The innocent boy and the obsessive teacher

13

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Jungkook stared at Taehyung, his large, innocent eyes filled with confusion. "Like a lover, hyung? I don't understand."

Taehyung took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Jungkookie, when someone says they like another person as a lover, it means they have strong feelings for them. It's more than just friendship. It's wanting to be close, to care for them, and to share special moments together."

Jungkook blinked, processing the information slowly. "But hyung, we're already close. You take care of me and we share special moments, right?"

Taehyung smiled gently, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yes, we do. But this is different. It's about wanting to be with you in a way that's more intimate. Like the way adults kiss and hold each other because they love each other deeply."

Jungkook's cheeks flushed, and he looked down at his lap. "But hyung, I don't know. I like spending time with you, but this feels confusing."

Taehyung placed a reassuring hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "I understand, Jungkookie. You don't have to feel the same way right now. It's okay to take your time to understand your feelings. What's most important is that you feel comfortable and safe."

Jungkook nodded slowly, still looking uncertain. "Okay, hyung. But why do you feel this way about me?"

Taehyung's eyes softened as he looked at Jungkook. "Because you're special to me, Jungkookie. Your kindness, your smile, the way you make me feel happy just by being around you. It's hard to explain, but I just know that my feelings for you are very strong."

Jungkook glanced up, meeting Taehyung's gaze. "Hyung, I don't want to make you sad or hurt you. I just need time to understand all of this."

Taehyung nodded, giving Jungkook a comforting smile. "Of course, Jungkookie. Take all the time you need. I promise I won't rush you or make you feel uncomfortable. Just know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Jungkook offered a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, hyung. I trust you."

Taehyung's heart swelled with affection and a renewed determination to protect Jungkook's innocence. "Let's not worry about it too much right now, okay? How about we finish the movie and just enjoy our time together?"

Jungkook's smile widened. "Okay, hyung. That sounds good."

They resumed their places on the couch, and as the movie played, Taehyung focused on keeping his feelings in check. He knew he had to tread carefully, for both their sakes. The journey ahead was uncertain, but Taehyung was determined to navigate it with care and patience.

---

The next few tutoring sessions went by without incident, Taehyung made sure to maintain a respectful distance, focusing on helping Jungkook with his lessons and enjoying their time together without letting his feelings get the better of him.

One afternoon, as they were wrapping up a particularly challenging math problem, Jungkook looked up at Taehyung with a thoughtful expression. "Hyung, can I ask you something?"

"Of course, Jungkookie. What is it?" Taehyung replied, curious.

"How did you know you had those feelings for me?" Jungkook asked, his eyes earnest.

Taehyung paused, considering his answer carefully. "I started noticing it when I found myself thinking about you all the time, even when we weren't together. Your happiness became really important to me, and I wanted to make you smile and protect you. The feelings just grew stronger the more time we spent together."