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High school is hectic as autumn arrives since the summer vacation just ended, and the boys are back for another few months before the semester finishes at the end of the year. Being in all-boys high school means double the hectic and triple the trouble. Everyone is busy with their own agenda and that includes Jeon Jeongguk.
Jeongguk only cares about football, and nothing else matters when it comes to his passion. He spends his whole summer vacation practising football. He doesn't care if his grade falls down or that he can't score well in exams as long as he can win games. Jeongguk has never been fond of studying anyway; which is why he's pissed off when a certain someone just knocks on his desk so loudly and wakes him up from his sleep in the classroom.
"What the fuck – the fuck do you want?" yells Jeongguk. He lifts his head up and sees his archenemy slash the nerdiest student in his class, Kim Taehyung, who thinks he is so pure and genius. That being a teacher's pet can actually save his life. What annoys Jeongguk the most is the 'good boy' image that he portrays. Taehyung smirks. He ruffles his blonde hair and adjusts his glasses. Fuck those ugly glasses, Jeongguk thinks as he stands face to face with the boy. It irks him too that Taehyung is 1.5 centimetres taller than him, and Jeongguk hates losing.
"You should not be sleeping in class, Jeon. Do you want to fail again?" Taehyung folds his arms as he asks Jeongguk.
Jeongguk snarls. "Why the fuck do you even care about me failing, Kim? Leave me alone, ugly glasses." They are now head-to-head, as Jeongguk's doe eyes glare at Taehyung's sharp eyes.
"You know, it was quite boring during the whole summer vacation, what with not being able to bother you and your football antics, Jeon." Taehyung looks only at Jeongguk as they speak while the rest of the classroom is looking in their direction. It is already known to Class 5-7 that the pair always bicker about petty things but have never gone to the extent of violence, only trashing each other with their words.
"Yeah? You, nerds, know nothing about football anyway, go back to reading your encyclopaedia, Kim!" spits Jeongguk as he moves his brown hair off his eyes. The two boys stare at each other in annoyance, both of them throwing around bad words until finally, their teacher arrives.
"KIM TAEHYUNG, JEON JEONGGUK, SIT DOWN!"
Class 5-7 English teacher, Kim Namjoon appears in front of the classroom and yells at them. Taehyung and Jeongguk stop their bickering and groan. Taking a look towards the teacher, the two boys go back to their respective seats. Ironically, they are one desk away from each other which means one of them can just pull another prank as soon as possible. Before Jeongguk can even put his head back on the desk, the tall teacher with purple hair and black glasses speaks, "Jeongguk, don't sleep! You need to write essays today, and I want you to finish it all before school ends!" Jeongguk groans in refusal as Taehyung smirks and winks at his direction. Jeongguk almost shows Taehyung his middle finger but he spots his teacher's glare at him thus resorting to cussing slowly. Fucking Kim.
***
Jeongguk had barely been able to join the football training after school because he was so busy finishing his summary essays forced by Sir Namjoon. Threatened that if he can't finish it he would not be able to attend any of the upcoming football matches due to his lack of focus in his study.
He will never forget how Taehyung is the first student in Class 5-7 to submit the summary and he gets all the stupid compliments that he wants from Sir Namjoon, and it just irks him how the teacher lets him go home first, like five minutes earlier than scheduled. It annoys him because he has football training with his teammates but he ends up finishing his stupid essays.
"Hey, you're late today," said the short boy with black hair, Jimin. Jeongguk scoffs. They are in the locker room, him getting ready and changing into his football jersey while Jimin drinks his water.
"That fucking nerd Kim just decided it's a good day to mess up with me."
Jimin looks up. "Kim Taehyung? What did he do this time?" Jeongguk ties his hair up into a small bun since it's not really that long and walks with Jimin towards the field.
"First he wakes me up from my sleep, and then we'd gotten into some beef before Sir Namjoon saw us!" Jeongguk sighs. "He made sure to give us essays, essays on the first day after summer vacation??" Jimin laughs and starts kicking the ball to Jeongguk as they start their evening training.
"Kim never leaves you alone, and I bet he missed you so bad during the whole summer vacation," Jimin teases Jeongguk who just lets out a fake laugh and kicks the ball back to him.
