HATE TO LOVE YOU || TAEKOOK || JIKOOK || MAFIA AU

[𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓸𝓴𝓪𝔂]²⁰

I'm shortening the chapters because I think they're getting too long, but what do I do, there's a lot to happen in this story yet, and I can't keep check of the word count when I sit to write. Anyways I'll try best for my 10-15 readers to not get bore of the story🙋‍♀️.

*𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿*

"Taehyung~~?" Hajoon's voice echoed through the hallway as he sprinted towards the bathroom just behind taehyung, skidding to a halt at the doorway.

His heart sank at the sight of Taehyung hunched over the toilet, retching violently.

The gut-wrenching sounds of Tae's vomit filled the small room, each heave more agonizing than the last. Hajoon winced, his face contorted in worry and helplessness.

Tae gasped for air, wiping the sweat from his brow. Just when it seemed he might catch a break, another wave of nausea hit, and he was forced to expel the remnants of sickness from his stomach once more.

After what felt like an eternity of relentless retching, Tae finally staggered to his feet weakly. He clung to the sink, his knuckles white as he supported his trembling body, taking deep, shaky breaths.

By the time Tae had finished washing his face with the cold water, Hajoon had returned with a bottle of water from the cafeteria. Tae rinsed his mouth, the cool water soothing his raw throat and then took a few careful sips, his breaths still shaky.

They emerged from the restroom while tae moving as if every step drained what little energy he had left. He sank onto the staircase of the department building, his limbs heavy with exhaustion.

"Are you okay now?" Hajoon asked, his voice filled with concern as he knelt before Tae, searching his cousin's bland, lifeless expression.

There was something more than just a stomach ache behind his sudden sickness, Hajoon was certain in himself.

"I'm fine Hajooni, just s-stomach problem," Tae whispered, his eyes barely open. He let his head fall back against the pillar, drawing in deep, ragged breaths.

"Stomach problem? Are you sure? You didn't feel sick because of some reference?" Hajoon pressed, his voice tinged with suspicion. And Tae's eyes fluttered open, his unsure ones met Hajoon's gaze, but he collected himself and slowly shook his head in dismissal.

"I just need to go home. I'll feel better." Tae insisted, his voice barely more than a whisper. He struggled to his feet, leaning on Hajoon for support and Hajoon decided not to push further. What could possibly be in a reference that would make Tae sick? It had to be his stomach. Yeah.

Hajoon wrapped an arm around Tae's shoulders, helping him walk the hallway back to the library. They gathered their bags, collected their scattered books and made their way out of the department building.

"Taeyoni wait," Hajoon suddenly said, stopping them in their tracks.

Tae turned to him, a faint frown creasing his pale forehead, his exhaustion evident.

"You can't go home right now," Hajoon said firmly, turning Tae to face him, who struggled to grasp what Hajoon was insisting.

"Hajooni, I need to be home. It's time. Hyung will be waiting for me," Tae murmured, his voice frail. Hajoon, however, shook his head, his determination unwavering.

"No, call him and tell him you're coming with me," Hajoon insisted, his tone brooking no argument.

"I can't, Hajooni. He'll be worried. I-"

"Please, Taeyoni," Hajoon cut in, his eyes locking onto Tae's with a fierce sincerity.

"You're not fine, and I promise, if you'll come with me, you'll feel better."