Chapter Text
“I want you to tell me who blackmailed you.” Taehyung said with a serious expression. Before Jungkook could answer though, Taehyung imputed.
“We already caught the people who caused the crash and we’re waiting for you to get better to place official charges but I still want to know who was the one that blackmailed you in the beginning. They’re the main reason all of this happened so they should-”
“Taehyung.” Jungkook spoke out, stopping him from continuing. “There’s no reason to even talk about that anymore. What happened in the past is now the past. Everyone knows now. . . so it doesn’t matter any-”
“It matters to me!” Taehyung yelled out without meaning to.
The look he had on his face showed that. He looked apologetic as he let out a sigh. He reached up towards Jungkook’s hand, holding it tightly.
“I’m sorry. . . I just-. . . I don't want you to ever be pushed against a wall like this again. If. . . if you don't want to tell me who it was then fine.” Taehyung said with a frown, his eyebrows furrowing, “but at least tell me this. The thing that they blackmail you with. . . did it have to do with us?”
Jungkook let out a breath, his head leaning back onto the pillows as they looked up at the ceiling. He heard Taehyung continue as he closed his eyes lightly.
“I know you don't want to say anything about it but I just don't get it. If they had material to reveal us, why didn't they? Why blackmail you instead of showing their proof and get more publicity that way? So please, if this person had a reason then. . . tell me.”
Jungkook slowly opened his eyes again before he turned his head towards Taehyung. He had a gentle smile on his face but there was a sad look on his face.
“He didn't have enough proof to pinpoint you.” Jungkook said, making Taehyung frown.
He wanted to ask more but Jungkook continued, answering his questions as he explained what had happened.
“The only thing they had were a recording of Seo-jun and I talking about my male lover but he had no idea it was you.”
“Then-. . . why? Why did you say what you did? Why throw yourself under the bus like that if there was no reason to? When he didn't have any proof?”
“The proof he had. . . was about another person.”
That surely got Taehyung even more confused which in turn made Jungkook lightly squeeze his hand on his.
“He had photos of-. . . of Yoongi. I don't know how he found out that he lived with me but he did. He had a file full of them with him drinking, passed out, at a bar. He had photos of him with other people, one of them I somehow recognized was the back of Seokjin’s head though I don't think that reporter pieced that together. And. . . he had a recent photo of Yoongi with Jimin at the house. . . together.”
Taehyung was shocked but still confused. If he had those photos for, what seemed like a long time, then why didn't he reveal them sooner? It seemed like Jungkook pieced that questioning look on Taehyung’s face and answered him without needing him to ask it aloud.
“Because Yoongi had disappeared from the media and people seemed to no longer be interested in any news of him, he didn't reveal it. He. . . in his own words, was waiting for Yoongi’s comeback that never came.”
“Yoongi has to know about this-” Taehyung said but was cut off again when Jungkook held his hand tighter.
“No, if he finds out he’s going to blame himself for what I did. It wasn’t his fault, it was my decision, not his. Besides. . . no one will ever know of this.”
“How can you be so sure? How do you know that that reporter doesn’t have a plan B? How do you know that he’s not going to ask for more money to keep those photos under wraps? How can you trust him?”
“He gave me those photos.”
“And you trust that he doesn’t have more?!” Taehyung replied with a look of disbelief.
“If he has more and he reveals them. . . then that’ll only take him straight to jail.”
Taehyung frowned as he continued to listen to Jungkook’s explanation.
“I accepted his conditions to reveal my secret relationship with another man on the condition that he signs a contract with his and my lawyer that if he reveals anything about those photos then he will be charged with defamation, trespassing, and harassment. I would make sure he would be revoked of any type of journalism and I also made sure to place a restraining order.”
Jungkook turned his head towards the ceiling again, his expression looking a bit angry as he remembered the past conversation with the reporter.
“I let him have his minute of glory. I let him have his well earned public praise for finding out a celebrity’s secret and having it be proven right to the world. I let him have that extra paycheck that his job was for sure going to give him. It didn't matter to him that I was going to be dragged into the ground because of this. . . and neither did I if it meant I could help Yoongi and give him back all he’s done for me.” Jungkook turned his head again, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s, “What he’s done for us. So please. . . let this secret be kept between us, I beg you. He would blame himself if he found out.”
