Bookworm | Taekook

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/53268559.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationships: Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V, Min Yoongi | Suga/Park Jimin, Kim
Namjoon | RM/Kim Seokjin | Jin
Characters: Jeon Jungkook, Kim Taehyung | V, Park Jimin (BTS), Min Yoongi |
Suga, Kim Namjoon | RM, Kim Seokjin | Jin, Jung Hoseok | J-Hope, Lee
Jihoon | Woozi
Additional Tags: Top Jeon Jungkook/Bottom Kim Taehyung | V, Jeon Jungkook is
Whipped, Past Sexual Abuse, Mild Sexual Content, Alternate Universe -
High School, Angst with a Happy Ending
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2024-01-24 Updated: 2024-07-07 Words: 13,196 Chapters:
12/?
 Bookworm | Taekook
by shanwow

Summary

As I walk through the halls, everyone stares. They whisper. They always have. I don't mind
it, I guess. Well, it's more like I don't care. I hear what they say. Something about me being a
whore. Well, they can say what they want. They're really just jealous of me.

They're jealous of my face. Of my body. And of the well-known name: Jeon Jungkook.

Let them be jealous. I'm amazing.

The word "whore" doesn't offend me. Sure, I've been with a lot of people. I've had sex with
so many people I've lost count. Hell, I think I've been with more guys than girls. So, if I'm
being honest, that word does apply to me. But I don't care. I love the feeling of being loved
by someone, and I love learning about all different kinds of people. And if having a title like
"most fuckable" gives me more chances to be loved, then I'm fine with it. More like, I accept
it with open arms. Even if it means I lose a few friends because they're "weirded out".

I'll say yes to anyone who comes to me. I've never had to ask somebody, they all come to me.
I never thought I'd have to ask anybody, or want to for that matter. But as I'll tell you, I was
completely wrong. I realized that when Kim Taehyung stumbled into my life.
 Did You Find a Good Book?

"Seriously, where did they go?" Taehyung mumbled to himself as he walked aimlessly
through the mall.

He'd been out with his friends, Hoseok, Namjoon, and Soekjin at a cafe in the mall. He went
to throw something away, and the next thing he knew, the table was empty. They were all
gone. They were talking about something that Taehyung couldn't follow. Something about
tapping... and asses? He really couldn't understand any of it, so he just nodded and sipped his
drink.

But now he was alone, walking through the mall in an attempt to find his friends. The attempt
was failing. He had left the neat little food court a while ago and was walking around the
second floor. He passed some generic clothes shops with overpriced jackets and scarves. He
wasn't looking anywhere in particular when he bumped into someone.

"Ah! Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." He apologized.

"N-no, it's fine!" The timid little girl replied before she started walking off again.

Taehyung turned and was about to start searching again when the store beside him caught his
eye. A little bookstore. He was curious, so he walked into the shop and was greeted with a
"Welcome!" from somewhere off to the side. He bowed slightly in the direction of the voice
without really looking, and started walking through the shelves.

He ran his fingers across the neatly lined up books. He breathed in the smell of the crisp
pages and smiled. He really loved that smell, it reminded him of his father. He looked at the
outside of the shelf to see how the books were organized. A little sign that read "Science
Fiction" sat on the side of the shelf.

Taehyung walked along the outside of the shelves, reading the different signs until he got to
"Historical Fiction". He really loved feeling like he was part of another world. He especially
enjoyed books that took place during wars. The dangerous and pressing atmosphere they
gave off really intrigued him.

He looked through the books and rested his hand on a narrative that took place during World
War II. He picked it up and skimmed through it. He really liked the looks of it; the writing
style and plot grabbed his attention. He decided to buy the book, and gently closed it.

He hugged the book to his chest as he took it to the check out counter he bowed to earlier. He
received a warm smile from a familiar-looking person.

"Did you find a good book?" The person standing in front of him seemed very genuine.

"Oh, yes, I believe I did." Taehyung wasn't sure how else to respond at that moment. He was
too busy trying to figure out how he knew this person.
"Historical fiction... They pull you in and make you feel like you're looking through the main
character's eyes, right?" The cashier chuckled a bit as he scanned the book.

"Yes, exactly!" Taehyung practically shouted. "Ah, sorry..." He was embarrassed by his
sudden outburst and decided not to make eye contact with the boy in an attempt to hide his
blushing face. Taehyung's eyes were fixed on the blue apron the cashier was wearing. He read
the name tag that was fastened on the right side of the cashier's chest.

"It's fine, getting excited about books is great! Your total comes to... Twelve dollars and fifty-
seven cents." The boy smiled and waited for Taehyung to pay for his purchase.

"Jungkook... Wait, Jeon Jungkook?" Taehyung looked back at the boy's face.

"Yes, that's me... Oh, aren't you in my math class?" Taehyung sighed with relief, glad he
finally figured out why he knew Jungkook.

"Yes, I am. Twelve fifty-seven, right?" Taehyung handed Jungkook a little pile of bills and
change.

"Exact change... Thank you." Jungkook smiled brightly at Taehyung, which made Taehyung's
cheeks warm a bit.

"No problem... Thank you for the book." Taehyung bowed again before heading to the door.

"Thank you for shopping here, please come again soon!" There was a little bit of sadness in
Jungkook's voice as he spoke, but Taehyung didn't understand why. Still, he left the shop and
continued his search for his friends.

"Ah, Taehyung!" He heard Hoseok's voice and jogged up to his three friends, all holding
bags.

"You guys left me!" The group laughed as they caught up and started walking together.
 He's Hot

JK POV

I watched the brunette leave with a precious book. I seriously hate watching them go. I treat
books like they're my children, and this store seems like an adoption center to me. I love all
of the books that I shelve, and I hate when I have to part with them, but I'm glad they found
an owner who will enjoy them, I guess...

I heard a muffled shout through the glass of the store. I guess the brunette had some friends.
What was his name... Tae-something? Whatever his name was, he walked off, laughing with
his group of friends.

"I never noticed how hot he was in math..." I thought aloud. "I think I just found a new
friend..." I smirked at the thought.

"Jungkook, your shift's over! Finish whatever you have to and go home! We can't afford to
pay anymore overtime!" My boss shouted to me, half joking, but half serious. I spend a lot of
time here. I can't help but pay extra attention to the books, resulting in the aforementioned
overtime.

"Okayyy!" I shouted back. I didn't look at anything when I took off my apron and hung it up.
I didn't want anything to tempt me before I left. I clocked off right on time and grabbed my
jacket before leaving my second home.

I didn't get far before I felt my phone buzz in my pocket.

1 new message from: Chimchim

I sighed as I slid my finger across the screen. Jimin's texts are always useless.

Chimchim: Did you get off yet?

I typed a quick answer and looked around to see how far I'd gotten.

Me: Yeah. A second ago. Why?

I got a rather quick reply. Strange, coming from Jimin.

Chimchim: You wanna hang out? ;)

Me: No.

Chimchim: Come on, why not?

Me: He's gonna be there, right?

Chimchim: ... To whom might you be referring..?

Me: The bum you cling to.

Chimchim: He is not a bum! And... maybe

Me: Then no. You guys are gross.

Chimchim: I'm really hurt.

Me: Too bad. I'm not coming.

Chimchim: Too late, I already found you!

My eyes widened as I heard a shout and looked up from my phone. Sure enough, the overly
perky Jimin waved to me next to a sleepy mint-haired thing.

"Oh shoot..." I looked around to find a way out. I spotted somebody with pink hair, next to a
couple of brunettes and somebody with dark hair. I smiled as I ran up to them.

"Hey! You're the one from earlier, in my math class!" I spoke directly to Tae-something.

"Yeah, Taehyung." So I was right.

"Who's this, Tae?" The pink-haired one lightly punched Taehyung's shoulder and wriggled
his eyebrows.

"Um, this is Jungkook. I have math with him at school... I saw him earlier when I was buying
this book." He explained with a smile. So cute.

"Jungkook? You mean, that Jungkook?" I internally laughed when the three around Taehyung
recognized my name. Of course I'm well-known, especially if these guys also go to my
school. But then, why didn't Taehyung react that way?

"What do you mean?" Taehyung said obliviously.

Taehyung's friends all laughed at the brunette's innocence.

"Nothing, Tae." The pink-haired one walked closer to me and whispered so nobody else
could hear. "He's a naive one. He doesn't know you. Don't worry, we won't say anything." He
winked at me before he turned back to everyone.

