But I Still Want You S1 / Taekook Vkook

CHAPTER 26

***
*****

Days and weeks passed, and the seven boys had packed schedules. They traveled to America for filming shows, returned to SK for shooting music videos, promotions, and photoshoots... Their days were long, and they had little time for rest, but they practiced tirelessly.

One day, during a brief break in practice, Jimin, Taehyung, and Jungkook sat on the floor, their backs to the mirror, sipping water. Taehyung absentmindedly played with his hair and said,
"Guys, I want to change my hair color to orange, Do you think it will suit me?"

"Then we will call you Orange instead of Tae," Jin said, and the other boys started laughing at Jin's joke.

Jimin and Jungkook turned to face him. Jimin smiled and replied, "Everything suits you, Taehyung."

"Really, Jiminha?" Taehyung beamed.

Jungkook, who had been running his fingers through Taehyung's hair, suddenly stopped and asked,
"Hyung, why do you want to change your hair color to orange? Your current color suits you perfectly."

"Why do you want orange specifically? Is there any secret behind it?"
Hoseok asked, looking at Taehyung.

"I don't think there's a secret. Because I know all of his secrets,"
Jimin said, patting Taehyung's shoulder.

"Well I heard that girls like this color, so I want to try it,"
Taehyung said, giving a quick glance to Jungkook before looking back at Hoseok.

"Oh, our TaeTae is becoming an adult now, and wants to date with girls. Were they with you in high school? Spill the beans..."
Jin teased him, making Taehyung shy.
"No, it's not like that. I just want to try this color, hehe."

Meanwhile, Jungkook was just looking at Taehyung, not knowing what to say or do. He didn't understand his feelings yet. Was he jealous? Angry? He was lost in his thoughts.
'Should I ask him? But if I ask him, he will understand my feelings and maybe be angry with me or reject me. Should I just stay quiet? But my heart is hurting.'
Jungkook pondered, then he stood up and said,
"If we're not continuing the rehearsal, I will go back to the dorm."

"Oh, Kookie, are you okay?"
Namjoon asked, concerned.

Namjoon's question brought Jungkook back to reality. He managed a weak smile, trying to brush off his inner turmoil.
"Yeah, hyung, I just need a bit of rest. I'll catch up with you guys later."

As Jungkook left the rehearsal room, he couldn't shake off the swirling emotions inside him. He found a quiet corner in the hall and sat down, his mind filled with thoughts of Taehyung's words about changing his hair color for the sake of impressing girls.

A pang of jealousy and confusion gripped him. 'Why does it bother me so much? Am I really jealous?....... offf...is he that much interested by girls ? and what's going on with jimin ?!' Jungkook questioned himself, his heart feeling heavier than before.

Jungkook took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within him. 'I need to sort out my feelings before I talk to Taehyung. If I confront him now, I might end up saying things I don't mean,' he thought, recognizing the need for introspection.

Meanwhile, back at the rehearsal room, Taehyung's gaze lingered on the door after Jungkook's departure. He couldn't help but notice Jungkook's sudden change in demeanor. A frown tugged at his lips as he wondered if he had unintentionally caused this shift in Jungkook's mood.

*Taehyung's view*

I don't know why I said that, maybe because I don't want my feelings for him to take another path that he might not like. I don't want to hurt him. But when I saw him leave the rehearsal room, I felt like he took my heart with him. No, I have to stop myself. I'm his hyung, and I must protect him instead of hurting him. Oh kookie. Did i hurt him that much ? i have to talk to him.

*Anonymous view*

As the day came to an end, the boys returned to their dorm late at night.

Taehyung was joking with Jin and Hoseok, Namjoon and Yoongi were engrossed in a discussion about their music, and Jimin and Jungkook trailed behind.

Boys arrived to their drom.

Jungook follow Jimin to the bedroom and said, "Jimin, can I ask you something?"

Jimin, trying to maintain his role as the older brother, teased, "Yah! Have you forgotten that I'm older than you? I'm like your big brother, so you should call me 'hyung.'"

Jungkook continued undeterred, "Then why doesn't Taehyung hyung call you 'hyung'? You're older than him too. Or do you not want to be his big brother too? Do you like him?"

Jimin's expression shifted from teasing to shock and then anger. He spoke in a hushed tone, making sure the others couldn't hear, "What? Do you know what you're saying? Have you lost your mind?" He left Jungkook hanging, unsure if Jimin had feelings for Taehyung.

As Jungkook pondered the unanswered question, he couldn't help but think, 'I know it. I know that you like him, even if you don't say it. But does Taehyung know? And does he like him too?' Jungkook lost in his thouth.

"Jungkook? Are you okay?" Jin asked Jungkook, who flinched.

"Oh, yes, why?" Jungkook replied, looking confused.

"Because I was talking to you, but you didn't answer me. Is everything okay with you?" Jin inquired, showing genuine concern.

"Oh, no, nothing," Jungkook responded, evading Jin's gaze. "I was just thinking about the high scool entring and exams. You know they're coming up in a few days."

"Alright then, if you need any help, just tell me," Jin said, patting Jungkook on the shoulders.

That night, sleep eluded Jungkook. He lay in bed, exhausted yet unable to rest, lost in his thoughts as he attempted to find answers to his questions.

Simultaneously, another person in the dorm couldn't sleep either.

**** see you next chapter****