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→ the things i never told you — a jeongguk scenario [02]

member: jeon jeongguk

word count: 9.1k

genre: college!au + smut + fluff + slight crack + best friends to lovers (idiots to lover really)

warnings: mad pining but both side is oblivious / jk and oc like each other but there’s a misunderstanding between them / jealousy / taehyung is an instigator / future smut / it’s a no nut november fic so pretend it’s november plz / taehyung as the worst™ / oc is not a girl's girl im afraid (jealousy is a disease and she is chronically ill!!)

soundtracks: boy, (offonoff) + i love my boyfriend, (princess chelsea) + is it true, (tame impala) + fire & desire (drake)

summary: jeon jeongguk is your best friend—and nothing more. you’ve grown up with guy, watched him stumble through his awkward puberty, cheated on tests with him, witnessed his first kiss (which only happened because you persuaded him to kiss siyeon) which only strengthened your unbreakable bond. but now you’re in college and jeongguk isn’t an awkward preteen who needs your help to get girls anymore. it creeps onto you slowly, that feeling you’re harbouring for your best friend. but you’re determined to ignore—that is until taehyung sets of a chain of events that land you in a very interesting predicament.

PART — ONE // TWO (you are reading) // THREE

a/n: there are some drabbles (so called prerequisites) to this au that are not necessary to read but they would be fun to lol :) check my masterlist <3

You're aching to wipe off the smug look plastered across Taehyung's face. He'd welcomed you into his bedroom with a knowing smile, brown eyes glinting with irrepressible mischief. Every part of you wanted to turn around the moment you saw his face, but your pride wouldn’t let you, forcing your reluctant feet into his room and parking your butt onto his plush comforter.

"Okay so, what's our game plan?" He says, whirling around on the luxurious leather gaming chair that you know he purchased on his father's credit card. A card you would soon have access to if Taehyung ended up getting his way.

"Our plan?" you grumble, tucking your feet underneath you. "This is for you. What's your plan?"

Taehyung halts his movement at that, twisting the chair to face you, his eyebrow raised and one manicured finger lifting up to tap at his pink lips. His gaze is scrutinising as if he's attempting to piece you together. You don't like how exposed it makes you feel. "Regardless of who's plan, this is - I still need you to cooperate. If you could contribute instead of being difficult that would be appreciated. Need I remind you that you're also getting something out of this?"

You sigh heavily, curling into yourself. "Fine. What do you need me to do? We're meant to tempt Jeongguk, right?" You glance up to find him beaming at you again, a fox grin that makes your stomach churn.

"Exactly! By any chance do you know Jeongguk's type? Like what he's into?"

You hesitate for a brief moment, trying to gather the data surrounding that subject only to realise that you actually don't know much. Which is bizarre. Jeongguk is your longest friend but you don't know a single thing about what type of girl he’s into. You do know that he likes the pretty ones—but who doesn't. And it's not like he had an affinity for particular physical features. Or maybe he had mentioned them and you simply weren't paying attention during that conversation. Your face heats up from that realisation. It's peculiar to know how distant you've grown from Jeongguk over the years. Then it hits you, a click in your brain as you comb through your memory. Jeongguk had a massive crush on a girl during freshman year of high-school. Siyeon, if you remember correctly. She was incredibly cute, wide brown eyes and lush curly hair that all the boys liked. Jeongguk couldn't even say a word to her without falling all over himself. It was only with your help that she happened to be his first kiss. But that was in high-school. You're not clumsy teens stumbling through hormones and emotions anymore. You're just poorly functioning adults with too much access to alcohol stumbling through hormones and emotions now. And Jeongguk has grown into himself. His nose isn’t too big for his face anymore (to your dismal). He possess a natural charisma that draws everyone towards him as if he’s a massive magnet of likeability. Still, it's appalling that you know so little about your longest friend.

"Uhh...I actually don't know." It's embarrassing to admit and even Taehyung is dumbfounded, evident by the way his eyebrows raise to his hairline.

"Really?”

"Really," you deadpan, tone tinged with annoyance. "And don't you know? What with you being a sex connoisseur and all."

Taehyung has the audacity to wink. "Of course I do, I just thought you would have something to contribute to the conversation. But you don't, apparently."

That stings and Taehyung knows it from the glare you give him. But he just shrugs it off, shuffling onto his feet. "Since you have nothing to contribute, we'll base this plan around what I know Jeongguk likes. Do you already have a costume for the party?"

"No," You mumble, stretching onto his bed. But then the back of your palm comes in contact with something damp. "Tell me you've washed these sheets."

"Nope, I have not," He easily retorts, rummaging through his closet. You swiftly leap up from the bed, cheeks hot and your skin crawling.

"Taehyung," you hiss, glaring at the back of his head. He doesn't even bother to turn around, a complacent sigh falling from his lips as his fingers clasp onto the items he was searching for.

"What?" There's feigned innocence in his eyes when he finally turns around to meet your burning ones, the corners of his mouth ticking upwards.

"You can't cum on your sheets and not wash them!"

"Who said I was the one cumming on my sheets?" He coyly quirks an eyebrow, the glint in his eyes infuriating you. But before you can snap back he cuts through your anger with a soft laugh. "Please, I could never sleep in dirty sheets. It's probably just spilt coffee, Y/N. You're too dramatic."

You peer at the offending stain again and much to your chagrin, Taehyung is right. It's a damp dark spot on his navy bed-sheets but it's clearly not what you thought it was. There's a heat on your face when you sheepishly glance back at him.

"Sorry to assume," you mutter.

