TEMPESTUOUS TIES

ARCHER

As everyone returned to their classes after the intense events at the infirmary, Taehyung left with his parents. The air was still heavy with concern, and while some had noticed Taehyung's request about Jungkook, no one fully grasped its significance at the moment.

But as the classmates settled into their seats, the murmurs began to rise."What's that request? When did they get close?" The questions buzzed like flies in the silence. "Is Jungkook no more afraid of Taehyung? Is there a connection between Taehyung's problems and Jungkook?" Yet, no one had the answers.

---

Jungkook, while he had heard the request himself, was lost in his thoughts. The image of Taehyung's soft gaze, something he had never seen before, played over and over in his mind. His heart throbbed, and his stomach felt a familiar tingling sensation. He tried to dismiss it, assuming it was just the stress, but that request lingered, carving itself into his thoughts."What is he thinking? Should I talk to him or stay silent when I'm with him?" Jungkook sighed internally. "God, I'd be so uncomfortable." His mind was racing with possibilities, each more confusing than the last.

Before he could dive deeper into his thoughts, Lisa's incessant chatter dragged him back to reality. "Jungkook, is Taehyung alright?" She was leaning close, her tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "See, everyone is staring at you. Spit out the situation; your brother is oddly famous, even though he seems like an alien to me."

Jungkook sighed, trying to keep his annoyance in check. "He's okay. His parents took him home. And by the way, he's not an alien."Lisa, oblivious to his irritation, began spreading the news across the classroom, and soon enough, the room was filled with murmurs of relief. Jungkook sat back, the noise around him becoming a distant hum as he returned to his own thoughts.

Eunwoo, his best friend, leaned over from the front desk, his brow furrowed in concern. "Jungkook, are you alright? You look confused, and you're frowning, dude.""Yeah... I'm just immersed in my thoughts. And absolutely not okay."

---

The end-of-school bell echoed across the campus, a sound of release for most students, but for Jungkook, it was a reminder of what awaited him. He hurried over to the high school section, where his hyungs were deep in discussion. He could feel the tension from a distance.

As soon as Yoongi noticed Jungkook approaching, he asked, "Didn't Jin hyung come with you? He said he was going to meet you and skipped the last period."

Jungkook shook his head. "No," he replied simply.

Before the conversation could continue, Seoyoung sprinted past them, heading towards the middle school campus. As she rushed by, she mouthed to Jimin, "You all go ahead. I'll get Jin."

As the group walked home, Hoseok glanced at Jungkook, curiosity evident in his voice. "Kookie, when did you and Taehyung get close? I mean, it seems like Taehyung actually likes hanging out with you."

Jungkook pouted slightly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation. "Don't know, hyung. Even though I was Jungshocked."

His hyungs couldn't help but think he looked cute, but Namjoon's expression grew serious. "Anyways, Kookie, get along with him. Be his comfort place, as you're the only one he's reached out to so far."

Jungkook nodded but couldn't shake the thoughts running through his head. "Does he really like hanging out with me? How could I be his comfort place? Don't ruin this, Kook," he reminded himself, tightening his lips in determination.

---

At that moment, far from the group, Jin was curled up on the floor of the abandoned swimming pool hall, tears streaming down his face. Seoyoung, out of breath from running, finally found him, her heart aching at the sight of him so vulnerable.