Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

The Sticker That Started It All (1)

“Kookie! You're finally back! Where did you run off to again today? Come over here right now!” Mrs. Jeon called out, her voice tinged with frustration as she spotted her son covered in mud from head to toe.

Jungkook, his shirt and pants streaked with dirt, trudged over to his neighbor’s house where his mother stood waiting. “Why are you so mad? I was just playing football with my friends!” he replied, genuinely puzzled.

Mrs. Jeon sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. “Playing football doesn’t usually leave you looking like this! Just look at the mess you’ve made! Anyway, I want you to meet our new neighbor, Mrs. Kim. They moved in this morning, and I couldn’t introduce you earlier because I didn’t know where you’d run off to!”

Jungkook glanced at the lady standing beside his mother, silent for a moment, before a bright smile spread across his face. He quickly bowed. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kim!”

"Oh my, your son is so charming,” Mrs. Kim said warmly, clearly charmed by Jungkook’s bright demeanor, even with his muddy appearance.

Mrs. Jeon chuckled softly, her frustration fading a bit. “Charming? More like a little troublemaker. He’s been playing pranks since he could walk! Sometimes, I wonder what I did to deserve such a playful child.”

“Children should be playful! I’d rather have a lively child than one who’s quiet as a stone. Your son is perfect just the way he is,” Mrs. Kim said, her words bringing a shy smile to Jungkook’s face.

Mrs. Jeon’s tone softened. “Thank you. I haven’t had a chance to meet your son yet. You mentioned he’s the same age as Jungkook, right?”

“Yes, he is. Let me call him down now,” Mrs. Kim replied before turning to the stairs. “Taehyung! Come down and meet our new neighbors!”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat with excitement. A boy his age was moving in next door!

After a moment, a boy appeared at the top of the stairs. He was taller than Jungkook, with soft yet defined features that hinted at the handsome man he’d grow into. His large, expressive eyes and slightly round face still carried the innocence of childhood, but his guarded expression suggested he wasn’t eager to engage.

He walked silently to his mother’s side, his gaze briefly flicking over Jungkook’s muddy clothes with a touch of disdain. He didn’t say a word, just stood there quietly.

Mrs. Kim laughed nervously. “Sorry for his behavior. This is my son, Kim Taehyung. He’s a bit shy, so I hope Jungkook can help him come out of his shell.”

Jungkook waved enthusiastically, unfazed by Taehyung’s cool reception. “Hey, I’m Jeon Jungkook. I’m nine years old, and I love playing with my friends!”

Taehyung merely nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Jungkook’s before drifting back to the ground. He seemed more interested in avoiding conversation than making friends.

“What do you like to do, Taehyung?” Mrs. Jeon asked gently, trying to coax a response from the quiet boy.

Taehyung hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. “I like to be alone.”

The adults exchanged uneasy glances, unsure how to respond. Mrs. Kim quickly apologized, “I’m sorry, he’s not great at small talk.”

Mrs. Jeon laughed awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. “No worries! He’s just being honest.”

Jungkook, however, felt a twinge of doubt. He was usually great at making friends, but Taehyung didn’t seem interested. Still, he wasn’t one to give up.

“Since you’ve just moved in, how about you join us for dinner?” Mrs. Jeon suggested warmly. “It’ll be a nice welcome, and it’ll save you the trouble of cooking.”