Harmonic Destinies

Chapter 17 : I Like You...

The next morning, Taehyung woke up with a flutter of nerves and excitement in his stomach, a blend of anticipation and a tinge of worry about what the day held. Jungkook had texted him early, asking if they could talk. He knew what was coming Baekhyung's confession was still fresh in his mind, and he knew they needed to clear the air. After everything that had happened with Baekhyung the day before, Taehyung felt more ready than ever to be honest, not just with Jungkook but with himself.

After his morning class, Taehyung made his way to the campus garden where Jungkook had asked to meet. The spot was tucked away near a grove of trees, quiet and peaceful. As he arrived, he spotted Jungkook sitting on a low wall, his gaze distant and contemplative as he waited. Taehyung's heart raced as he walked over, wondering how to even begin explaining everything that had happened. "Hey, Kook," Taehyung greeted softly, pulling Jungkook out of his thoughts. Jungkook's face lit up as he saw him, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

"Hey, Taehyung." Jungkook's voice was steady, but Taehyung could sense the undercurrent of vulnerability beneath it. They stood in silence for a moment, neither quite sure how to start. Finally, Jungkook took a breath and broke the silence. "I'm sorry for being distant," he said. "I just... I needed to get my head on straight. When I saw you with Baekhyung, it felt like everything just... fell apart." He shook his head, looking down. "I was jealous, Taehyung. Really jealous."

Taehyung felt a pang of guilt, realizing how much Jungkook must have misunderstood the situation. "Jungkook, there's something I need to tell you," he said, taking a small step closer. "What you saw yesterday... it wasn't what it looked like. Baekhyung and I went out, yes, but it was just a friend thing. At least, that's what I thought. He asked me on a date, but I realized halfway through that I didn't feel that way about him."

Jungkook looked up, his gaze intent and searching. "And the kiss?"

Taehyung's cheeks flushed as he recalled the uncomfortable moment. "It was a surprise to me too, honestly," he admitted. "Baekhyung leaned in and kissed me, but I didn't kiss him back. I pulled away right after and... well, I actually ended things with him after that." Jungkook's eyes softened as he took in Taehyung's words, relief washing over his face. "So... you don't have feelings for him?" Taehyung shook his head, offering a small, reassuring smile. "No, I don't. I was honestly kind of relieved after yesterday, it made me realize how I actually felt." He took a shaky breath, meeting Jungkook's gaze. "The truth is... I like you, Jungkook. I think I always have, I just didn't know how to say it."

The tension in Jungkook's posture melted, replaced by an almost shy smile. "Really?" he asked, his voice soft with wonder. "I thought I was imagining things." Taehyung's smile grew, and without another word, Jungkook took a step closer, closing the gap between them. He reached up, cupping Taehyung's face in his hands, his thumbs grazing gently along his cheeks. Taehyung's breath hitched, his heart racing in his chest as Jungkook's gaze held his.

And then, Jungkook leaned in, capturing Taehyung's lips in a gentle, tender kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of Jungkook's touch, the softness of his lips, and the overwhelming feeling that this was where he was meant to be. Taehyung's hands found their way to Jungkook's waist, pulling him closer as they deepened the kiss, both of them melting into the moment.

It felt like forever and no time at all before they finally pulled away, both of them breathing heavily, faces flushed. Jungkook smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from Taehyung's face. "I've wanted to do that for so long," he whispered, his voice laced with a mix of happiness and disbelief. Taehyung chuckled softly, still feeling a bit dazed. "Me too," he admitted, his own smile widening.

They spent the rest of their time together talking, finally sharing the feelings they'd both been holding back. Jungkook opened up about how confused he'd felt seeing Taehyung with someone else, and Taehyung reassured him, emphasizing that his heart had always been with Jungkook. It felt like a weight had been lifted, and by the time they parted ways to head back to their dorms, both of them were filled with a sense of peace and certainty they hadn't felt before.

That evening, back in his shared dorm room, Taehyung couldn't stop smiling. Every time he thought about the kiss, he felt a rush of warmth, his heart fluttering in his chest. But he knew there was one person he needed to talk to, one person who'd understand the most. As he came through the door, Jimin looked up from his desk, immediately noticing the goofy grin Taehyung was wearing. "Tae, what happened?" Jimin asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity as he watched his roommate plop onto his bed, still smiling.

Taehyung chuckled, flopping onto his bed. "Well... let's just say it went really well. Jungkook and I, we talked... and we finally, well..." He trailed off, his face flushing as he recalled the moment. "You finally kissed?" Jimin finished, an eyebrow raised, though his tone held a hint of caution.

Taehyung nodded, his smile growing. "Yeah... and it felt amazing, Jimin. I think I've really fallen for him."

Jimin's expression softened, but a shadow of concern crossed his face. He shifted, closing his notebook as he took a seat on the edge of Taehyung's bed. "I'm happy for you, Tae, I really am. But I have to ask you... are you sure this is what you want?" Taehyung's smile wavered a little, caught off guard by Jimin's change in tone. "Of course, Jimin. I've never felt this way about anyone before."

Jimin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Listen, Taehyung. I know how it feels to want something so much... but I also know what it's like to be involved with someone in the spotlight, someone with so much pressure on them." He looked down for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. "When I was with Yoongi, it was amazing, don't get me wrong. But the more serious things got, the harder it became. His fame, the company's rules, the pressure from everyone around us, it got to be too much. Eventually, it wasn't just our relationship under strain, but him, too. His family and the company... they were relentless."

Taehyung listened quietly, his excitement dimming a bit as he saw the pain in Jimin's expression. "I'm not saying Jungkook's like that," Jimin continued. "But Taehyung... I don't want you to get hurt like I did. I don't want you to feel the way I felt, being told you're not worth it or that you're just in the way of his career. And... seeing how protective his manager is, I can't help but worry." Taehyung's smile faded completely, and he nodded, processing Jimin's words. "I didn't realize how hard it was for you, Jimin. I'm so sorry..."

"It's not your fault," Jimin replied, his tone softening. "I just want you to be careful, okay? You're my best friend now, and I don't want you getting hurt by people who don't understand your worth." Taking a deep breath, Taehyung nodded. "Thank you, Jimin. I promise I'll be careful." They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment, Jimin's hand resting on Taehyung's shoulder. Finally, Jimin offered him a small smile. "If he makes you happy, then that's all that matters to me. Just... don't lose yourself in it." Taehyung smiled back, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I won't. And thank you, Jimin. I really needed to hear that."

The rest of the evening passed quietly. Taehyung understood and respected his best friend's experience, realizing that Jimin's caution came from a place of deep love and protection. A long journey awaits him...

To be continued...