*09*

Taehyung pov

I'm leaning against the wall of a club, nursing a drink, and scanning the crowd. The music is pounding, the bass thudding through my chest, and the air is thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. The place is packed, the dance floor a sea of writhing bodies, everyone out here to let loose, to forget their troubles.

Jimin's beside me, his eyes also scanning the crowd, but with a more calculating gaze than mine. He's here to enjoy himself, sure, but there's an edge to him tonight, a tension in the way he holds his body that I recognize all too well.

"You good?" I finally ask, tilting my head towards him. He turns to look at me, his gaze meeting mine, and for a moment, I see that edge in his eyes, that hint of dark intent.

"Yeah," he mutters, lifting his own drink to his lips. "I'm fine." The words are quick, dismissive, and I know he's trying to avoid the subject, to brush me off.

I know him too well to let that slide. However, I let it go, for now. "Let's hit the dance floor," I say, my tone playful. "just like the old times, what say?"

He huffs out a soft laugh at that, rolling his eyes. "You mean when we'd get plastered and make fools of ourselves?"

I smirk, taking a swig of my drink. "Exactly that," I reply, grinning cheekily. "Come on, I know you miss it."

He huffs, his lips curling up into a reluctant smile. "Don't tempt me," he mutters, taking a step away from the wall. "I'm trying to be responsible here tonight."

"Responsible?" I repeat, raising an eyebrow. "At a club? Really?" I chuckle softly, watching his resolve falter.

"Okay, fine," he grumbles, though a hint of excitement sparks in his eyes. "But just one drink. I need to keep my head clear tonight."

"Course, just one drink," I agree, hiding my amusement. "Let's go live a little." I lead the way towards the dance floor, Jimin following behind, the thrum of the music growing louder as we reach the center of the room.

The music is infectious, and as soon as we reach the dance floor, I lose myself in the rhythm. I start to move, my body responding to the beat with ease, letting go of all inhibitions. Jimin, despite his earlier protests, soon follows suit, his movements fluid and effortless.

We dance without a care in the world, the music dictating our every move. The other dancers around us blur into the background, as we move in tandem, our bodies flowing with the rhythm. The alcohol buzzes through my veins, fueling my movements, adding an extra flair to my every step.

"Yaaaah" yells a voice.

I turn towards the voice to find Jungkook weaving through the crowd, a wide grin on his face. He reaches us, already looking slightly flushed from alcohol, sweat clinging to his temples.

"How could you guys!!" he hollers over the music, his eyes wide and wild. He pushes in between us, "without me?? And you!" He looks at me, "When did you come back? And why didn't you contact me?"

I chuckle at his slightly drunken state. "Sorry, Kookie," I reply, my voice slightly louder to be heard over the music. "You weren't in the town when I came back." Jimin grins next to me, also amused by Jungkook's unexpected appearance.

"So what, you could've still texted me," he pouts, punching my shoulder lightly. "You guys are mean. Dancing without your precious maknae."

"Precious maknae?" Jimin echoes, laughing. "More like a little pest." He ruffles Jungkook's hair teasingly, earning a loud protest from the younger one.

"I'm not just a pest!" Jungkook protests, his voice a whiny pitch. "I'm also the hottest, remember?" He raises his eyebrows, smirking.

"Keep dreaming, Jungkook," I snort, shaking my head. "You couldn't catch up to my good looks in a hundred years."

"As if!" Jungkook huffs, his competitive side flaring in his eyes. "I could rival you any day, hyung." Jimin snickers beside me, enjoying the sibling-like squabble.

"Oh, really?" I challenge, raising an eyebrow. "How about a dance-off then, to prove your claim." I can't help but egg him on, the familiar playful banter lifting my mood even more.

"You're on!" Jungkook declares, eyes shining. Jimin shakes his head, a fond smile on his face. "You two are incorrigible," he teases, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I grin, accepting the challenge without hesitation. Jungkook is a good dancer, his moves flashy and energetic. I'm up for the competition, the adrenaline pumping through my veins. "Bring it on, Kookie," I say confidently, moving to a more open space. "Let's see what you got."

Jungkook positions himself opposite me, his face set in a serious expression, determination in every fiber of his being. The crowd around us notices the brewing competition and starts to form a makeshift ring, giving us space. The music changes, a more upbeat, fast-paced song starting to play.

I take a second to glance at Jimin, who has taken up a position nearby, a smirk on his face. He gives my shoulder a reassuring pat, silently wishing me luck. I nod at him, then turn my full attention back to Jungkook, the tension in the air palpable.

The bass drops, and the moment the beat kicks in, Jungkook and I start to move, our bodies responding to the music instinctively. It's a fierce dance-off, each of us trying to outdo the other. I throw in some complex footwork, years of training coming to the fore.

