Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The first thing Jeongguk registered was warmth. A deep, pervasive warmth that had nothing to do with his blankets and everything to do with the body curled up beside him. He blinked his eyes open, the morning light filtering softly through his blinds.

Taehyung was still asleep, his face turned towards him on the pillow. His blond hair was a messy halo, some strands fanned out across the pillowcase, others tickling Jeongguk's cheek. His lips were slightly parted, his breathing soft and even. In sleep, all the bratty defensiveness was gone, leaving behind something soft and open that made Jeongguk's chest ache with a fierce, possessive satisfaction. He had slept here. All night. In his bed.

A slow, lazy smile spread across Jeongguk's face. He shifted infinitesimally closer, careful not to wake him, and buried his nose in the soft hair at Taehyung's temple. He inhaled deeply. The scent was intoxicating—a mix of the sweet body oil from last night, the clean smell of his own shampoo, and something uniquely Taehyung. It was the scent of his victory.He nuzzled deeper, pressing a feather-light kiss to the crown of his head.

Taehyung stirred, letting out a soft, sleepy grumble. "Mmmph... stop..." He squirmed, trying to pull away, but Jeongguk's arm was firmly wrapped around his waist, anchoring him in place. "Morning, princess," Jeongguk murmured, his voice rough with sleep. He didn't let go.
Taehyung's eyes fluttered open, blinking slowly as he tried to focus. He looked adorably confused for a moment before memory seemed to crash back in. He stiffened. "Oh. You're still here."

Jeongguk chuckled. "Where else would I be? It's my bed."

"Right," Taehyung mumbled, his cheeks flushing. He tried to subtly create some space between them, but Jeongguk's hold was unyielding. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern as his eyes scanned Jeongguk's face. "Your ribs? Your nose?"

Jeongguk's heart gave a little flutter at the question. He was hurt, and Taehyung was worried. "I'm fine," he said, his voice softer now. "Sore, but fine. I think I had a pretty good nurse."

A small, proud smile touched Taehyung's lips before he could stop it. "Well, someone has to make sure you don't bleed all over your expensive sheets."

They fell into a comfortable silence, just looking at each other in the soft morning light. 

Jeongguk watched as Taehyung's eyes drifted from his face down to his chest, then back up again. The air between them began to thicken, the sleepy intimacy giving way to something else. Jeongguk could feel his body starting to respond, the familiar morning heat coiling low in his stomach. He shifted his hips, just slightly, pressing his growing erection against Taehyung's thigh.

Taehyung's breath hitched. His eyes widened, and he shot Jeongguk a look that was half exasperation, half something else. "Jeon," he hissed, his voice a scandalized whisper. "I thought we had a deal. You were supposed to behave."

Jeongguk just smirked, his hand sliding from Taehyung's waist down to his ass, giving it a firm squeeze over the soft fabric of his pajamas. "I am behaving," he argued, his voice a low, teasing rumble. "This is just a biological reaction. A good morning greeting, you could say." 

He rolled his hips again, a deliberate, slow grind that left no doubt as to his intentions. "And it seems like he's very happy to see you this morning."

Taehyung let out an exasperated huff, but the sound was breathless. He tried to wiggle away, a half-hearted attempt at escape that only pressed him more firmly against Jeongguk's hardness. "You're impossible."

Jeongguk's fingers began to trace slow, deliberate circles on Taehyung's stomach through the soft cotton of his sweatshirt. The touch was light, almost teasing, but it sent a shiver of awareness through Taehyung's body. "Impossible? Or just irresistible?"

His hand drifted upward, flattening against Taehyung's ribs before moving higher to palm his chest. Jeongguk's thumb brushed against a nipple, and Taehyung gasped, his body arching slightly into the touch despite his resolve to resist. He could feel the heat of Jeongguk's hand even through the layers of fabric.

"Still think I'm behaving?" Jeongguk whispered, his lips grazing Taehyung's earlobe. His fingers kneaded the firm muscle of Taehyung's chest, his obsession with this particular part of the other man's body evident in the way he explored every contour.

Taehyung's breath hitched. "Jeongguk..." he protested weakly, his hands coming up to cover Jeongguk's. "We shouldn't..."

"Shouldn't what?" Jeongguk challenged, his voice low and husky. He easily overpowered 
Taehyung's resistance, continuing his exploration. "Shouldn't touch this perfect titties? Shouldn't appreciate how good you feel in my arms this morning?" His hand slid down from Taehyung's chest to his thigh, squeezing the firm muscle through his pajama pants. Taehyung's breath hitched again, and he could feel a heat building between his own legs, betraying his verbal protests.

