Chapter 3: The Silent Battle

The tension lingered like an unspoken secret, weighing down on Jungkook even as he tried to act normal. Every stolen glance, every accidental touch—it all felt heavier now. The company's warning had turned their every interaction into a risk.

Days passed, and Jungkook noticed Taehyung pulling away, just slightly. His usual playful touches became hesitant, his laughter a little more guarded. It hurt more than Jungkook expected.

During rehearsal, they practiced the new choreography for their comeback. Jungkook was used to being close to Taehyung, but today, he felt the distance. When Taehyung's hand brushed against his, he flinched—just for a second—before stepping back.

"Sorry," Taehyung murmured.

Jungkook frowned but didn't say anything.

Later that night, in their dorm, Jungkook finally confronted him.

"Are you avoiding me?"

Taehyung's eyes flickered with something unreadable before he exhaled. "I'm just… trying to be careful."

Jungkook clenched his fists. "Since when do we have to be careful around each other?"

"You know why," Taehyung whispered. "I don't want to ruin what we have."

Jungkook felt frustration rise in his chest. "What we have? You mean this—" He gestured between them. "—is something we should be ashamed of?"

Taehyung's eyes widened. "No! That's not what I meant—"

"Then stop acting like it is."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken emotions.

Finally, Taehyung sighed. "I'm scared, Jungkook."

Jungkook's heart clenched. He was scared too. But more than that, he was terrified of losing Taehyung to fear.

So he made a silent promise to himself.

No matter what, he wouldn't let the world dictate how they loved each other.