Fated Foes ||toptae||

51

Later That Day

Bang Chan was pacing the practice hall, his patience wearing thin. Jaehyun was standing off to the side, glued to his phone, clearly uninterested in the rehearsal.

“That’s it!” Bang Chan finally snapped, slamming his clipboard onto the table. “Jungkook, we’re done with this guy. Go convince Taehyung to take the role.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened. “What? Why me?”

“Because he did better at the audition, and honestly, I think he’d actually try, unlike some people,” Bang Chan said, glaring at Jaehyun, who didn’t even notice.

Jungkook groaned. “We rejected him! There’s no way he’ll agree now.”

Bang Chan crossed his arms. “Figure it out, Jungkook. And hurry up—we’ve only got five days left.”

“Why me? Why is it always me?” Jungkook muttered under his breath, pulling out his phone. He hesitated for a moment before texting Taehyung:

Jungkook: "Hey. Can we talk? It’s important."

Taehyung: "Where?"

Jungkook: "Rooftop. Please, it’s urgent."

---

On the Rooftop

By the time Jungkook reached the rooftop, Taehyung was already there, leaning against the railing. His usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a quiet, unreadable expression.

“You’re here early,” Jungkook said, approaching him.

“You said it was urgent,” Taehyung replied without looking at him.

Jungkook exhaled and got straight to the point. “We need you to take the role in the play. You did great at the audition, and Bang Chan thinks you’re perfect for it.”

Taehyung turned to face him, his lips curling into a small, bitter smile. “Oh, now you need me? After rejecting me? What changed?”

Jungkook shifted uncomfortably. “Look, I know we messed up, okay? But Jaehyun isn’t working out, and we really need someone reliable. You’re the only one who can save this play.”

Taehyung stared at him for a long moment before sighing. “Fine. I’ll do it, but on one condition.”

Jungkook tensed. “What condition?”

Taehyung’s eyes softened, and he spoke quietly, almost hesitantly. “Say you love me.”

Jungkook’s jaw dropped. “What? Taehyung, don’t joke around—”

“I’m not joking,” Taehyung interrupted, his voice firm. “Say it, and I’ll agree.”

Jungkook looked away, his fists clenching at his sides. “I can’t do that.”

Taehyung’s face fell, his usual confidence crumbling. “I see,” he said softly, stepping back. “I guess I was wrong to think... Never mind.”

“Taehyung—”

“It’s fine, Jungkook,” Taehyung said with a forced smile. “You don’t have to say it. It’s not like I expected anything.”

His voice cracked slightly on the last word, and before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung turned and walked away.

Jungkook stood there, staring at the spot where Taehyung had been, guilt twisting in his chest. He had gotten what he wanted, but at what cost?

The next day, the participants for the play gathered in the theater. Bang Chan stood at the front, his clipboard in hand, looking more stressed than usual. Jungkook stood beside him, nervously shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

As everyone settled down, Jungkook cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Guys… I have some bad news,” he began, his voice hesitant.

The murmurs died down, and all eyes turned to him.

“I’m really sorry, but Taehyung said he won’t join the play,” Jungkook said, his words hanging heavy in the air.

There was a collective gasp, followed by a wave of disappointed groans. Bang Chan looked like he was about to combust. “What?!”

Jungkook sighed. “I tried my best, but—”

Before he could finish, the lights in the hall dimmed, leaving everyone in suspense. Suddenly, a spotlight illuminated the stage.

And there he was. Taehyung stood at the center, poised with a traditional Korean instrument in his hands. The room fell silent as he began to play, the melodious notes filling the space with an enchanting rhythm.

Everyone turned toward him, captivated by his performance.

Jungkook’s mouth fell open in shock. But as he watched Taehyung, a wide smile spread across his face, his dimples making an appearance.

Taehyung, noticing Jungkook’s smile, grinned brightly, his earlier sadness melting away. The moment felt magical, like it belonged to just the two of them.

---

The rehearsals ended with applause and cheers for Taehyung’s incredible performance. As the others dispersed, Jungkook and Taehyung stayed behind, sitting on the edge of the stage, their legs dangling over the side.

Jungkook turned to him, his brows furrowed in confusion. “You said you wouldn’t do it. Why did you change your mind?”

Taehyung leaned back on his hands, looking up at the stage lights. “Because…” He paused, then glanced at Jungkook with a soft smile. “If my victory puts my boyfriend in trouble, I’d rather lose.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched at the word boyfriend. He looked away, trying to hide the blush creeping up his cheeks. “You’re unbelievable.”

Taehyung smirked. “And yet, you still can’t resist me.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. For the first time in days, things felt… right.