253.

“Everyone, gather around.” The trainer said, catching all the soldier’s attention.

Tae stood up on his feet, but he was feeling so down today. He hasn’t seen Jungkook yet, even after a week.

And now, he’s leaving.

He felt like crying. But he couldn’t.—

“As you all know, Captain Jeon just got married. He did a great job on the field and everything — and now, its time to have time for himself,”

The trainer said, Tae saw Jungkook standing in the front, but he did not look at him.

Or else, he knew he’ll burst into tears.—

“He’s leaving to the US. But it won’t be long, he’ll be back in a week. For now, he’s here to give his temporary farewell speech.”

Jungkook stood forward, replacing the trainer. He took a look at his people, and then Taehyung.

He felt an ache in his heart.

“Just two more weeks to go, and you’re gonna be the soldier you’re made to be. I have no more else to say, but whatever happens — choose to protect your country, as you’ll also protect your family.”

Everyone clapped at his short speech, until then, everything went to normal.—

Tae went back to his bench since it was a water break. He kept practicing taekwondo since its their last training.

But actually, he just wanted to distract himself.

He feel so angry, so sad and everything.

He didn’t want to cry, he hated himself for being so weak.—

“Tae, you should take a rest first.” Hoseok commented. He obeyed him because his legs were feeling quite exhausted.

He sat on the bench and Hoseok looked down to his bowing face. “Are you okay?—“

With that three words, Tae bursted in tears.—

“Oh my, I’m sorry—did I say something wrong?” Hoseok was quite startled since its the first time he saw a man crying.

Tae immediately wiped his tears. “No, youre not on fault. I just got something on my eye, haha.” He faked a laugh, but Hoseok knew he wasn’t okay.
—

“Tae, you can talk to me okay?” He said and caressed his back. He’s not good at words, but listening...of course.

Tae shook his head while keeping a smile on his face.

“Hey! I’m fine! I’ll just go to the washroom, I’ll be quick.” He quickly stood up and ram away.—

As soon as he knew people couldn’t see him anymore, he hid himself behind a wall and started crying hard.

“Why am I like this? Why am I so weak? Fuck you self! Can you atleast stop being a cry baby for once?!” He exclaimed, but quiet enough for people not to hear him.—

Just as he thought he’s gonna be okay, a pair of hands snatched him into a dark alley.

Tae was shouting in panic, but it’s useless since his mouth was covered with a hand.

“MRFHRDHAJD!” He cried.

Is he being kidnapped again? Oh god, not again please.—

“Hyung...” he immediately stopped when the person whispered. “Its me, Jungkook.”

He can feel his breath near his ear, and with just that voice — its enough to make Tae weak on his knees, and for tears to fall again.

Jungkook slowly let go of his mouth and faced Tae.—

Even though Tae was crying and his eyes were blurry, and also the darkness of the place, its still enough for him to see Jungkook’s glistening eyes.

Was he crying?

“Hyung...I’m sorry.” He whispered and it cracked.

“Are you crying?” Tae asked and cupped his face.—

And he confirmed that he’s crying because as soon as he held his face, a tear fell down.

“I’m sorry...I’m sorry for not talking to you.” Jungkook held his hand on his face.

“Lisa’s father had his eyes on me. He’s making sure I’m not doing anything against them.”—

“I had no choice but to avoid you. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry.” He kissed Tae’s palm on his cheeks.

And by that, Tae knew he had a reason. Jungkook would never do that unless something really happened.

He trusts him so much, and he’s not regretting.—

“I understand if you’re mad. You have the right to be. But I just wanted to say sor—“

Tae immediately aimed for his lips without any hesitation.

Its been a week, and he missed him so much — they missed each other.

How can fate be this cruel to people in love?—

Why is it always the ones who’s done nothing?

Why does fate needed to put pain in between the sweetness? For a lesson?

Fuck the lesson. I hate the lesson so much.

Why can’t it just all be easy? Why can’t we just have peace? How long would we beg for it?—

They parted in the kiss even though they did not want it to end.

They lean onto each other’s forehead with eyes closed, and hearts hurt. “I understand.”

Tae muttered, but Jungkook knew he’s hurt him.

“I’m leaving in a few.”

“Can you promise me one thing?”—

It was so sudden, but Jungkook — he’ll do anything for him as to this moment.

“What is it?”

“Promise me you’ll  come back, alive and healthy.”

Tae’s heart ached at his own words. He’s not sure of whats gonna happen, and he’s so scared.—

Jungkook placed a kiss on his forehead. “I promise,” he paused.
“But can u promise me one thing too?”

“Yes?”

“Promise me u wont fall in love with anyone while I’m away.”

Tae giggled at his word, “I don’t need to promise. My heart is all yours.”—

The moment was a blur, and it was time for him to leave.

“I know you’ll be worried. So I made something.” Jungkook took out something from his pocket.

It was a silver necklace with a hand — who has three fingers up.

“What does the hand mean?”—

Jungkook placed the necklace around his neck, and its looking so gorgeous on him.

Jungkook did the sign on his hand and showed Tae, “I love you.”

Tae felt quite startled at the sudden words. He felt so happy, and he wanted to cry again in happiness.—

Tae was about to answer when Jungkook heard something from afar.

It was Lisa’s father’s assistant. Its calling for him, and its time to go. Jungkook quickly pulled Tae for a hug.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back for you. I promise.”

—

He placed one last kiss on his lips and left.

Tae felt flustered, his heart was beating so fast and he felt happy. He held onto the necklace and took a look at the hand sign.

He kissed the pendant.