𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗚 || ᴛᴀᴇᴋᴏᴏᴋ

• C H A P T E R 13 •

Jungkook stepped hesitantly into the university campus, his lips forming a deep, unmistakable pout. His shoulders were slightly hunched, and his nervous energy was palpable as he cautiously scanned his surroundings. The mere thought of running into Taehyung sent a shiver down his spine, and he did everything in his power to avoid drawing attention to himself.

He clutched the straps of his backpack tightly, his knuckles turning white, as though the act would somehow shield him from the daunting presence of the senior who had been haunting his thoughts. His mind raced with the memory of Taehyung’s piercing gaze and intimidating smirk, and he couldn’t help but feel small and vulnerable.

As he walked down the corridor, Jungkook’s steps faltered, and he ducked his head, his messy hair falling over his eyes in an attempt to make himself invisible. He hugged the wall, moving as discreetly as possible, hoping—praying—that he could make it to his lecture without encountering the person he feared the most. But even with all his precautions, a sinking feeling in his chest told him it wouldn’t be that easy.

But luck was clearly not on Jungkook’s side that day. As he approached the university building, his heart sank at the sight before him. Taehyung stood casually near the doorway of Jungkook’s classroom, leaning against the frame with a confident air. Beside him were Yoongi and Jimin, their presence only adding to the intimidating aura surrounding Taehyung. It was as if they were waiting for him—no, definitely waiting for him.

Jungkook’s steps faltered as his chest tightened with dread. He desperately considered turning back, but it was too late. Jimin had already spotted him.

“Kookieee!” Jimin’s excited yell echoed through the hallway, his voice bright and full of cheer. He waved enthusiastically, his wide smile beaming like sunlight on a stormy day. The gesture was innocent and adorable, but it drew everyone’s attention squarely to Jungkook, who froze like a deer caught in headlights.

All eyes turned to him, including Taehyung’s. Jungkook could feel the weight of Taehyung’s intense gaze, sharp and unreadable, boring into him from across the hall. His breath hitched as he instinctively clutched his bag tighter, wishing he could disappear into the floor.

Meanwhile, Jimin bounced on his toes, oblivious to the tension in Jungkook’s body. “Kookie, over here!” he called again, his bubbly demeanor starkly contrasting the heavy atmosphere Jungkook was drowning in. Yoongi, ever calm and aloof, simply raised an eyebrow, smirking faintly at Jungkook’s obvious discomfort.

Jungkook hesitated, his feet refusing to move forward. He felt trapped, torn between the warmth of Jimin’s welcoming smile and the icy chill radiating from Taehyung’s penetrating stare. There was no escape now, and he knew it.

Jungkook swallowed hard, his throat dry as panic surged through him. His wide eyes darted around nervously before glancing back toward the trio near the doorway. His fight-or-flight instincts kicked in, and without a second thought, he turned on his heel and bolted, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

His abrupt escape left Taehyung, Yoongi, and Jimin momentarily dumbfounded. They stood frozen, the unexpected turn of events catching them completely off guard. Jimin blinked in confusion, his hand still mid-wave, while Yoongi raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

It was Taehyung who recovered first. “Hey!” he called out, his deep voice sharp and commanding as he snapped out of his daze. His sharp eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, he pushed off the wall and sprinted after Jungkook.

Jungkook’s tiny legs moved as fast as they could, his sneakers squeaking against the polished floors as he raced through the hallway. His breaths came in short, frantic gasps, and his bag bounced wildly on his back. He didn’t dare look behind him, too terrified to confirm that Taehyung was hot on his heels.