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Here’s the thing about Kim Taehyung.
He is probably the sweetest thing to walk the surface of the earth. He is the most obedient son, always in the top 3 of his class, president of the chess club, sang in the church choir (his smooth baritone is really something else), adored by his friends, and he is the sweetest older brother to his younger brother and sister.
He is also unrequitedly, irrevocably in love with Jeon Jungkook.
Well, not in love. But definitely on his way there.
It all started back in 4th grade. Jungkook had been playing with his “bestest best friend in the whole wide world” Park Jimin when he spotted the new kid from across the block— Taewon? Taehyun?— scribbling something on the sand. He bounded up to him excitedly, peeking over his shoulder, and said, “Watcha doing?”
Taehyung had startled so badly, he’d drawn a line straight across the picture he’d been drawing, ruining it.
“Oh no,” Jungkook gasped, looking at the mess. “I’m so sor— is that Tiplouf?”
“Y-yes?” Taehyung said hesitantly.
“No way! He’s my favorite!” Jungkook’s voice was dripping with excitement. “Look, I drew him too!”
He grabbed out of his pocket a carefully folded paper, slightly rumpled but otherwise intact. He opened it to show a carefully drawn picture, miraculously colored within the lines.
“Oh my god.” Taehyung’s eyes were wide in awe. He reached out a hand to touch it, but drew it back, as if afraid to soil it.
“Do you like it?” Jungkook asked, heart in hand. Taehyung’s hair bounced cutely as he nodded his head vigorously. “You can have it.”
Jimin’s mouth dropped open. The amount of times he begged Jungkook, did his chores, helped him with homework, bought him ice cream, begged his mom to make Jungkook’s favourite dishes just so he would draw another picture just like it. And now this admittedly cute boy was going to get the ORIGINAL picture just because he was looking at Jungkook like he hung the moon and stars?
Jimin scoffed. Unbelievable.
Meanwhile, Taehyung’s eyes were growing impossibly bigger as he processed Jungkook’s words. “I can have it? This one?”
“Yeah,” Jungkook affirms, flashing him a bunny smile, nose wrinkle and all. “Think of it as an apology for ruining your sand drawing.”
Taehyung’s face breaks out into a boxy smile. “Apology accepted,” he cheeks, reaching out for the picture. Just as his fingers were about to touch it, Jungkook drew it back.
“Uh-uh,” he teased, finger wagging humorously. “You have to at least tell me your name first.”
“It’s Taehyung,” he said shyly. “Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Jungkook. The pleasure is all mine.”
And Jimin watched from afar as the new boy fell in love with his best friend.
Which brings us to this day: Valentine’s Day, junior year of high school.
Jimin is already digging into his lunch when Jungkook struts in, arms laden with flowers, plushies, and gifts of all kinds.
“Phew,” he exhales, dumping them all on the table unceremoniously.
“Must be exhausting, carrying all your presents around,” Jimin remarks, tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Yes, actually,” Jungkook informs him. “My back is killing me.”
“Then I’m sure you wouldn’t mind giving us some of your chocolates, right?” Namjoon says sweetly. “We’re just looking out for your back, of course.”
As Jungkook stretches his arms out protectively over his gift haul, there is a commotion, and a group of girls enter, swarming around someone.
Jimin immediately nudges Jungkook with his arm, smiling teasingly. “It’s your precious Chaeyoung. What did you get her for Valentine’s?”
Jungkook groans. “I have no idea what she likes so I just got flowers and chocolates.”
Jimin sits up. “What kind of chocolates? Don’t say nuts, don’t say nuts, don’t say nuts,” he chants under his breath.
“…Ferrero Rocher?”
Jimin hits him upside the head. “She’s allergic, you fool.”
Jungkook’s eyes go wide. “Shoot.”
They both turn their heads to watch Chaeyoung unwrap her gift, excitement palpable on her face. Her smile dims a little as she sees what it is, but she’s nice about it nevertheless, giving it to her friends to share.
“Shit,” Jungkook groans. “Why didn’t I do some research before?”
Jimin side-eyes him. “Look, if you’re serious about this crush, you’ve got to step up your game. Do you know how many people like Chaeyoung?”
“No,” Jungkook says, eyes brimming with honesty.
“Tons,” Jimin clarifies. “So you better work harder, because if I was Chaeyoung, I wouldn’t give you 2 seconds of my day.”
Jungkook’s face morphs into an offended look, but whatever he was about to say is cut off as an excited voice says, “Someone gave me a Big Bang merch shirt!”
They all turn their heads to look as Taehyung comes towards them, Hoseok following close behind.
Hoseok scoffs. “Someone gave you movie tickets to Endgame and that’s what you focus on?”
“It’s Big Bang,” Tae insists. “I’d pick Taeyang hyung over Iron Man hyung any day.”
“Iron Man hyung,” Jimin repeats fondly. “Could you get any more adorable?”
Namjoon eyes his pile of gifts skeptically. “That’s… quite a lot of admirers you have, Tae.”
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “Don’t worry, half of them are from Jin hyung.”
“Huh,” Hoseok says. “Wonder how he managed to do that all the way from college.”
They all turn to look at Jimin. He flushes a bright red.
“His kisses are very effective, okay,” he mumbles shyly.
Tae grimaces. “Ew, did not need to know that about my brother.” He diverts his attention back to his presents, eyes landing on one particular plushie.
“Thanks for the Ryan plushie, Namjoonie,” he says, grinning in amusement.
Namjoon sighs, smiling back begrudgingly. “Guess I couldn’t have been more obvious, could I?”
“Nope,” Tae agrees. “Let’s see, Ryan plushie from Namjoon and movie tickets from, obviously, Jimin. I got you the same, by the way.”
Jimin sighs. “As much as I love this soulmate business, it’s such a bother sometimes. What are we going to do with 4 movie tickets?”
“Uh, excuse me?” Hoseok says, gesturing at himself meaningfully.
Jimin turns to Tae. “Jin hyung and Yoongi hyung it is!”
Tae giggles. “Sunflowers from Hoseok… they’re my favourite, thank you!”
“No problem,” Hoseok says with a smile, discreetly passing some won to Jungkook as a thank you for the information. Jungkook pockets it with a pleased smile, turning his attention back to Taehyung.
“…from Minho, Alice and Hank, and the cards from Seolhyun.” Taehyung’s smile morphs into a frown. “I can’t figure out who gave me the shirt, though. I’ve wanted it for so long.”
Jungkook leans forward, placing his chin on the palm of his hand. “Why, what are you going to do when you find out?”
“N-nothing, I guess,” Taehyung says, surprised.
“Aw,” Jungkook pouts. “Not even a thank you?”
“Of course, I’ll thank them,” Taehyung says immediately. “Big Bang merch is so expensive, they must have spent a lot on it…”
“They must like you very much then,” Jungkook teases. Jimin, Hoseok, and Namjoon watch the exchange in curiosity, finding it funny how Taehyung is trying his best to avoid eye contact with Jungkook. It’s so obvious the poor boy has a big, fat crush on him, but he still denies it vehemently, so the others indulge him by not bringing it up.
Taehyung blushes at Jungkook’s comment. “No, what? Of course not—”
“Just kidding, Tae. The shirt is from me, by the way. I figured you’d want it since you like Big Bang so much,” Jungkook finally admits. “I borrowed some money from mom and she was more than willing to contribute for her lovely Taehyungie, so don’t sweat it.” He throws in a wink for added effect.
Namjoon clamps a hand on his shoulder. “Did she also say “my darling Jungkookie, you’re so dense, I sincerely hope you come to your senses soon” while giving you the money?”
Jungkook frowns. “Actually, she did say something like that. Wonder what all that was about, hm.”
“Gosh, Jungkook. This is, wow, this is too much,” Taehyung blabbers, cheeks now a bright red. “You really shouldn’t have… thank you so, so, so much.”
Jungkook waves a hand. “It was no problem. Hope you like it!”
“Yes, yes. I like you- err, it very much. Very, very much.” Taehyung’s voice is becoming increasingly high-pitched now. He stands up suddenly, almost knocking his stool over. “I-I’ve got to go. I, uh, I forgot to, uh, w-water my... my car. Yeah, bye.”
He runs away, not even bothering to take his presents with him.
“He’s so funny, he doesn’t even have a car,” Jungkook laughs, watching him dash towards the doors.
“That’s what you’re focused on?” Namjoon says, eyebrows raised in incredulity. “Let’s focus on the fact that you were blatantly flirting with him, knowing very well that he likes you.”
“I wasn’t flirting,” Jungkook defends. “It was just a little friendly teasing.”
“ ‘Aw, not even a thank you? ’” Jimin starts, pouting exaggeratedly. “ ‘They must like you very much then. Just kidding, Tae, I’m rich so I got it for you.’ ” He winks obnoxiously.
“Shut up, I don’t even sound like that,” Jungkook mumbles defeatedly.
“You’re right,” Hoseok agrees. Jungkook shoots him a grateful smile of relief. “Your voice does get weirdly deeper when you talk to Tae.” He clears his throat and starts in a gruff voice. “ ‘Aw, not even a tha— “
“Alright, quit it,” Jungkook says, annoyed at his friends’ antics. “I wasn’t intentionally flirting, it was just my natural charm—“
Everyone groans in unison, effectively cutting off Jungkook’s tirade of self-flattery.
A few days later, Jimin and Taehyung are in the middle of a heated conversation when suddenly a hand snakes around Taehyung’s shoulder and snatches a fry right off his tray.
“Wha—“ He whirls around in shock, but there's nobody to his right. A tap on his left shoulder has him spinning in his seat, coming face to face with a mischievously grinning Jungkook.
“Now, now, what’s all this noise about, kids?” he asks, squeezing himself into the bench between Jimin and Taehyung. Jimin gawks at him incredulously because there was all this free space around them but of course he had to fit himself into the nonexistent space next to Taehyung.
“We’re just trying to decide where we should go after school,” Taehyung explains. “Jimin wants to go to the mall, but I wanna go rollerskating.”
“You can’t even skate in the first place—“
“Which is exactly why we should go rollerskating, so I can learn to—“
“Well, why can’t we go to the mall and then go skating?”
“Because you take ages at the mall! And then we’d be too tired to go skating and will probably eat lame old Mc—”
“Ok, cut it out, you two,” Jungkook intervenes. “Look, why don’t we go skating today and go to the mall on another day?”
Taehyung beams, delighted. Jimin crosses his arms, sullen. “But why can’t we go to the mall today and skating on another day?”
“Because I want to go skating too,” Jungkook replies, munching on another fry. “Majority wins.”
Jimin huffs. “Of course you take Tae’s side, you always do.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes at Jimin. “No, I don't.”
“Oh yeah?” Jimin challenges. “Last week, when we were debating over Crash Landing on You and Goblin , you picked Goblin . Even though you’ve watched it already. Twice.”
It's Jungkook’s turn to cross his arms. “That was because Gong Yoo is insanely hot.”
“And the week before,” Jimin continues pointedly, “when we had to eat pizza because you threatened them with extra laps just because Tae wanted pizza even though literally everyone wanted to eat kbbq. And the other day—“
“Ok, fine, I get your point,” Jungkook says. “But it’s not my fault Tae makes better choices. Plus, I like him better than you.”
Jimin’s disgruntled expression turns sly. “Ooooh, Jungkookie likes our Tae—“
“What’s up, guys?” Hoseok joins them along with Namjoon, effectively cutting off whatever Jimin was about to say. Taehyung sighs in relief, trying to cool down his flaming cheeks.
“Nothing new,” Jimin says innocently. “Just Jungkook simping over Tae. Again.”
Jungkook bristles. “I’m not—“
“Do you want to go to the mall or roller skating?” Taehyung asks, successfully diverting the topic.
“Neither, because you’re coming to mine tonight,” Hoseok says. “My parents are gone for the weekend so we have to dance the night away ,” he says, singing the last line.
“Party, party, yeah,” Jungkook says happily.
Jimin perks up. “Can we get in the pool?”
Hoseok stops his dancing and turns to Jimin, eyes solemn. “Jimin.” His hand clamps onto his shoulder. “The real question is: can we get out of the pool?”
“Ooh, ooh.” Taehyung puts his hand up eagerly. “Can we order pizza?”
“Not again,” Namjoon complains. “We had that last week. We’re getting kbbq and that’s final.”
“But—” Jungkook starts.
“Shut up, Jungkook, or I swear to God I'll lock you in the basement,” Namjoon threatens.
Jimin giggles. Jungkook promptly shuts up.
“Hey, Joon,” Taehyung greets, stepping inside the house. Namjoon nods back, concentrating intently on unpacking the takeout from the delivery bags. “Is Kook done yet?”
“You know, you might as well have locked me in the basement!” Jungkook’s voice travels down just as Tae asks his question. “Instead of putting me through this torture.”
Namjoon rolls his eyes, almost losing his grip on the tteokbokki. “I think you have your answer.”
Taehyung makes a face at him before bounding up the stairs and into Hoseok’s study room, which is where Jungkook currently is, agonizing over his math assignment.
“Hey,” he says, walking over and taking the seat beside him. “How’s it going?”
Jungkook massages his temples angrily. “I didn’t think it was possible but I think I hate math even more now.” He looks up, taking in Taehyung’s dry state. “Hey, how come you’re not wet? Didn’t you get in the pool?”
Taehyung averts his eyes, already blushing. “Nope,” he says lightly. “I was, uh, waiting for you.”
Jungkook regards him in silence for a moment. “Do you see what you’re doing, Namjoon?” He yells out suddenly, startling Taehyung. “You’re not just depriving me of valuable pool time, but Taehyung too!”
Taehyung slaps his arm. “Quit whining and do your homework.”
Jungkook groans. “I can't. I don’t understand anything.”
Taehyung peers at the scribbled notes and snorts. “Well, no wonder. This is like one third notes and two thirds random scribbles.”
“I had to stay awake somehow during class,” Jungkook mutters under his breath.
Taehyung runs a critical eye over the questions before straightening up. “Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of logarithms, Jungkookie.”
Before they know it, an hour has passed with them bent over the textbook, Taehyung slowly but surely drilling into his head the concept of logarithmic equations.
“No way,” Jungkook says, writing in his final equal sign. “I’m actually done.”
Taehyung stands up and stretches, bones creaking from sitting for so long. “Yep,” he says, popping the p. “Let’s get going, now.”
“Yes, please,” Jungkook agrees. “It’s so hot in here.”
He takes his blazer off and starts to unbutton his shirt. Taehyung blanches. “Err, w-what are you doing?”
Jungkook smirks, stopping at the first two buttons. “Don’t worry, it’s just some buttons. I don't think you can handle me with my shirt off, Tae.”
Taehyung flushes, choosing not to respond to that statement. He follows him out of the room and into the kitchen, where Namjoon is still waging a small war with the delivery food. “Done?” he asks as he notices Jungkook striding in.
“All completed,” Jungkook grins, opening his arms wide and puffing his chest out in triumph. Tae can’t help but laugh at his childish display.
“Then I guess this isn't a good time to tell you it’s not due for another two weeks?”
It is hilarious to see Jungkook’s happy face turn instantly murderous, eyebrows furrowing in fury. “What?” he growls.
Namjoon holds his hands up in surrender. “It wasn’t my idea, it was all Jimin’s, and please, you can’t hurt me or you all will go hungry tonight!”
“I don’t care!”
Taehyung grabs him by the collar just as he’s about to lunge forward, effectively stopping him. “Slow down there, tiger. Maybe you should stop pranking Jimin so much now.”
Jungkook turns to him, betrayal written all over his face. “You’re taking his side now?”
Taehyung shrugs. “He is my best friend. Bros before hoes, man.”
“But I’m a bro too,” he whines, as Taehyung drags him towards the pool where the other boys were already playing. “When did I become a hoe to you?”
“Hey, Pythagoras, nice of you to finally join us!” Hoseok yells from the other side of the pool. “Quick, what’s 15 x 31?”
Jungkook gives him a withering look, thoroughly unimpressed. Jimin swims up to them, half of his body emerging out of the water, and crosses his arms on the deck. “Poor Jungkookie. Maybe you’ll start listening in class more often now,” he coos, face showing no sympathy at all.
“You’ll pay for this,” Jungkook vows, stepping closer to him and the pool. Taehyung grins as a brilliant idea hits him, inching closer to Jungkook. Jimin notices and bites on his lip to hide his smile, catching on.
“—cockroaches in your lunch, I will tell Jin-hyung about the time you broke his Mario figurine, I will delete your overwatch histo—“ Jungkook is listing off threats to Jimin, stepping closer and closer to the edge of the pool.
“SAY KIMCHI!” Taehyung yells randomly, shoving Jungkook into the pool. He flails his arms helplessly as if trying to fly away from the oncoming surface of water, before inevitably hitting the pool and splashing water everywhere. Jimin, Taehyung, and Hoseok burst out cackling as a thoroughly soaked Jungkook emerges from the water, brushing his fringe out of his face.
“I’m still in uniform!” he yells, glancing down at his dripping wet clothes.
Tae and Jimin burst out laughing again, high-fiving each other. They’re too busy re-enacting the scene that they don’t notice Jungkook stalking up behind Tae until it’s too late.
“Wha—“ Tae’s question dissolves into giggles as Jungkook tickles his sides mercilessly, wrestling him to the floor of the pool deck. Jungkook straddles him, still in his wet uniform, and continues tickling him, leaving him gasping for air.
Taehyung’s eyes grow wide as suddenly Jungkook gets off him, slotting his arms under his neck and legs, and easily lifting him off the ground. “Wait, no, you can’t, my shirt—“
“SAY KIMCHI!” Jungkook yells, before jumping and plunging them both into the water. Taehyung splutters, swimming up to the surface and popping his head over the water.
“Jeon Jungkook!” he yells in a rare show of anger, although his lips split into a boxy grin a few seconds later, shaking his wet hair off his face. “Come here, you brat!”
However, Jungkook was once again getting out of the pool, this time to change into swimming trunks and leave his uniform out to dry. He laughs at Tae, saying cheekily, “Don’t start what you can’t finish, Tae.”
Jimin swims up to Tae and wraps an arm around him.
“Come on, let's take that shirt off you. We need to beat Hoseokkie and Joonie at chicken,” he says, dragging him to the edge of the pool.
“Rock paper scissors for who goes on the shoulders?” Tae asks, sounding hopeful.
Jimin snorts. “Nice try. You had your chance last time. You’re going up.”
“Are you sure, Jimin?” Hoseok taunts. “Your head barely reaches over the water.”
Jimin bristles. He lunges after a cackling. Hoseok, Namjoon, and Taehyung laugh as Hoseok begs for mercy when he is eventually caught by a furious Jimin.
Friday night pool parties at Hoseok’s giant house were actually a common occurrence between the friends, starting from way back when Taehyung’s brother seokjin and Jungkook’s cousin yoongi were also schooling with them. The group of seven friends had eventually dwindled into five as the two oldest went off to college, but the pool parties still occurred, sometimes joined by Yoongi and Jin when they were on break.
