It's another two days before they see Jungkook again. They're walking out of the practice studio when he steps out from Tzuyu's van. The two of them exchange a look, and Taehyung feels that pang again. He doesn't know how to explain it to anyone; he doesn't understand it himself.
Jimin steps forward and clears his throat to get Jungkook's attention. Jungkook turns to face them as Jimin's words echo through the parking lot.
"Have fun?" Jimin asks.
Jungkook just smiles at him, and he knows that Jimin is glaring at him now.
"Why didn't you call us?" Hobi demands as he steps up next to his friend. "What about our practice?"
"I'm sorry," Jungkook starts.
"If you're sorry," Yoongi interrupts. "Then you'll help us get ready for the concert."
The rest of the members start talking over each other, demanding for Jungkook to say something. Jungkook just smiles softly, and Taehyung knows that this isn't going to end well.
"Everyone, let's go," he interrupts as he steps up beside Jungkook. They all stop talking and turn to face him. "Kookie's sorry; it won't happen again. Let's go." He turns and walks away, knowing the others will follow.
As they walk over to their cars, Taehyung listens as Jimin mutters under his breath.
"He's never like this," Jimin complains. "This is all because of her."
"Jimin," Taehyung scolds. "Be quiet."
"Why?" Jimin demands. "It's true."
"I know it is," Taehyung sighs. "But he's never been like this with us. I want to give him time to figure out what he wants."
"So you're okay with it?" Jimin asks softly.
"I—" Taehyung starts. "I just want to see what happens, okay?"
"I guess I get it," Jimin sighs as they approach the cars.
The next time Tzuyu sees him, it's alone. It's late in the evening, and they're the only ones left in the practice studio.
"Taehyung-ssi," she calls out from behind him.
He turns to face her as she approaches. She holds out her phone, and he takes it from her. He looks down at it and smiles softly.
"What's your favorite song?" she asks as he flips through her music library.
"Mm, what do you mean?" he asks, looking up at her.
"What kind of music do you like listening to?" she asks.
"Hm," he mutters. "I like a lot of music."
"Favorite artist?" she asks.
"That's hard," he admits. "But if I had to choose, maybe Crush."
"Crush," she repeats. He watches as a smile starts to spread across her face. "I'll have to check it out."
"I can recommend some songs," he offers.
"That would be great," she replies. "I'd love to hear your recommendations."
He looks at her and smiles. He flips through her songs and selects his favorite. He hands the phone back to her and steps forward.
"Maybe we can listen to them together sometime," he suggests.
"I'd love that," she replies.
It's an hour later that he texts Jungkook about it. They're still in the practice studio; the others had left without him.
"He's not coming back," Jimin had said as he pulled Taehyung aside.
"He'll be fine," Taehyung had replied. "He's probably with Tzuyu."
Jimin had sighed and followed the others out.
Tzuyu was still with him though; they were working on some of the choreography for the upcoming concert. They took breaks every now and then to rest, but mostly they worked nonstop.
He's working on a section when Jungkook texts him.
*I'll be there in 5*
Taehyung sends a smiley face back and waits. Five minutes later, Jungkook slips into the practice studio. The two of them work together with Tzuyu; Jungkook stops occasionally to ask her questions about their choreography. Taehyung stands off to the side and watches as Jungkook works with her.
Jungkook stops and turns to look at him; Taehyung is standing behind Tzuyu and watching them. Jungkook smiles at him and leans in close to Tzuyu. He whispers something in her ear, and she laughs.
A pang hits Taehyung, and he looks away.
When it's time to head home for the night, the three of them walk out together. Jungkook holds the door open for Tzuyu; she smiles at him softly, and he watches as she gets into her car. He turns and faces Jungkook; he sees Jungkook's eyes still staring at Tzuyu.
Jungkook finally looks away and clears his throat.
"I'll see you in the morning?" Jungkook asks softly.
Taehyung just nods and turns to walk away. He hears Jungkook sigh behind him and heads off to his car.
He doesn't make it a block before his phone starts ringing. It's Jungkook's name that flashes across his screen; he pulls over to answer.
"Yeah?"
"Did you like seeing us together?" Jungkook blurts out.
"What do you mean?"
"Seeing us together," Jungkook says again. "Did you like it?"