Invisible Affection | Taejin

22. Unpredictable Emotions

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Four months later

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It was only the fourth week of his third year at university, and Taehyung already felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him. The endless cycle of lectures, assignments, work, and late-night study sessions had begun to take its toll.

However, today was different, as he couldn't help but blame Jungkook. His friend had a knack for persuasion, particularly when playing video games.

Taehyung had tried to be disciplined about his bedtime, but last night, pulled in by Jungkook's enthusiasm, he had willingly given in. They had a late night playing a video game, and he lost track of time as the hours slipped away.

By the time he glanced at the clock, dread had washed over him; it was already past 2 AM. Panic had set in as he calculated that he would only have about four hours to sleep before his 8 AM class.

Now, as he sat down next to the second-year student he was tutoring, another part-time job he had taken up, he tried his best to stay alert and focused.

"Did you not sleep well last night?" Siwoo, the student Taehyung was tutoring, asked as he noticed Taehyung squinting his eyes and suppressing a yawn.

Not wanting to lie, Taehyung nodded as he stretched his arms above his head, feeling the tightness from sitting too long in the study room chair. He leaned back, allowing the chair to support his weight, and let out a small sigh. "Honestly, I'm not feeling 100% right now, but I'm managing. I am sorry if I seem out of it; it's just been a long week. That said, I have to praise you on your progress. You've been really dedicated in our sessions, and I know your hard work will pay off. I have no doubt you'll ace it in your upcoming exam."

Siwoo smiled and said, "I know it's all thanks to my smart and handsome tutor. You teach well, and I enjoy sitting here listening to you all afternoon."

"You don't need to say all that. I'm glad to help and want you to benefit from the lessons you are paying for," Taehyung replied, trying not to indulge too much in Siwoo's compliments.

"I know that I don't have to, but I want you to know. I've meant to say it since we first met."

"Well, thank you, Siwoo. I really appreciate your kind words," Taehyung replied as he leaned slightly forward, his gaze dropping to the open book sprawled out before them on the table. Just as he was about to suggest a new topic of discussion, his words were unexpectedly interrupted. Siwoo, with a focused expression, leaned across the table and brushed an eyelash that had settled just beneath Taehyung's eye.

"Sorry, it was really distracting me," Siwoo said, smiling as he pulled back. He held up his finger, displaying the tiny eyelash that had been the source of his concern.

"Oh, well, thank you! You could have just told me; I would've taken care of it," Taehyung said, returning a smile.

"It's fine; I didn't mind doing it at all. But by the way—" Siwoo was cut off as a sudden splash interrupted the moment. He and Taehyung jumped in shock as a cold latte, filled to the brim with ice, was dumped onto Siwoo's head. The icy liquid flowed down his hair and trickled over the table's edges, leaving a sticky trail across the books. A few splatters even hit Taehyung, who blinked in shock.

Laughter erupted from across the table, revealing Seokjin as the troublemaker of the mess. Continuing his mischief, he snatched the cup from his best friend Jimin's grasp before Jimin could protest. With a devilish smile, he emptied the contents of a second cup of cold drink directly onto Siwoo.

"He is mine! Stay the fuck away from him!" Jin shouted as he dropped the empty cup onto the ground.

Siwoo blinked, dumbfounded, as he sat there filled with anger and bewilderment, the remains of cold coffee sliding down his forehead.