Fated Foes ||toptae||

44

The morning sun shone brightly, but it wasn't nearly as radiant as Taehyung's mood. He entered the university gates, practically bouncing with joy. His steps were light, and he couldn't wipe the grin off his face, even if he tried. Students gave him curious glances, whispering among themselves about why the infamous Kim Taehyung looked like he had won the lottery.

Inside, Taehyung hummed a tune as he walked to his class. His mind replayed the events of the previous night-Jungkook's confession, the kiss that felt like it changed everything. He felt like the world had shifted on its axis, and for the first time in forever, everything seemed right.

On the other side of campus, Jungkook was a completely different story. He sat at his desk in the lecture hall, staring blankly at his notes. His chest felt heavy, weighed down by regret and confusion.

Why did I do it? Jungkook thought, running his hand through his hair in frustration. His mind was in turmoil.

He loved Taehyung-there was no denying it. But how could he reconcile his feelings with the expectations of his family? His parents had always been strict, their rules like chains binding him. They would never accept him choosing his own path, especially not one with Taehyung.

"What's wrong with you today?" Jimin asked, nudging Jungkook from his thoughts.

"Nothing," Jungkook replied curtly, avoiding eye contact.

Jimin frowned. "You've been out of it all morning. Did something happen?"

Jungkook hesitated, then shook his head. "I'm fine."

But he wasn't fine. The regret gnawed at him, twisting his stomach into knots. Last night had been a moment of vulnerability, a brief escape from the weight of his reality. But now, in the harsh light of day, he felt like he had made a mistake.

"I can't do this," he muttered to himself.

Taehyung, unaware of Jungkook's inner struggle, peeked into the lecture hall during the break. His face lit up when he spotted Jungkook sitting there. He waved enthusiastically, his happiness contagious.

But Jungkook didn't return the smile. Instead, he looked away, pretending not to see him.

Taehyung's grin faltered, confusion flickering in his eyes. He entered the hall anyway, walking up to Jungkook. "Hey, Jungkookie," he said cheerfully. "Want to grab lunch together later?"

Jungkook stiffened but didn't look at him. "I'm busy," he said shortly.

Taehyung frowned. "Busy? You don't even have your next class until the afternoon."

"I have things to do," Jungkook replied, his tone colder than he intended.

Taehyung blinked, taken aback. "Is... everything okay?"

Jungkook finally met his gaze, and the guilt in his eyes was evident. "Taehyung, I can't do this," he said quietly, his voice breaking.

Taehyung's heart sank. "What do you mean? Can't do what?"

"This... us. Whatever happened last night, it was a mistake. I shouldn't have kissed you."

The words hit Taehyung like a punch to the gut. "A mistake?"

Jungkook nodded, his fists clenched tightly. "I can't go against my parents, Taehyung. They wouldn't understand. They would never accept it."

Taehyung stared at him, his chest tightening. "But what about you, Jungkook? What about what you want? Don't you deserve to be happy?"

Jungkook looked away, his jaw tight. "Sometimes what we want doesn't matter."

Taehyung reached out, but Jungkook stepped back, creating a distance that felt like an ocean between them. "I'm sorry," Jungkook whispered before grabbing his bag and leaving the hall.

Taehyung stood there, his heart shattered. The happiness he had felt that morning now seemed like a cruel joke. As the door closed behind Jungkook, Taehyung clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes.

"I'm not giving up on you," he muttered to himself. "Not this time."

Sowwwweyyyyyyyy