Saved || A Jungkook fanfic

29.

Nothing ever seemed to go my way.

For the past few days, I had done everything in my power to convince Jungkook that attending this party was a bad idea—especially for Taehyung. He had been working hard to stay away from alcohol and reckless decisions, and a gathering like this seemed like the perfect storm for temptation.

And when I say I tried everything, I mean everything.

But no amount of late-night cuddles, indulgent bribes of his favorite snacks, or even the allure of something more intimate could sway Jungkook's stubborn resolve.

"Tae will be fine, Ails," Jungkook said, his voice tinged with reassurance as he maneuvered the car down the quiet street. I had lost count of how many times he had said those exact words over the past few days—like a broken record, up until today, the day of the get-together.

His right hand slid onto my thigh, a casual yet comforting touch, while his left hand remained steady on the wheel. "Trust me, we're all going to be with him the whole time. He's not going to be alone, and it's only going to be us—well, aside from Yoongi and Namjoon. But Yoongi promised to keep it small. I think he just wants to meet my girl and my new friends." Jungkook flashed a boyish smile, his eyes brimming with hope, as if trying to charm me into surrendering.

Jin, who had been slouched in the back seat, suddenly popped his head between us. "Lighten up, Ails! Stop being such a mom to Taehyung. It's kinda weird, considering you two—"

A hard flick to his forehead cut him off mid-sentence. Jin recoiled, groaning as he clutched the growing red mark in the center of his forehead.

"I'm worried because I know how he gets," I sighed, arms crossing over my chest. "A drink or two, and he doesn't stop. He can't stop."

Jungkook made a slow turn into Taehyung's driveway, his expression patient but unwavering. "He won't get drunk. I promise." His voice was steady, sincere.

Despite my reluctance, I couldn't help but soften at the way he looked at me—his expression was warm, reassuring.

The dynamic between Jungkook and Taehyung had started out... complicated. There was a point when the mere idea of them standing in the same room without throwing punches was unthinkable. But now? Somehow, in some strange twist of fate, they had found common ground. It was almost endearing, like something pulled from an enemies-to-lovers novel.

Jungkook was the first to step out, bounding toward Jimin with an obnoxious enthusiasm that made me shake my head. He lifted Jimin into a bear hug, spinning him around dramatically while making some ridiculous face. Ever the embodiment of effortless cool, he was dressed in an oversized black shirt that draped over his toned frame, paired with sleek track pants and his well-worn sneakers. His dark hair was styled in its signature tousled look—just messy enough to seem unintentional but perfectly framing his sharp features.

Severely unimpressed, Jimin swatted at Jungkook's hands, mouthing, Do you want to die?—which only made the younger man pinch his cheeks playfully. He wore a navy sweater vest layered over a crisp white tee, neatly tucked into tan pants that complemented his clean white sneakers. His dark brown hair, slightly tousled from Jungkook's overzealous greeting, still fell into place effortlessly, framing his sharp yet delicate features.

Taehyung, standing beside them, tried—and failed—to hide his smile, his hands casually shoved into the pockets of his grey letterman jacket. The fabric rested comfortably over a plain tee, the fit just baggy enough to match the relaxed style of his light-wash jeans. His pristine white sneakers peeked out beneath the slightly oversized hem, completing his laid-back yet effortlessly model-like look. His hair, as always, was styled in its usual manner—soft, slightly wavy, and effortlessly framing his face with an air of nonchalance.