♬ I'll reach out my hand to you
I'll have faith in all you do
Just call my name and I'll be there ♬
"I'll be there," The Jackson 5
5th of July 1978
Somewhere in the woods of France, a campsite
The campfire was lit and everyone was sitting around in hopes of chasing away the bugs from their body and accepting warmth to contradict the cool breeze. Everyone was having a conversation to each other but Jeongguk just sat there, watched as the small twigs near the campfire turn into ashes.
Someone patted his back and finally he looked up, his soul coming back to reality from the deepest of his imagination. His pupils dilated as he saw the man he adores smiled at him. "Are you alright? Why don't you try talking to other people?" Taehyung said and sat next to him. Jeongguk was confused why Taehyung was finally interacting with him. Not that he doesn't want the older to talk to him anymore, it's just that him being mad was valid so he is giving him the space he needed for a while.
"I-I don't know how to do it," Jeongguk said and looked down to his feet. He was just wearing slippers. He's a little uncomfortable that his feet would sometimes touch the ground.
Jimin came and hung his hand around Jeongguk's nape, suprising the younger a little. "Is V harming you? Let me harass him myself," Jimin said and fake punched the older. Taehyung acted like he was hurt and Jeongguk just let it happen and shook his head a little while he tried to stifle a smile.
"Can I ask something?" Jeongguk let out with the little of his voice.
"Hm?" Jimin tilted his head to the side to view Jeongguk's face better.
"Why do you call Tae by 'V'? Is it a nickname? I don't get it. His name doesn't even have a 'v' on it or produce that sound," Jeongguk inquired. Taehyung was about to answer when Jimin talked first.
"I got this. Do you really want to know why we call him 'V'? Then let me tell you the whole story why Taehyung was born to be called 'V'. Storytelling time, Yey!" Jimin cheered and clapped and Jeongguk awkwardly went along with him. "First, Mr. Kim and Mrs. Kim had s-" Taehyung covered Jimin's mouth to stop him from talking.
"He was only asking why you guys call me 'V' and you want to tell my whole biography through your mouth. You really should stop dreaming about being a narrator 'cause you're meant to act the scenes instead," Taehyung said to Jimin as he still tried to make him stop. Taehyung finally let go of Jimin and then he breathed for fresh air.
"I was just trying to tell your story and you're trying to kill me? Whatever it is that's going on between us, it's over, V." Jimin said that on a period and pretended he's going to walk out but then Taehyung pulled him back to sit besides Jeongguk. The younger had no word to speak that's why he just watched as the both of them played off.
"So, as I was saying, we call him 'V' because he does this sign so much during pictorials after a matinee performance for the papers and magazines. I don't know if it's just him hiding the half of his face from the camera because he is shy or he is promoting world peace by doing the peace sign," Jimin said as he did the same sign Taehyung does when he faces the camera.
"Or he's doing that because he doesn't want girls go crazy over him because admit it or not, Taehyung, is in fact, the most handsome man that exists in this lifetime," came another voice of a woman and then they all look at the direction where it came. Rosé sat next to Jimin and waved his hand a little to Jeongguk. "Imagine, every girl would want to buy newspapers not because they want to know the headlines and stuff happening in our world but just to see the theater actors that were featured in a newspaper."
Whilst they were complimenting Taehyung, Jeongguk just felt he's being out of place. Now he just couldn't say if it's really a good thing to go in this trip when during the first day, things started going downhill. "I've been in many of your performances but it's the first time I heard these Taehyung facts," Jeongguk said and looked down.
"One and a half year of performances together. I'm sure that's long enough to know each other's character. I don't mean the character we're playing but the actors themselves," Jimin added and Rosé nodded to that.
One by one, Taehyung's friends came and sat next to each other. "Compared to three months, I think you guys know Taehyung so well than me. I wish I knew him longer than that," Jeongguk suddenly mumbled loud, not really his intention to let everyone hear.
"Oh come on. Now's not the time to be envious and jealous. Not when Taehyung's been staring at you for minutes now," Seokjin teased and Taehyung went tomato because of that. They all laughed in unison while the two remained silent, obviously sharing the same thoughts and feelings.
"I'll just get something from the tent," Jeongguk said when he had the chance to excuse himself. He knew all too well that his face was burning so hard not because of the campfire but because of the feelings he had for Taehyung. Now, now, he finally admitted to himself that he's really in love with him.
"You guys say it like it's not foreign to feel that way. You don't think it's weird?" Taehyung asked everyone around him, being careful to not let it slip to other campers. Not during this time when same-sex affection is forbidden to be displayed in public.
