Work Text:
“Kook. Kook. Jeon Jungkook!”
“Hm?”
The boy in question shrinks under his friend’s unimpressed gaze.
“Did you listen to anything I just said?”
“Um,” Jungkook stumbles. “Dance club?” And he’s met with another flat look.
“Ugh, I’m sorry, Jimin.” Jungkook sighs, pushing his food with his chopsticks. His gaze can’t help but lift up to the sound of laughter coming from nearby the lunch tables.
“Silly.” Jimin takes a seat next to him now and bumps his shoulder playfully. “Why don’t you just tell Eunwoo how you feel, hm? You guys are best friends.”
“Exactly! I couldn’t possibly jeopardize that. Plus, Eunwoo is the most popular guy in our school. Why would he even bother dating me?”
Jimin frowns at that, pinching the skin near his elbow and earning a yelp from Jungkook.
“You’re amazing too, Jungkook. Everyone loves you. There’s a reason Eunwoo is best friends with you.”
At that, the skater in question calls out to Jungkook and waves happily. Jungkook’s heart flutters and he lifts a hand to wave back.
“Maybe that’s all I’ll ever be,” Jungkook says sadly.
*
A rumor is swirling around. Eunwoo has a type. Jungkook…is not that type. And he’s currently sulking in the corner of the library while Jimin rolls his eyes.
“Since when do you care about rumors?” Jimin asks. Jungkook types on his laptop furiously. He has a paper due for his child development class tomorrow but he’s writing the same sentences over and over again.
“I don’t.”
Jimin snorts. “Clearly. But seriously, Kook-ah. Even if it is true, everyone has a type!”
“Yes and I’m well aware of that. I just…it’s weird, he wouldn’t tell me. We’re…we’re best friends,” Jungkook says, now sounding and looking quite dejected. Jimin looks at him carefully.
“You don’t even know if it’s true.”
Jungkook scoffs. “If more than half the class population is talking about it, there’s no denying it.”
Who was Jungkook kidding? Of course Eunwoo liking Jaehyun would make sense. Jaehyun is also a skater. They hang out every day, maybe even more than Jungkook sees Eunwoo nowadays with the skating final just a few days away. Jaehyun is cool and collected and can do tricks and Jungkook can barely get on a skateboard without falling on his face.
“Why don’t you just ask him?” Jimin suggests gently. And Jungkook shakes his head.
“And expose the lamest, longest crush on anyone in existence? Yeah, no. No way.”
Jimin sighs. “Suit yourself. I’ll be heading to dance club now, but text me later okay?” Jungkook nods, waving off his friend before focusing back on his paper.
Still, the nagging thoughts do little to make him feel any better. And just then, he gets a phone call from the very person he so desperately can’t stop thinking about.
“Kook!” In the background, Jungkook can hear the sounds of chatter and wheels hitting the concrete. Someone calls for Eunwoo and he wonders if that’s Jaehyun. A bitter feeling stirs in his stomach.
“Hey, Woo,” he says. “I haven’t seen you in a while!”
“Mmm, yeah. You know how it is with the final coming up. Yo, cut that out!” Eunwoo laughs loudly and Jungkook’s grip on the phone tightens.
“Anyways, I was wondering if you could do me a favor? I have some packages coming in but I won’t be home.”
“Oh.” Jungkook swallows and his stomach hurts again. “Why not?”
“Ah, some of the skaters are going to a party. Kind of like a breather from all the training.” Eunwoo's voice drifts off like he’s talking to someone then returns to the phone. “Anyways, would you mind just bringing them into my apartment? You know the code and stuff.”
Jungkook bites his lip. “Sure.” He waits and doesn’t know why he expects Eunwoo to invite him to the party. He stopped inviting Jungkook after freshman year when his classes picked up. But still, maybe it’s wishful thinking. Would he go? Maybe not, but…
“Thanks, Kook-ah!” Someone calls for his friend again and Jungkook just wants to hold on a little more. He never gets to see him. Never gets to talk to him.
“Will you be home later tonight?” Jungkook asks quickly. There’s a pause on the line. Jungkook tries to convince himself he’s asking because he wants to make sure his friend is safe, but his beating heart says otherwise.
Eunwoo chuckles. “Why do you ask?”
“I just…maybe I could swing by and bring you curry and tonkatsu? From the late night shop we used to go to when we were freshmen.” It’s been so long since they went there. Jungkook hasn’t been because it’s not the same going with someone that isn’t Eunwoo.
“You’re so dumb!” Eunwoo says and Jungkook’s heart drops.
“Oh sorry, Kook, the guys are acting like idiots.” And Jungkook tries to laugh as if he knows what he’s talking about.
“But um, sure! I think I’ll be home. I should probably take it easy because of the final and all.”
Jungkook holds his breath, not responding before snapping out of it. “Okay! Um, so I’ll see you later?”
“Mhm. I gotta go now!”
“Okay! Bye! Have fun at the party and don’t forget to drink—
The line drops. “Water,” Jungkook finishes. But he smiles to himself because well, he’s seeing Eunwoo later!
*
Jungkook boards the train, scooting past a group of girls who are taking selfies on their phone. Eunwoo lives 10 minutes away from campus in one of the newer, nicer apartments near downtown. Unlike Jungkook who has to live nearby to save money on transportation.
He’s reading his book on early childhood development when the group of girls start whispering and squealing to themselves. When he lifts his head up from the book, he finds the source and fights the urge to roll his eyes.
Kim Taehyung is standing there, holding the metal pole, skateboard in between his legs. Jungkook has no idea why the girls care so much! Kim Taehyung is only the school’s second best skater, 3 years in a row. He’s lost to Eunwoo every time and he’ll lose again. Plus, Eunwoo is much cuter, much friendlier.
Jungkook huffs before turning back to his book.
When he gets off, he decides he’ll hang around the area after he collects Eunwoo’s packages. When he gets to the door, however, he finds the original passcode isn’t working. He frowns, trying once more before getting the warning message that it will lock for a day if it is not the correct try.
Unwilling to risk it, Jungkook tries calling his best friend to little success. It goes straight to voicemail. He chews at his bottom lip, perhaps he can hold the packages just until Eunwoo returns from the party. (Even if holding him will be a hassle downtown).
Jungkook sighs, picking up the small envelopes and boxes one by one, when he hears someone walking up the side stairs. When he looks over, he’s surprised to find Kim Taehyung there, staring at him with an unreadable expression.
“I’m not stealing mail!” Jungkook says quickly. Taehyung lifts a brow at that.
“This is for my friend. I’m trying to bring them inside, but…the passcode…it’s not working.” Jungkook wants to slap himself for oversharing. He’s always oversharing.
But Taehyung just walks by him and Jungkook frowns because well, the least he could do is respond! Taehyung lives a few doors down and he’s about to open his front door when—
“Hey!”
Taehyung turns around. Jungkook bites his lip before asking, “Do you, um…would you mind if I keep these packages at your place?”
God, Jungkook has no shame.
