Archive of Our Own

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Taehyung had never been in any trouble all his life. He was always a straight-A student (only in grades, by the way. There is nothing remotely straight about our fruitball!). He never smoked or drank and never went clubbing. He was the epitome of 'good boy' material, at least ninety per cent of the time. The rest of the ten per cent revolved around his dating life, where he stepped out of the said 'good boy zone'.

He wasn't a fuck-boy, per se.  But he had always stirred clear of any serious relationship or drama that came along with it, throughout his life. Never hurt anyone or gotten hurt himself because he had always been clear about one thing: if you don't take the unknown road, you can't ever get lost. The boy thought it was this easy until it wasn't.

As per Taehyung, he could only commit to one thing at a time, and it was always his career. To blow his steam, he had one fixed hook-up who also was not emotionally available for a relationship.

They met occasionally whenever one of them was stressed or needed a distinction. It was always a quick affair. Meet up, do the deed, and go 

their separate ways. No prolonged eye contact, no kissing, or no pre/post sex cuddling involved. There was no warmth nor any connection. That's exactly what they signed up for. It was all fair. Taehyung himself was a very fair and reasonable person. He expected his life to treat him just as fairly. But you can't expect a lion not to eat you because you are a vegetarian, right?

Yeah, right. Life fucked him good. Too good you can say. 

'Why', you ask? Because the job he gave his thousand per cent for was now in the hands of a 'nepo baby'. When he majored in the arts, his goal was clear. Work under the biggest art curator in the country, in his private firm. Become his assistant, his right hand. For that, he took a 2-year internship that paid him in peanuts. He worked as a freelance artist, and worked on commissioned projects, to pay for the rest of his expenses. He gave it his all.

Everyone in the firm was sure that in the next big exhibition, Taehyung would assist his boss. His boss, on the other hand, had different plans. When he did that 'big' exhibition for the 'royal' collector, he took in one of his friend's sons as his assistant because, apparently, rather than your knowledge of the arts, your connections in high society mattered more.

It was a low blow to Taehyung's self-respect. He in his desperation tried to even confront his boss, who seemed to have no remorse. He had put it out very bluntly before Taehyung,

"I have to keep the business growing, Taehyung. To do that I sometimes have to make some practical decisions. It is his parents who got this prestigious client for me. Do you mean to suggest that I shouldn't have done anything in return for them? Don't be naive, boy. It is because of people like them I can afford to pay a newbie like you. Have some gratitude."

'Newbie'? He had called him a 'newbie'! It had fueled the hurt in Taehyung's head. Without thinking twice he put in his resignation. Now all he was left with was a few of his commissions and an unexplainable gap in his resume. Because no way in hell his selfish boss was going to write him a letter of experience now, was he?

That day he broke all his goody-two-shoes rules. He went clubbing, got drunk, and most importantly in his anger-fueled, alcohol-induced haze he hooked up with a total stranger. Not to say a really smoking hot stranger hidden under the baggy 'dad' sweater and thick-rimmed glasses, who also seemed to be in need of a distraction. They both had one thing in common, they both seemed like they were running away from something. It felt like a safe choice because both of them were equally lost in the crowd of 'experienced' people in the club.

He wouldn't lie and say it wasn't a fun night,  though. Because it was. It was much better than his usual, boring sex expedition. The stranger looked really soft under the shimmering club lights with his fluffy sweater and with slightly long, soft bangs falling over his forehead. Although, when they reached Taehyung's apartment, as the layers of clothing, and the glasses were gone, and when those bangs were pushed back matted with the sweat while he pounded into him, he looked like a reincarnated Greek God.

The night was really wild. They had taken turns in opening each other up, pleasuring each other with their hands and mouths. Taehyung had never switched roles in the same round ever. Hell, he had never switched, at all. He always had this need to be the one in control. For some reason, though, this stranger brought out many unseen sides of him. They kept going at it all night long. When the sky started to turn into the hues of pink the stranger left rather fast. As if he had a train to catch. He has no complaints, anyway. Because boy, The way Taehyung's body ached deliciously that morning! He would have loved to do it again with the 'kind' stranger but sadly they didn't exchange numbers or any other contact details. He only knew his initials. JK. How the hell was he going to find him with such a tiny piece of information?

