Saved || A Jungkook fanfic

5.

It had been a month since the party.

One full month since I'd seen or spoken to Jungkook.

And every single day since, I'd been on edge.

Taehyung had dragged me to more parties than I could count, yet my mind always found its way back to him. Jungkook—his sharp jawline, the playful smirk that seemed permanently etched on his face, and those eyes that looked far too deeply for someone I barely knew. It didn't matter how many loud rooms I was in or how many drinks were shoved into my hand. He was always there, occupying some part of my thoughts.

The worst part? I didn't even know why.

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my too-heavy backpack as I pushed through the door of the bakery where I worked. The little bell above the door jingled cheerfully, completely at odds with my sour mood.

"Finally," came the deep, familiar voice of Namjoon, my coworker and Taehyung's older brother. His dimples appeared as he flashed me a wide grin, already untying his apron.

"Rough day?" I asked, tossing my bag behind the counter and pulling my hair into a quick ponytail.

"Hank was here," Namjoon said flatly, and the name alone explained everything.

I winced. Hank was our resident grumpy customer, the kind of man who treated every pastry like a personal attack on his taste buds.

"Ah, so that kind of day," I replied, sympathy lacing my tone.

Namjoon groaned dramatically, rubbing his temples. "One of these days, I'm gonna slip hot sauce into his damn cream puffs."

I snorted. "Bold of you to assume that wouldn't just give him more to complain about."

Namjoon chuckled, tossing his apron onto the counter before leaning casually against the display case. His playful demeanor faltered as his brows furrowed. "So, is Tae at home?"

I didn't look up as I adjusted some of the cupcakes on display. "Shouldn't you know that? You're his brother."

"And you're his girlfriend," he shot back, one eyebrow raised.

I paused, glancing at him. "Why is everyone always getting on my ass about him?" I asked, throwing my hands in the air.

Namjoon's grin returned, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. I knew that look. It was different from the one he gave me when I'd first started dating Tae—back when things were... different. Now it was laced with pity, as if he knew something I refused to acknowledge.

"I think he had class today," I finally muttered, breaking the silence.

Namjoon snorted. "Class? Taehyung?" He tapped his chin mockingly. "What's next, a 9-to-5 job and a savings account? Did aliens replace him at one of these parties?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Who knows? Maybe the real Taehyung is halfway to Pluto by now."

"Pluto's not a planet, you know."

"Did I say it was?"

Namjoon smirked, mimicking my voice. "Did I say it was?"

I rolled my eyes, resisting the urge to chuck a cupcake at his head.

And there it was. The deep inhale followed by a slight tapping of Namjoon's left foot. He was about to voice his concerns again. As he had been all year.

"Taehyung needs help, Ailene," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

I sighed, scrubbing at one of the small white tables with more force than necessary. "Joon, he just needs more time."