chapter 3

Jungkook didn't know what to say. He looked at his lap instead of facing his boyfriend, who was probably disappointed in him. Just like everybody else.

Taehyung cupped Jungkook's cheek and forced him to look at him.

“Kookie. You can't tell me that this is just because of all the schedules. There's something else. I know you well enough to figure out when something is bothering you. Please tell me?”

Jungkook felt his eyes well up with tears at the thought of telling Taehyung the truth.

He let out a shaky sigh. “These people… they told me that I don't belong in Bangtan…” tears started to fall freely down Jungkook's face now, “they're saying stuff like ‘you can't dance, how are you even an idol?’ ‘honestly jungkook is so ugly why don't they kick him out?’ ‘jungkook is just a worthless maknae, Bangtan would be so much better without him’ I can't fucking take it, Tae! Usually this shit doesn't bother me but it's just too much! Why-why do they hate m-me so much? I'm trying so fucking hard! I just… m-maybe they're right”

Jungkook hugged taehyung and sobbed into his chest, his emotions getting the best of him. The room was completely silent except for Jungkook's muffled sobs. Taehyung rubbed his back and kissed the top of his head.

“Jungkook, look at me” Taehyung said, Jungkook didn't move though.

“Kookie, please look at me?” he tried again.

This time, Jungkook raised his head to lock eyes with Taehyung, some tears still coming out and rolling down his face. Taehyung cupped both of his cheeks with his hands.

“Listen to me, Jungkook. You are not worthless. Those people have absolutely no reason to say those things. You're the strongest person I know- you are so fucking beautiful- and trust me, Bangtan wouldn't be as successful without you. I know it's gonna be hard but you can't let yourself get dragged down like this anymore, it's gonna kill you! If you ever feel like this, please talk to me, or one of the others or something! You can't keep everything bottled up. Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?”

Jungkook looked down at his lap again.

“I didn't wanna tell you… I thought that you'd call me pathetic…”

Taehyung let out a soft chuckle and grabbed Jungkook’s hand, intertwining their fingers.

“We’ve all dealt with this kind of shit before, Kookie, so we know what you’re going through. Never in my life would I ever even think to call you pathetic.”

Jungkook looked up at Taehyung, meeting his stare once again.

“R-really?”

“Yes really! I’ll always be right here with you, so please let me know when you’re feeling upset”

Jungkook nuzzled into Taehyung’s chest, the low sound of the older boy’s heartbeat putting him at ease. This is where Jungkook felt safe; cuddled up against his boyfriend, away from any kind of negativity and hatred.

“Thank you, Tae. I love you” Jungkook said, squeezing Taehyung’s hand tighter.

“I love you too, Jungkook. Always”

Taehyung leaned down to press a kiss to the top of Jungkook’s head. The two stayed there perfectly content in silence for a few minutes, before Taehyung spoke up again.

“Hey, how about we get changed, and we can go on that date I promised you?”

Jungkook smiled and nuzzled closer to Taehyung. This is where he belongs: he’s safe, he’s happy, he’s home, and he’s loved.

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