Unfriended | Taekook

12 - Bottom?

Taehyung was smiling as he looked out at the calm night through his window. Today had been a good day, which was rare for him; usually, something always happened to ruin his happiness, but not even the busy day at work had disturbed his peace of mind. Even the customers had seemed kinder today, as if the universe sensed he needed a break.

He took a deep breath, and the handsome young man resting on his chest turned his head to look at him. "Why are you smiling?"

Taehyung giggled. "Just thinking about the day."

Jungkook propped himself up on his elbow, adjusting his position to get a better view of Taehyung. The room lights were off, but the glow from the TV—which was left on to muffle the sound of their voices—and the moonlight illuminated the room just enough for them to see each other clearly. "Are you already thinking about what color you'll paint your dorm walls at Seoul University? I'm betting on blue."

Taehyung laughed again, glancing over at Jungkook. Jungkook admired the genuine happiness on his friend's face; his eyes sparkled in a way that was rare. Taehyung deserved to have happy days every day.

"Actually, I was thinking purple. I like purple." Taehyung ran his fingers through the younger's hair, brushing it back. "And if I have the option, I'll choose Busan." The frown between Jungkook's brows appeared instantly. "What? Why? Busan is so far away!"

"Exactly," Taehyung replied with a sadder smile, and Jungkook didn't understand right away. Why would Taehyung want to go far away? But the sound of footsteps in the hallway and the way the older held his breath and stared at the door reminded Jungkook of why. Fortunately, the steps passed by Taehyung's bedroom door, and after a few more moments of silence, he continued, "I want to go far away from here, Kook. I need to. Daegu is still too close. And Busan is such a beautiful city; I could see the sea whenever I wanted."

Jungkook sat up on the bed and placed one of Taehyung's legs over his lap, massaging his calf. "It really is a beautiful city. You know I was born there, right?" Taehyung nodded, and Jungkook continued, "I get why you want to go far away from here. But I thought maybe we could go to college together. You'd go first, and six months later, it'd be my turn."

"Are you only considering Seoul college?"

"It's my first choice. Living in the capital gives me more opportunities with Jiu-Jitsu. And I don't want to leave my dad; he only has me."

Taehyung reached for the younger's arm and stroked it gently. "You're such a good son. Your dad is lucky... and you're lucky to have him, too."

"I want to give him a better life, and here in Seoul, I believe I can make that happen faster. He's worked so hard since he was a kid; he deserves to rest a bit and enjoy life."

"You're right, Kook. Do it for your old man. I'm so proud of you for having that mindset. You're not a regular seventeen-year-old; I love your brain."

Jungkook scoffed and gave Taehyung's leg a slap. "You could live with us, you know? All you'd have to do is carry your stuff across the street, and you'd be free from your bastard father."

Taehyung smiled and stretched, bringing his arms behind his head. "I'd be dead before I made it across with the first box. He wants to keep me close; he thinks I'm trying for Seoul University and that I'll stay under his roof so he can keep an eye on me. But I'm way past my limit, Kook. I need freedom. I want to feel happy coming back to the place I live, not scared."

Jungkook's heart ached at hearing that. The thought of his best friend leaving him again soon wasn't welcome, but Taehyung was right. He needed to get away. He deserved a better life than the one he'd been living for years. "Just have an extra mattress at your place in Busan for me, then. I can visit you on some weekends."