Edges of Temptation | TAEJIN

Chapter 17

♪ - Battle Symphony by Linkin Park 

Taehyung

"You acted like a literal jerk yesterday—" Jimin shook his head in disbelief and resign as I rolled my eyes at the exaggeration. The one and only thing I hate about colleges is when they decide to organize these fucked-up events—prom more like a charity gala, which I was forced to attend each year because, unlike what normal proms were, ours invited special guests, officials, and important people—sometimes even ministers. Well, being in the highest-ranked college came with its perks. Negative perks. These always bored me because what was the basic necessity of attending this in the first place? Well, according to my beloved father- Recognition, future business deals and significant projects. 

Prom wasn't a place for business.

But even though I won't ever admit it, the smallest part of me wanted to attend the crappy event this year because—well, because Jin would be there. Because I didn't want anyone to take him for a dance. Because I would be hell jealous if anyone touched him, and judging by how the men and women in our college drool over him... Nah. I cannot afford that and the consequences that would follow.

"Do you have feelings for him?" I frowned, caught off guard by the sudden interrogation; gripping the steering wheel, I nevertheless spoke with a relaxed expression, my eyes on the road. "Why are you asking me this?"

Jimin sighed as he turned to me, and I could feel the depth of his gaze trying to look through me. "Why did you do that yesterday? To get him jealous? Was that what you wanted to see?" My frown lines crinkled all the more as I clenched my teeth. "If you know me, then why ask me these questions? I agree you've always felt I have something more in mind other than lust for that man, but on my part, I don't think I've ever agreed with you, Jimin-ah." I wasn't annoyed at Jimin for questioning me because I was used to it, but what frustrated me were my actions....I myself did not understand. Jimin's small hand landed on my shoulder, squeezing me in a comforting way.

"Taehyung-ah, have I ever questioned you or even confronted you about these things? That's because I understand you, and to some extent, I never had a problem with you playing around. It's a common thing in today's day and age and you have your reasons. I believe I don't have a say in this because you need to figure it out yourself, but as a friend and a brother, the most I can do is guide you." I sighed, nodding to Jimin. His words made me feel I had someone with me, as a confidant I could always rely on no matter what, as a brother I could always share anything and everything with.

"But—" Jimin paused, pursed his lips, and continued, "have you ever cared to pursue anyone before? You only had one perspective on things like this, no strings attached. Jin hyung was never interested in you, and yet you used the seduction card, but gradually do you even realize how you've been with him? You wiped off his tears when he cried because you too, felt the pain when he was hurting. It hits you like a dagger when he gets close to anyone, even if that is your brother. You do the fluff with him when you aren't even the kind to do that?" I bit my lip, hard. I've had too many internal reality checks, and Jimin here was giving me a REAL HARD ONE!

I let out a shaky breath. "Chim—" I shook my head hesitantly as a sign for him to stop, but he did not, and I sighed again. Jimin nonetheless continued, "Jin was not fond of you; he never was. He didn't even like you. It's you, Tae—you pulled out the dislike and hatred from him and filled him with hopes and feelings." I swallowed hard. 

No—Jin couldn't really like me; he was into the physical act too, and that's all it was. But why is it that I also feel I've been dragging this thing too long and now I just can't term it under no strings attached? Ugh, My mind is a fucking mess.

"Jimin, I don't like where this is going—you're just imagining way too much." I tried cooling the temperature of our conversation, but it seemed Chim had other plans.