"You assume a lot of things all the time, you know that Y/N. Maybe ask before you make up your mind about things." It's a gentle chastisement and you hate to admit but Taehyung was right. Jumping to conclusions was a trait you despised about yourself but that never stopped you from diving head first into the false scenarios you'd drawn up in your mind. It's not the first time that illogical reasoning has landed you in an awkward moment. But it was difficult to break out of concrete habits.

"You're right," you reply instead, slumping back down onto his bed, bones weary. "Sorry again."

"It's fine," He says. "As for your costume, I have the perfect thing." You squint at the costume in his hands and your head nearly explodes. You can see it already, how that tiny thing would fit along the lines of your body, clinging to all the places that are bound to draw attention. But, Taehyung seems smug, tossing the flimsy fabric at your face as he moves towards his dresser. Your reflexes act swiftly, snatching the costume up from the air before it can tumble to the ground. But you're still not present, mind trying to piece together what Taehyung was implying. You've just admitted to jumping towards conclusions but you're still too shocked to not fall into old habits, your brain reeling when Taehyung plucks up the stethoscope dangling on the table, a satisfied smirk painted across his face.

"You're joking." It tumbles out of your mouth abruptly, mind still not quite connecting with your mouth just yet.

Taehyung's smirk broadens. "Absolutely not. Jeongguk loves a woman in a position of power. He's going to cream his pants the moment he sees you in that."

You roll your eyes hard. "Jeongguk doesn't find me attractive, why are you jumping to conclusions?"

Taehyung shrugs, a knowing look on his face. "Why are you jumping to conclusions? Also, try it on, I'm not sure if I got the right fit."

"You want me to undress? With you in the room?"

"Well, you wouldn't be the first girl to get naked in my room so don't think you're special."

He dumps the white lab coat he was clutching onto his desk, the stethoscope thumping hard onto the wood right after it. "I'm trying mine too, so we'll be naked together if that makes you feel better."

He's tugging his shirt over his head before you can snap out a retort, the word stuck in your throat when his span of golden skin hits your gaze. It's undeniable—Taehyung's got a great figure, broad shoulders and fit physique that has half the campus drooling after him. But it's such a weird sight to see Taehyung essentially naked that your eyes squeeze shut immediately. The darkness that greets your gaze is a blessing. You can hear his soft chuckles through the shifting sound of soft fabric being pulled on skin. There's finally a muted clink and you know that damn stethoscope is hanging around his neck, cool metal pressing against his prominent collarbones.

"You can open your eyes," Taehyung whispers, tone almost mocking. Your hands ball into fist instantly, eyebrows furrowing in annoyance when you finally crack your eyes open. He's leaning against his desk, slacks snug around his waist and his bare chest open for the world to view. The white lab coat barely does anything to hide his lean muscles which are tensed ever so slightly. The stethoscope is exactly where you'd envisioned it, dangling around his neck precariously. Something in you thinks it would be nice to tighten it around Taehyung's neck until he couldn't breathe. But you're also sure that Taehyung would enjoy that immensely.

"So? What do you think?" He twirls around for emphasis, a gleeful smile on his lips.

"When were doctors scary?" You comment instead, eyes landing on the bold V painted on the breast of his lab coat. "And what the hell does the V symbolise?"

"Hey! Doctors can be scary. People have a fear of doctors. And personally,” he gestures at his bare chest. "I believe that Halloween is a time to express your sexuality freely. Case in point, I am a sexy doctor and you, my dear Y/N, are a sexy nurse."

Your eye twitches.

"As for the V," he traces the letter, a glimmer in his brown eyes. "It stands for vagina, obviously. I'm Doctor Vagina. I fix all coochie problems with the use of my tongue and hands and for special patrons my amazing—"

"I hate you," you grumble, kneading at your nose bridge with your fingertips. You're too young to suffer from high blood pressure right now.

"You do not," he retorts, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. "Now come on, try the costume."

"I can't believe you're making us wear matching costumes," you reply, "And at least have the decency to turn around when I'm changing, Taehyung." He moves without a complaint, rocking on the soles of his feet as your strip on his bed. The silence makes your skin prickle, the cool air in the room sharp on your bare skin. Thankfully, Taehyung's mouth falls open, a comment that makes you pause in your dressing floating out.

"You'll know why we're wearing matching costumes when we get there. Trust the process, little one."

You squint at the back of his head, pulling the scant fabric over your body. Taehyung must have snuck a peek at your measurements because it fits fairly accurately, stopping mid-thigh so it's scandalous but not to the point where your butt is hanging out. There's a dangerous dip at the cleavage though, that has you doubting Taehyung's motives. And coupled with his strange comment, you're suddenly on edge. Because while you appreciate Taehyung's company and his wild antics, you do not trust him at all.

↯↯↯

mr struggle (09:23pm)

hey? r u coming to jimins?

we could match if u don't have a costume

i know u don't have a costume lmao

come as my sexy vampire mistress

mr struggle (09:52pm)

are you coming?

mr struggle (11:19pm)

chaeyoung's here where are you?

mr struggle (11:34pm)

hello?

y/n?

whats going on?

↯↯↯

"I still don't see Halloween in these costumes," you grumble, getting out of the Uber as Taehyung pays the driver. "It's freezing and I'm wearing this. If I get a cold Taehyung, I'll slit your throat."

The driver gives you a funny look but keeps whatever thoughts she has to herself. Taehyung smiles at you instead, sweeping a hand around your waist as you walk up to Jimin's house. There's already an array of inebriated college kids spewed across his clipped green lawn. You spy someone throwing up in the bushes, a tiny girl with wide eyes and angel wings strapped on her back holding a bottle of water crouched down beside them. How Jimin managed to keep throwing these parties despite the damage people inflicted on his home was beyond you.

