Us | Taekook

8

The aftermath of the fire left the campus in disarray. For Taehyung and Jungkook, it was not just a physical loss—it was an emotional setback. Their mural, once a symbol of their collaboration, was now ashes. Yet the project deadline loomed closer than ever, forcing them to confront their issues while rebuilding from scratch. 

The studio felt emptier without the remnants of their mural. Only the faint smell of smoke lingered in the air, a constant reminder of what they had lost. 

Taehyung stood at the far end of the room, staring at the blank wall where their mural had once been. Jungkook entered, carrying a fresh roll of canvas. 

"We’re starting over," Jungkook said, setting the materials down. 

"Obviously," Taehyung replied, his tone clipped. 

"Taehyung," Jungkook said softly. "Can we at least talk about—" 

"No," Taehyung interrupted, his jaw tightening. "We don’t have time to waste on feelings. Let’s just work." 

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. But we need to be on the same page." 

Taehyung turned, his eyes flashing. "Are we, though? Because last I checked, you only cared when it was convenient for you." 

"That’s not fair," Jungkook argued. "I’ve been trying—" 

"Trying to what?" Taehyung snapped. "Fix things? You can’t just say you care and expect everything to be okay." 

The tension in the room was suffocating. Jungkook took a step closer, his voice firm. "I’m not expecting that. But I can’t keep apologizing if you won’t let me in." 

Taehyung faltered, his anger wavering. "You don’t get it, Jungkook. It’s not that simple." 

"Then explain it to me," Jungkook said, his eyes searching Taehyung’s. "Because I’m here, and I’m not walking away this time." 

For the first time, Taehyung allowed himself to speak honestly. "Do you know what it’s like to always feel like you’re not enough? Like no matter what you do, someone is always there to remind you of your flaws?" 

Jungkook’s expression softened. "Taehyung..." 

"That’s what you did," Taehyung continued, his voice trembling. "Every time we fought, it was like you were confirming what I already feared—that I’m not good enough." 

Jungkook felt a pang of guilt, his throat tightening. "I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I was projecting my own insecurities onto you." 

Taehyung crossed his arms, his voice quieter now. "What insecurities could *you* possibly have, Jeon Jungkook?" 

Jungkook let out a humorless laugh. "That I’m not as perfect as everyone thinks I am. That one mistake will make everything I’ve worked for fall apart. That... I don’t deserve to care about someone like you." 

Taehyung blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean, ‘someone like me’?" 

"Someone who’s not afraid to be themselves," Jungkook said. "Who doesn’t care about being perfect, but somehow still is." 

The confession left them both stunned. 

They worked in silence after that, but the tension had shifted. It wasn’t the cold, bitter kind anymore—it was something warmer, more uncertain. 

As they sketched out ideas for the new mural, their hands occasionally brushed, and their eyes met more often than either cared to admit. 

Taehyung broke the silence first. "This needs more color," he said, pointing to one of Jungkook’s drafts. 

Jungkook smirked. "And less chaos." 

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "It’s called movement, remember?" 

Their banter felt easier this time, like a tentative step toward healing. 

Later that night, as they packed up to leave, Taehyung hesitated by the door. 

"Thanks," he said quietly. 

Jungkook looked up, surprised. "For what?" 

"For...not giving up," Taehyung said, his gaze fixed on the floor. 

Jungkook’s voice softened. "I couldn’t. Not on you." 

The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken feelings. Taehyung opened his mouth to respond, but the sound of laughter from outside broke the moment. 

They stepped into the hallway to see Minji and another classmate talking animatedly. Minji spotted them and waved. 

"Hey, Taehyung! Are you free tomorrow? We’re organizing an outdoor sketch session." 

Before Taehyung could reply, Jungkook cut in. "He’s busy." 

Taehyung frowned. "I can answer for myself, Jungkook." 

Minji raised an eyebrow. "Did I interrupt something?" 

"Not at all," Taehyung said, shooting Jungkook a warning look. "I’ll let you know tomorrow, Minji." 

Minji nodded and walked away, leaving an awkward silence in her wake. 

"What was that about?" Taehyung asked, his tone sharp. 

"Nothing," Jungkook said, avoiding his gaze. 

"Don’t lie to me," Taehyung pressed. "If you have something to say, just say it." 

Jungkook clenched his jaw. "I don’t trust her, okay? She’s always trying to get close to you." 

Taehyung’s frustration bubbled over. "And why does that bother you? It’s not like we’re anything more than—" 

He stopped himself, the weight of his own words hitting him hard. 

"More than what?" Jungkook asked, stepping closer. 

Taehyung shook his head, his emotions swirling. "I don’t know," he admitted, his voice breaking. "I don’t know what we are." 

Jungkook reached out as if to touch him but stopped short. "Then let me show you." 

But Taehyung stepped back, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I need time, Jungkook. I can’t—" 

Jungkook nodded, his heart sinking. "I’ll wait. As long as it takes." 

As Taehyung walked away, Jungkook stayed behind, his hands clenched into fists. He wanted to fight for Taehyung, to break through the walls still standing between them. 
But for now, all he could do was hope that the bond they were rebuilding wouldn’t crumble under the weight of their unresolved emotions. 

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