Can't stand you, Can't live without you

Chapter 2

Taehyung's point of view

I found myself in lala land, nestled cozily in my peaceful slumber. Ah, dreaming of Jennie never fails to put a smile on my face. In this dreamy scenario, we were both out on a lovely date, with sparks flying and laughter filling the air. Just as I leaned in for that long-awaited kiss, a sudden onslaught of water, resembling one of those hefty jets used by firefighters, came crashing down on me. Who could be so daring as to interrupt my dream romancing with Jennie? It was none other than Mr. Park Jimin himself. Laughing like a maniac, he pointed the jet straight at me, soaking me to the bone. As the water engulfed me, I found myself jolting awake, gasping for breath. "Phew, just a dream," I mumbled to myself, trying to shake off the lingering oddness of the dream.

In the midst of my post-nightmare relief, my phone started to ring, breaking the tranquility of the morning. Without bothering to check who it was, I groggily picked up the call.

"Hey, JK! If this is about some other chick, hold up. Jennie's got my full attention now, and I ain't backing down. Let's chat about it later, man. Right now, I've got my mind set on to get into her pants," I blurted out, filled with determination.

Silence greeted my declaration on the other end of the line, making me wonder if I had startled poor JK with my sudden outburst.

And then, a familiar voice chimed in, dripping with sarcasm and authority. It was Jimin, the perpetual thorn in my side.

"Yo, you horndog! It's way too early to dive into that talk. Snap out of your daydreams and face reality, would you? If you keep dwelling on fantasies, you'll be doomed for sure. No university is going to have a clown like you if you don't shape up. Now, quit lazing around, get ready, and haul yourself to the school. And don't even think about being fashionably late, or I'll have to call in the big guns - your dad," his words laced with a warning tone.

As soon as his final threat hung in the air, he unceremoniously ended the call, leaving me fuming at the audacity of that guy. "What a bitch," I muttered under my breath, cursing the day I crossed paths with Jimin.

School always seemed like a distant nightmare in the early morning hours. I quickly splashed some water on my face, threw on my uniform, and trudged down the stairs with a heavy heart, mentally preparing for another one of my dad's exhausting lectures.

To my surprise - and relief - only Mom was there in the living room, the faint smell of her pancakes lingering in the air. I let out a silent sigh of relief and sent a quick thank-you prayer to the universe before joining her at the dining table.

"Good morning, son," Mom greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes filled with affection.

"Morning, Mom," I mumbled as I settled down to eat, the comfort of her presence easing the tension in my shoulders.

After a quiet breakfast, I quickly finished my meal and stood up, ready to head to school. "Mom, can we please go? It's getting really late," I urged her, checking the time on my watch in a mild panic.

But instead of grabbing the car keys, Mom surprised me by tossing something towards me. I caught it, puzzled, and realized they were old keys, they look so rusty..

"Mom, what's this?" I asked, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Mom explained, "Tae, Jimin asked me not to drop you off from today. He gave me these keys this morning."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Mom, seriously? But it's late! How can I pedal there that fast?" I protested, my tone bordering on a panicked shout.

She sighed, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm sorry, Tae. Your dad insisted, and I can't go against his wishes."