Archive of Our Own

The hallway is deserted, empty in a way Taehyung has not seen in a long time. Usually, when he shows up at the main Big Hit building he's met with a flourish of people, most of them rushing whichever way to do their own thing and respect the schedule so tightly implemented by higher management. But today seemed to be different. Their bodyguards lead them carefully to the fifth floor where they usually meet to discuss most things, from comebacks to press related issues and any complaints one of them might have that needed to be talked through before something happened and knocked down the carefully crafted balance that they had going on. It was almost a ritual at this point, one that might not make sense to others but perfectly worked for them.

They were supposed to be having a free day today - a luxury that they've been deprived of for months - but here they were, ready to drop everything and run the second their manager calls. Taehyung doesn't mind it per se, he was just looking forward to a day in his pyjamas and munching on whatever snack they weren't allowed to eat during their comebacks while staring at the TV that was playing a marathon of - let's be honest - probably some form of rom-com because he was that much of a softy. But his plans have all but taken a dive out the window when Namjoon had burst in his room, a hand keeping his phone pressed to his ear and the other struggling to zip up his jacket - and announced that Sejin Hyung wanted to see them.

Of course he panicked at first - because if something bad didn't happen (like someone dying or the press spewing some false dirt on them) then why else would Sejin Hyung disturb their peaceful day? - but he was quickly assured that none of that was the case. He merely wanted BTS to meet someone.

So, muttering annoyed under his breath, he got dressed and climbed in the car along with the other members, yawning and honestly just wanting to get back in his bed and resume his lazy activities. But surely that didn't happen because look at him now, strolling up and down Big Hit's corridors wondering where everyone else went. He decides not to dwell on it, thinking maybe they were as curious as they all were about the new guy and went ahead to greet him. Of course, that explains everyone's absence but still doesn't make sense in Taehyung's tired state of mind. Who even was this dude to have everyone tripping over themselves to meet him?

The brunette shakes his head and stifles another yawn, shuffling forward with great difficulty, his legs barely wanting to keep up with the others. He just felt like plopping down right then and there to enter dreamland again. Ha. He wishes. Bye-bye, free day, it was nice to see you even for a moment (in my dreams). 

"Hey, you don't look so good. Are you alright?" a soft voice catches his attention, the person's shoulder nudging his own and Taehyung can't help but crack a little smile at the gesture. He looks to his right only to come face to face with a fresh-looking Jeongguk. Taehyung won't even wonder how he managed to look so put together and clean while everyone else rushed to even brush their teeth this morning. He casually thinks that it's such a Jeongguk thing, to look so effortlessly beautiful without even trying. He's their Golden Maknae after all so he has to live up to the title. 

After a couple of seconds passing with only silence engulfing them, Taehyung suddenly realized that Jeongguk asked him a question and he was too absorbed with ogling him to properly give him an answer. Taehyung clears his throat and averts his eyes, a blush spreading over his cheeks that he tried to hide by awkwardly scratching the back of his neck and looking anywhere but at Jeongguk, whose eyes he could feel burning the right side of his face with perplexed confusion. "I- Sure," he manages to reply, only stuttering a little, "-just woke up on the wrong side of the bed I think. Tired, s'all."

"Mhmm," Jeongguk agrees absentmindedly, "I get it, Hyung. Was looking forward to the off day too." And then he perks up, smiling wide from ear to ear with his white front teeth on display, and almost as an afterthought adds, "What'd you say when we get back to the dorm I make us my special ramen recipe, the one you can't shut up about," he mentions teasingly, "put on some movie on the TV and then relax on the couch? How does that sound?"

And Taehyung is so gone for this perfect boy. For the first time since he's been dragged out of his room, a real boxy-shaped smile spreads over his lips, directed entirely at Jeongguk. He doesn't need to think twice before he eagerly nods, clutching onto Jeongguk's bicep excitedly, prompting a giggle out of the younger boy. Jeongguk presses him closer to his side and before Taehyung even registers what he's doing, Jeongguk throws and arm around his neck, his laugh echoing like the most beautiful melody in Taehyung's right ear. A lump forms in Taehyung's throat and his mouth goes suddenly dry at the physical contact with Jeongguk that he's come to need like it was something vital to his very survival. You couldn't say that Taehyung wasn't a touchy person, but no matter how hard he's tried to convince himself in the beginning, with the younger boy it was always different. His skin burns burns burns against Taehyung's, heating him up from the inside out and leaving goosebumps wherever they touch.

Jeongguk is more addictive than any drug known to mankind. And Taehyung is a weak, weak man.

Before he even knows is, they made it to the main office and they're ushered inside where they finally meet Sejin Hyung who has clearly been anxiously expecting them by the nervous way he grips onto their hands when they greet him.

That's when Taehyung notices the unknown presence in the room. The male seems to be around forty give or take, Taehyung doesn't really know at first glance, ruggedly handsome for his age with an immaculate posture and hardened eyes that seemed to be drilling holes into each one of them. The brunette doesn't know if it's his built, his cold demeanour or the aura he radiates but Taehyung is instantly on edge, slightly tensing up at the sight of him. He unconsciously takes a step back, hands fretting with the blazer he was wearing in discomfort, hitting Jimin behind him by mistake, his shoe coming in contact with his foot and making him yelp. Taehyung widens his eyes when he realizes, quickly turning around with guilt written all over his face.

