Us, Against The World | Taekook

8. Can I hold you?

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"Save meeee from Jiminiee! Someone helpppp!" Jungkook's loud scream filled the practice room. While everybody was busy filling their tummies, Jimin was chasing the maknae of the group.

"They started again, gosh aren't they tired?" Yoongi said, laying down on the floor.

"You are just an old grandpa; they are kids and kids play!" Jin teased.

"Jin hyung, you are older than me."

"By some months! But still I'm much more lively than you, he he he he!" Jin said mockingly before letting out a sarcastic laugh.

"Gosh! We should really stop them now!" Namjoon said, "Yeahhh! Come eat, or I will eat your lunch, I swear!"

With widened eyes, Jungkook came and sat down, glaring at Namjoon. "Don't you dare!!!"

Namjoon laughed, "Oh god, what happened to our shy maknae?"

"I unshyed him," Taehyung said, throwing a wink at Namjoon.

"Jungkook, you brat! Stop calling me Jiminie! I'm older than you!" Jimin said, sitting down and breathing heavily after their little run around the room.

"Whatever, Jimin-ssi!" Jungkook teased, sticking his tongue out at Jimin.

Taehyung shook his head, a smile adorning his face unknowingly, as he watched Jungkook eating and laughing with everyone so freely.

It took time for the younger to come around like everyone else, but Jungkook was slowly opening up, thinking of them as his members rather than strangers. He teased and got teased in return.

Sometimes he fought with Jin like his life depended on it, then teased Jimin about their height. He learned and asked dance steps from Hoseok without feeling shy, helped Namjoon by giving voice to unorganized melodies, and became a kid by Yoongi's side.

Jungkook let Taehyung win in games sometimes and naturally came to sit beside him as if it was meant to be. Without asking, Jungkook would tell Taehyung his worries, where he was hurt, or what he didn't understand. Taehyung did the same in return.

As they finished their practice, their manager, Sejin, suddenly entered the room.

"Jungkook, Bang PD-nim is calling for you."

Jungkook gulped. It was a known fact that when the CEO called, it either meant you were doing really badly or you were about to be cut from the group.

A small touch on his back pulled Jungkook out of his shock. He looked beside him to see Taehyung, who had equally worried eyes but still wore a small smile.

"Nothing's going to happen. You're doing so well, and I believe you'll stay," Taehyung said gently, giving Jungkook a little push toward the exit.

The other members nodded, giving him reassuring looks. Jungkook took a deep breath and walked out.

Sung-deuk, their choreographer, walked in and told the remaining members to start practicing without Jungkook. While everyone resumed, Taehyung couldn't help but glance at the door, worry evident on his face. He tried to concentrate but failed.

"Taehyung, focus!" the choreographer scolded. Taehyung nodded and got back to the floor properly, though Jungkook still occupied the back of his mind.

When they were done for the day and packing their bags, Jungkook entered silently.

Taehyung wasted no time moving toward the younger boy. "What's wrong?"

Jungkook looked up at him with unfocused, confused, and slightly shocked eyes.