I'm Here

3

Jungkook got out of the shower, wrapping a towel around his toned waist. He smiled to himself, watching as his abs shifted with every small movement. He took pride in his body and spent countless hours in the gym to maintain his physique. 

Other people also enjoyed his body, he thought, recalling the last hour with Chloe. Her hands couldn't stop roaming over him, which made for a very fun evening. She left soon after, despite leaving subtle hints that she'd like to stay. But Jungkook had a rule. 

No one slept in his bed but him. 

He wasn't exactly sure when or where he'd come up with this particular rule, but it served him well. Sure, he liked Chloe. Was attracted to her and enjoyed her physical company. But he wasn't emotionally intimate with her, even though she tried time and time again to crack his walls. 

Taehyung often poked fun at him, wondering aloud if he'd even share a bed with his future wife. Jungkook would always reply that he'd cross that bridge when he got there. Besides, that was years away. 

Chloe tried to convince Jungkook to let her stay for the night, for the sole reason of celebrating Taehyung and Shireen. She talked on and on about getting rip roaring drunk with the couple and how fun that would be. 

Jungkook, barely paying attention, let her yammer away before suggesting another night. He was positive the two would want to celebrate in private. 

He exchanged his towel for boxers and sweatpants, letting them hang low on his lean hips. Water from his hair dripped down his back, so he roughly toweled it before pushing it off his forehead. A noise sounded from the apartment; a slamming door.

Jungkook poked his head out of the bathroom. "Tae?"

He saw the male kick off his shoes by the front door. He was alone. 

"Tae?" Jungkook called again, his eyebrows scrunching together in confusion. Where was Shireen? 

He watched as Taehyung stalked into his bedroom and slammed the door closed behind him, not acknowledging his roommate at all. 

Jungkook gave Taehyung a few minutes, hoping he'd come out of his room and tell Jungkook what happened. After fifteen minutes went by and the boy remained in his room, he slipped on an oversized shirt and knocked at Taehyung's door. 

"Tae?" He asked gently. No response. "Can I come in?"

He tried the handle and found it unlocked, so he carefully opened his friend's door. What he saw made his throat tighten.

Taehyung was curled into a ball on his bed, facing the wall and hugging his own waist. Wordlessly, Jungkook shut the door and climbed into the bed, sliding himself against Taehyung's body. He wrapped his arms around the boy's waist, his arms on top of the leaner boy's arms. 

"What happened?" Jungkook asked, resting his head in the crook of the elder's neck. 

He felt a soft shaking coming from Taehyung's body and didn't press further. He could guess what happened based on his friend's reaction. 

A sob escaped Taehyung's mouth. "She said...she said she's not in love with me anymore. She found someone better."

Jungkook squeezed his arms tighter. "Tae…"

"Please don't say you're sorry," Taehyung whispered. 

"Okay," the younger replied. "Whatever you need, I'm here." 

Jungkook continued holding his friend, both of their breathing evening out. His eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion taking over him. Soon enough, he was asleep.

Taehyung, on the other hand, was wide awake. He couldn't shut off his mind, thinking over everything that transpired that evening. Overall, he felt numb. It didn't feel like Shireen had broken up with him. 

He'd even cleaned out one side of his closet for her. 

A slight snore sounded in Taehyung's ear, and despite the circumstances, he smiled. Jungkook never had any trouble falling asleep. Taehyung thought it must be so peaceful, so simple, to just fall asleep whenever and wherever. 

Taehyung battled with what he described as a super active mind. His thoughts were always racing, he always overanalyzed everything. Sometimes scenarios from years past would pop up in his mind and he'd spend hours thinking about what could have been done differently. 

So as he listened to Jungkook's gentle snoring, he thought over each and every moment with Shireen over the last six months. Had she been pulling away? Was he not appreciative enough? Affectionate enough? 

In the end, he didn't understand. 

Taehyung's arm started to fall asleep as he remained trapped under Jungkook. He tried moving it around, but heavy, muscled arms prevented much movement. He turned over sharply, using all his momentum, but still Jungkook did not release his grip. Taehyung sighed, now face to face with the younger, arms tucked into his chest. 

Jungkook's face was mere inches from his own, parted lips blowing warm air on the elder. Taehyung took in the sleeping boy, tracing over his thick eyebrows, long eyelashes, and smooth skin. Most of all, he took in his overall peacefulness. 

After years of friendship, Taehyung truly appreciated having someone like Jungkook in his life. Sure, everyone would say that Taehyung was the one who drove their friendship forward. Their friends only saw that Taehyung brought Jungkook out of his shell. They didn't see the constant support the younger gave him. How he let Taehyung ramble on and on, his thoughts and words all jumbled together, until he was able to produce logical ideas. They didn't see how Jungkook put him at ease. 

Taehyung wasn't as close as he wanted to be with his blood relatives, but he was so grateful to have a brother like Jungkook. He knew he didn't say thank you enough, but he hoped the younger knew how much he meant to him.

Even in times of sadness, Jungkook was there for him. No questions asked.

And Taehyung fell asleep with that thought. That he'd never have another friend like Jungkook.