"You're injured," Taehyung managed, his voice strained. "You're supposed to be resting."

Jeongguk chuckled, the sound vibrating against Taehyung's back. "I am resting. This is very therapeutic." His hand continued its journey, moving from Taehyung's thigh back up to his chest, then down again to his other thigh. "You're so tense, princess. Let me help you relax."

Taehyung's resistance was crumbling with each passing moment. His body was responding to Jeongguk's touch despite his mind's protests. He could feel himself growing hard, his own arousal pressing against the fabric of his pajamas. "Jeon..." he breathed, the protest barely a whisper now.

"Shhh," Jeongguk murmured, his hand finally settling on Taehyung's chest again, his thumb circling a nipple through the fabric. "Just feel. Let me take care of you this time."

Taehyung's last shred of resistance dissolved at those words. He relaxed against Jeongguk's chest, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "Okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Okay."

A low, triumphant rumble vibrated in Jeongguk's chest. "Good boy." His thumb resumed its maddening circles, pressing the fabric of the sweatshirt directly against Taehyung's nipple until it pebbled into a tight, sensitive bead. Taehyung couldn't stop the soft whimper that escaped his lips, his back arching instinctively into the touch, seeking more friction.

"Fuck, look at you," Jeongguk murmured, his voice a dark, velvety whisper right against his ear. "Already so desperate for me. I can feel how hot you're getting through these stupid pants." He shifted his weight slightly, his other hand sliding from Taehyung's hip down his side. His fingers found the hem of the sweatshirt and slipped underneath, the sudden warmth of his skin against Taehyung's stomach making him gasp.

The hand on his chest moved with purpose, pushing the sweatshirt up until it was bunched under Taehyung's arms. The cool morning air hit his exposed skin, making his nipples tighten even more. Then Jeongguk's bare hand was on him, warm and calloused, and the direct contact was electrifying. He palmed Taehyung's chest, his thumb and forefinger finding the other nipple and giving it a sharp, deliberate twist.

"Ah! Jeongguk!" Taehyung cried out, his hands clutching at the pillow beneath his head. The pleasure was sharp, almost painful, and it shot straight down to his core, a sudden wet heat blooming between his thighs.

"God, I've been obsessed with these," Jeongguk confessed, his voice thick with lust as he kneaded the firm muscle, his fingers dancing from one peaked nipple to the other. "But I'm a lot more interested in what's hiding down here." He rolled and pinched, tugged and teased, reducing Taehyung to a quivering, moaning mess. Every pull sent a jolt of electricity straight to his clit, making his hips twitch.

While one hand continued its delicious torment on his chest, Jeongguk's other hand began a slow, teasing journey downwards. It traced the line of Taehyung's hip, his fingers dipping just below the waistband of his striped pajama pants. Taehyung held his breath, his entire body tensing in anticipation.

"Relax, princess," Jeongguk cooed, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of his neck. 

"Let me see if this pretty pussy is as wet for me as I think it is."

His fingers pushed further, sliding through the soft, trimmed hair until they found the slick, 
swollen folds of Taehyung's cunt. Taehyung let out a choked sob, his body arching violently as Jeongguk's fingers brushed against his clit.

"Jeongguk!" he cried out, his hands flying down to grab Jeongguk's wrist, but it was a futile gesture.

"Fuck, you're soaked," Jeongguk groaned, his voice thick with satisfaction. He spread the wetness around, coating his fingers in Taehyung's arousal before circling the sensitive bundle of nerves. "All this from me just playing with your nipples? You're so fucking sensitive. 
So desperate to be touched."

He slid one finger down, teasing Taehyung's entrance before slowly sinking inside. Taehyung gasped, his body clenching around the digit. It was a strange, full sensation, and he couldn't stop his hips from rocking back, trying to take more.

"So tight," Jeongguk murmured, his voice impossibly deep. He began to move his finger, pulling out slightly before pushing back in, a slow, shallow rhythm that had Taehyung seeing stars. "Can't wait to feel this around my cock."

He added a second finger, the stretch more intense this time, but Taehyung was so lost in pleasure he barely registered the discomfort. All he could focus on was the exquisite pressure building inside him, the way Jeongguk's fingers scissored and stretched, preparing him, claiming him. The dual stimulation of Jeongguk's fingers on his nipple and inside him was almost too much, a relentless assault on his senses that had him teetering on the edge of a precipice.

