Jungkook entered the classroom early as usual, but faltered upon spotting Youngjae with three of his friends. They hadn’t talked after the scene they caused, and it felt awkward each time he encountered him. He murmured a good morning to everyone and lowered his head as he strolled towards the corner of the room.

Youngjae threw a series of tentative glances towards him and rose to his feet with a fortifying breath. He approached him until he stood in front of him and gazed at him tacitly.

Jungkook observed the hesitation in his face through squinted eyes.

“I’m sorry about what I said,” Youngjae breathed out. “I was frustrated and pissed off.”

“It’s okay. And I’m sorry too. I was having a bad day and I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

Youngjae chewed on his lower lip as sadness crept into his gaze. “Is he really going to break up with me? I saw you two talk at the party. Did he say anything? He doesn’t talk to me.”

Jungkook sighed, redirecting his eyes to the floor. “I don’t know. He’ll talk to you, I guess.”

“I love him. What am I supposed to do without him?”

“I know you do. But one-sided love never ends well.”

“He said he doesn’t love me?”

“No, he didn’t say anything,” Jungkook rushed to correct his thoughtless remark. “You said it yourself. You love him. So what are the things you don’t let yourself see because of that?” He offered him a tight-lipped smile and wore his earphones. He started his warmup as Youngjae slouched back to his friends.

Little by little, the classroom flooded with people, and Eunhyuk soon appeared as well. He called their names and nodded to himself as he saw everyone was there. “Okay. Jungkook. Show us the choreo we did last Tuesday.”

Instant panic gripped at Jungkook’s muscles that widened his eyes. “What? If you remember, I wasn’t in your class that day.”

“I remember clearly. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know what we did in class. Am I wrong?”

Jungkook clenched his hands into fists as he dragged his head down. “You’re right,” he said, words ground between clenched teeth. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry about,” Taehyung spat out. “You told him not to come.”

“Taehyung, don’t interfere.”

“It’s not fair.”

“Stop interfering. And don’t you dare come to the teacher’s lounge again to talk to me about him.”

“What?” Jungkook uttered as he laid his baffled eyes on Taehyung.

“That’s enough,” Eunhyuk exclaimed. “Jungkook, this is the last time you come to this class unprepared.”

The class started after Eunhyuk’s sternly spoken warning, and all Jungkook could think about was what the hell did he mean with what he said about Taehyung.

Eunhyuk didn’t stop being harsh on Jungkook throughout the class again. He felt like everything he did was wrong. He felt useless. Hopeless. And the extreme pain in his leg wasn’t helping at all.

He tottered often, unable to keep his balance since his left leg didn’t have strength anymore. He uttered some curses in frustration, and the only thing Eunhyuk said to him was, “Jungkook, focus.” He didn’t know how he endured the pain for these two hours, but thankfully, he did.

“You can leave,” Eunhyuk said with a dismissive hand gesture.

Jungkook slumped on the floor, exhausted, and rubbed his face in frustration.

“Kook, are you okay?” Jimin went down on one knee and placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Yeah, great.”

“Come on, let’s go change.” Jimin reached out to help him stand up. He discerned as soon as Jungkook put his weight on his left leg, it slightly gave in, making him hiss in pain. “Hurts a lot?”

“Like hell.”

“You should put some ice, Kook. Don’t leave it like that,” Seokjin said.

“It doesn’t help, hyung, and you know it.” Jungkook raised his voice a notch in frustration, attracting Eunhyuk’s attention. “Sorry,” he said to Seokjin as he perceived the intensity of his tone.

“It’s okay. But you should still put ice.” Seokjin’s eyes saddened as they analyzed him. They didn’t know what to do to help him. Nothing could help him.

“I’m fine.” Jungkook tried to push through the pain like he did every day, and they left the classroom with Eunhyuk’s gaze following them until they were out of his sight.

Their second class with Eunhyuk and Jihoon went a little better. They took some personal time to think about their choreography as the two teachers supervised them.

