The Equation of Us~3
The sun had barely risen when two school buses pulled out of Hanwol High, filled with chatter, snacks, and the chaotic energy of thirty high schoolers heading out for a field trip.
Jungkook, naturally, had claimed the front seat — window open, breeze in his hair, humming along to the soft music in his headphones. He looked positively alive for someone awake at 6 AM.
Meanwhile, Taehyung boarded the second bus, clipboard in hand, scanning through checklists like a general heading into battle.
Kim Taehyung
Roll call *announced, sharp and precise* If you’re not on this list, get off the bus. If you’re on this list and being loud—get quieter.
The students instantly straightened up, whispering to each other.
Jisoo
He’s scary-hot today. *whisper*
Haru
He’s always scary-hot. *whisper back*
They’d stopped for snacks at a gas station. Jungkook stood outside holding two banana milks — one for himself, one for a mystery someone.
He hesitated, then walked up to the second bus, peeking inside.
Taehyung sat alone in the corner, scribbling equations in the margins of the trip schedule.
Jungkook tapped lightly on the glass.
Jeon Jungkook
Emergency delivery *grinned, handing the bottle through the window*
Kim Taehyung
*looked at it suspiciously*
Kim Taehyung
…Banana milk?
Jeon Jungkook
You seem like you need something mildly sweet in your soul.
Kim Taehyung
…It’s sugar in a bottle.
Jeon Jungkook
Exactly *winked* Live a little.
Taehyung sighed, but uncapped it — and sipped.
Jeon Jungkook
*Eyes lit up* Wait… you didn’t hate it?
Kim Taehyung
I didn’t say that *muttered, but he finished it*
Back on the Road
Jungkook had switched buses at Mina’s request ("Sir, we need your vibes here"). So now he sat beside Taehyung — backpack at his feet, journal open in his lap.
Jeon Jungkook
You know *mused, glancing at Taehyung as the bus rocked gently* I used to think math was cold. But it’s kind of poetic, isn’t it? All those hidden patterns. Almost… romantic.
Kim Taehyung
*Turned to him, brow slightly raised* Romantic?
Jeon Jungkook
*Nodded* I mean… what’s more romantic than believing there’s always an answer? That if you just look hard enough, things will make sense?
Taehyung looked at him for a long time.
And then, barely audible
Kim Taehyung
…Sometimes there isn’t an answer. And you have to live with the unknown.
Jeon Jungkook
*smiled — soft, understanding*
Then I guess that’s where poetry steps in.
The bus continued down the winding road, two teachers sitting side by side. One quiet. One curious.
And somewhere behind them, Mina whispered to Jisoo
Mina
Did you see that? They’re literally talking. Like, deep talk. *excited*
Jisoo
Phase Three is working *nodded, scribbling in her notebook labeled Shiplog: Operation Taekook*
The retreat center sat nestled between mountains and trees, the lodge surrounded by winding paths, wooden cabins, and the gentle sound of a nearby stream.
Class 2-A and 2-B poured out of the buses with excitement, their voices echoing into the forest air.
Jeon Jungkook
Welcome to nature! *cheered, spinning with arms wide*
Kim Taehyung
*stepped off the bus and stared at the damp clouds above* It’s going to rain *he muttered*
Jeon Jungkook
No way *said, grinning* It’s perfect out here.
Cabin Check-In Room 108
When they arrived at the cozy mountain lodge, Principal Yoongi handed them the key to Room 108.
Jungkook flung the door open.
Jeon Jungkook
Look! It has a fireplace! And look at this view! (≧▽≦)
Taehyung dropped his bag with a thud, scanning the small room.
Kim Taehyung
One bed *he said flatly*
Jeon Jungkook
*Eyes widened*
We share? *he asked, hope and panic mingling in his voice*
Kim Taehyung
*Smirked* Welcome to the equation. *muttered*
Jeon Jungkook
*flopped onto the bed dramatically*
Jeon Jungkook
I vote we make cabin rules. Rule number one: no work talk after 9 PM.
Kim Taehyung
*Arched a brow* Rule number two: no fairy lights.
Jeon Jungkook
*Gasped* You monster
They were interrupted by a knock. Mina peeked in with her hands behind her back.
Mina
Sir, can you help us set up the tents for the bonfire area?
Jeon Jungkook
*Leapt up* Let’s go!
Taehyung watched him bounce out of the room, then followed — quietly, always a step behind.
As the sun dipped behind the trees, soft music played and lanterns lit the clearing. Students gathered around a half-built campfire.
Jungkook was on the ground with a guitar (yes, he brought one), strumming something gentle. Taehyung stood nearby, arms crossed, clearly pretending he wasn’t watching.
And in seconds — a downpour.
Screams, laughter, and chaos.
Jeon Jungkook
Everyone back to the lodge!
Go, go!
He looked around — students running, Haru dragging Soobin under his umbrella, Mina yelling about her soggy clipboard.
Then he saw Taehyung.
Still standing there.
Soaked.
Jeon Jungkook
Taehyung! *shouted, grabbing his hand*
Shelter
They ended up in a storage shed halfway back to the lodge — small, wooden, and very not waterproof.
Jungkook slammed the door shut behind them, both of them soaked, hair plastered to their foreheads.
Taehyung exhaled.
Kim Taehyung
Well *he muttered* This is… uncomfortable.
Jeon Jungkook
*laughed — a soft, breathless sound*
Jeon Jungkook
You’re shivering *he said, moving closer* Your hands are freezing.
Kim Taehyung
*pulled away slightly* I’m fine.
But Jungkook reached up anyway, brushing a wet strand of hair from Taehyung’s forehead.
Jeon Jungkook
You really hate being taken care of, huh?
Kim Taehyung
*looked at him, eyes unreadable. But he didn’t pull away*
Kim Taehyung
I just don’t know what to do with it.
Jeon Jungkook
*hand hovered for a second longer before dropping*
Jeon Jungkook
Let me show you *he whispered*
The air between them shifted — not quite romantic yet, but something real, something fragile.
Outside, the rain fell harder. But inside, they stood inches apart, the flicker of something unspoken warming the cold space between them.
Author Moon
So how's the story so far...do you guys like it?
Author Moon
If yes then do like and comment!
Author Moon
See you in next chapter
Comments
jenniee
yeah..phase 3
2025-07-01
1