Jungkook strolled leisurely through the campus, a lazy pout gracing his lips as he swung a white shopping bag back and forth. His all-black ensemble exuded an effortless charmâhis fitted high-neck sweater paired with a long, tailored coat and slim-fit pants that tucked neatly into his polished black boots. The finishing touch, however, was the grey scarf draped snugly around his neck, the one Taehyung had painstakingly knitted for him. It added a soft, personal contrast to his otherwise monochrome look, and Jungkook wore it like a badge of honor.
He turned heads as he walked, but he paid no attention, his thoughts wandering aimlessly until someone grabbed his arm, halting him in his tracks.
"Hey, Gguk, look here!" Mingyu's voice chimed with mischief as he held up his phone, his grin wide and teasing. "I've got some juicy gossip for you."
Jungkook didn't even glance at the screen, his dark eyes rolling in disinterest. "Not interested."
Mingyu smirked, leaning closer. "Oh, I think you will be. It's about your sweet little childhood friend."
That caught Jungkook's attention. He stopped mid-step, his brow furrowing as he turned to Mingyu, his initial indifference replaced by sudden curiosity. Mingyu chuckled at the quick change in his demeanor.
"See? I knew you'd care," Mingyu teased, scrolling through his phone as he continued. "Apparently, Gyungho asked your precious Taehyung to team up with him for the term project."
Jungkook's expression darkened slightly, and his jaw clenched. "And?"
"And," Mingyu drew out the word dramatically, his grin widening, "he got rejected. Not once, but twice."
Jungkook visibly relaxed, though his eyes narrowed. "He didn't do anything to Taehyung, did he?"
Mingyu raised a brow, his grin turning sly. "What's this? Worried he's going to steal your crush?"
Jungkook shot him a sharp glare, his pout deepening.
"Relax, I don't think Gyungho has it in him to win Taehyung over," Mingyu said, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease Jungkook. "But he's trying to coax your little crush, acting all nice and gentlemanly. Who knows? If you don't make a move soonâ"
Before Mingyu could finish his sentence, Jungkook abruptly turned and bolted, his boots clicking sharply against the pavement as he took off in the direction of the dorms.
"Yah! Jungkook!" Mingyu called after him, his voice echoing in disbelief. He stood there, watching Jungkook's retreating figure, shaking his head with a laugh. "Unbelievable. He didn't even let me finish!"
Mingyu stuffed his phone back into his pocket, muttering to himself, "He's so whipped." Despite his words, his tone carried an amused fondness as he turned and walked in the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Jungkook was already halfway to wherever he thought Taehyung might be, his mind racing faster than his feet.
______
The sky was painted in soft shades of twilight as Taehyung approached the dorm building, his pace brisk and purposeful. He was only a few steps away from the entrance when a familiar voice called out to him.
"Taehyung."
He stopped, turning reluctantly to face Gyungho, who stood a few paces away, his expression torn between hesitation and determination.
"What do you want again?" Taehyung's voice carried a mix of frustration and exhaustion as he folded his arms defensively.
Gyungho bit his lip, as if debating whether to proceed, before taking a step closer. "I want to team up with you."
Taehyung raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I don't want to. I've already formed a team."
He turned to leave, determined to put an end to the conversation, but Gyungho grabbed his wrist, halting him mid-step.
"Don't test my patience, Taehyung," Gyungho said, his tone laced with frustration. "I haven't even blamed you for giving that scarf to Jungkook."
Taehyung yanked his hand free, his eyes narrowing as he took a step back. "So what? What does it have to do with you?"
Gyungho's eyes widened in disbelief at Taehyung's response. "What does it have to do with me?" he repeated incredulously, his voice rising slightly.
Taehyung let out an exasperated sigh, meeting Gyungho's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Gyungho, did I not make myself clear?"
"Make what clear?" Gyungho's frustration deepened as he stepped closer, his presence growing more imposing.
"I don't like you," Taehyung said firmly, his words cutting through the tension like a blade.
Gyungho froze, as though the words had momentarily stunned him. "You don't like me?" he echoed, his voice low but edged with disbelief.
"That's right," Taehyung affirmed, his tone unwavering.
"Then who do you like?" Gyungho's voice rose, his frustration boiling over. His eyes burned with accusation as he took another step forward. "Is it Jungkook? Do you like that Jungkook?"
The name hung in the air like a trigger, drawing a sudden pause to the heated exchange.
Unbeknownst to the pair, Jungkook had arrived at the scene moments earlier, his boots clicking softly against the pavement as he approached. He stopped in his tracks as soon as he heard his name, his dark eyes narrowing in curiosity and unease. From his vantage point just around the corner, he could see the two of themâTaehyung standing firm and defiant, and Gyungho staring at him with an intensity that bordered on desperation.
