Slave Pt. 5

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For the next two weeks, I spent my nights in Jungkook's bed. Surprisingly, he didn't try anything. Sadly, he almost never cuddled up next to me, not even the nights when he was missing Tae and crying.

I perfected making pancakes and we ate them on Friday mornings just like Jin used to do. And we played games on Saturdays as if nothing changed.

Slowly, Jungkook was coming to terms with the fact that Tae had left. He was becoming a better person, little by little, and I could see it in the small things he did.

He made me sandwiches occasionally and helped with the laundry. We split up housework and alternated jobs each time we cleaned.

Jungkook was acting like a human, something totally off-kilter from his former role as the dominant god of the household.

Somehow, it got to be my birthday. Jungkook informed me of this when he came home from work with balloons, flowers, and a thank you card that said 'Thanks for keeping me company' in his messy handwriting.

It wasn't so much that he remembered/knew my birthday, it was that he thanked me for being around him and that's what made my heart melt.

"Um...I was thinking that...I mean, since it's just us two, that we...could go out and have dinner to celebrate."

"You're okay with me...going out?" I tapped my fingers on the table top. I'd just put the roses in a vase and set them as the dining table's centerpiece.

"I...wasn't when I first thought of the idea, but I thought about it all day and...I wanna take you out. I realize what needs to change and...you're not a prisoner here."

I watched him bite his lip, watched his leg shake as he stood there, hoping I'd agree.

I poked at the roses a bit, then let myself smile, "I'd love to go out."

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"You look...really good," Jungkook smiled at me.

I stuffed my hands in my pockets and dropped my head, "You see people in suits all the time. What's so different about me?"

"You look nice."

"Thank you," I smiled to myself and ran my fingers through my hair.

"Oh, um...did you want to get it re-dyed?" He pointed to my hair, biting his lip.

"Uh...I mean, I could...but I have no idea what color I'd dye it."

"Think about it," he grabbed my hand, our fingers lacing together, "Tell me when you find out and I'll make you an appointment."

"Oh, okay...thanks."

"Just...think of it as part of your birthday gift."

"Part?"

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"I've never to been a place as fancy as this," I looked around the restaurant at all the paintings and how the booths in the back had curtains- some pulled back and some closed- while tables littered the main floor.

"Mr. Jeon," the greeter called to him.

"Hello," Jungkook slightly bowed to him and smiled, "It's been a while, how are you?"

"Ah...bit of a rough patch with the missus, but I think we can pull out of it."

With those words, Jungkook gave the man sympathy, but at the same time his hand landed on the small of my back.

"I'll have Jaekwon show you to your table momentarily," the greeter smiled, "The house is packed and we find ourselves low on dishwashers so everything is moving rather slowly."

"Guess it's a good thing I called ahead then, hm," Jungkook grinned, his hand slipping into my back pocket.

I jolted slightly and he turned to me.

"You alright?"

"Fine," I smiled, blushing a bit as I caught the other man's eye, "Just scared myself out of my thoughts," I giggled.

"Aish, don't do that," he pouted, reaching over and fixing the part in my bangs, "I thought something was wrong."

"No, no," I shook my head, "I'm fine, really."

"Sorry," another male approached us, bowing to Jungkook, "I was helping wash dishes, but I managed to save your table. I was informed you were coming."

"It's okay, Jaekwon," Jungkook reached out and ruffled the teen's hair, "We're in no rush."

The kid smiled as he stood up straight then started leading us through the restaurant.

We went to the back and slipped into one of the booths. Jaekwon gave each of us a menu and pulled out a pen and paper, "What would you like to drink?"

"Um...beer's fine," Jungkook nodded then looked to me.

I thought for a second then smiled, "Do you guys have sake?"

"Yes sir, we do," he nodded, "Would you like a bottle?"

"Yes please," I nodded.

"Alright, I'll be right back," he gave us a smile before he walked off to the left and I heard Jungkook quietly laugh.

"What?" I turned to him, unable to keep myself from smiling when I saw his bunny teeth poking out from his lip.

"Jae's a great kid," he looked up from the menu for a second, "I really like his energy and how nice he is in general."

"How long've you known him?"

"Uh...a year...maybe a year and a half. I was a regular here when he picked up the job," Kook's smile faltered, "He's supporting his family with this job. I give him big tips."

"That's sweet," I leaned over and pecked his cheek, causing him to blush.

He swatted at me, and I only giggled as I leaned back to my former position.

A few seconds later, Jaekwon popped around the corner, setting down a black tray.

He set out Jungkook's beer and my bottle of sake, along with a shot glass, "Now," he tucked the tray under his arm, "Have you decided what you would like to eat?"

"The biggest steak you have with beans and...garlic mashed potatoes," I almost started salivating as the words left my mouth.

Jungkook ordered a steak as well, getting mac and cheese and asparagus for his side dishes.

Jae scribbled everything down, went over to make sure it was correct, then hurried off towards the kitchen.

