Meraki ; a #taekookau Jungkook had just finished his nightly...
Sandy 𐙚@kookiefyy
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Dec 09, 2024
~81 min read
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1
Meraki ; a #taekookau
Jungkook had just finished his nightly workout, a light sheen of sweat glistening on his skin, when his phone buzzed. It was a message from Jimin, his teammate:
Jimin: You’re late, Kook. And someone is getting real impatient.
Jungkook had just finished his nightly workout, a light sheen of sweat glistening on his skin, when his phone buzzed. It was a message from Jimin, his teammate:
Jimin: You’re late, Kook. And someone is getting real impatient.
2
Jungkook chuckled as he read it, already knowing who that someone was. He wiped his face with a towel, his lip curling into a smirk.
Jungkook: Tell Princess Peach I’ll be there in five.
Jimin replied with a quick thumbs-up emoji, and Jungkook tossed his phone aside.
Jungkook: Tell Princess Peach I’ll be there in five.
Jimin replied with a quick thumbs-up emoji, and Jungkook tossed his phone aside.
3
He threw on his favorite oversized black hoodie and slid out of the apartment. His mind was half on the dance battle he was late for, and half on the fiery glances he’d get from his 'Princess Peach', a oh-so-cheesy nickname for Kim Taehyung, his biggest rival—and the guy he'd been sleeping with for months.
4
Taehyung hated the nickname, which is why Jungkook loved it.
By the time Jungkook reached their hideout—an abandoned garage that looked rundown from the outside but inside was decked out with inbuilt DJ sets, flashing lights, and enough space for their crews to go wild—the energy was already thick in the air.
By the time Jungkook reached their hideout—an abandoned garage that looked rundown from the outside but inside was decked out with inbuilt DJ sets, flashing lights, and enough space for their crews to go wild—the energy was already thick in the air.
5
Music pumped through the speakers, and bodies were moving on the makeshift dance floor, warming up.
Jungkook walked in, scanning the room. Hoseok was chatting with Eunwoo near the DJ booth, and Jimin, ever the social butterfly, was bouncing between conversations.
Jungkook walked in, scanning the room. Hoseok was chatting with Eunwoo near the DJ booth, and Jimin, ever the social butterfly, was bouncing between conversations.
6
But the one person Jungkook was looking for wasn’t in sight.
“Looking for someone, Jeon?”
Jungkook’s jaw ticked as he heard the voice from behind him. He grinned to himself before turning around, ready for the inevitable banter.
“Looking for someone, Jeon?”
Jungkook’s jaw ticked as he heard the voice from behind him. He grinned to himself before turning around, ready for the inevitable banter.
7
“Late again?” Taehyung stood there, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Thought you might’ve chickened out.”
“Miss the chance to see your pretty face when you lose?” Jungkook quipped, his grin widening as he met Taehyung’s piercing gaze. “Nah, wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Miss the chance to see your pretty face when you lose?” Jungkook quipped, his grin widening as he met Taehyung’s piercing gaze. “Nah, wouldn’t dream of it.”
8
Kim Taehyung, Captain of Neon Tigers and Jungkook's rivals by day, "rivals with benefits" by night.
Jungkook, captain of Bangtan blazers.
The two teams have been in rivalry ever since they tied at the world championship. Always fighting for the title of the best.
Jungkook, captain of Bangtan blazers.
The two teams have been in rivalry ever since they tied at the world championship. Always fighting for the title of the best.
9
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed, though there was a flicker of amusement hidden beneath the surface. “You’re confident for someone who’s been paying for my team’s lunch for two months straight.”
“You guys could use a decent meal. Keeps you motivated, right?” Jungkook taunts back,
“You guys could use a decent meal. Keeps you motivated, right?” Jungkook taunts back,
10
Taehyung scoffed but didn’t deny it. “We’ll see how cocky you are after tonight. Hope your wallet’s ready.”
Jungkook stepped closer, lowering his voice so only Taehyung could hear. “I think you like it when I’m cocky, Peach,”
Jungkook stepped closer, lowering his voice so only Taehyung could hear. “I think you like it when I’m cocky, Peach,”
11
A flicker of something—frustration? Heat?—crossed Taehyung’s features, but he quickly masked it with a sarcastic grin. “Keep dreaming, Jeon.”
Jungkook chuckled, but before he could respond, the DJ cranked up the volume, signaling it was time.
Jungkook chuckled, but before he could respond, the DJ cranked up the volume, signaling it was time.
12
Before Taehyung could respond, Jimin and Hoseok joined Jungkook’s side.
“Are we here to battle or flirt?” Jimin asked, crossing his arms. “Because if we’re battling, I hope your captain is ready to cry when Eunwoo smokes Seungho in round one.”
“Are we here to battle or flirt?” Jimin asked, crossing his arms. “Because if we’re battling, I hope your captain is ready to cry when Eunwoo smokes Seungho in round one.”
13
“Keep dreaming,” Yoongi retorted, raising an eyebrow. “Seungho’s got tricks you haven’t even seen.”
The banter continued, with each team hyping their members up, but Jungkook couldn’t take his eyes off Taehyung.
The banter continued, with each team hyping their members up, but Jungkook couldn’t take his eyes off Taehyung.
14
They were rivals on the dance floor, sure, but they had a different kind of rivalry when it was just the two of them, late at night, tangled in sheets instead of choreography. And though neither would admit it, their little “arrangement” only added fuel to the fire during these battles.
15
This was their monthly battle day—a silly tradition where the losing team had to buy lunch for the winners every day for an entire month. It was all in good fun, but with both teams being world-champion material, the stakes always felt high.
16
The Bangtan Blazers had lost the last two battles, and Jungkook’s pride was starting to take a hit. His team was counting on him to change that tonight.
He gave a quick nod to Jimin, who grinned back, hyped for the battle.
He gave a quick nod to Jimin, who grinned back, hyped for the battle.
17
Jungkook’s eyes flickered back to Taehyung, who was warming up with his own team, looking unfairly good in ripped jeans and an oversized black hoodie that draped off one shoulder
It's like the universe had decided to make his rival infuriatingly attractive just to mess with him
It's like the universe had decided to make his rival infuriatingly attractive just to mess with him
18
As the chatter died down, the DJ cut the music, signaling the start of the showdown. The crowd that had gathered around them erupted in cheers as Eunwoo from Jungkook’s team stepped forward to face Seungho, Taehyung’s top dancer.
19
The tension in the room grew palpable as the first beat dropped.
Eunwoo started slow, letting the rhythm build in his movements before bursting into a flurry of sharp isolations and intricate footwork. He spun and glided, hitting every beat with precision.
Eunwoo started slow, letting the rhythm build in his movements before bursting into a flurry of sharp isolations and intricate footwork. He spun and glided, hitting every beat with precision.
20
The crowd oohed and ahhed, clapping along as he ended with a clean freeze, balanced on one hand.
But Seungho wasn’t fazed. When the DJ dropped the next track, he moved like liquid, smooth and graceful. He didn’t just dance to the beat—he played with it.
But Seungho wasn’t fazed. When the DJ dropped the next track, he moved like liquid, smooth and graceful. He didn’t just dance to the beat—he played with it.
21
He ended his set with a gravity-defying backflip, landing effortlessly.
The crowd erupted into cheers again, and Yoongi turned to Jimin with a smug grin. “Still think Eunwoo’s got it?”
Jimin scoffed, not backing down. “He just got started. Watch.”
The crowd erupted into cheers again, and Yoongi turned to Jimin with a smug grin. “Still think Eunwoo’s got it?”
Jimin scoffed, not backing down. “He just got started. Watch.”
22
And so the rounds continued. Each dancer from both teams brought their best moves, but Jungkook’s mind wasn’t entirely focused on the battle. Every time Taehyung moved, whether it was to cheer for his team or mutter something to Seokjin, Jungkook felt his attention drawn to him.
23
It was annoying how effortlessly captivating Taehyung was, even when they were supposed to be competing.
By the time the final round came, it was Jungkook versus Taehyung—a face-off that had become tradition. The crowd hushed in anticipation, as they took their places.
By the time the final round came, it was Jungkook versus Taehyung—a face-off that had become tradition. The crowd hushed in anticipation, as they took their places.
24
Taehyung gave him a lazy smile, “Ready to lose again, Jeon?”
Jungkook stepped closer, their faces inches apart. “You’re gonna swallow down your words, Kim”
“Is that all I’m gonna do?” Taehyung whispered, low enough for only Jungkook to hear.
Jungkook stepped closer, their faces inches apart. “You’re gonna swallow down your words, Kim”
“Is that all I’m gonna do?” Taehyung whispered, low enough for only Jungkook to hear.
25
Jungkook’s smirk faltered for half a second, and Taehyung caught it, a satisfied glint flashing in his eyes. He pulled back, letting the music start.
Jungkook clenched his jaw, shaking off the distraction. He was here to win. But as the music began, and they moved, it became harder and harder to focus on the battle and not the fire between them—the one that had nothing to do with dance and everything to do with the tension simmering beneath the surface.
Jungkook clenched his jaw, shaking off the distraction. He was here to win. But as the music began, and they moved, it became harder and harder to focus on the battle and not the fire between them—the one that had nothing to do with dance and everything to do with the tension simmering beneath the surface.
26
The final round hadn’t even finished, and Jungkook already knew, no matter who won this battle, they both knew where they'd end up later.
27
Jungkook spun effortlessly into a freeze, his body suspended in a perfect handstand for a moment, before sliding down into a crouch. He could feel Taehyung's gaze burning into him, and he shot a quick glance in his direction.
Taehyung’s jaw was clenched, his focus intense.
Taehyung’s jaw was clenched, his focus intense.
28
The music shifted, giving Taehyung his turn. His footwork was sharp, but his body moved like water, fluid and controlled. He finished with a perfectly timed flip, landing square in front of Jungkook, a challenge clear in his eyes.
Jungkook’s lips twitched. This was the moment.
Jungkook’s lips twitched. This was the moment.
29
With a mischievous grin, he threw himself into the next set of moves, his body popping and locking to the beat, energy crackling in the air. He finished with a spin, landing close—too close—to Taehyung, their noses nearly touching as the final beat dropped.
30
The crowd erupted in cheers, but Jungkook didn’t take his eyes off Taehyung, who was still glaring at him, breathing heavily.
“And the winner is... Team Jungkook!” the DJ announced.
Jungkook smirked, stepping back just enough to bow mockingly toward Taehyung.
“And the winner is... Team Jungkook!” the DJ announced.
Jungkook smirked, stepping back just enough to bow mockingly toward Taehyung.
31
Finally, the music cut, and the room exploded into applause. Jungkook’s team rushed forward, grabbing him, slapping his back in celebration. “We won!” Jimin yelled, practically bouncing on the spot.
Hoseok was grinning wide as he threw an arm around Jungkook's shoulders.
Hoseok was grinning wide as he threw an arm around Jungkook's shoulders.
32
“About damn time! That’s a free month of lunch for us!”
On the other side of the room, Taehyung's team wasn't as enthusiastic. Yoongi, Seokjin, and Namjoon stood near him, exchanging half-amused glances as Taehyung fumed quietly, his jaw clenched in frustration.
On the other side of the room, Taehyung's team wasn't as enthusiastic. Yoongi, Seokjin, and Namjoon stood near him, exchanging half-amused glances as Taehyung fumed quietly, his jaw clenched in frustration.
33
Jungkook, basking in the victory, sauntered over to where Taehyung was standing, arms crossed and staring daggers at him. “Guess you’ll be buying me lunch this time, Princess Peach.”
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t call me that.”
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t call me that.”
34
Jungkook leaned in, lowering his voice so only Taehyung could hear. “You’re cute when you’re angry.”
“You’re so full of yourself,” Taehyung muttered, but his voice had softened, laced with something else.
Jungkook chuckled, “Maybe. But you’re still standing here, aren’t you?”
“You’re so full of yourself,” Taehyung muttered, but his voice had softened, laced with something else.
Jungkook chuckled, “Maybe. But you’re still standing here, aren’t you?”
35
Jimin’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. “Uh, guys? I think it’s time for us to leave?”
Yoongi groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Yeah, we should go before they start making out right here. I still want my eyes intact, thanks.”
Yoongi groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Yeah, we should go before they start making out right here. I still want my eyes intact, thanks.”
36
Seokjin sighed dramatically. “And I thought this was supposed to be a dance-off. But no, it's always sexual tension central with these two.”
Hoseok looked between Taehyung and Jungkook, “At this point, I don’t even wanna try to understand them. It’s exhausting.”
Hoseok looked between Taehyung and Jungkook, “At this point, I don’t even wanna try to understand them. It’s exhausting.”
37
Taehyung’s eyes flashed, and he stepped closer, close enough for Jungkook to feel the heat between them. “Keep talking, Jeon. You’re not as smug when you’re begging me.”
“Oh?” Jungkook’s grin widened. “I seem to remember you doing plenty of begging last time.”
“Oh?” Jungkook’s grin widened. “I seem to remember you doing plenty of begging last time.”
38
Taehyung’s nostrils flared. He hated losing, especially to Jungkook. And worse, he hated how Jungkook seemed to enjoy every second of it.
In one quick motion, he grabbed Jungkook by the front of his hoodie, yanking him down into a bruising kiss. The crowd around them erupted in a mix of gasps, cheers, and groans, but neither of them cared.
In one quick motion, he grabbed Jungkook by the front of his hoodie, yanking him down into a bruising kiss. The crowd around them erupted in a mix of gasps, cheers, and groans, but neither of them cared.
39
The kiss was hard, bruising, full of frustration and fire. It wasn’t sweet or slow—it was a challenge, just like everything between them
Jungkook’s hands found Taehyung’s hips, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened, both of them pouring every bit of unresolved tension into it
Jungkook’s hands found Taehyung’s hips, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened, both of them pouring every bit of unresolved tension into it
40
Namjoon facepalmed. “Oh, for the love of—”
Yoongi tsked, not looking entirely surprised. “I give them five seconds before someone gets shoved into a wall.”
Hoseok, shaking his head in exasperation, muttered, “I don’t even... You know what? I’m done. I’m so done.”
Yoongi tsked, not looking entirely surprised. “I give them five seconds before someone gets shoved into a wall.”
Hoseok, shaking his head in exasperation, muttered, “I don’t even... You know what? I’m done. I’m so done.”
41
Jungkook, completely unbothered by the fact that they had an audience, pulled Taehyung closer, deepening the kiss just to fuel the fire. Taehyung, who was still fuming, bit down on Jungkook’s bottom lip in retaliation, causing the younger to groan against his mouth.
42
“Yours or mine?” Jungkook murmured against Taehyung’s lips.
Taehyung pulled back just enough to narrow his eyes. “Huh. Like I’m letting you anywhere near me after the stunt you pulled last time.”
Jungkook’s grin was nothing short of mischievous. “The stunt? Oh, you mean when I had you—”
Taehyung pulled back just enough to narrow his eyes. “Huh. Like I’m letting you anywhere near me after the stunt you pulled last time.”
Jungkook’s grin was nothing short of mischievous. “The stunt? Oh, you mean when I had you—”
43
Taehyung slapped a hand over his mouth, his face flushed, “Shut up.”