"No matter which universe I'm living in, I would never be flattered by that."
"Nah, I think you both look cute together," said Jimin as he passes the ball back to Jeongguk before taking a few steps back. That just makes Jeongguk frown.
"What kind of wack joke is that? I would never fall for that nerd. Please, Jimin." Jeongguk kicks the ball so hard it flew right by Jimin and hits another player.
The former rushes to get back the ball and apologises to his teammate but Jimin just replies, "Sure you will, Jeongguk."
Meanwhile, in the school yearbook committee room, Taehyung is back after eating his lunch. It is October, and the committee has so many things to finish by the end of November just so they can publish it the next month. Taehyung is in charge of school activities, academic achievements and students' creative writings submission, and since he is the editor for yearbook committee, he needs to go through all of it before deciding to publish. On the other hand, for class photographs, voting for students' choices are taken care of the other committee member, Min Yoongi.
"Today is a good day indeed," Taehyung says as he takes his seat in front of the desktop in the room. Min Yoongi, Taehyung's sunbae who is in Class 7-3, and another committee member/sunbae, Class 8-6 Kim Seokjin turn to look at him.
"Every time you said that Tae, there will always be something that includes a certain Jeon. Am'right?" comments Yoongi, staring at the editor.
Seokjin agrees, "Taehyung's happiness is depended solely on Jeon Jeongguk."
Taehyung just takes a pen and drafts something on a paper. "My happiness is seeing Jeon go down. So, if I tally based on football scores, that would be 1 – 0." He writes down exactly that on the paper with his name TH below score 1 and JJK below score 0.
Seokjin laughs so hard and smacks his desk. "What now, Tae, you keep track of your score against Jeongguk? What next, Tae? Doodling yours and his name together with little hearts and –" Seokjin doesn't manage to finish his sentence because Taehyung throws one of the tissue boxes at him.
"You keep throwing stuff at me. Don't be rude to your senior or I'll let Jeongguk see this score!" warns Seokjin. He covers the sports section thus he is quite close to the football team.
Taehyung had raised his arm to throw something at him again when Yoongi clears his throat loudly. "Guys, can we focus on our work, please? Tae, could you stop being whipped for Jeongguk for a minute? We have to start collecting votes for our yearbook students' choices."
"Okay fine Yoongi hyung, what do we have?" asks Taehyung as he takes his notebook and waits. Seokjin does the same.
"First, I want Seokjin hyung to prepare the posters to be distributed to every class from Class 5 to Class 8. The three of us will set up a table in the hallway so the students can send in the votes. I will announce the categories for voting. Ready to hear?" asks Yoongi in his same monotone voice.
"Yeah, yeah, faster, I'm excited hyung!" exclaims Taehyung. For him, one of the best things about being in a yearbook committee is handling the students' votes because they will be the first ones to know the result, which they will eventually publish it. Most students anticipate this section the most in the yearbook, so it gives Taehyung full satisfaction to be able to do it with his team.
Yoongi smirks. "There are seven categories in total. There are two additional categories apart from the usual ones. Here are the categories…" and the yearbook committee members talk throughout their meeting into discussing the upcoming event that will take place at the school hallway which is the voting process.
***
The cafeteria is loud with boys eating and whistling sounds could be heard from across the hall. There are no dull moments when it comes to boys. Some are still queuing for the food while others have taken their seats and are already eating. The cafeteria is big with four columns and seven rows of long tables. Jeongguk is sitting with his football teammates, Park Jimin, Jung Hoseok and other players at one of them.
"Did you hear about the voting process?" asks Jimin while he takes a spoon of his soup.
Jeongguk, who was busy munching on his meal frowns. "What voting?" he answers Jimin's question with another question. Hoseok, a Class 6-2 student and also their goalkeeper, cuts off their conversation.
"The usual one the yearbook committee does every year, Jeongguk. I heard they'll have all of the students vote next week. Didn't you see the poster in your classroom?" asks Hoseok. Jeongguk raises his eyebrows at that and drinks his banana milk.
He spots Taehyung on his way to the table where all the nerds are, passing by Jeongguk's. The latter does not let this chance go and suddenly speaks louder than usual, all the while looking in Taehyung's direction, "Do you really think I give a damn about that stupid voting?!"
