A photographer was far from what Jeongguk originally intended on becoming. In reality, his dream was to become a professional diver.
Ever since he was a child, he loved to swim. He can still remember the day he got his swimming diploma. Instead him being happy about it, he was terribly disappointed that the lessons were over.
A small breath exited through his nostrils, in utter concentration he wrote another important note down. The sound of his pen clicking filled up the silence.
He was currently sat in his living room, finishing up the last bits of an online exam about 'professional diving' he gladly invested his time in.
After taking fifteen tests and receiving back solely 'A's,' he decided it was time for the exam he prepared for.
He hoped that after finishing this and gaining this kind of knowledge, there was a higher possibility for him to get a job like this in the future. He would be somewhat experienced, not the beginner standard amateur.
The tips of his fingers danced over the keyboard when he remembered the correct answer. Scrolling down to the very last question, he refrained from rolling his eyes and basking in pride because it happened to be an easy one.
The inquiry went like this;
'Give step by step instructions about what one should do, when in the unfortunate situation of getting stuck underwater. The diving buddy is nowhere in sight, the oxygen tank provides enough for another ten minutes.'
Beginning to type in his answer, he started off with that the first thing that should be done, is staying calm. Panicking isn't an option, especially not if the oxygen tank is running out. You'd be wasting useful air without getting anywhere.
Secondly, the individual should try to locate where it is that they are exactly stuck. If the diving gear happens to be hooked around something sharp, the thing should be attempted to be cut off in order to free oneself.
If that doesn't work and the emergency air of the oxygen tank is enabled, one should get out of their entire diving gear as soon as possible, with the very breath they got to take.
Smiling, Jeongguk scrolled past all of his answers once more to make sure of them, before submitting it.
With a satisfied groan he stood up and walked over to the small kitchen area, wanting to make himself a cup of coffee.
The clock read 9 AM, when his phone rang. He grabbed the device out of his pocket glancing past the caller ID, since he was pouring the hot beverage in a cup.
Using his shoulder to press it against his ear, he flinched visibly when a foul voice started to scream out,
"YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD!
DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE CAUSED US, HUH!? YOU TURNED YOUR BACK ON US BY CHOOSING TO BE GAY, HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO YOUR OWN PARENTS?!"
Jeongguk pressed his eyes shut, putting the things he was holding back on the counter for a second. Taking a hold of his phone, he pressed his lips into a thin line whilst holding it away from his poor eardrum. He wasn't feeling like going deaf hearing his own mother scream incoherent phrases at him.
He didn't dare to end the call, knowing it would only fuel her rage. So instead, he just stood there and stared at the wall, listening with a heavy heart how his mother yelled all kinds of things. She made clear how repulsed he was by his own family and that he shouldn't ever even consider thinking of coming back.
"YOU BRAT! WHY AREN'T YOU RESPONDING?! I TAUGHT YOU BETTER THAN THAT! YOU ARE THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OUT THERE.
YOU RUINED US!"
After another set of harsh words that came from what used to be his once loving mother's mouth, he heard steady beeps instead, indicating that she decided she was done and hung up.
Sighing, he slowly put his phone down and continued pouring the coffee in a cup, since it only got filled to the half before his actions were paused.
He noticed his eyes getting glossy, so he bit his tongue and took a deep breath. He didn't want to cry because of this. He'd only be wasting water.
What happened between them isn't his fault. There is nothing wrong with liking the same gender. He couldn't help his feelings, it isn't a choice. It's a preference one has no control over.
He knows this. Seokjin made sure to tell him that, and that he is perfect just the way he is. Yet, he couldn't help but zone out about it.
In the back of his mind, the realisation that if he had never came out they would still be a happy family, haunted him.
Jeongguk flinched, hissing in pain when the cup suddenly overflowed and the hot liquid streamed down the sides, onto the skin of his hand.
He shook his head and sighed agitated while turning on the faucet, letting the cold water do its job by lessening the pain of the burnmarks. With his other hand he reached for the dishcloth, wiping everything clean.
A few moments later, he sat back down on the couch, dialing Seokjin's number.
"Jeongguk-ah? Hi!"
Seokjin's voice was heard, making the younger smile. Forgetting as to why he even rung him up in the first place, he reacted.
"Seokjin-hyung! How are you doing? Did you sleep well? I hope I didn't wake you up! How has it been without me?"
He bombed him with questions, wanting to make sure his best friend was doing alright. After all, he owed him his life.
"Woah there, calm down!
I'm doing great, I still need to get used to the fact that you aren't here anymore though, and yes, I slept very well. You didn't wake me up, either.
How are you?
Are you getting used
to your apartment?"
Glancing around, Jeongguk shrugged to himself, a slight pout evident on his lips.
"I guess, I miss your company. A lot."
Seokjin grinned,
"I miss you too, Jeonggukkie.
You know you can always move
back into my place, right?"
Immediately shaking his head but then remembering Seokjin couldn't see him, he spoke up,
"No, Jin-hyung. You know I can't, I'm eighteen. That makes me an adult and I should be perfectly able to take care of myself. I don't want to burden you."
Seokjin sighed, knowing he was somewhat right, but he always loves to take care of him. He wasn't a burden, not even in the slightest.
"I know, I know..
You're right, I'm just worried.
You haven't been able to study since your parents cut off the money
they helped you with, and your job provides you just enough to be able to pay off your bills. If you need money you only have to ask─"
Interrupting him before he could continue, Jeongguk got slightly triggered by how much Seokjin was willing to do for him.
"No way, Seokjin-hyung. I refuse. You've taken me under your wing when I got kicked out, you gave me food, gave me a roof above my head and a warm bed with a blanket. You helped me so much already, I just can't let you do that."
Till this day, he still wonders why Seokjin walked up to him when he stood there on the streets. Back then, he was just a wary stranger. He still has trouble trying to fanthom how someone can be that nice.
But now, after he got to know Seokjin, he realised that that's just who he is. A guy who likes to help everybody, when others are happy he's happy.
"Jeongguk-ah, you know there was no way I could've left you on the streets,
nearly shivering to death.
You seemed like a lovely person,
and it turned out, that you are.
You're so kind and sweet.
You never deserved that.
I get happy when I see that you're happy.
I just want to help you in every way I can."
Jungkook smiled, feeling so much better.
He genuinely has no idea what he did to deserve him.
"So, how's your day going so far?"
Seokjin decided to ask, switching the topic.
"You know, the usual. I finished my online exam, made myself a cup of coffee, then I got a call from─" Jeongguk stopped mid-sentence, now remembering why he decided to call Seokjin. He sighed, before resuming his words.
"Ah, well.. Are you free today? I just need to clear some thoughts and most importantly, I need your advice."
Seokjin hummed,
"Of course! For you, I always am.
Let's meet up at that small cafe
we always go to. My treat."
Groaning playfully at Seokjin's words, he denied the last part with a grin on his features.
"I don't think so, this time's on me."