LONDON SEOUL (BTS)

IV

Jungkook was really angry that I arrived late to the station, which in turn resulted in our late arrival at Taehyung's apartment. His maid had guided us to the living room and gone back to get us tea.  
 

“In my defense, I did not know that the station opened at eight,” which was a lie. I knew when the station opened. But, I did not think that he would expect me to arrive that early. “Also, getting into a dress is 1 hour of extensive labour for 2 people.”

“I don’t care,” he hissed. So he really really cared about punctuality. I should have guessed.

We took our seats and only moments after Taehyung arrived with the maid trailing behind him. 

We immediately stood and greeted each other as one did in polite company. Jungkook introducing both me and himself, while I kept quiet. He had grown quite a bit. It had been a long period since I isolated myself from the London society. 

“Ah yes. Lady Gray-” 

“Just Gray,” I said reflexly. Jungkook shot a look toward me. “Lady Gray is my mother,” I added in an effort to correct my rudeness. It did not work completely as we awkwardly took our seats. 

“Ah yes,” Taehyung blinked. “Of course! I apologize. I am very grateful for your father that day.” Idiot. Stick to a story. “I am very sorry for your loss and if it’s any consolation, I will always remain grateful for the services your family provides. Your father's loss was-”

“Concerning the incident,” Jungkook began seeing how uncomfortable I got at the mention of father. “If you could remember any further details about the assailant. Even their general height, gender, or anything you can add to it. It would be very helpful to our department and also Gray.” The maid who had been quietly serving tea until Jungkook mentioned the incident, did the same much louder in protest of the given topic. 

“I am sorry but I have told you everything that I remember of that day. I was embarrassingly drunk from the party.” Idiot. “ Then I got informed the next day like everyone else. It’s a dreadful tragedy.” Taehyung was slightly shaking his head in apology. He definitely didn't fool Jungkook, who was fumbling at how he should address his blatant attempt at lying.

Jungkook tried multiple times. “Sir!" "Please!" "If you could remember anything about …” This was probably why Jungkook was always in such a foul mood. 

From the looks of it, Taehyung was not going to tell anything. Slightly frustrated I stood up and made my way towards the table where the tea was set. The maid had left a while ago giving the most irritated face at Jungkook for bothering her master. I poured myself some tea looking out the window.

The place was really bright compared to Kim manor. Old houses with affluent households tended to accumulate a lot of treasures including  paintings and kept their curtains shut to preserve them. It was a bit ironic to lose something so delightful for a great but still just an imitation of the same. Tae never spent time in his house if he could avoid it. 

I am sorry.

I made my way back making sure to stumble on the way pouring hot tea on Taehyung's cravat, which was too tight to be comfortable and too broad to be fashionable. 

“I am so sorry-” I hurried toward the table to put my tea cup down.

“It’s alright. It is really alright,” Taehyung said through his teeth trying to contain the pain. I moved towards him to help him with his cravat. He jerked away saying, “ No don’t. I am- I am alright”

Regaining his composure, Taehyung told us. “Actually I have an important business meeting that I am getting late to.” All the while, wearing his cravat which must be burning his skin. 

Visibly shocked, Jungkook unfroze from his seated position, slowly standing up.“I am so sorry Mr. Kim. We will make our way as well.”