“Please?” he asks. “It’s just because I’m planning to go to a cafe before I see my friend later. And I also promised I’d pick up food and I don’t think I have enough arms to—
“Fine.”
Jungkook’s mouth snaps shut. “R-really?”
“Yes,” Taehyung grunts. “Before I change my mind.”
He opens his door without sparing another glance to Jungkook. He bends down, scrambling to collect all the packages and letters before following Taehyung inside.
He blinks, impressed with the interior design choices. There’s photography on the walls of various different things. Beaches, mountains, some are cityscapes, and some are people with coffee or running around. Some are black and white and some in subtle, warm toned colors.
“Thanks again,” Jungkook says as he drops them by the front, as far from Taehyung’s living room as possible.
Taehyung grunts again and Jungkook feels compelled to continue the conversation if just for a bit. It’s too awkward and he can’t help it.
“Are you, uh, going to the skater party later?”
Taehyung lifts his head to look at him as he grabs a pitcher of water from the fridge. “No.”
“Oh. Why not?”
“Because those things are lame and stupid. And the people who go to to them are lame and stupid.”
Jungkook gapes. “That’s not true!” he protests. He’s mostly thinking of Eunwoo, the very opposite of those things.
Taehyung snorts, pouring himself water. Jungkook frowns at his coldness.
“You wouldn’t know,” Taehyung says.
“I would know, actually,” Jungkook protests. “Do you know Cha Eunwoo?”
Taehyung pauses in his actions before continuing. “Unfortunately.”
Jungkook sputters. “Hey! Don’t be rude. That’s my best friend you’re talking about.”
Taehyung’s eyes flit to Jungkook again. The stoney gaze flickers for a second before he lets out a scoff.
“I know you guys are like competitors or whatever, but Eunwoo is a good guy.”
“Mmm, totally. Nothing says good guy like making your friend collect your shit while you go out to party.”
Jungkook’s mouth falls open at the call out. Taehyung is so rude!
Taehyung hands Jungkook a glass of water, which he takes reluctantly. It’s one of the warmer days and he was burning up.
Jungkook gulps all the water down in a few seconds, some water spilling onto his neck. When he looks back to Taehyung, the skater is staring at him. When they lock eyes, Taehyung looks away.
“Anyways, I appreciate the help with everything. Will you be home later?”
Taehyung doesn’t respond right away. “Yeah.”
“Okay! Eunwoo will be back and I’ll get the packages back from here later.”
Taehyung keeps looking at him, making Jungkook only slightly uncomfortable. He has a piercing gaze on him like those girls were squealing about on the train. But it’s not attractive at all!
“Welp. I’ll be off then. Thanks again!”
Jungkook puts his shoes back on and leaves before any further conversation can continue.
One thing’s for sure: he really needs to stop oversharing.
*
Jungkook checks his phone. He sighs audibly, biting his lip before opening up his messages app.
Nothing.
It’s already 11 PM, the cafe has long closed now and the only open spots are convenient stores. Jungkook holds the now very cold tonkatsu and rice takeout in the plastic bag by his side. He shivers from the cold.
Jungkook lets out another shaky breath. After another 10 minutes, he calls.
The line rings three times before it’s picked up. Jungkook lets out a sigh of relief.
“Hey, I’m outside your place. Are you on the way—
“Jungkook?”
Jungkook tenses. He recognizes the voice. It’s Dokyeom, another skater in Eunwoo’s group of friends.
“Oh. Hey, Dokyeom. Um, is Eunwoo there?”
“Ah, yeah. He’s in the middle of a drinking game. What’s up?”
Jungkook blinks. “Oh. I…n-nothing. Could you just let him know I called? And to drink water?”
Dokyeom chuckles fondly on the line. “Sure, Kook. You’re a good friend!” And despite the comforting words, Jungkook still feels sick.
Once he’s hung up, Jungkook groans. He’s also realized he’s missed the last train back to the university. He checks the rideshare rates and it’s certainly cutting into his budget. Especially considering he bought dinner tonight.
He sighs, walking back to the apartment. Maybe he’ll just leave the dinner out there. He’s approaching the steps when he bumps into a firm body.
“Sorry,” he mumbles.
“Jungkook?”
He freezes at the voice. A wave of embarrassment goes through him, but he manages to turn around and look the person in the eyes.
“Hey, Taehyung.”
The skater stares at him then the bags in his hands. “Eunwoo isn’t back yet?”
“Ah, no. He must’ve lost track of time. He’s really social.”
Taehyung frowns. “Right.”
“Don’t.”
“What?”
Jungkook tightens the grip on the bags. His back hurts from sitting in the cafe and carrying the bags. Not to mention he’s so cold and hungry.
“You’re gonna say Eunwoo is a bad person for ditching me.”
“I didn’t say anything. You said that.”
“But it’s the way you’re looking at me!”
“I just met you.”
Jungkook groans. “Just…stop,” he whispers, begging for this horrible night to end.
Taehyung blinks a few times before walking up to him. Jungkook thinks he may just punch him in the face with how intense his gaze is, but he doesn’t. He just gets close and then…he takes the bags from his hands.
“C’mon.” Taehyung starts walking. “Let’s go to my place.”
“W-what?”
But Taehyung doesn’t answer. They walk silently until they’re in the warmth of his apartment. Jungkook lets out a shiver of relief.
Taehyung takes the boxes of food out, placing them on the table near his kitchen. Jungkook frowns.
“What are you doing?”
“You should eat.”
“What? No! I’m waiting for Eunwoo.”
Taehyung rolls his eyes. “I highly doubt he’ll care if you've decided to eat your dinner close to midnight.”
Taehyung microwaves the food quickly and sets it out for Jungkook. He sits across from him and Jungkook doesn’t move.
“Yah, just eat.”
Jungkook glares at him. “I told you, I’m—
“And I’m telling you, Eunwoo won’t care. I can hear your stomach growling from here. Please eat, Jungkook.”
“But—
“I’ll make you wait outside if you don’t.”
Jungkook’s mouth falls open. Then, after a minute he picks up his chopsticks. “Mean,” he pouts.
Taehyung snorts, and that only frustrates Jungkook more. Still, finally eating food feels like a relief. Jungkook eats two bowls of curry and finishes off his tonkatsu piece. As he eats, he watches Taehyung work on his laptop silently.
“What are you doing?” he asks, feeling a need to break the silence.
“Working.”
“On what?”
Taehyung glances at him boredly. “Do you actually care?”
“Try me.” And Taehyung lifts a brow at that.
“I do free-lance photography. I’m editing some graduation photos from last week.”
Jungkook’s blow wide open. “Woah. That’s so cool.” He looks around the room. “So you took all the photos here?”
Taehyung blinks, mouth parting in surprise. “Uh, yeah. I did.”
Jungkook grins. “Cool! Is that your major?”
That seems to bring Taehyung back to his colder self. “It is,” he replies, almost defensively.
Jungkook notices the way he closes up. Jungkook thinks it must be because most people don’t consider photography a real major. “It’s cool you’re pursuing an education in something you’re really passionate about.”