"Please," Taehyung begged, his voice hoarse with need. "Jeongguk, please..."

"Please what?" Jeongguk demanded, his fingers stilling their torturous movements. "Tell me what you want, Taehyung. Use your words."

"I... I want..." Taehyung struggled to form a coherent thought, his mind a haze of lust. "I want to come."

"Not yet," Jeongguk said, his voice firm, unyielding. "Not until I say so." He curled his fingers, pressing hard against Taehyung's inner walls, and Taehyung cried out, his body trembling with the force of his denied release.

A broken sob escaped Taehyung's lips, his body trembling with the force of his denied release. Jeongguk's fingers were still inside him, a maddening, static pressure that was both a promise and a punishment.

"Shhh, princess," Jeongguk murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble against his back. He slowly withdrew his fingers, leaving Taehyung feeling achingly empty. "I've got you. Turn around. Let me see you."

His hands were gentle but firm as he guided Taehyung's hips, maneuvering him until they were face to face. Taehyung's eyes were glassy with unshed tears, his lips swollen and parted, his face a beautiful picture of desperation. The morning light caught his honey-toned skin, making it glow with a soft, golden warmth that made Jeongguk's chest ache with possessive affection.

He leaned in and captured Taehyung's lips in a deep, slow kiss. It wasn't demanding or filthy like the night before; it was intimate, a thorough exploration that tasted of sleep and unspoken promises. His hand came up to cup Taehyung's jaw, his thumb stroking the soft, warm skin there.

"You're so beautiful like this," Jeongguk whispered against his lips. "All wrecked and desperate for me." He pushed the sweatshirt the rest of the way up and over Taehyung's head, tossing it aside. His eyes roamed over the expanse of golden skin, the rosy nipples that stood out in beautiful contrast, the trembling stomach. "Perfect."

He leaned down, his lips closing over one peaked nipple. Taehyung gasped, his hands flying to Jeongguk's hair, holding him close. Jeongguk's tongue was a wet, velvet heat, swirling and lapping before he gently scraped his teeth against the sensitive bud. He gave the other nipple the same attention, worshipping the canvas of Taehyung's chest with his mouth until the other man was a writhing, whimpering mess beneath him.

"Jeongguk..." Taehyung breathed, his hips canting up, seeking friction.

"Yes princess?" Jeongguk asked, though he knew. He kissed his way down Taehyung's stomach, his tongue dipping into his navel, his hands gripping Taehyung's thighs and pushing them apart, revealing the even richer, deeper gold of the skin there.

He hooked his fingers in the waistband of Taehyung's shorts and slowly, deliberately, pulled them down, revealing the slick, swollen folds of his cunt. He tossed them aside and settled between Taehyung's legs, his own sweatpants still on, the hard length of his cock pressing against Taehyung's wet heat through the fabric.

"Not yet," Jeongguk murmured, his voice a low, teasing rumble. He reached down, his fingers parting Taehyung's folds, exposing the hard, sensitive nub of his clit. "I want to feel you first."

He finally shed his own sweatpants, his cock springing free, hard and thick and leaking. He positioned himself at Taehyung's entrance, the head of his cock nudging against the slick, sensitive folds. He looked down at Taehyung, at the golden expanse of his body spread out for him, his eyes searching his face, a silent question.

Taehyung just nodded, his breath hitching in anticipation.

Jeongguk pushed forward, slowly, sinking into Taehyung's heat inch by agonizing inch. 

Taehyung gasped, his body stretching to accommodate him, a delicious, burning fullness that had him seeing stars. Jeongguk paused when he was fully sheathed, giving Taehyung a moment to adjust, his forehead resting against Taehyung's.

"Fuck," he breathed, his voice strained. "You feel... incredible. So tight, so wet. Made for me."

He began to move, his hips rocking in a slow, deliberate rhythm. There was no roughness, no urgency, just a deep, intimate grinding that had Taehyung's toes curling. Jeongguk's hands were everywhere, gripping his hips, stroking the golden skin of his thighs, pinching his nipples. He kissed him, a deep, possessive kiss that tasted of his own arousal and Jeongguk's overwhelming desire.

"Look at me," Jeongguk commanded, his voice a low, husky whisper. "I want to see you when you come."

