Prettiest Lie - A Taekook Love Story.

35 - A Personal Insult.

The day began as a normal one. Jungkook spent the night in Taehyung's apartment but he had an early schedule so he was not in bed when Taehyung woke up. Taehyung had a rather relaxed schedule so he took his time in preparing breakfast. Nothing fancy, just toast, bacon and eggs, with a freshly made cup of cinnamon tea.

Jimin picked him up for his scheduled advertisement shoot for a jewelry brand that he was endorsing. Normally Jimin doesn't come for Taehyung's work schedules but this was a high end luxury brand so he accompanied. Jimin had gradually become a friendly presence in Taehyung's life, rather than the professional relationship they share. Jimin spends more time having meals and movie nights in Taehyung's house than accompanying the actor in his work-related places. Of course, he still fulfilled all his duties and responsibilities as Taehyung's manager.

The advertisement shooting took even less time than anticipated, mostly due to Taehyung's talent and well, his unmatched camera presence. The director and the company representative were extremely happy with the outcome.

On his way home, Taehyung dropped a message to Jungkook, only to receive one immediately saying that he was also on his way back. Jungkook had a meeting with another artist regarding his new song, which was still in the making.

Taehyung reached the apartment a few minutes earlier than Jungkook and decided to wait for him in the lobby. It felt oddly domestic to go home together after a day of work.

"Hey!"

Taehyung snapped his head up from his phone to look at Jungkook walking towards him. "Are you waiting for me?"

Taehyung gave the other a teasing smile. "Nope, I'm waiting for Iron man."

"Ohhh.." Jungkook played along without a hitch. "Didn't know you two had a meeting today. Can I join in? I wanna get his autograph."

Taehyung chuckled lightly as they both walked towards the elevators. Each floor had only two apartments and almost all of the occupants in the building were high profile people so the security is extremely high too. Also, they all like to mind their own business, being true to the saying that the people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others.

Jungkook and Taehyung were talking about dinner as Taehyung opened the door to his unit, but there was someone already in there.

"D-dad?" Taehyung stuttered as both him and Jungkook froze near the front door. "What are you-"

"Me and your mother were around and thought to pay a visit, as we didn't get to see you for a while." Taehyung's father answered as he gave a curious look to Jungkook. "Hello. Jeon Jungkook, right?"

"Uhh.. yes, sir." Jungkook gave a polite bow to the elderly man. "How do you do?"

"I'm good." Mr Kim gave a small smile to the other. "Tae, you never said you and Jungkook-ssi are friends."

A flash of fear passed through Taehyung's face, even though he knew it was totally unnecessary. He's no longer a high-school student, his father had very little control on his life. But still, years and years of worry will not be easy to forget. But Taehyung is nothing, if not a phenomenal actor. So he gave a small smile to his father.

"I didn't? Huh, must have slipped my mind." Taehyung kept the phone in the accessories bowl on the table. "Where's mom?"

"She's taking a nap in the guest room."

"Okie." Taehyung looked back at Jungkook, trying to read his expression. "You're staying for dinner, Jungkook?"

"Uhh.. no. I'll head home. We can discuss… later."

"Oh no!" Mr Kim was quick to object. "Don't cancel your plans for us."

"It's okay, dad." Taehyung reassured his father with a shrug. "We were gonna talk about the drama over dinner today but it's not urgent."

"Yes. Please excuse me." Jungkook gave another bow. "Have a pleasant night."

Taehyung walked Jungkook to the door and gave a comforting nod as the idol left. When he came back to the living room, his dad was looking at the direction of the front door with a calculating gaze.

"Does he have to travel far to get home, Tae? I feel bad now."

Taehyung knew his dad enough to say it was not the concern that the elder was feeling right now. Mr Kim was lot of things, but mostly he was cautious.

"No, dad. He has a unit in this building itself."

"Ahhh.. I didn't know that."

"Yeah."

"Are you two close?"

Taehyung groaned internally as he recognised the start of the interrogation. He knew he had to trade very carefully. One wrong move and the whole thing will come out. He walked towards the fridge to get a drink, just to have something to do and stall time.

"Hmm.. you could say that. We play best friends in the drama, guess it kinda rubbed on for real too."

"Makes sense." Mr Kim took the juice bottle extended by Taehyung. "And what about the main star, the girl you're acting with?"

"Sana?" Taehyung paused to look back at his father. "What about her?"

"Well, I was just wondering." Mr Kim tried to pretend nonchalance but Taehyung could clearly see where this was headed. "If you become close with her too. After all, you play a romantic relationship with her."

"Dad, please.."

"You're not a kid anymore, Tae. You need to think about your future."

"I don't have time to think about those things."

"Then you need to make time." Mr Kim's voice turned a little stern at that. "If not your future, think of your reputation."

Taehyung's heart did a double take at that. "Reputation?"

"I don't think it's wise to be too friendly with that boy. Your mother and I were worried when those rumors came out, about how it will affect the drama and you. But luckily, he managed to get out of that. We still don't like you associating with him though, his kind poses more trouble than it's worth."

Taehyung had to make a conscious effort to keep his voice even. His father had no idea how much of a personal insult that was to Taehyung. "His kind?"

Taehyung's dad had tightened his lips, his face pulled into a distasteful frown. "You know what I mean, Taehyung. You've worked hard to be where you are. Don't let it all go to waste."

Taehyung had a reply ready at the tip of his tongue but the soft call of his mother made him retreat back.

"Tae?"

Taehyung quickly turned and walked toward his mother to give a hug. "Hey mom. Tired?"

"I was. Nothing a good sleep can't fix."

Rest of the night went uneventfully. The conversation was kept only between light subjects and food was delicious. Taehyung's father didn't try to go back to the conversation again but Taehyung was sure he was far from done.

And he was also sure that Jungkook was probably sulking alone right now but there wasn't anything he could do about it right now. He will have to do some making-up tomorrow.