“Guys,” Jihoon said. “Is there anyone who wants to present their choreo? Don’t worry if it’s still unfinished. We just want to have an idea of what you’re working on.”

The boys in the classroom shared some fearful looks as they were afraid of Eunhyuk’s judgment.

“I’ll do it.” Kai raised his hand and came to the front once he received a nod from Jihoon.

“Do you have specific music?” Jihoon asked.

“No, it’s still experimental, so you can put any music with a beat.” Kai got into position, and the other boys shifted to sit at the front so they could watch him.

They stared in awe as Kai moved so smoothly to the beat and used his explosive changes of dynamics. The short, unfinished choreo soon ended, and they all applauded him with cheers.

“He’s so good at dancing,” Jimin whispered.

“I know, right? And his choreography is on another level...” Jungkook said. He watched as Eunhyuk and Jihoon praised him and gave him some feedback. Blustering thoughts spiraled through his mind, forcing him to lower his head.

Jungkook was jealous. Not in a bad way. In a ‘he wanted to do something he was proud of too’ way. He wanted Eunhyuk for once to praise him just a little. To say he did a good job. To say a well done. To say something to give him some strength to continue. Something that would make him stop doubting himself so much.

They continued to show their choreographies; some of them were doing great and others not so well. Eunhyuk only criticized them, and Jihoon tried to dismiss his comments.

“We’re not here right now to judge them. We’re here to just watch them. The feedback will come later,” Jihoon said in a hushed, reprimanding tone.

“I know, but I can’t control it,” Eunhyuk chuckled, earning a death glare from the other.

“Okay, we have time for two more,” Jihoon said, ignoring his comment.

“I’ll do it,” Jimin volunteered. His anxiousness had diminished as he watched so many of them show their choreographies already.

His sharp but smooth moves left everyone mesmerized, and he received the biggest applaud yet.

“You have to control your power a little more, but overall, it was good,” Eunhyuk said nonchalantly.

“It was good, Jimin. We just want to have an idea about what you guys are working on. There’s no need to criticize anything.” He shot a glare at Eunhyuk and rolled his eyes as the other shrugged.

“Thank you,” Jimin smiled and went back to his place. “He’s such an asshole,” he murmured to his friends as he subtly scowled at Eunhyuk.

“I don’t know what’s his problem,” Yoongi said, annoyed.

“One more, guys. And we will continue tomorrow.” Jihoon’s eyes roamed around them in anticipation.

“Jungkook.” Taehyung gave him a knowing look.

“Are you crazy?”

“Jungkook will do it.” Taehyung grabbed the younger’s hand and raised it, making him scream internally.

“Great!” Jihoon said, and Jungkook could only sigh before getting up. “Do you have any specific music?”

“For now, yes, but I don’t think I’ll keep it exactly like I’ll show it.” Jungkook pattered towards Jihoon and gave him his phone to connect it to the speakers. “It’s this song.” He pointed, and Jihoon nodded.

“Whenever you’re ready.” Jihoon waited until Jungkook signed him to press play, and the younger started.

His body flowed along with the slow piano of the instrumental, and he caught the bass with sharp movements and contractions of his muscles.

As he finished, he bowed at the applause of the other students, panting. “It’s small, but that’s what I have for now.”

“Don’t worry about it. Until here, it’s good. Really, Jungkook, well done.” Jihoon gave him a thumbs up, and he smiled in return.

“You can go now, guys.”

Eunhyuk’s words pierced through Jungkook like a knife. He could handle the harsh feedback, but being ignored like this hurt more, for some reason.

The two teachers started collecting their things as the students exited the classroom.

With the spate of vexation that gnawed at his chest, Jungkook’s fingers dug into his palms. “Something negative you have to say?” he ventured to ask, causing Eunhyuk and Jihoon to stop their movements.

Eunhyuk turned around and faced him. “Something you want to ask?” He narrowed his eyes on him while crossing his arms.

“I just did.”