"I mean, love is agender? Who said love is limited between a boy and a girl only? I don't know what are homophobes thinking exactly," A girl named Lisa said as she joined the conversation. She is probably Rosé's friend because they were interacting before.
"Does that confirms, I, indeed have feelings for Jeongguk? And I'm not just confused between friendship and romantic love?" Taehyung asked them.
"Your love for him is invaluable, mate. I can see it vividly. Your eyes tell and they do not lie. You always smile even if you're just staring at him. You really find him very adorable. Everyone could see that. The way those deep brown eyes sparkle when they meet with his," Namjoon described what he just saw at Taehyung. That made Taehyung even more embarrassed because he's being exposed.
"So that statement confirms it? You're gay, Kim?" said a deep voice of a man that isn't a part of the circle. They all faced the one who just talked. They started receiving attention as this guy was making a scene. He's making it a big deal.
"Oh, shut up, f*ck face. Who are you anyways? Why are you even eavesdropping at us? That sh*t is gayer than having feelings with the same sex," Yoongi said and smirked, even rolled his eyes to dismiss the guy. That made the place even more tensioned and everyone at Taehyung's side was ready to throw a fist.
"Siding the queer, aren't we, Min?" The guy said and Yoongi just laughed at him.
"Except we means you and I, so you do too?" Yoongi talked back.
"That's gross, man! Being friends with a dude who likes dudes too," he replied back. Yoongi was already clenching his fist when someone interfered their about-to-happen fist fight.
"What is this commotion all about?" A professor-in-charge finally noticed what was happening and went between the both sides.
"Sir, Kim just made it clear to us that he's a homosexual and he's having romantic feelings with his same sex. We all know that's being 'f*cked in the head'!" The guy continued, displaying a strong dislike with queer people.
"And when does that concerns you? Are you the one who have the said feelings?" The professor asked him. The guy didn't have an answer to that.
"You tolerate that, professor? You should be calling for medical assistance. We all know being a fag is a sickness!"
"Mr. Walter, if I told you you are the one who is sick in the head for meddling in someone's business, will you ever learn to shut up?" The professor was now mad at the student's behaviour. The guy smirked and just rolled his eyes.
"My dad will have the word about this," that were his last words and flounced towards the direction of their tent. When Jeongguk finally came back, he was bewildered why everyone looked bothered and what was the noise all about.
"I just wanted to tell you guys that I have my own beliefs but I respect yours. Now, campfire meeting is over and proceed to your tents now. We will be up early tomorrow for our activities," The professor said and the students made rumbling sounds but still they went inside their own tents. Taehyung guided Jeongguk back to their tent by his waist, saying he'll explain everything once they're inside, not knowing Taehyung just professed his love for him infront of everyone.
"That professor is wholesome. I heard he will be our adviser next year. I'm excited to be his student," Hoseok talked to Seokjin while they walked their way to their tent with Namjoon. Yoongi and Jimin had a seperate tent too.
When Jeongguk and Taehyung finally went in their tent, Jeongguk started spreading his folded blanket. Taehyung looked the younger's way and watched his every action. "What? You don't have a blanket?" The younger asked. Taehyung just laughed and then he leaned his head on his pillow.
"I'm fine. I can handle the coldness of the night," Taehyung joked, hinting he wanted a share from Jeongguk's blanket too. The younger started adjusting it and shared the half to Taehyung. Their feet would accidentally touch each other, and then Jeongguk getting uncomfortable with it because he wonders if it's alright with Taehyung.
"You okay?" Taehyung asked and looked at Jeongguk. The younger remained looking at the ceiling of the tent. He moved his head a little to say he was fine. "Cookie?" Taehyung called for his nickname. That's when Jeongguk looked at his way, their noses almost touching each other. Jeongguk wanted to adjust himself a little away from him but he can't.
"Hm?" he asked while he laid his eyes on the older.
"Can I embrace you in my arms?"
It took Jeongguk a few seconds before he could respond. Not that Jeongguk doesn't like it. He was just thinking if it's really alright to Taehyung. Jeongguk then closed his eyes, pretending to go to sleep already. "Do whatever you want."
Taehyung smiled at him. He pulled the younger closer to him. He accepted his warmth. They both felt secured. They both felt at home. It's their first night sleeping together. In the same bed, while holding each other tightly.
"Tae . . . I thought you are mad," Jeongguk whispered. Taehyung opened his eyes to that. Jeongguk leaned closer to Taehyung's chest to hear his heartbeat. To find out if he feels the same while they were in that situation.
"Why did you say so?"
