Always You (Taekook) The Equation of Us~2

Tuesday. One day closer to the field trip. One step deeper into the tension neither of them is ready to admit.

The staff room was buzzing, as usual — papers flying, coffee brewing, someone complaining about printer jams. Jungkook walked in humming a tune from Beauty and the Beast, cradling a small lunchbox shaped like a bunny. He waved to a few teachers, then made a beeline for his usual spot across from Taehyung — who, predictably, was already there.

Jeon Jungkook

Morning, Mister Mood *chirped, setting down the bunny box*

Kim Taehyung

*didn’t look up* Your sock patterns are getting more disturbing each day.

Jeon Jungkook

*Looked down and wiggled his foot* Little avocados with faces! They’re cheering you on. You’re welcome. *bunny smile*

Kim Taehyung

*Finally glanced at him, deadpan* Why are they dancing?

Jeon Jungkook

They’re vibing. *sassily*

A ghost of a smile tugged at Taehyung’s lips — so quick that Jungkook almost missed it. Almost.

Jeon Jungkook

*Gasp, leaned in* Did you just smile?

Kim Taehyung

No. *firmly*

Jeon Jungkook

You totally did

Kim Taehyung

You imagined it

Jeon Jungkook

*pouts and walk away*

🗂️ Meanwhile… on the student side Mina slammed her laptop shut at lunch.

Mina

Okay. Emergency meeting. Operation Taekook is now in Phase Two

Soobin

*Blinked* We have phases?

Jisoo

Of course, we do *said, pulling out her color-coded Google Doc*

Haru

*Grinned* What’s Phase Two?

Mina

Create natural bonding moments.

Mina

We can’t just leave it to fate. Fate needs a push.

🚌 Field Trip Meeting Principal Min Yoongi stood at the front of the room, hands in his coat pockets, looking thoroughly unimpressed with everything — as usual.

Principal Min

You’ll be taking Class 2-A and 2-B, Jungkook will handle outdoor activities. Taehyung, you’re in charge of schedules, meals, and first aid.

Kim Taehyung

*sighed*

Principal Min

Oh, and...due to the resort’s limited space, some staff members will have to share rooms.

Principal Min

*Glanced down at the paper. Smirked*

Principal Min

You two are sharing.

The silence was deafening. Jungkook tried not to smile. Taehyung tried not to combust.

Kim Taehyung

…Understood *said tightly*

Jeon Jungkook

Lovely! *added cheerfully*

Yoongi looked between them and muttered, “God help me, the students might be right.”

🌙 Nighttime That evening, Jungkook sat on the steps outside the teacher’s dorm building, watching the stars.

He heard footsteps. Didn’t turn. Taehyung sat beside him — arms crossed, expression unreadable.

Kim Taehyung

…You like looking at the sky?

Jeon Jungkook

It reminds me that there’s more out there than grades and deadlines. You?

Taehyung was quiet for a long moment. Then

Kim Taehyung

…It doesn’t judge me.

And for the first time, Jungkook didn’t respond with a joke. He just looked over at Taehyung, and smiled — softly this time.

⛅Next Day

The afternoon sun spilled golden light through the windows of Jungkook’s small apartment, dust motes dancing in the warm air.

His suitcase lay open on the bed, overflowing with notebooks, books, and an alarming number of snacks. He debated, for the hundredth time, whether to bring just one more poetry anthology.

Jeon Jungkook

Maybe the students would like some new material... *muttered, hugging a thick book to his chest*

His phone buzzed.

Kim Taehyung

Don’t bring your entire library.📱📨

Jeon Jungkook

*smiled, typing back quickly*

Jeon Jungkook

Math teachers are allowed one calculator. English teachers are allowed infinite books. 📱📨

From across the city, Taehyung sat at his minimalist desk, carefully folding his shirts and organizing his pens with military precision. A stark contrast to Jungkook’s creative chaos.

He tapped his pen against the table, staring at the small pile of papers he’d call his “field trip essentials.”

Kim Taehyung

*Glanced at the clock*

Kim Taehyung

Can’t believe I’m sharing a room with him. *muttered under his breath.*

The Night Before

At the school parking lot, the teachers gathered to load the buses. Jungkook arrived with a brightly colored backpack, humming softly, while Taehyung followed, carrying a black duffel bag, his usual scowl firmly in place. Jungkook nudged Taehyung as they waited.

Jeon Jungkook

You know, if you ever want to borrow a poem to soothe your grumpy soul, I’m your guy.

Kim Taehyung

*raised an eyebrow*

Kim Taehyung

I’m a math guy. Poetry is just fancy word problems.

Jeon Jungkook

*Laughed* Maybe. But sometimes, the answer isn’t in the numbers.