Jungkook's jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides as he leaned slightly against the wall, straining to catch every word of the escalating conversation. His heart pounded in his chest, caught between anticipation and unease, as Taehyung's voice broke through the tension.
"What does our conversation have to do with Jungkook?" Taehyung asked sharply, his expression a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. "I just simply don't like you anymore."
The words hit Gyungho like a physical blow, and he stumbled back two steps, his face clouding with disbelief. He stared at Taehyung as though searching for any sign that he had misheard, his lips parting as he mumbled to himself.
"Doesn't like me anymore?" Gyungho's voice was low, almost inaudible, but heavy with denial. "Impossible. If you didn't like me, why would you give me this scarf on my birthday?"
His hand instinctively reached up to touch the scarf draped around his neck, his eyes flickering with confusion and a flicker of desperation.
Taehyung furrowed his brows, unable to catch Gyungho's words clearly, but the frustrated energy radiating from him was unmistakable.
"You're lying to me," Gyungho said suddenly, his voice louder, firmer, as if stating it would make it true.
Taehyung sighed, the weight of the moment bearing down on him. "I'm not lying," he said, his voice steady but tired. "And youâand your friendsâcan you all stop bothering me from now on? It's really annoying."
"Annoying?" Gyungho repeated, his tone sharp and incredulous. The word seemed to echo in his mind, cutting deeper than he cared to admit. His expression darkened as he took a deliberate step toward Taehyung.
Taehyung instinctively stepped back, the growing tension between them crackling in the cool evening air. Just as Gyungho was about to close the gap further, a tall, imposing figure stepped between them, breaking the charged atmosphere with an almost audible snap.
It was Jungkook.
His dark coat swayed slightly as he moved, and his intense gaze locked onto Gyungho with a quiet but unmistakable warning. His broad shoulders created a wall between Taehyung and Gyungho, his presence commanding and protective.
"That's enough," Jungkook said, his voice low but brimming with authority.
Gyungho froze, his face a mix of surprise and irritation. "Jungkook, stay out of this," he snapped, though his voice faltered slightly under Jungkook's unwavering stare.
Jungkook didn't respond to Gyungho. Instead, he turned his head slightly, his features softening as he glanced at Taehyung over his shoulder.
"You okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice quieter, but no less serious.
Taehyung blinked, his earlier frustration melting into a quiet wave of surprise. The corners of his lips twitched, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly as he registered the familiar figure standing before him. "Ggukie, you're here," he said softly, his voice carrying a hint of relief he hadn't realized he felt.
Jungkook gave a small nod, his dark eyes steady and reassuring. "Let's go," he said simply, his tone low but firm, as if there were no room for debate.
Without hesitation, Taehyung nodded. "Okay."
As they turned to leave, Gyungho's voice rang out sharply behind them, laced with anger and desperation. "Taehyung, come over here."
Taehyung's steps faltered for the briefest moment, but he didn't look back. His fingers brushed against Jungkook's sleeve before curling around his arm in a light but deliberate hold, his actions speaking volumes. Together, they walked forward, completely ignoring the weight of Gyungho's demand.
The sound of their retreating footsteps echoed faintly in the crisp evening air, but Gyungho's voice cut through once more, louder and more forceful this time. "If you leave now, I will never forgive you in this lifetime!"
The words hung in the air like a challenge, sharp and bitter, but Taehyung didn't flinch. He didn't pause, didn't turn back, didn't acknowledge the threat. His grip on Jungkook's arm tightened slightly, as if grounding himself, and he kept walking, his head held high.
Jungkook glanced down at Taehyung's hand on his arm, his lips twitching upward in the faintest hint of a smirk. Though he didn't say anything, the warmth of Taehyung's touch felt like an unspoken trust, and Jungkook felt an inexplicable surge of protectiveness swell within him.
Behind them, Gyungho stood frozen, his fists clenched at his sides as he watched them walk away together. The cold air seemed to mock him, biting against his skin as his threats dissolved into silence.
Taehyung didn't look backânot once. His steps grew steadier with each passing second, his focus entirely on the path ahead. Whatever Gyungho had to say, whatever bitterness lingered in his voice, it didn't matter anymore.
Jungkook matched Taehyung's pace effortlessly, their strides falling into an easy rhythm. "You good?" he asked quietly, his voice calm but filled with a quiet concern.
Taehyung glanced at him, the tension in his features softening. "Yeah," he said, his voice resolute. "I'm good."
And for the first time in a long while, he meant it.