Jungkook.

— Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

A sticky, nagging fear from childhood had a way of waiting; it would awaken instantly, as soon as he heard heavy footsteps in the hallway and the too-loud, uneven click of the door lock.

Taehyung froze on the edge of the sofa, his fingers gripping the upholstery until his joints ached. Jungkook had returned late, and he smelled distinctly of alcohol from his friend's birthday celebration. Old, long-buried images immediately flashed through Taehyung's mind: screams, breaking dishes, someone else's uncontrollable aggression. His heart pounded in his throat, his breath caught in his throat, and his back instinctively pressed against the wall, awaiting the inevitable blow.

But Jungkook understood everything immediately, as soon as he crossed the threshold of the room. The drunken relaxation instantly vanished from his face, giving way to fear and deep regret. He made no sudden movements. Instead, he slowly, almost carefully, knelt some distance from the sofa, showing his empty palms, and only then moved closer, enveloping Taehyung in an embrace.

Jungkook buried his face in the crook of Taehyung's neck, feeling how he was gradually starting to breathe more calmly, and quietly whispered:

"Tae, it's like you saw a ghost. I'm just drunk, nothing terrible happened. Can you explain why your hands are shaking?"