Jungkook shifted closer to Suga, almost without realizing it, his body instinctively sought the comfort and stability Suga offered. The subtle movement didn’t escape Suga’s notice. His sharp eyes flicked to Jungkook, catching the tension in his posture - the stiffness of his shoulders, the way his fingers fidgeted with the hem of his gown.
“You want more juice?” Suga asked softly, his voice carrying a note of concern.
Jungkook quickly shook his head, his movements abrupt, as if trying to shake off the unease creeping over him. He placed his empty glass on a passing waiter’s tray, his hand trembling slightly. “No. I’m full,” he replied, his voice flat but edged with something he couldn’t quite hide.
Suga frowned, the crease between his brows deepening. “What’s wrong?” he pressed, his eyes scanning Jungkook’s face for answers. “You seem distracted.”
Jungkook hesitated, his lips parting as if to speak, but no words came out. His gaze flitted across the room, unwilling, or unable, to meet Suga’s concerned eyes. Instead, his focus landed on the figure that had been pulling at the edges of his awareness since they’d entered.
Taehyung.
He stood a short distance away, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Taehyung seemed utterly at ease in the room’s opulence. His presence was magnetic, drawing attention without trying, and Jungkook felt his chest tighten.
“It’s just…” Jungkook started, his voice trailing off as he forced himself to look away from the man who had occupied his thoughts far more than he cared to admit.
Suga followed the direction of Jungkook’s gaze, turning his head slightly. When his eyes landed on Taehyung, he paused for a fraction of a second before nodding in polite recognition. Taehyung, in turn, raised his champagne glass in a gesture that was casual yet deliberate.
“Taehyung,” Suga murmured, his tone neutral but watchful.
Jungkook swallowed hard, the sudden dryness in his throat making it difficult to respond. “No, it’s… it’s nothing,” he said hastily, his words sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.
Suga’s expression softened, though a flicker of understanding passed through his eyes. Without a word, his hand moved to rest gently on Jungkook’s waist, a gesture both protective and grounding. “Come,” he said simply, steering Jungkook toward a quieter part of the room.
Jungkook allowed himself to be led, his feet moving automatically, but his mind was elsewhere. Even as they walked, he couldn’t resist a final glance over his shoulder, his eyes drawn back to Taehyung.
And what he saw made his pulse stutter.
Taehyung was smirking - a slow, deliberate curve of his lips that was equal parts teasing and dangerous. His hazel eyes locked onto Jungkook’s, holding his gaze with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. It wasn’t just a smirk; it was a challenge, a silent provocation that seemed to say, I see you. I know.
Jungkook’s steps faltering for the briefest of moments. It felt like a game was unfolding, one that Taehyung was playing masterfully and Jungkook was powerless to resist. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, the pull was undeniable, the tension like a live wire humming between them.
Suga’s hand pressed gently against his back, drawing him back to the present. “You okay?” Suga asked quietly, his voice cutting through the haze of Jungkook’s thoughts.
Jungkook nodded quickly, forcing a tight smile. “Yeah,” he murmured, though the rapid beat of his heart and the lingering weight of Taehyung’s smirk told a very different story.
