Dreaming Alone | taekook ✔️

f i f t y - n i n e

Unfortunately for many of us, insecurities don't fade with a few sweet words and a kiss to the forehead. And that revelation sent Taehyung in the direction of the gift shop.

He was, frankly, very aware of how stupid this idea may be, and wasn't surprised to find no one at his destination. But when he went in search of Jeongguk, he stumbled upon a familiar face outside the boys' dorm.

"Hey!"

The blonde stopped halfway through the glass doors and appeared amused, half a smirk tweaking at his mouth. "Hey."

"I uh." Taehyung licked his lips, standing awkwardly in front of the boy. "How'd you know yogurt pretzels were my boyfriend's favorite? Cause I owe you one— we weren't on the best of terms and it was nice to treat him something he liked."

"Everyone likes yogurt pretzels, Tae," Carter replied cooly, "It's a universal truth."

Taehyung tilted his head. "How'd you know my name?"

The blonde stuck a hand out for him to shake, which Taehyung took. "I'm Jimin's roommate, Carter. Has he ever talked about me?"

Has Jeongguk ever talked about me?

"Nope." Taehyung smiled in greeting, unaware of the connections his boyfriend had with the blonde.

"That's funny. Jimin talks about your boyfriend a lot though."

Instinctively the blonde's throat tightened. "He does?"

"Yeah, it's almost like he has a crush on him or something." Carter laughed it off like the good friend he was. "But don't worry. I'm sure you're irreplaceable and all that cute shit boyfriends tell each other to keep the relationship together, am I right?"

Misgivings painted the walls of Taehyung's mind. All thoughts have the potential to become toxic, but insecurities were born starving and Carter's words were dangling him right off the edge.

"Want a tip?" The blonde offered snidely.

"A tip?"

Red flags consumed Taehyung's vision when Carter stepped closer and raised a hand, dragging fingers across his forehead and hooking hair behind his ear. It felt way too personal of a gesture between two strangers, but the brunette was stunned into silence.

"Touch and kiss the ears. Everyone likes that." Carter flashed him a smile, patted his shoulder, and headed inside the building, leaving the poor brunette in shambles.

Touch and kiss the ears? What?

Taehyung pondered over the poorly executed advice as he continued in search for the ravenette, who was perched on top of the peak.

"Hellooo~" Jeongguk singsonged, twisting his body around so he could kiss his boyfriend's cheek without the clipboard falling off his lap.

"What are you up to?" The brunette smiled, lowering himself down next to the boy. "You stole my backpack."

"All your paper and markers were in there, so..."

Taehyung covered his eyes with a hand, turning away. "Have you written anything?"

Confused by his actions, the ravenette frowned until he realized the rule they set so long ago— storing the pieces of writing into the takeout box and opening it when camp was over. No peeking.

"It's okay, Tae. You can look. I don't have much written anyway."

With permission, Taehyung opened his eyes and peered over at the ripped note, three words scribbled at the top.