Taehyung’s alarm blared, a shrill intrusion that prompted a groan and a desperate swat at the snooze button. He burrowed deeper into his pillow, attempting to ignore the insistent ringing.
“Ahhhhh, shut up,” he muttered, finally launching the phone across the room.
He sat up, beginning his morning routine, and a thought occurred to him: it was time to wake his roommate. A familiar knot of apprehension tightened in his stomach. He hadn’t introduced him yet, and it felt important to do so.
His roommate’s name was Jeon Jungkook, and Taehyung’s feelings towards him were… complicated. Jungkook was relentlessly teasing, bordering on flirtatious, and Taehyung found himself caught between irritation and a flustered, undeniable blush. Jungkook often commented on Taehyung's physique, particularly his backside, suggesting he wanted to smack it, and Taehyung, inexplicably, found himself letting him. It was a secret, of course. Jungkook was the school's notorious bad boy, and Taehyung was hopelessly, secretly crushing on him.
He'd spend hours in his head, replaying the moments where Jungkook's hands would linger, his lips would brush his neck. He knew he'd never say anything to Jungkook. The thought of rejection was crippling.
"Jungkookieee, wake up," Taehyung called out, approaching Jungkook's bed. He found him shirtless, his chest muscles flexing. A wave of heat flushed his cheeks. He shook Jungkook’s shoulder, ignoring the familiar, self-deprecating voice in his head: *He'll never like you back.*
“Five more minutes, please,” Jungkook mumbled, pulling the blanket over his head.
“No, Kookiee, we’re getting late. Or else—”
“Or else what?” Jungkook’s voice was laced with amusement.
“Or else I’ll never allow you touch this bubbly butt again,” Taehyung blurted out, the threat feeling both daring and pathetic.
Jungkook’s eyes snapped open. He was out of bed in an instant, rushing towards the bathroom. Taehyung chuckled, heading to the kitchen to make breakfast: pancakes and eggs.
As he flipped the pancakes, he felt Jungkook’s arms snake around his waist. He was used to it, but it still sent a shiver down his spine. Jungkook’s touch was becoming increasingly bold, his fingers brushing against Taehyung’s hips, occasionally squeezing his behind. He let him, telling himself it was just a harmless crush.
“Kook, let go of me, I’m cooking,” Taehyung said, trying to sound annoyed but failing.
“But I’m comfortable like this, Tae,” Jungkook murmured, pressing his lips against Taehyung’s neck. A moan escaped Taehyung’s lips, barely audible.
“Stop kissing my neck, it tickles,” he giggled, pushing Jungkook away and arranging plates on the table.
They ate in comfortable silence, then Jungkook offered Taehyung a ride to school.
“Yaah, shut up, you pervert author!” Taehyung barked, his face flushed.
“Okay, sorry, let’s continue the story,” Jungkook said, grinning.
As Jungkook drove, Taehyung allowed himself a moment to appreciate his features: the sharp jawline, the full lips, the eyes that could melt glaciers. He imagined Jungkook's hands on his skin.
“You know it’s not good when you stare at me like that for too long,” Jungkook said, his voice low.
“N-no, I was just admiring your… features, that’s all,” Taehyung stammered, trying to regain his composure.
“Okay.” Jungkook chuckled, and Taehyung felt his cheeks burn.
“By the way, we’re here.” Jungkook pulled into the school parking lot, then walked around to open Taehyung’s door. It felt like a movie scene, Jungkook acting as his protector.
Before he could fully savor the moment, a voice shouted from across the parking lot.
“TAEHYUNG! I MISSED YOU!”
It was Park Jimin, Taehyung’s best friend since childhood.
“I missed you too, Chim, now stop shouting,” Taehyung replied, playfully swatting Jimin’s head.
“Ouch! Why did you smack me? I didn’t do anything,” Jimin protested.
“Didn’t do anything? You shouted my name loudly, attracting attention. You idiot!” Taehyung retorted, smacking him again.
“Okay, let’s go to our classroom then,” Jimin said, dragging Taehyung towards the school building.
They reached their classroom and took their seats, falling into a comfortable silence.
After a while, their teacher entered the class and began a lecture on science.
“Haayyss, it will be a long, tiring day,” Taehyung sighed, settling into his seat.