The hallway scene dissolves the moment Taehyung guides you away.
Your heartbeat finally slows… but Jungkook's does NOT.
He stands frozen, fists tight, chest heaving.
And that's exactly when—
A hand lands on his shoulder.
Firm.
Calm.
Unavoidable.
Yoongi:
"Follow me."
No emotion.
Just command.
Jungkook doesn't argue—
he can't.
Yoongi's presence is too heavy.
They enter Studio 2 quietly.
Door shuts.
Jungkook bristles.
Jungkook:
"Hyung… if this is about—"
Yoongi:
"Yes. It is about Y/N."
Jungkook shuts his mouth.
Yoongi doesn't raise his voice.
He doesn't get angry.
He simply stares at Jungkook like someone who sees through every layer.
Yoongi's Indirect Scolding
Yoongi:
"Do you know why she walked away with Taehyung?"
Jungkook swallows hard.
Jungkook:
"…because he pulled her?"
Yoongi sighs deeply.
Yoongi:
"No.
Because you didn't give her a choice."
Jungkook flinches.
Jungkook:
"I didn't—I wasn't trying to scare her—"
Yoongi:
"You're intense, Jungkook. Too intense.
And she doesn't know what you want.
Hell, you don't know what you want."
Jungkook looks at the floor.
His voice cracks.
Jungkook:
"I just… don't want anyone saying things about her.
I don't want her dragged into rumors.
And I don't want—"
He stops.
Yoongi finishes the sentence for him:
Yoongi:
"You don't want to lose her."
Silence.
Jungkook's fists tighten.
Jungkook (whisper):
"…yeah."
Yoongi exhales, sits down on the desk.
Yoongi:
"Then calm down.
Think.
Stop reacting from emotion.
Stop hovering over her like you own her.
And stop getting jealous every time someone else talks to her."
Jungkook's head snaps up.
Jungkook:
"I'm NOT jealous."
Yoongi smirks.
Yoongi:
"Sure. And I'm a ballerina."
Jungkook groans.
Yoongi continues softly—and this part hurts the most.
Yoongi:
"If you want Y/N to trust you,
you need to be a safe place…
not a storm."
Jungkook breathes shakily.
He nods.
Jungkook:
"…Hyung. I'll try."
Yoongi pats his shoulder.
Yoongi:
"Good.
Because someone new joined today.
And she's already looking for you."
Jungkook's brow furrows.
Jungkook:
"What do you mean—"
Right then—
The studio door bursts open.
And in walks a tall, stunning girl with sharp features, a sports duffle, and a confident aura.
She beams.
???:
"Ah! Found you, Jungkook!"
Jungkook blinks.
Jungkook:
"…who are you?"
She laughs lightly, stepping forward.
???:
"I'm Hina.
New national athlete.
Long-distance runner.
We were in the same junior competition four years ago.
You don't remember?"
Jungkook stares blankly.
Hana smiles wider.
Hina:
"It's okay.
I remember you VERY well."
She steps even closer—
too close.
Yoongi's brow lifts.
Hana twirls a strand of her hair.
Hina:
"Mind giving me some one-on-one training later?
I heard you're the best…
and I like learning from the best."
Jungkook stiffens.
Yoongi's eyes shift to Jungkook with a see? control your reaction look.
Hina:
"Oh—
and where's that physiotherapist girl?
What was her name? Y/N?
Everyone is talking about her already."
Jungkook's jaw clenches.
Yoongi mutters quietly:
Yoongi (under breath):
"Remember what I said. Calm. Safe. No storms."
Hana continues, oblivious.
Hina:
"I heard she's close to Taehyung and Yoongi too.
Busy girl, huh?"
Jungkook's eyebrow twitches—
just once—
but Yoongi elbows him lightly.
Yoongi:
"Jungkook, introduce yourself properly."
Jungkook forces a breath.
Jungkook:
"…I'm Jungkook.
Nice to meet you."
Hana's grin widens.
Hina:
"Oh trust me…
we'll be seeing each other a LOT."
Yoongi drums his fingers on the table.
Yoongi:
"And I'll be watching."
Meanwhile…
You're in the cafeteria, unaware of any of this.