Anyway, he had other bigger things to worry about than just another wild night of passion. He needed to find a job that would at least cover up his rent and food expenses. Rest he could manage in his freelance project. But he needed to do it fast. Because he had already spent most of his internship allowance on buying himself an appropriate outfit for the royal exhibition. How do stupid of him to trust his boss so blindly. He should not have put all his eggs into one basket. Now he has a lot to cover up with only little in his hands. Fortunately for him his friend Jin had a job reference. Someone in Jin's boyfriend's office was looking for an art tutor for their 6 year old kid. Wow! From dreaming of being an acclaimed art curator to 'interviewing' to be a kid's art tutor, he sure had an impressive journey right? Although Jin had assured him the level of skills required for this job were going to be challenging and even the pay was going to be good, Taehyung wasn't exactly thrilled about it. Still, he knew that beggars can't be choosers.

That's exactly why he was on his way to a posh society building in Gangnam district. Looking at where he was headed he was sure the pay would definitely be good but teaching a kid? He was not very thrilled about it. He wasn't even sure why they needed a master in fine art's student with the expertise in the history of Korean art. What would a six year old do with that specialisation? Aren't they supposed to be finger painting and messily drawing a bunch of kids playing football on a puckish coloured ground? God knows why the Jeons were hell bound on having someone of his qualifications? He supposed he will find that soon.

His cab stopped at a gated society, and after verification he was sent to an  apartment building where he was sure an apartment would cost three thousand times more the money he had ever seen in the 24 years he spent on earth. He checked for once if his clothes were okay to even enter such a building. Even if they weren't he couldn't do anything about it now, can he? The interview was supposed to start in the next 7 minutes.

He entered the apartment lobby where he was verified again at another security checkpoint. Of course ! The rich people and their paranoia. Once done, he was asked to board an elevator which took him to the 23rd floor (!) where the Jeons resided. It seemed like the whole floor belonged to the Jeon family. One side it was their residence and on the other side it seemed to be an official setup. Taehyung almost got cold feet right before he was about to ring the bell. Because the name plate read: JJK. Everything reminded him of a certain JK he had ‘met with’, recently. It sent tingles down his spine.

'Not the time to remember your hot hook-up, Taehyung…',  he scolded himself, remembering he had bills to pay. He gulped and pressed the button reluctantly. Precisely after 5 seconds he heard the door cam buzz and a sweet, gentle voice ask him,

"Who is it ?"

"Hello ma'am, this is Kim Taehyung. I was sent here for the interview of an art tutor by Mr Kim Namjoon."

"Oh, so you are the young man Seokjinie kept gushing about! Misha, my dear, please open the door for this sweet boy."

In no time the one who must be 'Misha', opened the door for Taehyung with a practised humble bow and smile, then led Taehyung inside the luxurious apartment's living room where a very kind looking old lady sat, apparently waiting for him. Although the lady ahead was draped in the finest clothing and wore exquisite pearls, she somehow radiated a very down to earth, warm aura, which reminded him of his own grandma. His loving, always giving Grandma who was his sole family after he had lost his parents in an accident. Sadly, he also lost her 3 years back. His grandma, who had even sold her family home just to send Taehyung to the best art school in Seoul. A home that was her only remaining asset.

Taehyung felt a bit of ease after finding a shred of similarity between these two old ladies. The ease was even more amplified when the lady offered him a gentle toothy smile. Taehyung bowed to her with utmost respect and gratitude due to the welcoming attitude she had shown towards him..

"Have a seat, Taehyang-ah. I hope you don't mind me calling you that !"

"No, ma'am. Ofcourse not." Taehyung sheepishly replied, while awkwardly taking the seat.

"Tell me, what would you like to have Taehyung-ah? Tea or coffee or something cold?"

"Thank you, ma'am. But that won't be necessary." He ducked his head awkwardly.

"Oh, rubbish. Tell me or I'll ask Misha to bring a cup of everything." The old woman 'threatened'.

"In that case, tea is fine ma'am."

The old woman instructed her staff to do the same before continuing to talk.

"Honestly, Seokjinie has already praised you a lot. I didn't think the interview was even needed, but my son insisted that we personally see if you are fit for the job. I hope you don't mind.'' The lady spoke, gently but it did take a hit at Taehyung's ego. The son of Mrs Jeon must definitely be an entitled prick. How fit did the university topper of master of fine arts need to be, to qualify to be a kid's art tutor? Yet his swallowed his pride and said,

 ''It is okay ma'am. Please ask away whatever questions you have.''

