Stranger | Jikook/Kookmin

35 | Better Than the Truth

"Jungkook-ah," Taehyung's soft voice penetrates through the silence. Jungkook looks up. The man is bearing a hard look in his eyes. "I'm sorry."

That... wasn't anticipated. 

"Oh," Jungkook breathes out, swallowing the gulp of milk in his mouth. "I don't mind you coming over," he shrugs, fingers greasing on the mug. They roomed together for a week before anyway. 

Taehyung purses his lips briefly. There is something about his conflicted expression that rings of unplanned confessions, but he gathers enough courage to proceed with it. "I'm sorry for not telling you I was staying upstairs."

Jungkook doesn't hold back his snort this time. "If you apologize for every single thing you haven't told me, we won't see the end of the day, don't you think?" Taehyung smiles a thankful plea. "I was actually meaning to thank you."

The older man's eyebrows shoot up. This is going to be cheesy, but...

"The mp3 player you left. We've grown close ever since."

Taehyung hisses a mocking laugh, but it only makes the two of them chuckle together in the end. Feels relieving, like finding your way back to someone special. Taehyung was very special to Jungkook. He still is, though the pretense in his attitude appears to have melted away. He acts more... human, if that makes sense. More real. More relatable.

"I thought you wouldn't talk to me, like Jimin."

"We are related to you in different ways," Jungkook scrunches his shoulders. "It's easier for me to forgive you."

Taehyung is paying attention, listening and caring. Jungkook is surprised, least to say. He didn't think he'd ever be the  center of attention in their interactions, as he was used to one-sidedly admiring the Kim Taehyung who existed in his awesome mysteries.

Think about it, Jimin would appreciate this change too. Or maybe not... They got some shitty history. It's hard to overlook certain mistakes.

"So are you going to keep living at the rooftop?" Jungkook asks.

It draws a sigh out of Taehyung. He must not love having to worry about his tent collapsing every rain check either. "I'm looking around."

"You can move back in with me, if you want."

Taehyung's eyes spring up to meet Jungkook's, both of them flustered from the sudden suggestion. Jungkook didn't know he'd be calling in a roommate this very Sunday but he is not backing away now that word has left his lips. Living with Taehyung was quite enjoyable. They can become good friends if he returns. Though Jungkook will need to charge him something for rent and electricity, he doesn't even know if the man has an income. This is precisely his soft spot speaking.

"Thanks," but Taehyung squeezes his mouth into big a smile. "I'd rather be on the safe side."

Humh.  

Makes sense, Jungkook guesses.

He is not that bummed because he likes that Taehyung is taking responsibility for exploiting the help hand that Jimin offered him. It will be hard to regain his trust, goes without saying, so the most Taehyung could do now is avoid triggering him again. 

Nevertheless, Jungkook wants to help! Taehyung must have had his reasons for everything he has done. The fact that he doesn't talk about the whys behind his actions doesn't mean they are baseless. Plus, letting him wonder on his own in a hasty estate hunt (he be doing a terrible job as we all can see) is a cruel punishment with respect to his misdeeds.

So Jungkook decides to consult someone who is an all-time Gidae resident, someone who might be able to help Taehyung find a place. A phone call later, helpful barista Jung Hoseok is more than welcome to assist the lost puppy, proposing that they meet at Avocado after his shift the very day.