Taehyung sits across from you, eating fries.
Taehyung:
"So… Jungkook confessed anything stupid yet?"
You choke on your water.
Y/N:
"T-Tae! No!
Taehyung smirks knowingly.
ou step out of the practice room, sweat still clinging to your neck, heart racing—partly from dancing, partly from the tension that had been silently building between you and Taehyung all day.
As you walk down the empty hallway, you hear footsteps behind you.
Slow. Heavy. Familiar.
You turn.
It's Taehyung.
His hair is messy from practice, his chest rising and falling, eyes dark… almost unreadable.
He walks toward you slowly.
He stops right in front of you, too close, looking straight into your eyes.
"Y/n…" his voice is low, almost a whisper.
"You keep avoiding me."
You gulp, your back hitting the wall.
But before you can answer, something interrupts—
The lights suddenly flicker and the hallway goes completely dark for a second.
You instinctively grab Taehyung's arm.
He freezes.
Then you feel his hand gently slide down and hold yours.
The lights come back.
He glances down at your intertwined hands… and smiles the softest smile.
"You still reach for me," he whispers.
"Even when you say you don't need me."
You quickly pull your hand back, flustered.
"Don't read too much into things," you mumble.
But he steps even closer—
His breath grazes your cheek.
"And what if I already do?"
Your heart pounds so loudly, you swear he can hear it.
Before you can react—
Jimin suddenly appears at the end of the hallway.
He freezes when he sees how close you and Taehyung are.
"Uh… am I interrupting something?" Jimin asks, raising an eyebrow.
Taehyung doesn't move away.
He just stares at Jimin, jaw tightening a little.
You take a tiny step away from Taehyung.
Jimin walks toward you, putting a gentle hand on your shoulder.
"You okay, Y/n?"
His thumb brushes lightly—too lightly—and Taehyung notices.
You feel Taehyung's mood shift in the air.
He clears his throat.
"We should go," he says coldly.
Jimin looks between the two of you, sensing something.
The tension is thick.
Too thick.
You quickly grab your bag and start walking away—but Taehyung catches your wrist for a second.
Just one second.
But it's enough to make your breath hitch.
"Don't avoid our conversation," he says softly.
Then he lets go.
You walk with Jimin… but your mind stays with Taehyung.
The hallway moment keeps replaying in your mind—Taehyung's hand on yours, his voice, the way he looked at you like you were the only thing he saw.
You try to shake it off.
You walk ahead with Jimin, but your phone keeps buzzing.
You glance at it.
It's Taehyung.
Taehyung texts you. A lot.
Taehyung:
We need to talk.
Don't run from me again.
I'm serious, Y/n
Where are you?
Your heartbeat spikes.
Jimin notices your expression and gently nudges you.
"Taehyung?" he asks softly.
You look away.
"Nothing."
But Jimin isn't stupid.
He sighs.
"You know… you don't have to pretend with me," he says quietly.
You don't answer.
As you both enter the dorm, Jimin places a warm hand on your back.
But before you can enter the living room—
A hand gently grabs your wrist.
You turn.
It's Jungkook.
Eyes sharp. Expression curious.
Jungkook pulls you aside.
"Y/n… what happened?" he asks in a low voice.
You blink. "What?"
He crosses his arms, leaning slightly closer.
"You and Taehyung looked… weird. And Jimin looked upset. Tell me."
You sigh, looking down.
"It's nothing serious, Kookie."
He gently tilts your chin up.
"You forget I know you better than anyone."
You try to speak, but Taehyung enters the dorm at that exact moment.
His eyes land on Jungkook's fingers on your chin.
His expression changes instantly.
Jaw tight.
Eyes dark.
Shoulders stiffening.
He doesn't say a word, but his gaze is like a storm held back.
Jungkook drops his hand slowly.
You feel all three of their eyes on you.
The tension becomes unbearable.
And that's when Seokjin calls from the kitchen—
"Dinner! Everyone gather!"
Dinner begins, but Taehyung can't stop staring at you.
You sit between Jimin and Jungkook.
Taehyung sits directly across from you.
Bad.
Terrible.
Worst possible place.
Every time you lift your spoon, you catch his eyes.