"How'd you spend your birthday last year?" Jungkook picked up the card on the table that was advertising the restaurant's new martini blends.

"I...stayed home...ate ice cream and cookies...then went over to Yoon Gi's and convinced him to sleep with me," I shrugged at that last part.

"What's with this Yoon Gi guy? Were you ever official or was it just for fun?"

"Well," I sighed, trying to think of the best way to explain it all, "I met him at school, and we started fucking almost immediately, but after a few months we actually called ourselves a couple. Although, doing couple things just wasn't enjoyable with him."

"But you liked the sex?"

"Yeah," I laughed a bit, "That part was great. I guess I'm a hoe, huh?"

"No, not a hoe," Jungkook sighed, a smile creeping onto his lips, "Just someone who knows they're irresistible to everyone."

"Aw," I reached over and pinched his cheek, "So sweet Jungkookie."

He pulled away from my hand and complained, but I couldn't make out exactly what he said.

"You know you like it," I pouted, "Don't play innocent."

He grumbled and put the table card back in the center.

"How're you holdin' up without Tae?" I asked before I thought it through completely. I almost felt bad, but my curiosity trumped my guilt.

"I'm better than when he first left," he nodded, "You've helped a lot by staying. I'm not alone. Don't think I could handle being all by myself after years with Tae always being there."

"I'm sorry they both split. It's kind of my fault since I told them they aren't slaves and they can be free."

He shook his head and shrugged, "It's better for all of us this way," he suddenly smirked, "You know...Tae's already found a boyfriend."

"He has? How do you know?" I furrowed my brow.

"Well, I had someone find him after he left. Tae's not the brightest and I had no idea he was with Seokjin, so I got worried. The guy I hired to track his movements said he changed his name to So Tae Hyung and he was living with someone named Im Jaebum."

"That doesn't mean they're dating," I rolled my eyes, "Seokjin hyung is probably staying with Namjoon hyung so Tae's living with someone else to give them privacy."

"Namjoon's married to some guy, remember? They aren't getting privacy."

"You never know," I shrugged, Jin hyung could still be gettin' some."

Jungkook rolled his eyes and looked to his hands as he smiled, "Yeah, but...I know Tae and he's dating that guy."

"Are you okay with that?"

"No, I'm not okay with it," he laughed a bit, "I just have to live with it because I messed up and I know that."

"It's good that you know," I nodded.

At about that time Jaekwon came back, setting down a bigger black tray than the last one.

He gave us our plates and set the envelope with the bill on the edge of the table.

I was already digging in to my mashed potatoes when I noticed the curtains fall together.

I looked to Jungkook, who only glanced at me.

"I used to bring Tae here a lot. I guess Jae's used to closing the curtains."

"You guys went at it wherever, huh?" I giggled, picking up my knife.

"I told you, I love Taehyung. I always have. If he wanted something done, I didn't hesitate."

I reached over and pat the back of his hand, "That's a good thing. You were kind to him."

"Well...mostly."

"Forget about the sex, you were good to him."

"He didn't feel that way," he sighed and started poking his food, "Obviously. Since he's not around anymore."

"No, stop," I moved closer to him and threw my arms around his neck, "Don't think about it for a while. Enjoy your dinner. Sorry I brought it up."

"It's fine," he shrugged, "I probably should talk about it instead of dwelling on it."

"Are you okay to talk about it?" I asked cautiously, realizing how quiet the space became since the curtains closed.

"Why not?" He shrugged and took a giant bite of his steak.

"Well maybe," I giggled and leaned over to wipe steak sauce off his bottom lip, "it would help if you didn't stuff your cheeks so full."

He watched me as I pulled my thumb into my mouth and sucked it clean. When his cheeks tinted pink, mine did as well. And I looked down to my plate, getting another forkful of the fluffy mashed potatoes.

After a bit, once my plate was half empty, he cleared his throat and I looked to him.

"Do you want any dessert? A piece of cake or maybe ice cream?"

I tapped my fork against the last bit of my steak and then nodded, "Cheesecake sounds nice," I found myself smiling and salivating at the thought.

"Alright, I'll go get it for you," he smiled and leaned towards me, yet stopped himself before he got too close.

I quickly leaned over and pecked his lips, "Thank you, Jungkookie. I've had a great birthday."

He grinned and his eyes widened, "Really?"

"Mhm," I nodded, swirling my fork around in the puddle of sauce on my plate.

"I'm glad," he pat my knee before he slid out of the booth and disappeared through the curtains.

He was trying, really. He was trying so hard to be a better person and he was willing to admit what he did wrong. Jungkook was becoming a more grounded person right before my eyes. I was proud of him, considering he was a manipulative jackass when I met him.

I guess Tae Hyung had some part in his change. If Jungkook wasn't so in love, he wouldn't be changing for Tae Hyung; if Kim Tae Hyung hadn't left, there wouldn't have been a reason for him to change.

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