Taehyung forced his eyes open, his gaze locking with Jeongguk's. The possessive, adoring look in his eyes was his undoing. Jeongguk reached between them, his thumb finding Taehyung's clit and rubbing it in firm, circles, in time with his thrusts.

That was all it took. The tension that had been building for what felt like an eternity finally snapped, and Taehyung came with a hoarse cry, his body convulsing, his vision whiting out. It was a powerful, all-consuming orgasm that left him trembling and breathless.

Jeongguk followed him over the edge with a guttural groan, his hips stuttering. He pulled out at the last second, his cock pulsing as he came, his release spilling onto Taehyung's stomach, the white fluid stark against the warm, golden skin, mixing with the sweat and slickness between them.

He collapsed beside Taehyung, his chest heaving, his body trembling with the force of his release. He wrapped his arms around Taehyung, pulling him close, their sticky, sweat-slick bodies pressed together.

"Fuck," Jeongguk breathed, his voice a hoarse whisper against Taehyung's hair. "That was... fuck."

Taehyung could only hum in agreement, his body still buzzing with the aftermath of his orgasm. He felt boneless, sated, and strangely, completely and utterly safe in Jeongguk's arms.

Taehyung could not believe this was actually happening. What the hell was Jeon Jeongguk's problem?

After helping him and spending the entire Sunday morning together, Taehyung eventually had to go home, despite the younger man's persistent protests. He still had an important project to finish and present on Monday. Jeongguk, however, remained sprawled across the sofa, fresh bandages still covering his face and an enormous pout tugging at his lips.

"Stay a little longer."

"I can't. I have to turn this in tomorrow."

"Finish it here."

"I need my computer and my files, Jeongguk."
Defeated, the younger man let out a long sigh. Taehyung stood to gather his things, and just as he reached the door, he was caught off guard by a quick, gentle kiss against his lips.

"I am taking you, and nothing you say will make me change my mind. Let's go."

Taehyung complained the entire drive, but deep down, that stubbornness warmed something inside his chest. He liked seeing Jeongguk act that way with him. Even more than that, he liked feeling the younger man's intense gaze settle on him whenever the traffic light turned red.

As soon as they parked outside his house, Jeongguk finally broke the silence.

"Text me when you're inside."

"You are watching me walk in, Jeon."

"Text me anyway."

Taehyung laughed as he climbed out of the car, a ridiculous smile spreading across his face. The moment he stepped inside, he pulled out his phone and typed quickly:

i'm here. drive carefully.

The reply came almost instantly.

i'm already home. good luck with your project, princess.

That night, Taehyung went to bed with an unfamiliar lightness, a quiet warmth cradled against his ribs that he almost dared to call happiness. He spent hours focused on his project, fell asleep late, and woke up early the next morning.

Then, just like that, the fragile bubble of expectation burst.

Jeongguk had simply vanished.

Again.

Monday. Taehyung was a wreck—dying of sleep, his body paying the price for an all-nighter spent finishing the presentation. He reviewed every detail down to the last slide, and now his eyes burned, his head felt heavy, and all he wanted was to go back to bed. Never again, he promised himself. He would remember never to leave a project like this until the last minute.

He pulled on a light knit sweater, jeans, and his glasses, then ran through the basics of skincare—just enough to not look like a complete zombie. He swiped on strawberry lip balm. It was the best he could do.

Before heading to college, he decided to stop by the coffee shop. He wasn't the biggest coffee lover, but today called for an exception. Nothing a bit of chocolate and sugar with bitter coffee couldn't solve. He ordered a mocha with whipped cream and waited in line.

While waiting, Taehyung hesitated.

He bit his lip. Thought. Rethought.

He didn't want to seem desperate. But he also didn't want to seem like he didn't care. Jeongguk hadn't replied to anything the day before—no message, no explanation—and Taehyung had spent the whole night wondering what he had done wrong.

He typed quickly, before he could change his mind:

"hi, how are your injuries?"

The message stayed on "delivered." No reply.

At college, coffee in hand and bag on his shoulder, Taehyung climbed the steps toward his classroom. That was when he saw Jeongguk walking in the opposite direction.

His heart raced. Even after everything—the silence, the sleepless night spent convincing himself he didn't care—his pulse still lurched at the sight of him.

Taehyung opened his mouth to speak. To ask. To say anything.

Their eyes met for a second.

Then Jeongguk walked straight past him.

Simply walked by. As if Taehyung were invisible.

