"Here, smell this and let me know how you like it. Ahhhhh.... Sorry..... it's not about your likings. Just tell me if I've successfully recreated it with the raw wood samples," Tae said, extending his hand toward Kookie.
"Hyung, give me a moment," Kookie struggled to reply with Tae that close, he gently moving Tae's hand away and subconsciously squeezing his thighs together when Tae gave him a dominant look.
"Don't let the memory of the previous CK scent fade. Smell it quickly so you can compare..." Tae unknowingly commanded Kookie in dominant way... gripping both of Kookie's struggling hands with his single strong hand and bringing Kookie's inner wrist to his nose. Then he placed his wrist on Kookie's nose.
Jungkook's usual demeanor faded away, replaced by a more intense side of him. As he caught the enchanting fragrance from his favorite hands in such close proximity, his hidden desires surged to their peak.
Kookie fought against Tae's hold and managed to free one of his hands. Using the free hand, he pressed the wrist, which was inches away, to his nose and subtly closer to his lips. He threw his head back in contentment as the divine aroma engulfed his senses, the warmth of the skin against his lips adding to the experience.
"Hyunggggg!!" Kookie moaned, placing a subtle and secretive peck on Tae's hand. Tae who was clueless instinctively brought the wrist to his own nose, taken aback by Kookie's intense reaction.
"Wow, that good? Really?"
"I love it," Kookie admitted, his words escaping without conscious thought.
"Heyyy!! Tell me if I've created a better replica. I don't want to know if you like it or not," Tae demanded, awaiting Kookie's response. Kookie was at a loss for words, his own behavior having caught him off guard. Tae's kind eyes followed Kookie's, filled with concern.
"What's wrong, Kookie?" Tae inquired, showing genuine worry for his friend.
Tae's simple concern triggered guilt within Kookie, making him regret his actions. Overwhelmed by his long-suppressed feelings for Tae and the irresistible urge to be close to him, Kookie's emotions overflowed, and tears welled up in his eyes. He cried, unable to express his enduring love and his overwhelming desires.
"Kookie? Oh my, what's going on? Is everything okay with Jihyo? Is she alright? Why are you crying? Don't worry, the nurse said it's just a seasonal flu. Please don't cry," Tae consoled Kookie, assuming that Kookie was upset over Jihyo's illness. Tae suddenly pulled Kookie into a warm hug, providing comfort. Jungkook lost himself in the embrace's warmth, finding solace in Tae's presence.
Taehyung, as an elder and someone with extensive knowledge in psychology, recognized the need to create a safe and supportive environment around Kookie. He aimed to help Kookie release his worries and unburden himself from whatever was causing him to cry unexpectedly.
"Just remember, Kookie, life goes on. What you're experiencing today isn't permanent. And if you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here to help. Did you know? Among all the students I've taught, you and Jihyo are my favorites. Honestly, I feel more connected to you than Jihyo. So never hesitate to come to me, no matter what the problem is."
You are my problem hyung!!
"Okay hyung ."
"Do you want to discuss what's been bothering you?"
"No..."
"No problem. I'll always be here for you. You can come and talk to me whenever you want, no matter what it is."
"Really?"
"Yes, I promise. I'll never judge you, empathize with you, or give you advice. I'll just listen, okay?"
"Okay, Hyung..." Kookie said leaning g again to Tae's shoulder
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Days after Kookie's sudden outburst, he returned to his calm and usual self after Jihyo's return. Though he seemed subdued, Tae's concern for Kookie grew even stronger after the incident. He felt a responsibility towards Kookie that he couldn't quite comprehend.
Witnessing Kookie's vulnerability had stirred up unfamiliar feelings within Tae. He wanted to alleviate Kookie's worries and provide support.
This sudden surge of concern and an odd sense of apprehension led Tae to check on Kookie more frequently. He even broached the subject of Kookie's mental health with Jihyo.
However, being Kookie's accomplice in secrecy, Jihyo didn't reveal any details about Kookie's feelings towards Tae.
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One day during lunch...
Jimin and Tae having lunch in Jimin's office..
