"A Love Beyond Spotlight" | Taekook ✨💜

27. Burning Up

Taehyung leaned in unconsciously, drawn to the warmth of Jungkook's embrace as if it was the only thing grounding him. Jungkook's voice was a low whisper, barely audible. "Hyung..." His breath brushed against Taehyung's neck before his lips pressed softly against the exposed skin there.

Taehyung didn't respond—his body froze, his mind racing as he focused on the scent of Jungkook, trying desperately to quiet the turmoil within him. He stayed still, silently battling his own emotions, feeling the weight of Jungkook's actions but unable to process them fully.

Jungkook eventually pulled back from the hug, his gaze searching Taehyung's face with a mix of concern and longing. His voice, softer now, carried a hint of vulnerability as he asked, "What's wrong, hyung? You're so quiet... And I feel so distant from you lately."

The words hit something deep within Taehyung, but instead of softening, his expression hardened. His lips pressed into a thin line as he turned his face away, muttering under his breath, "I'm distant...?" His tone carried disbelief, almost as if he were questioning himself more than Jungkook.

Jungkook's brows furrowed, confusion and hurt flickering in his eyes. "Hyung," he said softly, stepping closer. "Hey... hey, look at me. What do you mean by that?" He reached out gently, his fingers brushing against Taehyung's chin, urging him to face him.

But Taehyung slapped Jungkook's hand away, his jaw tightening as he turned toward the bathroom mirror instead. His reflection stared back at him, his frustration and pain evident in the slight tremble of his lips.

"Why are you here, Jungkook?" Taehyung asked, his voice low but laced with an edge that cut deeper than he intended. He exhaled shakily before continuing, "What do you want? Weren't you the one who avoided my call just this morning? You couldn't wait to hang up on me, right? You didn't even bother to tell me you were back in Seoul."

Jungkook blinked, visibly taken aback by the sudden outburst. His lips parted, but no words came out.

"If that's how it's going to be now, fine," Taehyung muttered bitterly, his voice barely above a whisper. He let out a hollow laugh, his gaze dropping to the counter as he added, "I mean, who am I to you, anyway? Why would you tell me your plans? Why would you even think I mattered enough to know?"

Taehyung's breath hitched, his hands gripping the edge of the counter to steady himself. "Stupid me for waiting for you," he finished, his voice trailing off as the bitterness gave way to something more fragile—regret.

Behind him, the silence was deafening. Taehyung didn't need to turn around to know the impact of his words. The soft gasp that escaped Jungkook's lips was enough to send a pang of guilt shooting through him.

Jungkook stumbled a step back, the pain in his eyes unmistakable. His fingers curled into fists at his sides, not out of anger but out of desperation to hold himself together. His voice, usually steady and confident, cracked as he whispered, "Tae..."

Taehyung couldn't bear to look at him. His reflection in the mirror was enough—a man drowning in his own insecurities, in the fear of losing the one person who made him feel complete. But it wasn't enough to drown out the ache in Jungkook's voice or the sound of his heart breaking just behind him.

Jungkook's voice broke the tense silence like a sharp blade, low and laced with disbelief. "What did you just say, hyung?" His tone was steady but carried the weight of his disappointment, each word deliberate. Taehyung closed his eyes, regret swirling within him, his lips trembling as he struggled to find the courage to respond.

When Taehyung said nothing, Jungkook's voice cut through the air again, this time not as a whisper but a growl. "I dare you, Taehyung," he said, his words dripping with both hurt and fury. "Repeat what you just said."