BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 9

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

As he turned a corner, he spotted Jimin leaning against a locker, his eyes fixed on Taehyung.

Taehyung's instincts told him to avoid Jimin, but his feet seemed rooted.

Jimin's gaze narrowed. "What are you doing here so early, Taehyung?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taehyung's eyes narrowed. "What have I ever done to you, Jimin?"

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

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

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

Taehyung's voice trembled. "I'm not using him. I genuinely care about Jungkook."

Jimin's expression twisted. "Leave him alone. He deserves better than someone like you."

Jimin he grip on Taehyung's hand tightened. "Stay away from Jungkook," he growled.

Taehyung's eyes welled up with tears as he tried to shake off Jimin's grasp. "Let me go!"

But Jimin held firm, his eyes blazing with intensity.

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

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

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

Taehyung's tears spilled over as he rubbed his sore hand.

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

Jimin's smile was cold. "I'm shaking in fear."

As Taehyung turned to leave, Jimin called out.

"Remember, Taehyung, Jungkook is mine."

Taehyung's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept walking, determined to find Jungkook.

__________

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

The classroom fell silent as students noticed Taehyung's distress. Some glanced at him with concern, while others whispered among themselves.

Taehyung's hand, still red from Jimin's grip, trembled as he clenched it into a fist. He felt humiliated, hurt, and helpless.

As the teacher began the lesson, Taehyung's sobs subsided into silent tears. He couldn't focus on the words being spoken, his mind replaying Jimin's harsh words and actions.