Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Routine. It’s important. There’s no fumbling to get ready at the last minute or running around the apartment to make sure nothing important is left behind. The body moves mechanically after doing the same routine over and over, there’s no conscious thinking, just moving.

Jungkook loves routine.

He wakes up earlier than he needs to just in case, prepared for anything that could interrupt his need to be on time. With eyes closed and sleep still tugging at him, routine helps him brush his teeth and collect the clothes he laid out the night before without thinking about it. Even responding to Hoseok’s late night texts are part of it, Jungkook standing outside of the running shower in his underwear, laughing tiredly at Hoseok’s shenanigans before finding the playlist he has made for the morning.

It’s routine, important, a necessity for Jungkook to have in his busy life. He doesn’t allow anything to interrupt it.

Jungkook touches lightly over the black and white striped tie hanging from his throat, patting it down until it lays flat against the white, crisp dress shirt. He inhales deeply, watching his cheeks form into bubbles in the mirror before deflating.

Once he’s tucked his shirt into the band of his pants, he straps on his belt and reaches for his comb. The wind knocks at the windows, signaling that Jungkook either shouldn’t put too much effort in slicking his hair back and curling it over his forehead just right, or he should use Yoongi’s extra, super, mega hold hairspray.

Jungkook considers it, but the smell is strong and his roommate will definitely know he’s used it. The day is going to suck already, he doesn’t need a scolding from Yoongi as well. Not that Yoongi ever sticks to his scoldings well, he is a bit of a sucker for the wide eye, innocent look Jungkook sends his way whenever he’s in trouble.

Said roommate is currently passed out on the living room couch, one arm hanging off and mouth opened wide around quiet snores. There’s lipstick smudged over his cheeks and his pants are half off, hanging from one leg. Jungkook smiles fondly as he pulls the cloth the rest of the way off, just to throw the blanket on the back of the couch over him.

It’s surprising they work so well at living together when Jungkook is big on routine and Yoongi wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole. But taking care of Yoongi after a night out with Hoseok is part of the routine and Jungkook finds himself leaving the apartment after cleaning Yoongi’s mess right on schedule.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are the busiest day of the week for Jungkook. Normally, classes start at nine and go through until four, where Jungkook is skipping over bushes and hidden pathways to get to work on time. Despite this, Jungkook has taken an extra shift at the tutoring center for the mornings. Seven in the morning. It’s a devastating time and Jungkook’s feeling the exhaustion already, but he’s stubborn.

His mother had insisted it would be too much for him, uncaring that the president of the school himself asked Jungkook to tutor his son. Between needing to work to afford to live and attempting to maintain a high enough grade point average to keep his scholarship, Jungkook can get quite worn out throughout the semester. But he agreed to do it, and he told his mother he can handle it even if he wasn’t sure, so now he has to prove her wrong.

Even if Jungkook dies of exhaustion and extremely high blood pressure from eating too much microwaveable ramen.

The campus is pretty empty given the early hour and anyone who is awake drag their feet or sucks down their coffee from the student center like their lives depend on it. Coffee makes his hands a bit shaky, his stomach jittery, but Jungkook wanders into the student cafe anyway in case it’s his last chance to ever see it.

It’s dramatic, some would say. But also some (most people) don’t seem to dislike the President Kim’s son the way Jungkook does. He’s insanely popular even though Jungkook didn’t think that would still be a thing in college. He lives up on a high horse and a podium of privilege, not needing to work hard or care about school at all. He doesn’t have to worry about living his life drowning in debt, and despite how amazing it is to not pay for a higher education, he’s doing nothing to deserve a free ride.

It surprised him when the President came to him, stressing the important of his son’s grades when his son didn’t care himself. Jungkook had been resistant at accepting at first. But, with a handful of praise over Jungkook’s grades that left Jungkook’s back hurting from bowing in gratitude and an implied bribe at helping him with his tuition, Jungkook gave in.  

Reminding himself of this, Jungkook slams his way into the tutor center, his hands burning around a coffee that tastes too cheap for the price. The President’s son rarely shows up to class; Jungkook prays he’s a consistent man and treats his tutoring sessions the same way.

But with twenty one years of bad luck, Jungkook should have known today he wouldn’t suddenly be granted it.

“Jeon, you’re late.”

Kim Taehyung.

He sits perched on the back of one of the couches in the waiting room, elbows resting on top of his spread knees. There’s a shit eating grin on his lips as he tilts his head back, taking Jungkook in.

Jungkook adjusts the glasses perched on the nose he’s trying hard not to wrinkle. Taehyung is as done up as always, hair styled in perfect blond waves and pale eyeshadow dotted around his kohl lined eyes. He wears a loose, almost see through floral blouse that he has tucked into a pair of slacks that Jungkook knows are more expensive than anything in his life.

It’s annoying really, that just one glance at him and he’s reminded of how wealthy Taehyung is. Reminded that Taehyung is here for free, though he could afford it without problem, and doesn’t even fucking try.

Meanwhile, Jungkook’s working so hard he barely sleeps and some nights he has to skip dinner and lie to Yoongi about it.

“No I’m not,” Jungkook says as he gestures towards the clock hanging in the middle of the room, ignoring the fact that he is indeed two minutes late because he had a crisis outside of the academic building about whether or not he should go through with this. “Give me a sec and I’ll be right with you, Mr. Kim.”

Taehyung presses his lips together, amusement in his eyes and Jungkook tries not to run off.

Jungkook makes quick work of setting up a room, making sure the whiteboard is clean and spreading out the materials that he had gotten from Taehyung’s professor. The faster he starts, the faster it gets over with.

Before he can open the door and call Taehyung in, Taehyung is sauntering past him and into the study room. With his lips puckered, he teases his fingers around Jungkook’s tie, tugging slightly until Jungkook frowns and pushes his hands off.

“You make a pretty cute teacher, Jeon.”

Kim Taehyung is maddening.

Jungkook smoothes down his shirt, hoping the sweat on his palms doesn’t stain the material. “Did you bring your assignments like I asked?”

“Mhm,” Taehyung hums as he drops a bag to the table before taking a seat. Despite the elegant way he carries himself, Taehyung sits laid back with his legs spread as far as they could possibly go. “I attempted it.”

Sitting beside Taehyung, Jungkook waits for him to retrieve the packet of homework. He hands it off with a tired sigh that Jungkook returns when he realizes Taehyung only answered one out of thirty questions.

“This is quite simple,” Jungkook murmurs, trying not to assume that Taehyung only answered one out of apathy and instead because he doesn’t understand it. Even if past experience tells him the opposite. “Do you have your notes, Mr. Kim?”

“You can call me Taehyung,” Taehyung muses as he pulls a notebook from his bag. “Tae, Tae Tae, babe, whichever you prefer.”

Jungkook takes the notebook without looking at Taehyung’s eyes. They’re always bright like that, but there’s teasing in his smile and Jungkook refuses to let his cheeks burn beneath it.

The notes consist of doodles (impressive ones, Jungkook will admit it) in the margins and nothing else related to chemistry except for the top headline. It’s not surprising. They’ve had enough shared classes together that Jungkook knows Taehyung has a tendency to focus on the lines of his notebook more so than whatever the professor is saying.

“Okay, good start,” Jungkook tries. Luckily, it is basic enough of chemistry that he doesn’t need to rely on Taehyung’s notes as much. It’s so basic, that Taehyung must be re-taking it if he’s in the first year class as a sophomore.

“What’s your major?” Taehyung asks, unconcerned with his obvious lack at of attempt.

“Biochemistry. This first page here is just labeling of the periodic table. The groups here, those are the vertical lines, are put together based on similar properties -”

“Is biochemistry difficult?”

Jungkook glances up from the packet. Taehyung still looks amused. Jungkook’s mother used to scold him when he made faces, telling him his face would stick that way. He never believed it until he met Taehyung. “Um, a bit yeah. Anyway, the horizontal lines are called periods -”

“What exactly does one do with biochemistry?”

With a loud exhale from his nose, Jungkook continues explaining the assignment. The first page is just labeling the different parts of the periodic table, something Taehyung could do easily just by opening the first page of his textbook.

Taehyung stays quiet then but with every glance, Jungkook knows he isn’t paying attention. He fidgets a lot, stares a lot with that dumb grin on his face and constantly plays with his pencil by his lips.

Jungkook takes the pencil away because it’s distracting . It has nothing to do with the attention it brings to his full lipped, heart shaped mouth, or anything, but the hums Taehyung lets out whenever the wood touches his lips.

“This here is called the atomic number - Taehyung-ssi, are you paying attention?”

Taehyung raises his brows. “Hm? Of course. Atomic number, please continue.”

So Jungkook does and for the first page it goes smoothly, but the distractions continue with sighing from Taehyung and a brief intermission of Taehyung trying to steal his pencil back.

He’s successful and immediately presses it to his lips. “What’s your zodiac sign?”

“Virgo,” Jungkook responds without thinking. He frowns, glaring. “Why?”

“Hm, I can work with that,” Taehyung says. “I’m a Capricorn.”

“Fascinating. Now back to Chemistry -”

“Isn’t that what I was talking about?” Taehyung muses, folding a hand under his chin. There’s a gleam in his eyes that makes Jungkook flush. “Tell me, Jungkookie, how come I never see you at any parties? You’re on the track team with Jiminie, right?”

Jungkook clears his throat. This is going to take awhile, he can tell getting Taehyung to pay attention will be like pulling teeth but Jungkook’s a patient guy. They have a little less than two hours before Jungkook has to go to his first morning class, if he runs across campus.

