PLAY ME A LOVE SONG PART 10

 Taehyung arrived at his hotel room, disappointed because Justin already bid him good night.

Sigh. He was mentally prepping himself to bring his A-game, you know, flirt back, maybe convince him to meet him before he goes back to Daegu on Sunday morning.

This was something unlike him because, for all he knew, the last time he flirted back was when he first met Jeongguk, when they were in uni. Was seeing Jeongguk start the flame in his heart once again? Taehyung wonders. He quickly took a shower to prepare for bed.

His hotel room was very nice and not that expensive as well. Namjoon insisted that he choose a more expensive hotel but Taehyung wanted to make sure that his book sells first before even demanding for a more expensive accommodation.

After a shower, he went back to bed and took the phone from his bedside table, and saw a text notification. His heart leaped. Could it be Justin? He opened his messaging app only to see Namjoon confirming their brunch thing tomorrow.

The next day, Jeongguk left early from his house to pick up Taehyung's favorite stuff. He needed to make sure that he does everything he could just to win him back. Because Kim Taehyung is everything he needs in his life and nothing can stop him.

He first stopped at the flower shop, then picked up his favorite strawberry cake & strawberry desserts from Taehyung's favorite bakeshop near uni, strawberry milk, and some bungeoppang, one of his favorite street foods.

Jeongguk entered the restaurant, with flowers in one hand and a bag of goodies in the other. His heart was in his throat as he was nervous to death but then somehow he knew he has something up his sleeve, something that will be to his advantage.

He saw Taehyung sitting down, beautiful in green. His heart started pounding, totally enamored by his presence. He was talking to both Namjoon and Seokjin without his eyeglasses but the moment he saw a glimpse of Jeongguk, he put them on.

"For you," Jeongguk said as he handed Taehyung the flowers and the gifts which he gladly accept. "Thank you," Taehyung said as Jeongguk sat across from him. Jeongguk removed his jacket before sitting down.

Seokjin was totally amused with what he is seeing right now. Taehyung paid full attention to Jeongguk as he spoke and Jeongguk just continued making cute faces. Seokjin looked at Namjoon smiling. The inevitable and palpable attraction is very evident.

"Thank you Taehyung for choosing my story!" Jin exclaimed. Taehyung just smiled at him, "it's challenging to choose the best story and yours was very unique." "Tell me, you have been giving love advice, Tae, it seems that you have so much experience," Jin said.

"Yes, how do you even choose your stories," Namjoon followed up. Taehyung took a sip of his tea, "it's challenging actually," as he answered Namjoon and Seokjin, stealing glances at Jeongguk whose muscular physique was distracting him.

Jeongguk just lovingly gazed at Taehyung who just answering Jin and Namjoon hyungs' questions. He's totally smitten with the person in front of him. Seokjin noticed Jeongguk's eyes not leaving Taehyung and he had a crazy question.

"Tae, I have a question," Jin asked. "Okay?" "If Jeongguk would seek advice from you, about trying to get back with his first love, what would you tell him?" Jin asked. Taehyung was stunned by his question. Jeongguk looked nervously in front of him. "What will you say?"

Jeongguk shifted in his seat, blood flowing in his cheeks. He doesn't even know how to react. Taehyung fiddled with his fingers thinking of a way he'd be able to respond correctly and logically, yes.

And Jeongguk wanted to show that he was mature enough and maybe, make Taehyung feel and see that he is a changed character. "Hyung, that's unfair to Taehyung," Jeongguk turned to him and said, "Don't answer him Tae," Jeongguk was hoping that he was saying the right things.

But Taehyung, he was curious too as to why the sudden question. He knows that Seojoon and Jeongguk are not together anymore but that doesn't mean he is allowed to bank on a non-existent hope. "Wait, I do think I have some advice for him," Taehyung boldly stated.

Jeongguk's eyes widened, nervous and unsettled with Namjoon looking at him and Seokin who started to hold his breath. Taehyung for the first time after a long time smiled at Jeongguk and he did feel the sincerity coming from him, in the attempt to save him.

"I don't know if you all have been listening in to my show, but, I remember, maybe it was three or four months ago, when a caller asked me the same thing, I mean almost the same thing," Taehyung responded thoughtfully.

Namjoon leaned forward, placing a hand on his chin, with Jin hooking his hand on Namjoon's arm, also nervous about his impulsivity. Well, Jeongguk, he was holding his breath for a few minutes now. He'd scold Jin hyung later for sure.