"Shit, oh my God, Chim, are you okay? Swear I didn't mean that,' he rushes to explain, hands landing on Jimin's shoulders for support. 

Jimin only laughs and brushes him off, "Relax Tae, I know you didn't mean it, don't worry. Not like it's the first time you stepped on my foot. Remember that time we were trying to cook because Jin Hyung wasn't home and you tripped over my feet sending the pasta souce flying all over the kitchen floor? Damn... Miss those times," Jimin reminisces and Taehyung can't help but burst out laughing remembering Jimin's shocked face and how they had to clean everything up before Jin got back and practically killed them for ruining his kitchen. "What's got you so jumpy anyway?"

The laugh is gone as fast as it came. He worries his bottom lip between his teeth while turning back to appraise the odd man, "Nothing," he mutters so low that for a second he thinks Jimin didn't hear him but the other boy doesn't say anything else so it probably doesn't matter.

"So, as I was saying-" their manager continues and Taehyung realizes he's probably missed half of what he said earlier because he's spaced out. "Meet Sung-ho, he's the new assistant manager and he'll be working directly with you seven. Whenever I'm not available and it's an emergency you can reach him, or when you have doubts or some questions that need an immediate answer, he'll be there to assure you and attend to your needs. I trust him completely, he's one professional man so I know you'll get along great. Think of him as a second father."

After the initial shock and confusion died down, the members looking bewildered at each other because why he hell would we need another manager?, everyone seemed to have come to terms with the fact that they'd have to at least try and create some kind of friendly bond with this new guy if they were to work together. One by one they took turns to introduce themselves although they were certain he already knew everything about them, shaking hands and trying to lighten the mood with some jokes, until it was Taehyung's turn.

He makes his way slowly and apprehensively to Sung-ho, whose eyes were already scanning Taehyung's form up and down making him feel self-conscious and uncomfortable, and extends his hand, "Hello," he says politely, forcing a smile on his face. Whatever the wrong vibes he got from the man in front of him, Taehyung's been raised to be polite so that's exactly how he was going to act, "my name is Kim Taehyung."

Sung-ho laughs, his front teeth showing and all Taehyung can think about is wrong wrong wrong he's not like Jeongguk Jeongguk doesn't smile like that Jeongguk's front teeth are adorable and pearly white and his smile is the best, before he takes Taehyung's clammy hand in his own and instead of shaking it as you'd do, he encloses it in both of his big palms, caressing the back of his hand with a finger and all kinds of alarms are going off in Taehyung's mind but they all whisper the same thing wrongwrongwrong get out of here he's not a good person this is not normal and the brunette just wants to retract his hand, wipe it over his pants and disinfect it but he also wonders if he's just paranoid, if his mind's playing tricks on him. What if he's only tired? Sung-ho hasn't done anything inappropriate, maybe he was just trying to be nice, so Taehyung decides to ignore the shiver that runs over his spine at this man's touch and the creepy vibes he gets from the way Sung-ho is staring directly into his eyes and instead just smiles tightly at him and waits for it to be over.

"Can't wait to work with you, Taehyung. We'll have such a good time together. Don't hesitate and I mean at all, to come to me if you need anything. I'm happy to help you in any way I can," the man tells him and Taehyung just nods, bowing and bids his goodbye before snatching his hand back as soon as he can, hoping he didn't look too eager to escape.

He searches the room with his eyes until he spots Jeongguk talking animatedly to Hoseok and Jimin and before he's aware of what he's doing, his legs are carrying him across the room, seeking Jeongguk's presence like oxygen to breathe, like how a moth is drawn to a flame. Taehyung's flame is Jeongguk. He needs him close right now. He aches to feel safe, and only the younger boy's always managed to calm him down whenever his nerves where high-wired after hours of dance practice that left him frustrated or after reading countless threats online from people that didn't even know him or when he's just had a shitty day and the only thing he desired was emotional comfort.

Taehyung plasters himself to Jeongguk's back, uncaring of the confused looks sent his way by Jimin and Hoseok, sneaking a hand around his slim waist and pushing his head between Jeongguk's shoulder blades, inhaling the sharp but oh so homey scent of his cologne that Taehyung adores because it's so Jeongguk. The skin on the back of his neck prickles and he just knows that he's being watched, Sung-ho's disturbing stare making anxiety mixed with fright pool unpleasantly in the pit of his stomach. 

But he lets it go and he manages to forget about the incident because when Jeongguk turns around and regards him fondly, bringing him to his chest in a bone-crushing, tight hug, one arm encircling his waist and the other sneaking into his hair, it's the best alleviation that Taehyung could ever need. His relief right there in the flesh. And later when they're cuddling on the couch watching a movie that Taehyung doesn't even remember the name of because he was more focused on sharing Jeongguk's body heat, Sung-ho is the last thing on his mind, the male all but forgotten for the time being.

He should've known to listen to his intuition.