"Please don't," Taehyung says, waving fondly at the girl whose friend was throwing up. "You look very good in that costume and that's the only thing you need to be concerned about. "

"Who's that?" You question, digging for your phone in the pocket of his black slacks. There was nowhere on your person that you could hide that thing. Your bra was a potential spot but you'd rather not have a huge rectangle outline on your tit right now.

"Jieun. She's been texting me." You notice her cheeks redden underneath the bright porch lights. "She's cute isn't she?"

"Yeah," you mumble, your brain painfully reminding you of Nayoung. There's a foreign feeling bubbling in your chest, whenever your mind brings her up. You don't want to say you don't like her. She's done nothing to you. Apart from flirting with your best friend. But why should that bother you?

The heavy bass of the song echoing throughout the house drowns the voice in your head. There's still a twang in your heart as you step inside the house, Taehyung's hand snug around your waist. It's astonishingly loud, the shifting fluorescent lights bathing the living room in a vibrant rainbow. Jimin's home feels massive and small at the same time, jammed with bodies that melt into each other and yet stand separate at the same time. Taehyung holds onto your hand tight, greeting a group of boys you don't know as he drags you further into the sea of bodies overtaking Jimin's living room. Your eyes flash over Jackson, another business major that you know Taehyung is close to. He's staring at you hard, gaze dipping to your cleavage before floating back to your face, a cordial smile on his face. He looks like he's about to talk to you, stepping forward with the offer of a cup in his hands. But as much as you need the liquor to warm your freezing fingers and toes, you'd rather not have a conversation with Jackson right now.

There's a text from Chaeyoung on your phone that spares you from the torture of a potential dreary conversation. She's out on the back porch, probably scouting for her next victim. You bid Taehyung goodbye with a quick 'see you later' before he can protest, slipping your phone back into his pocket and bolting into the crowd. You spot her quickly enough. It's hard to miss her in that skin-tight black suit with a whip cradled in her hand.

"Sexy nurse," she comments, red-stained lips spreading into a wicked grin. "That's hot."

"Please don't," you say, reaching for her cup. You down it without looking at the contents. But the burn you feel in your throat a second later makes you shove it right back into her hands. "Gin?" You splutter, the fire from the liquor kissing your oesophagus as it travels down to sit hot in your stomach."Not even with a mixer?"

"I'm getting fucked up tonight, love. Don't expect anything else."

"Please don't end up in the ICU."

"No promises," Chaeyoung replies, her gaze drifting to the group of girls huddled in the corner of the backyard. "I also need you to be my wing-woman real quick."

"Who?" You question, following her eyes. "And you look hot too. I dig the whole dominatrix vibes."

"Cat-woman is my role model," She replies, fiddling with the cat ears on her headband. "The one in the Tinkerbell costume. She's an exchange student."

"Oh," You say. The girl is cute, a lithe figure covered by a shimmering costume and long dark hair curling around her face. But then your gaze shifts to the rest of the girls surrounding her and your heart drops to your stomach. You know her face anywhere now. It keeps appearing every time you close your eyelids, your own personal phantom.

Jessica Rabbit. Nayoung is dressed as Jessica Rabbit. You hate to admit but she looks gorgeous. The glittery ruby fabric of her dress clings to every dip and curve in her body. Your fingers itch with the desire to snatch that wig off her head. It looks incredible against her tan skin, soft auburn waves framing her oval face. You don't think you can feel any other sort of envy but then she moves and the dress shimmers in the lights. Her long leg dips out from the high slit cut into the fabric, teasing the promise of something more.

You instantly snatch up Chaeyoung's cup again.

She peers you closely, eyebrows furrowed in concern. But you say nothing, mouth in a hard line because Nayoung looks perfect and it makes you feel sick. The costume on your skin suddenly feels stupid, a cheap version of her glowing beauty across the lawn. You don't like the pounding in your head but you drown it out with the heat of the liquor slipping down your throat. Your chest feels tight when you finally part your lips off the rim of the cup, mouth coated in the bitter aftertaste of liquor.

"What's gotten into you?" Chaeyoung questions, gingerly plucking the cup from your tight grip.

"Nothing," you hiss, focusing on the heat spreading across your chest instead of the pretty smile gracing Nayoung's lips. It feels wrong to dislike her, but you can't help the abhorrence that builds within you. It feels stronger than you initially thought it was. Perhaps it's because you forgot how gorgeous she is. She would look incredible next to Jeongguk—a pretty combination, an even prettier couple. Something about that the thought of that turns makes your insides burn.

"Well," Chaeyoung comments, tone coated in disbelief. You sneak a glimpse at her face, noting how her gaze is locked on Nayoung instead of the girl she was hoping to make a move on. "If you don't want to get unbelievably smashed tonight, I suggest you stop downing my drinks. And it's okay if you don't want to be my wing-woman. I don't want to remind you how lonely you are."

You playfully punch her arm, a half-hearted glower on your face. "Please, why would I need to get laid when I have my trusty vibrator. No feelings, no mess. And I always cum."

"Sleeping with a girl would give you the same results, you know." You snort loudly at that, snaking an arm around Chaeyoung's neck. There's a smile sneaking back onto your face.

"Alright then, you're a lesbian. There are some rooms upstairs, let's go."

Chaeyoung elbows your ribs, latching her crimson lips back onto her cup. "You wouldn't be able to handle me. Stick with your men," she mumbles, brown eyes sparkling. "Speaking of men, Jeongguk was looking for you earlier."

"Jeongguk?" It’s like you’ve been dunked in ice water, skin prickling at the mention of his name. "Why?"

