Ghost ✧ Taekook

11

After everything came out, the air has been awkward around the two friends.

Yes, Taehyung has been trying to accept the reality that is his friend being a ghost but it's often hard to process the thought of it when they go out in public. He can't talk to him how he normally would or put his arm around his shoulder to guide him somewhere. He's now noticing all the stares and the few people that laugh at how odd it looks to have his arm circling air. It's been really difficult trying to digest the fact that no one else can see Jungkook the way he can.

Taehyung's chest tightens whenever he looks at Jungkook and sees his smile that makes him look so innocent and happy. The brunet just looks so content whenever he's smiling or laughing and it makes Taehyung's mind fog over with sadness; knowing that no one else can witness such a beautiful thing. He wishes everyone else could see Jungkook, so they can see how something, someone, so beautiful can outshine any star, how his smile alone could make everything feel okay.

Of course Taehyung feels special that he's the only one that can witness such a beaitful thing everyday but he wishes he could show it off; show off that he's best friends with the 'human version of the sun, moon and stars'.

But it's okay in the end, because although it's hard trying to tone down his usually bubbly self in public, whenever he's around Jungkook, he knows he's helping him in whatever way he can. He's going to set Jungkook free.

After everything that happened the other day between the two males, both have felt a stronger connection to each other. Taehyung's feelings continue to grow, even if he's now starting to worry about the future between them. And Jungkook feels more alive. Every second he spends with Taehyung gives him a sense of belonging and he feels grounded. He feels real.

The butterflies that swarm Jungkook's stomach whenever he watches Taehyung observe his surroundings, or even when he catches the elders eye and he gets a box smile in return that makes his heart flutter, gives him a sense that everything is okay.

Everything Taehyung does makes Jungkook feel human. And that's why he likes him.

Even now, as the boys walk down the street, shoulders brushing together when they have to squeeze through people, the feeling of closeness makes their heart-rates rise and small, shy smiles flit about their lips. They're acting as if they're in high school again and their first crush is noticing them.

It's a blissful feeling for Jungkook. Him not having felt anything like this in a while is refreshing. He really likes it.

"So I was thinking, maybe we could hang out near the beach today? I can show you my favourite spot that I used to visit when I was younger," Jungkook uttered as they exited the crowd that was lingering around street stalls. Because it's still winter, people were basically huddled a they walked and talked while they observed what was going on. Taehyung felt slightly suffocated as they manoeuvred the crowd but knowing Jungkook was beside him made him feel safe, but he still felt relieved to get out of the area that felt over-populated.

"I-I uh, yeah, why not," Taehyung stuttered as he stumbled slightly past another few people but he quickly regained his balance with the help of Jungkook's grip on his arm. He blushed slightly at the contact, even if by now he's grown accustomed to the younger being fairly open to skin-ship, he still gets giddy whenever it happens.

"Then onwards we go!"

----

The two made it to the beach, Taehyung slightly out of breath, but happy smiles painted on both faces.

"Come, it's this way," Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's hand and gently pulled him into the direction of his destination.

They were lucky it rained the previous night, leaving the sand hard under their feet as they walked towards what Taehyung is assuming rock-pools.

The sight of them had Taehyung's smile growing and his heart beating with joy. He has a vague memory of visiting rock-pools when he was younger but he can't remember much of it other than feeling elated discovering little sea creatures.

"Are we going to the rock-pools?" He turned to Jungkook, excitement lacing his tone. It made the younger smile seeing him look so happy and he nodded in reply as well as saying:

"Yes, but these are special ones and they are further than the rest so be patient," His eyes sparkled as he spoke and it made the blonde internally awe in adoration.

A few more moments of walking and they both made it to the edge of the rocks. Jungkook stepped up first, his hand still clasped around Taehyung's and he turned around to help him up, giving the elder his other hand to hold.

The journalist made it up safely and the journey across the rocks went without incident. Every few pools they'd stop and see what animals they'd discover and it made them feel young (and alive) again as they emit squeals of bliss whenever they'd see a starfish or a crab peek out at them from under its hiding place.

They still held hands as they walked, a faint blush making their cheeks a permanent residence.

The two were so content as they skipped over rocks, peeked into pools or looked out at the sea. They felt at home with each other. They both wanted to freeze this day in time or continue living it on a loop. They have never felt so happy, so content, so free.

"And this is it!" Jungkook exclaimed, letting go of the blonde's hand for a moment to gesture towards the cave.

It was situated far away from everything else, carved into the side of the cliff facing towards the ocean. It was a beautiful sight. The walls of the cave looked so beautifully sculpted from the years of waves splashing the inside; some seaweed and shells were lining the floor and walls, making it looked as if it was purposely decorated; three rock-pools ranging from size were decorating the cave further and the sun light that is peeking through the clouds made the cave seemingly glow with the reflection the water gave off.

It looked magical.

"Wow..." Taehyung sighed out as he looked around in amazement. It looked as if it came right out of a fantasy book that had mermaids in it, it looked unreal with the glow and placement of this tucked away shelter.

"This is amazing Kookie," Taehyung uttered, still in awe and he stepped further in, the latter following close behind.

"I found it when I was around 14. I came here with my family and one of my friends, we discovered it together," Jungkook sounded so proud when he stated that he found it, and Taehyung turned to look at him.

The water is reflected onto him, the light and shadows contouring his face to make him seem ethereal. A smile topped it off when Jungkook had noticed Taehyung's stare.

In this moment Taehyung felt as if a weight has been lifted off his heart; he felt so content. Jungkook has become so special to the blonde in the short amount of time they've known and Taehyung feels so completely an utterly okay with Jungkook being by his side.

He's okay being the only one who knows about him.

And he's definitely okay with falling for him.

----
A/N

Awe how cute (:

Okay yeah, this was a filler chapter just because the things I have planned for this story happen a bit later and plus, we needed some fluffy Taekook moments to make this story more enjoyable (:

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Till next time,
-민