Skirts || VKOOK

Chapter 8

The TV played on, the laugh track providing a bizarre backdrop to their conversation. Jungkook felt the air thicken with every passing second. He wanted to scream, to demand that Taehyung tell him what was really going on, but fear kept him rooted to the spot.

He looked up at the clock on the wall, the second hand ticking away the moments of their shared silence. "I should go," Jungkook said, his voice strained. He didn't know how much more of this he could take without his emotions spilling over. Taehyung nodded, his eyes searching Jungkook's face as if trying to read his thoughts. Jungkook felt his heart sink as he pulled his hand away, the loss of Taehyung's touch leaving a cold space between them.

"Thanks for the snacks," Jungkook said, forcing a smile as he stood up. He grabbed his bag from the floor, the sound of fabric against the wooden boards echoing through the room. "And for showing me your sketches," he added, hoping his voice didn't betray his disappointment.

Taehyung stood as well, his eyes never leaving Jungkook's. "Anytime, Jungkookie," he said, using the nickname again. It felt like a gentle caress, but it only added to Jungkook's confusion. "You know you can come over whenever you want."

Jungkook nodded, his throat tight. "Thanks," he managed to get out. They walked to the door, the energy between them palpable. Jungkook felt like he was walking on eggshells, afraid that any wrong move would shatter the moment.

As he stepped outside, the cool evening air was a stark contrast to the warmth of Taehyung's embrace, which had lingered on him. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "See you at school," he said, his voice sounding far more casual than he felt.

Taehyung spread his arms wide, asking for a hug, and Jungkook stepped into it, feeling the warmth and comfort that Taehyung's embrace always brought. He hugged back tightly, feeling the thud of Taehyung's heart against his chest. They stood there for a moment, the world outside the door seeming to fade away. Jungkook's thoughts swirled like a tornado, filled with all the things he wanted to say, but the words remained trapped in his throat.

As they pulled apart, Jungkook couldn't help but inhale deeply, taking in Taehyung's scent. It was something he had noticed before, but now it seemed to overwhelm him. It was a faint mix of paint and fabric softener, with a hint of something sweet and earthy that was uniquely Taehyung. It was like breathing in the essence of home, of comfort, of something he desperately wanted to hold onto. He felt his cheeks grow warm, hoping Taehyung didn't notice his sudden fascination.

"Take care," Taehyung said, his voice still gentle. Jungkook nodded, unable to form any coherent words. He turned and started down the path, his feet feeling like lead weights. He didn't want to leave, didn't want to walk away from the possibility of something more. But fear held him back, the fear of rejection, of ruining their friendship.

As he reached the gate, Jungkook heard the door open behind him. He turned to find Taehyung standing there, his hand resting on the frame, his eyes filled with a strange mix of emotions. "Hey," Taehyung called out, his voice softer than before. Jungkook's heart skipped a beat. Was this it? Was Taehyung going to finally tell him how he felt?

"You forgot this," Taehyung said, holding out a small, folded piece of paper. Jungkook took it, his fingers brushing against Taehyung's. He opened it to find a simple but beautifully drawn dragon, the same one that had been the centerpiece of his tattoo design. It was done in Taehyung's signature style, a perfect blend of fiery passion and meticulous detail. Jungkook's eyes stung with unshed tears.

"For inspiration," Taehyung said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "And if you do think being a tattoo artist, remember, I'll be your first customer." Jungkook looked at the drawing, feeling a warmth spread through his chest that had nothing to do with the dragon's fiery breath. He nodded, unable to find the words to express his gratitude.

Taehyung stepped back into the house, and Jungkook felt the door close with a soft click, echoing the finality of the moment. He stared at the paper in his hand, the lines and colors of the dragon seeming to pulse with a life of their own. It was a gesture that spoke volumes, but still, no confession of feelings.

.·:*¨¨* ≈☆≈ *¨¨*:·.

The next day at school, Jungkook couldn't get Taehyung's drawing out of his mind. He kept glancing at it during classes, tracing the lines with his finger, feeling the promise it held. It was as if Taehyung had handed him a key to a door he didn't know was there. He felt a mix of excitement and dread. What if he opened that door and found something he wasn't ready for?

During lunch, he found Taehyung sitting alone at his usual spot, a sketchbook open in front of him. Jungkook approached, his heart racing. He sat down, the weight of his backpack feeling like a mountain. "Hey," Taehyung said, not looking up from his drawing. "How's your day going?"

Jungkook took a deep breath, clutching the paper in his pocket. "Okay," he said, his voice a little shaky. "I keep thinking about what you said yesterday." Taehyung's eyes flicked up, meeting Jungkook's with a question. "About the paper you gave me," Jungkook clarified, his cheeks burning.

Taehyung put down his pencil, his expression unreadable. "Yeah?" he prompted. Jungkook took out the paper, placing it carefully on the table. "This means a lot to me," he said, his voice low. "But I don't just want to be a tattoo artist because of a compliment."

Taehyung leaned back, his eyes studying Jungkook's face. "I know that," he said, his tone reassuring. "But sometimes, we need a little push to see what we're capable of. You've got so much talent, and it's just waiting to be unleashed."

Jungkook felt his heart race as he picked at the corner of the drawing. "But what if I'm not good enough?" he whispered.

Taehyung thought for a moment until he reached for his bag and took out a black pen. "Every artist starts somewhere," he said, his eyes meeting Jungkook's with a gentle smile. He took Jungkook's hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt through Jungkook's body. "Try making a tattoo on my arm," Taehyung offered, pulling up his sleeve. "It doesn't have to be perfect, just let the lines flow."

Jungkook's breath hitched. He had never tattooed anyone before, but the idea of leaving his mark on Taehyung was both exhilarating and terrifying. He took the pen, his hand trembling slightly. Taehyung's skin was smooth and warm under his touch, and Jungkook felt a deep connection as he began to draw a simple, stylized heart. The act of creation was both liberating and nerve-wracking, each stroke bringing him closer to realizing a part of himself he had long suppressed.

Taehyung watched Jungkook work, his gaze intense but encouraging. The sound of the cafeteria faded away as Jungkook lost himself in the art, feeling the power of his own creation. When he was done, he pulled back, examining his handiwork with a critical eye. It wasn't perfect, but it was raw and filled with meaning.

"Wow," Taehyung breathed, his eyes lighting up as he studied the ink on his skin. "It's amazing, Jungkook. You really have a gift." Jungkook felt his heart swell with pride. It was one thing to know you had talent, but to have someone you admired so much recognize it was something else entirely.

"Thanks," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't take his eyes off of the heart, the way the lines curved and dipped, a silent testament to the emotions churning within him.

Taehyung took out his phone and snapped a picture of the tattoo. "Look," he said, holding the screen out to Jungkook. "It's like a little piece of you, right here." Jungkook's eyes widened as he saw the heart, stark against Taehyung's skin. It was a small, temporary mark, but it felt significant.

"My first tattoo made by Jungkook," Taehyung said. "Not permanent, but meaningful." He tapped the screen, saving the image. Jungkook's pulse quickened as Taehyung's thumb brushed his. "I think you should definitely pursue this," he continued, his eyes locked onto Jungkook's. "You could be really great."

Just as Jungkook was about to respond, the cafeteria door swung open with a bang, and in stormed Yuri, the captain of the cheerleading squad. Her fiery gaze zeroed in on the two of them, and Jungkook felt his stomach clench. Yuri had made her feelings for him clear, and she wasn't shy about her dislike for Taehyung. She strutted over, her hips swaying with an exaggerated confidence that had always made Jungkook feel uncomfortable.

"Oh, the she devil has arrived,"

❊

-lxnnie