Taehyung stares at him silently before speaking. “I suppose. Are you not?”
Jungkook takes a sip of water. “Mmm. I have a lot of interests, but I eventually decided on teaching. I like kids and I can also do small hobbies on the side.”
“I think it’s really cool to learn new things and I remember having really good teachers when I was younger.” Jungkook pauses. “I want to be impactful in someone’s life.”
When he looks back at Taehyung, the skater is staring at him again with that unreadable expression. Jungkook clears his throat.
“Sorry.” Yeah, he needs to stop oversharing.
Taehyung gets up to refill his glass of water and brings him back a napkin.
“When did you start skateboarding?” Jungkook asks.
“Mmm when I was four? Five?” Taehyung answers. Jungkook gasps.
“Woah. So young.”
“Do you love it as much as photography?”
Taehyung presses his lips together. “Not anymore,” he answers truthfully.
“Oh.” Jungkook feels bad asking. Overstepping. “What changed?”
“I got into university on the skating scholarship.” Jungkook nods, remembering Eunwoo is on that same program.
“I loved it. But once it started to feel more like a job than a sport or hobby is when I started to fall out of it.”
Jungkook understands. “I get that. But that’s normal too, I think.”
Taehyung snorts. “Falling out of love means you don’t love it anymore.”
“I wouldn’t say you’re falling out of love. I mean, I know there’s a scholarship involved, but if you really didn’t like it, you would remove yourself from it completely. Maybe you go back and forth with your feelings, but you still love it to some degree. Or maybe you just don’t love it as much as photography, but it doesn’t mean you don’t love it at all.”
“So, you’re saying I’m doing it half-heartedly?”
Jungkook sighs. “Maybe? But it’s not a bad thing. You’re just…changing. You can have a lot of different interests and grow to love some more than others. Maybe you even feel that way with photography sometimes! Because it’s your major and you have side jobs. It’s natural. But you can come back to it.”
Taehyung stares at him for a long time without saying anything and Jungkook has to mention it.
“You do that a lot.”
“What?”
“Stare at me and not talk. It’s weird!”
Taehyung glares at him. “You talk too much.”
“Hey!”
The two talk more about other stuff. And soon, Jungkook finds himself staring at the clock. It’s a little past midnight now.
“I should probably head home.”
“What?” Taehyung stares at the clock then back at Jungkook. “But there’s no trains that run this late.”
“I can get a rideshare. I’ve overstayed my welcome plenty.”
Taehyung runs a hand through his hair. “What about Eunwoo’s packages? And the food?”
“Ah right. Maybe—
Suddenly, a knock on the door startles them. Taehyung frowns as he walks up to answer it before opening it wider. Eunwoo is there, face tinted pink and looking confused.
“Kook-ah.”
“Oh!” Jungkook rushes forward, grabbing Eunwoo. “Are you drunk?”
“No.” His answer is a little cold, Jungkook takes a step back. “You’re hanging with Kim?”
Jungkook blinks. “Uh, yeah. Your passcode wasn’t working. I tried to call you earlier but…anyways, um, Taehyung let me stay here until you came back. Your packages are here too.”
Eunwoo looks at him, then shifts his gaze to Taehyung. “He didn’t do anything right?”
“What? No!”
“Mmm. Anyways, let’s go.”
“Sure, uh–” But Eunwoo is already out walking back to his own place. Jungkook bites his lip before grabbing everything.
“Do you need help?” Taehyung asks, watching Jungkook look around to ensure he hasn’t forgotten anything.
“I’m good.” Jungkook feels embarrassed that Eunwoo caught him with his competition. He probably looks like such a horrible friend.
“I’ll see you around, Taehyung.” And again, he doesn’t wait for a response.
*
Jungkook sighs when he gets home. It’s been a long night. From trying to get Eunwoo to eat and drink water so he didn’t wake up with a hangover, to helping him change out of his clothes, it felt like the longest night of his life, truly.
He lays in bed the next morning, opting to skip his first lecture to work on his paper. He scrolls through Instagram boredly but upon seeing one post, he immediately sits up. There, on Eunwoo’s instagram, is a photo of him and Jaehyun. His arm is wrapped around his waist and the caption reads: Loser <3
Jungkook closes his eyes briefly. Surely if there was more, Eunwoo wouldn’t have returned home that night. But the picture and caption do little to assure Jungkook that his best friend is falling for the other skater and is leaving him behind.
He groans, falling into the sheets before letting sleep overtake him. He dreams of skating and falling over and over. It hurts.
The next morning, Jungkook is determined. He’s so determined in fact, he waits by the Arts and Media building for an hour until he sees a familiar face. Said face looks very shocked to see him.
“Jungkook, what—
“Teach me how to skateboard.”
“Excuse me?”
Jungkook pulls the straps of his backpack. “Sorry. Please teach me how to skateboard.”
Taehyung looks him up and down, unimpressed. His eyes make it look almost sexual and Jungkook thinks most people would swoon at that, but he doesn’t ponder on that for longer.
“Can you teach me?”
Taehyung grunts. “No.”
“What?”
“No.” Taehyung begins to walk away and Jungkook follows, feeling upset.
“Why not?”
“Jungkook, you’re already 22. It’s a little too late to pick up skateboarding.”
“I’m not trying to compete in the finals or anything! I just want to learn enough so that I have something to talk with Eunwoo about.” He bites his tongue before he also admits it’s to make Eunwoo jealous if he finds out Taehyung is teaching him.
But maybe Taehyung can read minds because he narrows his eyes at him and says, “You have a crush on him.”
Jungkook trips on his feet. “Don’t say that too loud!”
Taehyung stops walking now. Outside, students are passing by and looking at Taehyung. Always Taehyung, but never someone like Jungkook.
“Okay, fine! I do,” Jungkook admits, his neck growing hot. “But he’s also my best friend! I just think I’ve waited so long for him but maybe I need to be more…proactive?”
Taehyung stares at him. “You already do so much for him,” he mumbles. “Is he worth all the trouble?”
Jungkook frowns at that. “Of course.”
And Taehyung only lets out a resigned sigh. The skater thinks to himself how Eunwoo and how he reacted seeing his so-called best friend with him. Maybe if he saw them together again, it’d be enough to distract him from the final. He could finally win this year and his parents would say his skateboarding was worth it and maybe he could finally quit.
Taehyung stares at the doe-eyed boy in front of him once more. He always feels weird around Jeon Jungkook, ever since freshman orientation. His positivity and brightness – Taehyung doesn’t know if that gives him the ick or makes him…different
He shakes his head.
Stupid.
“Taehyung?” The soft voice brings him back from his thoughts. He rolls his eyes.
“Fucking fine . But we’ll practice for 2 hours every day.”
“What?! Isn’t that a little—
“Do you want to learn before the semester ends or not?” Taehyung growls.
“But I only want to learn the basics. It can’t be that hard, right?”
It turns out it is, in fact, very difficult.
