Sunny Days After Rain | KOOKV

Soaked in Sorrow

Taehyung couldn't sleep a wink that night. He woke up at 4:00 a.m., his right ankle throbbing with a dull ache that made it difficult to walk properly. His eyes, puffy and swollen, reflected a deep well of emotion.

He eventually dragged himself to the restaurant. He was so distracted throughout the day that the Executive Chef yelled at him, and Ji and Minjoo gossiped about him behind his back. Ignoring them, he tried his best to focus, but the pain in his ankle made even simple tasks a struggle. Today was shaping up to be the worst.

Just as he was about to finish his work, a wave of relief washed over him. "He didn't come today," Taehyung thought to himself. He stepped outside for some fresh air, but as he rounded the corner, he froze. The sound of voices carried on the evening breeze. He quickly ducked behind a pillar, his heart pounding.

He recognized the voice – it was Jungkook, talking to the new manager, Cha Choo Hee.  Jungkook was leaning against the wall, a cigarette dangling from his lips.

"What time does the restaurant close tonight?" Jungkook asked, blowing a puff of smoke into the air.

"10 o'clock typically," the new manager replied. "But I could close early at 9 today, if needed."

"Alright."

Taehyung couldn't hear what they were saying because they were talking in a hushed tone. Their conversation continued, shrouded in secrecy. A growing suspicion took root in Taehyung's mind. Could the new manager and Jungkook somehow know each other? Lost in thought, he slowly made his way back to the kitchen.

By 11:30, the restaurant had finally closed.

Taehyung changed into his clothes, grabbed his bag from his locker, and hobbled out into the night. The sky had darkened significantly, and a chill hung in the air. As he reached the bus stop, rain began to fall. The dampness worsened the throb in his ankle, and soon, the rain was coming down in sheets, soaking his clothes through.

"Great," Taehyung muttered in frustration. "I should've checked the weather forecast."

Suddenly, a black car pulled up beside him. He recognized it instantly. He quickened his pace, shivering from the cold and struggling to walk properly. But a hand clamped down on his wrist, dragging him towards the car. He couldn't break free – Jungkook was far stronger. With a grunt of effort, Jungkook shoved Taehyung into the passenger seat before hopping into the driver's side himself.

Taehyung fumbled with the door handle, but it wouldn't budge. "Jungkook," he snapped, "unlock the car!"

Jungkook ignored him, a frown creasing his forehead. "The weather's terrible. Why aren't you wearing warmer clothes? Where's your umbrella?"

"Open the door, Jungkook!" Taehyung repeated, glaring at him. His voice trembled with a mix of anger and frustration.

"It's raining," Jungkook countered, his voice taking in a gentle tone.

"I don't care," Taehyung retorted, his entire body shaking. "I'm not comfortable being here with you."

Jungkook studied him for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Listen, Taehyung, I'll just drop you off..."

"No! Drop me off right now, Jungkook, or I'll..." Taehyung's threat died in his throat. He knew it was empty, but desperation fueled his defiance.

Jungkook sighed heavily and pulled the car over to the side of a street. "Taehyung, please," he pleaded in a low voice. "It's pouring rain, and there's no way you'll find a bus at this hour."

"Unlock the car," Taehyung repeated stubbornly, refusing to budge.

With a resigned sigh, Jungkook unlocked the door. Taehyung wasted no time, scrambling out of the car as quickly as his injured ankle allowed.

He couldn't run, so he started walking briskly down the rain-slicked street. He could hear the car door open and close behind him, and a moment later, Jungkook's footsteps echoed on the pavement, following him.

Time blurred as Taehyung walked. He couldn't be sure if it was thirty minutes or forty. Unsteady on his feet, he focused on putting one foot in front of the other, ignoring the presence he felt following him through the rain.

Relief washed over him when he finally reached his familiar neighborhood. He practically stumbled to his door, his hands trembling as he fumbled with the keys. The moment the door swung open, he heard Jungkook's voice, a hint of concern cutting through the rain-filled night.

"Good night," Jungkook called out, his voice barely audible over the downpour.

Taehyung slammed the door shut, the sound echoing through the hallway. He rushed to the bathroom, seeking refuge in a steaming hot shower. After changing into dry clothes, he finally collapsed into bed, sleep offering a temporary escape from the turmoil of his emotions.

The next day dawned bright and clear. Taehyung moved through his work with a newfound peace, the sunshine dispelling the shadows of the previous night. As his shift ended, he walked briskly towards the bus stop, a quick glance over his shoulder confirming his suspicion - he was alone. The bus arrived, and with a deep breath, he boarded, the rhythmic rumble of the engine a soothing balm to his nerves.

The following day, a slight chill hung in the air. This time, checking the weather forecast, Taehyung bundled up in warmer clothes before heading to the restaurant. As he finished his shift, his gaze fell on Jungkook, leaning against his car, engrossed in his phone. Their eyes met unexpectedly.

A flush crept up Jungkook's neck, coloring his cheeks and nose a faint pink. The sight triggered a flicker of something in Taehyung – a spark of ...what? Pity? Annoyance? He couldn't decipher it.

Taehyung started walking towards the bus stop, his pace quickening. He could hear footsteps echoing behind him. With a sigh of exasperation, he turned around.

"There's no rain today," he said, his voice clipped. "Go back."

Jungkook shuffled his feet, his gaze avoiding Taehyung's. "Sorry I couldn't come yesterday," he mumbled. "I had a fever." A beat of silence followed before he added in a low voice, "I want to talk to you again."

Taehyung studied him for a moment. If it were anyone else, sympathy might have tugged at his heartstrings. But this was Jeon Jungkook.

"What's there to talk about?" He spat the words out, anger simmering beneath the surface. "Why are you making my life difficult, Jungkook?"

The bus lumbered into view. Taehyung didn't waste a second, boarding the bus and heading towards the back. To his surprise, Jungkook followed. Taehyung shot him a look of disbelief. Was the man insane?

The bus windows were open, a cool breeze carrying the scent of autumn leaves flooding the interior. Jungkook took a seat behind Taehyung, his gaze burning a hole in Taehyung's back. The bus jolted to a stop, and Taehyung disembarked, ignoring Jungkook's parting words, "Good night."