† 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟭𝟯 †

╭─━─━─━─━─━─╮𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟭𝟯†❝𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗧❞╰─━─━─━─━─━─╯

༺ ☠︎ †  𝖁 𝖎 𝖘 𝖎 𝖔 𝖓  𝖎 𝖓  𝕯 𝖆 𝖗 𝖐  † ☠︎ ༻

Taehyung stood frozen in place, his heart pounding as he stared at Jungkook in shock. He couldn't believe that Jungkook had followed him all the way here. 

That meant Jungkook had seen Evie too, something Taehyung had been trying so hard to avoid. His mind raced, trying to think of an explanation, but the sharp, expectant look in Jungkook's eyes made it clear that he wasn't going to let this go easily.

Jungkook stood with his arms crossed, his gaze locked onto Taehyung, waiting for him to say something, to explain himself. But Taehyung struggled to find the right words, his throat dry and his mind scrambling for an excuse.

"You... you followed me all the way here?" Taehyung finally managed to say, his voice uneven as he tried to sound casual. "You know, that's not exactly a good thing to do. Following someone like that..."

Jungkook let out a dry laugh, shaking his head as he took a step closer. "Not good? Are you serious right now? Shut the fuck up, bro. You've been ditching us, lying straight to our faces, telling us you've been stuck in the library with studies. And yet, here you are, playing the personal bodyguard for some girl."

Taehyung felt his stomach drop at Jungkook's words, but he quickly shook his head, trying to defend himself. "It's not like that. It's really nothing, Jungkook. She's new here, that's all. I was just helping her out, showing her around, making sure she's okay. Nothing more."

Jungkook scoffed, his arms still crossed as he eyed Taehyung with disbelief. "Helping her? You mean walking her all the way home every day even though your house is in the complete opposite direction? She's not a kid, Taehyung. She doesn't need you holding her hand like this. And besides, how long has it been now? Weeks? Months? When exactly does your so-called 'help' end?"

Taehyung clenched his jaw, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Jungkook, stop this. You're making it sound like something it's not. I already told you, it's nothing."

Jungkook shook his head, exhaling sharply as his voice hardened. "No, Taehyung, it is something. You've been keeping your distance from us, and I've noticed it for a long time now. You've been avoiding us, lying to us, and now I finally know why."

Taehyung let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair as he stared at Jungkook in disbelief. "I wasn't avoiding you, for god's sake. I've just been keeping to myself lately. You always do things that I never question, things that are different from what I would do, but do I ever ask you about them? No. So why are you making such a big deal out of this? Like I've done something wrong?"

His voice grew more firm as his irritation built. "She's just a girl, Jungkook. A new student in our batch. I was just being friendly, that's all. Or is it that since I'm your friend, I'm not allowed to be friends with anyone else? Stop making this into something it's not," Taehyung snapped, his good mood now completely ruined.

Jungkook, however, wasn't backing down. His arms were still crossed, his sharp gaze unwavering. "I don't care who you're friends with, Taehyung. But if it's really nothing, then why the hell were you hiding it? You're acting like you've done something wrong. We've been childhood friends, and yet, you've been lying straight to our faces, ditching us without a second thought. And don't even try to act like it's nothing, because your behavior has changed, and we all noticed it. You're acting different, distant, and it's been going on for weeks now."

Taehyung shook his head, his frustration evident in the way his jaw clenched. "I wasn't hiding anything. I was just minding my own business. There's nothing to hide because there's nothing going on," he insisted, his tone firm.

Jungkook let out a dry laugh, shaking his head as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Yeah, sure," he said sarcastically, clearly not believing a word Taehyung was saying.

His gaze shifted to the road where the bus had disappeared moments ago. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the events from earlier. He had seen Taehyung with the girl, and the moment it clicked, he had followed them on another bus, keeping his distance while observing. Now, things were starting to make sense.

Jungkook turned his attention back to Taehyung and asked, "That girl you were with… she's the new one, right? Evie Parker?"

Taehyung's expression immediately changed. His posture stiffened slightly as he looked at Jungkook, nodding cautiously. "How do you know her name?" he asked, his voice wary. The idea of Jungkook knowing Evie didn't sit well with him at all.

Jungkook simply shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I have my ways," he said casually. "You already know how popular I am among girls. I keep up with things, and besides…" he chuckled lightly, "she walked into me twice."

