Teach me how to love

19

As time passed, Taehyung began to notice significant changes in Jungkook. Since their week apart, Jungkook seemed calmer, more collected. He no longer got easily angry, and, much to Taehyung's surprise, Jungkook even encouraged him to spend more time with Jimin. It was a stark contrast to the overly possessive behavior Jungkook had shown before, and Taehyung couldn't help but wonder what had brought about this shift.

One afternoon, Taehyung sat with Jimin at their favorite café, enjoying the rare quiet moment between classes. Jimin sipped his iced coffee, his eyes scanning Taehyung's face curiously. "You seem more relaxed these days, Tae. Something going on?"

Taehyung smiled softly, swirling the straw in his drink. "Yeah, a lot has changed. Jungkook... he's different now. Ever since that time we were apart for a week, I feel like he's really changed for the better."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Different, how? In a good way, I hope."

Taehyung nodded, leaning in closer as he began to explain. "He's not as controlling as he used to be. He doesn't get angry as easily, and he even lets me spend more time with you. It's like he's finally letting me breathe, you know?"

Jimin chuckled. "Sounds like a miracle. I didn't think Jungkook was capable of that much change."

"I didn't either," Taehyung admitted. "But I think something shifted for him after he spent that week with his parents. Speaking of which..." Taehyung hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to bring up the next part.

"What is it?" Jimin asked, sensing his friend's unease.

"Well, while we were apart, I learned a lot more about his family. And... they're not just well-off, they're ridiculously wealthy. Like, huge mansion, fancy cars, that kind of thing," Taehyung said, watching Jimin's reaction.

Jimin's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what? Jungkook's that rich? I mean, I knew he wasn't struggling, but I didn't know he came from that kind of money."

"Neither did I," Taehyung admitted, shaking his head. "He never really talked about it before. But being at his parents' house, I saw it firsthand. It was so strange, though. His parents act like they care about him, but it's all surface-level. They don't really know anything about him. They don't even know he's allergic to seafood, Jimin."

Jimin frowned, leaning back in his chair. "That's rough. No wonder Jungkook is so intense sometimes. Growing up like that, he probably didn't get the emotional support he needed."

"That's what I realized, too," Taehyung sighed. "He's been through a lot. And I think now, he's trying to figure out how to love and be loved without all that pressure. I just hope he keeps this up, you know? I hope this change is permanent."

Jimin gave Taehyung a reassuring smile. "It sounds like he's making an effort, Tae. That's a good sign. And if he's letting you have more freedom, that's huge. But just remember, if things start feeling off again, you need to speak up. Don't let him fall back into those old habits."

"I will," Taehyung promised, nodding firmly. "For now, though, I'm just glad things are better. I didn't know if we'd make it through that rough patch, but it feels like we're finally on the right path."

Jimin reached across the table and patted Taehyung's hand. "I'm happy for you, Tae. Just take things one step at a time. You deserve to be happy."

Taehyung smiled, feeling a sense of relief as he talked through everything with Jimin. It was comforting to have his friend's support, and knowing that Jungkook was changing for the better gave him hope for their future.

As Taehyung continued to talk to Jimin about everything that had been happening, he brought up something that had been weighing on his mind. He stirred his drink absentmindedly before speaking.