'Nothing Like Us' taekook

Taehyung was a freaking mess! Swarming in guilt and with a lingering confusion he went back to Seoul with the intention of immediately flying to Vegas however he kept stalling, finding all sorts of silly excuses to prolong his stay. The situation got worse the moment he stepped foot in his mansion.

Jungkook was there. Present in every part of every room, his face, his sweet scent lingering in the air, making Taehyung a bundle of nerves. He resented the way they ended things and to be frank he had considerable doubts whether or not he handled the matter correctly.

The answer was right there, staring him in the eyes. 

He made the tough decision to go straight to the airport,board his private jet and get the fuck out of that fucken country. While inside the black Lamborghini, driving to Seoul International he realized he was going in a totally different direction. Towards Jeju.. 

It was ridiculous! It wasn't part of his plan. Totally out of character. As he shifted gears, pressing the button on the wheel instead of doing a U-turn and heading to the airport, he went straight.. straight to Jungkook.

" Fuck it! I'm going back!" It took him a while to get to the island and the moment he passed the huge,iron gate and parked his luxurious car near the stables, in order not to be visible by others he witnessed the most heartbreaking scene that made his blood run cold.

The horse was frantically galloping and dragging Jungkook around the ring, rousing a waft of dust.His eyes took on a haunted look,widening in alarm and staring in horror! 

" JUNGKOOK.. JUNGKOOK.." He hurriedly threw open the door, got out of the car, slammed it and frantically darted towards the ring.

Apparently the horse was in a craze. How the hell was he going to stop it? He jumped up the ring fence,bolted to the stables,snatched the first horse he found,a black stallion,got on his back without any gear except the brindle and sprinted towards the ring and Jungkook.

He chased after the horse moving as close as possible on the right side,leaning forward trying to grip the bridles and immobilize the fucken stallion. He gnashed his teeth and tried again,using all his strength. He had to succeed! He had to.

In his third attempt,he got a hold of the bridles, forcefully pulling them back." Easy boy..easy.. easy.." The horses hoofs halted, rearing on his back legs and Taehyung regained control. He jumped down, dashed to Jungkook's side,lugging his knees on the dusty field, clinching and cradling unconscious Jungkook in his arms. The first thing he did was check his pulse. It was weak but there.

Taehyung's expression was a mask of distorted emotions. The colour was drained from his face, his quivering lips formed into a thin line, his once willful jaw clenched, his breathing rapid and sharp, gasping with his lungs pricking.The pain in his heart sheeted through him with a horrible intensity. One he had never experienced before.

The sight of injured, unconscious Jungkook was heartbreaking. The scrapes and cuts on his skin ,resulting in the abrasive ground dragging, the blood covering half his gorgeous face and head made his stomach clench and stir uncomfortably.. Jungkook's blood caused the blood in his veins to turn icy. He couldn't handle it..it was too terrifying..too desolating..

" Open your eyes, baby..open them.. don't do this.." he faltered in despair. His jittery fingers touching his dusty, bloody hair, his pale face." Please wake up..you have to wake up.. don't leave me..please.." 

His vision got blurry, something wet was coursing down his cheeks like a river escaping a sluice and on Jungkook. His eyes swamped with tears. It was all new to him. He hadn't cried or shed a tear for anyone even in his darkest hours but he was crying for Jungkook.

He picked him up without further delay, dumping the two horses and rushed to his car. He regretted driving that damn car because of its size but sat him on the passenger's seat, careful not to hurt him more and got behind the wheel. Taehyung was pegging the speedometer in order to get to the hospital as fast as possible.

The man threw glances at the unconscious boy,squeezing his fingers around the wheel, ignoring the sheering pain forming in every pore in his body. Jungkook 's head leaning against the window,blood stains spread on the black,bucket,leather seat and dripping on his beautiful face.

Jungkook remained unconscious without any signs of awareness,causing additional anxiety and stress on the older man." Hand in there baby.. don't you die on me..I won't let anything happen to you.. You'll get through this.. YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!" he yelped, swallowing a lump in his dry throat and thrashing his hand on the steering wheel.

The Lamborghini came to a screeching halt, a loud squeal of the tires made everyone outside the hospital glance in astonishment as Taehyung got out of the car, held Jungkook in his arms and with fast gaits led him straight inside, yelling.

"SOMEBODY HELP ME!" 

