The Arrangement

33

"I love you so much, Jungkook."

Jungkook stared at Taehyung, his heart racing in his chest and his lungs burning. Right. He needed to breathe.

This was the moment he'd been waiting for all these years: the chance to tell the love of his life how he felt about him.

Before that terrible day six years ago, he used to dream of confessing his love to the elder. And after that day, he mourned not only Taehyung but also his failure to reveal his true feelings. He spent a lot of time that first year after Taehyung was gone silently praying to the elder. He'd say all the things left unspoken between them and hoped wherever Taehyung was in his next life that he'd somehow hear him.

"That shocked look on your face isn't exactly making me feel confident right now," Taehyung murmured, a slight mix of fear and apprehension in his eyes.

Jungkook's hand shook as he brought it to Taehyung's cheek, his fingers softly sliding against the elder's smooth skin. He wanted to say so much to him; he wanted Taehyung to feel how much he was loved.

"Tae -"

"Alright, everyone, take your places!" A stagehand called out, causing people to rush around in preparation.
"Sixty seconds!"

Taehyung gave Jungkook a small smile. "Go. You have to finish the show."

He started walking them both out of their hidden spot, pushing on the younger's chest to lead him to the stage.

"Fuck the show," Jungkook breathed, gripping Taehyung's wrists and removing them from his chest. He cradled his face between his hands.

"Kook," Taehyung protested, "we don't have time and I don't want you to get in trouble. Go."

They both could hear people calling out the younger's name.

"I'm not going anywhere, baby," he added. "I'll be right here when you're done."

Jungkook nodded, knowing he still had to make a good impression with Big Hit and the public alike. "Okay, we'll finish this later. But, Tae . . . my heart belongs to you. I love you, Taehyung."

He ran his thumbs over the elder's cheekbones before sprinting to his spot on stage, murmuring soft apologies to the crew. But he wasn't the least bit sorry. On the contrary, a raging energy coursed through his veins and a warmth settled in the center of his chest. This was what it felt to love and be loved in return.

The rest of the show played out, but Jungkook barely registered what was happening. He watched as Jimin and Yeonjun effortlessly performed their routines, and he somehow managed to gracefully get through his set as well. Silly games were played and laughs were shared between the mentees, though Jungkook could barely concentrate. Even the sulking Joowon didn't break his dreamlike state.

When the show officially wrapped, Jungkook searched blindly for Taehyung. He found him waiting just by the edge of the stage, as promised, with a look of pride and love coating his face. It was like no one else existed but the two of them, not as Jungkook approached him as if in a trance.

He was jarringly brought back to reality when Jimin stepped in front of him. "We need to talk."

Jungkook shook his head. "Not now, Jimin." He made to step around the pink haired boy but was blocked again.

"I'm just asking for two minutes, Kook. Then I'll let you go to him, okay?"

The younger's eyes flew to his friend. "How -?"

Jimin pulled Jungkook out of the building and led him to a quiet spot. Once there, he took a deep breath. "Kook . . ."

Jungkook knew the tone the elder was using. It was most often used when Jimin disagreed with something but was trying to be gentle about it.