"Hey, I'm Hoseok." The one with dark hair introduced himself. Not very nicely, but it didn't
surprise me, considering my reputation.

"Seokjin." The brunette I didn't know. He had a kind smile. And really plump lips.

"And I'm Namjoon. Nice to meet you, Jungkook. I've only ever heard rumors, but now I
understand them. You really are good-looking." He smiled and shook my hand.

I laughed before saying "I get that sometimes," and mixing into the group pretty easily.

I looked down at my phone when I felt a notification. I chuckled a bit when I read it.
Chimchim: I hate you. But good luck, the brunette is the one, right? He's hot ;)

"I know." I thought before tucking away my phone and joining a conversation about some
popular girl at our school.
 Perfect

JK POV

"Jungkook..." Taehyung leaned in to kiss me, his eyes fluttering closed.

"Taehyung..." I leaned in as well. It was a light kiss. But it felt nice... warm.

My eyes snapped open then, and I woke to somebody shaking me.

"Jungkook, who is Taehyung?" My eyes focused on a boy with messy hair. He was shirtless,
and I could see all of the love marks I had left on his skin from the previous night.

"Nobody you need to worry about, Woo." I smirked and pulled him down on top of me. I
hugged him to my naked body. He didn't protest, instead he giggled and snuggled into my
embrace, his pink hair tickling my chin.

I looked over at the clock. I was going to be late. Again. Who cares? I thought as I showered
the little pixie in my arms with kisses. Until I remembered he was there.

"Ah, sorry Woo, I have to go to school now." I released my hold on him and he whimpered as
he sat up.

"Why does it matter? It never mattered before..." He pouted while sitting on top of me. I
ruffled his hair a bit and smiled.

"I just have something to do. You can stay here and wait for me if you want?" At that, he
brightened up and climbed off of me. "Thanks, Woo. I'll see you later." I got up and got
dressed for school.

"Have a nice day~" I was sent off with a kiss. I smiled and waved as I walked out the door
and set off for school.

I walked to school and stopped a couple of times. No particular reason why. Just to observe
some birds or the neighborhood cat. When I got to school, and sat in my classroom, I was
greeted by incredulous stares and flirtatious giggles. Typical reactions.

"Morning, Jungkook." I turned to see a shy boy, and my heart fluttered.

"Morning Taehyung." I smiled and heard some gasps from the girls and a few of the
presumably gay boys. I saw a few camera flashes from the corner of my eye. They really
loved to make a big deal out of the school's whore.

"How did you sleep?" A surprising question.

"I slept well, I suppose." I answered honestly.

"That's good. Did you eat well this morning?" Another surprising question.

"Not really a breakfast fan." Again. I gave him an honest answer.

"That's not good. Eating well is very important." Taehyung gave me a stern look before
returning to his goofy, boxy smile.

"Get ready for class." The teacher walked in and ruined everyone's fun. And my day. I
wanted to talk more with Taehyung, but he gave me no more time to talk to him. So my day
dragged on. Lots of boring speeches. A bunch of students talking. A gross Yoonmin couple.
And a cringe because I used their "ship" name.

"Heyyy, Jungkook." Jimin came up behind me.

"Byeeee, Chim." I tried to speed up, but he caught my shirt.

"You're not getting out of this today. Hang out with us, please." Jimin was practically begging
me. I still didn't care.

"Oh, hey Tae!" I escaped Jimin's grasped and ran to my safe haven, the lovely Taehyung.

"Hi Jungkook. Is this..." Taehyung was staring at something at my feet. I looked down to see
a crouching Jimin holding onto the hem of my shirt.

"I am Jimin. This guy's best friend."

"H-hello... Jimin..." Taehyung was kind of intimidated by the guy attached to me, so close to
the ground; a very strange guy.

"Jimin, get the hell up. Don't scare Taehyung." I pulled him off the ground with one arm and
made him let go of my shirt. He smiled gingerly at Taehyung after he fixed himself up.

"Well, um, Jungkook, I was wondering... Would you like to go... somewhere with me...?"
Taehyung was stuttering and blushing. It was so cute I thought I might squeal. I didn't. Good
thing.

"Oh, yeah, I'd love to! Today?" I replied with a happy voice. Happier than I had in mind. Too
happy.

"A-ah! Yeah, if that's okay..." He seemed a little startled, but nonetheless happy.

"But Kook, you were supposed to-"

"Oh no, I already have plans with Tae, sorry." I cut Jimin off quickly, grabbed Taehyung's
hand, and ran off in the direction of the mall.

"Is it okay to leave him like that?" Taehyung asked through surprisingly regular breaths.

"Of course. He's used to it." I chuckled and slowed to a walk. "So, is the mall good?" I turned
to look at Taehyung.
"Perfect." Taehyung smiled. His natural confidence in that moment made me blush. What
happened to the shy blushing from before?

"Look at this one!" I was staring through the glass of a bookstore at a book of poetry with a
leather cover.

"It's like a diary... It's really pretty!" Taehyung's boxy smile appeared on his face and his eyes
closed slightly. A real smile. Beautiful.

"Y-yeah." I accidentally stuttered. Get it together, Jungkook! "Hey, I'm gonna go to the
bathroom. Wait in the food court?" I looked in his eyes.

"Sure." He smiled and waved as I walked off.

I went to the bathroom and sat in a stall with it locked. I opened my phone and looked
through my contacts. Why was he the only one I could call. Well, let's give it a shot...

"... Yes?"

"Chim! Don't hang up, pleeeaaassseeee," I pleaded quickly, then prolonged the please, trying
to be cute.

"What do you want, you traitor?" The annoyance in his voice was almost tangible.

"... Advice."
 Beautiful

JK POV

"Advice?" Jimin was interested rather than annoyed now.

"Yeah... It's important, but I really need to make this quick."

"Quick? What, are you on a date?" He was joking around, but my face turned red and I
stayed silent. "Oh, so you are. What kind of advice are you looking for?"

"How do I... Get him to like me?" I didn't even think that was what I wanted to ask. But that's
what came out of my mouth.

"Is he the one you keep hiding behind?" Jimin seemed a little upset about that part, but he
was still going to help me.

"...Yes." I waited for the sarcastic laughter on the other side of the phone.

But it didn't come.

"He's a good one. Does he know about you?" He was referring to the awful rumors going
around school.

"I have no idea."

"If he doesn't, then he may already like you. If he does... It doesn't necessarily mean he can't
like you. You just need to prove those rumors wrong."

"Chim... Thanks." I hung up as soon as I heard the slightest squeak escape his mouth.

I left the stall and splashed a little cold water on my face.

I dried my hands and face with a paper towel and left the restroom quickly.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw him though. Taehyung was leaning against the wall
outside of the restrooms reading a book. His face looked so calm and focused... beautiful.

So very beautiful.

"T-Taehyung." Damn it, I stuttered. "Ahem... Sorry I took a little. I got a phone call." I smiled
and scratched the back of my neck.

"You're fine! I was just reading this. It's the book I bought yesterday." He smiled as he held
up the World War II narrative. That boxy smile held my gaze for a few seconds too long.
"Jungkook?"
"Ah, sorry. I'm really glad you're enjoying it!" I inspected the book. Well-kept. No dreaded
dog-ears. Crisp. Practically new. My eyes sparkled at my healthy "child".

"I am!" He didn't notice my miniature inspection. "Ah, sorry for shouting. I just really love
books." I chuckled.

"I do too. I don't mind." I smiled, hopefully warmly. I think it worked, because he blushed
and grinned.

"Y-you know... I'm r-really glad you agreed to, um, come with me." His face turned an even
deeper shade of red. Adorable.

"Well, of-" I was interrupted by my phone ringing. "Hang on a second?" I smiled and waited
for him to nod until I picked up.

"Hello?" I didn't bother to check the caller ID. I was too busy watching Taehyung focus on
his book, once again.

"Kookie~" I heard a cute voice erupt from the other end of the call.

"Ah. Sorry, Woo. I had something to do. Wait a bit longer?" I watched as Taehyung's eyes
widened. The suspense in his eyes led me to believe he was in the middle of a battle. In his
book, I mean.

"Aww, but I want to playyyy~ Won't you come back early?" The pixie pleaded through the
phone.

"... Wait just a bit longer. Bye." I hung up before he could answer. I'll regret that later... but I
couldn't think about him.

Taehyung was so enchanted by his book that he hadn't noticed that I hung up. His eyes
glittered. Victory? I chuckled.