Two nurses and a young doctor came running with a stretcher and the man laid Jungkook on it,still holding his hand, squeezing it tightly. While pushing and running towards the ICU the doctor asked certain questions about the incident. Taehyung's voice was trembling when explaining.

When they reached the ICU the doctor stopped Taehyung wirh his hand." Stay here please."

" The hell I will! I'm coming in and you can't stop me!" he thundered, tightening his grip on Jungkook's hand.

" Sir, you can't enter the ICU. It's a restricted area.Please calm yourself and let us do our job. He's in good hands!" The doctor was trying to be polite despite feeling it wouldn't be easy to change his mind.

" FUCK YOUR STUPID RESTRICTIONS! WHEREVER HE GOES I GO! I'LL KILL YOU IF YOU TRY TO STOP ME OR IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM! SO MAKE DAMN SURE HE STAYS ALIVE!!"He reached the inside of his jacket,under his armpit to get his gun but remembered he wasn't carrying one there.

" BLOODY HELL!"

The young doctor blew a huff, completely at a loss. He had an injured patient that needed immediate treatment and a stubborn man refusing to let go." Sir, don't make me call security." 

" Do you think I give a shit? Get them!Let them come! I'll kill them too."

The doctor's threat hit a brick wall and the evil, vicious glare Taehyung gave him,made him choke on his saliva.What the hell? The patient was a priority. " Ok but stay out of my way and let me do my job." He was definitely going to regret this.

They moved inside, the doctor and the two nurses began examining Jungkook to estimate the seriousness of his injuries, connecting tubes and wires and cables to his body and touching him to places they shouldn't. And even though he knew their good intentions he hated having strangers with their hands all over Jungkook.

He was standing right beside him,within breathing distance, refusing to move an inch,feeling close to him. Watching with numbed horror,eyes transfixed with despair unable to look away,no matter how much he wished to,the only thought was Jungkook. 

" What's wrong with him? Is he seriously injured? Will he survive? " When he got no reply he erupted." I ASKED A FUCKEN QUESTION! TELL ME! IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM I'LL FUCKEN KILL YOU! SO YOU'D BETTER SAVE HIM!"

Everybody shrugged off his outburst continuing the treatment on their patient and Taehyung was rattled, shaken up with the need to kill every goddamn person in that room. Jungkook,his Jungkook was battling for his life and he was kept in the dark. 

He had to survive. He just had to because Taehyung couldn't handle the idea of spending another minute in a world he didn't exist in.

Feeling his heart heavy and his breath struggling to come out, a sudden excruciating pain in his chest made his knees go weak and bend, holding on to the bed.

" Nurse check his pressure. " the doctor ordered the moment his eyes observed the man's state. The older nurse complied with the order forcing Taehyung to sit on the bed next to Jungkook's as she examined him,in spite of his constant cursing.

After finishing she nodded and removed the pressure gauge from his arm." You'll be fine. You had a panic attack. Sometimes the symptoms resemble those of a heart attack. Breathe deep and steady.. that's it.. you're doing great."

Taehyung followed her instructions, started inhaling and exhaling then hummed, feeling a little better,rolling down his sleeve and his undivided attention was yet again on the younger, standing on his feet to get closer.The doctor blocked his way,wrapping the stethoscope around his neck.

" They'll move him to a room and you can see him in a few minutes." He led him out of the ICU explaining Jungkook's condition in detail.

" He's stable. A few lacerations and minor avulsion injuries common after being dragged but no internal bleeding and there seems to be no brain damage except from a slight concussion. We'll run some more tests and keep him under observation for the next couple of days just to make sure nothing happens. Have you contacted his family?"

" Ah..no..I haven't." he breathed relaxed and relieved.

" You should. Don't worry, your boyfriend will be fine."he patted his back and immediately withdrew his hand out of fear.

" Why isn't he awake?" Taehyung overtook the word 'boyfriend' as something natural.

" He's heavily sedated and we still have to run tests to determine whether or not there's brain damage."

Taehyung shut his eyes and opened them again." What are the chances of brain damage?"

" Slim but we have to eliminate the possibility."

" But he will wake up." He was desperately searching for hope. 

" Yes, your boyfriend is very strong."

Second time the doctor referred to Jungkook as his boyfriend and Taehyung didn't bother denying it. His boyfriend..what was Jungkook to him? A friend? A foe? A lover? A sex object? Something entirely different and undefined?He had no clue anymore. His self control and obsession of being on top of things was severely damaged. He couldn't control what happened to Jungkook or prevent it and it hurt.It hurt to rhe point he had a panic attack.

