In a world where appearances often dictate social circles, Kim Taehyung stands out as a gorgeous-looking nerd, his charm hidden behind thick glasses and a shy smile. Jeon Jungkook, the charismatic jock, effortlessly commands attention with his athle...
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Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past
Taehyung’s doctor had ordered a week of rest, a sentence that initially filled him with a pang of disappointment – missing classes was never ideal. But the reality of his weary body, still throbbing with the lingering ache of his injuries, quickly made the prospect of a week of quiet recuperation appealing. And besides, he had Jungkook.
Jungkook, ever the attentive boyfriend, was a constant presence in their apartment. He moved with an almost gentle clumsiness, his usual boisterous energy tempered by a quiet concern for Taehyung's well-being.
“Anything you need, just ask,” Jungkook said, his voice a soft murmur as he guided Taehyung through the door, his hand gently supporting Taehyung’s arm.
“I’m fine, I think I’ll just rest,” Taehyung replied, settling onto the couch with Jungkook’s help. The cushions molded around him, offering a comforting embrace.
"Okay, I'll get the bed ready," Jungkook said, his eyes filled with a warmth that made Taehyung’s heart flutter. He watched Jungkook disappear into the bedroom, his movements a study of grace despite the slight limp that still lingered from his own injuries.
Taehyung couldn't help but admire Jungkook's quiet strength and his unwavering dedication to caring for him. It was a stark contrast to the brash, rebellious Jungkook he had first met, a testament to the depth of their bond.
“Taehyung, come on, you can rest properly in our bedroom,” Jungkook said, his voice tinged with a hint of urgency as he helped Taehyung to his feet.
“Can you put the TV in there? I think I want to watch it from the bed,” Taehyung requested, a playful smile playing on his lips.
“Of course, anything for you,” Jungkook replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He carefully guided Taehyung towards the bedroom, his hand a reassuring presence on Taehyung’s back.
Jungkook set Taehyung gently on the bed, the soft sheets enveloping him like a comforting cocoon. “I’ll just rearrange things for a bit, then I’ll bring the TV in,” he said, disappearing out of the room.
Taehyung watched him go, a sense of contentment washing over him. He was surrounded by the warmth of Jungkook’s love, a haven from the outside world, a place where he could heal both physically and emotionally.
He heard the soft thud of the TV being placed on the floor, followed by the gentle creak of the cabinet Jungkook was using as a makeshift stand. Soon, the TV was positioned perfectly, angled just so that Taehyung could watch comfortably from the bed.
“Anything else?” Jungkook asked, his voice a low murmur as he stood beside the bed, his gaze filled with concern.
“No, I’m fine, thank you,” Taehyung replied, a smile gracing his lips.
“Okay, I’m going to take a bath. Just call me if you need anything,” Jungkook said, his voice a soft whisper as he turned towards the bathroom.
Taehyung nodded, his eyes following Jungkook’s retreating figure. He settled back into the bed, the soft mattress molding around him, and switched on the TV, eager to lose himself in a movie while he waited for Jungkook to join him.
The gentle hum of the TV filled the room, a comforting backdrop to the quiet symphony of his thoughts. He was lost in the unfolding drama on the screen when a sharp, insistent ring tore through the silence. At first, he thought it was part of the movie, but the sound persisted, a jarring intrusion into the peaceful sanctuary of their bedroom.
“Jungkookie, your phone is ringing!” Taehyung called out, his voice echoing in the room.
“Really? Can you answer it, baby? I’m not quite finished here,” Jungkook replied, his voice muffled by the sound of running water.
“Sure, but I can’t find it,” Taehyung said, carefully pushing himself up from the bed. His body still ached, but he was determined to help Jungkook.
“It’s on top of the cabinet, in front of the TV, baby. If you’re still feeling weak, just leave it,” Jungkook said, his voice a soothing presence even through the bathroom door.
Taehyung found the phone, its screen glowing with a persistent, insistent ring. He picked it up, his gaze falling on the caller ID: "Monster." He frowned, a wave of confusion washing over him.
“Jungkookie, the call is from someone named Monster. Who is it? Should I answer it?” Taehyung asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
The bathroom door flew open, revealing Jungkook, his hair dripping wet, a towel haphazardly wrapped around his waist. He dashed across the room, his eyes fixed on the phone in Taehyung’s hand.
“Why did you call? I told you, I’m done with you,” Jungkook said, his voice a low growl, barely a whisper.
Taehyung watched, bewildered, as Jungkook stepped out of the bedroom, his voice barely audible but filled with a raw, simmering anger. He sank back into the bed, the movie on the screen suddenly irrelevant. He was captivated by the intensity of Jungkook’s voice, the unspoken pain that resonated in his words.
“Listen, you have to come back. Don’t be such a rebel,” the voice on the other end of the phone said.
“I don’t want to. You ruined my life. What makes you think I’d ever go back to that place?” Jungkook retorted, his voice tight with suppressed rage.
“Can’t you do it for your mom? She’d be happy to see you,” the voice said, a hint of desperation creeping into its tone.
“Why are you using Mom? Do you really think that would work?” Jungkook’s voice was sharp, laced with a bitter cynicism.
“Jungkook, I know it was my fault. It’s been so long, can’t you just forgive me? We’re family,” the voice pleaded.
“Forgive you? Why would I do that? If it wasn’t for you, our family would still be complete. But you’re an asshole, you decided to fuck around like that!” Jungkook’s voice was a torrent of barely contained fury.
He glanced back at the bedroom door, his face contorted with a mixture of anger and pain. He was just a few inches away from the door, and he knew Taehyung could hear every word. He moved away from the door, his movements jerky and tense.
“That’s why I’m trying my best to fix everything. Your mom is going to be there, she’s forgiven me already. She’s the one who wants this reunion. She wants to see you, Jungkook,” the voice on the phone said.
“I don’t care! I don’t want to be involved with your lifestyle, with your business, with your life, and especially with you! Just leave me alone, I’m old enough to think for myself and do what I want!” Jungkook’s voice was a thunderclap of defiance.
“Jungkook, can’t we really fix this? I know you hated me that much, but that doesn’t mean you can throw your family away like that. Was it easy for you without our support? Do you think life is easy? Jungkook, I have so much to offer you. I can give you a better life, I can make your dreams come true. Just tell me what you want. Please, come back. Your mother would be so happy. Don’t make your mom sad anymore. She’s been through so much, you know that,” the voice pleaded.
“Fuck off! Fuck you!” Jungkook roared, his voice a raw, primal scream of anger.
He slammed the phone down, the sound echoing in the silence of the hallway. He tugged at his hair, his knuckles white with the force of his grip. He punched the wall beside him, a sharp crack reverberating through the room. His knuckles were bleeding, a testament to the raw, unbridled fury that consumed him.
There was no way he was going back to that family, no way.
