High School Love

Chapter 14

The sound of a bell ringing in the distance brought them both back to reality. It was time for the day's activities to begin. Jungkook's stomach flipped at the thought of archery, and not just because it was something he had been looking forward to. It was because he knew it was an opportunity to show Taehyung just how much he had grown, how much he could do on his own.

They made their way to the archery range, the excitement in the air palpable. The students were buzzing with energy as they picked out their bows and arrows. Jungkook took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He could feel the eyes of the group on them as they approached, especially the girls who had been fawning over Taehyung's every move.

Their instructor, a friendly older man with a handlebar mustache, explained the rules and safety precautions. Jungkook listened intently, his eyes never leaving Taehyung. He watched as his hyung took his place at the line, his posture poised and confident. Taehyung drew back the bowstring, and with a swift release, the arrow soared through the air, landing with a satisfying thwack in the bullseye. The crowd erupted in cheers, and Jungkook's heart swelled with pride.

Taehyung looked over at him with a smirk, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Your turn, Kookie," he said, nudging him forward. Jungkook felt his cheeks heat up as he took his place at the line. He didn't want to disappoint Taehyung, but more than anything, he wanted to prove to himself that he could do it.

With a deep breath, Jungkook picked up an arrow, noticing that his hands were shaking slightly. He tried to remember all the tips Taehyung had given him this morning, the way he would stand behind him, his warm breath in his ear, guiding his movements. He took his stance, feeling the weight of the bow in his hands, and focused on the target ahead.

As he released the arrow, he watched in dismay as it soared through the air, only to miss the target completely. It landed in the sand with a dull thud, nowhere near the bullseye. Jungkook's face fell, and he couldn't help but pout as the classmates around him giggled. He felt like a failure, his pride bruised.

Taehyung stifled his laughter, his eyes dancing with amusement. "My baby missed the shot?" he teased, his voice playful. Jungkook shot him a glare, but there was no anger behind it, just embarrassment.

"Shut up," Jungkook muttered under his breath, his cheeks reddening. But even as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest at Taehyung's term of endearment. It was silly and cheesy, but coming from Taehyung, it made Jungkook feel loved.

"I will defeat you next time," Jungkook said with determination, his eyes glued to the target. He ignored the snickers from the surrounding students, his mind focused solely on the task at hand. Taehyung's playful taunts only fueled his competitive spirit.

Taehyung's smile grew wider as he leaned against the railing, watching Jungkook with a knowing glint in his eye. "That's the spirit," he said, his voice full of encouragement. Jungkook could feel his hyung's pride radiating from across the range.

When it was time for lunch, the group headed back to the hotel, the conversations buzzing with excitement from the morning's activities. They found a table outside on the terrace, the breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea. Jimin plopped down next to Jungkook, his cheeks still flushed from the beach volleyball match.

"Hey, you two lovebirds," Jimin said with a wink. Jungkook playfully elbowed him while Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head.

"What's so funny?" Hoseok asked, taking a seat across from them.

"Jimin's just being his usual annoying self," Jungkook said, rolling his eyes.

Namjoon leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "What's going on between you two?" he asked, his voice low so that only their immediate group could hear.