>>> Chapter 4 <<<
"What's wrong?" Jimin finally asked his best friend who has been sulking for half the day.
"Nothing." Taehyung pouts looking at the pavement as they walk across the campus.
"You haven't smiled Tae, and it's already noon." Jimin points out.
"I'm just tired." Taehyung lies.
"Just tired?" Jimin asked with his brow raised. He has seen Taehyung exhausted, not once did he fail to smile before noon.
"Is there something with me Jiminie?" Taehyung finally asked what he's been dying to ask Jungkook, but instead, he asked his best friend.
Taken aback by his best friend's random question Jimin halted his movements to stare at Taehyung,
"What?" Jimin asked.
"Am I too clingy? Am I too I don't know too much of a hassle?" Taehyung continues to ask.
Jimin frowned, where is Taehyung getting this from, Jimin thought. "Taehyung where is this coming from?"
"Am I?" Taehyung looked into his best friend's eyes, Jimin can see the hurt making his heart hurt for his soulmate as well.
"No! No of course not! Who even made you think you are?" Jimin is now ready to fight whoever made Taehyung think like this.
"Nothing I- just..." Taehyung hesitates.
"I'm your best friend Taehyung, please tell me what got you into thinking like this."
Taehyung sighed as Jimin found them a bench on the sidewalk.
"Do you remember Jungkookie?" Taehyung asked cautiously.
"Your bartender friend?" Of course, Jimin remembers, it's not like Taehyung talks about Jungkook EVERY DAY.
"You know how I usually hang out at his bar for the wifi?" Taehyung begins to tell Jimin who simply nodded for him to continue.
"Well last night, he completely ignored me. He barely acknowledged that I was there. It's like he didn't want me there at all." It did hurt Taehyung's feelings, especially not knowing what he did for Jungkook to act in a way towards Taehyung.
Jimin looked at Taehyung suspiciously as he asked, "Did you ask him why?"
"No, I didn't want to annoy him further." Taehyung sadly pouts at Jimin.
"You're upset because he's your friend or...?" Jimin asked suspiciously.
"Or what?"
"Or is it something... more?" Jimin tries.
"I don't know what you're saying but he's my friend or I thought he was, and I'm upset about that." Taehyung heavily sighed reminiscing how Jungkook disregarded him yesterday.
Like those days they got to hang out and know each other was nothing to him at all.
"I'm sorry to hear that Tae tae." Jimin hugged his soulmate without pushing his suspicions anymore.
His questions can wait, right now his best friends need him more.
~~~
A busy Friday, of course, and another deadline due for the week that Taehyung tried to get out of, but he simply can't.
Which is why he's back inside 'Tiger flower' his eyes searching for a vacant seat, but the truth is his eyes are in search of that dark-haired bartender.
He didn't want to come, especially knowing that Jungkook is still not talking to him, even through text, none.
Taehyung didn't bother sending a text as well as he was extremely hurt with what went down that Monday night.
Taehyung continued his search when his eyes locked with Jungkook's.
Taehyung's heart jumped, seeing those familiar dark brown orbs after such a long time.
Taehyung gave Jungkook a weak smile, but in return, Jungkook completely ignored the other.
Jungkook on the other hand felt like his heart and stomach dropped when he saw Taehyung walked in on his bar, it's been 4 days since he last saw the college boy, and their last exchange was something that Jungkook regrets but knows that he needed to do.
Throughout those four nights that Jungkook didn't see Taehyung, he thought that his feelings will go away.
That even though Taehyung is all occupied his mind whenever he is left with free time, he still hoped that his feelings will go away.
Jungkook was proven completely wrong when he saw Taehyung walked in, his heart longing to see that beautiful smile on that beautiful face.
Which is why, when Taehyung graced him with a weak smile, he immediately averted his gaze, despite it being a small weak smile, it did things to Jungkook's heart that Jungkook can't handle.
A girl wearing a low v neckline made her way to the counter and asked for a drink as she purposely leaned in to accentuate her cleavage in an attempt to flirt with Jungkook.
Jungkook can feel Taehyung watching them, he doesn't know what Taehyung thinks of this, but if it will hurt him by ignoring him and focusing his attention on someone else, to make Taehyung leave, he flirted back.
Even though throughout the entire exchange, all Jungkook can think of is Taehyung's eyes on them.
Taehyung felt that familiar ugly twist in his stomach when the gorgeous girl walked up to the bar to strike a conversation with Jungkook.
Taehyung watched the way, Jungkook talks to the girl, the way he glanced at that girl's chest before a smirk appeared on his face.