This makes Taehyung stop in his tracks in front of Jeongguk's table. "What's the problem, sweetheart? Do you have a stomachache? Yelling is so unnecessary, especially since I have perfectly working ears." Taehyung turns to glare at his nemesis and sees him coming up towards him.
"My problem is you, Kim. You and your annoying voting which is completely useless! Also, don't call me sweetheart. It makes me want to hurl," Jeongguk barks back, Taehyung not moving at all from his position. In fact, he just smiles at Jeongguk before flicking the latter's chin playfully which results in the whole cafeteria to whistle and cheer at them.
"You're always so tense, Jeon. You'll get older faster this way. Wouldn't want to chase the ball with grey hair, would you?" Jeongguk stares in disbelief. Taehyung did not just – this motherfucker did not just –
"No matter which universe I'm living in, I would never be flattered by that."
Now, Jeongguk does not understand why he even feels the littlest bit flattered by hard gazes and unexpected chin flicks from Taehyung. It all leaves him a little lost for words. Taehyung smirks before licking his index finger and lifting it in the air.
"One more point for me. That makes 2-0. You're going down, Jeon. This is how we play the game. Take notes, Yoongi. See you in English class later, sweetheart."
Taehyung winks at Jeongguk before walking past him, leaving the football player red in the face. Yoongi follows behind but not before sneaking chocolate buns onto Jimin's tray which makes Jimin blush and go all heart eyes, hugging the dessert to his chest.
"I won't eat this ever! Why does he have to be so sweet? You, guys, better vote for me and Yoongi!"
This just goes unheard by Jeongguk, of course. All he could think about is how to get back at Kim Taehyung, and the most important thing, how to stop his heart from beating too fast.
***
The day of voting arrives. Taehyung is setting up a table with boxes on top of it and lets Seokjin decorate the wall behind them with their posters while Yoongi is in charge of the fundraising donation for the yearbook production. With permission from the teachers, they manage to get one free period and let the students come to the hallway for voting. Being the teacher's pet makes it easier for Taehyung to get approval.
Students roam around the area trying to get in the queue while Taehyung himself collects the votes from them, putting them into their respective boxes. Yoongi is busy counting the banknotes, asking students to sign if they are donating. Seokjin uses his handsome face to promote himself and successfully convinced a group of third-years into voting him as The King of 2020.
In the middle of the queue, Jimin struggles to keep Jeongguk beside him.
"Just say that you're using this as an excuse to meet Yoongi!" snarls Jeongguk as he keeps his eyes on Taehyung's spot. The other boy has not noticed him yet since he is so busy with his work. Jeongguk grits his teeth and bites his lips unconsciously. He remembers clearly what happened last week, but he still hasn't gotten any chance at revenge since the editor is so busy with his stupid yearbook program.
Jimin rolls his eyes at the younger and quips, "It's not my fault my crush isn't in the same class and year as I am, unlike you who can stare at his lovingly whenever you can and want."
Jeongguk frowns at his best friend. "What the fuck are you talking about, Jimin? I don't have a crush on Kim Taehyung!"
Jimin snickers as they wait in the queue. "Please! All you talk about apart from football is Kim this and Kim that. You just gave the boy heart eyes earlier, there's a whole galaxy in your eyes! Also, Jeongguk, I didn't even mention Taehyung's name. Thanks for the heads up though, I'll keep that in mind from now onwards." Jeongguk flinches and glares at Jimin as the shorter boy giggles knowingly.
The footballers' turn finally arrives as they reach the table of the committee. Taehyung does take his eyes off his notebook when he speaks, "Hello, and welcome to the yearbook committee. You can leave your votes in the boxes here. If you wish to donate, please go to Yoongi here. Thank you for your cooperation." Jimin nods at this and follows his instructions but Jeongguk just stands there, waiting for the other boy to look at him. He clears his throat, announcing his presence.
Taehyung adjusts his glasses as he looks up and sees Jeongguk. He raises his eyebrows. "I guess it's not stupid enough for you to not come here and vote, huh Jeon?"
