This Love » vkook

chapter eight

| Manhattan, NY |

Taehyung fixed his suit jacket constantly, almost obsessively, as he made his way up the stairs to the front door. He has always been a calm and collected person, but now he felt like a mess. He was so worried and beyond nervous. This isn't the first time he walks up these steps or is meeting someone new, but everything would be different now. 

He ringed the bell on the right side of the door and waited anxiously. He looked at his watch one last time, double checking that he arrived at the right time. His face stiffened once he heard the sound of the lock turn. The door opened and Taehyung was greeted by Jungkook, who was in a hoodie and blue jeans. 

"Hey," Taehyung said with a nervous smile. "I brought the boys some candy. I know its a little silly, considering the time and it's completely random, but I wanted to bring a gift. Although, I doubt chocolate was really the base line I wanted to start for Taemin to get to know me. I should have brought him a toy or something that wouldn't vanish in three seconds."

Once Taehyung realized that he was ranting and Jungkook didn't know what to say, he cleared his mind and shook his head in embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm just a little nervous." He ran his hand behind his head.

"I'm sure they'll be fine with chocolate," Jungkook said, trying to ease the awkwardness. He stepped back and opened the door wider. "Come in."

Taehyung walked inside and followed Jungkook to the living room. The television was on with a cartoon playing. On the couch, was Taemin, watching attentively to the characters on the screen that he didn't notice the adults walk in. 

"Taemin?" Jungkook called his son's name and got his attention, who quickly noticed Taehyung. "This is Taehyung. He's your father."

Taehyung couldn't help, but to smile and hope that his son was as excited to see him as he was. Taemin's eyes grew with joy and quickly ran to Taehyung.

"Hi, papa!" Taemin took hold of Taehyung's lower body and gave him a tight hug.

"Hey, buddy. I'm really glad to see you," Taehyung replied with such happiness and excitement in his voice. 

"Look, I'm watching Paw Patrol! Do you want to watch?"

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, who was happy to see his son so happy. Taehyung turned his attention back to Taemin. "Sure."

Taemin took hold of Taehyung's hand and led him to the couch. "You can sit with me." Taehyung sat down next his son and watched how happy Taemin was to watch his show. It made him remember moments like these that he used to share with Jay when he was Taemin's age. Jay loved watching cartoons in the morning while Jungkook was at work and Taehyung would always make breakfast for the two of them. 

"Daddy, come sit with us too" Taemin signaled Jungkook to come over, who was standing on the side watching the two bond. Jungkook made his way over and sat close enough to Taehyung to not be touching shoulders together. 

"Just an average day for you guys," Taehyung asked Jungkook.

"Well yeah, not all of us can go flying to Vegas for lunch," Jungkook said jokingly. 

"I want to go to Vegas," Taemin exclaimed, catching the two off guard. Taehyung laughed. "Another time, Taemin," Taehyung said to his son with a smile. "I left my private jet beside my private yacht," Taehyung said sarcastically, looking at Jungkook. Jungkook covered his eyes with his hand and laughed a little.

From behind, the door opened and closed and footsteps walked towards the living room. Taehyung and Jungkook glanced back to see Jay.

"Hey dad, I have an exam tomorrow and Alice said I can come over later to help me study and―" Jay halted the moment he noticed Taehyung on the room. He gritted his teeth and sent a death glare at Jungkook. "What the hell is he doing here?"

"Jay, let's just put all the anger behind us. Taemin is happy to see Taehyung, so let's just be open about this, please?" Jungkook looked at his son with begging eyes.

"This asshole ruined our lives and suddenly you're okay with him coming back to screw things up again! What the hell is wrong with you!"

Taehyung decided to speak up and looked at Jay. "Your dad is just letting me get to know Taemin. This is a good thing. We can actually get to spend some time together and―"

"Who the hell do you think you are? Who made you king around here? You don't get to talk to me about mending the wounds and holding hands when you're the most selfish person on the planet! Do you think you can get a do-over just because you feel entitled to it?"

"No Jay, but I want to fix things between you guys, so if you'll just―"

"No! I don't owe you anything you bitch! You're not my father anymore!"

"Jay, please," Jungkook pleaded, but Taehyung was struck with Jay's words.

"You gave that title up years ago when you decided I wasn't important enough for you! I don't want to see your face here anymore and I don't want you in Taemin's life either! He is better off not having you as a father!"

The room was quiet except for the television and Taehyung was left speechless and ashamed. "Jay, just get out of the house for a while," Jungkook said and remained quiet, not taking a glance at Jay. 

Jay stood there for a moment, glaring at his parents before walking out the door and slamming the front door behind him. 

Jungkook turned his attention to Taehyung, who was looking down at his legs on shame. Jungkook wanted to say something, but he didn't know what. He felt sorry for the horrible things Jay said, even if some of it was true, but what he told Taehyung damages the soul.

"It's okay, papa. Jay is a meanie. Don't listen to him," Taemin said, catching Taehyung's attention. He sent Taemin a smile, but still looked  hurt.

"Hey Taemin, Taehyung brought you some candy," Jungkook added, hoping to move past what had just happened.

Taemin's eyes lit up. "Oh! Oh! I want candy! I love candy!"

Taehyung pulled out the chocolate bar out of his suit pocket and opened it up for Taemin, who was bouncing in his seat.

"Yay! Thank you papa," Taemin exclaimed, giving Taehyung a hug before devouring his chocolate bar.

"You're welcome," Taehyung said, hugging his son back. He glanced at Jungkook who sent him a reassuring smile. As long as he could get to bond with Taemin, everything would be okay for Taehyung. 

****

Double update before school starts again and I'll take a while for another update, so I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.

Remember to vote and share your thoughts on the chapter! Until next time.

- A.