The next time he saw Sung-ho was before an interview while Taehyung was getting his make-up done backstage. He is quietly looking in the mirror while the girl is doing his lashes, shyly trying to catch Jeongguk's eyes across the room. The said boy is sitting on the couch, phone in hand and typing away at something Taehyung doesn't know, legs clad in a pair of black ripped jeans and spread out like an invitation for Taehyung to just plop into his lap regardless of the number of people present in the room.

Taehyung's self-control was out of this world, thank you very much.

That's why right now he is just admiring from afar even though he wants nothing else but to make himself at home between Jeongguk's legs and show him just how much the younger means to him through his actions rather than words. But no matter how hard he wishes, he knows he ain't got the guts to do that. For all his talk about confidence and whatnot, he doesn't have the courage to take the initiative when it comes to Jeongguk. The other boy has always been something precious and unattainable in Taehyung's mind.

He doesn't know when everything started. Some part of him likes to think that maybe these feelings for Jeongguk have always been there, from the moment he's set his eyes on the closed-off and anxious boy that was lacking confidence when he first arrived at the dorms, or maybe it started when Taehyung took it upon himself to drill some sense of self-worth into the boy, or maybe it was none of the above and was probably just one of the multitudes of moments that they shared and drew them closer through the years.

Somewhere along the line Kim Taehyung went and fell in love with Jeon Jeongguk and never quite learnt how to fall out. He supposed it turned out alright anyway. He loves the way his cheeks heat up in Jeongguk's presence, how his hands itch to touch any part of exposed skin, he loves who he feels when the boy holds him even if Jeongguk thinks of it as a platonic show of affection. Because that's what he must think. He can't possibly like Taehyung back, right? He would've given him some sign, he would've said something... At least that's what Taehyung chooses to believe.

Taehyung may be the social butterfly, but when it comes to Jeongguk he just lets his shyness get the best of him. The dynamic of their relationship is so complicated that sometimes even Taehyung wonders where they fit. Other times he just proudly smiles because hey, they are unique. Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jeongguk, always doing what feels right. And Taehyung knows it's not right to push Jeongguk into anything he's not ready for. If he feels even a sliver of what Taehyung feels for him, he'll tell him in his own time. Until then - if that moment even comes - Taehyung will just soak up every bit of affection that he receives from him and store it in a corner of his mind to treasure forever.

Next thing he knows, he comes out of his reverie only to notice the source of his affection looking right back at him through the mirror. Taehyung offers him a small smile and Jeongguk gives him a thumbs up, pointing at his own lashes to let Taehyung know that the girl doing his make-up is doing a great job. Taehyung giggles and shakes his head fondly before a heavy hand lands on his shoulder, startling him. 

He whips around on his chair, effectively smearing the eye make-up that noona was in the middle of - making her sigh frustratedly - only to see Sung-ho hovering above him.

Taehyung's heart skips a beat - not in a good way - and he gulps, looking up at him without realizing he was holding his breath, anticipating.

"Such a shame we haven't got the time to meet again earlier. I had something important to discuss with you," the man says, analyzing Taehyung's face closely.

Taehyung fidges in his chair uncomfortably, suddenly wanting to bolt and run far away from this stranger. "W-what about?" he stutters and internally curses his inability to hide his emotions very well. Sung-ho must've caught onto the fact that something's wrong with him, or at least that Taehyung doesn't like him.

"Oh, nothing bad, don't worry-" he smiles and Taehyung almost gags because it looks so fake and not at all friendly and reassuring. "By the way- that colour brings out your eyes even more. It suits you. Don't change it." It's almost like an order and, petrified, Taehyung opens and closes his mouth like a fish in the water, wondering what to reply to that because did he just compliment me? The feeling of dislike towards this man only intensifies and Taehyung decides not to say anything, drawing his mouth in a tight line, refusing to comment and give him any form of satisfaction. Taehyung's sure Sung-ho wanted some kind of reaction out of him. He be damned if he'd give it to him. 

Sung-ho raises an eyebrow but doesn't add anything, licking his lips while his eyes were taking into every feature of Taehyung's face before finally strolling away with a smirk on his lips.

And Taehyung really feels sick to his stomach because he couldn't have imagined that look! 

"I- I'm sorry- I need-" he tries to apologize to the make-up girl but he only ends up muttering some words before getting up from the chair and scurrying away to plop down next to Jeongguk on the couch.

The boy's attention is instantly on him. "Tae?" when he doesn't respond, Jeongguk turns his body to fully face him, "Hyung? Why are you so pale? You look like you've seen a ghost!" He tries to joke but the fake laugh quickly dies down when he notices just how drained Taehyung looks. Jeongguk doesn't waste a beat before cupping Taehyung's face in his warm hands and turning it gently to see his eyes. "Hyung, talk to me. What's wrong?" Now he's really concerned and Taehyung feels like shit for worrying him. He acted so selfish coming there and practically demanding his attention.

It's nothing, Taehyung. Nothing happened. You're just paranoid.

So he forces himself to smile and reaches out to cover Jeongguk's hands on his cheeks with his own. "Nothing, don't worry, Ggukie. I just-uhm... skipped breakfast and I probably just need something to eat."

Jeongguk frowns, "Hyung, you know better than skipping breakfast. You need to preserve your energy, not eating will just make you sick." Taehyung would almost coo at how endearing Jeongguk looks right now, brows drawn together and a serious glint in his brown eyes. He cares so much and Taehyung just wants to cry because he doesn't deserve him.