Every.
Single.
Time.
He doesn't eat.
He doesn't speak.
He just watches you.
Not angry.
Not sad.
Just… hurt.
And confused.
At one point, Jin jokes, "Tae, is the food too beautiful to eat or what?"
Everyone laughs.
Except him.
He just keeps looking at you.
Yoongi leans toward Hobi and whispers, "Something is going on."
Jimin subtly shifts closer to you.
Jungkook keeps tapping his fingers, irritated.
And Taehyung?
His eyes never leave you.
Not once.
Finally, unable to bear it, you stand up to get water.
Taehyung stands up at the same time.
Your eyes meet.
Everyone goes silent.
He takes one slow step toward you.
"Can we talk now?"
His voice is soft.
Dangerously soft.
Your heartbeat stops.
Soft. Raw. Close.
You swallow hard, then finally nod.
"Okay… let's talk."
Taehyung's eyes soften just a little, like he's relieved you didn't run again.
He quietly steps aside to let you walk first.
You walk through the sliding glass door onto the balcony—cool air brushing your skin, city lights glowing below. The moment the door closes behind Taehyung, the whole world goes silent.
It's just the two of you.
And all the tension you've been avoiding.
Taehyung stands a few steps away at first… then slowly walks closer.
Too close.
Close enough that you can smell his cologne—warm, woody, unmistakably him.
He takes a long breath before finally speaking.
"Why did you walk away from me?"
His voice is low, controlled, but you can hear the hurt underneath.
You open your mouth, but nothing comes out.
He shakes his head slightly.
"Y/n… I'm not angry. I'm confused."
He lifts his eyes to yours.
"And I hate being confused about you."
You look away.
"Tae, it's not what you think—"
He steps closer.
"So tell me what it is."
You freeze.
His hand gently slides down the railing until it stops right next to yours… not touching, but close enough to make your skin burn.
"I saw Jungkook," he says quietly.
"His hand on your chin."
Your breath catches.
"That didn't mean anything," you whisper.
Taehyung gives a soft, humorless laugh.
"Everything means something when it comes to you."
He finally looks straight at you, eyes deep and warm.
"Y/n… I don't want to keep guessing where I stand in your life."
Your heart stops.
"Tae—"
He leans slightly forward, searching your face.
"Am I someone you trust?"
"Am I someone you avoid?"
"Or…"
He swallows.
"Am I someone you're scared to let get close?"
You feel your chest tighten.
He takes one more step, closing the distance completely.
Now he's right in front of you.
Voice barely above a whisper.
"Just tell me I'm wrong… and I'll step back."
You stare at him.
Silent.
Shaken.
Unable to lie.
Taehyung's lips part slightly—like your silence answered everything.
He exhales shakily.
"Y/n… are you scared of me or scared of what you feel around me?"
Your heart pounds so violently you feel dizzy.
He lifts his hand slowly… hesitates… then gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
A soft, trembling touch.
You shiver.
"Because I'm not going anywhere," he whispers.
"Not unless you tell me to."
Your breath catches at the warmth, the closeness, the honesty.
Before you can respond—
The balcony door slides open.
You spin around.
Jungkook is standing there.
Expression unreadable.
Eyes sharp.
Jaw tight.
"Tae," Jungkook says quietly, "let her breathe."
Taehyung's shoulders stiffen.
But he doesn't move away from you.
Not even an inch.
Jungkook stands at the doorway…
Taehyung stands inches from you…
And the air between them feels like a storm ready to break.
Taehyung's jaw tightens, his body turning slightly as if he's about to say something sharp to Jungkook—
But before he can…
You reach out.
And gently wrap your fingers around his wrist.
Taehyung freezes.
Like you just hit a switch inside him.
His eyes immediately drop to your hand holding him.
He doesn't move.
Doesn't breathe.
Doesn't question.
He just… softens.
Slowly, his shoulders lower.
The tension drains from him.
He looks at you with something raw and warm—
Something he was trying to hide until now.
You whisper:
"Tae… please. Don't."
His lips part slightly, barely audible:
"…okay."
Jungkook watches the whole thing.
And the hurt in his eyes is impossible to ignore.
Not jealousy.
