Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

The Reluctant Rescue (6)

The next day, Jungkook’s demeanor around Taehyung had noticeably changed. He was quieter, more reserved, and, for once, obedient. It seemed that the previous day's incident had taught him a valuable lesson—not to push his teasing too far. After all, Taehyung had proven he was more than capable of turning the tables and getting his revenge in unexpected ways.

“Everyone, listen up!” Ms. Aera’s cheerful voice filled the classroom, drawing the students’ attention. “We have a camp coming up soon, and I need all of you to have your parents sign this form. Please return it to me by tomorrow.” She handed a stack of permission slips to the students in the front row, and they began passing them around.

When the paper reached Taehyung, he barely glanced at it before stuffing it into his bag. He had no intention of joining the camp, so he tuned out Ms. Aera’s further explanations, already deciding it wasn’t worth his attention.

On the other hand, Jungkook was buzzing with excitement. “It’s our camp! I can’t wait!” he exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. He nudged Taehyung’s arm enthusiastically. “A three-day camp! Can you believe it?! You’re going, right? We have to go together! It’ll be so fun!”

Taehyung glanced at him briefly and shrugged. “I’m not going.”

Jungkook’s face fell, his excitement quickly replaced by surprise. “Why not? Are you busy with something else?”

“Not interested,” Taehyung replied flatly, turning his attention back to his desk.

“That can’t be!” Jungkook protested, his voice rising in disbelief. “How can someone not be interested in a camp? Camps are the best! We can fool around at night with our friends, and there might even be a campfire and wild animals!”

Taehyung sighed, starting to feel irritated. “I’d rather be in my room.”

“But... if you’re not there, I won’t have as much fun!” Jungkook pouted, his tone taking on a desperate edge.

Their conversation caught the attention of a nearby girl. “Huh? Taehyung’s not going?” she asked, her voice filled with surprise.

“Really? Why not?” another girl chimed in, looking disappointed.

“If he’s not going, then I won’t go!” declared one of the girls.

“Me neither!”

“Same here!”

“I'm not going too!”

A boy turned around, astonished by the sudden chorus of refusals. “Wait, all the girls are not going if Taehyung doesn’t?!” he exclaimed.

“Should I still go if the girls aren’t?” another boy wondered aloud, scratching his head.

“Would they go if Taehyung goes?” someone else speculated.

In no time, the entire class was in a frenzy, with students pleading for Taehyung to join the camp. Even Ms. Aera, who had been watching the situation unfold, secretly hoped Taehyung would change his mind, dreading the idea of having zero attendance.

Sensing an opportunity, Jungkook eagerly jumped in. “That’s right, Taehyung. If you don’t go, none of us will either!” He then unleashed his secret weapon—his best puppy eyes, staring at Taehyung with a pleading expression.

Taehyung looked around the classroom, feeling the weight of everyone’s expectations pressing down on him. The combined pressure of their hopeful gazes finally broke him. With a heavy sigh, he nodded in defeat. “Fine, I’ll go...”

The classroom erupted in cheers. Jungkook was so thrilled he impulsively hugged Taehyung, who was caught off guard and quickly pushed him away. Still, Jungkook couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.