Taehyung felt like throwing up, the burn in his chest getting more and more intense that he just wanted to sprint away from that place.
For some reason, he couldn't even avert his gaze from Jungkook and that girl he's flirting with.
Taehyung watched the way Jungkook smiled at the girl, the way he hasn't smiled at Taehyung for an incredibly long 4 days.
Why couldn't he smile at Taehyung like that?
Why is Taehyung feeling like this?
Is it envy? Of the girl who currently has Jungkook's attention while he doesn't even get a simple nod from the other?
He continued to wonder, is it because Taehyung is not as good looking as that girl or the guys that Jungkook willingly gives his attention to?
Is it because Taehyung is too plain and boring that Jungkook got tired of being his friend and spending time with him?
Maybe that's it, Taehyung thought.
"Taehyungie! I haven't seen you in a while." Hoseok greets out of nowhere taking Taehyung out of his head, and his eyes away from Jungkook.
"Do you need a seat? It's quite full but there is still some at the bar." Hoseok tells Taehyung as he points at the bar stools.
Taehyung tried his best to smile at Hoseok as he shakes his head no.
"It's okay Hoseok hyung, I'll find another place, thank you." Taehyung looked at Jungkook one last time before he turns around to leave.
A glance that screams for one chance to make it up to him.
To Taehyung's devastation, Jungkook didn't spare him another glance he was so focused on flirting with the girl who's now lightly touching Jungkook's biceps.
Taehyung felt the pain in his chest got worse, that if he stays longer he will surely throw up and cry at the same time.
Without saying another word, Taehyung turn around and left, with a broken heart, even though he wasn't aware of it yet.
~~~
The truth is, Jungkook just wants the girl in front of him to leave, now.
He's not in the mood, but for the show, specifically for Taehyung, he went along with the girl's advances.
He can feel Taehyung's stare, he felt that last glance that Taehyung gave, he felt it piercing right through him, but Jungkook chose to ignore it.
It hurts not being able to talk to him, it hurts not seeing him for days, but Jungkook's not ready.
He doesn't know what to do but to keep on pushing Taehyung away.
That maybe that way it would be easier to get over these feelings.
He acknowledged that there is a first time for everything but it doesn't make it less scary than it is.
As soon as he saw Taehyung walk out of the club, he dismissed the girl without care, who scoffed in return hoping for a night to remember.
But ever since Taehyung, Jungkook can't seem to keep it up with others.
He tried, he did even the past few days that he did not see Taehyung he tried hooking up, but he just couldn't.
His mind is constantly filled with Taehyung that the only release he's had for a while now is to jerking off by himself while thinking of Taehyung.
Jungkook's not proud of it but it's the truth.
"You're stupid." Mingyu spat out as he also saw Taehyung leave.
"I know." Jungkook simply answered.
"Fix things Kook-ah, you'll never know unless you try," Hoseok advised him.
"Isn't that what you told us when you first proposed this idea to us and your dad? When did we ask you the what-ifs? What if the business fails, what if the expense is too high, what if?" Hoseok reminds him.
"It's new to me. I dated twice in high school, I know the basic relationship shit but feelings? Real feelings? No" Jungkook full of fear expressed his thoughts.
Hoseok pats his shoulder "It's up to you Jungkook, but trust me, you will regret it if you never try."
Maybe, Jungkook should just let go of his fears and inhibitions and just go for it.
It was his motto starting Tiger Fly, which ended up being a success:
'You'll never know unless you try.'
~~~
Taehyung's confused as to why it hurt so much, he had only been Jungkook's friend for a week or two, but somehow it hurts just like when he and Jimin had a huge fight in high school, back in the senior year.
This was a different type of pain though, and Taehyung hates it even more.
He kept walking to the other side of the street when he found a newly open cafe, there are not many people, it says it's only open until 11 pm.
He only has 4 hours to cram, he will get all his work done.
"Good evening!" The friendly-looking staff greets with a wide smile.
"Good evening" Taehyung greets back
"My name is Bogum, what can I get you?" the staff behind the counter named Bogum cheerfully asked Taehyung.
"Hi Bogum-sshi, I'd like to have one hot choco and a cheese croissant," Taehyung answered.
"Will that be all?" the friendly barista asked,
"For now, yeah," Taehyung answered.
"Can I get your name?"
"Oh, I'll have it here." Taehyung shyly tells Bogum. He knows some cafes are not fond of students staying too long to study or finish projects.
