𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 | 𝗝𝗶𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗩 ✓

2

Tae-Hyung walked towards the classroom, his eyes scanning the campus with a sense of anticipation, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jung-Kook. He hadn’t seen him for three days, and even though the campus was alive with the usual chatter and movement of students, it felt as though Jung-Kook was nowhere to be found. Tae-Hyung's gaze flickered over the familiar paths and trees, but there was no sign of the boy who had captured his heart the moment their eyes first met.

It was at Yoon-Gi's birthday party—one of those rare occasions where everything seemed to fall into place. Tae-Hyung had barely known Jung-Kook at the time, but the way the boy had stepped in to defend him when a group of students teased him about his clothes—it had left an impression. Jung-Kook, effortlessly cool in his demeanor, had silenced their taunts with nothing more than a sharp glare and a brief but pointed lecture, standing up for him without hesitation. Tae-Hyung couldn’t help but fall for him then and there. It wasn’t just the way Jung-Kook defended him, but the way he carried himself—confident, unbothered by the opinions of others.

Ji-Min, who had known Tae-Hyung long enough to recognize the signs of a crush, watched him now with an amused expression. He knew exactly what was going through his best friend's mind. Tae-Hyung, ever the romantic, had a tendency to get lost in thoughts about Jung-Kook, especially when he was nowhere to be found. Ji-Min also couldn’t help but remember that first night, how Jung-Kook had so casually shut down anyone who dared to make fun of Tae-Hyung.

“Stop it, Tae-Hyung,” Ji-Min said, his tone playful yet understanding. “For now, let’s just go to class. You can find him later. He’s probably practicing for the basketball match anyway.”

Tae-Hyung nodded, offering a smile, though it was tinged with that familiar longing in his eyes. He followed Ji-Min, but his thoughts were already elsewhere. Basketball practice or not, Jung-Kook had a way of occupying his mind, even if he wasn’t physically there.

The class ahead was Business, and Tae-Hyung had never felt more out of place in his life. His stepdad had insisted on it, forcing him down a path he had no interest in. Tae-Hyung had always wanted to study art—he could see the world through colors and shapes—but that was never an option. Business was more practical, more stable. Tae-Hyung hated it, but he had little choice in the matter. It was one of the few things his stepdad had given him an ultimatum on: study business or nothing.

As he sat in the class, Tae-Hyung found it hard to focus. His mind kept drifting back to Jung-Kook. But reality came crashing back when the professor’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Kim Tae-Hyung, are you listening?”

Tae-Hyung blinked, realizing he had been staring at the board for far too long, the professor’s disapproving gaze piercing through him. He quickly straightened up, embarrassed.

“Yes, sir!” he said, though his voice lacked conviction. The professor sighed heavily, turning back to the board without another word. Ji-Min, who had been watching the whole exchange, nudged him with an elbow, his grin mischievous.

“Were you thinking about Jung-Kook?” Ji-Min teased, knowing his best friend well enough to tell where his mind had been wandering.

“No, I’m not,” Tae-Hyung replied quickly, trying to focus on the board, though his voice was less convincing than he would’ve liked. “Now, study.”

Ji-Min chuckled softly, settling back into his own seat, but Tae-Hyung’s attention was already wandering again, his thoughts far away from the dull lecture on business strategy. The words blurred in front of him, and he found himself thinking of Jung-Kook.

Meanwhile, on the basketball court, the atmosphere was electric. Players dashed up and down the court, their feet pounding against the hardwood as they passed and shot the ball with precision. The air was thick with the sound of sneakers squeaking, and the excited shouts of teammates and spectators alike filled the gym.

At the center of it all was Jung-Kook, the star player. Sweat glistened on his skin as he dribbled the ball with expert control, weaving around opponents with ease. His jersey clung to his toned frame, and his eyes, focused and sharp, never left the hoop. With a swift motion, he jumped and made the perfect shot, scoring the winning point for his team. The crowd erupted in cheers as his teammates rushed to congratulate him.

"You saw that?" Jung-Kook asked, his voice challenging as he looked directly at the player from the opposing team, Jae-Sun, who was visibly frustrated.

Jae-Sun, a shorter boy with pale skin and a cocky grin, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, then shot Jung-Kook a smirk.

“I guess congratulations are in order, but we’ll see who wins in the finals,” Jae-Sun retorted, his voice dripping with confidence.

Jung-Kook chuckled, shaking his head as he turned away, his gaze still lingering on the other player for a moment. Jae-Sun was always like this—constantly challenging him, always ready with a remark. Jung-Kook didn’t mind; it made things interesting. He wasn’t worried about Jae-Sun’s words. Winning the finals was the only thing that mattered to him now.

Yoon-Gi, raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with mild amusement. “What was that about?” he asked.

“Nothing,” Jung-Kook said, brushing off his friend Yoon-Gi’s curiosity. “Just the usual—Jae-Sun challenges me like always. Anyway, I’m going to take a break for a bit.”

With that, Jung-Kook walked towards the changing room, his mind already shifting away from the game and onto his own thoughts. He needed a moment to himself, to relax, and to prepare for the next match. He wasn’t the kind of person to let challenges rattle him, but there was always something about Jae-Sun’s words that stuck with him. He’d have to prove him wrong in the finals.

Jung-Kook entered the locker room, his mind drifting back to the day’s events, to the match, and to someone else entirely—him. Jung-Kook smiled to himself, the thought of him bringing a warmth to his chest that wasn’t entirely related to the heat of the game.