CRIMSON LIES (TAEKOOK)

22.(RIDE)

..Jungkook wasn't sure what to do. He had packed everything he needed for the field trip-extra clothes, toiletries, his phone charger-but something still felt off. Like he was forgetting something. Or maybe... someone.

Well, obviously, it was Taehyung.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew his boyfriend was upset about him leaving for two days, even though he had reassured him that they'd call and text. Still, he felt bad. Taehyung was dramatic-extremely dramatic-but he was also soft when it came to love. He pretended to be nonchalant, but Jungkook knew the truth. He knew how much Taehyung loved the little things, the small gestures, the moments of unexpected affection.

Jungkook still remembered the night on the rooftop, the way Taehyung had gone from sassy and bratty to sweet and pliant, melting under his touch like cotton candy. He had held onto Jungkook's shirt that night like Jungkook was the only thing keeping him grounded. And maybe, in a way, Jungkook was.

The memory made Jungkook chuckle to himself. Yeah. That moment had been unforgettable.

He shook his head and decided he wanted to do something special before leaving. He wasn't the type to write long love letters or do grand, over-the-top gestures, but he knew how to show he cared. After a bit of thinking, he found himself in a small jewelry store, scanning the display cases.

"Can I help you?" the shopkeeper asked.

Jungkook nodded. "Yeah, I'm looking for a couple's chain. Just the chain, no pendant."

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. "No pendant?"

Jungkook smiled a little. "Not yet. I want to save that for a good day. But for now... just the chain."

He could already picture how it would look on Taehyung, resting on his collarbones, catching the light whenever he moved. He'd probably play with it absentmindedly, twisting it between his fingers while yapping about something random. The thought made Jungkook's heart feel warm.

After choosing two simple but elegant silver chains, he paid and tucked the small packet into his pocket. But he wasn't done. He made another stop-this time, at a small clothing store.

Jungkook had a habit of giving Taehyung hoodies, and Taehyung had a habit of stealing them. He wasn't sure if Taehyung even owned any hoodies of his own because, at this point, his closet was just filled with Jungkook's oversized ones. So Jungkook picked out a soft, dark gray hoodie-something he knew would look good on Taehyung. Something warm, something comfortable. Something that would smell like him.

Satisfied, he folded it neatly and placed it in a small paper bag.

Now, he was ready.

He quickly changed into a black tee and a pair of shorts, slipped on his sneakers, and grabbed his helmet. Then, he pulled out his phone and called Taehyung.

"Come outside," he said as soon as Taehyung picked up. "I'm picking you up."

There was a loud gasp on the other end. "Oh my god, a surprise date?!"

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Just hurry up, brat."

"I need at least ten minutes to pick an outfit!" Taehyung whined.

Jungkook laughed. "You could come out in a garbage bag, and I'd still think you look good."

There was a pause. Then: "That is both the sweetest and dumbest thing you've ever said."

"Thank you. Now move your ass."

Taehyung groaned dramatically but agreed, and Jungkook could hear him rustling through clothes. Smiling, Jungkook pocketed his phone and leaned against his bike, waiting.