Drunk

Forty minutes after the call, the bar door swung open, and a sleek figure stepped inside. His presence was almost electric, cutting through the haze of the dimly lit room. As he walked in, his eyes immediately locked onto Jungkook's, freezing him in place.

Tae: Did I come late?

Jimin: No, did you drive?

Tae: Yeah. 

His eyes quickly scanned the room. 

Tae: Where's Jin Hyung?

Jimin gestured toward the bar table where Jin lay sprawled out, his face pale, completely out of it. Tae's expression shifted instantly, his eyes narrowing with concern. Without hesitation, he rushed over, kneeling beside Jin. He gently patted Jin's cheek, calling his name three times, as if trying to pull him out of the haze. 

But Jin didn't move. Not even a flicker of recognition.

Jungkook: He drank a bit too much today...Jimin stood, watching quietly, then turned to Jungkook, his voice laced with urgency.

Jimin: I need you to meet Tae. 

He nodded toward the sleek figure beside them. 

Jimin: Can you take Jungkook and Jin back to the house? Since you're driving... and well, you're all in the same neighborhood.

Jungkook glanced at Tae, still processing the sudden shift in atmosphere.

Tae: How are you getting home, hyung?

Jimin: My girl is on the way to pick me up.

Tae nodded, acknowledging Jimin's answer without a word. He moved swiftly, securing Jin in the backseat, carefully fastening the seatbelt around him with practiced ease.

Jungkook watched him intently, still trying to absorb the strange tension in the air.

Tae: You can sit in the front, if you don't mind.

Jungkook: Sure, thanks for driving me. 

As they drove, the silence between them eased into conversation. Tae and Jungkook chatted casually throughout the ride. 

Jungkook learned that Tae was in his final year of college, looking for an internship, and, to his surprise, still single. 

Tae discovered that Jungkook worked as a PR manager, was kind-hearted, also single, and, interestingly, younger than him by a of year.

The car ride passed quickly, and soon they arrived at their destination. Jungkook got out first, pausing to face Tae. He bowed slightly, his voice sincere.

Jungkook: Thank you.

Tae smiled, a rare warmth in his eyes.

Tae: See you around

With that, Jungkook turned and walked away, his mind still on the mysterious, composed figure that was Tae. 

Tae carefully tucked Jin into bed, the faint scent of alcohol still lingering on him. As he adjusted the covers, his gaze fell to Jin's neck, where a fresh hickey marked the skin. 

Tae's eyes darkened for a moment, his heart heavy with understanding. His brother... someone must have broken him. Jin never drank this much unless something serious had happened. 

Tae felt the familiar knot of concern in his chest. Without another thought, he laid beside Jin, pulling him gently into his arms. He knew Jin wouldn't stay asleep for long. Whenever Jin opened his eyes, he would instinctively search for him. So, Tae held him close, offering the comfort of his presence even in the quiet of the night. 

Morning arrived.

The soft rays of sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting a warm glow on the room. Tae was suddenly jolted awake by a loud, panicked scream.

Jin: Yahhhhhhhhh! Where am I???

Tae blinked, his head still groggy from sleep, but his instincts kicked in. 

He immediately sat up, his gaze meeting Jin's wide, confused eyes.