BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 5

The school day ends, casting a warm orange glow over the campus. Jimin approaches Jungkook, who lingers by the lockers. "Hey, Kookie, want to head back home with me?" Jimin asks, but Jungkook shakes his head, avoiding eye contact.

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

Jimin's concern deepens, his thoughts race. "Is this about Taehyung?" he wonders, but Jungkook's gaze flickers, warning him off. "Don't worry about it, Jimin," Jungkook says hastily. "I'll see you tomorrow."

With that, Jungkook turns and walks away, leaving Jimin puzzled and worried. "Where are you going, Kookie?" Jimin thinks, feeling a growing distance between them. "And what's happening to us?" Unbeknownst to Jimin, Jungkook has other plans, plans that include Taehyung.

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

Jungkook walks, lost in thought, until he spots Taehyung ahead, standing under the school tree with his phone pressed to his ear. His expression changes from calm to distressed as he speaks, his voice rising and then suddenly falling as he ends the call. Taehyung's shoulders slump, and he begins to cry, soft silent sobs wracking his body.

Jungkook approaches Taehyung,

"Taehyung?" Jungkook says softly.

Taehyung looks up, surprised.

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

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

"Secret admirer?" Taehyung repeats.

Jungkook nods, his heart racing.

Taehyung's gaze searches Jungkook's face.

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

Jungkook takes a deep breath.

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

Taehyung's expression softens.

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

Taehyung's voice trembles as he speaks.

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

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

Taehyung nods, sobbing uncontrollably. Jungkook feels a pang of disappointment, mixed with empathy.

He doesn't expect Taehyung to be taken.

Jungkook's empathy deepens.

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

As Taehyung's tears resume, Jungkook wraps his arms around him.

In that moment, Jungkook knows.

He'll do anything to protect Taehyung.

And make him smile again.

---

A sleek black car pulls up, parking nearby. Jungkook's gaze shifts, his eyes widening as a boy emerges from the vehicle.