TEMPESTUOUS TIES

UNRAVELING

Three months had passed, and Jungkook was both dreading and anticipating the idea of attending Konkuk University. He couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions, especially with the presence of his hyungs, particularly -Taehyung.

Deep down, Jungkook had convinced himself that Taehyung would never want him there. He was sure that any kind of love or relationship between them was impossible. If he was to have any connection with Taehyung, it would have to be a friendship, nothing more. But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was different now-different in a way that might just shatter his resolve.

While his head is spinning with thoughts, the corridor was alive with emotions, the kind that only college life could bring. Some were happy, some hesitant, others sad, and some-like him-completely new to this.

Jungkook just wanted a peaceful start. 'All I wish for is a good roommate at least,' he thought, twisting the knob of his dorm door.

The door creaked open, and there it was-a classic college dorm room. Two beds placed a meter apart, attached study tables, a couple of shared cupboards, and the bathroom door just in the corner. The room was small, yet cozy. 'Nice', he thought, stepping inside. He assumed his roommate had already arrived and arranged his side of the room.

As he set down his bags and was about to start unpacking, a sudden noise interrupted his thoughts. His phone rang loudly, pulling him back to reality.

"Hello, Mom!" Jungkook answered, already mentally preparing himself for the endless questions.

"Is everything there alright, kid? Did you call Seoyoung and let her know you were coming? Did she come? Is she alright?" Mrs. Jeon rattled off, her voice full of concern.

"MOM! MOM! I did, she came, she's alright. Fine! As if she wouldn't." Jungkook replied confidently, his tone a bit irritated as he tried to get back to unpacking.

"What's the noise, dear? Isn't it disturbing?" Mrs. Jeon asked, her voice soft but still full of concern.

"Maybe some construction work is going on nearby, and the corridor is pretty busy... So that's the cause of the noise," Jungkook lied, trying to brush her off. "I'm really tired, Mom. I need to unpack. Can we talk later?"

"Sure, child! Bye, your dad also asks you to be safe," Mrs. Jeon said, ending the call.

Jungkook sighed in relief, feeling the weight of his mother's worries lift. He glanced at his bags, wondering how much effort it would take to unpack everything. "Maybe I'll just unpack this bag... or maybe take a nap," he thought, already feeling the exhaustion creep in. With that, he flopped onto the bed, his face sinking into the soft, fresh bedsheets.

Despite the noise in the hallway, Jungkook quickly drifted into sleep. However, his rest was short-lived. The sound of a door twisting interrupted his peaceful slumber.

'Maybe it's my roommate... Should I get up and talk to him?' Jungkook pondered, half asleep. 'Nah, not now. I'll sleep first,' he decided, but something inside him urged him to at least take a peek.

Opening his eyes just enough to see who had entered. What he saw made his breath catch in his throat. A tan back, glistening with water droplets that traced the contours of toned skin. The hair was still wet, dripping water on the smooth surface of the back, creating a slow trickle down the muscles.

'Maybe he's just back from the shower, Jungkook thought. Didn't hear the water running, though... maybe I was too out of it with the noise.'

Jungkook closed his eyes again, rolling over to get back to sleep, when suddenly, he felt something-a pair of lips, warm and soft, pressing gently against his cheek. His body froze, his mind racing. 'What the hell was that? Am I dreaming?' He ignored it, thinking it was just his imagination.