Unfriended | Taekook

7 - Hiking

Taehyung had been feeling down lately. His father's constant criticism weighed heavily on him. Adding to his turmoil is the confusing way he started to feel about Jungkook; despite his denial, he knew he was deeply attracted to him. The last confrontation with Mingyu also left him on edge. He felt tense every time his shift ended, apprehensive that Mingyu might be lurking around, ready to continue their "conversation" as he had promised. This had robbed him of his peace.

As a result, Taehyung had become more reclusive this week. Even though he hated being at home under his parents' judgmental gaze, he kept himself quiet in his room, entertained by movies, games and books. He also spent time finishing his college applications with Taehee's help, allowing himself to dream of going to college again and leave his parents house for good. He also submitted his running track records, hoping his excellent performance might attract some institution's attention.

In the early mornings, he would put on his running shoes and head to the high school gym to use the tracks. At that time of the day, few if any students were on the premises, and the gym's janitor would greet him with a friendly smile, already recognizing the young man who trained early every day.

After training, he would return home and distract himself with activities in his room until it was time to go to work. At least his parents seemed satisfied to see him at home more often. Not because they enjoyed his company, but because they knew he wasn't out somewhere getting involved with someone. With boys, to be more specific.

Taehyung also hadn't seen Jungkook in those days. They exchanged a few messages and greeted each other through their bedroom windows a few times, but that was it. Jungkook hadn't come to the convenience store that week either and Taehyung thought that maybe he wanted some distance after they had spent so much time together.

So today, on his day off, Taehyung felt the need to breathe some fresh air. He didn't want to run on the streets or the comfortable tracks at school. He decided to pack a backpack with some essentials, snacks, water and go for a hike on a nearby hill where he used to go when he was younger.

He left home and headed to the pole in the garage where his new bike was chained, tying his backpack to it. Taehyung had decided to buy a bike to get to work, thinking it would be safer to ride home late at night after the threat he received.

As he prepared to mount and pedal, he heard someone running towards him. "Hey, Tae!" Jungkook crossed the street, approaching with a smile, "Are you going to train?"

Taehyung returned the smile and adjusted the strands of hair escaping from his cap. "No, today I felt like hiking. I'll take advantage of my day off and spend it up there, on that hill we used to go to as kids."

"And you didn't think about invite me? Are you in a hurry or can you wait for me to pack a quick backpack? I'll grab my bike, and we can go together!"

"I haven't seen you lately, thought you were busy," Taehyung says, "I'm not in a hurry, it would be great to have some company."

Jungkook bounced excitedly like a kid and asked Taehyung to wait while he got ready quickly. Taehyung crossed the street, carrying his bike and waited on Jungkook's porch. He had thought about inviting Jungkook but had refrained from calling him lately. He knew Jungkook had many things to do, other friends, and also a girl who was much more advantageous to spend time with than him. Part of the reason was also the attraction he couldn't seem to control. He shouldn't involve his friend in his complicated life. And Jungkook is straight, it made no sense.

Lost in his thoughts, Taehyung felt a light tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see Jungkook ready with his backpack and bike. "You're in a daze, Tae! Let's go!"