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Jungkook’s been playing violin his whole life. As a kid from a rich family, he was educated in all disciplines by private tutors since a young age, music being one of them. The instrument was chosen on a whim; his parents had attended a symphonic orchestra concert in some fancy-ass theatre, and his mother fell in love with the violin soloist’s musical whining (or it could have been the red dress. Jungkook was actually sure that the dress played a major role in her newfound love for violin, for she gushed about it almost as much as about the beautiful melodies.)And so, from around 4 years old, Jungkook received private lessons in his very own home from some high class musician. He went by the name Yamato (“Jungkook, you’re going to have a Japanese tutor. Japanese people are known for their violin skills! It’s going to be amazing, my own little boy, a violinist…” His mother had gushed, but Jungkook was always slightly wary of Yamato, suspicious that he was actually part of the Japanese mafia over the Tokyo Chamber Orchestra that he claimed he was part of in his younger days.) At some point, Yamato just mysteriously disappeared, furthering Jungkook’s belief that he was in the mafia. However, Jungkook wasn’t given much time to ponder Yamato’s status as alive or dead, for he was presented with a new music teacher, this one not much better than the other one. Although, it might be unfair of Jungkook to say that. For, Jungkook didn’t actually have anything against this teacher - or Yamato, for that matter (on the contrary, he kind of liked the jolly old man, despite his potential ties to the Japanese mafia) - it was the violin that he hated.Because even though Jungkook has been playing violin his whole life, he’s also been battling his parents his whole life against it.He was exceptionalle extraordinare, possessing rare skill for his age, talented, a Violin Genius - as that one article declared him to be. “Precious gem,” his mother has called him. It didn’t make his hate any less. He was forced to practice for hours daily, attend seminars of professional violinists, go to concerts (the only good thing Jungkook found was that orchestral music was nice to sleep to, but his mother, who’s taken to attending the concerts with him, didn’t allow him even that small pleasure in life), and enter competitions. And Jungkook himself, well he just wanted to play sports and battle in video games and watch anime. Not that anyone asked him. (They did, but they found his answer unsatisfactory because it didn't entail him actually doing something useful for his life.)By now, Jungkook was probably one of Korea’s top junior violinists, but all he could say to the journalists who had asked how he succeeded and commented that he was probably very passionate about music, was that he practiced a lot. At this point, Jungkook’s house had 2 soundproof rooms for playing violin (one was on the top floor with a beautiful view, where Jungkook loved to sleep), a little library dedicated to violin sheet music, music discs, and cassettes (because his mother thought it was cool and they were rich enough to afford it), and one room solely dedicated to his awards, photos, and certificates (his parents never grew tired of showing off the room to their guests).Jungkook himself didn’t care for the title nor the awards, but despite his many attempts to argue that if he was forced to play that at least he shouldn’t have to do concerts and competitions, his parents were adamant in making him suffer it. (He even tried the benevolent card of ‘I should let other rising stars win so that they feel motivated to continue, and besides, the monetary prize is useless to us anyway’, but that only led to his parents creating a fund for rising musicians and holding a yearly violin concert in a rented theatre.)The worst part though, was that his parents knew that he hated playing violin. But it wasn’t in the way of them knowing and not caring or knowing and torturing him with it to build character or something, but that they knew he hated it and genuinely believed he would grow to love it. This meant that they would not budge even when Jungkook yelled and screamed and threw and kicked. Even when he broke his super expensive violin and refused to do homework. They still made him play. Because they thought it was for his own good.This seemingly hopeless situation, however, was not that hopeless. Because in exactly 6 months and 21 days (so what if he was counting), he would be starting university and his parents would be unable to force him to play because 1) he’d be far away, and 2) because they would legally not have any rights to force him to do anything, because he’d be 18 and no longer under their care.And really, this was what had kept him going for the last maybe 2 years, after he finally gave up on crushing his awards.Everything was going well, great even, because the clock kept ticking and his bow continued wearing out, when his amazing plans were ripped apart with a letter. Perhaps it was an honour, that the Great Korean Symphony Orchestra was personally inviting him to join their ranks starting next autumn for a year as a trial period before deciding to join for sure, but Jungkook just felt like his blood ran cold. His mother was ecstatic. His father was proud. And Jungkook… well Jungkook said no. It wasn’t even a considered rejection, he simply read the first paragraph of the letter and said “no, I don’t wanna join,” before turning to go back upstairs to his paused video game. Of course, his parents didn’t let him go that easily.