Jeongguk smirks. He inserts his votes inside the boxes and lowers himself so he could be eye to eye level with the other boy. "It's not stupid because I get to see your cute face." Taehyung drops his jaw at Jeongguk's bold statement, and yep, he is definitely blushing. Jeongguk snaps his fingers. "That's 2-1, Kim. I'll keep track of our scores."
Jimin runs towards Jeongguk and tries catching up. "Can you wait for me? I was just about to go into deep conversation with Yoongi hyung when you pulled that impromptu confession on your crush?? Bold Jeongguk, bold!"
Jeongguk laughs nevertheless, he wasn't serious at all but he did just blurt out the word cute earlier. "That's not a confession, silly. I was trying to rile him up,” he says as a matter-of-factly to which Jimin just shakes his head.
"Whatever suits you, Jeongguk. Let me know when you've set your wedding date already."
***
After the voting process and the... incident with Jeongguk, Taehyung really hasn't really gotten any more chances to get back at the other boy since he's gotten so busy completing the yearbook publication with his committee members. Even during their class, the football player just keeps on sleeping and Taehyung really is not in the mood to wake him up for him just to end up blushing at his unexpected remarks, so he just ignores Jeongguk for the rest of the period. Not to mention the fact that they also haven't really said anything else to each other apart from the intense glaring whenever their eyes meet.Yoongi and Seokjin, thoughtful of Taehyung and his workload as an editor, volunteer to complete the final draft of the yearbook and the printing. Taehyung hasn't even had time to check the voting results because he's been too preoccupied with editing the students' creative writing submissions. All 30 essays. Thirty! Taehyung's end up almost every day staying at school after class because of it.He manages to finish his work on time today though and leaves Yoongi and Seokjin to send everything for printing, but not before saying goodbye to them.Taehyung walks home in the chilly evening, passing by the school field. He can see players still training for football matches, and he finds his eyes searching for a particular person. He spots him, and Jeongguk sees him too. They both stop in their tracks and just stare at each other in silence, perhaps for the first time in such a long time they have nothing bad to say to each other. Since when did the tension change so drastically? Jeongguk holds his ball and Taehyung grips his backpack.
Without another word, they turn their backs to each other and walk away.
***
Seeing Taehyung the other night leaves him thinking about how he can draw things out more. He's lifting a soccer ball in the air lying on his bed and just sighs. Jeongguk is not fairing any better. He's gotten so busy with football training as their school will have a final match at the end of the year with their rival, so yeah he hasn't been keeping himself awake in class anyway to restart his argument back with Taehyung.
He was surprised when he saw Taehyung walking past the field, it was late and even Jeongguk could tell how tired Taehyung looked. He didn't even think about saying anything out of remorse. They are supposed to be archenemies and Jeongguk and Taehyung haven't been in the best terms ever since middle school. They can't stand each other at all, as both obviously have different interests and views in life.
Kim Taehyung, the ever-perfect student with excellent marks in every damn exam, who always came in first in class, and Jeon Jeongguk, the famous football player who scores in every match but always comes in last when it comes to studies. How can they see eye-to-eye when they can't even agree on one topic?
***
Jeongguk comes to school feeling burnt out from all the intense football training they'd been having, all but carelessly shoving his bag into his locker before taking out his books.
He enters the classroom and is greeted with loud cheers from his classmates which has Jeongguk raising his eyebrows. What's up with everyone? He hasn't won any matches in the last few days and the next match wouldn't be until the weekend, so why are they cheering for him?
"What did I miss?" asks Jeongguk wearily as he looks at his classmates who are all currently gathering at the teacher's desk with a magazine in the middle. Is it a magazine? Jeongguk decides to investigate and take a peek at all the commotion. Oh, it's the 2020 yearbook. So they've started distributing the yearbook from class to class already, huh.
"Yo, Jeongguk! Congrats! You have been voted as Cutest Couple for 2020!" one of Jeongguk's classmates excitedly says. Jeongguk frowns at that.
"What the hell? I am not dating anyone?" Jeongguk grabs his own copy from the desk and opens the page where the students' choices are. He flips through the pages frantically until he finally spots it, mouth ajar and his eyes widening.