But Jungkook isn't far behind. Despite his slightly drunken state, his moves are sharp and precise, his energy infectious. He matches my footwork, throws in some risky spins, a testament to his skill. The crowd around us cheers, the rivalry heating up the atmosphere even more.

We go back and forth, each of us pushing the other to the limit, the room around us disappearing as we focus solely on the dance. The adrenaline is high, the music fueling our every move. I'm having more fun than I've had in a long time, the thrill of the competition bringing out the competitive streak in me.

The song is reaching its climax, the beat getting faster and fiercer. We both up our game, our moves becoming bolder, more aggressive. The crowd is cheering loudly now, egging us on, anticipating the climax. Both Jungkook and I know that the next move could be the deciding one.

As the song reaches its climax, suddenly, a familiar figure steps into our makeshift dance circle. Jimin, who had been watching from the sidelines until now, moves into the center, a smirk playing on his lips. The crowd, who had been focused on me and Jungkook, turn their attention to him, a gasp escaping some.

Within seconds, Jimin starts to dance, and the entire atmosphere changes. His moves are smooth, flawless, and seductive, a stark contrast to the high-octane competition. The crowd's cheer dies down, replaced by gasps and whispers.

The dance-off has shifted to a one-man performance now, Jimin taking center stage effortlessly. His eyes are half-lidded as his body moves to the music, captivating everyone watching. His movements are almost sultry, making girls in the crowd swoon shamelessly.

As the song ends, Jimin finishes with a flawless twirl, a coy smile on his lips. The crowd erupts in applause, some even throwing compliments and wolf whistles at him. I and Jungkook, who had been completely overshadowed, huff in annoyance. But under the annoyance, a hint of begrudging respect flickers in our eyes.

"Cocky bastard," I mutter under my breath, my competitive streak bruised.

Jimin saunters towards us, a self-satisfied air about him. He pats our shoulders in a mocking gesture, his smirk wider now. "You boys were good, but you know I'm better," he teases, his tone nonchalant.

"Show-off," Jungkook grumbles, crossing his arms. He's visibly upset, his competitive nature not taking the loss lightly. But there's a hint of admiration behind the annoyance too, evident in his eyes.

I raise an eyebrow, my pride definitely a bit bruised. "You had to steal the show, didn't you?" I tease him back, trying to hide my own annoyance. "Couldn't let us have our moment, huh?"

Jimin grins wider, seemingly enjoying our reactions. "Hey, I couldn't help it," he replies, feigning innocence. "You guys made it too easy for me." His eyes gleam with mischief.

"Oh, shut up," I grumble, giving his shoulder a light punch. "We were doing just fine until you came in." Despite my annoyance, I can't help but laugh. Jimin's unapologetic attitude is contagious.

"Just fine?" Jimin echoes, his eyebrows raised. "More like mediocre. I just added some much-needed flair." He grins, clearly enjoying himself way too much.

"Yaah, you shorty!!" Jungkook yells, smirking. He knows that word triggers Jimin to no extent.

Just as expected, Jimin bristles at the word. Despite his earlier confidence, his short stature has always been a sore point for him.

"What did you call me, you oversized bunny?" he snaps back, his voice slightly higher pitched than usual.

Jungkook grins, obviously pleased with himself. "You heard me, 'shorty'," he repeats, emphasizing the word with a teasing smile.

I can't help but chuckle at their bickering, the familiar sibling-like banter lifting the competitive tension.

"I'll show you 'shorty'," Jimin retorts, his hand moving up to grab Jungkook's ear in a tight pinch. The younger man yelps in pain, trying to swat Jimin's hand away.

I just laugh at their antics, thoroughly enjoying the sight. Their bickering and teasing are such a normal part of our lives that it's both amusing and nostalgic to witness.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Jungkook protests, trying to pry Jimin's hand off his ear. "Hyung, get him off!"

I just sit back, shaking my head. "Nah, Kookie, you brought this upon yourself," I reply, enjoying the scene unfolding before me.

Jimin just ignores Jungkook's pleas, his grip on the younger man's ear not letting up. "You call me 'shorty' again, I'll twist it," he threatens, his voice menacing but his eyes still sparkling with mischief.

Jungkook yelps again, frantically trying to get away from Jimin's grasp. The sight is comical, and I can't help but laugh louder.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" Jungkook finally relents, his voice coming out strained. "I won't call you 'shorty' again, I promise!"

Jimin releases his ear, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Good. Now you know who's in charge." He dusts off his hands, looking overly-pleased with himself.

I grin at the duo, finding their banter more entertaining than the actual dance-off.

"Shorty," Jungkook let out grinning mischievously, rubbing his now red ear.

Jimin's eyes flash with renewed annoyance, his smile disappearing. "You little-" he lunges at Jungkook again, but the younger one is quicker and dodges, laughing heartily.

