the rules of love and war.

02

I stared at Hoseok, my mouth dropping slowly with every passing millisecond. Was this boy crazy? Did he want me to be killed?

"No, I don't want you to be killed. You think aloud by the way." He tacked on tartly. "But that asides the point. We want this to end just as much as you do. But you're the one that actually might be able to end this thing. So just please, talk to him, alright?"

"UGH." I groaned, slamming my head back against my locker. "Fine, I'll do it, I'll do it. Now let me go help my boyfriend before he takes another fall down the stairs." That last part, I spoke up extra loud just as a freshman Biology teacher walked past us. He gave Taehyung an odd look, but said nothing as he continued on his way.

For some reason, the teachers knew never to question because neither Taehyung nor Jungkook would say anything to incriminate the other. No teachers were ever around to see the fights themselves; however they always happened to come by a few minutes after the fight. The first few altercations had resulted in some questioning as the 'loser' of that round was left to defend his dignity. However, neither would rat the other out. It was as if they had some unspoken rule that they wouldn't let teachers get in the way; instead, they wanted to handle it the 'manly' way.

Also known as, pummeling each other into a pulp.

"I don't need your help." I heard Taehyung snap. I turned to see him hoist his backpack onto his shoulder, shaking his head as he straightened his back. I shot him a weird look as he shouldered past all of us. He was acting as if he hadn't just been in the biggest fight with Jeon Jungkook in the past two years. He was acting as if nothing had happened, and that he wasn't bleeding from three different cuts on his face. "I'm perfectly fine." He called out to us, speaking to no one in particular.

The man was officially insane. Sometime during the fight, Jungkook must have punched him too hard in the frontal lobe...

"Tae, wait up." I jogged slowly, appearing at his side. I gripped his arm slightly, stopping him from walking further away from me. "Taehyung, listen to me."

"What is there for me to listen to, huh?" he suddenly spat. "There's nothing because all I know is that you're going to tell me to fucking end this shit with Jeon, but guess what? It's not going to ever end and there's nothing you can possibly do to change that. Get it through your head, woman." He tapped his head thrice, wincing with each hit, probably remembering that he had just been pummeled into the ground.

I bit my lip, and looked down. What else was there for me to say? I told him the same thing every time and his reaction was always the same. He frankly never cared about my opinion. In the end, he just wanted to prove himself to be the Alpha Male in this feud, but Jungkook wasn't making it easy for him. If Taehyung gave up now, well... he'd lose all his credibility as being the tough, first-string quarterback and captain of the wrestling team persona he had made.

"You're right, and I'm sorry." I finally said, letting go of his arm. "I'll just let you go, alright?"

Taehyung must have suddenly had a change of heart, for I heard him let out a frustrated sigh. "Lisa, I'm sorry. I really wish you didn't have to be involved in all of this. I don't want you to be there when I do my thing." Yeah, which includes getting your brains bashed in by the most hardcore guy in the state? "I love you," he paused briefly after saying that, allowing the words to sink in, "I hope you know that. I still do, even after three years. Nothing's changed. But, I just can't tell you anything about Jungkook. I hope you understand?"

I was silent for a moment, fuming on the inside and ready to burst out, lashing out at him like a rogue goldfish. Yes, goldfish are actually relatively intimidating when infuriated. It just took a lot of time and effort to get them to that stage, especially considering their lack of memory and intelligence.

"Yeah, sure, I understand." I smiled saccharinely. "I won't impose anymore, alright?" I leaned up, pecking him lightly on the cheek. "You'll be able to drive home fine?"

Taehyung was baffled for a moment, probably shocked by my more-than-surprising behavior. Usually, I was on his case about Jungkook, but today, I decided not to be. It was understandable for him to be freaked out beyond belief. "Uh, yeah, I'll be fine. I'll see you tomorrow then? Seven at night, I'll pick you up?"

"That's completely fine." I smiled, hoping to cover up the monster that was stirring up inside of me. I needed to go, I needed to get out of here so badly before I lashed out at him and beat him up even more than Jungkook just did. "Call me when you're outside, okay? I'll see you then!"

Taehyung stared at me for a little bit longer, but said nothing. Instead, he merely nodded at me and walked towards the back door of the school. As soon as I saw the door swing shut, my smile quickly turned upside down into a frown.

I needed to find Jeon Jungkook, and fast.