Rivalry [Taekook]
Arch-nemesis
Summer had ended , but the heat didn't.
The rain had just let up , but the sky remained heavy and its gray light soflty soaking into the courtyard stones of the Saint Armitage University.
It was less of a collage and more of an institution , that perched between wooded hills and carved stone archways.
The students who walked these halls weren't just bright, they were brilliant.
And when the fall term resumed after a long burning summer , murmurs ran ahead of the two names that had come to define the upper year at Saint Armitage.
The other stepped from royalty.
But both belonged to the elite.
A soft hush came with the mist as umbrellas dotted the campus grouds and students slipped into their respective sections.
Jeon Jungkook didn't rush. He walked beneath the ivy covered archway of the philosophy building , with his wet hair curling slightly at the nape of his neck.
He wore an oversized hoodie with a mask that he mostly wears, every time. Like people barely get to see his face.
𝗝𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗼𝗸.
Twenty-one. Third year Computer Engineering and business dual major. Smart. Too smart, most professors said. Known for always having the highest grades. A machine when it came to academics. Quiet. Had a look like he’d rather disappear, but couldn’t help being noticed anyway.
They called him The Golden brain. The silent valedictorian. Not because he was loud about it , but because he never missed anything.
Exams , presentations, debates , assignments. He didn't just complete things. He just aced then effortlessly it seemed like it was his default setting.
What made him terrifying wasn't that he topped every class. It was that he didn't seem to care about the recognition.
And now seated in his usual second row spot , that was not so far, not so close… And then not suddenly, the polished sound of the shoes clicked against the tile.
A few students turned and the chatted dipped.
𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗧𝗮𝗲𝗵𝘆𝘂𝗻𝗴.
Twenty Two. Heir to the Kim Empire. Legacy student. Honors Law and politics dual major. Intimidatingly brilliant. Effortless charisma. Known for walking into rooms like he owned them. Never flaunted wealth…but no one could ignore it.
He wasn't loud not flashy. But the way people turned to look said everything.
A full black tailored suit with its sleeves folded just enough to reveal his watch. And his slight blonde hairs swept back. He looked like he'd just walked off the cover of something expensive.
He paused briefly near the center of the room for a heartbeat longer than necessary and when his eyes landed on Jungkook, he paused.
A simple respectful tilt of his head, a nod barely there.
Jungkook blinked and met his gaze and gave his infamous cold stare in return.
And Kim Taehyung returned to his usual spot just two rows behind Jungkook's seat.
The class had gone quiet again cause the question had been asked like one of the those open-ended philosophical setups that demanded pretty answers.
Some gave their flowery words and poetic ideas and professor listened it all patiently.
Kim Taehyung
Maybe people like… Because truth is small to hold all they feel. Fiction, sometimes is more honest than facts.
The room went silent and even the professor looked intrigued.
But in the second row, Jeon Jungkook didn't lift his head. He was scribbling something in his notebook and then without looking up, he said quietly enough for everyone to hear.
Jeon Jungkook
Or maybe fiction is just what people use when they don't have the spine to say what they mean.
Taehyung tilted his head slightly. His eyes found Jungkook, but he still wasn't looking.
The professor raised an eyebrow , clearly entertained.
He then slowly looked up with his mask still hiding half his face.
Jeon Jungkook
I think truth doesn't need to dress itself up in poetry . It either cuts clean or it doesn't.
Then he went back to his notes.
The rain had faded so far by the time the morning lectures ended. And the corridor had again filled with chitter chatters and footsteps .
Jungkook walked straight to the outdoor courtyard, that leads to a quietest place of the campus. It was his usual spot. And as usual, someone was already there.
Jackson Wang
Finally, bruh..
He grinned with arms wide like he hadn't seen Jungkook in years. But Our boy just shrugged off Jackson.
Yoongi said with a half-smirk with his eyes half closed as he raised a cig for a puff.
Jeon Jungkook
(He hummed low in his throat and sat beside them with his hood still on and mask still in place).
Jackson Wang
Did you hear??
(He sat just next to them and leaned near Jk's shoulder and said).
Jackson Wang
They say the rich prince is moving into the dorms.
Jackson Wang
Guys.! Kim taehyung in the dorms, imagine that!
Jackson Wang
Dude, that’s your arch-nemesis. What if he ends up like.. next door or some shit?
Jackson Wang
Or in the same room?
Jeon Jungkook
(he raised an eyebrow).
That’d be his problem.