"No idea. I told him you were coming with Taehyung though. Maybe you should look for him while I score myself a cute girl." She's shrugging your arm off her shoulders, feet already taking confident strides towards the gaggle of girls on the lawn. "I think he's upstairs, try looking there first." You snatch the cup she's shoving into your hands and watch her amble off, a strange emotion settling heavy in your stomach that you attempt to ignore. But curiosity gets the best of you, feet already turning back towards the house. You can barely get past the sea of bodies accompanying Jimin's living room, the loud bass reverberating inside your head as you shove your way past everyone, eventually reaching the stairs. Your steps are precarious, the heels Taehyung had insisted you don digging into the soles of your feet. If he failed to fulfil the foot massage he promised you, you were going to castrate him.

Even upstairs the music echoes, loud enough that the wall vibrates as you lean against it, letting a couple of people who'd trailed after you pass as you recollect your spinning emotions. You languidly sip at Chaeyoung's cup, forcing down the repulsion you feel every time the alcohol hits the back of your throat. There's already a fuzziness obscuring your reasoning but that doesn't stop you from swallowing another gulp. Maybe that's why you don't see him approaching, your head thumping along to the heavy bass, too preoccupied to focus on anything other than the deafening music and the drink in your head.

"Oh." It's a murmur, nearly drowned by the loud music but you instantly pick up on it and then you're suddenly upright, eyes alert as you take him in.

Jeongguk's wearing the dark ripped jeans that you think he's abused his rights to wear by now. The denim stretches over his burly thighs, threatening to burst due to his large muscles that are tense underneath the fabric. There's a half-tucked crisp white shirt draping over his broad shoulders, the top buttons undone to allow his collarbones to peek through. They’re perfect bold dips along his shoulders that you strangely yearn to press your lips against. The shirt fits perfectly around his lithe waist, gently billowing over the muscles you know are hiding beneath the sheer fabric. One of the many things that had changed about Jeongguk was his physique. He'd always been fit but joining the baseball team had completely altered the way he treated his body. He was in the gym more often than he was in the library if you're being honest here. The only thing terrible about his approach to health was his diet. It's unfair, how much junk Jeongguk can consume without a single flab of fat forming over his sculpted abs.

"A vampire," you comment, noting his slicked-back dark hair and the smidgen of crimson smeared at the corner of his lips. "Sexy." Your heart is beating loud in your head. Maybe it's the lights or your increasing inhibition but your eyes swiftly pick up on the bright blush spreading across his cheeks.

"Thank you," he murmurs, shifting closer. There's a glimmer of a smile gracing his petal lips. "You look really nice too. I dig the whole," he clears his throat, hand rising to flick at your cap, "Nurse thing. Very sexy."

"Please," you roll your eyes. "My tits are going to freeze off in this thing."

He laughs, a low sound that echoes inside you. "That won’t happen on my watch." The comment makes your skin warm, but you attribute that as a result of the alcohol rather than lack of distance between the two of you. "And I was looking for you," he continues, eyes settling on your own. It's oddly serious, this gaze. You doubt Jeongguk has had anything to drink yet, due to the clarity he stares at you with. "You weren't answering your texts," It's a whine, his lips pursed into a pretty pout.

"Taehyung has my phone," You say, flicking his nose. "Where are your fangs, Mr Vampire."

"...Taehyung." he says, blatantly ignoring your question.

"Yes," you reply, missing the discontent lacing his voice. "There are no pockets in this stupid costume and since it was his idea for me to wear it, I made him carry my phone." You're rambling now, tongue loose as your inhibition declines. Jeongguk just stares at you, brown eyes unusually hard. His gaze dips down to your costume again, but there's a hidden emotion swimming behind this particular observation.

"Taehyung made you wear this?"

You giggle, leaning into Jeongguk because your balance is off. "Yeah but I think it's funny too. He dressed up as a doctor so we're matching."

There's a pause, loaded with an emotion you can't pinpoint, filled by the echo of the music. Yet your chest remains hollow, and suddenly you can't look away from his intense gaze.

"Couple costumes?" he gingerly asks, eyebrows furrowed. You nod, bringing Chaeyoung's cup to your mouth again. Maybe the liquor will fill the aching emptiness inside of you.

"Cute." It's said harshly like he's forcing the word from his mouth. "You should have told me you were dressing up with Taehyung. You've been ignoring my texts."

You swiftly tear your eyes away from his, your gaze now on the floor. You feel embarrassed but you shouldn't because Jeongguk is right—you have been avoiding him. It's not like you get to see him every day, your majors being very different and demanding in their own way. But you've blatantly avoided his text messages, something inside you refusing to communicate with him ever since you’d stumbled on him whispering sweet nothings into Nayoung’s ear. A part of you feels bad, but then you remember how close they looked, huddled together in their own world, perfect in that moment. The image in your mind alone is enough to make you feel like a knife has been driven through your gut.

"Sorry, I've been super busy." You settle for that. It is true, you have been drowning under assignments but that has never stopped you from texting Jeongguk before. He quirks an eyebrow, and you know he knows you're not telling the truth. But before he can push it, mouth already open, there's a voice cutting through the moment.

"Jeongguk!" You know it's her instantly. You despise how you feel yourself shrivel up as you watch his gaze rise, brown eyes sparkling as he takes her in. He's seeing the stupidly fitted crimson dress and her delicate collarbones and her perfectly painted red lips. Would it be terrible to punch him right in the gut at this very moment? Your hands are already curled up in tight balls, your nails digging into the skin of your palm with vehemence.

"Nayoung?" Her name sounds good on his tongue, naturally rolling out from between his lips. Your eyes are twitching. "Hey," he has that tone in his voice, the one he uses when he's trying to get himself laid. You don't bother to turn around as he pushes himself off the wall, his shirt getting tugged down lower in the process. You already know she's eating it up and you hate yourself for disliking her.