"I'll be fine, Jeonggukie, I'm a big boy!"

The younger only scoffs before he's up from his spot, loudly proclaiming, "I'mma get you a sandwich. And don't even think about protesting! You need food before you faint and I lose my mind."

Taehyung's breath catches in his throat and he's sooo in love that it hurts.

Sung-ho is once again put out of his mind, the only thing his brain deciding to focus on for the rest of the day only JeonggukJeonggukJeongguk. 

The next few days pass mostly like that. Interview after interview, hours spent in the studio recording for their next November comeback and thankfully, Sung-ho leaves them alone most of the time to do their own thing, not really bothering them except for some routine questions like How you feeling? You need anything? How can I help?. Taehyung's aware most of the members took a liking to him, Jeongguk included and he can see why. He's the perfect assistant manager. Caring, funny and attentive and he treats them well. But Taehyung knows better. Knows to look behind the mask he's put on and fooled everyone with.

Those eyes are hiding things. Dark things. And Taehyung doesn't like it one bit.

He makes it his mission to never end up in a room alone with him. Just to be safe. 

He looks up at Yoongi scribbling furiously on his lyric notepad while Jin is busy currently recording one of their new songs with Hoseok on the other side of the wall. No time like the present so he just takes his chance and asks out of nowhere, his voice only above a whisper. "Hyung, what do you think about the new assistant manager?"

Yoongi stops writing, furrowing his brows in contemplation before turning to appraise Taehyung who was playing with a loose end of his green sweater. "Why do you ask? Did he say anything?" he prompts, noting how distressed the brunette looks. 

"No, no-" Taehyung rushes to assure him even though he doesn't know himself. Did anything he said counted as something inappropriate, weird? Or was Taehyung just too sensitive? "I was just asking - " he covers up his awkwardness with a small laugh made to put Yoongi at ease.

Not entirely convinced but not willing to push Taehyung to talk about anything he doesn't feel comfortable to, he settles on an answer. "I think he's okay," he replies nonchalantly. "I mean, he's not like I thought when I first met him, stuck-up or anything like that. He's actually cool and really cares about us as a band." That's all he says before returning to his previous writing state.

Taehyung doesn't know why he's disappointed. Maybe he wanted some confirmation that he's not making shit up and someone else noticed Sung-ho's weird behaviour.

But what if he was acting like that only in Taehyung's presence?

Before he could think more about the subject, Namjoon's phone rings. He says something that Taehyung can't comprehend from his place on the other side of the room to the person on the line before hanging up and, with a bright smile, shouting, "Everyone, gather up."

Taehyung grunts but obeys nonetheless, coming to stand beside Namjoon and patiently waiting for everyone to arrive. Jin, Hoseok, Jimin and Jeongguk make their way out the recording room and Yoongi sits up annoyed with his pen between his finger, tapping at some invisible rhythm he's the only one hearing in his mind. "What's wrong?" Jin asks, swiping a hand through his hair, a little tired in Taehyung's opinion. They're all working so hard. When's the last time they caught a break?

As if reading his mind, Namjoon speaks up, "I think we need a break. How about grabbing something to eat at the restaurant around the corner?"

"Food!" Jimin squeals like an excited child. "Literally, my belly's been rumbling for the past hour. Ask Jeongguk, he's the one complaining about the sound," he says, pointing at an offended Jeongguk. 

"Hyung, I was trying to record something! It was distracting me!" He defends himself indignantly.

"Oh, so my hunger's distracting you now?" Jimin crossed his hands over his chest, trying to appear menacing but Taehyung can't help but compare him with an angry puppy. Now that he thinks about it, his stomach is also demanding some food so-

"Sung-ho actually called and asked if we wanted to come so I told him yes. Come on, the cars are waiting outside," Namjoon adds, crushing Taehyung's dreams of a perfect evening with his hyungs and favourite dongsaeng - only dongsaeng, but still his favourite - in the process.

He sighs, rubbing his temple with his hands. One by one, the others pile out of the studio, chatting animatedly amongst themselves but he just can't bring himself to move his feet. A gentle hand grabs a hold of his arm, turning him around, "Hyung?" Jeongguk softly says, almost questioning. "Come, they're gonna eat the whole restaurant if we don't go now."

Taehyung cracks a smile because Jeongguk's jokes never fail to lift the corners of his lips at least a fraction, and he hates what he's about to say, "Uhm- I think I'm gonna pass this once, Jeonggukie. You go have fun." He tries to smile and assure him that it's okay, but it comes more like a grimace.

"What? You're not coming? Why?" Jeongguk questions, taken aback, confusion clearly written on his features.

"You're not feeling well?" Namjoon - who stayed behind with them - interjects, concerned.

"No, no, nothing like that -" and now Taehyung really feels guilty. Is he overreacting? He just doesn't want to be in that man's presence. He really wanted to spend some time with his members, but alone time, not with some... some stranger. "I'm just not hungry." He knows it's a lame excuse, but it's all he's got. "I'm just gonna go back to the dorms and try to catch some sleep."