Taehyung didn't want to keep a secret from Yoongi but he knew that Jungkook was right, Yoongi would blame himself for what Jungkook went through. With a sigh, Taehyung nodded his head. He moved forward, his face a bit closer to Jungkook’s now.
“Fine, I won’t say anything but keep in mind that we have to tell him eventually. It’s wrong to keep this from him.”
Jungkook kept silent for a bit before he nodded his head, “Alright but. . . at least, let’s wait until it dies down?”
Taehyung chuckled a bit, his head shaking softly, “ If it dies down, which I doubt it though I promise I won’t say a thing and wait until you decide to tell him. Just. . . don't take too long.”
“I don't want to pull him into any drama.”
“He’s already in a drama.” Taehyung said with a chuckle, “Not only was he seen when you had your accident, Yoongi and Jimin both walked out of the hospital hand in hand to Jimin’s house. There’s already rumors of them dating, which I’m sure Jimin and even Yoongi at this point, don't care about.”
Jungkook’s eyes widened a bit before he too let out a chuckle. “Typical. . . but I’m glad. He deserves happiness and someone who’ll confidently show him off, someone who loves him.”
“Yeah, he does.” Taehyung quickly agreed before he placed a kiss on Jungkook’s lips.
He leaned his head against his, relaxing after finally finding out the real reason Jungkook did what he did. Jungkook really did love with all his heart. He would sacrifice his own well being for the people he loved. Taehyung loves Jungkook and he knows Jungkook loves him. Now, what would make him the happiest person alive is Jungkook finally being discharged from the hospital. Thankfully it was only a couple of days for that to happen.
The day had come and Jungkook was a bit confused when he saw not only Seokjin with him and Taehyung in his room but also Taehyung’s mother. He’s had very little conversation with Mrs. Kim and he knows how little Taehyung actually likes her but he was genuinely surprised to see Taehyung not really kicking her out. Well, he wasn’t exactly speaking with her either and he barely even glimpsed at her through the time she’s been here. Jungkook was currently waiting for the nurse to bring a wheelchair. Taehyung, Namjoon, Yoongi, and Hye-jin all wanted him to exit through the back exit but Jungkook insisted that he wanted to let people see him fine as he entered the van, of course, with assistance. He’s been going through the comments and articles of his crash and he’s seen so much support from people and how worried they were for his health. He wanted to thank them and also ease their worries by appearing in the public eye.
Taehyung understood but also insisted that he would be with him the entire way. Jungkook was hesitant but allowed it since it seemed like Taehyung wouldn’t take no for an answer. Seokjin had Taehyung’s duffle bag on his shoulder as the nurse came into the room with the wheelchair. She held a smile as she stared towards Jungkook. She made sure that his I.V was out and that he no longer had anything attached to him before she asked if he needed assistance to get onto the chair. With a head shake, Jungkook held onto the chair handle and lifted himself up on one leg and moved onto the chair, Taehyung kept his arms reaching out in case Jungkook needed help.
“Good, through what way will you be leaving the hospital?” The nurse asked with a smile.
“The front entrance.” Jungkook answered, making Taehyung glance towards Seokjin and in turn made him look at their mother.
“We’ll take your stuff to your apartment Tae and meet you over at the house.” Seokjin said before he waved Jungkook goodbye. Their mother also followed behind Seokjin.
Before Seokjin left, Taehyung reached out to him and proceeded to give him his keys to the apartment. Seokjin thanked him and soon it was just Taehyung, Jungkook, and the nurse. She was about to wheel him out when Taehyung took over, personally pushing Jungkook through and out of the doorway, stopping when he spotted Hye-jin, Namjoon, and Hyung-woo in the hall.
“I already ordered the van to come up front. There are securities around the area just in case. Whenever you’re ready, you’re free to go.” She said with an uncertain look in her eye.
“Are you sure about this, Kook?” Namjoon asked, concern written on his expression as well.
Jungkook nodded and gave him a smile. “Really sure.” Jungkook then glanced back at Taehyung before giving him a nod.
