𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 | 𝗝𝗶𝗞𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗩 ✓

3

The canteen was bustling with the chatter of students, a typical lunchtime atmosphere filled with the noise of trays clattering, people laughing, and the clinking of silverware. Tae-Hyung stood beside Ji-Min, feeling slightly out of place. He wasn’t hungry, not really—not with the tightness in his stomach from the lack of money. He only have enough for the bus ride back home, and now he couldn’t even afford a simple meal.

“I’m fine, Ji-Min,” Tae-Hyung said, trying to wave off the idea of getting food. “I don't want to eat.”

Ji-Min, ever the determined one, raised an eyebrow at his best friend. He stood with his hands on his hips, his usual mischievous smile playing on his lips. “So, you’re telling me you’d rather starve than let me buy you lunch? What kind of friend would I be if I let you go hungry?” he teased, lightly bumping Tae-Hyung's shoulder as he began to drag him towards the food line.

Tae-Hyung sighed, both exasperated and grateful. “You’re too good to me, Ji-Min,” he muttered under his breath, but his heart warmed at the gesture.

Ji-Min flashed him a toothy grin, clearly pleased with himself. "Exactly! Now, stop complaining and let's eat."

As they moved toward the front of the line, Tae-Hyung felt the weight of his best friend's persistent kindness. He was used to Ji-Min's care and attention, but it still surprised him sometimes, how much his friend would go out of his way to help.

Then, suddenly, a familiar scent reached his nose—a sweet, floral fragrance, one that could only be described as the scent of tigerlilies. Tae-Hyung’s pulse quickened as the fragrance enveloped him, and he instinctively turned his head, knowing exactly who it belonged to.

Standing just behind him in line, looking effortlessly cool in a simple black t-shirt and baggy black pants, was Jung-Kook. Tae-Hyung's pulse quickened at the sight of him. His hair was styled in its usual slightly messy, tousled way, and his eyes—those deep brown eyes—were looks at Tae-Hyung’s for a brief.

Tae-Hyung’s heart started to race as he took in the sight of Jung-Kook standing so close behind him. He quickly turned away, trying to calm himself, but his body had already betrayed him. His palms were suddenly clammy, and he couldn't help the flush creeping up his neck. What was he supposed to do now?

“What’s going on, Tae?” Ji-Min asked softly, his voice full of curiosity when Tae-Hyung tapped on his shoulder.

Tae-Hyung took a deep breath and leaned closer to his friend. "Look behind me," he whispered, his voice almost inaudible.

Ji-Min raised an eyebrow, then turned to look to see Jung-Kook, using his phone. His eyes widened as he let out an exaggerated gasp. “Oh, man!” he exclaimed, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “This is perfect.”

“Perfect?” Tae-Hyung’s voice was barely above a whisper, but Ji-Min just nodded enthusiastically.

“Yeah!,” Ji-Min said, completely oblivious to the nervous tension running through his best friend. “This is the perfect chance for you to talk to him! Go on, say hi.”

Tae-Hyung wasn’t sure he could speak, let alone manage a coherent sentence in front of Jung-Kook, but it was too late to turn back now. Before he could say anything else, Ji-Min, his voice warm and casual as he greeted the older boy.

“Hey, hyung,” Ji-Min called, his tone friendly and bright. “How’s it going?”

Jung-Kook looked up from his phone, his expression immediately softening into a warm smile as his gaze shifted to Ji-Min. "Hey, Ji-Min," he greeted. "I’ve been good. How about you?" His voice was deep and smooth, a contrast to the usual noise of the canteen, and it sent another wave of nervous energy rushing through Tae-Hyung’s chest.

“I’m doing great, hyung! But where’s my brother?” Ji-Min asked, looking around as if Yoongi might suddenly appear out of nowhere.

“Yoongi’s still on the basketball court,” Jung-Kook answered, a slight laugh in his voice. “He won’t eat. You know how he is.” Ji-Min grinned, clearly relieved that his older brother wasn’t around.

"Good, good!" Ji-Min said, a sly smile tugging at his lips. He turned Tae-Hyung, who had yet to say a word. "Oh! By the way, hyung, this is my best friend Tae-Hyung."

Tae-Hyung’s heart skipped another beat as he was introduced to Jung-Kook. He smiled shyly, his voice barely above a whisper. "H-hi," he stammered, suddenly feeling incredibly self-conscious under Jung-Kook’s gaze.

Jung-Kook smiled back warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yeah, I remember you," he said, his voice gentle. "We met at Yoongi’s birthday party, right?" His tone was casual, as if he had all the time in the world to make small talk.

Tae-Hyung’s cheeks burned brighter, a mix of embarrassment and relief flooding through him. So, Jung-Kook remembered him. That was something, at least.

"Yeah," Ji-Min said, cutting into the silence with his usual enthusiasm. "You should join us for lunch, hyung! You’re basically my brother’s best friend, but we hardly ever talk. Come on, it’s about time we changed that."

Jung-Kook raised an eyebrow, clearly taken off guard by the sudden invitation but smiled nonetheless. "Sure, why not?" he said, nodding. "I guess it’d be nice to get to know you guys a little better."

Tae-Hyung’s stomach flipped at the thought of sitting down to lunch with Jung-Kook. His mind raced, and for the briefest moment, he wished he could just disappear. But at the same time, there was a part of him, a small, hopeful part, that was more than happy to spend time with the boy who had his heart racing with every smile.