As per tradition, everybody would stay over at Hoseok’s house—the mansion had enough rooms and resources to comfortably house a small army after all—and the night would end with a movie even though the boys usually were too tired to watch the whole thing on account of their earlier activities. Yet, they still stuck to it, which is how they were all gathered in Hoseok’s enormous living room at 9pm, about to watch something on Netflix on the large, state-of-the-art flat screen. They had all built a comfortable pillow fortress with enough blankets to go around. There was popcorn heating up in the microwave, pizza they’d ordered because they were all still hungry, and Hoseok had somehow managed to get the fireplace lit, casting a warm, cozy glow on the sleepy boys.
“I’m so tired I could actually fall asleep here,” Namjoon says, immediately yawning afterwards. Jimin hums in agreement, snuggling further into his side, the light from his phone casting a blue glaze over his face as he texted with his boyfriend.
“Jin-hyung asked whether you remembered to put salt in the popcorn,” he asks abruptly. They all turn to Tae who had been in charge of that.
“Shit,” Taehyung says, scrambling up immediately. He barely manages to get up before a violent sneeze racks his body, eyes watering at the force of it.
“I'll get it, stay here,” Jungkook says, getting up and walking into the kitchen.
“You ok, Tae?” Hoseok asks, concerned. “You’ve sneezed a few times already and your nose is red.”
Taehyung flops back onto the make-shift mattress, groaning. “My nose is clogged and my throat hurts. I definitely have a cold.”
“I told you we should’ve gotten out before nightfall,” Jimin reminds him, crawling over to cuddle with his best friend.
“I don’t exactly remember you hurrying to get out of the pool, Jimin,” Namjoon snarks, laughing as Jimin retaliates by repeating what he said in a mocking tone under his breath.
“Is the popcorn ready, Jungkook?” Hoseok yells, still scrolling through Netflix to select something to watch.
“Yep, it’s done,” Jungkook calls back. “Can you come get it?”
Hoseok immediately springs up to go help the maknae, handing the remote to the entangled best friends.
They finally settle on Home Alone, snuggling in to watch the old classic. Taehyung looks around after a few minutes, noticing Jungkook still hasn’t joined them.
“Where’s Jungkook?” he whispers to Jimin, not wanting to disturb the others.
“I’m here,” Jungkook says, appearing suddenly behind them. He’s holding a mug filled with hot chicken soup which he hands to Tae before settling in beside him.
“What’s this for?” Tae asks, gratefully wrapping his cold hands around the hot cup and inhaling it’s delicious odor.
“Just something for your cold,” Jungkook replies. “Hobi had some instant soup lying around so I made it for you.”
“Thank you,” Tae says gratefully, taking a sip to ease his aching throat. “Ugh, so good. You’re so thoughtful, Kookie. The best dongsaeng.”
Jimin eyes the two keenly, choosing not to say anything before going back to his spot near Namjoon, leaving the two oblivious idiots alone.
“Damn, it never gets old,” Namjoon says as the credits start rolling, stretching out his stiff limbs.
“Clearly someone didn’t think so,” Hoseok points out, gesturing his head towards Taehyung who is fast asleep, head lolling onto Jungkook’s shoulder.
Jimin sighs, standing up with a groan. “Guess I’ll have to wake him up now.”
“Nah, don't bother,” Jungkook says, carefully getting up after positioning Tae’s head so that it doesn’t fall. “I'll carry him. Hobi, can you tell me which room to put him in?
“Err, first floor, second door to the left,” Hoseok says. “I’ll turn the thermostat up, hopefully his cold will go down by tomorrow.”
Jungkook gets down on his knees and effortlessly lifts Taehyung up, adjusting him so that his head rests comfortably on the crook of his neck. Taehyung stirs a little, but goes right back to sleep, snuggling even further into Jungkook’s neck. “Thanks hyung.”
Hoseok joins Namjoon and Jimin watching Jungkook trudge up the stairs, Taehyung still asleep in his arms.
“I give it a month until they come to their senses,” Hoseok says.
Namjoon swivels around to fix him with a look. “You’re making a bet out of this?”
Hoseok shrugs. “Money is money.”
Jimin huffs out a laugh. “Have you taken a look around your house lately?”
“A little more money won’t hurt anyone,” he counters.
“Ok, then wise man,” Namjoon humors him. “I bet 5000 won you can’t clean all of this by yourself.”
Hoseok bursts out laughing. “Nice try, Joonie. Help me pack up these blankets. Mom’s gonna have my head if even a strand is out of place in this house.”
Jungkook carefully places Taehyung on the bed, tucking the blanket around him until he’s wrapped up tight like a burrito. He leans over and brushes a few stray strands of hair from his face, tucking them behind his ear. It is getting long now, almost reaching the tip of his nose, in desperate need of a haircut. Jungkook finally moves away from the bed after making sure that Taehyung has everything he needs when a hand reaches out to clutch his wrist.
“Kookie?” Taehyung says, voice rough with sleep. “Is that you?”
“Yeah.” Jungkook doesn’t even realize he’s whispering. “Go back to sleep, Tae. It’s late.”
“Will you stay with me?” Taehyung’s eyes glimmer at him, the only thing visible in the dark. Jungkook opens his mouth to reply when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes it out and checks the notification.
From: Chae :)
hey kook
party @ doyeon’s today
you coming
?
Jungkook stares at the text, biting his lip. He mulls over the thought for a fleeting second, then locks his phone and climbs into the bed next to Taehyung, just like when they were younger and used to crawl into each other’s bed at sleepovers.
“Of course,” he murmurs, letting Taehyung wrap himself around him like a koala. He doesn’t even mind when he wakes up sneezing three times in a row with a raging fever.
Taehyung slams his books down on the table before angrily pulling his chair out and sitting down with a pronounced huff. Jimin turns to him, eyebrows raised in surprise at his friend’s behaviour.
“Everything ok?” he asks cautiously, eyeing the way Taehyung is aggressively turning the pages of his notebook, settling on a blank page and staring so hard at it, Jimin is surprised it doesn’t spontaneously burst into flames.
“Yep,” Taehyung snips, bringing his hands up to frame his face so that it was away from view. “Just peachy.”
Jimin had his theories about why Taehyung was acting this way, most of them involving a certain black haired boy and the seemingly never-ending babble of admirers flocking around him; they’d won the inter school basketball championship last weekend, and Jungkook, having bagged the winning shot, was the talk of the town. Yet Jimin keeps his silence as their teacher walks in just then, letting his friend simmer in his jealousy-induced resentment until the bell rings, indicating lunch has started.
“Not so fast, greenie,” Jimin says, stepping into his friend’s path before he dashes off to sulk in some unknown corner of the school. “You’re coming with me.”
Taehyung sighs, rubbing his temples irritably. “Jimin, not today. I just need to be alone right now.”
“And what, glare at wonder boy and his gaggle of admirers?” Taehyung’s eyes widen in surprise at Jimin’s statement. “Yeah, no. You’re coming with me.”
Taehyung is so stunned by Jimin’s revelation that he lets him drag him away easily, all the way to the football field until they’re sitting in the bleachers, far away from the other nosy high schoolers who might eavesdrop on their conversation. Jimin takes out the paper bag of food his mother packed for him, grabs two sandwiches out of it and thrusts one at tae.
“Eat,” he says, taking a bite out of his own sandwich.
“You knew?” Taehyung speaks for the first time since they arrived there, sandwich hanging limply from his hand.
Jimin sighs and looks at him, an apology written clear on his face. “Tae, no offense, but you weren't exactly subtle about it.”
Taehyung groans dejectedly, as if resigning to the fact that the entire school probably knew about his crush on Jungkook despite his best efforts to hide it. He blanches as a thought crosses his mind, looking pleadingly at Jimin. “Does Jungkook know?”
Jungkook, of course, knew but Jimin decided to spare his friend this bit of information. “Err, I don't think so,” Jimin replies, hoping that he sounds convincing enough. “So it's true then? You like Jungkook?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Taehyung pouts, nibbling on his bread. “Clearly, it’s one-sided though.”
Jimin wants to bang his head on the wall repeatedly, wants to shout “NO! HE LIKES YOU TOO, HE’S JUST TOO DUMB TO REALIZE IT” but he keeps silent, taking a big bite of his sandwich to calm himself.
“You know what makes me mad?” Taehyung says, disrupting the quiet that had settled over them. “One day he's acting so caring about me, making me feel that maybe he has feelings for me too, that there’s a chance that something might happen between us, and then the next day he’s— he’s— ugh!” Taehyung cuts himself off, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
“Winning the basketball championship and having girls and boys fawning over him but making no move to reject their advances?” Jimin finishes his sentence knowingly.
“Yes!” Taehyung agrees, delighted that someone sees his point of view. “Jimin, tell me how it makes you feel when the person you like gets you something you’ve always wanted for VALENTINE’S DAY, you know, the day of love and adoration, no biggie. Comes to your house at exactly midnight on the night of your birthday despite it being freezing outside, and by the time you go out they can barely speak because their teeth are chattering too hard, just to be the first person to wish you a happy birthday. Cuts school so he can comfort me when I was crying because Jin hyung left for college, takes me out randomly because he “felt like” hanging out with me, getting us matching promise rings, gives me his basketball jersey and makes sure to wave at me before each game starts no matter how far away I’m seated, walks me home almost every day after school and watches until I’m safely inside the house before leaving, is absolutely adored by my family and siblings which is like a 1000 brownie points in the boyfriend handbook, Jiminie, always takes my side no matter how ridiculous I’m being, kisses me on the forehead when he thinks I’m sleeping—”
“Wait what?”
Taehyung doesn’t know when exactly he started replacing the ‘you’s with ‘I’s, but he can’t bring himself to stop, feeling like a weight is lifting off his chest as he finally unloads everything he’s been hiding for the past seven years.
“—cuddles me when I’m sick even though he’s definitely going to be sick the next day too, cut his hair in that awful bowl cut like when my mom made me cut it, brings me coffee when I’m studying until too late— Jimin, the barista at that coffee shop thinks we’re dating because one time he introduced me as his boyfriend to get the couple’s discount!”
Jimin giggles, watching the way Taehyung’s face lights up as he reminisces each and every memory. It fades away slowly as he comes back to the real world, where he is pouring his heart out to his friend on a gloomy day while the boy of his dreams is probably re-enacting his winning lay-up to a crowd of rapt fans for the umpteenth time that day. He fiddles with his fingers, feeling his eyes well up with tears of— frustration? Anger? Sadness? He doesn't even know what anymore.
“He’s the first person I ever came out to, Jiminie,” Taehyung sniffles, rubbing at his nose angrily. Jimin curls a comforting hand around him and tugs him closer. “I guess that’s the moment I realized I liked him. When he hugged me close and told me I’m valid and beautiful and still his most favorite person in the world.”
Jimin curls his arm around his friend and tugs him closer as his voice breaks, a few tears spilling over onto his cheeks. Taehyung rests his head on his shoulder and lets him stroke his hair comfortingly, concentrating on the familiar feeling of fingers combing through his hair. “Am I wasting my time, Jiminie?” he asks, voice small. “Chasing a boy I can’t have?”
“Hey, don’t say that,” Jimin shushes him. “You never know until you try.”
“Are you saying I should ask him out?” Taehyung asks, entirely joking.
“Yes.”
“What? No way!” Taehyung draws back, shaking his head vehemently. “Never in a million years.”
“Why not?” Jimin demands. “How do you know he won’t say yes?”
Taehyung laughs, though there isn’t a hint of humor in his voice. “Have you forgotten the reason we’re here?”
“But that’s because he doesn’t know you like him,” counters Jimin. “If you would just ask him out, I’m sure everything will work out.”
Taehyung is shaking his head no before Jimin can even finish. “No, Jimin, no. Thinking he doesn’t like me is bearable but hearing him say it to my face? I— I can’t.”
“And what if he says yes?” Jimin tells him. “Just think about it, Tae. Everything you’ve ever wanted will come true.”
Taehyung hesitates, mulling over the thought. He shakes his head in the end. “I can’t risk it.”
“Risk what?” The frustration in his voice is as clear as day.
“Our friendship! I can’t risk whatever we have right now just because of some stupid feelings that will eventually go away.”
“Your feelings aren’t stupid, Tae,” Jimin tells him, voice low. “Sure, they’ll go away, but at what cost? How long are you going to keep hurting yourself?”
Taehyung huffs, agitated. “I don’t know,” he mumbles. “I don’t know what to do.”
Jimin’s eyes soften, knowing his friend is in a vulnerable state. “Look, Tae. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. But trust me when I say that doing it will feel so much better. Like a— like a huge weight lifting from your chest. Trust me.”
Taehyung doesn’t know the exact details but he knows that Jimin had really struggled with his feelings for Seokjin, partly because he was leaving for college and also because he was his best friend’s brother; he couldn’t afford to ruin things between them, and he was immensely pressured by it, to the point where he’d almost broken up with Seokjin when they first started dating.
Taehyung looks at him, into his sincere eyes. “I— Do you really think he’ll say yes?”
“There’s only one way to know,” Jimin says gently.
“And if he says no?”
“Then I’ll be right here to catch you,” Jimin promises.
To: Kookie 💘
Wednesday, 15:15pm
Hi Kookie
Can we meet today?
I wanna tell you something
4pm at the cafe?
His heart thuds loudly as he types out the final words. He’s really doing this. There’s no going back now.
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 15:21pm
Sorry Tae :(
I’m already out so can’t 2nyt
How abt tmrw?
I’m freee
Taehyung inhales shakily. It’s okay, he’s waited 7 years for this moment. What’s one more day?
To: Kookie 💘
Wednesday, 15:21pm
Sure!
See you tomorrow 💖
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 15:22pm
C ya ;D
Taehyung throws himself back onto his bed, phone clutched to his chest.
This is it. He’s finally going to confess. He’s going to leave that cafe tomorrow with either a broken heart or a gorgeous new boyfriend.
He sits up. Fuck. What if he says no? What if he doesn’t like him back? What if he ruins their friendship with his stupid feelings? What if—
Shut up, he scolds himself. You’ve been friends for years. A stupid crush won’t get in the way.
Won’t it?
Hurriedly, he pulls up Jimin’s number and calls him. He finally caved and told Jimin about his feelings a week before their finals, unable to keep it to himself anymore.
“Hello~,” Jimin sing-songs as soon as he answers. “So? Are you not single and ready to mingle like a Pringle anymore?”
“What?” Taehyung shakes his head. “No, he can’t today, so we’re meeting tomorrow. Listen, Chim. I’m freaking out.”
He could hear the rustle of sheets as Jimin sits up. “What’s going on?
“What if this is stupid? What if he doesn’t like me back? What if I ruin our friendship? What if, even if we date, we break up and start to hate each other and then everyone will have to take sides and we might not be able to be friends anymore and—“
“Woah, Tae, calm down,” Jimin says, alarmed. “You’ve really worked yourself up over this. Take a deep breath, yeah, just like that. Breathe. Listen, this is a 4 year friendship we’re talking about. And it’s just a harmless crush. Look, I thought myself to be madly in love with you two years ago but look at us now, the best of friends.”
“What?”
“Forget it, it’s not important,” Jimin says dismissively.
“Actually, it’s kind of important,” Taehyung says matter-of-factly.
“Look, I was young and you were cute and you gave me all your Pokémon cards because I was sad I lost them and your lunches were delicious.”
Taehyung furrows his brows. “You… liked me for my mom’s cooking?”
“Can we focus on the matter at hand?” Jimin says impatiently. “The point is that you like Jungkook, he likes you too, but he’s just too dense to know it, and you two are going to make the cutest, sappiest couple in the entire universe.”
Taehyung flushes. “We— I don’t even know if he likes me yet.”
Jimin sighs. “You’re so adorably naïve. You know what, come to the cafe now, I’ll be there ASAP. Someone needs to get your mind off that stupid brat.”
“I’ve been craving cheesecake for so long now,” Taehyung says forlornly. “A matcha latte for you, right?”
“Yup. Not the sugary potion of death you drink.”
“Ok!” Taehyung chirps. “But I can't stay long, okay? I have to go to my cousin’s place now that I'm not meeting Kook.”
Taehyung hums to himself for the entire walk to the cafe a few blocks away, breathing in the musky scent of wet earth. It had rained last night, and he’s beginning to regret wearing his white sneakers.
The bell tingles as he pushes open the door, the wonderfully cold aircon hitting his skin. He held the door open for the old lady who came in after him and it’s only when he lifts his head that he sees them.
Jungkook and that pretty girl from the class next to him, Chaeyoung. Their heads were bent over the phone and, as he watched, Jeongguk raised his head to glance at her, his face filled with so much adoration that— wow.
“I’m such a fool,” he says out loud.
“Excuse me, son.” He steps back to let the family of four pass and when he spots them again, Chaeyoung is digging her spoon into a piece of cake, lifting it up to feed him.
It’s so obvious. Of course Jeongguk didn’t like him. Not when he has Chaeyoung who is so much prettier, funnier, sweeter. All the cancelled outings, the mysterious disappearances, the secretive whispers… Everything is so clear to him now. He probably knew about Taehyung’s hopeless crush on him and tried to hide this so that he wouldn’t break Taehyung’s heart.
He wonders how they can be so unaffected when, only a few feet away, Taehyung’s heart breaks into a million little pieces.
Robotically, he walks up to the counter, thanking god that he knew his order by heart because the menu screens were nothing but a blur to him.
“One caramel—“
“—frappe with a dash of hazelnut and extra whipped cream, yes I know,” the barista grins at him. Taehyung’s eyes drop to his familiar ones, startled.
“Sorry, sorry, I didn’t recognize you, I was just… thinking…” he trails off.
“I saw your friend come in earlier. Very pretty girlfriend he had with him,” the barista, Minho, chats as he types up his order. “Although, to be honest, I thought you two were a thing. Kind of rooting for you— Hey, you ok? You look a little shell-shocked.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” Taehyung mumbles. His head is still reeling from his realization, but really, he’s fine.
He is .
It’s just a little crush. So, Jungkook doesn’t like him back. So what? It’s not the end of the world. There were plenty of other fish in the sea. Maybe he’ll ask Jimin to set him up with one of his friends. He’d mentioned that some of them were asking about him, whether he was single, interested in anyone…
But they aren’t Jungkook .
He’s brought back to earth when the cold of his drink hits his hand as well as the rustle of a paper bag.
He looks down. “I didn’t order anything else,” he says, looking in the bag and seeing a croissant.
“Just a little something on the house to cheer you up.” Taehyung looks up, eyes locking with the barista’s. He can see the sympathy swirling in Minho’s eyes, the regret in his face for bringing Jungkook up. He probably guessed what’s going on. Taehyung feels like throwing up a little.
“Thanks, Minho,” he mumbles. “Have a good day.”
He walks out of the cafe. It had started to drizzle a little. How fitting. Even the heavens are responding to the utter joke that is Taehyung’s life right now. He plugs in his earphones and starts walking.
Jungkook just finished showing Chaeyoung the last of the photos he took of Taehyung in the dog cafe he took him to last week when he sees a familiar face passing by the window of the shop. Before he knows it, he’s on his feet, peering over the pedestrians to spot Taehyung again.