There, on the page is a picture of him. Right beside one of Taehyung's, with their title,
2020’s Cutest Couple title goes to Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jeongguk!
“What makes them the cutest?”
“They are so alluring with their charms.”
“The jock Jeongguk and the nerd Taehyung take on the Cutest Couple title of the year.”
“Cutest pairing I’ve seen all year!”
“We could name them as Taeguk, as in Taehyung and Jeongguk.”
Jeongguk's eyes go wild at the descriptions underneath. What kind of sick joke is this? He has so many questions! Who would even vote for them in the first place? They despise each other! Is this another prank Taehyung's trying to pull to get back at him? And what the fuck is Taeguk? Taeguk? Why does fucking Kim's name get to be in front of his? It should be Guktae for God's sake! Jeongguk, stop making nonsense –
Jeongguk scans the classroom and finds Taehyung's seat empty. Taehyung must be in the committee room at the moment, handling the yearbook. This is the biggest humiliation Jeongguk has ever gotten. He can handle Taehyung's chin flicks at the cafeteria, no problem. But this cutest couple joke is crossing the line.
Jeongguk bursts through the door into the yearbook committee's room and finds Taehyung alone there, looking as surprised as himself. There are mountains of yearbooks on the desk where Taehyung is working on and Jeongguk steps inside the room.
The editor quickly gets over his surprise. "What do you want, Jeon? Can't you see I'm busy right now?" sighs Taehyung tiredly.
Jeongguk crosses his arms in front of his chest and stares at Taehyung intensely. "Stop playing around, Kim. What the hell are you doing? Isn't this too much?" Jeongguk throws the yearbook onto Taehyung's desk.
"I have no idea nor do I care what you're talking about, Jeon," Taehyung says and pushes Jeongguk's copy aside, going back to sorting all the yearbooks according to classes.
"You are the editor of the yearbook, and you're telling me you don't know anything about us getting the Cutest Couple title? Don't you think you've gone too far, Kim??" Jeongguk snarls as he opens the page where the said title is on. Taehyung's eyes are wide as he looks at the cursed page.
"I – I really have no idea, Jeon. Please leave me alone. I'm tired." Taehyung looks at Jeongguk pleadingly. The other boy doesn't listen and just comes closer towards him and takes the magazine away from his grasp, leaving only a few inches between their faces. Jeongguk smirks.
"Do you really think you can get away with this, after plastering the whole school with our brand, what, Taeguk, cutest couple?"
As soon as Jeongguk finishes his sentence, he leans his head towards Taehyung's and steals a quick kiss from Taehyung. It left the older mind blown at the surprise smooch, fruitlessly trying to get out any words but Jeongguk just kisses him again, this time he grabs Taehyung's neck and pulls their faces together as Jeongguk moves his lips around Taehyung's. Taehyung fucking melts in Jeongguk's arms as he grabs Jeongguk's waist, kissing him back. They are both kissing each other passionately, not hearing the footsteps gradually getting louder and closer.
Jeongguk speaks slowly in between kisses, "Kim, I think I like – "
"Taehyung, we are done with Class 6, we need – oops!! " Seokjin halts when he sees the two boys glued to each other.
The pair quickly realise what's happening and immediately breaks off. Jeongguk is breathing heavily and Taehyung is definitely not fairing any better. Their hearts beating a thousand miles an hour, just looking at each other in silence and confusion.
"The fuck is wrong with you Jeon? For your information, I have no fucking idea about that stupid Cutest Couple title because I am not in charge of the section, and this is the first time I've heard about it as well, so you have no reason to accuse me of something I clearly have no idea about! I am so fucking tired with all these workloads I don't need your shit to deal with! TMI, I wouldn't even fall for you even if they give us cutest couple title every year! Damn it, Jeon! You don't even deserve my heart."
Taehyung bursts into tears and runs out of the room, leaving Jeongguk and Seokjin in shock. The younger boy looks at Seokjin helplessly who just shrugs in turn. Jeongguk grits his teeth and clenches his fists. How dare Kim! Can't believe was going to confess his feelings!
"Don't look at me dude. I see no evil, speak no evil." Seokjin raises his hands up in defeat and shaking his head as a sign that he knows nothing about the incident. Jeongguk lets out a breathy sigh.