With a deep breath, Taehyung began to push Jungkook towards the front exit. He could already hear the chaos by the front entrance without even seeing them just yet and as soon as they were in sight, cameras and shouts began to rise.
“Jeon Jungkook!!! Jeon Jungkook!!”
“Will you press charges?!”
“So is it true that you two are a couple?!”
“Kim Taehyung!”
“Please tell us how you are feeling!!”
Was heard from left to right. Taehyung wanted to continue to push Jungkook towards the van so that they could be safely out of sight but Jungkook raised his hand to stop him. He motioned the paparazzi to settle down before he began to speak.
“I want to thank everyone for their best wishes and for my speedy recovery. I have not decided what I will be doing from now on since I will be concentrating on my recovery but rest assured, this’ll not be the last of me. I will do my best to recover quickly.”
Jungkook heard Taehyung let out a sigh behind him but paid him no mind as he continued. “I will press charges but I’m not planning on sending them to jail. I know that what they did was something very very serious but I’m sure the fright was surely eye opening. I will not speak of my accident anymore nor will I speak about the people that were involved so I would kindly ask of you to not ask me again. As for our relationship, everything will be said in due time. For now, allow me a couple of weeks of rest and I promise we will personally answer questions in the future.”
Taehyung didn't give anyone time to ask anything and instead pushed Jungkook towards the van. The nurse that tagged along with them helped him guide Jungkook into the van before folding the wheelchair and rolling it towards their driver. Said driver grabbed it and placed it into the trunk. Taehyung didn't look towards the paparazzi and instead entered the van, closing the door behind him.
“You shouldn’t be so rude.” Jungkook said with a light chuckle.
“They shouldn’t butt into what isn’t their business.”
“Tae, they’re paparazzis, it’s their job.” Jungkook replied with another chuckle at Taehyung’s pout.
“Whatever, let’s just go. We have a long drive to the house.”
Jungkook nodded as he leaned back. He closed his eyes for a second, knowing that what Taehyung said was true. It was a long drive back to Seoul but it’ll be worth it once he’s back at home.
“Uhm. . . Taehyung, where are we?” Jungkook asked when he saw that they were driving into a gated property.
He could see guards around the outer gate before they entered. The garden that welcomed them was big with a little pond on the right side, small fishes swimming in it, as far as Jungkook could tell. On the far end, he could see a house that looked to be two stories. If Jungkook had to estimate, maybe around four to five rooms?
Jungkook looked back towards Taehyung when he didn't say a word. It wasn’t until they parked in the garage, the driver giving them privacy, that Taehyung finally answered.
“This is my new house. I bought it not that long ago and I thought. . . since they were most likely going to follow us, it’ll be best for you to stay in a place that can be secure twenty four seven. And maybe, in the future, you’d like to. . . I don't know, maybe-”
Taehyung cut himself off and took a deep breath, his eyes still not looking at Jungkook. He looked nervous as he finally turned to look at him.
“Maybe. . . in the future. . you’d want to. . . live with me.”
Jungkook’s eyes widened, his mouth slightly opening with surprise. “Live. . . with you?”
Jungkook was beyond surprised but a smile made its way onto his face. He tried to school his expression and cleared his throat, his eyes looking seriously into Taehyung’s.
“Are. . . are you sure? Living together is such a big thing and I don't know if we’d be able to-”
Taehyung reached towards his hand, grabbing it to silence him. “I don't know about you but we’ve already been through some rough stuff and made it through, together. I want this. . . with you. If you think it’s too soon then we can wait but please know that I’m serious about us. I don't want to waltz around anymore, I don't want anymore problems, I just want to be happy and I know my happiness is with you.”
Jungkook felt his eyes water at Taehyung’s words but his smile remained on his face. He squeezed Taehyung’s hand a bit before he brought it up to his lips, placing a light kiss at the back of his hand.
“We can talk more about it after but I think maybe it’s best to see how these weeks of my recovery will go and see if we can stand each other. We can decide then about our future, yeah?”
Taehyung laughed and nodded his head. He doubted he’d get tired of Jungkook there but he knew that he had a point. It was different thinking about living with someone than actually experiencing it. For now, this’ll be enough.