Not anger.
Something deeper.
Something like…
"Why her touch calms him but not me?"
He steps closer, voice tight:
"Y/n… are you okay?"
Taehyung subtly shifts, his wrist still in your hold, but he moves half a step in front of you—
A protective instinct he didn't bother hiding.
You gently pull your hand back.
The moment you let go, Taehyung stands straighter, as if he's afraid of losing the last remaining piece of your warmth.
Silence hangs heavy.
Jungkook looks between you and Taehyung.
Then finally asks quietly:
"What… exactly was happening here?"
Taehyung opens his mouth—
But you speak first.
"Nothing you need to worry about."
Both of them go silent.
You continue:
"Jungkook, it's fine. I'm fine. I just needed a talk with Taehyung."
Jungkook looks unconvinced.
Taehyung says nothing… but his eyes are locked on you like he's trying to memorize the feeling of your hand on him.
Jungkook sighs and nods slowly:
"…Okay. I trust you. Just come inside when you're ready."
Then he leaves.
The balcony door closes again.
You exhale.
Taehyung watches you, voice softer than ever:
"You didn't have to stop me…
But I'm glad you did."
Your heartbeat stumbles.
He steps close again—but not too close this time.
"Can I ask one thing?"
You look up.
He studies your eyes, steady and patient.
"Why did you hold me like that?"
His voice is barely above a whisper.
Not accusing.
Not teasing.
Just… hopeful.
Waiting.
Because I didn't want you to walk away from me."
The words slip out of your mouth before you can stop them.
Quiet. Honest. Bare.
Taehyung's breath catches—
like the sentence hits him straight in the chest.
He blinks once.
Twice.
And then he looks away for a moment, as if he needs a second to recover from what you just admitted.
The night air feels colder and warmer at the same time.
He finally looks back at you, eyes unbelievably soft.
"…Y/n," he whispers, "do you even know what that meant to me?"
You stay quiet, waiting.
He steps closer—not invading your space, but gently entering it.
Just enough that you can feel the warmth radiating off him.
"I thought you were pulling away from me," he admits.
"I thought… after everything, you didn't want me near you anymore."
You shake your head immediately.
"Tae, that's not true."
His voice cracks.
"Then why did it feel like that?"
You swallow.
"Because I didn't know if I should want you near me."
Taehyung's eyes flicker—
hurt, confused, hopeful all at once.
But then your earlier sentence seems to replay in his mind.
And he repeats it quietly, like a secret he wants to keep:
"You didn't want me to walk away…"
There's a small, vulnerable smile tugging at his lips.
Not cocky.
Not confident.
Not teasing.
Just… grateful.
Slowly, he lifts his hand and hovers it near your cheek—
not touching, just asking.
"Can I…?"
You don't move.
You don't pull back.
That's enough of an answer for him.
He gently cups your cheek, thumb brushing your skin lightly.
His voice is a whisper made of breath and trembling hope:
"Thank you… for stopping me."
Your heart thumps loudly.
He adds softly:
"You have no idea how long I've wanted you to choose me in even the smallest way."
You look into his eyes—
And for the first time…
You see how much he's been holding back.
How much he's been scared to lose you.
How much that one tiny action—
your hand on his wrist—
meant to him.
Taehyung steps back slowly so he doesn't overwhelm you.
But he keeps looking at you like you are the one thing he refuses to let go of.
"Let's go inside," he murmurs.
"Jungkook might think I kidnapped you."
You snort softly.
And that tiny smile on your face?
Taehyung sees it.
And it lights something in him.
He opens the balcony door for you.
A gentle, old-fashioned gesture.
You walk in first.
He follows behind you…
…but not too far.
Like he's making sure you don't walk away from him.
You sit beside Taehyung without thinking.
The moment you step into the living room, Jungkook looks up from the couch.
He tries to play it cool—
remote in his hand, legs stretched out, pretending he wasn't waiting for you—
But the second he sees Taehyung right behind you,
something hardens quietly in his eyes.
He doesn't say a word.
He just watches.
You glance around the room.
Couch.
Armchair.
Floor cushions.
Jungkook taps the empty space beside him, half-smiling.
"Come here, Dristy. I kept the seat warm."
