Only if they both knew how their biggest fear was about to come true. Taehyung's instincts hinted that something wasn't right on his way back home. The evening mirrored the day's darkness, rain pouring heavily with lightning strikes. Despite the storm, the Kim's Villa still radiated light and opulence, welcoming the brunet within its luxurious yet suffocating walls. Encountering his parents on the couch, an unusual sight, Taehyung decided to ignore them and headed straight to his bedroom.

"Your grandma…"

His father set down his cup of tea, turning his attention to his son, who paused in his tracks, sensing tension in the air after her mention.

"You know she's old and sick," his father began, rising from his seat.

"Her only wish is to see her two grandsons achieve the best and uphold our family's name, as we all did," his father continued, and Taehyung clenched his jaws, avoiding eye contact.

"Yet her wish is being crushed under your feet... the grandson she raised is becoming a literal disgrace by doing things he shouldn't do, and that too, with a man." The frustration in his father's words struck Taehyung harder than the lightning outside. Taehyung was thunderstruck by the way his father spoke, gritting his teeth as he gazed at his son with bloodshot, dangerous eyes. The bag in Taehyung's hand dropped like his breath.

"A-appa-"

"No, don't call me that!"

Taehyung was jolted by the outburst, his heart racing so fast it felt like it might jump out of his chest. His mother attempted to stand up in his defence, but she was helpless, tongue-tied due to the so-called reputation of their family.

"I did everything you wished for. Got you admission to your favourite school, even agreed to those tuitions you've been taking. If only I could know what for, you won't step outside of this home." His father scolded, causing his son to shut his eyes and cry, releasing a torrent of emotions—pain, sorrow, frustration, and fear all bursting forth.

"A-appa…"

"A few days, just a few days until you get your diploma, and you'll be sent off to Italy the next day." His father declared angrily, making the brunet shudder and shake his head in denial.

"Appa… no… appa, don't do this, please."

"You did what you wanted to, and now I'll do what I have to. You disappointed me." his father declared, attempting to turn around and leave.

"You can't do this to me! I won't go anywhere!" Taehyung screamed back, consumed by rage.

"N-no, I won't go—I won't—" Taehyung cried, shaking his head stubbornly.

"You will!"

"No, I won't! You can't just make me do what you want to, I am an adult, I am a human who is free to do what he decides-" Taehyung tried his best to debate but his father was not having anything.

"Jeon Jungkook is him, isn't he? The artist JY, huh? Stepping towards his glory, he thinks he can be anything? It will take me one moment, just one moment to destroy all he has, his career, and even his li—"

"Stop it, just stop it!" Taehyung sobbed and yelled with all his strength, making it hard for his mother to witness. She stepped in between, attempting to shield her son.

"You know I can really do that, Taehyung, if you don't do what I say. Everything he has will turn into dust, and I'll make sure of it all if you don't stop right here." His father warned in a deadly serious tone, breaking Taehyung into pieces.

The brunet knelt on the floor, crying, with his mother trying to support him, feeling helpless and unsure of what to do. The idea of her son falling in love with another man wasn't acceptable to her either. She, too, was raised in that shadowed society like her husband. But she still didn't approve of the way her husband tried to convince their son. It felt threatening, and she knew he didn't deserve that.

The father decided to leave after his ultimatum, stern in his words. He appeared resolute, and anyone daring to oppose him would only taste defeat—a truth Taehyung had known throughout his life. His father had the power to crush, and if he desired, he could end Jungkook within a day. The brunet was well aware of his father's numerous connections, while Jungkook was a simple guy, living for his passion. Even after Jungkook tried his best to conceal his professional name, Taehyung knew his father could find out. It was just a glimpse of what his father was capable of doing. Taehyung had done everything in his power to ensure Jungkook was recognized for his talent and skills, while his father aimed to extinguish it all with a snap of his fingers. Jungkook worshipped his job, his love evident in every creation. Taehyung couldn't bear the thought of this artist losing it all. He didn't want Jungkook to be punished for something he had no control over.

~✿~

The weather worsened with every moment, and Jungkook was all alone in his room, lying with his head facing the ceiling until someone banged on his door so harshly several times. Amazed at who it could be, he rushed outside, running downstairs and towards the main door. Wondering who could come at this moment, he opened the door, only to witness something he hadn't even fathomed seeing.

"Tae?" Jungkook asked, running his eyes over him while pondering. The brunet didn't say a word. He didn't need to. His bloodshot eyes and his condition spoke for themselves. He didn't seem okay. Jungkook didn't ask further and pulled him into his house, more like into his arms instantly.

"Tae… What happened? Why are you here at this time?" The artist questioned, refusing to release the brunet from his arms, who was too weak to even cry more. Taehyung pulled himself back, looking up at the artist with a gaze Jungkook had never seen before—the intensity of pain and fear was immeasurable. Jungkook was worried as hell, his heart racing dangerously in his chest. He didn't want to see his beloved in such a state. Taehyung then handed him something, confusing Jungkook with the envelope in his hand.

"Yours." Taehyung whispered, pressing the envelope against Jungkook's chest. The artist looked down at it, wondering what could be inside. Jungkook took it, peeking inside to find a significant amount of cash.

"W-what… What is this?" Jungkook asked, his hands shaking while holding the envelope.

"You won't ask me why. You won't follow me or find me. Promise me if you love me." Taehyung stated in a monotonous tone, attempting to turn around but Jungkook gripped his wrist. Jungkook was stunned by the demand to prove his love. It felt like an offence to their love.

"I do love you, but I can't support you in this." Jungkook said, handing the envelope back but Taehyung placed it on the corner table near the door frame.

"It's not even one percent of what you deserve." The brunet said later, causing the artist to furrow his eyebrows.

"Tae… What is it? What's going on? Why are you acting like this?" Jungkook questioned worriedly, trying to grip both of Taehyung's hands, but the brunet resisted.

"Don't follow or find me. Don't." Taehyung said, attempting to keep himself composed, but tears continued to flood down.

"Tae… stop. What are you doing? Listen to me. What happened?"

"I really loved you and always will." With that, the brunet began to take steps back, and suddenly, Jungkook found himself alone in his own house. Every other image blurred out for him, and all Jungkook could see was Taehyung leaving, slipping through his hands like sand in his fist that he desperately tried to grasp but couldn't. Jungkook felt suffocated, heart-wrecked, and hurt. This was the worst thing to ever become real. His heart kept racing, playing with his head.

"Tae, no! don't leave me!"

.

.

.

Jungkook woke up in fear, panting roughly after experiencing the worst nightmare ever. His heart raced, sweat beads forming all over his head, and his entire body quivered with fear. Loud gasps escaped his mouth. The artist was wordless, holding his head in his hands, attempting to process what had just happened. He had just lived through the worst nightmare of his life. He tried to sit back properly, reaching for a water glass on his nightstand. The sound of rain persisted outside, and it seemed like dawn had already arrived. Glancing at the clock, he saw it was six in the morning. Attempting to stabilise his breath and relax, the urge to sleep longer had faded. He got out of bed and dragged his feet outside with his phone in hand. The artist desperately wanted to talk to him, but then he noticed a notification on his phone. It was from the exhibition and auction authority. One of his paintings had been sold for a substantial amount, just like in his dream. As if the nightmare wasn't enough, Jungkook's peace was shattered by the harsh reality of that unfortunate morning. He longed to see Taehyung as soon as possible.