Snowflakes & Fireweeds

22. The Truth Untold

They drove for another two hours before they came to the outskirts of Helena, Jungkook's hometown. They left the interstate and drove through a peaceful neighborhood before Jungkook turned the car into a driveway, leading some feet up to a garage with a grey door. The garage was attached to a two-story house and was made of reddish cobblestones, just like the first floor of the house. The second floor was covered in green beige tiles. In the middle of the front of the house was a balcony, and underneath it was the entrance to the building. The balcony and the entrance door were flanked by windows with reddish lattice-blinds. As the house was not on street-level, some steps led to the door that had a dark brown color. The roof was red and mirrored the color of the stones that decorated the steps on both sides, and marked the border to the neatly trimmed green lawn in front of the house.
Jungkook turned off the engine and thus pulled Taehyung from his observations. The older turned to his boyfriend and was met with eyes that showed a mix of excitement and worry. Taehyung could only imagine what was going through his boyfriend's head, but he was determined to stay by his side and help him through whatever was coming his way and whatever was written in this notebook. He reached over to Jungkook and stroked his cheek. The younger closed his eyes and leaned into the touch, showing how young and in need of protection he still was. Taehyung leaned over and pecked his nose, making him open his eyes.
The older brushed the tip of his nose against Jungkook's and smiled at him lovingly.
"I'm here, Kookie. I'm with you. No matter what you will learn today, I am with you. I told you I love you and I will help you in every possible way."
The whispered words were sealed with a kiss that they both melted into.
When they broke the kiss to gasp for air, Jungkook's eyes were sparkling, his cheeks rosy from the caress. He smiled at Taehyung.
"Thank you, baby. You're just what I need."
Taehyung felt proud that he could really lift his boyfriend's mood so simply.
They were pulled out of their little bubble as Yeontan started jumping around in his box on the backseat, demanding their attention. He probably needed to pee.
"OK," Jungkook took a deep breath, "let's go!"
Taehyung nodded and exited the car. He opened the back door and let Yeontan jump out of his box. The puppy jumped around his feet, barking excitedly. Jungkook had just rounded the car and joined them both, when they heard a door opening and they turned around to see a woman stepping out of the house.
She smiled at them both, her doe eyes a dark brown, just like Jungkook's. It was immediately clear for Taehyung that this was Jungkook's mother.
"Little one!"
She opened her arms wide while she made her way down the steps and towards them. It took Jungkook just a second to sprint into her arms and hug her tightly. Her laugh was clear and melodic, a pleasant sound to listen to, and one that made Taehyung smile instantly. He would definitely like her.
Two other people now stepped out of the house and made their way down the stairs. They were both tall, and while one of them had broad shoulders and a clearly muscular body, the other was rather on the lanky side. The broad-shouldered guy had dark hair, a straight nose and full lips. The other had grey hair and what was most prominent about his face, were the dimples that appeared when he smiled, just like he did now.
"Jungkook, you're here!"
The younger stepped back from his mother, only to be pulled into a hug from both of the men.
Taehyung was still standing next to the car, fiddling with the hem of his sweater. He was nervous, he was meeting his boyfriend's family after all. As if Yeontan could sense something, he was plastered next to him, sitting close to his right leg.
The woman, Jungkook's mother, turned towards him and stepped closer.
"Hello, you must be Taehyung."
She smiled and Taehyung knew who Jungkook had gotten his warm aura from.
"Ah, yes. Hello Mrs. Jeon, I'm Kim Taehyung. It's really nice to meet you!"
He bowed down several times and hoped she didn't catch his nervousness.
"Oh my, straighten up, Taehyung."
He did as he was told and was soon engulfed in a warm hug.
"That's how we should greet each other, Taehyung. You're Jungkook's boyfriend after all."
Her embrace was warm, just as her words, and Taehyung smiled as he hugged her back.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jeon-"
"It's Minah. Or mom. Whichever you want."
Taehyung leaned back and nodded, astonished by the kindness she showed him.
"Mom, don't make him blush. That's my job."
Jungkook stepped next to him and snaked one arm around his waist while he said that.
Now Tae was really blushing as he hit Jungkook's chest playfully.
"Kookie!"
His whine was met with a kiss to his cheek and he buried his face in his hands, not used to so much  public affection, especially not in front of his boyfriend's family.
"Oh my God, I didn't know my little brother could be so sappy!"
Taehyung looked up. The broad-shouldered guy was next to Minah now, one hand on her shoulder, while the other hand was held by the dimple-boy.
"Tae, may I introduce to you Seokjin, my brother, and his boyfriend Namjoon?"
Taehyung nodded and extended his hand, but was once again pulled into a hug by Jungkook's brother. Namjoon just gave him a soft pat on the back, probably sensing that the hugs were a little overwhelming for him.
Yeontan started jumping around and barking, demanding some attention for himself now.
They all chuckled at the pup, and Minah crouched down to greet him.
Taehyung took a step back and was immediately enveloped by warmth as he leaned into Jungkook's chest again. He felt a soft squeeze on his waist, his boyfriend making sure that he was alright.
Taehyung put is hand over Jungkook's, and stroked it slightly.
They stayed outside for some more minutes, playing with Yeontan, before picking up their luggage and going into the house.