Back at the dorms Taehyung walked slightly ahead with his pace unbothered and calm as always and behind him, his assistant more like a personal stand dragged his heavy Louis Vuitton suitcase while hoseok and Jimin trailer along with two iced americanos and too many questions.
Park Jimin
You are actually doing this? Bro, you sure?
He asked for the third time that day and Taehyung signed for the nth time adjusting his sunglasses.
Kim Taehyung
Yes Jimin. For the hundredth time. I'm sure.
When they reached the door, Taehyung pulled out the key card and Jimin peeked over his shoulder as he unlocked it and excused the man who left the suitcase to Taehyung.
Jung Hoseok
What if it's a first year?
Taehyung didn't answer. He just pushed the door open. And blinked.
Like, hotel grade spotless.
A faint smell of lavender hit his senses. And his eyes narrowed behind his sunglasses as he looked at the half used incense stick in the ceramic tray.
He furrowed as it did something to his senses.
He didn't say it. He didn't even let the name fully form in his head.
He knew this exact scent lingered once when Jungkook had walked past him in a hallway, hoodie up, earphones on, and with his mask still in place .
No one else would notice that .
Park Jimin
Guess your roommate's already moved in
Tae nodded slowly, sliding his sunglasses off.
Kim Taehyung
Doesn't feel like a first year
Tae sat down slowly on his bed and just let his eyes sweep over the room again. Meanwhile, Jimin and hoseok already left to their own respective rooms.
Like not 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, but enough.
Enough to notice the kind of water bottle he carried. Enough to know he chewed gum when he is frustrated or nervous.
Enough to remember that he has a scar near his left thumb, small and faded but Taehyung had seen it once when Jungkook reached to collect his paper from the professors' desk.
No one else noticed these things.
He shouldn't also know these things.
He shouldn't know how Jungkook always wore the same black hoodie during morning classes. And the way he sometimes clicked his tongue twice before answering something more like opinion based.
He shouldn't 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 this all.
Not because he was trying. But because over the last two years, Jungkook become something else.
Not a friend. Not even a rival the campus called them as. Not really.
It was more like a 𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘁.
If it was really him...if Jeon Jungkook was just down the hall or already halfway to the building, then this year was already messed up in the most 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗮𝘆.
Kim Taehyung
(He smirked to himself).
And you thought this was just about grades .
This wasn't going to be interesting.
This was going to be 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱.
And Taehyung was absolutely without a doubt, 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗱.
so far.. what you think of this plot .??
Just Roomate
Jungkook's boots tapped fully against the corridor floor as he made his way back to the dorms. He slipped a hand In to his pocket , pulling out his phone and unlocking it without much thought.
One unread message blinked on his screen.
[Room 707 update :
You've been assigned a roommate for the semester.
Welcome, Kim Taehyung].
He stopped mid-step. His thumb hovered over the screen, and he read it again. This was his first time he got assigned a roommate.
He exhaled slowly, not surprised, not annoyed either. He was just blank.
He pocketed the phone and kept walking towards his room and pulled out the keys and opened the door.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside. And stopped.
There under the dim glow of the desk lamp, sat Kim Taehyung with loose shirts, black shorts and his legs spread out across the couch .
He hadn't even looked up yet , eyes glued to his phone screen.
The door clicked shut behind Jungkook. That's when Taehyung finally looked up, slowly.
As if he hadn't been fully aware of the moment the footsteps neared their door. Hadn't been checking the time for the last hour like he wasn't waiting.
He blinked once with his expression smooth and casual as there is nothing new here.
Kim Taehyung
Oh. (he said mild curiosity as he pulled one earbud out)
Kim Taehyung
So you are the neat freak?
Jungkook didn't say anything. He just scanned the room first.
Jeon Jungkook
Didn't know I'd be sharing.
Kim Taehyung
You're kidding me.
Another pause and then he headed towards his bed and tugged off his hoodie slowly, mask following after. His hair was messy in the sexiest, effortless way. His eyes half lidded and tired. His skin glowing under the dim light of the room.
Cheekbones. Jawline sharp like it could slice the tension in the room. Full lips. Full lips with a lip ring? Fuck it.
Taehyung whistled low, staring shamelessly.
Kim Taehyung
Well... Fuck me..
He raised a brow dropping the mask onto his desk.
Kim Taehyung
You're stupidly hot.
Tae said casually not even looking away.
Kim Taehyung
Like offensively hot. That should be illegal in shared spaces, you know!?