"What are you doing hiding up here?" There's a lightness in her voice that makes your skin crawl.

"Just needed a breather," Jeongguk mumbles. And then you hear their bodies collide. A hug. He's hugging her. You tip the remnants of the cup down your throat swiftly.

"It is crowded down there," she says. Her voice is obscured and something in you knows that she's mumbling into his chest. You take a deep breath and force yourself to twist around, your tongue pressing against your teeth as your eyes take in the scene before you. Her hands are tight around his waist, plum nails splayed across his broad back. You suddenly feel like you're encroaching on their moment, your back plastered against the wall in hesitation. There's a weight on your tongue. It sits heavy in your mouth, eyes observing how they sway together, a soft slow moment that makes you want to disappear. You're not been seen anyway. Jeongguk's face is tucked near her ear, his mouth moving but you fail to hear the words he whispers. They're carried away by the deafening bass which matches the tempo of your erratic heartbeat. It's starting to hurt, with how fast it's slamming into your chest. No one would miss you if you just got up and left, would they? They're too caught up in their little bubble and you're starting to feel sick as you watch Nayoung giggle into Jeongguk's chest.

But the moment you get up to move, her eyes slide towards you. You hate that you cower away.

"Hi! Y/N!" Nayoung's arms drop from Jeongguk's waist and you suddenly feel light. "I saw you earlier but I didn't say hello!"

You're about to say something but suddenly she's tugging you into a warm hug, her arms resting around your shoulders. You move slowly, reciprocating the motion but you doubt your hug holds the same amount of warmth hers does. Everything in you feels cold, despite the buzz of liquor beneath your skin and you try your best to not visibly show your repugnance, touching her gingerly and keeping your eyes off Jeongguk entirely.

"You look great! I saw Taehyung downstairs, are you guys matching or?" Her eyes are too fucking bright, a perfectly straight dark line framing them. You hate that you note that, especially when she's looking at you with a warm grin. It's not like Jeongguk would know whether her eyeliner was perfect or not - he thought your eyelash curler was something for nails for God's sake. But still, there's a sudden weight reappearing on your chest and you instantly feel small, Nayoung's beaming smile too much for you to handle.

"Yeah, we're matching," you mumble, gently shrugging her arms off you. You don’t know how she knows Taehyung but you’re not interested enough to question it. Her gaze dampens immediately when you subtly push her away, something that makes you feel bitterly bright inside. "I actually need to find him. I'll see you guys around."

She just nods, her gaze trailing after your retreating figure. You slide past Jeongguk's outstretched hand, but he still grabs onto you, a question in his eyes. You gesture towards your empty cup and pull away before he can say anything else.

"See you," you murmur, bounding back down the stairs. There's too much going on in your head right now and you'd rather not think about any of those things. Your feet take you right back into the kitchen, where you find Taehyung perched on one of the counters, a bold lipstick mark pressed against his chest. He must read the frustration in your hunched shoulders easily enough, because he jumps down swiftly, plucking the cup right out of your hands. Jackson's still at his side and you don't miss how his eyes linger on you.

"What's wrong, buttercup?" Taehyung says, dumping some vile concoction into your cup. It smells rancid despite the pretty peach colour.

"Who made this?" You question trying to deflect him from prodding at your emotions, your nose crinkling at the pet name. "And don't call me that."

"Jimin of course," Taehyung retorts. He hands it back to you with a grin. "It doesn't taste that bad."

He's wrong. It tastes horrendous. You gag the moment the liquid hits the back of your throat, burning violently as it slides down your oesophagus, much to Taehyung's amusement.

"Where is he anyway?" You choke out, eyeing the lip marks on Taehyung's chest. "I haven't seen him and this is his house. And who is kissing your boobs?"

His eyes glimmer. "Those are Jimin's lips, love. He's around, you'll see him eventually. And you haven't answered my question. Have you seen Jeongguk yet?"

The mention of his name has your heart thumping hard against your ribs. "I've seen him," you mutter, pushing the rim of the cup onto your lips. Taehyung waits for you to drink, staring at you with an expectant face.

"And?" He finally splutters when you refuse to continue.

"He's with someone," you reply, tapping your fingers against the plastic cup.

"Who?" You send him a glare but Taehyung doesn't flinch, his eyebrows quirked and his eyes locked on you.

"Her name is Nayoung." It leaves a bitter aftertaste on your tongue. "I don't think you need me to help you win, honestly. Jeongguk's going to lose soon. Probably tonight. If you haven't already lost to Jimin, you'll win this thing for sure."

"Jimin and I aren't fucking," Taehyung retorts, a hand coming down on your waist. It surprises you, the sudden intimate touch. But you're too inebriated to push him away. His eyes are on the doorway behind you, slightly squinted as he focuses on the object of his interest. "And if Jeongguk is going to lose right now, why is he coming downstairs with a very pretty girl behind him?"

You immediately move to twist, wanting to see whatever Taehyung was staring at but his firm-wide hand is suddenly wrapped around your neck, gently deterring the movement. You stare at him in bewilderment but Taehyung doesn't acknowledge your confusion. The hand on your waist is suddenly gripping you with purpose.

"Don't look," He whispers. "They're coming here." He gingerly cups your cheek, thumb pressing against your cheeks, You feel like Taehyung is on to something you are not because the intention behind that whisper is lost on you. But you follow it regardless, noting the grin tugging at Jackson's mouth. There is definitely something going on. You want to question them, but then Jeongguk's voice sharply cuts through the concerns running through your mind.

"Taehyung?"