Jungkook grunts as he hits the pavement for yet another fall. He groans, ignoring the giggles of other skaters - probably around 9 or 10 years old, who zoom past him. He feels ridiculous wearing all this padding when the kids have only a helmet on.
The sun is momentarily blocked by his instructor who makes a tsk sound with his tongue. Jungkook glares up at him.
“You could help me up.”
Taehyung shakes his head. “One of the many rules in skateboarding. You gotta learn to get up on your own.”
It’s been a few lessons already, almost approaching the end of the week, but Taehyung manages to slip in these generic motivational lines every time.
Jungkook shoots him an unimpressed look. “Is that supposed to be deep?”
“Maybe.” Taehyung shrugs. “Either way, falling many times makes it more special when you actually land a trick.”
Jungkook glances at him, noticing the way Taehyung’s eyes shine momentarily. He thinks it’s cool to see Taehyung in his element.
“The ramp is scary,” Jungkook explains when Taehyung encourages him to try it after they’ve mastered balancing. “I can barely stay up on the board when it’s a flat surface.”
Taehyung smirks. “It’s a baby ramp. Literally. It’s made for three year olds.”
“Shut up.”
“C’mon.”
Jungkook sighs audibly, feeling suddenly drained and pathetic. “This is hopeless. I won’t impress Eunwoo by skating on a baby ramp.”
Taehyung bristles at that. “So what? If I were Eunwoo, I’d be grateful you even tried to do something of mine that I loved. Even if it’s small.”
Jungkook blinks at him and Taehyung turns away. His cheeks are red from the sun. Probably.
“Anyways, don’t just do it for Eunwoo. Do it for yourself. It’ll mean much more if you’re thinking about how you’ll feel afterwards, not worried about someone else’s validation.”
“Wow,” Jungkook supplies. “You’re kind of smart.” And he sticks his tongue out at Taehyung when the skater glares at him.
“I mean it,” Taehyung says as they walk to the ramp. “Trust me, it may seem small, but it’s a big deal to you. So it’s going to be important.”
Jungkook stares at him, feeling a swooping sensation in his chest. Rarely does he feel validated for his feelings. He never talks with anyone about them often, aside from Jimin on the off chance his friend forces it out of him. Eunwoo hasn’t asked in a while.
It feels…nice.
Taehyung sighs because Jungkook hasn’t moved or responded in a while. “I won’t force you. I’m sorry if you feel—
“I’ll do it.”
Taehyung blinks. “You will?”
“Y-yeah,” Jungkook says shakily. “I’ll try it.”
Taehyung holds his gaze once more before producing a soft smile. Jungkook also thinks smiles look great on the skater.
“Alright. Remember what we talked about. Balancing your weight and leaning in the right direction.”
Jungkook swallows. The ramp is not high at all, barely a ramp. But it feels like a drop off Mt. Everest.
He takes a deep breath and then…pushes himself down.
However, he immediately hits the ground. He lands on his back this time, unprepared and it knocks the wind out of him. He gasps.
There’s footsteps and Taehyung is there, bending down, eyes full of concern and worry.
“Jungkook!” He holds him up slowly. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”
The skater takes a shaky breath. “You’re not hurting anywhere are you? I’m sorry I shouldn’t have forced you—
“I’m okay.”
Taehyung watches with a look of awe as Jungkook slowly makes his way up. It sucked and hurt like hell, but somehow—
“I want to try again.” Jungkook dusts his pants and adjusts the straps on his knee pads. “I think I know what went wrong.”
Taehyung looks conflicted. “Are you sure?”
“I’m doing as you said,” Jungkook answers, feeling determined. “I’m getting back up and trying again.”
Taehyung’s eyes soften at that and he produces a lopsided smile. Another good smile, Jungkook thinks.
Soon, Jungkook is back at the top and this time, Taehyung waits at the end of the small decline.
Jungkook takes a deep breath and thinks about making it to the “bottom.” For the first time, he thinks of how good he’ll feel. He wants this. Badly. So he pushes and leans forward and…makes it. He even stops the board himself by pressing on the back as Taehyung taught him.
“Holy shit,” Jungkook murmurs. A pause. Then: “I did it! I landed that shit!” Jungkook does a small jump, almost tripping on his own feet, but manages to still bounce around. He is so happy!
“Did you see?” he asks, turning around to look at Taehyung. “I did it!”
When he looks at Taehyung, the skater is staring at him, but this time, his eyes, lips, cheeks, everything in him looks so soft. A stark contrast to the usual cold exterior. Jungkook stops bouncing and stares back.
“Taehyung?”
The skater shakes his head, eyes still soft. “Yeah, you did it,” he says quietly.
Jungkook glows. “You’re right, by the way. It feels nice to do it for myself. Not anyone else.”
Taehyung chuckles at that, stepping close to him. In golden hour lighting, Taehyung’s eyes turn light and translucent. Jungkook notices he has a mole on his nose.
Hm. Maybe he understands why people find Taehyung so handsome.
“What?”
“W-what?” Jungkook asks and Taehyung tilts his head.
“You said I was handsome.”
Jungkook flushes. “I-I did?” he sputters. And Taehyung takes another step closer, chuckling.
“I mean, most would say you’re objectively handsome,” Jungkook tries to explain. “But I think you look better when you smile.”
He wants to smack himself. Oversharing!
Taehyung lets out a sharp exhale at that, eyes not leaving his face. “Jungkook—
“Kook-ah?”
Both men turn around. Eunwoo has arrived with his skating group. His eyes flit back and forth between Taehyung and Jungkook, a confused look set on his face.
“Jungkook…you’re skating?”
Jungkook curses internally. He had hoped Eunwoo would find out later, when he had mastered more skills. But it’s too late now.
“Yeah. Trying to,” Jungkook responds. Eunwoo’s brows thread together.
“Kook, it’s hard. You could also get hurt, remember? It’s dangerous for someone like you. I told you that.” Next to him, Jungkook catches Taehyung tense up.
“I know,” Jungkook replies, feeling dumb now. Eunwoo’s gaze snaps to Taehyung now.
“Did you force him to skate?”
Taehyung crosses his arms. “No, actually. He asked me to teach him.”
Eunwoo’s expression falters at that. He looks back at Jungkook, a mixture of hurt and betrayal on his face. “You did?”
Jungkook thought Eunwoo jealous would look different, but he just looks pissed. “Y-yeah. I didn’t want to bother you before the final—
“Are you using Jungkook to try and find out my routine?” Eunwoo accuses suddenly. Taehyung scoffs.
“I don’t think I’m the one using Jungkook.”
“What the fuck did you just say—
“Stop,” Jungkook says quickly. Both men are still in a staring contest against each other.
“I’m sorry I didn’t ask you Eunwoo,” Jungkook murmurs. He can feel Taehyung’s gaze on him like a heat lamp.
“Whatever,” his best friend replies sharply. “I gotta get to practice now.” And Jungkook’s heart sinks.
