High School Love

Chapter 12

Taehyung sat with Mark, the tension in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife. Mark's smirk was unmistakable, a silent taunt that only made Taehyung's blood boil. Jungkook was his to protect, his to comfort, and he wasn't about to let anyone else in. Mark leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "Why'd you send your little bunny to the back?" he drawled, the smugness in his voice grating on Taehyung's nerves.

"Like you would do anything," Taehyung replied, his voice low and measured. His eyes never left the scenery outside, but his grip on the seat's armrest was tight enough to leave an imprint. He knew Mark's type, the kind that preyed on the vulnerable when no one was looking. Jungkook might be resilient, but Taehyung wasn't taking any chances.

"You're awfully protective of him," Mark said, his eyes gleaming with amusement. Taehyung's jaw clenched. He didn't need Mark's analysis; he knew his feelings ran deeper than friendship. Jungkook was a part of him, an extension of his soul, and the thought of anyone hurting him was unbearable. He took a deep breath, willing the anger to subside.

As the bus rolled on, the conversation between them remained stilted, the silence a testament to their mutual dislike. But Taehyung's mind was elsewhere, replaying the moments that had led to this rift. He had been harsh, too caught up in his own pain to realize Jungkook was suffering too. His heart ached at the memory of Jungkook's crestfallen face, and he vowed to make it up to him, somehow.

The bus eventually pulled up to the destination, the wheels screeching against the asphalt as it came to a halt. The students unloaded their baggage and piled out into the cool, fresh air, their laughter and chatter filling the silence that had dominated the bus ride. Taehyung's eyes searched for Jungkook's pink sweater in the crowd, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and dread.

As the group gathered around the teachers for instructions, Taehyung spotted Jungkook, surrounded by a gaggle of friends. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of Jungkook's smile, so genuine and warm, lighting up his features like the sun breaking through the clouds. It was a smile that had the power to melt the coldest of hearts, and Taehyung knew his resolve was crumbling.

He watched as Jimin sidled up to Jungkook, whispering something in his ear that made him laugh. The sound was like music to Taehyung's ears, a sweet melody that brought him back to a time when their friendship was unblemished by harsh words and misunderstandings. He knew he had to find a way to apologize, to show Jungkook that he was still his bunny, still worthy of love and protection.

"Just a little while longer," Taehyung murmured to himself, "Then I'll make it right."

The teacher's voice pierced through the chatter as she announced the room assignments. Jungkook's heart sank as he heard his name paired with Mark's. He glanced over at Taehyung, hoping for some sign of protest, but his hyung was stoically staring straight ahead, his jaw set in a firm line. Yoongi was the only one who seemed unfazed, a knowing smile playing at the corner of his lips.

The students began to disperse, heading to their assigned lodgings. Jungkook felt like he was trudging through quicksand as he followed Mina to their shared room. He couldn't shake the feeling that Taehyung had done this on purpose, that the silent treatment was his punishment for their recent spat. The room was small but cozy, with two sets of bunk beds. Mark's eyes glinted with excitement as he claimed the top bunk beside Jungkook's.

"Looks like we're bunkmates," Mark said, his tone smug. Jungkook nodded, his voice too tight to speak. He didn't dare to hope that Taehyung had made a mistake, that maybe, just maybe, he could still salvage the situation. But as he climbed into his own bed, the cold reality settled in.

Taehyung had made his choice, and it stung like a thousand bees. Jungkook could feel the tears threatening to spill, but he blinked them away. He had to be strong. He had to show Taehyung that he could handle anything, that he didn't need his protection.