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

Chapter 16

The library was bustling with students engrossed in their studies, the atmosphere filled with the sound of whispered conversations and the rustling of paper. I found myself at a table in the corner with my friends, Suga, Rosé, and Joon, deep in a lively discussion about the best strategies for tackling the SAT. However, my attention kept drifting, and my eyes kept wandering around the room in search of Taehyung.

Suddenly, I spotted Jungkook hovering near our table, looking unsure and clutching a textbook. I knew he was struggling with Algebra .ever since Taehyung had surpassed me in ranking. He had approached me earlier for help, but the concepts seemed to elude him.

As he pointed to a problem in his book about simultaneous equations, his voice filled with uncertainty, my heart sank. "Jimin hyung, I still don't get this," he admitted. Despite the ongoing debate at our table, I couldn't ignore his plea for help.

"Gosh, Jungkook," Suga teased. "You're still struggling with this? C'mon, man, you gotta crack this or else you're doomed."

Rosé, always the calm one, gently nudged Suga. "Hey, Yoongi," she whispered, "let him have a go at it."

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool. "Alright, let's give it another shot," I said, grabbing the book.

I went through the steps slowly, using different examples and drawings to explain. Jungkook looked like he was trying, but the confusion on his face wasn't budging.

"I just… I just don't get it, hyung," Jungkook admitted, frustration evident in his voice.

"Don't worry," I reassured him, flashing a fake smile. "We'll figure it out together."

Deep down, though, I doubted it. My confidence was wavering. Maybe Jungkook wasn't meant for math. Maybe I wasn't the right person to teach him.

Taehyung popped up right next to us with that infectious grin of his. 'Hey kookie, what's up?' he chimed in, sounding all warm and friendly.

Jungkook, looking visibly relieved, spilled out his problem to Taehyung, even showing him the tricky question he was stuck on.

I was totally surprised when Taehyung didn't even glance at the book before diving into a full-on explanation. He spun relatable stories and analogies that just clicked for Jungkook out of the blue.

It dawned on me that Taehyung wasn't just teaching; he was connecting with Jungkook, making the whole thing seem reachable.

Jungkook's face, which just moments ago was a picture of frustration, now lit up with understanding. 'Ohh, I see it now!' he beamed, clapping his hands together. 'Thanks, Tae!'

And then, he turned to me with a look of sympathy. 'I don't know why, but Jimin hyung's explanations just weren't getting through to me.'

"Come on, Jimin is totally the best at this! He's the one who helped me understand math. Thanks, Jiminah!" Tae retorted smiling at me.

My gut was doing some weird backflips with a mix of jealousy and embarrassment. Jungkook, the guy I thought needed my help, was connecting effortlessly with Taehyung about everything. It felt like the whole school was looking right at me, like my time as the smartest guy in the class was officially over.

Taehyung, clueless about the whirlwind of emotions going on in my head, just casually gave Jungkook a pat on the back and said, 'No worries, Jungkook. Algebra just needs practice, you got this!'