blank | taekook

five.

Finally, a month or so later, a perfect, sunny day rolled around, breaking through the constant clouds hanging over the city. Cooler weather was starting to grasp the air, and the breezes that drifted through gradually began to carry the feeling of autumn. It was a beautiful Monday, and Jungkook was finishing a sketch when he glanced at the clock. His eyes widened, and his slouch left quickly as he realized it was 3:00.

He dashed to his dresser, pulling on ripped jeans and a large, gray fluffy sweatshirt with sleeves that covered his small hands. He didn't bother fixing his messy hair, just pulled on his converse and ran to the door. After ripping it open, then slamming it back shut, he tore down the hallway, diving into the elevator when it conveniently opened almost as soon as he reached it. He scared the living daylights out of the skinny brunette man standing there, waiting to get out, but he couldn't bring himself to care. The stranger giggled quietly before stepping out, giving him a small wave and chiming, "I hope you get there on time," with a bright smile.

Jungkook nervously smiled back at the cute gesture, given to him by the tall stranger with big lips and a kind voice. "Thanks," he responded exasperatedly as the doors were shutting. He wished it would move down faster. He hated being late; it put in irritated, itching feeling under his skin. It also really surprised him that he wasn't paying enough attention when he really liked going to see Taehyung, yet he was always punctual at events he had to attend as an artist that he honestly couldn't care less about.

Once he was out of the building, he all but ran down the street, and after what felt like far longer than it actually was, he stumbled in through the shop doors. It was 3:10 now. He speed walked to the table, and plopped himself down in his chair. "Hey, sorry Taehyung, I-"

He stopped, his current situation finally processing as he took in the little scene in front of him. Taehyung had his face buried in his arms, and was almost completely still.

Was he...asleep? Jungkook reached out hesitantly, gently shaking his shoulder. "Taehyung," he murmured. No additional movement, just the soft, steady breathing. So he was asleep. Jungkook quirked his eyebrows. He tried shaking him again, just a little harder this time, and in a slightly higher volume than before, he repeated, "Taehyung."

This time, Taehyung's head rose slowly out of his arms, his eyes tired and lips pushed forward in a groggy pout. He sat up when he realized what had just happened, trying to blink away the sleep. "Oh...I fell asleep," he giggled softly, rubbing his eyes like a child.

"Tired?" Jungkook asked, grinning at his cute, quirky friend. Taehyung nodded. "I've been up even later than usual, and like I said before, that's saying something," he told him, words somewhat slurred.

A certain guilt started to well up in Jungkook. "Is that because of me?" he asked quietly, eye contact breaking as his gaze drifted down to the tabletop. They always spent a lot of time together, which he now realized most likely resulted in Taehyung having to do his work later instead.

"Don't say that," he cooed. "You have nothing to feel bad about." Jungkook shook his head, squirming in his seat. He knew that Taehyung was only trying to be kind. "I know that part of it is my fault," he insisted.

It was silent for a moment, and there was no eye contact. "Okay, how about this. Yes, sometimes the time we spend together means I have to work later, but you're important to me, so I don't care," he told him, voice adamant.

He finally looked him in the eyes, and the other's lips quirked pointedly. "Thanks," he said honestly. Half of him liked hearing that, but the other half felt like even more of a burden. He just pretended he was completely happy with it, and changed the subject.