Unraveling Hearts{3}

Weeks into their project, the studio became a battleground where their differences collided and interwove. Jungkook meticulously listed goals and subpoints on a whiteboard, while Taehyung sprawled across the floor, sketching abstract designs that seemed to defy the structure Jungkook sought.

“This is chaos, Taehyung. We need a plan,” Jungkook said, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“Creativity thrives in chaos,” Taehyung retorted, holding up a vivid sketch of a soccer player in mid-strike. The figure was faceless, yet the pose conveyed raw determination.

Jungkook glanced at it, his resolve momentarily wavering. “That’s... impressive,” he admitted, though his tone remained grudging.

Taehyung grinned. “See? Even Mr. Structure can appreciate a little chaos.”

Their exchanges were laced with sarcasm, but the underlying curiosity about each other’s perspectives began to erode the walls between them. Late nights turned into shared meals and tentative laughter, as their differences started to feel less like obstacles and more like pieces of a puzzle fitting together.

One evening, as they worked in the empty studio, the conversation drifted away from their project. Taehyung lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, while Jungkook sat at the desk, doodling absentmindedly in a notebook.

“Do you ever wish you could just... stop?” Taehyung asked suddenly, his voice softer than usual.

Jungkook looked up, his pen freezing mid-stroke. “Stop what?”

“Stop being what everyone expects you to be.”

The question lingered in the air, heavy and unyielding. Jungkook’s jaw tightened as he considered his answer. “I don’t know,” he admitted finally. “I’ve never really thought about it.”

Taehyung turned his head to look at him, his gaze searching. “Maybe you should. You might find that there’s more to life than what’s expected of you.”

Jungkook’s eyes flickered with something unspoken—a mix of fear and longing that he wasn’t ready to confront. He changed the subject, but the seed Taehyung had planted stayed with him, quietly growing.

The aftermath of the presentation marked a turning point. Taehyung and Jungkook found themselves seeking each other’s company outside of academic obligations. What began as reluctant partnership had transformed into an unlikely friendship—and perhaps, something more.

One evening, Taehyung invited Jungkook to his favorite spot by the Han River, where the city lights danced on the water’s surface. Sitting on the grass, Taehyung pulled out his sketchpad, his hands moving instinctively as he captured the scene before him.

“Do you ever stop drawing?” Jungkook asked, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

Taehyung glanced up, his eyes twinkling. “Do you ever stop training?”

Jungkook laughed, the sound rich and unguarded. “Fair point.”

They sat in comfortable silence, the hum of the city filling the gaps. After a while, Taehyung handed his sketchpad to Jungkook. “Here. Take a look.”

Jungkook hesitated before taking it, his breath catching as he saw the drawing. It was him—not the composed, disciplined version he presented to the world, but the raw, unfiltered Jungkook that Taehyung had somehow managed to see.

“I…” Jungkook started, but the words wouldn’t come.

Taehyung smiled softly. “You don’t have to say anything. Just… know that this is how I see you.”

For once, Jungkook didn’t argue. Instead, he looked out at the river, the weight of unspoken emotions settling between them like the gentle ripple of the water.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***