“Call me later,” Eunwoo says, almost like a demand. He gives Taehyung one last hard look before skating away. The rest of his crew follows and Jungkook feels awful and embarrassed.
They walk silently back to the train station. Taehyung doesn’t even ask to walk him back, he just does.
“Hey.” Jungkook turns to him.
“You okay?” Taehyung murmurs.
Jungkook sighs. “No.” And Taehyung lets out a frustrated huff.
“Look, Jungkook…don’t…don’t listen to him, okay?”
“He’s only looking out for me.”
“But he doesn’t know what you want!” Taehyung argues harshly. “I don’t care he’s your best friend, the only person who knows you is yourself, okay?”
Jungkook inhales sharply at that. “He’s a good person.” But it comes out much weaker than he intends it.
“Is he?” Taehyung questions. And Jungkook glares at him.
“Taehyung, I just want to be alone now. Please.”
The skater’s mouth parts softly at the words, a look of hurt crosses over him.
“Okay,” he mumbles. “Just…can you please just text me when you get home? Doesn’t have to be right away, just…when you’re ready.”
Jungkook blinks, shocked by the softness in his tone. “Okay. I will.”
Taehyung nods, opening his mouth like he wants to say something more but then just settles with: “You look pretty, by the way. But even prettier when you’re happy with yourself. And I saw that when you landed the run. No one should take that from you.”
Jungkook blinks and the skater is already quick to leave. It hits him when he’s on the train the weight of Taehyung’s words.
And when he’s in bed that night, during his short call with Eunwoo, he finds himself staring at the ceiling, not really listening, because well…Taehyung also called him pretty.
And it makes him smile.
*
The next day, Jungkook wakes up. He can’t pinpoint exactly why he feels so sluggish, so down, but either way, it’s a miracle he makes it to his class just a few minutes shy of taking attendance.
At the end of the day, he’s on his way to his part-time job when he gets a call. He frowns at the name, debating whether to answer, before groaning and pressing the green button.
“Hey,” he mumbles. “I’m kind of busy.”
A scoff. “I’m at the park, where are you?”
“Look, I appreciate all the help with the lessons. I’ve learned a lot, but…” Jungkook bites his lip. “Eunwoo is right. I…I shouldn’t pretend to be someone I’m not and I could get hurt and—
“Where are you?”
“Taehyung.” Jungkook sighs, tugging at his hair. “Seriously, it’s okay. Also the final is literally in two days. You should be training for that anyways.”
“I don’t care about the final, I care about—” There’s a heavy pause. Jungkook waits for him to speak more, but he doesn’t.
“Also, I really can’t see you today. I’m working.”
A beat passes then: “You work?”
“Uh, yeah. At the after school program near the university—
“Where is that?”
Jungkook furrows his brows, looking around at his surroundings. “Um, by the community center? Taehyung, what—
But the call drops and Jungkook stares at the ‘end call’ screen, feeling very much confused. He sighs before opening the front doors to the building, only to be greeted by a few happy little faces. And just like that, he immediately brightens.
In the middle of putting some of the toy blocks away, Jungkook feels a tug on his sleeve.
“Everything okay, Naeun?” The little girl looks at him with worried eyes.
“There’s a stranger standing outside the classroom! And he’s just watching us!” And Jungkook freezes.
“W-what?”
“Yes!” she exclaims, following him as Jungkook gets up immediately to gather the other kids and pull them closer to the back away from the door.
Once they’re distracted and asked to play the quiet game, Jungkook steadies himself to be brave before going outside and—
“What the hell, Taehyung!” Jungkook whisper-shouts.
Taehyung stares at him and Jungkook feels shy. He’s wearing an apron and there’s probably paint on his face and arms.
“Hi,” the skater finally says, still looking at him intensely.
“You can’t do that!” Jungkook protests. “You…I thought…you scared me!”
“I’m standing here.”
“Exactly! You look like a creep!” Jungkook hisses. “Why didn’t you just come in?”
“I didn’t want to disturb you with the kids.”
“So you stand outside and scare my students with your…your eyes!”
“My eyes?”
Jungkook feels flustered. “Yes! It’s the way you look at people and they think you’re so cool because you look at them.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I don’t know!” Jungkook groans, pressing his back against the wall and shutting his eyes briefly.
Taehyung just stands there for a bit, before joining him against the wall. Their shoulders touch.
“Sorry,” Taehyung mumbles. “I was just…I don’t know, I wanted to check up on you and see if you were okay. But I also thought maybe you were avoiding me on purpose.” The skater stops there and clears his throat.
“Clearly you were telling the truth. You’re here, so.” Taehyung’s eyes shift at the classroom where a bunch of curious eyes are watching their teacher and some strange man.
Jungkook glances at him. Taehyung’s ears are red. Maybe too much sun again.
“I’m not angry at you,” Jungkook whispers. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“And you didn’t either,” Taehyung says. And somehow, those were the exact words Jungkook needed to hear. He’s only known Taehyung for a week like this, but he’s always managed to be reassuring, kind. Much different from the things he’s heard from the skaters and Eunwoo.
They’re still looking at each other, and standing this close Jungkook can really see the freckles on Taehyung’s face. His eyelids are uneven, but that’s probably the part of his stare that makes him so handsome.
Jungkook licks his lips, embarrassed that he’s been thinking a lot about how handsome Taehyung is. When he does, the skater's eyes follow the movement. Taehyung’s Adam's apple bobs and Jungkook thinks that’s also attractive.
He doesn’t know when they get so close, he thinks it’s mostly Taehyung, but Jungkook feels a pull too. It’s only until he hears a crash back inside the classroom that sends him reeling backwards.
“I should get back!” he says, his tongue feeling heavy. Taehyung is still looking at him.
“I appreciate you coming out this way to make sure I was okay—
“When do you get off work?”
Jungkook blinks. “In 10 minutes,” he whispers.
“I’ll wait for you.”
“Oh, Taehyung, you don’t have to.” Jungkook thinks back to a memory. “Eunwoo would try and wait for me sometimes too, but sometimes I have to stay later to clean and it’s already way past dinner time so—
“I’ll stay.” And Jungkook feels his heartbeat quicken.
He’s cleaning up some of the tables as the kids pack up their things. One of the students, Hanuel, is especially attached to Jungkook. The little boy is adorable, always willing to help him wipe down the tables or put away markers.
“Teacher!” he says, showing off the small box of art supplies he put away. “I’m done!”
Jungkook smiles, patting his head fondly. “Great job! You’re so helpful!”
When he lifts his gaze, he finds Taehyung looking at him, but the skater turns away quickly. He’s playing with the wheels on his skateboard and the kids have already crowded around him.
“Do you skate without a helmet?” one girl asks.
“Sometimes.”
“You shouldn’t! You could get a concession!”
Taehyung snorts. “Concussion,” he corrects.
“That’s what I said!”
Afterwards, Jungkook locks the door and meets Taehyung outside. It’s still light out, but the sun is setting quickly.