"Come on, Tae. Stop worrying about that guy as if he's some teenage kid. He's a grown man," Jimin said to Tae..
"Jiminahhh, have a bit of compassion. He's going through some serious struggles. He just needs someone to look out for him during this vulnerable time. Don't be heartless." Tae replied
"He's all smiles and singing. He seems happy whenever I see him..... and you are here unnecessarily worrying about him...."
"Singing? Where?"
"Uh, well... mhhhh.... around the dorm, in the hallways... I've seen him singing and appearing happy." Jimin tackles the situation by lying... Jimin used to see Jungkook with Yoongi leaning music..
"Jimin, that's not a trivial thing to say. What do you expect him to do? Be sad all the time? Sometimes, deep wounds reveal themselves rarely. The kind of hurt he's experiencing is one of those. I'm glad he finds moments to sing and laugh."
"You're acting so saintly. There are plenty of people here with deep wounds. Are you going to worry about all of them?"
"True, there are many. But none of them cried on my shoulder. Think about it-how much trust he must have in me to let his guard down and cry in front of me. Have you seen him up close? He's a strong man physically, an athlete. He likes projecting a tough, dependable image to others, especially girls like Jihyo.
But he allowed himself to cry like a baby in my arms. I couldn't see a muscular man that day... he looked like a child longing for his mother. He's so endearing. I wonder what or who could have hurt him so deeply." Tae speaks worrying for Kookie
"Really? You've analyzed him this much? Have you ever wondered what I'm up to?" Jimin asked
"Why do I need to analyze you? You tell me everything every day. I know everything about you. Do I still need to analyze?" Tae said looked into Jimin's eyes, sensing that something was about to be revealed.
"Seriously? Jimin? You seem different... tell me what's going on." Tae asked
"What's going on? Do you need analysis for that? You've been so focused on that 'biscuit baby' that you're missing out on me. Figure it out yourself, you psychic fool!"
"Buiscuit baby? You mean Kookie? What an adorable nickname you've given him! Haha!" Tae smiled..
"Is that it? You still thinks about him....??!Aren't you concerned about what truth I'm hiding?"
"Why would I be worried when you're on the brink of confessing it to me? Don't worry, Jiminah. You won't be able to hide it much longer. Soon, you'll come to me without me having to make any effort. So, no need to worry." Tae said casually
"I won't. Not anymore."
"Let's see about that..." Tae openly challenged.
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That evening...
Jimin rushed to a well-known club through the back entrance to meet his boyfriend. He spotted Jungkook's Harley Davidson parked next to Yoongi's motorcycle. Jimin felt annoyed by how Jungkook seemed to be everywhere. Entering the club, Jimin's frustration was apparent. When he tried to talk to Yoongi, he became irritated upon seeing Jungkook with him.
"Yoongi hyung! I need some alone time with my boyfriend. At least!" Jimin emphasized the last word rudely. Jungkook was completely baffled, bowed respectfully to his elder and professor Jimin, and left the club on his motorcycle, skipping that day's music class with Yoongi.
"Jimin! That's rude. He's just a kid. Don't take out your anger on him. Go vent at your best friend." Yoongi sighed
"Come on! Everyone talks about him. What kind of spell does he cast to attract all the attention from everyone around him?"
"Don't talk nonsense. What's your problem?" Yoongi asked, clearly annoyed.
"What's going on with that boy? I know you're aware of what's happening. You and I have been keeping secrets for months, no, for years now. And this boy is now starting to come between me and Tae. What's the plan here? Are you plotting something against Tae? Is this boy your pawn?" Jimin's frustration boiled over, his guilt for betraying his best friend mixed with his anger at Yoongi's secrecy.
"Jimin, that's enough with your assumptions," Yoongi tried to soothe him.
"Then tell me the damn truth, hyung! Is he really that important? More important than me?" Jimin's voice trembled as he asked, feeling broken.
"No one is more important than you. Not even close, baby," Yoongi reassured him, pulling him into an embrace.
"Then what is it? What's with the secrecy? If you truly love..." Jimin's words were cut off by Yoongi.
"Jungkook is in love with Taehyung. He has been for three years," Yoongi revealed.