High School Love

Chapter 13

Once outside, Jungkook took a moment to appreciate the serenity of the beach resort. The sky was a canvas of pastel colors, blending from a soft blue to a gentle pink as the sun began its descent. He found a quiet spot on the beach, a good distance from the groups of chattering students. The waves rolled in rhythmically, whispering secrets that only the shore knew. He sat down, the warm sand cushioning his legs, and tilted his head back to gaze at the sky.

As he studied the clouds, he felt a sudden warmth beside him and knew without looking that Taehyung had arrived. A familiar scent of sunscreen and a hint of Taehyung's cologne filled the air. Jungkook's heart fluttered, and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.

"So, you're finally here," Jungkook said without looking at Taehyung. The smile remained in his voice, a blend of relief and excitement.

Taehyung chuckled. "How did you know it was me?" he asked, taking a seat beside Jungkook.

Jungkook turned to him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I know you, and I feel you," he said simply. Taehyung's smile was tentative, but the tension in the air was palpable. Jungkook's heart hammered in his chest as he awaited Taehyung's response.

"Is that so?" Taehyung leaned closer, his eyes searching Jungkook's. Jungkook felt his breath hitch. "I've missed you," Taehyung admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jungkook's smile grew. "I've missed you too, hyung," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the only sound the crashing of the waves and the occasional seagull's call. Jungkook felt a weight lift from his shoulders as the warmth of Taehyung's presence seeped into him. He knew they had to talk, to resolve the argument that had been hanging over their heads, but for now, he was content just to be near him again.

As the sun kissed the horizon, casting the world in a warm glow, Jungkook took a deep breath and turned to face Taehyung fully. "I'm sorry," he began, his voice earnest. "I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

Taehyung's expression softened. "Neither should I," he said, placing a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "I'm sorry too."

Jungkook felt his eyes prick with tears, but he blinked them away. "I just feel so weak when someone protects me," he admitted, his voice small and vulnerable. "It's like I can't do anything on my own."

Taehyung looked at him with a mix of surprise and concern. "Jungkook, that's not true," he said firmly. "You're the strongest person I know."

Jungkook shook his head, the wind ruffling his hair. "It's different when you're there," he said, his voice barely above the sound of the waves. "When you're not...it's like I'm lost."

Taehyung pulled Jungkook closer to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "You're never lost when I'm around," he murmured. "These aren't just your battles; they're our battles. And I'm not going anywhere."

The words resonated within Jungkook, filling him with warmth and comfort. He leaned into Taehyung's embrace, feeling a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in a long time.

"But what if one day you can't be there to protect me?" Jungkook whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Taehyung's gaze never wavered. "Then I'll make sure you're strong enough to protect yourself," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "But that doesn't mean I won't fight alongside you."

Jungkook nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. Taehyung's words struck a chord within him, reminding him of their bond, the unspoken promise they had made to each other long ago. They had always been there for each other, through thick and thin. Why had he ever doubted that?