"I know, I can see you're planning to study." Bogum motioned at Taehyung's bag pack and laptop case in his arm.
"Oh, is that not allowed here?" Taehyung asked looking around.
"It is, I just really wanted to know your name," Bogum answered making Taehyung's cheeks heat up in embarrassment.
"Taehyung." he finally answered.
"Okay Taehyung-sshi, you can pick whichever comfortable spot I'll serve it to your table," Bogum instructs Taehyung who in response nodded with a smile.
"Thank you Bogum-sshi" Taehyung found a comfortable and secluded spot with a comfy couch like a chair.
(Twitter)
Taehyung @kimtaetae
Found a great cafe! ☕️🥐
Cram mode on 😥
*picture*
Comments:
Jimin @Jiminie_Park
Fighting! ✍️🏻💪🏻
Seokjin @Kim_Seokjin
You can do it! Take care going home okay? 😊
"Cramming for week 3 deadlines I see." Bogum noticed as he placed Taehyung's hot choco and croissant on Taehyung's table.
"Yes, Econ is a headache." Taehyung pouts as without taking his eyes off his laptop.
"Professor Kang?" Bogum inquires.
"Yes!" Taehyung whined almost fake crying when he realized what the barista just said.
Looking up at the other, Taehyung questions, "How'd you know? Did you go to SNU?"
Bogum nodded sitting down on the comfy couch beside Taehyung.
"Still going, I'm in my final year, 2 more semesters," Bogum informed him.
"Are you also a business major?" Taehyung asked curiously.
"Yes, my mom owns a chain of cafes in Korea, so I'm studying to take over someday."
Taehyung's mouth hanged open as he nodded in amazement.
"I can help you out with your modules, I'm assuming you're I'm ahead of you since I took Prof Kang's class about a year ago." Bogum tells Taehyung who in return nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes please sunbaenim!" Taehyung begged cutely not aware of how cute he just looked.
"Cute"
"You can call me hyung, sunbae sounds way to formal." Bogum stood up as the door to the cafe chimes indicating a couple of customers coming in.
"I'll help you out later?" Taehyung nodded giving Bogum a thumbs up with a tight lipped smile.
Bogum chuckled, this boy's too cute.
(Twitter)
Taehyung @kimtaetae
I found my saviour at this cafe 🙏🏻🙌🏻💜
(Tae's group chat Jin & Jiminie & Tae)
Jiminie 🐣: Who did you meet at the cafe?
Taehyung: His name is Bogum Hyung he's a senior at SNU and he's helping me out with Econ 🙌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Jiminie 🐣: Wait...
Jiminie 🐣: Is he a business major?
Taehyung: Yes! Do you know him?
Jiminie 🐣: Yes! Omg 😆
Jiminie 🐣: He was my student guide in freshman year! He's really nice.
Taehyung: Ooooooh that's so cool! 😱
Jiminie 🐣: its been a while, tell him I said hi 😊
Hyungie 🦙: Tae, I know him as well
Taehyung: Hyungieeee
Taehyung: Really?
Hyungie 🦙: I think he was a sophomore when I was in my final year...
Taehyung: He told me earlier he has two semesters left.
Hyungie 🦙: Time flies by fast wow
Taehyung: 🤩
Hyungie 🦙: Let him know I said hi as well 😊
Taehyung: Will do 🤗🤗🤗
It's now 10 pm and the cafe is almost empty if it wasn't for Taehyung and Bogum who just finished cleaning up.
Bogum made his way next to Taehyung to begin helping the student out with Economics.
"Hyung, Jiminie and my hyungie Seokjin said hi!" Taehyung excitedly tells Bogum.
"You know Jimin?" Bogum asked.
"Yeah He's my best friend. He said that you were his student guide."
"Yeah yeah, I was. It's been awhile wow." Bogum smiled remembering his first experience being a student guide.
"He said hi, also my hyung." Taehyung continues, smiling from ear to ear.
"I can't believe you're Seokjin hyung's brother, I was quite close with him, he helped me out with my modules as well," Bogum tells Taehyung as he settled next to the younger boy.
"Really?" Taehyung asked turning to face Bogum.
"Yeah." he answered
With that, Bogum started helping Taehyung out with the essay that he has to write, Bogum was extremely helpful, Taehyung is so relieved.
He finished a lot earlier through Bogum's help.
