The Blossoming Friendship |TAEKOOK|

4

One afternoon, Tae and Kook met with their friends at a local arcade.

They often did it—a way to blow off steam and enjoy each other’s company.

As usual, Tae was eager to challenge Kook to a game of air hockey, but as they approached the table, they were intercepted by Bogum.

Bogum: “Hey, Tae,”
Bogum said with a charming smile, his eyes lighting up as he looked at her.

Bgum: “How about a match? I’ve been practising and think I can finally beat you.”

Tae hesitated, glancing over at Kook.

She knew how much Kook loved their little competitions and didn’t want to hurt him by accepting Bogum’s offer.

But before she could say anything, Kook spoke up, his voice tight.

Kook: “She’s playing with me,”
Kook said firmly, stepping closer to Tae.

His eyes flickered with an emotion she couldn’t quite place—something protective, almost possessive.

Bogum: "Of course, man. Maybe next time, Tae?”
He raised an eyebrow, his smile never faltering.

Tae nodded, feeling slightly disconcerted by the tension between the two boys.

Tae: “Sure, Bogum. Maybe next time.”

As Bogum walked away, Tae turned to Kook, noticing the way his jaw was clenched and poking his inner cheek, his usual easygoing demeanour replaced by something darker.

Tae: “Are you okay?” she asked softly, touching his arm.

Kook forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Kook: “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s play.”

The game started, but the usual lighthearted banter was missing.

Kook played aggressively, scoring point after point while Tae struggled to keep up.

Tae could tell something was bothering him, but he brushed it off every time she tried to ask, insisting that everything was fine.

~~~~

After the arcade, the group headed to a nearby park to relax.

Taekook sat together on a bench, watching the others goof around, with Tae's head on Kook's shoulder.

Jin and Namjoon were sharing a quiet moment under a tree, their heads close together as they whispered.

Yoonmin were in the middle of a playful argument, their laughter echoing through the air.

Hobi was sitting with his new girlfriend, Mia, their hands intertwined as they talked.

It should have been peaceful, but Kook couldn’t shake the anger that had been simmering inside him since Bogum’s interruption at the arcade.

He hated the way Bogum looked at Tae, the way he always seemed to be around whenever they were together.

The worst part was that Kook knew he had no right to feel this way. Tae wasn’t his—at least, not officially.

Tae, sensing his unease, finally decided to confront him.

Tae: “Kook, what’s going on? You’ve been acting weird ever since Bogum showed up.”

Kook stared at the ground, his hands clenched into fists.

Kook: “I don’t like how he looks at you.”

Tae blinked in surprise.

Tae: “Bogum? He’s just a friend, Kook. There’s nothing between us.”

Kook: “But he wants there to be. And I don’t like it. I wouldn’t say I like the idea of someone else being close to you, Tae. You’re… you’re mine.”
Kook muttered, his voice laced with jealousy.

The possessiveness in his voice took Tae aback, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond.

She had never seen this side of Kook before, this intensity that bordered on anger.

It scared her a little, but at the same time, it made her heart race in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

Tae: “I’m yours?” she repeated softly, trying to understand her feelings.

Kook: “Yeah, Tae. You’re mine. And I’m yours. That’s how it’s always been, right?”
Kook’s eyes softened as he looked at her, the anger melting away even though he wanted to add many more things.

Tae felt a warmth spread through her at his words, a sense of reassurance she hadn’t even realised she needed.

Tae: “Yeah, Kook. That’s how it’s always been.”

Kook smiled then, the tension easing from his shoulders. He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Kook: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so worked up. I just… I don’t want to lose you.”

Tae: “You’re not going to lose me,” Tae said firmly, taking his hand in hers.

Kook nodded, his heart feeling a little lighter.

But even as they sat there, hands entwined, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

Bogum wasn’t the only one interested in Tae, and Kook knew that if he wanted to keep her by his side, he’d have to face these feelings head-on.

Tell me how it was...

Stay tuned😁😁