Taehyung continued, "The caller's name is Justin Seagull, and if I remember correctly, he got cheated on by his lover, I am sorry, I have to listen again to the recording," Taehyung faced Jeongguk, he was both unfazed and nervous at the same time.

"Anyway, if I remember correctly, my advice for him was to have faith, heal, and when he's ready," Taehyung looked directly at Jeongguk, "talk to his first love."

He then looked at Namjoon and Seokjin, smiling, "and this is DJ V. You are listening to a live broadcast of Late Night Love Talk." Taehyung's eyes widened like quarters, excited with an awesome idea, "Hyung!" He truned to Namjoon who looked excited too.

"Maybe, I can do a live broadcast of my show!" Taehyung exclaimed. Namjoon nodded excitedly, "Yes, maybe as the culmination of your book tour." Jeongguk finally released his breath, relieved but now, his mind started working, there is some form of hope.

Taehyung just declared in front of his friends, there might be some chance. "Thank you DJ V," Seokjin said as Jeongguk threw daggers at him. Seokjin gave him arrogant look as he arched an eyebrow. Jeongguk just shook his head.

"I wonder if my friend would be willing to do a live with me though," Taehyung wondered aloud. Namjoon's curiosity got piqued, "You have a caller friend?"

"Yeah," Taehyung smiled at him, "in fact, he and I have gotten pretty close." Namjoon knew where this is heading and for sure, he is more nervous for Jeongguk now. Jeongguk who was tapping his feet with tongue in cheek.

Taehyung frowned, "Yeah, I hope Justin Seagull would agree to do a live with me." Taehyung bit at his lip, memories of last night returning to his mind. Seokjin looked at Jeongguk worriedly, Taehyung who might have replaced him with someone else already.

"Tell me Taehyung, what do you think of this Justin guy?" Seokjin sipped his iced vanilla latte with the waiter finally bringing in their order. Seokjijn turned to the younger and said, "Jeonggukie, I ordered chicken and waffles for you."

Taehyung took a deep breath and glanced tentatively at Jeongguk and then directed his gaze back to Seokjin, "well, we are in the process of getting to know each other." Namjoon nodded somehow relieved. But Jeongguk just sat there & started eating, trying to conceal his horror.

He knows he is in trouble. He's officially screwed. They ate, they laughed and after thirty minutes, Taehyung wiped his mouth and turned to them, "Thank you for lunch, brunch, I mean, you know what I mean."

"Oh no, no. THANK YOU! Thank you for gracing us with your presence DJ V. We are strangers and yet you agreed to spend some time with us!" Seokjin smiled widely at him. Taehyung put down the napkin on the table and smiled. He turned to Jeongguk and said, "well, excluding one."

Jeongguk took it as a sign, something favorable, for both of them. Is this an indication that Taehyung forgave him already?

Namjoon smiled as he looked at the two, hoping that what he planned for his friend would work, "DJ V, I mean Taehyung, are you doing anything after? Because I remember you told us that you had something else to do."

"Oh, my friend is busy. I am kind of bummed about it actually," Taehyung admitted. "Why is that?" Jeongguk asked. Taehyung looked at him, surprised at his boldness. Jeongguk wonders if Taehyung's just feigning interest or if he's really interested.

Taehyung smiled, "I was actually looking forward to spending time with him." Seokjin asked, "Is this friend perhaps, somebody you are interested in?" Taehyung blushed furiously, being reminded of the revealing picture that was sent to him last night, "I just don't know yet."

"I see," Jeongguk said, taking a bite of the banana creme pie he ordered. "Anyway," Taehyung turned to Namjoon, "why were you asking, hyung, if I was going to do anything after?" Taehyung asked. Namjoon looked at him then at Jeongguk and thought, here goes.

He grabbed the portfolio bag beside him and Seokjin. He smiled at the both of them then turned his attention to Jeongguk, "I have to bring Seokjin home, he has a previous engagement."

"I do?" Jin asked Namjoon with wide eyes. "Yeah, remember, you do?" Namjoon gave him a look. "Oh yeah, I do," Seokjin said, nodding absentmindedly at Namjoon.

"Can you show Taehyung the itinerary for the next two months?" Namjoon asked. Jeongguk scratched his head, when he asked Namjoon to help him, he didn't think it was going to be this fast. Jeongguk looked at Taehyung and smiled nervously, "Is that okay?"