“But Jungkook, you have to agree! This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing that you won’t be able to experience otherwise! And besides, your university allows year late entrances, and you are already admitted.” Jungkook’s mother rattled off.“Jungkook, your mother’s right. Just think about all the people you’ll get to meet, and how much experience you’ll gain. You’ll be surrounded by musicians all day. Isn’t that a dream?”“No.” Jungkook was not budging on this. He would be 18. He would finally have the choice of not playing anymore. He’d finally be free. He would not give that up to make his parents proud.“The Great Korean Orchestra is asking for you personally! They want your talent! You could become a musician if it works out!” His mother’s words really set Jungkook off because why couldn't he be the strait As son of a businessman looking to inherit the company after successful completion of his business degree in university, why did his brother get that role? Instead of hurling the fancy vase that was standing near the wall like he would in his younger days, Jungkook simply turned on his heels and raced to is room.“Jungkook, for us, do this for us!” Jungkook’s mother followed after him as he moved up the stairs.“No!” Jungkook slammed the door in her face, and aggressively put on his headphones, unpausing the video game and looking to kill. --- It was because of his parents’ love and care for him that Jungkook ended up standing outside of a huge modern-looking studio. It had large windows tilted in various directions, black and white walls arranged like some failed crystal growing experiment. The territory around it was huge with various floral arrangements, and really this looked more like some architect’s home who had a wife with a love for gardening than a musical studio.Perhaps Jungkook was just bitter, and insulting the property somewhat allowed him to let off his steam. Because Jungkook’s parents didn’t give up on him, oh no, instead, they wasted a huge amount of money (“Jungkook we didn’t waste it, this is for you, and using money for you will never be of waste!”) for another private tutor. Only this one was one of the greatest musicians, which Jungkook sincerely doubted because the guy decided to take him on as a student. It was a last ditch effort, a last attempt to make Jungkook fall in love with music and choose to pursue a musical career. This was a trial 30 minute class (honestly, it was already so expensive Jungkook was afraid to ask how much a full lesson would cost), and Jungkook was already forming a steady plan in his mind over how to fall into the teacher’s bad graces without completely embarrassing his family.His mother and him were let into the gate surrounding the property, and Jungkook was already making his way to the front door when he heard a cough behind him.“Your violin,” his mother explained as he turned to face her, gesturing at the back seat of the car. Ah, yes, he forgot to include the part where he was supposed to play for his teacher into the plan. Maybe he could have a stubborn just-the-tiniest-bit flat c?Entering the studio, they were met with a very bizarre arrangement of colours. Sunset-coloured drapes, a beige carpet with rainbow polka dots of varying sizes, abstract art on the walls, a bright yellow couch with lime and pastel pink pillows and… Somebody sitting on it. “Hello, you must be Ms. Jeon,” the male said, getting up and smiling a charming smile. “And Jungkook,” he offered his hand first to his mom and then him. Honestly, Jungkook was not impressed. The guy looked like too much, his clothing choice of a purple silk wide-sleeved shirt, with a sleeveless emerald green tunic covered in gold and silver embroidery, paired with gray slacks, was elegant, and Jungkook supposed that it was truly befitting for someone of high status, but really… Too much. It didn't look pleasant. Why flaunt all of this. Perfect body and looks, pfff. In fact, he had such short fingers that Jungkook sincerely doubted that the guy could actually be a master of violin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Taehyung. Thank you for considering taking on Jungkook as a student, I'm sure you will like him.”“Ahh…” Taehyung smiled sheepishly. “I'm actually Taehyung’s friend, he’s upstairs. I'm Park Jimin, sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier.” His charming smile was turned up to full blast, as if to erase his mistake. It was not pleasant.“Oh, I'm sorry.” Jungkook’s mother didn't seem to know any better than to fall for Jimin’s charming smile. Jungkook sighed internally. He wondered how much more money Jimin would be able to bargain out of his mother for the lessons. He wasn't about to let that happen. See, he was refusing the lessons for her good too.