The lady chuckled at that, ''These are not questions, Taehyung ah. These are some of the absolute requirements. Our Haru is a very special child. He is an art prodigy. At the age of six, he has shown immense talent, but he lacks a lot of formal training. He has questions quite ahead of his age and not a lot of people can be patient enough around him once he starts with those. His main interest lies in mediaeval Korean art history and techniques which honestly till now nobody was able to educate him with. The problem is… I mean, it is not the problem. My son would get really upset if I call it a problem," the old lady laughed nervously before continuing,

"Our Haru has a bit of difficulty concentrating. He is what people call it these days, 'neuro- divergent'. His artistic intelligence along with few of the other aspects is higher but because his brain processes things so differently than his peers, most of the teachers don't know how to handle it. His brain shifts from one doubt to another so quickly and even his questions are way ahead of his age. With his social filter being non-existent, most of the teachers find it a bit bothersome when a 6 years old kid questions their technique or knowledge rather so bluntly. So, these are the conditions you would have to consider before making a decision. Of course Haru and his dad also get to have a say, but it is you who needs to decide first."

"Oh…" It was the only thing Taehyung could say for a few seconds. so the art tutoring job that he was looking down upon was not much different than the job he was doing before. He would just have to handle the whims, and questions of an art prodigy like before but the only thing would change was the age of that said prodigy. Rather than working with a 50 years old child he would be working with an actual child. Without pondering much he asked,

"So, when can I meet Haru?"

☆☆☆

The very next day, eeting Haru went the way Taehyung had never imagined. The boy with chubby cheeks, round doe eyes and a bunny smile, that appeared rarely, looked a bit familiar to him and not just that, he seemed also to have taken an immediate interest in him. According to the boy, not just Taehyung's academic profile was interesting but Taehyung's facial profile was something that entrapped him as well . To his utter surprise, immediately after seeing him the boy had asked his not-yet-officially-appointed tutor if he could model for him. It took Taehyung aback for a few moments but he eventually agreed. The kid asked him some questions that got Taehyung's brain challenged. He was happy that at least someone in the world recognised the worth of his knowledge. Surprising him yet again, the communication then flowed effortlessly, thereafter.

It's not that he was bad with kids. He in fact was the cool uncle according to all the neighbours' kids. However, it is one thing speaking sweetly with kids and playing their game referee. Teaching one was miles apart from that. His worries got lifted off his shoulders when Mrs Jeon said that Hara seemed to have approved of him. Two down, one to go. Now if Mr Jeon approved, he would be set at least for a month. Then he can find another suitable job in the meanwhile. The pay seemed promising and even he would get a pickup & drop facility by the Jeons if things worked out. Not just that, Mrs Jeon even offered to speak to her son about Taehyung, if he can find him a more suitable job in his company's design department.

It was almost like this job would be the solution to most of his current issues. The job that he was reluctantly going to accept. Well, he might not be so reluctant anymore. His thoughts were interrupted when the lovely grandmother arrived in the study where Haru was sketching his new muse, Taehyung.

"Taehyung-ah, my son would like to have a word with you. Fortunately, he is working from home today so he thought to get done with the talk so that we can officially move forward.”

“ That's great… I mean sure…” Taehyung fumbled with his words while trying to control his excitement.

“Can you please follow Misha to his home-office, then?” 

“Ofcourse.”

“But Grandma, I am still sketching.” 

“ Haru…” Grandmother tried to explain it to her grandmother but Taehyung beat her to it.

“Why don't you try to work on a memory drawing till then. Try to sketch a little based on your visual memory?” 

"You think I can do that?”

“You will never know till you try, will you?”

The boy easily nodded, making the grandmother gasp in surprise. She offered Taehyung an amused smile who returned it with a sheepish one, before walking behind the staff.

The office was on the same floor but on the other side of the penthouse.

As they reached the office, the kind lady named Misha buzzed him in and walked back to her own way. Taehyung waited till the door was clicked open, apparently 'remotely’. Then he heard a soft ‘come in’, in a voice that sounded particularly familiar. Yet, he stepped in, with small steps, to see a blob of black, unruly hair, hunched down on the office table, noting down something in the ipad before him.

Taehyung cleared his throat nervously before greeting the other hurriedly..

“Good afternoon, Mr Jeon. I am Kim Taehyung. I am here for….” He choked on his own words as Mr Jeon decided to suddenly grace him with an acknowledging look. However, he wasn't the only one choking. Mr Jeon was having a coughing bout as well. Composing himself, Taehyung could only mutter,

“JK?”

“Vante?”

Not even in his wildest dreams Taehyung had imagined that the employer he was about to meet was the same guy who had occupied the most significant part of his daydreams (and even the wet ones. Ahem…) for the past few days.

They both were too stupefied to say anything. After what felt like minutes long silence, JK aka Jeon Jungkook, tried to ask,

“Did you follow…”

“No. NOOO… It's not what you think… I… I need to go. I am sorry for wasting your time but I can't do this.” Taehyung stormed out of there, without looking back or even informing Haru.