“Jungkook, what are you doing?” Chaeyoung asks, surprised by his behavior.
Jungkook looks down, as if suddenly remembering he isn’t alone. “Sorry I— I thought I saw someone I knew.” He looks outside again. Yep, definitely Taehyung. He is wearing Jungkook’s hoodie, he’d recognize it anywhere. “Hey, could you, um, excuse me for a moment? I really need to talk to him.”
Chaeyoung nods. “Of course. Here, take your phone with you.”
He pockets it with a thank you and makes a beeline to the door. It started to rain heavily now and he could see Taehyung running towards the bus stop, getting drenched in the downpour of rain that came on suddenly. Dread fills his heart. Jungkook runs after him, ignoring the rain hitting his face and the blaring of horns as he recklessly crosses the street, weaving in and out through vehicles.
“Taehyung,” he yells when he’s within hearing distance. Taehyung doesn’t hear, too absorbed in the music blasting from his earphones as well as the rain splattering around them. Jungkook increases his speed, determined to catch up with him.
“Tae!” he pants, reaching out and grabbing his elbow just as they reach shelter. Taehyung turns, eyes wide in shock.
“Jungkook? What are you— You’re soaked!”
“Like you’re any better,” he retorts. Jungkook drags Taehyung to a secluded corner of the shelter, away from prying eyes. “I thought we were meeting tomorrow? What are you doing here now?”
Taehyung raises his drink in answer. “Just craving some coffee.” He raised a brow at Jungkook. “Why are you here? Did you leave your friend alone?”
Taehyung knows. He knows about him and Chae. All the lengths he’d gone to keep it hidden from him, all in vain because of one stupid coffee date.
“It’s not what you think.” His mouth moves before he can stop it.
Taehyung smiles kindly. “It’s ok, Kookie. You don’t have to hide from me. To be honest, I’m actually kind of hurt you didn’t tell me before,” he admonishes. Jungkook can see the hurt pooling in his eyes, but Taehyung still smiles, putting on a brave face for his friend. Jungkook’s heart breaks.
I don’t like her, he wants to yell. She means nothing to me compared to you!
“She’s a really nice girl,” he says instead, mouth moving robotically. Shut up shut up shut up shut up shut up.
“She really is,” Taehyung agrees. “You two look good together.”
Jungkook gives him a shaky smile. “I—“
The bus rolls in then.
“Oh, looks like my ride's here,” Taehyung says. “It was nice seeing you, Kookie.”
Jungkook frowns. “I thought your house was within walking distance?”
“I’m supposed to go to my cousin’s house,” Taehyung explains. “Dinner with the fam, you know.”
Jungkook nods in understanding. Taehyung smiles and starts to get on the bus but Jungkook’s hand shoots out, stopping him.
“We’ll talk later, right?” Jungkook asks. He can hear the desperation in his own voice but he can’t bring himself to care. “Tomorrow?”
Taehyung looks back at him and then at the bus driver, who is tutting impatiently. “I— I’ve got to go, Jungkook. Bye.”
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 16.32pm
Hiii
Got home safe?
To: Kookie 💘
Wednesday, 20.01pm
Yep
Just about to have dinner ☺️
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 20.02pm
Thts gr8
Have funn <3
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 10.17pm
Good nyt Taetae 💜
To: Kookie 💘
Thursday, 00.54am
Good night
To: Tae bear 🍓
Thursday, 8.45am
Good morningggg
We still up for 2day ryt?
To: Kookie 💘
Thursday, 14.13pm
Hello Jungkook
Is it ok if I take a rain check for today?
Decided to stay at my cousin’s for
a few days
To: Tae bear 🍓
Thursday, 14.16pm
Sure
Txt me when u come back
To: Kookie 💘
Thursday, 21.09pm
👍🏼
To: Tae bear
Saturday, 12.33pm
Hey Tae
U back?
To: Kookie 💘
Saturday, 13.42pm
Nope
In daegu rn
Spending a loooong vacay here
To: Tae bear 🍓
Wednesday, 13.43pm
Oh
What abt school?
To: Kookie 💘
Saturday, 19.11pm
Sorry for the late response
Mom talked to school and they said it’s ok
Perks of getting straight A’s 😂
To: Tae bear 🍓
Saturday, 19.11pm
Congrats!!!
To: Kookie 💘
Sunday, 7.23am
Thanks
To: Tae bear 🍓
Monday, 12.09pm
Hey Tae
How r u???
To: Kookie 💘
Monday, 20.05pm
I’m good
You?
To: Tae bear 🍓
Tuesday, 5.34am
I’m ok
A bit bored
Can’t sleep
R u up?
To: Kookie 💘
Tuesday, 11.57am
Hi hi
Sorry I didn’t see the messages
What’s up?
To: Tae bear 🍓
Tuesday, 2.16pm
It’s nothing
To: Tae bear 🍓
Thursday, 16.41pm
Hiiii
How’s it going?
To: Kookie 💘
Friday, 7.02am
It’s going
To: Tae bear 🍓
Friday, 7.03am
Luckyyy
U get to miss school
To: Kookie 💘
Friday, 18.59pm
Haha yes
To: Tae bear 🍓
Saturday, 17.22pm
Got our grades yesterday
I’m top in class
To: Kookie 💘
Sunday, 6.45am
That’s great Kook!
Congratulations 🎊
To: Tae bear 🍓
Sunday, 6.45am
Thankssss
To: Kookie 💘
Sunday, 6.47am
What are you doing up so early?
To: Tae bear 🍓
Sunday, 6.48am
Can’t sleep
To: Tae bear 🍓
Sunday, 6.50am
Can we talk?
To: Kookie 💘
Sunday, 8.32am
We are talking tho?
To: Tae bear 🍓
Sunday, 8.33am
U kno what I mean
To: Tae bear 🍓
Sunday, 9.46am
I’m sry
ignore what I said b4
To: Tae bear 🍓
Monday, 5.14am
R u mad?
At me?
To: Jungkook
Tuesday, 11.17am
Of course not
To: Tae bear 🍓
Tuesday 16.35pm
Ok
“Class president, heck yeah!” Hoseok hoots, thumping Jungkook in the back. It’s only the second day since their senior—and final—year of high school started and Jungkook was elected Class President by the majority of the vote.
“Thank you, thank you,” he bows exaggeratedly, moving his hands in a grand flourish. “I will work hard to serve my loyal subjects to the best of my ability.”
Namjoon rolls his eyes. “If you call me your loyal subject one more time I’ll make them lock you in a dungeon.”
Jungkook frowns. “What is it with your weird obsession of locking me up in underground places?”
“Something about not hearing and seeing you everyday really appeals to me for some reason,” Namjoon says, fighting back a smile.
Hoseok hastily steps in as Jungkook squares his shoulders, getting ready for a fight. “Have y'all seen the new kid?”
Both Namjoon and Jungkook swivel around to look at him. “There’s a new kid?”
“Who would transfer schools with only a year left?” Namjoon asks, curious.
Hoseok casts a furtive glance around before ushering them closer. “I don’t know for sure,” Hoseok starts, “but rumor has it that he’s the son of some hot-shot celebrity and they had to immediately move to cover up some scandal.”
Namjoon starts laughing, moving away from the other two. “Rumor has it? Hoseok-ah, you’re the only one who still falls for those.”
“You didn’t see the car he came in,” Hoseok says, defensively. “You would believe me if you did.”
“And did you?” Namjoon asks, lips trembling with the effort not to laugh at his friend.
“No, but I heard—”
“Of course you did,” Namjoon cuts him off, finally letting the laughs free. Hoseok scowls, annoyed that his friends weren’t taking him seriously.
“Hey, where’s Taehyung?” Jungkook asks suddenly, looking around as if he will magically materialize out of thin air next to him.
“In Daegu?” Namjoon says, posing it as a question. “I thought you knew that.”
“No I, um, yeah,” Jungkook mumbles, casting his gaze downwards and scuffing his shoes against the floor. An awkward silence settles over them as Hoseok and Namjoon process this information. They didn’t know what exactly had transpired between Jungkook and Taehyung over the holidays, having only put together bits and pieces of information they’d managed to coax out of Jimin, but they knew it was Not Good and that it was a topic that should be approached very carefully.
“Yeah, um,” Hoseok clears his throat. “He’s not going to be back for another week.”
Jungkook feels his gut sink at the new revelation. He’d been looking forward to talking with Taehyung at school, not at all happy with the way they’d left things over the spring. Apparently, that’s going to have to wait another week.
“Lucky him,” he says lightly. “He gets to have another extra week of vacation.”
Namjoon latches on to this like a lifeline. “Yeah, but it’s going to be hell to catch up with us when he does come back.”
Suddenly, footsteps sound behind them and a panting Jimin appears next to Hoseok, red-faced and out of breath.
“Hey Jimin,” Jungkook says, eyeing him warily. “Did you run all the way here or something?”
“Didn’t… wanna… be… late,” he manages to get out before doubling over, heaving in large gulps of air.
Namjoon pats his back. “There, there,” he says hesitantly. Jimin swats his hand away, straightening and brushing away the non-existent creases on his uniform.
“Stupid Jihyun,” he says, dabbing at his forehead with his handkerchief. “He’s starting freshman year and didn’t want to be seen coming to school with me so he made me leave the house a whole half an hour after him.”
The bell rings just as Namjoon lets out a low whistle of amazement, effectively interrupting their conversation.
“Oh no,” Jimin complains, sad that his time with his friends has been cut short. “Let’s talk at lunch, yeah?” he says, already walking towards his class with Jungkook.
“Of course, Jiminie,” Hoseok assures him with a radiant smile. “Have fun at class everyone!”
“As fun as math can be,” Jungkook mutters darkly under his breath, still miffed that his first period of the day is math. He glances at Jimin who is still out-of-breath, huffing as he tries to keep up with Jungkook’s long strides. “You know, you seem to be very out of breath. Maybe we should do some endurance training today.” He is partly joking, only saying it to get a rise out of his short-tempered friend. He is, of course, not disappointed.
Jimin looks at him with surprised eyes. “Oh, come on,” Jimin groans, actually stomping his foot. “No way you’re our captain this year too?”
“Congratulations Jeon Jungkook on becoming our basketball captain again this year!” their coach beams, wrapping a proud arm around a grinning Jungkook.
“And RIP to us,” Jimin mutters under his breath, no real malice in his voice.
“What was that, Jimin? Something you’d like to share with us?” The coach singled him out. Jimin immediately shook his head, putting on an angelic smile and clapping extra hard. Jimin and Jungkook were famous on the team for always bickering and play-fighting each other, and sometimes their coach liked to egg them on, saying it helped maintain the team spirit and bond.
“Now listen up, everyone,” the coach says, tone turning more serious. “This term will be the last time for some of you on the team”—he looks meaningfully at Jimin, Jungkook, Hoseok, and Namjoon—“since you’ll be focusing more on your studies next semester to pass your ABCs or whatever they call your exams these days.” The crowd titters, composing themselves once the coach raises his hand. “So, I would like for all of you to put in a bit more effort these few months, so that we can once again bring the cup home. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes, sir!” they all chant, driven by the pep talk.
“Good!” Coach nods his head in approval. “Now give me 10 laps around the court. And no slacking, or you’ll be doing 5 more.”
With a few groans and complaints, the teammates are off running around the court, getting tired faster than usual since they hadn’t exactly been practicing over spring break.
“I can’t feel my legs,” Hoseok slumps down next to Jimin, who finished earlier and is now lying down on the ground, staring up at the ceiling blankly. Jungkook and Namjoon join them after a few moments, Jungkook immediately grabbing a water bottle and pouring it over his head.
“I don’t even have the energy to shout at you,” Jimin bemoans as Jungkook shakes his head like a wet dog, spraying them with water droplets.
“Working hard, boys?” a sweet, saccharine voice asks, a shadow looming over them. They all look to the side, spotting the familiar face of cheerleader Chaeyoung over at the bleachers, waving enthusiastically to them. The boys wave back, some jogging up to make conversation before their practise starts in earnest. Jimin turns around and does a double-take as he notices Jungkook.
“What?” Jungkook asks, touching his face self-consciously. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Are you ok?” Namjoon inquires, concerned. “Why are you still here?”
“Yeah,” Hoseok agrees. “Usually you’d be next to Chaeyoung in a heartbeat.”
Jungkook shrugs, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “I guess I don’t like her like that anymore.”
Jimin blinks, astonished. “I’m sorry, what?”
Jungkook scowls. “I said I don’t like her that way anymore.” He scuffs the floor with his shoe, refusing to meet the eyes of his friends.
Namjoon shares a look with the other two before speaking up. “Bro, you spent, like, the entirety of high school determined to ask her out. What happened?”
“I— just—” Jungkook sighs. “I don’t know. I guess I just lost interest over time.”
The truth of the matter is that, after Taehyung had seen Jungkook and Chaeyoung together on that fateful day at the cafe, he’d found himself spending more time thinking about ways to fix things with Taehyung than daydreaming about Chaeyoung as he usually does. Despite his many attempts at keeping in touch with him over the holidays, conversation had dwindled between them and up to this day there had been no further contact between them.
On one hand, Jungkook understands what Taehyung is doing. He is distancing himself. Jungkook had been well aware that Taehyung had some kind of feelings towards him and, while he hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary to encourage them (he thinks), he hadn’t exactly done anything to curb them, something he had spent many days thinking and regretting about.
He can see why Taehyung is putting some space between them, but still. He misses him. He misses Taehyung. Terribly. It’s so tempting to text him whenever he sees something that he knows they both would enjoy, to call him and tell him about his day, but he’s refrained from doing so, forcing himself to respect his decision.
This is partly one of the reasons he’d been so impatient to get back to school. He just wanted his best friend back, crush or no crush.
He shakes his head to clear his thoughts. When he comes to it, he realizes he’s standing alone, Jimin a few steps in front of him, looking at him expectantly.
“Coming, captain?” he asks, smiling. An olive branch; he didn’t mean what he said before and is actually glad that Jungkook is once again leading them. Jungkook smiles back, floored by how thoughtful Jimin is. Seriously, there couldn’t be a single bad bone in that boy's body.
“Yep,” he says, jogging up to him and swinging an arm around his shoulders. “Let’s go bag some balls.”
The very next day, the boys’ curiosity about the new kid in town is finally quenched when Jimin drags an unfamiliar face to their lunch table, plopping down in their seats.
“Guys,” Jimin starts, grinning brightly. “Meet Park Sunghoon.”
Everybody casts an interested glance towards the new boy, who they know as Sunghoon now.
“Hey, I’m Namjoon,” Namjoon introduces himself, smiling pleasantly. Sunghoon takes his hand, nodding his head in greeting.
“And I’m Hoseok,” Hoseok says, imitating Namjoon. “Nice to meet you.”
Sunghoon greets him, turning to Jimin afterwards. “I can see why you called him a literal ray of sunshine.”
Hoseok laughs, delighted.
“Hey, I’m Jungkook,” Jungkook says as Sunghoon turns to him, looking expectant. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Sunghoon’s eyebrows raise in incredulity. “Class president? You didn’t tell me you kept such high company, Jimin,” he jokes.
Jungkook gasps. “Finally! Someone who treats me the way I deserve to be treated.”
“Oh my god,” Namjoon groans. “Please don’t, his ego is already big as it is.”
Sunghoon laughs. “I think he deserves some ego boosting, being president is no easy job.”
Jungkook preens, basking in the praise. “Exactly.” He looks at the other three pointedly. “You three could learn a thing or two from him.”
Sunghoon looks around them suddenly. “Ehh, Jimin, I’m pretty sure you mentioned another one…?”
Jimin’s face lights up in realization. “Oh, Taehyung, yeah!” he says. “He’s in Daegu right now, but he’ll be joining us next Tuesday.”
“Daegu?” he questions, intrigued. “What a coincidence, I’m from Daegu too!”
“Maybe you two met over the holidays,” Hoseok jokes. “He’s kind of hard to miss. Brown hair, tall, very cute.”
“I think I would remember any cute boys I meet,” Sunghoon says laughingly.
Jungkook’ stomach churns, something about Taehyung being called cute by someone else irks him. He hastens to change the subject. “Sunghoon, by any chance do you play basketball?” he asks.
Sunghoon scratches his neck before answering. “Ah, no unfortunately,” he says. “Why?”
“Well, we all play basketball and the team is always welcome to new additions,” Jungkook explains. “With your height, you’ll actually make a decent basketball player. Would you consider coming for tryouts?”
“I don’t think so, sorry,” Sunghoon says, Jungkook immediately rushing to say he doesn’t need to apologize. “I swim, so I was thinking of going to the swimming tryouts.”
Jungkook leans in, interested. “I used to swim too!” he says excitedly. “But then I dropped out to focus on basketball instead.”
“Yeah, unfortunately for us,” Jimin pipes in, directing a cheeky grin at Jungkook, who scowls in mock-anger.
“You’re just jealous you still can’t reach the basketball net,” Jungkook teases right back. It’s Jimin’s turn to glower, his height a very sensitive topic. He is by no means short, just shorter than the giants he’d decided to befriend. Whatever, he is the perfect height to receive forehead kisses from Seokjin hyung and that's all that matters.
Lunch period passes like that, with them getting to know Sunghoon some more, coupled with the occasional bicker between the four friends and ends with them going their separate ways for classes as the bell rings, Jungkook taking it upon himself to guide Sunghoon through the unfamiliar hallways.
“Is he here, is he here, is he here?” Jimin says excitedly, bounding up to them, Sunghoon in tow.
Hoseok chuckles, endeared by his friend’s energy. “Not yet,” he laughs. “You need to calm down, Chim.”
Jimin continues to bounce on the balls of his feet, his excitement almost palpable. Sunghoon laughs at his friend’s antics, shaking his head.
“It’s been Taehyung this, Taehyung that all morning,” he says as Namjoon and Jungkook join them. “It’d be nice to put a face to the name.”
“TAEHYUNG!” Jimin shrieks suddenly, taking off through the crowded hallway.
“JIMIN!” comes the equally enthusiastic reply, the two friends embracing heartily, chattering over each other in their excitement. They duck their heads bashfully as a teacher passes them, eyeing them with a disapproving stare, but are back at it immediately as soon as she rounds the corner, arms never leaving each other as they try to make up for a month’s worth of contact within one minute.
“You’re literally glowing,” they hear Jimin marveling, running his fingers through his hair as they all walk towards the duo. “Huh. I guess the D really is good for you.”
Taehyung chokes, faltering. Namjoon, Hoseok and Jungkook just stifle their laughs and shake their heads, used to Jimin’s ways by now. “The what?”
“Vitamin D,” Jimin explains patiently. “From all the sun in the countryside. You’re golden, Tae.”
And it is true. His dark brown locks had bleached a sandy brown and his already tanned skin is like liquid gold. Jungkook squints. Were his eyelashes always that long? God, Taehyung is just so pretty.
“Couldn't you have phrased it in any other way, Jiminie?” Taehyung complains, embarrassed. Two minutes after he returns, Taehyung is already blushing. Jungkook can’t help but smile fondly.
