Unfriended | Taekook

21 - Amends

For the next two days, neither Taehyung nor Jungkook spoke a word to each other. No texts, no calls, nothing. But it wasn't enough to keep Jungkook away.

He still waited for Taehyung every night at the end of his shift, leaning against the wall in the shadows outside the convenience store. Even if Taehyung ignored him completely.

Inside the store, Taehyung worked like usual, ringing up customers and tidying everything, but his eyes inevitably caught Jungkook's silhouette outside, especially as the end of his shift approached. He didn't react at first, pretending not to notice, but as the hours dragged on, he started to feel that familiar itch—the urge to tease Jungkook. So he made sure that Jungkook had something to watch.

As he worked, Taehyung let his body language do the talking. First, he ran a hand through his hair, fluffing it up before flipping it back. He stretched his arms above his head in an exaggerated motion, letting his hoodie ride up just enough to show a sliver of skin.

Then he leaned on the counter, his back arching just enough to emphasize the curve of his hips, his jeans hugging his body. He held the position for a moment, pretending to be engrossed in something on the register. He didn't have to look outside to check if Jungkook was still watching. He knew.

Later, when the store was empty, Taehyung moved closer to the windows, pretending to clean the glass. He pressed his palms against it, peering into the darkness. Then he tilted his head, his lips curling into a smile as he stared directly into the darkness where he knew Jungkook stood. He saw a subtle movement in the shadows, enough to confirm that Jungkook was there.

And it was frustrating, really. Jungkook stayed in place, crossing his arms over his chest and shifting his weight from one leg to another. He watched Taehyung move around the store, provoking him. He wanted to go inside, to shake the tease out of him and say some true words on his face. But he stayed put, letting Taehyung play his annoying game.

By the time Taehyung's shift ended, he grabbed his bag and clocked out without a glance toward the wall where Jungkook was waiting. He stepped out of the store, adjusted the straps of his backpack, and started walking home as if Jungkook wasn't there.

Jungkook sighed, pushing off the wall and heading toward his bike. He trailed behind Taehyung, keeping a few meters of distance between them. Taehyung didn't look back, but he knew Jungkook was there. He could hear his bike and feel his protective presence trailing him like a shadow. I don't deserve him.

When they turned onto their street, Taehyung stopped, standing in the middle of the sidewalk. He didn't turn around, but his voice broke the silence. "You don't have to play the hero. There's no one chasing me... beside you."

"Have a good night, Tae."

Taehyung let out a humorless laugh, still facing away. "Goodnight, Kook."

▪️

On the third night, Taehyung couldn't help but glance outside repeatedly during his shift. His eyes flicked toward the wall across the street every chance he got, searching for the figure in the shadows. But tonight, Jungkook wasn't there.

He frowned as he stacked shelves, pausing more often than necessary to stare out the glass windows. His usual teasing confidence was replaced with a growing unease. The absence felt strange, wrong. By the time his shift was winding down, Taehyung found himself checking the street every few minutes.

When the clock hit 10 p.m., he clocked out and grabbed his bag. He stepped outside into the cool night air, his eyes immediately locking onto the spot across the street. The wall was still empty. No Jungkook.