UNDER HIS SPELL { taekook }

二 ; ５７

"Jimin, wait—!"

Short pants pushed past his throat. Jeongguk's body felt sluggish while he ran over the pavement, chasing blond strands of hair in the distance, ones that belonged to his best friend, who blindly sped down the street ahead of them.

In all truth, well, Jeongguk still couldn't believe it.

He just couldn't believe that Yoongi had been hiding such a big secret from his own boyfriend, after having fought so hard for the boy's trust. It didn't make any sense.

"Go away!" He heard Jimin call out to him as he turned a corner, arm reaching up to wipe a tear from his face, an action that had shielded his vision long enough for him to stumble over the concrete. His body tripped forward, delayed him a few seconds; and that was when Jeongguk had finally caught up to him, his gentle hand pulling the smaller boy toward his direction.

He wrapped Jimin into a welcoming embrace, arms holding him tightly while the blond's sniffles began to seep into Jeongguk's ears.

"Don't cry, Jiminie.." He hushed quietly, fingers reaching into Jimin's hair, where he caressed at the strands soothingly. "It's okay.."

"It's not okay!!" Jimin cut in, though instead of shoving the boy back, he gripped tighter onto Jeongguk's sleeves, tears cascading down his cheeks. "I t-trusted him, I... I took a leap of faith with him... Gave up on my unrequited love for him, even, and he—!"

"I know.." Jeongguk responded in a calm tone, making sure he wouldn't agitate the boy any more than he already was. "I know you did. But clearly he's not worth your tears, Jimin, I... get that you're upset, but-.."

The blond finally loosened his hold on Jeongguk, retreated two steps back and wiped the wet stain of tears he had left behind on his friend's shoulder. There was a lulled silence that settled between the two, and Jeongguk could only watch as his best friend struggled to seek eye contact with him.

"You're.. going to be late.." Jimin finally spoke up, a puff of frozen air leaving his lips, eyes lowered. "You should go to your class."

Jeongguk quickly shook his head. "But what about you? Let's just-... ditch class and watch some of those old movies you like." He cracked a gentle smile, his voice coaxing. "How does that sound? I'll get the popcorn, and you can head back to your place and wait for me there."

Jimin let out a weak laugh, one that was dry and lacked substance.

"I'm sorry, Gguk.." His voice was nearly a whisper, a crack at his words. "I just r-really want to be alone right now... Okay?"

Jeongguk blinked back at him, brows knitted in concern. But he made no effort to stop the boy once he turned the other way, resumed his walk down the streets.

And Jeongguk watched his friend's retreating shadow, hands lowering beside him while he came to the realization there was just nothing he could do to comfort the other.

At least not now.

※ ※

A tray of cafeteria food settled promptly over the table surface. Jeongguk let his bag strap lower from his shoulder while he plopped down atop the chair beside him.

The lecture he had endured had felt much too long, when all his thoughts could waver over was nothing short of concern for his best friend, who must be laying heartbroken, most likely alone in his apartment.