Between Love and Trust

chapter - 8

~A New Day at the University~

The sun hung low in the sky as Jungkook made his way to the university. The air was crisp, a gentle breeze ruffling his hair. He carried his books tightly against his chest, his expression unreadable. His friends had spent the previous night convincing him to face the new day with his head held high. Taehyung's actions, his apologies—none of it would shake Jungkook's resolve.

When Jungkook walked into the classroom, he noticed Taehyung immediately. It was impossible not to; Taehyung sat alone in the middle row, his head resting on his hand as he stared blankly at the desk in front of him. Irene wasn't beside him, and for a moment, the sight was jarring. But Jungkook quickly schooled his features, shaking off any stray emotions. It doesn't matter anymore, he thought, heading toward the back row where he usually sat.

As he passed by Taehyung's seat, a hand shot out and gently grabbed his wrist. The touch was soft, hesitant. Familiar. Jungkook froze in place, his breath catching for the briefest moment. He didn't need to turn around to know whose hand it was.

"Wait," Taehyung's voice was quiet, uncertain. "You can... you can sit here."

Jungkook exhaled heavily, closing his eyes before turning to face Taehyung. His gaze was sharp, his lips pressed into a thin line. "And why," he began, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "would I want to sit next to you?"

Taehyung faltered. His grip on Jungkook's wrist loosened, and his lips parted as if to respond, but no words came.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a mocking smile. "Where's your girlfriend, anyway? Why don't you call her to keep you company?" He glanced around the room, pretending to search.

It didn't take long for his eyes to land on Irene, who was seated in the back row. She was glaring at him with a venomous intensity, her jaw clenched as if she were holding back a scream. The sight would have amused Jungkook on any other day, but now it just felt like background noise.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the lecture. Jungkook didn't wait for a reply from Taehyung. He turned on his heel and walked to his seat without a backward glance, ignoring the way Taehyung's shoulders slumped as he sank back into his chair.

---

Taehyung couldn't focus during the lecture. His pen hovered uselessly over his notebook as he stole glances at Jungkook, who sat in the back row, seemingly engrossed in his notes. But Taehyung knew better. He could see the stiffness in Jungkook's posture, the way his jaw tightened whenever Taehyung's gaze lingered too long.

When the lecture ended, Taehyung saw his chance. As the students began filing out of the classroom, he quickly stood and intercepted Jungkook by the door.

"Jungkook," he started, his voice almost pleading.

Jungkook sidestepped him without even looking. "I have somewhere to be."

"Wait—"

"I'm busy," Jungkook cut him off, his tone cold.

Taehyung watched him walk away, frustration and guilt swirling in his chest.

Later, in the library, Taehyung found Jungkook sitting at a table near the window, surrounded by a pile of books. He approached cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. "Can I sit here?"

Jungkook didn't look up. "The seat's free. Do whatever you want."

Taehyung pulled out the chair across from Jungkook and sat down, his hands fidgeting with the edge of his notebook. "I wanted to talk—"