Taehyung touched his red ears, all warm from the blood rushing to his face. He was definitely feeling hot and cold and it was driving him nuts. He looked at Jeongguk who was nervous as well, but Taehyung promised himself, to end his misery, so he took a deep breath, "okay."

Jeongguk released his breath yet again, somehow relieved. "Are you sure you guys are going to be okay???" Seokjin asked as he and Namjoon stoodup. Taehyung just smiled anxiously, "I think we'll be okay," he said as he nodded and winked at the both of them.

Jeongguk stood up as Namjoon and Seokjin left to move nearer Taehyung. He sat down in front of him and asked, "Where do you want to talk, Tae?" Taehyung looked at Jeongguk, his emotions swarming him all at the same time. It was being unfurled at him with chaos unexpectedly.

He was giddy, nervous, & hesitant. He doesn't even know what to do or what to say for sh!t especially with Jeongguk looking so hot and so single. He hurt you Tae, he reminded himself. He looked at Jeongguk and said, "I don't know if it is actually a good idea for us to talk."

Jeongguk's face was indecipherable, he doesn't know what to think about what Taehyung just told him. He started panicking. He thought they were okay. He thought he has a chance. But now, what is Taehyung trying to tell him? He doesn't even want to talk to him.

Speechless, Jeongguk looked at the napkin on the table, how should he proceed? "Tae, I..." "Jeongguk, I..." "Sorry," Taehyung said. "I am so sorry," Jeongguk said. They both spoke at the same time. "You first," Jeongguk said after two minutes of silence.

"I mean don't get me wrong, it's actually nice to see you after all this time," Taehyung said, "but I was not mentally prepared to talk to you." "Oh, is that so?" Jeongguk looked at him, trying to know what Taehyung is feeling right now.

Taehyung looked at him, frowning, "Yea, I mean you walked out without allowing me to explain. I don't even know if you are still angry at me or if you still despise me when all I was asking before was just a break." Taehyung said truthfully, "but I don't think I deserved that."

"But Tae, I..." Jeongguk started saying. Taehyung turned his head sharply towards Jeongguk yet avoiding his eyes, "let me finish first, please, before I lose my nerve." Jeongguk leaned on the table as he placed his elbows on the table, looking down at his fingers.

Taehyung took a deep breath and closed his eyes, words swimming in his head. He bit his lips as he placed his elbows on the table and closed his eyes. "I always had this idea of still being in love with you after all these years," Taehyung said, swallowing, steadying himself.

"In fact, I was still banking, hopeful of that idea I painted in my head about you and me when we haven't been together for 4 years now." Taehyung touched his lips.

He opened his eyes & crossed his arms, still avoiding Jeongguk's eyes, "I realized I was still living in a world of illusion that I created for myself because I didn't want to face the pain but you know what?" Taehyung placed his elbows on the table, finally meeting his eyes.

"You treated me like shit when all I asked for was a break." Taehyung said trying to control the tears from falling from his eyes, "and earlier when I was asked what advice I would give you about wanting to get back with me?" He looked at him wildly.

"I am not a switch you can turn on and off when you want to Jeongguk. I am sorry to say this but I cannot deal with how you want me to, so please, don't expect anything from me." Taehyung said, eyes wet from tears. "We can work together but that's it."

Jeongguk was about to say something when Taehyung just continued, "Please don't show me anything that will bring my hopes up because I just don't want you to smother me with affection causing me to lower my boundaries, then the next thing you know, you walk away."

Jeongguk just stared at Taehyung, shocked by the revelation he just heard. Reality bites and it sucks for sure. Jeongguk felt as if he was run over by a ten-wheeler truck, his plans already faltered even before he even began.

For the first time ever, Taehyung expressed his thoughts because he hardly did even when they were together before. If they fought, he would just stay silent and say sorry and they will fall back into their old routine but this time, he's different.

Jeongguk didn't have any words to say because the pain in Taehyung's eyes was something he was not expecting to see. "I am sorry..." were the only words that came out of Jeongguk's mouth.

Taehyung just looked blankly at him and it was heart-wrenching for Jeongguk because that time when Taehyung wanted to talk to him, he was already crying and what he did was despicable, because Taehyung needed someone that time but Jeongguk was just a jerk who failed him.

And then it dawned on him, he was the first one who was supposed to be there but he was first one to walk away, "I... am... I... I am really sorry Tae. I am just so sorry." Jeongguk said as he buried his face in his hands.

