I'm Here

40

A week later, Taehyung stood outside of his house with Jungkook by his side. He stared at the door, feet glued to the ground. Even though he felt mildly reassured by the younger, his heart still beat wildly at the thought of telling his parents about his new relationship.

Jungkook didn't push him to go inside, either. He simply rested his hand on Taehyung's lower back, offering silent support.

The elder would have stood there all day if the front door hadn't opened.

"Taehyung!" His mother cried, rushing out to give him a hug.

He hugged her back with a small smile.

She took in the boy next to him. "And you brought Jungkook to visit!" She wrapped her arms around the younger as well. "Are you staying with us?"

Jungkook smiled and shook his head. "I'll be staying with my parents. I just wanted to stop by and say hello to you. It's been a while."

Taehyung's mother ushered them inside, directing them to the living room. Taehyung and Jungkook sat side by side on the couch, with little space between them. Noticing the elder's stiff posture, Jungkook squeezed his knee reassuringly. Taehyung's mother, who seemed quite distracted as she walked between rooms, missed the gesture.

"How's Shireen, honey?" She called from the kitchen.

Jungkook suppressed a chuckle as Taehyung groaned.

"Um, she broke up with me," Taehyung responded begrudgingly.

"What was that?" She asked again, not  able to hear his answer from the other room.

"She broke up with me!" Taehyung said louder, almost yelling.

Taehyung's mother poked her head into the living room. "I'm so sorry, Tae."

"It's okay. Really. Actually, I wanted - "

"Can we talk later, honey? I have to go pick up your father from the airport. Jungkook, stay for dinner if you're able to, okay?"

Jungkook nodded and said with a smile, "Of course. I'd love to join you for dinner."

Taehyung's mother left the house hurriedly, shouting out that they'd be back in a couple hours. Once the door closed and they saw her car leave, Taehyung threw his head back on the couch.

"This anticipation is killing me. I just want to get it over with."

Jungkook stood up and held out his hand. "Come on Mr. Patient. Let's bring your bags to your room."

The elder let himself be pulled up and the two brought his stuff into his old bedroom. Upon seeing the small bed, something hit him. He'd spend a week not sleeping in the same place as Jungkook.

He let out an audible gasp at the realization.

"What?" Jungkook asked, coming up behind the boy and wrapping his arms around his stomach. "Finally realize all this Pokémon decor is a little childish?"

Taehyung's childhood bedroom was still outfitted with posters and other merchandise from the game. His parents hadn't bothered to convert his room into a proper guest room yet.

"It was a phase," Taehyung said. He placed his hands on top of Jungkook's. "I remembered that we'll be spending our nights here in different places. I . . . I'm going to miss you."

Jungkook pecked the elder's cheek. "Doesn't mean we can't have sleepovers like we used to."

"That's if my parents don't lock me in the house after I tell them." Taehyung walked out of the younger's arms and threw himself back on the bed. He'd forgotten how small it was.

Jungkook joined him, kicking off his shoes and tucking himself in tightly besides Taehyung. "How small were we back then that we could comfortably sleep like this?"

Taehyung ran a hand through his boyfriend's hair. "I'm sure we cuddled. No?"

"Not like we cuddle now," the younger said, eyes closed while enjoying Taehyung's touch.

Jungkook sometimes forgot about the history they shared together. Growing up, learning tough life lessons, sharing their firsts . . .

"Hey," Jungkook said suddenly. "Did you ever . . . you know . . . in this bed?"

"Aw, is someone jealous?" Taehyung teased.

The younger ran a hand up and down the elder's torso. "You didn't answer my question."

Taehyung chuckled. "Nope."

"Nope as in you didn't answer my question or nope as in you've never - ?"

"I've never had sex in this bed, nope."

Jungkook's hand crept under Taehyung's shirt and circled around his belly button. "Really?"

Taehyung laughed at his incredulous tone. "Really, Kook. I didn't lose my virginity until I started college. I'm pretty sure you should have known that."

The younger dipped a finger into Taehyung's belly button. "Yeah, that sounds right. I don't know. For whatever reason, I've always thought you were the one to do everything first."

"Well, you beat me at that particular first. You were a little horn dog at fifteen."

"Guilty," Jungkook said. After a pause, he added, "Have you done anything in this bed?"

Taehyung sighed slightly as Jungkook's finger raised goosebumps on his stomach. "I've made out with girls."

Jungkook tutted. "Now that won't do."

"What?"

"I want any memories of hooking up on this bed to be memories of me."

Taehyung chuckled. He rolled over so he was now on top of Jungkook, peering down at him through his messy hair. "Then let's create some new memories, shall we?"