Taehyung must have noticed my laugh because he jumped and blushed. He rushed to tuck his
book away carefully, and met my eyes.

He glanced down at his watch and his eyes widened. This time in shock, rather than
suspense.

"I have to go! It's already five... I'm so sorry, Jungkook. I wanted to spend more time with
you." My face dropped a bit.

"It's fine. Go do what you need to. We can hang out again some other day." I smiled to try to
cover up my disappointment. "Ah! Here's my phone number. Text me, okay?" I handed him a
slip of paper that seemed to come from nowhere. In reality, I had written it in class, but never
had the timing to give it to him.

"Yeah." He smiled. His eyes scrunched at the corners. So beautiful.

I watched him shuffle out of the mall. He would turn back to me every so often, just to see
me I suppose. He blushed when he noticed me looking, every time.

Ah, great. Now time to go see Woo. He's going to throw a tantrum.
 Definitely.

Taehyung POV

"I left." A week after we went to the mall together. "And he gave me his number, but... I lost
the paper." I looked down in shame as my trio of friends laughed at my air-headed mistake.

"Well, why don't you just ask him for it again?" Jin, the only one not laughing spoke up.

"... Embarrassing." My face turned a rosy pink and I tried to hide behind my bangs.

"Well, you won't get anywhere like that." Jin seemed to see something, but before I could
turn around to see what, he said "Like I said, just ask Jungkook for his number since you lost
it."

"I-" I was quickly cut off.

"Well, if you lost it, I would have given it to you again. Why didn't you just ask? I was
worried you ditched me." Jungkook was standing behind me and leaned over to show me his
smiling face. "Give me your phone."

I blushed and handed him my phone. I shrunk into myself as he typed in a number and called
it. He pulled out his own phone to decline the call.

"There, now we have each other's numbers. We can save them." He smiled politely and I
accepted the phone he held out to me.

"Thank you..." I blushed, but still smiled at him.

"Class!" The teacher walked in, signaling us all to sit in our seats. I made my way to my
desk, and Namjoon left the room along with my other friends to make their way to their own
classes.

Math right at the beginning of the day. What a boring class.

I looked to my right to see Jungkook.

Well, I guess it's not all bad.

I pulled out my phone to pass time during the class that I obviously wouldn't be paying
attention to today.

I swiped and opened the phone. Weird, I have a password. What happened?

I opened my messages so I could text Hoseok. He would gladly disregard class with me.

I scrolled through the inbox. Full of names I didn't recognize. I stopped on one in particular.
"Woo". I heard that name from Jungkook, didn't I?
I decided to text Jungkook- well, myself. I typed in my number and found the name "Tae ❤"
matched up with my number. A heart? What is that supposed to mean? And when did he get
my number, I thought he just got it...

I disregarded it and texted my phone.

Hey Jungkook, I think we accidentally switched phones...

JK POV

1 new message

I felt my phone vibrate from my pocket. I put my phone on silent, didn't I? I pulled the device
out and saw a message from an unsaved number. Wait... Is that my number?

I tried to open the phone, but there was a password lock on it. I don't have a password. Whose
phone is this?

I looked back at the text. Who sent it? I held down on the message to reply.

Who is this?

Another vibration.

Ah! Sorry, it's Taehyung.

I glanced to my left and was met with a boxy smile and a little wave. He held up my phone.

Man, I'm sorry. It must have happened when we exchanged numbers.

Bzzt. He is a quick texter.

How did you save my number?

Shit. I did that a couple days ago.

Haha, don't worry about it.

Bzzt.

Tell me.

God, this is going to be embarrassing.

Well... I may have asked one of your friends a few days ago...

Bzzt.

Why?
Damn it.

I... Thought you weren't going to text.

I put the phone away and looked straight ahead. Math sucks. But it's better than being too
clingy and losing such a beautiful person.

I never noticed the blushing, smiling Taehyung staring at me.

Taehyung POV

I... Thought you weren't going to text.

My face turned bright red and my head snapped up. He was waiting?

Jungkook was staring at the board, paying attention unlike me. Maybe he'll pass the next test.
Maybe I can ask him to study with me... The thought crossed my mind, even though the
events that would take place would be far from studying. In my head, at least.

I decided to send another text to stop my daydreams.

Would you like to hang out after school?

I saw Jungkook's body flinch as he received the text. He didn't take out the phone.

I got a little nervous that he wasn't going to check it at all. However, he pulled out the phone
once the teacher stopped speaking.

I looked down so he wouldn't notice me staring at him.

The screen of his phone lit up.

Definitely.

If it weren't for me being in class, I may not have been able to stop the squeal that was
building up in my throat. I looked up at Jungkook. He was showing his bunny teeth. I decided
to smile back.

I can't wait until school ends.

 Strawberry Milk

JK POV

School ended pretty quickly, considering I didn't pay attention to a single class. I had hid a
book in my desk and read during every class.

I was waiting at the school gates when I felt a pair of arms reach around me.

"Surprise!" Taehyung had his box smile painted across his face as he had succeeded in
capturing me in a hug.

"Well, hello there." I tried to suppress the grin trying to creep onto my face. Absolutely
adorable.

"Hi! Are you ready?" Taehyung was as eager as a child.

"Of course. Where are we going?" The sheepish boy in front of me blushed.

"I was thinking my house... if that's okay?" Taehyung was fidgeting with his hands.

"Well, what are you waiting for, then? Let's go!" I smiled at him.

He perked up immediately and grabbed my hand. "It's this way!" He excitedly pulled me
along until we were a few feet away from a house labeled "Kim".

"Um... I'm sorry that my room is a little messy..." Taehyung shyly apologized as he opened
the door to his home.

The door opened to a large entryway decorated with picture frames and hooks occupied by
jackets and coats. I stepped into the house and started looking through the pictures. There
was one that caught my attention immediately. There was a slightly younger Taehyung
dressed in all black. His face was blank and he hugged a picture to his chest.

"Let's go upstairs." Taehyung was looking at me, a hint of pain in his eyes. I obliged and
followed him up the staircase.

"Is this your room?" I looked around at the rather large bedroom.

"Yep!" The glowing, perky Taehyung had returned.

In the center of the far wall of the room stood a queen sized bed with blue and white bedding.
The walls were painted a dark navy blue. As a contrast, the curtains covering his window
were a bright yellow.

I walked to the bed to join Taehyung who was already comfortable, laying down.
When I sat down, I noticed the wall in front of me. The one wall of the room was painted
white and was covered in sticky notes.

"What is that?" I turned to face Taehyung.

"Hm? Oh, books." I looked at him in confusion until I read one of the little pieces of paper.
"Our Only Shield". The narrative he bought from my store.

"Are these... all the books you've read?" I stared in awe at the wall full of titles and
overlapping sticky notes.

"Yep. I told you before... I really like books." He giggled nervously and blushed.

"This is... amazing." I had nothing else to say. I was so taken back by seeing how devoted he
really was to books.

What an amazing person. I l-

"Are you thirsty? I could get tea or something." Taehyung slowly got up from the bed.

"Do you have anything sweet? I have a bit of a sweet tooth..." I blushed as I revealed my
childish tastes. I was met with the usual box grin.

"Me too. I'll be right back."

How am I still alive after witnessing this person firsthand?

I sat on the edge of Taehyung's bed as I heard the soft scurry of his footsteps against the
wooden planks of his staircase.

"I'm back!" A square smile greeted me above two glasses full of a pink drink. "I brought
strawberry milk! It's my favorite!" A light blush spread across Taehyung's face.

"I love strawberry milk." I accepted a glass with a smile on my face and carefully began
sipping the sweet beverage.

"S-so..." Taehyung stuttered. "Um..."

"Hm? What is it Tae?" All I could do was hope that my voice didn't sound as anxious as I
was.

"A-ah, um, I was going to ask you something today..."

Ask me something? Good Lord my heart is going to explode if he doesn't explain soon. A
few daydreams danced through my mind and the word "boyfriend" popped up a couple times.

My eyes widened and I shook my head to clear those thoughts. I just met him, of course we're
not going to just start dating. Wait. I am Jeon Jungkook. I do not date. What is this boy doing
to me?
Taehyung's voice snapped me out of all of my thoughts.

"WOULD YOU LIKE TO STUDY TOGETHER?" He basically screamed. He was panting

and looking down.

"Um... Tae, of course I would love to... but are you okay?"

"H-huh? A-ah, I'm good. Just a little stressed, I guess. You know how school is." He gave me
a weak, apologetic smile. Even then, I found him the cutest person in the world.

