WHEN LOVE FADES TAEKOK FF

First love

PRESENT DAY

"Jungkook, why are you wearing this shirt?" J-Hope asked, wrapping an arm around Jungkook’s shoulders.

"I couldn’t find it. I wasted two hours looking for my favorite designer shirt," Suga grumbled, yawning.

"As if you had anything better to do! You were just going to sleep anyway," J-Hope teased, making Jungkook laugh.

"Where’s Jimin?" Suga asked, his voice serious.

"How should I know? You’re the one who’s always looking for your crush," Jungkook joked half-heartedly.

"Do you want to die?" Suga said, giving Jungkook a mock glare.

"Why do I always find you guys fighting whenever you’re awake?" J-Hope asked with a dramatic sigh, looking at Suga, who remained calm, not responding

“Why is Namjoon messaging so much in our group chat all of a sudden?” Suga asked, glancing at his phone.

“Let’s hurry to Joon’s classroom. There seems to be a problem,” Suga said, already walking quickly.

They reached Namjoon’s classroom in no time, but the crowd outside was enormous. Jungkook peered inside and saw Jimin, Taehyung, and a woman with several adults, all standing with the school dean and vice principal.

“What happened?” Suga asked, looking at Namjoon, concerned.

“Do you know Taehyung?” Namjoon asked, to which Suga nodded.

“Yeah, he’s Jimin’s friend from his old school. Didn’t he transfer here two weeks ago? What about it?” Suga asked, his expression confused.

“That’s him.” Namjoon pointed toward the classroom, and Jungkook noticed a tall, thin man standing with his head lowered. His face was emotionless, his smile obviously fake.

“Taehyung has a female best friend—the one standing there. She’s completely obsessed with him. She’ll do anything to get him. Now that Taehyung transferred here, she did too. I thought it was just the girl being crazy, but her mom is even worse. She doesn’t like Taehyung being friends with Jimin. She wants Jimin transferred to another class because she’s jealous of him. But the principal can’t do that… after all, Jimin’s family is wealthier than hers,” Namjoon explained.

“What do you think will happen then?” J-Hope asked, his voice tinged with worry.

“Of course, Jimin will be the one to transfer. He’s always been the angel,” Namjoon said, sighing.

“I’ll speak to the principal,” Suga said, determined.

But Jungkook stopped him, a serious look on his face. “Have you ever seen Jimin stay this calm when dealing with people like them?”

“Of course he has to stay low. Do you think he’d speak up in front of these people?” J-Hope replied, motioning toward the group of students gathering outside the classroom.

“Look at the bandage on her hand,” Jungkook said, drawing attention to the woman in question.

Everyone turned to look.

“She’s Mr. Choi’s only daughter, the president of Choi Corporation,” Jungkook continued. “A president coming down here like this can only mean one thing—her daughter isn’t just in love with Taehyung. She’s obsessed with him. She’ll go to any lengths, even harm herself, just to get his attention. Jimin is always there to defend his friend.” Jungkook’s voice was heavy with concern.

Namjoon nodded. “Should we just let her bully Jimin then?”

“Who will? I’ll deal with this today. Don’t tell Jimin,” Suga said, his tone firm as he walked away from the group. Namjoon shook his head, but said nothing.

Jimin emerged from the classroom a little later, walking toward them.

“Are you going to change classes?” Namjoon asked, his voice laced with concern.

“Yeah, for a while. Otherwise, I’m afraid she might harm herself again,” Jimin replied quietly. Jungkook’s eyes stayed on Taehyung, watching his every move. Taehyung, looking exhausted and fed up with everything, walked away, and the whispers began to swirl around him.

“Taehyung can’t do much right now. His parents are successful doctors who used to work at Choi Medical University. They’re both renowned surgeons, but they suddenly stopped working there and moved back to the countryside. Taehyung and Hae Ri have been friends since childhood, but things started to fall apart when he transferred to a different high school last year. She followed him there and started causing trouble. He’d try to avoid her, but eventually, he had to explain that he couldn’t be what she wanted. One day, he got a call saying she wasn’t feeling well—she hadn’t been eating or drinking and hadn’t gone to school for a month. Her parents were concerned, but her mom—well, she’s even crazier. She talked to Taehyung’s parents and convinced them to transfer him to Choi’s high school. Taehyung hated being used like that, being pushed around to meet their demands. So, he asked to come here. He worked hard to pass the entrance exams, but now she’s here again. This time, she even harmed herself. Taehyung can’t ask his parents for help because they left to move on from their past and focus on healing,” Jimin said looking at jungkook making jungkook frown. They started walking towards their classes while jimin wrapped his arm around jungkook.

“ Don’t you think someone needs you now?” Jimin said while jungkook looked at him confused, Jimin shows his watch.

“ How did you know?” Jungkook asked.

“ Go now he needs you” Jimin said making jungkook nod.

