Twisted - JJK

ch six

I sat in my favorite cafe, enjoying the cozy atmosphere and the rich aroma of coffee and baked goods. Across from me was Taehyung. The sun filter through the window, creating a perfect glow on him. He looked ethereal, practically unreal. He was recounting his family trip, a smile always on his face.

"...and then my brother and I decided to get into a van with these people, which was crazy, because that's the total opposite of what I would do," Taehyung said, his brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "My father rented out a whole private beach area. You have to come with us next time." A small blush crept on my cheeks. The way he was staring into my eyes made my heart race. I've never saw Taehyung as more as a friend, but being around him, made me realize how calming and caring he was.

"Yeah, that would amazing! I've heard great things about that place." I felt a connection between us, something I've only felt once but never acknowledged. I've known Taehyung since freshman year, so almost four years. We've taken everything together, but I believed that friendship was all we had. Granted, he just recently got out of a three year long relationship last year, so dating him wasn't an option until recently. Maybe that's why I mentally friendzoned him.

"There something I've been wanting to tell you, but I never found the right time," he said. He looked strained, like he was trying to form a thought. It was cute. "We been friends for awhile, and to be honest, I don't want to be just frie-"

A sudden rush of cold air cut through the warm café. I turned around to see Jungkook walking in, his messy hair and aura filling up the room. My heart raced, but I ultimately felt a twinge of disappointment.

"Hey, Clemmy," Jungkook snickered, knowing I wasn't a fan of that nickname. "What a coincidence running into you here," he sarcastically said.

Taehyung's expression shifted from something warm to annoyance as Jungkook approached. "Hey, man," he said, his voice strained.

"Mind if I join you," Jungkook asked, already pulling out the chair next to me. I exchanged a glance with Taehyung, who was clearly less than thrilled. "What are we talking about?"

"We," I pointed to Taehyung and I, "were talking about future plans, which you," I pointed to Jungkook, "rudely interrupted." There was tension between Jungkook and I, however, the tension between Jungkook and Taehyung was deafening. They both looked equally pissed, their jaws tightening as they gazed at each other. Testosterone. I noticed a small smirk appearing on Jungkook's face.

"Taehyung," Jungkook said. "How was your vacation? We haven't talked since when, since you left, which was what, a week ago?" Taehyung shifted in his seat, obviously uncomfortable.

"You two know each other," I questioned, trying to piece things together.

"Why don't you tell her how we met," Jungkook said to Taehyung, nudging him from across the table.

"Uh... we went to primary school together. My family does business with his family." Taehyung's voice was short, almost forced. I could see his irritation simmering beneath the surface. His relationship with Jungkook was similar to my relationship with Namjoon.

"You know, Clemmy," Jungkook said. "Taehyung has been to Namjoon's place too." The two boys just looked at me: one happily waiting for my reaction, while the other looked guilty. For a moment, a silence hung between them, the connection building between Taehyung and I was evaporating, while the connection Jungkook and I had never existed, so no loss there.

I glanced at my half-eaten sandwich, my appetite waning as I felt the weight of the interruption. I was trying to understand the reason why Jungkook would mention Namjoon's house. The odor? The decor? The lack of real food? I looked up at Jungkook, who was already smirking at me. The room.

"Anyway, I need to head out, but it was nice talking to the both of you," Jungkook said, leaving Taehyung and I in an awkward silence. Does Taehyung know what I know? Does he even know I know that room exists?

"Do you want to study for the upcoming organic chemistry test," Taehyung asked, attempting to cut the tension.

I wanted to ask him. I needed to know. "Taehyung," I said softly. "I've been to Namjoon's place, his entire place," I emphasized. "Did you ever go into that man cave-type room?" He looked down. I couldn't tell if he looked down because he was guilty or just thinking. There was a sense of frustration bubbling within me with every passing second. It was a simple question with a simple answer; yes or no.

"I have, but never to do anything. I'm not like them, I swear." He doesn't participate, so why was I upset? I should be ecstatic. I've always known he was friends with Namjoon, so why was I just putting these pieces together? Why did Jungkook have to bring it up? "Clementine?"

I remained quiet, a forced smile on my face. Taehyung could probably sense my discomfort, I wasn't really trying to hide it. "So why go into the room?"

"I really don't know. FOMO." Taehyung stayed silent for a little bit, thinking about what he wanted to say without sounding like a douche. "When you're wealthy like us, our social circles remain pretty constant. We see each other at parties, exclusive gatherings, and charity events, where everyone knows their place. But when you don't quite fit in, it can be painfully embarrassing. That's why I went into the room. I didn't want the embarrassment from them. I put my ego ahead of my morals." I looked at him with understanding eyes. I could relate. The friends we make when we are younger, are the friends we grow up with and see almost every day. That's how I met Elle and Florence. There fathers work for my father.

"I understand," I said, placing my hand in his. "I'm glad you told me the truth." While listening to Taehyung, I couldn't stop thinking about Jungkook. Why? Why? Why?