☆☆☆

“What do you mean he can't do it? What did you even say to him, Jungkook?” Mr Jeon sounded angry. Very angry. She was a sweet old lady, but she could get a little scary, when angry. Maybe Haru got his temper from her. Maybe!

“I didn't… It's not what you think, Eomma. I don't know why he said no.” Jungkook lied to his mother, which was going to eat him up from inside.

“What am I going to say to Haru, now? You know how hard it is for him to get adjusted to a new person. He is going to throw a tantrum if comes to know that Taehyung declined.”

Jungkook is perplexed. He is torn between contacting Taehyung to beg him to come back or keeping things as they are to avoid complications. Well, he is not exactly avoiding any complications right now. Because if Haru goes into a meltdown, he is done for it. That's not what happens though, because he doesn't even get to tell Haru about Taehyung’s departure. Haru throws a fit even before knowing that Taehyung wouldn't teach him.

“Where is Taehyung?” He comes shouting.

“Haru, my love….” Mrs Jeon starts.

“He was supposed to talk to Dad and come back to check on my progress. It's been an hour already. And why is Dad here? If he is here, where is Taehyung then?”

“Taehyung had some emergency, love. He had to rush home.” Mrs Jeon continues. Jungkook was frozen at one place because he knew his mom wouldn't be the one to break the news to his son. She would make Jungkook do it, because apparently, she has smelled that Jungkook is hiding something from her.

“Emergency? Is that why he left his bag here? Then I am sure he will be back in some time, right grandma?” Haru asked pointedly.

“Ugh… Haru… The thing is…” Jungkook thought he should rip the bandage off as early as possible but his mother has some other plans.

“He won't be coming back today, Love, but he will be here tomorrow. He has asked your dad to drop his stuff at his home. Can you be an angel and help him get Taehyung's bag from the studio?”

“Sure Grandma.” Haru nodded eagerly and walked off to the studio.

After making sure that he can't hear them, Mrs Jeon turned towards her son and whisper yelled,

“Listen here, you idiot, you are going to take that bag and go to the address I give you and you are going to clean the mess you made by doing or saying something to that sweet boy. I don't care what you have to do, just get that boy here tomorrow. Double his pay or get on your knees in front of him, I don’t really care. I WANT HIM HERE TOMORROW. My Haru gets the mentor he deserves. Do you understand?” She said, patting her son's chest with a passive aggressive smile on her face.

☆☆☆

Jungkook is driving to the other side of the town and honestly he has never been to this side of the town. Jungkook is both anxious and reluctant. What was he even going to say to Taehyung? Not like he was really going to get on his knees to apologise. He could get on his knees for him for some other reason,  though.

Wait, what?

What the hell was wrong with him? Maybe not getting laid for years had made him so horny that his head was now the permanent resident of a gutter. Maybe that's the reason he couldn't get Taehyung out of his head, since that day. Well, honestly speaking, Taehyung was not someone one can easily forget about. He was the son of Aphrodite. His body, the vision, his touch, his taste everything  was just so addictive. Jungkook had been thinking of visiting the same gay club only to get a chance to meet Taehyung just once… or more.

Regardless, this was not the time to think about that. Right then  his life was on the line. If he didn't manage to convince the artist, his mother would have his head hung on the wall. He wasn't even joking. Ever since Jungkook had dated Haru's mother, and had gotten her pregnant accidentally, resulting in little Haru's arrival in their lives, his sweet and gentle mother had become fierce and protective towards both him and Haru. Especially since the so-called mother of the kid turned out to be an absolutely awful human, trying to extort money from the young CEO using her pregnancy. Mrs Jeon had single handedly taken care of the little bean after his mother had left him in Jungkook's sole custody after she was caught using the money given to her for Haru's necessities.

Once she was out of the equations Mrs Jeon had taken it upon her to help her clueless son raise a newborn. That newborn turned out to be a total challenge for him. Haru had shown exceptional pace on developmental, especially on the cognitive side. He was not only an artistic prodigy but also a very inquisitive child. Jungkook needed to put extra attention to provide him a nourishing and grounding environment. Because he also was bored really easily, Jungkook needed to make sure that he was given some or other activity to keep him busy. Also he was not very comfortable around everybody, so finding the right people to teach him was another task. Jungkook being exceptionally academically, he would manage the formal teaching part but to train him in arts, where most his interest lies, he needed a specialist, and Haru had been sceptical of each of his tutors before Taehyung. Henceforth, he knew why his mother was so adamantly demanding that he convinced Taehyung in to accepting their offer.

