Episode 7: Inner Questions

Band practice had taken on a strange energy lately. Taehyung had been relentless in his subtle pursuit of Jungkook, testing the boundaries between them while maintaining his charming facade. Jungkook, on the other hand, was struggling with emotions he couldn’t quite name.

“Let’s run it one more time!” Taehyung called out enthusiastically during practice, his gaze lingering on Jungkook longer than necessary.

Jungkook adjusted his mic nervously, his thoughts elsewhere.

Taehyung noticed. He walked over and lightly tapped Jungkook’s shoulder. “You okay?” he asked, his tone gentle.

“I’m fine,” Jungkook muttered, avoiding eye contact.

As Taehyung turned away, a smirk played on his lips. He’s starting to crack, he thought, pleased that his plan was moving along.

After practice, the group exited the music room, chatting casually. Taehyung made sure to walk beside Jungkook, his proximity deliberate.

Just as they reached the school gates, a cheerful voice interrupted their conversation.

“Taehyung!”

The group turned to see Yujin Park, a bright and lively girl, bounding toward them. Without hesitation, she looped her arm through Taehyung’s, flashing a radiant smile.

“Hey, cousin,” she said, ignoring the curious looks from the others. “I was waiting for you. Thought we could grab a snack together.”

Jungkook felt his chest tighten as he watched the interaction. Why does this bother me? he wondered, confused by the strange ache in his heart.

Jimin, standing nearby, noticed the flicker of emotion on Jungkook’s face. He nudged him lightly. “Hey, you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Jungkook replied quickly, his tone unconvincing.

Taehyung, catching Jungkook’s reaction out of the corner of his eye, couldn’t help but smile to himself. His plan was working. Jungkook was starting to feel something—whether it was jealousy, confusion, or both, it didn’t matter.

“Let’s go, Yujin,” Taehyung said, leading her away. He didn’t miss the way Jungkook avoided looking at him as he left.

On Saturday afternoon, Jungkook was startled by a knock at his apartment door. When he opened it, he found Taehyung standing there, smirking as usual.

“What are you doing here?” Jungkook asked, his voice a mix of surprise and disbelief.

“Visiting, of course,” Taehyung replied smoothly, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

Jungkook’s small apartment was modest, but the sleek gadgets and high-end amenities hinted at something more. Taehyung’s sharp eyes scanned the room, curiosity piqued.

“You’ve got quite the setup here,” Taehyung remarked, gesturing toward a high-end gaming laptop and other expensive gadgets.

“It’s nothing special,” Jungkook replied defensively, crossing his arms.

Taehyung smirked, leaning casually against the desk. “Sure, it’s totally normal for someone in a small apartment to have the latest tech.”

“Why are you really here?” Jungkook asked, his tone sharper now.

Taehyung’s smirk softened into a small smile. “I wanted to see how you’re doing. You’ve seemed… distracted lately.”

Jungkook blinked in surprise, caught off guard by the unexpected sincerity in Taehyung’s voice. “I’m fine,” he muttered, looking away.

“Good,” Taehyung said, his smirk returning. “Don’t forget—we’ve got practice tomorrow. Don’t let your distractions affect your performance.”

Jungkook clenched his fists, determined not to let Taehyung’s words get to him.

As Taehyung left the apartment building, a low rumble of engines caught his attention. He turned to see a convoy of sleek, black, and undeniably expensive cars pulling up to the curb.

The vehicles were a stark contrast to the modest surroundings, and Taehyung instinctively stepped back into the shadows, curiosity sparking in his chest.

The doors of the lead car opened, and two men in tailored suits emerged. They moved with an air of authority, their expressions serious as they approached Jungkook’s apartment door.

One of them knocked politely, and Taehyung’s ears perked up when he heard Jungkook’s voice.

“I told you not to come here,” Jungkook said, his tone a mix of frustration and resignation.

“But Young Master Jeon,” one of the men replied, bowing slightly, “your father insisted we check on you. He wanted to ensure you have everything you need while he’s out of the country.”

Young Master Jeon.

Taehyung’s breath hitched as the words sank in. Young Master?

He watched intently as the men handed Jungkook a small package and bowed before returning to their cars. Jungkook lingered at the door, running a hand through his hair, looking more burdened than before.

From his hiding spot, Taehyung’s mind raced. So Jungkook isn’t just some ordinary guy… Who are you, really?

As the cars drove off, Taehyung turned and walked away, his thoughts a chaotic mess. For the first time, his plan felt less like a game and more like a puzzle he was desperate to solve.

Inside his apartment, Jungkook sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the package. Inside were documents and a handwritten letter from his father, reminding him of his responsibilities as the heir to the Jeon empire.

Jungkook sighed heavily, his mind torn between his desire for a simple life and the weight of his family name.

He placed the package in a drawer and leaned back, staring at the ceiling. Outside, the world saw him as just another student, but moments like this reminded him that his secret wasn’t as safe as he hoped.

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