Jungkook stepped into his house, the familiar scent of home greeting him. His day had been long, and he couldn’t shake the usual frustration from his phone call attempts to Taehyung, which were never answered. It had been over a year since they last had a proper conversation. All they did now was leave brief messages or communicate through Taehyung's secretary. They lived under the same roof, but something had changed, and the distance between them felt almost impossible to bridge.

He made his way to his room to freshen up, glancing at the clock on the wall. After a quick change into his daily wear, he walked downstairs.

"Daddy!"

Jiwon ran toward him, his face lighting up with a big smile. Jungkook grinned and caught him in his arms, planting a kiss on his little cheek.

"How was your day, baby?" Jungkook asked, holding him close.

Jiwon pouted slightly, but the mischievous spark in his eyes never faded.

"I won the competition but didn’t break the record," he said dramatically. "So I’m thinking of changing my schedule until next month to make sure I do better next time." He quickly set his bag down and then climbed onto the sofa like an old man deep in thought about improving his business strategy. Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh.

"Where’s your dad?" Jungkook asked, looking around the room for any sign of Taehyung.

"I think he’s busy with work," Jiwon replied, his little hands pouring himself a glass of water. "Secretary uncle picked me up today."

He handed the glass to Jungkook with a proud, innocent smile. Jungkook’s heart softened as he took the glass, watching the boy’s adorable eyes sparkle.

"Don’t worry, daddy," Jiwon said, his voice full of confidence. "Appa didn’t forget Grandma’s birthday. We even picked a gift together last time on a date."

Jungkook’s lips curled into a smile. Jiwon was only six, but he acted like he knew the world. He was mature beyond his years, but still retained the innocence and charm of a child. Jungkook felt at peace whenever he was with him, even though the world around them seemed complicated and broken.

Jiwon’s words took him back to the painful memories of the past. When Jiwon was only a year old, his parents had tragically died in an accident. Taehyung had operated on Jiwon’s mom a few years earlier, and that’s how they knew each other. When Jiwon’s mom passed, Taehyung had rushed to help, but the situation was grim. Jiwon’s aunt had taken him in but didn’t care for him properly. Eventually, Jiwon was placed in an orphanage. At that moment, Taehyung had been determined to do whatever it took to ensure Jiwon was cared for.

It was only when Jungkook found Jiwon, just a baby in his arms, that things began to shift. After legally adopting him, Jungkook had cut ties with everyone related to Jiwon’s past, including Taehyung, even though the latter had tried to help from the start. It was a painful decision, but one that ultimately created a new family—just the three of them.

"Should we get ready then?" Jiwon asked, his eyes twinkling as he winked at Jungkook.

Jungkook chuckled at the sight of his son, so full of life and energy. He scooped Jiwon up into his arms and headed toward their bedroom, feeling an overwhelming sense of love for the little boy who had changed everything.

……

The evening wore on as Jiwon sat at the living room table, focused on his homework. Jungkook sat nearby, glancing occasionally at his phone, still hoping for a message or call from Taehyung. It was becoming a routine—waiting for him, hoping to hear something that might break the silence between them.

“Should I cook something for you while you wait for Dad?” Jungkook asked, but before Jiwon could respond, his phone rang.

“Jungkook, come fast. Mom’s here,” Jimin’s voice came through, urgency in his tone.

“Okay,” Jungkook replied, hanging up quickly. He turned to Jiwon, who had been sitting in thought, looking up now with a mischievous grin.

“Do you want to go with me first? I’ll be your date until Dad comes,” Jiwon offered, standing up and straightening his shirt with exaggerated care, trying to look like a little adult.

Jungkook smiled, amused at how hard Jiwon was trying to be grown-up.

“Let’s get the gift then,” Jungkook said, his voice warm.

Jiwon ran to his room, eager to get the gift ready for his grandmother. Jungkook, meanwhile, pulled out his phone and dialed Taehyung once more, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this time Taehyung would pick up. But once again, there was no answer. Jungkook sent a text: Tae, are you coming?

As he waited, Jiwon appeared, proudly holding a gift in his hands.

Together, they walked toward the main house, where the birthday celebration for Mrs. Jeon was taking place. When they entered, Jungkook took in the sight of the room: Namjoon was there with his fiancé, Jin, whom he was about to marry. J-Hope was with his long-term girlfriend, and Jimin and Yoongi were sitting together with their dates. Every parent was there with their partner, while Jungkook stood alone.

Jiwon, noticing his father’s loneliness, gently took his hand.

“Let’s go, Daddy,” Jiwon said, his voice soft as he led him toward the dining table.

"Happy birthday, Grandma," Jiwon said, beaming as he hugged Mrs. Jeon, who immediately scooped him into her arms, showering him with kisses on his cheeks and forehead.

"I think I’ll forgive you this time, since it’s your birthday," Jiwon said, his face now dotted with lipstick prints, which caused everyone to laugh.

Jiwon handed over the gift he’d picked out with Jungkook, proudly announcing, "I picked this with Dad on my last date. Hope you like it!" Mrs. Jeon’s eyes lit up as she saw the item—it had just been released, and she hadn’t been able to get her hands on it.