Taehyung just fiddled with the fork in his hand, as he toyed with the strawberry pie. It was good to get it off of his chest, but Jeongguk wasn't the only one at fault, he decided to keep it to himself instead of asking for help.

Jeongguk's muffled sobs continued. He deserved this somehow but he already knew this when he saw Taehyung yesterday. He already knew what to do as he promised himself last night, he would do anything to win him back.

Jeongguk removed his hand from his face with a tissue in front of his face. He looked up at Taehyung and instead of taking the tissue, he took Taehyung's hands, "I will do anything. I swear I will do everything for you to forgive me."

Taehyung sought Jeongguk's eyes, searching for hesitancy, for apprehension but all he saw was sincerity and a glimmer of hope. Jeongguk kisses his hand as tears continued falling, "tell me Tae, what do you want me to do, what do you need me to do for you to forgive me?"

"I don't know yet," Taehyung said with a little tenderness. Jeongguk just squeezed his eyes shut as he held on to his hand, his lips still giving Taehyung's hand feather kisses. His mind swimming with a lot of things. At least he didn't say no, there's hope somewhere, somehow.

Taehyung pushed his hands toward Jeongguk's face, wiping his tears with the tissue. Jeongguk gave him a teary smile, "does this mean there may be a chance, a small one perhaps? A sliver? An ounce? Maybe even 0.1%?"

Taehyung smiled a little more, with a minute amount of hope flickering in his heart, "Can we take it a day at a time?"

Jeongguk nodded furiously as he sat up, "okay that is good, thank you." Taehyung sat up straight, mirroring Jeongguk, wiping his own tears. He looked at Jeongguk and said, "okay, tell me Mr Jeon, what is our itinerary?"

An hour later, Taehyung arrived back at the hotel with Jeongguk, who insisted to drive him. Knowing Jeongguk, if he didn't say yes, he would not stop badgering him. He is still a brat, Taehyung thought, amused with how Jeongguk insisted on carrying his stuff.

Jeongguk insisted on carrying the stuff that he bought him. "Remember Tae, you have to be here Friday next week..." Jeongguk started. "Because our flight is on Saturday morning." Taehyung continued as he opened the door.

Taehyung placed the flowers on the top of the table and took the bags from Jeongguk. Jeongguk just smiled brightly at him, "Okay, I will stop," he peeked inside Taehyung's room, hoping to be invited. Taehyung looked at him with an arched eyebrow, "really, Jeongguk?"

"What?" Jeongguk feigning innocence. Jeongguk then raised both his hands in surrender, "Okay, I know, I promised, one day at a time." Taehyung closed his eyes and then smiled at him, "good."

"Oh, before I forget. Namjoon texted me to tell you. You have a new phone inside the bag." Jeongguk stated. "It has Namjoon's number & mine and," Jeongguk rolled his eyes, "Seokjin hyung." "Okay, thank you!" Taehyung stated.

"Do you want me to show you the phone?" Jeongguk said, taking a step inside the hotel room, testing his boundaries. Taehyung rolled his eyes and shook his head in amusement. "No, Jeonggukie. I am good. You can leave now." Taehyung said, holding him by the shoulders.

He turned him around and pushed him out. "You have my email and contact information, okay?" Jeongguk stated. "Yes, Jeonggukie, I know," Taehyung said as he removed his hands from his shoulder. "Bye, Taehyung, and thank you," Jeongguk beamed at him. "Bye and thank you, too."

Jeongguk whistled as he went back to the elevator. Jeonggukie. That was the sweetest thing he has heard after a long time.

After half an hour, Taehyung sat on his bed after taking a shower. He felt refreshed, relieved, and unburdened. He felt light because, after a long time, he can hear silence in his head, and a comfortable one at that.

He didn't say he forgave him yet & somehow he is hoping he would be able to. Not today but someday. He took the paper bag that Jeongguk gave him and to his surprise, every dessert he loved was inside the bag, even his favorite street food. Jeongguk must have thought of that.

He smiled and opened a bottle of strawberry milk. Yum. He took the portfolio bag and opened it. Inside it was a new phone, his book, and a folder. On the top of his book was a post-it note.

Taehyung turned his book to the foreword, did Jeongguk read the foreword yet? Should he be worried? He took the phone box and opened it. He turned it on and the moment the system loaded, a message notification popped up.

Taehyung read his message. He is glad that he is respecting his boundaries, except for what he tried to do earlier. But that was Jeongguk, that is one of the reasons why he fell in love with him, and maybe that is the reason why it's hard to let go.