Layover

26. Now what..

We are an hour and three drinks in.

Taehyung is still talking, explaining the situation with Hyungsik and their common past.

From the moment we sat down, he took my hand on his own, intertwining our finger and placing them on his lap. When he was going through the toughest parts he would squeeze my hand and I would tighten my grip too, reminding him he is not alone in this. He would run his thumb across the back of my hand and I can understand how this provided him with the comfort he needed at the moment.

I've heard the story before but it still hits me pretty hard. Judging by the face Namjoon and Jin are making they feel the same.

Jimin is sitting next to Taehyung and his eyes haven't left the floor. I'm sure I saw a couple of tears falling but he managed to act as if nothing happened.

"And that's why I acted the way I did at work. It's not an excuse but an explanation as to why I was so.. cold," Taehyung let's out a chuckle and Namjoon looks at him sympathetically. "As for this man, right here..He is the reason for my recent change. He made me realise how lost I was. He brought me back to life. I don't know if I'll succeed in what I intend to do but I'm not afraid to try as long as he is next to me," Taehyung looks at me and smiles while raising our connected hands and places a kiss on the back of my hand making me smile. "I'm really sorry I asked Jungkook to not say anything but I was afraid and I needed to make sure he will be protected before it gets out.."

"Taehyung we get it. Honestly, we do. I'm sorry you had to go through all this. And the whole thing with your father.. Oh man.. I mean what kind of parent acts like this? He sucks," Namjoon comments.

"Joon.. That's not nice," Jin mumbles while looking at the glass in his hand. He takes a last sip and let's a long sigh out. He raises his head and looks at both of us.

"Jungkook.. I'm sorry.. You were right before. I spoke without knowing the whole story and I was unfair to both of you. I hope you can forgive me.."

Jin's words soothe me and it's like our fight never happened. We have way too much history and I love him to the point of not being able to hold a grudge. He is important to me and I'm happy he is mature enough to admit his mistake and apologise.

"Hyung it's okay. You just have to worry less and trust me more from now on," I smile at him and he nods with a smile.

"I'm proud of you Kook. We raised you well," he jokes and Namjoon laughs while he leans on his shoulder.

"I wish Yoongi was here," Jimin is wiping his eyes with the back of his hand and Taehyung laughs.

"Why are you crying?" he asks, humoured by the whole situation.

"I don't know. I'm just happy the Kims had the reaction they did and I'm happy you finally seem happy I guess. Ugh stop looking at me, leave me alone," Jimin hides his face in his palms and we all laugh at how adorable he is.

"Taehyung, if you don't mind me asking, what are you planning to do?" Jin asks, serious again. His interest makes me happy. I knew my hyungs would understand, I knew they would care for him.

"Hyungsik is about to deal with way more than he expected. Both my father and him overestimate themselves. They play on my reactions and for once I decided to give them what they are not expecting. If my father wants to fire me, I'll let him. If Hyungsik thinks he can handle the magazine, I'll let him do it. They will soon find themselves way over their heads. I'm not perfect but I know I'm good at my job and I know that Hyungsik is not even close to handling things the way I do. And if worse comes to worst I'm thinking of leaving and starting a new magazine.."

"You what?" Jimin exclaims, looking shocked at Taehyung.

"You heard me," Taehyung smiles at him. "So mister Park, would you be interested in a job offer? I swear I'll pay you well and you will have your own office," Taehyung laughs and Jimin looks at him stunned.