Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

The Friendship Dilemma (10)

It was after sunset when Ms. Aera started several small campfires, the warm glow flickering against the darkening sky. Groups of students huddled around each fire, chatting animatedly as they ate their dinner. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, the crackling of the fires, and the occasional burst of excitement as someone shared a particularly thrilling story. The cool night air was crisp, tinged with the scent of pine trees and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures waking for the evening.

Taehyung, however, was beginning to feel the day's fatigue settle in. Mira naturally took a seat beside him on the log since they were partners. The other students gathered around him, eager to ask questions and learn more about him. Despite their friendly intentions, Taehyung found himself growing more and more exhausted, the barrage of questions feeling like a never-ending stream. His eyelids felt heavier with each passing moment, and he fought to keep his head from drooping.

Mira, sensing his weariness, leaned in closer, her voice gentle. "Taehyung, do you want to head back to the tent and sleep first?"

Taehyung nodded silently, grateful for the suggestion. The idea of escaping the crowd and finding solace in the quiet of the tent was a relief. He rose from the log, murmuring a polite excuse to those around him before making his way back to the tent. The night was cool, the moon casting a silver glow over the campsite. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets accompanied his footsteps, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Jungkook was seated around another campfire, surrounded by a group of boys who were engrossed in a lively conversation. He laughed along with them, but he watched as Taehyung retreated to his tent. His eyes darted around, searching for Mira among the crowd. When he spotted her still sitting on the log, chatting with some of the girls, he felt a wave of relief. She wasn’t heading back to the tent just yet.

As the night wore on, the students continued to enjoy their time under the moonlit sky. The campfires flickered brightly, casting dancing shadows that created a magical atmosphere. Laughter and cheerful voices echoed across the campsite, blending with the night’s natural symphony. It was their first camp, and everyone was thrilled to be part of this adventure, sharing stories and playing games.

Jungkook saw this as an opportunity. While everyone was gathered around the campfires outside, immersed in their conversations, he quietly slipped away, his small feet padding softly over the earth. He just couldn’t let this moment pass—he had to ask the question that had been nagging at him all day.

Carefully, he approached the tent, the soft glow from the campfires casting long shadows behind him. With a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure no one was watching, Jungkook unzipped the tent just enough to slip inside. The interior was dark, save for a faint beam of moonlight filtering through the fabric. He could barely make out Taehyung’s form, his chest rising and falling steadily as he slept. For a moment, Jungkook hesitated, feeling a twinge of guilt for disturbing his friend. But the question was too important to let go.

Taehyung, on the verge of drifting into sleep, heard someone enter the tent. Assuming it was Mira, he turned slightly to give her more space, his eyes remaining closed as he sought the comfort of sleep. He felt someone settle down behind him, but in his drowsy state, he didn’t give it much thought. However, when he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist, his eyes flew open in shock. His heart raced as he instinctively jerked away, barely stopping himself from letting out a startled scream.

"Oops! It was so dark here, I thought you were my pillow!" Jungkook’s voice broke the silence, filled with playful mischief. He grinned widely, clearly amused by Taehyung’s reaction.

Taehyung’s initial shock quickly turned to irritation as he turned to face Jungkook. He frowned, trying to steady his racing heart. "Why are you here?" he demanded, his voice sharp with annoyance.