Unfriended | Taekook

9 - Morning

The next morning, Jungkook wakes up feeling groggy, the events of the previous night still lingering in his mind. He stretches and gets out of bed, his first instinct being to look out the window toward Taehyung's room. It seems quiet; The sun is still rising in the sky. Jungkook checks the time and figures Taehyung has probably already gone to the gym; he always gets there early.

Unable to focus on anything else, he decides to quickly get ready and head to the gym, hoping a good workout will clear his mind before his classes—and maybe he'll run into Taehyung there.

As he steps into the gymnasium, he spots Taehyung already there as expected, stretching on the tracks. He's distracted while wearing his earphones, breathing heavily recovering from his last lap, a blue bandana on his blue hair, showing off his sweat-drenched forehead. And he looks so fucking hot like this.

Taehyung seems to sense Jungkook's gaze and looks in his direction, giving him a smile. How beautiful he is. What's happening? Jungkook reassured Taehyung last night that things wouldn't be awkward between them, so he approaches him, trying to keep his usual composure.

"Hey," Jungkook says, his voice sounding more casual than he feels.

"Hey," Taehyung replies, a small smile still on his lips, his cheeks are flushed from running. "How are you? I've never seen you here this early before!"

"I'm good. I woke up early and decided to get in a workout before classes."

"I see," Taehyung says, his eyes scanning Jungkook's face. "Look, about last night..."

Jungkook gulps, the memory of their shared moments making his face burn, "not here. Let's finish our workouts and then find somewhere more private to talk." He glances around to make sure they're not overheard, noting that there are only one other person in the gym.

Taehyung nods, feeling a bit uncomfortable with the abrupt cut-off. "Yeah, sure. I'll see you later, then."

Jungkook agrees, and they both go their separate ways to start their exercises. Taehyung continues running on the track, focused on his stopwatch to improve his time. Jungkook decides to lift weights, working on his arms. But he finds it hard to concentrate; deep down, he knows he came here for anything but a workout. Jungkook can't help but steal glances at Taehyung, waiting for him to finish so they can talk.

After what feels like an eternity, Taehyung finishes his workout and heads to the locker room. He looks in Jungkook's direction but doesn't approach him, he sensed Jungkook's discomfort and decided not to push. In the locker room, Taehyung takes off his sweat-soaked shirt and grabs his towel and soap in his locker for a quick shower. Just then, he hears the door opening and Jungkook enters.

Fuck. Taehyung is shirtless and Jungkook can't tear away his gaze from his toned body, sculpted from years of running. Taehyung isn't as muscular as Jungkook, but his physique is good. Jungkook's eyes travel up from Taehyung's faint abs to meet his gaze.

"Can we talk?"

"Of course," Taehyung walks toward the shower area, with Jungkook following him. It's a more private spot, away from prying eyes and ears, though they're alone in the locker room. Taehyung sets his toiletries in one of the stalls and turns to Jungkook, crossing his arms over his chest, "last night I didn't mean to push you. I just—"

"It's okay," Jungkook interrupts, touching Taehyung's arm gently. "You didn't push me. I wanted it too. I already told you that. I just... I don't know what to do with these feelings and desires I'm having."

Taehyung's eyes soften, "you don't have to figure it all out right now. Let's just see where this goes."

Jungkook's hand slides up Taehyung's arm, over his shoulder, and comes to rest on the side of his neck, feeling the rapid pulse beneath his fingers. Taehyung's gaze grows intense, locked onto Jungkook's.