“I am. I don’t have time for partying.”

The truth is, Jungkook isn’t a huge fan of it. It’s so obvious when he’s dragged to one by Yoongi and Hoseok, that they’ve stopped inviting him. Whether it’s because they know Jungkook is uncomfortable or because he’s a mood killer, Jungkook isn’t sure.

Jungkook’s more comfortable around smaller crowds, quieter music. Even with alcohol in his system, he prefers spending his free time with a handful of his friends, not the entire campus of people he barely knows.

Taehyung wrinkles his nose and taps Jungkook’s cheek with the eraser end of his pencil until Jungkook’s pulling away. “It’s college. There’s always time for partying. You should come to Joon’s this Friday. Everyone will be there.”

The nerves are back as Jungkook fidgets with the homework packet, embarrassed under Taehyung’s constant gaze. “I can’t. It’s not really my thing.”

Even if Jungkook did enjoy partying, he doesn’t have time between studying to death and trying not to have a lifelong debt just to afford the four years of stress.

“Oh please,” Taehyung whines, lips pouting as he pokes Jungkook’s cheek with the pencil. “One party. You’re stiff, Jungkookie. Loosen up a bit.”

“I’m plenty loose.”

The embarrassment flushes through Jungkook so quickly he nearly runs out of the study room when Taehyung’s face lights up. It’s so bright he shines with it, rays of laughter bouncing off the walls and landing on Jungkook’s cheeks until they burn.

“Are you? Did you have other intentions here than just studying? I’m open minded enough to consider it.”

There’s mirth in Taehyung’s eyes when he says it, teeth gripping at his bottom lip as he reaches over like he might just grab Jungkook’s tie again.

Jungkook huffs out, scrambling Taehyung’s things together across the table and dodging the touch. He isn’t sure why Taehyung is messing with him and wasting his time like this.

“We - we should focus. We don’t have much time left and we haven’t even started the second page.”

Taehyung leans back in the chair and gestures towards the packet but his eyes never leave Jungkook’s face.

They don’t end up getting much done with Taehyung’s constant questions, but Jungkook is satisfied with at least half of the packet finished and some hours of volunteer work complete.

It wouldn’t matter to him whether or not Taehyung passed or failed, but the president had stressed how important it was for Taehyung to do well. Though that really isn’t Jungkook’s problem, the idea of a couple thousand being chopped away from his annual tuition is a good motivator.

“So, I have a question,” Taehyung says, tapping the pencil to the packet. “This is the Atomic Number, right?”

It seems silly, but Jungkook is relieved that Taehyung is finally showing that he has been paying attention. He’s been dreading these sessions and today has confirmed his suspicions that they would be rough to get through.

“Yes, that’s right Taehyung.”

Taehyung pushes his lips together, brows furrowing as he glances back at the paper. Jungkook opens his lips to explain more, to relieve the question still lingering in Taehyung’s expression but that same amusement returns to Taehyung’s eyes.

“So if that’s the Atomic Number, what’s your number?”

Really, Jungkook shouldn’t have been surprised.

An awkward laugh leaves his lips as Jungkook pushes the packet back to Taehyung. “It isn’t relevant.”

“No?” Taehyung says, quirking a brow. “What if I need your help? Or I need to reschedule?”

It’s confusing, how Taehyung sounds concerned but looks like he’s having a laugh. If he is having a laugh, Jungkook doesn’t get what’s so funny. “There’s a receptionist up front for a reason.”

He refuses to give Taehyung his number. The torture stays in one place. He really doesn’t need it to follow him through classes and work, too. He’s been successful in avoiding Taehyung outside of classes, which being busy and not going to parties had helped with. He only sees Taehyung in passing, usually in the student center, or at track meets.

“I’ll just ask Jimin,” Taehyung hums as he leans back in his chair, watching as Jungkook moves to leave. “Will I see you Friday?”

There’s a tug on his neck before Jungkook can rise from his seat and really, Jungkook is regretting the tie. Taehyung rubs at the fabric though his eyes never leave Jungkook’s face.

“Yeah, yeah,” Jungkook agrees because he has a feeling Taehyung isn’t going to let it go.

Taehyung peers his eyes at him. “You better be there, Jungkookie. It’ll be a great way for us to work on our chemistry.”

Heat soars to Jungkook’s ears. “If you were concerned about chemistry, you would have focused on finishing your homework.”

Taehyung grins lopsidedly, hand still wrapped around Jungkook’s tie as he nears. “How about this. If I finish this packet by class on Wednesday, you’ll go to Joon’s.”

Really, Jungkook doesn’t understand why Taehyung is so insistent. They have never spoken much, only here and there when they’ve been forced to partner with each other in class. Partnered together as in Jungkook doing all the work and not getting much more than a shrug or a twirl of a pencil from Taehyung as he claimed not to know any of the answers.

“Deal?” Taehyung pushes, raising an eyebrow.

Jungkook peels Taehyung’s hand from his tie. “I can’t, really.”

There’s a pout to Taehyung’s lips as he swings his arms. “Please?

“No.”

Jungkook feels trapped when Taehyung pushes into his space. The pout is gone, the innocent of his eyes slipping away as Taehyung plants his hands on the wall behind Jungkook’s head, trapping him.

“What if I told daddy dearest that I stopped showing up to the sessions because how you made me feel so unintelligent. ‘Oh this is an easy one, Tae, how don’t you get it?’”

Jungkook’s eyes grow wide as he pushes his hands against Taehyung’s chest, urging him back. “I didn’t say it like that.”

Tapping his own chin, Taehyung purses his lips in consideration. “Really? That’s how I remember it.”

Over the last two years, much of Jungkook’s contempt towards Taehyung had been out of annoyance and a bit of jealousy that Jungkook would never admit out loud. Sometimes he felt bad for it, trying not to judge someone just because they have it a bit easier than him.

Jungkook wonders how quickly contempt can turn to hate.

“Fine. Deal.”

Taehyung jumps on his toes, a smile of victory on his face like he hadn’t just threatened Jungkook to get his way. “Okay good, see you tomorrow then!”

Jungkook whips around as Taehyung pushes past him. Tutoring is only scheduled for Mondays and Wednesdays. That’s the only thing Jungkook agreed to because he barely has any time on his schedule for it. “What?”

“How else am I going to finish this packet?” Taehyung asks as he swings himself from the door. “I barely got anything done today.”

As Taehyung leaves, Jungkook rubs a hand down his face. He really should have listened to his mother. A few thousand more in debt is worth not dealing with this.

He only gives himself a moment to catch his breath before taking off in a run across campus. It’s moments like these that Jungkook is glad that he’s fast, because he hates being late and Taehyung kept him longer than he had time for.

He has a routine that he needs to follow and he knows, in the pit of his gut, that Taehyung is going to fuck it up.

The morning before his second session with Taehyung, Jungkook is just as nervous. He considers multiple excuses to not go, not wanting to give into Taehyung’s threats because the President is more than aware of Taehyung’s apathy for school, but he finds himself tracking into the tutor hall five minutes before scheduled.

It isn’t the worst thing in the world, Jungkook tells himself. At least Taehyung isn’t trying to make Jungkook to do his work for him and his questions are pretty innocent. But he kind of needs Taehyung to focus and he really doesn’t want to go to Senior Namjoon’s party on Friday.

Taehyung is waiting for him despite arriving early. He has two cups of coffee in hand, a lollipop between his lips, this time sitting properly on the waiting room couch. His normal curly style is pushed back with a red bandana and his normal dark, amused eyes are a piercing blue.

“Good morning,” Taehyung says, much too awake at the early hour as he hands off one cup. “No tie today?”

As soon as his hand is free, Taehyung reaches up to undo the button at Jungkook’s collar. He cocks his head, admiring. “Cute.”

Jungkook considers packing aloe with him to soothe his heated face as he follows after Taehyung. “I don’t have as much time today. My first class is on the other side of the campus at eight o’clock.”

“I’ll drive you,” Taehyung offers as he saunters into the study room before Jungkook. Today Taehyung’s dressed much more casually, a plaid shirt thrown over a loose tank top. His jeans are so ripped he might as well not be wearing them, his knee and most of his calf popping out of the loose material.

“No - no, it’s fine,” Jungkook says, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. Taehyung points his lollipop at him, ignoring the signs that ban food and drink in the study rooms. “Exercise is good.”

Taehyung halts in the entrance of the study room, turning to Jungkook. It’s deliberate and slow the way he rakes his eyes over Jungkook’s body.

“You work out often?”

“I’m on the track team, remember? With Jimin?”

Jungkook clears his throat. Taehyung hovers a hand over Jungkook’s arm and Jungkook finds himself nodding before he realizes what he’s nodding too. Taehyung hums appreciatively as he squeezes Jungkook’s bicep and Jungkook wonders if Taehyung is determined to aggravate him when he licks over his bottom lip.

“We should work out together sometime.”

Ignoring this, Jungkook pushes past Taehyung where he blocks the entrance and places his coffee onto the table. “We should focus today, Taehyung-ssi. If you can.”

“Put a bag over your head and maybe I could,” Taehyung sighs like he’s distraught, dropping his backpack onto the table. He completes it with a look of devastation in and a pout thrown in Jungkook’s direction.

“Wh-what?”

The pout turns into a smirk as Jungkook settles himself into his seat. The piercing blue contacts makes Taehyung’s gaze seem even more intimidating. He looks like a predator, ready to devour when he tilts his head back and parts his lips, eyes peering at Jungkook.

