STRANGERS

Part 18 (Trust him)

Jungkook’s eyes widened, panic flashing across his face as he whispered, “Kim, bathroom—now!” His voice was a hissed command, his starry eyes darting to the door.

Taehyung, equally startled, scrambled to his feet, his usual calm replaced by a flustered edge as he bolted to the bathroom, locking the door with a soft click.

Jungkook cursed under his breath, his hands frantically smoothing his  clothes, his fingers brushing his swollen lips as he tried to compose himself.

Jungkook took a shaky breath, steadying himself before opening the door to find Ms. Jeon standing there, holding a couple of bags filled with drinks and snacks, her warm eyes twinkling with curiosity. “Did I interrupt your boys’ moment?” she teased, her voice light but probing, a maternal smile on her lips.

Jungkook huffed, his pout instant as he crossed his arms, his cheeks flushing deeper. “Mumma, I told you we’d have the house to ourselves,” he grumbled, his bratty edge sharp despite his racing heart.

Ms. Jeon chuckled, unfazed, and held out the bags. “I know, bun. I’m heading to your uncle’s to stay the night with your dad, but I figured you boys might want some snacks” Her gaze softened, but then her eyes narrowed, catching the puffiness of Jungkook’s lips. “bun, did you get hurt or something?” she asked, pointing at his mouth, her tone laced with concern.

Jungkook froze, his heart lurching as his hand shot to his lips, his mind scrambling. “Uh, I.., we just—drank cold water and, uh, played with the bottles, you know, sucking them to show who’s tougher!” His words tumbled out, each one more absurd, and he slammed his palm against his forehead, groaning inwardly. "What the fuck am I saying? The excuse sounded filthy, and his cheeks burned, his starry eyes wide with embarrassment.

Ms. Jeon sighed, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation. “I shouldn’t have asked about boys’ business,” she muttered, shaking her head as she patted Jungkook’s hair, her touch warm and grounding. “Call me if you need anything, okay? And take care of Taehyung and yourself” Jungkook nodded hurriedly, desperate to end the conversation.

She tilted her head, glancing around. “Where is he, anyway?”

“Washing his face,” Jungkook blurted, his voice too quick. “He’s tired from dinner.” Ms. Jeon hummed, ruffling his hair again. “Alright, bun. Be good.” Jungkook huffed, his pout deepening. “Go already, Mumma,” he mumbled, earning a chuckle as she turned to leave, her footsteps fading down the hall.

Jungkook locked the door with a quick twist, setting the snack bags on the floor and collapsing against it, his knees drawn to his chest as he hugged them tightly. His face burned, a flush creeping up his neck as he buried his face in his legs. “Fuck, I’m a disaster,” he muttered, his heart racing.

The bathroom door creaked open, and Taehyung stepped out, his deep-set eyes scanning the room before landing on Jungkook. “She gone?” he asked, his voice low and steady, though a hint of amusement lingered.

Jungkook nodded, his starry eyes flicking up to meet Taehyung’s, then darting away as the awkwardness crashed back, thick and suffocating. They stared in opposite directions, the flashlight’s glow casting their shadows on the walls.

Jungkook’s pout deepened, his fingers tightening around his knees. “I hate this awkward shit between us,” he muttered, his voice soft but laced with frustration, his starry eyes flickering with defiance and vulnerability.

He glanced at Taehyung, his heart skipping at the sight of him.

Taehyung sighed, turning to meet Jungkook’s gaze, his deep-set eyes softening. “Go to sleep, Jeon,” he said, his voice low and firm.