Doppelgänger✔️

Fever

The following week of classes was draining and Taehyung couldn't wait for the weekend to arrive so he could kickback.

Since he promised Mae he'd be keeping his feet on the ground, for the time being, he'd honestly found it difficult to find things to keep himself entertained.

He worked out like crazy, finding himself using less energy to complete certain sets. He ran on the treadmill longer, barely needing to catch his breath.
He lifted weights without overexerting himself and his muscles flexed easily without the normal burning sensation that usually followed after such a workout.

Taehyung shrugs nonchalantly at the observation, choosing to blame his great shape on the sudden change in strength and stamina.

He leaves the gym and heads over to the bar/diner just outside of campus where Mae worked to surprise her.

He wasn't sure if it was because he knew they were in a good place or because he had so much more free time, but he'd been wanting to be near her more and more these days.

Taehyung takes a seat at the bar as he waits for Mae to clock out for the evening when he notices a new face. A younger but very maturely built guy wipes the counters and tables, clearing them of dishes and unfinished food.

Something about him made Taehyung furrow his brow as he unsuspectingly went about his work.

He stands upright from bussing a table, dabbing his forehead and upper lip with the back of his wrist before rolling his neck and shoulders. Taehyung studies his attractive frame and profile, suddenly feeling hostile at the young male's presence.

"Hey, Jungkook!" Mae calls out to him as she walks from the kitchen, not yet noticing Taehyung at the bar.

The guy turns at the sound of her voice and smiles widely when he sees her approaching.
Taehyung feels his chest burning at the way he looked down at her as she spoke to him.

Taehyung couldn't make out what she was telling him but from the expression on both of their smiling faces, he immediately didn't like this Jungkook kid.

He was barely aware of himself as he stood from his seat and stalked towards the two with purpose. Mae notices him and beams with a new brightness that touches every part of her beautiful face.

"You just keep coming up here to surprise me huh?" She says, making the young man she was talking to turn to look over his shoulder at Taehyung.

His expression is neutral and unfazed, a deep contrast to Taehyungs stone-cold scowl that instantly melts when he gains Mae's attention.

"Well, I was around. Thought I'd pick you up from work." Taehyung shrugs cooly. He reaches forward and pulls Mae against him into a warm hug. She giggles softly when Taehyung squeezes her a bit too tightly before nuzzling his nose in the crook of her neck.

Unbeknownst to her, Taehyung tilts his head to gaze up at a nonplussed Jungkook, who watches the exchange before awkwardly turning to continue to clear the next table.

He smirks in triumph at successfully marking his territory and straightens up to pull back from Mae casually.

"Oh shoot! I wish you would have called. My brother is picking me up."

"Yoongi? He's in town?" Taehyung steps back.

"Yea! He's on leave for a few weeks. He's staying in Seoul with some friends."