Namjoon sighs but decides not to argue, probably noticing on his face that would be futile. "Alright- Suit yourself. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, though!" He makes Taehyung promise before looking at the clock on the wall and motioning Jeongguk to follow him. "C'mon Jeongguk, let's not make the others wait even more. They're gonna kill us."

"I'm not going, Hyung." Both Taehyung and Namjoon whip their heads to stare with their mouths open at Jeongguk who looks determined. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not letting Taehyung go back to the dorm by himself."

And Taehyung positively melts right there and then. "Ggukie, I'll be fine, really, you don't have to-"

"End of the discussion. You're not going back by yourself. I'm not that hungry anyway so really, there's no loss here." He struggles to convince them, but not even Namjoon seems convinced. He knows there's no arguing with Jeongguk when he gets like this, so he just throws his hands in the air and with a "Call me when you get there" is out the door in a flash.

Taehyung sends Jeongguk a look and he meets his eyes, a challenging glimmer in his dark orbs. "Why?" is the only thing Taehyung asks.

"You know why, Tae." Tae. 

The sweat's running down his neck in little droplets and Taehyung lets his exhausted body fall on the cold floor of their practice room. His muscles ache with the strain of the new choreography but he can't give up now when he's so close to getting it right. The others already finished and went to grab a bite at the complex's cafeteria while Taehyung insisted to stay behind, unsatisfied with how stiff his moves looked to his eyes. 

Everyone reassured him he did good but he just needs to do this for his piece of mind. Now, half an hour later he actually thinks that he's getting somewhere. He rummages through his open bag next to him and silently thanks whoever's listening for not forgetting his bottle of water like last time. Of course, he could go to the cafeteria and grab one from there but his sore muscles would protest against that idea entirely. He gulps half of it in one go and stretches his neck for some much-needed relief.

When he's done, he sets the bottle down and pushes himself off the floor for the last go at the choreography.

He only senses the other presence in the room when it's already too late.

The door slams shut and Taehyung flinches, his heart picking up speed and thumping wildly against his rib change when he notices exactly who is the one that disturbed the quiet that settled around him.

Sung-ho.

"I knew I'd find you here. When I didn't see you with the others I drew my own conclusions, Taehyung. How smart of me, am I right?"

Taehyung doesn't answer, his instincts yelling at him to run for his life, that this ain't normal, but a quick scan of the room tells him what he's been dreading. He's trapped. Sung-ho's placed himself right in front of the door, advancing towards him like a predator hunting its prey.

And Taehyung had no doubt he was the prey.

He slowly took a step backwards, "W-what do you want?" he got out with difficulty, the fear in his system rendering his speech capacity almost useless. He felt frozen.

He never knew what it was like fighting for your survival, but he might just find out. Tonight.

"Oh, how cute, you're stuttering. I think you know exactly what I want, pretty." The endearment makes Taehyung want to puke and he takes another step back and then another, only to be met with a cold and hard wall. His breathing has become erratic. There's no doubting the intent behind this man's words and actions anymore. Taehyung's never hated being right more than he does now.

Sung-ho strode casually across the room, coming to stand in front of Taehyung wish a devilish expression painting his features, the smirk tugging at his lips disgusting Taehyung to no end. He presses himself even further into the wall out of instinct to get as far away from this man as possible. "I- don't know what you mean," he decides to play dumb in hopes of him backing out but no such luck. 

The man places his hand on Taehyung's cheek, moving it up and down almost like a caress and Taehyung turns his face away, shutting his eyes tightly. He wants to slap his hand away, to kick at him and shout for someone, anyone, to come and see what's going on, to get him away from here, but it's useless, fear took hold of his body and he already feels himself slipping away, close to an anxiety attack. This man could overpower him any second of any day. Does he even have a chance of escaping this unscathed?

"You look so so pretty. You know that I've been watching you for some time...? Even before becoming your assistant manager," he says, moving his hand to Taehyung's neck and squeezing slightly. "I was looking at you performing on stage from home and thought that I had to have you! I had to. To run my hands over this perfect body..." Sung-ho punctuated his words by slipping his hands to Taehyung's waist and the brunette felt the first tears spilling from his eyes. He felt like curling into a ball and crying.

He never felt dirtier than when this man was touching him.

"So when I had the opportunity to work for you, I just -" he bit his lips. "You can understand, don't you?" Taehyung shook his head, his cheeks now stained with tears because he understood what was about to happen and he hatedhatedhated it and he didn't want it please stop stop please stop !!!

"Stop, please, don't do this. Stop touching me, please!"

"Sorry, pretty, can't do that. You're too beautiful for me to resist. It's your fault for walking around as sin incarnate. Like begging for me to touch you all over, Tae..." Sung-ho whispered, burying his face in his neck and inhaling his scent, crowding him further against the wall - caging him. 

At that moment something clicked in his mind. Tae. 

Jeongguk.

He had to fight. He had to fight for Jeongguk. This man was touching him with his filthy hands and it was so wrong and it should've been Jeongguk touching him like this for the first time, lovingly and gently, it was his right and only his. No one would take that away from him. 

Taehyung started thrashing around as if his life depended on it - and somehow, it did -, kicking at the man's chest to make him back away.

Sung-ho gripped Taehyung's arm tightly, shaking him, "Stay still, goddammit! Just take it like a pretty little doll." 