(Twitter)
Taehyung @kimtaetae
Bogum Hyung says hi back 👋🏻🐵
@Jiminie_Park @Kim_Seokjin
*picture of him and bogum smiling*
Comments:
Jimin @Jiminie_Park
@Bogum_Park y'all are too cuteee
Bogum @Bogum_Park
You're too cute Taehyungie, I had a great time! 😊
Hi, my fellow Park @Jiminie_Park 👏🏻
Jimin @Jiminie_Park
Hyuuunggg it's been so long hii
Seokjin @Kim_Seokjin
How small is SNU?? How have you been @Bogum_Park? Heard you're in your final year congrats!! 🥳
Bogum @Bogum_Park
@Kim_Seokjin Ah hyung!! Yes, I am, hope to see you when you come back from Japan!
(Twitter)
Jungkook @Jeon_Jungkook
Huh?
Hoseok @Hoseok_Jung
👀
Mingyu @Mingyu_the_great
👀👀
(Twitter)
Jungkook @Jeon_Jungkook
Who???
Comments:
Hoseok @Hoseok_Jung
Are you talking about that particular tweet cause, bitch same I wanna know who that is 👀
Mingyu @Mingyu_the_great
Gotta check the competition eh? 🤔
Jungkook @Jeon_Jungkook
@Hoseok_Jung @Mingyu_the_great Shut the fuck up
(Jungkook texts Taehyung)
Jungkook: Tae
Jungkook: Where are you?
Jungkook: Are you home yet?
Jungkook: Where are you?
After closing the cafe, Taehyung found out that Bogum also lives in the dorms, so they decided to walk together since it's nearby and well, their buildings are just few blocks away from each other's.
The cafe is much nearer than Jungkook's bar so it was a shorter walk by half.
Jungkook, he must be busy at the bar right now Taehyung thought.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Bogum lightly nudge Taehyung who smiled looking up at Bogum.
"Thank you so much for helping me out tonight, also for letting me stay at the cafe." Taehyung expressed his gratitude.
"It's nothing, if you want I can try and help you out with your other modules since I probably took most of them already." Bogum offers.
"That would be amazing!" Taehyung put his palms together in excitement.
"I can lend you my notes as well, I think I kept some."
"You're really my saviour hyung." Taehyung tells the other with a wide grin showing off his boxy smile.
As they reached the dorm buildings, they said their see you laters and parted ways.
Taehyung checked his phone as soon as he got inside his dorm. He was shocked to see texts, from Jungkook.
Is Taehyung too tired that he's hallucinating?
Is that it? Taehyung thought.
(Taehyung texts back)
Taehyung: Oh
Taehyung: Hi
Jungkook: It's 1 am why did you just reply to me now?
Taehyung: I didn't see your text earlier
Jungkook: Where were you?
Taehyung: I'm at my dorm now why?
Jungkook: Where were you earlier?
Taehyung: At a cafe
Taehyung: Why are you asking?
Jungkook: You didn't say hi earlier?
Taehyung: You were busy
Taehyung: Wait why are you asking this?
Taehyung: You're the one who stopped talking to me 🤔
Jungkook: Can I talk to you? I want to explain
Taehyung: It's okay Jungkook no need to explain anything.
Jungkook: Jungkook?
Taehyung: That's your name...
Taehyung: As I was saying no need to explain I completely understand
Jungkook: Do you now?
Taehyung: You got tired of me and don't want to hang out or be my friend anymore
Taehyung: I get it it's okay
Jungkook: It's not like that at all
Jungkook: Just let me explain I want to clear things up
Taehyung: I gotta go
Taehyung: I'm really sleepy now
Taehyung: Night
Jungkook: No emoji?
Taehyung: 🌙
Jungkook couldn't sleep that night when Taehyung cut the conversation short.
This is his fault and he knows it.
He couldn't sleep that he kept on going through Taehyung's twitter, he even stalked Jimin to know more about Taehyung and see more of Taehyung's photos.
He stumbled on Taehyung's older brother's profile too, anything relating to Taehyung.
He's torturing himself by doing this but he can't help it.
He misses Taehyung and he's so so stupid for pulling this dumb 'push him away, ignore him and this feeling so it will go away' agenda cause it is now all backfiring so hard at him right now.
Jungkook got up to get some water, after placing the glass on the sink, he walked to the balcony of his apartment where it overlooks the corner of the street where he first made his bold move on Taehyung, when he pulled Taehyung in for a hug.
When he first confirmed his thought of wanting to be more than friends with Taehyung.
A smile made its way on Jungkook's face as he remembered that night and all those nights that he was with Taehyung.
He wants that again, he wants that and more.
Which is why, Jungkook is now set on making things right.
This time, he will make things right.
~~~
(End of Chapter 4)