“Do you wanna get food?” Jungkook asks. “The dining halls will be closed but the convenience stores are probably still open.” He can’t afford to spend on a restaurant today, but there’s always cheap and satisfying options elsewhere.
Taehyung stares at him again and Jungkook is about to say that he needs to stop being weird but then he says, “You were really cool today.”
“Huh?”
“With the kids,” Taehyung mumbles. “They like…worship you.”
“Ah.” Jungkook feels shy at the praise, but it’s nice to be recognized.
“I must be easy to love then,” Jungkook teases, already walking onto the street.
“You are.”
And he trips. But this time, strong arms manage to catch him before he hits the pavement. He’s seen scenes like this in k-dramas and imagined them happening to him when he’s walking with Eunwoo on campus. But now it’s happening and it’s outside the community center, where Taehyung waited for him.
When he’s pulled back onto his feet, he feels his cheeks heat up. “Now you help me up? Not the other thousand times on the skateboard?” he murmurs.
Taehyung blinks before smiling softly at that. “I wanted to this time.”
*
Taehyung silently offers to walk Jungkook back to his apartment before he takes the bus back to his place downtown. Jungkook thought they would’ve parted ways after dinner but Taehyung just ended up walking with him.
Jungkook tells him a lot about school and his aspirations. He thinks Taehyung is a good listener: he always asks questions and seems to always be engaged and attentive to the words that Jungkook is saying.
The walk to his place is 15 minutes but it feels shorter and soon they have to say goodbye for real.
“I talked your whole head off,” Jungkook realizes, groaning at himself.
“I don’t mind,” Taehyung replies. “I like hearing you talk.”
Jungkook inhales sharply. “You do?”
Taehyung nods. “I do. You get really excited about teaching and traveling.” The skater pauses then: “It’s like I said before. You look pretty when you talk about the stuff that makes you happy.”
Jungkook flushes. It’s the second time that Taehyung has called him pretty. He clears his throat, willing himself to not melt into a puddle on the ground.
“So, you think I’m easy to love and I’m pretty,” he mumbles without thinking. “Sounds like a crush or something.”
Oh, God. What am I saying? he thinks to himself miserably. His face and neck are so hot, burning at yet another instance of his oversharing tendencies.
But Taehyung just stares at him, eyes looking all soft. Jungkook realizes his eyes only get soft around him and he feels stupidly special. He’s never felt so special before around anyone.
“I’m kidding by the way,” Jungkook states quickly. “I know you don’t have a crush on me.”
Taehyung just hums and kicks a rock at his feet. “Will you be at the final this weekend?”
“Oh of course! I always go. Eunwoo—
Jungkook stops then, feeling awkward. Taehyung bristles slightly. The skater shoves his hands into his pockets and Jungkook feels sorry for ruining the mood somehow.
“I’ll be there,” Jungkook repeats softly.
*
The day before the skating final, Jungkook is cleaning his apartment when his phone buzzes. Jimin and his dance friend, Hoseok, are sitting on the couch closest to it.
“Taehyung? Kim Taehyung!?” Jimin screams after reading the name flash across the screen. Hoseok rolls his eyes.
“You’re so dramatic,” the other dancer admonishes. Jimin ignores him.
“Since when do you and Taehyung text?” Jimin questions. “And why am I just learning about this now?”
Jungkook blushes, marching over to grab the phone out of the dancer’s hands. “We’re friends,” he tries to say casually, but his voice cracks.
Jimin giggles. “Friends.”
“I’ve heard that you’ve been hanging around the skating area with him. Getting food together, too,” Hoseok says. Jimin gasps and Jungkook stares at him in shock.
“How did you know that?”
Hoseok shrugs. “The whole school is talking about it. Kim Taehyung is finally in love .”
Jungkook’s eyes grow wide. Jimin hasn’t closed his mouth yet.
“He…he is not in love–-he doesn’t like me like that,” Jungkook insists. Hoseok raises a brow then glances at the phone in his hand.
“Okay, what’d he say?”
“Huh?”
“Read us what he texted you,” Hoseok says smugly and Jungkook feels flustered. Jimin looks back and forth between the two.
“It’s probably nothing,” Jungkook mutters, unlocking the phone but feeling nervous at the same time. Everyone is silly if they think Taehyung has a crush on him. That’s—
But when he reads the message, his heart practically stops all at once. Hoseok chuckles near him and Jimin can’t handle the suspense.
“Tell us!”
“He…well, um. He just asked me to get dinner with him later.”
“That’s all?”
Jungkook flushes. “He also asked if I liked flowers,” he mumbles.
“Oh, I’m gonna faint,” Jimin breathes.
“What does this mean?” Jungkook asks, still feeling dazed. Hoseok just smiles at him.
“Well, we know what it means for him probably. What does it mean for you?”
*
Jungkook is not okay. Well, more accurately, Jungkook is a mess.
He’s trying really hard to not think about the implications of this dinner, but Hoseok’s words ring loud in his ears. Especially when Taehyung greets him with a slightly dopey smile and a bouquet of sunflowers.
“You really brought me flowers?” Jungkook whispers. He takes them in his hands and feels dizzy.
The skater seems shy at that, clearing his throat before saying, “I was passing by the shop downtown so I thought you’d like some.”
Jungkook nods, but he can’t help but remember that the flower shop is not really downtown and more out of the way than anything from where they decided to meet up. But he keeps quiet.
Throughout dinner, Jungkook barely touches his food. Taehyung reaches across the small table and rubs his thumb against the fabric of his t-shirt, sending waves of electricity through Jungkook’s arm.
“You okay?”
Jungkook pulls back, knocking over his chopsticks to the ground. He mutters apologies and Taehyung quickly asks the staff for another pair.
Once Jungkook tries eating again, he feels Taehyung’s gaze on him and he feels flustered again.
“You keep staring,” he complains as they’re getting ready to leave. And Taehyung turns pink.
“Sorry. I just…are you sure you’re alright?”
Jungkook hums because he’s bad at lying. But of course he’s not alright. Taehyung just paid for dinner after buying him flowers and staring at him the whole time.
And by the end of the night, Taehyung has once again offered to walk him back to the train station.
“It’s a shame you don’t live down here,” the skater says softly. “We could hang out more and you wouldn’t have to take the train all the time.”
Jungkook mouth parts at the honest confession. “You like hanging out with me?”
Taehyung pauses, licking his lips before answering. “Yeah. I do.”
And Jungkook’s brain goes haywire. So now Taehyung likes to hang out with him, buys him flowers, pays for his dinner, walks him home, listens to him, and think he’s pretty it’s—
“Jungkook?”
“Do you like me?” he blurts out. He needs to know. It’s killing him because every fiber in his being refuses to believe that someone as popular and cool as Kim Taehyung would see something in Jungkook. And yet…maybe.
Taehyung’s face falters at that, there’s a flash of hesitation and worry in his eyes. “Of course,” he says, trying to be casual, but it’s stiff. So stiff.
Jungkook shakes his head. “I meant do you like me…like…like more than just whatever this is?”
