Whispers of a first kiss

Chapter 11

"Stop coming to tuition from tomorrow onwards," Taehyung murmured to Wooshik and Seojoon, trying to keep his voice low enough not to alert Jin.

"We want to learn," they both whispered back in unison, feigning innocence.

Taehyung shot them a skeptical look. "I can see what you're learning. At this point, Jungkook will melt under your gaze."

"I don't mind," Seojoon replied, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"Well, I mind it," Taehyung grumbled, moving a flower vase in front of Seojoon to block his view of Jungkook. "Stop looking at him."

"Ah, Tae. What's with you?" Seojoon swatted Taehyung's hand away and moved the flower vase back. "Isn't that hulky cat enough? Now you want to annoy me too?"

"I will annoy you. If needed, I'll punch your eyes out when you look at him," Taehyung threatened, covering their sight with a textbook, determined to protect Jungkook from their relentless stares.

"What's your problem, bro?" Wooshik asked, placing his pen down, genuinely curious about Taehyung's sudden protectiveness.

"I don't like you both watching him like that," Taehyung said, crossing his arms over his chest defensively.

"Our eyes, our wish," Seojoon declared, unwavering as he kept his eyes glued to Jungkook, who had just stood up from his seat.

"Is he going home?" Wooshik asked, his eagerness evident as he almost began packing his bag.

Taehyung's gaze followed Jungkook, watching him disappear into the guest room. "No, washroom, I guess," he said, standing up with a newfound determination. "I'll show you the perks of having a brother as a tuition teacher."

"Hyung, let me use the washroom," Taehyung announced proudly, standing up and tucking his hands into his pockets as he made his way toward the guest room. He couldn't resist turning around to smirk at his friends, feeling a sense of triumph at his small victory.

However, just as he approached the guest room, a voice stopped him in his tracks. "Where are you going?"

Taehyung almost stumbled, his confidence vanishing as he heard his brother's voice coming from the living space opposite the guest room.

"Hy... hyung? You were here?" Taehyung stammered, eyes widening in surprise as he spotted Namjoon sitting on the couch, going through some files.

Namjoon didn't respond immediately, merely glanced up briefly before returning his attention to his work, leaving Taehyung standing awkwardly in the doorway.

Just then, Taehyung heard the sound of flushing from the guest room bathroom, followed by Jungkook's sweet voice from behind him, "Excuse me."

Taehyung moved aside, giving Jungkook space to pass, his earlier bravado deflating like a popped balloon. Jungkook walked back to the study table, his demeanor calm and composed, while Taehyung mentally whined at the lost opportunity.

"What?" Namjoon asked, noticing Taehyung lingering near the guest room like a statue.

"Washroom?" Taehyung replied, trying to mask his embarrassment.

Namjoon nodded absentmindedly, his focus already back on the file in front of him. Taehyung sighed internally, feeling thwarted in his plans as he finally entered the washroom, closing the door with a resigned pout.

"We should have used the washroom together if not for my leader brother," Taehyung muttered to himself, imagining how differently things might have gone if not for Namjoon's presence. After quickly using the facilities, he returned to the study table, his mood slightly dampened by the encounter.