" I want to see him now." It was a blant request not a polite plea and the doctor called a nurse to escort him to the room. Stepping foot inside, his knees trembled and heart stopped beating. Jungkook was lying in a hospital bed connected to monitors and ventilators, wires and cables and it broke him. He looked so vulnerable and fragile. His face was no longer bright but pale and his eyes weren't sparkling.

The scene totally broke him. He felt weak and helpless for the first time, unable to change the situation. It was out of his hands. His strides towards him were slow, hair-raising and waveringly as he slithered a chair closer to bed and sat. His shaky fingers caressed Jungkook's, holding his hand tightly and crouching down he left kisses to his knuckles one by one.

" You'll be fine..back on your feet before you know it.. you'll start your life again baby..put all these behind you.. forget everything and everyone who hurt you."he whispered, resting the younger 's hand on his cheek enjoying the warmth it provided." I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry for treating you the way I did..for ruining your life and causing so much pain..I wish things were different..I wish I hadn't come into your life and screwed it.." As he kept talking to him, Taehyung felt closer and more connected to the boy." I wish you had met past Tae..who I used to be..you would have liked him Kookie.."

And then he remembered that he had to notify his parents. They had every right to know about his accident.He kept postponing the call out of fear. He needed to spend more time with Jungkook and he knew once his parents arrived he'd have to leave. He was unwanted. A red flag for the entire family. Even for his own brother.

Eventually he found the courage to call Hyunjin but his phone was out of service. His next call was to MinJoon but that was the same too. Where the hell were they? Why did no one answer their fucken phone?

He tried Bogum and Hobi's but still nothing. He was running out of patience.

He made a few more attempts to get in touch with them and huffed in annoyance when he failed so he phoned to the villa. The maid informed him they were all hiking and camping in the mountains and wouldn't come back till the next day.

Agitated, he rubbed his forehead informing the maid about the situation and asking her to try and find them or if it was impossible to tell them the moment they returned and cut the call. He stared at sleeping Jungkook and kissed his palm gently and softly like it would break.

After hours of watching him like a hawk,scared out of his wits something might happen to him if he didn't pay attention, the door opened and the doctor with two nurses came in.

" We'll take him for additional tests." the young doctor informed him,looking at Jungkook's chart. Taehyung jumped up the chair,nearly flipping it and his eyes resembled sharp knives.

The doctor rushed to ease his worries because his looks gave him the creeps. This guy was frightening." It's standard procedure as I previously explained."

Taehyung hummed and nodded, watching the nurses taking Jungkook away from him. For the next hour the man dug holes on the floor from pacing back and forth, nibbling his lips, sighing, ruffling his hair. At some point he took off his black jacket and flung it across the room, his heavy shoulders sagged and occasionally rubbing his clenched jaw.

His mind was stuck at the worst possible outcome. What if the tests indicated brain damage? If Jungkook was going to lose function of his body? Nailed to a wheelchair or a bed for the rest of his life? Unable to move or talk? 

No! No! He refused to even consider the possibility because it was Jungkook. His Jungkook!Suddenly the oxygen was abruptly deprived from his lungs, his hand reached and touched his aching chest, loosening his silk, black tie,feeling it blocking the air to his lungs.

The minutes seemed like centuries,Taehyung was turning restless and uneasy. His nervousness was worked up.The fear nested in his heart and he flinched when the door opened with Jungkook, the nurses and the doctor entering.

" The tests? Are the results out? How's Jungkook? Is there any damage?" He streamed to the doctor, agitated by his silence, snapped up his collar,growling his teeth at him." FUCKEN ANSWER MY QUESTION! IS HE GOING TO BE FINE? IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM I'M GONNA BURN DOWN THIS FUCKEN HOSPITAL! TALK!" he roared,rasping his teeth, tightening his grip on the poor doctor who looked frightened of him. 'This guy must either be crazy in love or just crazy.' he thought to himself and tried to cut loose of his hold.

" Mr Kim, if you let go I'll explain." He made an enormous effort to maintain his smooth tone and not betray his fear.

Taehyung released him, cursing loudly in Korean, English and Japanese."Talk." 

" Thank you." He adjusted his medical robe and started speaking." The x-ray showed no damage. The patient's condition is stable, out of danger and he'll be released in the next five days."

