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There were only a few minutes left in the fourth quarter and they still hadn't scored more points than their opponents. It was definitely not a good day for the school's basketball team, since in the last three periods they had won only one of them and were about to lose this one. The fans on both sides were in complete silence, all waiting for the final score, watching attentively.
- The coolest thing is that I'll have to put up with a boyfriend and a bunch of angry friends, since they lost another game, for days," said Yoongi, one of the students of the institution where the match was taking place, making a face just imagining the situation that would soon happen.
- Come on, hyung, it's not like we don't go through this once in a while," commented Taehyung next to him, without taking his eyes off the court.
- Yes, I know. But at least you suffer less than me. After all, your boyfriend is Kim Namjoon, the most relaxed guy on earth, he simply doesn't dwell on it all the time and accepts that losing is part of life. What's left then is to put up with only Jeon Jungkook, since you share the same room," said the older man close to his ear because of the noise. - Now try being Kim Seokjin's roommate, teaming up in biology class with Jung Hoseok, and being Park Jimin's boyfriend all at once.
The black haired man said this with a fake expression of disgust, which made Taehyung laugh and lay his head on his shoulder, ending the brief conversation there. It didn't take more than three minutes for the game to end with the victory of the players from the other school, and soon everyone started to leave the place, leaving only the two friends and the losing team. They organized themselves into a circle to talk and were then dismissed by their coach. Soon five of them came up to the boys bearing defeated and sad expressions. The younger Kim opened his arms, welcoming his boyfriend gladly, not caring a bit that he was completely sweaty. Beside them, Yoongi also hugged Jimin, giving him a kiss and whispering something in his ear that made him smile a small smile amidst his upset expression and climb on his back.
- Tae commented as he ran his long fingers through Namjoon's sweat-drenched and messy hair, trying to tidy it up. - It's not like you haven't lost in all the years you've been playing. Besides, they are still in the championship and can recover in the next game.
- You are right, Tae. As it happens, we will now double our practice time, which means that I will have to stop dancing for a while.
- I'm sorry, hyung. - Jungkook, who until then had a closed expression, looking like he was going to explode at any moment, put his arms around his friend in a side hug as they walked to the changing room. - If I could, I would punish the one person to blame for our losing the match, so that you wouldn't have to put your hobby aside.
- We don't have a single culprit, Kook. All of us were responsible. We are a team. - Namjoon said in his calm captain's tone, but had been completely ignored by his dongsaeng.
- And here we go," Min whispered amusedly to Park, who threw the shirt he had just taken off at his teammate, scolding him.
- Was that by any chance a pointer to me? I'm right here. You can talk straight to my face, Jeon," Seokjin said angrily, as he went to his closet and got a change of clean clothes.
- So you really want to listen? - Jungkook let go of Jung, walking towards Jin until he stopped right next to him. - If you really worked hard in practice, we would have a good wing-pivot and not an idiot who can't even make a decent jump shot, even though he knows that we are about to lose yet again!
- If I am an idiot, you are a moron and a hypocrite for criticizing me for a mistake that any player could make! - the older man said through his teeth. - Why don't you just mind your own business instead of judging me? The only people I accept lectures from are Mr. Byun and Joonie, and they have a right to say something, but you. - You're nothing like me or have any authority over me, so don't expect me to take any notice of what you say.
- If you didn't, you wouldn't be answering me now," Jeon said, completely red with anger. He was always like this. His emotions changed from water to wine and intensified when he was close to the other in a way he couldn't control. - Nor would he waste his time arguing with me or asking me to say what was stuck in his head. You made a stupid mistake! And you know what else? I know that even after today, you won't change, you'll keep swapping our training sessions for that little boyfriend of yours!
The other boys present just watched quietly, already used to the tense atmosphere created by the two individuals. They usually only got involved in Jin and Jungkook constant fights when they lost the reins for good and started advancing on each other. They had never exactly exchanged punches, their preferred way of attacking each other was through words or those dull pranks like putting mustard inside each other's sneakers, but the urge to physically assault each other was not entirely lacking.
- Ken is not my boyfriend and even if he was or if I miss some practice to be with him, it's not your problem! - He replied blushing both from the anger he felt and from the other's clueless accusation. He could not understand this gratuitous implication that the younger man had with his best friend. He didn't even know him, only by sight and barely, since whenever the nice leader of the third grade study group greeted them, Jungkook turned his face away and pretended he didn't exist.