Tae POV

God I am such a spaz. I just screamed in his face. But... He still said yes.

"W-well, we could start studying together whenever you're free." The little droplets of sweat
that ran down my face seemingly went unnoticed by Jungkook. Thank god.

"How about tomorrow?" Jungkook's bunny teeth emerged from his lips to form an innocent
smile.

"Well, that would be perfect! As long as you're free. I don't want to bother you." My body felt
light once again, and the room seemed much cooler than before.

"I am definitely free."

We sat around drinking our milk and talking about useless things for a bit. Until Jungkook
brought up a... soft subject.

"Tell me about your family."

"Ah... w-well, I live here alone right now. My mother left for America a little while ago, so I
have the place to myself. As for my father... well, I've never met him." I saw a look of regret
spread across Jungkook's face. "Ah! But don't worry. Seems like he wasn't the best person. I
never knew him, so I couldn't really love him either. It's better that I don't know him, and I'm
not upset or anything." I let a soft smile creep onto my face to show Jungkook that I was
being sincere, and not just lying for his sake.

"Okay, well, any other family?" Jungkook seemed calmer. I, however, became less calm.

"No." I said a little too quickly and harshly. Jungkook flinched at the word. "A-ah, I'm sorry.
Can we talk about something else?" I scratched the nape of my neck while Jungkook slowly
nodded and changed the topic to food.
 Stupid Wizard

JK POV

"A-ah... Jungkook! I-I'm... Mmh!" Taehyung's cute, tanned back was all I could see, but his
voice echoed throughout the room.

"I got you baby. I'm here. Just a little more." I whispered into his ear. Chills rose on his neck
as I trailed light kisses from his nape to his shoulder blades.

"Kookie!!" I jolted awake at the sound of Woozi yelling my name.

"Jesus, what!" He flinched at my sudden anger.

"I-I'm sorry... there was s-someone at the door." He looked down at his feet and sniffled, as if
on the verge of tears.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I was just startled. Come here, Woo." I pulled him onto the bed, into my lap.
I pet his hair and waited for him to speak.

"Your neighbor came over. He wanted to see you." I raised an eyebrow. After all, my
neighbors steer clear of me.

I rose from my bed and slipped a shirt over my head, walking to the front room.

"Jungkook! I knew it. All the neighbors spoke about you. I just moved in. Remember me?" A
pink haired male stood in front of my door.

"Namjoon." I hummed when he celebrated me remembering his name. He's close to

Taehyung. Of course I'd remember his name.

"Having a little fun before this?" Namjoon smirked and gestured to the tent in my sweatpants.

"I guess you could say that." Visions of the dream flashed through my head.

"So, who was the little fairy boy who answered the door?" His voice got a little darker.

"Woo? You've heard about me. I'm sure you know what he is to me." I winked as I walked
over to the kitchen for some food.

"Surely, he's not as important as Tae?" I heard a growl escape his mouth.

"Excuse me?"

"I won't tell Taehyung about you. But at the same time, I won't let you go for him and make
him fall blindly for you if you're going to keep others around. He's been hurt enough." He
looked down, obviously not willing to elaborate on Taehyung's past.
"Are you telling me to drop Woo?"

"If you want Tae, then yes." Namjoon crossed his arms and glared at me.

Tae...

"... I'll think about it."

Namjoon hummed before leaving my apartment. He's going to be a pain in the ass.

After the visit from my "friendly new neighbor" Namjoon, I kicked Woozi out. He whined of
course, but I wasn't going to keep him around. I had a lot of thinking to do.

I decided not to go to school. Instead, I laid in bed with a pen and a legal pad. After all, it's
easier to think when you write things down.

I stared down at the words on the notepad. Taehyung's name was circled at the top, and
random scribbling littered the rest of the page. I tried to make sense of the paper, but my
shaky handwriting was unreadable, even to myself. I ruffled my hair in frustration and rolled
over.

"Argh. Why can't this be easier? He's just another guy, what happened to the Jeon
Jungkook?" I closed my eyes to try to calm down. "It's fine. Tae is..." worth it. I finished the
sentence in my head.

After the school day had ended, I was waiting at the school gate for Taehyung. I promised to
study with him, and no way was I going to pass that up.

I waited, imagining his surprise that I showed up. He'd have wide eyes, but hopefully his box
smile would spread across his face. A slight pink would tint his cheeks, and that adorable
laugh would come bubbling from his lips. Or so I thought.

Taehyung came walking out of the school with that pink-haired goofball by his side. They
were discussing going to Namjoon's place to "hang". He had that adorable smile on and was
excited to see Namjoon's new place.

"What happened to studying? Damn it..." I whispered to myself. I put up the hood of my
jacket and started running home. I wasn't necessarily sad or angry, just... frustrated. And of
course, being the Jeon Jungkook, I had to do something about it.

So, when I got home, I took off the gray sweatpants I was wearing, and replaced them with
ripped skinny jeans; blue denim, of course. I slipped on a white button up and my Timberland
boots: my signature look at the time. I went to the mirror and tussled my hair a bit, just for
the natural look.

And then I waited.

Until I heard footsteps nearing and the song of his laughter filled my ears.

At that moment, I stood from my spot on the couch and grabbed my keys. One last look in
the mirror, and I knew I was ready.

Full of confidence, I opened my door to a surprised Taehyung, and a smug Namjoon. Before
Taehyung could get out a word, I grabbed his arm and ran for the stairs. Behind us, I heard a
faint "what the fuck?" and I couldn't help but laugh.

After all, I felt like me again.

Tae POV

I was running behind Jungkook. Our hands were connected, and I could hear his laugh
echoing through the apartment complex. Although I wanted to stay like that and drown in the
sound of his laughter, I was utterly confused. So confused, that my legs stopped moving.

Before I knew it, I was face down on the concrete with a pounding headache. After a few
moments, I could identify exactly where I was bleeding due to the immense throbbing. I was
afraid to get up, but Jungkook was trying to pull me to my feet so I complied.

"Tae! Are you okay? Oh my, I'm so sorry..." he kept mumbling and avoiding eye contact,
examining the wounds I had obtained from the fall. He looked so sad and guilty.

"Hey. Hey. Hey!" Jungkook stopped patting me down to look me in the eye at my suddenly
loud voice.

"Sorry..." he looked down once again.

"Stop that, look at me. I'm okay!" I showed my teeth and stretched my limbs out. I was
undeniably sore, but nothing I couldn't manage. "I just need a few bandages and I'll be good."

"O-okay, let's go get some..." Jungkook seemed unsure, but led me back upstairs to the
apartment he came out of.

"Is this... your place?" He smiled and pulled out a keychain.

"It is, but it's nothing much." He proceeded to unlock the door and stand aside to let me in.

With my first step, my nose was invaded with the smell of vanilla. Not that I minded, though.
Glancing around, it was fairly empty. No pictures or paintings save one Big Bang poster that I
could see through a doorway that I assumed led to Jungkook's bedroom.

"Here, sit down and I'll bring the first aid kit." Jungkook patted a stool in his kitchen before
he disappeared into some other room.

As soon as my butt hit the cold metal of the stool, Jungkook was back at my side with a white
case in his hands.
"I, um... I'm really sorry about this..." Jungkook was looking down again, and though he
looked attractive at all angles, he needed to stop looking down and start looking at me.

"It's fine, silly. I'm just clumsy. Let's get me bandaged up!" I flashed him a smile before
holding out my scraped hands.

"This will probably sting a little..." Jungkook seemed unsure so I assured him.

"I'm a big boy! I can handle a little disinfectant!" I giggled and awaited the cold, yet burning
sensation that was soon to come.

But I wasn't quite as prepared as I thought I was. As soon as the wet cotton came into contact
with my bloodied hands, I screeched in pain and Jungkook ended up on the ground.

Because I kicked him.

"What kind of disinfectant is this?! Oh my god it hurts!" I rushed to the sink to wash it off
and hopefully soothe the burning.

"Tae... I thought you could handle it?" Jungkook struggled, and failed, to keep in a laugh.

"Hey! It's not my fault! You have some weird, extra strength stuff or something!" I crossed
my arms in defense.

"Tae, it's just a normal disinfectant." Jungkook patted his clothes down after standing up,
obviously a little sore from falling so hard.

"You're lying." I wouldn't give up. My pride was at stake.

"Here, you can read the bottle." Sure enough, it was the same thing I kept at my house.

"W-well! It must be cursed then! I don't react like that normally!" I felt a blush creep onto my
face.