" Why hasn't he woken up yet?" He was afraid the doctor was lying, beholding information because Taehyung was too aggressive towards him.

" He will in time. The pain his body is experiencing is severe so we decided to keep him under heavy medication to control it. It's for his own good."

The man found his way back to Jungkook and sat by the bed, tenderly hand gripping him. It was finally time to breathe and calm his raging heart. Jungkook would be fine! He would recover his injuries. His lips touched his silky hand, kissing it and smiling. He actually smiled like a normal person. No grins, sneers, smirks..only a dazzling,huge boxy smile.

The doctor signalled the nurses to leave,hanging the chart in his hands on the bed and staring at smiley Taehyung. That man had a split personality, there was no other explanation for his queer attitude. He'd go from viciously threatening to burn down the hospital to smiling like an idiot in a jif! Love has that effect on people.

" Doc.. I'm sorry for..lashing out on you.."he scratched his cheek, gulping. V and Taehyung were unaccustomed to apologizing.

" Your boyfriend is a lucky man Mr Kim. I've never seen a man acting so desperate for the person he loves. You must be head over heels in love." He smiled at the agape look on Taehyung's face and walked to the door." I advise you to hold onto what you have. It's rare these days and..talk to him. He listens." He opened the door and ambled out.

" Good heavens! What the heck?" Taehyung's gaze pondered on the gorgeous, breathtaking young man on the bed. The realisation was a thunderstorm that left him all reeling. A sudden feeling of cold numbing expanded in his core, shutting down, refusing to believe the truth of what was there, before his bulging out of their sockets,eyes. 

He loved Jungkook!

He was deeply,madly,crazy,undeniably in love with him!

He loved Jungkook. 

His Jungkook. 

All the pieces of the puzzle were in place.

How could he have missed the signs? Be so blind to his heart longing? Ignore the pounding of his heart when being close to him? It was that intense, mind-blowing love that prevented him from killing him. Because Taehyung had no moral restraints in eliminating his rivals, enemies or anyone who posed a threat to him or his brother.

He could have easily killed Jungkook and no one would know. But he didn't. Instead he chose to approach, flirt and seduce him although it was against his principles.Putting aside his hate for gay people and persuading him should have hinted it was something more than vengeance.

His constant, profound lust and passion for him, driving him to the edge, causing conflicted emotions and a starving hunger that consumed his soul.His inability to perform in bed if it wasn't him. The pangs of jealousy when someone else was claiming what was his. His incapacity to stay away from him.

His face lit, absorbing the boy's outstanding beauty and a beaming smile laced his rosy lips." I love you! I love you so much! I fucken love you Kim Jungkook! I do..more than I thought possible to love a person. I never, in a million years, believed my heart would beat for someone. I was so used to being lonely, not letting anyone in that I forgot how it felt to love and be loved. My heart beats only for you baby!" His lips pecked the younger 's as he spread kisses all over his face, crying and smiling." I love you baby.. I'm gonna make you happy and give you the love and affection you deserve. I'll prove my love for you every minute of every day.. treat you like a prince..the prince of my heart."

And since nothing lasts forever after the striking,unexpected realisation of his love for Jungkook came the guilt for his actions. Squirming in his chair,a harried almost haunted look rushed his face and the round-the-clock panging of his chest was impossible to seize. His guilt was catching up with him. His past behaviour,his unspeakable words,his rotten thoughts about Jungkook were a rock crashing his heart.

He had no defence,no excuses. He had gone too far, had done too much and was now left conscience-stricken,ashamed and regretful,blaming only himself for the way he mistreated him. Soon he would be forced to face the consequences of hurting the love of his life! Because Jungkook was exactly that. The love of his life. His first and last true love.

His head tilted down, burying his face in his palms. A million apologies, words that needed to be spoken crowded his mind but clogged in his tongue, choking him. As much as he strived to look at the younger, his guilt was a major forestall. He took one glance at his hands realizing they had drops of blood.. Jungkook's blood..and Taehyung's stomach blended,feeling nauseous and petrified.

He found himself rushing to the bathroom,stambling,opening the tap and scrubbing the blood from his hands, gasping and gulping. He had to get the blood off. It burnt his hands making him feverish. He didn't dare to glance himself in the small mirror afraid of what he might encounter. 

A monster. A pitiful creature capable only of creating chaos. Of hurting and destroying innocent people who are clueless to his sadistic intentions. But he wanted to change. Become a better man for Jungkook. A man worthy of his love. Deep inside he knew he'd never reach the boy's kindness and gentleness but he had to try. It was the only way to have him. 

