Lost Love [ Taekook FF ]

Chapter 10

Jungkook and Taehyung were seated at opposite ends of Jungkook's living room, papers scattered between them on the coffee table. The rain outside poured heavily, creating a constant rhythm against the large windows. It was already 10 PM, and their project work had been dragging on longer than either of them wanted.

Jungkook glanced at the clock again, frowning. "It's getting late, and it's pouring out there. I'll drop you off."

Taehyung barely looked up from his notes, shaking his head. "No need. I can go by myself."

Jungkook's brow furrowed, irritation creeping into his voice. "Why are you always like this? You're going to get drenched. Just let me take you home."

Taehyung set down his pen and finally met Jungkook's eyes, his own gaze cold. "I said no, Jeon. I'm not helpless. I don't need you driving me around like I can't handle myself."

"I'm not saying you can't handle it, Tae. I'm saying it's dangerous out there." Jungkook stood up, pacing near the window as he ran a hand through his hair. "What if something happens? It's pitch dark and the roads are slippery."

Taehyung scoffed, standing up as well, his jaw set in stubbornness. "And what if I don't want you to care? We're not friends, remember? I don't need your concern."

Jungkook's eyes flashed, frustration and something softer mingling in his expression. "I don't care. I just don't want the inconvenience of hearing about you getting into trouble."

"Yeah, sure," Taehyung snapped, grabbing his bag. "We both know you love pretending not to give a damn."

Jungkook stepped forward, blocking his path. "I'm serious, Taehyung. Just stay until the rain slows down, or let me drop you off. Stop being so-"

"So what?" Taehyung interrupted, crossing his arms. "Stubborn? Difficult? What, Jungkook, tell me. What's it that pisses you off so much?"

Jungkook's voice dropped, his frustration clear. "You. You piss me off. You never listen, you act like you don't need anyone, like you can just-"

"Because I don't need anyone!" Taehyung shot back. "Least of all, you!"

They stood there, the tension thick in the air as the rain pounded harder outside. Jungkook clenched his fists, his anger flickering into concern he couldn't hide anymore.

"Tae, it's late," he said, quieter this time. "Let me take you home."

Taehyung hesitated for a moment, seeing something genuine in Jungkook's eyes, but he quickly masked it with a sarcastic smile. "I don't need your charity, Jungkook. I'll manage."

Before Jungkook could say anything else, Taehyung brushed past him, his footsteps firm as he headed for the door. Jungkook stood there, watching as Taehyung walked out into the pouring rain without a second glance back, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

Jungkook cursed under his breath, staring at the closed door. "Why do you always have to be so damn difficult?" he muttered to himself, feeling the weight of his words hang in the empty room.

Jungkook stood there for a second, the rain hammering against the window, his mind racing. He couldn't just let Taehyung walk out like that. Muttering another curse under his breath, he grabbed his car keys from the table and rushed out after him.

The rain was coming down in sheets, soaking him instantly. He spotted Taehyung a few steps down the road, shoulders hunched against the downpour but moving stubbornly forward. Jungkook jogged to catch up, his feet splashing through the puddles.

"Tae!" Jungkook shouted over the rain.

Taehyung didn't turn, quickening his pace as though he could ignore him.