Weighing all his options he was finally at the doorstep of the artist and gathering all his courage before Taehyung heard his knocks and opened the door. He was praying that he will catch the younger one at home and won’t go home without a try. However when Taehyung opens the door, all his resolve is gone. Taehyung stands there in a white baggy T-shirt and hot red shorts. Shorts, that are a bit too short for his sanity. Because they display his smooth, golden legs perfectly and the shirt hangs just so loosely that some part of his shoulder and his defined collarbones are highlighted. And his face is a little puffy but his beautiful eyes are covered with those silky, messy bangs.

“Mr Jeon?” Taehyung questions a bit hoarsely. His voice sounds strained even with those two words. That shakes Jungkook out of his thoughts.

“Hello Vante… I mean Taehyung…” The CEO stutters.

“What are you doing here? What do you want now?”

“Actually, I … the thing is, you left your bag at my place.”

“Oh… Thank you. You didn't need to bother. I would have picked it up or if you were worried that I might pull some card like you thought I did, you should have sent one of your staff…”

“Taehyung I didn't mean to question your intentions, I was just a bit paranoid because of my past …”

“You don't owe me any explanation, Mr Jeon. I am a nobody.”

“Taehyung, it's not what you think… Can I please come in? I think I Causing a bit nuisance to your neighbours.”

Taehyung then caught one of his old neighbours peeking out of their door and another standing by the staircase trying to peep into the conversation. Unwillingly, Taehyung moved aside, making Way for the CEO to come in. Locking the door he led the elder towards the small living space that he had in the studio apartment.

“What do you want to say Mr Jeon? Please make it quick. I have a job interview in a few hours.”

"Then it becomes absolutely necessary for me to say this. I am so sorry. I shouldn't have asked you that stupid question. I was just a bit paranoid because of my earlier experience. I don't do this often,  Taehyung. I don't do casual sex. And the last relationship I had was with Haru's mom. Which turned out pretty badly.”

"Why are you telling me all this?”

"Because I want you to know Why I said what I said. I am a single parent Tachyung. And as you have seen, Haru is a special kid. He doesn't get alone? with everyone. So before he got attached to you, I just wanted to know why you were actually there.”

Jungkook calmly explains the situation with Haru's biological mom and his reluctance about relationships.

“ Plus you have such a high qualification, I didn't get why you wanted to work as a tutor? That's all. I am not saying that what I asked was okay but I had to be extra cautious.”

"I didn't even know it was your house, and your kid. I didn't even know you had a kid. Honestly I also don't do hookups. It's not for me. I was always just so focused on my work. However, recently….”

Taehyung explains how he had lost his old job and landed into a tutoring one.

“So understand, not everyone is behind your money Mr Jeon, I was just so genuinely in need of a job…”

“I understand that. That's why I am apologising. And if you want the job offer still stands. It would be my pleasure if you could teach my son.”

“I don't know, Mr Jeon…” Taehyung's words get caught up as his phone starts blazing.

“Excuse me, I have to take this, please have a seat, I'll be back in 5.”

Jungkook nodded but his own phone started ringing by then. He walked near to the doorway to take the call, his back facing the direction where Taehyung walked away.

“Hello. Yes Eomma, I found his place. Yes, I am with him. Yes, I apologised. No, I didn't do anything wrong, ma. It seems like some sort of miscommunication. Yes, I told him that the offer still stands. No, he is yet to reply, he is on a call! Yes, I would raise the offer. YES, I'LL GET ON MY KNEES FOR HIM TO SAY YES! Happy now? No, please let me handle it….” Frustrated, Jungkook sighed and turned back to see a wide eyed Taehyung gawking at him.

“I…”

“Are you really willing to offer me a raise?”

“If that's what it takes, then yes.”

“Well, I was going to say no, but I just got a call from the place I was going to be interviewed at, they don't accept people without an experience certificate. And guess who doesn't have any? So, I will tutor Haru from tomorrow. Anyway, not like I can't afford not working for a long time.” 

Jungkook surged forward and tightly held his hand.

“Thank you, Taehyung. I owe you a big one.”

The hold was sending sparks all over Taehyung's body as it reminded him of the wild moments they had spent together but he gulped the memories down with a pinch of salt, and decided to play coy,

“Although I wouldn’t mind you getting on your knees for it, I would manage with the pay raise, for now.”

It came out a bit more suggestively than Taehyung had intended (blame the wild night that left them wanting for more), which raised a little alarm in Jungkook's southern region (again, blame the wild night that left them wanting for more.)