As soon as Jungkook would wake up, he'd confess his love, beg for forgiveness and implore for another chance to make things right and win his heart. He didn't expect it to be easy, on the contrary Jungkook would most likely send him to bloody hell yet he wouldn't stop trying to win him over. He rambled back to the room in heavy strides and sat on the chair again.

Jungkook was peacefully sleeping and oblivious to the changes happening around him.Trembling he cupped the boy's hand, spreading soft kisses on the velvety skin,shutting his teary eyes.

" I'm sorry my love.. I'm so sorry.." his voice cracked." I'm sorry..forgive me please..I love you.. I'm so in love with you.." a bitter smile crept in his rosy lips." I've been a jerk..an asshole..you were right..all of you.. I've been kicking on love for years thinking it's just the beginning of self destruction. A useless, inferior emotion for the weak and I failed to understand that I was the weak one. I was too scared of thinking, let alone admitting I fell in love with a man. And I blew it." His eyelids fluttered quickly to shut in his tears but they stubbornly refused to obey. 

So he cried. He wept for the years he had lost. The pain he had caused. The chaos he had created. The loss of opportunities to feel loved. He had spent his life consumed in darkness,fake lust and corruption, eliminating the chances of experiencing true feelings.

He hoped it wasn't too late to make amends and rectify his dreadful deeds.

______

The vibrant sun with the hues of orange, pink, purple and deeping blue had hidden in the vast horizon giving its place to the early darkness of the night resembling a blanket of rising stars stretching to infinity. Taehyung didn't take his eyes off of Jungkook for a single moment out of fear of something unexpected happening. 

Although he was restless he felt also impatient waiting for the younger to wake up and for the messy situation to resolve. Of course he knew it would be hard however he wouldn't give up. The sudden movement of Jungkook's fingers made his heart jump in joy.

" Baby? Jungkook, are you ok? Baby can you hear me?" The movement continued more vividly this time, his eyes fluttered in an attempt to open, running his tongue over his dry lips.

" Baby I'm here.. I'm right here.." Taehyung pressed the button on the left side of the bed and a nurse came rushing in.

" I think he's awake. He moved his fingers."

The nurse paged the doctor and checked the monitors and his vitals." He's regaining consciousness. I'll get doctor Chew. " She left and returned with the doctor and before long he had finished examining his patient who was still in a heavy haze from the accident.

" How is he doc ?"

" Out of danger but in great pain. I'm gonna keep him sedated to relieve him and see how it goes. Don't worry.. he'll be fine." 

He was just about to answer when a hollow whisper emulated in the distance. Taehyung whisked towards Jungkook, leaning on top of him, surging all his love at the brittle grazing of his hair,removing a stray from his forehead as tears streamed down his cheeks.

" Baby? It's me. I'm here.."

Jungkook murmured something and the man leaned closer." Tae- Taehyung.." he fluttered his eyes and weakly squeezed his hand when the man held it.

The joy he got hearing the whisper of his name from his lips was mind boggling,causing his heart to flail from happiness. Jungkook said his name. His name." I'm right here love! You'll be fine.." 

Jungkook shut his eyes again, rapt in lethe and Taehyung stayed by his side holding his hand, caressing his hair, kissing his cheeks.

" Your friend will recover before you know it." the nurse stated,changing the IV with a new one.

" He's my boyfriend." Taehyung corrected her and his gaze absorbed the younger 's stunning beauty even under the circumstances.

" Well, you make a perfect couple. I'll leave the two of you. If anything happens press the button." 

The older spent the night watching Jungkook without getting a moment of sleep. But he didn't mind. He didn't mind at all! For him, having Jungkook by his side was a blessing.

_______

The loud commotion coming from outside disturbed Taehyung as he stretched his limbs, rubbed his eyes and yawned. His body was stiff and his legs numbed.He couldn't sleep a wink last night but he wouldn't complain. It was his choice. A nurse, who came to check on Jungkook, advised him to use the other bed and try to get some rest but he kindly refused.

The door opened widely and Taehyung found himself facing Jin, Namjoon and the rest of the family. Their faces distorted from worry and Jimin's was also filled with rage.

" What happened? Is my son alright? Is he awake?" Jin asked ,dipped in concern for his son, moving closer to check on Jungkook. His gaze pondered on the boy,fondling his hair with Namjoon standing next to him.