Taehyung frowned, his confusion evident. "She walked into you?" he repeated, trying to process what Jungkook was saying. As far as he knew, Evie had never mentioned meeting Jungkook or anyone else.

Jungkook gave another nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, you know how it is. Girls can't resist me," he said smugly. "She literally bumped into me twice, but I wasn't interested in her."

Taehyung's frown deepened. "What are you even talking about?" he asked, his confusion grew.

Jungkook rolled his eyes, his tone dismissive. "It was nothing, just a little misunderstanding. She bumped into me, and I thought she did it on purpose, so it turned into a small quarrel. But I let it go. I don't have time for that kind of nonsense," he said as if it was the most insignificant thing in the world.

Taehyung was still completely confused. He couldn't understand Jungkook at all. The thought of Jungkook knowing about Evie made him uneasy, though he wasn't sure why.

There was something about it that unsettled him, a feeling he couldn't quite put into words. Maybe it was because Jungkook had a terrible reputation when it came to women. He was the kind of guy girls fell for instantly. Women practically worshiped him, desperate for his attention.

The idea of Evie ever looking at Jungkook that way made Taehyung feel sick. He didn't want to admit it, but what if, one day, she did find Jungkook attractive? What if she ended up being like the rest?

No, that couldn't happen. Evie was different. That was why he had chosen her, wasn't it? He had seen something in her that set her apart. And yet, the tiny flicker of doubt refused to leave his mind. He shook his head and tried to push the thought away, telling himself he was overthinking.

Before he could dwell on it any longer, Jungkook's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I just can't wrap my head around it. You, of all people?" Jungkook scoffed, his tone laced with disbelief.

  "The guy who used to get irritated whenever we even mentioned girls. The same guy who used to lecture us on why we shouldn't waste our time on relationships or meaningless attachments. And now, suddenly, you're the one going out of your way for a girl you barely even know?"

Taehyung opened his mouth to respond, but Jungkook wasn't finished.

"The guy who never gave a damn about girls, who never let anything or anyone distract him, is now running around playing bodyguard for some chick?" Jungkook let out a mock laugh. "Sorry, I mean, some girl. And you're seriously expecting me to believe that it's just help?"

Jungkook took a step closer, his eyes narrowing as he studied Taehyung's face. "You used to insult Raven for being obsessed with you. You gave her those long lectures about self-respect and priorities. And now look at you. Taking a completely different route just to drop some girl home?" He shook his head in amusement. "It just doesn't add up."

Taehyung clenched his jaw, already feeling irritation creep in.

"And the worst part? You were our best friend. The guy who was always with us, always had our backs. But now? Now you're ditching us, lying to us, all for some random girl?" Jungkook crossed his arms. "You can deny it all you want, but something's different. And I'm not the only one who sees it."

Taehyung let out a sharp breath, his frustration reaching its peak. Since when did he need Jungkook's approval for where he went or who he talked to?

It wasn't like him to explain himself to anyone, and he wasn't about to start now. He could do whatever he wanted, and he sure as hell didn't need someone following him around, questioning his decisions as if he were a child.

His voice was tight with irritation as he spoke. "Jungkook, I don't know what your problem is, but let me make something very clear. I am an adult. I know exactly what I'm doing and what I'm not doing. I don't need your permission, and I sure as hell don't need your approval. I can make my own choices, and I don't owe you or anyone else an explanation for them."

Jungkook let out a short, mocking laugh, shaking his head as if he found the whole thing ridiculous. "Alright, dude, I get it. You're all grown up, making your own decisions, doing whatever the hell you want. But let me say one thing—if your excuse for 'helping' isn't true, then I have no shame in telling you that your taste in women is absolute trash."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, his body stiffening at Jungkook's words, but Jungkook didn't stop.

"You already have a weird taste in everything, and this just confirms it. You're not admitting anything yet, but if you're actually lying to us, ditching your friends for some random girl, then honestly, it's laughable. It's pathetic."

Taehyung froze, his breath catching in his throat. His mind went blank for a second as he processed what Jungkook had just said. His hands curled into fists at his sides as he stared at Jungkook, stunned beyond belief.

"What the hell did you just say?" Taehyung's voice was low, dangerously quiet, but Jungkook didn't hesitate for even a second. He met Taehyung's glare without a hint of fear or regret.

