Truth Or Love || Taekook

48

Taehyung was lounging in his room when his phone buzzed. He opened Chris's message, “Let’s meet at 8?”

Taehyung sighed, typing a quick “Okay.”

Tossing the phone aside, he glanced at the clock; it was 5 PM, and he’d only been back from the university for an hour.

Today, Taehyung had been extra cautious, making sure he wasn't seen by Jungkook on campus, unlike yesterday.

He’d taken different routes, kept his head down, and avoided places he knew Jungkook might be, all to dodge any chance of an encounter.

He still couldn’t shake off the tension from earlier, remembering how he had caught him off guard in the washroom yesterday.

Jungkook’s voice, low and demanding, still echoed in his head, making his throat go dry. Frustrated, he groaned, “What the hell does he want from me now?!”

With a heavy sigh, he flopped back onto his bed, thoughts racing through his mind.

The time flew by, and before he knew it, it was time to get ready. He pulled out a plain white t-shirt and a pair of simple jeans, not bothering to put in any extra effort.

He stared at his reflection, shrugging, “Whatever, not like I care anymore.”

Taehyung was in front of the mirror when Tessa walked into the room, her expression light but her eyes serious.

“Where is my hot brother going?” she asked, her voice teasing as she leaned against the doorframe.

Taehyung glanced over his shoulder and smirked. “I’ve got a date, loser.”

Tessa’s playful smile faltered for a moment, her curiosity shifting into a mix of surprise and concern. “With who?” she asked, trying to mask her hesitation.

“Chris, remember?” Taehyung replied, shrugging like it was no big deal. But the nonchalance didn’t fool her; she could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands fidgeted as he adjusted his cuffs.

Tessa nodded slowly, her mood shifting. She had been so sure she’d seen something between Taehyung and Jungkook—some unspoken tension that she wanted to address. But hearing Taehyung talk about another guy caught her off guard.

She swallowed her concerns and forced a small smile. “Okay,” she said simply, her voice gentle, as if trying not to shatter the fragile peace they had established.

“How do I look?” Taehyung asked, turning to her with a hopeful smile, though she could see the uncertainty in his eyes.

Tessa paused, studying him. She saw through the act—the way he was trying so hard to convince himself that he was moving on, that this date meant something.

But she knew better. She knew that he was still hurting, that he was only going out to distract himself from the memories of the 'boy from campus' who had left him shattered.

She wanted to say something, to tell him he didn’t need to force himself, but she didn’t want to risk ruining the moment. So she kept her worries buried.

She didn't yet realize that the boy who had hurt Taehyung back on campus and Jungkook were the same person; in her mind, they were separate.

Still, she felt a reluctance about this date, sensing that Taehyung might not have fully moved on from whatever had happened.

“Handsome as always,” she finally said, playfully giving him a thumbs-up, even though her heart ached for him.

Taehyung grinned, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Thanks, Tess.”

He grabbed his things, pausing for a brief second as if he was reconsidering, but then he forced himself to walk out the door.