Worlds Apart - Taekook - Book 2

Chapter 237 - Say What's On Your Mind

"I'll cover the cost of the meal then?" Taehyung says from the passenger seat of the Audi as the couple drive to the Korean barbeque restaurant where they would be meeting the two other couples.

"How does that solve my problem? You paying for the meal that we are having in aid of my brother's birthday."

The CEO places a hand on Jungkook's leg, "What would you like to do?"

"Maybe I want to pay for the meal?"

"Then you should do that." He rubs his husband's leg, "I'm sorry. I didn't intend for it to sound like that. Some habits die hard."

"And I'm sorry for snapping... same applies about habits, I suppose." He lets out a breath and concentrates on the road.

"Are you worried about today?"

"No, I'm hopeful. Last night was the first time in my life that I have introduced a partner to my brothers properly. I can't count Ki-Joon's birthday party because I'd rather forget that. This meal, today will be the first time ever that we have all had partners and it feels special, you know?"

Tae understands how much it means to his husband but is guarded for that reason amongst others. The hardest thing is whether to trust that this is the start of something fresh and positive, that this reality is the three brothers moving forwards. All the time that Nuri and Ryan are around and Han-Shik has that link, he can't give himself over to it one hundred per cent but he won't burst Jungkook's bubble unless he has cast iron evidence to say otherwise.

"I want you to have your family."

"They are our family now." Jungkook says, reaching across to join their hands that proudly wear their wedding rings.

Tae smiles and looks at their rings and matching bracelets. He knows that he should talk to Jungkook about how he was feeling but aside from his minimal outburst in his office the day that Jungkook told him that Han-Shik would be coming to Seoul, he hadn't really expanded. It had been their agreement since the proposal not to let things fester and eat away at them like necrotising fasciitis, but this was unlike all the times that it created a wedge between them. This wasn't something Jungkook could help with or do anything about, it all hinged on Han-Shik and any game that Nuri was playing. Tae didn't trust them and protecting his husband was his priority.

"It's a shame they can't come to the fashion show. From what Han-Shik said about Emi, I think she would enjoy it."

Jungkook nods in agreement, "I think she would, too. I'm looking forward to meeting her today. It's really good that she gets along with Jara."

"It is. Perhaps this will encourage them to be honest with Nuri."

"I don't think it will be that easy..." the dancer sighs, "... being honest could make their life hell if they stay in Busan."

"There will come a point where they will have to choose though. They can't maintain this situation, it isn't fair on any of you."

"Like Han-Shik said, it depends mostly on Ryan and whatever he's planning. We've got a long way to go but there's a part of me that is holding back a little bit."

There's a split second when Taehyung thinks that perhaps his husband has the same concerns and scepticism as him? "You don't trust your brother yet?"

"Now that he's here, I am starting to trust that what he tells me is true but I'm holding back because he could decide that it's not worth it and stop talking to us. That's why Kyong and Jara have left the boys with Marie today. They don't want to get Ki-Joon excited. He is too young to understand why he can't see his Uncle all the time."