“Don’t mind him, Tae,” Hoseok says, reaching out for him. “He’s projecting. Jin hyung has been very busy these days.”
Taehyung makes a face, disgusted as he melts into Hoseok’s hug. He sighs, squeezing him tightly. “Missed you, Hobi.”
Hoseok lets him go, smiling at him. “Me too, Tae.”
Taehyung turns to Namjoon next, smile widening. “Did you grow even taller during the holidays?” he wonders, walking towards him.
Namjoon flashes him a dimpled smile and starts to walk, immediately tripping over his own legs.
“And clumsier too, I see,” Jimin remarks cheekily, blowing a kiss as Namjoon glares at him.
“Jimin, be nice,” Taehyung scolds, helping Namjoon right himself. “Hello, Joonie. I missed your dimples.”
“And I missed you keeping Jimin in line,” Namjoon sniffs, returning his hug. Taehyung laughs, patting his back comfortingly.
Jungkook starts to sweat, fidgeting apprehensively. Shit, he’s next. Does he hug Tae? Or is that too awkward. Maybe I'll just shake his hand, he thinks. Nah, too formal. Kissing his cheek is the way to go. Wait, no kissing. No—
“Hey, Jungkook,” Taehyung greets him, his smile unwavering. “Come here, you.”
Jungkook rushes forward eagerly, curling his arms around his waist tightly. He sighs, fitting his chin on the crook of Taehyung's shoulder. Hugging Taehyung is one of his most favorite things to do. He is just so warm and comforting, fitting perfectly in his arms.
“Hey, Tae,” he murmurs, inhaling his familiar scent. “Missed you.”
Taehyung rubs his back. Jungkook almost doesn’t let him go when he steps back, missing his warmth immediately.
Taehyung peers over Jungkook’s shoulder curiously, looking at Sunghoon who is idling in the back. His eyes widen in amazement.
“No way,” he gasps, eyebrows disappearing up to his hairline. “Park Sunghoon?”
“Hey, Kim Taehyung,” Sunghoon says, waving a hand.
Jungkook whips around to stare at the two as Taehyung laughs in disbelief. “Do you two know each other?”
“Yes,” Taehyung affirms, walking up to give Sunghoon a one-sided hug. Jungkook eyes the way Sunghoon’s hand settles comfortably on the small of Taehyung’s back, but he brushes his thoughts away, dismissing them. “We were friends back in Daegu.”
“Just friends?” Sunghoon asks, tone teasing. “I clearly remember you pinky promising to be my best friend forever, Tae.”
Taehyung swats at him, chuckling. “I was five, you dork. Nobody gives serious promises at that age.”
“Ok, clearly we’re missing a lot here,” Hoseok points out, the others nodding in agreement. “Mind filling us in?”
“Sunghoon and I go a long way back, to when I lived in Daegu,” Taehyung starts. “Our fathers worked together and since we were the same age and went to the same school, we hung out a lot. A lot actually, we were inseparable. He lived only a few blocks down from my place so we were always at each other’s houses.” Taehyung smiles as he reminisces. “Sadly, I had to move here during fourth grade because Dad got a promotion in the Busan branch. Come to think of it, Dad did mention that you were moving here but he didn’t say it was so soon. Or that you would be coming to my school.” He directs the last part at Sunghoon, tilting his head in question.
“Yeah, we weren’t supposed to move until next year when I was going to start college, but there was some work emergency, so here I am,” he explains. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up when I heard your name was Taehyung because it is a pretty common name…”
“I did tell you he was from Daegu, too,” Jimin points out.
“Taehyung is a pretty common name there too,” Sunghoon counters, making them all laugh. “Damn,” he says, once the laughter dies down. “What are the chances?”
Taehyung gives him a warm smile. “It’s good to see you, Sunghoon.”
The two share a smile. Jungkook grows increasingly agitated as the silence stretches on, itching to do something. He just didn’t know what.
“Oh my god, you have to tell us what baby Taehyung was like,” Jimin squeals. Taehyung groans, burying his head in his hands.
“He was so shy,” Sunghoon starts, ignoring Taehyung’s vehement protests. “You should’ve seen him the first day. His brother had to literally drag him into the class and then stayed until the teacher came to make sure he didn’t run anywhere.”
Jimin coos, visibly melting. “Aw, Jinnie,” he gushes. “He used to drop you at class everyday? How cute.”
Taehyung groaned again, tugging uselessly at his friend’s hands to get them to go to class. Jungkook couldn’t help but lean forward interestedly, wanting to know exactly what baby Tae was like.
“Yeah, he was so quiet,” Sunghoon continues.
“Baby Tae should come back sometime soon,” Namjoon pipes in. “Present Taehyung could do with some shyness and quiet.”
Taehyung glares at him, Hoseok reaching out to ruffle his hair playfully. Taehyung swats his hand away, patting his hair to make it neat again.
“Let me guess, he’d spend recess drawing in the sand?” Jungkook asks knowingly. Taehyung turns to him, as if surprised that Jungkook can remember how they met. He keeps his gaze on Sunghoon, pretending not to notice Taehyung’s sideward glances from time to time. Sunghoon points at him, nodding his head excitedly.
“Exactly!” he says. “Either that, or hiding behind his brother’s legs when he couldn’t find a stick.”
Jimin gathers Taehyung’s face in his hands, squishing his cheeks. “They must have been so adorable. How cute, Taehyung-ah.”
“Jimin, I’m nineteen years old. You can’t just do stuff like this to me anymore,” Taehyung complains, his voice coming out slightly muffled.
The bell goes off just then, signalling they should start moving towards their respective classes.
“Well, there’s our cue,” Namjoon remarks, taking a few steps back. “See you at lunch then.”
Jimin starts walking in the opposite direction. “Come on, Tae. you’re in the same class as me, Kook, and Sunghoon.”
“Oh?” Taehyung says, slightly jogging to keep up with him, Sunghoon and Jungkook trailing along behind. “What’s the first subject?”
Jimin’s eyes glint. “Math.”
Taehyung complains the whole way to class.
“Ah, Kim Taehyung-ssi, glad to see you back with us. It’s about time,” their teacher says as soon as he walks into the classroom.
Taehyung blushes at the sudden attention as all heads swivel around to look at him.
“Thank you, sir. It’s nice to be back.”
“That’s good to hear. Now, unfortunately, you’ve missed a great deal of work in the time you’ve been away.” He looks around the class in contemplation. “Which one of you would be kind enough to help out your classmate?”
Quite a lot of hands go up, including Jimin’s eager one. He and Taehyung exchange excited looks at the prospect of spending more time together. Before he knows it, Jungkook finds himself on his feet, chair almost toppling over behind him.
The teacher looks at him over his glasses. “Yes, Jungkook-ssi?”
“I-I can help him,” he stutters out, cheeks flushing. “I would like to help Taehyung to study what he missed.”
“Taking your duties as president very seriously, I see,” Mr. Choi says approvingly. “Well, then. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind taking our newest arrival under your wing, too? I hope you’re up to the task.”
Jungkook’s eyes meet Sunghoon’s, sitting right at the very front. He gives him a friendly smile and a wave. Jungkook returns the smile before looking back at the teacher.
“Of course, sir,” he says. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Mr. Choi nods. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, put your books away everyone. We’ll be having a small quiz today. Don’t worry Taehyung, it’s…”
As a chorus of groans fill the classroom, Jungkook takes his seat again. He can feel Jimin’s gaze boring holes into his back as well as the small glances that Taehyung shoots at him, eyes swimming with questions. But he doesn’t make contact.
He avoids them for the rest of the day, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to give them an explanation. How could he, when he didn’t know the answers himself.
“I just wanted to help him, he has been a long standing friend of mine since our childhood and I wanted to rise to the opportunity and extend a helping hand in his times of need,” Jungkook recites to himself as he walks through the school corridors the next morning. “I just wanted to help him, he has been a long standing friend of mine since our childhood and I wanted to rise to the oppor— AAH!”
He drops all the textbooks he was carrying as a hand suddenly appears on his shoulder.
“What the hell, Jungkook, it’s just me. Jimin,” Jimin says as Jungkook whirls around to face him, eyes widened in fear.
“Don’t just do that,” Jungkook breathes, chest heaving. “You scared the living daylights out of me.”
Jimin fixes him with a look. “You know, you’ve been acting really strange these past few days. This, and that whole “I’m Class President so it’s my duty to help Taehyung” thing yesterday. What was that all about?”
Jungkook shakes his head as he picks up all the books scattered on the floor. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Actually, I’m sure you know pretty well what I’m talking about, considering you avoided us the entire day yesterday because of it.”
Jungkook shrugs in what he hopes is a nonchalant way. He looks Jimin in the eye and starts to say, confidently, “I just wanted to help him. He has, of course, been a childhood friend since our long standing—“ He breaks off, brows furrowing. “That’s not right, wait.” He starts muttering under his breath. “I just wanted to help him, he has been a long standing friend since our childhood— AHA!” He turns to Jimin again. “I just wanted to help him. He has been a long standing friend of mine since our childhood and I wanted to rise to the opportunity and extend a helping hand in his times of need,” Jungkook finishes, a pleased look on his face.
Jimin stares at him. “Did you make up an entire speech and memorize it?”
Jungkook laughs as if the very idea of it is preposterous. “What? of course not, who even does something like that—“
“Hey, Jimin, you have to see this, there was this adorable puppy— oh hey, Jungkook!” Taehyung greets, finally noticing Jungkook standing next to his best friend. “Hey, I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. It’s so kind of you to help me out, I know you have a lot of responsibilities being president so it’s so nice of you to volunteer to help us both.”
It’s with great difficulty that Jungkook controls the blush that is threatening to break out over his face. “It’s no problem, Tae. I just wanted to help him— err, you. He has, I mean, you has— have been a long friend, no, I mean a long standing childhood friend since our childhood, wait I said that already—“
Jimin thumps him on the back, effectively cutting him off. “What he means to say is ‘you’re welcome.’ ”
Taehyung smiles, though he looks vaguely weirded out. “Thanks again, Jungkook. I’ve got to go, I promised I’d meet Sunghoon before class started. See you in class.”
Jungkook watches him go until Taehyung turns around the corner and immediately heaves a sigh of relief. “Damn, that was close.” He turns to Jimin with a questioning look. “Was it just me or did you notice that he doesn’t call me Kookie anymore too?”
Jimin shakes his head at him slowly. “If I was a reader of this book, I’d reach into the screen, grab you by the neck, and wring your head until all your teeth fall out.”
Jungkook’s brows crease in confusion. “Wait, what book? What readers? My teeth?!”
Jungkook is just about to enter the classroom they had agreed to meet in for their first revision session when he accidentally happens to look through the window. Taehyung is seated on a chair, legs crossed, bag slung over the chair while Sunghoon is seated on the table in front of him, arms braced on the desk. There can’t be more than a few inches between them, Taehyung laughing at whatever Sunghoon said, batting his eyelashes madly (ok, Jungkook may or may not be exaggerating here). It’s when Sunghoon reaches a hand out to do god knows what that Jungkook decides to barge in, creating as much noise as possible. The pair spring apart so quickly that Jungkook can’t help but raise one eyebrow, enjoying watching them squirm under his gaze.
“Great, you’re both here,” he says. “So, I was thinking we could do some biology today? Since we have a practical tomorrow, I thought we could start off from there…”
The session goes smoothly, though Jungkook doesn’t fail to notice the lingering looks Sunghoon gives Taehyung, the latter remaining completely oblivious throughout it. He shakes his head for the umpteenth time that day, trying to get rid of his thoughts. What is the matter with him? He isn’t usually like this, so hyper aware of Taehyung and everyone around him.
“I guess that’s it for today,” Jungkook says after an hour, closing the textbook and getting up to stretch.
Taehyung and Sunghoon sigh in relief, groaning as they stretch their stiff limbs, muscles aching from being seated in the same place for so long.
“I’m never looking at an onion the same way again,” Taehyung says, making them all laugh. Jungkook hums, packing his bag as the other two chatter, gathering their stuff.
“Hey, Tae,” he says, hesitantly, taking the chance to talk to him as Sunghoon leaves for the bathroom. “Can I— Do you wanna walk home with me?”
“Oh, Jungkook.” He can hear the apology in his voice before he even says it. “I’m going to Sunghoon’s house straight away, we’re having dinner together.” He stares at Jungkook with apologetic brown eyes, the corners of his mouth downturning in distress.
“Oh.” Jungkook swallows, disappointed. “That’s okay. I have a few errands to run for my mom anyway.”
Taehyung purses his lips. “Maybe another day?” he asks, hopeful. “Oh, hey Sunghoonie! Ready to go?” He turns away as Sunghoon comes back, eyes lighting up as he spots Taehyung. Jungkook shuffles awkwardly as the two chatter, finally making their way out of the classroom.
“Thanks Jungkook,” Sunghoon says, Tae nodding in agreement. “It really means a lot that you’re doing this for us.”
Jungkook smiles back, ducking his head in acknowledgement. He sighs once they leave, voices fading. He’d really been looking forward to walking home with Taehyung just like the old days, reducing some of the distance that seems to have grown between them. Oh well.
Maybe another day.
“Damn, you’re harder to get a hold of than the president!” Jimin remarks as they weave their way through the throng of people, trying to get to a seat on the bleachers.
Taehyung chuckles, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly as he scans the rows, spotting two free seats and dragging Jimin there fast before someone else gets to it first. They plop down on their seats, wiping the sweat from their brows as they sit back to watch the game.
“How’s the ankle? Any pain?” Taehyung asks, concerned. Jimin sprained his ankle a few days ago at practice, which is the reason he’s with Taehyung today instead of on the court. Jimin shakes his head, indicating that he was feeling no pain.
Taehyung startles as his phone pings, an incoming text message from Sunghoon displayed on his screen. He smiles involuntarily from what he’s said, an action that is immediately noticed by Jimin’s hawk-like eyes.
“You and Sunghoon seem to have hit it off,” he says casually, watching as Taehyung replies to the message before turning at him.
“Hm, yeah,” Taehyung responds absentmindedly, gaze averting as his phone goes off again. He replies and this time locks his phone, pocketing it and devoting his full attention to Jimin.
“Is there something I should know about?” Jimin asks, eyebrows raised, his tone making it obvious that he is implying something.
Taehyung’s eyes widen. “What? No, no. Absolutely no, nothing like that,” he says, tripping over his words in his haste to clear any doubts. “It’s just that, I guess it’s nice to have somebody who I used to be so close with back, you know. Like a blast from the past.”
Jimin nods in understanding, sipping his Coke thoughtfully. “Well, as long as he doesn’t try to steal my best friend place, I guess he’s ok.”
Taehyung grins. “Don’t worry, your best friend status is safe for eternity,” he promises. “You know way too much for me to unfriend you. I'm stuck for life.”
Jimin shoves him playfully, pinching his sides until Taehyung begs for mercy, uncaring of the disapproving looks cast their way due to the amount of noise they're making. Their giggles die down after a few seconds, Taehyung humming contentedly as he sips his Sprite.
They were pretty early to the game, more than an hour to go before it’s set to start, so they had a long way to go. Sunghoon had been unable to join them, unfortunately, since he had swim practise scheduled in the afternoon, which is when the game was taking place. Tae was glad he had Jimin, although the circumstances were less than favorable; he would have been very lonely otherwise.
Taehyung fiddles with the hem of his sweater for a minute before taking a deep breath, as if bracing himself for what he’s about to say. “Listen Chim,” he starts, Jimin immediately turning to him with an interested hum. “About what happened…”
Jimin straightens in his chair, expression turning serious.
“I’m sorry I cut you off so suddenly,” Taehyung apologizes, refusing to meet his eyes. After the whole Jungkook-Chaeyoung fiasco, Taehyung had actually been half-thankful and half-apprehensive when his parents said they had to go to Daegu immediately, having to visit his ailing grandmother as her health had started deteriorating all of a sudden. He’d been too blinded by hurt to think properly, only answering Jimin’s avalanche of increasingly hysterical texts a whole three days later, when he was already in Daegu. Jungkook had told Jimin what had happened which only added to Jimin’s worry when Taehyung wouldn’t answer his texts or calls, only finding out through Seokjin that the entire family had travelled to Daegu.
Needless to say, Jimin had been inconsolable over what happened; he is the one who’d pushed taehyung to confess, resulting in this whole mess. He'd spent the better half of the holidays beating himself up over it, until Seokjin had yelled at Taehyung to talk to Jimin, Taehyung scrambling to call him right away, throat clogged with guilt and sorrow.
“No, I’m sorry,” Jimin rushes to say, picking Taehyung’s hands up in his. “I was the one who pushed you to say something, none of this would have happened if I didn’t—”
“Hey, don't say that,” Taehyung protests. “I agreed to it. I was just— a fool, I guess, not seeing the signs right in front of me.”
Jimin’s eyes soften. “I wanted to tell you,” he insists, tone earnest. “I really did but— I didn’t want to be the one to break your heart, Tae. It was Jungkook’s story to tell, and don’t worry, I blasted his head off because he didn’t tell you before, even though I told him a million times to do so.”
Taehyung laughs, the mental imagery of Jungkook cowering in a corner as Jimin yells at him, Hoseok and Namjoon probably wrapping their hands around Jimin to prevent him causing some serious damage too hilarious to resist.
He strokes his hand with his thumb lovingly, looking up at him with a small smile. “Well, everything turned out well in the end, I guess,” Taehyung concludes. “At least I saved myself the embarrassment of an outright rejection— I don't think I would have been able to look Jungkook in the face if that happened,” he hums, thinking. “Probably would have changed schools.”
Jimin gasps, outraged. “Excuse you. I would have made Jungkook change schools, no way I'm letting you get away from me.”
They both laugh, the past conversation already forgotten. They make small talk for a little while, exchanging scraps of information about their holidays when suddenly there’s a flurry of commotion down on the court.
“Oh, the cheerleaders are coming out,” Jimin says, leaning forward in his seat to get a better look. “I think the game will start in a short while.”
Taehyung squints, spotting a familiar face among the sea of blue and yellow. “Hey, isn’t that the girl Jungkook like? Chaeyoung?”
Jimin follows his line of sight until he sees her, giving instructions to her peers before they start their routine.
“Used to like,” he says, correcting Taehyung. “Apparently, he lost his feelings over the spring or something like that.”
Taehyung brows jump as he processes this new information. “Really? Didn’t he like her since middle school or something?”
Jimin shrugs. “I think so. I don’t know, he says he’s not interested anymore. Maybe someone else caught his eye now.”
Taehyung nods his head in agreement, considering the possibility. The Incident was now old enough that it didn’t hurt anymore to talk about Jungkook’s love life, something Taehyung was actually very proud of. It just goes to show how much he’d moved on, his efforts finally paying off in the best way possible.
“It’s starting, it’s starting!” Jimin slaps his bicep repeatedly, his excitement infectious.
The opposing team was coming out now, sporting their school colors of green and white. Taehyung watches with bated breath as they line up in the middle of the court, their own school team starting to come out too.
Taehyung’s eyes are immediately drawn to Jungkook’s figure, striding confidently at the head of his teammates. He’d forgotten exactly how much in his element Jungkook is on the basketball court, commanding everyone’s attention.