Taehyung added not missing a beat.
Kim Taehyung
Like … I mean I knew, obviously. You've got the campus in a chokehold with your damn mystery and bone structure. But seeing you up close? Goddamn. You could ruin a man.
Taehyung added, still eyeing him.
Kim Taehyung
I'm just appreciating the view. Full respect.
Kim Taehyung
You're really not gonna react?
Jeon Jungkook
Why would I?
Kim Taehyung
Because most people do.
(He grinned).
Jeon Jungkook
I'm not most people.
Tae said under his breath, letting his gaze drop down to Jungkook's arms, the veins, the tattoos.
Kim Taehyung
You're a goddamn sculpture.
Jungkook grabbed a water bottle from his bag and twisted it open without looking.
Kim Taehyung
I mean, I knew you were hot, yeah.
Taehyung continued like this was a normal conversation.
Kim Taehyung
But that was from across lecture halls … From stages … From rumors and all... But I didn't know you were this ridiculously hot..
Kim Taehyung
Not… up close like this . Goddamn.
Jungkook looked over his shoulder finally. His expression deadpan and voice flat.
Kim Taehyung
No. (He grinned). Just getting started. You've got that while 'i don't give a damn' aura going.
Kim Taehyung
Cold and mysterious. Face card that never declines.yet why you keep wearing that mask, though? Just curious you know.
Jungkook exhaled through his nose.
He hadn't expected the Kim Taehyung to be such a yapper. Not with the way he carried himself like a prince in the halls with his Stoic and arrogant aura.
He should be intimidating, hm? Intimidating in the way popular kids always were. But This… this version?
Jeon Jungkook
You don't talk like people who hate me.
Kim Taehyung
Who said I hate you?
Taehyung replied, his voice dropping slightly as something twisted in his gut. He didn't like it one bit. Hate? What in the fucking word is he talking about?.
Kim Taehyung
You're my rival, yeah. But that doesn't mean I don't like watching you.
Jungkook stared for a second too long him in the eye.
Jeon Jungkook
You always like this?
Kim Taehyung
Like what? Hot? Handsome? Charming? Incredibly self-aware?
Jungkook stared at him like he was trying to mentally mute the room
He walked to the dresser and set down his phone from the pocket. Took out a black notebook and a pen. Sat on his bed, back to Taehyung and opened a page.
Kim Taehyung
Dear diary? (He asked).
Kim Taehyung
You don't talk much. I've seen you stare down the professors like they insulted your bloodline. You ever smile?
Jungkook finally glanced up , Blankly.
Jeon Jungkook
You are Loud.
Kim Taehyung
That's homophobic!.
Taehyung joked with a half smile, light, and teasing. But Jungkook didn't smile. He just looked at him and it wasn't blank anymore.
It wasn't a glare. It wasn't even annoyance. It was nothing and yet it felt like too much for Taehyung.
Kim Taehyung
Don't say that you're homophobic.
Taehyung said a bit hesitantly, like he wasn't sure he wanted an answer.
And Jungkook didn't respond right away. He eyes dropped across Taehyung's face like a long blank stare that made the room feel a few degrees colder.
Jeon Jungkook
I like women.
Simple and sharp. Like it was the end of the conversation.
The grin on Taehyung's lips stayed…but his chest tightened. Because the way Jungkook said it, it wasn't playful. It wasn't shy, it wasn't even firm. It was like a warning.
Tae sat up straighter, his smile faltered just slightly. He blinked, the silence that followed wasn't awkward.
It was cold. Cold in the way it settled into your chest and tightened everything around it.
Kim Taehyung
Okay then. (He mumbled half under his breath , turning his eyes away for the first time).
But Jungkook wasn't done. He stood up slowly, grabbing a towel from the shelf. Then paused just at the bathroom doorway and his back still to Taehyung.
Jeon Jungkook
I don't care who you are or how much you talk …
Jeon Jungkook
But Don't sit on my bed. Don't go through my stuff. Don't flirt with me.
Jeon Jungkook
This isn't your stage. I'm not your friend. And were not going to be close. Ever.
Jeon Jungkook
Don't mistake this for anything more than shared space.
Then he turned his head just enough for Taehyung to see the edge of his profile, the curve of his jaw, the cut of his features, and the dark in his gaze.
Taehyung opened his mouth, but Jungkook didn't let him speak.
Jeon Jungkook
And if you're going to stare every damn time I take my mask off…
His fingers tightened on the doorknob.