“I told you, you’re a cute teacher,” Taehyung responds as he presses his elbow onto the table. The stance shows off the strength in his neck, the sharp of his jaw, and Jungkook looks away. “So go on cutie, teach.”

“Focus this time?” Jungkook asks as he opens the packet to where they left off.

Taehyung sighs, rolling his eyes but he nods. “Yes, sir .”

This time, it’s Jungkook’s turn to peer his eyes at Taehyung. What look he is going for, he isn’t sure, but whatever it is, it doesn’t work as Taehyung reaches over and touches his knuckle to Jungkook’s hot cheeks.

The second session progresses nearly the same as the first, except they manage to finish two whole pages instead of just one. Taehyung finally fills a few pages of his notebook with actual notes, though they’re scattered, hard to read or hard to find amongst even more doodles.

“We should probably meet before class tomorrow.” Taehyung asks as he packs his bag.

Jungkook yawns. He had homework after work, which kept him up into the early hours of the morning. The stress for today’s meeting hadn’t helped his sleep, keeping it broken and Jungkook restless.  “What time?”

“How’s six?”

Jungkook startles, nearly tumbling from his chair. They say going to bed earlier and having a full night’s sleep is good for your health, but Jungkook isn’t sure how anyone is expected to do that.

“I think you can handle it on your own.”

Taehyung pouts his lips. “Please. I need to really pass this class.”

“Then you really need to pay attention.”

Ignoring him, Taehyung settles in the chair directly beside Jungkook and plants a hand to his knee. “Then we’ll finish it tonight. You can come to my place.”

Jungkook doesn’t understand Taehyung one bit and his stomach is a mess and his skin is frying off. He’s trying to do his job, make an honorable living despite not being paid.

“I work tonight.”

Taehyung sighs. “Fine, fine. Can you give me your number so I can message you if I need help then?”

Reluctantly, Jungkook takes the phone that’s offered to him to input his phone number. Taehyung looks sincere this time and it’s confusing how quickly he goes from looking like he doesn’t give a shit, to now looking worried.

“Perfect,” Taehyung says as he flies from his seat. “Ciao baby.”

Jungkook remains in his seat long after Taehyung is gone, sulking in misery and confusion until Hoseok comes in to kick him out. He has to run to get to class in time, rushing through the door out of breath and filling with annoyance when he sees only the first row of desks available.

He’s studious, but he hates being front row. The professors call on him enough as it is and even though Jungkook usually knows the answers, he hates the attention on him.

Even if the other students aren’t paying attention or look like they could care less, Jungkook’s stomach always tilts when his name is called.

“Sorry professor,” Jungkook hums, bowing his head apologetically as he takes his seat.

“No worries, Jungkook-ssi. I hope everything is fine. I was concerned when I didn’t see you waiting outside.”

Jungkook flushes. “I picked up volunteer hours at the tutoring center.”

His professor purses her lips. “Don’t overwork yourself, Mr. Jeon.”

He opens his lips to promise he won’t, but his bag vibrates loudly on his desk and he flushes apologizing again.

It doesn’t take long for Jungkook to regret handing his phone number as more texts start coming through. There’s more questions about Jungkook’s job (Burger Deluxe) and his favorite snacks (everything tasty), memes that Jungkook pretends not to laugh at and absolutely nothing to do with chemistry.

The texting lasts even through Jungkook’s shifts and he ignores the fact that he’s constantly checking his phone to see if Taehyung has responded. Sometimes he doesn’t reply, usually out of embarrassment from a too personal question, but he always finds something else to change the subject when really he could just stop texting all together.

jungkook: you better be doing your homework

taehyung: or what? you’ll punish me?

Jungkook shuts off his screen and tries not to throw his phone at the family waiting patiently for their dinner. He adjusts the paper hat placed on his head, face burning.

taehyung: are you into that jeon? they DO say it’s the quiet ones

jungkook: what do they say about the row of chemicals at the bottom of the periodic table?

“Who are you texting?”

Jungkook jumps where he stands by the counter in the kitchen, finding Yoongi staring amusedly at him. He crosses his arms, tilting his head in question and Jungkook finds the urge to hide his phone.

“You know how President Kim asked me to tutor his son?”

Interest has Yoongi’s brows raising. “Taehyung-ssi, yeah. How’s that going?”

“Oh, it’s awful hyung,” Jungkook complains, head hanging as his phone beeps again and he has to resist the urge to look at the message. “We worked together three hours and barely got through a thirty question packet.”

Yoongi rubs the top of Jungkook’s head, fluffing his hair. “I bet it’s not that bad.”

“It is,” Jungkook says seriously. It really isn’t; Taehyung is just frustrating and confusing.

Yoongi laughs loudly at that, lips pulling back to reveal teeth and gums. “Go easy on him, Jungkookie. Taehyung’s had a really hard time with school.”

Jungkook frowns at that, glaring at Yoongi but Yoongi doesn’t offer more as he walks past Jungkook to the refrigerator.

He would be more understanding if Taehyung just found the class difficult, if he put effort in and was still struggling. But it is hard to feel sympathetic when Taehyung has only tried to continue messing with him.

There’s something about the feel of his feet pounding into the pavement, the heat covering his skin and the sweat slipping down his neck that Jungkook feels addicted too. The adrenaline, the dopamine, filtering through his system and pushing him more and more . It’s what he loves best about running.

His heart pumps quickly in his chest, lungs trying to catch as much air as possible as Jungkook slows to a jog. His hair is damp to his forehead and his shirt is uncomfortably sticking to his chest, but he feels euphoric.

It’s a stress reliever. Jungkook feels loose as he grabs his water bottle on the sideline. His workload has grown in only a couple of days, he even has to swap shifts with someone at work to focus on the amount. Plus, Taehyung hasn’t stopped texting him about Namjoon’s party and though he hasn’t threatened him again, Jungkook hasn’t forgotten it.

“Hey!”

Jungkook leans back against the fence as Jimin jogs over to him. His blue hair is glued to his forehead, his shirt discarded somewhere on the track. The air is starting to cool, but Jimin’s skin burns bright red for exertion.

“What are you? A speed demon?” Jimin asks, panting as he rests his palms to his knees and glares at Jungkook. They don’t have practice today and Jungkook really doesn’t have the time to spare, but it was hard to say no when Jimin asked.

It’s okay to take a break, right?

“No, I just don’t have munchkin legs.”

Jimin rips up, not hesitating to lift his leg as high as he can to kick Jungkook. Jungkook stops him easily, grabbing him the ankle and twisting gently.

Neither one of them run with the same crowd, though Jungkook really doesn’t spend time with anyone but Yoongi. Jimin’s part of the party crew as Jungkook calls it. They don’t have fraternities here, but Jimin’s crew is the closest thing to it. They’re the ones running through campus shirtless with paint on their skin during school events, handing out fliers every week for ‘exclusive parties’ and off campus keggers.

But Jimin is kind, funny, and doesn’t hold that air of arrogance around anyone. He’s from a family of wealth but he works hard at school, Jungkook’s found him often in the library. He even reaches out to Jungkook whenever he’s struggling.

Jungkook really only has Yoongi and Hoseok as friends, though they don’t count because he grew up with them. But Jimin is the closest thing to that. They just don’t hang out often unless it’s to run.

Because Jimin just happens to be Taehyung’s best friend, maybe boyfriend. Jungkook’s undecided.

“You’re a shit,” Jimin huffs, ripping his leg from Jungkook. “Are you coming to Joon’s tonight?”

Jungkook’s stomach rattles as he shakes his head, depositing the empty water bottle into his bag. Jimin frowns then, eyebrows stitching together as he reaches for his own.

“Tae Tae said you were.”

It’s difficult not to groan as Jungkook presses his fingers to his temple, chest still heaving from exertion.

“I have a question about Taehyung.”

There’s amusement on Jimin’s face as he finishes downing his bottle and crunches it in his hand. He wipes at his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand. “I’m not giving away his phone number.”

Jungkook stills in his attempts at pulling off his own sweat soaked shirt. “What? No, I already have it.”

Jimin raises his eyebrows at that. “Oh really.”

There’s something about his tone, the way he purses his lips, that makes Jungkook feel hot. He throws the sweaty shirt to the ground, savoring the cool air dancing over his skin.

Maybe they aren’t dating.

“Why do you say it like that?”

Jimin shrugs, but his lips are pressed into a grin that confuses Jungkook more. “Come to the party, Kook. You need a break.”

“This was my break,” Jungkook clarifies, but Jimin isn’t listening as he waves his arm over his head, calling for someone.

And dread sinks down Jungkook’s spine when Jimin glances at him with a grin. He doesn’t even have to turn around to see who it is, he can practically feel Taehyung’s amused eyes on him.

“Jeon,” Taehyung says, sauntering up to the fence separating the track and the bleachers. He isn’t shy about the way his eyes drag down Jungkook’s body, nor the way he licks his lips when he props his elbows on the fence. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“I told you he was with me,” Jimin snorts.

Taehyung ignores this with a wave of his hand, biting at his bottom lip. “Will I see you tonight?”

Jungkook is trapped. There are plenty of ways he can get out of this, but he doesn’t truly know if Taehyung would tell his father that Jungkook’s made him feel bad. When he hasn’t . Taehyung may not care about school, but that doesn’t make someone a liar.

It just isn’t something Jungkook can take the chance in risking. It’s more than just the money; if the President hates him, he could make life hell for Jungkook.

“Yeah.”

