Unfriended | Taekook

23 - Spicy

"Alright, big boy. Let's see if those long legs can actually do something useful. Don't embarrass me!"

Taehyung shot him a glare, rolling his eyes as he shook out his legs. "You're so annoying, Jungkook."

Jungkook stepped forward, motioning for Taehyung to get ready. "Stretch well. If you pull something, I'm not carrying you back to the hotel, do you hear me?"

Taehyung huffed but complied, leaning down to touch his toes. Jungkook positioned himself behind him, pressing on Taehyung's back. "Lower, don't be lazy." Taehyung cursed under his breath but followed through, bending more. His flexibility made Jungkook pause for half a second, but he quickly snapped out of it.

After a few more warm-ups, Jungkook led him to the starting line he traced on his mind. "Okay, I've got milestones mapped out," he said, holding up his phone with the timer. "You're going to crush this, and I'll make sure to yell at you the whole way. Ready?"

"Always," Taehyung said as he crouched, ready to take off.

"Three... two... one—go!"

Taehyung took off like a bullet. Jungkook jogged behind him marking milestones in his head using some objects in the beach as reference. "First checkpoint! Don't slow down, Tae! Push it!"

"Second checkpoint! Keep that pace and posture! Try to look cooler, people are watching!" he added, grinning as Taehyung's hand shot up mid-run, flipping him off without breaking stride.

Taehyung completed the improvised circuit a few times, Jungkook playing the role of a relentless, loud coach. By the time Taehyung crossed the imaginary finish line for the last time, his breathing was labored. He stumbled toward one of the beach chairs Jungkook had set up and collapsed into it, grabbing a water bottle and downing it in one go.

Jungkook jogged to where Taehyung was sitting, holding up his phone with a satisfied grin. "Check it out," he said, showing him the time.

Taehyung glanced at the screen, a smile breaking across his face. "Not bad," he said between breaths, looking genuinely pleased.

"Not bad? That was incredible! You nearly matched your record track time, man!"

Taehyung chuckled weakly and let his head fall back against the chair, clearly drained. Jungkook plopped down beside him, pulling out a small bag. He fished out two tangerines, peeling one and handing it to Taehyung. "Here, eat this. You earned it." Taehyung took it, smiling as he peeled off a slice. "Thanks, Coach."

The wind picked up, making Taehyung shiver, but he kept eating quietly, his gaze locked on the waves. Jungkook noticed immediately. "We shouldn't stay out here too long, Tae. The wind's freezing, and you're all sweaty. You're gonna catch a cold."

Taehyung nodded, still staring at the ocean. "Just a little longer."

Jungkook leaned back in his chair, watching Taehyung silently. His blue hair, damp with sweat, was starting to dry in the breeze, strands flying around and matching the deep navy of the darkening sky. His bronzed sweat skin seemed to glow under the sunset, and his chest still rose and fell steadily from the run. Jungkook couldn't help but stare.

He bit another tangerine slice. Too bad he's a guy.

"What?" Taehyung asked, catching Jungkook mid-stare.

"Nothing," Jungkook said quickly, shoving another tangerine slice into his mouth to cover the awkwardness. "Just... nothing."

"Say it."

Jungkook chewed slowly, racking his brain for a deflection that didn't involve admitting he'd been drooling over his best friend. "Hey, we're watching the sunset together. Another win for our fake relationship."