Truth Between Us ??

⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹

As they weaved quickly through the bustling crowd, Taehyung kept a firm grip on Jungkook's wrist. Jungkook, still trembling, stumbled slightly behind him. Taehyung scanned the area until he spotted a nearby restroom, tucked away from the main foot traffic of the mall. Without hesitation, he pushed the door open, guiding Jungkook inside, and locked it behind them.

The click of the lock echoed in the silence, and Taehyung turned to see Jungkook leaning against the wall, his body shaking uncontrollably. His tear-streaked face was a picture of fear and desperation, his wide eyes darting to Taehyung as he stammered, "Taehyung... please. You can't tell him... You can't tell Father about this. Please."

Taehyung's hands clenched into fists at his sides, his chest tightening at the sheer panic in Jungkook's voice. He took a calming breath and stepped forward, placing his hands firmly on Jungkook's shoulders.

"Jungkook, listen to me," Taehyung said, his tone low and steady. "You need to breathe. Right now. Or you're going to spiral into a panic attack."

But Jungkook only shook his head frantically, his voice cracking. "You don't understand... If he finds out about her, if he finds out I saw her—" His words broke off as his breath hitched violently. "I don't even know what happened to her! Did she run away? Did he send her away? Did something—"

Taehyung tightened his grip on Jungkook's shoulders and gave him a gentle shake. "Jungkook!" His voice was firmer this time, his commanding presence cutting through Jungkook's spiraling thoughts. "Look at me. Breathe. In and out."

Jungkook's nails dug into Taehyung's forearms, holding on as though he might crumble entirely if he let go. His breaths came in shallow gasps, but with Taehyung's steady coaxing, he slowly began to regulate his breathing.

"That's it," Taehyung murmured, his voice softer now as he moved his hands to Jungkook's palms, rubbing slow circles with his thumbs. "You need to calm down. I promise you, I'm not going to say anything to him. Do you hear me? I'm not going to tell him. You can trust me,"

Jungkook's grip tightened on Taehyung's hands, his wide eyes searching Taehyung's face with suspicion and desperation. He can but should he trust him? 

"Can I... Can I really trust you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung's gaze softened, and he nodded firmly. "I'm giving you my word, Jungkook. A captain never goes back on his word. I won't tell him."

Something in Taehyung's tone—so resolute, so unwavering—seemed to chip away at Jungkook's walls. As if all the fight had drained out of him, Jungkook's legs buckled, and he slumped forward against Taehyung, his weight collapsing into the older man's chest.

Taehyung caught him easily, lowering them both to the floor as he held Jungkook steady. "I've got you," he said quietly, his arms supporting Jungkook as he trembled.

After a few moments, Jungkook began to pull himself together. His breathing evened out, and he shifted slightly away from Taehyung, wiping his face with the back of his hand. "I'm... sorry," he murmured, his voice shaky. "I don't know why I reacted like that."

Taehyung gave him a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay. I understand. And honestly... it's my fault."

Jungkook blinked, frowning in confusion. "Your fault? What do you mean?"

Taehyung exhaled, his jaw tightening slightly before he continued. "What I mean is... I've never been the only one keeping tabs on you. There are other eyes on you, Jungkook. Always have been."