“Apparently,” he sneered, glancing at Jihoon, “I’m not allowed to say anything.”

“But you did to everyone else.”

“Jungkook. Leave this classroom now.”

Jungkook groaned in blazing frustration and stormed out of the classroom.

Eunhyuk perceived the disapproving glance Jihoon aimed at him when they were left alone. “Don’t you dare say anything. You said not to give feedback.”

“Yeah and surprisingly you decided to stop doing that when it was Jungkook’s turn.”

“Enjoy your break,” Eunhyuk said with a fleer and walked out of the classroom.

 
“Did you see that?” Jungkook asked as he burst into the changing room. “He’s doing it on purpose just to get on my nerves like I don’t have enough problems already!”

“Jungkook, calm down, please,” Seokjin said.

“Don’t get angry because of him. He’s not worth it,” Taehyung added.

Jungkook’s eyes snagged on Taehyung at the delicate hue of his voice, but Jimin’s remark prevented him from responding.

“Yeah, you know he’s an asshole. Don’t let him get in your head.”

“I just want to hear one, just one good word from him. Is that too much to ask?”

“Jungkook, you don’t need his approval. Just have faith in yourself.” Jaebum wrapped his arm around his shoulders and kissed his forehead.

Jungkook sighed once again, and he offered him a weak smile as a thank you. He stood up to wash his face, but the remembrance of Eunhyuk’s bizarre statement made him swivel around in search of Taehyung. “What was—” The words silenced when he realized Taehyung wasn’t there anymore, and a frown crept over his features as he resumed his way to the sink.

Jaebum waited for him to finish, peering at him fondly. “Let’s go eat.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook said, and they sauntered towards the cafeteria all together. They took their food and sat at an empty table with Jaebum.

“Where’s Taehyung again?” Hoseok asked.

“Maybe with Youngjae. He’s not here either.” Jaebum shrugged. “By the way, do you guys know what Eunhyuk meant with what he said?”

“Which one?” Yoongi asked.

“‘Don’t you dare come to the teacher’s lounge to talk to me about him’ or whatever. What was that?”

Jungkook analyzed each one of them in his efforts to see if they knew anything about it. At last, his eyes squinted on Yoongi, who stiffened at his question. “Yoongi?”

“What?”

“Do you know something?”

Yoongi looked at him indifferently, then rolled his eyes. “All I know is that Taehyung went to talk to Eunhyuk the day he threw you out of the class.”

“What? What did he say to him?” Jungkook asked, frowning.

“I said all I know is for a reason, Kook. I don’t know what he said to him.”

What was he thinking? Jungkook hunted for an answer in his chaotic brain, but found none. “I’ll go find him. I have to know. See you later.”

Before anyone could respond, Jungkook was already hurrying towards the exit. He wandered around the company for a while in vain. Taehyung wasn’t in any place he could think of, and Jungkook felt his frustration rise dangerously. But then the rooftop popped up into his mind. It was the only place he hadn’t searched until now.

He scurried up the stairs, since they had only twenty minutes before their next class, and his steps faltered at the sight of Youngjae standing there with an aching emptiness carpeting his face and tears trickling down his cheeks.

Wordlessly, Jungkook tracked his eyes, and his jaw fell slack as he took in Taehyung, who was on top of another boy and kissing his neck. “Taehyung!” he roared with a sudden burst of rage, the cords in his neck throbbing.

The two jerked their heads in his direction, and the unnamed boy let out a half chuckle. “Well, that’s awkward.”

Taehyung slid off him and plopped down on the bench with his back turned to him.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jungkook snapped, but his regard rushed to Youngjae, who bolted out of there. “Youngjae!” he called, but the boy didn’t stop. He shook his head as he glared at the two, still unable to believe what he saw. “I’m the hypocrite, Taehyung? I’m the hypocrite?”

“Relax. What’s the big deal?” the unnamed boy scoffed.

