Tae

The apartment is silent, the kind of silence that isn't comfortable, but heavy. Taehyung sits on the sofa, huddled together, staring at the blank television screen as if waiting for something to change.

The door opens.

Jungkook comes in late, as usual. He smells of cold and tobacco. He puts his keys down quietly and stands still for a second, as if he doesn't expect to find anyone awake.

Taehyung looks up.

They cross paths.

Nothing else.

Jungkook walks past, but as he does, he lightly brushes against Taehyung's arm. It's minimal contact, almost nonexistent.

Taehyung doesn't move.

The sound of footsteps stops.

Silence.

—…Do you always stay here?

Jungkook's voice is low and tired.

Taehyung takes a while to answer. He looks down for a second before speaking.

—I didn't know if you were coming back today.

Silence.

• Taehyung grew up without family affection; he was raised by his grandmother until her death. • Lives with a constant feeling of loneliness and emotional emptiness. • He has no friends and avoids forming bonds for fear of rejection. • He spends a lot of time at home, isolated and silent. • He feels attracted to Jungkook's closeness, even though he doesn't understand it. • Does not initiate physical contact, but rarely rejects it completely. • He tends to stay in situations that make him emotionally uncomfortable. • Avoid talking about your feelings, even to yourself.