Rainbow - BTS

31 - Green

i'm green: build to serve the needs of others
unerringly loyal, no matter the cost
whenever i lose a friend or a lover
i think i'll be forever lost

i'm green: i hate the idea of being alone
but i'm only safe when i'm on my own
how can i protect the people that matter
if leaving them to thrive would make me shatter

"I never thanked you for helping me out," Taehyung mumbles to Jungkook, who just shrugs, handing him another glass of water.
"I couldn't exactly leave you," the green says simply, blushing slightly, and the older male tilts his head.

"I mean, you could-"
"With due respect, Taehyung, you don't know me as well as you think you do. I can't leave anyone in distress. It doesn't matter what the situation is, I can't do that."

The orange nods politely, even if he doesn't really get it. "Still, I appreciate it. And anyway, could be worse, right? At least I get to see Miri again."

The dog in question is currently curled up happily on Taehyung's lap, fast asleep, as the two of them talk quietly (for the sake of the hangover) at the breakfast bar. It's been a few hours since they both woke up, but they're not keen on doing anything in particular today. So it doesn't really matter how much time they waste here.

"Am I allowed to ask what's up?" Jungkook says suddenly, unexpectedly, after a few seconds of silence, and Taehyung looks over at him.
"Huh?"
"Why the random disappearance? What made you feel like you needed to just...go to a club and drink until you puked?"

The orange sighs. "Oh, that. Well...I wasn't expecting it to get that bad. I actually just wanted to forget about the stress of everything. I know I don't seem like it, but I do care about others, and Jin hyung's disorder really shook me. For years, I saw nothing, and he was breaking apart. I don't know if I can ever forgive myself for that. What kind of little brother ignores his own brother's suffering, forces him to work too many hours, all for a pipe dream that may never come true?"

Before Jungkook can say anything, Taehyung continues. "I know it sounds dumb, but I was selfish, and I didn't even realise it at the time. Until I confronted him about it, saw how bad it really was..." he breaks off to wipe his eyes roughly. "That was when I woke up to my own mistakes. And it might be too late to solve the situation."

The green shrugs. "I don't know about that," he states simply, smiling a little when Taehyung jolts slightly and turns to stare at him, something akin to hope in his tired eyes.
"What do you mean?"

"Jin's coworker told me that he lives next door to someone who works with people with mental illnesses. Something about using exercise to encourage people to be more positive and find a different way to let out negative emotions? I don't really know all the details, to be honest." Taehyung tilts his head.
"How did you get him to tell you that?"

"Their kid appeared in store and asked if all was good, and I asked for context when she left. Turns out that he's 'asking about the services the therapist dude provides for a friend', and it was common sense to link that to Jin hyung. He even confirmed it, when I mentioned hyung's name. It's kinda convenient, but it's certainly ideal for them."

"A coworker?" Taehyung questions, confused.
"Newbie," Jungkook confirms, nodding in confirmation. "Someone called Jimin, he's really friendly and he helped me learn how to use the till for the first time. I think his hair is a bright red, but I'm not totally sure, because he's always wearing that work cap. Don't take my word for it on that."

"Oh, hyung mentioned him a few times, said he was a good guy," Taehyung comments quietly, nodding in understanding. "It was nice of him to ask his neighbour, even if it made him get questioned by his neighbour's kid."
"He told me that she's a massive fan of Yoongi hyung, too," Jungkook adds on, and Taehyung beams. "She's read all his stuff, and according to him, she can talk for hours about the meaning of the paintings and poems in his books."