Chapter 2 : The Art Of Pretending

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Jungkook and Taehyung stepped into the heart of the festival, the sights and sounds washing over them like a tidal wave of energy. Colorful booths lined the streets, each showcasing local artisans and their crafts. The air was thick with the scent of grilled skewers and fresh pastries, and laughter echoed around them, a symphony of joy.

"So, what's your name?" Taehyung asked, shooting Jungkook a playful grin as they strolled side by side.

"Jungkook. And you're Taehyung, right?" Jungkook smiled back, feeling a strange mixture of nerves and excitement. There was something disarming about Taehyung—his easygoing demeanor made it easy to forget his previous worries.

"Guilty as charged," Taehyung replied, adjusting his camera strap across his chest. "So, what's the plan? How do we convince your ex that we're a couple?"

Jungkook took a moment to think, his mind racing with possibilities. "We should act like any other couple would at a festival. You know, hold hands, laugh at stupid jokes, maybe share some food?"

Taehyung chuckled, the sound rich and warm. "Got it. I can definitely do the laughing part."

As they wandered deeper into the festival, they approached a booth selling colorful, handmade friendship bracelets. Jungkook's eyes lit up, a nostalgic memory flashing through his mind of making these with his friends during summer breaks.

"Let's get matching bracelets!" he suggested, a playful glint in his eye.

"Only if we can pick the most ridiculous colors," Taehyung countered, already moving toward the booth. "I'm talking neon pink and bright green."

Jungkook laughed, feeling the tension begin to melt away. "You've got yourself a deal."

After a few minutes of joking and banter, they emerged from the booth, each wearing a gaudy bracelet that clashed beautifully with their outfits. Jungkook glanced at his wrist and grinned. "We look ridiculous!"

"Exactly! Just what we need to sell the act," Taehyung replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

They continued to meander through the festival, sharing bites of food and cracking jokes, feeling increasingly comfortable with each other. As they approached a live music stage, a local band began to play a catchy tune, drawing a small crowd.

"Dance with me!" Jungkook said impulsively, his heart racing with the thrill of spontaneity.

"Right here, in the middle of a crowd?" Taehyung raised an eyebrow, but a playful smirk crossed his lips.

"Why not? It'll make it look more authentic!" Jungkook insisted, tugging at Taehyung's arm.

With a resigned laugh, Taehyung stepped into the makeshift dance area. Jungkook felt a surge of exhilaration as they moved together, the music pulsing around them. They danced clumsily at first, laughing as they stepped on each other's toes, but soon found a rhythm.

In that moment, it felt as if the world faded away, and all that mattered was the two of them—lost in the music and the joy of pretending.

After a few songs, they fell into an easy conversation, leaning against a railing to catch their breath. Jungkook felt lighter, the weight of his past slowly lifting as he gazed at Taehyung, who was wiping sweat from his forehead.

"So, what's your story?" Taehyung asked, his curiosity genuine. "How did you end up needing a fake boyfriend today?"

Jungkook hesitated, a flicker of vulnerability passing through him. "I just got out of a pretty toxic relationship. My ex, Mark, is... well, let's just say he doesn't take 'no' very well."

Taehyung's expression turned serious. "I'm sorry to hear that. Sounds rough."

"It was," Jungkook admitted, grateful for Taehyung's understanding. "I thought I was happy with him, but it turns out I was just trapped. This festival was supposed to be my way of reclaiming my freedom, but I didn't expect to run into him."

Taehyung nodded, his gaze softening. "I get that. It's tough to break free from something that felt safe, even if it was unhealthy. But it's brave of you to come out and face it head-on."

"Thanks," Jungkook replied, warmth spreading through him. "I didn't think I'd find someone willing to help me today, let alone someone who actually gets it."

"Well, here I am," Taehyung said, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Your personal fake boyfriend, at your service."

They shared a laugh, and for the first time, Jungkook felt the tension of the day start to dissolve. Maybe this whole "fake boyfriend" thing wasn't going to be so bad after all.

As they moved on to the next booth, Jungkook's phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out and saw a new message from Jimin: "Just checking in! Is everything okay? Have you seen Mark?"

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, who was inspecting a piece of art displayed nearby, then quickly replied: "All good! Just hanging out with a friend. Will fill you in later!"

Sliding the phone back into his pocket, he turned to Taehyung, who was now looking at him with a curious expression.

"What's that about?" he asked, noticing Jungkook's smile.

"Just my best friend checking in. He's been worried about me."

"I get it. It's hard to shake off that kind of relationship. But you're doing great," Taehyung said, his tone encouraging.

"Thanks. I feel a lot better now," Jungkook admitted, and it was true. With Taehyung by his side, the festival suddenly felt full of possibility.

Maybe a fake boyfriend wasn't so bad after all ..... right ?

861 wordsss can you believe that ?? woww I am over the moon 

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