ABC's of Love

Episode 12

Episode 12

Taehyung took a sip from his coffee mug, hoping it would help him relax. Leaning back in his chair, he let his gaze settle on Jungkook, who was sitting across from him, completely absorbed in his work. Taehyung watched him keenly, noting the way Jungkook’s long lashes cast delicate shadows over his cheeks. He found himself admiring the sharp features in front of him, the black hair, the dark lashes, the piercings, the strong jawline and cheekbones, and the slight pout of Jungkook’s lips as he focused.

Jungkook seemed lost in his own world, quirking his lips, sometimes frowning or biting his lip in concentration. Occasionally, his tongue would flick against his piercings, and Taehyung couldn’t help but gulp at the sight. He was mesmerized.

Suddenly, Jungkook looked up, catching Taehyung off guard. Startled, Taehyung flinched, and at that moment, the hot coffee mug slipped from his hand, shattering as it hit the floor and spilling its contents. The quiet of the room was broken by the disaster.

Tae: *Ouch…* *the hot coffee burning his hand*

In an instant, Jungkook was on his feet, rushing to his side.
Jungkook: "Oh, God! Come, wash your hands with cold water; walk carefully; there might be broken pieces on the floor."
he said urgently, guiding Taehyung toward the sink.

As Jungkook helped him, Taehyung glanced at his face, seeing genuine worry etched there.

Tae: "It’s alright…"

Jungkook, ignoring his words, gently led him to the washbasin and turned on the water, holding Taehyung’s hand under the cool stream.

Jungkook: "It’s red… We need to put some ointment on it so it’ll cool down."

Tae: "It’s fine; it’ll be alright,"

But Jungkook had already taken a tube of ointment and was carefully applying it, his fingers gliding softly over Taehyung’s hand. He even blew gently on the burn, as though he himself were feeling the sting.

A sudden memory came to Taehyung, his father’s words echoing in his mind: "Jungkook loves you" The thought made him pull his hand back abruptly.

Tae: "Thank you," he said quietly, almost awkwardly.

Jungkook: "It’ll be better by morning,"

Taehyung: *nodded* "Good night."

Jungkook: "Good night,"

Taehyung watched him for a moment as he carefully gathered the broken pieces of the coffee mug, wiping the floor clean before finally lying down.

And with that, both of them drifted into sleep, the silence once more filling the room.

In the days that followed, Taehyung and Jungkook spoke less and less. Jungkook tried to bridge the growing distance between them, but Taehyung had built a wall around his heart, not visible, but strong enough to keep Jungkook at bay. He wasn’t ready to accept him, no matter how much Jungkook’s quiet gestures tried to break down the barriers.

A few days later, Yoomin left for their honeymoon, and the Jeons prepared for a trip to London. Before they departed, Mrs. Jeon took Taehyung aside.

Mrs Jeon: "Taehyung, promise me you’ll take care of yourself and Jungkook, too. He’s sensitive, and he won’t always say what he’s feeling."

Tae: "Don’t worry, eomma, I’ll take care of him."

With that, they said their goodbyes.

Taehyung entered his room and settled in to study. Jungkook came by and saw him focused on his books.

Not wanting to interrupt, he quietly turned and went to the kitchen, where he began learning a new recipe. By dinnertime, he had prepared a meal and, after a few hours, called Taehyung.

Jungkook: "Taehyung, let’s have some dinner,"
Taehyung: *shook his head* No, I… have no appetite."

Jungkook: "I made gimbap,"

Taehyung: *surprised* "You cooked for me?" 
Jungkook: *shy smile* "For us…"

Tae: "Alright, I’m coming."

As he came closer, the aroma of the food stirred his hunger, and he took a tentative bite. 

Tae: "Mmm… delicious… perfect,"
*savouring the taste*

Jungkook’s face lit up with a wide smile.

Jungkook: "How are your preparations for the exam?"

Taehyung looked down at his plate.
Tae: "They’re… fine."

Jungkook: "I can help you if you want,"

Tae: "No… thanks,"

After finishing dinner, Taehyung got up and started washing the dishes, but Jungkook stepped forward.

Jungkook: "Taehyung, stop. Don’t do this; focus on your exams."

He reached out, gently holding Taehyung’s hand to stop him.

But Taehyung quickly pulled his hand away and left the room without a word. An hour later, Jungkook returned to find Taehyung still studying. 

Jungkook: "Taehyung, it’s late. You should get some rest now,"

Jungkook: "Yeah, I’m going to sleep,"

He changed into his night clothes and lay on the bed. Jungkook followed suit, lying down beside him, with Taehyung’s back turned to him. Jungkook waited, hoping for some acknowledgement, but Taehyung remained silent. He drifted off to sleep, leaving Jungkook with nothing but the quiet ache of unspoken words.

..........

The next morning

Taehyung got ready, and Jungkook prepared breakfast for him before driving him to the university. 

Jungkook: "Call me when your exam is over." 

Taehyung nodded and headed into the university hall, where Minho was waiting for him. He tried to ignore him, but Minho called out. 

Minho: "Taehyung, please listen…"

Taehyung stopped and turned around. 

Tae: "What do you want from me? You did what you wanted, and now it’s over."

Without warning, Minho grabbed him and pushed him against the wall.

Minho: "Listen to me..."
.......

TBC