GOLDEN TALENT | VKOOK ✓

27 | AROUSAL [M]

''Wait, dancing is your method of attracting me, hm?'' Taehyung chuckled and turned around, staring at Jeongguk, while still sitting in the chair. He smiled and looked behind the ravenette's shoulder at the not-so-blurry background. His gaze was drawn to the crowd, where he saw people dance, drink, smoke, and make out. As if time had stopped, he looked at everyone while not focusing on anyone in particular.

Until he noticed a figure sitting on the opposite side of the club, legs spread wide and two girls on his sides. One blonde, one ginger. Taehyung felt like throwing up.

Jeongguk's invitation hung in the air, a vulnerable moment between them. As he waited for Taehyung's response, he couldn't help but notice the shift in Taehyung's gaze. It wasn't focused on him, but rather on something—or someone—behind him.

Taehyung's expression darkened, and for a moment, Jeongguk couldn't quite place the emotion that flashed in his eyes. Then he turned to look, and his heart sank.

Without a word, Taehyung turned and made his way towards the exit, his steps purposeful. The noise of the club seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the rushing of blood in his ears. Jeongguk, sensing the sudden shift in Taehyung's demeanor, followed quickly. His worry for Taehyung overrode any personal feelings, and he couldn't bear to see Taehyung in such obvious distress.

He caught up to Taehyung just outside the club, his voice gentle but filled with concern. "Taehyung, hey, hey."

Outside the club, the cool night air provided some relief, but Taehyung's turmoil still raged within him. He leaned against a wall, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, as he tried to collect himself. Taehyung's breaths were heavy, his face pale. He looked at Jeongguk, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and anger. 

His lips stuttered as he tried to form a sentence, but he couldn't. Maybe it was the sudden cold, the way he felt his body shivering before even venturing out. He clenched his teeth and walked in a small circle, nervously. ''Taehyung.'' Jeongguk inquired once more, gently grabbing the other's shoulder. ''Talk to me.''

''I need to fucking get out of here.'' He spoke, his breaths visible as smoke in the cold air. ''If you want to stay, stay. Go get a drink and dance with some girl, I don't know. Go have fun, I'm in no mood to party anymore.'' Jeongguk detected anger, but it appeared to be mostly agony. 

''Do you want me to leave you alone?'' Jeongguk asked, hand still on his shoulder, ''Do you really want me to go back inside as if nothing happened and do what you've told me.''

Taehyung stared numbly, his teeth shaking in unison with the rest of his mouth. It was hot outside, and his shoulders were now bare. He didn't respond, instead waiting for the other to.

''I'm not going to do either of these things, Taehyung.'' His tone was stern, and he instead fixed Taehyung's shirt. ''I'm going to grab our jackets, yeah? We are leaving.''

Taehyung frowned, seeing him making his way inside. He couldn't bear saying anything else and just pressed his face against the wall, squishing his eyes shut. The worst part is that when he saw him, he ran like a rabbit, jumping away from the big bad wolf. He cursed and shakily searched his pockets for his juul. His hand trembled again, but he took a long drag and exhaled almost in relief.

Jeongguk entered, perplexed as to what and, more importantly, who made Taehyung feel disgusted enough to enter. ''You, Jeon, where are you going so earlu, bro? Caught a chick?'' One of his basketball teammates called out, smoking with a few of the others in the dressing room.

''Nah, dude, I've got to keep it cleaner than usual. Gotta' look presentable for Christmas Eve tomorrow.'' He dashed out, humming as he searched his leather jacket and then Taehyung's puffy one. One of the boys suggested a quick drag, but he pulled out his pack of Black Devil ciggarets and nodded, saying he already had one. ''Have a good time, though.''