“Do you want me to get on my knees for you?” Jungkook husked, holding his hand even tighter. It made Taehyung's mind go haywire. His rationality was telling him to back off, but his body was already craving whatever Jungkook could offer. He was sure that he couldn't go back to his earlier arrangements with anyone else after getting a taste of the passion he shared with Jungkook but he also didn't want to lose his employment prospects.

“This is  a bad idea, Mr Jeon.” He whispered against his will.

“Shit… Don't call me like that. You are pulling me in to do even worse.” Jungkook stepped closer, with fire burning in his gaze.

“Worse? What could be worse than what we have already done?” Taehyung should just shut up. He was trading in dangerous territory. Which was proven right when it seemed like there was a switch of rationality that just went off in both their minds.

“You have a point, Mr Kim.” And with that, gone were the glasses from Jungkook's face and Taehyung was pulled right on his lips. The kiss was feral. They were feasting on each other's lips and tongues like starved animals. Jungkook was here for a seemingly innocent apology but things took a sharp turn. Maybe because they both came to know where they both were coming from or maybe because the attraction they had towards each other was just so powerful. But there was no going back from there.

Jungkook's hands were already roaming around the other’s waist under the T-shirt. He loved how Taehyung had the right amount of fat on his love handles, it made them just so addictive. The messy kiss was getting them both a little dizzy as it proceeded. It was getting difficult to stand like that, so Taehyung just pushed the CEO on the small couch he had right behind him and straddled his thighs to kiss him more. His red shorts rode a little higher in that position, giving Jungkook access to those honey toned, smooth thighs. He just loved touching Taehyung. Every part of him was just so soft and smooth. Just the way he liked.

Taehyung also had similar views about the young CEO. He just loved the way Jungook’s muscles felt under his palms. Hard and firm, bulging with every moment they were making.

Their make-out was getting even more heated as Taehyung had now started to travel south with his mouth, sucking and nipping Jungkook's neck. He was getting impatient with the way Jungkook’s clothes were hindering his expeditions. He was about to get rid of it, when Jungkook's phone started ringing. Jungkook reluctantly pulled the phone out while Taehyung being his eager self was still sucking on his neck.

When Jungkook saw the name flashing on his screen he held Taehyung down to signal him to stop but it had the exact opposite effect on both of them as their lower halves were now pressed against each other. But it was too late to pull back now because Jungkook had already picked up the call. 

“Eomma, what is it?”

“Hell- What the hell are you doing? Why do you sound so breathless?”

“I- I forgot Taehyung's bag in the car and had to rush down to get it and climb back down. His elevator is not working somehow.” Jungkook lied through gritted teeth.

“This boy! Always so careless. Anyway, what did he say?”

“He- He agreed…” Jungkook half growled as Taehyung latched back onto his neck.

“He did? Oh! Wow! Great then. You did one good thing. Come back soon then, we will be waiting for you for dinner.”

“Aah.. ma… I still have my hands full with some other work, it is weighing down on my shoulders even before I came here so suddenly. I gotta discuss some terms with one of my new investors. I think I'll eat out tonight. So don't wait up. Bye now. I have an urgent matter to take care of.” Jungkook said, grabbing a handful of Taehyung's ass.

“Why are you speaking so weirdly today? Anyway, drive safely. Don't be late.” 

“Yeah… Yeah ma. Bye.” Cutting the call, Jungkook threw the phone on the couch and went back to kissing the daylight out of the boy on his lap.

“Are you going to…to keep your promise, Mr Jeon? Gonna… Gonna take care of this urgent matter that has your hands full?” Taehyung asked in between panting, grinding his half hard length to Jungkook's identical one.

“That's what I said, didn't I, tiger? But only if you would be a good boy. You have been very naughty while I was on call. What if my eomma heard us?”

“Honestly speaking, I didn't even understand who you were talking to….”

“That eager, huh?”

“Yeah… I have been this eager since that night. I could get that out of my head.”

“Yeah? Me too. Wanna recreate that?”

“Please…”

“Lead the way to the bed then. I don't think this couch can take the wildness we got coming.”

☆☆☆

Taehyung loved his new job. It was better than his earlier one. It paid very well. Plus it did not make him run from 9 to 5 (read more like 8am to 10pm.). Plus he got the pick-up and drop facility with it easing his rush for public transport. It spared him a lot of time to work on his own art commissions. It wasn't what he was looking for as a career initially but he realised he was far better in teaching arts than playing shadow of an established curator. He was in a much better place financially and mentally.

