𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗚 || ᴛᴀᴇᴋᴏᴏᴋ

• C H A P T E R 14 •

The tension between them was thick, an invisible force pressing against Jungkook’s chest as he stared up at Taehyung with wide, wary eyes. Taehyung’s grip on his waist was firm, his smirk never faltering, but there was something unreadable in his dark gaze—something that sent another shiver down Jungkook’s spine.

Jimin and Yoongi had fallen into silence, their eyes flickering between the two with curiosity, but neither intervened. It was as if they, too, were waiting to see what would happen next.

Taehyung leaned down slightly, his lips close to Jungkook’s ear, making the younger flinch. His voice was deep, laced with amusement as he murmured, “If you’re so scared of me, Kookie, why don’t we settle this with a dare?”

Jungkook swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribs. “A... a dare?” His voice came out smaller than he intended, almost a whisper.

Taehyung hummed in approval, tilting his head slightly as he studied the younger’s flustered expression. “Yeah. Let’s make it fair.” His smirk widened before he delivered his challenge. “Kiss me.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched, his entire body freezing as his face turned a furious shade of red. “W-What?!”

Jimin, who had been silent up until now, choked on his own breath. “Wait, what?” He looked between them, his mouth slightly agape in confusion.

Yoongi merely raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression unreadable.

Jungkook’s hands instinctively clutched the fabric of his sweatshirt, his knuckles going white as panic surged through him. His brain struggled to process the words that had just left Taehyung’s lips. There was no way. No way Taehyung was serious—this had to be some twisted joke.

“I-I’m not going to do that!” Jungkook blurted, his voice high-pitched with nerves.

Taehyung chuckled darkly, the sound sending another wave of unease through Jungkook. “Oh? So you’d rather run away again?” His fingers flexed against Jungkook’s waist, grounding him in place. “Come on, jungKookie. Prove you’re not scared.”

Jungkook felt utterly trapped. His pride clashed violently with his mortification, and for a split second, he genuinely considered bolting again. But Taehyung’s hold was strong, and he knew there was no escape.

His lips trembled as he hesitantly looked up at Taehyung. There was a challenge in the older boy’s eyes, something teasing yet dangerously compelling. Jungkook knew that if he backed down now, Taehyung would never let him live it down.

His whole body burned with humiliation, his hands shaking slightly as he bit his lower lip. He could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on him, the anticipation thick in the air.

He had to do it.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, exhaling sharply. “For god’s sake, Jungkook.” His grip on the younger’s waist tightened slightly. “I said kiss me. What’s taking you so long?”

Jungkook’s throat went dry. “I—”

“Do it already!” Taehyung suddenly barked, his voice sharp and impatient.

Jungkook flinched violently at the sudden outburst, his breath hitching as his lower lip wobbled. His hands curled into tight fists, and his entire body tensed. He had already been nervous, but now—now he was terrified.

Taehyung’s intense gaze bore into him like a challenge. The weight of the older boy’s demand made his stomach twist with overwhelming pressure, and he felt like he was going to explode.

Jimin’s eyes darted between them in shock. “Tae, you don’t have to yell at him—”

“I wouldn’t have to if he’d just do it already,” Taehyung shot back, his tone sharp but undeniably teasing. “What, scared of a little kiss?”