Taehyung sits at his desk, reviewing the morning reports. Numbers, projections, financial forecasts everything is in order. Everything is as it should be.
Except, it isn't.
Because every so often, his mind drifts elsewhere.
To Jungkook.
To the way he'd shown up unannounced last night, food in hand, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
To the way he'd sat across from him, grinning between bites, filling the silence with stories about his classmates, his ridiculous group project, the tiny details of his day.
Taehyung had listened. He always listens.
But last night, something had been different.
He'd felt something. Not overwhelming. Not loud.
Just something.
And that is the problem.
His phone buzzes, breaking his thoughts.
It's a message.
Jungkook: Hyung, remember how you said you'd check my project?
Taehyung had forgotten.
He sighs, typing back.
Taehyung: Send it to me.
Jungkook: You sound grumpy. Do you need coffee? Or are you just being CEO Kim Taehyung?
Taehyung rubs his temple.
Taehyung: Just send the file, Jungkook.
A minute later, a Google Drive link pops up.
Jungkook adds,
Jungkook: Also, I have a lecture now. If I don't text back, assume I'm asleep with my eyes open.
Taehyung exhales, clicking the link.
And when he sees the project he pauses.
It's a rough draft of an animation sequence. Not polished, not complete. But it's good.
Better than he expected.
The scene is simple: A lone figure standing under a streetlight in the rain. The atmosphere is dark, but the animation is fluid, the mood clear even without dialogue.
There's something about it that feels familiar.
Taehyung watches the loop again.
Then again.
And even though he doesn't know much about animation, he can tell.
Jungkook is talented.
He closes the file and leans back in his chair.
For a long moment, he stares at the ceiling.
And for the first time, he wonders....
How much of Jungkook's world has he never bothered to see?
.
.
.
.
Jungkook stretches as he exits his classroom, groaning at the stiffness in his shoulders.
His day has been long, filled with lectures and mindless note-taking. His group project is still a mess. His professor is too indifferent to care.
He needs a break.
As he walks toward the campus gates, his phone vibrates.
A message.
From Taehyung.
Taehyung: Your animation is good.
Jungkook stops mid-step.
He blinks at the screen.
Then, without meaning to, he smiles.
He types back quickly.
Jungkook: You actually watched it?
Taehyung: I said I would.
Jungkook grins, leaning against a lamppost.
Jungkook: And? Did it make you feel something?
The reply comes slower this time.
Taehyung: I don't know.
Jungkook stares at the message, tilting his head.
Taehyung doesn't lie. If he says he doesn't know, he really doesn't.
And for some reason, that makes Jungkook's chest tighten.
Softly, he types:
Jungkook: That's okay.
Taehyung's reply is instant.
Taehyung: What is?
Jungkook exhales.
Jungkook: Not knowing.
There's a pause. Then...
Taehyung: I see.
Jungkook shakes his head, pocketing his phone.
Taehyung is learning. Slowly.
And for now, that's enough.
.
.
.
Jungkook shows up again at Taehyung's apartment.
He doesn't knock. He just rings the doorbell, knowing Taehyung will answer.
When the door swings open, Taehyung is already frowning.
Jungkook grins. "You're not surprised."
Taehyung steps aside. "You always show up."
Jungkook walks in, tossing his backpack onto the couch. "And you always let me in."
Taehyung doesn't argue.
Jungkook stretches. "I had a long day. Feed me."
Taehyung raises an eyebrow. "You show up unannounced and demand food?"
Jungkook pouts. "I fed you last night."
Taehyung exhales but doesn't protest. Instead, he moves toward the kitchen.
Jungkook watches him, the corners of his lips curving up.
For someone who claims not to feel much, Taehyung is surprisingly predictable.
And Jungkook always been willing to wait.
For Taehyung to understand.
For things to change.
Even if Taehyung doesn't realize it yet.
They already have.
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