CHAPTER 66

Jungkook wakes up alone in bed one more time. He whines to himself, he wanted more time with Tiger—

Jungkook gasps. Oh no. Holy moly, no. He turns his head to the empty bed. Tiger couldn't have slept on his bed, Jungkook would never find a logical explanation to tell Taehyung.

He runs downstairs, his blood running cold as Taehyung eats a bowl of yogurt and fruit on the island kitchen. Jungkook walks as quietly as possible holding his breath, but they eventually make eye contact.

Jungkook's sigh of relief could've been heard upstairs.

It's not Taehyung staring at him, but his Tiger.

"I thought you left again. I was scared Taehyung found out." Jungkook explains, walking to him.

"Hell, I'm sorry. I just had the urge to eat my favourite food, I didn't want to leave you alone. I'd never want to leave you alone."

Jungkook smiles and kisses his forehead. "Don't worry, baby."

The younger makes himself a coffee, while Tiger keeps eating slowly. "Hey, has someone come here?"

Tiger shakes his head. "Everyone's still sleep."

Jungkook takes a place next to him and kisses his cheek. "Then I can hold your hand without any worries."

They intertwine their fingers, Tiger's grip's delicate compared to Jungkook's.

* * *

Seokjin wakes up full with Namjoon's cum still inside him. He promised he would wait until his boyfriend woke up, but sleeping with a dildo in his ass isn't the most comfortable option. As he slides it out, cum runs down his thigh.

Seokjin smiles to himself and thanks the heavens he can't get pregnant. All of them but Namjoon would have been pregnant by now due to Namjoon's stamina.

He turns around to appreciate Namjoon's angel face. All of him becomes a delicate marshmallow when he sleeps.

After debating with himself if he should get out of bed and take a shower, or wait for Namjoon to wake up and discover that he has removed the dildo without his permission and while he was sleeping, he opts for option one.

If Namjoon decides to punish him for it, he may forget it in a matter of hours.

But he won't forget the image of Seokjin laying next to him, the dildo gone, and dried cum on his skin.

* * *

"Jungkookie poogie, Tiger's looking for you." A cheerful Hoseok runs downstairs, his mood matching his bright yellow hoodie.

Jungkook just spares him one look, his vision quick back at the television. He can't let Jimin win this battle, but he can't let his Tiger waiting either.

Jimin wins and Jungkook lets out a heavy sigh. "It doesn't count, I got distracted."

Jimin only sticks his tongue out with a smirk.

Jungkook shakes his head with a chuckle. "Here, keep playing with Hobi. But get ready because when I'm back you're done."

Jimin giggles and Hoseok guffaws at the pair, lying on the free sofa.

Jungkook stops by the door frame. Tiger sits on the floor and his back rests on the bed, head lowered.

"Baby," he whispers.

Jungkook closes the door and runs next to him, holding his hands with his. He lets go for a moment, two fingers raising Tiger's chin.

"Hey, look at me. What happened, baby? Did you fight with any of the boys?"

Tiger shakes his head. "I need to tell you something, I don't have much time left."

Jungkook soft smile slowly disappears, replaced by a frown."What do you mean?"

Tiger doesn't want him to suffer, but he can't conceal him the truth. He wants to explain it himself, he doesn't want Taehyung to do it for him.

"I'm dying, Bunny."

"What?" he stays paralysed, his mind unable to process what he said.

Tiger doesn't stop smiling. "Do you remember who I am, Bunny?"

"What?"

"I'm here to protect Taehyung," his smile reaches his eyes, "but he doesn't need me anymore, Bunny. Taehyung completely healed. His soul and heart are free."

Jungkook shakes his head desperately. "What? No no no. Please, don't leave me."

Tiger brings his hand on Jungkook's cheek, removing some tears. "If you remember me, I'll always be with you Bunny."

Jungkook sobs, finally facing the cruel reality. "Please, don't leave me."

"You promised me you would remember that moment. Keep remembering it for me, will you? I know I'm not in a position to ask you anything, but please, don't forget me neither."

Jungkook shakes his head, his vision blurry.

Tiger caresses his hair, slowly slipping away. He tries to stay with Jungkook as long as possible, focusing only on his eyes.

His Bunny's eyes.

"You're the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me. You taught me love, Bunny. Not only towards you, but towards myself too. You put meaning to the word. You showed me love, and that's why I love you. I love you, Bunny. Please, don't forget it, never."

Tiger's eyes start losing his black colour and Jungkook blinks to recompose himself. "I love you, Tiger. I love you."

Tiger smiles, his hands cupping his cheeks. "Take care of Taehyung for me, will you?"

Jungkook kisses him one last time.

He pulls away slowly, Taehyung's eyes staring back at him.

"He - he—" Jungkook sobs, hiding his face in his hands.

Taehyung wraps an arm around him and leans Jungkook's head on his shoulder. He pats him, gently murmuring, "I know, I know."

Jungkook can't tell how long he stays crying on Taehyung's chest. The latter doesn't mutter a word, he just keeps patting and caressing his back. The pain in his heart eases enough for him to realise the situation.

He pulls away slowly and Taehyung lets go of him.

Jungkook sniffs, his cheeks red and his eyes puffy. "You knew?"

Taehyung nods. "Everything."

Jungkook opens and closes his mouth a few times. He swallows, staring at his feet. "Why - why didn't you say anything?"

"I love Tiger, too. It was his life, not mine. And I trusted him. If he trusts you, I'll trust you too."

Jungkook rubs his eyes. "When did you find out?"

"I felt his love towards you. The morning I let you ate the breakfast I made with Chimmy? I woke up snuggled next to you. I didn't expect it, but I wasn't surprised. That's what Tiger wanted. He loved you."

He loved you, Jungkook repeats in his head.

In past tense.

Because Tiger's gone.

Because Tiger won't come back.

"I'm sorry." Taehyung apologises.

Jungkook shakes his head. "It's not your fault." he plays with his hands for a moment. "Is it true?"

"What?"

Jungkook tilts his head. His heart sinks deeper, he won't see the black galaxy in Tiger's eyes never again.

"Are you and Tiger the same person? Was Tiger another part of you? I loved you all along?"

"I know what the boys say," Taehyung pauses. "But I don't see it that way. He was in my mind, he was part of me, he appeared because of my own traumas. But he was more than that. I felt like having a big brother. He never failed to keep me safe."

Jungkook lets out a soft sob. "Thanks—thank you for letting me love him. It mustn't have been easy for you."

Taehyung takes a breath. "It wasn't. And I'll be missing him too."