forever won't wait

forget regret

Sunlight filtered in through the cracked blinds, landing directly in Taehyung's eyes. He rolled over, fully expecting to see his blank wall when he opened his eyes.

Instead, he came face to face with Namjoon.

Tae dug around through the memories of yesterday (being picked up after class, the bookstore), trying to find exactly where he could have ended up in bed with Namjoon yet again. (The cafe, the movie they decided to see, the dive diner they went to afterwards)

It was useless. His head hurt too much to think about that now. Maybe he'd just stay here for a while longer, curled up in Namjoon's strong arms, warm and safe.

Taehyung had nearly drifted off to sleep when Namjoon began to stir. His eyes blinked open, and he leaned down to press a kiss onto Tae's forehead.

"Morning."

His voice was deep and soft, and Taehyung would probably have melted right on the spot if it weren't for the question that had planted itself right in the middle of his thoughts.

"Joonie, what happened last night? I don't remember much after the diner."

"Do we really have to have that conversation right now?" he groaned in response. "I'd much rather spend our time in the right now. Just let me hold you a little longer, please? You always leave so early."

"Namjoon, you know how my father is. It's...not good that I stayed here. I'm sorry, but please just tell me so I can go do damage control."

"Well, I remember us drinking on the walk back. You said that you didn't want to go home, so I offered to let you crash at my place overnight. Once we got here, you
practically jumped on me. Not that I minded, of course," he added quickly. "I think you can assume the rest."

Taehyung nodded.

"What time is it?" he asked, his phone not being currently in reach, as it was (hopefully) in the pile of his clothes that lay on the floor.
Namjoon reached out for his watch.

"Exactly 8:03 am."

"Shit. I don't think it's gonna be good if I go back now."

"Then don't," Namjoon murmured, pulling him a bit closer. "Wait until he's left for work, then go back. Even better yet, don't leave at all. Just stay here, with me. Who needs responsibilities?"

"If I wait, it'll just be putting off the inevitable. I'll...see you later." Taehyung pulled himself away from the tempting comfort of Namjoon's arms and stumbled out of bed.

"Promise you'll let me make you breakfast some day," Namjoon called from the bed.

"Sure," replied Taehyung.

"No, like actually come here and shake on it."

Now fully dressed, Taehyung rolled his eyes. He grabbed Namjoon's outstretched hand and shook it quickly. Namjoon pulled him down to the bed; stealing one more kiss before letting him go.

---

"What do you mean, no visitors allowed?"

Jin's voice began to raise, echoing through the sterile white halls. Yoongi stood beside him, nervously glancing around to see if anyone had noticed Jin's little outburst.

"Jin, calm down. I'm sure there's a good reason for it."

The secretary looked back up from Hoseok's file.
"Yes, his lead therapist decided that it would be best that he is left on his own, at least until we make more progress. Check back in two weeks, from 2-3pm, and we'll see if he's ready then."

Jin shook his head. "Come on Yoongi. There's no point."

Yoongi had never seen Jin this angry in a while. It would make sense, but he normally reserved his anger for private.

"It's just not fair," Jin said, clearly irritated with the whole ordeal. "We're his best friends. His roommates. Hell, we're practically brothers at this point. Why would they do this?"

"Look, Jin, I know you're worried. We'll come back. Hobi will be fine, it'll all be okay. He'll get out in a while, and everything will be back to normal."

---

The drive back home was a silent one.

---

They had left Jeongguk a note before they left, explaining exactly where they were and roughly when they'd be back.

The same note sat where they had left it, a new note scribbled on the back.

"Yoongi and Jin,
Thank you both for letting me stay here. I'm leaving now, and by the time you're back, I should be gone. I don't want to be a burden on anyone. Please don't look for me.
-Jeon Jeongguk"

"Should we go look for him?", Jin asked.

"I'll do it. You have work today, right?"

"Yeah. But I don't want that kid wandering alone. It's not safe. Wouldn't it be faster if we both went and searched?"

"Probably not. I remember where he was last night, I can start there. He couldn't have gotten far."