- The problem became mine from the moment it started to hurt us. If you'd rather spend your time with that guy, go ahead, but maybe at the very least you should quit the team for good!
- I have a good reason for my absences, but they don't concern you. And do you really think that I'm going to give up my position that I worked so hard to get because of the nonsense you say to me? Dream on. Understand one thing, Jeon Jungkook. Nothing you say to me is going to make me feel guilty or anything like that. So, I advise you to preserve your saliva and leave me alone! - Jin said, making it clear that he wanted to end the discussion there as he started to walk away from him.
- Where are you going now? Oh, no need to answer. I bet you're going to take comfort in the arms of that little daddy's boy who everyone knows is corrupt! - Jeon said, feeling his chest tighten in a bad feeling he always felt when he said something about the two of them getting closer.
What happened next was very fast. One minute the team escort was spouting those words like a snake does with its venom, and the next, he had been abruptly thrown against the metal cabinet by the wing-pivot, being pressed firmly there by his arms. Around them, the others finally stood in alert positions. Seokjin wasn't exactly a patient guy, but he didn't even like aggression, but in that instant when his blood was hot, he really thought he could break the other guy's face. But still, he didn't. He just noticed every detail of Jungkook's face for a while, staring at every millimeter of his skin with irritation and another feeling that came over him suddenly, probably because he was too close to him, feeling his breath hitting his cheeks.
- You can hate me and say whatever you want about me, but don't ever say anything about my friends, especially if it's based on rumors from people who have nothing to do. - Jin let go of the other, walking away slowly, but still looking him terribly serious in the eye. - I'm tired of all this, Jeon. From now on, I'm asking you to ignore me completely for the sake of our coexistence with the boys. You're right when you say that I give you too much importance, but don't worry because from now on, you'll just be the guy from high school that I have friends in common with.
With that said, he left the place, disappearing out the door. Jungkook continued to stand in the same corner, absorbing his words, and instead of feeling relief that finally the fighting between the two of them would probably stop, he strangely felt that he was missing something. He ignored this feeling and locked himself inside one of the bathroom stalls, slamming the door hard.
•••
The shrill bell rang announcing the end of the first classes of the day that took place during the morning shift. Finally the high school students could take their well-deserved break after having to absorb so much content for the upcoming exams. Side by side, Kim Taehyung and Min Yoongi chatted as they took their places in line, waiting for the moment when they would fill their trays with the lunch served by the cafeteria. They would only eat with each other today, since the others were training and would probably go elsewhere for lunch with Mr. Byun.
- You want to do what? - he whispered incredulously to the brown man, when they were already seated at their usual table. - Are you crazy, Tae? If you do that, besides running the risk of a suspension, you might end up being responsible for those two killing each other for good!
- Oh, please. - Kim rolled his eyes, bringing his Kimchi to his mouth. - Jin hyung and Jungkook just need to stop being so hard-headed and have a decent conversation. And that's definitely not going to happen since we're always around the two of them. They need privacy.
- Unbelievable," Yoongi muttered, taking a sip of his Sprite. - You really believe that they have feelings for each other.
- And so should you. More than anyone, we both know them, they have been our roommates since we entered this school. It's not possible that it has never crossed your mind that the fact that they hate each other as much as they think they do, is because they have actually liked each other for a long time, but don't have the courage to admit it even to themselves. Want to see how it's not crazy in my head? Do you remember hyung's first boyfriend?
- The one in eighth grade? That new guy who barely got here and started hitting on him and Kook hated it? - He frowned, trying to remember in detail the boy's face.
- Yes, that's the one! They weren't even fighting back then, so I suspect that just when Kook was starting to develop a love interest in Jin, this jerk came along and ruined everything. - Taehyung said in disgust.
- Look at you, you look like those couples fans who get upset when someone inconvenient gets in the way, as they say even nowadays, otp? - Min laughed, getting punched in the arm in return for the joke made on the other. - But you are right, he was a big jerk. Too bad we came to realize this only after a while.