The man in question beams, the palm on your cheek sliding down your arm, joining his other hand to settle on your waist. His eyes glitter as he takes in Jeongguk, mouth open with a warm greeting. You take the opportunity to finally turn around, your heart dropping into your stomach when your eyes land on Nayoung's arm, neatly tangled around Jeongguk's. She's leaning into him—it's almost territorial at this point. A clear indication that this was her's. You hate that he's not even bothered in the slightest, allowing her to rest her head against his. You're so caught up in analysing the touch they're sharing that you completely miss the glare Jeongguk is giving the hand on your waist. His eyes are hard, a line forming between his eyebrows.

Taehyung does though and the grin on his mouth broadens. "Jeongguk! How are you? Who's this?" He tugs you closer, slipping his arm around your waist smoothly, noting the subtle tick in Jeongguk's jaw. You're still too caught up on how pretty Nayoung looks draped over Jeongguk, like they belong together, to push Taehyung's firm grip away.

"Nayoung," she says, smile elegant. You gulp down the punch Taehyung had poured for you. "And you’re Taehyung right? Jeongguk’s said a lot about you!"

"Good things I hope," he says, grinning easy as he nestles you further into him. You don't bother to contribute to the conversation, not in the mood to feign liking Nayoung for a moment longer. But Jeongguk is oddly silent too, standing still in the kitchen, his eyes locked on you.

"Your costumes are so cute," she giggles. "Couple costumes are super adorable!"

You'd like it if she stopped talking right now.

"It was my idea," Taehyung offers into the beat of silence. Then he turns to you, fingers digging ever so slightly into your hip. "I told you you would look great." It’s said coyly, his brown eyes glinting. You open your mouth to snap at him, the invasion of your personal space sending your hackles raising—but Jeongguk's talking before you can string together a sentence.

"Could you move, you're blocking the drinks,” he hisses, shrugging his arm away from Nayoung. You suddenly feel like you can breathe again. Not that you were aware that you were holding it in the first place.

"Sorry," he says, tone not apologetic at all. Taehyung drags you with him, leading you right into the corner right where Jackson is perched. You don't look back, too afraid that you'll find Nayoung leaning on him again. You focus instead on the grin Jackson throws at Taehyung. You don't miss how amused both of them are. They're trying to hide it but their lips are caught in between the teeth, laughter dancing in their eyes.

"What's going on?" You question, chewing on the rim of your cup.

"The plan," Taehyung remarks, grinning at Jackson.

"What does this have to do with the plan?" You're too inebriated to reasonably piece everything together but that doesn’t stop you from ardently attempting to understand what they're implying. You're still confused though, stumbling through the dark as Jackson and Taehyung murmur into each other's ears.

"Hey," you finally comment. "Don't do that in front of me."

"Sorry," Jackson replies, staring past you. "But this is actually hilarious. Taehyung you sick genius."

"Can I please know what the joke is?" You snap, eyeing the two of them.

"You'll know eventually. It's a guy thing." Taehyung's too busy typing something on his phone to look at you but you hope he feels the glare you give him.

"Just because I have a vagina I wouldn't understand? That's rich, Taehyung."

He glances up, tucking the device back into his pockets. "You would understand if you looked around you and paid attention for once. For someone so smart, you rarely do." His eyes are scanning the kitchen, completely ignoring the fire in your eyes. "Now, personally. I didn't just come here to stand around. Since I'm not getting laid, I would like to do something with my body. Can I wipe that frown off your face with a dance, love?"

"Stop calling me that," You snap but you let him lace your fingers together. Taehyung smiles in response, tugging your body closer to his. You're grateful for the support because you're starting to teeter on your heels, your sense of balance is quickly vanishing as the liquor kicks in. Jackson follows wordlessly, disappearing into the crowd a second later. But that's not on the forefront of your mind because you immediately spot Jeongguk and Nayoung in the corner of the room. He's leaning against the wall, her palm splayed across his chest. There's something tight squeezing your heart, and it propels your feet right into the sea of people. It's branded in your vision, the fond gaze he's giving her as they chat. You're starting to feel sick to your stomach, but it's hard to pretend like everything is fine when you know just a few feet away Nayoung is throwing herself all over Jeongguk. And she has every right to do so, he's your best friend after all. You should be happy for him. She's incredibly nice, matches his confidence and has a beautiful face to boot. But instead, you're swimming in a sea of green envy, spurred by the lack of self-control you feel right now.

You're aching to punch something.

Instead, you down the rest of your drink, dumping the cup on a stool before hauling Taehyung right into the sea of people. You desperately want to wash your envy away but instead, you sink deeper into it, drowning in emotions you're too terrified to name. Taehyung's laughing in your ear, gently directing you closer to where they're huddled. You don't want to see them together but at the same time, you're afraid to glance away. She's so close, her face nestled right against his. The lack of space between them makes the air around you vanish. But then Taehyung is pressing his body against yours, an easy smile on his lips as his hands settle on your hips. You rip your eyes away from them to stare at him, body moving to the rhythm of the song playing involuntarily.

Maybe he notes the despair in your eyes because he leans in. "Just dance, it's okay." It's oddly comforting, hearing those words drift out of Taehyung's mouth and you can't help but fold into his waiting arms, heart calming when his hands wrap around you. You rest your head on his shoulder without thinking, head pounding in time with the heavy bass reverberating inside the room, body moving without thinking. Taehyung lets you rest, his hands not dipping below your back, respectful enough to stay put. This song is too upbeat to slow dance too but he doesn't push you to move, uncharacteristically patient. Your mind starts to clear, but you still make a mental note to question Jackson and Taehyung later—that's if you even remember. Time is already starting to melt into itself, your brain fuzzy. Taehyung keeps you upright, humming softly into your ear. The gentleness of the action makes you smile, your eyes floating over the crowd that pulses around you.

There's a sharp jolt in your system when you find Jeongguk staring right at you.

