Beyond The Friend Zone [Taekook]

Lost Together (18)

"Now that everyone has eaten their breakfast and collected your treasure maps, you're all good to go!" Ms. Aera's voice rang out, clear and encouraging. She stood tall, her smile broad as she surveyed the eager faces of the students gathered before her. "Stay with your partner at all times, use the whistle if you're in trouble, and please remember to be back here before the skies get dark! Try your best to find all the treasures and enjoy yourselves! Off you all go now!"

The air filled with excited shouts and laughter as the children scattered, their enthusiasm palpable. The crisp morning light filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground as they hurried out of the camping area. Maps clutched tightly in their hands, they glanced around, their eyes sparkling with the thrill of the adventure that lay ahead.

Jungkook and Taehyung walked side by side, their eyes scanning the map they held between them. The map, although simple in its design, was intricately detailed, making it easy for the students to follow. The path ahead seemed clear, at least for now, and neither boy voiced the unease that flickered in the back of their minds.

They hadn't gotten far before a group of girls swarmed around them, their faces lit with anticipation.

"Can we join you two?" one of them asked, her voice laced with hope.

"Pretty please?" another added, her hands clasped together in a pleading gesture.

"We won't cause any trouble!" a third chimed in, her tone earnest as she tried to convince them.

"We'll give all the treasures we find to both of you, so please let us join too!" a fourth girl offered, her eyes wide and sincere.

Taehyung's expression darkened, his usual calm demeanor slipping as the girls' incessant chatter grated on him. He shot a glance at Jungkook, his silent plea for help clear in his gaze. Jungkook, always perceptive to Taehyung's moods, noticed the slight tension in his posture.

Jungkook hesitated for a moment before forcing a chuckle. "Um, it would be great if all of you joined us." His voice was light, but there was a strain beneath his words. He paused, searching for a way to let the girls down gently. "But as you can see, my ankle isn't fully healed yet. I'm afraid I'll slow you all down if we go together, and I don't want to be the reason any of us miss out on getting a prize. So, let's go separately? That way, everyone has a better chance."

A collective sigh of disappointment escaped the girls, but they nodded in understanding, albeit reluctantly, and soon went ahead, leaving the boys alone once more.

Taehyung gave a small, almost imperceptible nod of approval. Jungkook's tactful rejection had spared him the discomfort of the girls' company without offending them. Taehyung felt a quiet admiration for Jungkook's ability to navigate such situations with ease—something he knew he had to learn.

"Let's go. We have to find a lot of them!" Jungkook said, his voice brimming with excitement, a sharp contrast to the pain he was keeping buried.

Taehyung merely nodded, and they both set off, following the map's hints with renewed determination. The forest around them was serene, the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birds creating a soothing backdrop as they moved deeper into the woods. The treasures they found along the way were simple—small trinkets, some shining coins, and notes—but nothing particularly valuable. Jungkook's frustration grew as he realized they would need to venture further if they wanted to find something truly worthwhile.

After nearly three hours of trekking through the woods, Taehyung paused and looked over at Jungkook. His face, though still trying to appear enthusiastic, was pale, and there was a strain in his eyes that Taehyung couldn't ignore.