In Front Of You - Jikook

-thirty-two-

"I can't express how grateful I am to have this opportunity to be the representative of this season's launch," Taehyung said on stage, a civilised smile plastered on his face. His body carried itself with poise and professionalism with the superiority he conveys. Jungkook watched as his employer, his friend, stood there with such grace and couldn't help but feel the swell of pride bubble up in his chest as he continued on his speech.

His eyes scanned the floor of faces before carrying on, "I took a risk for this shoot. This brand is known for its striking need for boldness, a brand willing to dare anyone to overcome its power. The summer's collection was controversial for the masses, a statement everyone who supports this company should be proud of. Winter invented the whitest platinum as it defined that season's collection. This spring, I spoke of daring and it was I who dared this brand's signature name. I introduce a change of style that lead me to learn more about everything and about myself." The model paused, giving a side glance towards the photographer in the front table. A longing look sent quite a confusing message to the younger, not exactly knowing how to react. "I present to you, this season's collection."

The venue darkened on cue as flowy light music echoed out the speakers. The white walls served as background as a presentation of the clothing line appeared in the video. Jungkook's lips slowly curved more and more into a grin because he recognized these photos and short films. It was his own. Every photo, every frame, every video was his work, through his eyes and camera, he was the one who took these. He peeled his eyes away from the launch video and looked at the crowd, curious eyes and fascinated expressions in every single person in the room. The photographer looked back at the model, his eyes looking up and seeing the brightly lit up form of the star model. Upon seeing Jungkook move, he looked down to him and gave him a This is all you nod and smirk, the younger mouthing a thank you as the video ended and the lights came back on.

A series of applause roared, delighted grins covered people's faces and they all settled as Taehyung continued "This spring's collection offered a softer vibe, highlighting nature's design and choosing to let yourself blend in the season. This shoot was one of the best I've ever gone through and it wouldn't be possible without the help of our photographer, Jeon Jungkook. Mr. Jeon, would you please join me on stage?". Another round of clapping, drowned out the subtle confusion, he didn't exactly prepare a speech as he wasn't informed to do so. But he followed, trying to hide the blush of excitement popping on his cheeks when he stepped on stage and stood beside Taehyung. Taehyung clapped for him too and leaned towards the mic "Jungkook is a free-lanced photographer that stood out for me personally because of his way of taking magnificent photos and creating such art that makes anyone who was admiring them feel that they are in that moment." A slideshow of his website, his social media pages and a few of his prior works appeared on the walls as well "I first hired him because of his talent, but enjoyed his company as a friend. Working with him helped me mature into a person that I finally realized who I wanted to be." The older stopped to smile at him, taking his hand from below and gripping it tightly.

"So today, in honour of today's success and the time spent with you, I'd like to offer you another contract." Jungkook gasped, the shock was too obvious for him to even bother hiding. The hold on him was firm that he couldn't secretly wiggle himself out of it. "You have taught me so much and made me feel so many emotions more than I have in my entire life in just 2 months. You are a special person to me and to everyone in our crew. The love and passion you put into your work were so astounding to see, which lead me to loving you dearly." The model's intensity grew more after every word, and his face leaning further towards him.

"So my dearest boyfriend, would you like to go to Spain with me all year for my next project?"

Boyfriend?

Spain?

All year?

Three things screamed in his mind after that sentence. The gasps and the cheers faded so quickly, he was afraid he completely lost his sense of hearing. His eyes watered slightly by the false title and the whole moment continued getting worse. "I-I..." He couldn't stop stuttering, not knowing how to respond to such a casual, yet pressuring proposal. The publicity of it wasn't of help too as so many people were witnessing this moment. Taehyung smirked, but it looked different from his kinder or flirty ones, this felt wrong. He chuckled fakely to the mic and looked at the crowd, "My Jungkook seems to be too flustered because you're all here but I know he's going to say yes." The audience ate up the joke and laughed along with him, clapping at the assumed acceptance. And to top everything off, Taehyung sealed the deal with a kiss.

No...No, this isn't right.

Taehyung, no please don't

Stop.

Stop!

"Stop!!" Jungkook couldn't handle it anymore. The feel of the golden boy's lips on his burned, like a scorned memory that he despised. He yelled as he pushed the other away, a wave of reactions filled the tensioned atmosphere. "I am not your boyfriend! Why would you ever say that?" The photographer's chest tightened and he could feel his voice wavering but he stood his ground. "You want to know an answer to this sick proposal of yours? No!" And with that, he bolted out of the stage and pushed through everyone. He was aware that all eyes were on him and he hated it, he could hear Taehyung call out "Jungkook, wait." but he still strode faster away from him.

Taehyung, unfortunately, caught up to him, his hand clasped around his arm and pulling him towards him. His face was inches away from his and he had a fake smile on his face. It was pathetic to see him still try to be glorious and professional in this situation. "Don't embarrass me. You're mine. I gave you everything-" The older whispered through his gritted teeth, the threatening tone unfaltering. Jungkook aggressively pushed him off him and slapped him across the face. "I never asked for anything. You expected too much and you have no right to take anything that you thought was yours to have. Especially me. Goodbye, Kim Taehyung."

He stormed off the room and to the elevator. As the metal doors closed, he let himself go off the strong front. Wild tears flowed out as he cried loudly in the small space, his body shook furiously by the surge of emotion and anger. He couldn't feel his chest and tried to breathe normally but he couldn't. He sunk to the ground and hugged himself to a ball on the floor, trying his best to calm himself down. Reaching to his pocket, his shaky fingers pressed speed dial and Jimin's name popped on the screen.

"P-please...pick...up J-Jimin, please.." He whimpered to himself, desperate for the one person that he needed the most right now.

Knowing that the other wouldn't pick up, he went to messages and pushed himself to stand up as the ground floor was approaching. As the sound of doors opening alerted him, he ambled out of the elevator and out the building, happy to see no reporters insight. Bad luck was by his side as he stepped out of the front entrance, strong rainfall dropped over him, soaking him in seconds. He pushed himself to type out a single message before mindlessly started to walk home in the pouring rain.

Help me, please. I need you.