Taehyung’s cheeks bunch over his smile. He reaches over the fence, making Jungkook jolt when his finger presses into the dip between his collarbones. “You should wear this.”

Jimin’s laugh filters through the air as his shoulder smacks against Jungkook’s. “Tae, your flirting could really use some improvement.”

Definitely not boyfriends.

Taehyung walks backwards, winking at Jeongguk as Jimin jumps over the fence to join him. He doesn’t respond nor return the wiggle of Taehyung’s fingers in a wave. Is that what Taehyung is doing? Flirting?”

Jungkook doesn’t think so. If he was, why suddenly? It’s not like they just met.

The music is loud. So loud that Jungkook can feel it vibrating through his body as he tries to make it through the overheated living room. The strict, no separation rule he had set into place before arriving here has already been broken, and they haven’t even been here long.

Yoongi and Hoseok know everyone apparently, as it was easy for them to get dragged off without Jungkook realizing. He’s unfamiliar with the house, on which way to go to even start looking. There’s some people he recognizes, some he could approach to talk to. But one, Jungkook doesn’t want to. And two, he doubts anyone here wants to talk about science while shit faced.

Relief comes in the form of an open space, air that doesn’t feel too stuffy to breathe. There’s light too, pouring out from the kitchen. It’s a massive house, one that looks like it holds several bedrooms. The kitchen is just as large, holding a table in the middle that’s covered in cups. There’s a crowd surrounding it and it isn’t any quieter here, but at least there’s more space.

Hoseok’s laughter stands out anyway, his teeth out as he bends over and laughs. Jungkook almost sends his thanks into the sky before he spots who Hoseok throws an arm around.

Kim Taehyung.

Jungkook considers sinking back out and finding Yoongi instead, but he hears his name and a minute later there’s hands on his back, pushing him forward.

Jimin’s eyes are heavy and unfocused, his grin lopsided as he pushes Jungkook towards Hoseok and Taehyung. He’s unaware of Jungkook’s attempts to stop him, his heels digging into the linelolium. He might be small but he’s strong, pushing Jungkook without losing his breath.

Taehyung notices them first, a smile already plastered on his face when his eyes fall onto Jungkook. He’s quick to sink away from Hoseok’s touch and get into Jungkook’s space, thrusting his cup into Jungkook’s chest.

“You actually came,” Taehyung laughs. “I didn’t think you would.”

Frowning at that, Jungkook pushes back the cup. He may not be too up with party culture, but he sure as hell knows not to accept a drink from anyone. “You threatened me.”

Taehyung sighs, throwing an arm around Jungkook’s shoulder. He throws his head back as he takes a long sip of his drink and hands it back to Jungkook. “I was just kidding, baby. Have a drink.”

With burning ears, Jungkook accepts the drink with the attempt at cooling down. Taehyung doesn’t let his shoulder go even when Hoseok approaches and punches him gently in the chest.

“Oh no, back off Kim,” Hoseok huffs, stealing Taehyung’s attention. “I know that look. Don’t you dare.”

“What look?” Taehyung murmurs innocently before he turns back to Jungkook and pokes him in the cheek. “You wanna play?”

Jungkook clears his throat. “No, no thank you.”

It makes Taehyung smile wider. “So polite. You need to experience the party life, Jeon. One round.”

Jungkook looks warily at the table, at the red cups set up in diamond form. Hoseok’s clapping his back, cheering excitedly as he swears Taehyung is the beer pong champ.

It’s been awhile since Jungkook’s gotten drunk. Since high school, on a last minute camping trip he had gone on with Hoseok and Yoongi to celebrate Jungkook getting into the same school as them.

“Okay, just one round.”

Taehyung sticks to his word of just one round. Jungkook had worried he wouldn’t, especially when his head started to feel the alcohol in his system. Yoongi had found him halfway through the game, forcing a water bottle onto him that he sips at now. Even barely awake, wasted out of his mind, Yoongi would find a way to tend to him.

He also holds a can of beer that will probably be warm by the time he gets to it, but Taehyung had insisted before pulling him away from the kitchen and Hoseok. Jungkook considers downing it in fear of Taehyung pulling him into the crowded living room, but he diverts it and heads to the back porch instead.

“Come on, you smoke?”

Jungkook feels flustered by Taehyung’s attention, the hand on his arm and the smile inches from his face.

Taehyung truly is attractive. He wears a headband again, pushing his hair so it curls back. His ears are aligned with earrings that dangle and sparkle, his full lips a deep read but the rest of his face clear of makeup. He wears an oversized tank top despite the cool air outside, showing off the ridges of his ribcage and the thin muscle on his sides. Those same ripped jeans are back, the ones that really don’t cover much more than his crotch and ankles.

Up close, Jungkook can’t think about it because Taehyung smiles whenever his face reddens.

Maybe the alcohol actually is affecting him.

“Um -”

Taehyung wrinkles his nose as he pushes open the door. The porch is closed in, the top half of the walls screen windows that are opened as wide as they can go. There’s plants covering the ground and hanging from the ceiling, an old floral couch in the middle. There’s a few wicker chairs too and all the seats are occupied, but Taehyung fits himself on the arm of the couch.

“I won’t force you, but you should try it,” Taehyung says before he’s elbowing the man next to him. “Joonie, this is Jungkook.”

Kim Namjoon is friends with Yoongi; they’ve met a handful of times before. But there’s no recognition in his eyes as he holds up a hand in a wave. Well, Jungkook can’t quite be sure if there’s recognition in them, as Namjoon’s eyes are so heavy that they’re barely cracked open.

“He’s never been to a party before.”

Namjoon wrinkles his nose at that but he’s smiling, waving his hand for Jungkook to come over. There’s nowhere to sit so he just stands awkwardly by Taehyung’s legs as Namjoon holds up a thin, green looking cigarette towards him.

“Welcome dude,” Namjoon says, nudging the blunt towards him. “You’re Yoongi’s brother, eh?”

No, Jungkook thinks, but he nods as he takes the blunt from Namjoon hesitantly. Yoongi’s constantly telling everyone that he’s his baby brother, so he doesn’t clarify that they’re technically not.

“Like this,” Taehyung says as he takes it, turning to Jungkook as he digs into his pocket for a lighter. “You sure you wanna smoke, Jeon?”

“I smoke.”

Taehyung raises his eyebrows at that, amusement returning. “I don’t believe you.”

It’s one thing Jungkook probably shouldn’t do; but it helps him when he’s struggling to sleep at night. Even if it makes him even sleepier in the morning. He doesn’t do it often, only on the weekends because if he oversleeps then, it doesn’t make him late for class or work. It just puts him behind on his homework, so Jungkook still tries not to.

“Why?”

Taehyung curls his lips around the end before he lights it, not answering Jungkook’s question. He inhales, lips pulling back before he lets the smoke curl from his lips.

It’s distracting and Jungkook doesn’t pull his eyes away, even when Taehyung catches him staring at his mouth and grins.

“Because you don’t seem the type,” Taehyung says as he offers Jungkook the blunt again. “Go on, baby.”

Jungkook doesn’t know why Taehyung insists on calling him that or why his ears insist on burning every time, but he takes the blunt between his lips.

And proceeds to choke.

Taehyung huffs out a laugh, but it doesn’t seem cruel as he takes the blunt from Jungkook and stands. They’re about the same height, Taehyung maybe a bit taller as he crowds into Jungkook’s space.

“Like this,” Taehyung says as he pulls the blunt to his lips.

It isn’t a lie; Jungkook knows how to smoke, but he doesn’t insist on convincing him when Taehyung leans forward and breathes smoke over his lips.

Jungkook grows taut, body frozen still. Taehyung pinches his chin, guiding him to part his lips but Jungkook doesn’t move.

Their lips don’t press together, but they’re close Taehyung presses onto Jungkook’s bottom lip to open his mouth and exhales.

It’s dizzying and Jungkook pulls away after he inhales. Taehyung is messing with him again he thinks as Taehyung rests his butt back to the arm of the couch and lets his amused eyes wander over Jungkook.

“You get red a lot,” Taehyung comments, breath tight as he inhales again.

The music is a dull vibration, quiet enough that the people on the porch can hear themselves talk. Taehyung speaks quietly but it sounds like he’s yelling and Jungkook feels his neck grow hot too.

It makes Taehyung huff out a smoky laugh.

“You look like your body is about to break in half, come here.”

“What are you doing?” Jungkook asks, even if he takes a step forward. Taehyung grips the bottom of his shirt, pulling it where it’s tucked into his jeans. He tilts his chin, raising a brow as he brings the blunt back to his lips.

“Working on our chemistry like I said,” Taehyung murmurs, a gleam in his eyes.

“I think you and I have two different definitions of chemistry,” Jungkook says, fiddling with his glasses because Taehyung’s gaze makes him nervous.

Taehyung snorts. “Is that so?”

He cups the back of Jungkook’s neck, carefully indicating for him to lean down as he breathes in the smoke again. This time, Taehyung pushes closer, dangerously close, and Jungkook panics thinking he’ll touch their lips together but someone’s calling his name and saving the day.

Yoongi saunters up to them, his cheeks reddened. “You alright?”

Jungkook nods. It’s really hot on the porch, even with the outside air breezing through the open room. He wants to stretch out his collar and cool himself down, but Taehyung notices too much of everything for him to get away with it.

“Taehyung stop being a shit to Jungkook,” Yoongi says as he takes the blunt from Taehyung.

“I literally haven’t done anything,” Taehyung hums, holding his hands up in innocence. “I’m just trying to show him the party life.”