Nayoung's still talking, you can see her glossy lips moving in the dim light of the living room. But Jeongguk is not paying her an ounce of attention. There's a vein throbbing on his forehead, his jaw set with annoyance that you immediately recognise. It makes something spark in your chest, a violent rush of emotions that has you leaning away from Taehyung like you've been set alight.

He reacts quickly, eyebrows raised and the hand on your hip light. "What?"

"Nothing," you mumble. But you can feel it, the hardness in his eyes. The intensity of that gaze lingers in your head. There are things you want to ask, things you want to say. But you bite them back down, tongue stuck to the roof of your mouth. Instead, you zone in on Taehyung's face in front of you. He's still cradling you gently but all of a sudden you can see Nayoung all over Jeongguk. You do it without thinking, spinning around so that your back is plastered against him. He's flummoxed, fumbling over his words as you place his hands on your waist.

"Y/N? What the hell are you doing?" He mumbles, breath tickling the base of your neck.

"I'm dancing," You retort.

"With your ass on my dick? Do you want me to lose?" He sighs, exasperated but he doesn't let go of your hips, gingerly guiding you against him. "This is not part of the plan."

"Let me just dance," You hiss, shifting Taehyung around so that he's still cemented against you, but Jeongguk is now in your direct line of vision.

Everything in you buzzes the moment your gazes meet, nerves burning within his eyes. It's oddly exhilarating, knowing Jeongguk's eyes are you even though Nayoung is rambling right at his face. Maybe you push yourself further into Taehyung, maybe you roll your hips a little harder, maybe your heart is pounding in your chest. You don't intend to acknowledge any of this, now or later, your actions spurred by unadulterated spite.

"Oh." Taehyung's not complaining, tucking his face right into the hollow of your neck. He keeps his crotch at a safe distance though but he doesn't hesitate to do something that makes your whole body shiver dangerously. It's just one quick motion, a light nip at your neck that has your mouth parting in wonder..

You don't see it, vision clouded at that very moment but Jeongguk's entire face changes. His jaw ticks, a harsh glare set in his eyes as he watches the two of you, the grip around his cup taut. Nayoung's notices it then, the fact that she's been talking to a stone wall for the past few minutes. She turns her head, eyes falling on what he's staring so intently at. It leaves her heart clenching but she had a feeling. He calls you his best friend but he looks like he wants to punch a wall right now. Some part of her is irritated, but she also can't be bothered to press this issue further. That's between the two for you to solve, in her opinion. But when she draws her gaze back to Jeongguk, he's looking at her. She does it because he's incredibly cute and she's spent all night talking to a boy who wasn't the slightest bit interested in her. It wouldn't harm her, and you look too preoccupied to notice it anyway. Plus, he'd asked, every so nicely with that charming smile of his tugging at his lips. It's harmless, right? All's fair in love and war.

Maybe you shouldn't have opened your eyes then, because your vision focuses for a brief moment, everything else falling away. There's a silence in your head that not even Taehyung's warm laughter can break through.

All because Jeongguk is kissing Nayoung.

↯↯↯

It's Chaeyoung who finds you.

You shouldn't be surprised, she does have a sixth sense for when you are feeling volatile and irate. It doesn't even seem like she was truly looking for you in the first place. The door just opens and her head peeks around the corner, platinum blonde bob bouncing with the sudden motion. And then her eyes land on your huddled figure in the corner of the bathroom, her gaze immediately softening and her crimson lips tightly pursing together.

"Tell me you're not sitting down on a dirty bathroom floor," she says, shutting the door behind her as her heels clink against the tiles. You glance up as you tuck your hands underneath your chin.

"No, I'm obviously levitating right now."

Chaeyoung clicks her tongue, squatting down before you, the black leather of her suit straining over her thighs. "Well aren't you in a cheery mood. What's got you feeling sour?"

"Nothing." It's hard to declare out loud because if you do then you're admitting it to yourself. And you'd rather shoot yourself in the foot than utter the words violently ricocheting around in your brain. You shift your eyes onto the floor, despising the knowing look Chaeyoung is giving you. Maybe she doesn't know exactly what's wandering in your mind but you know, she knows that there's something that you're hiding from there.

It's evident by the heavy exhale she lets out, bottom touching the cold ground as she crosses her legs in front you. "That's a lie and you know it. I can't believe you're making me sit on the bathroom floor, but we need to talk about this."

"No, we don't," you retort. It's harsh and you know it is, but you absolutely don't want to prod further into the jungle of emotions that are creating a frantic turmoil inside you right now. It would be better to just ignore them, blame it on the alcohol and the absence of someone warming your bed. A minuscule part of you is fully aware that that is a massive lie. Chaeyoung barely reacts, tugging her headband off her head and tossing it into the corner.

"God, that was irritating me. And yes, we do need to talk about it. You're busy sulking in the bathroom while everyone is having a fabulous time—that sounds like a problem to me. A problem that needs solving." She's giving you a pointed look, fingertips gently massaging the sides of her scalp.

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"But you need to," Chaeyoung retorts. She's completely right, you do need to talk about this but, it's like opening Pandora's box. Too much to unpack, too much damage that can be done by taking a closer look at this mess of feelings inside of you. It would be easier to just pretend they don't exist at all.

"I don't," you insist. "And I thought you were getting smashed—why are you more sober than me?"

She shrugs. "I remembered that I'm going to have a terrible hangover tomorrow and I'd rather not deal with that."

"And what about the girl?" You're attempting to distract her but you know Chaeyoung can't be deterred when she sets her mind on something. It's a terrifying trait; one you abhor and admire simultaneously. But then her eyes glaze over and you think you've done it—finally turned the conversation off the one thing you were hoping to forget tonight.

