Midas Touch ➸ Taekook

- Seventeenth -

Taehyung suppressed a yawn, sluggishly putting his bag back on his back. He skilfully threaded his way through the students crowding the corridors, finally reaching his locker. He opened it and grabbed his maths book, which he shoved half-heartedly into his bag.

Unfortunately for him, his convalescence had come to an end and he had to return to school. He had tried to put it off as long as possible, but his body had completely recovered. It would have been pointless, and ridiculous, to try and hide it.

What bothered him most, apart from the fact that he hated that place and everyone who frequented it, was that he had to catch up on the lessons he'd missed during his month's absence. And that was a lot. Really. He wanted to cry just thinking about it.

"You're making such a face, this early in the morning."

Taehyung saw someone leaning against the locker to the right of his, and he didn't need to turn his head to see who it was.

"You know I'm not a morning person, Kitty."

The young woman gave a sympathetic smile which, he had to admit, Taehyung wasn't used to.

"That's true, but this seems worse than usual. What, it's because he wasn't awake when you left?"

Taehyung knew very well who she was referring to, and he forced himself not to blush. As he left the Institute's infirmary, he'd noticed that all the X-Men were looking at him with smirks. Apparently, his ambiguous relationship with Jungkook was no longer a secret. And it depressed him far more than they could have imagined, because only he knew it wasn't true. He and Jungkook would never be a couple.

So he hated it when other people tried to give him hope. Because he'd be the most disappointed in the end.

"That's beside the point." Taehyung replied with detachment. "I'm just thinking about all the classes I'm going to have to catch up on."

"Oh, about that, don't worry." Kitty said. "I got all the lessons you missed."

Taehyung suddenly turned to her, his eyes slightly wide.

"Are you serious? But we're not even in the same class..."

Kitty smirked, pushing her hair back victoriously.

"Let's just say I used my popularity. It took me a while, but I managed to put it all together..."

Taehyung was honestly impressed. They'd barely spoken a few weeks earlier, but since then, Kitty had really made an effort, becoming a trustworthy friend (or almost, if you forget the betrayal on the night Jungkook arrived). Taehyung was a little touched.

"Thank you, Kitty. You've saved my life."

"Don't worry, that's normal between friends!" she smiled. "Anyway, there's more important things to talk about!"

The boy arched an eyebrow, silently asking her what she was talking about. Kitty sighed.

"Oh Tae, make an effort!" she exclaimed. "I'm talking about the ball!"

Taehyung let out a disinterested 'oh'. He'd completely forgotten about the ball. And yet, even before his injury, it had been on everyone's lips. So now that the event was approaching, it was only natural that it should be the centre of attention.

"Have you got a date?" Kitty asked, smiling mischievously. "You know we can bring someone from outside?"

"Erm..."

Taehyung didn't know how to tell her that he had no intention of going. He'd never had any intention of going. Whether he found a date or not, he wasn't interested in the ball. Besides, it would be too dangerous for him to go, he might touch someone.

"I don't know... it's not really my thing... and besides, I wouldn't have anyone to go with..."

Kitty rolled her eyes.

"Hello, did you hear what I said?! We can bring someone in from the outside!"

"And?"

"Invite Jungkook!"

Taehyung's eyes widened.

"Are you crazy?! I'm not bringing Jungkook!"

"Why not? I did invite Piotr."

"But it's not the same! You and Piotr are practically dating! Jungkook and I hardly know each other! And I'm not interested in him! Nor is he interested in me!"

Kitty couldn't help but blush like a poppy at the mention of her relationship with Piotr, so she quickly changed the subject.

"He's not interested in you?! You've got to be kidding!" Kitty said indignantly. "He's literally spent the whole month by your side, and when he's not with you, he spends his time alone, completely ignoring us. You're literally the only person on this planet he's interested in!"

Taehyung wanted to protest, but she wouldn't let him; she still had things to say.

"And you know, during your convalescence, Chris tried to visit you, but Jungkook stopped him, several times. They almost fought, but Jungkook didn't give in. Anyway, if they'd fought, he would have won. Chris is so weak... and pathetic too..."

"R-Really?"

"Yes! Chris went ballistic, shouting at him that he was nothing, and that he couldn't understand the relationship you two had, that it was deep and complicated, and that Jungkook had no business getting involved. I swear, it was sickening. He's got some nerve, that bastard! Anyway, Jungkook laughed at his face! He told him that if you'd wanted to see him, you'd have called already. Jungkook even went so far as to threaten him, saying that if he got too close to you, he'd kick his butt. It gave me the shivers, it was like watching a movie!"

Taehyung felt his heart clench. He didn't know whether it was joy or pain. Why was Jungkook doing all this? Why was he sending him so many signals, when in the end he'd just abandon him? The man was only here temporarily, he wouldn't be with the X-Men forever. With him. He'd said so himself. When he had r the hostage he was looking for back, he would leave. He would disappear and Taehyung would be alone again. He didn't want to think about that. He didn't want to feel that pain.

"So what are you going to do? Are you going to ask him?" Kitty asked cheerfully.

She really hoped that what she had just told him would change his mind. After all, everyone could see that Jungkook was obsessed with Taehyung. Seriously, during his stay in the infirmary, the Cajun hadn't been shy about saying that the Institute was boring as hell. The only interest he found there was Taehyung. It was obvious that he had feelings for the teenager. Only Taehyung didn't seem to want to see it.

"No." Taehyung replied curtly. "I'm not going to the ball."

Even after these revelations, he didn't particularly want to go to the ball. Going with someone wouldn't change the fact that he hated this kind of event. He preferred places that were... less crowded.

But knowing that Jungkook had protected him from Chris had warmed his heart. Just a little.

~🌻~

Sorry, I totally forgot to update yesterday😖