HATE TO LOVE YOU || TAEKOOK || JIKOOK || MAFIA AU

[𝓐𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓭]⁵⁰

"It does look a little dusty from the outside, but it's actually quite fine inside, don't you think, Taeyoni?" Hajoon said as he walked through the quiet corridor of the apartment.

When no response came, he stopped and turned back toward the small living area, only to find Taehyung standing by the window, lost in thought.

Hajoon watched him silently for a few moments before speaking again.

"If you don't like it, no worries. I'll find another place, okay? Don't stress about it." His voice was light, trying to reassure his cousin.

Taehyung turned his head slightly, glancing at hajoon. The exhaustion on Hajoon's face was evident, he had spent an entire night trying to help him, and yet, here he was, still offering to do more.

A small smile ghosted over Taehyung's lips before fading just as quickly. "This place is more than enough, Hajooni. Thank you... and I'm sorry." His voice wavered as he looked down at his fingers, his eyes stinging with fresh tears.

He didn't know why he felt so fragile when he was supposed to be strong, he had left everything behind on his own but his heart ached too much to resist the emotions overwhelming him.

"Aigo~~" Hajoon let out an exasperated sigh before stepping forward and turned Taehyung's shoulders gently towards himself.

"Why are you apologizing, Tae? I'm your brother. You can always rely on me, okay?" His voice was firm yet filled with warmth. "If anything, I should be the one saying sorry. I was a total jerk. You should be giving me a good beating instead of apologizing." His guilt escaped his lips, but his eyes were carring the weight of his regret.

Hajoon had made a mistake, a foolish one that he couldn't justify, even if Taehyung forgave him.

Taehyung shook his head slightly, his voice quiet but laced with pain. "I was never angry at you because i was never told the reason. It just... hurt. But it's okay. I'm used to the people I love, hurting me in return." A single tear escaped, trailing down his cheek, and Hajoon felt a sharp pang of regret.

His heart clenched. He had failed his brother.

"I was an idiot, just like you always say, Tae," Hajoon murmured. "Please, forgive me. I promise, I'll never leave your side again. I've learned my lesson."

Taehyung sniffled, quickly wiping his tear away before lightly tapping Hajoon's shoulder. "It's okay. I'm fine." His voice carried a quiet strength, but Hajoon could hear the pain beneath it.

With a deep breath, Hajoon let go of his shoulders and pulled Taehyung into a tight hug, a silent attempt to make up for lost time.

Despite the cold that had settled into Taehyung's life, Hajoon's embrace was warm. Taehyung melted into the hug, his fingers clutching the fabric of Hajoon's jacket as if grounding himself in the warmth his cousin offered.

"Who's this apartment btw?" Taehyung asked pulling slowly from the hug and hajoon's smile vanished for a little moment before he cleared his throat and smiled again while looking at tae.

"Uh it's appa's friends apartment, he was in police once at his time so he used to have this place surrounded for his investigations and cases away from his house and family." Hajoon said blinking in every direction and then stopped at taehyung.

Tae nodded at his answer. It was quite secretive looking apartment from outside. It didn't have any proper front door, instead it has outdoor stairs those lead to a small door which opens up to this equally tidy, clean and luxury apartment as others. It might not have the pricey chandeliers and decors to illuminate it but the inside was costly aesthetic. A cozy couch set in the center of the small living, an organised LED stand with few books and other accessories down there, two rooms with attached restrooms plus one store room, a small kitchenette and Windows. No balcony because of secrecy purposes.