The Arrangement

26

Reality returned the next day when the two boys were required to resume their schedules at Big Hit.

Although they didn't classify their relationship just yet - time still needed to help them heal - they decided to keep their bond quiet for now. If word got out that V was dating his mentee, two foreseeable problems might arise. For one, people could blame favoritism as the sole reason Jungkook was selected. Additionally, they could also say V was coercing the younger into a relationship in order to gain success.

As much as Taehyung and Jungkook wanted to step out of the shadows, they knew this was the right move. Especially as they figured out how they fit into each other's lives.

However, one thing was for certain: they were going to remain in each other's lives.

They loved each other in that distant sort of way; their love was rooted in who they used to be years past. Life had changed both Taehyung and Jungkook - they weren't naive to think they could start where they left off six years ago.

But both boys were eager to re-learn the other. Excitement had been a powerful current between the two as they talked all night, asking silly questions and tough ones alike. And when they were battling the fight against sleep, when Jungkook was internally questioning whether or not to return to his own room, Taehyung pulled the younger tighter into his embrace.

And now, as they walked into Big Hit, both wore huge smiles. Their hands brushed each other's fleetingingly but purposefully as they walked to the main meeting room. Professionalism needed to be displayed while working, so they satisfied themselves with this limited contact for now.

Upon entering the room, the other two mentor-mentee pairs were already seated. Jimin was talking animatedly to Yeonjun, who listened intently to every word he said. On the other side of the table sat the two producers. Namjoon was jotting down notes on a tablet while Yoongi blankly studied Jimin. Taehyung and Jungkook separated, taking their places across from each other at the table.

They shared a secret smile.

One that was not missed by Jimin.

The pink haired boy leaned close to Jungkook's ear. "Tell me what that was about."

"What?" He played dumb.

"Don't do that to me. I'm too smart," Jimin retorted. "Did you and V finally smash?"

The younger elbowed him in the side. "He's not like that, Jimin."

"Sure, whatever you say, Kook."

Jungkook rolled his eyes, glancing across the table to find Taehyung engrossed in conversation with RM. The other producer, he found, was a bit occupied with something else.

"Why does it look like Suga is contemplating how to break every bone in your body?" He asked his friend.

"I think he's jealous."

Jungkook's eyes widened and his mouth parted. "What?"

Before Jimin could further elaborate, RM called for everyone's attention and they got started.

The next hour and a half was spent reviewing the mentees' original lyrics, which all needed to be approved by the two producers. Taehyung's throat burned as Jungkook shared his, now knowing for sure his words were about him. He made eye contact with the younger at the end, making sure to openly show the emotion he felt.

Suga announced that the mentees would perform their original songs, along with a selection of other pieces, at the showcase in two months. He assigned both group and solo songs, in which they'd need to learn the dances to as well.