BETWEENUS//taekook//vkook // Yoonmin

PART 13

Yoongi comes to pick up Taehyung, earlier than usual. He pulls up unexpectedly and steps out of the car.

His eyes lock onto the scene before him. Taehyung and Jungkook hug each other tightly.

A jolt of unease runs through Yoongi's veins. What's going on? He approaches quietly, not wanting to startle them.

"Taehyung?" Yoongi calls out, his voice measured.

Taehyung and Jungkook spring apart. Guilty expressions flash across their faces.

"Yoongi!" Taehyung exclaims, attempting nonchalance. "What are you doing here?"

Yoongi's eyes narrow. I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd surprise you… but I'm the one who got surprised.

Jungkook's eyes dart between them. I should go, he mutters.

Yoongi's gaze lingers on Jungkook. Something doesn’t feel right. "Stay away from Taehyung, Jungkook," Yoongi warns.

Jungkook's jaw clenches.

Taehyung intervenes. "Yoongi, stop. It's not what it looks like."

But Yoongi's suspicion lingers.

I need to do something before it's too late, Yoongi thinks. This feeling… it's been growing for weeks. Taehyung's distance, Jungkook's constant presence… it's like they're hiding something.

I can’t let Jungkook ruin everything, Yoongi's mind races. Not now, not when we've come so far.

I have to protect what's mine. Taehyung's mine. I won’t lose him to Jungkook.

Yoongi's eyes lock onto Taehyung. I'll do whatever it takes, Yoongi vows. Whatever it takes to keep him.

---

After one month.

Jungkook and Taehyung's feelings for each other have grown.

Sometimes, in class, they lock eyes and blush.

Their gazes linger, sparks flying.

Jimin notices the change and feels uneasy.

Jungkook's smile, once reserved for him, now belongs to Taehyung.

Their laughter, once shared, now echoes with Taehyung.

Jimin's heart aches. Am I losing my best friend? Would Jungkook choose Taehyung over our bond?

The uncertainty gnaws at him.

As Jungkook and Taehyung's connection deepens, the month brings clarity for Taehyung. He realizes that his feelings for Yoongi have faded. The love that once burned bright now simmers. Taehyung struggles to reconcile his emotions, feeling guilty about his newfound awareness.

How can I tell Yoongi that my heart no longer belongs to him? Their relationship, once passionate, now feels hollow.

Meanwhile, Jungkook's presence stirs new emotions. Taehyung's heart skips beats when Jungkook is near, and their accidental touches send shivers.

Is it possible to fall for someone new while still bound to another? Taehyung's conscience nags, unsure how to navigate these conflicting emotions.

School ends, and Jungkook packs his bag.

"Let's go home together," Jimin asks.

"No, Jimin. I need to stay with Taehyung until someone comes to pick him up," Jungkook replies.

Jimin's eyes flash with frustration.

"Why always him? What about me? Am I not your friend anymore? We're not hanging out like we used to because of him," Jimin says, his voice laced with emotion.