The Devil's touch

Twenty two

Four years ago

"What do you think about this?" Taehyung said smiling as he strung out a chord with his guitar.

Jimin nodded his head. "Yeah...I think that's good. It sounds better if you play it that way"

Taehyung smiled and began to play making Jimin nod along to the sound. When he finished, Jimin clapped his hands.

"Wow Tae, that's lovely"

His friend looked confused. "Do you think it will do for the audition?"

"It's perfect Tae" Jimin whispered looking so softly at him that Taehyung couldn't help but blush.

"Thanks"

They were at the back of Taehyung's house. Jimin put on his jacket.

"I'm leaving..." He muttered.

"So soon?"

Jimin shrugged. "Sorry. I have to go earn some money. Besides, your parents wouldn't be happy if they find out I'm still helping you with music"

Taehyung frowned. "I don't know. Why can't they understand that music makes me happy"

Jimin shrugged. "Well, not all parents are understanding"

"You're right" Taehyung murmured sadly.

Jimin stared at him for a while looking thoughtful then he said. "I heard that your older brother is coming home today"

Taehyung shrugged. "Yeah...Jin is coming home. The darling perfect son" he said with a hint of sarcasm.

"But at least you're happy"

"Yeah... he's the only one who understands me at all"

"Maybe you can get him to convince your parents to let you do music"

"I'll try"

They shook hands and Jimin waved at him before leaving. That night, his parents waited with bated breath for the arrival of their first son.

Taehyung watched them feeling mildly jealous. He had never seen this much concern for himself. He didn't blame them though. Jin was perfect. While in highschool, he always came tops in his class. He was a math wiz, winning numerous competitions. He was not only academically bright, he was also good at sports and was the ace player at his high school basketball team. When he graduated, he was the veledictarian. He was simply their parents pride and joy excelling in every aspect of life that the Kim couple couldn't help but brag about their eldest son's achievement.

Whereas, he Taehyung was the exact opposite. He wasn't as academically bright as Jin and definitely wasn't sporty. The only thing he loved was music but to his parents, that was a complete waste of time. They had wanted him to become a medical doctor but he had vehemently rejected the idea insisting that his passion was music. His parents were disappointed and tried as much as they could to tarnish his dream. They were still trying but Taehyung wouldn't give them a chance.

It had been a year since Jin had gotten admission at Seoul University to study Architecture. It was his dream to design buildings for people to live in and his parents supported him especially since it was something that could secure his future.

When Jin finally came home that day, their parents doted on him to the extent it almost made Taehyung throw up.

"Son...eat up. You've gotten so thin. You must have been working so hard" Mrs Kim said.

"I'm okay Mom" Jin answered with a smile.

Taehyung watched quietly from a corner completely invisible to the rest of the family. At least, that was what he thought.