Chapter 6: Mutual Understanding

"Dad, why did you tell me my voice wasn't good that time when I was little?" I asked, biting the inside of my cheek. "I said that?" He responded in surprise. I nodded even though he couldn't see that through the phone. "I don't remember that at all, sweetie." He said with an unusual endearing tone. Unfortunately he had to go before I could say anymore.

I tossed and turned in bed remembering my conversation from the night before with my dad when I called to check in again. I finally sat up with a huff. I looked at my phone, seeing that it was 3 am. I had been trying to sleep for hours now and decided I might as well give up and go sit outside on the balcony. I got out of bed and walked into the main room, heading to the balcony doors. I slowly opened one of the doors and instantly heard someone crying softly.

When I walked out, I saw Taehyung with his back to me, looking out over the railing. "Tae?" I called gently. "Fay..." He murmured, turning slightly toward me. The moonlight shone just enough for me to see his cheeks glistening. I swiftly moved to him, putting my hand on his arm. "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice heavy with concern.

He didn't answer me, instead he just looked at me as his eyes pulled shut and more tears pooled, dropping from underneath his lashes. "Tae..." I said, almost in tears myself at the heartbreaking image in front of me. "My grandma died." He explained with a sob. I flung myself into his arms, engulfing him in a hug. He hugged me back as he cried even harder.

"It's okay...it's okay." I tried to say soothingly even though by now I had tears running down my own cheeks too. Out of everyone, I understood the pain of losing someone and it absolutely broke my heart seeing my normally stoic and joking Taehyung like this. We both just stood there in the night, crying and holding on to each other.

After we had both calmed down, we sat in a couple chairs just talking. "My grandmother basically raised me and I wanted to thank her on our next broadcast." Taehyung said. "You still can, she'll be able to hear it in heaven. I'm sure she would be proud of you." I responded, nudging my shoulder against his. He gave me a smile smile. "Fay?" He said. "Hmm?" I questioned. "I'm sure your mom is proud of you too. Especially for rediscovering your singing voice." He told me. "Thank you, Tae." I said, appreciating his confidence in me.

I suddenly realized something. "Do the other boys know about your grandma?" I asked. He sighed before answering. "Only Jimin." I nodded, completely understanding. Jimin was the easiest person to confide in, especially for Taehyung. "Well, they will know soon enough. Our Chim won't be able to keep his mouth shut when he knows that they can all cheer you up." I responded with a small laugh. "It's true." Tae agreed. "But, Jimin can be trustworthy too. He's been there for me a lot more than people realize." He admitted. "I know." I said, since Jimin had been there for me too.

"We should try and get a few hours of sleep." I said, getting up. "It's travel day tomorrow." We both went back into the suite and walked down the hall. Taehyung paused before opening the door to his room. "I'm glad to have someone who understands. Sleep well, Fay." He said. "Me too. Goodnight, Taehyung." I said smiling, before leaving him in the hall.

I got into bed somehow feeling more content than I had in a long time despite the evenings events with Taehyung. Thinking of both my mom and Tae's grandmother, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.