Chapter 10: The First Step Toward Change

The school gymnasium was alive with energy. The charity event was in full swing, and students were buzzing around in their carefully selected outfits, trying to impress their peers and make connections. The air was thick with anticipation as the lights shone brightly on the stage, showcasing the hard work that had gone into creating the perfect atmosphere.

Taehyung was deep in conversation with some of the event organizers, making sure everything was running smoothly. He wore a sleek black suit, his fashion designer instincts evident even in his casual attire. His hair was styled perfectly, and his posture radiated confidence. Despite all the excitement around him, his mind wasn’t fully on the event. It kept drifting back to Jungkook and the strange conversation they’d had the previous night.

Jungkook had been unusually open, and even though he hadn’t said much, Taehyung could sense there was more to the cold, calculated heir than he let on. Jungkook had thanked him, and although it had been a simple gesture, Taehyung couldn’t shake the feeling that it meant more than just words.

“Taehyung!” A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

He turned to see Soojin approaching with a look of feigned enthusiasm. Her eyes were gleaming with the kind of hunger that only came from someone seeking validation. Taehyung’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly masked his feelings.

“Enjoying the event?” Taehyung asked, offering her a polite smile.

Soojin grinned, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Oh, it’s amazing, but I was hoping you could help me with something.”

“I’m a little busy,” Taehyung said, his tone carefully measured. “But if you need something, I’m sure the committee can assist you.”

She looked slightly taken aback but quickly regained her composure. “It’s not something they can help with. It’s about Jungkook,” Soojin said, lowering her voice just enough to make it seem private.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his suspicion rising. “What about Jungkook?”

“Well,” Soojin began, glancing around to make sure no one was listening, “I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but he’s been a little… distant lately.”

Taehyung’s gaze hardened. He’d suspected something like this was coming. Soojin always had her eyes set on Jungkook, no matter how much she pretended to have moved on.

“I’m sure he’s just busy with his responsibilities,” Taehyung said, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Soojin smirked, sensing that she had his attention. “Maybe. But you know as well as I do that when a man starts to pull away, there’s always a reason. And I think I might be that reason.”

“Don’t flatter yourself,” Taehyung replied, his tone sharp.

Soojin’s eyes flashed, but she recovered quickly. “I’m just saying, if you wanted to get in his good graces, you might want to remind him of what he’s losing.”

Taehyung’s jaw tightened. “You’re delusional if you think that’ll work.”

But before Soojin could say anything else, a voice broke through their conversation.

“Is there a problem here?” Jungkook’s cold voice cut through the tension like a knife.

Both Taehyung and Soojin turned to face him. Jungkook stood a few feet away, his posture rigid, his gaze as sharp as ever. The usual barrier of indifference surrounded him, but there was something different about the way he was looking at Taehyung.

Soojin, clearly sensing an opportunity to push things further, stepped closer to Jungkook. “I was just telling Taehyung that we should collaborate more on the event. After all, you and I have been through a lot together, haven’t we?”

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed at her, and he took a small step back, as if distancing himself from her. “I’m busy, Soojin. I don’t have time for these games.”

Soojin’s face fell for a moment, but she quickly masked it with a forced smile. “Of course. I’ll let you two talk.”

After she walked away, Jungkook turned to Taehyung. “I didn’t realize I needed to come to your rescue.”

Taehyung, who had been holding back the storm of emotions building inside him, let out a small laugh. “I didn’t need rescuing. I’m perfectly capable of handling her.”

Jungkook’s expression softened ever so slightly. “I know you are.”

They stood there for a moment in silence, the noise of the event swirling around them. Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder if the small shift in Jungkook’s demeanor was a sign of something more.

“So,” Taehyung said, breaking the silence, “why did you come over here?”

Jungkook hesitated. “I was… curious about what you were talking about. With Soojin.”

Taehyung smiled, but it was a bittersweet one. “Soojin will always be a problem, but I’m not interested in her. Not like that.”

Jungkook looked at him, his gaze intense. “Then why did she bring you up?”

Taehyung’s eyes softened. “She’s trying to manipulate you, Jungkook. She always has been.”

Jungkook sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know. But sometimes it’s hard to see it clearly when it’s someone you’ve known for so long.”

Taehyung stepped closer, his voice lower. “That’s why you need someone who’s not trying to take advantage of you. Someone who genuinely cares about you.”

Jungkook looked at him, his eyes searching Taehyung’s face as though trying to find some hidden truth. “And you think that’s you?”

Taehyung didn’t respond right away. Instead, he stepped even closer, close enough that their bodies almost brushed. “I’m not perfect. I never have been. But I’m here, Jungkook. And I’ll be here when no one else is.”

For a moment, the weight of Taehyung’s words hung in the air between them. Jungkook’s gaze softened, and he took a slow, steady breath, as though considering what Taehyung had said.

Then, without a word, he turned and walked away. Taehyung stood frozen, watching him go.

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Later that Night: Alone Together

The night deepened, and the charity event began to wind down. Most of the students were leaving, but Taehyung lingered in the auditorium, going over the last few details. He was surprised when Jungkook appeared once again, standing by the exit as though waiting for him.

“I thought you were leaving,” Taehyung said, raising an eyebrow.

“I was,” Jungkook replied. “But I wanted to talk to you again. About… earlier.”

Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. “What about earlier?”

Jungkook stepped closer, his voice quieter now. “About what you said. About being there for me.”

Taehyung’s breath caught in his chest. “You don’t have to—”

“No,” Jungkook interrupted, his eyes locking onto Taehyung’s. “I think I finally understand. I’ve been pushing everyone away, including you. But I can’t keep doing that. I don’t want to lose you.”

The words hung between them, fragile and uncertain, yet full of promise. Taehyung’s heart raced as he looked into Jungkook’s eyes.

This was the moment.

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