"It's okay Seokjin hyung, just pretend nothing happened," says Jeongguk as he can still taste the kiss he just shared with Taehyung on his lips. He bites his lips in regret. He should have not done that.
***
Despite being branded as the Cutest Couple, after the kissing incident, Jeongguk and Taehyung haven't been in speaking terms for the whole week. It makes Jeongguk angry because he liked it so much better when the two of them were just bickering with each other. At least then they were still talking. He hates silent treatment. He hates it even more now that he knows about Taehyung's real feelings towards himself.
"You don't even deserve my heart."
He hates that Taehyung's rejection after the kiss broke Jeongguk's heart into million pieces. He hates it because Taehyung isn't talking to him anymore. He hates that Taehyung takes his words seriously. He almost thought the blond was joking and was only making excuses because Seokjin caught them kissing but it seems like Taehyung really hates him.
Jeongguk steals glances towards Taehyung's seat and sees the bespectacled boy doing his homework. Taehyung doesn't even look at him anymore. It makes Jeongguk so frustrated he slams his book down and puts his head on it, drifting back to sleep with an unwanted burden
***
The final football match between Jeongguk's school and the rival school is tonight, and Jeongguk gets ready for the game with almost zero passion. His body is on the field but his mind and soul are somewhere else. He warms up as he looks around the school field and up at the seats where the spectators are starting to fill up.
It's a full house tonight, especially since the game is so famous with the opponent being the best rival in their town. He never thought he would feel this passionless towards the game he loves so much since he was a kid. This is all because of Kim Taehyung. Jeongguk searches the crowd again but hopelessly gives up after nothing. There is no way Taehyung will attend the game. He hates his guts anyway.
Jeongguk enters the field and greets his teammates. Jimin looks at him in pity, knowing what happened between him and Taehyung, and taps his shoulder several times to ease the tension. The cheerleader squads take their place and start their routine as the whole school gather and support their respective teams.
An announcement is heard as the commentator speaks into the microphone and out the huge speakers. Jeongguk whips his head so fast he's surprised his neck doesn't hurt. The deep voice is so familiar that it doesn't even take Jeongguk a second to recognise it. He could tell right away even if he can't see his face.
"Good evening, everyone!! Are you all ready? Tonight, we will witness the epic clash between our school and the rival school football match. Are you ready to win?" The spectators roar with high spirits in answer and blow their horns and drums altogether. Jeongguk looks up to the crowds to search for the voice but fails to find its owner. Jeongguk shivers and feels his heart start beating faster.
"Good luck to everyone and may the best team win!" The voice shouts loud and clear through the speaker while the rest are totally unaware of the commentator, Jeongguk heads up to the podium area where the trophy is located. He spots him, he spots the one he's been looking for, eyes focused on Jeongguk's figure ever since he's taken the seat there. Their sunbae Yoongi is also there beside him, his expression is unnerving. Jeongguk can see Taehyung's eyes fixed upon his even from this distance.
"Before we start the game, I would just like to say a few words.”
“To our amazing striker with the jersey number 9," Jeongguk snaps into reality and realises Taehyung has just addressed him. "I'm sorry for being a total wimp. I didn't mean to say those things to you nor ignore you after our kiss." There is a loud and clear "Ooooooooooooh!" coming from the crowd as Taehyung confesses through the school field's speaker. Jimin gasps and turns to Jeongguk but Jeongguk only has his eyes on the blond.
"Now, please win the game and meet me afterwards at the playground's swing across the school. Only if you win the game, Jeon." The whole school roars and cheers even louder as Taehyung smiles from his seat at Jeongguk who is standing on the field. Suddenly, all of his passion is coming back to him as Jeongguk confidently throws Taehyung a flying kiss, resulting in more screams from the spectators. Jeongguk is very much determined to win the game.
And he did! He did it in style as he scores a hat-trick for the game. His teammates lift him up shouting praises and congratulatory remarks. After getting down and shouting with everyone in celebration and happiness, he hurriedly runs off the field so fast to claim his prize, which is of course, not the trophy.
