The Arrangement

64

Taehyung stretched out in the hotel's tub, the steaming hot water relaxing his muscles. A content smile decorated his face as he leaned his head back to rest against the wall. Tonight was a perfect farewell to his career.

Singing onstage with Jungkook was an experience he never knew he wanted or needed. It was like the two boys came full circle: playing pretend rockstars as kids to performing in front of thousands as adults. It was a perfect moment that Taehyung would always keep in his heart.

It made the goodbye to his life as a recording artist all that easier.

"You look happy," a soft spoken Jungkook murmured as he leaned against the doorframe.

The elder opened his eyes and took in the younger. "I am happy. God, I am so fucking happy."

"It's a good look on you."

"I'd be even happier if you joined me in here," Taehyung smirked, splashing the water in front of him. "Come take a bath with me, Kookie."

Jungkook chuckled, eyeing the elder for a moment before pulling off his clothes. "Unlike someone I know, I'll actually remove my clothing before joining you."

The elder stuck out his tongue. "It was one time."

A naked Jungkook slowly eased himself into the tub, turning backwards so Taehyung could wrap his arms around his waist. He tilted his head back against the elder's shoulder and grinned.

"I think I like you singing Euphoria more than me," Jungkook confided, propping his elbows up on Taehyung's knees.

Taehyung pressed a kiss onto the side of his head. "Thank you for sharing that moment with me, Kook. It meant the world to me."

"I'm so happy everyone came around, Tae. Hearing them chant your name, your real name, was such a gift for me," the younger revealed openly. "I spent years thinking I'd never hear your name again. So to have thousands call it out for me . . . I can't get over it."

Taehyung gripped the boy's waist tighter. "It's all because of you. You've done so much for me and I don't know if I'll ever be able to thank you enough. I'm who I am today because of you, Kook."

"I maybe helped, but you had it in you all along, Tae. You're this kind, creative, loving man because you put in the effort to get there. I'm so honored you've let me witness this growth. I'm honored you chose me to stand by your side." Jungkook placed his hands over Taehyung's and squeezed.

After a few moments of silence, Taehyung spoke up once more. "Jungkook?"

The boy hummed in question.

"Have you ever thought about getting married when you were growing up?"

Jungkook stilled for a second at the question. He rose out of the elder's arms and faced him.

"No," the younger stated, but rushed to finish as he noticed the slight flash of shock in Taehyung's eyes. "But only because I could never imagine settling down. Not when you were gone. I just . . . I just couldn't bear to think of it."

"Baby . . ."

"But if you were to ask me now - in the last few months - if I ever thought about it . . ." Jungkook's eyes twinkled as he nodded his head.

Taehyung placed a hand over the younger's cheek. "I'm going to make you mine one day, Jeon Jungkook. Because when I envision the future, I don't see a fancy apartment or awards or expensive belongings. I just see you. I'd be the richest man in the world with you always at my side. And even though I don't have much of anything to offer right now, I promise I'd give you all my love."