Beside him, Jimin starts screaming his head off, making up for his absence on the court with his enthusiasm on the sidelines. Jungkook’s head whips to the side, searching for Jimin’s face, recognizing his voice. He scans the crowd and Taehyung can see the exact moment Jungkook spots Jimin, face lighting up and his tough facade slipping as he starts jumping up 12and down, flapping his arms goofily. Namjoon and Hoseok join him, matching his fervour by flailing their arms around too. Taehyung can see the opposing team exchanging confused but amused looks, some of them looking in their direction to see who had their opponents acting this way. Jungkook’s eyes slide a little to the left, latching onto Taehyung. Taehyung waves his hand, signalling that it was him; he’s here. Jungkook brings his index and middle finger to his lips, kissing them before lifting his hand in the air in their signature greeting. The girls sitting in front of Taehyung go absolutely feral, screaming Jungkook's name and pretending to swoon. Taehyung beams, unexplainably happy that Jungkook had remembered their little ritual, rolling his eyes at the girls’ dramatics.
Jimin nudges him, grinning. “Hey,” he says. “Looks like things are going back to normal already.”
Taehyung’s eyes never leave Jungkook’s form, holding his gaze until he has to look away, the referee calling out his name. “Yeah,” he says, agreeing with Jimin. “Maybe they are.”
The boys are chilling around, making small talk by the pool deck and snacking on some nachos, waiting for Taehyung to join them when they hear the sound of the bell ringing, indicating that someone was at the door.
“Must be Taehyungie,” Hoseok says, scrambling up from the desk chair to go and let him in. Jungkook leans over and grabs a handful of nachos, snatching the chip Jimin was just about to eat in the process.
The sliding door leading to the pool opens just as Jimin is about to wrestle a cackling Jungkook onto the floor.
“Guys,” Hoseok says. “Look who’s here.”
Jungkook looks up from his spot on the ground, looking under Jimin’s arm. Sunghoon steps out from behind Taehyung, waving shyly. “Hello,” he says. “Sorry to intrude, but Tae wouldn’t let me go home.”
“Oh?” Jungkook’s mouth moves before he can think. “Were you two together?”
All eyes turn to Taehyung. “Yeah, we were studying together when Hoseok hyung called us to hang out,” he says.
“Well, we were trying to study,” Sunghoon corrects. “But someone kept distracting me with Overwatch.”
Jungkook’s face clouds over, glad Jimin’s arm was blocking his face from view. Taehyung always called him to play overwatch. Always.
He gets up from under Jimin, walking towards the deck chair. He felt a strange sense of betrayal; who the hell was this new kid trying to replace him in Taehyung’s life? First walking him home, now Overwatch? Jungkook pouts, stuffing his mouth with nachos, face stormy as he mills over his thoughts.
“Hey, Jungkook,” Taehyung says, coming over to help himself to some chips. “What’s with the long face?”
“What?” Jungkook looks up, face contorting unattractively as the sun hits his face. “My face… oh, Jimin,” he says, eloquently.
Taehyung stifles a laugh, biting off a piece of chip. A drop of sauce lands on the corner of his mouth and Jungkook gets a sudden itch to wipe it off, his hand actually lifting of its own accord before he tamps it down. “Well, we’re all going to play Twister now, are you coming?”
“Uh, w-what?” he stutters, dragging his eyes upto Taehyung’s, not even realizing he’d been staring at his lips the whole time. “Oh yeah, sure. I'll be right there.”
He fans his hot cheeks as Taehyung walks away, wishing he could blame them on the sun’s hot rays. But he knew the blush on his hot skin has less to do with the scorching heat waves and more to do with the sandy-haired, golden-skinned boy walking away from him.
“Please, let’s just sleep here, I’m too tired to move,” Namjoon says around a yawn, curling even deeper in the blanket he’s draped over himself.
“No way, Joon, mom will gut me alive,” Hoseok says, getting up to switch off the TV. “Come on, come on. Up, Up!”
Jungkook gets up too, stretching his neck, sighing as his bones pop satisfyingly. He looks around, spotting Taehyung fast asleep on Sunghoon’s shoulder.
“Again?” he says fondly, carding his fingers through his hair. “Sunghoon, you can stand up. I'll take him upstairs.”
“No, no it’s fine,” Sunghoon protests, pushing his hands away. “I can take him. Hoseok, can you show me the way?”
He picks Taehyung up in his arms, following Hoseok upstairs, their voices fading away the further they get.
“I could have taken Tae,” Jungkook says, brows furrowed.
“Sure, Kook,” Namjoon says, rolling up the blankets.
Jungkook pouts, kicking at the sheets moodily.
“Green isn’t a very pretty color on you,” Jimin says lightly, dumping a pile of blankets on him.
“I’m not jealous,” Jungkook says, a hint of whining in his voice. Jimin snickers, shaking his head. “I’m not. I just don’t see why he had to carry Tae when I can do it perfectly well.”
Jimin and Namjoon share a look, holding in their laughter.
“Well, you can always carry me to my room,” Jimin suggests, only half joking.
“I’ll pass,” Jungkook says, hurriedly moving away to store the blankets in the hallway closet before Hoseok comes downstairs and yells at him.
Later, Jungkook slips into Tae’s room once everybody is fast asleep. He notices that Taehyung still has his socks on and, knowing he hates sleeping with them, he takes them off. He draws the blanket up higher, tucking him in, and increases the temperature of the aircon, knowing Taehyung hates waking up cold.
Brushing his hair away from his face, Jungkook gazes down at Taehyung’s angelic sleeping face, heart filling with something unfamiliar, an inexplicable feeling of tenderness and adoration. He shrugs, bending down to kiss Taehyung’s forehead, lips lingering over his skin. Taehyung’s breath hits his cheek, hair rustling with the movement. Before he can think too much, he brushes his lips over the swell of his cheek; hardly a kiss, more of a fleeting touch of his lips on soft skin.
He leaves then, whispering a “Goodnight, Tae,” making sure to leave the door open a crack just the way Taehyung prefers it.
“Good afternoon!” Jungkook greets, barging noisily into the classroom, effectively disrupting Taehyung and Sunghoon who were peacefully seated together, heads bent together and giggling over something or the other. They immediately spring apart, of course, with rosy cheeks, scratching of necks and darting eyes. “So, last night, as I was doing my homework I managed to come across this article on the internet—“
“But we didn’t have any homework for yesterday,” Taehyung interjects, expression bewildered.
Jungkook surges on as if he didn't hear that, “—an article, which was studying the correlation between distance from other human beings and concentration. As it turns out, the study found out that there is a 71% increase in work productivity when placed over five meters away from human contact. This is applied to all age groups but it specifically showed a significant increase in people aged 13-20.” He eyed them meaningfully. “We, of course, fall under that category.”
“What?” Taehyung asks after a long minute of complete silence.
Jungkook tsks. “I see human proximity is already affecting you negatively,” Jungkook says, eyeing the (lack of) space between them. “To test—“
“May I know what the name of this article is?” Sunghoon asks politely.
“I forgot,” Jungkook lies smoothly. He had, of course, been prepared for all contingencies, although most of them did involve the line ‘I forgot.’ “Anyway—“
Taehyung looks at him with furrowed brows. “Jungkook, no offense, but this honestly sounds like something you made up.”
Jungkook balks, offended. “Of course I didn't.”
Taehyung narrows his eyes. “Fine,” he concedes, getting up. “Where do you want me?”
Jungkook flounders, not expecting him to give in so easily. “Uh, there,” he points at a random seat. “Sunghoon, you can stay where you are.”
Taehyung fixes him with a long look—one which Jungkook somehow manages to hold—before moving towards his assigned seat.
The entirety of the session is filled with an awkward aura, the tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. Taehyung gives him the silent treatment for the entire hour and Jungkook starts to seriously regret his impulsive actions. He doesn’t know what came over him; the sight of Taehyung and Sunghoon constantly together, in their own private bubble, filled his chest with something ugly, his mood immediately dampening to the point his teammates make sure to steer clear of him when he’s in one of his stupors unless they want their head bitten off for the smallest of reasons.
Jungkook couldn’t help exhaling in relief when the long hand of the clock inches slowly to the twelve spot, indicating their hour is up.
“Finally,” Taehyung says before Jungkook can dismiss them, not even bothering to lower his voice. “Let’s go, Sunghoon, I can't wait to get out of here.”
The words are meant to hurt, having their desired effect as Jungkook’s heart sinks, knowing he really fucked up this time.
“Tae,” he calls out, desperate. “Can I please talk to you?”
Taehyung looks at him, his face eerily apathetic. Taehyung was famous for his blank stares but Jungkook had never been on the receiving end of one of them in his entire life. It was strange and unfamiliar, and he didn't like it one bit, wanting his smiley Taehyung back.
Taehyung tells Sunghoon to wait outside for him before trudging towards Jungkook. He gulps. He’d never thought Taehyung could look intimidating before, but that's exactly what he looked like now.
“What do you want, Jungkook?”
He sounded tired. Was that it? Was he getting tired of him?
“Can we hang out?” he says, getting straight to the point. “I don't mean right now, but— but like we used to? I miss hanging out with you, Tae.” I miss you.
He can see the exact moment Taehyung softens; his eyes lose their steely look, now replaced with warmth.
“Of course we can hang out, Jungkook,” Taehyung says kindly.
“Kook,” Jungkook says.
“What?”
“Call me Kook,” Jungkook mumbles. “You used to always call me Kook.”
Taehyung stares at him helplessly, at a loss for words. “I— Jungkook—”
Sunghoon pops his head in at that very moment. “Sorry to interrupt, Tae, but my mom’s here.”
“Of course. I'm coming now.” He takes a step in his direction, turning around to look at Jungkook one last time. “Bye, Kook.”
Jungkook waves back, ignoring the butterflies swarming like crazy in his stomach.
“Sunghoon asked me on a date,” Taehyung blurts out.
Jimin looks at him over his phone, eyebrows raised. “Damn, he works fast.” He lets out a low whistle. “What did you say?”
Taehyung sighs, flopping back onto the bed with a huff. “I said I’ll think about it.”
Jimin gives a noncommittal hum. “Why?”
Taehyung turns on his side, draw-me-like-one-of-your-French-girls style. “Because…” he trails off, uncertain.
Jimin straightens up, keeping his phone aside. “What is it, Tae?”
Taehyung muffles his head in the pillows before he speaks. “MaybeI’mstillnotoveryouknowwho.”
Jimin sighs, running a hand over his back slowly. “Tae, you know I can’t understand you like this.”
Taehyung raises his head, cheeks flaming. “I said, maybe I’m still not over you know who.”
“Oh, Taehyungie, that’s completely normal,” Jimin coos, climbing over his body and hugging him. “You spent half of your life pining over him, of course it’s not going to go away in a month. But that doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself from some well-deserved love. I say you go for it. Give me an excuse to dress you up because SOMEONE is too busy to take me out.” He frowns, miffed.
Taehyung hesitates, uncertain. “But I feel like I’ll just be leading him on,” he says.
Jimin winds his arms around his neck, hugging him. “Listen, Tae. You don’t have to like someone back to go on a date. It’s for you to get to know them better before you decide to really commit. Sunghoon isn’t asking you to be his boyfriend. He just wants to take you out to dinner and have some fun. And maybe if he asks for more, then you tell him that you don’t like him in a romantic way.”
“I did tell him I’m not looking for a relationship right now…” Taehyung says, mulling over his thoughts.
“Exactly!” Jimin says, delighted his friend was actually considering it. “Text him now, before you change his mind.”
“R-right now?”
Yeah, Jimin encourages.
Taehyung does so, immediately locking his phone and keeping it away after.
“That’s my baby, Jimin cheers, hugging him close. We’re gonna get you over Jungkook ok? One way or another.”
“Thanks for agreeing to come on this date with me, Tae,” Sunghoon says once they’re seated comfortably in the diner. “I know you were hesitant to do so, but I’m glad you came.”
Taehyung smiles at him from the opposite seat. “I’m glad I came too. Jimin convinced me in the end.” His face turns serious then, fiddling with the napkins before he speaks up. “I have to tell you this, though. I don’t—“
“Like me in that way, I know,” Sunghoon finishes his sentence. “It’s okay, you’re at least giving us a try. I’m happy about that.”
Taehyung gives him a small smile, happy and amazed that Sunghoon is being so understanding. He tears his gaze away as the waitress approaches.
“Hello, welcome to Shim’s Diner,” she greets pleasantly. “Would you like to order something?”
The two young men place their respective orders, turning to each other as the waitress walks away.
“So.” Taehyung leans forward and rests his face on the palm of hand, making conversation. “Tell me how you’re adjusting to Busan.”
“Quite well, actually. Made it into the swim team so I made a couple of new friends there. It helps to have a familiar face around, too,” he adds. “A very handsome one at that.”
Taehyung laughs, blushing slightly at the compliment. “Very smooth,” he comments. “Nothing like the shy little kid I remember.”
Sunghoon puffs out his chest exaggeratedly. “The shy little kid is nineteen now,” he reminds him. “Plus, he just scored himself a hot date so I guess he’s not that shy anymore.”
“You’d fit right in with Itzy,” Taehyung jokes, referring to their song. “And stop with the compliments, mister. I don’t do good with them.”
“I don’t know, red looks really good on you,” he teases, pretending to think it over. Taehyung picks up a menu and hides his face behind it, refusing to take it away until Sunghoon showers him with half-hearted apologies, unable to even properly get them out through his guffaws.
Their orders arrive soon and they snack on them, swapping stories as they munch on their fries. They’d planned to go watch a movie after this, so they debate on that for a while, finally deciding that whoever finishes eating first gets to decide the movie.
Taehyung notices himself genuinely having fun, rarely finding himself in a moment where he’s not in fits of laughter. Conversation flows easily between the duo and time passes quickly, the sky darkening outside unbeknownst to them.
Taehyung is in the middle of a story, gesturing wildly and eyes wide as he recites it, Sunghoon listening attentively, when the bell dings, alerting a new customer. It’s followed shortly by the noise of raucous laughter and chatter, multiple voices adding into the mix. They both look towards the door, curious to who it could be at this hour.
Taehyung’s eyes widen as Fate works in mysterious ways, Jungkook’s eyes meeting his almost immediately as he steps into the diner. Taehyung drops his gaze, averting his eyes before he turns to Sunghoon. Shit, he’d forgotten the team always comes here for sandwiches after game night. Jimin knew why Taehyung wasn’t going to the game tonight, the others not so much, and he knew they’d be disappointed, although Jimin had assured him that he’ll “take care of it”. He couldn’t help it, there was no other day that they were both free and really, was it so bad to take a night off for his own pleasure? Plus, it was just a friendly match with the neighboring school, so Taehyung didn’t think it would be such a big deal. He’d still forgotten they always come to this diner and he was the one who picked this place too. Great.
“Hey, isn’t that Jungkook?” Sunghoon squints, oblivious to Taehyung’s inner turmoil. “And Jimin and Namjoon and Hoseok and— that’s the entire basketball team!” He gasps as he realizes something. “Tae, was there a game tonight? Did I make you miss it?”
“No,” Taehyung rushes to say. “Well, yes but— It was nothing major, just a friendly match with Bundang High. Besides, Jimin knows I’m here.”
Sunghoon’s face drops, dismayed. “You should have said something, Tae,” he genuinely sounded sad. “We could have rescheduled, picked another date…”
“This is the only date we were both free,” Taehyung insists. “Exams are coming up and we’d both only get busier. Look.” He checks his watch. “It’s getting late, why don’t we—”
“Hello,” a familiar sweet voice interrupts him. Jimin makes an apologetic face at Taehyung, as if trying to say I tried to stop him but he wouldn’t listen. Taehyung nods in acknowledgement before he turns back, just as Jungkook speaks again, already munching on one of Taehyung’s fries. “Spending some bro time together?”
Sunghoon laughs, thinking Jungkook is kidding. “Is that what they call a date here?” he jokes. Jungkook’s stony stare can cut glass, it is that deadly. This irks Taehyung. Jungkook has no right to be behaving this way.
“I was wondering why you weren’t at the game,” Jungkook says to Taehyung. “I can see why now, though.”
Taehyung’s anger flares. What was his problem?
“I didn’t see why I had to,” he says coolly. “It was only a friendly match after all.”
“Funny how that didn’t stop you before,” Jungkook replies, holding eye contact.
“I was different back then,” Taehyung says, enjoying the way Jungkook’s eyes widen minutely at that statement. He turns back to Sunghoon. “I think we should get going now, if—”
“Would you like to join us?” Jungkook interrupts him yet again. Jimin steps forward as if to take him away, but Jungkook shakes him off. “We’re going bowling after this. You’re welcome to join.”
“I— Tae?” Sunghoon turns to him, helpless.
Taehyung dabs at his lips with a napkin before he starts to gather his things. “We would really love to, Jungkook, but we actually made plans before. The cinema—”
“Is closed,” Jungkook cuts him off again. “ We checked on the way here.”
Taehyung jams his phone into his pocket quite aggressively. “Then we’ll just go somewhere else. Alone.”
Jungkook shrugs, nonchalant. “Or you could join us. Just saying.” He takes a step back, going back to his teammates. “Think about it.”
Taehyung waits until he’s out of earshot to explode. “God, what an—”
“I think we should go,” Sunghoon rushes. “Bowling, I mean.”
Taehyung stares at him, incredulous. “Sunghoon, this is meant to be our date. We can go somewhere else, there’s plenty of other places besides the cinema.”
“I know, but,” Sunghoon bites his lip, hesitant. “I already kept you back from the game. I feel bad…”
Taehyung’s gaze softens, understanding washing over him. He reaches out and covers his hand with his. “Sunghoon, please don’t apologize. It was my decision to ditch the game, you didn't even know about it. Please don’t feel bad.” He sighs, looking down. “If it would make you feel better, I guess we could go bowling…”
Sunghoon nods, agreeing. Taehyung’s heart pings for him. Being the new kid is hard and he understands why he is striving so hard for validation from others. High school can be tough with unfriendly peers. “Yes, please.” He falters before saying his next words. “Jungkook looked mad…?”
Taehyung grits his teeth, his anger rearing to the surface again. “Ignore him,” he grits out. He takes in a deep breath, calming himself. “You know,” he starts, changing the topic. “I'm really not the best at bowling.”
Sunghoon grins, latching on. “Yeah? I bet you can’t be worse than me.”
Taehyung laughs, throwing his head back. “Not possible,” he chortles. “I guess we’ll find out for sure in a few minutes, huh.”
Sunghoon squeezes his hand. “Yeah.” a pause. “Ok, but whoever loses has to do whatever the other says for a day.”
“Hey, not fair!”
“What is his problem? ” Taehyung seethes, watching as Sunghoon laughs with Jungkook and Hoseok a good ten feet away from him. At least Sunghoon seems to be having a good time, which is more than what can be said for Taehyung.
Jungkook had picked Sunghoon to be on his team and Jimin had to end up picking Taehyung because Jungkook kept passing him over, until he was one of the last people left. He’d stormed over to join Namjoon and Jimin, furious that Jungkook had succeeded in separating them in this way too.