I shake my head again, watching the two bicker lightheartedly, their friendly rivalry a staple in our group dynamics.

"You think you're so smart, huh?" Jimin scowls, trying to grab at Jungkook who is now skipping away from him.

Jungkook just laughs, sticking his tongue out. "I am smart. Just because you have a short temper, doesn't make me dumb, shorty."

"I swear one day I'll strangle you," Jimin seethes, his patience wearing thin. He makes another attempt to grab Jungkook, but the younger one sidesteps him again, quick on his feet.

I can't help but chuckle. Jungkook is pushing all of Jimin's buttons, clearly enjoying every second.

"You'll have to catch me first, shorty!" Jungkook yells with a laugh, darting away into the crowd.

Jimin's face turns red, a mixture of anger and embarrassment. He looks like he's seconds away from losing his cool. "Come back here, you little-"

Suddenly, he turns to me, a pleading look in his eyes. "Tae, help me out here!"

I grin, amused by their antics. It's rare to see Jimin so riled up, and even rarer for him to ask for my help. But I can't pass up this opportunity to tease him a bit more.

"I'd rather just watch the show" I say, crossing my arms.

"You're supposed to be on my side!" Jimin protests, his cheeks flushed.

I just shrug. "Sorry, Chim. This is too entertaining to interrupt." I flash him a unapologetic smile, enjoying the sight.

Jimin huffs, realising that I'm not going to help.

"You're useless," he mutters, before turning his attention back to Jungkook, who is still merrily skipping away.

"Get back here, you little punk!" he calls out, but he doesn't make any effort in catching him now. He slumps down on the couch next to me, defeated.

I just watch, chuckling at him. Their ever going game of cat and mouse. Some things never change.

"I'm going to kill him," Jimin mutters, running a frustrated hand through his hair. "I swear, when I-"

I just laugh at his pouty face, finding it highly entertaining. "Just ignore him. You know how he is when he's drunk. He probably won't even remember this tomorrow."

Jimin rolls his eyes playfully, fighting the smile growing on his face. "That brat!"

He huffs, but there's a hint of fondness in his eyes. Despite the annoyance, he loves Jungkook like a younger brother.

"He's damn lucky I love him too much," he grumbles, crossing his arms.

"You're just soft for him," I tease, bumping his shoulder lightly. Jimin just glares at me, but doesn't disagree.

Just then, Jungkook reappears, a smug grin on his face. "You guys look so serious," he hiccups slightly, clearly still drunk.

Jimin's eyes narrow as Jungkook approaches, bracing himself.

"You're lucky we're in public and I can't strangle you," he growls, but the threat is empty.

Jungkook just laughs, dropping down next to Jimin heavily. "You wouldn't dare," he teases, wrapping his arm around Jimin's neck in a sloppy hug.

Jimin huffs, trying to pry off Jungkook's arm, but the younger one just hugs him tighter, his weight pinning Jimin down.

"Let go, you stupid bunny," Jimin protests, struggling half-heartedly.

The night wears on, the music still thumping through the air. Jungkook has now passed out, his body slumped against the couch, his face looking as innocent as a child.

Jimin and I sit on either side of him, both exhausted but not ready to call it a night just yet. We watch as Jungkook sleeps peacefully, his breath coming out in soft puffs.

"God, he can't hold his alcohol at all," Jimin comments, shaking his head.

We fall into a comfortable silence for a few minutes, the music around us drowning out all other noise. Then, Jimin turns to me, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Sana, I-I" he says quietly, "I couldn't talk to her."

I look at him, surprised by the sudden topic change. The mention of Sana brings a knot in my stomach.

"Why not?" I ask quietly.

Jimin avoids my gaze, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt. "Her mom, she got sick," he replies in a small voice. "so- so I thought now wouldn't be a good time you know. She's already stressed, and I didn't want to break her heart even more."

His confession hangs in the air between us, heavy and loaded with unspoken words.

"You have to tell her," I say firmly. "Sooner the better. Don't let her get more invested, it'll only hurt her more in the end."

Jimin nods slowly, but I can see the fear in his eyes. He's scared of losing Sana, even as a friend. He stays silent for a moment before speaking again.

Jimin lets out a deep sigh, the weight of the decision resting heavily on his shoulders.

"I know. I will." he says, running a hand through his hair.

I nod, feeling some relief at his response. "Good."

Jimin nods, his shoulders slumping. "I will," he repeats, the reality of the situation setting in. "I just.." he sighs, closing his eyes in frustration, "just not right now, she's still stressed about her mom."

I look at him worried, "Just don't wait too long Chim, I understand the situation, but what you're doing now, you'll only make it worse, you shouldn't wait too long."

The room falls silent again, the only sound coming from Jungkook's peaceful snoring.

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Our maknae line is here you guys🤧❤️

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