Books×Bikes [KTH] ✔️

Ch 18.☘︎ ݁˖

𓍼ོ𖡎📚𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔ᡣ𐭩
Jude's POV:

"Finally." I whispered to myself as I nestled into a quiet corner of the library.

Yesterday had been peaceful. Taehyung skipped college giving me some space to breathe. But peace and I never seem to get along for long. Today, it felt like I was playing a game of hide and seek with him.

Well, more like avoid him at all costs.

There was an upcoming Friday test that loomed over me and I was struggling with integrals, one of the toughest parts of math for me. No matter how hard I tried, certain concepts just didn't click. I sighed, setting my bag and notes down on the chair beside me and made my way to the math section of the library.

I scanned the shelves for a decent book on calculus. I was focused on finding the right book that I didn't notice anyone around me until I heard a familiar voice echo across the aisle.

"J, what's up?"

I froze for a moment before peeking through the small gap between the books. It was Kevin. His smile was warm as he approached.

"Hi," I murmured, barely looking at him as I bowed slightly in acknowledgment and resumed my search. If I kept busy, maybe he'd leave me alone.

But Kevin being Kevin wasn't here for casual small talk.

"I heard you and Taehyung are in a relationship."

My heart skipped a beat. What? How had this news already spread so fast? My brain raced. Was this why people were whispering in the lecture hall earlier, giving me side glances? I hated being the center of attention. I wasn't prepared for this. No, absolutely not.

I quickly turned to deny it, words forming on my lips. But before I could even speak, another voice-deeper and more commanding-cut between.

"Yes, we are."

I closed my eyes tightly, fighting back the urge to groan. Not him.

Taehyung stood behind Kevin. One hand rested casually on Kevin's shoulder while the other was shoved into his pocket. His eyes were piercing my skull as if daring me to contradict him.

I could feel his gaze even without looking at him. It was like a heat radiating toward me, making me nervous and anxious all at once. My instinct was to avoid it and keep my eyes firmly on the floor. Out of sight, out of mind.

"Ooo, I think I had some work. I should go." Kevin pretended to rush off.

No.

Through my lowered eyelashes, I watched Kevin's retreating figure unwilling to lift my head fully. The footsteps quickly faded, leaving me in the awkward silence with my unwanted boyfriend I'd been trying so hard to avoid all morning.