- We came to realize it only later, comma, Kook and I never really liked him. We knew that sooner or later the wretch would break our hyung's heart. And that's what happened. But well, that's in the past. I really just wanted to say that, in my opinion, Jungkook began to repress his feelings because of this relationship and became angry at the way Jin could not see that his boyfriend was no good. - Since they were never that close, I think Jeon mixed his jealousy and pain with his desire to stay close to Jin without showing his real feelings, and this started their fights that last until today.
- Do you think that he might have started the fights on purpose?
- No. I think these were the reasons for him to get worked up when they first fought, remember? They were at their first basketball practice and Seokjin hyung, when he went to shoot, took a bad shot and the ball hit the boy in the face. Kook didn't react well at all and got a black eye for a few days.
- Of course I do. Jin even tried to apologize, but he refused and was super rude, leading to their first fight," Yoongi said, his speech sounding funny as he had a piece of honey sweet potato jam, which was the dessert of the day, in his mouth.
- Yes, and then they were never again under one roof without exchanging barbs, except for the day we had the party to celebrate my one-year anniversary with Namjoon and we asked them to please stop being jerks to each other for at least a few hours. - Kim smiled just by touching the older Kim's name. - And that's when I realized that Jin hyung also had feelings for my best friend.
- Okay, but wait, there's something I don't understand. You said that you suspect Kook of having liked hyung back then, right? - The younger man nodded, so he continued: - So why did he keep fighting with him even after the courtship was over? He could have invested.
- He could have, but by that time, I believe he had already convinced himself that he didn't feel anything more, and he still thinks that way today. The fights have continued due to the fact that deep down they each have feelings for the other, but are too proud to accept it.
- I am starting to suspect that these two are being your human objects of analysis, future psychology student," Yoongi joked, making them both laugh. - Our dongsaeng has never really opened up to you about this?
- No. We are very connected, but this is something he never wanted to share. But I know it's true. You can see it in their eyes," he said, remembering the times he had caught the younger one looking discreetly at Jin. - Anyway, as I was saying. On the day of the party, Jungkook ended up having a moment with one of the students from our class. They exchanged nothing more than two kisses, if I remember correctly, but hyung looked shaken as he stared at them both.
- I believe that jealousy is the word that most proves all that you have told me about these two, isn't it? That's exactly why they fought yesterday, Jungkook-ah has always been bothered by Lee's presence.
- That's for sure! - Tae shook his head frantically, glad that Min was now finding sense in his reasoning. - Well, are you more convinced of my idea now?
- I don't know, TaeTae. But if you think locking them in the court will do any good... - Yoongi said hesitantly, but still shook his head in agreement with the younger man's crazy plan.
Taehyung smiled openly, already taking his cell phone from his pocket, sending several text messages setting up a secret meeting with both their boyfriends and Hoseok. They were going to make those two settle up once and for all the next day.
•••
You:
You have ten seconds to open this damn door, Kim Taehyung. Otherwise, I swear I will make your life a living hell, you will never be able to sleep decently again, do you hear me?!
Taemate:
Any more than you already do? Rsrs. I'm not afraid of your threats, child. You'll only get out of there when you settle down, that's the end of it.
- More than that! - Jungkook shouted, holding back the urge to throw his cell phone on the ground, placing it beside him on the bleachers. He sighed heavily, running his fingers through the strands of hair that were falling onto his forehead. He was all sweaty, desperately wanting a cold shower after hours of training on that hot Friday, but of course he had to have the most brainless roommate in the school who ended up locking him up with the person he liked least in the world, thus preventing him from doing this. - What mental problem do people with the last name Kim carry?
- I heard that. And if it was meant to offend, sorry, you failed to attempt it successfully. - Jin, who also shared the agony the other felt because of the heat, was lying in the upper bleachers with his pink towel under his head, spinning the basketball between his fingers. - What did he say?
- That he won't take us out of here until we make up.
- Taehyung is a kind and peaceful person. He hates to see us fighting and that is exactly why he is doing this, I am sure.
- What are we going to do then? - The escort asked, looking at the older man, who had his eyes closed. This was adding to his nervousness, I couldn't understand how he could be so calm like that being locked up in there, even more so with you. - No chance to apologize, I didn't do anything wrong. And even if I had, I wouldn't ask you to.