Taehyung stood frozen in the middle of the hallway. The bag weighed on his shoulder. His mouth hung open. The coffee cooled in his hand. He watched Jeongguk's back moving away—the gray hoodie, the broad shoulders, the fast, deliberate pace.

He swallowed hard. The coffee was bitter. Or maybe it was just him.

He put his phone in his pocket and walked into the classroom. The day was just beginning. 

And it was going to be a long one.

Taehyung presented the project as best he could. On better days, he would have performed better. He knew he'd secured a good grade—the content was all there, well-researched and well-structured—but the presentation came out flatter than he'd have liked. His voice lacked energy. His gestures felt mechanical. His mind was elsewhere. On how Jeongguk had walked past him like a stranger. On how the message had stayed on "delivered" without a reply. On how two days ago he was being treated like a princess, and now he was invisible.

Not knowing what else to do, he turned to the one thing that made sense: venting to Jimin.

Now they sat in the empty classroom, the vacant chairs around them, the blackboard still covered in notes from the previous class, the white ceiling light buzzing faintly overhead. 

Jimin's face was red with anger.

"I can't believe that son of a bitch did this," he said, his voice too loud for the space. "I am going to rip his head off. I swear to God, Tae."

Taehyung hunched his shoulders, curling in on himself. "I don't understand either, Ji," he murmured, fingers playing with the sleeve of his knit sweater. Two days ago he was treating me like a princess. And now, as if I simply did not exist. He didn't say it out loud, but the thought sat heavy in his chest.

"I think he just wanted sex," Taehyung continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "And after he got it, he decided he didn't need me anymore. I wasn't even worth finishing the bet."

His eyes filled with tears. He blinked quickly, trying to keep them from falling, but the ache in his chest only grew heavier. It hurt to think he had been used—that every glance, every kiss, the picnic, the tenderness, the care, had only been a means for Jeongguk to get what he wanted.

"Don't ever say that about yourself," Jimin said sharply, his voice unwavering. "Never."

He pushed back his chair and wrapped Taehyung in a tight hug. His arms closed firmly around his friend, holding him together in a way words couldn't. Jimin's own heart ached at the sight. Guilt crept into his chest as he remembered encouraging Taehyung, telling him to enjoy it, insisting that maybe Jeongguk had changed.

"You are the most precious person in the world," Jimin murmured against Taehyung's blond hair. "He's the asshole."

Taehyung stayed there in his embrace, eyes closed, his breathing uneven. He didn't cry. But he was dangerously close.

After a moment, Jimin loosened his grip just enough to look at his face, his hands resting on Taehyung's shoulders. "You haven't eaten anything properly today, have you?"

Taehyung silently shook his head.

"Let's go to the cafeteria. Eat something."

"Ji, I'm not hungry."

"I know. But you still have to eat. Even if it's just a sandwich."

Taehyung opened his mouth to argue, but Jimin was already picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "Come on. Let's go."

When they reached the cafeteria, Jimin stopped so abruptly that Taehyung nearly walked straight into him, almost knocking over another student's tray. "Ouch, Ji," he muttered, steadying himself.

Without a word, Jimin stepped in front of him, blocking the way. "Let's go somewhere else, Tete."

His expression was filled with concern. His eyes had widened, and his lips parted slightly, as though he had seen something he desperately wished Taehyung would not.

"What is it?" Taehyung frowned. "Move."

Jimin didn't budge. He stood there with his arms slightly spread, awkwardly trying to block the view. "There's a better table in the back," he said, his voice louder than usual. "Let's go there."

Taehyung didn't answer. Instead, he looked past Jimin's shoulder. As if the day hadn't already been miserable enough, there was Jeon. Not with one girl. With two.

They were practically hanging off him, one on each side, leaning into his space as though they belonged there. Their hands brushed his arm, his shoulder, the edge of the table. They spoke close to his ear, laughed too loudly at everything he said, their faces lingering inches from his. Jeongguk sat at the center of the table, surrounded. His two friends sat nearby, his lunch tray half-empty in front of him. 

He still wore the gray hoodie, and the bandages on his face were smaller now. And he was laughing. Laughing with them. Laughing with everyone.

Taehyung felt his heart jolt painfully against his ribs. His chest tightened, and for a second, it became difficult to breathe. Then something inside him shifted. The sadness slowly gave way to something hotter. 

Anger. 

