nerve wracking as an understatement. the anxieties bubbling in tae's tummy since him and namjoon had made the decision to visit jennie had distracted him from doing literally anything else over the past twenty-four hours.

he had seen pictures, heard stories- he was the new mistress, she was the wife. it seemed like a cliche soap opera where she'd slap him straight back to the city and he'd cry over why he ever thought this would be a good idea.

never the less, it was for jungkook and that's what mattered, that's what kept him going.

the house they pulled up too was familiar and tae recalled the time he had last been here. it was different circumstances, a world away despite it only being weeks. his eyes scanned the front door, his figure hiding slightly behind namjoon as they crept forward.

"why are you so nervous? the worst that can happen is she'll say no!" namjoon pinched the younger's bicep reassuringly, "don't worry so much, okay?"

"easier said than done!" tae flinched at the knock, his fight or flight leaning towards the latter.

she appeared like a model, her hair worn straight over clothes that were more expensive than taehyung's entire wardrobe. it was evident why somebody could fall in love, "namjoon!"

"jennie!" he greeted back, a friendly hug exchanged between the two, a bid to disregard previous tensions, "not sure if you've meet taehyung."

"briefly have seen each other, i believe!" jennie extended her hand, a firm shake as she escorted them inside.

it echoed it was so empty. the walls stripped and boxes packed of memories that have passed. she smiled back as they worked their way to the living room, "i don't know if jungkook mentioned but we're selling the house. easier to split assets that way! besides, no use holding onto a home that is no more."

taehyung felt odd hearing the sentiment, grateful that namjoon spoke so quickly to remedy the tension, "jennie, i just want to say that getting to know you over the years has been a blessing. you will always hold such a special spot for jungkook."

they were speaking like he had died, "i'm moving on, and i'm glad he is too." her left eye dropped in a wink, directed at tae who swore his skin had been set ablaze at the mere mention, "now, do you two want tea or water before we start shop talk?"

"i think we're okay; we won't be long!" namjoon rubbed both his hands together, his own way of gathering good luck, "as you know, jungkook is released from inpatient tomorrow and will be transferred back to his apartment. to celebrate his thirty days of sobriety we wanted to surprise him with jiwoo- we know he missed her most."

"yes, rehab visits weren't exactly what a two year old dreams of." jennie's eyes fell to the monitor, her sleeping toddler much enjoying her mid day nap, "this may come as a shock to you but, jungkook is welcome to have her overnight tomorrow."

namjoon seemed taken aback, "really?"

she nodded, a faint smile on her lips, "this month has been growth for all and it's apparent that she needs him- she asks about him all the time." the woman looked on the brink of tears but composed herself quickly, scanning her audience, "three hours with mom present isn't enough. it was unfair and selfish of me to tolerate that arrangement."

"it wasn't your fault; that's what the court decided."

"but i knew they only saw jungkook on paper, which doesn't look great. in reality, we all know he's the best father in this world."

taehyung's heart melted at the revelation, enchanted by the way jennie's eyes sparkled as she spoke of him with his daughter.

"you two are the best parents- she is the luckiest kid in the world." namjoon gripped the woman's hand, squeezing it gently in support, "we'll be by to pick her up early morning tomorrow then?"

"i'll let her know uncle joon is coming- she'll be so excited!"

namjoon smiled sweetly, clearly entranced by the tot that belonged to one of his best friends. taehyung felt a hint of sadness, a tad left out- he wondered what steps it would take for him to get close enough to jiwoo to have his own nickname. for her to like him.

maybe it was silly to think such a thought so early but it was evident she was the most important to jungkook. jiwoo liking him or disliking him would surely be a deal breaker of sorts.

"could you do me a favor?" jennie escorted them back towards the door.

"anything!" namjoon rested a hand on her back, allowing her to lead.

"can you tell kook that i'm proud of him?"