Kim let out a mocking laugh.
- I'm not surprised at all by that attitude from someone so arrogant," he said, not caring about the glare the other one gave him. - We can pretend we got it right. Just act normal next time we're together. As I asked you before, ignore me, I will do the same.
- As if I could ignore you," Jeon said automatically, realizing what he had said when the older man looked at him with arched eyebrows. - I mean...I... - blurted, giving a quick cough afterwards. - We can try. I don't put much faith in it, because the way Tae is, he will ask for some proof that we are telling the truth. And I'm definitely not going to hug you or anything.
- Well, I can't force you to do anything. But I'd like you to think that besides you, I'm also here, and I really want to leave, so it would be great if you'd leave selfishness and coolness aside and make this huge sacrifice for the greater good.
- Um, let me see. - Jungkook put his hand on his chin. - No. I'm happy to spend the rest of my life here, but I won't do it.
- You are unbelievable! - Seokjin stood up, walked to the center of the court, and began to make random shots at the basket. - And I don't even know why you hate me so much. I remember that in the beginning things weren't like this. But one fine day you were a jerk to me, and you've been acting like one ever since.
Jungkook remained silent and began watching every move the older man made while flashes of the conversation he had with his roommate last night flashed in his mind. He had questioned the same thing Jin had, although he had made it transparent that he knew a lot about how he felt, as if he had read his soul, and really just wanted to hear everything coming out of his mouth, to open up to him. But Kook didn't say anything, as he just did, because every time he started to really think about how deep his hatred for Kim went, he felt uncomfortable because he didn't really find this feeling inside his heart. In reality, he had never said with all her words that he hated him and neither did he, but given the way they treated each other, it turned out that this was a mutual conclusion they had about each other. Well, that was according to what Kim Taehyung had said to himself when he tried to change the subject.
He shook his head and abandoned his thoughts, walking over to where Jin was standing, just in time to hold the ball that had once again been thrown and was going to score a three-point basket.
- Hey, I was going to hit that one again! - he complained, giving an involuntary pout. - How annoying are you, huh? Can't you even leave me here on my own, playing?
- I'm sorry I'm not sorry about that. I wouldn't be me if I didn't pick on you.
- I can't disagree. But then, are you going to spin it or are we going to play? - he asked, the last part sounding ironic, pointing to the ball spinning on the smaller boy's index finger.
- Let's play. - he said, and realized that he had surprised Jin, because his eyes widened. - What? Would you rather stay here doing nothing while that psychologist with no degree decides to let us go?
- Of course not. I just think it's weird. You're... Are you being nice all of a sudden?
- Puff, of course not. - Kook looked at him disbelievingly, but there was a certain tone of amusement in his speech that he couldn't hide. - I just need to distract myself. And since we are both basketball players, I think it would be good. But let's do something different.
- I find it amusing the way you are saying this, since I did not agree to play with you, creature," Seokjin said, unable to avoid poking the other.
And then an unbelievable thing happened: Jeon Jungkook let out a little laugh. Without a hint of debauchery or sarcasm, it was just her there, incredibly good to hear. You could tell that it was the first time the older one had heard it, since the younger one never laughed like that when he was near you. This ended up making him smile sideways.
- You didn't agree, and I'm not going to force you. But I thought you would be interested in this different game I thought up.
- Oh, all right! Tell me about it.
- Very well then. -Jungkook began to walk to the center of the court hitting the orange ball on the floor. - For every three-point basket we each hit, we get to ask each other a question.
- Oh, this is going to be too easy. But what kind of questions?
- Just to kill time. Any one. We can start by asking simple things to get to know each other better.
- What? - Jin let his mouth drop. - Am I really talking to Jeon? I don't think so, he would never want to get to know me better.
- Stop it," he muttered, throwing the ball at him. - I'm trying to make our imprisonment less unbearable. You start. And don't worry, when we get out of here, everything will go back to normal, we'll pretend none of this ever happened, but for now, I'm not going to argue with you.
- Ah, I always knew that miracles existed!
And so they began to play. For the next twenty minutes they both asked each other typical questions, like food, series, book, and favorite color. Until more serious questions, like biggest disappointment and regret, came up, which made them both look at each other for the first time really, without the wall of indifference they had created between them, which made them discover that they had a lot in common.
