Us | Taekook | Complete

11

The atmosphere between Taehyung and Jungkook shifted subtly in the days that followed. They were no longer just rivals begrudgingly working together—there was something softer in their exchanges, a quiet understanding that neither dared to fully address. 

But change rarely comes without complications, and their newfound balance was soon tested. 

The sun filtered through the windows, painting the walls with golden hues. Taehyung was perched on a stool, carefully mixing colors. Jungkook stood behind him, observing the precision in his movements. 

"You're blending too much yellow," Jungkook said, leaning over his shoulder. 

Taehyung frowned. "I know what I’m doing, Jungkook." 

Jungkook chuckled. "You always say that, but then—" 

Taehyung turned to glare at him, but the sudden proximity made both of them freeze. Their faces were inches apart, and for a fleeting moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. 

Taehyung was the first to pull back, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Can you not hover over me like that?" 

"Maybe if you didn’t keep messing up, I wouldn’t have to," Jungkook teased, smirking. 

"Go paint something and leave me alone," Taehyung muttered, turning back to his work. 

Their playful banter was interrupted when Minji walked in, her expression unreadable. 

"Jungkook," she said, her tone clipped. "We need to talk." 

Jungkook stiffened, glancing at Taehyung. "Can it wait? We’re in the middle of something." 

Minji’s gaze flickered to Taehyung before returning to Jungkook. "No, it can’t. It’s important." 

"Go ahead," Taehyung said quickly, not looking at either of them. 

Jungkook hesitated before following Minji out of the studio. 

In the hallway, Minji crossed her arms, her expression sharp. "What’s going on with you and Taehyung?" 

Jungkook frowned. "What are you talking about?" 

"Don’t play dumb, Jungkook. You’ve been spending all your time with him. You even left the dinner early for him," Minji snapped. 

"It’s not like that," Jungkook said, his voice firm. 

"Then what is it? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re prioritizing him over everything else." 

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Taehyung and I are working on a project together. That’s all." 

Minji’s eyes narrowed. "You’re lying." 

"I’m not," Jungkook said, his tone hardening. "And even if I was, what does it matter to you?" 

Minji looked hurt. "It matters because I care about you, Jungkook. But clearly, you don’t feel the same." 

Jungkook didn’t respond, and the silence that followed was deafening. 

Taehyung tried to focus on the mural, but his mind kept wandering to the hallway. He told himself it wasn’t his business, but the knot in his stomach said otherwise. 

When Jungkook returned, his expression was unreadable. 

"Everything okay?" Taehyung asked cautiously. 

"Yeah," Jungkook said shortly, picking up a brush. 

Taehyung hesitated, then decided to let it go. But the tension in the air was palpable, and their usual rhythm felt off. 

Later that evening, as they cleaned up, Taehyung finally broke the silence. "You don’t have to keep things from me, you know." 

Jungkook glanced at him. "What are you talking about?" 

"Whatever happened with Minji. It’s clearly bothering you," Taehyung said, his tone even. 

"It’s nothing," Jungkook said, but his voice lacked conviction. 

Taehyung sighed. "You don’t have to pretend with me, Jungkook. I’m not going to judge you." 

Jungkook’s frustration bubbled over. "Why do you care so much? It’s not like we’re friends or anything." 

Taehyung flinched, the words hitting harder than he expected. "Right. Of course." 

Realizing his mistake, Jungkook softened. "Taehyung, I didn’t mean—" 

"It’s fine," Taehyung said quickly, avoiding Jungkook’s gaze. "I should go." 

"Taehyung, wait—" 

But Taehyung was already walking out the door, leaving Jungkook alone in the empty studio. 

Jungkook sat on the floor, staring at the half-finished mural. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. 

"Why do I keep pushing him away?" he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. 

Across town, Taehyung sat on his bed, sketchpad in hand but unable to draw. Jungkook’s words echoed in his mind, cutting deeper than he cared to admit. 

Despite the distance between them, their thoughts were consumed by the same thing—about each other. 

---
I hope you're liking the story...