Yoongi peers his eyes at that, handing the blunt off to Jungkook. “I know you, Kim. If my brother doesn’t make it home safe both physically and mentally, I’ll make your life hell.”

For a moment, the amusement slips from Taehyung’s eyes despite the casual way in which Yoongi threatens him. It comes back a moment later as he kicks at Yoongi.

“Fuck off. Don’t you have a dick to suck?”

Yoongi huffs out a laugh. “Man, I’m trying.”

Jungkook is going to die of embarrassment. He and Yoongi rarely talk about sexual things. It’s awkward when they do. When Jungkook first came to him when he wanted to lose his virginity, Yoongi was extremely textbook, extremely father like. It was just as terrifying as getting the sex talk from his actual father.

Hoseok jokes like sex jokes are his oxygen, but even those embarrass Jungkook. He isn’t a virgin, isn’t new around sex, but sometimes the vulgarity of it all makes his face too hot.

Taehyung glances at his watch. “By now, Jimin-ah has probably dragged Hobi off to the bathrooms if you want to join them and leave me and your dongsaeng alone.”

What , Jungkook thinks, finding it hard to glance at Yoongi.

“Take care of him, Kim!”

Yoongi is gone without hesitation and Jungkook stares after him, wondering when the fuck any of that happened.

“It’s gross, I know,” Taehyung says, nudging Namjoon to hand him back the roach. “Not the whole poly thing, I’m not judgmental. But like, that’s your hyung, I get it.”

The whole poly thing , Jungkook feels his eyes bugging out of his head.

Taehyung narrows his eyes as he stands. It’s alarming the way his eyes darken, thick brows pressing together as he pokes at Jungkook’s chest. “Are you judging?”

“What? N-no. I just - I just didn’t know.”

Taehyung relaxes immediately, smiling at him. He pokes Jungkook in the cheek. “You’re cute. Come on, I’m fucking high and wanna dance.”

Jungkook stays still, staring at the people around them but none of them pay him any mind. He is being pulled away a second later, dragged towards the suffocating crowd.

It’s fucking hot, Jungkook thinks the moment Taehyung pulls him into the sea of people. Their bodies are forced together but Taehyung’s eyes are closed, head swaying to the pounding music.

Jungkook doesn’t know what to do with his hands. There isn’t much space to move properly and he wishes he were more high, or drunker, but he only feels pleasantly loose. His nerves, though, are still strong enough to make him feel as if he’s never had hands before.

Taehyung slings an arm around Jungkook’s shoulders, bringing him impossibly closer. He opens his eyes then, weaving his free hand through his hair to take in Jungkook.

It’s really hot around the dancing bodies.

“Is it physically impossible for you to loosen up?” Taehyung asks, fingers gripping at the back of his neck.

“Why are you so concerned with it?” Jungkook asks, finally planting his hands to Taehyung’s hips. Neither one of them are moving much, though Taehyung sways his head to the music and taps his fingers to the back of Jungkook’s neck.

“I know my father isn’t paying you,” Taehyung says as he slips his hand down Jungkook’s chest and catches his fingers at the collar of his shirt. “I thought I’d help you get that stick out of your ass as repayment for your help.”

Jungkook frowns at that, but he feels hot when Taehyung drags down the collar of his shirt. His eyes are slightly hazy, heavy, and he keeps licking his lips in a way that is not good for Jungkook.

It could be easily argued that Jungkook hasn’t helped much, though that’s more Taehyung’s fault than his own. He could also tell Taehyung that President Kim implied a reduction in tuition, but there’s more concerning matters to talk about first.

“I don’t have a stick in my ass.”

Taehyung snorts, giggling quietly. “Yes you do, baby.”

He rubs his hands down Jungkook’s forearms then, tickling down them until he takes both of Jungkook’s hands into his own. He tugs, pulling Jungkook until their chests are plastered together.

“Still hot though.”

Jungkook is. His ears are burning and there’s sweat building at his neck. Taehyung has no shame, the teasing back in his eyes as starts to rock his hips.

“Me?”

Taehyung grins at that, sliding his hands back up his arms until he’s cupping the sides of Jungkook’s neck. It makes it hard to breathe, the closeness of everyone, the proximity of Taehyung and the way Taehyung looks at Jungkook’s mouth.

“Mhm,” Taehyung hums with a nod, pressing his lips together. The lipstick is dark, standing out against his tan skin even in the dim lighting of the living room. Taehyung ducks forward, those red stained lips sliding over Jungkook’s ear and a tiny part of him hopes that some stays behind. “Hard to pay attention while thinking about going down on you in the middle of the study center.”

Jungkook squeezes his eyes closed at the words said into his ear. He can feel Taehyung’s laugh before he’s turning, planting his back to Jungkook’s chest.

It’s difficult to dance, it’s difficult to forget Taehyung’s words. He’s never been interested in Taehyung like that, but the image is in his head.

And it doesn’t help that Taehyung arches when he dances, pressing into his hips.

It doesn’t help when Taehyung grabs Jungkook’s hands and plants them to his abdomen, fingers locking between his as he rests his head back against Jungkook’s shoulder.

Jungkook’s clothes are sticking to his skin when Taehyung turns back again. His eyes are dark as he hooks an arm around Jungkook’s shoulders, the other cupping the side of his neck.

A thumb presses under his chin and something sizzles down Jungkook’s back, making him gasp before his eyes are meeting with Taehyung’s.

“Is school work the only thing that relaxes you?” Taehyung asks.

Before, Jungkook had thought maybe Taehyung’s expression was stuck on amused. That his eyes would always be filled with laughter and his mouth a permanent smirk. But Jungkook’s realizing he has this look too and Jungkook isn’t sure which one he hates more.

Taehyung’s eyes are dark and heavy with something that makes Jungkook’s stomach twist. His lips part often, his breathing labored from the dancing.

“Wouldn’t call it relaxing,” Jungkook laughs, wishing he didn’t sound as overwhelmed as he feels. “But yeah.”

The amusement comes back as he slides his hands down Jungkook’s back. “Come on, let’s go study somewhere then.”

Realistically, Jungkook knows they won’t be studying. He highly doubts that Taehyung has any of his material with him, that he would pay attention to the stuff Jungkook could tell him from memory.

When Taehyung grabs more drinks, he knows, he knows that they aren’t studying but he follows after Taehyung anyway.

“This is my favorite part of partying,” Taehyung says as he leads him upstairs. “Disappearing.”

Jungkook stifles a laugh that quick dies on its own as Taehyung pushes open a door, revealing a bedroom.

He’s seen movies, he knows what people do in bedrooms at parties.

With the door closed, the music muffles and Jungkook can now hear the pounding of his heart as Taehyung jumps onto the bed. He sticks a bottle of soju between his thighs, opening the other.

“Why do you like going to parties if you prefer to be alone?”

Jungkook feels dumb for asking when Taehyung frowns around the lip of the bottle, leaning back to hold his weight on one hand.

“I don’t prefer to be alone. You’re here with me.”

“We could be alone literally anywhere else.”

Taehyung grins at that, raising an eyebrow. “Is that so? Would you prefer to go somewhere else?”

No, Jungkook thinks. He’d prefer to be at home, finishing his studies so he doesn’t have to do them after work tomorrow. The party isn’t bad, per se, Jungkook just isn’t a fan of wasting time.

“Jeon,” Taehyung huffs, amused as always. “Come have a drink. Let me help you relax.”

That implies a lot and Jungkook stays rooted where he’s standing, even when Taehyung throws his head and complains loudly.

“You’re like an old man in a really hot, younger body,” Taehyung says with a whine. He jumps from the bed, thrusting the unopened bottle against Jungkook’s chest and grabbing his hand to drag him to the bed. “When was the last time you had fun?”

“I’m having a blast right now,” Jungkook deadpans.

This earns a small smile from Taehyung. Maybe he does need a drink, Jungkook thinks, because his eyes linger on his mouth and he doesn’t think that way about Taehyung.

Taehyung is too frustrating, annoying, pretentious. He watches Jungkook take a drink, smile growing.

“Good boy,” Taehyung hums, picking up his knee to place his elbow onto it, securing his fist beneath his chin. Jungkook wants to get rid of his hot ears. There’s no use for them anyway, right? “Are you truly uncomfortable?”

Jungkook shakes his head. “No, I’m just trying to understand you.”

Taehyung snorts, eyes heavy. “There’s nothing to understand, boo. You look like you need about an ounce of Xanax and I’m trying to help my community here.”

“I don’t look that tense,” Jungkook denies in offense, frowning before he takes another gulp.

It isn’t that he’s uncomfortable, he’s just suddenly very nervous. The awareness of how alone they are, how close they are, has hit him full force and he can’t read Taehyung enough to know his intentions.

One thing Jungkook likes as much as routine and being punctual, is avoiding awkward situations.

“When was the last time you got laid, Jeon?”

Jeongguk sputters as he chokes on the sip he takes, coughing loudly and Taehyung, the shit he is, laughs instead of helps.

“That long?” Taehyung huffs, reaching out to steady the bottle as Jungkook coughs.

“No,” Jungkook breathes, wiping at the tears that build at the corners of his eyes beneath his glasses. “I get laid plenty.”

Another snort. Jungkook can’t tell if Taehyung is mocking him or not. “Jimin-ah tells me the only thing you do is study and work.”

“I’m a broke college student,” Jungkook argues. He sighs, shoulders sinking as he realizes Taehyung is messing with him again. “Why are you talking about me with Jimin-ah hyung?”