" What's wrong with him Taehyung? How did he end up in hospital? He was fine when we left." Namjoon inquired, staggering him with his strict eyes.

Taehyung got up, grabbed his jacket suit from the bed, put it on and took a deep breath." Let's go outside. I'll tell you " Observing their reluctance,he added." Please."

They walked outside,closing the door behind them and stood there,looking worried and uncomfortable and angry.

" Start explaining. How did our son end up in hospital and why are you here?" Namjoon asked, his voice dripping in anxiety and question.

" I returned to the house to get some things I forgot." he lied." I saw Jungkook being dragged by his horse, so I saved him and brought him here. The doctor said he's fine. His injuries aren't severe but they keep him under sedation to spare him from the pain." he concluded, feeling Jimin's gaze piercing through him." I tried calling you but there was no reception."

"We were up in the mountains on the other side of the island." MinJoon replied." We reached home and the maid told us you were in the hospital."

Namjoon held Jin's hand tightly to give him strength." So he's out of danger."

" Yes. They found no internal bleeding and brain damage." Taehyung expounded but the following question startled him.

" Why did you come back? We could have sent your things and saved you the trouble." Yoongi raised his brow." From the way you..left we understood you wouldn't come back."

" I needed them. It was urgent." Of course he knew Yoongi didn't buy his story.

Yoongi smirked, his jaw buckled." I guess we're lucky you happened to be at the right place at the right time. We owe you Taehyung."

The older felt utterly baffled and uncomfortable with Yoongi's comment. He understood the hidden meaning behind his words. The irony in his voice. And how could he explain why and how without saying too much?

" WE DON'T OWE HIM SHIT! IF THERE IS ONE MAN WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER IS HIM."Jimin pointed his finger at Taehyung funing in rage, his eyes popping out, his mouth clenched." YOU ARE THE CAUSE OF EVERYTHING. DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HE DID AND KEEPS DOING TO JUNGKOOK? HE WON'T TELL YOU BECAUSE HE'S A COWARD. AN ASSHOLE. A FUCKEN BASTARD! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! IT'S ALL ON YOU!" Jimin,doing a slow burn,his anger smoldering, stormed and attacked Taehyung,releasing heavy blows on his stomach, growling."TELL THEM IF YOU'VE GOT THE BALLS! TELL THEM WHAT YOU DID TO HIM! COME ON!"

The older simply accepted his outburst, making no efforts to dodge him,swaying and corking his bawls. Jimin had every right to assault him. It was his fault. Maybe not the accident itself but he had contributed to what Jungkook was going through.

"MY BROTHER IS HURT BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU! YOU! ALWAYS YOU!"He kept lashing his punches on the man, who was folded in two holding his stomach until Yoongi gripped him by the waist, pulling him back. Jimin was punching the air, swinging his feet and continued cursing him. Nobody else moved a finger to stop him.

" Baby enough!" Yoongi commanded raging Jimin." We're in the hospital and it's not the time or the place to cause a scene."

" Who cares? I'm gonna get them off my chest and rub what I think of him,on his ugly face."

Yoongi put his palm on his husband's mouth, shutting him up while Jimin kept murmuring.

The rest were numbed by Jungkook's condition, Jimin's outburst,Taehyung's presence but mostly from Jin's calmness. Jin was never serene when it came to his boys. He would scream and curse and explode on something or someone.

Hyunjin blamed himself for his brother's behaviour,knowing he started this and he was in sackcloth and ashes. MinJoon's face was painted in guilt and bashfulness. Hobi and Bogum were concerned things would take a much worse turn once the truth got out and Taehyung's part was revealed.

" Oh let me kill him! Don't take away all the fun! I want to punch his ugly face and watch him bleed to death."Jimin hollered, unable to tame his wrath as soon as he removed Yoongi's hand from his lips.

Jin stood between his son and Taehyung,staring the man in the eyes, striving to make some sense out of this, carefully studying him." Jimin, that's enough. Control yourself!" 

There was an ear splitting silence, causing everyone to hold their breaths for Jin's next nove. They were anticipating an enormous flare up knowing how he usually reacted.

Kim Seokjin squared up to Taehyung's eyes, composed and soothing with fondness in his tone when speaking." Is this true?Did you hurt my son?"

" Yes." Taehyung couldn't and wouldn't lie anymore. He was ready to face the consequences of his deeds and let his parents know exactly what he had done to Jungkook.