Taehyung tilts his head. “Well, what is this?”
“We’re friends,” Jungkook answers softly. “Or at least, I’d like to think we are. But lately, I wondered if…”
He pauses before continuing. “You do a lot for me. And you paid for my dinner and you say I’m easy to love and that I’m pretty…and maybe you like me more than a friend?”
Taehyung stares at him for a long time and Jungkook feels so, so stupid. God, he shouldn’t have listened to Hoseok.
“Actually, you know forget that, I, uh, I’m a dumb idiot and I just…forget what I said. Please,” Jungkook begs softly. Oh, he needs to leave. This was such a bad idea—
“I do.”
Jungkook lifts his head, heart pounding. “What?” he whispers.
Taehyung swallows before speaking. “Yeah,” is all he can manage to say. But Jungkook needs more. His head is spinning relentlessly.
“You like me?”
Taehyung lets out an airy laugh, almost in disbelief. “Yeah, I realize that now.”
“But…why? Why me?”
“Why you ?” Taehyung repeats incredulously. And Jungkook groans.
“This is crazy. So you like me now?”
Taehyung flushes a deep red now. “Honestly, I think I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you,” he mutters.
Oh, Jungkook is losing his head now.
“And when was that?” Jungkook whispers. And Taehyung doesn’t answer for a long time.
Jungkook doesn’t want to force him, even if he desperately wants to know.
“You don’t have to talk about it—
“Do you remember the first skating competition when we were freshman?”
Jungkook blinks, nodding fervently. “Of course.” Eunwoo had won his first championship and the rivalry between Taehyung and him began.
Taehyung bites his lip before continuing.
“It was a tough time for me. My grandma was really sick and I still had to compete because of the scholarship. And there was so much talk about that day because Eunwoo and I were the school’s best skaters and we had this rivalry that I didn’t even ask for.”
Taehyung fidgets with some of the rings on his hands. “Life was pretty bleak and I didn’t care whether I won or lost anymore. I just felt indifferent to everything.”
“But then I saw you,” he murmurs.
“You were watching Eunwoo’s run and you had this like…awed look in your eyes and you just kept smiling and I kept looking back to you even when I supposed to be paying attention to the competition.”
Jungkook’s heart races at the memory. He hadn’t noticed that, too busy looking at Eunwoo.
“I was really nervous for my turn and I was walking with my head down and I bumped into you by accident. But you didn’t care and you just turned around and saw my gear and gave me a thumbs up. And I remember you said, “Fighting.” And I don’t know, I was just…”
Taehyung gulps hard again. Jungkook feels warm all over.
Taehyung shakes his head. “I know it sounds ridiculous, but like, you were watching the competition like it was another wonder of the world or something. And it wasn't just then, I see it in the way you look at the kids you teach and the way your eyes light up eating convenience store food or a really pretty campus sunset at the skatepark."
“And after being around you so much recently and the way you look at everything, I just…I wanted you to look at me like that, too. Because ever since you first looked at me that day and until now, I still get those stupid butterflies in my stomach,” Taehyung whispers.
“I’m bad at explaining,” Taehyung says with a sigh. “But just, I like you, Jungkook. A lot.”
Jungkook blinks, taking in the words. Processing them. Absorbing them into his very core, until it hits straight into his heart.
“No one’s ever said that to me,” Jungkook whispers. “No one notices me.”
Taehyung stares at him. “I always do.”
Jungkook takes a moment to look at Taehyung closely. The loner skater boy. Mysterious, handsome, and ever so cool is also shy, caring, and likes him . It shouldn’t make any sense, but to Jungkook, it’s starting to.
Jungkook takes a step closer and Taehyung’s gaze shifts down to meet him. He’s only a little bit taller.
“So, was this like…a date?” Jungkook asks. Taehyung’s eyes blow wide open.
“I mean…it wasn’t my intention,” the skater replies, a small smile on lips. “I just wanted to see you. But since you’re asking, then yes. I’d like it to be.”
“Do people usually kiss on the first date?” Jungkook manages to ask. He’s thrown all his shame out the window at this point.
Taehyung lets out a sharp exhale. “Depends. Some do, some don’t.”
Jungkook pouts at that. “You must go on a lot of first dates,” he mumbles. And Taehyung chuckles, so endeared.
“But they don’t matter anymore, right?” Jungkook whispers.
“They never did,” Taehyung breathes. “Not until now.”
And Jungkook lunges forward to kiss him.
It takes Taehyung by surprise, who stumbles back a bit from the impact. Jungkook doesn’t have time to cringe internally because of his impulsive and slightly clumsy actions, because Taehyung is wrapping his arms around his waist, pulling him closer.
They kiss for a long time in the empty streets downtown. Someone on their motorbike passes by them and they pull apart at the sound, lips swollen and cheeks red.
Taehyung stills has his arms around him and Jungkook suddenly remembers.
“I like you, too. And I should’ve asked you if you wanted a kiss before I just took it like that,” he says, grimacing.
Taehyung snorts. “There are worse things to apologize for. Kissing is not one of them.”
Jungkook blushes. “I’d like to do that more often.”
“Trust me, you have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do that,” Taehyung says with a low voice and it sends another flood of warmth to Jungkook’s face. “You were wearing my clothes that one time to skate and I think I short-circuited when I saw you in my favorite black t-shirt.”
“I still have it.”
“Keep it.”
Jungkook stares at him once more and Taehyung is rendered speechless for a bit. A mesmerized, dopey look on his face.
“You really like me?” Jungkook murmurs, still in disbelief. As if maybe this is all some wild daydream. Or he’s knocked his head too hard from all the skating practices.
Taehyung brings his hands up to run through Jungkook’s dark locks. He melts into the touch, leaning into the palm of the skater’s hand, and Taehyung’s eyes go soft again.
“Yes, Jungkook. I do.” The skater pauses then, “And you like me?”
Jungkook doesn’t respond for a bit and there’s a flicker of worry in Taehyung’s expression but he’s quick to speak again. He was just going over all the details about Taehyung he wanted to remember for a long time. His face freckles, uneven eyelids, tan skin.
Handsome. Kind. Taehyung.
“I’m looking at you, aren’t I?”
Taehyung's mouth lifts up, forming a soft smile. “Yeah. You are.” And Jungkook kisses him again.
*
It’s the day of the finals and Jungkook and Taehyung are laying in bed together. They spent a lot of the night just talking, kissing, talking again, and kissing some more. Taehyung’s arms are wrapped around his waist, chest pressed to his back. Jungkook feels so happy. But soon he checks Taehyung’s bedside clock and is pulled out of his thoughts.
“We should get up soon,” he murmurs, although he doesn’t want to leave the bed. Taehyung seems to agree because he just groans.
“Fuck the competiton. Let’s just stay here and let me make you feel good.” He presses into his lower back closer and Jungkook sputters, naturally.
“Tae! We gotta get up!”
“Oh, call me that again, please.” And Jungkook giggles, pushing himself up, only for Taehyung to pull him back on top of him to kiss him breathless. They stay like that for another while before Jungkook’s phone buzzes.