Taehyung taps the head of his bottle against Jungkook’s. “Who’s prying now, baby?”

Jungkook’s mouth parts in bewilderment. Taehyung is another breed of human, he thinks. One that makes no sense and is infuriating.

His lips look nice wrapping around the head of the soju bottle.

“I should go,” Jungkook says, attempting to stand but Taehyung is grabbing for him. The pout is back, full lips pushed out and eyes so wide that Jungkook’s heart almost skips a beat.

“Truly, I just want you to have fun,” Taehyung says, holding out a pinky finger. “You have to go to at least one party in college and if it’s just this one, I want to make sure you have a fun time.”

Jungkook eyes him suspiciously. “Why?”

There’s no response for a minute as Taehyung takes another sip. Jungkook follows pursuit, praying the silence doesn’t turn awkward. If it does, it would be his fault, because Taehyung seems like the type to deflect awkwardness.

“What’s your favorite thing besides biochemistry?”

Jungkook frowns at that. He wouldn’t say biochemistry is his favorite thing, it’s just something he’s smart about and hopefully will offer him a career that will help him pay off his debt faster. “Um, I like cats. Big cats.”

“Cats,” Taehyung breathes, clenching his eyes shut. “Oh my god, okay. What else?”

Jungkook is getting hot again under Taehyung’s attention. He drinks faster, gulping. “I’m a part of the environmental club at school. I like that.”

Taehyung watches him as Jungkook rubs his sweaty palms over his thighs. He hates when this happens. He knows the body needs to sweat, but really in this situation? There’s no purpose behind it.

“Okay, but what about hobbies?”

“That is a hobby.”

Letting out a groan, Taehyung nearly flails back onto the bed. “What about video games?”

Jungkook rubs at the back of his neck. “I play them a lot when I’m home.”

Taehyung lifts his leg higher, resting his chin on his forearm as he peers at Jungkook. “Wanna come to mine and play them sometime?”

At least he doesn’t ask why Jungkook doesn’t play them now, Jungkook thinks. “Uh, why?”

Taehyung laughs at that. “I’m trying to be your friend, Jeon. Have you heard of it?”

Jungkook goes to swat at Taehyung, but Taehyung catches his hand and quickly intertwines their fingers. “Of course I’ve heard of a friend. I just don’t understand why. We’ve known each other for like a year.”

“I know, I’ve been trying to be your friend,” Taehyung says, squeezing their fingers. “But you’re a bit anti social. I blame it on that stick up your ass.”

Jungkook grunts, pushing their clasped hands but he doesn’t let go. His head feels a bit heavy, but nothing too much. It feels nice and maybe Jungkook does need time to relax sometime, but he can’t conjure time out of his ass.

“Yeah, yeah,” Taehyung interrupts as soon as Jungkook’s mouth open. “No stick up there, got it. Turn around.”

There’s that look again, the smirk, the dark eyes, and despite his words, Taehyung doesn’t let go of Jungkook’s hand either.

“Why?”

“Is that your favorite word?”

Jungkook huffs before he turns around. The hair on the back of his neck stands up being unable to see Taehyung, to know what he’s doing. He never told Jungkook he couldn’t look at him, but Jungkook stays rock still anyway.

He tenses even more when he feels hands on his back, rubbing over his shoulders. He winces when Taehyung digs a thumb into the back of his neck.

“Do you get headaches?”

“Um, yes?” Jungkook asks. He takes another sip, breathing out through his nose.

He doesn’t know why he just doesn’t get up and leave.

“This is why,” Taehyung says softly, rubbing more at his neck. It hurts, forcing a gasp from Jungkook’s lips. “You’re too tense.”

But it also feels good as Taehyung continues, rubbing, circling, and digging his thumbs into Jungkook’s neck and shoulders.

It feels too good and Jungkook flushes when he sighs a bit too loudly. Taehyung only hums in response, fingers digging harder.

He sips at his drink nervously, finding his body taking over and sinking into Taehyung’s touch. Jungkook has always been careful to massage his legs and stretch, but he hasn’t felt his body loosen up as much like this before.

“Do you always do this when you sneak off?” Jungkook finds himself asking.

Taehyung laughs quietly. “Uh, not quite this but touching, yes.”

Jungkook flushes so hard he’s afraid his cheeks might just fall off. He doesn’t realize he’s pulling away until Taehyung is laughing.

“Don’t worry, just touching your back,” Taehyung hums as he circles his thumbs down Jungkook’s spine. “Though if you wanted me to touch elsewhere, I would.”

Jungkook grits his teeth. He needs to go soon because his body is reacting in a way he can’t control and it’s Taehyung .

He’s about to turn around and tell Taehyung he thinks his body is loose enough when Taehyung grinds his thumbs into the bottom of his spine, pulling a low groan from Jungkook’s lips.

The room is too quiet and Jungkook bites his bottom lip hard enough it could bleed. He may be tipsy, but he’s definitely not drunk. If he was drunk, he wouldn’t care about the buzz in his belly and the way his dick twitches in interest.

It’s Taehyung .

“We should go dance again,” Jungkook tries, even though the nerves inside of him make him want to hightail it out of Namjoon’s house all together.

Taehyung pulls his hands away, planting them behind himself as Jungkook turns around. His eyes are dark again, contrasting with that fucking smirk of his.

Maybe he should drink more and get over the panic he feels wanting to wander his eyes over the length of Taehyung’s body and settle where his shirt rides up.

“I thought you wanted to study?”

It’s Taehyung and he’s infuriating .

“Study my ass while I walk out,” Jungkook grits out.

The room lights up with a laugh that’s loud enough to make the music sound non existent. It’s difficult for Jungkook not to turn around and see the face Taehyung makes when he laughs, but he has to remain strong in his exit.

Taehyung doesn't let him go far, though, and he’s barely in the hallway before there’s arms wrapping around him.

“Wait, I need to study a bit more,” Taehyung huffs in his ear, the laugh still in his tone.

“Then let me go,” Jungkook breathes even though there’s a voice inside of him telling him he doesn’t want Taehyung to. Maybe the alcohol.

To his surprise, Taehyung does, letting Jungkook walk off. But a whistle is quick to follow once Jungkook puts enough distance between them.

He can’t help but look over his shoulder and find Taehyung really staring at his ass. At least it looks genuine when Taehyung glances up and his eyes go wide like he wasn’t expecting to be caught.

It slips away quickly, morphing into that expression that usually sits on his face.

“I thought you just had a flat ass, Jungkook, but after some research I see it’s quite nice,” Taehyung calls. “Muscular.”

Jungkook almost runs back downstairs.

Almost. Taehyung’s wrapping an arm around his shoulders before he can and Jungkook slows his steps to let him.

“Come on, you wanna dance baby? Let’s dance.”

**

There’s a handful of things Taehyung knows about Jeon Jungkook. He’s uptight, he’s a know it all and a bit rude about it, he’s the fastest man alive, he gets embarrassed easier than anyone Taehyung has ever met, and he’s really fucking hot.

Even though Jungkook’s a member of the Flat Ass Society, the jeans he wears are so thin and so tight that Taehyung can see every muscle in his legs. Including the ones that bulge in his ass cheeks when he walks. And his thighs? They’re like brick houses, two brick houses beside each other and Taehyung wants to live in them.

Taehyung feels honored by the invitation to stare at his ass, though the comment had thrown him off. He wasn’t expecting Jungkook to say something like that.

Nor was he expecting the invitation to keep dancing. Taehyung wanted to talk alone some more, to keep making Jungkook flush, to try to get the stick out of his ass.

Because despite what Jungkook says, there’s definitely one up there.

The music is fast, pumping through the room and Taehyung’s veins. He feels a little breathless as he moves his body to it, but light and hot at the same time. Jungkook seems to move to it effortlessly, his eyes closed and neck arching back like he’s desperate for the cool air that sit on top of the dance floor.

Taehyung grips Jungkook’s hip, pulling him close so he doesn’t lose him when he closes his eyes too. He lied earlier; this is his favorite part of partying.

The buzz inside of him, strong enough for him to feel nothing but the music and the heat of Jungkook’s body against him, but not too strong to make him sloppy. The pounding of his heart, which he isn’t sure is because of the dancing or the way Jungkook’s arm curls around the back of his neck.

Taehyung blinks his eyes open, grinning around a teasing comment but he stops when he sees Jungkook.

The dude’s lit, eyes half open and his grin like a creepy old man making a perverted joke.

Fuck. Yoongi’s going to tear his life into pieces.

“Jeon,” Taehyung says over the music, grabbing Jungkook’s chin to lift his head. His eyes are unfocused for a moment before they land on Taehyung.

The arm around his neck tightens and Jungkook’s body presses into his more.

Maybe Taehyung shouldn’t have gotten him his last drink before dragging him back to the dance floor. He hadn’t even seemed tipsy at all, his body too taut to be so.

But the alcohol has clearly caught up to him now.

“The baby is drunk,” Taehyung laughs, trying to remain cool but Yoongi is definitely going to kill him.

He prays to the creators of Mario Kart or whatever other gods are out there that Yoongi is completely occupied as he tries to lead Jungkook from the dance floor.

At least Jungkook can walk properly, Taehyung thinks. He doesn’t stumble too much and he seems more alert outside of the dance floor, but his face is burning red and his words slur too much to be sober.

“Hot,” Jungkook complains as Taehyung guides him into the kitchen after making sure it’s Yoongi free. “I’m so hot.”

“I’m well aware,” Taehyung teases.

