RACERS to RINGS

Chapter 15: Longin and Fake Rivalry

Hosoek POV

After our honeymoon in Italy, it felt strange to be back home. The trip had flown by in a haze of awkward silences and attempts at conversation that never made it past a few sentences. I kept hoping we’d find a rhythm, a spark that would pull us closer, but every moment seemed to slip away before it could even begin.

When we finally arrived at the mansion, night had already fallen. Exhaustion was setting in, but frustration burned hotter. As soon as we walked inside, Yoongi casually suggested we sleep in separate rooms he didn’t even ask what I thought about it. I could hardly believe it. Italy had been the first time we’d ever shared a bed, and I’d gotten used to the quiet comfort of feeling him beside me. We weren’t close, but I could sense his presence, his warmth just a reach away. Now that same comfort was taken away without a second thought.

I trudged to my room, the silence somehow louder than ever. Every inch of the bed felt too empty, and I found myself tossing and turning. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake the need to feel that quiet presence beside me. Every time I closed my eyes, I remembered Italy the times I’d woken up to see him just a breath away, sound asleep. I’d tried to tell myself it didn’t mean much, but it had meant everything.

Sleep wouldn’t come, and I lay there, staring at the ceiling, tangled up in my thoughts and frustrations. That’s when I heard footsteps outside my door, soft and cautious. My heart raced. I quickly rolled over, facing away from the door, my body tense but pretending to be asleep. Years of sneaking out at night to race had made me good at faking sleep, and I forced my breathing to stay steady.

The door opened, and I felt tense but it ease up in a second when I heard the person calling me "Hoba?"
It was Yoongi.
His presence behind me. My pulse pounded, wondering what he was doing here. I kept perfectly still, my heart racing so fast I worried he’d hear it. I felt him lean over me, his breath soft against my hair as he studied me. It was almost impossible to keep my eyes closed, to keep pretending, but somehow, I managed.

Then, in the quiet of the room, Yoongi’s voice broke through, soft and tender. “Good night,” he whispered, so close that a shiver ran down my spine. Then, gently, he leaned down and pressed a small kiss to my forehead. I wanted to scream, to grab him, anything to let him know just how much that little gesture meant to me. But I stayed still, every ounce of self-control going into not reacting. Inside, I was screaming, grinning like an idiot, and trying not to blush.

As Yoongi quietly left the room, I finally let out a shaky breath, my cheeks warm with the memory of his touch. I lay there, grinning in the dark, unable to wipe the smile off my face.

Third Person POV

The lunchtime buzz at Bangtan College University was in full swing, with students filling every corner of the cafeteria, spilling over tables, and diving into the latest gossip. Conversations overlapped as friends discussed everything from weekend plans to classwork, but today, one topic had captured the attention of nearly everyone: the rumored rivalry between Kim Taehyung and Min Jungkook.

Kim Taehyung sat at a table near the windows, his signature smile drawing the usual crowd. As Hoseok’s cousin, he carried a reputation as the college’s unofficial heartthrob, effortlessly charming everyone around him with his easygoing charisma and sharp fashion sense. His laugh filled the air as he joked with his friends, sending a ripple of excitement through the surrounding tables.

On the opposite side of the cafeteria, Min Jungkook held his own kind of magnetism. Yoongi’s younger brother, Jungkook wore his “bad boy” label well, with his leather jacket and confident smirk setting him apart. Known for his rebellious streak and air of mystery, he moved through college with a cool, untouchable aura. Just the sight of him was enough to spark whispers and keep the rumor mill churning.

Though gossip held that the two were fierce rivals, the truth was far simpler. Taehyung and Jungkook barely interacted outside of family gatherings and that one scheming session to plan Yoongi and Hoseok’s honeymoon. But in the absence of facts, students spun stories of bitter competition between the two, and neither Taehyung nor Jungkook bothered to set the record straight. Even professors seemed to buy into the myth, giving them knowing looks whenever they crossed paths.

Today, however, Taehyung was about to lean into the rumors for a bit of fun.

He glanced up from his table, catching sight of Jungkook telling an animated story to his friends. A mischievous grin spread across Taehyung’s face as he nudged his friend next to him. "How about we give them a show?"

His friend raised an eyebrow, curious. "What are you up to now?"

"Just a little improv," Taehyung replied with a wink, standing up with his tray in hand. The chatter in the cafeteria softened as Taehyung strolled across the room, aiming straight for Jungkook’s table.

Jungkook noticed Taehyung’s approach, looking up with mild curiosity. “Taehyung,” he greeted, voice neutral but with a hint of suspicion.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung replied smoothly, plopping down into the seat beside him without invitation. “You know, rumor has it we’re supposed to be rivals.” He grinned as if this idea genuinely amused him. “Thought I’d come over and see what all the fuss is about.”

Jungkook folded his arms, eyes narrowing slightly. “The only one making a fuss here is you,” he replied, suppressing a smirk. “I don’t need attention like you do.”

Taehyung laughed, unbothered. “True, but imagine how much fun we could have if we actually leaned into it. A little back-and-forth could keep things... interesting.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, considering this. “So, what you want us to put on a show?”

Taehyung leaned back, shrugging. “Why not? It’s harmless fun. Besides, think of all the shocked faces when we really start acting like rivals.”

Jungkook chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Alright, but don’t expect me to take it easy on you.”

Taehyung’s grin widened. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s give these rumors something real to talk about.”

As Taehyung returned to his own table, he threw a playful wink over his shoulder, and Jungkook fought the urge to laugh, already imagining the rumors that would flood the campus by the end of the day.

Around them, students exchanged glances, eyes wide with excitement, their suspicions seemingly confirmed by this unexpected “𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟.” They whispered, leaning over tables and practically buzzing with the thrill of fresh gossip.

Taehyung and Jungkook exchanged one last look from across the cafeteria, both secretly amused by how easily they could spark the next big rumor. It was too easy and too much fun.

............
I'm Back everyone