Why was he wasting so much energy worrying about someone like Jeon Jeongguk?

He tore his eyes away from the table and tapped Jimin lightly on the shoulder. "Move."

Jimin hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. Taehyung walked past him and headed straight for the serving line. "We're eating here."

Jimin hurried after him. "Tete, you don't have to—"

"I know I don't," Taehyung replied, grabbing a tray from the stack before handing another to Jimin. "But I'm not leaving because of him."
"Are you sure?"

"I am."

Taehyung picked up a tray and walked toward the serving line before he could change his mind. Jimin followed close behind, still watching him with obvious concern. 

The cafeteria buzzed with lunchtime chaos. Conversations overlapped from every direction, trays clattered against metal counters, and the smell of fried food and freshly cooked rice lingered in the air. 

Taehyung barely noticed any of it. He grabbed the first sandwich he saw, along with a bottle of juice. Jimin did the same without saying a word.

As they looked for somewhere to sit, Taehyung's eyes wandered across the room. They landed on Jeongguk. He was sitting with his usual group, surrounded by laughter. One of the girls leaned against his shoulder while talking, her hand resting there as naturally as if she'd done it a hundred times before. The other nudged his arm after another joke, laughing loudly. Jeongguk laughed too. Something tightened painfully in Taehyung's stomach.

"There." He nodded toward an empty table near the windows. It wasn't particularly close, but it wasn't hidden either. Jimin followed his gaze and immediately understood. "You don't have to stay here."

"I know." Taehyung's answer came quietly. "But I'm tired of avoiding people."

Jimin studied him for another second before giving in. They sat down. For a while, neither of them spoke. Taehyung unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite, though he could barely taste it.

"Are you okay?" Jimin finally asked.

Taehyung let out a small laugh without humor. "No." Another bite. "But I will be."

Jimin sighed softly and reached for his own lunch, deciding not to push any further. Several minutes passed before a shadow stopped beside their table.

"Taehyung?"

He looked up. Song Kang stood there, still wearing the football team's practice jacket, his brown hair slightly messy from training.

"Oh." Taehyung blinked. "Hi."

Song Kang smiled and held out a black pen. "I think this is yours."

Taehyung looked at it for a second before recognizing it. His favorite pen. The one he always used for notes. "I found it in the presentation room after class."
Taehyung searched his bag instinctively before realizing it really was missing. "Oh." A sheepish smile spread across his face. "Thank you. I didn't even notice."

Kang shrugged. "I figured you'd come looking for it eventually."

Taehyung accepted the pen carefully. "Seriously, thanks."

"No problem, doll."

The nickname slipped out so casually that Taehyung froze for a second. Warmth climbed into his cheeks. He wasn't flustered in the same overwhelming way Jeongguk made him feel, but the unexpected familiarity caught him off guard.

Song Kang seemed to notice. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "I'll leave you two alone." He gave Taehyung a small nod before walking back toward another table where several football players were waiting.

Taehyung looked down at the pen still resting in his hand. Across from him, Jimin was already smiling. "Well."

Taehyung didn't even have to look up to know that expression. "What?"

"Since when does Song Kang call you doll?"

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "He was just being nice."

"If you say so." Jimin smirked. "Doll."

Taehyung couldn't help laughing. He crumpled a napkin and tossed it across the table. "Shut up."

The tension in his shoulders eased for the first time all day. His smile faded after a moment, though. "Even if he into me..." He looked down at his sandwich. "I don't think I have the energy for any of that right now."

Jimin's expression softened immediately. "I know." He paused. "You deserve someone who doesn't make you question your own worth."

Taehyung stayed quiet. For a few seconds, only the cafeteria noise filled the silence between them. Then Jimin grinned again. "That being said..." Taehyung already knew what was coming. "...he's ridiculously attractive."

A laugh escaped before he could stop it. "He is."

"So you admit it."

"I said he's attractive." Taehyung shrugged. "Still not really my type."

On the other side of the cafeteria, Jeongguk had stopped paying attention to his own table. 

His eyes remained fixed on Taehyung. He watched Song Kang approach. Watched Taehyung smile. Watched the blush spread across his cheeks. Watched him laugh. 

The girl beside Jeongguk nudged his shoulder again, trying to pull him back into the conversation. He barely reacted. Someone across the table asked him a question. He didn't answer. 

His gaze never left the corner of the cafeteria where Taehyung sat, laughing with someone else.

That Monday, Taehyung did not see Jeongguk again.

