CHAPTER - 3

Three days later :–

The next day was Taehyung’s birthday. He never celebrated it — in fact, he despised it. He hated when people wished him, hated the attention, hated the reminder. Everyone in college knew better than to approach him on that day. Normally, his mood would sour into a cold, simmering silence, but this year it was worse. His anger radiated so strongly it felt like he could kill someone with just a look.

Jungkook’s p.o.v - Taehyungie doesn’t look okay today… Tomorrow’s his birthday. Should I… prepare something to make him happy?

He chewed his lip, tapping his pen against the notebook.

Jungkook's p.o.v - What does he like the most? A small smile tugged at his lips. Strawberries. He loves strawberries. Maybe… a strawberry cake? Yes. I’ll make him a cake.

The next day :–

Jungkook held his hands out in front of him, staring at the angry red burns across his skin. They stung with every movement, but he chuckled nervously to himself.

Jungkook’s p.o.v - It’s my first time baking a cake… I hope he likes it. I really hope he does.

The small box sat on the desk, tied with a cheap ribbon — his treasure, his offering.

Lunchtime :–

The rooftop was quiet, except for the faint crackle of fire. Taehyung stood with his back to the door, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the sky. His shoulders were tense, his posture restless, like someone fighting demons only he could see.

Jungkook’s heart pounded as he stepped closer, clutching the cake box like a lifeline.

Jungkook - Ta-Taehyung…

Taehyung turned sharply. His eyes landed on Jungkook and then the box in his hands. He groaned, his expression twisting into rage.

Taehyung - GET LOST if you don’t want to get beaten up right now.

Jungkook flinched but forced himself to stay rooted. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard.

Jungkook - Happy birthday, Taehyung.

In an instant, Taehyung closed the distance between them. His hand shot out, gripping Jungkook’s jaw harshly, forcing his chin upward.

Taehyung - Didn’t I give you the chance to run away? But you… you never miss a chance to get on my nerves.

He lifted the cigarette to his lips, inhaled deeply, then exhaled smoke right past Jungkook’s cheek. His eyes gleamed darkly as he shifted the cigarette to the hand holding Jungkook’s jaw.

Taehyung - So, since you’re already here… let’s have some fun.

Jungkook’s pulse hammered in his ears. He knew this wouldn’t end well.

Taehyung - Tell me, have you ever smoked?

Jungkook (hesitant) - N-no…

Taehyung’s smirk widened, cruel.

Taehyung - I’ve had enough. Throwing it away would be a waste. How about you finish it for me? You can do it for me, right, pig? After all… it’s my birthday.

Jungkook dropped his gaze, his lips parting in fear before he forced himself to look back into Taehyung’s eyes.

Jungkook - I-I… I can d-do it for you.

Taehyung pressed the cigarette into his hand.

Taehyung - Confident, huh? Go ahead then.

Jungkook lifted it to his lips with trembling fingers and took a cautious puff. Instantly, his chest burned. He doubled over coughing, his eyes watering.

Taehyung laughed.

Taehyung - Is that all you’ve got?

Jungkook tried again, desperate to prove himself, but the smoke clawed down his throat. He coughed harder, tears spilling down his cheeks.

Taehyung - Tch. Leave it. It’s not your cup of tea.

But Jungkook shook his head and tried again, clinging to the cigarette. This time his coughing fit was worse, his body curling in on itself as if he couldn’t breathe. His vision blurred.

With a look of irritation, Taehyung snatched the cigarette from his hand and flicked it across the rooftop.

Taehyung - You’re no fun.

Jungkook wiped his tears quickly, lowering his gaze.

Jungkook - I’m… sorry.

Taehyung - Get lost.

Jungkook turned to leave, but his steps faltered. He gripped the small box tightly, then slowly turned back.

Jungkook - M-Master…

Taehyung - What?

Jungkook held out the box with both hands, his voice trembling.

Jungkook - I baked this for you… your favorite, strawberry cake.

Taehyung frowned, his brows knitting together in disgust.

Taehyung - What made you think I’d eat this shit?

Jungkook - Please… just give it a try. I know you don’t like your birthday, and maybe you have a reason… but I don’t think you should spoil your special day like this.

The words were like a spark in gasoline. Rage flashed in Taehyung’s eyes. He yanked Jungkook’s wrist so hard the box slipped from his hands and crashed to the ground.

He grabbed Jungkook’s collar, pulling him close.

Taehyung - Did I ask for your advice? I was controlling myself so hard not to beat you today, but you… you never learn how to mind your own business, do you?

Jungkook’s eyes darted to the ground. The box lay there, broken open, the cake inside smashed and ruined.

Jungkook – I-I was just—

Taehyung - You thought I’d eat this bullshit, huh?

Jungkook (whispering) - S-sorry… Master.

Taehyung (snapping) - GET OUT if you don’t have a death wish!

Jungkook bowed his head and walked away, shoulders shaking, his vision blurring with unshed tears.

The rooftop fell into silence after his footsteps faded. Taehyung stood there, his chest heaving, fists clenched. Slowly, his eyes drifted back to the ruined box.

He bent down, picked it up carefully, and stared at it.

Taehyung’s p.o.v - So… his hands were burnt making this stupid cake.

He opened the box. The cake inside was a mess, smeared and broken. Still, he detached the small plastic spoon and scooped a piece into his mouth.

The taste hit him instantly — soft, sweet, strawberry. His eyes widened.

Taehyung’s p.o.v - Ummm… it’s so good.

He leaned back against the wall, chewing slowly, but hissed in pain when his back met the cold surface. For the first time that day, his face softened. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes.

Taehyung’s p.o.v - This cake… it’s so yummy. For a second, I forgot what happened this morning.

He took another bite, savoring it in silence.