The bed creaked in rhythm with their movements, Jungkook's firm grip on Taehyung's thighs anchoring him as he thrusted with an intensity that left little space for thought. Taehyung's head was thrown back, his lips parted as breathless moans spilled freely, filling the dorm room.

"Fuck, Kook!" Taehyung cried, his voice breaking as his hands clawed at the crumpled sheets. He turned his head slightly, his flushed cheeks and lust-blown eyes catching the low glow of the desk lamp.

Jungkook's jaw clenched at the sight, the image searing itself into his memory. His body moved on instinct, every thrust harder, deeper, like he was trying to carve this moment into permanence. Sweat dripped from his temple, his dark hair sticking to his forehead as his chest heaved.

Taehyung shifted beneath him, pushing back to meet Jungkook's pace, his fingers curling into the mattress. "Don't hold back," he gasped, voice tinged with breathless laughter. "You never do, anyway."

A strained groan tore from Jungkook's throat as he complied, his rhythm becoming erratic, each movement fueled by something far more profound than the physical pleasure Taehyung thought they were sharing.

When Taehyung finally came on the sheets, his body tensing and trembling, Jungkook followed moments later, burying himself deep inside Taehyung as he spilled into him, his grip tightening before softening like a release of everything he'd been holding back.

Silence settled over the room, except for the sound of their heavy breathing. Jungkook collapsed onto his forearms, careful not to crush Taehyung beneath him, their slick bodies still pressed together. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to imagine this as something more-something real.

But the illusion shattered the moment Taehyung rolled onto his back with a lazy, satisfied grin. "Damn, Jeon. You really should consider cardio. You're a beast," he teased, his voice light and unbothered as he stretched his long limbs.

Jungkook forced a chuckle, his chest tightening as he moved to lie beside him. "You're the one who can't keep up," he teased back, though his voice lacked its usual playfulness.

Taehyung didn't notice. Or maybe he did, but chose to ignore it. He propped himself up on one elbow, his messy hair framing his face as he shot Jungkook a knowing look. "Remember, Kook. No strings attached," he said firmly, though there was no malice in his tone-just a casual reminder of the boundary they'd set months ago.

Jungkook's throat felt dry as he nodded. "Yeah, I know," he said quietly, turning his head to stare at the ceiling.

Taehyung smiled, oblivious to the war raging inside Jungkook. "Good. You're my best friend, Kook. I wouldn't want to ruin that."

The words cut deeper than they should have, and Jungkook closed his eyes briefly, willing the ache in his chest to disappear.

---

Flashback

Jungkook and Taehyung had been best friends for as long as Jungkook could remember-since high school, when they'd been paired for a group project neither of them wanted to do. What had started with begrudging cooperation quickly turned into shared lunches, late-night phone calls, and an unshakable bond that carried them through their move to university together.

It was one of those typical nights during their sophomore year, the kind where they stayed up too late binge-watching movies in their dorm room, sprawled out on Taehyung's bed with empty snack wrappers scattered around them.

Taehyung stretched, his shirt riding up to reveal a sliver of his toned stomach, completely oblivious to the way Jungkook's gaze lingered just a second too long before snapping away.

"I swear, if I don't get laid soon, I'm going to combust," Taehyung said dramatically, flopping back against the pillows.

Jungkook laughed nervously, used to Taehyung's bluntness but still caught off guard. "Maybe if you didn't scare off every guy with your intensity, you wouldn't have this problem."

Taehyung scoffed, rolling onto his side to face Jungkook. "First of all, I'm a delight. Second, it's not just about that. I don't want the whole relationship mess-dates, feelings, clingy texts at 3 a.m. Who has the energy for that?"

Jungkook shrugged, trying to keep his tone light. "So, what? You're just going to stay celibate forever?"

Taehyung smirked, a playful glint in his eye. "Not if I can help it." He paused, his gaze turning thoughtful. "Actually, you know what? You're my best friend. Why don't we help each other out?"

Jungkook blinked, caught completely off guard. "Wait, what?"

"You and me," Taehyung said, gesturing between them like it was the most logical thing in the world. "No strings, no drama. Just two friends having fun and, you know, blowing off steam."

Jungkook's breath hitched. He couldn't tell if Taehyung was serious or just testing the waters, but the idea sent his mind spinning. He'd been in love with Taehyung for years, hiding it behind their easy camaraderie, content with just being close to him. And now this-an offer he knew he shouldn't accept, but one he couldn't resist.

"Are you sure that wouldn't, I don't know, mess things up between us?" Jungkook asked cautiously, though he already knew his answer.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, grinning. "Jungkook, you're literally the one person I trust the most in this world. If anyone can handle this, it's us. No falling in love, no jealousy. Just fun."

Jungkook hesitated for a moment longer, but the way Taehyung looked at him-so carefree, so certain-made it impossible to say no.

"Alright," he said finally, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "No strings."

Taehyung beamed, throwing an arm around Jungkook's shoulders like they'd just made a business deal. "Knew I could count on you."

But as Taehyung leaned back, grabbing the remote to restart the movie, Jungkook couldn't shake the sinking feeling in his chest. He had just agreed to give Taehyung everything he wanted-except the one thing Jungkook wanted most.

---

Back in the present, Taehyung sat up, his body still glowing with the aftermath of their encounter. "You coming to the cafe tomorrow? Jimin said he's saving us a table," he asked casually, already halfway out of bed to grab his clothes.

Jungkook watched him in silence, his heart aching with every step Taehyung took away from him. "Yeah, I'll be there," he replied, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.

Taehyung grinned, leaning down to ruffle Jungkook's hair. "Good. Don't flake on me, Kook. You're my favorite partner, after all."

As the bathroom door clicked shut behind Taehyung, Jungkook let out a shaky breath, his chest tightening as he stared at the empty space beside him. The faint sound of running water drifted through the door as Taehyung had stepped away to clean up, leaving Jungkook alone with the weight of his thoughts.

"No strings," he whispered to himself.

But his heart didn't seem to care about the rules.