He did not want to.

He needed to get his head together. He needed to remember who he was before Jeongguk appeared with his smiles and empty promises.

The afternoon was spent at home. Alone. He ate the things he liked—a tub of vanilla ice cream, some chopped fruit, the leftovers of the Chinese food he had ordered the day before. He did the things he liked—put on a face mask, applied lotion to his body, watched the first episode of a new series without paying much attention.

Sometimes his heart would ache. The thought that he had been used would return like a sting. But Taehyung discovered that burying himself in a good book with good background music helped push away the bad thoughts.

At the end of the night, he opened his phone. He went to the conversation with Jeongguk. He read the last messages—the ones he had sent that remained unanswered. The "hi, how are your injuries?" that was never replied to.

Taehyung held the phone for a moment. Then he blocked Jeongguk.

On everything. Kakao. Instagram. Any social media that could remind him of the guy.

If Jeongguk did not want to talk to him, Taehyung was not going to give him the satisfaction of waiting.

Tuesday. Taehyung skipped college to study.

The semester final exam was the next day—Wednesday. And he needed to ensure a good grade. He spent the entire day with his books open, making summaries, reviewing the points he had the most difficulty with. His head hurt by the end, but it was worth it.

Wednesday. Taehyung arrived at college early. He took the exam. The questions were difficult, but he had studied a lot and felt he did well. He left the room with a sense of relief—another semester completed, closer and closer to graduation.

And today was one of the last cheerleading practices.

The football team had a big game that night. An important match against a rival team. Taehyung wanted everything to be perfect. The choreography, the stunts, the cheers. Their chances of winning were high, and the football team was also super committed.

It was the game of the semester.

On the other hand, Jeongguk was desperate.

Taehyung had blocked him on everything. Messages no longer arrived. The blond's profile had vanished from Instagram. It was as if Taehyung had disappeared from the face of the earth.

Jeongguk spent Monday and Tuesday trying to find the blond in the hallways. He arrived earlier. Left later. Searched in the places where he knew Taehyung used to stay.

Nothing.

They were missing each other. To Jeongguk's misfortune, Taehyung always seemed to be in a different place. The hallway where he had just passed. The room where he had just left. The library where he had been half an hour ago.

Jeongguk was starting to go crazy.

Practice ended late in the afternoon. The sun was already low, orange. Taehyung put away his pom-poms, grabbed his bag, and prepared to leave.

Song Kang approached. He had waited for practice to end, observing from afar as always, a smile on his face when Taehyung finally turned around.

"Good practice today," he said, stopping a few steps away.

"It was," Taehyung agreed, putting his water bottle in his bag.

"You were great. I thought you were going to fall on that spin part, but you held on tight." Kang took a step closer. His eyes roamed over Taehyung's face with a slowness that was not disguised.

Taehyung laughed. "I thought I was going to fall too."

"But you didn't," Song Kang tilted his head, his smile widening. "You're better than you think."

His eyes met Taehyung's and held. There was no rush in his gaze, but there was intent.

"Thanks," he replied, looking down at his bag, a bit shy.

Song Kang did not back away.

"Are you going to the party after the game tonight?" he asked, his voice a little lower.

Taehyung remembered. The football team party. He had promised Jimin he would go. His friend had insisted he needed to get out, distract himself, and not stay home dwelling on things.

"I am. I promised Jimin I would."

"That's good." Kang smiled, his eyes shining. "I'm happy to hear that. I was waiting for an opportunity."

Taehyung blinked. "Waiting?"

"Of course." Song Kang shrugged, but the smile remained. "Actually, I already wanted to approach you before. But that Jeon was always around." Kang gave a short, slightly awkward laugh. "You two always seemed so close. I didn't want to interfere."

Taehyung felt his heart ache. The mention of Jeongguk's name brought the pain back, even though he tried to hide it.

"Oh," he said, his voice lower. "No... we never had anything."

Song Kang observed the reaction. His eyes softened.

"I see," he said, and it seemed genuine. "Sorry if I touched on a bad subject."

"It's okay," Taehyung shook his head. "It's nothing major."

Song Kang was silent for a moment. Then he spoke, his voice gentler:

"Well, since you aren't anymore... maybe I can have a chance?"

Taehyung looked up. Song Kang was looking at him with that calm smile, but his eyes were sincere.

"Or if a chance is asking too much..." Song Kang continued, tilting his head, "I would at least like to dance with you at the party."

