zero o'clock | tk

二

Taehyung was absorbed in his studies, his headphones on as he worked through the notes. The soft hum of music filled his ears, keeping him focused as he scribbled down on his book.

He didn't notice the faint creak of the window behind him or the soft thud of someone landing lightly on the floor.

Taehyung's headphones were ripped off without warning, causing him to jump in his seat. But the panic quickly faded as he turned and saw Jeongguk standing there, a playful grin on his lips.

But Jeongguk's smile quickly dropped when he noticed the large bruise on Taehyung's cheek. Concern flashed in his eyes as he immediately reached out, gently cupping Taehyung's chin to tilt his face up for a better look. "What happened?"

"Nothing, I just fell..." Taehyung mumbled, biting his lip as his eyes shifted back to his notes, avoiding Jeongguk's concerned gaze. Desperate to change the subject, he added quietly, "I've finished studying. Can we go to the beach or park?"

Jeongguk pulled his hands back, his expression hardening as he pursed his lips. "You know we can't do that. People from school might be there."

Taehyung's shoulders slumping as he dropped his head low. "Yeah, I get it," he murmured, bitterness creeping into his voice. "You'd rather be there with your other girlfriends."

"I came here to spend time with you, and all you want to do is argue about stupid shit," Jeongguk blurted out, frustration evident in his voice as Taehyung's comment hit a nerve.

"Then just go, you went yesterday.." Taehyung was tired, he was tired of the secret relationship, tired of pretending everything was fine. Maybe if Namjoon knew Jeongguk was dating Tae, he wouldn't be hurting the blonde like this.

Taehyung tried to look back at his notes, but Jeongguk gently grabbed his hand, stopping him. "Okay, fine. Let's go to the beach," Jeongguk said, a hint of sorry in his voice.

Without waiting for a response, he pulled Taehyung to his feet and guided him to the window, helping him climb out before leading him to his motorcycle.

-

As they arrived at the beach, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore did little to ease the tension between them. Jeongguk parked the motorcycle, his jaw clenched, while Taehyung climbed off, there was something on his mind.

The night air was chilly as the sun was setting, but neither of them seemed to notice as they walked silently toward the water.

Taehyung drew his hands to hug himself as the wind blew, staring out at the endless expanse of ocean. "So, what now?" he muttered, more to himself than to Jeongguk. He had imagined this moment a hundred times—escaping to the beach with his boyfriend, feeling free and in love. But now, all he felt was emptiness.

Jeongguk stood beside him, staring at the waves as if they held the answers. "I don't know," he finally said, his voice barely audible over the roar of the sea. "What are you thinking huh? Just talk to me."

Taehyung had a sudden pout to his lips, kicking at the sand. "Why do you treat me like this? Why do you hide me like I'm something to be ashamed of?"

Jeongguk's head snapped toward him, a flash of guilt in his eyes. "You know it's not like that. I'm not ashamed of you—"

"Then what is it, Jeongguk? Because it sure feels like you are!" Taehyung's voice cracked as he spoke, his frustration spilling over. He took a step back, creating distance between them. "Do you even care? Or am I just some secret you keep until something better comes along?"

Jeongguk's fists clenched at his sides, his emotions swirling into a tempest. "Of course, I care! Do you think this is easy for me? Do you think I enjoy pretending like you don't matter when all I want is to be with you?"

The blonde sighed as he sat down on the sand hugging his legs and looking into the waves, tears welling up in his eyes. "Why did I ever fall for you?"

Before Jeongguk could respond, a familiar voice called out, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Kook, is that you?!"

Both of their heads snapped toward the direction of the voice. It was Jimin, waving as he walked toward them.

"Shit," Jeongguk cursed under his breath, panic flashing in his eyes. He turned to Taehyung, his expression torn between guilt and urgency.

"Tae... just take the bus home, yeah?" he muttered quickly, glancing back at Jimin who was getting closer by the second. He looked at Taehyung one last time, before taking off toward Jimin, trying his best to appear casual and not at all suspicious.

Taehyung watched Jeongguk disappear into the night. He rolled his eyes, wiping away a tear that had escaped and rolled down his cheek. "Sure, I'll take the bus," he muttered to himself, bitterness lacing his words.

But instead of heading to the bus stop, Taehyung stood up, brushing the sand off his clothes. He glanced around, spotting the faint glow of neon lights from the bar near the beach. Without a second thought, he headed in that direction.

-

"Yo, Kook, what are you doing here? And who was that guy you were with?" Jimin teased, raising his eyebrows playfully as he approached Jeongguk.

Jeongguk tensed, pursing his lips as he tried to come up with a believable excuse. "It was no one," he replied, forcing a casual tone.

"I was just walking around and happened to stop there. Didn't even realise someone else was nearby." He shrugged, hoping to brush it off.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Jimin said, waving off Jeongguk's excuse. "Come to my house. My mom made good dinner today." Jimin lives right near the beach.

Jeongguk's smirk returned, the tension from earlier easing a bit. "You know I'm always hungry," he replied, trying to match Jimin's tone.

With that, the two of them headed toward Jimin's house, the air growing cooler as they left the beach.