went to get Jungkook back. He was like a deer caught in the headlights. I think he's having trouble adjusting to his new surroundings." Sunghun explained. He never referred to Mr Jeon's son-in-law by name. He was not someone who was on anyone's good list.
Taehyung responded with a poignant nod. He recalled meeting Jungkook during his holiday visits. He was never allowed outside, in the garden, or anywhere else, so he would spend his time holed up in his upper-floor room. He seemed to always smile or respond to Taehyung. No one really noticed because it was always a tiny exchange.
From the time he was around six or seven years old, Taehyung would sneak under Jungkook's window whenever he wanted to greet his dad in Jeon estate while exploring the town. He would take off his shoe and toss it into the air. Going for it at the height of Jungkook's window. Jungkook always knew who it was and would come to the window, which was surprising. His right hand would play and twist the fingers on his left hand. A few scratches on the front of his neck and an uncoordinated hand movement that resembled a hello. It used to be that. That's how they interacted.
Hoseok was the only person on the estate who was providing care, attention, and love to Jungkook despite the presence of family. A staff member, and nothing more.
At the tender age of twelve, he was brought to the estate to assist with various tasks. Jungkook was three years old, and Hoseok naturally tried to spend more time with him, possibly due to a lack of company.
They formed a bond in which no one spoke, but Hoseok knew what would irritate Jungkook, and what would be beneficial to him, he would simply hang out with him as a shadow whenever Jungkook visited the estate.
Today, when Jungkook arrived, no one greeted or welcomed him at the door. The boy was brought back to this 'unknown' place from a place he knew as home, a place that had his security blanket, his ahjussi. A 65-year-old man who practically raised Jungkook and shaped him into the person he was as a 20 year old.
Stepping out of the vehicle, he accidentally stepped in the muddy puddle. Suddenly, Jungkook's semblance of normalcy vanished. This was clearly uncomfortable and unsettling for Jungkook. He began flailing his feet as if he expected the shoe to be clean again. No one seemed to understand it. His parents simply gestured for him to come in faster from far inside the porch.
Hoseok, however, understood. He dashed off to get a new pair of house slippers. And swiftly assisted Jungkook in changing into them. Jungkook made a slight eye contact and in Jungkook's language and world, an eye contact without fear was a huge thank you.
*******
"Was Hoseok around?" Taehyung moved to ask Sunghun.
"Yes yes, the boy is more of a parent at 30 than Jungkook's actual parents, sadly," Sunghun responded.
Taehyung nodded in agreement, feeling at ease knowing that Hoseok was nearby, which meant Jungkook would be fine.
Sunghun couldn't help but worry about his son, however, Taehyung always managed to put a smile on his face. Taehyung was always wanting to know if everyone was happy and safe while he himself was always chasing the next moment of joy.
As they ate, their chopsticks made soft noises against the small ceramic bowls. Taehyung clearly savoured each bite that he took. This always felt grounding to his chaotic days.
Taehyung helped his dad clear the table as they finished dinner. Taehyung paused at the small window facing west, looking out of it at the silver light of the moon coming up. This sight used to make his heart feel full - not from the taste of golden stolen cookies or tactfully managing to throw Seokjin off his trail again, but something more deeper - the love he felt and shared with his father.
"Tomorrow," he signed to Sunghun, who had come to stand beside him, "will be even better."
This was the norm for their household. Sunghun gaveTaehyung all the wings to fly, but never stopped worrying about him.
And Taehyung would come back each day, happier than he was the previous one, telling his father that tomorrow would be even better.