"Magic? Hm, I guess you must be right." Jungkook chuckled and walked up to me. "How
about we just wash them with soap, then? Don't want some evil wizard to keep you from
staying healthy."

"...yeah..." my face was bright red from the teasing, but I just couldn't fight back anymore. I
was too embarrassed. "Stupid wizard."
 Overwatch

Tae POV

It had been a week since my ever-so-graceful fall, and my scrapes had reduced to pink and
white patches. My bruises had already turned green. Most importantly, Jungkook was more
attentive to me than ever. That day, it seemed like a switch had been flipped. Maybe he felt
guilty for making me fall and took it on himself to care for me while I healed up. Whatever
the case, I can't say that I didn't like it. It felt absolutely wonderful being with him.

"Tae! Do you want to hang out after school?" Jungkook asked. This would be the fourth day
in a row.

"Of course." I didn't mind it being the fourth day in a row.

I smiled as he proceeded to tell me about this book he started reading. I didn't pay much
attention to the words themselves; or rather, I couldn't. All I could focus on was his bright
smile and the glimmer in his eyes.

Lost in my own-cough beautiful cough-world, I almost didn't notice his lips stop moving.
Almost. I mentally panicked, hoping to find a way to pretend I knew exactly what "we" had
been talking about for the past few minutes.

"You must really like it." I smiled, hoping to save myself.

"I really do." He smiled warmly and I almost sighed in relief. "But I asked you if you've read
it." He chuckled and watched my face heat up and my expression become flustered.

"U-um, no, can't say that I have..." I laughed awkwardly and kept my head down.

"You don't have to walk with me, you know." He looked at me with doubt in his eyes.

"No!" I shouted, probably too loud for a public setting. I mumbled a quick sorry before I
continued. "I want to walk with you." A little smile crept onto his face and it made my
stomach do a flip.

"Taetae~ it's time to go!" Jungkook trotted beside me and slung an arm across my shoulders.

"Let's go!" I excitedly skipped, but quickly calmed down since Jungkook was having a hard
time keeping his arm around me, and heaven knows I wanted that to stay how it was.

"What should we do today?" Jungkook looked down at me with a smile.

"I don't know... we could go to my house this time?" I suggested.

"That sounds nice. Do you have any video games we could play?"
"You know it! Do you like Xbox or PlayStation better?" This was a very imperative question
and I was surprised it hadn't come up sooner. The answer to this question could very well
determine if this relationship would work out or not.

"I prefer PC." Oh. My. Lord. He's perfect.

"Thank the Lord, you're allowed to enter my house. Good answer."

"You ever heard of Overwatch?" My head shot towards him.

"Yes! Of course!" I was smiling so brightly I'm sure Jungkook was creeped out.

The rest of the walk to my house was fairly quiet, but it was comfortable. We stayed close to
each other and ended up holding hands. Unfortunately, we had to separate our hands so I
could unlock the door.

"You can go up to my room, I'll go make some snacks and bring them up." I smiled and
scurried off into the kitchen. I got out some packaged cookies and mixed some strawberry
milk. It took maybe 5 minutes.

When I walked back to the stairs, Jungkook was still standing there, staring at my wall.

"What are you doing?" I followed his gaze and my eyes landed on a picture of myself.
Young, broken, alone. My body tensed at the thought of Jungkook seeing that side of me. So,
I quickly removed the photo from the wall and placed it face down on the table against the
wall of photos. "Let's go upstairs." I said flatly and made my way to my bedroom.

The rest of the day consisted of Jungkook carrying every team we were on through comp as
Widowmaker. How can anyone be that good of a sniper?

We took turns on my computer until we finally realized what time it was.

"Well, there goes any plans for studying today." Jungkook chuckled as his eyes fell on the
clock in the corner of the screen that read 9:23 PM.

"Oh- I'm sorry..." I said bashfully and lowered my head, hoping to hide the blush creeping
across my cheeks. Unfortunately, Jungkook is really good at making me look at him at the
worst times.

"I had a great time." At that, my head shot up to look into his eyes. I was wanting to spend
more and more time with him with every passing moment. "I guess I'll go, we have school
still."

"Wait-" I said, maybe too quickly, but it caught his attention. "Would you... Would you like to
spend the night?" I was wringing my hands and hoping that he wouldn't notice how nervous I
was.
My nerves were so bad, in fact, that I didn't notice the quick smile that flashed across
Jungkook's face. Though, it might be better described as a smirk.

"I'd love to." I let out a breath that I hadn't realized I was holding in. For some reason,
Jungkook found that incredibly funny. However, I couldn't gather the energy to care about his
reason because his laughter was beautiful. I hadn't heard this laugh before; it was deep and
rough. Appealing. Arousing, almost. Almost.

I snapped out of my swooning when Jungkook stood from my computer chair to grab his
backpack.

"It's a good thing I bring deodorant with me to school." I let out a light chuckle at Jungkook's
remark.

"If you want to shower, you can go first. I can get you a towel." I turned to grab a fluffy white
towel from the hallway linen closet. Jungkook mumbled a quick 'thanks' when I handed him
the towel. "The bathroom is that room, on the right."

He walked to the room and shut the door.

But while Jungkook was showering, Taehyung was replaying Jungkook's husky laugh and
that image of his back muscles slightly moving under the fabric of his white undershirt
(which he was wearing under his school uniform; he took off the uniform in order to "get in
the zone" while playing Overwatch).
 Ceiling Stars

JK POV

After my shower, I dried myself off with the towel Taehyung had gotten for me, and changed
into a pair of his sweatpants and a black tank top. We were around the same size... I wish I
was taller. Imagine him in one of my oversized hoodies... Snap out of it.

When I returned to his bedroom, he was sitting on his bed in a daze.

"Tae? ...Taehyung." He jolted when I lowered my voice and his face bloomed into a soft pink.

"Ah... sorry, I was lost in thought." He let out a nervous laugh. Weird, I wonder what he was
thinking about.

"It's your turn to shower. What were you thinking about?"

"Nothing!" Wow. That was a rather rushed answer... Now I really want to know.

"Hm. Well, you better shower quickly, we have school in the morning and it's already 10
PM." His eyes widened at my statement and he rushed to the door, running into the frame.
"Watch out! ...Are you okay?"

"I'm good!" He held up an "OK" sign with his hand, conflicting with his muttering and
rubbing of his arm as he finished his journey to the bathroom. I laughed to myself at his
antics.

I thought back to the picture I saw earlier... He looked so broken.

What could have possibly made such a bright and beautiful boy look so void of emotions? I
cannot imagine anyone intentionally hurting him. Why would his parents hang such a sad
picture? Well, his mom. I remember he said he doesn't know who his dad is. Maybe that's
why? Was he sad because of his family?

In the middle of my thoughts, Taehyung came busting in through his bedroom door, almost
resulting me in falling off of his bed.

"Are you okay?!" Taehyung was right next to me, helping me sit up.

"Why are you in such a rush?! I thought something was wrong with you!"

"You told me to shower quick!" When I heard him say that, I toppled over in laughter.

"I... can't believe... we just screamed for.. something like that," I said between giggles, wiping
invisible tears from my eyes. Tae's face was pink again, but he was chuckling.

"You can't tell me to do things and expect me not to do them..." I snorted.

"I didn't mean it that literally! You're so funny." I stared at him for maybe a little too long,
just admiring his light blush and boxy smile. Still the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I
don't think I will ever get tired of this.

"What are you looking at? Is there something on my face?" Taehyung started wiping at his
face with his sleeves.

"Your smile." I kept my fond eyes trained on him, and he started to squirm. "Sorry, it's just so
beautiful... I mean! It's nice to see someone so happy around me. It doesn't happen often."

"Really..? But I love being around you." It was my turn to blush. I never thought I would hear
those words from someone other than Woozi. He really is worth it, every single bit.

"Thank you." We both smiled while Tae took a seat on the bed next to me.

"I guess we should probably sleep now?" Tae asked me, with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Why don't we talk until we fall asleep?" Watching his eyes light up was the most surreal
experience I've ever had. I'd like to see that again. Every day.

"Okay!" He got up and ran to turn off the lights, then got comfortable under the covers,
urging me to join him.

After complying, I looked straight ahead to see his ceiling covered in glow-in-the-dark stars
of all different colors and sizes.

"Do you like stars?" I asked.

"Ah... I guess. I just collected them because I thought they were pretty. They bring me to a
different world at night; kind of like books. My mom brings me a new pack every time she
comes back from a trip." I could listen to him talk for hours.