“My mistake. Pleasure meeting you, though.” Jimin gestured to the staircase. “Let me lead you to Taehyung, then. He’s very excited to meet you.” Honestly, Jimin spoke so formally it was suffocating. Jungkook’s mother soaked it all up though, making small talk (honestly, who did small talk just walking up the stairs?) with Jimin.The three approached a door painted in green and red stripes, Jimin releasing a series of knocks and calling out “Tae, your student is here,” before opening the door. Ever the gentlemen, Jimin held it for them, and Jungkook awkwardly shuffled in after his mother.And wow. The room was large and open, shaped like an irregular pentagon, bookshelves with books and music lining the 4 of the walls, and the last one being a full height window. A large brown desk in style of the Victorian era was sat to face both the door and the window, piled with papers, mostly sheet music in various stages of complete and organized. The other corner had a grande piano draped with colorful rugs to look artful. A bunch of chairs and bean bags were thrown about, all different colors, sizes, and styles.However it wasn't the eccentric room that has caught Jungkook’s attention upon entering. In fact, he didn’t notice the strange arrangement until quite later. It was the man leaning against the large desk with a child-sized guitar in his hands, angular face turned towards the door.The man grinned at the three invaders of his chamber, pushed off the desk, and said, “Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Taehyung.”Really, when Jimin said that he was Taehyung’s friend, Jungkook just assumed that he was one of his students. Why else would he volunteer to meet Jungkook and his mother except to please the teacher? Never, not for a second had he considered that Jimin was Taehyung’s actual friend. Because Jimin was young. Like really young, early twenties kind of young.But the thing was, so was Taehyung. However, while Jimin was all grace and stylish clothes and demeanor of a true gentlemen, Taehyung was… The Young. He looked around 20, still in his hipster state with dyed hair and baggy colorful clothes, before the need to pass university courses with more than just a pass actually set in and students started to become sleep deprived zombies. Taehyung’s eyes twinkled with happiness as he listened to Jungkook’s mother gush about the view and the garden. After a full ten minutes of pleasant talk that Jungkook chose not to take part in (and what was he supposed to say anyway? ‘Ah, Taehyung, the white lilies really compliment the orange roses’?), Jimin suggested giving the woman a tour of the garden while Jungkook and Taehyung ‘acquainted themselves’. Honestly, the word choice was so formal Jungkook felt inferior to the older despite his short stature and small hands. With a wave of goodbye, Taehyung and Jungkook were left alone in the eccentric room.Once the door closed behind his mother, the room was enveloped in silence.Jungkook shifted from foot to foot nervously, observing as Taehyung set down his guitar on one of the chairs and approached Jungkook, stopping a meter away. Taehyung rocked on his heels, looking at him with excitement.“So,” Jungkook said awkwardly once he realized that Taehyung was not going to be the one to initiate conversation. He really did not know how to socialize, and now he was faced with the task of making conversation with the slightly older guy without seeming lame. Just great.“Take out your violin,” Taehyung instructed in his deep baritone voice. Jungkook felt like face palming. Way to look like he knows what he’s doing, walking into a violin class and trying to make conversation. Maybe the guy was more professional than Jungkook gave him credit for, going straight to business.Jungkook set down his case on the floor, unlatching the top and taking out his instrument. After putting on his shoulder rest, he rose up from the ground and made to put his violin on his shoulder when Taehyung gently pried it out of his fingers.“It’s such a good violin…” Taehyung said quietly, mouth hanging open and eyes shining in awe and excitement. Jungkook was confused, because just looking at the studio, he knew that Taehyung could probably afford any violin he wanted.Realization hit him that perhaps Taehyung discovered that Jungkook’s family was richer than he thought to afford such a violin and realized that he could squeeze even more money out of the Jeons, or worse, Taehyung didn’t actually think Jungkook to be good enough to play on this expensive violin and took him on only because of the money his parents were shoving at him.Jungkook was about to let Taehyung in on what he was thinking about arrogant, money-hungry assholes like him, when Taehyung continued.“I’ve never actually played a violin, just know how to in theory,” he explained his fascination, briefly glancing at Jungkook before returning back to inspecting the violin.Wait. Wait.Taehyung gently caressed the violin’s body while Jungkook stood there in shock, trying to process, to understand Taehyung’s words. Has he gone deaf already? He always knew that high pitched violin sounds near his ears would render him deaf sooner rather than later. Taehyung didn’t actually say that. His mouth just happened to move shaping the same words as Jungkook’s half deaf ears heard he said.But no he did say that and the reality of the situation slowly started dawning on Jungkook, that he indeed heard right, that this guy was particularly a stranger to the violin. Jungkook couldn’t seem to wrap his brain around the idea though, was so perplexed, confusion clouding his mind. Why the hell was he here anyways, if his violin teacher didn’t even play a