Starlight and Petals (taekook)

25: Journal

Authors pov:

Jungkook slides his arm smoothly around Taehyung's waist, drawing him in with a gentle but steady pull. Taehyung's hand, as if it has a mind of its own, lands on Jungkook's shoulder, his fingers brushing the fabric of Jungkook's shirt as he swallows, gaze shifting downward, too hesitant to meet Jungkook's eyes directly. The warmth between them is intense, and every movement seems to pulse in sync with the music around them, their small sways perfectly in tune. The room falls into a soft silence, and the others look on with quiet awe, watching the two dance as if no one else exists.

Every so often, Taehyung glances away to catch a glimpse of his grandma, who now laughs joyfully while dancing with Eunwoo. But when he dares to look back at Jungkook, his breath catches again—Jungkook's gaze hasn't strayed, his eyes glued to Taehyung's face with a mix of adoration and fascination. The intensity makes Taehyung's heartbeat race with both nerves and an indescribable thrill, like he's being seen fully, undeniably, in a way that leaves him tingling.

Then, Jungkook lifts his free hand, tucking a stray strand of Taehyung's hair behind his ear. The soft touch makes Taehyung's eyes flutter closed for a moment, savoring the bliss of it, a perfect mix of tenderness and warmth.

"You look beautiful," Jungkook murmurs, his voice a gentle tease as he tilts his head with a playful smile.  He finally lets his eyes meet Jungkook's, feeling vulnerable yet exhilarated.

"And now that you've looked at me, I feel like maybe I'm looking pretty good, too?"

Taehyung's lips part, tempted to argue—"good" is such an understatement. Jungkook's handsomeness is something words can barely capture, let alone a single word like "good." But before he can respond, his breath catches again as he realizes how completely, effortlessly Jungkook makes him feel like the only person in the world.

As Jungkook takes Taehyung's hand and twirls him, Taehyung feels a rush—almost like he's floating, weightless, in the moment. The world around them fades as he's drawn back into Jungkook's arms, even closer than before. Taehyung's instinct is to create a little space, maybe to ease his racing heartbeat, but Jungkook doesn't let him. Jungkook's hands slide around Taehyung's waist, drawing him firmly against his chest, a protective embrace that feels overwhelming in the best possible way.

Taehyung feels breathless, his chest tightening as his hands curl against his own heart, trying to calm the flurry of emotions inside him. His teeth catch his bottom lip as he resists the urge to meet Jungkook's gaze, knowing that one look could undo him entirely. Every touch, every glance, feels amplified, and in this dance, he's no longer sure where his heartbeat ends and Jungkook's begins.

Taehyung wants to stop—his heart is too full, too fragile, teetering on the edge of breaking. If he doesn't pull away, he fears he might shatter right here in Jungkook's arms or abandon every plan, every promise he made to himself about moving to Daegu and leaving all of this behind. He glances up at Jungkook, but Jungkook isn't watching him; his gaze is soft and directed across the room, where his grandma is laughing, her cheeks flushed as Eunwoo kneels down with a flower, offering it to her with a dramatic flourish.

As he watches, a rush of memories overtakes him—uninvited and unstoppable. Memories of nine years ago flood his mind: his confession to Jungkook, their shy, blossoming romance, stolen kisses on campus, the wild arguments, the truth that neither of them could handle, the shattering breakup, accusations, and betrayals that tore them apart. His chest tightens with a pain that's almost physical, an ache that nearly drowns him. Before he realizes it, he's pushing Jungkook away so hard the idol literally stumbles back, while he  shuts his eyes tight as he tries to breathe past the suffocating hurt.

The room falls silent, every face turned toward him with varying degrees of surprise and worry. His grandma's smile falters, Eunwoo slowly stands, uncertain. Taehyung's chest heaves, breaths shallow and erratic as he struggles to keep the tears from spilling over. But when his gaze meets Jungkook's again—filled with hurt, confusion, and still, unbelievably, that unyielding love he knows so well—Taehyung feels panic grip him.