TAEHYUNG OUT OF WATER | k.taehyung

4: adults

"We're home!" I announced as I stepped inside, about twenty pair of shoes crowding the small entryway of our humble apartment.

"Welcome back." V greeted us with a smile as he peeked his head out from the kitchen.

"Hey watch it!" I snapped at Jungkook when he pushed past me, heading to the kitchen.

"I love the smell of food cooking. What's for dinner?" Jungkook completely ignored me as he dumped his school bag in the hallway.

I rolled my eyes at him, so fed up with my twin after he humiliated me in front of my crush earlier at school. I hate him so much. I placed my shoes inside the shoe closet and headed in the opposite direction, towards my room, the only place where I can be at peace.

My brother, Namjoon, just came out of his room. He was dressed for his night part time job. I feel really bad when I see them working their backs off, and in the end of the day, we still don't have enough money to pay for the utilities. I wish I could do something to help but I'm just a high schooler, still one year away from graduating.

"How was school, kiddo?" Namjoon tousled my hair gently, always a loving gesture from him.

"Same same." I said in a dull tone and he chuckled, knowing how drained of energy I am just by the look on my face. "Jimin told us to go home before him since he has loads of student council stuff to do so Jungkook and I went ahead."

"Hey, you look tired. Get some rest." He commented and then added, "Hang in there. I know you can get through this. Just ask me for help if ever you don't understand any of your lessons in school, alright?" Namjoon smiled and patted my head once, "I better go then. My boss is sensitive to time so he reduces our salary every time we come late."

"Aren't you eating dinner with us?" I grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and asked him with genuine concern. I know he and Hoseok are working overtime to pay their due balance at their university or else they can't take their final exams.

"Nah, I'm going to be late." He answered but quickly reassured me when he saw the worried look on my face, "I can eat while at work. Don't worry and just focus on your upcoming exams. I know you feel pressured with all the college preparations but don't think about it too much. I'll help you when I have free time."

I let go of his sleeve and opened my bag to give him the sandwich that I wasn't able to eat at lunch, "Here. You can have this. Be careful on your way to work."

"Thanks kiddo." Namjoon flashed me a grin then turned his back to leave. He peeked by the kitchen to say goodbye to Jin, Jungkook and V then he turned to me, still standing at the far end of the hallway, and waved a goodbye.

When Jimin arrived, we all sat by the table for dinner. As usual, pig Jungkook was hogging all the food in his mouth as if he was made to starve for weeks on end. Hoseok and Jin were the only older ones at home since Yoongi and Namjoon are out at work. V has learned how to use chopsticks by now and is relatively getting better but these days I've noticed his fear of water. He doesn't want to be anywhere near flowing water. Is it a phobia of his? Something must've happened in his childhood that he still doesn't remember like the rest of his identity.

"Are we keeping V for real?" Hoseok asked and V lifted his head up at the mention of his given name, cheeks puffed up from food. "His family might be looking for him. Shouldn't we put like posters or notify the police? Maybe they have a missing person report that would match V?"