But Beautiful

part 43

On the way back to the facility, Jungkook played But Beautiful in the car, Taehyung listening with his eyes closed.

"He sings really nice," he commented after the song was over, opening his eyes to look at Jungkook. "What's his name?"

"Tony Bennett," Jungkook replied. "My dad liked his music a lot, was really into jazz, the old standards, American classics," he listed. "When he was nearing the end of his life, he started listening to the duets between Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga, he seemed to like them a lot. It made him feel good to know that what he called 'hip artists' were taking an interest in jazz," he laughed.

"I don't know who Tony Bennett is, but I do know who Lady Gaga is. I thought she was a pop singer?" Taehyung wondered out loud. "There's a song she sings that I heard at my last job sometimes..." he trailed off. "I liked it, but I don't remember what it's like now. I just remember she sang it."

"Your last job, what was it you did?" Jungkook asked.

"I stocked shelves at a market," Taehyung replied quietly.

"I definitely hear songs I like when shopping. Maybe we can listen to some of her singles to see if you can pick out the one you liked," Jungkook offered.

"Maybe."

Jungkook pulled into the parking lot of the rehabilitation center, getting out before opening the door for Taehyung. "You've got your things?" he asked, making sure the man had his notebook, his bear, and his blanket with him.

"Jungkookie," he started, barely above a whisper, "thank you for this weekend. I want to try therapy, and I want to work harder on getting stronger."

"I'll support you entirely," Jungkook replied, voice gentle as he stole a last, quick kiss from his lover before leading him inside. "I'll let Dr. Yoo know about therapy, and maybe you can talk to him – however is comfortable for you – to work things out."

Taehyung nodded, leaving his side with a last small smile before heading towards his dorm room, Jungkook sighing contentedly.

"It feels like I haven't seen you in ages!" Soojung called, throwing her arms around him. "How have you been?"

Jungkook smiled, giving her an appreciative hug with a pat on the back as he started walking towards his mentor's office, gesturing for her to follow. "I've been good. Really good, actually," he answered, unable to stop smiling.

"Jinyoung- I mean, Dr. Yoo," she corrected with an awkward laugh, "told me that you and Taehyung took a weekend trip. How was it? Where did you go?"

"Can I ask you something first?" Jungkook queried, looking at the woman walking by his side. When she nodded, he continued, "you seem close to Dr. Yoo, in a more personal way. Would you say that was true?"

"What do you mean?" she laughed, too loud and nervous. "He's my boss, I'm close to him as his employee. Yes, just that. If you're referring to me slipping up and calling him by his first name, don't worry! It's not anything unprofessional, it's just because," she stammered, "it's because I make a lot of phone calls and I have to say his name a lot."

Jungkook gave her a friendly side-eye, "mmhmm," he hummed, her eyes going wide.

"It's true!" she said, becoming defensive, "I'm always calling people, telling them 'I'm calling from the office of Jinyoung Yoo' and stuff so of course it would come out!"

"I'm just teasing you," Jungkook explained, the woman's face falling as she groaned, elbowing him.

"Damn it, Jeon," she cursed, unable to prevent herself from laughing after.