- My turn. - Jeon chuckled, hitting the nail on the head and smiling smugly afterwards. - What is your relationship with Lee Jae-hwan? Are you really just friends or have you had something more?
- Wow, it took you long enough to ask me that silly question. - Jin rolled his eyes, sitting down on the floor. - Ken and I have been best friends since first grade. He is the one person I can trust with my eyes closed and I am his. Nothing serious has ever happened between us.
- Nothing serious? So that means there was something? - Kook asked, a little upset, sitting down next to him.
- My first kiss was with him. Although it wasn't of romantic interest because I never liked him that way, I didn't want it to be with anyone else. I was too insecure to try it with someone else. - He looked into one of the transparent windows of the place, noticing that it was already night. - And it couldn't have been better.
- Ahem, I guess. - Jungkook snorted.
- Now it's my turn. - Jin took the ball and without moving from his seat threw it, causing it to fall through the net. - What's your problem with Jae?
- I don't have a problem with Jae.
- There's no point in lying.
- I'm not.
- Of course you are. - Jin stared at him seriously, determined to get his answer. - You've never really liked him, which is weird, since you don't even know him.
- Do you have to know someone to dislike them?
- Not exactly. But we have to have a reason, don't you think? And as far as I know, he has never done anything to you.
- That's me now. - Kook made the same move as the other, but ended up making a mistake. - Oh, shit!
- Oh, no way! - Jin smiled broadly. - I get two questions now.
- Yes, you do. - The escort got up and sat back down on the bleachers. - You may ask.
- Do you really hate me? I mean, I know you don't like me, but hating is a much stronger thing. I'd like to know since you never said. - He remained sitting where he was, staring at the younger man seriously. - And if the answer is yes, why?
- No, I don't hate you," Jungkook said softly, feeling something good for finally admitting it. If the two of them hadn't been alone in there and the school was in total silence, the other wouldn't have heard.
- Then why have you been fighting with me all this time? - He stood up, walking over to where he was standing and standing in front of him.
- I don't know. He stood up, coming face to face with the older man as had happened so many times before, but this time in a completely different mood. Both of them had their guard down. - You are the most annoying human being I have ever met.
- Oh, thank you very much...
- And the most beautiful too. - This made Jin close his mouth. - Your beauty has always disconcerted me. Not only me, really, but anyone else in this school. And I, well... I liked you. But that was a long time ago.
Jin remained silent for a while.
- Okay, a lot of information, I need to process it," he said, ruffling his hair. - You liked me and that's why you decided to start picking on me, then? Is this serious or are you just joking?
- I wouldn't kid about that. And well, sort of. I hated how you didn't notice what was going on around you, the things that the one who shall remain nameless in your presence did, and I started to get angry with you. That was immature at the time, but I was quite young. Not that this is any excuse, but I couldn't handle you being in love with someone else. It hurt too much, Jin," he said, swallowing hard. - Then, the day we joined the team, I was in a bad mood for a change, and you accidentally hit the ball at me. I was out of control and did what I did. After that, I let the anger and jealousy consume me for good, because it was easier to feel that than the pain of not having you. And so I could also stay close to you, yet distant at the same time. I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you, that was really something stupid. And the worst of it was realizing it only today, since instead of fighting, I decided to talk. I'm sorry.
God, Jin thought he might die right there. Jungkook was standing in front of him, confessing a crush he had on him in the past and apologizing. Not in a thousand years could he have imagined that one day he would witness this. He could feel his heartbeat accelerating as he drew even closer to the younger man, getting so close that it was possible to touch noses. His emotions were taking control at that moment, he couldn't think, there was only the boy in front of his at that moment, so he simply didn't care if that approach was strange for two people who until recently had been arguing in the corridors.
- What are you doing? - Kook whispered, his legs trembling slightly. He didn't know what was going on, only that the organ that pumped blood inside him was doing a drum cosplay at the moment.
- I used to dream about this moment, you know? - Jin whispered back, moving his nose to hers. - But with every fight we had, I felt my hope of one day being with you diminish. Until there was nothing left. And I also began to believe that you hated me. Until today.
- Are you saying that...
