Can't stand you, Can't live without you

Chapter 22

Jimin's pov

The sun was setting outside my classroom window, casting a warm glow that flickered against the pages of my textbook. I was supposed to be studying, but my thoughts were constantly racing back to that kiss the warmth of Taehyung's lips against mine, the way his eyes sparkled. It was all consuming, like a vivid dream I wasn't quite ready to wake up from.

"Jimin!" Wonyoung's voice broke through my reverie as she playfully shook my shoulders, her dark hair swaying like a curtain around her face. "What's going on in your mind? You're smiling like an idiot and touching your lips!"

I quickly dropped my hand, heat flooding my cheeks. "What? Sorry, I've been zoning out these days," I mumbled, trying to shake off the memories.

Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "More like daydreaming," she teased, leaning closer. "I'm worried about our finals, you know. And here you are, lost in La La Land!"

I couldn't help but grin back at her, my heart fluttering at the thought of Taehyung. "Yeah, I guess I have a lot on my mind."

Days turned into a blur as exams hung like a dark cloud overhead. I'd seen little of Taehyung since that kiss, as if he was avoiding us both. I knew I should feel anxious about my grades, but thoughts about taehyung are consuming my mind.

Once exams were over, My parents had decided to take their postponed trip, leaving the house eerily quiet for winter. I'd find myself pacing the living room, the silence only broken by the restless ticking of the clock.

I perched at my window, staring at Taehyung as he strummed his guitar. The notes floated through the air like delicate butterflies, wrapping around me in sweet melodies. I couldn't help but grin like an idiot.

"Get a grip, Jimin," I muttered, slapping my forehead with an open palm. What was happening to me? A few weeks ago, I would have rolled my eyes at the sight of him. After all, we were enemies who had never been friendly for even a second. But ever since that accidental kiss, everything had changed. My brain had inexplicably rewired itself, and now my thoughts about Taehyung were surprisingly... warm.

I remembered that night vividly, when I had tried to lift him My foot slipped, and before I knew it, our lips had brushed together. I cursed under my breath, my cheeks heating up at the memory. Taehyung's tousled hair and penetrating gaze had invaded my mind, and now, all I could think of were those moments we shared-the stupid fights over the tiniest things, the glares exchanged in the hallways. A strange sense of nostalgia crept in, and I found myself chuckling at our past antics.

A few days later, fate intervened. A call from my cousin Minho summoned me to the local playground, but as I neared, my attention shifted to the nearby football field where Taehyung was surrounded by his friends-Jin, J-Hope, and Jungkook.

"Damn, he looks so happy here," I whispered to myself, mesmerized. Taehyung was laughing, full of life, and the energy radiating from him was captivating. Suddenly, I felt an inexplicable connection, as if I wanted to bask in that joy too. But in my admiration, I didn't notice Mingyu approaching until he was right beside me.

"Mingyu!" I greeted, my thoughts instantly shifting gears.

"Hey, Jimin!" he replied, eyes glinting with mischief. "I was watching you stare at our game. You can join, you know."

"Nah! I'm good. I'm just here to see Minho." I said, quickly dismissing the idea.

Mingyu, smirked. "Then you must be looking at Taehyung, huh? You seem to be admiring him these days... But it's bad when that guy always bad-talks about you with us. He literally hates you."