Jungkook licked Taehyung’s palm, earning a disgusted noise from him. “Oh, come on. You liked it. Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy being teased all night.”
Jungkook licked Taehyung’s palm, earning a disgusted noise from him. “Oh, come on. You liked it. Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy being teased all night.”
44
“You edged me for an hour,” Taehyung snapped, eyes flashing with frustration. “One. Hour.”
Jungkook bit his lip, his grin growing wider. “Yeah, and you loved every second of it, didn’t you? The way you were begging—”
Jungkook bit his lip, his grin growing wider. “Yeah, and you loved every second of it, didn’t you? The way you were begging—”
45
Taehyung groaned in exasperation, pressing his forehead against Jungkook’s. “Shut. Up.”
“Yet here you are,” Jungkook said, his voice low, “kissing me again.”
Taehyung growled, biting Jungkook’s lower lip, hard enough to sting but not hard enough to hurt. “I hate you so much.”
“Yet here you are,” Jungkook said, his voice low, “kissing me again.”
Taehyung growled, biting Jungkook’s lower lip, hard enough to sting but not hard enough to hurt. “I hate you so much.”
46
Jungkook chuckled, tugging Taehyung even closer by the waistband of his jeans. “So do I.”
He tangled his fingers in Taehyung’s hair, pulling him in for another kiss, slower this time, but no less intense.
In the background, Seokjin and Yoongi were already halfway out the door,
He tangled his fingers in Taehyung’s hair, pulling him in for another kiss, slower this time, but no less intense.
In the background, Seokjin and Yoongi were already halfway out the door,
47
Seokjin waving a hand dismissively. “Let’s just leave them to whatever this is.”
Hoseok shook his head, grabbing his jacket. “Honestly, they need a room. Or... a therapist.”
“Probably both,” Jimin added with a smirk, “But hey, at least the lunches are on them this month.
Hoseok shook his head, grabbing his jacket. “Honestly, they need a room. Or... a therapist.”
“Probably both,” Jimin added with a smirk, “But hey, at least the lunches are on them this month.
48
Meanwhile, Taehyung finally pulled back, panting slightly, eyes dark. “Mine,” he grunted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jungkook’s eyebrows shot up, but he recovered quickly. “Your place? Thought you were mad at me.”
Taehyung glared. “Shut up and walk.”
Jungkook’s eyebrows shot up, but he recovered quickly. “Your place? Thought you were mad at me.”
Taehyung glared. “Shut up and walk.”
49
Taehyung wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, still glaring. “And don’t think this means you’ve won”
Jungkook tilted his head, amused “Oh, I definitely won. Twice tonight, actually”
Taehyung rolled his eyes, clearly fighting the urge to punch him. “You insufferable jerk”
Jungkook tilted his head, amused “Oh, I definitely won. Twice tonight, actually”
Taehyung rolled his eyes, clearly fighting the urge to punch him. “You insufferable jerk”
50
🔞
51
As soon as they stumbled through the door of Taehyung’s apartment, their mouths collided again, hands everywhere—grabbing, pulling, nails digging. It was always like this—heated, messy, and all-consuming. Every time they did this, Taehyung swore to himself it’d be the last time.
52
He'd promise to never tolerate Jungkook's cocky attitude again, but here he was, letting the idiot kiss him senseless.
If only the sex wasn’t so damn good… he thought, biting down on Jungkook’s bottom lip as a moan slipped out of him.
If only the sex wasn’t so damn good… he thought, biting down on Jungkook’s bottom lip as a moan slipped out of him.
53
The way Jungkook’s hands roamed his body—knowing exactly where to touch to make him shudder—infuriated Taehyung. The way his lips left him breathless. This was a cycle, and it frustrated the hell out of him
Every morning after, Taehyung swore he was done. Yet here they were again
Every morning after, Taehyung swore he was done. Yet here they were again
54
Jungkook fumbled with the hem of his hoodie, pulling at it impatiently. “Take it off. Fast.”
Taehyung grinned wickedly, stepping back just slightly, enough to make Jungkook’s eyebrows knit in frustration. “No, no… payback time.”
Taehyung grinned wickedly, stepping back just slightly, enough to make Jungkook’s eyebrows knit in frustration. “No, no… payback time.”
55
Jungkook’s eyes widened. “Are you serious right now?”
“Oh, very,” Taehyung smirked, his voice low and dripping with mischief. With one quick push, he had Jungkook stumbling back onto the couch, catching him off guard.
“Oh, very,” Taehyung smirked, his voice low and dripping with mischief. With one quick push, he had Jungkook stumbling back onto the couch, catching him off guard.
56
Taehyung straddled him, his hips pressing down hard as he leaned in close, lips ghosting over Jungkook’s neck. “It’s only fair I make you suffer after what you did last time.”
Jungkook groaned, his body already reacting to Taehyung’s closeness. “Not tonight, please. Maybe some other day, but tonight… I’m really, really—”
Jungkook groaned, his body already reacting to Taehyung’s closeness. “Not tonight, please. Maybe some other day, but tonight… I’m really, really—”
57
Taehyung’s grin widened, cutting Jungkook off. He rolled his hips again, slow and deliberate, making Jungkook hiss through his teeth. “Really what, Jeon? Needy? Desperate for this?”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his hands gripping Taehyung’s thighs. “Peach…”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his hands gripping Taehyung’s thighs. “Peach…”
58
Taehyung chuckled darkly, leaning in even closer, their lips barely brushing. “It’s your turn to beg, Jeon.”
Jungkook’s breath hitched as Taehyung continued his slow, torturous grind. His fingers dug into Taehyung’s hips, pulling him closer, but Taehyung held back, keeping the pace maddeningly slow.
Jungkook’s breath hitched as Taehyung continued his slow, torturous grind. His fingers dug into Taehyung’s hips, pulling him closer, but Taehyung held back, keeping the pace maddeningly slow.
59
“Shit…” Jungkook groaned, his body arching up into Taehyung’s. “Come on, Peach.”
Taehyung’s smirk grew wider as he leaned in, pressing his lips to Jungkook’s ear. “What was that? Did you just beg? I think I need to hear it louder.”
Taehyung’s smirk grew wider as he leaned in, pressing his lips to Jungkook’s ear. “What was that? Did you just beg? I think I need to hear it louder.”
60
Jungkook’s head fell back against the couch, a low, guttural sound escaping his throat. “Please, Peach.”
That stupid nickname. It would be the death of Taehyung.
With a groan, Taehyung caved, his hips moving faster, matching Jungkook’s intensity as their bodies collided in a frenzy of heat and skin.
That stupid nickname. It would be the death of Taehyung.
With a groan, Taehyung caved, his hips moving faster, matching Jungkook’s intensity as their bodies collided in a frenzy of heat and skin.
61
Jungkook wasted no time, his hands gripping Taehyung's waist as he pulled him in for a kiss—hungry and demanding. Clothes disappeared in a flurry, landing in a crumpled pile on the floor as they stumbled toward the bed, too caught up in each other to care.
62
Jungkook laid Taehyung down, his mouth instantly seeking the soft skin of Taehyung’s abdomen. He trailed wet, open-mouthed kisses along his stomach, pausing to swirl his tongue around Taehyung’s navel.
63
Taehyung let out a sharp gasp, his toes curling against the sheets as he clutched them tighter. When Jungkook tugged down Taehyung’s briefs with his teeth, a shudder ran through him.
“Fuck,” Taehyung breathed, voice shaky.
Jungkook smirked, kneeling up as he hooked his leg over his shoulder.
“Fuck,” Taehyung breathed, voice shaky.
Jungkook smirked, kneeling up as he hooked his leg over his shoulder.
64
He reached for the lube, slicking his fingers before gently pressing them inside. He watched, fascinated, as Taehyung writhed in his hold, biting his lip hard enough to leave a mark.
65
Their eyes locked, and Jungkook kissed him messily, his other hand working Taehyung open while jerking himself off in time with the movement. The room filled with the wet sounds of their bodies, the rhythm frantic and wild.
66
Taehyung’s moans became louder, more desperate, as Jungkook added another finger, stretching him further. “Jungkook,” Taehyung gasped, his fingers digging into the sheets, “I need—”
Jungkook didn’t make him wait. He removed his fingers, his grip firm as he positioned himself.
Jungkook didn’t make him wait. He removed his fingers, his grip firm as he positioned himself.
67
With one smooth thrust, he entered Taehyung, and the loud cry that followed sent a wave of heat down Jungkook’s spine. His nails raked across Taehyung’s back, and they moved together in a perfect, sweat-slicked rhythm—each thrust deeper, each kiss more desperate.
68
By the time they finished, both of them were breathless and spent, their bodies tangled together in a mess of limbs. Jungkook collapsed back against the couch, wiping the sweat from his brow as he grinned lazily. “Damn,” he panted, his chest still heaving, “that was... intense.”
69
Taehyung, equally breathless, only huffed in agreement, still lying sprawled across the bed.
Jungkook shot a glance at him, considering his next move. "So, uh... can I crash here tonight?"
Jungkook shot a glance at him, considering his next move. "So, uh... can I crash here tonight?"
70
Taehyung, already halfway to the bathroom, didn’t even look back as he turned on the shower. “You know the rules, Jungkook,” he called over his shoulder. “We don’t stay the night. That’s the deal.”
Jungkook groaned, running a hand through his hair.
Jungkook groaned, running a hand through his hair.
71
“Come on, Tae. My place is far, I’ve got an early class, and your apartment is closer to campus. Just this once?”
There was a pause, the sound of running water the only thing filling the silence, before Taehyung finally responded. “Fine. But if you’re staying, it’s on the couch.”
There was a pause, the sound of running water the only thing filling the silence, before Taehyung finally responded. “Fine. But if you’re staying, it’s on the couch.”
72
Jungkook rolled his eyes, flopping onto the couch with a sigh. “Sure, Peach. Whatever you say.”
Taehyung shook his head with a sigh, as he stepped into the shower, knowing full well that “just this once” would never stick. Damn it.
Taehyung shook his head with a sigh, as he stepped into the shower, knowing full well that “just this once” would never stick. Damn it.
73
Should I continue and turn this in a long fic??
74
Next update on 24th Oct, 2024
75
The next morning, Jungkook woke up to silence. The room was dim, the early light barely peeking through the curtains, and for a moment, he forgot where he was. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he sat up and stretched, wincing at the soreness in his limbs.
76
The memories of last night flooded back quickly—Taehyung’s mouth on his, the way their bodies moved in sync, and that damn smirk Taehyung always wore when he was teasing him. Jungkook smiled to himself, but it faltered when he realized something.
Taehyung was gone.
Taehyung was gone.
77
His eyes fell on the coffee table, where a small note was left,
"Since you're still sprawled out on my couch, I’ll assume you survived the night. I’ve left for morning practice. Don’t linger too long, though. Wouldn’t want anyone to think we’re... friends. Take care, Peach."
"Since you're still sprawled out on my couch, I’ll assume you survived the night. I’ve left for morning practice. Don’t linger too long, though. Wouldn’t want anyone to think we’re... friends. Take care, Peach."
78
Jungkook snorted, crumpling the note in his hand. "Fake-friendly bastard," he muttered under his breath, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. He got up, stretched again, and glanced around the empty apartment.
79
Taehyung had his reasons for leaving early. They always had this unspoken rule: no staying over, no lingering. It kept things… well, less complicated. Jungkook didn’t fully understand it. After all, they already slept together more times than either cared to admit. What difference did staying the night make?
80
But this was Taehyung, after all—the same guy who insisted on keeping his identity as an underground dancer a secret from the rest of the world. While Jungkook was proudly the head of the college dance club and had no issue flaunting his title, Taehyung, known as V in the underground, stayed hidden behind the façade of being just another music student.
81
Later that day, the two of them walked the same campus halls, but it was like they lived in entirely different worlds. Jungkook, the golden boy of the dance department, always surrounded by admirers and club members, strutting down the halls with his signature cocky grin. Taehyung, on the other hand, was a mystery to most—a talented vocalist in the music club, but always distant, as if keeping a part of himself locked away.
82
They never interacted at school. That was part of the pact—an unspoken agreement between the underground teams. What happened in the underground stayed there. Neon Tigers, the crew Taehyung belonged to, had this rule: no public recognition of their members as dancers.
83
Jungkook, however, danced as part of Bangtan Blazers and thought the whole thing was ridiculous.
Why hide it?
After all, they were some of the best dancers around. But Neon Tigers had their reasons, apparently. Their whole secretive attitude rubbed Jungkook the wrong way.
Why hide it?
After all, they were some of the best dancers around. But Neon Tigers had their reasons, apparently. Their whole secretive attitude rubbed Jungkook the wrong way.
84
Especially because, at their last World Championship, both teams tied. And Neon Tigers suddenly disappeared afterward, going dark for a while. Jungkook’s team never understood why Taehyung’s team stayed hidden—avoiding any celebration or public acknowledgment.
85
Jungkook hated it. How could they be so good yet not own it?
His frustration only built from there. Last year, in an empty classroom, when Jungkook had finally confronted Taehyung about it, things had escalated into an argument.
His frustration only built from there. Last year, in an empty classroom, when Jungkook had finally confronted Taehyung about it, things had escalated into an argument.
86
hey went from shouting at each other to pushing and shoving, and somehow, it ended with Taehyung bent over a desk, Jungkook pounding into him from behind. It wasn’t planned, and they both knew they crossed a line that day.
87
It was supposed to be a one-time thing—just a release of all that pent-up energy, the tension from their rivalry boiling over. But after that, Jungkook couldn’t stop pushing Taehyung’s buttons. He’d provoke him, taunt him until Taehyung snapped, and every time, it led to them tangled in each other again.
88
But the rivalry? That never went away.
That afternoon, Jungkook walked past the music club room and caught a glimpse of Taehyung through the window. He was laughing with his friends, strumming a guitar like he didn’t have a care in the world.
#taekookau
That afternoon, Jungkook walked past the music club room and caught a glimpse of Taehyung through the window. He was laughing with his friends, strumming a guitar like he didn’t have a care in the world.
#taekookau
89
No one would ever guess this guy dominated underground battles at night. Jungkook found himself lingering, staring longer than he should’ve, until Jimin’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
“Captain,” Jimin smirked, sidling up to him. “You’re staring again.”
“Captain,” Jimin smirked, sidling up to him. “You’re staring again.”
90
Jungkook rolled his eyes, tearing his gaze away. “I’m not staring.”
“Right,” Jimin drawled, clearly not buying it. “You know, one of these days someone’s gonna catch on that you two are… more than ‘rivals with benefits.’”
Jungkook shot him a warning look. “We’re not—”
“Right,” Jimin drawled, clearly not buying it. “You know, one of these days someone’s gonna catch on that you two are… more than ‘rivals with benefits.’”
Jungkook shot him a warning look. “We’re not—”
91
“Please,” Jimin scoffed, cutting him off. “You really think we don’t know what’s been going on?”
Jungkook opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say anything, Taehyung stepped out of the music room, his eyes locking with Jungkook’s for the briefest moment.
Jungkook opened his mouth to retort, but before he could say anything, Taehyung stepped out of the music room, his eyes locking with Jungkook’s for the briefest moment.
