ep 2

*The next day, Tae tries to avoid Jungkook, but of course, fate has other plans. They bump into each other at the campus coffee shop, both reaching for the same cup.*

**Jungkook**: Fancy meeting you here.

**Tae**: Don't start, Jungkook. I just want my coffee.

**Jungkook**: How about I buy it for you? As a peace offering.

*Tae eyes him suspiciously but can't help but feel a flutter of hope. Maybe Jungkook isn't just teasing him for once.*

**Tae**: Fine. But this doesn't mean I like you.

**Jungkook**: Of course not. It's just coffee... for now.

*As they sit down together, the usual banter gives way to a more genuine conversation. They talk about their classes, their friends, their dreams. Tae finds himself laughing at Jungkook's jokes and sharing stories he wouldn't normally tell anyone.*

*Jungkook listens intently, his eyes never leaving Tae's face. He loves seeing this side of Tae, the one that's open and vulnerable. It's a side he wants to see more often.*

**Jungkook**: You know, Tae, you're not so bad when you're not being all prickly.

**Tae**: And you're not so bad when you're not being a smug jerk.

*They both laugh, the tension between them easing into something more comfortable. For the first time, Tae starts to see Jungkook as more than just an annoying presence in his life. He starts to see him as someone he could maybe, possibly, fall for.*

*And as they continue to talk, Jungkook feels the same. He knows there's something special about Tae, something worth pursuing. He just hopes Tae will let his guard down long enough to see it too.*

**Jungkook**: So, Tae... how about a real date next time?

**Tae**: (smiling) We'll see, Jungkook. We'll see.

______

Next day

( for date )

---

**Tae**: Seriously, Jungkook? You couldn't wait five minutes for me?

**Jungkook**: Hey, you were the one who said to meet at noon, and it's now 12:05. Punctuality is important, you know.

**Tae**: Five minutes isn't going to kill you. And besides, it's not like you had anything better to do.

**Jungkook**: Actually, I had plenty of better things to do. Like thinking about you.

**Tae**: Oh, please. You expect me to believe that?

**Jungkook**: Believe what you want. But it's true.

*Tae crosses his arms, trying to look annoyed, but he can't help the small smile that creeps onto his face. Jungkook always has a way of saying things that catch him off guard.*

**Tae**: Fine. But next time, wait for me.

**Jungkook**: Deal. But only if you promise to be on time.

**Tae**: I'll try. No guarantees.

*Jungkook chuckles, ruffling Tae's hair affectionately. Tae swats his hand away, but there's no real annoyance behind the gesture.*

**Jungkook**: You know, you look really cute when you're flustered.

**Tae**: Stop it. I'm not cute.

**Jungkook**: Oh, but you are. And it's one of the many reasons I like you.

*Tae's heart skips a beat. He knows Jungkook is teasing, but there's a sincerity in his eyes that makes Tae's chest tighten. He hates how easily Jungkook can affect him, but he also loves it.*

**Tae**: You... you're impossible.

**Jungkook**: And you love it.

**Tae**: Maybe. Just a little.

*Jungkook grins, wrapping an arm around Tae's shoulders and pulling him close. Tae doesn't resist, leaning into the warmth of Jungkook's embrace. Despite the bickering, there's a comfort in being close to him.*

**Jungkook**: So, what do you want to do today?

**Tae**: How about we go to that new arcade? I've been wanting to check it out.

**Jungkook**: Sounds like a plan. But be warned, I'm a pro at arcade games.

**Tae**: Oh, really? We'll see about that.

*As they head to the arcade, the playful banter continues, each teasing comment laced with affection. The bright lights and sounds of the arcade create a fun and energetic atmosphere, perfect for their competitive spirits.*

**Jungkook**: Let's start with this one. Think you can beat me at air hockey?

**Tae**: You're on. Prepare to lose, Jeon Jungkook.

_____

To be continue....

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