CHAPTER - 2

The next day :-

Taehyung sat casually in the middle row of the classroom, surrounded by his usual circle: Jack, Kai, and his so-called girlfriend, Jennie. Jennie perched on his lap, her arms loosely draped around his neck. Taehyung’s jaw tightened slightly — he didn’t like the contact, but he allowed it, knowing his friends expected him to play the role of the popular, untouchable boyfriend.

Kai leaned back in his chair, swinging one leg lazily.

Kai - So, when are you going to buy your Gucci bag, Taehyung?

Taehyung’s brows furrowed. He exhaled sharply through his nose.

Taehyung - You know I don’t have enough money for it right now. Then why are you asking?

Kai - But you want it so bad, right?

Taehyung - Yeah, I do, but—

He was cut off by Jennie’s whiny voice as she tugged at his sleeve.

Jennie - Taehyung, I’m thirsty.

Taehyung didn’t hesitate. His gaze slid to Jack.

Taehyung - Jack, go and buy orange juice for my baby.

Jack groaned, clearly annoyed.

Jack - Why me? You already have your personal slave.

Taehyung’s eyes flicked across the room and landed on Jungkook. The boy was hunched over his desk, head bent low, scribbling furiously. His brows were knitted together — he was trying to finish his own homework, the one he hadn’t touched last night because he’d been too busy completing Taehyung’s.

A small smirk tugged at Taehyung’s lips.

Taehyung - Oh yeah… you’re right.

He straightened in his chair, his voice cutting across the room.

Taehyung - Pig.

The word made Jungkook flinch. He froze, pen slipping slightly in his grip. Without a second thought, he shoved his notebook aside and hurried toward Taehyung’s desk, head bowed.

Jungkook - Yes, master?

Taehyung lazily pulled out a few notes from his wallet and handed them over.

Taehyung - Go buy orange juice for Jennie. You can keep the change. Maybe buy something for yourself, too.

Jungkook glanced at the bills in his hand — 3000 won. His brows knitted together in confusion.

Jungkook - But… this is too much. Orange juice costs only 2000 won.

Taehyung tilted his head, his expression sharp.

Taehyung - So what?

Jungkook’s lips parted, then closed again. His fingers tightened around the money.

Jungkook (hesitantly) - U-umm… nothing.

Taehyung - Then what are you waiting for? Go bring the juice. My baby is thirsty.

Jungkook - Okay.

He turned quickly, clutching the money in his fist as though it might burn him. His shoulders slumped, but he didn’t protest. He never did.

Yes, Jungkook knew Taehyung had a girlfriend. He knew Taehyung was straight. He knew — with the cruel clarity of a knife twisting in his chest — that Taehyung would never be his. And still, no matter how brutally reality crushed him, his wretched heart crawled back to the same altar, bleeding itself dry for a love that was never his to hold. Loving Taehyung was not a choice anymore; it was a slow, merciless punishment he could never escape.