92
They didn’t acknowledge each other, just as they’d agreed. But Jungkook saw it—the flicker of something dangerous in Taehyung’s gaze before he looked away.
Jungkook watched him walk off, the tension between them simmering under the surface.
Jungkook watched him walk off, the tension between them simmering under the surface.
93
He wanted to confront Taehyung again, push his buttons, but he knew better than to do it here. The underground was their battleground. College? That was just a stage where they wore different masks.
94
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
#taekookau
#taekookau
95
It was late—too late, honestly—but Jungkook had been riding a wave of inspiration all day. With the World Championship just a month away, he couldn’t afford to slack off. Bangtan Blazers had to win this time. There was no other option.
96
Pulling his hoodie tighter around him, he jogged toward the dance studio, his mind filled with choreography ideas and strategy. He fumbled with his bag, tugging it over his shoulder, when he noticed something strange—the door to the studio was slightly ajar. He frowned.
97
Who else could be here this late? His team had wrapped up practice hours ago.
Cautiously, Jungkook pushed the door open, peeking inside. What he saw made him freeze in place.
Taehyung.
Cautiously, Jungkook pushed the door open, peeking inside. What he saw made him freeze in place.
Taehyung.
98
But not Taehyung doing his usual hard-hitting hip-hop. No, this was something different. His eyes were closed, his body moving gracefully, effortlessly, to the slow rhythm of a song Jungkook didn’t recognize. He was performing contemporary—fluid, precise, and beautiful.
99
Every movement was a piece of emotion, and Jungkook found himself unable to look away.
He hadn’t known Taehyung could dance like this. Hip-hop? Sure, he’d seen that a thousand times. But this? This was new. It was mesmerizing. And it irked him.
He hadn’t known Taehyung could dance like this. Hip-hop? Sure, he’d seen that a thousand times. But this? This was new. It was mesmerizing. And it irked him.
100
Why the hell is he hiding this? Why doesn’t he show the world how good he really is?
101
The music slowed to a stop, and just as Taehyung stood there catching his breath, Jungkook couldn't resist anymore. He stepped inside, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t V. Not scared of getting caught anymore, are we?”
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t V. Not scared of getting caught anymore, are we?”
102
Taehyung’s body stiffened, and his eyes flew open. Panic flickered across his face as he quickly glanced toward the door before rushing over to close it behind Jungkook.
“How long have you been standing there?” Taehyung hissed,
“How long have you been standing there?” Taehyung hissed,
103
his voice low and sharp, as if afraid someone else might hear them.
Jungkook shrugged nonchalantly, strolling further into the room. “Long enough to know you’ve been holding out on us.”
Taehyung glared at him, his chest still heaving slightly from the dance.
Jungkook shrugged nonchalantly, strolling further into the room. “Long enough to know you’ve been holding out on us.”
Taehyung glared at him, his chest still heaving slightly from the dance.
104
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“Neither should you,” Jungkook shot back, raising an eyebrow. “Doing a solo late at night like this? You’re really pushing that whole ‘Neon Tigers stay in the shadows’ thing, aren’t you?”
“Neither should you,” Jungkook shot back, raising an eyebrow. “Doing a solo late at night like this? You’re really pushing that whole ‘Neon Tigers stay in the shadows’ thing, aren’t you?”
105
Taehyung scoffed, crossing his arms defensively. “I’m not pushing anything. I just needed some space to practice.”
“Practice what? Contemporary?” Jungkook snorted, but there was no real malice behind it. In truth, he was impressed. “Didn’t know you had it in you, V.”
“Practice what? Contemporary?” Jungkook snorted, but there was no real malice behind it. In truth, he was impressed. “Didn’t know you had it in you, V.”
106
Taehyung’s jaw clenched, clearly irritated by Jungkook’s presence. He hated being caught off guard like this, especially by him. “Don’t call me that here. And why the hell are you still standing there? You’ve had your fun, so leave.”
107
Jungkook tilted his head, his smirk widening. “I don’t think I will. I mean, who would’ve thought you could dance like that? It’s almost like you’re hiding something.” He leaned closer, eyes glinting with mischief. “What’s the deal, Peach? Why not show everyone what you’ve got?”
108
Taehyung’s eyes flashed dangerously, and for a second, Jungkook thought he might get a punch to the face. But instead, Taehyung stepped forward, closing the distance between them, his voice low and venomous. “You don’t know anything about me, Jeon.”
109
“Oh, I know more than you think,” Jungkook retorted, his gaze dropping briefly to Taehyung’s lips before snapping back up to meet his eyes. The tension between them crackled in the air, thick and undeniable.
110
Taehyung narrowed his eyes, leaning in just enough that Jungkook could feel his breath against his cheek. “You really want to do this here? Right now?”
Jungkook’s heart rate spiked. The tension—the rivalry, the heat—was back, simmering just below the surface. It always felt like this with Taehyung.
Jungkook’s heart rate spiked. The tension—the rivalry, the heat—was back, simmering just below the surface. It always felt like this with Taehyung.
111
One second, they were at each other’s throats, and the next, they were— No, not here. He pushed the thought away, his smirk faltering for only a split second.
“Why not?” Jungkook challenged, stepping forward, almost daring him. “Unless you’re afraid.”
“Why not?” Jungkook challenged, stepping forward, almost daring him. “Unless you’re afraid.”
112
Taehyung’s eyes flashed with anger, but instead of responding with words, he shoved Jungkook back, causing him to stumble. Jungkook’s grin widened, the adrenaline rushing through him.
“Still so damn predictable,” Jungkook taunted,
“Still so damn predictable,” Jungkook taunted,
113
not missing the way Taehyung’s hands were trembling slightly, a mix of frustration and something else. “You know what pisses me off about you, Tae? You’re so good at this, but you’re too scared to show it. Why?”
“I’m not scared,” Taehyung spat, his hands balling into fists at his sides.
“I’m not scared,” Taehyung spat, his hands balling into fists at his sides.
114
“Then what?” Jungkook pressed, stepping closer again. “Why hide? What are you so afraid of?”
Taehyung swallowed hard, his breath uneven as he glared up at Jungkook. For a moment, the room was silent, the only sound the soft echo of their breaths.
Taehyung swallowed hard, his breath uneven as he glared up at Jungkook. For a moment, the room was silent, the only sound the soft echo of their breaths.
115
“I’m not hiding,” Taehyung finally muttered, but there was less conviction in his voice now. “It’s just… complicated.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his voice softening just slightly. “It’s not that complicated. You’re an amazing dancer. Just admit it.”
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his voice softening just slightly. “It’s not that complicated. You’re an amazing dancer. Just admit it.”
116
Taehyung’s eyes flickered, and for a moment, Jungkook thought he might actually get through to him. But then, the familiar stubbornness returned, and Taehyung’s gaze hardened again.
“You wouldn’t understand,” Taehyung bit out, turning away.
“You wouldn’t understand,” Taehyung bit out, turning away.
117
Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You’re right, I don’t get it. I don’t get why you’re holding yourself back. But you know what? It doesn’t matter. Because at the end of the day, we’re both going to be on that stage, and I’m going to win.”
118
Taehyung turned back, glaring. “You’re so full of yourself.”
“Maybe,” Jungkook grinned, stepping closer again, “but I’m also not wrong.”
Their faces were inches apart now, the tension between them electric, almost suffocating. Taehyung’s breath hitched ever so slightly.
“Maybe,” Jungkook grinned, stepping closer again, “but I’m also not wrong.”
Their faces were inches apart now, the tension between them electric, almost suffocating. Taehyung’s breath hitched ever so slightly.
119
Before he could stop himself, Jungkook’s hand reached out, grabbing Taehyung by the waist and pulling him close. Taehyung’s eyes widened in shock, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, his hands gripped Jungkook’s shirt, nails digging into his chest as if he was fighting himself.
120
That’s when he saw it. Close up, with their faces inches apart, Jungkook noticed something on Taehyung’s jaw, just under the contour of his makeup.
“Wait.” Jungkook’s voice was low, suddenly serious, as he reached up to touch the mark.
“Wait.” Jungkook’s voice was low, suddenly serious, as he reached up to touch the mark.
121
Taehyung jerked his head away, trying to pull back, but Jungkook wasn’t having it. He grabbed Taehyung by the wrists, holding him still. “Stay still.”
“Jungkook, leave it,” Taehyung muttered, twisting in his grip, his voice sharp, panicked.
But Jungkook wasn’t about to let it go.
“Jungkook, leave it,” Taehyung muttered, twisting in his grip, his voice sharp, panicked.
But Jungkook wasn’t about to let it go.
122
He held Taehyung’s face with one hand, his thumb brushing just below his lip, wiping away the makeup. His fingers traced the bruise that had been hidden there—a small, dark purple spot marring Taehyung’s perfect skin.
“What happened?”
“What happened?”
123
Jungkook’s voice dropped into something more dangerous, his eyes narrowing. “Who did this?”
Taehyung yanked his hands back, his jaw clenched tight. “No one. It’s nothing, okay? Leave me alone.”
Jungkook’s fury was rising fast.
Taehyung yanked his hands back, his jaw clenched tight. “No one. It’s nothing, okay? Leave me alone.”
Jungkook’s fury was rising fast.
124
“Don’t lie to me. Who the hell did this, Taehyung?”
“I said it’s nothing!” Taehyung snapped, turning his head to the side, avoiding Jungkook’s gaze. “I hit my face on the corner of a door. It’s not a big deal.”
Jungkook stared at him, unconvinced.
“I said it’s nothing!” Taehyung snapped, turning his head to the side, avoiding Jungkook’s gaze. “I hit my face on the corner of a door. It’s not a big deal.”
Jungkook stared at him, unconvinced.
125
“You’re seriously telling me that?”
Taehyung’s eyes flicked up, and for the briefest moment, Jungkook could see it—the stress, the frustration, the exhaustion. Whatever it was, it was eating Taehyung alive, and Jungkook hated that he didn’t understand why.
Taehyung’s eyes flicked up, and for the briefest moment, Jungkook could see it—the stress, the frustration, the exhaustion. Whatever it was, it was eating Taehyung alive, and Jungkook hated that he didn’t understand why.
126
He felt Taehyung’s walls pushing him away again, but he wasn’t going to back down this time.
He pulled Taehyung closer, his grip firm.
“Jungkook,” Taehyung whispered, his voice shaky, almost pleading.
“Shut up,” Jungkook muttered again, but his tone was softer this time.
He pulled Taehyung closer, his grip firm.
“Jungkook,” Taehyung whispered, his voice shaky, almost pleading.
“Shut up,” Jungkook muttered again, but his tone was softer this time.
127
He kissed Taehyung, slower, more deliberate. He deepened the kiss, hoping to melt away whatever was hurting Taehyung. But when Taehyung winced again, Jungkook broke the kiss and leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to the bruise on Taehyung’s jaw instead.
128
“You don’t have to tell me your secrets,” Jungkook whispered against his skin, “or your reasons for hiding. But it’s the truth, Taehyung—you’re the only one who’s a real competition to me. I need you to show up at the championship. Don’t disappoint me.”
129
Taehyung was quiet for a long moment, his eyes clouded as he stared at Jungkook. He looked like he wanted to say something but couldn’t bring himself to. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely audible.
“I’m not sure if I’m participating this year.”
“I’m not sure if I’m participating this year.”
130
Jungkook froze, his grip on Taehyung tightening as his frown deepened. “What? Why? Taehyung, I’ve seen you dance. I’ve seen your passion. Why would you ruin it by backing out?”
Taehyung’s expression hardened, and he pushed Jungkook away roughly.
Taehyung’s expression hardened, and he pushed Jungkook away roughly.
131
“It’s not that simple, Jungkook. Not everyone can have a life like you.”
Jungkook blinked, confused. “A life like me? What the hell does that mean?”
Taehyung scoffed, stepping back and running a hand through his hair, clearly agitated
Jungkook blinked, confused. “A life like me? What the hell does that mean?”
Taehyung scoffed, stepping back and running a hand through his hair, clearly agitated
132
“Yes, like you. So free. No boundaries, no responsibilities. You get to do whatever the hell you want. You have no idea what it’s like for the rest of us.”
Jungkook’s anger flared, but more than that, there was frustration. He took a step forward, refusing to let Taehyung walk away from this.
Jungkook’s anger flared, but more than that, there was frustration. He took a step forward, refusing to let Taehyung walk away from this.
133
“What are you talking about? You love dance. You’re amazing at it. Why would you let anything hold you back?”
Taehyung shook his head, his voice rising. “Not all of us get the privilege of being that free, Jungkook. Some of us have things we can’t escape. And I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
Taehyung shook his head, his voice rising. “Not all of us get the privilege of being that free, Jungkook. Some of us have things we can’t escape. And I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”
134
He turned to leave, but Jungkook grabbed his wrist, pulling him back.
“Taehyung, don’t push me away,” Jungkook said, his voice lower now, but intense. “You’re not alone in this, whatever it is. You don’t have to be.”
“Taehyung, don’t push me away,” Jungkook said, his voice lower now, but intense. “You’re not alone in this, whatever it is. You don’t have to be.”
135
Taehyung stared at him, his chest rising and falling quickly as if the weight of Jungkook’s words were too much to bear. For a second, his resolve faltered, his eyes softening, but then he snapped back, pulling his hand free.
“I do. I have to be.” Taehyung’s voice was cold now, his guard fully up.
“I do. I have to be.” Taehyung’s voice was cold now, his guard fully up.
136
He glanced at the door, clearly wanting to leave, but his body was still rooted to the spot, as if something about Jungkook’s presence was keeping him there.
Jungkook’s jaw clenched in frustration, and he stepped closer, his breath brushing Taehyung’s neck.
Jungkook’s jaw clenched in frustration, and he stepped closer, his breath brushing Taehyung’s neck.
137
His hand slid down to Taehyung’s waist, pulling him in close again. He could feel the rapid beat of Taehyung’s heart against his own chest. “Then why are you still here?” he murmured against Taehyung’s ear, lips brushing his skin ever so slightly.
138
Taehyung shivered, his body reacting despite himself. “You’re such a pain in the ass,” he whispered, his voice shaky, betraying the war inside him.
“Yeah?” Jungkook chuckled softly, his lips grazing the bruise on Taehyung’s jaw again. “And yet, here you are, still talking to me.”
“Yeah?” Jungkook chuckled softly, his lips grazing the bruise on Taehyung’s jaw again. “And yet, here you are, still talking to me.”
139
Taehyung swallowed hard, his hands resting on Jungkook’s chest, not pushing him away but not pulling him in either. He was torn—Jungkook could see it. Torn between wanting to let go and the burden of whatever was holding him back.
140
“Jungkook, stop,” Taehyung’s voice cracked, but his fingers curled slightly into Jungkook’s shirt, betraying his words.
Jungkook leaned in, pressing their foreheads together, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”
Jungkook leaned in, pressing their foreheads together, their breaths mingling in the small space between them. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”
141
But Taehyung didn’t. He stood there, trembling, eyes closed, breath shaky.
And then, suddenly, he pushed away again, breaking the spell. “I can’t, Jungkook,” Taehyung muttered, stepping back toward the door. “I have to go. Don’t follow me.”