"The girl? Her name is Momo. She's so cute, a transfer from Japan. I got her number, can you imagine?" There's a silence that you don't know what to fill with, carefully observing the way her eyes glitter at the mention of the girl's name. Her infatuation is endearing and you can't help the small smile that slips onto your lips. But then your brain does something you loathe and you see it with such clarity that your throat closes up. Nayoung's mouth all over Jeongguk's, his arms snug around her waist. And then the vision alters into the warm loving gaze Nayoung was giving him. It physically makes you sick to know that they're out there in this very building, probably with their hands all over each other. Maybe that's why you're hiding away in this room, sealing yourself out from the vexation and envy you feel. But you shouldn't be feeling those things in the first place. That was your best friend. Only your best-friend, nothing more. That's all Jeongguk is to you.

The pain in your heart isn't new but it's overwhelming enough that it takes you by surprise. You fold into yourself, hoping the world doesn't hear the forlorn twang echoing inside your chest.

But Chaeyoung must read it on your face because she's suddenly shifting closer, her warm arms wrapping themselves around you. You melt into the hug, detesting the tightness surrounding your thumping heart. You're too faded to be dealing with all of this now, but it's hitting you with no remorse, these feelings looming over your head dangerously.

"Hey," she murmurs against your ear. It's soft, carried by the muted bass seeping into the bathroom. "Whatever it is, we'll work it out. It's alright. We can talk about it later."

You hum, fully knowing that you'll never even attempt to have this conversation again. It's too much for you to process let alone actually mutter out loud. You'll swallow this all down even if it chokes you in the process. But Chaeyoung doesn't read that in your noise of acknowledgement, gently patting your back as your rest against her, the silence punctuated by the occasional rowdy yell and the low vibrating off the walls. It's unusually calm, and the effect of it gradually takes over you, a quietness settling in your brain. You focus on that, clearing your head leaving only the resolution to forget this ever happening cemented in your thoughts.

And then all of that is shattered when the door is kicked open.

You spring apart, annoyance bleeding onto your face but then your gaze catches that stupid white lab coat and the large offending 'V' etched on it.

"Y/N?" Taehyung says, stepping unabashedly into the bathroom, oblivious to the atmosphere he's just interrupted. "I've been looking for you everywhere! You just vanished!"

Which is true, you had left him stranded on the dance floor once your brain processed what was going on between Jeongguk and Nayoung. But you had to leave before you did something incredibly stupid and ruined a life long friendship. Your irritation must be rubbing off on Chaeyoung because she's glancing up at him with the same frown etched on your face.

"Haven't you heard of knocking? What if we were fucking?" You sneak a glimpse at her, the image she's providing slightly jarring. But she also has a point.

Taehyung shrugs. "Wouldn't change a damn thing. You would have to stop too because I need to talk to Y/N. Like right now."

Your eyebrows kiss your hairline as you stagger up from the floor, tugging the hem of your minuscule dress down forcefully.

"Aren't you popular tonight," Chaeyoung comments, rising up with you. "So, we're here. Talk." There's an edge in her voice. You'd always gotten the feeling that Chaeyoung did not mesh well with Taehyung at all, but it's extremely evident in this very moment, the tension between them palpable. You draw your lip between your teeth, not missing the irritated glance he throws in her direction before he digs in hands into the pockets of his slacks, drawing out your phone.

"Here, I wanted to give you this. There's something else we need to talk about but we'll do that in private." There's a deliberate pause here but Taehyung doesn't let his gaze stray to Chaeyoung's infuriated face. "I'll text you. But I have to ask, are you okay? You got up and left all of a sudden. I thought you were going to throw up or something."

Your smile is small as you pluck the device from his hands, eyes locked on his expectant ones. You know what he's hinting at, but that can be discussed later. And it's rather nice to know that Taehyung was concerned about someone other than himself for a brief moment.

"I'm fine," you say, swiping at your screen. There are a couple messages from Jeongguk but you blatantly choose to ignore them, your skin prickling at just the sight of his name. "I'm just tired. I actually think I'll leave right now."

"You sure? Jeongguk's looking for you," Taehyung says. There's something hidden in his tone that you can't identify. Chaeyoung does though because her defensive system is all the way at one thousand instantly.

"He hasn't found her? That's his loss. Come on, we're leaving now." Her hands are wrapped around yours immediately, gingerly tugging you out of the room. You can't even muster a reply, suffocating on the tension between the two of them. But you do manage to give him a hurried wave, stumbling over your heels as Chaeyoung drags you towards the stairwell. Taehyung watches with a bitter smile, the red lipstick print plastered onto his chest staring at you almost accusingly. It's then you remember the exchange between Taehyung and Jackson. And with how his eyes settle on your retreating figure, you know deep inside that there's something else going on. You need to pin him down, interrogate him until he spills whatever is roaming inside his head. But you already feel lethargic, struggling to get down the stairs as your bones grow heavy in your body. Chaeyoung helps you along, wordless, a crease between her forehead that leaves you curious. Maybe you need to interrogate her too. There's too much that you feel like you don't know right now. But there's also a lot that you're avoiding coming to terms with. Maybe being the dark about that would benefit you. Sometimes knowing everything is worse than knowing nothing. And there are a lot of things you'd rather not know anything about right now. The subject matter itself begins with a bold brazen 'J'.

Chaeyoung calls the Uber and you're suddenly grateful for the packed house. It means you don't have to see him. And that's all that matters at the moment - well that and getting home in one piece.

↯↯↯

mr struggle (02:05am)

helloo!

y/n

wgete r u!!

wher e did u goooooo

oh fucj

imissu

mr struggle (03:23am)

hey

hey wgere r u!!

taehyung