“You know what?” Jimin declares all of a sudden. “I think he’s jealous.”
Taehyung furrows his brows. “Who, Sunghoon?”
“No, Jungkook, silly,” Jimin corrects him. “I think he’s jealous you went on a date with Sunghoon.”
Just as he opens his mouth to respond, a loud crash sounds and they both turn to watch as a sheepish-looking Namjoon walks toward them.
“You’re next, Tae,” he says. “And yeah, um. Don’t let go of the ball mid-air.”
Taehyung can’t help but widen his eyes in horrified amusement, shaking his head as he walks towards their designated alley. He picks up a ball and positions himself, determined to knock down at least one this time.
“Great form,” Sunghoon says behind him, and he startles so badly that he lets go of the ball prematurely, the ball falling into the gutter and rolling painfully slowly to the end.
“You made me lose it!” he complains, no real anger in his voice.
“Sure, blame your bad bowling skills on me,” Sunghoon’s eyes twinkle as he teases him.
“All your fault,” Taehyung jokes, playing along as he scans the row of balls, trying to pick a suitable one for his next chance.
“Here, try this,” Sunghoon says, handing him a ball. Taehyung takes it. “Come on, let me teach you.”
“I thought you said you were bad at this,” Taehyung comments, taking his place with Sunghoon standing behind him.
“When you said you were bad I didn't think you were this bad,” Sunghoon says, laughing when Taehyung turns to kick him in the shin. “Alright, alright. Here, come stand like this.” He shows him how to stand, legs spread apart slightly.
“Are you sure you’re supposed to be fraternizing with the enemy?” Taehyung asks, looking over his shoulder.
“When the enemy is this hot, a certain level of fraternization is allowed,” he replies.
Taehyung huffs out a laugh. “I bet you say that to all the boys.”
“Only the pretty ones,” Sunghoon says cheekily.
Taehyung shakes his head. “You’re incorrigible.”
Sunghoon guides him, directing the exact angle he should hold himself as he releases the ball. Taehyung watches apprehensively as the ball rolls, finally hitting the pins, everything falling at once.
“Yes!” he yells, punching the air in victory. “A strike!” He turns to Sunghoon, who holds his hand up for a high-five, equally excited.
“Alright everyone, let’s call it a night,” Jungkook calls out suddenly. “It’s getting late. And we have practise early in the morning too.”
There are a few grumbles and complaints but everyone starts filing out, ready to go home. Taehyung shares a look with Jimin and rolls his eyes, grabbing Sunghoon’s hand before walking out with him too.
Jungkook and Jimin seem to be engaged in a fight when they make their way outside, exchanging heated back-and-forths on the pavement.
“You ask him,” Jungkook whisper-shouts.
“No, you're the one who wants him to come, you ask him,” Jimin counters, crossing his arms.
Jungkook catches sight of Taehyung and Sunghoon coming towards him. “He’s coming, Jimin, ask ask ask! ” he pushes, anxious. Jimin sighs, resigning himself.
“Hey, Tae, you wanna walk home together?” he calls out when the pair are within hearing distance.
Earlier, Taehyung and Sunghoon had decided to walk home, considering the fact that their houses were only a short distance away, and also so they could finally spend some time together. Taehyung stops as Jimin asks his question, knowing that Jungkook had put him up to it. Something ugly unfurls in his chest, urging him to say no.
He raises his head high, jutting his chin out. “No, we decided to Uber home. Kind of have a pit stop to make.” He ignores the way his heart thuds as he sees Jungkook’s face fall, glancing between him and Sunghoon helplessly.
Sunghoon turns to him, surprised. “Wha—”
“Will you order one?” Taehyung turns to him, pleading with him to play along. “I’m running a little low on data.”
“S-sure,” Sunghoon stutters, taking out his phone.
Taehyung turns around and waves at his friends, clearly dismissing them. He is pissed with Jungkook, irritated with his behaviour both tonight and the past few weeks. He needs to have a serious talk with him and find out what his problem is, soon.
The opportunity comes sooner than he expected, the very next morning in fact.
“Tae, wait up!” Jungkook yells, running towards Taehyung in the hallways, just before their morning classes begin. Taehyung pretends not to hear him, increasing his pace. He is so not in the mood to talk to Jungkook today, not after what he pulled last night.
“Tae, hey, wait,” Jungkook pants, clamping a hand on his shoulder. Taehyung takes in a deep breath, nostrils flaring. Of course Jungkook’s freakishly long legs would catch up to him even when he’s walking as fast as humanly possible. He turns around, facing him.
“Yes, Jungkook?” he asks, tone clipped. Jungkook has the audacity to look surprised. Did this boy have selective memory or did he really not remember what occurred last night?
“I wanted to ask whether you’re free tonight,” Jungkook says. Taehyung’s eyes widen imperceptibly for a second. Is he— “F-for a revision session, of course.”
Taehyung didn’t let himself dwell on the slight feeling of disappointment that he feels. He inspects his nails for a moment, before replying. “Not tonight, sorry, no.”
Jungkook frowns. “Why not?”
Taehyung huffs. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business. But,” he surges on, “if you must know, I'm going out with Sunghoon tonight.”
“Again?” Jungkook asks, a hint of a whine in his tone.
‘Yes,” Taehyung says, coolly. “Because someone so rudely interrupted our date last night.”
Jungkook looks down. “Look, I'm sorry, ok?” he mumbles. “I didn’t know you guys were on a date.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, was Sunghoon saying the literal word date not enough for you?” Taehyung asks sarcastically.
Jungkook bites his lip, at a loss for words. “I— Fuck— I’m sorry, Tae, I was just pissed. At you. You missed the game.” Is he seriously pouting? “You never do that.”
“Jungkook, it wasn’t even a game!” Taehyung says, frustrated. “I go to all of your other games, is it a crime to miss just one night to have some time for myself?”
Jungkook stares at him, doe-eyes wide. His lost expression tugs at Taehyung’s heartstrings and he sighs, running a hand through his hair to relieve his stress.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you. Look, can we do this later? Class starts in a few minutes and—”
“Why are you dating him?”
“What?!”
“Why are you dating him?” Jungkook repeats himself. “What’s so special about him? What does he have that I—” He breaks off, biting his lip hard to silence himself.
Taehyung feels all the earlier frustration seep into his body, simmering beneath the surface. “First of all,” he starts, voice low, “we aren’t dating . And second of all, what if we are? What’s it to you?”
He doesn’t know who’s more surprised with his aggressiveness; Jungkook or himself.
Jungkook crosses his arms, stance defensive. “I don’t care who you date or not,” he says, brattily. “I was just asking you since you seem to not want to tell me stuff anymore. Thought we were best friends, Tae.”
Taehyung’s face morphs into an incredulous look. “I can’t believe you have the nerve— You’re the last person who should be telling me that!”
Jungkook falters as if realizing his mistake. The corridors were emptying now, students scurrying to get to their respective classes. “That was— that was different, Tae,” he tries to reason.
“Why?” Taehyung challenges. “Because I liked you?”
There. He said it. Saying it out loud felt strangely liberating, as if getting a huge load off his chest. He scans Jungkook's face closely. The lack of surprise there confirms his suspicions: Jungkook knew. A multitude of emotions crosses his own face but then he feels a strange calm settle over him, face blanking.
He takes a small step back, regarding him. “Is this a game to you?” he asks, voice soft.
Jungkook blinks. “Huh?”
“Is this a game to you?” Taehyung repeats, louder. “Now that I'm not following you around like a lovesick puppy and I’m finally trying to move on, you what? Miss the attention?” Taehyung scoffs, genuinely curious as to what his thought process is. “Is that it? Do you miss me hanging off your every word, stringing me along, making me fall all over again—”
“Tae.”
“—until you find your next infatuation—”
“Tae, stop.”
“—to leave me high and dry, struggling to get over—”
“TAE, STOP!” Jungkook yells, face pale and shaken. Taehyung stares at him, chest heaving from exertion after his rant, unshed tears glistening in his eyes.
A door opens a few distance away, a teacher coming outside.
“What’s all this noise?” she asks, looking around before eventually spotting the two. “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be in class?” She checks her wrist for the time. “Fifteen minutes tardy. Unacceptable. Detention, both of you.”
“Fucking great,” Taehyung mutters, brushing past Jungkook to finally get to class. Jungkook stalls for a few minutes before following him, having the foresight to walk a few steps behind. Taehyung swipes at his face, horrified to find it wet. He sniffles, composing himself before he opens the door, the teacher fixing him with a death stare as soon as he comes into view.
“Well, well, well,” the teacher in charge of overseeing their detention, Mr. Song, says as soon as he enters the classroom. “Class president of senior year in detention. Now there’s a sight I thought I’d never see.”
Jungkook hangs his head, ashamed.
“And model student Kim Taehyung.” Mr. Song turns to him, gaze unforgiving. “Well, I guess what they say is true. There is a first time for everything.”
Taehyung feels his face redden, embarrassed by the circumstance he is in. If only he had been able to keep his mouth shut. He’d contained his feelings for eight years, couldn’t he have waited for lunch time?
“Alright, get to work you two,” Mr. Song instructs, taking his seat behind the table in front. “I have to grade these papers for tomorrow, and I better not hear a squeak from you two or I’ll make your stay here another two hours.”
The two immediately take out their textbooks, appropriately chastened by the teacher’s words. There is no specific punishment for them like writing lines, or cleaning the unused janitor’s closet. They just have to stay one hour after school and, since they have nothing else to do, might as well get started on the homework that was assigned to them.
For fifteen blissful minutes the classroom descends into silence, the only sounds being the scratch of pen on paper, the whirring of the fan, and the occasional buzz of the fluorescent lights above them. Just as Taehyung’s eyes start to drift shut, he feels a small thump! on his shoulder. He startles, jumping a little on his chair before looking around, finally noticing an inconspicuous looking paper ball on his table. There’s nobody else in the classroom besides him, the teacher, and Jungkook, so it’s pretty obvious who it is from. Against his better judgment, he opens the paper ball.
Mark on the scale how mad you are at me.
Below the words, there is a straight line drawn, with both sides marked zero, so that the only available answer was zero. Taehyung purses his lips, trying to hide his smile, but doesn’t acknowledge Jungkook, stuffing the paper into his pencil case and going back to work.
A few more minutes pass by without any further disturbances. Taehyung starts to doze off for a second time when he feels a sharp pain on his cheek. He thinks he hears a whispered sorry but he ignores it, scanning the desk for another paper ball. He finds it rolled under his pencil case, opening it eagerly to read what’s written on it.
Are you mad at me? Circle the correct answer.
No / No
This time, Taehyung can’t help the smile growing on his face, endeared by the other’s antics. He’s just about to turn around and face Jungkook when suddenly Mr. Song’s phone goes off, startling all three of them. I’m a Freak by Enrique Iglesias thunders across the classroom, the teacher wrestling with his pants pocket to get his phone out before swiping the screen, answering the call.
Taehyung takes the chance to turn in his seat, locking eyes with Jungkook.
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook mouths, eyes pleading.
Taehyung cocks his head to the side, pretending not to understand him. Jungkook narrows his eyes, seeing right through him, but opens his mouth anyway, getting ready to repeat himself.
“Hey, you two,” Mr. Song barks suddenly. “I’m going to step out now to answer this very important call so you two better behave yourselves. No funny business while I’m gone, understand?”
They nod their heads obediently. The teacher rushes outside, whispering urgently, “Honey, you have to wash the rice before boi—“
Taehyung turns around as soon as the door shuts. “If you want my forgiveness, come here and ask for it,” he says, gesturing to the seat in front of him.
Jungkook immediately springs up, rushing to drag the chair out and sit in front of Taehyung.
“I’m so sorry, Tae,” he pleads, voice trembling. “I’m sorry I acted like such a dick. I never meant to hurt you, although now I see how much I did. I’m really, really sorry for ruining your date, for making you do stupid stuff during revision, for landing you in detention, for—“
“Hey, hey Kook,” Taehyung shushes him. “Calm down there. I forgive you, ok? Apology accepted.”
Jungkook sighs in relief, shoulders slumping. “Oh, thank god.” He straightens up then, as if remembering something. “Listen, Tae. About what you said this morning.” He takes a deep breath. “It was never my intention to make you feel that way. It was never a game to me, you're my best friend, first and foremost. I-I’m sorry for not telling you about Chaeyoung, I was afraid it would change things between us and—“
Taehyung sighs, interrupting him. “I guess I owe you an apology too,” he says, looking up at him. “I know you never meant to make me feel that way, and that you were hiding for my own good. I’m sorry I said all that, Jungkook, I was just so angry and my mouth was moving faster than my brain and—” He sighs again, rubbing his nose with the palm of his hand like he always did when he was frustrated. “I’m sorry, Kook.”
Jungkook smiles at him. “Apology accepted,” he says, eyes crinkling. He leans back suddenly, turning serious. “But you have to promise me, no more of that distancing business. I hate it,” he declares vehemently. “I just want to hang out with you, play overwatch with you, play with your little sister—”
“Okay, okay,” Taehyung agrees amusedly, cutting off his tirade. “No more of the “distancing business”. In fact, let’s go out right after this ends.”
Jungkook tilts his head to the side. “I thought you were going out with Sunghoon?”
Taehyung looks down suddenly, bashful. “I lied,” he says, digging the sole of his shoe into a hole on the ground.
“But why?” Jungkook asks, bewildered.
Taehyung huffs. “I was mad and I wanted to get away from you. It seemed like the most plausible answer.” He looks away. “Sunghoon and I aren’t… exactly working out,” he finally admits. “I think the only reason he asked me out was because he was so grateful to have someone he knew in this town. Besides, I don’t like him that way either.”
Jungkook seems to be getting increasingly confused. “But if you didn’t like him that way, then why did you say yes?”
“Jimin convinced me to,” Taehyung replies. “He told me that I needed to get out more and have some fun.”
Jungkook considers this, eyebrows knit in concentration. “In conclusion, Jimin is the cause of all our problems and we should deal with him immediately.”
They both laugh, the atmosphere around them back to being light-hearted and friendly. Jungkook rests his chin on the palm of his hand, tracing designs on the wooden surface of the desk. “Gosh, boys are so complicated.”
Taehyung shoves him playfully. “Hey, you’re a boy too!”
The door opens then, Mr. Song in the doorway still on his call. “You two, time’s up! Get out of here.”
Jungkook scrambles up, the pair gathering their stuff and making it out of the school doors in record time.
“So,” Jungkook says, in a deliberately casual tone. He stretches his hand, resting his palms on the back of his head as he strolls. “Is it just me or is it exceptionally hot today?”
“You know you’re, like, super transparent, right Jungkook?”
“Yeah but did it work?” he asks cheekily.
Taehyung adjusts his backpack. “Yeah.” He links his arm with Jungkook’s. “Let’s go get some ice cream.”
Things go back to normal for Jungkook and Taehyung, back the way they were before The Incident. They’d hang out most times after school when Jungkook didn’t have practise or student council work, and spent every other waking minute with each other; from walking to classes, to study sessions to going to the mall on weekends and spending even more time with each other. It got to the point that Jimin was constantly growling at Jungkook, accusing him of constantly infringing on the best friends’ time spent together.
“Go away, Jungkook,” Jimin says, shutting the door in his face when he showed up at Jimin’s house for the second time that week, concocting some bullshit that he needs to see Taehyung urgently about their chemistry practical next week. “You two aren’t even lab partners!” he yells from behind the door, ignoring Jungkook’s muffled protests.
Jungkook of course knocked continuously on the door until Jimin’s mom let him in, scolding Jimin severely for treating his friends “disrespectfully”. The evening was spent with Jimin refusing to talk to Jungkook, Taehyung passing messages between the two, and Jungkook completely unfazed as he gleefully hoards all of Taehyung’s attention.
“He’s so annoying,” Jimin gripes, picking up a slice of apple to angrily munch on.
“Who’s annoying?” Jungkook appears from nowhere, plucking the apple slice from Jimin’s hand and popping it in his mouth. “Mmm, delicious. Thanks, Chim!”
Jimin glares at him murderously as he stabs into the meat, ripping it to shreds with his fork. Taehyung eyes him warily, slightly moving away from him.
“Calm down, Jimin,” he says. “I don’t have the money to bail you out of jail.”
“Guess who’s invited to the party of the year?!” Hoseok yells, dragging a reluctant namjoon and joining Jimin, Jungkook, and Taehyung at the lunch table.
“It’s us, if you didn’t guess already,” Namjoon says, sounding less than happy about it. “Jackson insisted.”
“You suck the fun out of everything Joon,” Hoseok states.
“What’s so fun about a gathering of hormonal teenagers in an enclosed space that’s only going to devolve into tears, puke, and sex?”
“You really are a positive ray of sunshine aren't you?” Jimin deadpans. “The life of every party.”
Namjoon shrugs unperturbed. “I just don’t see the point of it. We’re probably not even going to spend time with each other, and then we’ll have to spend another hour searching for Jungkook in the bushes like last time.”
“Ignoring what Namjoon said,” Hoseok continues, turning away, “the party’s on friday night and he said we can stay over after it’s over, since we’ll probably not be in a state to go home.” He winks surreptitiously.
“I don’t know,” Taehyung says. “I hate crowded places. I’m kind of with Namjoon on this one.”
“Oh come on, Tae,” urges Jungkook. “We just finished exams, it’ll be fun! A good way to relieve stress.”
“Yeah,” Jimin agrees, turning puppy-dog eyes onto him. “Please? We can get ready together and everything.”
Taehyung wavers. “Fine,” he concedes. “Only if Namjoon comes too. I don’t trust any of y’all at parties.” He narrows his eyes threateningly, as if daring them to protest.
Namjoon finally relents after some coaxing, rolling his eyes as they ply him with all kinds of offers.
“Yes!” Hoseok cheers once they’ve all agreed. “It’s a date! I’m gonna text Jackson right away.”
Jungkook takes one last look in the mirror in his bedroom before he leaves, closing the door behind him. His brother appears right at that moment, coming to a stop a few feet away and running a critical eye over him.
“Where are you going all dressed up?” Jaehyun asks, eyebrows raised.
“A party,” he shrugs.
“Lemme guess, you’re going with Taehyung?” Jaehyun smirks knowingly.
“Yeah,” he says, eyeing his brother warily. They’d talked about it before and finally concluded that Jungkook will pick up Jimin and Taehyung from the latter’s house and they’ll walk to Jackson’s since it’s only a little distance away. “How’d you know?”
Jaehyun smiles. “Just a hunch,” he says, reaching over and ruffling Jungkook’s hair. Jungkook groans, trying unsuccessfully to school his hair back into a semblance of what it was before. He goes down the stairs quickly before his brother causes any further damage, knowing he is going to be a bit late.
“Where are you off to?” his mother scurries up to him just as he reaches the ground floor, foregoing the last few steps and just jumping to the bottom.
“Jackson’s party,” Jungkook replies, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt. “It’s tonight. I told you, remember?”