And then, suddenly, he pushed away again, breaking the spell. “I can’t, Jungkook,” Taehyung muttered, stepping back toward the door. “I have to go. Don’t follow me.”
142
Before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung was gone, leaving Jungkook standing alone in the studio, frustration and desire swirling in his chest.
143
Jungkook barely slept a wink. He tossed and turned, staring at his ceiling as Taehyung’s words replayed in his mind. “I’m not sure if I’m participating this year.” He clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him.
144
Why was Taehyung even considering giving up something he was so clearly born to do? Jungkook’s goal for months had been to beat Neon Tigers and, specifically, Taehyung in the championship. And now Taehyung was just… backing out?
145
“No way,” Jungkook muttered to himself, sitting up abruptly. “It can’t end like this. Not without a fight.”
He decided then and there: he’d talk to Taehyung, convince him to compete, one way or another. It was the weekend, so he had all day to hunt him down if he had to.
He decided then and there: he’d talk to Taehyung, convince him to compete, one way or another. It was the weekend, so he had all day to hunt him down if he had to.
146
By the time the sun was barely up, Jungkook was heading toward Taehyung’s apartment, though he had no idea if he’d be home.
After knocking with no answer, he turned to leave, but a neighbor happened to be walking past and stopped, raising an eyebrow. “You looking for Taehyung?”
After knocking with no answer, he turned to leave, but a neighbor happened to be walking past and stopped, raising an eyebrow. “You looking for Taehyung?”
147
Jungkook blinked in surprise, nodding. “Uh, yeah. Do you know where he is?”
The neighbor pointed a few blocks down the street. “He’s probably at work. There’s a garage over there, two blocks down. He’s got a shift today.”
Jungkook frowned. “A garage?”
The neighbor pointed a few blocks down the street. “He’s probably at work. There’s a garage over there, two blocks down. He’s got a shift today.”
Jungkook frowned. “A garage?”
148
The neighbor shrugged. “Yep. Works there with some friends.” And with that, they walked off, leaving Jungkook with even more questions than he’d started with.
He couldn’t shake the thought. Taehyung, in a garage?
He couldn’t shake the thought. Taehyung, in a garage?
149
He’d assumed Taehyung came from money; his apartment complex was in one of the better neighborhoods, and he always carried himself with a confidence that spoke of a well-off background. Why would he need to work in a garage?
150
Curious and more determined than ever, Jungkook made his way down the street, until he finally arrived at the garage. As he peeked in, he stopped in his tracks.
Taehyung was there, covered in grease, alongside several other members of the Neon Tigers. They were laughing and chatting while working on an old car, each of them wearing a set of beat-up overalls, completely focused on their tasks.
Taehyung was there, covered in grease, alongside several other members of the Neon Tigers. They were laughing and chatting while working on an old car, each of them wearing a set of beat-up overalls, completely focused on their tasks.
151
Jungkook watched from the doorway, silently absorbing the scene.
It felt… surreal. Taehyung, the same guy who danced with all the confidence in the world, was now kneeling next to an engine, his hands smeared with oil, looking like he belonged there.
It felt… surreal. Taehyung, the same guy who danced with all the confidence in the world, was now kneeling next to an engine, his hands smeared with oil, looking like he belonged there.
152
But there was no sign of the usually composed, reserved Taehyung Jungkook knew. Here, he was joking around with his team, his laughter unguarded, his smile easy.
Jungkook took a step forward, and the sound caught Taehyung’s attention.
Jungkook took a step forward, and the sound caught Taehyung’s attention.
153
Their eyes met, and Taehyung’s smile faded, a look of surprise crossing his face. He stood up slowly, wiping his hands on a rag and making his way over.
“What are you doing here?” Taehyung’s voice was calm, but his expression held a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
“What are you doing here?” Taehyung’s voice was calm, but his expression held a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.
154
One of the other Neon Tigers, a guy with a wild mop of hair named Hyunjin, gave a low whistle, grinning as he nudged another teammate. “Looks like lover boy came all the way here to talk to you, Tae.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes and shot Jungkook an exasperated look.
Taehyung rolled his eyes and shot Jungkook an exasperated look.
155
“Please ignore him,” he muttered, before glaring mockingly at his teammate. “And quit with the commentary, Hyunjin.”
“Can’t help it, Tae,” Hyunjin teased with a grin, tossing a rag into the bin nearby. “He’s here for you. Kinda romantic, no?”
“Can’t help it, Tae,” Hyunjin teased with a grin, tossing a rag into the bin nearby. “He’s here for you. Kinda romantic, no?”
156
Taehyung shot him a final glare before turning his attention back to Jungkook, crossing his arms defensively. "Look, you need to leave. There’s nothing to talk about."
Jungkook’s expression shifted, and he reached out, grabbing Taehyung’s arm before he could slip away.
Jungkook’s expression shifted, and he reached out, grabbing Taehyung’s arm before he could slip away.
157
“Oh, there’s plenty to talk about.”
Taehyung glanced down at Jungkook’s hand on his arm, but Jungkook didn’t budge. He held his grip firm, his gaze steady. “You can keep brushing me off, Taehyung, but I’m not letting this go until you tell me what’s going on. And I’m not leaving without answers.”
Taehyung glanced down at Jungkook’s hand on his arm, but Jungkook didn’t budge. He held his grip firm, his gaze steady. “You can keep brushing me off, Taehyung, but I’m not letting this go until you tell me what’s going on. And I’m not leaving without answers.”
158
For a long moment, Taehyung said nothing, his gaze dropping to the ground. Then, in a quiet voice, he muttered, “I have… obligations. Family ones. Things you wouldn’t understand.” He lifted his head, looking Jungkook dead in the eye. “And those obligations mean I don’t get to be as free as you think.”
159
Jungkook’s expression softened. He wasn’t entirely sure what Taehyung meant, but he could see the tension in Taehyung’s eyes. He took a deep breath, steadying his voice. “I might not understand everything, but I know that giving up on what you love isn’t the answer.”
160
Taehyung scoffed, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “That’s easy for you to say. You don’t have people depending on you.”
Jungkook’s gaze softened. “Maybe not in the same way. But I know what it’s like to have expectations on your shoulders. I just don’t want you to throw away your dream because of someone else’s rules.”
Jungkook’s gaze softened. “Maybe not in the same way. But I know what it’s like to have expectations on your shoulders. I just don’t want you to throw away your dream because of someone else’s rules.”
161
Taehyung’s shoulders slumped, the fight visibly draining out of him. “Jungkook, you don’t get it. It’s not a choice for me. I can’t just… walk away from my responsibilities.”
162
Jungkook hesitated, then reached out, tilting Taehyung’s chin up to meet his gaze. “Just… don’t give up on the one thing that makes you, you. Because whether you like it or not, you’re incredible at this, and I won’t accept that you’re walking away without a fight.”
163
Taehyung’s lips curled into a sneer, his gaze sharp. “Wise words, coming from my so-called rival. So tell me, Jeon, what’s in it for you?”
Jungkook’s expression shifted, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “I want to beat you rightfully,” he said, voice low but steady.
Jungkook’s expression shifted, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. “I want to beat you rightfully,” he said, voice low but steady.
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“Take that championship title from you fair and square. You don’t deserve it… not when you can’t even own it. So yeah, you need to be in that competition so I can defeat you the way I should.”
A scoff escaped Taehyung’s lips as he yanked his chin from Jungkook’s grip.
A scoff escaped Taehyung’s lips as he yanked his chin from Jungkook’s grip.
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“Knew you didn’t have a single nice bone in you. Took you all of two seconds to drop the ‘motivational speech’ act.” His smirk widened as he crossed his arms. “But let me make something clear, Jungkook—I’ll be damned if I let you take what’s rightfully mine. So bring it on.”
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A spark of satisfaction flickered in Jungkook’s chest, pleased to see the fire reignited in Taehyung. He took a step back, crossing his arms as he cocked a brow. “Don’t back out later, Taehyung. That’ll only prove how much of a coward you are.”
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Taehyung’s eyes narrowed, his posture tense as he took a step forward, ready to launch a retort. But just then, Namjoon stepped in between them, pressing a firm hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “Alright, Tae. It’s time to go, or you’re going to be late.”
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Taehyung’s eyes widened as he glanced down at his watch. “Shit, shit!” He muttered under his breath, throwing a heated glare at Jungkook. “This isn’t over, Jeon. I’ll make sure you regret every word you said.”
Jungkook smirked, giving a slight nod. “Looking forward to it.”
Jungkook smirked, giving a slight nod. “Looking forward to it.”
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With a final scoff, Taehyung turned, cursing under his breath as he grabbed his things. He glared back at Jungkook one last time, muttering, “I’ll clear this out with you later.”
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#taekookau
>>>>>>>>>>>
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Over the weekend Jungkook doesn't see Taehyung at the underground battles.
Monday lunch break was just beginning as the Bangtan Blazers gathered in their makeshift hideout, an old container tucked behind the campus that served as their private spot for strategy sessions, meals, and the occasional nap.
Monday lunch break was just beginning as the Bangtan Blazers gathered in their makeshift hideout, an old container tucked behind the campus that served as their private spot for strategy sessions, meals, and the occasional nap.
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Namjoon, Seokjin, and Yoongi shuffled inside, arms full of takeout boxes, as Hoseok and Jimin rushed over, their faces lighting up.
Jimin practically lunged at the food. “Oh, nothing beats free lunch! This is what victory tastes like.”
Jimin practically lunged at the food. “Oh, nothing beats free lunch! This is what victory tastes like.”
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But just as his hand reached for a box, Yoongi snatched it out of his grasp, raising an eyebrow. “Calm down, mooch. It’s not even your victory,” he teased, holding the box just out of reach.
“Victory by association!” Jimin argued, making another swipe for the food as Hoseok laughed, happily taking his own box and settling beside Jungkook on the couch.
“Victory by association!” Jimin argued, making another swipe for the food as Hoseok laughed, happily taking his own box and settling beside Jungkook on the couch.
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Jungkook rolled his eyes at their bickering, settling deeper into the couch. He had spent the weekend practicing until his muscles ached, using Taehyung’s fiery words as fuel. The determination that glinted in Taehyung’s eyes when he’d thrown down the gauntlet last time was all the motivation Jungkook needed.
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He was ready to take him on, and he was damn well going to make sure Taehyung stayed in the game.
Namjoon dropped onto a nearby seat with his lunch, catching Jungkook’s glance as he opened his box. Not seeing Taehyung in the usual mix of Neon Tigers had Jungkook frowning.
Namjoon dropped onto a nearby seat with his lunch, catching Jungkook’s glance as he opened his box. Not seeing Taehyung in the usual mix of Neon Tigers had Jungkook frowning.
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“Where’s Taehyung?” Jungkook asked casually, though a tinge of curiosity slipped through.
Namjoon hesitated before answering, scratching the back of his neck. “Oh, he’s…he’s at the gate. I think he’s waiting for someone.”
Namjoon hesitated before answering, scratching the back of his neck. “Oh, he’s…he’s at the gate. I think he’s waiting for someone.”
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Jungkook’s frown deepened as he stood up, setting his lunch aside. “Waiting for someone?” he muttered. “I’ll be back.”
Namjoon glanced at him, raising a brow, but Jungkook was already out the door, his curiosity piqued.
Namjoon glanced at him, raising a brow, but Jungkook was already out the door, his curiosity piqued.
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The midday sun was blinding as he crossed the school grounds, heading towards the gate. As he got closer, he saw Taehyung leaning casually against the fence, his stance relaxed. But it wasn’t Taehyung alone that had Jungkook’s attention—he was talking to a girl.
179
Jungkook’s steps slowed as he took in the scene. Taehyung had his arm loosely wrapped around the girl’s shoulder, and his expression softened in a way Jungkook rarely saw. The girl, smiling shyly, looked up at Taehyung as he spoke softly to her, his voice low and gentle.
180
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, teeth grinding as a sharp, irrational irritation spiked within him. Who the hell was she?
He couldn’t explain the surge of jealousy that gripped him, but he found himself stepping closer, ignoring the tightness in his chest.
He couldn’t explain the surge of jealousy that gripped him, but he found himself stepping closer, ignoring the tightness in his chest.
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Just as he was about to make his presence known, Taehyung’s eyes flicked up, landing squarely on Jungkook.
For a split second, Taehyung’s brows furrowed, clearly not expecting to see him there. But then his usual mask slipped on, and he smirked, pulling the girl in closer as if just to rub it in.
For a split second, Taehyung’s brows furrowed, clearly not expecting to see him there. But then his usual mask slipped on, and he smirked, pulling the girl in closer as if just to rub it in.
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“Hey, Jeon,” Taehyung called out, feigning surprise, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. “Didn’t expect to see you here. Came to say hi?”
Jungkook scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets, doing his best to look unaffected. “Was just wondering where you were, thought you might’ve chickened out or something.”
Jungkook scoffed, shoving his hands into his pockets, doing his best to look unaffected. “Was just wondering where you were, thought you might’ve chickened out or something.”
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“Oh, I’m not going anywhere,” Taehyung replied smoothly, his gaze lingering on Jungkook, challenging him in ways words couldn’t capture. He then turned back to the girl, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with a soft smile. “See you soon, alright?”
184
The girl nodded, glancing between them before giving Taehyung a shy wave and heading off. Jungkook’s eyes followed her as she left, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. As soon as she was out of earshot, he let out a low huff.
“So,” he began, his tone dripping with barely concealed annoyance. “Who’s she?”
“So,” he began, his tone dripping with barely concealed annoyance. “Who’s she?”
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Taehyung raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this a little too much. “Oh, you mean Hana? Why, you jealous, Jeon?”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, fighting down the instinct to deny it too eagerly. “Jealous? Not a chance. I was just… curious, is all. She seems… clingy.”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, fighting down the instinct to deny it too eagerly. “Jealous? Not a chance. I was just… curious, is all. She seems… clingy.”
186
“Clingy?” Taehyung laughed, shaking his head. “Well, not everyone is as emotionally unavailable as you, Jungkook.”
Jungkook scoffed, stepping closer. “Unavailable? That’s funny, coming from the guy who’s literally hiding behind a dozen walls. So, what, she’s your next victim?”
Jungkook scoffed, stepping closer. “Unavailable? That’s funny, coming from the guy who’s literally hiding behind a dozen walls. So, what, she’s your next victim?”
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Taehyung’s gaze sharpened, his smirk disappearing. He took a step closer, matching Jungkook’s energy. “Not everything’s a game, Jungkook. Maybe try thinking beyond your tiny ego for once.”
The two stood inches apart now, eyes locked in a battle of wills.
The two stood inches apart now, eyes locked in a battle of wills.
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Jungkook could feel the tension simmering between them, thick enough to cut through. But before he could fire back a retort, Taehyung chuckled under his breath, leaning in just close enough that his breath ghosted across Jungkook’s cheek.
“You’re more bothered than you’d like to admit, aren’t you?”
“You’re more bothered than you’d like to admit, aren’t you?”
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Jungkook swallowed, feeling his pulse quicken as Taehyung’s words sank in. He managed a smirk, though it felt shaky. “In your dreams.”
With a glint of challenge in his eyes, Taehyung let his fingers brush along Jungkook’s arm, lingering for just a moment.