"I said," Jungkook repeated, his tone steady, almost amused, "that if you're actually into this girl, then your taste in women is beyond pathetic."

Taehyung's heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to stay calm. "So you're saying Evie isn't good enough?" His voice was sharp, demanding an answer.

Jungkook scoffed, rolling his eyes like the answer was obvious. "Good enough? A girl like that?" He let out a dry laugh. "She has no class, no background, nothing worth looking at. Basic as hell, boring, and honestly, I have no idea how someone like her even got admitted to our university. It's pathetic."

Taehyung's jaw clenched so tightly that he could feel the strain in his muscles. Every word coming out of Jungkook's mouth was laced with judgment, and it made his blood boil. He could tolerate a lot of things, but hearing someone talk about Evie like this, with such baseless, cruel assumptions, was something he wouldn't stand for.

Jungkook wasn't done yet. He continued, his tone cold and dismissive. "I've met her before. Twice, actually. She walked right into me both times, and I could tell what kind of girl she is. Desperate, pathetic, no class whatsoever. She's the type that latches onto people, looking for attention, looking for money. Girls like her pretend to be innocent, but deep down, they're just bitches who play the part until they get what they want."

That was it.

That was enough for Taehyung to snap.

He didn't care that they were still near the bus stop, surrounded by people. He didn't care that it wasn't the time or place. His anger felt like a wildfire, and for a moment, his body moved before his mind could stop it.

His hand shot forward, inches away from grabbing Jungkook by the collar, but at the last second, he forced himself to hold back. Instead, he stepped closer, decrease the space between them, his expression dark with fury.

His voice, when he spoke, was dangerously low, every word dripping with barely contained rage. "I don't give a damn who you are, Jungkook, but you have no fucking right to judge anyone."

It was the first time Taehyung had ever cursed so openly, and his sudden outburst left Jungkook stunned. For a moment, he just stared, caught off guard by the intensity in Taehyung's eyes.

"No one has the right to judge," Taehyung continued, his voice unshaken. "Especially not you. You stand here acting like you're above everyone else, but tell me, Jungkook, are you good enough? Are you perfect? No one is. So what gives you the right to look down on someone you don't even know?"

His fists were clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, but he didn't care. He wasn’t done yet.

"And as for Evie's class or her status....she's better than you in ways you will never understand. She's kind, she's pure and I could stand here all day telling you how much better of a person she is than you could ever hope to be." His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his emotions.  "People who judge others based on status and money are fucking idiots. If that's how you measure a person's worth, then you're the dumbest of them all. I don't give a damn about anyone's class or background. That kind of shit has never mattered to me, and it never will."

Taking a step back, Taehyung let out a slow breath, trying to steady himself. He wasn't sure if he had ever been this angry before, but he wasn't about to let Jungkook's words get to him any further.

"Don't ever judge someone like that again," he said, his voice calmer now, but no less firm. "Not before you actually know them. And maybe take a good look at yourself before you start pointing fingers at others."

Jungkook still looked stunned, completely thrown off by Taehyung's reaction and his words. But Taehyung wasn't done yet.

"You want the truth?" he asked, meeting Jungkook's gaze head-on. "Fine. Here it is."

His next words came without hesitation. "Yes, I'm into her." He didn't flinch as he said it, because he wasn't trying to hide it. "Even though she's new here, even though you think she's not worthy or whatever bullshit you're saying, I don't care. I like her. Maybe even more than like."

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "And yeah, I've been ditching you guys. I've been hiding it. And do you know why?" His eyes darkened. "Because of people like you. Because I knew exactly how you would react, and guess what? You just proved me right."

He let out a bitter sigh , shaking his head. "And you know what's even funnier? All this...me coming this way, using this as my excuse? My way home is actually in the opposite direction. And yet, here I am."

His voice was firm. "I'm accepting it, right here, right now. I want to spend time with her. I like being around her and I'm even trying to make a move." His eyes locked onto Jungkook's, his expression unwavering. "But what the hell does that have to do with you? Why does it even bother you? Shouldn't it be none of your damn business?"

Taehyung took a deep breath, trying to keep his composure. His voice was firm, controlled, but there was no hesitation in his words.

"I'm an adult, Jungkook. I can do whatever I want, and I don't need your opinions, especially when it comes to my personal life." His eyes were cold, unwavering as he spoke. "You're my friend? Fine, I respect that. But if you're going to be my friend, then act like one. Don't act like you have some authority over me, or over her."

