Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 37

The talk of Jungkook's upcoming film has skyrocketed his fame to new heights. Everywhere he goes, people recognize him, his name is constantly trending, and fans are eagerly snapping pictures of him, whether from the set or from the streets. Social media is flooded with his behind-the-scenes moments, and clips from the film promotions have sparked widespread curiosity. Suddenly, everyone is discovering or rediscovering Jungkook, diving into his past work, wondering how they had missed such a rising star before. Jungkook has become the nation's sweetheart, and every tabloid and media outlet is calling him the next big thing.

Taehyung, for all his previous nonchalance, finds himself swept up in the frenzy too. After the incident at the last shoot, when he'd realized he had never actually watched any of Jungkook's films, curiosity gnaws at him. One evening, after a long day at the office, he picks up his phone and texts Jimin, trying to sound casual.

"Hey, Jimin, could you send me some of Jungkook's movies? You know... for research purposes."

Jimin responds with an amused emoji. "Sure, for 'research.' I'll send you everything."

Taehyung brushes off the teasing, but a few hours later, a large folder of movie files lands in his inbox. He scrolls through them, amazed at how many there are—Jungkook had been in the industry for seven years, and Taehyung had somehow missed most of it.

That night, he makes a routine of it. Taehyung comes home from work, grabs a bowl of popcorn, and settles into his bed, propping up pillows as he starts one of Jungkook's films. He's immediately captivated. Jungkook is magnetic on screen, his acting flawless, the depth of emotion in his eyes drawing Taehyung in.

"Wow... he's born to be an actor," Taehyung mutters to himself, marveling at Jungkook's natural talent.

Even if mostly Jungkook was side actor, he still knew how to capture the attention of people.

But soon, his awe is interrupted by frustration. "Why the hell does he have so many kissing scenes?" he grumbles, narrowing his eyes at the screen as Jungkook shares a romantic moment with yet another actress. He fast-forwards through those parts, but his irritation lingers. "Why does he have to kiss every time?" he mutters, his popcorn forgotten as he glares at the screen.

Taehyung gets so absorbed in some series that it spills over into his mornings. One day, he's at the breakfast table, halfway through an suspense scene on his phone, completely engrossed, when Jungkook walks in.

Taehyung quickly lowers his phone, pretending to check his emails, though his ears burn with embarrassment.

Jungkook raises an eyebrow, noticing the way Taehyung suddenly fumbles with his phone. "What are you watching?"

Taehyung coughs, trying to sound casual. "Uh, just work stuff. Really boring."

Jungkook narrows his eyes, suspicious but too tired to press further. "You look exhausted, though."

"Late-night work," Taehyung blurts out, nodding a bit too quickly. "Very late-night work."

Jungkook shrugs, grabbing his own breakfast. "Right... Well, don't overwork yourself."

As Jungkook heads off to prepare for the day, Taehyung lets out a breath, checking if the coast is clear before sneaking another glance at his phone, where Jungkook's face still lights up the screen.

That morning, Taehyung shows up on set with heavy bags under his eyes.

Hyunjin, the director, notices immediately. "What's up with you? You look like you didn't sleep."

Taehyung waves him off. "It's nothing. Just, uh... personal stuff."

Jungkook, who's standing nearby, chuckles softly. "You sure you're not staying up late watching movies?"