Ambivalence || TAEJIN

11. MISUNDERSTANDING

Jin patted Jungkook's back, saying, "It's okay, Kookie. I'm still here, right? So, how are things going between you and Jimin?"

Jungkook flashed his bunny smile, saying, "We're back to normal, hyung."

**
On the other side, Taehyung was humming his favorite song as he walked to the locker room to store his belongings. He was in a good mood, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. As he approached the locker room door, he spotted Jungkook and Jin huddled together in the corner.

Initially, Taehyung considered approaching them, but then he remembered that he and Jungkook were still not on good terms. So, he decided to stand back and observe instead. He was about to walk away, but his curiosity got the better of him, and he wanted to know what they were discussing.

As he listened in, he heard Jin say, "Really, Jungkook, I'm so happy, baby." Taehyung's eyes widened in shock when he heard Jin address Jungkook as 'baby.' He peeked inside the locker room to see Jin hugging Jungkook.

Jungkook broke free from the hug and said, "Yes, hyung, but remember, I love you the most, hmm?" Jin smiled and replied, "I love you too, Kookie. I'm really happy." Then, Jin stood on his toes and kissed Jungkook's forehead.
(A/N: Yes Jin is shorter here. He is of the same height as Hobi)

Taehyung couldn't take it anymore. He turned around and walked away, feeling an inexplicable pang of hurt. He couldn't understand why Jin's words, directed at Jungkook, affected him so deeply. Jin was nobody to him, right? Then why did he feel this way?

He should be happy that Jungkook was out of the way, and he could now pursue Jimin. But why did Jin have to lie on the very first day when he introduced him to Jimin as Jungkook's boyfriend?

The rest of the day, Taehyung remained silent. He didn't even go to meet Yoongi. When Yoongi and Jimin called him during lunch, he was about to join them, but as soon as he saw Jin with them, he stopped mid-way and made up an excuse about needing to meet his photography professor. They didn't pressure him further.

****

Time Skip: After 4 days

It had been a week, and today they had to present their review for the Literature project. Jin was dying of anxiety, as they had done nothing except note down important points. The reason was Taehyung, who wouldn't utter a word to him. For the past few days, whenever Jin tried to approach Taehyung, the latter would either ignore him or say he was busy. Jin had even asked Yoongi for help, but it was of no use. Taehyung still wouldn't speak to him.

Hoseok was trying to console Jin, saying, "Yeah, hyung, stop thinking so much. Everyone has done just as much as we have. It's only been a week, and our Literature professor isn't that strict. Look, Jungkook and Jimin haven't even started anything except choosing which custom to do. And today, Taehyung can't ignore you, right? If he does, tell the professor he's not cooperating. Okay?"

Jin looked down, saying, "Hmm, Hoba, I'll try." Hoseok was about to say something else, but when he saw Taehyung entering the classroom, he moved away from Jin's place.

As the class filled up, Taehyung sat beside Jin without saying a word. Jungkook and Jimin arrived, and while passing by, Jungkook pulled Jin's cheek. "Yaah, brat, I told you not to pull my cheeks, right?" Jin replied, pouting.

Seeing this, Taehyung clenched his fist. Jin was about to ask Taehyung something, but their professor entered the classroom, greeting them, "Good morning, class. I hope you've started your project. Is anyone having any problems? You're free to speak up."

Suddenly, Taehyung stood up and said in a cold tone, "Sir, I'd like to change my partner." Jin was shocked to hear this. What was Taehyung up to? He hadn't discussed this with Jin.

Their professor asked, "Why, Taehyung? Any problems? As far as I know, Jin's academic performance from his last university was excellent. So, what's the issue?"

Taehyung replied, "Actually, sir, the problem is he's not cooperating with me. Last class, we discussed doing our project on cuisine. I agreed, but after tasting his cooking, I realized that's not an option. Sir, as you mentioned, if we choose cuisine, we have to cook the food. But, sir, I don't think you can eat his or my cooked food. So, sir, I wanted to tell him about doing our project on clothing instead. But, sir, sorry to say, he was too busy with his friends."

Jin couldn't take it anymore. What was wrong with Taehyung? He was the one who hadn't cooperated, ignoring Jin and dismissing his cooking skills. Jin stood up, saying angrily, "Sir, I'd like to say that he's the one who didn't cooperate. He ignored me, and sir, he didn't even discuss with me what he had in mind."

Taehyung argued back, "Do you ever listen to others? Moreover, you were busy with Jungkook. How could you pay attention to others?"

Jin glared at Taehyung, saying, "Listen, I approached you, okay? You were the one who always ignored me and said you were busy. Now, here you are, saying I'm not cooperating. Sir, please, I request you to change him as my partner. I'd rather do this individually than with him."

Their professor intervened, saying, "You two, stop now. A professor is present, and you're fighting like children. Are you both five years old? Anyway, as Jin said, you'll both work individually for now, but only for a month. The whole class will work in pairs, and I won't make an exception for you two just because of your personal ego. After a month, whoever's idea seems more suitable to me, you'll both start working on that project together. Am I clear?"

Jin and Taehyung replied in unison, "Yes, sir."

Their professor continued, "Now, take your seats." Taehyung and Jin glared at each other.

As they sat, Jin's eyes welled up with tears and he whispered, "I hate you, Taehyung. I really hate you."