Save Me

36

This, Taehyung deems, is one of the worst mistakes he's ever made in his life.

He tried telling himself that this was for Rosie's sake. That this was the right thing to do; to put her first and to put his energy into working for money and taking care of her.

But even Rosie was noticing Taehyung's change of mood. She often pushed him to go hang out with his friends, but he refused, saying he didn't feel like it.

When Taehyung came back home later that day, Jungkook was there, and Taehyung sat on the couch opposite of the couple with a tired sigh.

"So... I have a surprise for you two," Jungkook grins, breaking the silence.

"What is it?" Taehyung asks, loosening his tie.

Jungkook doesn't say anything but pulls out two tickets from his jeans, handing one to Rosie and the other to Taehyung.

"You bought us tickets to Paris?!" Taehyung shouts, staring at him in bewilderment.

"Jungkookie!" Rosie squeals, hugging him tightly.

Taehyung stared down at the ticket in shock, not knowing how to process the fact that he was actually going to Paris.

"I don't understand," he says.

"It's just... you guys have been through a lot," Jungkook murmurs, almost shyly, as he shrugs his shoulders. "I just thought it would be nice."

"Thank you, Jungkook," Taehyung says sincerely, laughing in disbelief. "I don't even know what to say."

"You leave Friday night," the ravenette says, holding his hand up when Tahyung's mouth opened in protest. "I already talked to my uncle and he understands."

"Jimin wants to see Rosie before she leaves so he'll drop her off at the airport to meet you," Jungkook continues. "You probably need to start packing now, though. The trip is the day after tomorrow."

Taehyung froze. He felt like he had so much to do before this trip, and he only hoped he had enough time to beat the sand rushing out of the hourglass.

***

"Taehyung," Rosie says as they bring their suitcases downstairs. "You know I'm okay, right?"

"What do you mean?" the elder frowns, rolling his suitcase by the front door. He was going to put them in his car already so he would be prepared to leave tomorrow morning.

"I'm happy that you've been taking care of me, but... I'm okay, Taehyung," she says, trying to explain. "I feel like you're cutting yourself off from doing other things because of me."

"Well, I..." Taehyung pauses, looking down.

"I have Jungkookie and the boys too, you know," Rosie smiles softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're always going to be my big, protective brother, but please go do something for yourself."

"Is this your way of telling me I've been annoying?" Taehyung teases.

"A little overbearing, yes," Rosie giggles softly. "Go hang out with your friends when we come back from Paris, okay?"

Taehyung nods, her words settling the anxiety in his chest.

"Hey, Rosie, I... I need to go," he says, opening the door before grabbing both of their suitcases. "I need to take care of something before we leave. Will you be alright?"

"I'll be fine," Rosie nods, pushing her brother out. "Now go!"