- I liked you too, Jungkook. And I think I still do. And that's too bad, because at the time when it was reciprocated, I didn't think so. And now that I know it was, it isn't. - Jin laughed, his nervousness evident and pulling his face away from him. - I'm sorry too, you know, for that? I got carried away. And I'm sorry I made you suffer. If I had known, I would have talked to you and avoided being with him in front of you. Anyway. This is all still weird, until a while ago we were swearing at each other," he laughed lightly as he said, "but now we're here talking and being honest with each other. I hope this means we can be friends now.
Kook held his breath. He hadn't liked Jin for a long time, but apparently he had been fooling himself all this time. He still made his hands sweat and his world turn upside down.
- No, I don't accept to be your friend.
- Why not?
- I can't.
- You can't? Oh, I see. Don't you want me to stick around so you don't fool me into thinking we can have something? Don't worry about that, I...
- I can't be your friend because I want to be much more than that," he interrupted Kim's speech, pulling him close again, staring deeply into his eyes. - I'm finding this all pretty crazy too. Maybe the craziest moment of my life so far. But I'm right in what I'm saying. - His arms encircled his neck. - I really want to kiss you now. I still want you. And I have no idea how things are going to go from here, we definitely need to talk and take things slow, but And I don't think I've ever stopped feeling that feeling, it's always been there.
Seokjin smiled in that brilliant way, showing all his teeth.
- We both wasted time fighting when we could have been together... But that can change now. Just take it slow, like you said, and in time we'll be able to make up for all the harsh words and horrible attitudes we've had towards each other. - Jin leaned over, laying his head on the younger man's shoulder. - Now I understand your problem with Ken. You're a jealous boy, Jeon.
Kook chuckled dullly, leaving a light seal on Jin's cheek and then trailed it all the way down the rest of his cheek, until he reached his lips and started a kiss that didn't take long to deepen, causing goose bumps in both of them. The younger one grasped the other's never-ending hair, which made him squeeze his waist tighter. This was their first kiss, but anyone who saw them from afar could swear they were a passionate couple who had been together for years. There was so much intimacy and feeling mixed into that action that it was almost palpable. They separated, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths panting, and their eyes closed.
- When we get out of here... Let's not pretend none of this ever happened, shall we? - Jin asked, worried by what the younger man had said earlier.
- Of course not, hyung. We'll try. I promise to make amends for everything I've done. I know it wasn't easy having me on your back all this time.
The wingman laughed through his nose.
- It's OK. I wouldn't let anything you did go unpunished either.
- Oh yeah, you were a big rock in my tennis shoe.
- Hey!
The two of them laughed and hugged each other tightly afterwards, feeling all the bad things they had said and done to each other becoming insignificant before the feeling that had been dormant for so long. They had no way of knowing if the relationship they would build from then on would work out, but they knew that if they put in double all the dedication and strength they had from practice and basketball games, they could make it work.
- Yeah, you did it. I'm proud of you," Namjoon commented, kissing his boyfriend on the forehead, who was staring at his two victims through the window.
- I'm glad that they finally realized the obvious. Now they will need our help to stay united. You know, years of arguing don't end just like that, even if people really want it to," Tae said, laying his head on Kim's shoulder, closing his eyes for a moment. - I hope things really work out. You can tell they love each other, but... It won't be easy.
- Don't worry too much about it, Taehyung. The hardest part, which is for them to talk without fighting, has already happened. - Nam started stroking each other's hair. - And even if the fights continue, they now have a reason to always apologize and get along. Things will change for the better, you'll see.
- Okay, you're right. You always are, aren't you? Thanks for calming me down, Joonie," he thanked him, running his fingers down his cheeks, sinking them into his adorable dimples.
- Yeah, I always do," the older Kim said, making a smug expression that made the younger one laugh. - And you're welcome, you know I'm here for you. But then, are we going to let them go now?
- Oh yes, we are, but we can't tell you anything. I'll text Kook later.
New voice message:
The door is open, but I know you'll be in there for a while longer. Just be careful and come back before dawn. And ah, Jungkook, no need to thank me, far be it from me to do such an embarrassing thing. I only did what I did to prove my intelligence and acute perception, of course, it has nothing to do with the fact that I want to see you happy together. Anyway, enjoy lovebirds. Don't make a sound when you arrive, child. Love you.