With a glint of challenge in his eyes, Taehyung let his fingers brush along Jungkook’s arm, lingering for just a moment.
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“Guess I’ll just have to make you work a little harder for my attention then.”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists to keep himself from pulling Taehyung back. “You’re so full of yourself.”
Taehyung chuckled, taking a few steps backward
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, his fingers curling into fists to keep himself from pulling Taehyung back. “You’re so full of yourself.”
Taehyung chuckled, taking a few steps backward
191
“Oh? Then I guess it’s good I have other plans tonight. I won’t be at the underground battle—I’ve got a date.” He tilted his head, glancing slyly at Jungkook. “With Hana. You know, the girl from earlier.”
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Jungkook’s eyes widened, a flash of something darker crossing his face. “A date?” he repeated, trying to keep his voice steady.
Taehyung shrugged casually, waving over his shoulder. “See you around, Jungkook.” And with that, he turned, leaving Jungkook standing there, fists clenched as a wave of frustration and confusion churned in his chest.
Taehyung shrugged casually, waving over his shoulder. “See you around, Jungkook.” And with that, he turned, leaving Jungkook standing there, fists clenched as a wave of frustration and confusion churned in his chest.
193
Later, back at the hideout, the usual underground battles were in full swing. Music pulsed through the space as dancers moved, some already slick with sweat from the intensity of the battles. The Bangtan Blazers and others danced in groups,
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But Jungkook? He stood off to the side, frowning into his drink, unable to ignore the nagging thought of Taehyung out on a “date.”
Why does it even matter? Jungkook asked himself. He and Taehyung were just… well, nothing serious, anyway.
Why does it even matter? Jungkook asked himself. He and Taehyung were just… well, nothing serious, anyway.
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And sure, they had a heated connection, but it was physical, just to blow off steam, right? He took a swig of his drink, grumbling to himself. So why it matters?
Yoongi, noticing his brooding, wandered over, tilting his head with a smirk. “Why the long face, Jk?” he teased. “Don’t tell me you’re upset because V’s not here?”
Yoongi, noticing his brooding, wandered over, tilting his head with a smirk. “Why the long face, Jk?” he teased. “Don’t tell me you’re upset because V’s not here?”
196
Jungkook scoffed, shooting him a glare. “Your fearless leader has no effect on me. For all I care, he can rot in hell.”
Unfazed, Yoongi just laughed. “Really? ’Cause Taehyung seems to be having the time of his life right now while you’re here sulking over a drink. Almost makes you seem like you miss him.”
Unfazed, Yoongi just laughed. “Really? ’Cause Taehyung seems to be having the time of his life right now while you’re here sulking over a drink. Almost makes you seem like you miss him.”
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Jungkook’s grip tightened on his cup. Yoongi’s words struck a nerve, and his eyes flicked to Yoongi’s, practically daring him to say more. “And where is he, exactly?”
Yoongi’s smirk grew wider.
Yoongi’s smirk grew wider.
198
“Last I heard, he’s at that fancy spot, the one on Fifth. Think he wanted a change from all this rough-and-tumble… maybe he’s out there looking for someone more… refined?” The glint in Yoongi’s eye said he knew exactly what he was doing,
199
Jungkook huffed, setting his drink down. Without another word, he turned and left the hideout, Yoongi’s amused chuckle following him out.
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#taekookau
Outside the posh restaurant, Jungkook spotted Taehyung through the window, sitting across from Hana. The sight of Taehyung’s easy smile and soft expression made Jungkook grit his teeth. He’s really enjoying this, huh?
Outside the posh restaurant, Jungkook spotted Taehyung through the window, sitting across from Hana. The sight of Taehyung’s easy smile and soft expression made Jungkook grit his teeth. He’s really enjoying this, huh?
201
But as Jungkook looked closer, he noticed something else—a flicker in Taehyung’s eyes, something that didn’t quite match the smile. And when Hana got up from the table, Taehyung’s expression dropped, his shoulders slumping as he let out a small sigh, the mask slipping for a moment.
202
But as soon as she returned, Taehyung’s face lit up again, too bright, almost like an act. Jungkook frowned, trying to make sense of it all. What are you doing, Taehyung?
Without thinking, he strode toward the entrance, ignoring the odd glances he got in his more casual outfit as he walked through the upscale dining room.
Without thinking, he strode toward the entrance, ignoring the odd glances he got in his more casual outfit as he walked through the upscale dining room.
203
He stopped just short of Taehyung’s table, watching as Taehyung’s eyes went wide with surprise.
Jungkook leaned in, not giving Taehyung a second to react before pulling him into a searing, possessive kiss.
Jungkook leaned in, not giving Taehyung a second to react before pulling him into a searing, possessive kiss.
204
The restaurant fell silent, gasps sounding from around them, and even Hana’s jaw dropped in shock. Jungkook finally pulled back, his lips lingering close to Taehyung’s, voice low and heated.
“You didn’t show up, so I thought I’d come pick you up myself,” he murmured,
“You didn’t show up, so I thought I’d come pick you up myself,” he murmured,
205
a smug smile tugging at his lips as he looked at Taehyung. Then, with a smirk, he glanced at Hana. “Oh, hey there. Didn’t mean to interrupt… but I’m gonna need to borrow him.”
Taehyung’s face was a mix of shock, anger, and something else that had Jungkook’s heart racing.
Taehyung’s face was a mix of shock, anger, and something else that had Jungkook’s heart racing.
206
Hana cleared her throat, obviously uncomfortable, her eyes flicking between the two of them before she stood.
“Uh, I… I should probably get going,” she said, quickly excusing herself. Taehyung watched her go, still speechless, before turning back to Jungkook, his eyes narrowed.
“Uh, I… I should probably get going,” she said, quickly excusing herself. Taehyung watched her go, still speechless, before turning back to Jungkook, his eyes narrowed.
207
“What the hell, Jungkook?” he whispered harshly. “Are you insane? This is… a restaurant, not some… street corner!”
Jungkook shrugged, unapologetic. “Seemed like you needed rescuing.”
Taehyung’s glare didn’t let up. “From what, exactly?”
Jungkook shrugged, unapologetic. “Seemed like you needed rescuing.”
Taehyung’s glare didn’t let up. “From what, exactly?”
208
“From whatever you were trying to convince her,” Jungkook replied, cocking an eyebrow. “Because from where I was standing, it looked like a lie.”
Taehyung’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t respond. He just looked away, rubbing the back of his neck as he took a deep breath.
Taehyung’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t respond. He just looked away, rubbing the back of his neck as he took a deep breath.
209
Jungkook, watching him closely, saw the flash of vulnerability Taehyung tried to hide.
“You don’t have to keep putting on a show, Taehyung,” he said softly. “Not for them. Not for anyone.”
Taehyung’s eyes met his, flickering with something close to hesitation.
“You don’t have to keep putting on a show, Taehyung,” he said softly. “Not for them. Not for anyone.”
Taehyung’s eyes met his, flickering with something close to hesitation.
210
For a moment, the tension softened, the walls between them crumbling just a little. But then Taehyung scoffed, forcing his usual mask back on.
“Oh, please. And who exactly do you think you are, swooping in to save me?” His smirk was back, though his eyes betrayed the flicker of doubt underneath.
“Oh, please. And who exactly do you think you are, swooping in to save me?” His smirk was back, though his eyes betrayed the flicker of doubt underneath.
211
Jungkook leaned in, voice low and firm. “Maybe the only person who sees through all of it.”
For a long moment, they just stood there, a battle of wills playing out in silence. But something shifted, an unspoken understanding settling between them.
For a long moment, they just stood there, a battle of wills playing out in silence. But something shifted, an unspoken understanding settling between them.
212
Taehyung’s smirk faded as he got up, brushing off his jeans. “Take me to the diner behind campus.”
Jungkook frowned, watching him walk past. “You’re not finishing that?” he muttered, glancing at Taehyung’s untouched food on the table.
Jungkook frowned, watching him walk past. “You’re not finishing that?” he muttered, glancing at Taehyung’s untouched food on the table.
213
Taehyung rolled his eyes, heading out the door. “Makes me sick. So unless you want me throwing up on you, let’s go. Fast.”
Jungkook huffed, trailing behind. “I’m not your chauffeur, you know.”
Jungkook huffed, trailing behind. “I’m not your chauffeur, you know.”
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Taehyung stopped suddenly, turning to face him with a mischievous glint in his eye. He stepped closer, fingers tracing a line down Jungkook’s chest as he blinked up at him, feigning innocence. “Won’t my knight in shining armor take his damsel in distress out for a proper dinner?”
215
He looked up at him with wide eyes. “I’m hungry.”
Jungkook’s face twisted in half-exasperation, half-amusement as he shoved Taehyung’s hand away. “Stick to your own annoying self,” he grumbled, but the hint of a smirk betrayed him. “And don’t ever do that again.”
Jungkook’s face twisted in half-exasperation, half-amusement as he shoved Taehyung’s hand away. “Stick to your own annoying self,” he grumbled, but the hint of a smirk betrayed him. “And don’t ever do that again.”
216
As Jungkook walked away, Taehyung chuckled, watching him with a fond smile, muttering to himself, “He’s gonna kill me for today, but it was worth it.” He sighed, almost grateful in his frustration. “If I don’t come back as a ghost just to annoy him.”
217
Jungkook turned, impatient. “You coming or what?”
Taehyung shook his head and jogged over, snagging the helmet Jungkook handed him and hopping onto the bike behind him. Almost instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s waist, settling into the seat.
Taehyung shook his head and jogged over, snagging the helmet Jungkook handed him and hopping onto the bike behind him. Almost instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Jungkook’s waist, settling into the seat.
218
Just as Jungkook started the engine, Taehyung leaned in close, whispering, “Thank you.” His voice was soft, warm with unspoken gratitude.
Jungkook didn’t respond, but Taehyung noticed his fingers tighten a bit on the handles, the slight shift in his shoulders betraying his own reaction.
Jungkook didn’t respond, but Taehyung noticed his fingers tighten a bit on the handles, the slight shift in his shoulders betraying his own reaction.
219
Without a word, Jungkook pulled away from the restaurant and sped through the city, the cool night air whipping past as they headed toward the little diner by campus—a place Taehyung rarely shared with anyone, one of the few spots where he could unwind.
220
The diner was small and dimly lit, tucked away in a quiet corner. Taehyung glanced around with a soft smile as they entered. It was cozy, far from the loud restaurants in the city. Booths lined the walls, and the hum of soft jazz filled the space.
221
“What’s with this place?” Jungkook asked, leaning back, arms crossed. “Looks like a place out of an old movie.”
Taehyung shrugged, glancing around with that nostalgic look. “I come here when I need to clear my head.” He offered a slight smile. “It’s kinda my escape.”
Taehyung shrugged, glancing around with that nostalgic look. “I come here when I need to clear my head.” He offered a slight smile. “It’s kinda my escape.”
222
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, looking at Taehyung with more interest than he intended. “From what?”
“Life, I guess,” Taehyung said, tracing his finger absently along the table edge. “Sometimes things just get… too much.”
Jungkook took that in, a silence settling between them.
“Life, I guess,” Taehyung said, tracing his finger absently along the table edge. “Sometimes things just get… too much.”
Jungkook took that in, a silence settling between them.
223
He had rarely seen Taehyung this open, this unguarded, and it left him… unsettled. He didn’t know what to say, so he settled for a quiet, “Makes sense.”
Just then, the waitress came over, setting down menus and greeting Taehyung with a warm smile.
Just then, the waitress came over, setting down menus and greeting Taehyung with a warm smile.
224
“Nice to see you back, Tae! Usual for you?”
“Yeah, thanks,” Taehyung replied, his eyes flicking to Jungkook’s face. “And whatever he wants.”
Jungkook glanced at the menu, feeling a bit awkward. “I’ll just have whatever he’s having.”
“Yeah, thanks,” Taehyung replied, his eyes flicking to Jungkook’s face. “And whatever he wants.”
Jungkook glanced at the menu, feeling a bit awkward. “I’ll just have whatever he’s having.”
225
When their food came, Jungkook had to admit it was good—simple comfort food, but delicious. They ate in companionable silence for a while until Taehyung set down his fork, leaning back with a sigh.
226
“Alright, so why’d you come all the way to ruin my date?” he asked, smirking at Jungkook. “Feeling possessive?”
Jungkook scoffed, though he felt his cheeks heat. “Please. I just didn’t like watching you fake it with her.”
Jungkook scoffed, though he felt his cheeks heat. “Please. I just didn’t like watching you fake it with her.”
227
Taehyung’s smile faltered slightly, and for a second, he looked down at his plate, something unreadable in his eyes. “Guess you saw through that, huh?”
228
Jungkook leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as curiosity tugged at him. “If it bothers you so much, then why are you pretending?”
Taehyung looked at him, a flash of defiance in his eyes. “For you to know that, I’d have to tell you my weakness,” he said coolly,
Taehyung looked at him, a flash of defiance in his eyes. “For you to know that, I’d have to tell you my weakness,” he said coolly,
229
his lips quirking up in a challenge. “And I’m not stupid enough to let my rival know something he can use against me.”
Jungkook scoffed but couldn’t help feeling intrigued. “A rival knowing your weakness might work to your advantage, too.”
Jungkook scoffed but couldn’t help feeling intrigued. “A rival knowing your weakness might work to your advantage, too.”
230
Taehyung’s expression softened for a moment, just a brief crack in his defenses, but then he quickly masked it, fumbling a little before his phone began buzzing on the table. He glanced at it, and Jungkook noticed the way his jaw clenched, his shoulders tensing.
231
Instead of answering, Taehyung silenced the call, but when it continued ringing, his expression darkened, and he shut the phone off entirely, slipping it back into his pocket with a forced calmness that didn’t fool Jungkook one bit.
232
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, half-amused, half-concerned. “Aren’t you popular?” he taunted, though his voice was softer than usual.
Taehyung’s gaze flicked up, his usual sharpness dimmed. “If I see tomorrow,” he muttered with a bitter smile, “maybe I’ll tell you. My Weaknesses”
Taehyung’s gaze flicked up, his usual sharpness dimmed. “If I see tomorrow,” he muttered with a bitter smile, “maybe I’ll tell you. My Weaknesses”
233
The statement, delivered with a twisted smirk, was enough to throw Jungkook off for a moment. He felt the unease settling in him but brushed it off, convinced Taehyung was just being dramatic to mess with him.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jungkook muttered, rolling his eyes but unable to shake the odd feeling gnawing at him.
“Yeah, yeah,” Jungkook muttered, rolling his eyes but unable to shake the odd feeling gnawing at him.
234
As they rode back, Taehyung was quiet, the usual banter and teasing replaced by a heavy silence. They finally pulled up outside Taehyung’s apartment, and he slid off the bike, handing Jungkook’s helmet back.
235
“Thanks for the ride, chauffeur,” Taehyung said with a crooked smile, clearly attempting to lighten the mood, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Jungkook snorted. “Be glad I don’t charge.”
Jungkook snorted. “Be glad I don’t charge.”
236
Taehyung chuckled at Jungkook’s dry response, shaking his head with a rueful smile. But his eyes lingered on Jungkook’s, a hint of something vulnerable hiding there.