"Oh, how sweet. I couldn’t get it because it was out of stock and I forgot to pre-order. Thank you, baby!" Mrs. Jeon exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude.

Jiwon, noticing that his dad was still a little off, gestured for Jungkook to come closer. Jungkook walked over, and Jiwon then handed her another gift, this time from Jungkook.

"And this is Dad’s gift. I think he’ll be missing today," Jiwon added with a small, thoughtful smile.

Mrs. Jeon unwrapped the gift, revealing a stunning diamond necklace. Her face brightened even more. “This is the second gift your dad’s bought me. He already called me an hour ago. It’s okay,” she said, nodding at Jungkook with understanding. As she admired the necklace, she called over her husband to put it on her.

"You look so beautiful, Grandma," Jiwon said with a grin. "Should I compete with Grandpa?"

"You little punk, come here," Mr. Jeon laughed, pulling Jiwon into a tight hug.

"You’ve already won against him," Mrs. Jeon teased, making everyone at the table burst into laughter.

"Let’s eat, then," Jungkook’s grandpa said, walking in with the last dish of the night, signaling that dinner was ready.

As everyone settled into their seats, Jungkook’s mind couldn’t help but linger on everything that had happened earlier—his lack of connection with Taehyung, the overwhelming weight of the evening, and the absence of his partner’s presence.

The night continued, filled with chatter and laughter as the food was devoured, but Jungkook’s thoughts remained distant. After some time, Jiwon fell asleep on the sofa, and Jungkook carefully scooped him up, carrying him toward their home. He noticed that Taehyung’s room was still lit up as they passed, but there was no sign of him yet.

Once inside, Jungkook placed Jiwon gently in bed and began washing up. As he finished, he walked out, only to see Taehyung sitting on the bed with a book, his usual calm demeanor still present, even in the awkward silence between them.

Jungkook stepped into the wardrobe room to change into his pajamas, but Taehyung followed him inside.

“What do you want this time?” Jungkook asked, his voice laced with frustration.

“I—I…” Taehyung stammered, but Jungkook cut him off.

"I’m going to take the position Grandpa mentioned," Jungkook said, his tone resolute. "Get ready to take over my position."

“Oh…” Taehyung muttered, unsure of how to respond.

“Don’t worry, we’ll still have an agreement with Choi Company. I’ll ask my secretary to send you the drafted contract,” Jungkook continued, not looking at Taehyung.

Taehyung stood silently, and Jungkook glanced back at him. "Do you have something to say?"

“I was just going to…” Taehyung started again, but his phone rang, cutting him off. Jungkook, already irritated, walked out of the room.

"Hello?" Taehyung answered, his voice edged with frustration. "Chairman’s calling you to his meeting room," the secretary said on the other end.

“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.” Taehyung hung up and looked back at Jungkook. "Ah, wait, can you go to Jungkook’s room and call him? He’s not answering his phone."

"Okay," Taehyung replied, walking toward Jungkook’s room.

“Grandpa wants to see us,” Taehyung said as he entered, making Jungkook nod. Taehyung, noticing Jungkook’s attire, walked into his closet, removed his pajamas, and slipped into Jungkook’s clothes.

Jungkook watched him, a bit puzzled by the sudden change.

“Let’s go,” Jungkook said, picking up his mobile and heading toward the chairman’s office, his mind still heavy with the tension of the evening.

…

"Get in," the Chairman's voice echoed, sharp and commanding as Jungkook and Taehyung stepped into the room. The air was tense, filled with unspoken questions. The Chairman sat at the head of the room, his face serious, with Jungkook’s dad standing beside him, his secretary holding a tablet in hand.

"Is there a problem?" Jungkook asked immediately, his voice tight, his chest heavy with the brewing storm.

Without answering, the Chairman tossed a stack of photos onto the table, the sound of paper rustling in the silence.

Jungkook took a seat, followed by Taehyung, his gaze moving to the photos spread out in front of him. His frown deepened as he looked at one particular image—there she was again, the woman. He grabbed the photo, his fingers trembling slightly as he stared at it, trying to make sense of it all.

The Chairman’s secretary, standing off to the side, switched on the television, and the screen lit up with news coverage, the headline flashing across the screen: Jungkook and Taehyung in Trouble: Divorce Rumors and Taehyung Seeking Divorce Lawyer.

The news outlet showed photos of Taehyung, leaving their home late at night, looking distant and cold.

"Forget it, stop that now. I don’t even want to hear it," the Chairman snapped, his anger rising as he pointed at the screen. Mr. Jeon quickly turned off the TV, the room falling into an even heavier silence.

"Taehyung, what really happened between you and Jungkook?" the Chairman’s voice softened, though the disappointment was still clear. "It’s okay for married couples to argue, but three years is too long. Why are you even going out like this?"

Jungkook’s heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the conversation suffocating him. His gaze shifted to Taehyung, who looked just as lost as he felt.