The brunette was shaking like crazy but he refused to just bend to this man's will. He groans when Sung-ho slaps him across the face and he twists his neck when the man places his lips there ready to bite down. Before he even had the chance to, Taehyung took advantage of his distracted mind and brought his knee up hard into Sung-ho's groin twice, the man's grip on him faltering when he doubled over in pain, hand coming to his crotch in an attempt to stop the hurt but to no avail.

Sung-ho's body collapses to the floor and he screams, "You bitch!" 

Taehyung doesn't waste another second and bolts out of the room and down the hallway, tears still streaming down his cheeks, his clothes and hair a mess, but still intact, still untouched. He manages to smile a little, proud of fighting back, but tremors are still wreaking his body and his victory is short-lived. It dawns on him that he could've been -

No.

He wasn't. That's what's important.

He didn't even know where he was running to but somehow he ended up exactly where he needed. He spots Jeongguk walking towards the practice room and with the last strength in his body, he sprints towards him and jumps in his arms, almost knocking them both over. Jeongguk catches him easily even though his surprise is evident in his features. He can undoubtedly feel Taehyung's body shaking and he immediately tenses up, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of something happening to him. He hugs him tightly to his chest, his lips parted in worry, but he doesn't even know what's wrong and why he was running in the first place.

The worry gets the best of him in the end and he gently pries his hands away and pushes Taehyung gently to face him. The sight of his tear-streaked face is almost enough to make all the air leave his lungs and knees buckle in pure dread. "Taehyung, Tae-" he cups his face in his hands, struggling to hold down the part of him that wanted to smash his hand into the well at the thought that Taehyung was hurt. "Hyung, look at me, hey, my eyes are up here, c'mon let me see those beautiful brown eyes, please, Tae."

Jeongguk's heartfelt pleading prompts Taehyung to raise his eyes from the younger's chest to look into his own concerned ones. Taehyung almost breaks down at the worry and unease he notices in Jeongguk's scared gaze. "Ggukie-" he sobs, smashing his face into Jeongguk's chest and clinging onto him for dear life. Jeongguk could only hold him back ten times tighter to assure him that he was there. He was okay. Jeongguk's got him.

"Please, baby, you're killing me- I'm gonna lose my mind if I have to wonder what happened." Jeongguk pleads again, the term of endearment slipping out without his consent. He was too strung-up to filter his vocabulary.

"Sung-ho," Taehyung mutters, sniffling. Jeongguk doesn't care about his ruined shirt from where Taehyung's pressing his face into. He cares about the distressed boy in his arms. "He tried to-"

Jeongguk tenses up almost instinctively. He has a feeling he won't like what Taehyung's about to tell him.

"He came in and told me I'm pretty and he started tou-touching m-me all o-over and he said he wanted t-to-" He started to sob even harder while struggling to explain to Jeongguk what happened.

But that was enough for Jeongguk's ears. He saw red in front of his eyes.

"Where is he?" his tone was deadly serious, icy cold and Taehyung lifted his face from his chest to look at him. His eyes were glazed over and his fists clenched. 

"Wh-?" 

"Where is he?" Jeongguk asked again and the brunette told him.

Big mistake.

The next thing he knew was that this time around he was running back to the practice room, chasing an angry Jeongguk to stop him from doing something stupid.

But there was no reasoning with him now.

Jeongguk slams the door open with a loud bang, striding to the writhing man on the ground and picking him up by his collar before smashing his back to the wall that not only minutes ago Sung-ho got Taehyung pressed against. "You fucker," Jeongguk yelled and punched him square in the jaw, his head lolling in the other direction from the force of it. "I'm. Goona. Fucking. Kill. You." Every word he directed his way was accentuated by another punch to his face.

For a second Taehyung was afraid Jeongguk would really kill the man. "Jeongguk! Ggukie! STOP!" He last thing he wanted was for Jeongguk to go to jail for defending him. 

"Do you think I'd just let you walk away like nothing happened when you fucking dared to touch him, huh?" Another punch. "You dared to put your filthy hands on him and you thought you wouldn't face the consequences? I don't care who you are. You lay a finger on this boy and you're dead meat!"

"P-please..." Sung-ho struggled to say, but Jeongguk sent another punch to his face for good measure.

"Please? What about when he pleaded for you to stop? I don't have mercy for the likes of you. You're gonna rot in jail for this. I'm gonna make sure of it. You won't even lay your eyes on Taehyung, let alone your hands."

Taehyung has never seen Jeongguk so worked-up before and he didn't know how to react. Before he could do anything though, commotion's been heard from the outside and everything happened in a blur for him. Namjoon and Yoongi grabbing Jeongguk's arms to get him away from the barely conscious man, Jeongguk fighting them off, Taehyung himself letting out another sob and placing a hand over his mouth to stifle it, Jimin coming to comfort him and petting his hair gently.

All the while he was looking at Jeongguk with so much longing on his face that he was certain it was obvious for everyone. He just wanted the younger to take him away from there and whisper that it was gonna be okay. Was Jeongguk gonna get in trouble for this? Taehyung couldn't live with himself if he did.