" Why?" 

" Because I could. He was an easy prey."

" How?"

" I approached him. Flirted, gave him promises I had no intention of keeping. Seduced him and rejected him." 

" And you admit it so light-heartedly?" He wiggled his shoulders without losing eye contact.

" There is no point in denying it. I did a lot worse than that." The air wasn't enough to keep his lungs in motion while admitting how deeply he had hurt the only person he truly loved. It was too late now. He was defeated.

" What lead you to hurt him?"

Taehyung stuffed his hands inside his rear pockets." I believed he had an affair with MinJoon and he was the reason for breaking up with Hyunjin. And I decided to eliminate the competition and give my brother the chance to be happy."

Jin smiled bitterly." To build your brother's happiness on another man's ruins. You love Hyunjin very much."he concluded, not a trace of mockery in his voice.

" I did what I always do. I take without asking. I destroy without caring."he responded cynically and his expression dour and sombre.

Jin raised his hand and Taehyung thought he'd slap him and who could blame him. He was unprepared for what followed. Jin caressed his cheek, his eyes exempted of hate and resentment, educing sympathy and benevolence.

" Who hurt you? Who broke you Tae?"

The warmth of his touch and fondness of his sweet voice wrecked Taehyung 's heart and lowered his head ,a heavy burden crashing his chest. Such understanding for his shameless deeds was more than he could handle. He felt repulsed, appalled, emotionally smothered and shut his eyes wanting nothing more than to disappear.

They were all good, decent people and he polluted them with his wickedness and corrupted soul. His life, character, past and present would ruin Jungkook 's life and their reputation. 

He didn't belong there. An outcast.. a heartless predator..a fucken criminal.. That's what he was. Jungkook was the brightest,most sincere and compassionate person he had ever encountered and the son of a cop. 

No, he didn't fit in. He'd never fit in.

He turned around and swiftly bailed like the coward he was.

_______

Bouncin back to Seoul,heading straight to the mansion,he first made a call to his pilot to have the jet ready for take off and then to one of his staff members,giving him specific instructions on what to do.

As soon as he reached his house,he moved to the upper floor,to his bedroom and spent an hour or so packing his things and the equipment from the session room in boxes. Jungkook's diamond collar was placed in a velvet box and into his briefcase.

Every memory of Jungkook's existence in his life was packed and secured and ready to travel to the States. There was no time for a shower so he changed his dirty, bloody clothes to a new, neat black suit and left the mansion without looking back. 

Eleven hours later, exhausted and moody, he landed in Vegas. A car was waiting for him at the airport along with two vans to transfer his belongings. Vegas was his safe place. His sanctuary. Nothing felt the same anymore. His heart and soul were left in Korea with Jungkook.

Adrian and Alexander were patiently awaiting his arrival outside the back entrance of the casino, chatting and smoking.

" Hey buddy! Welcome home!" Adrian said, winking the moment Taehyung stepped out of the car. His body was stiff and a splitting headache throbbed his temples. His eyes seemed lifeless, soulless..more than usual.

Taehyung passed them by, entered the casino door, and swaggered to his office." Adrian I want everyone to debrief in ten. Yosef too."

" The casino is swamped. Yosef has to.."

" I don't give a fuck. Tell him I need him asap."he commanded, harsly,getting into the elevator with the two men following him and standing behind him." Alexander, you're coming with me."

Adrian stared at stunned Alexander,forming a'What's gotten into him?' with the man wiggling his shoulders,puzzled. The door of the elevator opened, Taehyung got out and headed inside his office with Adrian changing directions and Alexander walking after his boss.

Taehyung unbuttoned his jacket, got himself a whiskey and gulped it down his throat. Then he lit a cigarette sucking in a few puffs and sat on his chair. Alexander stood across him waiting.

" Get rid of the equipment in my session room. Find an interior designer and give him these." He got a file from his bag and handed it over to the man." I don't care how much it'll cost. I need it done within a month. Cancel all my contracts and make sure they don't bother me again." 

Alexander furrowed his brows, coughing." Ok..want me to find you new girls? I'm gonna need some time."

" No."

The man was more confused than before. Something, he couldn't pinpoint, was definitely different about his boss. Throwing away his equipment, cancelling his contracts, rearranging his bedroom,wasn't his usual behaviour. He didn't dare ask because from the looks of him he wasn't in the mood of discussing and explaining.

" Fine. I'll get right on it, boss." 

