Us, Against The World | Taekook

3. Friends.

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The next day, they woke up, took showers, and got ready for practice. On their way to the company, Taehyung chatted with J-Hope, Namjoon, and Yoongi, while Jungkook trailed silently behind them. Finding it unusual for a kid to be so quiet, Taehyung asked, "Does Jungkook not talk much?"

J-Hope glanced back at Jungkook, who was scribbling in a notebook. "No, he's very shy, like very. He doesn’t talk much and doesn't change clothes around us. He showers late at night. We've told him to feel free, but he just brushes it off. We hoped he'd get more comfortable, but it's been three months, and he's still the same."

Taehyung gulped and nodded, unable to imagine being as silent as Jungkook. He loved to talk and couldn’t picture himself any other way.

They arrived at the company and went their separate ways. Jungkook headed to dance practice, Taehyung to his first vocal class, and the rap line to the studio.

A few days later, they were in the middle of a grueling dance practice that had lasted since morning. By evening, everyone was utterly exhausted, collapsing onto the floor with groans.

"Jungkook, you are not giving your best! What's with your hands?" the choreographer, Sung Deuk, scolded the boy who was panting heavily.

Jungkook looked up with wide eyes, glancing around before lowering his head. "I'm... I'm tired after school," he whispered, his voice barely audible and tinged with shame.

"Everyone is tired! Taehyung just joined a few days ago, but look at him—he's catching the choreography! Please try to do it correctly!" Sung Deuk exclaimed before walking away.

The room fell into a heavy silence. Jin got up, walked over to Jungkook, and sat beside him, patting his shoulder. "You're doing great, Jungkook," he said softly.

Jungkook lowered his head, not replying. The rest of the evening passed in a strained quiet. When it was time to leave, everyone packed their bags. Namjoon noticed Jungkook wasn't joining them. "Are you not coming?" he asked.

Taehyung glanced back and saw Namjoon talking to Jungkook.

"No, I'll stay and practice," the younger replied, moving to start the music again.

Namjoon looked at the others, and everyone sighed as if this was nothing new. "Let's go," Jhope said, patting Taehyung's shoulder to urge him forward.

Taehyung took one last look at Jungkook, who had already immersed himself in the dance again. With a final glance, he followed the others out.

After dinner, everyone went to bed and quickly fell asleep, but Taehyung lay wide awake. He didn't know what was on his mind, but he just couldn't sleep.

After some time, Jungkook walked into the dorm, as usual. Taehyung wasn't sure when he got out of bed, but he found himself standing in the doorway to the living room.

He stopped when he heard sniffing and hiccuping sounds. Slowly, he peeked into the room and saw Jungkook sitting in a corner by the balcony, his head between his knees, arms wrapped around them.

Taehyung didn't know what the feeling was, but it pained him to see Jungkook crying. He quietly walked over and sat in front of the younger boy.

"Jungkook," he called softly, not wanting to startle him.

Jungkook looked up at him, his eyes red and teary, cheeks glistening with wet trails.

"Why are you crying?" Taehyung asked, his voice gentle and concerned.

Jungkook wiped his tears hastily. "It's... it's nothing," he murmured, attempting to stand up, but Taehyung placed a firm yet comforting hand on his knee.