It seems like Jeongguk sensed his distress because he shook off Namjoon and Yoongi's hands and strode over with a shaky breath to gather Taehyung in his arms and cradle his head to his chest protectively. He pecked him on the top of his head and Taehyung melted into his warm embrace, feeling Jeongguk rock them both on the spot for a few minutes, trying to calm both of them down. The others throw them confused glances, but Jeongguk only sneaks a hand under Taehyung's knees and lifts him up bridal style with the utmost care, the brunette reflexively wrapping his arms around his neck. Jeongguk prompts him to lay his head in the crook of his neck and Taehyung does just that, efficiently hiding from the world, secure in the arms of the man he loves.

He's certain Jeongguk will take care of him just like only he knows how to. 

Three hours and a cup of scorching hot tea later, Taehyung found himself wrapped in a blanket on Jeongguk's bed, waiting for the said boy to come back from talking with the others and Sejin Hyung, who has been alerted of what happened the moment the two of them stepped out of that dreaded room that now housed one of Taehyung's worst memories. 

Even though the brunette was so tired that he felt his eyelids drooping, the day taking its toll on him, he refused to succumb to the sweet relief of sleep. His mind was working overtime with ideas on how to absolve Jeongguk of any blame that might be placed on him. He was only protecting Taehyung and he doesn't deserve to be punished for lashing out at Sung-ho. Honestly, Taehyung thinks that was karma for the guy. He couldn't just sexually assault people and expect to get away with it as if he did nothing wrong. It affects people's lives and changes them, fear ruling them, Taehyung knows. The victims never truly recover so he's grateful - oh so grateful - that he managed to fight for himself and that he had Jeongguk to fight for him too. Some people don't have anyone and the thought makes tears gather in Taehyung's eyes.

He jumps slightly when the door opens and in comes a dishevelled, worn-out looking Jeongguk, rubbing at his face in hopes of clearing the haze in his mind. He offers Taehyung a weak smile when he sees him bundled up in his blankets, then drops his bag at the bottom of the bed, lowering himself down next to Taehyung.

Not saying anything, he reaches out a hand and cards it through Taehyung's messy hair, their eyes meeting and never wavering from each other. "Please, tell me you're okay," Jeongguk almost begs and Taehyung feels like crying all over again but he just settles on nodding tightly. He doesn't want Jeongguk to worry about him anymore. He can see how it tears him down and he hates it. He wants Jeongguk's bunny smile back.

"Did-" his voice sounds raspy even to his own ears and he clears his throat to get it to return to somewhat normal. "Are they mad?" Taehyung decides to ask in the end, his soft eyes gazing at Jeongguk's flawless face.

"They're... pissed off. At that piece of-" Jeongguk cuts himself off, taking a deep breath to calm his rising temper again. He rails in the anger he feels towards Sung-ho. The only one he'll focus on is Taehyung. He needs the younger more than Jeongguk needs to let his scrambled emotions out. "Don't worry, Tae, he'll get what's coming for him. He won't lay another hand on you, I'll make sure of it."

Taehyung smiles softly at him and takes one of his shaking hands in his own damp one. When did he start sweating? It's like his heart won't calm down in Jeongguk's presence and the older feels it. Feels the shift that's bound to happen after this in their relationship. "That's not what I meant," he explains, "I meant are they mad at you? I swear, Jeongguk, don't lie to me and tell me everything's dandy. You punched the guy like twenty times, I'm sure they won't just let you off the hook."

Jeongguk swipes a hand through his hair, sighing. "Sejin Hyung understands. They won't hold me accountable. But I wouldn't have cared if they did, Tae. I would do it again in a blink of an eye if I had to."

Taehyung felt relief wash over him, now assured that the younger would be alright. "Why?"

"Why?! Because he hurt you, Tae! I can't just stay and watch. Fuck, when I saw the tears on your face and the way your voice broke when you told me that he- he..." Jeongguk exhales a shaky breath, not willing to remember, and continues, "It tears me up to see you hurt, Hyung. The only tears that belong on your face are tears of joy."

Taehyung regards him carefully, warmth spreading over his chest and love swelling in his heart. Love for this one, special boy, the boy who made himself at home in Taehyung's heart and never left. Not that Taehyung wanted him to, no, not at all.

"I'm just glad- glad you got away from him before he could- I don't even want to imagine." Jeongguk shakes his head as if to clear the unwanted images.

And Taehyung realizes that this time it's his turn to take the initiative. Jeongguk did the hard part, now it's his turn to be brave for the both of them. "You know what gave me the strength to fight back?"

"What?"

"You," Taehyung tells him with the most serious expression he could muster. He wanted Jeongguk to know that it was the truth.

Jeongguk's eyes widen, "Me?"

"At some point, Sung-ho called me Tae. And it was like something within me snapped. I remembered fifteen years old you getting the courage to drop the honorifics with me for the first time after I've been nagging you about it for months because I wanted you to feel like we were equals. I was so proud of you that day, Jeongguk, you have no idea. I finally felt like you were coming out of your shell and I was a reason for it. And at that moment in the practice room, I couldn't help but think about how you are the only one I'd let touch me, how you have that right and only you. I couldn't stand the thought of that man taking that away from you because I- I want you to be my first, Ggukie."