The little genius he was working with had warmed up to him and made his tutoring journey far more interesting than he had imagined. Haru liked being challenged but he also challenged Taehyung's intelect. Their discussions and arguments helped him grow just as much as it helped to work under his well acclaimed ex-boss.

Let's also not forget about the other perks. He spent his afternoons at Jeon household, making him join them for many afternoon meals by default. Mrs Jeon was a wonderful hostess and a cook. She would make her specialties and feed Taehyung to her heart's content. Sometimes she would invite him to cook together and sometimes Taehyung would bring in a dish or two cooked for the Jeons. Mrs Jeon would praise the hell out of the most mediocre dishes he would make. She almost had adopted him. Her warm talk and gentle pats reminded Taehyung of his grandmother. It made him feel easily attached to the elder.

And that's exactly why he would often feel guilty about the ‘other perks’ he was getting from his boss that Mrs Jeon was totally unaware of. Their second steamy session had opened the doors for unlimited desires that both the CEO and artist were not able to keep away from each other. What was supposed to be a one night stand has turned into a regular thing. And it wasn't just limited to the hook ups. Emotionally as well they had grown quite close to each other. Taehyung's continuous presence in Jeon house was one of the reasons they couldn't keep the closeness just physical. They blended in just so easily. Even Mrs Jeon was happy that Jungkook had grown close to someone after so many years. What she didn't know was that the closeness had multiple layers and went deeper than one could see with naked eyes. 

Six months later, on just a random day in the Jeon mansion, a sulking, guilt-eaten Taehyung was waiting for Haru to finish the assignment he had given. That's when Mrs Jeon entered the studio.

“TaeTae-ah, why do you look so down? Are you not feeling well, my kid?”

“Nothing serious, Eomma-nim. I just have a little headache.” He muttered, slowly.

 “Oh… Then you should have taken the day off. Haru, my love? Your uncle Tae is not feeling well, you should ask him to rest, honey.”

“Is he grandma? I didn't not realise.”

“You have to pay attention to people around you, baby. Especially someone who you care for.”

“Okay, grandma. Taehyung…”

“Haru??? What did it tell you?” The old lady reprimanded.

“Sorry, I mean Uncle Taehyung? Do you want to rest?” The grandma shook her head in disbelief.

“It's okay kiddo. I am okay.”

“He says he is okay grandma.”

“No, Taehyung-ah, Haru insists. I will ask Misha to get the guest room ready for you. I don't want you to go home alone when you are not well.”

“Eomma-nim… It's really not necessary. I'll just get a cab home.” Taehyung panicked.

“Nothing doing. I am telling you, my boy, not asking. You will rest here tonight. I am not letting you ignore your health on my watch. You are my son too.” The last sentence made Taehyung even more self conscious. Yet he had no choice but to stay.

As he entered the room with a deflated mood, he wanted to utilise this opportunity to ponder over his thoughts. He knew they had to stop this whatever it was between them. Although he knew it wasn't just fun and superficial, he still didn't know if Jungkook was even looking for a serious relationship with a man. It was not that the Jeon family or especially Mrs Jeon was a homophobic or something. Taehyung had casually slipped up the fact of him being gay in front of her while she had tried setting him up with one of her friends’ daughters, and she had reacted very casually to it as well. However, your soul-child being gay could have been easier to digest than knowing that her real son was in a relationship with a man who she considered as her soul-child.

Taehyung did not realise a door opening and closing behind him as he was lost in the thought that he really did need to put a stop to this turbulent relationship. So naturally he was startled when two colossal arms snaked around his waist.

“Hey baby, it's just me, your Jungkookie…” Jungkook whispered against his nape as he trailed feather-like pecks on his neck, reluctantly but instinctively, Taehyung leaned into the touch.

“Eomma told me you had headache? I thought I should take you to the doctor.”

“She worries too much. It's nothing a nap won't cure. I was about to book a cab to my place but she insisted that I stay.”

“She doesn't worry too much. You often ignore your health and she just loves you so much, so of course she worries for you. And why were you going to take a cab when you have a personal chauffeur here.” Jungkook said, making a saluting gesture.

However this playful gesture made Taehyung’s eyes water. With knitted eyebrows Jungkook held the younger boy by his shoulders.

“Hey… What's wrong…”

“I think… I think we should stop, Jungkookie…” Taehyung whispered crying.

“Stop? I don't… I don't understand. Is there someone else?” Jungkook asked, creating a little distance between them. Which made Taehyung curl into himself. He already wasn't liking how this was going.

