Taekook/ This Is Us

10. Mini Me

The day had passed quickly, and soon enough the final bell was ringing. Taehyung had told Jungkook to wait outside the entrance for him so he could drive them to the minis court, and Jungkook did so, knowing that Taehyungs lesson was across the building and he'd have to wait a few minutes for him to arrive. he pulled his phone out and sent a text to Namjoon, reminding him that he wouldn't need driving home. 

"hey, Jungkook." he heard a voice behind him and saw Yoongi stood with his hand in his pockets and backpack hanging lazily off one shoulder ; from the corner of his eye he could see people walking past them and staring at the basketball captain.

"hey Yoongi, what's up?"

"just wanted to tell you you've been doing really well recently, and i had doubts about you, but you're surpassing my expectations, so, well done." Jungkook was sure he was flushing bright pink, feeling overwhelmed with pride.

"thank you so much Yoongi, that means a lot." the older boy smiled, his rare, wide gummy smile. he nodded, and patted him on the back as he moved around him. Jungkook struggled to stop himself grinning and looking like a total creep, but he felt so indescribably happy. he then heard a shout from inside the school, everyone turned to the doors at a booming,

"Yoon Sanha!"

at that moment, Sanha sprinted out the building, waving at Jungkook as he passed him and jumping over the side of the steps, a second later a boy Jungkook didn't recognise also burst through the doors, huffing and out of breath. Jungkook chuckled, and jumped as Taehyung voice appeared right next to his ear.

"Jungkook-ah are you ready?" he turned and saw Taehyung stood grinning at him, running a hand through his hair and pulling car keys from his pocket with the other. Jungkook nodded yes and they went to Taehyungs car. 

"it's only five minutes away." Taehyung said absently.

"okay."

there was a silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable for either boys, they both felt safe in each others presence, so they sat in the quiet. they pulled up to a small-ish building labelled 'community centre' and got out. Butterflies began flitting around Jungkooks stomach as he realised he'd never taught children before, and he doubted whether or not he'd be able to control them.

"don't be nervous Kookie, they're cute little things, well behaved too. plus, they have a proper coach, we're just here to help out." Jungkook breathed a sigh of relief and silently thanked the older for seeming to have read his mind.

"ah, i was a little nervous, but I'll be fine!" he assured. they reached the doors of the centre and Taehyung pushed them open, signalling for Jungkook to go in.

"we're just through there." Taehyung pointed to doors parallel to them, and Jungkook headed towards them. before he even got the chance to grab the door handle, the door itself swung open. when his eyes locked onto nothing but the interior of the room, he looked down, and saw a little girl with wide eyes and a huge smile, her face seemed familiar, but Jungkook couldn't place how.

"Taetae!" she called, slipping past Jungkook and jumping into Taehyungs arms, he grinned and hugged her back, swinging her round, he squeals of laughter filling the air. 

"Soomi!" Taehyungs own deep laugh filled the room, simultaneously warming Jungkook to his core, "we better get to practice, Coach will be waiting." the little girl hopped out of his arms and back into the room, which was a small sports hall. there was a clustering of kids stood at one end, a woman in front of them holding a basketball and talking animatedly.

"that's Rosé, she's the coach."

"she looks young." Jungkook commented, squinting to get a better look at her face.

"she's only a couple years older than us, she's in college but does part time here." Taehyung explained, beginning to walk towards the group, Jungkook followed him, scanning the children for any who might be a bother.

"are you close with her?" he asked, turning his gaze to Taehyung.

"I'd say so," he answered, "you know Jennie right? they're friends. oh and that little girl from earlier, that was Hoseoks sister!"

"i knew i recognised her face."  Jungkook chuckled.

an hour later the session was almost over and the children were gathering their things, getting ready to leave. Jungkook leant against the wall watching them. he'd had so much fun helping them all out, he could see why Taehyung did this regularly. when Jungkook felt a tug at the his sweatpants, he looked down and saw little Soomi stood, clutching her backpack in front of her, and gesturing for him to come closer. he bent down to her level and smiled,

"what's up Soomi?"

"i like you," she whispered, "you make Taetae smile, please keep him smiling." Jungkook softened and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Tae doesn't need me to smile, he's always smiling." Soomi shook her head and toed the ground slightly, looking as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have been.

"not always." she said it so quietly that he had to lean closer to hear her. "sometimes, he comes to our house in the middle of the night, and he's crying and he's hurt. Mummy tells me to stay in my room but i peak and Seokie is putting stuff on his cuts and talking to him and Mummy is walking back and forth talking on the phone and i go back to bed but i can't sleep." the small child took a deep breath in after she had spoken, as if it was a relief to tell someone her worries. "please keep him smiling Jungkook."

he locked eyes with the girl. "i promise." he said, his voice completely serious. Soomi flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight for a second, before pulling away and going back to her friends.

"what was that about?" Jungkook turned and saw Taehyung smiling softly at him,

"she told me she likes me." Jungkook chuckled, deciding not to mention what else she'd told him.

"so you'll come again?" the older asked hopefully.

"definitely."