Jeon Jungkook
Take a picture next time. Make it easier for both of us.
It was the longest Jungkook had spoken to someone in years.
Then he stepped into the bathroom and slammed the door shut behind him.
And taehyung was left sitting alone on the couch , lips parted slightly and his throat dry. The room felt colder now , like Jungkook's words had scraped the warmth off the walls.
He leaned back on the couch slowly, rubbing a palm over his face.
Kim Taehyung
fuck (he whispered).
Then he stared at the ceiling for a long second before muttering flatly.
Kim Taehyung
I’ve got a thing for emotionally unavailable assholes. Great.
Loud asf
Taehyung blinked his eyes open to the soft wash of morning light bleeding through the blinds.
His neck ached from the awful angle he'd passed out in, curled up on the couch with one leg dangling off.
He groaned and sat up slowly, ran a hand through his hair and winced.
Kim Taehyung
Ugh…what time…
He mumbled reaching for his phone blindly.
Kim Taehyung
Shit .shit. classes.
He stretched his arms over his head and let out a long yawn before lazily glancing around the room.
Kim Taehyung
Where the fuck is he?
His eyes landed on the bed across the room, which was empty. Taehyung stared at the empty bed for a long second. The longer he stared, the tighter his jaw clenched.
The second the freezing floor touched his feet, he hissed.
Kim Taehyung
Fucking hell… Why the fuck did I leave my villa..
He turned away and went to wash his face.
Kim Taehyung
Fuck...it’s so freezing cold.
And then he turned the hot water on, which didn’t help much. Taehyung stared at the fogged-up mirror. He wiped a hand across it and stared at himself.
Kim Taehyung
And he said 'I like women' like I fucking asked for his tinder bio..
He was tired. Still irritated. And still thinking about last night.
Kim Taehyung
Jackass (scoffs)
He let out a slow breath and walked out of the bathroom with a towel hanging loose around his neck.
Just out, with only two steps into the space, and he halted. The cold air hit his bare torso first and he slightly shivered.
The morning was so cold, bone-chilling thanks to the weather, the rain from last night, and the misty thick fog that seeped through every crack.
Kim Taehyung
Fuck, I hate mornings.
Then he noticed the balcony door cracked open, letting in the freezing morning air. He marched to the window and tugged the curtain aside only to freeze.
There he was … Jeon 'I like women' Jungkook.
Shirtless, sweaty and leaning against the balcony railing with that fucking cigarette between his fingers, as if he hadn't just dismantled Taehyung the night before with those cold words.
Through the half open balcony door , taehyung saw jungkook staring at his soul , as he picked up the ciggerate again taking a drag like he didn't feel the cold at all.
He was in nothing but black joggers that hanged low on his hips. Sweat slicked his torso and the hard flexing muscle that moved slowly with his every puff he took.
He watched the muscles shift and the way Jungkook exhaled smoke like a moddy anime character.
Kim Taehyung
Damn.. (he mumbled).
He didn't even try to pretend as he walked right up to the edge of the balcony door and leaned against the frame.
Kim Taehyung
You know if you weren't such a total asshole, I'd say this is hot.
Jungkook didn't even look at him and said .
Jeon Jungkook
Don't talk to me in the morning.
Taehyung blinked and scoffed hard.
He stormed back inside, slamming the balcony door shut behind him.
Kim Taehyung
Fucking asshole. Gives me the silent treatment and still acts like he's the one with the moral high ground.
Kim Taehyung
Just because you've got abs doesn't mean you're not a dick, Jeon.
He stopped back in muttering curses with every step, and he yanked his shirt off the hanger and shoved his head through it with more force than necessary.
He didn't look at him again as he got dressed. He tried not to. Tried hard not to glance sideways at the sculpted back flexing every time Jungkook moved. He opened his drawer, shoved socks on and then threw a glare at the balcony.
Kim Taehyung
Put a shirt on, for fuck's sake. What is this, a Calvin Klein audition?
He bent down to tie his shoelaces, grumbling louder. He grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder and walked toward the door. Then paused, because his eomma raised him polite.
Kim Taehyung
You coming or what?
No reply at first. Just another push up. Then Jungkook said colder than the weather outside.
Jeon Jungkook
I don't have first two hours.
Taehyung rolled his eyes so hard it might've caused damage.
Kim Taehyung
Could've just said no, asshole.
And left with a sharp slam of the door behind him.
