Snowflakes & Fireweeds

6. Calm Before The Storm

Taehyung and Jungkook stayed cuddling on the couch for about an hour.

Taehyung didn't know that he had missed cuddling so much. Before the accident he loved to cuddle a lot, mainly with his friends, as he didn't have a boyfriend then. But the accident had made him believe that he didn't deserve any kind of affection, so he didn't let anybody touch him for too long. Whenever someone tried to hold him, he would shy away. He never stayed in someone's arms for too long, not even in Jimin's. Not until now. Not until Jungkook.

After some time Taehyung's stomach growled and they decided to cook dinner together. While Jungkook actually prepared and cooked the food, Taehyung prepared the plates and drinks. After another hour the food was done and both sat at the dining table. They talked some more about their lives, mainly about Jungkook's, as Taehyung still didn't reveal too much about himself. What he talked about though was his art and Yeontan. Jungkook felt that art was what kept him sane, and the little Pomeranian was the reason he could maintain his humanity in this  reclusiveness he called his home. Although he still didn't smile consciously, Taehyung's eyes lit up when he told Jungkook about the discoveries he made in the woods, together with his furry friend.

There was a stream going through the woods, with many small waterfalls along its way. Taehyung had once spent a whole week following it's path, always returning and starting at another point. Then, about three years ago, he had discovered a walkway, framed by a fence to both sides, that ran from the top of the mountain, where the ski and spa resort was, down to the valley. It  was often used in summer, when the guests from the hotel hiked the woods. Taehyung and Yeontan had had some encounters with the people, but each time they saw someone, Taehyung would immediately go back into the woods, and retreat back to the house. He didn't want anyone to ask questions or follow him, so he had always been careful not to get in touch with the tourists. Only in early spring or late fall could he walk the path freely without meeting another soul. 

Jungkook listened attentively and hoped in secret that he would have the chance to see these places with the older. It was a pleasant atmosphere between them, learning new things about each other. 

When they checked the clock, it was already 9pm, the plates and glasses long emptied. They had sat together for four hours straight, and Taehyung was surprised to realize that he himself had talked almost half of the time. He pondered whether this was a good thing or not. The thought that he might have imposed himself upon Jungkook crossed his mind and he lowered his head. 

Jungkook sensed the change in Taehyung's demeanor and got confused. 

"Are you alright, Tae?" 

"Yes, yes. Of course. I apologize for talking too much about me. I'm.. I'm sorry." 

"What? Why are you sorry? I'm confused." 

"Nevermind, I'm... I should clean this up. Didn't you say you have a caring mother and brother at home? Shouldn't you call them to let them know you're alright? And maybe also use my wifi to check your messages. The password is on the fridge." 

"Yes, yeah I should do that. But... first, let me help you." 

Jungkook stood up to help him, but Taehyung shook his head rapidly. 

"No, no. You already cooked. I should clean now. You go and make the calls you need to." 

The older didn't leave Jungkook a chance to help, as he quickly jumped up and rushed to the kitchen, plates in hand. 

Jungkook sat back down, dumbstruck by what had just happened. Taehyung came back to get the remaining things, but he didn't even look up, and quickly scurried away again.