BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 5

The school day ended, casting a warm orange glow over the campus. Jimin approached Jungkook, who lingered by the lockers. "Hey, Kookie, want to head back home with me?" Jimin asked, but Jungkook shook his head, avoiding eye contact.

"No, I'll pass," Jungkook replied, his tone distant. Jimin's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. "What's going on, Kookie? You've been distant all day." Jungkook shrugged, his gaze drifting. "Just need some time alone."

Jimin's concern deepened, his thoughts racing. "Is this about Taehyung?" he wondered, but Jungkook's gaze flickered, warning him off. "Don't worry about it, Jimin," Jungkook said hastily. "I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, Jungkook turned and walked away, leaving Jimin puzzled and worried. "Where are you going, Kookie?" Jimin thought, feeling a growing distance between them. "And what's happening to us?" Unbeknownst to Jimin, Jungkook had other plans, plans that included Taehyung.

Jungkook's mind was preoccupied with the vulnerable Taehyung, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that their connection was more than just coincidence. As he disappeared into the crowd, Jimin's voice faded into the background, replaced by the anticipation of seeing Taehyung again.

Jungkook walked, lost in thought, until he spotted Taehyung ahead, standing under the school tree with his phone pressed to his ear. His expression changed from calm to distressed as he spoke, his voice rising and then suddenly falling as he ended the call. Taehyung's shoulders slumped, and he began to cry, soft silent sobs wracking his body.

Jungkook approached Taehyung,

"Taehyung?" Jungkook said softly.

Taehyung looked up, surprised.

"Hi, Taehyung," Jungkook began, his voice trembling. "I've been your secret admirer. I've seen you crying every day, and I couldn't help but wonder... what's wrong?"

Taehyung's tears slowed, replaced by a mixture of shock and curiosity.

"Secret admirer?" Taehyung repeated.

Jungkook nodded, his heart racing.

Taehyung's gaze searched Jungkook's face.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Taehyung asked.

Jungkook took a deep breath.

"I was scared," Jungkook admitted. "But seeing you cry... I couldn't stay hidden anymore."

Taehyung's expression softened.

"Tell me," Jungkook urged. "What's hurting you?"

Taehyung's voice trembled as he spoke.

"This so-called boyfriend... he always forgets to pick me up from school. Now he's not answering my calls."

Jungkook's expression changed from concern to shock. "Boyfriend?" he repeated, his mind racing.

Taehyung nodded, sobbing uncontrollably. Jungkook felt a pang of disappointment, mixed with empathy.

He hadn't expected Taehyung to be taken.

Jungkook's empathy deepened.

"I'm here for you, Taehyung," Jungkook promised.

As Taehyung's tears resumed, Jungkook wrapped his arms around him.

In that moment, Jungkook knew.

He'd do anything to protect Taehyung.

And make him smile again.

________

A sleek black car pulled up, parking nearby. Jungkook's gaze shifted, his eyes widening as a boy emerged from the vehicle.