Truth Or Love || Taekook

51

Taehyung sat in his dimly lit apartment room, his eyes unfocused as he stared at the lamp on his desk.

His thoughts were a whirlwind, torn between what had happened earlier and the heavy, complicated feelings that came with it.

The soft knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts, and he glanced over as the door creaked open.

Tessa poked her head in, her smile brightening the room. "Hiii, Tae-bear!"

"Hiii, Tessa," Taehyung replied, forcing a smile even as his heart sank. "What's up?"

Tessa sauntered over to the bed, plopping down beside him.

"Okay, Tae-bear, it's been an amazing holiday with you, but..." She trailed off, her smile faltering a bit.

Taehyung's stomach twisted at the sudden shift in mood. "I'm sensing a 'but' here. What's going on?"

She took a deep breath, trying to hold back the seriousness. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

Taehyung's expression fell, and his heart sank. "Leaving?" he repeated softly. "Can't you stay a bit longer, please?" There was a hint of desperation in his voice.

Tessa shook her head, her eyes full of affection but also sadness. "I wish I could, Tae, but... my holidays are over. I need to get back for my final semester." She sighed, squeezing his hand.

"I came because I knew you were not okay, and... I wanted to be here for you, but... I have to go back now." She quickly added, seeing the look on his face, "But I promise, as soon as my exams are over, I'll come back. You know I will."

Taehyung's shoulders slumped as he muttered, "I already miss you..." He felt a lump forming in his throat, and his eyes stung.

Tessa reached out, pulling him into a hug. "Hey, don't make that face. You've been so strong, Tae, and... I'm so proud of you. Just a little while longer, and I'll be back, okay?"

Taehyung clung to her for a moment before nodding. "Okay... but you better keep that promise, noona."

"Always," she whispered, smiling as she pulled back.

They sat in silence for a while, Tessa gently rubbing his back in soothing circles.

Taehyung stared down at the floor, his thoughts swirling. He could feel the question bubbling up inside him, but he hesitated, battling with himself.

Should I ask? Will she mind? What if she thinks I'm prying? He bit his lip, debating whether it was better to leave it alone.

But the desperation-and something else he couldn't quite name-pushed him to speak.

"Umm... Tess?" he finally managed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tessa looked at him, her eyes warm and attentive. "Hmm?" she responded, tilting her head slightly.

Taehyung hesitated again, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. What if she thinks it's weird that I'm asking? Maybe it's not my business... He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

"What about... Jungkook?" he asked, his tone casual, but his heart pounded loudly in his chest.

Tessa blinked, her brows furrowing slightly as she processed his question. "What about him?"

Taehyung's fingers twisted in his shirt, and he felt a wave of awkwardness wash over him.

Why the hell did I even bring this up?

"Umm, you know... Are you guys going to try long distance or... something?" he said, trying to sound indifferent, but the slight tremor in his voice betrayed him.