"They are. Pretty, I mean. I always wanted them as a kid."

"I guess they're kind of childish..."

"No! I didn't mean it like that. I think they're wonderful. Wanting to be in a different world is
normal for teenagers like us, right?" I mused. I could feel Taehyung shifting beside me,
probably to look at me.

"That's the first time." I turned to see him propped on his elbow, looking directly at me.

"What?"

"That someone didn't say it was ridiculous. To want to be somewhere, someone else." He had
a sad smile spread across his face, but his words were genuinely happy.

"I feel that way too, how could it be ridiculous? Sometimes, being someone else is so
appealing. I could be invincible, then." We stared into each other’s eyes.
"Courageous." He added.

"Daring."

"Loved."

I leaned in and placed my lips against his. His lips were softer than I had ever imagined. It
was a soft, chaste kiss. Our lips moved slowly against each other's. The way Taehyung
moved his lips was a bit awkward, but an endearing awkward. It felt good.

When we parted, Taehyung turned over and covered himself up to his neck with his blanket. I
could barely see the dark hue of his ears above the soft fabric and through the dark room,
only lit by a ridiculous amount of glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars.

The room stayed silent after that, and I drifted to sleep engulfed by the sweet scent of
strawberries, my mind filled with thoughts of the brunette boy laying beside me.
 Grow Up

JK POV

I opened my eyes to the most beautiful picture I’d ever seen: Taehyung, messy hair and
disheveled clothes, sitting up in bed and smiling down at me. The sunlight shone through his
bright yellow curtains, and a soft hum left his throat.

“Morning, Kook.” I was blinded by his beaming smile. I could never grow tired of this.

“Good morning…” Still stunned, it was time to admit it. I was head over heels for Kim
Taehyung. Feeling like me again? Scratch that. I don’t recognize myself at all right now.

“What should we do for breakfast?” Taehyung mused aloud to himself.

“Ah, I’m good. I think I told you before, I’m not much of a breakfast per-” I was cut off with
a finger pushed to my lips. Wow. Was he always this bold?

“And I told you! Eating well is very important. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a breakfast spread
you can’t turn down.” His eyes closed as he giggled.

While I replayed that scene in my head, who knows how many times, I didn’t notice that
Taehyung had already left the room. It gave me time to think about hi- everything. To think
about everything.

As much as I hate to admit it, that guy Namjoon was right. It was time for me to change, if I
wanted to keep Taehyung’s eyes on me. Just the thought of a frown on his face made my
heart ache.

I sent a quick text before the smell of bacon and something sweet hit my nose.

Woo, we need to talk. Meet at mine, after school.

Slipping my phone into the pocket of Taehyung’s sweatpants, I made my way down the stairs
and into the kitchen that I’d never actually set foot in myself.

“Wow…” I stood in awe as Taehyung turned around to greet me with a grin. “You weren’t
lying, huh?” I chuckled and went to wash my hands before asking, “I’m sorry to have you do
all this for me first thing in the morning. Is there anything I can do to help now?”

“Don’t worry about it! I wanted to do it. Just help me grab silverware and bring the plates to
the table?”

I opened the drawer he nodded at and grabbed a fork and knife for each of us before grabbing
the plates of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

“This is incredible, Tae. Thank you.” I could see the blush creeping up his neck as he grabbed
two glasses of orange juice off the counter.
“It’s no big deal… I hope you like it.” With that, we both sat and ate, exchanging short
banter. It was so domestic. So comfortable.

After math, where I could steal as many glances at Tae as I wanted, the day went by in a blur.
That’s nothing new, since I’ve never paid attention in class before, if I even showed up. It
also wasn’t new for my partners to meet me at school to head to my place afterwards.

But, when I saw Woozi standing at the gates after school, I knew I was fucked.

“Hey, uh, Tae? I gotta go. Something’s come up.” I was hoping he couldn’t see how nervous I
was. I used to be so chill in these situations.

“Oh… no studying today?” I had to stop my hand from clutching at my chest. Seeing him so
downcast hurt just as much as I thought it would. I never want to make him feel this way
again… God forbid I ever see him cry.

“I’m really sorry. I’ll text you, okay?” After getting a weak nod in response, I hesitantly
jogged to the gates.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I said to Woozi as I grabbed his arm and rushed him out
of view. "I told you to meet at my place."

“Hey… what’s going on?” I turned to see a frown etched onto his face. “You’re acting so
weird lately.” His pout did absolutely nothing for my heart. Not even a little pang. This is
how I would usually react, right?

“Listen. Let’s stop this. I’m not interested anymore.” Even I could hear how bored my voice
sounded. He stopped me in my tracks and shook my hand off of him.

“Are you kidding me?” Suddenly, his frown turned into something of rage. “You kept me
around for months, ghosted me for weeks, and now you’re just done? Was this just a game to
you?” I could see the beginnings of tears forming in his eyes.While the tears themselves
didn’t affect me, the problem was the crowd of people forming around us. Of course,
Taehyung was a part of it.

The people surrounding us were snickering, whistling, and throwing out sharp words. The
usual “whore”, “here he goes again”, and “maybe I’ll try him on for size” were easy to brush
off. But the almost silent, choked out “what?” that came from Taehyung’s mouth cut me right
through the center. Panic started forming in my eyes, and all I knew was that we needed to
get out of here. Now.

“Listen, Woo- Jihoon.” A sob racked through Woozi at the sound of his name. “Let’s take this
somewhere else.” My voice was so quiet it was almost a whisper. I watched the tears stream
down his cheeks as he shook his head and turned around.

“Fuck you. Lose my number.” He pushed through the crowd as it dispersed with a few more
whistles and sneers.
I didn’t have time to catch Taehyung’s arm before he ran off. The only person left standing
next to me, was the person I wanted to see the least at that moment.

“Let me guess. Told me so?” I looked at the pink-haired boy.

“Grow the fuck up.”

“That’s what I was trying to do.” My voice was small, and I was looking down. I kicked at a
non-existent stone on the ground. Nobody was going to save me at that point. I had royally
fucked up.

My reputation didn’t interest me in the slightest. But, all I could think about was the tight-
lipped, shiny-eyed look on Taehyung’s face before he ran off.
 He's Already Dead
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

That walk–or rather, run–home was the longest one in the past 18 years of Taehyung’s life.
The road was bumpier, the turns felt unfamiliar, all-in-all, he was surprised he even got home
in the first place. He did get home, though, and that left him with all the time and space in the
world to think.

No longer preoccupied by the route and haste of finding his house, Taehyung sank to the
floor behind his freshly-slammed front door. His thoughts were endlessly running and
jumbling together. New questions popped up and immediately joined the others in the folds
of his mind.

Taehyung knew the questions he could ask were important, but in his racing mind only one
thing was clear: Jungkook’s face. What was that look? Taehyung had never seen Jungkook’s
face screw up into that expression. That thought alone sent a pang straight to Taehyung’s
heart. He didn’t know Jungkook well enough to know what any of this meant. He didn’t
know Jungkook.

At that realization, Taehyung sprang up and ran for the bathroom. He emptied his stomach,
breakfast and lunch going straight into the toilet bowl as Taehyung collapsed to grab its
edges. Struggling for air and tears leaking down his cheeks, the queasy feeling in his stomach
remained. He just sat there, huffing out shallow breaths and letting hot tears fall onto his
knees.

Taehyung knew that some time had passed before he heard a soft knock at his door, but he
had no idea how much. He didn’t want to know who had come to see him, nor did he have
the energy to pick himself up off the bathroom floor, so he stayed. That is, until he heard the
doorknob jiggle and the door slowly creak open. His blood ran cold at the voice that greeted
him.

“Tae..? Your door… it’s unlocked. You shouldn’t-” Jungkook’s voice was cut short when he
saw Taehyung stumble out into the entryway. Red, tear-stained face on display, he wiped his
sleeve across his mouth to catch the water dripping from his lips. Shock evident in both his
expression and his posture, Jungkook threw out a hurried “hey” while his eyes met with the
wooden flooring.

After a few moments of hearing nothing and receiving no response, Jungkook brought his
eyes up once more, to meet with Taehyung’s uncharacteristically stony expression.

Panicked by the unfamiliar blankness, Jungkook stuttered out a quick “I-I’m sorry,” making a
conscious effort to keep his eyes trained on Taehyung. To his disappointment, the look on
Taehyung’s face didn’t budge.
“It’s fine.” Taehyung’s voice was flat and clear. “After all, we didn’t have anything going on
anyway.” Jungkook visibly staggered at that statement.

