I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 06: Fierce protectiveness

Taehyung flicked on the television more for background noise than anything else, giving them both space to sit and unwind. He glanced over at Jungkook, who seemed content, but still carried a subtle guardedness, as if he were always prepared for things to shift.

Deciding to try and ease Jungkook into conversation, Taehyung cleared his throat gently. "So, is there anything you enjoy doing in your free time?" he asked, keeping his tone light and casual. "Maybe a favourite book or something?"

Jungkook looked up, clearly surprised by the question, but his lips curved into the faintest smile. "I like reading," he said quietly, as if the words felt strange to speak aloud. "And... drawing sometimes."

Taehyung's eyes lit up. "Drawing? That's really cool. What kind of things do you like to draw?"

Jungkook hesitated, but the interest in Taehyung's gaze seemed to give him a little courage. "Mostly nature... trees, animals," he murmured. "Things that feel calm."

"Sounds beautiful," Taehyung said softly, watching as Jungkook's shoulders relaxed just slightly. "If you ever want to show me, I'd love to see your drawings."

A quiet nod was Jungkook's only reply, but Taehyung could sense a small shift, one that encouraged him to continue the gentle conversation. He thought carefully before speaking again, gauging Jungkook's mood.

After a moment, he ventured cautiously, "Jungkook, I know some things are hard to talk about... but I'm here if you ever want to share anything. Sometimes, letting someone else in can make the weight a bit easier to bear."

At first, Jungkook didn't respond, his expression turning distant. He looked away, eyes fixed on the quiet patterns playing across the television. After a few heartbeats, his voice broke the silence, quiet and hollow. "I was really young when I lost them... my parents."

Taehyung felt his heart aching in his chest, though he nodded to give Jungkook his full attention. "That must have been so painful."

Jungkook took a shaky breath, and to Taehyung's surprise, he continued, his voice soft but tinged with sorrow. "They... they didn't just die. They were killed." His hands clenched in his lap, and Taehyung could see the weight of the memories pressing down on him. "I found out later that... my adoptive parents... they were involved. They wanted..." he trailed off, as though the words were too painful to fully form.

As Taehyung listened to Jungkook's quiet words, he felt a chill run down his spine, followed by a wave of nausea and horror. He couldn't begin to imagine the torment Jungkook must have endured, forced to live day after day with the very people responsible for robbing him of his family, his innocence. He swallowed hard, fighting back the anger that burned in him - anger not just for what Jungkook had lost but for the years he'd spent trapped with people so cruel and vile. Taehyung's hands clenched at his sides, though he struggled to keep his expression neutral, not wanting to startle Jungkook.

Taehyung's mind reeled, his chest tight with rage and helplessness. Barely able to mask his horror, Taehyung reached out, resting a gentle hand on Jungkook's shoulder, hoping to convey his sorrow and fierce protectiveness through that small gesture. "Jungkook..." he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't even imagine the nightmare you've lived through. I am... so sorry that you were put through that."

Jungkook's silent tears continued to slip down his cheeks, and Taehyung could see the years of pain and betrayal in his gaze. His quiet grief, the silent resignation in his eyes, shattered Taehyung.

Grappling for words that could even come close to expressing what he felt, Taehyung leaned closer. "You've been through so much... I'm so sorry. But please know this," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him, "you don't have to face this alone anymore. You don't deserve to carry this pain on your own, not ever again."