Park Jimin
Who's the roommate?
Taehyung took a slow sip from his drink and stared at both his surprised friends.
Kim Taehyung
Jeon Jungkook.
Hoseok and Jimin blinked in shock.
Jung Hoseok
That Jeon Jungkook?
Hoseok repeated in disbelief. Tae raised one eyebrow still looking calm and collected.
Kim Taehyung
How many Jeon Jungkook do you guys know?
Jimin and Hoseok exchanged quick glances and shook his head.
Jung Hoseok
Oh, man… Got that ice block as your roomie , huh?
Kim Taehyung
Yeah… (he shrugged)
Taehyung paused mid-sip, his lips curling slightly into a half-smile.
Park Jimin
Is it like in the rumors… Like is he slutty hot?
Both jimin and hoseok leaned in with curious as they want to hear more about the elusive Jungkook.
Can't blame them though, cause the only thing they'd ever seen was the guy covered up in his hoodie and mask.
And one day there was this rumour about him being "slutty hot" but they had non idea if any of it was true.
Kim Taehyung
Well.. he is kinda hot..
He didn't give the impression that he was the one who couldn't take his eyes off that kind of hot man. He can't ,Right?
Taehyung clicked his tongue as he was hit with the morning scene.
Kim Taehyung
And fucking asshole kind of cold.
Taehyung scoffed again for the nth time today as he leaned back in the chair.
Jimin squinted his eyes and leaned sideways, nudging Taehyung's shoulder.
Park Jimin
What..? Did he pick on you?
Taehyung just waved it off annoyed. He can't say that he let Jeon Jungkook, who's just his rival in academics, shut him with cold arrogance, right?
Because he is the Great Kim Taehyung.
The one who doesn't let anyone have an upper hand on him...
And No one really knows where the rumor started. The whispers about Jeon Jungkook being “slutty hot” just appeared one day
But if you looked closely enough really closely, you'd catch the faintest smirk on Kim Taehyung’s lips whenever someone said it.
That’s because he started it. All of it.
He’s the one who started the “slutty hot” rumor.
It happened after some girl got shut down cold, brutally cold by Jungkook before she could even open her mouth properly.
The guy didn’t even look at her, just silenced her with that cold stare and a flat "no."
She got bitter called him arrogant said he acted like he was better than everyone.
And Taehyung? He couldn’t have that.
Jeon Jungkook might be his rival but no one and he means no one , got to drag Jungkook’s name through the mud unless it was him.
So with a lazy shrug and an unbothered voice, Taehyung tilted his head and muttered,
Kim Taehyung
Slutty hot, isn’t he?
The phrase spread like wildfire .
Because of course they’d believe it. If anyone could make slutty look god-tier, it was him.
Jeon Jungkook may be an asshole. But he was his asshole to deal with.
Meanwhile, at the other side.
Jungkook was walking after his classes with his pace quick and his mood clearly off.
Jackson caught up beside him, grinning.
Jackson Wang
Yo! Heard you got stuck with my cousin.
Jungkook’s jaw ticked as he walked ahead, hands stuffed in his hoodie pocket and black cap pulled low with mask still on.
Jackson waited. Nothing more came.
Jungkook exhaled through his nose, like he'd been holding it in the whole time.
Jeon Jungkook
He's loud as fuck.
Jackson and Yoongi actually stopped walking.
Because Jungkook had just cursed.
So if he cursed it might actually be bad... or worse.
Jackson Wang
You mean… My cousin? The Kim Taehyung? Is loud?
Yoongi turned his head slowly too.
Min Yoongi
You must be kidding me!
Jackson Wang
He's cold as hell, man.
Jungkook shoved his hands deeper into his pockets.
Jeon Jungkook
Talks a lot. Doesn't stop.
Jackson blinked, confused.
Jungkook shot him a flat look.
Jeon Jungkook
Is there another one?
Jackson looked genuinely offended.
Jackson Wang
Bro. I’ve known him since we were kids. That man speaks like, twice a week.
Yoongi let out a low whistle, amused.
Jeon Jungkook
Does he ever shut up?
Jackson Wang
He must really like you. Or really hate you.
Jeon Jungkook
I don’t care.
Jackson Wang
Bruh, he's literally known for his silence, man.
Jeon Jungkook
Wish he’d do that in ours.
Jungkook didn’t say anything this time. Just hummed.
He is Pissed. Very clearly.
And both Yoongi and Jackson knew that meant it was worse than bad..
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