Taehyung moves toward the sofa too…
but he stays silent, waiting to see what you choose.
Your heartbeat echoes in your ears.
And then—
Without thinking.
Without weighing the tension.
Without analysing what either of them would feel—
You walk past Jungkook…
…and sit beside Taehyung.
Jungkook's smirk fades instantly.
Taehyung goes completely still.
For half a second, he looks like he's not sure he's awake.
You sit close—
not on purpose, but the sofa is narrow, and your knees almost touch his.
Taehyung swallows, eyes shifting downward.
His voice comes out soft, careful:
"…You sure you're comfortable?"
You nod.
He tries to hide the smile threatening to bloom across his face.
But he can't help it.
Meanwhile—
Jungkook clears his throat loudly.
"Wow. Okay. Great. Love that. Amazing seating choice."
You bite back a smile.
Taehyung doesn't look at Jungkook.
He's too busy trying not to grin like an idiot next to you.
But Jungkook isn't done.
"So," he says with a forced casual tone, "what were you guys doing on the balcony? Meditation session? Secret therapy appointment? Staring at walls in silence?"
Taehyung finally answers, calm but firm:
"We talked."
Jungkook raises a brow.
"Clearly."
You exhale softly.
Before the tension can grow again, you speak:
"Jungkook… stop. Nothing happened."
He turns to you, eyes scanning your face.
"Did he upset you?"
Taehyung stiffens.
You shake your head.
"No. He didn't."
Taehyung looks down for a moment, almost relieved.
The three of you sit in silence.
Taehyung's shoulder brushes against yours.
He freezes.
You pretend you didn't notice.
His breathing turns slower, deeper—
like he's trying hard not to lean just a tiny bit closer.
Jungkook watches the micro-distance between you two with narrowed eyes.
Then he gets up abruptly.
"I'm getting water," he mutters.
"Anyone want something before I lose my mind?"
You and Taehyung exchange a tiny smile.
Taehyung leans slightly toward you.
Quiet, almost whispering:
"You didn't have to choose my side."
You reply softly:
"Maybe I wanted to."
Taehyung's breath stutters.
The glass Jungkook is holding in the kitchen nearly slips.
This apartment has officially become a battlefield…
and you just chose a side without realising it.
Taehyung asks if he can talk to you alone in his room.
Jungkook is still in the kitchen, aggressively drinking water like it personally offended him.
The room feels quiet… too quiet.
You're sitting beside Taehyung, the air between you warm, steady, different.
Taehyung glances toward the kitchen—
checks that Jungkook isn't returning yet—
then lowers his voice.
"Y/n…"
You turn to him.
His eyes hold that same softness from the balcony, but now there's something else—
Nervousness.
He breathes out slowly.
"Can we talk?" he asks, voice low.
"Just us. In my room."
Your heartbeat jumps.
Not in a romantic way.
Not in a dramatic way.
In a Taehyung rarely asks for anything so seriously kind of way.
You blink, surprised.
"What… do you want to talk about?"
He shakes his head gently.
"Not here."
His gaze flicks toward Jungkook's direction again.
"I just want… a private conversation. Please."
There's something fragile in his tone.
Something he's been carrying for too long.
You nod.
"Okay."
Taehyung stands slowly—like he expected you to say no, and your yes caught him off guard.
He touches your arm lightly, just guiding you.
Not grabbing.
Not pulling.
Just warm, steady contact.
Jungkook returns holding his glass of water, and freezes when he sees you two standing.
His eyes narrow.
"Where are you going?"
Taehyung answers calmly:
"I need a moment with her."
Jungkook stares at him.
Then at you.
Then back at him.
"A moment," Jungkook repeats slowly.
"In your room?"
Taehyung doesn't flinch.
"Yes."
And you've never seen Jungkook clench his jaw so visibly.
He sets his glass down.
"Y/n? You okay with that?"
You nod.
"I'm fine, Jungkook."
He doesn't speak, but his eyes say everything:
'Why him, not me?'
You follow Taehyung down the hallway.
Taehyung opens his door—quietly, respectfully—and lets you walk in first.
Then he closes it behind him.
Not locked.
Just closed.