Taehyung felt his cheeks heat up. He opened his mouth, but did not know what to say.

Song Kang laughed low, seeing his reaction.

"Sorry, was I too direct?" he asked, but he did not seem regretful.

"Yeah..." Taehyung pulled his bag strap. "I just didn't expect it."

"It might be a little direct," Song Kang admitted. "But I prefer to be clear than to beat around the bush without saying anything. I don't like wasting time when I know what I want."

Taehyung did not answer. He did not know how to respond.

Kang seemed to understand. He took a step back, giving him space.

"See you later, doll." He winked at Taehyung. "I'll be keeping an eye on you at the party."

He turned and walked away, hands in his pockets, the calm walk of someone who was in no hurry.

Taehyung stood there for a moment, his face still warm. Song Kang was direct, yes. But he was not invasive. There was a kindness in his manner that made Taehyung not feel pressured.

Even so, he was still closed off to new things. His heart still ached because of Jeongguk, even if he did not want to admit it.

The final whistle echoed across the stadium like a gunshot. For half a second, everything seemed to freeze. Then the scoreboard flashed the final result, confirming what no one had dared believe until that exact moment. The football team had won. The stands erupted into deafening cheers. Students jumped to their feet, waving banners and chanting the school's name, while players rushed onto the field, shouting, laughing, and throwing themselves into one another's arms. Months of exhausting practices and endless pressure had finally paid off.

Taehyung barely had time to process it all. He and the rest of the cheer squad had spent the entire match running across the sidelines, leading chants and keeping the crowd energized until their lungs burned. His legs trembled from exhaustion, his chest rose with heavy breaths, and adrenaline still surged through his body as he stared at the celebrating team. They had really won.

Kang appeared in front of him before he could catch his breath. The captain was panting, dirt smeared across his face beneath an enormous grin, and the hug he pulled Taehyung into was so tight it nearly knocked the air out of him. He even lifted him off the ground for a second, spinning him around like a child. Taehyung burst into laughter, breathless and relieved, patting Kang's back as the celebration swallowed them both.

"Holy shit, we actually did it!" Kang shouted over the noise. "You were incredible out there, doll!"

Taehyung hugged him back just as tightly, burying his face against the captain's sweaty shoulder for a brief moment. The adrenaline still pulsed through his veins, making every sensation sharper—the smell of freshly cut grass, the roar of thousands of voices, and the solid warmth of Kang's embrace. Then, almost by accident, his gaze drifted toward the edge of the field. And he saw Jeongguk.

He stood near the tunnel leading to the locker rooms, only a few meters from the bench, his eyes locked on the scene before him. More specifically, on Kang's arms still wrapped loosely around Taehyung's waist. His expression was unreadable, too calm to be genuine. The large bandages were gone now, replaced by small strips of medical tape, but the tension in his jaw betrayed him. He wasn't alone. Beside him stood another football player—a tall guy with brown hair whom Taehyung vaguely recognized from the team. The player was talking animatedly, gesturing as he spoke, yet Jeongguk didn't seem to hear a single word. His attention never left Taehyung.

Taehyung's heartbeat stumbled. Kang slowly let go of him, still smiling from the victory, and only then noticed where Taehyung was looking. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he gave Taehyung a friendly pat on the back before jogging off to celebrate with the rest of the team, disappearing into the sea of players and coaches.

The football player beside Jeongguk said something else and pointed toward the parking lot. Only then did Jeongguk finally tear his eyes away. He gave a brief nod, muttered a reply, and started walking in the opposite direction without looking back even once.

A strange chill ran through Taehyung despite the heat still clinging to his skin.

"Hey." Kang's voice pulled him back. "The party's at Junho's place tonight. I'm driving two friends over and still have room. Want to come with us? I already talked to Jimin—he's coming too."

Taehyung looked at him. The invitation was casual, almost expected. He and Jimin usually went together anyway. Still, the question seemed to linger longer than it should have. "You coming?" Kang asked again with an easy smile. "Come on. It'll be fun. We should celebrate this properly after winning."

"Yeah." The answer left his mouth drier than he intended. "I'm going."

Kang grinned and gave his shoulder another playful pat. "Perfect. We're leaving in about forty minutes."

Taehyung slipped his phone back into his pocket without even checking it. There were no notifications. He already knew there wouldn't be. Even so, the weight of the device against his thigh seemed louder than the cheers still echoing through the stadium.