Jeongguk's mouth hung open in astonishment and Taehyung felt the need to add so he clears any doubts that might linger in the boy's mind, "I'm in love with you, Jeongguk."

The younger's eyes widen comically and what Taehhyung does next will remain forever burned in Jeongguk's memory. He surges up and covers Jeongguk's chapped lips with his own soft ones. Jeongguk's eyes slip closed almost of their own accord and his arm comes around to wrap around Taehyung's waist, bringing him closer to himself. The kiss remains chaste because Jeongguk can't process what's happening. When they split apart, Taehyung's got a beautiful flush going up to his neck and cheeks and Jeongguk's smile could easily be compared to a thousand lighthouses because it's so bright.

"I'm-" Taehyung goes to say but Jeongguk silences him with a finger to his lips. Taehyung shuts up immediately and looks at that finger pressing over his mouth, swallowing nervously. Jeongguk licks his lips and forsakes any thought of taking this slow, of talking about this, about whatever brought this on, because he can't think past the Taehyung kissed me matra that's playing on repeat in his mind.

He rolls them on the bed until Taehyung ends up on top of Jeongguk, his body completely bracketing his. Jeongguk cups his Hyung's face in his hands and gives him a real kiss, tongue sneaking inside to search for Taehyung's taste. Kissing Jeongguk is already addictive and Taehyung thinks this shouldn't be as hot as it is, but he's not complaining.

This is better than any fantasy he hasn't allowed himself to entertain.

Jeongguk sneaks his hands beneath the older's shirt, racking it up a fraction of an inch, caressing the naked baby-soft skin of Taehyung's back. His hands roam over every inch of Taehyung's flesh and when Tae moans in his mouth it gives Jeongguk the impulse he needed to break apart and breathlessly say, "Tell me this is what you want," wanting Taehyung to voice what Jeongguk's been needing to hear since he started thinking about his Hyung this way.

Taehyung looks at him incredulously and Jeongguk stifles a laugh at seeing his Hyung's expression. He closes his eyes and bumps his nose with Taehyung's. Jeongguk can feel him smile in response to his actions and can't help but be a little proud that he's managed to wring one yet again from Taehyung's soft, plump lips.

"I love you," Taehyung says simply and Jeongguk's heart skips a beat. "And I want you. Seeing you fight for me like that... I wanted to kiss you and punch you both at the same time. You're such an idiot for putting your ass on the line for me, sometimes I want to slap you on your pretty face. But then I remember. You're my idiot."

"I am, you know?" Jeongguk reiterates, caressing Taehyung's back gently under his shirt. "Your idiot. And this idiot loves you too, Hyung. So so much. Never doubt that."

Taehyung almost breaks down crying in relief because he's been so scared of rejection all this time and he's so grateful that Jeongguk feels the same. He's suddenly glad that he had the courage to make the first move because it got him Jeongguk. "Does this mean-" he ventures to ask, but the younger cuts him off.

"It means you're mine and whoever touches you is dead," Jeongguk affirms vigorously, and Taehyung can't help but giggle, sneaking a hand in Jeongguk's messy locks of hair and smashing their mouth together again and surprisingly it doesn't feel like a new experience, it feels like coming home after being gone for most of your life. Taehyung's eyes slip closed, his heart thudding painfully in his chest. He opens his mouth under Jeongguk's and lets the feeling of being kissed by the one he loves wash over him. The heat spreads throughout his body and they cling to each other, pressing their bodies together, their lips dancing in the same synchronized rhythm that describes their relationship so well.

Taehyung whimpers in Jeongguk's mouth and his tongue slips inside, mapping out the roof of his mouth with gentle strokes. The taste of Jeongguk was something new, but also familiar, and he never wanted this sensation to go away. The feeling that this - this is what he had been missing. Jeongguk's lips are wet and soft under his own and Taehyung wants to run his tongue over them, feel their texture, feel Jeongguk's desire for him. So that's what he did, he untangles their tongues and bites down hard on Jeongguk's bottom lip, tugging on it with his teeth.

No matter how many times he had imagined this very moment, it didn't even come close to the actual experience. They break off the kiss, the need for air becoming too much, and pant softly against each other's swollen lips. Jeongguk tugs him down to lay his head on his chest and Taehyung closes his eyes to listen to his erratic heartbeat. He smiles softly, realizing he's not the only one affected. "I'm happy you told me," the younger whispers, carding his hands through Taehyung's hair. "I've wanted to make the first step so many times but I- I think I was just scared. Sometimes I just need you to be the Hyung, you know?"

"I'll always be your Hyung."

Jeongguk laughs, "Of course, even when I'm the one that acts like a Hyung most of the time."

Taehyung slaps his chest playfully, "You brat." He chuckles, his arms circling Jeongguk's waist tightly, not willing to let go just yet. "Anyway, I realized I never said thank you so... thank you, Gguk. For everything."

"You don't have to thank me, baby. Ever. I'm just happy you're safe with me. In my arms." Taehyung hides his bright smile in Jeongguk's chest, settling comfortably with the younger's body heat and soothing presence lulling him to dreamland. Before he succumbs to the sleep pulling his tired mind under, he hears Jeongguk add in a quiet, determined voice "Where nothing can hurt you," that's got Taehyung relaxing completely on top of him.