Fated Foes ||toptae||

36

That night, Jungkook was peacefully studying in his dorm, his pen gliding across his notebook as he reviewed his notes. The stillness was perfect—until a series of loud knocks shattered his focus.

He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Who is knocking at this hour?!”

Dragging himself to the door, Jungkook swung it open, only to see Kim Taehyung standing there with an awkward smile plastered across his face.

“What do you want, Kim?” Jungkook asked, his tone sharp.

Taehyung chuckled nervously. “So, funny story. My sister took my dorm key, and now I’m locked out. Let me stay here, please. Just for one night.”

Jungkook stared at him for a moment, unimpressed. “Not my problem. Goodnight.” And with that, he slammed the door shut.

On the other side, Taehyung stared at the closed door, his shoulders slumping. He sighed and sat down in the hallway, leaning his back against the wall.

Inside, Jungkook tried to return to his notes, but the memory of Taehyung’s face lingered in his mind. He shook his head, muttering, “Not my problem,” and continued studying.

Twenty minutes passed. Jungkook stretched his arms, leaning back in his chair, when curiosity got the better of him. He peered through the peephole in the door and was shocked to see Taehyung still sitting there, his head resting on his knees, looking utterly defeated.

“Seriously?” Jungkook whispered to himself. He stood there for a moment, debating what to do. Finally, with a sigh, he opened the door.

Taehyung’s head snapped up. “Finally!” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with relief.

“You’re pathetic,” Jungkook muttered, stepping aside. “Get in.”

Taehyung scrambled to his feet and rushed inside. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re a lifesaver.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes and grabbed an extra pillow and mattress from his closet, tossing them onto the floor. “You’re sleeping there,” he said firmly, pointing to the setup. “Don’t touch anything, and don’t make any noise.”

“Deal,” Taehyung said, plopping down onto the mattress with a grin. “You’re nicer than you let on, Jungkookie.”

“Call me that again, and you’re sleeping outside,” Jungkook warned, though his tone lacked bite.

Taehyung lay on the mattress, shifting uncomfortably. The coldness of the floor seeped through the thin mattress, and he pulled the small blanket Jungkook had begrudgingly given him tighter around his body.

After a few minutes of silence, he couldn’t take it anymore. “Hey, Jungkook,” Taehyung called softly.

“What now?” Jungkook replied without turning from his desk.

“Can I get a comforter? I’m cold.”

“No.” Jungkook’s response was immediate and firm.

“Just a little one? I might freeze to death here!” Taehyung exaggerated, his voice dripping with faux desperation.

Jungkook groaned, running a hand through his hair. He spun around, grabbed the edge of his own comforter, and tossed a small portion of it toward Taehyung. “Here. Happy now?”

Taehyung grinned, pulling the fabric over himself like it was the coziest thing in the world. “Very.”

The room fell silent again, with only the sound of Jungkook’s pen scratching against paper. But Taehyung wasn’t done talking.

“Do you like Lia?” he asked suddenly, his tone casual but laced with curiosity.

Jungkook froze for a split second before replying, “Why should I tell you that? Whether I like her or not isn’t your business.”

Taehyung smirked, propping himself up on one elbow. “How about we decide in three seconds? Both of us say yes or no at the same time.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Why would I agree to something so stupid?”

“Come on,” Taehyung said, his grin widening. “It’s just a fun little game. What’s the harm?”

Jungkook sighed, turning back to face him. “Fine. Three seconds, and we’re done.”

Taehyung nodded, starting the countdown. “One... two... three—”

“Yes,” Taehyung said confidently.

“No,” Jungkook replied at the same time, his voice firm.

For a moment, they both stared at each other, the air heavy with unspoken emotions. Taehyung broke the tension first, letting out a small sigh of relief. “Good,” he murmured, settling back down on the mattress with a satisfied smile.

Jungkook watched him for a moment longer before turning back to his desk. His hand moved to continue writing, but the words on the page blurred as an unexpected wave of sadness washed over him.

As the room quieted and Taehyung’s breathing grew steady, signaling that he’d fallen asleep, Jungkook let out a shaky breath. A single tear slid down his cheek, falling onto the open notebook in front of him.

He wiped it away quickly, burying the feelings he couldn’t even fully understand.

A sad chapter but necessary one!!!!!!!!??!!;:::::""" :;:::;;