The Equation of Us~5
The bonfire crackled in the clearing, shadows dancing against the trees as sparks flew into the sky like fleeting stars.
Laughter echoed around the circle — students roasting marshmallows, singing terribly off-key, and whispering secrets that the dark would keep.
Taehyung sat a little farther from the group, arms crossed, jacket zipped high. He claimed it was to “monitor” the students — but his eyes had been locked on one overly enthusiastic English teacher across the fire all evening.
Jungkook, cheeks rosy from heat and marshmallow sugar, leaned in closer to the students.
Jeon Jungkook
Alright, alright
Jeon Jungkook
Truth or dare, anyone?
Mina
*hand shot up* Truth.
Jeon Jungkook
What’s the last thing you searched for on the internet?
Mina
How to make two teachers fall in love. *she said boldly*
Kim Taehyung
*nearly choked on his coffee*
Haru pointed dramatically across the flames.
Jeon Jungkook
Me? *asked, grinning*
Jungkook looked across the fire — and met Taehyung’s eyes.
Mina leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
Mina
What’s something you’ve never told anyone here?
Jungkook was quiet for a moment. The firelight flickered across his face, painting him in gold and shadow.
He smiled, soft this time.
Jeon Jungkook
I keep a notebook of compliments I hear from students. Even the tiny ones. I don’t know… it reminds me that I’m doing okay.
The circle went quiet — not in awkwardness, but in awe.
Taehyung looked down, jaw tight.
🔥 Later That Night
Students slowly drifted off to their cabins, leaving the fire smoldering.
Taehyung stayed behind.
So did Jungkook.
They sat in silence — the good kind.
Taehyung broke it, voice low.
Kim Taehyung
…You’re good with them.
Jeon Jungkook
*Glanced over* You make it sound like a surprise.
Kim Taehyung
It is *Taehyung admitted* I don’t… connect. Not the way you do.
Jeon Jungkook
*Tilted his head* You don’t have to be loud to connect.
Taehyung stayed quiet.
Then, softly
Kim Taehyung
I used to think caring was a weakness. That distance made it easier. Safer.
Jungkook's heart ached at the confession he didn’t expect.
Kim Taehyung
*looked at him — eyes softer than ever before.*
Kim Taehyung
Now I meet someone who remembers compliments, and I start questioning my equations.
Taehyung stood before he could respond.
Kim Taehyung
Let’s get back before they start drawing shipping charts again.
Jungkook stood frozen — half stunned, half in awe.
Did Taehyung just… flirt?
Or was that math teacher code for “you’re starting to mean something to me”?
From behind a bush, Soobin whispered into his walkie-talkie
Soobin
They’re emotionally compromising. I repeat: emotional compromise confirmed.
Mina
*shrieked silently* We’re so close. I can feel the wedding invites.
🌿 Present — The Nature Walk
The next morning, the students went on a group nature walk — an easy trail winding through tall pines and sun-drenched meadows.
Jungkook walked ahead, camera in hand, taking photos of beetles and birds. Taehyung trailed behind with the checklist, keeping count like a reluctant shepherd.
They weren’t meant to end up alone.
But somewhere between documenting a wildflower and chasing after a runaway hat, they got separated.
They paused in a small clearing — quiet, green, a soft breeze threading through the trees.
Kim Taehyung
*sigh* Of course we are
Jeon Jungkook
I’m not sorry *smiled, tucking the camera away*
Kim Taehyung
*Sat down on a rock* You’re never sorry. You act like getting lost is part of the plan.
Jeon Jungkook
Sometimes you find better things that way.
Taehyung looked at him — and didn’t speak.
Not yet.
A Few Months Ago
Taehyung had walked past Room 204 late one afternoon, the hallway quiet. Inside, Jungkook sat alone at his desk, head tilted, reading aloud to an empty classroom:
“i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)”
Taehyung didn’t know poetry could sound like a prayer.
He didn’t know his heart could stutter like that.
He walked away before he could admit what he felt.
Jungkook had stayed late during exams once, pacing the hall with student essays in hand, mumbling quotes to himself.
He turned a corner — and saw Taehyung asleep at his desk, cheek pressed to a page filled with equations. His brow, usually furrowed, was smooth. Peaceful.
Jungkook stood there too long, hand tightening over his folder.
Why does he look like that when no one’s watching?
He never told anyone.
🌾 Present — In the Clearing
The silence between them was different now — not awkward, but filled.
Taehyung finally spoke.
Kim Taehyung
You make things complicated
Jeon Jungkook
*Smile faded slightly* Why?
Kim Taehyung
Because I don’t know what to do with this. *he said, gesturing between them*
Jeon Jungkook
*Took a step closer* Then don’t do anything. Just… be here.
Their hands brushed as they stood side by side, sunlight dappling through the trees, the world holding its breath.
No confession.
No kiss.
But it meant something.
Back at the camp, Mina paced.
Haru
*Gasped* Maybe they kissed!
Soobin calmly drew two stick figures under a pine tree with a little heart between them.
Mina
*Stared*
…I’m framing that.
Author Moon
Are you liking the story?
Author Moon
If yes do like and comment!
Author Moon
See you in next chapter!
Author Moon
Till then bye bye~
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