The following morning Taehyung walked into the kitchen, not expecting to see his mother sitting by the table with a single cup of coffee in front of her.

The yawn that was falling from his lips was cut short as he stopped dead in his tracks.

He could see her with her head casted down, facing her lap.

He hesitantly began to make his way into the kitchen, keeping a watchful eye on his mother.

She didn't even look up when he watched by in front of her, making him frown.

"Good morning." He said instead.

At last she slowly looked up, as if barely noticing his presence for the first time.

"Oh, good morning sweetheart." She croaked out, droopy eyes finally landing on Taehyung.

It was silent after that, Taehyung fumbling around to get the milk carton out of the refrigerator.

"Is-Is father home?" Taehyung asked slowly.

"No... He has gone out of town to meet with a pastor that will be visiting town for a bit." She spoke lowly, voice void of emotion.

Taehyung slowly nodded as he contemplated whether he should sit at the table, in the end he just took a sip of the glass of milk before dumping it out.

-

The pastor turned out to be a good friend of his fathers. Taehyung had briefly met him before school one morning when his father invited the man over for breakfast.

He was a bigger, older male with a few gray hairs here and there and a huge smile on his face.

Taehyung just smiled at him and shook his hand before departing for school, not thinking much of it.

It's not like he would be staying in his home or anything and besides, it would be nice to learn something new from a pastor besides his own father.

Once Jimin greeted him at school he couldn't help but think about his run in with the boy's mother, wondering if Jimin knew all about her opinions on the subject.

He didn't want to mention it knowing that it would only make Jimin more upset seeing as it was his own mother saying those things.

So instead, he just smiled and listened to Jimin talk his ear off.

Jungkook wouldn't be able to meet with him after school seeing as he would be working all afternoon.

But luckily Jimin mentioned that he would be going to see Yoongi at the tire shop, making Taehyung instantly cheer up.

"Can you tell Jungkook to meet me at the church later tonight?"

And of course, Jimin happily agreed, bidding him goodbye as they went separate ways.

Once Taehyung got home, he made sure to be on his best behavior, greeting his father politely who was sitting on their couch watching the television.

His father only grunted in response but said nothing else.

Taehyung made sure to make dinner later on that evening, initiating prayer.

His mother was still nowhere to be found and Taehyung couldn't find it in him to be angry with her, especially after last night.

-

Once Taehyung could hear his father's loud snores from downstairs he carefully and slowly made his way to the stairs.

He held his breath as he tip toed past the living room, his heart pounding loudly in his chest.

He heard his father shift lightly in the armchair, making him cringe mid-step.

Once he managed to make it to the front door he quickly opened the door, taking one last look before stepping out.

He could see the sky darkening above him as he looked both ways down the empty street before making his way towards the church.

He knew it would be empty seeing as it was a weekday and no one really went other than to say a simple prayer and leave.

Taehyung could hear his loud footsteps echoing throughout the church as he walked down the aisle, his breathing slightly labored.

He sighed in content as he did the sign of the cross.

He looked around, soon realizing that he was alone and Jungkook had not yet arrived.

He slowly walked up to the alter, kneeling down and saying a simple Our Father and Hail Mary in hopes that God would be able to forgive him for lying to his father and sneaking out.

Once he was done he went to take a seat on one of the benches, hearing the creaking sound.

It was silent for a few minutes as he waited, he was in the middle of saying a personal prayer when he heard the sound of the main doors opening and closing.

He didn't bother turning around, knowing that it must be Jungkook.

He continued with his prayer until the footsteps gradually got louder meaning he was closer.

Taehyung's eyes shot open the second he heard and felt someone take a seat beside him.

He froze the minute he realized it wasn't Jungkook.

It was the pastor.

Taehyung could feel his blood run cold the second he realized who he was, hundreds of thoughts flying through his head.

Could he know about Jungkook? Was he spying on Taehyung? Would he tell his father?

Taehyung opened his mouth and closed it quickly, not knowing what to say.

"Taehyung, was it?" The man asked, eyeing him.

Taehyung simply nodded, not knowing where the conversation was headed.

"What brings you here so late at night?" He asked once more, grey hairs shining in the dim light above his head.

"Had something on my mind all day, thought this would help." Taehyung dismissed quickly, glancing at the door every so often.

"Ah, I don't hear that too often these days. It's rare to see such young boys dedicated to their religion like you are." The pastor spoke again, making Taehyung gulp harshly when he realized that he was scooting even closer to him.

Taehyung could feel his body freeze up the second he felt a hand land on his thigh, making his heart go crazy in his chest.

He could hear the pounding in his ears when he heard the pastor speak again, this time in a low whisper by his ear.

"Perhaps we can help each other."