I Need You ⚣ TK

Chapter 09: On high alert

After the conversation, the room fell into a comfortable silence. Taehyung and Jungkook sat together on the sofa, each lost in thought but comforted by the other's presence. Taehyung leaned back, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over him, one he hadn't felt in days.

Jungkook, seeming a bit more at ease, glanced at Taehyung, and after a beat, he spoke up quietly. "Thank you. For... everything. I don't think I've ever had someone look out for me like this."

Taehyung's gaze softened, and he nodded, offering a gentle smile. "You don't have to thank me, Jungkook. I'm just glad I can be here for you."

A small, almost shy smile appeared on Jungkook's face, and he looked down, fiddling with his fingers. "It just... it means a lot."

As the quiet stretched, Taehyung, sensing Jungkook might need some distraction from the intensity of their conversation, turned to him with a small grin. "How about we order something special for dinner tonight? Something you've always wanted to try but never had the chance?"

Jungkook's face lit up with a hint of surprise, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. "Really? I... I've always wanted to try sushi. I mean, like... the really good kind," he admitted, looking almost embarrassed.

Taehyung's grin widened. "Sushi it is, then. And we're getting the best." He pulled out his phone, glancing at the delivery apps. Jungkook watched curiously as Taehyung scrolled through menus, clearly delighted by the choices they had.

As they waited for their food to arrive, Taehyung found himself asking about some of Jungkook's other interests. Slowly, carefully, Jungkook opened up, sharing a bit more than he had before. He mentioned his interest in music and even a dream he'd once had of travelling to Japan to see cherry blossoms.

Hearing these small dreams and wishes from Jungkook felt like a privilege to Taehyung, and he held onto every word, cherishing the trust Jungkook was placing in him. By the time their food arrived, the mood in the flat felt lighter, and as they enjoyed their sushi, Taehyung found himself more certain than ever that he would do whatever it took to help Jungkook build a life free from fear.

They spent the rest of the evening talking about the places they wanted to see, the foods they wanted to try, and for the first time in a long time, Taehyung saw a glimmer of hope in Jungkook's eyes.

Later that evening, after their dinner and long talks about dreams and wishes, Taehyung noticed Jungkook stifling a yawn. He glanced at the time, surprised to see it was later than he thought. "Guess we've been talking for hours," he said, chuckling softly.

Jungkook nodded, looking a bit sheepish but content. "Yeah... I didn't realise either. It's been... nice."

Taehyung smiled warmly. "I'm glad." He stood up, stretching a bit. "You can go sleep in my room."

As he began to walk away, Jungkook's voice called out softly, almost hesitant. "Would you... stay for a bit? Just until I fall asleep?"

Taehyung stopped in his tracks, turning to see Jungkook standing in the hallway, his posture tentative yet hopeful. He could sense the vulnerability in Jungkook's request, and without a second thought, he nodded. "Of course."

They went into the bedroom, where Taehyung adjusted the blankets and helped Jungkook settle in comfortably. He pulled up a chair beside the bed, and as Jungkook closed his eyes, Taehyung found himself talking softly, sharing light stories from his childhood, aiming to put Jungkook at ease. As he spoke, he noticed Jungkook's breathing gradually slow, his form visibly relaxing under the warmth of the blankets.

But as Jungkook drifted into sleep, he reached out, unconsciously clutching the edge of Taehyung's sleeve, as if seeking an anchor even in his dreams. Taehyung felt his heart swell at the small gesture, and he stayed seated, letting Jungkook hold on as long as he needed.