Jungkook is cute as his face crumples in complaint, lips pouting out. Cute, until he hangs his head back and grabs the bottom of his sweat soaked shirt to pull it off.

Super fuck.

His torso is just as red as his face, just as sweaty. Taehyung grabs his elbow, dragging him towards the sink.

“Have some water, baby,” Taehyung says as he quickly fills one of the solo cups. “How drunk are you?”

“None drunk,” Jungkook replies as he quickly downs the contents of the cup.

Taehyung hastily pulls it back. “Drink slowly or you’ll be sick.”

Jungkook curls around Taehyung’s side, taking back the cup when Taehyung fills it again. Taehyung is feeling hot too, the heat radiating from Jungkook’s skin and coating his own.

This isn’t what he had planned when he asked Jungkook to come to Namjoon’s party. He wanted to see if Jungkook was really as uptight as he seemed, if he could hang.

Well, he can’t hang and Taehyung wasn’t expecting to feel so fond. He wasn’t expecting to want to tend to Jungkook the way he does when his other friends get shit faced.

He’ll blame it on the fact that Yoongi is lurking somewhere and Yoongi’s threatened him over Jungkook too often for him not to be wary.

“What time’s it?”

Jungkook gives him a dopey smile, his lips glistening from the water and red from the way he sucks on his bottom lip. He adjusts his glasses, leaving them more askew then they were before.

“Don’t know.”

He gets a wrinkle nose in response to this. “Gotta get up early tomorrow. Homework. Fucking homework.”

It doesn’t fit, the swear coming from Jungkook’s lips. Taehyung cards a hand around his neck, keeping his head supported. “Well, I’ll take you home then.”

Another wrinkled nose and Jungkook pulls back. He scratches at his belly and fuck, his pants are really tight, leaving Taehyung with the impression it isn’t just the alcohol and the dancing that’s made Jungkook hot.

Any other time, Taehyung would make a teasing comment or a more serious flirting one at the bulge between Jungkook’s legs. But right now he grabs Jungkook’s shirt and tries to wrestle it back over his head.

“Don’t,” Jungkook argues, fighting off the shirt. “I know what that means.”

Taehyung huffs out a laugh. Never in his life would he imagine Jungkook to be adorable .

“What does that mean, you big baby?”

Jungkook rips his shirt from Taehyung. “Stop trying to take my clothes off.”

It’s ridiculous and Taehyung laughs again, pushing into Jungkook’s space.

His eyes blow open wide, focused on Taehyung’s face when Taehyung grabs his cheeks. He’s glad for Jungkook’s attention, but Jungkook immediately presses into his body on instinct.

“It means - it means, you want to bone.”

Taehyung snorts loudly. He does, sometime, but not now. He holds his pinky finger in front of Jungkook’s face, making Jungkook’s eyes go cross when he looks at it.

“Pinky promise, I’m just taking you home to sleep so you can do your fucking homework tomorrow.”

There’s amusement in Jungkook’s eyes as he smacks his own pinky against Taehyung’s.

“Fucking,” is all Jungkook says as he squeezes Taehyung’s finger.

With some convincing, Taehyung manages to get Jungkook’s shirt back on and to the bathroom before they leave. He doesn’t want to leave Jungkook alone, unsure how drunk he really is, but he shuts the door and leans against it to give him privacy.

Life is cruel, Taehyung thinks as he finds Yoongi slumping towards him. He tries to remain calm, a poster child of coolness, even when Yoongi’s eyes narrow.

He looks a bit ridiculous, shirt completely unbuttoned and lipstick smeared over the side of his neck and mouth. His jeans are unbuttoned too, his hair a wreck and cheeks flushed, but his eyes are too murderous for Taehyung to laugh.

“Where’s Kook?”

Taehyung shrugs, pressing harder into the door. “I think he went home.”

Yoongi’s eyes narrow more. “Namjoon-ah told me he left with you. Did you take him home?”

Taehyung taps his foot uneasily against the ground. “Yep.”

“Liar,” Yoongi huffs, crossing his arms over his chest.

The man is about a head shorter than Taehyung, his arms toothpicks, but he’s terrifying. Taehyung is no fool, he’ll admit it. He’s seen Yoongi in action enough to know that looks can be deceiving.

They met the year before university started for Taehyung, when Jimin dragged him to an underground fight club to show off his new, badass college fuck buddy Hoseok.

Or so Taehyung had thought that’s who they were going to see before Yoongi jumped off the stage and wrapped his bloody knuckles around Jimin’s waist and plastered a fat kiss to his neck.

“I swear on my dog.”

“You don’t have a dog.”

Taehyung sighs. True. “Yeah, but it would still be cruel to swear on a poor, precious little dog’s life.”

Yoongi jabs him hard in the chest. At the same time, the bathroom door opens and Taehyung struggles not to fall back.

Maybe he should, he thinks quickly, and hide Jungkook in the bathroom but it’s too late when Jungkook grabs him to steady him.

“It’s so hard to pee when you’re hard,” Jungkook complains.

Taehyung is burning when he feels Jungkook press against him and Yoongi’s eyes narrow. The fucking shirt is off again, hanging in Jungkook’s hand and Taehyung panics.

“It’s not what it looks like.”

Yoongi ignores him, grabbing Jungkook’s wrist and pulling him away from Taehyung. It’s awkward when Yoongi sighs and grabs Jungkook’s neck, inspecting his face.

“How much did you have to drink?”

Jungkook holds up one finger.

“Sure,” Yoongi murmurs. “You’re smacked, Kookie.”

Taehyung sinks aside as Yoongi straightens our Jungkook’s pants, helping him button them before he shucks off his own shirt and helps Jungkook into it. He keeps it unbuttoned and pulls Jungkook’s over his own torso.

“It’s cold outside, you need something on,” Yoongi says.

“He really didn’t drink that much,” Taehyung offers. “Plus, it’s a party. Everyone is smacked.”

Yoongi glares at him. “Come on, let’s go home.”

It’s ironic, Yoongi of all people, who he has seen shitfaced more times that Taehyung can count, seems annoyed that Jungkook is drunk.

“Taehyung is taking me home,” Jungkook murmurs, rubbing the back of his hand against his nose. “He pinky promised no boning.”

There’s death in Yoongi’s eyes when they turn on Taehyung.

Taehyung quickly holds out his pinky finger to Yoongi. He puts on his best innocent, winning smile as he waves the digit in Yoongi’s face.

“You know I take pinky promises serious,” Taehyung says.

Yoongi looks unsure, eyes worried when they look to Jungkook who leans his head on Taehyung’s shoulder. Taehyung’s heart is thumping wildly.

“Remember what I taught you?” Yoongi asks Jungkook. “Pressure points?”

Jungkook nods.

Yoongi nods, clapping his shoulder. “If Taehyung touches you, knock him out. Be careful not to kill him though.”

Taehyung grimaces at Yoongi’s pleased smile when Jungkook promises to try.

“Text me as soon as you’re home,” Yoongi instructs, pulling away. “I don’t care if you’re Jimin’s best friend, Taehyung.”

With a salute of understanding, Taehyung quickly wraps an arm around Jungkook’s lower back and tries to run him out of the house.

The outside air is cold and it doesn’t take long for Jungkook to shiver, his fingers fumbling to button up Yoongi’s shirt. Taehyung only watches for a minute, smiling before he stops Jungkook to help.

“You have a low tolerance, huh?”

Jungkook nods, smacking his lips. He takes Taehyung’s hand and Taehyung only hesitates for a minute before intertwining their fingers.

“Your hyung is going to kill me.”

The giggle that Jungkook lets out is cute, contagious. “I got my stomach pumped once. High school. It scared him.”

The smile on Taehyung’s mouth softens as he swings their hands. “You? A partier?”

“No,” Jungkook huffs out. “One of the only - only times I drank.”

“Well, you should have told me you were a lightweight, Jeon. My life is on the line.”

Taehyung hates awkward moments, usually avoids them, but he finds the silence between them awkward. Especially when Jungkook’s feet drags and he fixes his pants, groaning softly.

Especially when Jungkook curls around his arm and their clasped fists press into his body.

“Wanna go to bed.”

“This is your apartment?”

Jungkook nods without opening his eyes.

Taehyung sighs, unwrapping himself from Jungkook to reach into his jeans pockets. His pants are really so tight that Taehyung doesn’t understand how he got them on. He ignores the way Jungkook groans as Taehyung’s hand digs into his pocket to retrieve his keys.

He finds the apartment number before leading Jungkook up, his body growing heavier as he sinks his weight into Taehyung.

It’s almost a relief when Taehyung gets him to the apartment. Flicking on the light, he finds the neatest college apartment he’s ever seen. There isn’t a single thing out of place, not even a piece of clothing on the ground.

He can’t imagine Yoongi to be too neat, but he can’t imagine Jungkook has any time to keep the apartment clean.

“Welcome,” Jungkook slurs as he stumbles out of his shoes. “Welcome to my crib.”

Taehyung snorts, steadying Jungkook to his feet before helping him with the shoes.

“Looks dope.”

Jungkook hums.

As prude and shy Jungkook seems, drunk Jungkook has no shame as he starts to unbutton his pants before Taehyung can even get off the last shoe.

“I hate - hate these pants.”

“Me too,” Taehyung breathes as he stands and grabs Jungkook’s elbow so be doesn’t fall. Jungkook grunts as he tries to pull them down his hips, but he gives up with a heavy sigh when they stick around the top of his thighs. “Keep them on for now. Where’s your room?”