Jungkook stared at him, but Taehyung didn't give him a chance to speak before continuing. His tone remained steady, not giving away even a hint of frustration. "You go around doing whatever you want, sleeping with different women, making choices that, frankly, I don't agree with. And you know what? I've never judged you for it. I've never once stood here and told you how to live your life. Why? Because every person has their own reasons, their own perspective. You made your choices, and I let you be. But just because you don't like something doesn't give you the right to judge others for theirs."

For the first time, Jungkook was speechless. His mouth opened slightly, as if to argue, but no words came out. It was rare for Taehyung to stand his ground this way, and the seriousness in his expression made it clear he wasn't backing down.

Then Jungkook scoffed and shook his head. "I knew it," he muttered under his breath. "I knew something was different." He met Taehyung's gaze again, this time with something between disbelief and disappointment. "See? You're literally going against your own friend because of a girl you barely even know. Are you serious right now? You're acting weird....like, completely different. What the hell is wrong with you?"

Taehyung didn't react, his expression remaining unreadable. But Jungkook kept going. "She's manipulating you, Taehyung. I can see it. I knew what kind of girl she was the moment I met her." His voice was laced with certainty, as if he truly believed every word he was saying. "She's got you wrapped around her finger, and you don't even realize it."

Taehyung's jaw tightened, but his tone remained level. "No one is manipulating me," he said simply, refusing to take the bait.

Jungkook let out a frustrated sigh. "It's not your fault," he said, as if trying to reason with him. "She looks all innocent, all sweet, and that's exactly why she thinks she can trap you. And clearly, she succeeded. But I'm telling you right now."

Taehyung's patience was wearing thin. He took a step back, exhaling slowly. "This is ridiculous," he said, his voice colder now. "I can't even understand why we're arguing about this. What does it even matter to you?"

"It matters because you're being blind," Jungkook shot back. "I've been around enough women to know when one is playing a game. I've seen this before, Taehyung. And now she's got you turning against me. That's a red flag, and you know it."

Taehyung's grip tightened at his sides, his nails pressing into his palms. He refused to let his emotions get the best of him, refused to let Jungkook push him into an argument that would turn into something worse. So instead, he took another deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.

"I have a brain unlike you," he said, his voice composed. " I can think for myself. And right now, all I see is you making baseless assumptions about someone you barely know. This entire conversation is pointless." He let the weight of his words settle before adding, "And honestly, it's pathetic that we're even having it."

Jungkook frowned, looking like he wanted to argue further, but Taehyung didn't give him the chance.

"Do whatever you want," Jungkook finally said, waving a hand dismissively. "It's your life."

Taehyung didn't respond. He had already said what needed to be said. Staying here any longer would only escalate things into a fight, and he had no interest in that. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Jungkook standing there, still processing everything that had just happened.

Jungkook stood there, completely stunned. For a moment, he couldn't even process what had just happened.

So this was it. This was why Taehyung had been acting distant, why he had been avoiding him, keeping secrets, creating space between them. It all made sense now. Taehyung was actually going against his own friend.....for her.

A pathetic, middle - class, cheap girl.

Jungkook clenched his jaw, feeling a surge of frustration and disbelief.

This was beyond ridiculous. Beyond insane. She had played her role well, looking all innocent, pretending to be different, acting like she wasn't like the rest. But Jungkook saw right through her. He knew exactly what kind of girl she was.

Fuck this. Why am I even wasting my time? He scoffed, shaking his head, feeling disgusted that he had even bothered to argue about this.

It was obvious. She was only into Taehyung because of his status....because he was rich, because he had a CEO father, because he was intelligent, handsome, and, worst of all, naive enough to believe in a girl like her.

Let him do whatever he wants, Jungkook thought bitterly. He said he's an adult, right? Fine. Let him deal with the consequences.

But still, it stunned him. How effortlessly she had manipulated Taehyung. How easily she had turned him against his own friend. It was almost laughable.

Jungkook let out a frustrated exhale, running a hand through his hair. This was a waste of time. He was done.

★ ★ ★

—𝖽𝗈𝗇’𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗏𝗈𝗍𝖾          𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗋𝗈𝗉 𝖺 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍···୨ৎ