Jungkook's eyes widened slightly, his cheeks dusting a light shade of pink as he averted his gaze back to his own hands. Taehyung brushed it off, figuring his reaction was merely due to the words he had just spoken.
"I shouldn't have said anything.."
"No, it's okay hyung." he spoke softly, his eyes moving back up to the older's. A sheepish smile formed on his lips as he looked away again, recalling the kiss they had shared while Taehyung was still 'asleep.'
Tilting his head out of curiosity, the older blinked slowly as his lips parted to speak again. "Jungkook-ah, what is it?"
"Nothing. It's nothing." he lied, giving a soft, bunny-toothed grin.
Letting the topic go for the moment, Taehyung lifted his gaze when the nurse entered the room to check his vitals and his bandages. Jungkook stood to leave, only to be stopped by a soft grasp on his hand. "Stay.. jebal?" Taehyung pleaded softly, his deep tone soft and calming to the younger.
"Of course." he answered quietly, returning to his chair beside the older.
---------- Seokjin's apartment, 7:13PM, two days later ----------
After much convincing, Seokjin had finally gotten Taehyung released from the hospital to be housed at his apartment while he continued to recover. He insisted that the home atmosphere would be more healing than the cold hospital room, and hospital food.
Everyone had gathered at his apartment for a type of 'welcome home' party. Yoongi and Jimin were sitting on the couch, Jimin's legs draped over the older's lap while his head rested on Yoongi's shoulder. Seokjin and Namjoon sat on the couch across from them, sitting similarly with Seokjin half laying across Namjoon's lap. Hoseok sat beside Yoongi and Jimin, his head resting on the younger's knee while he played with his hyung's hair. Everything was quiet until there was a knock on the door. Jungkook, who had been pacing around the room, rushed to the door and opened it quickly. On the other side stood Taehyung, still frail and fragile with dark circles under his eyes. But a box smile graced his lips, making Jungkook's heart skip a beat. The younger quickly wrapped his hyung in a tight hug, lifting him off the ground a bit before he set him down carefully and stepped back. A blush dusted his cheeks again, though he turned his head away when the others came to greet Taehyung as well, quickly hiding himself in the chaos of laughter, smiles, and hugs.
Once everything had calmed, they all returned to their seats. The only two left for the maknae and Taehyung were side-by-side, on the love-seat. The dark brown, two seated sofa was across from the others, yet tucked into the corner of the room. It was farther away and more secluded by comparison to the closeness of the other sofas, making it easier to have a private conversation without others listening.
Awkwardly, the two went and sat on the sofa. They sat facing the group at first, not daring to look into the other's eyes while they listened to the conversations around them. Yoongi was now asleep with Jimin curled against his side. Seokjin and Namjoon were laughing quietly to themselves, and Hoseok was also asleep beside the eldest, with his legs draped over the back of the couch and his head hanging off the edge a bit. Odd, but comfortable.
Once the laughter and conversing had died down a bit, it left the youngest two to their own entertainment. Though, Taehyung was still quieter than usual. His blank expression was still shown on his face, though he tried to offer a slight side smile every time he saw the younger steal a glance at him. The tension in the air was too tight, and it was driving Jungkook crazy trying to hold it all in. He needed to tell him, but he was afraid. Unknowingly, his hands began to shake and a balmy sweat made his hands damp. He was nervous, and Taehyung noticed that quickly. "Jungkookie?" he peered, concern in his eyes as he looked to the darker haired boy.
Jungkook's gaze shot up, the glint in his eyes was a mix of confused emotions. Swallowing lightly, the older blinked as he studied the maknae's face. Every detail. The nervous quiver of his lips as they parted slightly, like he was about to speak. The small beads of sweat dampening his hairline below his dark brown locks of soft hair. Even the way his eyes stared into his own, causing his heart to skip a beat. "Yes, hyung?" he asked cautiously, seemingly frozen in place as he waited to see what the older was about to say.
"Are you alright?"
That was the first time he had asked the younger that question in years. He was unsure of what to say, his lips falling open again as he spoke. "I- well. Hyung, can I.." He stuttered out his words, trying to piece them together correctly.
"A couple days ago, when you told me your dream.." he paused again. "Hyung, I have something to tell you..."
Taehyung tilted his head, blinking slowly. He nodded slowly, humming quietly to let the younger know that he was listening. His heart was racing out of his chest with anxiety, though he tried to ignore it.
"Well.. that kiss." he stopped, swallowing nervously. "Something happened, when you were still.. somewhat unconscious." he admitted slowly, moving his gaze from the older's as he tried to collect his own thoughts again. "I came in to speak to you, while you were unconscious. And I kissed your forehead." he stopped again, wringing his hands together.
"Jungkook-ah, that's not bad." he reassured the younger, offering a weak smile to try and comfort the nervous boy.
"No-" he said shortly. "You put your hand against the back of my neck, pulling me closer.."
Silence.
"And we- you just-" he began to pause before finishing his sentences, making the tension worse.
"We kissed." he admitted quietly, almost inaudibly. But Taehyung heard it clearly. He was now shaking more visibly, but not from being nervous. It was from fear of rejection. Fear that Taehyung's feelings for him weren't truly anything more than friendship.
Jungkook's gaze was now fixed on his hands, not daring to look at Tae. The feel of cold skin against his made him shiver slightly as two slender fingers slowly traced his jawline to make him look up. He still refused to look the older in the eyes, his gaze moving to the side though he could see Taehyung's boxy smile beaming gentle rays of warmth towards him. There was a stillness that filled the air, making the two of them lost in the peaceful silence.
After mere seconds of silence, Jungkook was caught off guard by a soft and familiar sensation rushing through his lips. It was Taehyung, pressing his lips against his own. Tilting his head to fit his lips better to the older's, he shivered again when Taehyung's hands cupped his cheeks to deepen the kiss. It lasted a few seconds, but it felt like forever. Endless, calming, peaceful bliss. He felt protected, safe. When they broke the kiss, slightly out of breath, Jungkook looked into the eyes of the older searching for answers.
Taehyung's lips parted slightly, smooth words rolling off his tongue that made Jungkook's heart flutter. "I love you.." he whispered, rubbing his thumb over the younger's cheek.
"I-" he paused, blinking for a few seconds. "I love you too, hyung."
---------
A/N:
SQUEALING GOODB Y E