violin? How did this happen? Though before Jungkook could question this out loud, Taehyung lifted the violin, setting it on his shoulder, and brought the bow down on the D string. Then, his fingers raced up the finger board, twinkling and soft, stopping on the E-string C, tiniest bit sharp, a slight frown decorating his face. He shifted for a bit before getting it right, and his skin smoothed out into an almost content expression. Jungkook could do nothing more than watch in part confusion and part awe as Taehyung switched through scales and pieces and pop songs, twirling and dancing along, adjusting his tuning as he went. C apperigos downwards smoothly shifted into Carrying You, which was quickly replaced with lively Turkish March, then A major scale downwards with a dramatic pause at the end before his fingers raced back up the fingerboard in an A minor scale, turning into the well known part of Canon in D, then Star Wars imperial theme for approximately 7 seconds before Taehyung turned to the more recent creations with Despacito and Moana. And Jungkook. Jungkook just stood there. And watched. It was kind of like he was in a dream, because the situation didn’t seem real, and he didn’t really have any power over his body, nor did he want any, liked just standing still and watching. Listening. It felt like a dream because he was so passive, like what would happen was inevitable no matter what he tried to do, so it was easier to just let it happen without resisting. And it felt like Taehyung would continue playing, his fingers moving around on the fingerboard as he breathed life into the music, even if the world was ending outside, because the music, the emotions, they seemed eternal. Jungkook wasn’t sure how long he spent standing and staring like a fool with his jaw hanging open. But then Jimin’s voice was being carried from beyond the door, informing Taehyung that the trial lesson was long over. Jungkook tried shaking himself out of the dreamy state he found himself in, but it still felt unreal, even as Taehyung handed back the violin, smiling apologetically, sheepish. Because the lesson was supposed to consist of Jungkook playing, Taehyung watching. Correcting. Suggesting. But he just… demonstrated.Yes. That was the word. Jungkook’s mind still felt hazy, he couldn’t really pin down one thought. Or, he could pin down one thought, but it was just one, and the thought was ‘wow’. Maybe it wasn’t even a thought. Just an impression.“So…” Taehyung’s baritone was drawly. Or maybe it just sounded like that to Jungkook’s fog filled ears. His hazy mind. “Will I be seeing you next week?”Jungkook couldn’t really comprehend. Nodded. Taehyung’s face split into a wide smile, and he gestured to follow him downstairs.“How was the trial lesson?” Jungkook’s mother got up from her spot beside Jimin on the couch. Jungkook’s thoughts were only slightly less mushed than a minute ago. “Fine,” he said, hastily making his way over to her. Slowly actually, as fast as he could manage to coordinate his limbs.“Jungkook seems like a good student,” Taehyung appraised.“That’s good. Then, I suppose we’ll contact you soon for the scheduling and price of the lessons. Thank you so much for giving him a trial,” his mother smiled kindly. Jungkook was kind of in a dreamy, in a not-fully-aware-of-his-surroundings state for the majority of the parting pleasantries. One moment, he was nodding at Taehyung in thanks for the lesson, and then the next he was already bowing at the front door, and making his way to the car with his mother.On the way back, Jungkook kept wondering. If it was really a dream. If anything happening right now was real. It took a while of coercing his mind to come back into the fully conscious, fully aware state. A lot of repeating the multiplication table, snippets of sound erupting and creating strings of ‘six times… seven… hm-hm-hmmm- no Jungkook think!... six times seven… forty…two…’ and so on. He finally tuned in his mother talking about how glad she was that the lesson was okay and that Jungkook agreed to more of them, that Taehyung was such a good teacher. It dawned on Jungkook then, that while in that dreamy, spelled state, he did indeed agree to more lessons. When he was still delirious after hearing Taehyung make the violin sound so… alive.And now, Jungkook was finally out of the spell. Perhaps the flowers messed with his mind or something. Nobody could be that good. None of the soloists, with all their experience and expensive stuffy suits sounded like that. So there was no way that a twenty year old self-proclaimed ‘violin novice’ could be that good, could sound so alive. Yeah, Jungkook was definitely out of his mind for a while there. But. But, just in case. Actually no, just out of curiosity. Jungkook wanted to hear how Taehyung actually sounded on the violin. That is, not through a flower fume induced haziness. It would ease him too, make him stop wondering about the possibility of Taehyung actually sounding like that. Because he obviously knew it was impossible, but his thoughts sometimes wandered, and he needed to cut off that root of imagination. So, yeah. Maybe another lesson. But just one. Sure the lesson is expensive, but it’s a small sacrifice. His family could afford one without batting an eye. Which meant no sacrifice, because he needed just one more, and that’s it. Nothing more.