Jungkook glanced up at Taehyung’s apartment building before speaking again, his voice quieter. “Would you at least tell me why you work at the garage?”
Jungkook glanced up at Taehyung’s apartment building before speaking again, his voice quieter. “Would you at least tell me why you work at the garage?”
237
Taehyung let out a sigh, casting a sideways glance at his apartment. “Because… I want to get out of this place. On my own terms.”
Jungkook’s brow furrowed. “Something wrong with it? Couldn’t you stay with your friends?”
Jungkook’s brow furrowed. “Something wrong with it? Couldn’t you stay with your friends?”
238
Taehyung gave a small shake of his head. “They’re already doing too much for me. I can’t keep relying on them.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked away, jaw tight. “I’m saving up to leave.”
Jungkook paused, processing Taehyung’s words.
Jungkook paused, processing Taehyung’s words.
239
Before he could stop himself, he said, “You could stay with me.”
Taehyung’s eyes went wide. “Wait—what?”
Jungkook shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “If it’s hard to stay here or whatever. I’m just saying… with me, you wouldn’t have to feel like you’re owing anyone. I don’t care about that kind of stuff.”
Taehyung’s eyes went wide. “Wait—what?”
Jungkook shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “If it’s hard to stay here or whatever. I’m just saying… with me, you wouldn’t have to feel like you’re owing anyone. I don’t care about that kind of stuff.”
240
Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk forming on his lips. “Jeon Jungkook… are you falling for me?”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, a grin tugging at his lips. “Trust me, the last thing I need is you thinking that. It’s just an offer.”
Jungkook rolled his eyes, a grin tugging at his lips. “Trust me, the last thing I need is you thinking that. It’s just an offer.”
241
Taehyung chuckled, leaning against his apartment’s gate with a lazy smirk. “Hmm. Nice offer, but I don’t think I need a babysitter, thanks.”
“Just as well,” Jungkook replied coolly. “You’d probably just get in the way. Although, you know, doing dishes, laundry… I could find some ways for you to pay me back.”
“Just as well,” Jungkook replied coolly. “You’d probably just get in the way. Although, you know, doing dishes, laundry… I could find some ways for you to pay me back.”
242
Taehyung scowled. “Oh, so you’re just looking for a live-in servant?”
Jungkook’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Wouldn’t you love that? Imagine all the ways I could put you to work.”
“The audacity,” Taehyung said, glaring at him, but his lips twitched into a smile.
Jungkook’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “Wouldn’t you love that? Imagine all the ways I could put you to work.”
“The audacity,” Taehyung said, glaring at him, but his lips twitched into a smile.
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“The hell I’m moving in with you.”
Jungkook shrugged, brushing his fingers along the collar of his jacket. “Offer still stands. You need anything… you know where to find me.”
Jungkook shrugged, brushing his fingers along the collar of his jacket. “Offer still stands. You need anything… you know where to find me.”
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They stood there, silence stretching between them, neither quite ready to break it. Finally, Taehyung took a step back, flashing Jungkook one last grin. “Goodnight, Jungkook.”
“Yeah… night, Taehyung.”
“Yeah… night, Taehyung.”
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As Taehyung disappeared inside, Jungkook’s smirk faded, his chest feeling strangely hollow. He knew Taehyung wouldn’t take him up on it, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d meant what he said.
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Jungkook knew Taehyung wouldn’t take up on the offer but the thing is Taehyung always manages to surprise him in the worst ways.
Jungkook’s heart thudded as next day he watched Taehyung burst through the cafeteria doors, disheveled and tense.
Jungkook’s heart thudded as next day he watched Taehyung burst through the cafeteria doors, disheveled and tense.
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He was mid-laugh with his teammates, but everything came to a halt as Taehyung marched straight toward him, eyes red-rimmed, a busted lip, and a bruise coloring his cheekbone. Without a word, Taehyung set his backpack down on the table and locked eyes with Jungkook.
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“Does the offer still stand?” Taehyung’s voice was barely a whisper, but the weight behind it felt like a punch to Jungkook’s chest.
For a moment, Jungkook stood there, stunned, his gaze flicking between Taehyung’s bruised face and the hand trembling slightly at his side.
For a moment, Jungkook stood there, stunned, his gaze flicking between Taehyung’s bruised face and the hand trembling slightly at his side.
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His throat tightened, and something raw twisted inside him as he took Taehyung’s hand, feeling the warmth of it, the shaky grip.
“Yeah… yeah, it does,” Jungkook said quietly, voice gruff with a mix of anger and concern.
“Yeah… yeah, it does,” Jungkook said quietly, voice gruff with a mix of anger and concern.
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He reached up, thumb grazing Taehyung’s cheek, tracing around the bruise. “Who did this to you?” he muttered, his gaze darkening.
Taehyung shook his head, averting his eyes. “It doesn’t matter.”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, fury simmering in his chest.
Taehyung shook his head, averting his eyes. “It doesn’t matter.”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched, fury simmering in his chest.
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He pulled Taehyung’s backpack onto his own shoulder, then gently held Taehyung’s hand as he led him out of the cafeteria. He caught the confused, curious glances of his teammates but ignored them, focused entirely on the figure beside him.
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Outside, the wind whipped against them, but Jungkook slowed his pace, his thumb absently tracing calming circles on the back of Taehyung’s hand. “You’re staying with me tonight,” he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
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Taehyung swallowed, glancing up at him with a mixture of gratitude and defiance. “Jungkook, I’m not here to—”
“To be a burden? Yeah, I figured,” Jungkook cut him off. “But I don’t care about that.” He stopped, turning to face him
“To be a burden? Yeah, I figured,” Jungkook cut him off. “But I don’t care about that.” He stopped, turning to face him
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“Look, I don’t know why you’re not telling me what’s going on, but you don’t have to act like this doesn’t matter.”
For a second, Taehyung looked as though he’d argue, but then he just let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing on him.
For a second, Taehyung looked as though he’d argue, but then he just let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing on him.
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“Fine. But if I snore, it’s on you,” he mumbled.
Jungkook’s lips quirked up at the edges. “I’ll survive,” he replied softly, his gaze lingering on Taehyung a little longer than he intended.
Jungkook’s lips quirked up at the edges. “I’ll survive,” he replied softly, his gaze lingering on Taehyung a little longer than he intended.
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Taehyung caught his eye, raising an eyebrow. “So… your bed or the couch?”
Jungkook smirked, leaning in just a fraction closer. “You’re not getting my bed without a fight.”
Jungkook smirked, leaning in just a fraction closer. “You’re not getting my bed without a fight.”
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Is it turning out good?? This was my most random thought turned into a drabble.
So I don't know if its shaping into how I imagined it to be..
would love to know your thoughts. Hope you liked it so far.
So I don't know if its shaping into how I imagined it to be..
would love to know your thoughts. Hope you liked it so far.
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If you enjoy what I do, please support me on Ko-fi! ko-fi.com/taekoofy
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- don't reply, only quote.
- rivals to lovers
- top jk/bottom th
- mature
- dancers
- rivals to lovers
- top jk/bottom th
- mature
- dancers
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#taekookau - Meraki
Jungkook’s apartment felt eerily still, the awkwardness palpable as he led Taehyung inside. They’d been in enclosed spaces plenty of times, but it had never been like this.
Jungkook’s apartment felt eerily still, the awkwardness palpable as he led Taehyung inside. They’d been in enclosed spaces plenty of times, but it had never been like this.
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Normally, they’d be all over each other, not sparing a second for conversation or looking around. Now, in the clear light of day, with no physical distractions and an overwhelming quiet, the tension was different. Unfamiliar.
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Jungkook cleared his throat, gesturing to the guest room down the hall. “You can take that room. It’s, uh… got the essentials. Nothing fancy, but it should work.”
Taehyung nodded, a bit stiff. “Thanks,” he muttered, lingering awkwardly in the hallway before heading into the room.
Taehyung nodded, a bit stiff. “Thanks,” he muttered, lingering awkwardly in the hallway before heading into the room.
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The guest room was simple, almost impersonal, with minimal decorations. A bed with plain sheets, a small desk, and a chair. Taehyung dropped his backpack onto the bed and unzipped it, pulling out the few belongings he’d managed to bring.
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There wasn’t much—just the essentials and even fewer personal touches. He started to unpack in silence, feeling the unfamiliarity of this space.
Jungkook soon returned. He was holding a glass of juice, a few snacks balanced on a tray, and a small collection of ointments.
Jungkook soon returned. He was holding a glass of juice, a few snacks balanced on a tray, and a small collection of ointments.
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“Here,” Jungkook said, setting the tray down on the desk. “Drink this. And I brought some ointment. You know, for the bruises.”
Taehyung's lips quirked in a slight smile, but he tried to wave it off. “It’s not needed. Really.”
Taehyung's lips quirked in a slight smile, but he tried to wave it off. “It’s not needed. Really.”
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Jungkook ignored him, his jaw set with determination. “Sit down.”
Taehyung sighed, but he complied, sitting on the edge of the bed as Jungkook approached with the ointment. The younger man crouched in front of him, -
Taehyung sighed, but he complied, sitting on the edge of the bed as Jungkook approached with the ointment. The younger man crouched in front of him, -
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his touch surprisingly gentle as he applied the cream to the bruise above Taehyung’s eye.
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Taehyung flinched slightly at the coldness of the ointment but didn’t protest, quietly studying Jungkook’s concentrated expression.
Jungkook broke the silence, his voice low but insistent. “Yesterday, you said you’d tell me everything today. So… would you? Who did this to you?”
Jungkook broke the silence, his voice low but insistent. “Yesterday, you said you’d tell me everything today. So… would you? Who did this to you?”
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Taehyung tried to joke, though his voice was weak. “What would you do if I told you? Beat them up for me?” He expected Jungkook to roll his eyes or make some sarcastic comment, but instead, Jungkook’s face hardened, and he stayed silent.
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Taehyung could see the barely restrained anger simmering just below the surface.
Realizing Jungkook wasn’t kidding, Taehyung’s forced humor fell away. He let out a bitter sigh, his gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s my brother,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.
Realizing Jungkook wasn’t kidding, Taehyung’s forced humor fell away. He let out a bitter sigh, his gaze dropping to the floor. “It’s my brother,” he said, voice barely above a whisper.
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“More like a half-brother. We share the same dad.”
Jungkook’s brow furrowed, his hand freezing in place. “You have a brother?” he asked, genuine surprise and concern coloring his tone.
Taehyung nodded, a sad smile tugging at his lips.
Jungkook’s brow furrowed, his hand freezing in place. “You have a brother?” he asked, genuine surprise and concern coloring his tone.
Taehyung nodded, a sad smile tugging at his lips.
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“Yeah. Not exactly the family reunion kind, though. He… likes to remind me of how little I matter.” He tried to sound flippant, but there was a crack in his voice that he couldn’t hide.
Jungkook backed off slightly, settling beside Taehyung on the edge of the bed.
Jungkook backed off slightly, settling beside Taehyung on the edge of the bed.
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Taehyung took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on his hands as he began to speak.
“My dad,” Taehyung started, voice soft and a little hollow, “had an affair with my mom. She passed away giving birth to me, so my father had to take me in. But he never really cared -
“My dad,” Taehyung started, voice soft and a little hollow, “had an affair with my mom. She passed away giving birth to me, so my father had to take me in. But he never really cared -
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Neither did my half-brother. They’ve made it their mission to make my life a living hell ever since I can remember. It was only so much I could take before I had to run.”
Jungkook’s hands curled into fists on his knees, but he tried to keep his voice calm.
Jungkook’s hands curled into fists on his knees, but he tried to keep his voice calm.
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“Why did they hit you, though?” he asked quietly, his tone controlled even though anger simmered beneath his skin.
Taehyung tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling as he exhaled. “The date you crashed last night?” he said, a small, humorless smile pulling at his lips.
Taehyung tilted his head back, staring at the ceiling as he exhaled. “The date you crashed last night?” he said, a small, humorless smile pulling at his lips.
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“That girl is the daughter of some businessman my father’s trying to collaborate with. He wanted me to marry her to secure a deal. And now, he won’t have it, thanks to whatever she told him after last night.” His gaze flicked to Jungkook, his smirk faint. “All because of you.”
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Jungkook swallowed, guilt bubbling up in his chest. He hadn’t meant for Taehyung to get into trouble, let alone end up hurt because of something as stupid as that. “I didn’t think—” he started, but Taehyung interrupted, noticing the guilt written all over Jungkook’s face.
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“It’s not your fault,” Taehyung assured him, his voice gentler. “I was looking for a way to break it off anyway. Honestly, you just sped up the process.” He hesitated, then added, “Besides, they found out about the dancing.”
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Jungkook’s head snapped up. “Dancing? You mean… you hide dancing from them?”
Taehyung nodded, his smile fading. “Yeah. My father despises it. He warned me that if he ever found out I was dancing, he’d lock me up. Or worse, disown me.”
Taehyung nodded, his smile fading. “Yeah. My father despises it. He warned me that if he ever found out I was dancing, he’d lock me up. Or worse, disown me.”
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He ran a hand through his hair, his shoulders sagging. “I’ve tried to keep it hidden for so long because I wasn’t sure how I’d survive if he actually disowned me. But last night, he found a video online. One of our underground battles. And… well, you can guess how that went. -
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Lots of screaming, my brother deciding he had the right to ‘discipline’ me, and me finally realizing I couldn’t take it anymore.”
Jungkook’s fingers twitched as he fought the urge to find Taehyung’s family and make them pay for what they’d done. But instead, he focused on Taehyung, on the way his hands were trembling ever so slightly.
Jungkook’s fingers twitched as he fought the urge to find Taehyung’s family and make them pay for what they’d done. But instead, he focused on Taehyung, on the way his hands were trembling ever so slightly.
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Taehyung laughed, but it was empty, and his eyes glistened. “So now, I’m basically nothing. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to keep going to college. If I use up my savings for a place to stay, that’ll be it. No more safety net.”
For a moment, the silence was thick, and then Jungkook exhaled, his voice steady but warm.
For a moment, the silence was thick, and then Jungkook exhaled, his voice steady but warm.
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“You’re not nothing,” he said, the words leaving his mouth before he could think better of them. “And you have me. My offer still stands, remember?”
Taehyung’s lips twitched. “Yeah, your generous offer that comes with free chores, right?”
Taehyung’s lips twitched. “Yeah, your generous offer that comes with free chores, right?”
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Jungkook huffed, a grin breaking through despite the tension. “What can I say? I’d love to see you scrubbing floors for me.”
Taehyung finally let out a real laugh, the sound loosening some of the tension between them. “The audacity, Jeon,” he said, shaking his head.
Taehyung finally let out a real laugh, the sound loosening some of the tension between them. “The audacity, Jeon,” he said, shaking his head.
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But his laughter was cut short, and he looked away, his smile slipping. “I’m scared, you know,” he whispered, the vulnerability raw in his voice. “I thought I could handle it, but now… everything feels so uncertain.”
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Jungkook’s hand itched to reach out and hold Taehyung’s, to offer some sort of comfort. But he stopped himself, the reminder echoing in his mind that they weren’t that close.
Taehyung wasn’t pouring his heart out to him because they were friends or anything.
