Dreaming Alone | taekook ✔️

t h i r t y - f i v e

The dining hall was a busy place at mealtimes, the line of people would often extend outside the doors.

Jeongguk must've been late, because it surprised him when the only person sat near the entrance.

"Took you long enough." Madeline noted smugly, legs crossed as she lounged on the bench.

"Why're you out here?" The ravenette said, stopping in front of her, "Has everyone left already?"

"No. There're inside." She confirmed, "I just felt like getting some air... and leaving Tae to deal with the lovebirds."

"Hobi and Yoongi?"

"You and Tae weren't the only ones cuddling last night. They really thought I didn't notice." Madeline chuckled.

Jeongguk cracked a smile. "How does it feel to be a fifth wheel?"

"So you admit there's something going on between you and Tae?" Madeline remarked cheekily in response.

The ravenette realized his mistake and rubbed the side of his neck, embarrassed. "No. Of course not." Jeongguk stared at her for a second, then took a seat. "Hey can I ask a question?"

"Sure thing."

"I don't want to sound rude, really. But why don't I see you hanging out with girls?"

Madeline cocked her head to the side. "Well, back when I was in high school, word got around that I was into girls." She said, her legs swinging absentmindedly, "I was on the girls volleyball team and my teammates started complaining that they were— quote unquote, uncomfortable with me."

"Oh god I'm sorry." Jeongguk said.

Madeline shrugged, offering a half-grimace, half-smile. "So I dropped out and was homeschooled ever since."

"Your parents let you drop out?"

"Ehhhh." She twirled a piece of hair between her fingers. "I don't know my parents. My legal guardian is my sister. You're looking at an orphanage-raised kid."

Empathy Jeongguk never thought he'd have for Madeline swelled in the hollow of his chest. "I didn't know..."

"It's okay." She shrugged again. "I guess after all that, being friends with boys seemed easier. Less drama. And I like keeping my circle of friends small. That's why I was reluctant to be friends with you."

"I'm sorry. I was an asshole." Jeongguk confessed.

"No." Madeline shook her head. "You were just scared. I know it's different, Jeongguk, but I lost my mother too. I know how you feel." She murmured, "That whole... you stepping on me thing... Terrible first impression. But forget it, okay? You're forgiven."

Jeongguk smiled, feeling tingly with warmth. "Thanks. I don't deserve that."

Madeline elbowed him playfully, lightening up the mood. "Now tell me about Tae."

The ravenette narrowed his eyes. "What about him?"

"I've known him for seven years now, Jeongguk. He let you sleep in his bed. That screams I like you."

"Lies. He's just being nice."

"Sure, buddy. Keep telling yourself that."

"Okay even if Tae likes me." Jeongguk said, turning to her. "I don't see him in that way. So there— case closed."

"Okay I know soulmates don't necessarily have to be lovers but Jeongguk I can see your chemistry from miles away—"

"Soulmates?" The ravenette arched a brow at her.

"Yes!" Madeline said enthusiastically, "If you want more information you better ask Hobi, not me. He's the expert."

"Expert of what?"

"Of those dreams you guys have." Madeline deadpanned. "Wait... did Tae not tell you?"

"Tell me... what?"

"Soulmate dreams." She turned towards the ravenette fully. "When you and soulmate exchange visions about subconscious hopes and fears... past, present, future..."

"That sounds like some kind of myth."

"Well it's not. Hobi had a soulmate."

Jeongguk swallowed harshly. "So Tae has been dreaming about...?"

"Basically everything there is to know about you. Even the scary parts."

The ravenette became silent, trying and failing to piece Taehyung's good intentions and dishonesty together. His aunt wasn't the type to tell everyone their family secrets. Did his dreams reveal his scars to the brunette instead? Is that what happened?

"Jeongguk?"

Did that mean... the child being molested was truly Taehyung? Was it from that past? It had to be— he was merely a tween.

"Jeongguk." Madeline gave him a gentle shove, making his thoughts scatter. "Are you okay?"

"Tae didn't tell me any of this." Jeongguk gnawed on his bottom lip. "Why didn't he tell me?"

"I don't know. You can head in and ask him." Madeline suggested, concerned.

But there were too many insecure thoughts resurfacing, making Jeongguk question all the friendships he had made over the course of that week.

He pinched at his shirt, a substitute for his missing pendant, but he couldn't find the reassurance he craved.

"I don't feel like going in anymore." Jeongguk squeaked, getting up awkwardly. "I'll see you around."

"Jeongguk hey wait..." Madeline sighed when he turned and walked swiftly away, hands stuffed into pockets. "Good god, Tae, what have you done?"

__________

a little backstory about madeline that i've lowkey been dying to share
i hope you're beginning to like her more than when she was aggressive with kook lmao
that's just her nature

also damnit tae you messed up

anyway
next update will take longer than usual

it's 2am and i just finished my government homework. school is getting more hectic and i'm just, well, exhausted. and i can't write quality shit if i'm tired. i'm literally typing this through squinted eyes i swear i'm about to pass out and sleep haha

and plus there's actually two other projects i'm working on long side Dreaming Alone.
both of which are not published yet

there's a lot i have in store for you guys
but yeah
i am in desperate need of a quick break
and i know y'all wouldn't mind cause you're sweethearts :,)

also expect a little jikook

edit: LOL I FELL ASLEEP BEFORE PUBLISHING THIS ITS 9AM NOW

see you next time i see you
- hay