It had only been a couple of weeks and Jungkook was already over the fact that he couldn’t do anything but stay indoors. He was grateful that this place was big but it sure felt a little too big at times. Mainly whenever he was left alone. Taehyung was still an actor, afterall and Jungkook couldn’t tell him to stay when he had his own stuff to take care of. Jungkook let out a sigh as he slowly, with the help of his crutches, made his way towards the back garden. The rooms were all upstairs but because he was currently unable to walk much, they had made one of the rooms downstairs as their bedroom until he’s able to walk properly again.
He sat on the bench and stared out towards the garden, his eyes closing when he felt the warm sun hit his face. So much has happened since the car crash. Thanks to the internet, Jungkook found out that the actors award ceremony was changed to a later date after fans had commented how inappropriate it was for them to have it after everything that’s happened. Jungkook was thankful for their support but he really didn't need anything to change because of him. He also got in contact with the director of the movie that he was filming in Thailand and they agreed to film the scenes without him for now until he’s good enough so that he could finish his final scenes.
Lui Dara and Chaiyo also called and although Jungkook told them that they didn't need to, they wanted to come and visit him when they got the time. Minho came a couple of days ago alongside Seo-jun too. Jungkook has also seen the cops a couple of times so that they could talk about the case even though Jungkook had already said he didn't want to proceed with any harsher charges to the two people who caused his accident. He also didn't want to see them when they asked if he wanted to speak with them. After a couple of visits from them, he outright told them that he didn't want to speak with them anymore and to contact Namjoon instead.
He hasn’t seen Yoongi since he got out of the hospital but he has spoken to him through the phone. He’s also been staying out of the house since he was being followed. He’s temporarily living with Jimin, which Jungkook was grateful for. He was happy to know that Jimin was making him happy. Jungkook was lost in thought when he heard footsteps approaching.
“Mr. Jeon, there’s someone by the gate asking for passage.”
“Who is it?” Jungkook asked the maid that Taehyung had hired for the meantime since Taehyung wasn’t at home most of the time whilst Jungkook was here on his own.
“It’s Mrs. Kim Ji-won. Do I let her in?”
Jungkook had wide eyes at the name, surprised that Mrs. Kim was here. ‘Could it be that she’s looking for Taehyung?’
“Yes, let her in.”
The maid nodded and went to do as told. Meanwhile, Jungkook grabbed his crutches and began to make his way towards the living room. He had barely gotten onto the sofa that Mrs. Kim arrived, the maid walking behind her.
“I hope I’m not being rude by saying that your visit is surprising. I hope you know that Taehyung isn’t here.”
“Yes, I know. I came to speak with you.” Mrs. Kim replied.
“Of course, uhm, would you like something to drink?”
When Mrs. Kim shook her head no, Jungkook excused the maid and paid all his attention towards her. She seemed nervous and maybe even hesitant but in the end, she cleared her throat and looked straight into Jungkook’s eyes. For a split second, Jungkook could see Taehyung’s expression before she began speaking.
“I want to apologize.”
Jungkook frowned, “Apologize? For what?”
“Because. . . because I was the one who contracted the reporter to follow you and uncover something of you. I wanted him to reveal to me that you were a bad person and a bad influence for my son but I had no idea that the two of you were. . . together.”
Jungkook was surprised to say the least. He wanted to ask more but found he didn't need to since she continued to explain herself.
“He didn't tell me what he found nor did he tell me that he was going to blackmail you with it. He tried to blackmail me by telling Taehyung that I was the one to hire him. Of course, I didn't let him since if he said that I supposedly hired him, then he would be discredited on finding out your truth. He didn't want that, obviously, since he received a generous check from where he worked from.”
Mrs. Kim let out a sigh, her expression of guilt being shown to Jungkook. “I’m sorry for being the reason why all of this happened to you.”
Jungkook smiled then, moving a bit to get her to properly look at him. “It wasn’t your fault that he blackmailed me. He was the one responsible for all of what happened. You were just looking after Taehyung. Parents, although sometimes without thinking of the consequences, only want what’s best for their children.”
“Regardless, I’m still sorry for what happened. I explained everything to Taehyung, Seokjin, and to their father.”
