LOST STARS

Chapter 34

The year 2015

A text message changed everything on a fine spring morning of that year.

Yoongi was preparing for his speech. His book had won the best-selling title again. It was his fifth book on the topic of morality, ethics, and changing times, with some focus on grey areas.

His first book was now part of the curriculum for students studying ethics, psychology, etc. at Ivy League colleges.

He hated giving these speeches. There was nothing new about the subject that 51-year-old Yoongi wanted to say. He had been teaching for over forty years now and with the books, he honestly felt he had said it all. But sadly, some things needed to be done.

"I don't want to go... seriously," Yoongi whined to his partner.

"Stop pouting like a twenty-year-old, you're 51 now," came the response from a 48+-year-old Park Jimin.

Trying to divert everyone's attention from the disappearance of Aehyun and Jungkook—that was the foundation of their friendship. As was the odd love both of them held in their hearts for Aehyun.

For the both of them, the urge to protect the unlikely couple had grown stronger with each passing day in the past nineteen years, ever since Yoongi came back to Boseong from the day Taehyung and Jungkook met again at the You Matter care facility. Alone.

But today, he received a text from Taehyung sharing a piece of news he wasn't prepared for.

==========FLASHBACK==========

It was the winter of 1994 when Taehyung and Jungkook first met. When Jungkook was lying in the back of the van and Taehyung drove away with that van. When Jungkook decided that Taehyung was his person and Taehyung decided he was never going anywhere without Jungkook.

Two years later, when they stood at the first floor of the facility, foreheads pressed to each other's, Yoongi just stared at them through tears flowing down his eyes. He couldn't ask for anything better for his Aehyun. He knew. "NOW, Aehyun was home."

After a few minutes, Jungkook had noticed Yoongi. He had seen how he looked at Aehyun. However, this time, he decided not to run away like he did a few days ago. This time he knew Aehyun came looking for him. Just for him. This time he didn't cower from behind.

It came from a very primary instinct. Jeongguk slowly, but surely came around to stand in front of Taehyung, like a shield, with one hand acting like a barricade. His message was clear - Taehyung belongs here, with me. He isn't going to go anywhere. And even if he tries, I am not letting him go.

It was very childlike, yes, as was visible in everyone's chuckles accompanied by teary eyes, but it was a message loud and clear as well.

"No one is taking your Taehyung away from you Jungkook." Ahjussi joked, patting Jungkook's shoulder.

It was late evening when Yoongi decided to bid adieu. To Jungkook, to Aehyun, and to everything he knew of his old life.

"I will take my leave now. I hope you both never get into any trouble, but if you need anything ever, please know I will always be available." Yoongi said to both of them. Jungkook was in no mood to be friends with Yoongi (at least not then). He just nodded and moved away.

As Yoongi moved out of the room on the first floor, Taehyung stood up to follow him. He felt he needed to say more, or at least see him off till the main road. He owed a lot to Yoongi. Taehyung always thought his road to Jungkook led through Yoongi, he didn't know how or when, but he just knew it did.