Jeongguk is breathless as he arrives at the playground because he has just sprinted after the game ends at 3-0 with his team bagging the win. He was afraid that Taehyung will leave if he came any later so he'd just ran like a mad man, even earning a warning from Jimin, "Don't stay out too late with Tae! We got an after-party at Hoseok's!"
Fuck the after-party! He's going after his man.
Jeongguk looks around the playground's swings and finds no Taehyung there. His heart is beating too loudly and too fast right now. He doesn't think Taehyung was joking when he said he was going to meet Jeongguk. No, Jeongguk cannot accept a second rejection from Kim Taehyung. Jeongguk is almost certain he is being stood up and that Taehyung is only doing this for his own entertainment, to hurt him again. He sighs in disbelief. He cannot believe he thought he had a chance with him.
Suddenly, a pair of arms wrap around his waist from behind. Jeongguk jolts in surprise and freezes. He can smell his delicious scent. It's Taehyung, he smells like vanilla and lilies. He's a bit embarrassed by his own odour now as he must smell of dirt and sweat, but Jeongguk does not say a word, just basks in Taehyung's presence and lets himself be hugged from behind for a few moments. After a while, Taehyung speaks.
"I'm sorry. I know I've hurt your feelings by saying those things back there in the committee room," Taehyung whispers in Jeongguk ears, sending shivers throughout his whole body. Jeongguk hums. "I – I think, denying is better than admitting it. If only Seokjin hyung didn't interrupt – " Taehyung sighs.
Jeongguk turns around and faces Taehyung. His doe eyes search Taehyung's. They're staring at each other and just realise after all this time they have been in love with each other, but pretending and being in denial is better as long as they can be in each other's lives through their fight.
"What would you have done if Seokjin hyung didn't interrupt, Tae?" The nickname slips past Jeongguk's lips so easily it feels like he has been using it forever.
Taehyung looks up at Jeongguk and blushes. "I would've kissed you more, Guk." Jeongguk's heart melts at Taehyung's sudden confession with the nickname
"I – I'm really sorry I freaked out. I had so many things on my mind. I really didn't know about the title and it hurt me to see you hate the idea of us together that I just blurt out those words," explains Taehyung as he looks into Jeongguk's eyes. Jeongguk plays with Taehyung's strands of hair and listens to his words.
"And?" Jeongguk demands as he pulls Taehyung closer and Taehyung doesn't even hear the question when he moves forward to connect their lips together again, this time initiating the kiss first. The cold breeze of the wind hits their faces but they don't even notice as they indulge in the warmness of their kiss, softer and even lovelier than the first one they shared.
After what feels like forever, they finally pull apart with their foreheads touching each other, both of them blushing shyly as they chuckle at each other. Jeongguk rubs his thumb on Taehyung's cheeks as the blond bites his lips in embarrassment.
"Jeon Jeongguk, will you be my boyfriend?" Taehyung asks shyly as he stares at the footballer. Jeongguk suddenly grabs Taehyung's waist and carries him in bridal style as he makes a circle a few times and laughs aloud, the feeling of happiness overtaking the feeling of winning the game earlier on.
Jeongguk puts Taehyung back on his feet and steals a light kiss from the cute boy's lips. "I'll be your boyfriend, Kim Taehyung." He grabs the older's hand and locks their fingers together. "I think I like you, Tae," Jeongguk confesses. "I like you very much."
Taehyung just tightens their fingers and replies, "I think I like you too, Guk."
And they are walking together side by side holding hands with fluttering hearts after confessing their true feelings towards each other.
***
"How was it?" Yoongi asks Jimin as they cuddle each other on Hoseok's couch at the after-party. It's super loud with music and with tons of people inside. Jimin only giggles into Yoongi's arms and he kisses the older's cheek in glee.
"You are a genius, Min Yoongi, truly a genius. They have no idea we made the whole school ship them and vote for them, even sacrificing our own chance at winning. Yoongi hyungie your editing for the yearbook is the best, I love it!" Yoongi smirks at his boyfriend's praise.
"Well, if Tae can't even notice he is in love with Jeongguk after all this time what makes you think I can't make a whole page about them without him knowing?" Jimin laughs. "They don't even know we are dating secretly, those two dummies are so oblivious and dense."
THE END