Chapter 9: The Push and Pull

The charity event was fast approaching, and excitement buzzed throughout the school. For most students, it was just a chance to dress up, network, and show off their talents. But for Taeko, this event was a pivotal part of his plan. Every decision he made aimed to push Jungkook and Taehyung closer together, while subtly dismantling the potential connection between Jungkook and Soojin.

If there was ever a moment to shift the dynamics between his parents, this was it.

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Morning: The Cafeteria Tension

The cafeteria was bustling with activity. Students laughed, gossiped, and strategized for the upcoming event. Jungkook sat at his usual table, quietly reviewing documents on his tablet. His reputation as the “cold heir” ensured that no one dared to interrupt him.

Taehyung, however, had no such reservations. With a tray balanced in one hand and an air of confidence, he approached Jungkook.

“Mind if I join you?” Taehyung asked, his tone light but firm.

Jungkook glanced up, his brow furrowing. “Why? There are plenty of empty tables.”

“Yeah, but none of them have you,” Taehyung replied with a smirk, setting his tray down without waiting for permission.

Jungkook sighed, closing his tablet. “You’re persistent.”

“And you’re predictable,” Taehyung shot back, spearing a piece of fruit with his fork.

Jungkook studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. “What do you want, Taehyung?”

“To talk,” Taehyung said simply, leaning forward. “You’re always so closed off. How’s anyone supposed to get to know you if you keep acting like an iceberg?”

“I’m not interested in being known,” Jungkook replied curtly.

“Too bad,” Taehyung said with a grin. “Because I’m very interested in knowing you.”

Before Jungkook could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them.

“Jungkook,” Soojin said, her tone honeyed as she approached their table.

Jungkook’s expression immediately turned colder. “What do you need?”

Soojin faltered for a moment, clearly not expecting such a dismissive tone. “I just wanted to discuss the event. I have some ideas for—”

“Submit them to the committee,” Jungkook interrupted, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Soojin glanced at Taehyung, her smile faltering. “Maybe we can talk later, privately?”

“Unlikely,” Jungkook replied without missing a beat, turning back to his tablet.

Taehyung bit his lip to keep from laughing as Soojin huffed and stormed off.

“You’re brutal,” Taehyung said once she was out of earshot.

“She’s irritating,” Jungkook muttered, his focus still on his tablet.

Taehyung tilted his head, studying him. “You don’t like her, do you?”

“I don’t like most people,” Jungkook said, glancing up briefly.

“Guess that makes me special,” Taehyung teased, his eyes sparkling.

Jungkook’s lips twitched as if fighting a smile. “In a way.”

---

Afternoon: Decorating Disaster

The auditorium was a flurry of activity. Students worked tirelessly to set up for the event, but the atmosphere was chaotic. Taehyung was in the thick of it, directing people and trying to keep things organized.

“Careful with those lights!” he shouted, exasperated as another string of bulbs crashed to the floor.

Jungkook entered the scene, his sharp eyes taking in the mess. “What happened here?”

“One of the support rigs collapsed,” Taehyung explained, running a hand through his hair. “We’re trying to fix it, but—”

“Move,” Jungkook said, rolling up his sleeves.

Taehyung blinked in surprise. “You’re offering to help?”

“Do you want my help or not?” Jungkook asked impatiently.

Taehyung grinned. “Fine. Grab those banners and help me reattach them.”

As they worked side by side, Taehyung couldn’t help but notice how methodical Jungkook was. Every movement was precise, every decision calculated.

“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Taehyung said, handing him a roll of tape.

“I’m good at everything,” Jungkook replied, smirking slightly.

Taehyung laughed, shaking his head. “And humble, too.”

Jungkook glanced at him, his expression softening for a moment. “Why do you always do this?”

“Do what?”

“Act like everything’s a game,” Jungkook said, his tone curious rather than accusatory.

Taehyung paused, his usual grin replaced by a thoughtful expression. “Because life’s too short to be serious all the time. Someone’s gotta lighten the mood.”

Jungkook didn’t respond, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—admiration, maybe?

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Evening: Taeko’s Observation

From a quiet corner of the auditorium, Taeko watched his parents interact. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. They were finally starting to connect, even if they didn’t realize it yet.

But his work wasn’t done. Soojin was still a looming threat, and Taeko knew she wouldn’t give up easily.

“She’s like a cockroach,” Taeko muttered under his breath. “Time to set another trap.”

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Night: A Heartfelt Exchange

Taehyung was sketching designs in his room when his phone buzzed. It was a message from Jungkook.

“Meet me at the park. I need to talk to you.”

Taehyung’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly grabbed his coat and headed out.

The park was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. Jungkook stood under one, his hands shoved into his pockets.

“You came,” Jungkook said, his tone neutral.

“Of course,” Taehyung replied, walking up to him. “What’s going on?”

Jungkook hesitated, his gaze fixed on the ground. “I… wanted to thank you. For today. For everything, really.”

Taehyung blinked, taken aback. “You’re thanking me?”

Jungkook looked up, his eyes meeting Taehyung’s. “Don’t make it weird.”

Taehyung laughed softly. “Too late.”

They stood there in silence for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around them.

“You’re not as cold as you pretend to be,” Taehyung said finally, his voice gentle.

“And you’re not as carefree as you act,” Jungkook replied.

Taehyung smiled, his chest tightening in a way he didn’t quite understand.

---

From the shadows, Taeko watched, a satisfied grin on his face.

“Step six: Create a moment they’ll never forget. Check.”

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