Episode 6: Successfully Made

The following Monday, Jungkook arrived at school feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. Taehyung’s unexpected visit over the weekend had left him confused about the older boy’s intentions. Still, he tried to brush off the lingering thoughts as he walked into the practice room for their band rehearsal.

As Jungkook was setting up his mic, a melodic laugh caught his attention. He turned to see Taehyung leaning casually against the wall, chatting with a girl who seemed overly familiar with him.

“That’s Yujin Park,” Jimin whispered as he sidled up to Jungkook. “She’s been hanging around Taehyung a lot lately.”

Jungkook frowned, his gaze fixed on the pair. Yujin had her hand lightly resting on Taehyung’s arm as she giggled at something he said. Taehyung, in turn, flashed her one of his charming grins—the kind that had a way of making people feel special.

Something about the scene made Jungkook’s chest tighten.

“Do they… like each other?” Jungkook asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Jimin raised an eyebrow, studying Jungkook’s expression. “Why? Does it bother you?”

Jungkook immediately shook his head, but the unease didn’t go away.

Taehyung, catching a glimpse of Jungkook from the corner of his eye, smirked. Gotcha, he thought, masking his satisfaction as he turned his attention back to Yujin.

Throughout the practice, Jungkook struggled to focus. His usual flawless vocals wavered, and he found himself missing cues he would normally hit without a second thought.

“Jungkook,” Namjoon said, pausing the session. “Are you okay? You’re a bit off today.”

“I’m fine,” Jungkook replied quickly, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

Taehyung, who had been tuning his guitar, looked over with a raised brow. “You sure? You don’t sound fine.”

“I said I’m fine,” Jungkook snapped, surprising even himself with the sharpness in his tone.

The room fell silent for a moment before Yoongi broke the tension with a sigh. “Let’s take five.”

As the others left the room, Taehyung lingered behind, watching Jungkook intently. He could see the frustration in the younger boy’s eyes, the way his hands clenched into fists as he stood by the mic stand.

Turning away, Taehyung allowed a sly smile to creep onto his face. So you do care, he thought, pleased that his plan was unfolding exactly as he wanted.

Jungkook stepped outside for some fresh air, leaning against the cool wall of the school building. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his racing thoughts.

Why does it bother me so much? he wondered. The image of Taehyung smiling at Yujin flashed in his mind, and he felt that same uncomfortable pang in his chest.

Jimin and Hoseok soon joined him, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

“You okay, Jungkook?” Hoseok asked gently.

Jungkook hesitated before nodding. “Yeah, just... distracted.”

Jimin tilted his head. “Is it about Taehyung?”

Jungkook stiffened but didn’t respond.

“Look,” Jimin said carefully, “whatever’s going on, don’t let it mess with your head. If Taehyung’s being Taehyung, that’s on him. Just focus on what you want, okay?”

Jungkook gave a small, hesitant nod, but his thoughts remained jumbled.

Later that evening, as Jungkook returned to his apartment, he replayed the day’s events in his mind. The way Taehyung had been so at ease with Yujin, the way it had affected him—he couldn’t make sense of it.

Sitting at his desk, Jungkook opened his notebook and began scribbling down lyrics, hoping to channel his emotions into something tangible. As the words took shape, he realized they weren’t just about Taehyung—they were about him. About the feelings he didn’t fully understand yet but couldn’t ignore any longer.

The next band practice, Jungkook walked in with a renewed determination, but his voice still carried a tinge of emotion that hadn’t been there before.

Taehyung noticed.

As they packed up for the day, Taehyung lingered, waiting until the others had left.

“You’ve been different lately,” Taehyung said, leaning casually against the doorframe.

Jungkook paused, his hand hovering over his mic stand. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, your voice… there’s something in it. Like you’re singing about something real,” Taehyung said, his tone uncharacteristically serious.

Jungkook avoided his gaze, feeling exposed. “Maybe I am.”

Taehyung’s lips curved into a small smirk, the same one he wore when he saw Jungkook looking hurt earlier. “Interesting,” he muttered, as though to himself, before walking out of the room.

Jungkook stared after him, a mix of confusion and frustration bubbling inside him. He couldn’t figure out what Taehyung was playing at—or why he cared so much.

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