Jungkook swats his neck with the side of his hand, grunting. “Not today, sir .”

Taehyung laughs, taking Jungkook’s hand into his own. “You’re a hot mess, Jeon. I’m just trying to put you to bed.”

“Oh,” Jungkook murmurs, letting Taehyung guide him towards where he assumes the bedrooms are. “Is that? Is that it? Can’t figure out what you’re doing.”

Taehyung opens the first door he finds, taking in the mess and the boxing posters on the wall before deciding this one isn’t Jungkook’s.

“No,” Taehyung laughs. “I’m just trying to learn chemistry, baby.”

“Remember the atomic number,” Jungkook sighs as Taehyung presses open the next door.

There’s a light on from the desk lamp, glowing across the empty walls and the made up bed. The desk is the only messy part, stacked with textbooks and loose leaf paper with scribbling on it. There’s shoes stacked along the sides of the wall, clothes folded out on a chair on the end of the bed like Jungkook’s already chosen his outfit for tomorrow.

Taehyung wants to wander, be nosy, but it isn’t right when Jungkook is out of it and probably wouldn’t let him when sober.

“You should focus more,” Jungkook slurs as he starts to struggle with his pants again. “Your dad really wants - wants you to do well.”

Taehyung clicks his teeth in annoyance, grabbing the sides of Jungkook’s legs to tug. He is well aware of what his father wants and he doesn’t want to talk about it ever, but especially now.

“Most guys don’t talk to me about my father when they undress for me.”

His intentions with Jungkook were to have him undress for him, eventually. But not now, though Taehyung is amused that the first time Jungkook does it’s like this. Jungkook is cuter than expected, messier, as he stumbles out of his pants and Taehyung tries not to look at where he stretches his briefs.

His Super Mario briefs. Maybe Taehyung likes him a little more than he thought.

“Do you - you sleep with a lot of guys?”

“Is that your business baby?” Taehyung asks as he plants a hand to Jungkook’s back and helps him to the bed.

“No,” Jungkook says quickly. He smiles dopily again when he crawls into bed, immediately falling to his stomach.

“Your side,” Taehyung says, helping Jungkook into position before removing his glasses for him. “In case you get sick.”

Jungkook wrinkles his nose. “Wanna lay on my stomach.”

Taehyung punches Jungkook’s cheek. “Looks like we finally got that stick out of your ass, Jeon.”

“No stick,” Jungkook mumbles, clasping his hands around Taehyung’s wrist. “You can stay. It’s - it’s cold.”

Taehyung glances at the empty side of the bed. Sober Jungkook would definitely disagree. Taehyung is unsure if sober Jungkook dislikes him or is just a stiff.

Taehyung can’t quite figure him out but he’s determined to.

“I shouldn’t.”

Jungkook pouts with his eyes closed.

“What if I roll on my stomach, get sick and die?”

Taehyung rolls his eyes and extracts his hand from Jungkook. “You need to text Yoongi that you’re home.”

There’s a phone being thrown at him a second later. Surprisingly there’s no passcode and Taehyung shoots Yoongi a quick message to let him know Jungkook’s arrived safe and unharmed.

He considers sending Yoongi a picture so he actually believes it, but Jungkook is back on his stomach and moving around too much to get comfortable.

Taehyung feels his ears grow hot.

“On your side,” Taehyung sighs but he feels more fond than annoyed as he crawls onto the bed and tugs Jungkook onto his side.

Even drunk, Jungkook is as strong as he looks, pulling Taehyung down beside him.

“Sorry,” Jungkook mumbles. “Felt good.”

And god, Taehyung rolls onto his back, wishing Jungkook hadn’t groaned when he said that.

“Go to bed, baby.”

Jungkook nods, curling an arm under his head and keeping his other planted around Taehyung’s wrist.

He waits for Jungkook’s grip to loosen so he can get some water for the both of them, but his eyes grow heavy and Jungkook never lets go.

When Taehyung wakes, he frowns at the abrupt flood of downy softener clogging his nose. It smells like Jungkook and it’s already bad enough he's dreamt of him, he isn’t fond of Jungkook being the first thinks of when he wakes as well.

It’s also bad enough that Taehyung catches himself thinking about Jungkook when they’re studying (trying not to study) together. This is crossing the line.

It isn’t until Taehyung pulls his head from the pillow, realizing it’s not his own, that he understands why he’s thinking about Jungkook.

At the same time, Jungkook curls into his back and snuggles his face between Taehyung’s shoulder blades.

“Fuck,” Taehyung mumbles, slumping back onto the bed. He’s overheated, his clothes from last night too hot and the heat from Jungkook not helping. He’s a fricking koala bear, clinging onto Taehyung with all of his strength and weight.

It doesn’t feel too bad, except knowing Jungkook is going to panic when he wakes makes Taehyung want to leave rather than fall back asleep.

Taehyung carefully pulls himself from Jungkook, stilling when he huffs out a breath. He makes sure he remains asleep, that he hadn’t gotten sick during the night, before he removes himself completely.

Pulling the phone from his pocket, Taehyung finds it’s already noon. He cusses, hanging his head and hoping Yoongi still sleeps like the dead. It’s unlikely he hadn’t came home after worrying about Jungkook.

Taehyung freezes. It’s unlikely Yoongi hadn’t checked on him and seen them in bed.

“Fuck,” Taehyung mumbles, breathing in. He isn’t afraid. He’s cool, chill. Totally not afraid.

Taehyung flies from the ground when he steps out of the hallway and finds Yoongi standing against the front door. His arms are crossed, his expression blank before he approaches.

“Are you sneaking out?”

“Uh, yes?”

“Why?” Yoongi huffs, moving until he is an inch away from Taehyung.

Taehyung stares down at Yoongi, unsure as what to say. There is no route here that he can go and mull over Yoongi, even if that’s Taehyung’s specialty.

“He was refusing to sleep on his side, hyung. I was afraid he would choke in his sleep but I don’t want him to panic when he wakes.”

Yoongi peers his eyes but surprisingly, the annoyed look leaves his expression and he sighs. “Did he really drink that much?”

“I don’t know. Three maybe.” Taehyung grimaces as he remembers the last drink had been handed off by Jin. Who knows what kind of alcohol he had mixed into it. Jin’s Juice always gets someone fucked up, especially if they’re a lightweight. “One was made by Jin.”

Yoongi groans, pinching Taehyung’s chest harshly and making him yelp as he jumps back.

“Why would you do that?” Taehyung gasps, clutching his hands to his chest. “There’s nothing wrong with getting shit faced sometimes, dude.”

He’s saved by Hoseok, who saunters from the kitchen to throw an arm around Taehyung’s shoulders. He nuzzles his hair before plopping a kiss to the crown of his head.

“Ignore him. Hyung’s protective,” Hoseok mumbles, tone fond.

“Am not,” Yoongi denies but his cheeks redden. “How come you weren’t shitfaced then?”

Taehyung wipes at his torso proudly. “I can handle my liquor just fine. Plus, I promised you I’d take care of the baby for you. Which he isn’t, by the way. He’s a full, well endowed grown up.”

Hoseok giggles as Yoongi smacks Taehyung’s chest. Taehyung uses Hoseok as a shield, hiding behind him.

“You swore you’re only bothering Kook to get your grades up,” Yoongi scolds and Taehyung wants to leave now more than ever.

Yoongi is the life of the party, fun to be around, one of Taehyung’s favorite people ever, but sometimes it feels like he has two fathers.

Two fathers who get on him for his studies, but at least Yoongi understands better than it’s just fucking hard for Taehyung.

“Which, you need to focus -”

“I know ,” Taehyung complains, twisting Hoseok in front of him more even though Yoongi’s expression is soft now. “I promise I am trying. I just didn’t think it through. It’s hard to focus when Jungkook is there, being hot as fuck. It’s distracting, you know?”

Yoongi groans, cupping a hand over his face.

“Plus, is it really fair of you to get involved in Jungkook’s sex life when you haven’t even told him you’re boning Hobi here?”

The moment the words leave Taehyung’s lips, he fills with regret. He covers his hands over his mouth as Yoongi’s face morphs into a tomato.

“Op,” Hoseok huffs, backing off and leaving Taehyung to be eaten alive.

“That’s none - none of your -” Yoongi makes a frustrated noise, shaking a finger at him. “I have an explanation.”

Taehyung throws his hands up in defense. “No need to explain, hyung. It’s none of my business. Is that were you trying to say? Just like my sex life isn’t any of yours?”

Yoongi flings his hand out, making Taehyung flinch, but it’s just a gentle pat to his chest.

“Sleep with one eye open, Kim.”

Thankfully for Taehyung, he’s saved by a loud groan floating out from the hallway, effectively grabbing Yoongi’s attention.

“Sounds like Kook is up,” Yoongi announces. “Text me when you’re home safe, Tae.”

There’s an amused shake of the head thrown his way as Yoongi pads off.

“Really protective,” Hoseok whispers before he ruffles his fingers back into Taehyung’s hair, cooing softly, “of both of you.”

He swats at Hoseok as Hoseok grabs his cheeks, making another soft coo sound. Taehyung won’t deny he’s fond as he shoves Hoseok after Yoongi.

“Will you be this amused when hyung kills me?” Taehyung shouts.

Hoseok laughs as he walks backwards. “Yeah. We might fight about it, but make up sex is the best, Tae Tae.”

Taehyung is thankful for the save as he makes it to the front door, ignoring the part of him that for some reason, wishes to stay to make sure Jungkook is alright.