“No, No… There is no one else. It's just that, I feel guilty. Guilty of lying to Eomma, Haru. They have done nothing but accept me with open arms. And I also don't like lying to you and myself.”

“Lying to me? Yourself?”

“Yeah, I think I just keep pretending that it's just physical. Something I am doing just for fun. While it's not. I am tired of telling myself that I don't want more. When in reality, I am dying to have more.”

“So it's not just physical for you? You want more?”

Taehyung doesn't answer this time. He keeps quiet. He doesn't hear anything more from Jungkook as Misha knocks the door, calling them up for the dinner.

Jungkook rushes out first, Taehyung following him slowly behind after wiping his face. As they arrived at the table they took their seats in silence. Mrs Jeon did question Taehyung's sunken eyes, but he blamed it on his health, making her change the subject.

“Jungkook-ah, what are you going to do about the family Christmas party that we got invited to.”

“Eomma? Not now.”

“I need to reply to the RSVP by tomorrow morning, darling. I need to ask you now. Haru needs a family circle, Jungkook ah.”

“Then fine. We will go. As always.” Jungkook says, with a flat tone.

“Your uncle has asked me if you would be bridging a plus one this time.” Mrs Jeon asked in a hopeful tone.

Jungkook scoffed and dared to take a look at Taehyung, who had shrunken into a ball of insecurities.

“Tell them, yes Eomma. It's high time I went with a plus one, right?” He asked, eyes still boring holes into Taehyung's face.

“What??? Oh Jungkookie! I am so happy! Who's the lucky lady? I hope she is not…” Mrs Jeon stopped her own words from spilling, understanding that she shouldn't ruin the happy occasion by mentioning her son's failed relationship.

“It's not what you think, Eomma. It's a gentleman.”

That sentence burned. Burned badly in Taehyung's ears and heart. Not just Jungkook was moving on, but he was moving on with another man, while Taehyung had been holding himself back because of the fact that Jungkook's family might never approve of them.

“Oh… oh… I- I shouldn't have assumed. I am so sorry, love! I am happy it's someone you really like though, right?”

“He is. I really like him and I think you and Haru would too.”

“Aaahhh… Too much of the suspense now. Introduce me to them, already.”

“You already know him, Eomma. That boy over there, who's beating himself up thinking I am taking someone else with me to the party!” Jungkook said, pointing towards Taehyung with a teasing smile. Making the boy and his mother both go wide-eyed.

“Taetae? It's my Taetae??? Oh my God, Jungkookie. For the first time in your life you made a good choice…” Mrs Jeon said, wrapping Taehyung up in her arms who was too shocked to react.

☆☆☆

That night, Taehyung laid in the Jeons’ guestroom, rewinding everything that had happened that evening. Not only Jungkook, the man he was falling badly for had dramatically told him that he liked him but also Mrs Jeon had happily approved of him. Even had assured them that ‘Haru’ who was sleeping at that time would not have any issues seeing Taehyung in a new light. It was too much of a process.

Lost in his thoughts, yet again, Taehyung didn't notice the door opening and locking in the background. It's only when Jungkook sneakily slid into the cover, he noticed his presence.

Jungkook gave a sheepish smile to him when Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. Taehyung was about to kick the elder out of bed but he decided against it as the CEO was looking at him with heart eyes.

“A little warning would have been great, Jungkookie!” He winced as he punched the other's chest, making his own fist pain as it hit the sturdy chest.

“Speaking of warnings. Avoid Eomma tomorrow, as much as possible. She just caught me sneaking in here.”

“What did you eat today? Why are you like this? How am I going to face her now?”

“She will probably just tease and interrogate us for a week or two. Nothing we can not handle.” Jungkook said, caging the younger boy below him.

“So, you want more? Huh? That can be arranged.” He said, diving in for a kiss, but Taehyung covered his lips with his palm.

“You like me? Tell me you are not joking.” Taehyung asked, sounding clearly vulnerable. 

“Do I look like I am joking to you? Like I did not just come out to my mom out there. Do you realise how serious that is?”

“Oh God, Jungkookie. Did I force you to come out?”

“No, you didn't, baby! I was waiting for the right opportunity to confess to you, so that I could tell Eomma. But guess what? This works too.” Jungkook nuzzled his neck.

Giggling, Taehyung pulled the CEO in a tight embrace.

“So you like me, huh, Mr Jeon?”

“What I feel is more than just ‘liking’, but I don't want to scare you, baby!” Jungkook whispered in his neck.

“I don't want to scare you either, but I feel the same, Jungkook…” Taehyung whispered back.

The End