I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 07: Resist the temptation

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating the modest space where Taehyung and Jungkook sat at the small table, sharing breakfast. The smell of toast and scrambled eggs filled the air, creating a warm atmosphere. 

Jungkook picked at his food, still more reserved than Taehyung hoped. They had talked more than they had in previous days, but he could sense that there were still walls up, lingering shadows of Jungkook's past haunting his thoughts. Yet, there was a small spark of something - perhaps comfort - beginning to grow between them.

As they ate, Taehyung's mind replayed their conversation from the day before. Jungkook's desire to travel to the ocean lingered in his thoughts, stirring a sudden idea in his heart. What if he could make that wish come true? Although it was autumn and they wouldn't be able to swim, the mere experience of standing on the beach, feeling the sand beneath his feet, could provide a moment of pure bliss, something Jungkook desperately needed after everything he had endured.

The thought solidified in his mind, a plan forming that he couldn't shake off.

"Hey, Jungkook," Taehyung said, breaking the comfortable silence. "How do you feel about a little adventure today?"

Jungkook looked up, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Adventure? What do you mean?"

Taehyung leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face. "How about a car ride? Just you and me. It'll be fun!"

"Where are we going?" Jungkook asked, a hint of caution threading his tone.

Taehyung paused, considering how best to phrase his answer. "Do you trust me?" he asked, keeping his tone light and inviting.

Jungkook hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his face. Taehyung could see him weighing his options, grappling with the instinctive wariness that had been ingrained in him. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Jungkook slowly nodded. "Yeah."

A surge of warmth spread through Taehyung at the boy's approval. "Great! Get ready for some fun, then."

After finishing their breakfast, they headed to Taehyung's car. Jungkook seemed nervous but excited, and Taehyung could sense the mixture of emotions swirling within him as they set off for the two-hour drive.

Once they were on the road, Taehyung adjusted the radio, selecting a playlist filled with easygoing songs. The soft melodies filled the car, creating a soothing backdrop to their journey. He decided to subtly explore Jungkook's music taste, shifting through various genres while observing Jungkook's reactions.

As the upbeat tunes played, Taehyung occasionally glanced over at Jungkook, studying his body language. He watched how Jungkook's shoulders relaxed to the rhythm of a pop song, while he stiffened slightly during a heavy rock track. Taehyung smiled to himself, noting the flicker of interest in Jungkook's eyes when a ballad came on, his gaze drifting out the window, lost in thought.

As they drew closer to the beach, Taehyung noticed a change in Jungkook. His posture shifted, a subtle excitement emanating from him as the scenery outside transformed into a blur of blues and sandy browns. Taehyung could see the tension in Jungkook's body begin to ease, a sense of anticipation settling in.

When they finally parked and stepped out of the car, the salty breeze hit them, invigorating and crisp. Taehyung inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air fill his lungs. He turned to Jungkook, who stood a few paces behind him, staring at the vast expanse of the ocean.

"Ready?" Taehyung asked, his voice full of encouragement.

Jungkook nodded, his expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. Together, they walked toward the shore, the cold sand squishing beneath their feet. Taehyung couldn't help but steal glances at Jungkook, marvelling at the way his demeanour began to lighten, the weight of his past momentarily lifted by the sheer beauty surrounding them.