Teach me how to love

30

After the terrifying incident in the car, Taehyung became more cautious in handling Jungkook's volatile emotions. The atmosphere between them had shifted; tension hung thick in the air like a storm cloud ready to burst. Taehyung could feel the unease every time he caught Jungkook glancing at another woman, a tight knot forming in his stomach.

He worried that Jungkook's paranoia was festering, growing larger with each passing day. It pained Taehyung to see Jungkook grappling with his insecurities, the shadows of his past haunting him.

One afternoon, as they walked through the campus courtyard, Taehyung noticed Jungkook engaged in conversation with a female student. She was animated, her laughter ringing out like music, but to Taehyung, it felt like a siren's call. He felt a rush of anxiety clawing at him, and he instinctively reached for Jungkook's hand, squeezing it tightly. Jungkook looked over, his expression softening, but the moment was overshadowed by Taehyung's rising panic.

In an effort to alleviate the growing tension, Jungkook made a sudden decision. That evening, he sat down with Taehyung, his expression serious.

"I've thought about it, and I'm done," Jungkook said, his voice firm yet tinged with uncertainty. "I'm cutting ties with all the girls at school. I won't talk to them anymore."

Taehyung's heart sank at the weight of Jungkook's declaration. He didn't want Jungkook to feel he had to make such sacrifices, yet the truth was that he felt a mix of relief and guilt. "Jungkook, you don't have to do that. You shouldn't feel like you need to change for me."

"I know," Jungkook replied, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident on his face. "But I can't help it. I see the way you react, and it drives me crazy. I just want you to be okay. If that means cutting off those connections, then I'll do it."

Taehyung's heart ached at Jungkook's determination, but he also saw the toll it was taking on him. "You shouldn't have to sacrifice your friendships. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I don't want you to feel trapped or isolated."

Jungkook shook his head. "You don't get it, Taehyung. It's not about them. It's about you and me. I want to protect what we have. I don't want to lose you to anyone, especially not to someone who might bring up old wounds."

Taehyung took a deep breath, grappling with his feelings. He didn't want to be the reason Jungkook felt he had to shut himself away from the world. "I just want you to be happy," he said softly.

"And I'm happy with you," Jungkook replied, his expression softening as he took Taehyung's hands in his. "But I need you to trust me, to believe that I'm all in on this. I can't handle the thought of losing you."

Taehyung felt the weight of Jungkook's words, knowing that both of them were struggling under the strain of their emotions. He nodded, squeezing Jungkook's hands tightly. "Okay, but promise me that if it becomes too much, you'll talk to me. We can work through it together."

"Promise," Jungkook replied, his gaze steady as he searched Taehyung's eyes, both of them acutely aware of the fragile balance they were trying to maintain.

As the days passed, they both tried to navigate their complicated emotions, the unspoken tension lingering like a shadow. Taehyung remained vigilant, his heart heavy with the understanding that while they were committed to each other, the journey ahead would not be easy.

Day after day passed, and not a single moment went by without Jungkook by Taehyung's side. Wherever Taehyung went, Jungkook was always there, close enough to protect, to watch over him. Everyone could see the way Jungkook's gaze was fixed only on Taehyung, as if no one else in the world existed. His presence was constant, and the intensity of his devotion was palpable, unmistakable to anyone who witnessed it.