CRIMSON LIES (TAEKOOK)

19 .(TRUSFRATATION)

As Taehyung burst into Jimin's apartment, slightly breathless and still flustered from his encounter with Jungkook, he didn't exactly expect to walk in on something intimate-but at this point, nothing really surprised him anymore.

Jimin was curled up on the couch, half-draped over Yoongi, while Hoseok had his head resting on Jimin's lap, fingers lazily trailing over Jimin's thigh. The air was warm, cozy-too cozy. The kind of warmth that hinted at something Taehyung really didn't need to witness.

Yoongi barely reacted to the intrusion, only shifting slightly to glance at the uninvited guest. "You've got the worst timing."

Jimin, however, perked up, blinking in surprise before breaking into a soft smile. "Tae?" His tone was laced with curiosity and something almost fond.

Taehyung stood there awkwardly for a second before finally shuffling in and plopping himself onto the couch beside Jimin, hugging a cushion to his chest. "I needed air," he muttered. "And food."

Yoongi, unimpressed, sighed and untangled himself from Jimin. "I'll cook." Without further comment, he padded toward the kitchen, leaving Jimin and Hoseok to deal with Taehyung's unannounced emotional crisis.

Jimin studied Taehyung for a moment before a small smirk crept onto his lips. "Wait a minute," he said, tilting his head. "You were at Jungkook's condo, weren't you?"

Taehyung's grip on the cushion tightened.

Jimin gasped, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Did you run away from Jungkook after getting him all worked up?"

Hoseok snickered. "That explains the look."

Taehyung pouted, turning his head away dramatically. "I did not run away. I just... tactically retreated."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Right. And this 'tactical retreat' wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you were practically throwing yourself at him a few hours ago, would it?"

Taehyung groaned, burying his face in the cushion. "Jiminie, please."

Jimin grinned. "No, no, tell me! Did he pin you down? Did he whisper something sinful in your ear? Oh my god, did he call you 'baby'?"

At that, Taehyung made a strangled noise and swatted at Jimin's arm. "Stop it! Why do you sound so excited?!"

Jimin laughed, poking Taehyung's cheek. "Because I'm invested, obviously. Now spill."

Taehyung peeked up from behind the cushion, cheeks burning. "I-I just panicked, okay? He was being so intense, and I thought I was ready, but then my brain short-circuited, and next thing I know, I'm running over here like a coward."

Jimin's expression softened slightly. "Oh, Tae," he said, ruffling his hair. "It's okay. But you know Jungkook is probably sulking right now, right?"

Hoseok snorted. "Sulking? Please. He's probably standing in his living room, arms crossed, staring at the door like it personally betrayed him."

Jimin giggled. "He does have a dramatic streak."

Taehyung sighed, resting his chin on the cushion. "I know. And I feel bad. But it's just... closeness. It scares me." His voice dropped slightly. "I've never really had it in a way that felt safe."

For a moment, the teasing stopped. Jimin's hand found Taehyung's, squeezing it gently. "You know, Jungkook isn't just some rich CEO who wants to play games with you. He's serious, Tae. He actually sees you."

Taehyung bit his lip. "That's what scares me the most."

Jimin exhaled, rubbing Taehyung's knuckles comfortingly. "You don't have to rush. But also... don't run away just because it's new."