Taehyung wasn’t pouring his heart out to him because they were friends or anything.
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He was confiding in Jungkook because he knew Jungkook wouldn’t treat him as a burden or pity him. There was a safety in being distant strangers who shared a bed or a kiss but little else.
Jungkook cleared his throat. “Use your savings for college,” he said, his voice steady,
Jungkook cleared his throat. “Use your savings for college,” he said, his voice steady,
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“and for the stay here, you don’t have to worry. Just keep the house clean and look after the dishes.” He added a teasing smirk.
Taehyung shot him a mock glare, crossing his arms. “I knew it. You were just looking for a servant. Fine, I guess I can do that much, at least to repay you.”
Taehyung shot him a mock glare, crossing his arms. “I knew it. You were just looking for a servant. Fine, I guess I can do that much, at least to repay you.”
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Jungkook’s smirk softened. “I told you, you don’t have to repay me. We don’t owe each other.”
Taehyung nodded, a shadow of a smile on his lips. The silence between them was loaded, the closeness tinged with something deeper than just physical attraction.
Taehyung nodded, a shadow of a smile on his lips. The silence between them was loaded, the closeness tinged with something deeper than just physical attraction.
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It felt fragile and strangely vulnerable, and Jungkook found himself growing uncomfortable, unsure how to handle it.
He quickly got to his feet. “You should rest,” he said, avoiding Taehyung’s gaze. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yeah,” Taehyung murmured. “Thanks again.”
He quickly got to his feet. “You should rest,” he said, avoiding Taehyung’s gaze. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Yeah,” Taehyung murmured. “Thanks again.”
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Both of them went to bed that night, lying awake for longer than they should have, each lost in their own thoughts about how much their lives had changed in just a day.
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#taekookau
The next morning, Jungkook was dead asleep when someone shook him, jostling him awake. He groaned, burying his face in his pillow, but the persistent voice wouldn’t let up. “Jungkook, wake up,” Taehyung said, sounding exasperated.
The next morning, Jungkook was dead asleep when someone shook him, jostling him awake. He groaned, burying his face in his pillow, but the persistent voice wouldn’t let up. “Jungkook, wake up,” Taehyung said, sounding exasperated.
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Jungkook cracked an eye open, squinting up to see Taehyung leaning over him, already dressed for college. His hair was tousled but stylishly so, and he was frowning. “Get up,” Taehyung insisted. “You need to drop me off at college. I’m late for my morning class.”
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Jungkook let out a long groan. “Why do I have to?” he mumbled, voice muffled by his pillow. “Just go yourself.”
Taehyung folded his arms. “In case you forgot, genius, I don’t have my bike. And the bus stop is too far from here. Come on, get up!”
Taehyung folded his arms. “In case you forgot, genius, I don’t have my bike. And the bus stop is too far from here. Come on, get up!”
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Jungkook grunted, rolling over. “Not my problem,” he said with a huff. “I only have afternoon practice today, so let me sleep.”
Taehyung glared at him, clearly unimpressed. “Fine,” he muttered. “Just don’t regret it later.”
Taehyung glared at him, clearly unimpressed. “Fine,” he muttered. “Just don’t regret it later.”
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Jungkook barely registered Taehyung’s words as he drifted back to sleep. The next time he woke up, it was to the blaring realization that he was late. Very, very late. “Shit,” he cursed, scrambling out of bed in a hurry.
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He pulled on his training gear, grabbed his bag, and frantically searched for his bike keys.
His hands landed on the empty counter, and his heart sank. He noticed a conspicuous absence where his keys should have been. Realization dawned on him, and his eyes narrowed.
His hands landed on the empty counter, and his heart sank. He noticed a conspicuous absence where his keys should have been. Realization dawned on him, and his eyes narrowed.
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“That bastard took my bike,” he muttered under his breath, cursing Taehyung with every fiber of his being. “I’m so going to kill him.”
By the time Jungkook made it to the training grounds, he was already drenched in sweat from sprinting all the way.
By the time Jungkook made it to the training grounds, he was already drenched in sweat from sprinting all the way.
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His coach looked at him with a glare that could have melted steel. “Twenty rounds,” the coach ordered. “Now.”
Jungkook groaned, feeling his legs give out just at the thought. He started jogging, cursing Taehyung under his breath with every step he took.
Jungkook groaned, feeling his legs give out just at the thought. He started jogging, cursing Taehyung under his breath with every step he took.
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“I swear, when I get back,” he muttered, his heart pounding and muscles burning, “he’s dead meat.”
But despite his grumbling, there was a traitorous part of him that wondered, just a little, if this chaos Taehyung had brought into his life wasn’t somehow worth it.
But despite his grumbling, there was a traitorous part of him that wondered, just a little, if this chaos Taehyung had brought into his life wasn’t somehow worth it.
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Or maybe he was just losing his mind. Either way, he kept running, all the while blaming Taehyung for the hell he was enduring.
#taekookau
#taekookau
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The hideout was buzzing with the usual lunchtime chaos: people lounging around, eating, or battling each other in freestyle dance matches. Jungkook stormed in, eyes blazing with frustration, and his gaze immediately zeroed in on Taehyung,
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who was sprawled lazily on a couch, looking far too relaxed for someone who had caused so much trouble.
“There you are!” Jungkook shouted, pointing a finger at Taehyung.
Taehyung’s eyes widened, and in an instant, he sprang up from the couch.
“There you are!” Jungkook shouted, pointing a finger at Taehyung.
Taehyung’s eyes widened, and in an instant, he sprang up from the couch.
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He moved to run away, but Jungkook was already closing in. They circled the coffee table, Taehyung keeping the furniture between them as a buffer. “Stay back!” Taehyung warned, trying and failing to keep a straight face, his lips twitching with barely contained laughter.
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Jungkook glared at him. “How dare you touch my baby, you little menace!”
“Baby?” Taehyung smirked, finding the whole thing endlessly entertaining. “You call your bike ‘baby’? How cute of you, Jeon.”
“Baby?” Taehyung smirked, finding the whole thing endlessly entertaining. “You call your bike ‘baby’? How cute of you, Jeon.”
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Jungkook clenched his jaw, his frustration growing. “Don’t try to be cute, Taehyung. You’re dead today.” He lunged, but Taehyung danced out of reach, shaking a set of keys in front of him. Jungkook’s eyes followed the movement, narrowing.
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Taehyung jingled Jungkook’s bike keys tauntingly. “Looking for these?” His grin was devilish. “You want them back? You’ll have to promise me something first.”
Jungkook crossed his arms. “Promise you what, exactly?”
Jungkook crossed his arms. “Promise you what, exactly?”
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Taehyung’s eyes lit up with mischief. “You’ll pick me up and drop me off at college and your place whenever I want. Otherwise…” He swung the keys teasingly. “Say goodbye to your precious ‘baby.’”
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Jungkook groaned, running a hand through his hair. “You are so going to regret this, you manipulative little—”
“Deal or no deal?” Taehyung interrupted, leaning in with a playful gleam in his eyes.
Jungkook huffed, glaring at him. “Fine,”
“Deal or no deal?” Taehyung interrupted, leaning in with a playful gleam in his eyes.
Jungkook huffed, glaring at him. “Fine,”
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he grumbled, begrudgingly conceding. “You win. Just give me the damn keys.”
Taehyung’s grin widened, and he tossed the keys to Jungkook, who caught them midair with a sharp reflex. At that moment, the rest of their friends were watching the whole exchange with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
Taehyung’s grin widened, and he tossed the keys to Jungkook, who caught them midair with a sharp reflex. At that moment, the rest of their friends were watching the whole exchange with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
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Seokjin raised an eyebrow. “Okay, what the hell is going on here?” he asked, looking between Jungkook and Taehyung. “Why does it sound like you two are living together?”
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Jungkook shot Taehyung a warning glare, but Taehyung just shrugged, as if it were no big deal. “Because we are,” Jungkook said bluntly, earning a collective gasp from everyone in the room.
“Wait, wait, wait!” Jimin exclaimed, eyes wide.
“Wait, wait, wait!” Jimin exclaimed, eyes wide.
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“Are you two finally over your whole ‘fake hate’ phase? Are you, like, a couple now or something?”
Taehyung scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Excuse me. Fake hate phase? There is nothing fake about my hatred for this guy.” He pointed at Jungkook, who looked ready to explode.
Taehyung scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Excuse me. Fake hate phase? There is nothing fake about my hatred for this guy.” He pointed at Jungkook, who looked ready to explode.
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“Right,” Jungkook shot back sarcastically. “And I totally don’t want to strangle you most of the time.”
Namjoon watched the two of them bicker, an amused smile creeping onto his face. “Yeah, right,” he said.
Namjoon watched the two of them bicker, an amused smile creeping onto his face. “Yeah, right,” he said.
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“You two have so much unresolved sexual tension, it’s painful to watch.”
Taehyung’s face flushed a little, but he covered it with a defiant glare. “You’re imagining things, Namjoon.”
Jungkook, equally flustered, shoved his hands in his pockets.
Taehyung’s face flushed a little, but he covered it with a defiant glare. “You’re imagining things, Namjoon.”
Jungkook, equally flustered, shoved his hands in his pockets.
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“Mind your own business, would you?”
Hoseok laughed, nudging Jimin. “You know what this means? No more hangouts at Jungkook's place..god knows what we might come across there.”
Jimin smirked lazily "They just haven’t realized they’re in love yet.”
Hoseok laughed, nudging Jimin. “You know what this means? No more hangouts at Jungkook's place..god knows what we might come across there.”
Jimin smirked lazily "They just haven’t realized they’re in love yet.”
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Jungkook and Taehyung both sputtered, speaking over each other in protest. “In love?” Taehyung exclaimed. “As if!”
“Over my dead body!” Jungkook added, though his voice cracked a little, betraying his composure.
“Over my dead body!” Jungkook added, though his voice cracked a little, betraying his composure.
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Their friends only laughed harder, and as Jungkook glared at Taehyung, who was now fuming beside him, he couldn’t help but notice the way Taehyung’s flushed cheeks and defiant eyes made his heart race.
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#taekookau
Taehyung flopped onto the couch beside Seokjin, who immediately pulled him into a warm side hug. Seokjin’s arm wrapped around Taehyung’s shoulders, and he gave his friend a comforting squeeze, his expression full of concern.
Taehyung flopped onto the couch beside Seokjin, who immediately pulled him into a warm side hug. Seokjin’s arm wrapped around Taehyung’s shoulders, and he gave his friend a comforting squeeze, his expression full of concern.
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“Hey,” Seokjin said softly, looking into Taehyung’s eyes. “Are you okay? Why didn’t you come to us when things got bad?”
Taehyung leaned into the touch, exhaling a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You guys have already done so much for me, hyung. More than I deserve.”
Taehyung leaned into the touch, exhaling a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You guys have already done so much for me, hyung. More than I deserve.”
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His voice cracked a bit, but he covered it with a small laugh. “I mean, you’ve all even put your own passions on hold because of me. How could I ask for more? Besides,” he added with a mischievous grin, “this way, I get the perfect chance to annoy Jungkook more. A win-win.”
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Seokjin shook his head, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “You’re unbelievable,” he teased. “But seriously, I’m curious. You and Jungkook barely tolerate each other’s existence. How did you even convince him to help you?”
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Taehyung’s smile faltered slightly, his own curiosity surfacing. “Honestly?” He fiddled with the hem of his shirt. “I have no idea. It’s weird… he hates me, right? But he just agreed.” The thought lingered with him even as he tried to shrug it off.
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Later, as they rode together on Jungkook’s bike, the question still nagged at Taehyung. The wind rushed past them, whipping his hair into his face, but he barely noticed. He had his arms loosely wrapped around Jungkook’s waist,
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ingers resting lightly on Jungkook’s leather jacket. As they approached a stoplight, Taehyung couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer.
Leaning closer, he raised his voice to be heard over the wind. “Hey, Jeon!” he shouted, his breath warm against Jungkook’s ear.
Leaning closer, he raised his voice to be heard over the wind. “Hey, Jeon!” he shouted, his breath warm against Jungkook’s ear.
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“Why are you even helping me? Aren’t we supposed to hate each other’s guts?”
Jungkook didn’t answer right away, his grip on the handlebars tightening. The light turned green, and he revved the engine, the bike surging forward.
Jungkook didn’t answer right away, his grip on the handlebars tightening. The light turned green, and he revved the engine, the bike surging forward.
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Taehyung was about to repeat the question when Jungkook finally called back over his shoulder, “My love for dance is stronger than my never ending dislike for you, okay?”
Taehyung blinked, stunned by the confession. “What?” he yelled, as the wind nearly swallowed up Jungkook’s voice.
Taehyung blinked, stunned by the confession. “What?” he yelled, as the wind nearly swallowed up Jungkook’s voice.
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Jungkook spoke louder, his voice hard and sincere. “I know raw talent when I see it. And even if it comes in the form of my most annoying rival, I can’t stand to see it wasted. Your dancing deserves to be saved.”
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For a second, Taehyung couldn’t breathe, his heart racing faster than the bike beneath them. A stupid grin broke out on his face, and before he could stop himself, he tightened his arms around Jungkook’s waist.
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He leaned in closer, practically pressing against Jungkook’s back. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Jeon,” Taehyung teased, his voice low but warm.
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Jungkook stiffened at the contact, a shiver running down his spine at the way Taehyung’s voice dripped with teasing affection. “Shut up,” Jungkook shot back, but his ears were burning red, and Taehyung could feel the heat radiating through the jacket.
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“Are you blushing?” Taehyung continued, his grin widening. “Don’t tell me the infamous Jeon Jungkook is getting flustered.”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched. “If you don't shut up now. I'll drop you here, then walk the whole way back to home,”
Jungkook’s jaw clenched. “If you don't shut up now. I'll drop you here, then walk the whole way back to home,”
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Taehyung’s hands slid lower, hovering just above his abs. Taehyung leaned in, his breath warm against Jungkook’s ear, his voice a sultry whisper. “Really? You’d drop me off in the middle of nowhere?” Taehyung’s fingers played lightly at the hem of Jungkook’s jacket,
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a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. “But I was thinking… if we got home faster, maybe we could do something a little more exciting. Tell me, Jeon—don’t you miss it?”
Jungkook swallowed, gripping the handlebars with enough force to make his knuckles white.
Jungkook swallowed, gripping the handlebars with enough force to make his knuckles white.
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“Princess Peach,” he groaned, trying to maintain control of both his emotions and the bike, “what game are you playing now?”
Taehyung giggled, the sound somehow both innocent and devilish. “What’s the fun in telling you all my secrets?” he retorted.
Taehyung giggled, the sound somehow both innocent and devilish. “What’s the fun in telling you all my secrets?” he retorted.
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His hands lingered, a teasing pressure that made Jungkook’s stomach tighten. “Guess you’ll just have to find out, hmm?”
#taekookau
#taekookau
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#taekookau
The tension crackled between them like a live wire as they finally pulled into Jungkook’s apartment parking lot. The ride up the elevator was silent, but the air was heavy, charged with unspoken anticipation.
The tension crackled between them like a live wire as they finally pulled into Jungkook’s apartment parking lot. The ride up the elevator was silent, but the air was heavy, charged with unspoken anticipation.
