Speeding Into Trouble || Taekook

18

After three weeks of absence, Taehyung finally walked through the familiar halls of the school, but this time it wasn't to teach.

The air felt different-heavier somehow. Word of his resignation had spread like wildfire, and the whispers followed him everywhere, echoing in the hallways.

"Kim Taehyung is leaving."

The words lingered, spoken with disbelief by students and staff alike as they watched him stride confidently toward the chairman's office.

Taehyung kept his head held high, his perfectly tailored suit and calm demeanor hiding the turmoil brewing inside him. Each step felt heavier, but he refused to let it show.

Inside the office, the school chairman greeted him with a regretful smile.

"We're really going to miss you, Teacher Kim. You've been a remarkable part of this institution, and your students... well, they won't be the same without you."

Taehyung forced a polite smile, even as the sadness flickered briefly in his sharp eyes.

"Thank you, Chairman. It's been an honor teaching here." His voice was steady, professional. Not a crack to be found.

As they finalized the resignation formalities, the chairman added, "Just one thing. Per school policy, you're required to serve a one-month notice period."

"I understand," Taehyung replied coolly.

He had expected this. Everything in his life lately had been meticulously calculated-right down to the dates. His upcoming engagement next month left no room for surprises.

As he left the office, resignation papers tucked neatly into his folder, Taehyung exhaled slowly.

It felt like a chapter of his life had officially closed, but the weight of his decision clung to him, refusing to lift.

He pushed the school gates open, stepping outside the school into the crisp air, and froze.

Jeongguk was there.

Leaning against his ducati like he was posing for a goddamn magazine cover, Jeongguk's dark eyes snapped onto Taehyung the second he appeared.

And just like that, Taehyung's day got significantly worse.

It had been three weeks-three whole weeks-since that night in the arena. Three weeks of glorious, Jeongguk-free peace. Three weeks of pretending the bastard didn't exist.

And yet, here he was, standing under the sunlight like a dramatic lead in a noir film, all leather and sharp angles, his raven hair falling messily over his forehead in a way that was definitely on purpose.

His jacket hugged his broad shoulders like it had been custom-made for sin, and his jaw? Clenched so tight it could probably crush diamonds.

Taehyung didn't need a mirror to know his own expression was less "mysterious and brooding" and more I will actually commit murder right now.

Jeongguk had clearly been waiting.

And that irritated Taehyung to no fucking end.

Because waiting meant anticipation. It meant effort. It meant Jeongguk had planned this.

And Taehyung?

Taehyung didn't know if he was more annoyed at Jeongguk-or at himself for noticing every damn thing about him.

Jeongguk had heard from Jimin that Taehyung was finally back today, and he hadn't wasted a second.

He'd left his girlfriend mid-conversation, ignored her protests, and raced here.