“Tae, what are you saying?” He knew he had no right to be hurt by Taehyung’s words, but his
chest was rapidly tightening and his throat was going dry. Just how badly had he fucked up
this time?

“If that’s not it, then what? Do you want me to think of you as a cheater?” While Jungkook
was caught up in his own thoughts and indulging in his pain, Taehyung was rapidly falling
apart. His voice strained, his eyes watered, and his knees were threatening to buckle.

Jungkook’s eyes had found the floor once again. He remained silent. Was he a cheater? He
couldn’t refute it, knowing that he had already been warned not to play around with
Taehyung. He knew better, but he couldn’t let go of his immature pastimes until it was too
late.

“Get out.” Jungkook immediately ripped his eyes from the floorboards to meet Taehyung’s.
That same stony expression was glued to his face. If Jungkook was going to find a crack to
nudge himself into, he missed his chance.

“Tae… please, can we,” He lifted a hand to cup Taehyung’s face. His blood ran cold when
Taehyung’s eyes blew open wide and he brought both arms up to shield his face. “Tae? I’m
not going to hit you.” He felt his feet cemented to the floor as he dropped his hand back to his
side. “What was that?”

The fear in Taehyung’s eyes left just as quickly as it had appeared. “Nothing. Did you not
hear me? I said, get out.” If Jungkook had still been wallowing in self pity, he would have
missed the slight crack in Taehyung’s voice that he had desperately hoped would go
unnoticed.

“Tae, don’t run away from this. Please. Tell me what’s wrong.” Was Jungkook stalling for
time? Maybe.

“You have no right to ask me that anymore. It’s none of your business, and I asked you to
leave.” Now it was Taehyung’s turn to stare at the floor.

Before he could register what he was doing, Jungkook closed the distance between them and
wrapped his arms around Taehyung.

Taehyung let out a choked yelp and froze. He held his breath as tears started streaming down
his face once again, and memories flashed in his head.

His heart was hammering in his chest, and by the time he collected himself, he was gasping
for air and thrashing his arms around. He pushed Jungkook back and grasped at his chest,
desperate for some relief in his burning lungs.

Jungkook was shocked when he crashed to the floor, his head slamming into the front door.
Damn. Taehyung had some muscle on him, apparently.
 Once Jungkook’s head stopped spinning from the impact, he looked up to find that Taehyung
had crumpled in on himself. Squatting close to the ground with his arms wrapped around
himself, his labored breathing was slowly returning to a healthy pace.

“Tae.” His eyes had darkened, but he kept his voice calm and just barely above a whisper.
“What was that? Don’t try to lie to me again.”

Taehyung barked out a humorless laugh. “Lie? When did I do that? It is none of your
business.” His voice was becoming more aggressive with every word. He slowly rose to his
feet, not bothering to wipe the tears that were beginning to dry on his face once again.

“Who did that to you?” Jungkook didn’t know when to back down. He found himself back on
his feet, as well.

When Taehyung crossed his arms against his chest and didn’t respond, Jungkook took the
chance to continue.

“Who was it? I’ll fucking kill him.” The dark look in Jungkook’s eyes was startled away by
the dry chuckle that left Taehyung’s throat.

“Kill him?” All emotion had left his voice, leaving only an unreadable expression on his face.
“Don’t worry. He’s already dead.” At that, Taehyung walked forward and reached behind
Jungkook.

Jungkook was frozen in place until he heard the creak of the front door. One second,
Taehyung’s hand was pressed against Jungkook’s rapidly beating heart; the next, Jungkook
was falling backwards through the open door.

“I’m done playing this game with you.” Was all Taehyung said before closing the door.
Jungkook heard the chack of the bolt lock and knew he wasn’t able to stall for any more time.

He sat on the doorstep for God knows how long before collecting himself to walk home. He
took his time, recounting every word that left Taehyung’s mouth. Jungkook really didn’t
know when to give up.

By the time he got to his own place, he had only one thought on his mind. Closing the door
behind him, he remembered the photo in Taehyung’s entryway. The one of a younger
Taehyung, clutching a photo, wearing an expression that matched the one he saw today
before he was pushed through the doorway.

Chapter End Notes

We are getting VERY angsty now!!

My writing style has changed just a bit, and I am going to be writing chapters from more
of a third person POV from now on, so I hope that doesn't throw anyone off! Anyway, I
hope you enjoyed the chapter <3
 It Wasn't a Breakup
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

Everything went back to normal. Walk to school, eat lunch with Jin, Joon, and Hoseok, go
home and read, then go to sleep and repeat. A full week passed in Taehyung’s formerly-
retired daily routine. Was Jungkook trying to talk to him? Well…

Saturday

Jungkook: hey
Jungkook: are u busy?
read 1:57pm

Sunday

Jungkook: tae
Jungkook: can I come see you?
Jungkook: please
read 3:34pm

Monday

“T- move, Tae!” Jungkook shouted as he stumbled around an onlooker in the hallway. Other
than a brief stutter in his steps, this did nothing to catch Taehyung’s attention.

The distance between the two remained constant in a game of chase, until a certain pink-
haired senior’s glare made Jungkook’s blood run cold. Finally entering the classroom, and
effectively losing any chance to speak until after the lesson was over, Jungkook felt his first
defeat of the day.

The defeats did not end there, as Jin was stationed outside the room to usher Taehyung to his
next class. With a rotating guard of Jin, Namjoon, and Hoseok, Jungkook didn’t stand a
chance.

Jungkook: please let me talk to you

read 3:17pm

Tuesday

Sparse water droplets fell from the sky, effectively expressing Jungkook’s growing bad
mood. With Jimin and Yoongi at his side, he entered the halls of school with his eyes peeled
for a sun-kissed brunette. What nobody was expecting was for that brunette to no longer be a
brunette.

“Daaaammmmmnnnnn…” Jimin said under his breath, accompanied by a long, low whistle
from his partner. “Blonde is definitely his color.” He smirked at Jungkook.
Jungkook was stunned. Taehyung’s brown locks were now a shiny white blonde, and his
brown eyes sparkled as he spoke animatedly with his group of friends. Everything about the
boy was blindingly bright. It was fitting that his hair matched his personality, Jungkook
thought.

For a split second, Taehyung’s eyes flitted over to meet Jungkook’s, before he turned to his
friends and nodded down the hall. They proceeded to walk away, leaving Jungkook rooted to
the floor.

“Earth to Kook… fuck it, let’s leave him there.” Jimin muttered as he grabbed Yoongi’s hand
and led him down the hallway, away from a Jungkook who was now, more than ever,
regretting his lifestyle choices.

Now, rain was pouring from the sky, and Jungkook had no hope of staying dry on his way
home.

Wednesday

Jungkook: your hair really suits you.

read yesterday at 6:48pm

It had taken all of Jungkook’s remaining courage and sanity to send that message before he
headed off to work last night. Just like the rest of his texts, it remained unanswered.
Taehyung was not going to make this easy for him, was he?

As soon as that tuft of shiny blonde hair came into view, Jungkook made a beeline. He
blindly reached out and grabbed an arm, and dragged until he made it safely out of the
hallway crowd and into the bathroom.

When he turned around, he was shocked to see a red-faced girl with platinum blonde layers.
A surprised gasp left Jungkook’s mouth and he jumped back a centimeter.

Moments later, he regained his composure and apologized.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry. We need to get you out of here holy shit.” He began to hurriedly
rush the girl out of the bathroom with two hands on her back.

“A-ah, okay, um… I see, it was a mistake. Yeah, that makes more sense.” The girl nervously
stumbled around her words, much like her feet were doing.

With the door finally wrestled open, Jungkook tried to push the girl out of the men’s
bathroom and follow her out. Well, that didn’t go as planned; the girl tripped on the lip of the
door and began to fall forward, heading face-first into the floor. Jungkook quickly linked his
arm with hers and spun them until she was on two feet, and they were facing each other.

They both let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding and relaxed into each other.

“Thank you.” The girl bashfully spoke and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a
small smile.
“That was close. Don’t thank me. I pushed you, so really I should be apolog-” Jungkook’s
words were cut off when he caught a glimpse of white rush by. The same color as the hair on
the head of the girl who he was currently holding. Close. “Shit.” His soft smile quickly
dropped into a panicked frown.

