BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 9

The next day, Taehyung arrives at school earlier than usual, his eyes scanning the empty hallway. He hasn’t slept well, still reeling from Jimin's harsh words.

As he turns a corner, he spots Jimin leaning against a locker, his eyes fixed on him.

Taehyung’s instincts tell him to avoid Jimin, but his feet seem rooted.

Jimin’s gaze narrows. "What are you doing here so early, Taehyung?"

Taehyung shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just wanted to get some studying done."

Jimin snorts. "You think you can just waltz in here and steal Jungkook's attention? Newsflash, Taehyung, you're not special."

Taehyung’s face stings from Jimin's words, but he refuses to back down. "I'm not trying to steal anyone's attention, Jimin. I just want to be friends with Jungkook."

Jimin’s eyes flash with anger. "Friends? You’re not even worthy of being in the same room as Jungkook."

Taehyung and Jimin stand facing each other, tension radiating between them.

"Stay away from Jungkook if you want peace," Jimin warns, his voice low and menacing.

Taehyung’s eyes narrow. "What have I ever done to you, Jimin?"

Jimin sneers. "You think you’re so innocent? You’re always clinging to Jungkook, always needing his help. You’re suffocating him."

Taehyung’s face reddens. "That’s not true! Jungkook cares about me, and I care about him."

Jimin’s eyes flash. "You’re using him for attention. You’re not worthy of his friendship."

Taehyung’s voice trembles. "I’m not using him. I genuinely care about Jungkook."

Jimin’s expression twists. "Leave him alone. He deserves better than someone like you."

Jimin’s grip on Taehyung’s hand tightens. "Stay away from Jungkook," he growls.

Taehyung’s eyes well up with tears as he tries to shake off Jimin’s grasp. "Let me go!"

But Jimin holds firm, his eyes blazing with intensity.

"I'm going to tell Jungkook about this!" Taehyung threatens, his voice shaking.

Jimin sneers. "Tell him. Let’s see if he believes in you more than me."

With a sudden jerk, Jimin pushes Taehyung away, sending him stumbling backward.

Taehyung’s tears spill over as he rubs his sore hand.

"You're going to regret this, Jimin," Taehyung whispers, his voice trembling.

Jimin’s smile is cold. "I’m shaking in fear."

As Taehyung turns to leave, Jimin calls out.

"Remember, Taehyung, Jungkook is mine."

Taehyung’s eyes flash with anger, but he keeps walking, determined to find Jungkook.

Taehyung walks into class, his eyes red-rimmed and puffy from crying. He slides into his chair, dropping his head onto his desk, unable to contain his tears.

The classroom falls silent as students notice Taehyung’s distress. Some glance at him with concern, while others whisper among themselves.

Taehyung’s hand, still red from Jimin’s grip, trembles as he clenches it into a fist. He feels humiliated, hurt, and helpless.

As the teacher begins the lesson, Taehyung’s sobs subside into silent tears. He can’t focus on the words being spoken, his mind replaying Jimin’s harsh words and actions.