“Are you really asking me that? Either you’re stupid or an asshole because it seems to me you’re the only one in this company who doesn’t know that Taehyung has a fucking boyfriend!”

“Oops.” The boy broke into snickers, managing to infuriate Jungkook more.

“Leave this rooftop now.”

“No, you should leave so we can continue what we were doing.”

“Taehyung?” Jungkook stared at his back so intensively his eyeballs were almost ready to pop out. “You’re unbelievable.” He stomped down the stairs, his jaw quivering with uncontrolled wrath.

He returned to the cafeteria, looking for Youngjae, and he found him sitting with the other boys. Jaebum held him securely in his arms as he sobbed his heart out. “Youngjae,” he uttered as he sat next to him. “Are you okay?”

“Of course he’s not, Jungkook,” Jaebum snarled. “I’m going to beat the hell out of him when I see him.”

“You’re not going to do anything,” Yoongi said. “Yes, he screwed up and probably deserves a little beating, but you should let him explain himself first.”

“Yoongi, are you serious?” Jungkook asked. “I was there. He didn’t even have the balls to say anything to me. He stayed there with that asshole.”

“Where is he?” Jaebum asked.

“Jaebum.” Yoongi sighed. “Just leave him alone for now. We have class, anyway.”

. . .

Taehyung’s chest shuddered to a fall with the long sigh that flowed out of him once Jungkook left.

“Should we continue?” Mihyan asked as he scooted closer, a smirk playing on his lips.

Taehyung placed his hand on his chest and pushed him away without a word.

“I’m guessing that’s a no,” he sneered, then fished his pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “You know, with everything that happened, I’m surprised you brought me here. It was like you were expecting someone to come.” He lit up a cigarette and took a drag. He scoped Taehyung’s countenance at the silence he received, and his brows flinched downwards. “Wait, is it true? Shit. Who did you want to come? The crying one or the bossy one?”

“Shut up,” Taehyung growled. “Their names are Youngjae and Jungkook, and you’re a shithead.”

“Well, I’m no soju, but I made you feel good. Your moans were cute, by the way. I kind of want to hear them again,” he said in an alluring whisper as he leaned closer.

Taehyung grabbed him by his sweater with both hands, his eyes burning with anger and a scowl decorating his face. “If you didn’t notice, I used you and got what I wanted. So now you can fuck off.” He shoved him away. “And just so you know, I don’t bottom.”

Mihyan straightened his sweater as he glared at him. “Yeah, you got what you wanted. Congrats. Are you happy now?” He burst out of his seat and took off.

Taehyung buried his face in his hands, rubbing it. “No,” he whispered. With another sigh leaking out of him, he went back inside, since their next class was about to start. He waited until the last minute to enter the classroom, wanting to avoid the others’ questions.

Jungkook’s fury blazed anew when he located him, and he took a step towards him, but Eunhyuk’s voice ceased his movements.

“So, today we’ll do some improvisation. Find a pair for now.”

As the other students started forming pairs, Taehyung seemed to have been left alone, and Jungkook noticed. He edged towards him with his fury now slightly calmer and stood next to him.

Taehyung gave him a sidelong glance. “What are you doing?”

“Saving your ass from Jaebum. Look how he’s glaring at you.”

“I thought you hated me.”

“I do.”

“So?”

“I hate you so much I can’t even express it with words. How could you do this?”

“Oh, I see. You became my partner so you can ask me stupid things.”

“Is there a problem?” Eunhyuk asked.

“No, no problem,” Jungkook said.

Eunhyuk furrowed his eyebrows as he looked back and forth between the two boys. “Keep your problems out of this company and mostly out of my class,” he stated, and the two boys could only apologize before the class continued.

It didn’t go well. Jaebum shot death glares at Taehyung in every chance he got. Youngjae was distracted, since his mind was stuck on what he saw earlier. Taehyung succeeded in keeping a straight face and ignoring Jaebum’s glares. And Jungkook... he wished he could beat up Taehyung right there and then. But of course, he couldn’t.

⚜✳⚜