Jungkook couldn't sleep. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, Taehyung's words playing over and over in his mind.
"I'm scared, Jungkook."
Fear. That was what controlled them—what kept them from fully reaching for each other. But Jungkook was starting to realize something.
He was more afraid of losing Taehyung than anything else.
The next morning, things were different. Not in a big way, but in the subtle shifts that only they would notice. Taehyung still smiled, still laughed, but there was a hesitation in his touch, a carefulness in the way he looked at Jungkook when others were around.
And Jungkook hated it.
During their morning dance practice, their choreographer adjusted their formations. "Jungkook, Taehyung—move closer here."
Jungkook obeyed, stepping toward Taehyung. But the moment their hands brushed, Taehyung pulled back, just slightly, just enough for Jungkook to notice.
His patience snapped.
When practice ended, Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's wrist before he could walk away. "We need to talk."
Taehyung hesitated before nodding. They slipped out of the practice room, finding a quiet corner in the empty hallway.
Jungkook didn't waste time. "Are you going to keep running from me?"
Taehyung sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'm not running—"
"Then what do you call this?" Jungkook's voice was tight with frustration. "You're acting like we're doing something wrong."
Taehyung met his gaze, and for the first time, Jungkook saw the full weight of his fear. "Jungkook… I love you."
Jungkook's breath caught.
"But love isn't always enough."
A sharp pain shot through Jungkook's chest. "What are you saying?"
Taehyung swallowed hard. "I don't want to be the reason your dreams fall apart."
Jungkook grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly. "And I don't want my dreams if they don't include you."
Taehyung's lips parted, but before he could respond, a voice echoed down the hallway.
"What are you two doing here?"
Jungkook turned, heart racing. Their manager stood a few feet away, arms crossed, suspicion clear in his eyes.
And just like that, the moment was over.