He immediately dropped his arm and distanced himself from the girl. He took a step in the
direction he saw Taehyung in and was met with the chest of a very broad, sturdy senior.

His eyes met chocolate brown that usually held such warmth, but currently was cold as ice.

“Turn around. And keep walking.” Jin let out in a measured tone, clearly gritting his teeth as
he raised a single eyebrow.

“But-” Jungkook was once again cut off by a twitch of Jin’s eye and the point of his finger.
Jin was not someone to argue with.

So, Jungkook looked down and slowly turned away, taking pained steps in the other
direction.

Thursday

Jungkook: please let me explain

Jungkook: I don’t even know that girl
read 8:21am

Sitting in math class, Jungkook was texting Taehyung with his phone hidden in his desk. He
caught Taehyung glimpsing down at his phone, and watched as an irritated twitch of his eye
broke out, and his frown deepened.

Jungkook: wait no
Jungkook: not like that
read 8:22am

With a slight shake of his head, Taehyung began tapping at the screen. Jungkook was ecstatic
at the thought of receiving a response. What Jungkook didn’t notice was that no typing
bubbles popped up on his end.

Jungkook: listen, it wasn’t what it looked like

read 8:22am
Jungkook: I was in a rush to talk to you, and grabbed her thinking it was you because all I
could see was the hair
This message could not be delivered.
Jungkook: I had to get her out of the bathroom fast before other dudes walked in and I
accidentally pushed her too hard
This message could not be delivered.
Jungkook: I promise it was all just a misunderstanding
This message could not be delivered.
Jungkook: what’s going on?
This message could not be delivered.
Jungkook: did you block me?
This message could not be delivered.

Staring down at his phone in horror, Jungkook felt yet another defeat in his long list from the
past week. However, this one felt like the hardest blow. Taehyung didn’t even want to read
his texts anymore? He hated him that much?

In his rumination over the new information of being blocked, the teacher had called on
Jungkook to answer a question. In his silence, the woman made her way to his desk and
leveled a look of disapproval towards him.

“Jeon Jungkook. Are you texting in my class?”

“Huh? Oh. Well, not anymore.” Truly distraught, Jungkook paid no mind to the pressing tone
his math teacher used, or the impatient tapping of her heeled shoe.

“Right. I asked you a question. Care to answer it?” She raised a brow and nodded towards the
board at the front of the room.

“Um…” Jungkook squinted his eyes at the equation scrawled on the board and did a quick
calculation in his head. “X equals 14,” he said before ducking his head back down. He locked
his phone and slid it into his desk.

With a long sigh and a shake of her head, his teacher muttered a “that’s right” and slowly
made her way back to the front of the room. Her plan had been to confiscate his phone once
he had gotten the question wrong. Maybe paying attention recently had its perks.

Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to impress Taehyung. In fact, he didn’t react at all. Didn’t
even glance back at Jungkook.

Just like that, Friday rolled around, and it had been a full week of no contact. Jungkook felt
like he was falling apart at the seams.

And Taehyung? Well, contrary to his glowing appearance and chipper conversations with his
friends, he had his heart ripped out, chewed up, and spit out once again after seeing that stunt
in the hallway.

He felt so pathetic letting himself be hurt like that when he was the one who made the
decision to ignore Jungkook in the first place. He didn’t want to let his emotions sway him on
the matter, so he didn’t regret blocking Jungkook. He knew he didn’t owe Jungkook
anything, and he absolutely didn’t have to sit there and listen to crappy excuses and
meaningless words of assurance.

After seeing Hoseok physically turn Jungkook around by the shoulders with a smile and shoo
him off from the direction of their lunch table, Taehyung visibly deflated. On one hand,
Taehyung had never been as grateful for his friends as he had been for the past week. They
were always on guard, but didn’t make it obvious or imposing for Taehyung. They could still
have normal conversations and enjoy their time together, even if they were constantly baring
their teeth at the boy who hurt their friend.

On the other hand, Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder how long Jungkook would pursue him
like this. Realistically, a week wasn’t that long. Though it felt like the longest week of his
life, Taehyung knew that anyone could pretend to be in repentance for a week in hopes of a
gullible target. Knowing that, Taehyung wanted to know when Jungkook would ultimately
lose interest and give up this game he was playing by himself.

“Listen, Tae.” Namjoon broke the silence and caught Taehyung’s attention. “We are happy to
keep doing this. Lord knows I get a kick out of messing with the school’s most popular
fuckboy without any repercussions.” He chuckled and elbowed Jin softly before continuing.
“But, you don’t seem happy about it.”

Taehyung suddenly looked up to meet Namjoon’s gaze and flinched at his searching eyes. He
always seemed to know when Taehyung least wanted to talk about what he was thinking.

“Thanks, guys. For everything.” He winced towards the couple at the table, and at Hoseok
who was finally joining them. “I just… I don’t know what I want right now. I do know that I
don’t want to talk to him yet.”

“What about talking about him? With us?” Jin had a certain coaxing tone that meant
Taehyung knew he couldn’t get out of this conversation.

“About… him… What do you want me to say?” Taehyung was lost. While he knew he had to
talk, he didn’t know what they wanted to hear.

“Well, you never even told us what happened between you two,” Hoseok helpfully supplied.

“Right, all we know is what Joonie has told us, which isn’t much.” Jin added in with a quick
woeful glance towards the man in question.

“It’s not my business to tell.” Namjoon simply said with a small shrug.

“Right. Well, what is there to tell, really?” Taehyung chuckled ruefully. “It’s not like we were
dating. Him being with another person isn’t a big deal in that case, is it? Or more people, for
that matter. Just because I felt a connection and let myself be vulnerable with him doesn’t
mean he had to feel the same way or respect my vulnerability.”

“Oh, Tae…” Jin rubbed Taehyung’s arm soothingly at the sight of small, frustrated tears
forming in the corners of his eyes.

“No, it’s fine. It wasn’t a breakup or anything. You have to be dating first for that. And we
weren’t. So, it’s no big deal.” It felt like Taehyung was trying to convince himself more than
anyone else.

All three of Taehyung’s friends shared a look of concern and silently made a unanimous
decision.

“You need us to kill him?” All three spoke without hesitation.

Taehyung’s eyes widened. Not because his friends were offering some ridiculous solution to
his sadness, but because he was reminded of his conversation with Jungkook a week ago, in
his entryway with strained emotions and dried tears.

“Maybe…” Taehyung said, without thinking. All three friends sat with mouths open for a
moment, before breaking into hesitant chuckles.

“Wow, Tae… you’ve never responded like that before.” Namjoon wasn’t sure what else to
say.

“Are you sure there’s nothing you want right now? We’re all free after school, you know.” Jin
was grasping at straws at this point, trying to lift Taehyung’s somber state of emotions. “Oh!
We could have a sleepover! We haven’t done that in ages.”

At the mention of a sleepover, all four boys perked up a bit.

“You’re right, it’s been so long! We always have the most epic sleepovers… What do you
think, Tae?” Hoseok looked over with hopeful puppy dog eyes that nobody could refuse.

“Well, now that you mention it… It has been a while. And I could definitely go for a bowl of
Jin’s famous popcorn.” A grin was gradually breaking out on Taehyung’s face. “My place, at
6?” A full-blown smile was adorning his face for the first time in a week. This was exactly
what he needed. Of course Jin would know what he needed.

“Absolutely, we’ll be there.” Namjoon nodded in approval (and anticipation of Jin’s

cooking).

“That settles it! This is going to be such a fun weekend!” Hoseok was practically vibrating
out of his seat in excitement. Had Taehyung been his usual self, he probably would have been
too. But this was still a great improvement from five minutes ago.

On his way home from school, though, he was back inside his head. He had hours to wait for
his friends’ arrival, and no books left to read.

Opening an old book, one that he had read 4 times already, his mind wandered to a raven-
haired boy who had no right being in his head.

Like a mantra, Taehyung took to repeating one phrase.

“It wasn’t a breakup,” he muttered under his breath.

As the hours passed, he repeated it like an affirmation.

Flipping a page, it wasn’t a breakup.

Getting up to tidy his room for company, it wasn’t a breakup.

Pulling down extra blankets and pillows, it wasn’t a breakup.

 Setting out snacks in the kitchen, it wasn’t a breakup.

Taking a deep breath at 5:45pm, standing behind his front door, preparing to welcome his
three best friends for a weekend of not thinking about Jungkook, it wasn’t a breakup.

Chapter End Notes

it's been too long, I have no excuse

but next time is the slumbie chapter!!

Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!