"I lost a most valuable thing to you. The one you trusted me to take care of. I don't think I can sleep well tonight, Tae. I don't want you to feel bad at me," Jeongguk said those words like they stabbed him in his chest. He sincerely feel sorry to Taehyung. He doesn't mean to lose the wristwatch.
"Hey, darling. Listen, will you? It's alright. I am not mad at you. If it's meant to happen, then it will be. Let's take care of it tomorrow, okay? For now, you should rest. Don't think of it now," Taehyung reminded him. Maybe those words enlightened Jeongguk, but still he is bothered. "Let's sleep," Taehyung said and kissed Jeongguk's forehead. He held onto Jeongguk tightly like he doesn't want him to let go. Like he is assuring him everything is alright.
That moment, Jeongguk was assured that things will turn out great soon.
Taehyung wake up inside the tent alone. Gone was any trace of the younger. He worriedly went out of their tent to see if Jeongguk is just outside, if he's just sitting near the campfire which is already remains of ashes and a little fire. He suddenly forgot everyone else was already sleeping and started calling for Jeongguk's name.
Jimin and his other friends went out their tents to see what was happening. Jimin immediately walked to Taehyung to ask him why is he calling for Jeongguk. "He's not around. I woke up and he's not beside me. Where did he go?" he worriedly asked and accidentally messed his hair. He sat on the grass, unable to control himself. Obviously frustrated.
"What happened? Did you two fight?" Yoongi asked him. Taehyung shook his head.
"Before we headed to sleep, he was talking about my wristwatch that I gave him that he lost in the woods. I said it was alright and we will take care of it. He was just sleeping fine beside me earlier. Now, he disappeared," Taehyung explained. More and more students started going out of their tents too.
"V, calm down, alright? Let's wait for him. He maybe went out there to get some fresh air. If he doesn't appear after a few more minutes, then we'll go look for him. Okay? Just relax, Tae." Jimin was rubbing his back, making him feel everything will be alright.
They followed what Jimin suggested. They waited for the younger to come back.
Taehyung began to worry as he stared at the forest trees in front of them. Since it's already around midnight and Jeongguk is still not around, he started overthinking that something bad might've had happened to the younger.
He went inside his tent and took his jacket. The others were staring at him, analyzing his actions. "I'm going to find him," Taehyung said and wore his jacket properly. He was about to go in the woods when someone held his arm.
"You are not going alone, V. It's dangerous," Jimin said, looking like he's about to cry too since Jeongguk was missing. He worriedly pleaded Taehyung to not go using his eyes.
"If that's the case then I really need to go. If it's dangerous out there if I'm all alone, then Jeongguk is in danger. I need to find him," Taehyung insisted. He held Jimin's hand and slowly let go of his grip. "I'll be back safe with him," Taehyung said. He struck a match to light his lantern that he will bring with him. Everyone looked so worried for Jeongguk.
"Then we'll come with you," Namjoon bravely stepped in, squeezing Taehyung's shoulder, assuring him he's not alone. Yoongi, Hoseok, Seokjin, and Jimin went inside their tents and took their jackets too. It is already freezing there and the only source of heat they have right now is the hug of their sweaters and jackets. The campfire set-up in the middle of the tents went off already.
When they are all about to enter the dark woods, a figure emerged from behind the trees, making everyone jump in fear. Taehyung immediately ran towards that direction and tightly gave the boy a hug. "What are you up to!? I was worried of you!" Taehyung tried to not sound as angry as possible. Jeongguk, unable to express himself by speaking, hugged Taehyung tightly.
"I-I'm sorry, Tae. I thought I lost my way! I was only going around for a walk. And I was hoping to find your wristwatch while doing so. But then I forgot my path. I am so sorry for making you all worried. I thought I am not going to find you all back," Jeongguk's voice hitched after speaking those words, sounding like he's in the verge of crying.
"It's alright, darling. You are here. You are safe. Thank God," Taehyung was comforting him and made him look in his eyes. The older wiped the younger's tears using his thumb as they started rolling down his cheek. He suddenly had this urge to kiss Jeongguk but then he just hid it by hugging the small boy once more.
"Here, Tae. Take it back. I don't want to lose it again. I don't want you to be mad at me," Jeongguk let out as he let go of Taehyung's hug. Handing him the wristwatch he found in the woods.
"It's yours, Jeongguk. And it's alright if you lose it again. What I am worrying about is that, I thought I had lost you too," Taehyung said. Jeongguk smiled at him.
"You could never lose me, Tae." The younger assured him, and somehow to Taehyung, that was everything.