Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

The Shy and the Bold (5)

“Taehyung! You’re back! I was wondering where you went!" Jungkook’s face lit up as he spotted Taehyung entering the classroom. He ran up to him with open arms, ready to give him a big hug, but Taehyung swiftly sidestepped, avoiding the embrace just in time. Jungkook pouted, a playful whine escaping his lips as he watched Taehyung calmly settle into his chair.

“So cold again! And to think we had so much fun in your bedroom last night!” Jungkook jutted his lips out in exaggerated sadness, hoping to tease a reaction out of Taehyung.

A few heads turned at Jungkook’s words, and whispers began to spread through the classroom like wildfire.

“Hey! Is that why you left halfway through our basketball game yesterday?” one boy called out.

“Unbelievable!” another exclaimed.

“Wait, do they live near each other?”

“What? That’s not fair! I want to be invited to Taehyung’s house too!”

“Me too!”

“Where does he stay, anyway?”

“I don’t know...”

Before long, Jungkook’s innocent comment had sparked a commotion among the students. The once peaceful classroom was now filled with chatter as everyone speculated about where Taehyung lived and why Jungkook had been there.

Taehyung’s frown deepened, disliking the sudden attention. He had always preferred to stay in the background, unnoticed and undisturbed. Being the center of their conversation this morning was the last thing he wanted.

“Everybody is interested in where you’re staying now,” Jungkook whispered, leaning in with a mischievous grin.

“I wonder whose fault that is…” Taehyung replied in a low, irritated voice.

“Hm, I don’t know,” Jungkook laughed softly, feeling a surge of happiness. Despite the chaos he had inadvertently caused, Taehyung had actually responded to him. For Jungkook, that small victory was worth everything.

The teacher entered the classroom, taken aback by the lively discussions. It took a considerable amount of effort, but he eventually managed to calm the students down and begin the lesson. Yet, Jungkook’s mind was elsewhere. His thoughts kept drifting back to the previous night, still riding the high from their tickling session. Seeing Taehyung more responsive today filled him with a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they were getting closer to being real friends.

“Did you keep my sticker well?” Jungkook whispered to Taehyung, his voice brimming with curiosity. He was too excited to care about the lesson at hand.

"Yes,” Taehyung replied softly, his gaze fixed on the board.

Jungkook almost burst out in excitement. His heart raced as he fought the urge to clap his hands and stomp his feet in joy. Was this really happening? Taehyung not only answered him but also kept his sticker! Unable to believe his good fortune, Jungkook discreetly pinched his arm under the desk, needing to confirm that this wasn’t just a dream.

“What happened to you? Why are you treating me so well today?” Jungkook asked, a mix of elation and suspicion coloring his tone.

"You think too much,” Taehyung replied curtly, still focused on the lesson.

“Really? Either way, I like it when you treat me like this! This is how friends should treat each other!” Jungkook grinned, nodding in approval as he leaned back in his chair.

Taehyung continued to ignore most of what Jungkook said, responding only when he deemed it necessary. But Jungkook didn’t mind. In fact, he found himself analyzing every little thing Taehyung did, trying to understand his behavior. The more he thought about it, the more he convinced himself that they were somewhere in the middle of becoming friends. And that was enough to keep him motivated.