I'm Here

42

"Oh no," Jungkook muttered under his breath. This wasn't how he wanted Taehyung's parents to find out about them. Judging by the two elders' downcast gazes, they certainly had overheard some things.

He tried to let go of Taehyung's hand, but the elder kept his grip firm. Jungkook looked at him and saw his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

This was bad.

"Mom. Dad," Taehyung breathed. He held Jungkook's hand tighter.

They each raised their heads to look at their son. It was difficult to read their expressions as they waited for something more to happen.

"Before you say anything, I want you to let me talk."

Taehyung's parents looked at each other, communicating silently in the way parents do. They nodded together, turning back to face the boys.

"I love him," Taehyung said softly, but not without feeling. "I am in love with Jeon Jungkook. I wanted to tell you both tonight at dinner, so I'm sorry you had to find out this way. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's shown me what it is to love and be loved. I . . . I'm sure this wasn't what you had planned for me. But I want you to know how happy he makes me."

He paused as he felt himself starting to get emotional.

Jungkook squeezed his hand reassuringly and looked at him with love in his eyes. He knew how afraid he was to tell his parents and this was certainly not how either of them pictured it going. But Taehyung didn't try making excuses or rationalizing their relationship. He just told them exactly how it was. And that just made Jungkook love him even more.

Taehyung continued. "I hope you can understand one day. I hope you can accept me, accept us, for loving each other. Because I need you to know that this isn't a passing phase. This man is my everything."

Jungkook's heart fluttered at the elder's words, feeling so lucky to belong to such a person. He looked to his boyfriend's parents. "I love your son so much. I will always love him and will always care for him. And it would mean the world to him - to us both - if you'd understand. You are like my family, too, and just as Taehyung is asking for your acceptance and support, so am I."

The two boys looked at each other, soaking in the last few moments before meeting their consequences.

"Are you both finished?" Taehyung's father asked.

Taehyung dragged his eyes to his father. "Yes. If . . . if you want us to leave . . . "

"Taehyung," his father said sharply, causing the boy to stop. "I'm not asking you to leave."

He got up off the couch and stood before the boy, placing his hands on his son's shoulders. "You are my son. I will always love and support you, no matter what. My wish for you is to always be happy. And if this man right here . . . our Jungkook who we've known and loved like our own son for years . . . is the person who makes you happiest, then of course I accept you both."

Taehyung broke down and his father wrapped him in a protective hug. Tears trickled down Jungkook's cheeks, completely touched by what the older man said.

Taehyung's mother came up to join them. She gently placed a hand against Jungkook's cheek. "We'd never judge either of you for who you love. The fact that you've found each other and are as committed to your love as you are . . . I could not be more proud."

She pulled Jungkook into a hug, squeezing tightly before opening her arms to Taehyung and his father. The four of them embraced as a group, with the two boys trying to reign in their emotions in the middle.

Taehyung's mother planted a kiss on both of their cheeks. "Did you not think we'd understand?"

"I didn't want you to hate me," Taehyung murmured, brushing the tears out of his eyes.

"Hate you?" Taehyung's father asked. "How could we hate you? Especially since you're with this goofball. We've seen your friendship grow for years and we know how well you guys go together. We know you'll continue to look out for each other."

They all sat back down, the tension fully out of the air. Taehyung's parents wanted to know when the shift in their relationship happened, so the two boys gave a very parent-friendly rundown. They were happy to hear that the boys had moved in with each other and seemed to be in a very solid relationship. What they had accidentally overheard earlier was never brought up either, which was a win in everyone's book.

They ordered in food and spent the next couple hours catching up on other things, the time flying by quickly. When Taehyung's parents announced they were going to bed, Taehyung stood up quickly.

"Would it be okay if Jungkook stayed over?" He asked, somewhat shyly. "We're going to tell his parents tomorrow and I'd - "

"No need to explain to us, honey," Taehyung's mother cut him off.

"You're a grown man. You can do whatever you want," his father added.

Taehyung nodded with an appreciate smile. "Thank you. But it is your house after all. I wanted to get your permission."

"Well, permission granted," Taehyung's father remarked. "Kook, just let your parents know where you are."

Jungkook nodded and took out his phone, quickly sending off a text to them.

"Goodnight boys," Taehyung's mother said as the two elders left for their room.

Jungkook stood up next to Taehyung, a huge smile on his face. "See? I told you that would go well."

Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook's neck. "You were right."

The younger closed his own arms around the elder's waist and leaned down. When he was centimeters from his mouth, he whispered "Always am, babe."

"You wish," Taehyung chuckled and closed the space between their mouths. "Now let's go and cuddle in my impossibly small bed."

They held hands as they walked to Taehyung's bedroom. Once inside, Jungkook tossed the red toiletry bag from before to the elder.

"Check inside," he said.

Taehyung opened the bag and groaned once he saw what else was inside. "You're impossible."

It was a pair of edible underwear.

"We never did eat dessert," Jungkook teased.

Taehyung stripped down to his boxers and crept under the covers. He patted the space next to him, requesting Jungkook to join him. The younger removed most of his clothing as well before sliding in next to Taehyung. They settled into each other's arms with ease.

"You'll get your dessert when we don't have my parents right next door. Deal?"

Jungkook kissed Taehyung. "Deal."