Love Begins at Jeju

11-the tension

Seokjin's words hung heavy in the air, the tension between them intense. Seokjin's jaw tightened slightly as he adjusted the basket in his hand, his eyes flicking away from Jungkook's face.

"Hyung..." Jungkook started, his voice uncertain, but Seokjin cut him off.

"No, it's fine," Seokjin said, his tone even but laced with something unspoken. "I guess I should have expected that."

Jungkook blinked, confused. "Expected what?"

Seokjin exhaled sharply, his gaze shifting to the forest around them. "That you'd think this-us-was just another move in the game."

"I didn't mean it like that," Jungkook said quickly, his voice rising with urgency. "I just... I don't know. I needed to be sure."

Seokjin turned back to him, his expression calm but distant. "And now you are, right? It's all just a strategy. Got it." He gave a tight smile and started walking again.

"Wait!" Jungkook called out, rushing after him. "Hyung, please listen-"

"Jungkook," Seokjin interrupted, his voice sharper now. He stopped walking and looked directly at him. "We're still in a competition. Don't forget that. Maybe it's better if we both focus on that instead."

Jungkook froze, his words caught in his throat. "Is that all it is to you, then? The game?"

Seokjin's gaze softened for a brief moment, but he quickly looked away, his posture stiff. "It doesn't matter what it is to me. What matters is what you believe. Let's leave it at that."

With that, Seokjin walked back toward camp without another word.

---

At the camp later that day

Jungkook sat by the fire, absentmindedly poking at the embers with a stick. Across the clearing, Seokjin was seated with Hoseok and Namjoon, laughing at something Namjoon had said. Jungkook couldn't help but notice how animated Seokjin seemed-his laughter louder, his smile brighter, but there was an edge to it that Jungkook couldn't ignore.

Jimin plopped down next to Jungkook, nudging him with his shoulder. "What's with you? You've been staring at Jin-hyung like he stole your favorite snack."

Jungkook sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It's nothing."

"Doesn't look like nothing," Jimin teased, but his tone softened. "Did something happen between you two?"

Jungkook hesitated before nodding. "Yeah... and now he's avoiding me."

Jimin followed his gaze toward Seokjin, who was now gesturing enthusiastically while Hoseok and Namjoon laughed. "Well, he doesn't look like he's avoiding you. He's just... redirecting his attention."

Jungkook groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I messed up, didn't I?"

Jimin shrugged. "Probably. But you're not going to fix it by sitting here sulking."

Before Jungkook could respond, Seokjin's voice carried over the camp. "Yoongi, what do you think? Should we pair up for the next challenge? I feel like your strategic mind could come in handy."

Yoongi raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Trying to butter me up already, Jin?"

"Just calling it like I see it," Seokjin replied smoothly, his tone light but confident.

Jungkook clenched his fists, feeling a pang of frustration. It wasn't jealousy-at least, that's what he told himself. It was the realization that Seokjin was deliberately keeping his distance, channeling his energy into everyone but him.