He pulls away to look, Taehyung just moves his lips to work on his neck where he nips and sucks at the skin gently. Jungkook is still warm all over, but blinks at the message on his phone, freezing a bit.
“Oh, it’s Eunwoo,” he says and doesn’t miss the way Taehyung tenses at the name.
“What does he want?” Taehyung asks, nose still buried in his neck. Jungkook notices he’s sucking a bit harder at the skin now.
“He’s wondering where I am. I usually bring him breakfast before his competitions.”
Taehyung huffs. “Lucky guy. Do I get breakfast, too?”
Jungkook rolls his eyes at Taehyung’s blatant jealousy. “He’s still my friend.”
Taehyung pouts. “And you’re my— He stops then and Jungkook lifts a brow.
“My…?”
And Taehyung groans into his neck again. Jungkook just giggles, running a hand through the skater’s curly hair.
“I wanted to ask the question after a few more dates.”
“Mmm. No turning back now.”
Taehyung pulls away, looking Jungkook in the eyes. It’s so soft, like always, and Jungkook thinks he could melt in them. It’s just for him, this look. And it feels so good.
“Do you, um, do you want to be boyfriends?”
Jungkook smiles widely. “Oof, the delivery was a bit dull—
“Hey!”
“But, yes. I’d love to be your boyfriend.”
Taehyung grins brightly and pulls him down for more. They stay in bed for another few minutes and Jungkook thinks he’ll never get tired of the skater’s kisses and sweet words.
*
When Jungkook arrives at the skatepark, he immediately tries to find Eunwoo. It’s easy when there’s a large group of people around him, excited for his final run and eagerly hoping to take a picture of the handsome skater. Jungkook always feels so small in these moments, there’s even local reporters covering the event, and he easily blends in with the rest of the crowd.
Somehow, Eunwoo spots him this time. He waves off a few people politely before coming up to him.
“Kook-ah,” he says. “I wasn’t sure if you would make it.” The words come out sharp and Jungkook lowers his head.
“Sorry, I was busy this morning.”
Eunwoo snorts. “Clearly. Did someone sock you in the neck?”
Jungkook flushes, pulling his shirt up in embarrassment. “I’m sorry I didn’t have time to make you breakfast—
“Save it. You know, for someone who says is my best friend, you sure have a shitty way of showing it.”
Jungkook frowns, hands curling into tight fists at his side.
“And on the day of the finals, too. You know you really hurt me.”
Jungkook’s head snaps up at that. “Hurt you ?” he questions harshly. “You’re the one who flaked on dinner plans.”
“Oh my god, Jungkook. That was like one time—
“No it wasn’t!” Jungkook snaps. “You’ve bailed on me ever since freshman year. I was just too caught up in my feelings for you to realize it.”
“Feelings? Is that what you call those hickeys on your neck?” Eunwoo sneers. “Cut the shit, Jungkook.”
“Leave him alone.”
Both men turn to find Taehyung there, staring at Eunwoo with a deadly glare. The crowd watches on with curiosity.
Eunwoo scoffs, eyes flashing dangerously. “Oh. I get it now. It all makes perfect fucking sense now.”
Jungkook grits his teeth, looking away.
“Didn’t peg you to be a player, Kook-ah,” Eunwoo hisses. “You really know how to mess with people.”
“The only person who’s been messing with anyone is you.” Taehyung walks up to him, getting very close to Eunwoo’s face.
“Jungkook has always been by your side, even if you fail to acknowledge it,” Taehyung grits. “You don’t deserve him.”
“And you do?!” Eunwoo snaps.
“Yo!” Another skater calls. “Cut the shit! The competition is starting.”
“Kook-ah—” Eunwoo starts, looking at Jungkook now.
“Don’t fucking talk to him,” Taehyung says sharply.
“Kim, I swear to God—
“Stop,” Jungkook says, finally finding his voice again. He’s shaking and Taehyung comes to his side immediately, eyes full of concern.
“Just…just stop, please,” Jungkook says louder, firmer. He’s so exhausted. He didn’t want the day to turn out like this. The crowd has barely fizzled out. Everyone’s eyes remained on the scene in front of them.
“Just go skate. Like you always do,” Jungkook mutters, barely sparing Eunwoo a glance.
Taehyung stares at him silently, then places a protective hand on Jungkook’s side. Eunwoo’s eyes follow the movement.
“I’m going to win today,” Taehyung says suddenly. The crowd breaks into a low murmur. Even Jungkook’s eyes grow wide at the statement. It’s a big deal because Taehyung has never once commented about these competitions. Never given a statement to the local papers, to the school news, nothing.
“I’m going to win,” he repeats firmly. His eyes snap up to meet Eunwoo’s now wavering gaze.
And Jungkook's heart swells.
*
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat out tonight?”
Jungkook and Taehyung are lying on the couch in his apartment. His cheek is pressed to the skater’s chest so when Taehyung chuckles at the question, it sends a warm vibration through his body.
“That’s the 4th time you’ve asked, Jungkook,” Taehyung teases. Jungkook lifts his head up and pouts at him.
“You won and you’re just lying around!”
Taehyung lifts a brow at that. “And?”
“Don’t you want to go out and…celebrate?” Jungkook asks timidly. He believes Taehyung should be out partying, not wasting time here with him in his little apartment near campus. There’s only ramyun in the pantry. It certainly doesn’t fit someone who just beat the school’s former best skater by a landslide.
“Jungkook.” He turns his head, the soft voice pulling him out of his thoughts. Taehyung smiles at him softly.
“I just…Eunwoo would always—
“Hey,” Taehyung interrupts gently. “I don’t care about going out and getting wasted with anyone. I want to be here. With you.”
Jungkook leans back against his heels and bites his lip. Taehyung just chuckles fondly before cradling his face with his hand. Jungkook leans into his touch and sighs.
“Plus,” Taehyung murmurs. “I want you all to myself tonight.”
Jungkook flushes. “Oh?”
The skater hums, placing a kiss at the corner of Jungkook’s mouth. “You were really hot today. Especially when you told off Eunwoo in front of the whole school about how you don’t need him anymore. And for defending me when he claimed I cheated.”
“Well, he was obviously wrong,” Jungkook mumbles. “You had a way better routine than him.”
Taehyung chuckles again, placing soft butterfly kisses everywhere now. Jungkook groans because Taehyung made him all hot and bothered and now he’s acting so sweet.
“I really like you,” Taehyung murmurs when he pulls away to look into Jungkook’s eyes. The sincerity in his tone makes Jungkook’s heart race profusely.
“I really like you too,” Jungkook whispers.
Taehyung blinks before letting out a stupid smile.
They share more kisses throughout the night, not thinking about skating, college, Eunwoo, or anyone else. It’s just for them. And Jungkook realizes that happiness doesn’t just look good on Taehyung, it looks good on him, too.
We must believe only in ourselves
Can’t let go of each other’s hands
- BTS, Love Maze