“Right, right?” She says, remembering. “You’ll be taking Taehyung I assume?”
His eyes widen in surprise. “Yes,” he says incredulously, inspecting his body for a huge neon sign that says ‘PICKING TAEHYUNG UP FOR A PARTY’ or something. “How does everyone guess that correctly?”
“Oh, call it mother’s intuition.” She waves her hand in a dismissive motion. “Just had a feeling.”
Jungkook’s father snorts from where he’s reading the newspaper in the living room, drinking a cup of coffee. “Mother’s intuition, my foot. The boy is as transparent as glass and he’s the only one who doesn’t realize it.”
His parents exchange a mysterious glance, smiling to themselves. His mother’s smile quickly fades into a stern look. “A few things before you leave, Jungkook-ah,” she starts. Jaehyun snickers as he appears behind her, knowing exactly what she is about to say. “No drinking— Gosh, even as I say it I know I'm wasting my words-”
Jungkook flushes. He’d been caught sneaking home drunk one time and his parents never let it go, although it happened ages ago. He had always been a responsible drinker and his parents have come to trust him around alcohol ever since he came of legal age.
Mrs. Jeon continues. “No drugs, no smoking, no drunk driving, no sex—”
“Mom!” Jungkook whines, face turning red.
“It has to be said,” his mother protests. “You’re still very young and I know that hormones—”
“Goodbye,” Jungkook says loudly to drown her out, turning around to leave the house.
“Don’t do anything I won’t do, and most importantly, don't do anything your father would do,” she calls out after his retreating figure.
The door closes just in time for him to hear his father’s indignant “Hey!”
He starts walking towards Taehyung’s house, shaking his head at his parent’s actions. Sometimes he really wonders who were the children in their family; his parents or him and his brother.
He hums a song to himself as he strolls, arriving at the Kim residence in record time. His phone indicates that he is just in time and not late after all. He knocks on the door a little loudly, knowing nobody is home except the two best friends. A shame really, he’s been looking forward to playing with Eunha, Taehyung’s sister, while the others get ready.
The door opens. “Hey, are y’all— wow,” he cuts himself off as he notices that it is Taehyung who opened the door. His eyes widen as he takes in Taehyung’s full attire: A dark green shirt tucked into tight, ripped black pants, fishnets peeking from the holes in the fabric. His hair is slightly curled and, oh god, eyeliner?
“Hey, Kook,” Tae greets, admitting him in. He remains oblivious to Jungkook gaping at him, leading him towards the living room sofa. “I’m done but I think Jimin is—”
“I'm ready, I'm ready!” Footsteps thunder down the stairs and Jimin appears moments later, dressed to the nines. His face falls as he notices Jungkook standing next to Taehyung, finally having recovered from his Taehyung-induced stupor. “Why did you let him in before I came? I wanted to see his reaction!”
Taehyung tilts his head questioningly. “Reaction to what?”
“To— ugh, never mind,” he huffs. “Let's just go.”
He mumbles darkly under his breath as they walk, words like “effort”, “makeup” and “drool” barely audible through his muttered words. He whirls around suddenly, walking backwards. “Please tell me you at least stared at his ass.”
Jungkook flushes involuntarily although he did not do such a thing. Truthfully, he was too mesmerized by Taehyung’s face and the glitter on his cheeks to look anywhere else, having almost tripped over his own feet as he entered his house.
Taehyung stares between the two of them, lost. “Jimin, if you wanted your ass stared at, you could have just asked me, you know,” he says, completely serious.
“Oh my good god,” Jimin groans, throwing his head back and turning around. “I cannot with the both of you.”
They all separate almost as soon as they arrive at the party, BamBam and Yugyeom dragging Jungkook away, saying he is ‘desperately needed’ for a game of beer pong. He looks over his shoulder apologetically at Taehyung, yelling “I’ll find you later!” over the loud music before he disappears among the crowd of people.
Taehyung’s pretty sure that was a few hours ago and there’s been no sign of Jungkook since then. Jimin found him a few moments earlier and pulled him onto the dance floor. He had fun dancing with his best friend, and Hoseok joined them moments later, making them laugh with his funky dance movies.
Taehyung grew tired very easily and quickly left to get a drink, which is how he finds himself in this situation, wandering aimlessly in the huge mansion. It is a beautiful house. The pieces of art hanging on the walls especially caught his eyes, stopping at each and every one to appreciate and analyse it. He bumps into a few familiar faces on his way upstairs, stopping to make small talk occasionally before continuing on his way. He runs into Sunghoon too, looking dashing in an all-black outfit. Apparently he was there with some of his swimmer friends and Taehyung couldn’t help but feel happy and proud of him for having settled into the new school so quickly.
The second floor consists mostly of guest bedrooms which he dares not open judging by the noises reaching his ears. He cringes, walking away rapidly until he reaches the end of the hallway, framed by large glass doors leading out to a well-lit pool. He removes his shoes and rolls up his pants before padding across the pool deck, finding Namjoon already dipping his toes in the water.
“Hey Joonie,” he greets, sitting down beside him and placing his own feet in the cool water.
“Hi,” Namjoon says. “What are you doing up here?”
“I can ask you the same,” Taehyung says lightly, swinging his feet back and forth, causing ripples in the pool.
Namjoon makes a face. “You know it’s really not my scene. So far I’ve seen all three: tears, puke, and sex.”
Taehyung does a double take. “Sex too?”
“Yeah I—” He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly. “I was looking for the bathroom and accidentally opened the door to a bedroom, and let’s just say it wasn’t a pretty scene. They were still fully clothed, thankfully.”
“Not for long I'm guessing,” Taehyung jokes, both of them dissolving into laughter.
“I don't know, some random guy with a full bladder stumbling into your room just as you're about to get down and dirty can be a turn-off for most people.”
“Meh, true,” Taehyung says, draining his cup of coke. He smacks his lips together before turning to him again. “Hey, did you happen to see Jungkook recently?”
Namjoon shakes his head. “I saw him beating Jackson and Mark’s asses at beer pong but that was a few hours ago.”
Taehyung frowns. “Strange. Usually he sticks to Jimin but he hasn't seen him either.”
“Maybe he’s playing Seven Minutes in Heaven. I saw a couple of people doing that a while ago.”
An ugly feeling settles in the pit of Taehyung’s stomach at the thought of Jungkook in a closet with someone else, alone for seven entire minutes. Everyone knows how those things usually go and he can feel his mood immediately dampening, mind filled with Jungkook kissing people that weren’t him. Fuck, he really thought he’d moved on but evidently that was big fat no.
Namjoon senses his change in mood, immediately rushing to change his statement. “O-or he could be in the bathroom? Diarrhea or constipation or something…”
Taehyung gives him a small smile, standing up. “I hope not,” he says, trying to sound jovial. “Hey, I gotta pee. Can you tell me where the bathroom is?”
He follows Namjoon’s directions and does his business, washing hands and emerging from the bathroom only to bump into someone else.
“Oops, sor— Jungkook?”
“Tae!” Jungkook yells, pulling him closer by the hands he’d placed on Taehyung’s hips to steady him. “I was searching everywhere for you!” he frowns. “We should dance.”
His words are slurred and his gaze is glassy. “You’re drunk,” Taehyung says out loud. “I told you to go easy on the drinks.”
“Had to win,” he slurs, swaying on his feet. “Doyeon—” hic! “Doyeon said he’s gonna ask you out if he wins. Didn’t— didn’t like that.”
Taehyung shakes his head. “You don’t get to interfere with my love life like that, Jungkook.”
Jungkook widens his eyes imploringly, lips trembling. “Are you mad? Please don’t be mad.”
Taehyung sighs. “I'm not mad, Jungkook.” He slings an arm around his shoulders, supporting him as he tilts dangerously, almost faceplanting. “Come on, let’s get you into bed.”
Jungkook hums, putting all of his weight onto Taehyung and slumping bonelessly. Taehyung grunts but manages to hold him upright, face smushed up against his cheek.
“God, the things I do for you,” he grumbles, going in search of an empty room to put him to sleep. Jungkook nuzzles his neck, murmuring, “You smell so good, Tae. Always do.”
Luckily, the first room he comes across seems to be empty and he cautiously opens it, releasing a breath in relief as he sees no one inside. He dumps Jungkook unceremoniously on the bed, immediately stretching out his back to get rid of the kinks. “I’m not cut out for this shit,” he complains, rotating his shoulder to get rid of the pain.
Jungkook stares up at him from where he’s sprawled across the bed. “‘M hot,” he states. “Can you please take my shirt off?”
Taehyung fixes him with a look, hands on his hips. “You have hands, don’t you?”
Jungkook wiggles his hips, snuggling deeper into the comfortable bed, sighing in bliss. “‘Please, Tae?”
Taehyung huffs, reaching over to unbutton his shirt. He gulps, not really having thought this over. It’s just a chest, he tells himself. He has it, Jimin has one, Hoseok has one… everyone in this whole world has one. Nothing to get so worked up over, just a chest, just a chest, just a chest…
Except it’s not just any chest, it’s Jungkook’s Chest, and Taehyung looks away as he undoes more buttons. He roams his eyes all around the room before finally settling on Jungkook's face, finding him already looking back at him.
“You’re so pretty, Tae,” Jungkook whispers.
Taehyung thanks the stars that they’re in the dark, his blush not visible because of it. “Are you trying to flirt with me, Jeon?” he jokes, trying to ease the heavy tension that seems to have settled in the room.
Jungkook grabs his wrist, stopping him from unbuttoning the rest of his shirt. “Stop, ‘m cold now.” He drapes the covers over him, turning to the side and settling more comfortably on the bed.
Taehyung stares down at him, bemused. “Weren’t you cold just a minute ago?”
Jungkook scoots towards the corner of the bed, patting the empty space next to him. “C’mere.”
Drunk Jungkook, Taehyung is finding out, is a very demanding Jungkook. He takes off his shoes and gets on the bed, lying on his side so that he’s face-to-face with Jungkook, inches apart.
The room is so quiet, the muted sounds of the party downstairs and the low hum of the aircon the only noise they could hear. Taehyung can feel Jungkook’s breath hitting his cheek, eyelids half-lidded as his gaze roams over his face.
“Can I?” Jungkook asks, hand hovering over his face. Taehyung nods, heart thundering so loud he’s surprised Jungkook can’t hear it. He nods imperceptibly, head almost not moving.
Jungkook’s finger starts from the corner of his eye, where he knows Jimin put some glitter to make his eyes ‘pop’. He traces the curve of his cheekbone, dragging the pad of his finger down the slope of his nose before tracing the shape of his lips ever so lightly, fingers barely touching his skin. Taehyung’s breath hitches as Jungkook cups his chin, nudging his face upwards.
“May I kiss you?” he asks, ever the polite boy.
“Jungkook, you're drunk,” Tae replies, ignoring the way his heart is threatening to catapult out of his chest.
“I didn’t have a lot to drink,” Jungkook denies. “Besides, sober Jungkook wants this too. He told me.”
Taehyung huffs out a laugh. Jungkook moves closer to him, their noses bumping together from their proximity, eyes flickering between his mouth and eyes. Taehyung inhales a sharp breath as Jungkook’s lips brush against his, eyes closing of their own accord as he exhales.
He doesn’t know exactly who crossed the distance but suddenly they’re kissing, Jungkook’s hand coming up to rest against his cheek. Taehyung gasps, feeling lightheaded as Jungkook’s lips move against his, something he’s wanted and imagined for so long. There are no fireworks, no stars exploding or universes colliding, nothing like that, but Taehyung feels a little like crying as Jungkook tilts his head sweetly, his eyelashes brushing across Taehyung’s cheek delicately.
Taehyung deepens the kiss, slipping his tongue into Jungkook’s mouth, playing with the little hairs on the nape of his neck. Jungkook tastes a bit like the cake they’d been serving downstairs, sweet and tangy, the bitter taste of alcohol almost unnoticeable. He’s always been able to hold his liquor well.
Jungkook groans into the kiss, licking his lips as they separate for air, hands running up and down the sides of Taehyung’s body desperately. “I've wanted to do that for so long,” he confesses, thumb caressing Taehyung’s lower lip.
Taehyung lets himself believe him, desperate for anything at this point. “Really?”
Jungkook tucks a strand of his hair behind his ear, apparently unable to stop touching him. “Tae, I like you.”
Time stops for him, his ears filled with the sound of blood rushing as he processes what Jungkook said. His eyes fill with tears, unable to believe his ears. “You don’t— you’re drunk.”
Jungkook shakes his head, pressing himself closer to Taehyung. “You know what they say, a drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts.” He gazes into his eyes, voice earnest. “I wish I was sober, Tae, so you would believe me. I like— no, wait.”
Taehyung’s heart thumps painfully. Here it comes, the rejection. No way Jungkook likes him, no way.
“It’s not even like at this point,” Jungkook continues, contradicting himself. “I lov—“
Taehyung kisses him, cutting him off. “No,” he murmurs, moving away a little. “Not like this. Please.”
Jungkook nods, understanding what he means. He kisses him one last time, slow and sweet like they have all the time in the world. “In the morning,” he promises, holding him close. “I promise, even if I’ll probably be dying from a killer hangover.”
Taheyung laughs wetly, wiping his tears away. “Okay,” he says. “Okay.”
Jungkook smiles, kissing his forehead tenderly. Taehyung kisses the mole under his lip, like he’d always dreamed of doing, giddy that he finally gets to do it in real life.
“Sleep, baby,” he says, the nickname rolling off his tongue easily. He wraps himself around Jungkook, falling asleep to the sound of his heartbeat pressed against his ear.
Taehyung wakes up to the sun shining on his face, reminding him that he forgot to close the curtains last night. He smiles to himself as he remembers what happened, stretching languidly, shirt rising up to reveal a sliver of stomach. He flops to the side, just in time to see Jungkook emerge from the en suite bathroom, face green. Jungkook had a high tolerance but his hangovers were always dreadful the next day, no matter how little he drank.
Taehyung rolls onto his stomach, propping his head on his hands as he watches Jungkook close the curtains, face contorting as the sun blinds him.
“Good morning,” Taehyung sing-songs.
Jungkook grimaces, coming to lie down beside him. “Morning. My head is killing me. I threw up like two times already.”
Taehyung cards his fingers through his hair, trying to wring out the knots. “Shall I get you some aspirin?”
“Yes, please,” Jungkook says gratefully. “Fuck, what did I even do last night? My whole body hurts.”
Taehyung stills. “Y-you don’t remember?”
Jungkook hums, unaware of how pale Taehyung has gotten. “I remember bits and pieces but that’s it.” He sighs. “This is why I hate drinking, I can’t remember shit in the morning.”
Taehyung swallows, trying to tamp down the tears building in his eyes. “You don’t remember me dragging you to this room? You don’t remember your promise?”
Jungkook’s eyes cut to him, face turning apologetic. “Shit, I made you do that? I’m so sorry, I know I’m not exactly easy to carry. But thank you anyway, Tae. I probably would have fallen asleep on the couch if it wasn’t for you.” He frowns. “What promise, though? I don’t remember making any promises.”
Taehyung sits up, moving away from him. “I—“ he gulps, unable to get any words past the lump in his throat. Jungkook promised.
Jungkook sits up too, noticing the stricken look on his face. “Tae? You ok?”
He gets off the bed, walking towards the door. “Yeah, I’m—“ he breaks off, voice cracking. “I have to go.”
“Tae, wait! Fuck, my head.”
Taehyung closes the door behind him, leaning against it as he heaves in large gulps of air, trying to calm down.
A noise to his right has him looking that way, spotting Jimin leaving the room he must have slept in. He can hear Jungkook fumbling around inside, cursing as he tries to get past the pain in his head.
Jimin’s smile fades as he takes in the state his friend is in. “Tae? You ok?” he asks, pace quickening.
Taehyung starts shaking his head. “No,” he sobs, the tears finally flowing over. “No, Jimin. He— he forgot. He fucking forgot.”
Jimin catches him just before he crumples to the ground, crying his heart out.
Taehyung knows he’s a mess. He hasn’t left his room since the party, and it was Sunday already. School is approaching fast and his heart clenches at the thought of facing Jungkook after what happened, after he’d run away from him without an explanation, crying like a baby.
He sighs, picking up his phone from the place he’d dropped it. It was off, having not been charged since his hours-long call with Jimin, telling him everything that happened. Jimin was giving him some space, the only reason he wasn’t here at this moment. Taehyung even told his parents the watered down version of what happened so that they would steer clear of him while he wallowed in his self-pity until he was ready to face the world again.
Jungkook was probably wondering about him. He tries not to think about him too much but it’s hard, the feeling of his lips against his is still too fresh and real.
He sighs again, sitting up in his bed. His room was almost pitch-dark although it was morning outside. He can’t help but laugh at himself. Look at him turning into an emotional twelve year old just because some boy has broken his heart. Pathetic.
“Tae?” his mom calls from downstairs. “Honey, can you come downstairs for a second? It’s only for a minute, I promise.”
Taehyung trudges himself downstairs, feet dragging reluctantly. He hadn’t bothered to change his pajamas, finding them comfier than normal clothes to reflect on his life choices.
“Ma, what is it— OH MY GOD, HYUNG!”
He takes off running, barreling into Seokjin with all the force of a 19-year-old boy. He'd missed him more than he’d like to admit; missed his cringey dad jokes, his delicious cooking, and most of all, his ability to cheer him up no matter how down he was feeling.
“Hyung, what are you doing here?” he asks after a good ten minutes of hugging, finally pulling away.
“Are you trying to chase me away already?” Jin mock-scolds, wagging his finger humorously.
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “The theater major in you is jumping out, hyung. I’m saying, it’s not the holiday season. Shouldn’t you be tearing your hair out studying for finals or whatever college kids do these days?”
Seokjin stands up straight, face solemn. “Actually, about that Ma.” He turns to her. “I dropped out.”
Pots clang together as Mrs. Kim drops them, going as white as a sheet. “You what?” she says faintly.
“No, it’s okay,” Seokjin rushes to say. “I applied for a job in a salad packing factory. The hours are terrible, but at least the celery is good.”
For a moment there is complete silence and then everything happens at once. Taehyung retracts his hands, absolutely disgusted. Eunha gets up from where she’d been eating her cereal and leaves, not even sparing her older brother a look.
“Kim Seokjin,” their mother growls at her oldest son. “You will be the sole reason I will go into an early grave.”
Seokjin’s laughs finally go down as he eyes them with tear-filled eyes. “I can’t believe you fell for it,” he says. “I’m top in my class, why on earth would I drop out?”
“You should disown him,” Taehyung says conversationally, munching on a carrot his Mom just cut. “That way we won’t be subjected to this torture any longer.”
“A brilliant idea actually,” his mom agrees. “I’ll talk to your dad later.”
“Excuse you, I wasn’t the one who started crying as soon as I stepped into the house,” Seokjin retorts, taking a seat at the island. “Now Taehyungie, mother dearest has been telling me that you’re experiencing some trouble in paradise. Tell me who I need to beat up and why is it Jungkook?”
