Secrets || VKOOK (ON HOLD)

Chapter 15

The next day, Taehyung's fever had broken, but the urgency in his voice was palpable. "Take me to the park with the piano," he said, his eyes pleading. Jungkook knew the park, a place where street performers often played, bringing joy to passersby. It was Taehyung's favorite spot.

"But you should be resting," Jungkook protested, worry etched on his features. Taehyung shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I've been playing alone for too long, Kook. I want to perform for people, feel the music in a different way." Jungkook saw the determination in his eyes, and despite his fears, he couldn't deny him this moment.

They made their way to the park, the sound of the piano growing louder as they approached. The crowd around the piano was thinner than usual, the chilly spring air keeping most people away. Taehyung's eyes lit up at the sight of the instrument, his feverish cheeks flushing with excitement. He took Jungkook's hand, leading him through the sparse gathering, and took a seat on the bench.

The keys were cold under Taehyung's fingers, but he didn't flinch. He began to play a melody that was both haunting and beautiful, his eyes closed in concentration. Jungkook watched, his heart swelling with pride and fear. Taehyung was so alive in that moment, so utterly himself, that it was hard to believe there was anything wrong with him.

People began to gather around, drawn by the soulful music that filled the air. They didn't know the pain that lay beneath the notes, the secret Taehyung carried with him. They just knew that the music was special, a gift in an otherwise ordinary day. Jungkook felt his own eyes prick with tears as he watched the way Taehyung's hands danced over the piano, his body swaying slightly with the rhythm.

As Taehyung played, the world around them seemed to pause. The chatter of the park faded away, and all that was left was the sweet symphony of his soul. Jungkook's mind raced with questions, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the moment. He knew that once the music stopped, the reality would set in, and the weight of Taehyung's secret would crash down on them both.

Taehyung played for what felt like an eternity, the music swirling around them like a warm embrace. Jungkook could see the joy on the faces of those who had stopped to listen, could feel the connection Taehyung had with the piano. It was as if every note was a piece of his heart being laid bare for the world to see.

As the last chord echoed through the air, the crowd erupted into applause. Taehyung opened his eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips as he took a deep, shaky breath. He looked up at Jungkook, his eyes shining with unshed tears. Jungkook's own eyes were wet as he took in the sight of his love, so alive and yet so vulnerable.

The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving the two of them alone at the piano. Jungkook stepped forward, placing his hand on Taehyung's shoulder, feeling the warmth and the tremor of the music still vibrating through his body. "You're amazing," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"Oh I know," Taehyung said with a soft laugh, his eyes shining with happiness. "But it's not just about the music. It's about sharing something beautiful with the people I love." He took Jungkook's hand and intertwined their fingers.

The cool breeze picked up, rustling through the leaves of the trees above them, and Taehyung shivered slightly. Jungkook knew that he was pushing his limits, but he didn't have the heart to argue anymore. Instead, he squeezed Taehyung's hand and leaned in close, whispering, "Alright, but promise me you won't overdo it."

Taehyung nodded. "Yes, Dad," he said, his voice teasing despite the seriousness of the situation. Jungkook couldn't help but chuckle, his tension easing a bit. They walked back to the apartment, the silence between them filled with the lingering echoes of the piano. When they got back, Taehyung collapsed onto the bed, his body finally giving in to the weariness. Jungkook hovered, his gaze worried.

"Rest now," Jungkook urged, pulling the blankets over him. He waited until Taehyung's eyes drifted shut before retreating to the living room, his thoughts a jumbled mess. The secret weighed on him like a leaden blanket, a burden he didn't know how to carry. He paced, his mind racing with scenarios and questions, each more terrifying than the last.

The apartment felt eerily quiet without Taehyung's laughter echoing through the walls. Jungkook sat on the couch, his mind racing with thoughts he couldn't articulate. He knew he had to find out what was happening to Taehyung, but the fear of the unknown held him back. His fingers drummed anxiously against the armrest as he stared at the wall, the clock ticking away the moments.

❊

-lxnnie