Ten minutes later, the entire gang was sitting on the comfortable couches ready to face the big boss. None of them made any witty remarks and were extremely cautious while talking. Well, except Yosef who looked bored and ready to burst at V for dragging him downstairs.

" Fill me in."he stated, erasing his cigarette and lighting another one.

Ryker spoke first." Apart from the usual problems everything is running smoothly." 

" Usual problems?" Taehyung inquired coldly with a touch of anger,lifting his eyebrow.

" Yeah..minor incidents we took care of. A few smart asses tried to steal by counting cards. A couple of idiots making a fuss after losing. You know.. the usual." 

" The new casino?" 

It was Mason's turn to answer." It will be complete by the end of the month and ready to operate by next month. We had no major setbacks and the residents' protests ceased after explaining the job opportunities to them. Employing within the community was an exceptional idea. So everything is good."

Taehyung got up, went to the bar, poured another drink and returned to his seat, stretching his legs." The loans? Have they paid on time?"

" Martinez, Johnson and Shepard were behind on their payments and refused to settle but Adrian and Guy persuaded them, showing them their other option if they didn't." Alexander chimned in.

" Good." 

" Will you be going up to rest from your flight?" Ryker asked, leaning forward and rubbing his thighs.

" No. There's work to be done." Going upstairs was the last thing he needed. Even with tons of work he knew he'd barely scraped through. His mind was already filled with the thought of Jungkook, wondering how he was. If he had woken up. If he was hurting.He hated thinking of him in a hospital bed in pain.

Maybe he should have stayed and not run away. Fight for him. Fight with everyone just to have a chance of winning him. Deep inside he knew the reasons he left. They could never be together. Fit in each other's lives. No, he had made the right decision. Jungkook was better off without a criminal in his life. 

The man was so absorbed in his thoughts, he neglected to hear Yosef repeatedly calling him.

" Hey boss!" Yosef interrupted absentminded Taehyung." What the hell am I doing here? I've got work upstairs and you haven't asked me a damn thing."

Taehyung threw a curve at Yosef, who seemed unbothered and clicked his tongue." It's a debriefing asshole. If I say "be here ,you be here."

" Screw you V! You got me down for nothing. The guys could have filled you in."

" Perhaps I wanted to see your ugly face." Taehyung mocked him sarcastically, slouching to the left side, stirring the glass in his fingers.

" Say you missed me asshole." Yosef joked, smiling.

" Cut the bullshit! Is the surveillance system installed in the new casino?"

" Dah of course! The first thing I did!"

" Any problems?"

" None. It was a piece of cake!" 

" You can go back to your cocoon now." Taehyung replied in a gravelly voice and added." The rest beat it." His grating statement didn't give them the leeway to joke or even ask where he was. What he was up to. If he was ok because he didn't look ok, they could tell.

Yosef was the last one to go. He stood above his head, hands inside his back pockets and a serious look on his face." I don't give a damn if you send me to hell, as usual, I'm gonna ask. Are you ok?"

Taehyung's gaze was glued to his computer, his fingers rhythmically typing." I'm fine."

" If you want to talk, get things out of your chest.. I'm here. You know that, don't you?" Yosef insisted. His eyes scanned the big boss from head to toe in an attempt to guess why he looked and sounded different. His aura had changed in a way he wasn't able to figure out. Dark and gloomy yeah but different.

" Yosef go back to work." 

The man had no option but to fend off, dipped in thoughts and concern because hell he loved the son of a bitch!

Taehyung sighed heavily, slumping backwards in his leather chair and closed shut his heavy eyes, his fingers gripping hard on the sides of his seat. His heart was aching. That stupid, tingling, pounding wouldn't stop. Nevertheless he had to pull himself together and move on. He couldn't or wanted to forget his lost love. He made his bed and he had to sleep on it.

He got up, pushed the chair till it bashed on the wall and walked to the bar. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey and swung it, flopping on one of the couches. He leaned back, the bottle between his thighs and the need to scream, shout and cry made him fizz.

Scrambled images, beeping voices were raiding his nebulous mind. How cruel he acted. The brutal rejection he gave Jungkook. He hated to think the younger's last memory of him was the harsh,abrasive words he said.

Jungkook's blood burned his flesh..blood..he detested the sight of his blood..it made him sick to his stomach.

He bitterly concluded he would have to learn to live without Jungkook and with his actions haunting him. He had no other choice..