(Later that day, Taehyung calls Jimin to come over, saying he has a surprise for him. He thoroughly enjoys the way Jimin’s eyes widen as his eyes slide from Taehyung to Seokjin standing behind him, mouth dropping open.
“Mom, close your eyes,” is all Seokjin can say before Jimin crashes into him, dragging him into a passionate kiss immediately.
“Ew,'' Taehyung remarks, coming around the kitchen island to stand next to his mom. “Jimin is literally eating your oldest son, aren’t you going to do something?” he asks his mom.
“Oh, shut it,” she says. “Like you don't want to do the same thing with Jungkook.”
“MOM,” Taehyung yells, face an unnatural shade of red. “I HATE YOU.”
She chuckles. “Love you too, bun,” she says, kissing her youngest son on the cheek.)
Monday morning, a determined Jimin crosses the driveway separating his house from Jungkook’s and raps his knuckles smartly against the door. The door opens to reveal Jungkook’s mom, smiling brightly when she sees Jimin.
“Jiminie, sweetheart,” she coos, charmed by his impeccable looks. “Good morning! What brings you here so early?”
“Good morning, Mrs. Jeon,” he says, hands clasped demurely behind his back. There’s a reason why he has all the parents on this side of the Han river wrapped around his finger and it isn’t just because of his handsome face. “Jungkook and I are supposed to walk to school together. Is he ready yet?”
Mrs. Jeon furrows her brows. “Really? He hasn’t mentioned it to me. Let me go see whether he’s ready,” she tells him, inviting him inside the cosy house.
Jimin smiles gratefully, taking a seat on the sofa and crossing his legs. He looks around the house he has come to know as his second home, having spent countless play dates, study sessions, parties, and family dinners all throughout his childhood.
He’s just snickering to himself at a framed photograph of Jungkook on his fifth birthday party, face covered in frosting and looking like a deer caught in headlines, when he hears a loud thud and sounds of raised voices from upstairs, where he knows Jungkook’s room is located.
“—not even a shirt on!” Mrs Jeon scolds. “Poor Jimin, he must have gotten up so early just so he could walk with his best friend to school but you didn’t even have the decency to be dressed by the time he came!”
“Mom! I didn’t know we were walking to school together!”
“As if I haven't heard that excuse before. Did you even brush your teeth?”
“MOM!”
Jimin can imagine Jungkook’s face right now, looking ready to combust with how red it must be.
“Get dressed and come downstairs fast. That poor boy probably didn’t even have his breakfast just so he could walk with you. And look at the state of this room. God bless your future partner because—”
“Moooooooom,” Jungkook whines, sounding desperate.
Jimin snickers, not feeling even an ounce of remorse for what he’s done. He schools his face into an innocent expression as the mother-son pair trudged down the stairs, Jungkook with his shirt unbuttoned, blazer thrown haphazardly over his arm, feet bare.
“Jiminie, sweetheart, come have some kimbap, I know you love them.”
Jimin bounds over eagerly, ignoring the murderous looks Jungkook is throwing his way. He takes a seat at the table and starts munching on one delicious rice cake, complimenting Jungkook’s mother graciously.
“I apologize for our Jungkookie, he can be quite forgetful at times,” she explains, brewing up a cup of coffee for him. “I don’t know where he went wrong, he was such a sweet child when he was smaller.”
“It’s okay, Mrs. Jeon, we’ve been friends for so long so I’m quite used to it by now,” Jimin agrees sympathetically, glancing at Jungkook. He looks ready to strangle him with his bare hands, smoke practically coming out of his ears as he aggressively ties his shoelaces.
Jimin smiles like an angel, nodding his head in agreement as Mrs. Jeon chats about Jungkook and his older brother, and how she is going to end up with a full head of grey hair before she is even in her fifties.
Jungkook approaches them after a little while, fully dressed by now. “Alright, if we're done establishing how horrible and evil I am, Jimin, shall we leave?” Jungkook looks pointedly at his friend, visibly annoyed.
“Aw, Jungkookie, don't be like that,” his mom coos. “You know you'll always be my beautiful baby boy, no matter what.'' She wraps her arms around him and kisses his temple tenderly. Jungkook makes a disgusted face and starts protesting loudly, though he makes no move to escape her embrace, Jimin notes.
After saying their goodbyes and finally going on their way to school, Jungkook turns to Jimin and arches a brow. “Alright, spill. What made you lie to my mom and get my ass kicked this early in the day? Better be something important because—”
Jimin punches him in the stomach. Hard.
“J-jimin,” Jungkook wheezes, doubling over in pain. “W-what— why?”
Jimin wrings out his hand. “I think I cracked a knuckle,” he comments, scrutinizing his fingers closely. Looks like he underestimated the strength of Jungkook’s abs.
Jungkook clutches Jimin’s shoulder, breathing in and out harshly. “W-what the heck, Jimin? Are you i-insane?”
“Oh.” Jimin looks at him, as if suddenly remembering he existed. He steps closer to him and peers into his eyes. “That was for my best friend, jerk.”
Jungkook’s pained expression drops, replaced with surprise. “What?”
Jimin straightens. “You know, for someone who has such an innocent face, you can be a real fucking asshole sometimes.”
Jungkook blinks, taken aback. “Jimin, I honestly don’t know what I did to deserve this.”
“That’s the problem, asshole. You don’t remember.” He steps forward, Jungkook taking hesitant steps backward until his back hits the wall, cornered. “Remember the party, Kookie? Yeah, you kissed Taehyung.”
Jungkook’s eyes widen impossibly. He what?
“And as if that wasn't enough, you told him you liked him,” Jimin continues, voice as cold as frost. “And then you go and forget everything the next morning.”
“I-I was drunk—”
“Well, then you shouldn’t have kissed him!” Jimin spits, shoving him back by the shoulders. “You know you forget stuff in the morning after you drink, so why would you do such a shitty-ass thing knowing exactly what was going to happen?”
Jungkook purses his lips, knowing there is no way to defend himself when he couldn’t even remember what happened. Jimin looks down, taking in a few breaths to calm himself.
“Listen closely, Jungkook, I'm only saying this once,” Jimin starts. “I’ve spent the entire weekend trying to console my best friend over the phone because he refuses to come out of his room. You broke his heart, Jungkook, and this is not the first time you did it either.” He steps even closer to him, looking him dead in the eye. “So, either you stay the fuck away from him or you figure out a way to make it up to him because I won’t think twice about ending this friendship if you hurt him again, even though I’ve known you since we were in diapers.”
Jimin walks away without a backward glance. Jungkook watches him leave, his scathing words ringing in his ears for a long time.
Taehyung manages to successfully avoid Jungkook for an entire week, with a little help from Jimin, Hoseok, and Namjoon who’ve been made aware of the situation by Jimin. Jungkook doesn’t try to approach him either, much to his relief or disappointment, Taehyung doesn’t exactly know.
“Isn't it bad enough that you see my brother everyday now, do you have to text him too?” Taehyung gripes as he sips his strawberry milk during lunch, the wind tousling his hair as they idle lazily on the bleachers.
“So true, texting is such a bother,” Jimin agrees with him for all the wrong reasons, pocketing his phone. “Seokjin should get a job as a teacher here.”
“Ok, first of all, you’re literally graduating next semester. And secondly, that would make your relationship illegal.”
“I hate it when you make sense,” Jimin groans. “Can’t believe we’ve got another four periods to go before this ends.”
He nudges him suddenly, tone softening. “Hey, how are you feeling?”
Taehyung shrugs, rubbing his arm. “Ok, I guess.” He curls in on himself, sighing as he says, voice small, “I miss him.”
Jimin wraps his arms around him, hugging him. Taehyung is hit with an overwhelming feeling of deja vu as he remembers himself being in this position a year ago, once again heartbroken over Jungkook. He sniffles a little, rubbing his nose angrily before draining his milk just as the bell rings, urging them to get to class.
Taehyung is staying up late working on his homework, the rest of the occupants fast asleep, when his phone starts to ring. The caller ID is from Jungkook and Taehyung hesitates, debating whether to answer or not. He decides to answer, thinking it might be an emergency since he never calls this late.
“Hello?”
“Hey.” Jungkook’s voice is as soothing as ever, familiar and warm. Taehyung feels a limp building up in his throat as he hears his voice; he really has missed him so much. “Can you come outside for a second?”
“Can I what ?”
“Come outside for a second,” Jungkook repeats patiently.
Taehyung’s eyes bulge out of their sockets. “Jungkook, do you know what time it is?”
“I know, I know, but it won’t take long, I promise,” he pleads. “Please?”
Taehyung sighs, relenting. “Fine. But if my parents catch me, I’m totally blaming you.”
He hangs up the call and pokes his head outside, checking whether the coast is clear. His entire family is—thankfully—heavy sleepers but he still doesn’t take any chances, using his best ninja skills to stealthily make it through the house and out the back door.
He beckons Jungkook to come towards him, spotting him patiently waiting on the lawn.
“Let’s go to this side, my parent’s bedroom is on that side,” he whisper-yells, leading Jungkook towards the other side of the house. This side of the house only has Seokjin’s bedroom so he is safe, as long as his brother sleeps.
“What do you want?” he asks, teeth starting to chatter from the cold.
Jungkook immediately takes off his scarf, a stern look on his face. “Don’t you know better than to come outside without a coat, Tae? You’re a walking hazard,” he scolds, wrapping the scarf around his neck carefully.
“I didn’t think it would be this chilly in the middle of the summer,” he defends himself, rubbing his hands together to warm them.
“It’s called global warming,” Jungkook says sagely. “The climate is all kinds of messed up now.”
Taehyung groans. “Please don’t tell me you called me out here at ass o'clock in the morning for a science lesson.”
“No, I—” He shifts from foot to foot, nervous. “I came to apologize.”
Taehyung stills, looking at him. “You remember?” He can’t help but ask.
Jungkook shakes his head regretfully. “Only bits and pieces but Jimin filled me in.”
Taehyung’s heart constricts, a pang of sorrow resounding through it. “Oh.”
“I’m sorry,” Jungkook states, looking him straight in the eye as he states it. “Not just for what happened at the party but for everything I’ve done throughout the years. I acted like a dick and I have no excuse for it.”
“You were a dick,” Taehyung agrees, smiling a little.
Jungkook winces. “I deserved that,” he says. “But I also came here for another thing.”
Taheyung hums, curious as to what it could be.
“Kim Taehyung, I like you,” Jungkook says, not breaking eye contact with him.
Taehyung gasps, not expecting that at all.
“I’ve liked you for several years actually, but I was too oblivious, dense, ignorant, thick-headed to see what was right in front of me for so long,” he says, pausing for breath at the end.
Taehyung lets out a watery laugh. “Did you google synonyms for oblivious before coming here?”
Jungkook grins sheepishly. “Maybe?” He comes even closer to Taehyung, taking both of his hands in his. “The point is that I like you, Kim Taehyung, and this time I’m as sober as I can be. Look, I’ll prove it to you.” He steps away, starting to walk by placing one foot in front of the other the way policemen make drunk people walk when they’re pulled over.
Taehyung lets out a sound that can only be described as a cross between a laugh and a snort. Jungkook thinks it’s the most beautiful sound he’s ever heard in his entire life.
Taehyung fists his hand in his shirt and pulls him closer, their heads colliding slightly at the force. “Come here, you dork,” he laughs, a happy, beautiful sound. He tilts his head, angling their lips together. “I like you too,” he murmurs, gaze fixed on his lips.
Jungkook smirks. “I know,” he says, before pulling him into a kiss, a hand on the small of his back to press them together. Taehyung places his cold arms on his cheeks, making him shiver and giggle into the kiss.
Jungkook brings his hands up to wrap around Taehyung’s palms, keeping them warm for him. “So,” he says, drawing small circles onto the space between his finger and thumb. “Will you be my boyfriend?”
Taehyung bites his lip, unable to control the smile threatening to break out over his face. “Yes, I’ll be your boyfriend,” he breathes out, leaning forward to kiss him again.
“Damn, you mean to tell me we could have been doing this all this time?” Jungkook says between kisses, not letting Taehyung get away for even a second.
“Yeah, but someone had to lose his memory,” Taehyung teases, intertwining their fingers together.
“I said I’m sorry,” Jungkook whines.
“But I never said I forgave you,” Taehyung points out.
Jungkook glares at him. “You’re a menace.”
“A hot menace,” Taehyung smiles cheekily. “Listen, I’m allowed to joke about it, I spent two days crying over you.”
Jungkook’s expression softens, turning tender. He caresses his cheek lightly, stroking the soft skin underneath his fingers. “I’m sorry, baby,” he says, leaning forward to press a sweet kiss over his eyelids. “I promise that, from now on, the only reason you’ll be crying because of me is if the sex is too good.”
Taehyung gasps, scandalized. “You— what— I—“
Jungkook takes the opportunity to lean forward and steal a kiss, grinning mischievously. “Love it when you blush,” he says, pecking his cheek.
Taehyung feels giddy, as if he’s standing at the top of the world. Nothing can shatter this moment, he’s the happiest he’s ever been in his entire life. It feels like he is standing on the biggest stage, the sole spotlight on him as—
Wait, he isn’t imagining it. There is a spotlight on them.
He looks around in confusion, wondering where the light is coming from. Finally he looks up, looking straight into the glare of the torch that Seokjin is holding, face propped on the palm of his hand as he gazes down at what is going on in their backyard.
“How touching,” he says, dabbing at his eyes theatrically. “Carry on.”
“Jin,” Taehyung hisses, shielding his eyes from the blinding light. “What are you doing?”
Jin scoffs. “Kids think that just because they get themselves a boyfriend they can drop honorifics. Call me Hyung, brat.”
“Hyung!” Taehyung whisper-yells, actually stomping his foot. “Can't you see that we’re in the middle of something?”
“It’s ok, Tae,” Jungkook soothes, rubbing his arm. “I have to leave now anyway, we have school tomorrow.”
“Aww. Already?”
Taehyung sighs, rubbing his temple in annoyance. “Ignore him. I’ll see you tomorrow then?”
“Of course,” Jungkook grins, leaning forward to kiss him before he turns to leave.
“Bye,” Taehyung says softly.
“Bye-bye, Jungkookie,” Jin calls out, shining the torch on him as he walks away until he’s too far away for the light to reach him. Jungkook ignores him, not even bothering to turn around as he walks away.
“I hate you,” Taehyung yells up at him as quietly as possible.
“Ooh, aggressive,” Jin gasps, hand covering his mouth. “Looks like dear Jungkookie has his work cut out for him.”
Taehyung gets inside his house as silently as possible, already plotting ways to make Jimin yell at Seokjin for as long as possible.
Valentine’s Day, Senior Year of High School
“Still nothing from Jungkook?” Jimin asks sympathetically as they arrange their locker after the last period.
Taehyung sighs, shaking his head. “Not even a kiss.”
Taehyung can’t help but sulk. He hadn’t been expecting anything flashy, maybe a hug and a kiss good morning, but Jungkook had barely looked his way the entire day today. He’d been late to school so Taehyung’s first sighting of him had been when he’d barged into class, five minutes late. Somehow, he’d managed to avoid Taehyung for the rest of the day, whether unintentionally or deliberately, he did not know. Either way, he didn’t like it, missing his boyfriend by his side at all times.
A hand curls around Taehyung’s waist, tugging him onto a sturdy chest.
“Hello, baby,” Jungkook murmurs, Taehyung’s cheeks immediately flaring red. Jungkook presses his lips to his temple, saying, “You look exceptionally handsome today.”
“Are you saying I don’t look this handsome on other days?” Taehyung teases.
Jungkook’s suave facade drops, floundering to save himself. “What? No, I meant you look even better than other days!”
“Relax, Kook,” Taehyung laughs. “I'm just messing with you.” He runs his eyes over Jungkook’s figure, reaching out and fixing his collar. “You look good too.” He tucks a strand of hair behind Jungkook’s ear. “Really good.”
Jimin gags. “Get a room.”
Jungkook regards him appreciatively. “Jimin, I think that’s one of the smartest things you’ve ever said!”
Jimin scowls, leaving them alone with an “I don’t know how you put up with him” directed at Taehyung.
“Do you always have to annoy him?” Taehyung chastises, stepping away from Jungkook.
“It’s fun,” Jungkook shrugs, falling into step beside him. “Did you miss me today?”
“Aha!” Taehyung crows triumphantly. “So you were doing it on purpose!”
They’d left the school premises now, well on their way to their respective houses.
“Obviously,” Jungkook rolls his eyes. “You know what they say, the more you miss someone, the more you love them.”
“Well, they’re wrong then because the last thing I’m feeling for you right now is love.”
“Lying is a sin, Taehyungie,” Jungkook teases, bumping their shoulders together.
“I’m not joking!” Taehyung says indignantly. “How would you feel if I ignored you for a day?”
“Pretty shitty,” Jungkook admits. “But it was all part of my plan.”
“What plan?”
Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “You’ll see.” He takes something out of his pocket. “Hold out your hand.”
Taehyung complies. Jungkook drops it onto his palm, the metal cool against his skin. He brings it closer to inspect it, gasping as he realizes what it is.
“Is it—“
“A Tiplouf charm bracelet, yes,” Jungkook says, smiling at his boyfriend. “I thought it was fitting considering how we met.”
“Aww,” Taehyung visibly melts. “It’s so cute.”
“And a fitting tribute to Tiplouf, our Cupid in disguise,” Jungkook gushes dramatically. “He is now forever immortalized in this piece of metal that costs exactly $4.99, no refunds available.”
Taehyung giggles, endeared. “You’re such a dork.”
“Yes, you never fail to remind me,” Jungkook says dryly. He grows quiet as they walk, fidgeting slightly. “I actually have something else to tell you too.”
“What is it?” Taehyung asks, curious.
Jungkook takes in a deep breath, turning around to face him and walking backward. “Remember that party at Jackson’s?”
“How could I forget?” Taehyung jokes, laughing.
“Well, I remember too,” Jungkook says. He takes Taehyung’s hand, linking their pinkies together. “I love you, Taehyung.”
Taehyung stops altogether, mind going blank. In all their six months of dating, they’d never said the L word to each other. Taehyung always thought he’d be the first to say it; he’d loved Jungkook for almost a decade after all. Yet here he is, stunned as his boyfriend said he loved him for the first time.
“What?” he says eloquently.
“I love you,” Jungkook repeats, cupping his face. “I love you so much. And there. I’m fulfilling my promise to you.”
“You really do remember,” Taehyung marvels, searching his face.
“I’ve remembered for some time actually,” Jungkook says, playing with his hair. “I was just waiting for the right time to tell you.”
“This is so unfair,” Taehyung says suddenly. “You confessed first and now you get to say I love you first too? Won’t you let me have anything for myself?”
“Don’t worry, babe, there’s always the proposal,” Jungkook says, grinning cheekily.
They both laugh, thinking of a future that is years away from them. “I guess so,” Taehyung murmurs, wrapping his arms around his neck. “I love you too, Jungkook,” he says, kissing the tip of his nose. “I love you too.”
(“I still don’t see why you had to ignore me the whole day.”
“It was for a dramatic effect.”
“You’re definitely spending way too much time around Jin hyung.”)