He perked up at the mention of Mr. Kim, “How is he, by the way? I’ve spoken to him through the phone but I haven’t seen him.”
“He’s doing alright. I’m actually spending more time with him since I’m eternally grateful for watching over my boys.” Mrs. Kim reached over to Jungkook, her hand grabbing his.
“I want to thank you for loving Taehyung the way you do. You sacrificed your career, your life practically, to keep him safe and out of sight. I must admit it was hard to understand and to accept that my son was in love with a man but I’m glad I can now see that the two of you are good for each other.”
Jungkook smiled at that. He turned his hand around to hold onto hers, thankful that he’s received her blessing and her understanding. He didn't know how to feel about Taehyung’s mother in the beginning but now he knows that she just wanted Taehyung to be safe and happy. Taehyung and Seokjin both have amazing parents.
*Three Months Later*
“I honestly don't know. It’s been quite some time since they were seen together.” A television host said to another.
“Could it be that Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook broke things off so soon?”
“Perhaps it was stress? They have been in public view with their relationship and Jeon Jungkook just finished filming his latest film. Perhaps after this success we might get news of a break up?”
Taehyung tsked as he turned the television off. He had a frown on his face as he turned on his chair. He could hear the sounds of tapping on a keyboard fill the room, the sound of a hum making Taehyung turn towards the source.
“Don't listen to them, you know how the media likes making gossip.” Hye-jin said without even looking up at him.
Taehyung remained silent as the clicking began again. He stood up to leave the room, ignoring the sigh coming from Hye-jin and walked towards the office beside his. He didn't knock and instead opened the door, his eyes meeting two wide ones.
“Are you done for the day?” He asked Jungkook, who was sat at his desk with Namjoon, a stack of papers in front of them.
“Uh. . . yeah?”
“Good, we’re going out.”
“Are we?” Jungkook asked with a smile, a laugh already coming out of his mouth “Where’re we going?”
Namjoon simply sighed and wasn’t surprised when Taehyung grabbed Jungkook’s hand, guiding him out of the office. Although Jungkook’s leg and arm healed, he still limped but he was much better than before. Jungkook continued to smile as he was guided out of the office and into Taehyung’s car.
“So, what did they say now?” Jungkook asked with a teasing tone.
“We’re apparently breaking up.” Was Taehyung’s response before he pulled up towards a cafe.
Jungkook hummed and followed Taehyung out of the car. He grabbed Taehyung’s hand and the two walked towards the cafe entrance. They could feel eyes on them before they saw people take their phones out, ‘secretly’ filming them. Jungkook simply found joy and amusement whenever Taehyung got defensive about their relationship. He chose to ignore their hate and their comments but it seemed like Taehyung will forever be Taehyung with the need to prove people wrong. That was something Jungkook and he were still trying to work on.
“Perhaps we should have a picnic?” Jungkook said before they were next to order their drinks. “Or pass by for groceries on the way home.”
Taehyung smiled, his hand tightening on Jungkook’s. “I do think we ran out of dog food. And maybe we can buy some snacks for a movie perhaps?”
“After dinner?”
Taehyung gave Jungkook one of those wide smiles that always makes his heart skip a beat. Jungkook returned the smile, not realizing he was staring until the cashier cleared their throat, making them realize that it was their turn to order. As they made their way to the grocery store with their drinks, Jungkook couldn’t help but to think about the past. Even though they went through a lot, perhaps all of this should’ve happened so that Taehyung and him could have this happy life.
Not only was his friends happy, Yoongi with Jimin, Namjoon doing what he loved, Seokjin and Hoseok bonding and becoming friends, Jinyoung actually being a good friend and co-worker, Seo-jun and Minho getting together, Chaiyo and Lui becoming his best friends, scraps being adopted by Jimin in the end, and himself living his best life with the love of his life. Taehyung’s family had also become his. Mr. and Mrs. Kim, although didn't get back together, were friends now and always supported them, Seokjin was also very supportive. Not to mention their new addition to their family, a little pomeranian puppy.
Yes, Jungkook and Taehyung were happy and this time, nothing and no one was going to ruin their happiness again.
END