Blood Brothers

30 | SYMPATHIZE

"I want to buy this for Jungwoo," Taehyung says as he picks up a fire truck.

Somehow we found our way to a toy shop- or rather it was because Taehyung was lowkey a child deep down. He was so sure that he was there for Jungwoo, but I found him looking at things he'd rather have for himself, not Jungwoo. So much for a mobster.

We go to the cash register to pay for the item. "Is that all for today?" The sales associate asks, eyes roaming me head to toe.

I nod, taking out my wallet. Taehyung steps before me with his own, pulling out his cash before I could even unzip mine. "I got it," I tell him.

"You don't even work, I don't expect you to pay for anything," he says.

"Well it's my nephew," I retaliate, holding out my cash.

"He's my nephew too," he reminds me.

"He was mine before he was yours."

"But he's mine now."

"Taehyung."

"Ara."

"Both of you," the guy snaps. "Are either one of you going to pay or..."

"Yes," we reply in unison, then looking at one another.

Taehyung ended up practically throwing his money at the poor guy so I had to abide. We leave the shop, multiple bags in hand after going a little too overboard with spoiling Jungwoo. God knows he already has enough toys but we couldn't help it- the look of pure happiness that he radiates when he receives our gifts is the best feeling.

When someone's happiness is your own, that's how you know it's love.

And I loved Jungwoo so much- I'd never want to see him hurt. Thus the more reason why I wanted to handle this Seokjin situation before things could exacerbate.

Taehyung takes the shopping bags from my hand to hold for his own and I'm suddenly wondering why he even chose to accompany me even though he knew he had more important things to tend to.

"Why are you here and not taking care of Seokjin?" I asked in annoyance. "The more time you spend with me takes away from the time the rest of us have unless you deal with him." He was risking everyone's safety to come on a shopping spree with me.

"Why do you think I have Yoongi," he says. "I pay him everyday for a reason."

"But Yoongi isn't you," I say. "He doesn't get to make the same calls."

"He's close enough."

I got tired of talking to him after realizing I wasn't getting anywhere. We head over to the lingerie shop after Taehyung, himself, insisted I needed new sleepwear. He even takes initiative to pick out his favorites for me to try on- all of his selections looking cutesy more than anything.

"Are you trying to dress me like a babydoll?" I question, holding up the silky pink nightgown with white lace trim.

He then takes out a stunning red one. "I like this one," he holds it out for me to take.

"Then you try it on," I place the other items on the hook and shut the dressing room door.

Taehyung takes a seat on the chair and sits back, waiting for me to try on everything he picked out. "I'm waiting," he says.

This boy...

"Close your eyes."

"Why?" He asks. "I've already seen it all."

"Because I know you won't be able to contain yourself and we're in public," I say. I knew for a fact that Taehyung was whipped- all I had to do was ask and I'd have it. Anything I did made him head over heels, I could swear that he'd worship me even if I were the devil himself.