Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

Early Encounters (11)

Taehyung slowly blinked his eyes open, the remnants of sleep still clinging to him as he adjusted to his surroundings. For a moment, he felt disoriented, until the cool morning air and the faint rustling of leaves above reminded him that he was out camping with his classmates. He winced slightly, feeling the dull ache in his back from the hard, uneven ground beneath him. The comfort of his bed at home was something he sorely missed, but there was also a certain charm to waking up surrounded by the stillness of the forest.

He turned his head and saw Mira still fast asleep beside him, her breathing soft and steady. The pale light filtering through the tent’s thin fabric cast a gentle glow on her peaceful face. Taehyung hesitated for a moment before quietly slipping out of the tent, careful not to wake her. He stood outside, the cool morning air refreshing against his skin. The sun had yet to rise, leaving the forest bathed in a dim, bluish-gray light. It was the kind of tranquil quiet that only dawn could bring, with the world still slumbering, and the soft murmurs of nature just beginning to stir.

Taehyung took a deep breath, savoring the crispness of the air as it filled his lungs. He liked the quiet of the early morning, the way it felt like he had the whole world to himself. If he strained his ears, he could hear the distant chirping of birds greeting the day and the faint rustling of leaves as the breeze whispered through the trees. There was something calming about it, something that made him feel at ease.

But as serene as it was, Taehyung soon realized he had nothing to occupy himself with at this hour. Back home, he would be busy tending to his plants or helping his mother prepare breakfast, but out here, there was nothing of the sort. He hadn’t even brought any books along—his mother had insisted he leave them behind to spend more time with his classmates. With a sigh, he decided to go for a short stroll, hoping the walk would clear his mind.

As he wandered through the campsite, the corner of his eye caught sight of Jungkook's tent. He hesitated, remembering how the boy had a habit of hugging something—or someone—while he slept. The thought gnawed at him, filling him with a strange mixture of curiosity and apprehension. What if Jungkook had spent the night wrapped around Dao Li? The image bothered him more than he wanted to admit.

With hesitant steps, Taehyung found himself moving toward Jungkook's tent, his thoughts swirling with uncertainty. When he reached it, he paused, his hand hovering over the zipper. His heart raced as he stood there, caught in a battle between his curiosity and his conscience. "What are you even trying to do?" he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible in the quiet dawn. "This isn't like you. You're being a creep. So what if he's hugging her in his sleep? It's none of your business. You shouldn’t care..."

But despite his inner scolding, the urge to peek was strong. Maybe just a small glance, just to know. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to find out, right? He could tell himself it was out of curiosity, nothing more.

Taehyung took a shaky breath and reached for the zipper, his fingers trembling slightly as he prepared to pull it down. But before he could act, a voice behind him made him freeze in place.

"What are you doing?"

Taehyung's heart nearly leaped out of his chest. He whipped around to see Jungkook standing there, holding a few red apples in his arms. The boy’s eyes sparkled with amusement, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. Taehyung’s mind raced, struggling to process how Jungkook could be up so early, let alone standing right in front of him.

"Nothing." The word slipped out before Taehyung could think, his voice surprisingly calm despite the shock. But the slight widening of his eyes and the higher pitch in his tone betrayed his surprise, and Jungkook noticed immediately.

"Hm... You seem a bit nervous for someone doing nothing," Jungkook teased, stepping closer. His grin widened as he tilted his head, studying Taehyung with playful curiosity. "Were you looking for me?"