P l e a s e . . . [ Taekook - Self-Harm AU ] ⚠️

[ Chapter 2: Different ]

The past few weeks have been slightly different for Jungkook. Ever since Taehyung transferred to their school. He was literally the only person that was actually... nice.. to Jungkook. He thought the boy was just being nice out of courtesy or out of pity. He doubted Taehyung saw them as friends though. He silently hoped he and Taehyung were friends, but hoped they weren't at the same time. He didn't want to ruin Taehyung's life or drag him into his own messes. Which is why he never said anything about his issues.

Jungkook was by his locker, putting his stuff into it and avoiding everyone else. It was lunch, so he avoided going to the bathroom this time. He went up to the roof instead. Nobody usually went up there. Jungkook made his way up there, painfully and slowly. He sat down on the bench as soon as he was up there. It was cloudy outside and a little chilly, but he didn't care. It was better than being with everyone else. He stared up at the sky, closing his eyes for a few moments.

Just during those minutes, Taehyung was actually trying to find Jungkook. He wanted to just... talk with him. Like he usually wanted to. He couldn't find him in the cafeteria, or roaming in the halls. So, he checked up on the roof. Surely he'd be there. Possibly. Taehyung opened the door, glancing around. He stepped around the corner, finding Jungkook sitting on a bench nearby. Taehyung smiled to himself and made his way to him, tapping Jungkook on the shoulder. Jungkook opened his eyes and flinched, instinctively, backing away and shielding himself. Afraid of being hit.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Taehyung laughed nervously, taking a seat next to Jungkook. Jungkook slowly put his arms back down and sighed shakily, sitting properly.

"Sorry..." Jungkook whispered.

"What's there to be sorry for?" Taehyung cocked his head to the side. Jungkook had multiple reasons to be sorry, but he didn't list any. He shook his head instead. Taehyung shrugged, taking out his lunch. He looked over at Jungkook in the middle of eating, seeing him zone out into nothing. "Do you.. have anything to eat?"

"Uh... No. Not hungry." Jungkook mumbled. That was the excuse.

"Come on... Look how skinny you are! You should eat a little more." Taehyung pouted childishly.

"I'm good." Jungkook whispered, now staring down at his lap and messing with the hems of his sleeves. Taehyung stayed silent, looking through his lunchbox and taking out a box full of freshly cut strawberries. He looked at Jungkook and offered one to him.

"Here. To at least keep you functioning properly." Taehyung said with a sweet smile. Jungkook stared at the strawberry.

"N-No... No, I don't want to take what's yours..." he denied, shaking his head and backing up a little.

"I'm willing to give it to you, silly. Have a little bit."

"I said I'm not hungry-" Jungkook mumbled, but his stomach growled right after he spoke. Loud enough for Taehyung to hear. Taehyung shook his head, leaving Jungkook to look away and his face flush in embarrassment.

"Open your mouth." Taehyung whispered. Jungkook hesitated, but slowly parted his lips and opened his mouth. Taehyung placed the strawberry into Jungkook's mouth so gently, almost leaving Jungkook in a trance. Jungkook closed his mouth around the strawberry and chewed on it, swallowing whatever he chewed. He pursed his lips back after, feeling slightly better now that he had a little bit of something in his system.

"Better?" Taehyung giggled. Jungkook nodded slightly, avoiding Taehyung's stare.

"...Thanks..." Jungkook whispered.

"Anytime. Have some more, actually." Taehyung placed the box in between them so Jungkook could grab what he wanted. Jungkook slowly grabbed another strawberry, nibbling on it. It was silent for a while, but it wasn't a heavy, anxious silence. It was nice... It felt nice. Mostly to just sit here and finally eat quietly. At least until Taehyung spoke up.

"Hey... You don't have to lie to me like that, okay?" Taehyung whispered softly. "You can be honest and I won't judge you for it. I promise." He didn't really have an expression, but it was soft and comforting nonetheless. Jungkook looked at him, blinking for a few moments. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"P-Promise....?" Jungkook whispered just barely.

"Pinky promise." Taehyung started to smile a little, holding out his hand with his pinky stuck out. Jungkook looked down at it. He then linked his pinky with Taehyung's. It was a little childish, sure, but Jungkook felt... safe. For once. Maybe... Taehyung wasn't like everyone else after all...

The bell rung loud and clear, making Jungkook flinch immediately. He sighed, dropping his hand back to his lap. Taehyung chuckled, putting the containers away in his lunchbox. He stood up, waiting for Jungkook to do so. "Hey..." Taehyung whispered, stretching his arms out as if he were asking for a hug. Jungkook blinked, his lips parted ever so slightly. He looked away, biting his lip before nervously wrapping his arms around Taehyung. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook too, pulling him close. He closed his eyes as they hugged, as well as Jungkook. Jungkook felt like he could cry at any second. He hadn't remembered what a hug felt like, until now. It's been too long. Way too long since he's felt comfort. Taehyung slowly pulled back after, Jungkook staring down at his feet. Taehyung smiled, reaching for Jungkook's hand to lead him down from the rooftop.

Chapter 2 End...