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As soon as they stepped into the apartment, the door barely clicked shut behind them before they were on each other.
Jungkook’s back hit the wall, and Taehyung’s lips were on his, the kiss hungry and electrifying. Hands roamed, clothes tugged at and pulled off in a rush as they lost themselves in the familiar, heated rhythm that had become second nature.
Jungkook’s back hit the wall, and Taehyung’s lips were on his, the kiss hungry and electrifying. Hands roamed, clothes tugged at and pulled off in a rush as they lost themselves in the familiar, heated rhythm that had become second nature.
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Their usual rule, unspoken but clear: no emotional attachments, just the physical.
They made their way to the bedroom in a tangle of limbs, with Jungkook lifting Taehyung and tossing him onto the bed, the intensity between them leaving little room for conversation.
They made their way to the bedroom in a tangle of limbs, with Jungkook lifting Taehyung and tossing him onto the bed, the intensity between them leaving little room for conversation.
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Taehyung’s laughter rang out, breathless and wicked, as he reached up to pull Jungkook down to him. They crashed together again, both desperately trying to consume the tension and electricity that sparked in the small space between them.
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When it was over, Jungkook rolled off the bed, breathless and sweating, his heart pounding as he tried to catch his breath. Taehyung lay beside him, chest heaving, with a satisfied grin plastered on his face.
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Jungkook turned his head slightly to look at him, and for a moment, there was something soft in his gaze. But he quickly masked it, clearing his throat and sitting up. “I’m gonna… shower,” he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
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Taehyung rolled his eyes, a lazy smirk spreading on his lips. “Right. Back to your room after, huh?” His tone was teasing, but there was a flicker of something deeper, something vulnerable.
Jungkook hesitated, his back to Taehyung as he stood at the edge of the bed.
Jungkook hesitated, his back to Taehyung as he stood at the edge of the bed.
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“Rules are rules,” he replied, his voice steady, but even he couldn’t shake the weird feeling in his chest. He quickly grabbed his discarded clothes and headed toward his room, leaving Taehyung alone.
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Taehyung sighed as he heard the bathroom door close and the water start running. His heart felt heavy, but he forced himself to smile, pulling the sheets around himself. “Yeah, rules are rules,” he whispered to the empty room.
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#taekookau
A few days later, The Bangtan Blazers were mid-spin, breath heavy from the intensity of their practice, when the door to the dance club swung open. Conversations and laughter came to a halt as the room filled with an air of palpable tension.
A few days later, The Bangtan Blazers were mid-spin, breath heavy from the intensity of their practice, when the door to the dance club swung open. Conversations and laughter came to a halt as the room filled with an air of palpable tension.
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The Neon Tigers walked in, led by none other than Taehyung, who had a smirk on his face and a stack of papers clutched in his hand.
Taehyung sauntered forward, all confident strides and playful menace, as he approached Jungkook. Without a word, he handed over a sheet of paper, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Taehyung sauntered forward, all confident strides and playful menace, as he approached Jungkook. Without a word, he handed over a sheet of paper, his eyes glinting with mischief.
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“I hope you’re ready to share the club room now, Jungkook,” Taehyung said, his voice smooth but dripping with challenge. “Pushing me to go after my passion has consequences, you know.”
Jungkook frowned as he took the paper, scanning it quickly. His eyes widened in surprise.
Jungkook frowned as he took the paper, scanning it quickly. His eyes widened in surprise.
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The announcement detailed that their college had officially added the Neon Tigers as a second competitive dance team, and both teams would now have to share the club space. Jungkook’s mouth fell open slightly in disbelief.
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“You’re kidding me,” he muttered, but he wasn’t angry. No, the warm feeling bubbling in his chest wasn’t frustration but something like pride—or was it admiration?
But Taehyung wasn’t done. He pulled out another paper, this one almost gleefully thrust in Jungkook’s direction.
But Taehyung wasn’t done. He pulled out another paper, this one almost gleefully thrust in Jungkook’s direction.
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“Oh, and I hope you’re ready to lose. Again.” The spark in Taehyung’s eyes burned brightly with determination, a fire that was both intimidating and exhilarating. Jungkook’s heart did a weird, happy flip at the sight, though he’d never admit it out loud.
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Jungkook studied the second sheet, and his jaw clenched with the competitive spirit he always felt when facing off against Taehyung. The notice was clear: the Neon Tigers had passed the selection round, advancing to the next stage of the championship.
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The Bangtan Blazers had also cleared their round, meaning both teams would now be competing fiercely to outshine each other. Jungkook felt the weight of Taehyung’s gaze, daring him to respond.
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He looked up, his lips curving into a smirk. “We’ll see who’s the one to lose, Princess Peach,” he fired back, the old nickname rolling off his tongue with practiced ease.
Taehyung’s jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed.
Taehyung’s jaw tightened, and his eyes flashed.
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That stupid nickname. It burned in all the best—and worst—ways, making him want to throttle Jungkook and kiss him at the same time. “Keep calling me that, Jeon,” he said, stepping forward until their noses were inches apart,
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“and I’ll make sure to turn your smug face into my personal dance floor.”
Jungkook’s eyes dropped to Taehyung’s lips, and for a second, the playful animosity between them shifted, crackling with an almost dangerous undercurrent. The room, filled with their teammates, suddenly felt far too small, far too heated.
Jungkook’s eyes dropped to Taehyung’s lips, and for a second, the playful animosity between them shifted, crackling with an almost dangerous undercurrent. The room, filled with their teammates, suddenly felt far too small, far too heated.
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Jungkook swallowed, trying to fight back a grin. “That a promise or a threat?” he teased, his voice low enough that it made Taehyung’s pulse jump.
Taehyung didn’t back down, leaning in just a little closer, his voice a teasing whisper. “Depends. Do you like to be dominated, Jeon?”
Taehyung didn’t back down, leaning in just a little closer, his voice a teasing whisper. “Depends. Do you like to be dominated, Jeon?”
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The challenge in his tone sent a shiver down Jungkook’s spine, and he knew Taehyung was playing a dangerous game. A game that Jungkook was all too willing to lose if it meant seeing that defiant, beautiful expression on Taehyung’s face.
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The challenge was set, the stakes higher than ever, and as both teams prepared to practice in the same space, it was clear that this championship would be one hell of a ride.
#taekookau
#taekookau
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anyone still here???
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Jungkook had known inviting Taehyung to stay would complicate his life, but he hadn’t anticipated the pure, chaotic torture it would unleash. Having Taehyung—his rival and secret “situation”—around constantly was like trying to live with a firecracker on a short fuse.
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From Taehyung lounging around the apartment in nothing but low-slung shorts, to stumbling upon him shirtless in the kitchen making coffee, it was a challenge to keep his cool
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And every time Taehyung would catch Jungkook looking, he’d smirk, leaning back just enough to tease.
Then, there was the endless push and pull between them. They bickered constantly, over things Jungkook never thought he’d care about:
Then, there was the endless push and pull between them. They bickered constantly, over things Jungkook never thought he’d care about:
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like Taehyung’s refusal to restock the fridge, or Jungkook’s habit of leaving his stuff everywhere. Their arguments would start small and end with them in each other’s beds, leaving only to fall back into routine as if nothing had happened. It was maddening.
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Then there was the “deal.” Jungkook hadn’t realized how much he’d regret promising Taehyung rides whenever he needed. Taehyung had morning classes almost every day, and he’d practically drag Jungkook out of bed, grip firm on his arm, half-pulling him up with an annoying “Wake up, chauffeur.”
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Groggy and half-asleep, Jungkook would grumble through the ride to campus, only to stumble back to his apartment and oversleep for his own classes.
One morning, Jungkook tried hiding his bike keys, thinking it would buy him some peace, but Taehyung had already anticipated it.
One morning, Jungkook tried hiding his bike keys, thinking it would buy him some peace, but Taehyung had already anticipated it.
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He sauntered into the room, jangling a duplicate set with a satisfied grin. “Nice try, Jeon,” he teased, patting Jungkook on the shoulder. “You’ll have to be smarter than that.”
And then there was the dance practice situation.
And then there was the dance practice situation.
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With both Bangtan Blazers and Neon Tigers sharing the dance room, practice sessions had turned tense. Both teams had to adjust their schedules, which meant fewer hours to perfect their moves, and it was driving Jungkook insane.
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As a result, he and Taehyung had started looking for extra spaces around campus where they could practice separately, which often left them more drained and irritable.
The only peace he found was during lunch at the hideout, where both teams attempted to coexist without getting on each other’s nerves.
The only peace he found was during lunch at the hideout, where both teams attempted to coexist without getting on each other’s nerves.
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Jungkook was walking to the hideout, hands shoved in his pockets, mind buzzing with ideas on how to mess with Taehyung when he spotted him up ahead. A grin stretched across his face as he thought of sneaking up and scaring him.
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But before he could make his move, he noticed someone else approaching Taehyung—a figure he quickly recognized as Choi Sungho, one of his football teammates.
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Jungkook’s grin faded as he watched Sungho grab Taehyung’s wrist, turning him around sharply. Taehyung looked panicked for a split second, but then his expression hardened, glaring up at Sungho.
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Jungkook couldn’t make out their words, but the tense posture and clenched jaws spoke volumes. Whatever they were saying, it wasn’t friendly.
Jungkook’s instinct kicked in, and he stepped forward, ready to intervene.
Jungkook’s instinct kicked in, and he stepped forward, ready to intervene.
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His stomach twisted as he watched Sungho’s fist clench, and before he could process it, Sungho drew back his arm, ready to swing at Taehyung.
“Oh, hell no,” Jungkook muttered under his breath, pushing his way forward and stepping between them just as Sungho’s fist was coming down.
“Oh, hell no,” Jungkook muttered under his breath, pushing his way forward and stepping between them just as Sungho’s fist was coming down.
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“How dare you push me, Jeon?” Sungho sneered, brushing himself off. “I was talking to my brother.”
Jungkook blinked, utterly confused. “Brother?”
From behind him, Taehyung sighed, though his voice was thick with irritation. “Yeah, Jungkook. My half-brother.”
Jungkook blinked, utterly confused. “Brother?”
From behind him, Taehyung sighed, though his voice was thick with irritation. “Yeah, Jungkook. My half-brother.”
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The pieces clicked in Jungkook’s mind, memories of bruises and that haunted look in Taehyung’s eyes flashing through his thoughts. Anger boiled up inside him, raw and fierce. Before Taehyung could stop him, Jungkook’s fist flew, connecting with Sungho’s jaw with a hard thud that echoed down the hall.
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Sungho stumbled back, clutching his jaw. “Are you insane, Jeon?” he growled, eyes flashing with fury as he held his cheek.
Jungkook’s chest heaved, his voice low and deadly calm. “I should’ve done that a long time ago, knowing how you treat him.”
Jungkook’s chest heaved, his voice low and deadly calm. “I should’ve done that a long time ago, knowing how you treat him.”
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Taehyung grabbed Jungkook’s arm, tugging him back. “Jungkook, leave it. He’s not worth it.”
Sungho sneered. “Oh, so now you’ve got a knight in shining armor, Taehyung? How cute.” He spat bitterly, glaring at both of them.
Sungho sneered. “Oh, so now you’ve got a knight in shining armor, Taehyung? How cute.” He spat bitterly, glaring at both of them.
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“You think you can just walk away from your family?”
“Watch your mouth,” Jungkook warned, his gaze sharp and unforgiving. “If you ever lay a hand on him again, I swear it won’t end with just a punch.”
“Watch your mouth,” Jungkook warned, his gaze sharp and unforgiving. “If you ever lay a hand on him again, I swear it won’t end with just a punch.”
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Taehyung’s grip on Jungkook’s arm tightened. “Come on, Jungkook. Let’s go.”
Jungkook didn’t budge at first, his eyes still locked on Sungho, daring him to make another move. But Taehyung’s touch grounded him, and with a reluctant grunt, he turned and walked away, keeping a protective arm around Taehyung as they left Sungho glaring after them.
Jungkook didn’t budge at first, his eyes still locked on Sungho, daring him to make another move. But Taehyung’s touch grounded him, and with a reluctant grunt, he turned and walked away, keeping a protective arm around Taehyung as they left Sungho glaring after them.
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As they walked toward the medical room, Taehyung kept muttering under his breath, “Do you even realize how much trouble you’d be in if someone saw that? What if Sungho reported you? You’re lucky he didn’t—"
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Jungkook cut in, unfazed, his voice a low murmur. “Why does he have the name Choi surname?”
Taehyung glanced at him, visibly calming as they approached the quieter halls. “I took my mother’s maiden name instead. Kept it separate.”
Taehyung glanced at him, visibly calming as they approached the quieter halls. “I took my mother’s maiden name instead. Kept it separate.”
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He spoke softly, glancing away before reaching out to take Jungkook’s hand, checking his knuckles for injuries. “And, just so you know, he came to threaten me about the championships. Told me to quit the club and drop out, or else…”
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Jungkook’s brow furrowed with worry, a protective anger surfacing again. “And…are you going to?”
A soft, determined smile curved on Taehyung’s lips as he looked up at him. “No. Someone I know recently reminded me of my passion. I’m not letting their efforts go to waste.”
A soft, determined smile curved on Taehyung’s lips as he looked up at him. “No. Someone I know recently reminded me of my passion. I’m not letting their efforts go to waste.”
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Jungkook’s chest tightened, and he felt an unexpected warmth spread through him at the sight of Taehyung’s smile—a smile he wasn’t sure he’d seen before. It was soft, unguarded, and Jungkook realized he wanted to keep that look on Taehyung’s face for as long as possible.
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Then, just as suddenly, the thought jolted him. He sat up straighter, swallowing hard as he tried to shake off the feeling, berating himself internally. What the hell are you thinking, Jeon? he thought, half panicking. This is your rival, for god’s sake.
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“Are you okay?” Taehyung’s voice broke through his spiraling thoughts, his fingers still gently cleaning Jungkook’s bruised knuckles. He was so close Jungkook could feel his breath, warm against his skin, and it made his heart stutter for a beat.
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“Yeah,” Jungkook managed, looking anywhere but Taehyung’s face. “Just… surprised you’re that dedicated. Guess you really listened when I told you not to quit.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes but smiled, his hand lingering on Jungkook’s just a little longer than necessary.
Taehyung rolled his eyes but smiled, his hand lingering on Jungkook’s just a little longer than necessary.
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“Maybe I just want to be better than you.”
“Better than me?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow, the familiar rivalry bubbling up again. “Dream on, Princess Peach.”
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed, but there was a glint of mischief in them.
“Better than me?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow, the familiar rivalry bubbling up again. “Dream on, Princess Peach.”
Taehyung’s eyes narrowed, but there was a glint of mischief in them.
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Sandy 𐙚@kookiefyy
Meraki; a #taekookau - PART 2
The championship qualifiers were looming, with only ten teams slated to make it to Vegas. Both the Bangtan Blazers and Neon Tigers had passed the initial selection, but now came the true test: the qualifiers.
The championship qualifiers were looming, with only ten teams slated to make it to Vegas. Both the Bangtan Blazers and Neon Tigers had passed the initial selection, but now came the true test: the qualifiers.
