Jungkook can't help but smile when he sees Taehyung's bright face beaming back at him, but Jungkook's smile falters when he sees Mina sitting in his spot. She smiles at Jungkook. Snake.

He sits in front of Taehyung, slumping over his desk, using his books as a pillow.

Taehyung taps him on the back with what he assumes is a pen. The first thing Jungkook thinks is, 'Oh, he brought a pen with him for once. I'm no longer needed' and yes, he's being dramatic and no, no one can tell him not to be because right now there's enough unnecessary drama in his life.

Jungkook turns to face Taehyung.

Taehyung lifts a piece of paper with the words, I love you too written on it and grins widely.

Knife in the heart—he's bleeding. Jungkook gives an unstable smile before burying himself in his books again. It's what he wanted to hear all along, but why now? Why when Mina is sitting in his seat, watching his every movement? He cries and is unsure if the tears are sad or happy, but he smiles through them. He smiles so hard that his cheeks hurt.

Pieces of scrunched-up paper start hitting Jungkook's back. Once, twice, three times until Jungkook picks one up. He turns to Taehyung, who is silently mouthing the words, 'read it'. And so he does. Unfolding, he reads, I love you.

He opens another; I love you.

Another; I LOVEEEEE you

His heart swells, and his body tingles. It's overwhelming, and he can't even muster up his thoughts to respond. Jungkook reaches his limit as Taehyung throws another one onto his desk. He stands up, excusing himself to the toilet. Although he feels bad for Taehyung, Jungkook cannot solve everything under this pressure. He escapes to the rooftop, finding a spot to lie down and watch the clouds.

Jungkook stays like this for a while, thinking about nothing until all he can think about is Taehyung. He needs to come up with a plan. So he does what he always does—write a list.

Ways he should deal with this situation—written in the clouds:

1. Ignore Taehyung. This is probably the safest option, but it will hurt Jungkook the most. He needs to ride it out until they graduate, and then Mina can be out of their hair.

2. Ignore Mina. This will lead to Mina exposing them to the entire school. Jungkook knows even for himself how hard it will be to deal with the immense scrutiny—he's always struggled with the attention brought to him just by being Taehyung's friend. But for Taehyung, he honestly does not know how he will react, and that scares him.

3. try to continue whatever he has going on with Taehyung but keep it a secret, ensuring Mina doesn't hear or see anything. This is the most attractive option for Jungkook. Again, they have to keep it down low until they graduate. It's not that long on paper, but it will feel like an eternity.

"Jungkook," he hears as the door to the rooftop opens. It's Taehyung. "This is where you've been hiding."

Jungkook sits up and turns to see Taehyung approach him. This time Taehyung isn't smiling. Taehyung sits beside Jungkook, bumping Jungkook's knee with his fist.

"Why are you up here?" Taehyung asks.

Jungkook looks up at the clouds rolling by. "I came here to think."

Taehyung nods, biting his lip. He pauses before saying, "Yeah, it's nice and quiet up here."

Jungkook knows Taehyung probably thinks he did something wrong, but he hasn't. Jungkook is just confused and not sure what to do next—and it doesn't help that he doesn't have the luxury of taking the time to choose.

"About earlier." Jungkook pauses. "Do you really mean it?"

"What, the notes?" Taehyung turns to Jungkook.

"That you love me."

Taehyung puts his forehead on Jungkook's shoulder.

Jungkook gulps before repeating, "Do you love me?"

"I do..."

Jungkook's heart is dancing in his chest, giving him what he thinks is false hope, but he knows Taehyung can easily fool his heart.

"I really do," Taehyung adds, his forehead still on Jungkook's shoulder. "And I've been thinking that I want to give us a try."

Jungkook remains silent.

"I'm sorry about everything," Taehyung says. "I'm afraid that I might lose you." He lifts his head to look at Jungkook. "Please don't tell me I'm too late."

Jungkook's lips tremble. He doesn't want to say this but thinks it's for the best. "I'm scared too."

"No, please don't be." Taehyung wraps an arm around Jungkook's shoulder. "I promise I'll make things right."

Jungkook shakes his head. "What if people find out?"

Taehyung doesn't answer. This scares Jungkook. He can't predict what will happen, but Mina's words have left him haunted by the worst-case scenario.

"How about I give you some time to think about it?" Taehyung rubs Jungkook's side. "I'll wait for you." He stands up, offering a hand.

Jungkook grabs it, being lifted to his feet. He can't help but let a small smile creep onto his face. He can count this as a win despite the circumstances—he will shove it in Mina's face one day.

💌

Jungkook had his mind made up since the rooftop, but it didn't stop him from thinking about what Taehyung said. 'I'll wait for you.'

"Can you pass the flour?" Soobin asks.

Jungkook passes it, still in deep thought.

"Sugar, please," Soobin politely says, but Jungkook doesn't respond. "Jungkook?"

"Oh, sorry." Jungkook passes the sugar. He usually enjoys their food studies class, but he'd rather return to the rooftop and watch the clouds again.

"I told you to turn the oven on!" Jungkook's head snaps to the person who shouted.

"Jimin, Jungkook, swap partners," Ms Kim demands, strutting over. "I've had enough of dealing with you, Jimin. Maybe a partner change will change your work ethic."

Jungkook furrows his brows in confusion. "What? Why do I have to change partners? I very much like mine."

"You'll be fine, Jungkook," Ms Kim says, shutting down any more protests.

Soobin looks just as lost as Jungkook, but they do as the teacher says. Jungkook slouches his shoulders as he walks to his new partner.

Kim Seokjin.

He's one of Naeun's friends, which is a red flag to Jungkook.

"Umm, I'm Jungkook," he greets.

"I know," Seokjin replies, fiddling with the oven dial.

Of course he knows. Jungkook facepalms. They've been in the same school for four years and even attended the same middle school. He looks over at Soobin, who is doing everything while Jimin watches. He feels bad for Soobin.

"So, what do you want me to do?" Jungkook asks.

"Whip the cream."

Jungkook nods, grabbing the bowl and whisk. As he whisks, he watches Seokjin curse at the oven.

"I hope you know how to turn on an oven for next time," Seokjin says. "That's all you need to know to be a better partner than Jimin."

Jungkook accidentally laughs, covering his mouth. He looks to Jimin, hoping he didn't hear.

Seokjin stands next to Jungkook, watching him make the cream. "You know, I hear a lot about you these days."

Here it comes. Seokjin's reputation precedes him, and many know him as the go-to person for the latest scoop. He wonders how Eunji, who is so admirable, could associate with such dishonest people.

"Oh?" Jungkook acts dumb. It's probably something to do with Taehyung.

Seokjin grins, leaning closer and whispers, "I've heard that Soobin has a big fat crush on you."

Jungkook stops whisking and takes a step to the side. "What?"

"You're kind of cute; I can see the appeal."

"You're wrong."

"That you're cute?"

"No—"

"So you think you're cute?"

"Yes— Wait, no! I meant Soobin didn't write the notes." Jungkook pushes the bowl to Seokjin.

Seokjin pushes the bowl back. "I said nothing about any notes."

"Oh." Jungkook takes the bowl and stares deeply into the cream.

"So the rumours are true." Seokjin grins, taking the bowl from Jungkook. "Soobin was caught putting them on your desk."

"Did you see him yourself?"

"No."

"Then why are you talking about it?"

Seokjin puts a hand on his hip. "Why are you being so defensive? What's so bad about someone having the hots for you?"

"So, is the oven working?" Jungkook snaps.

Seokjin ignores the question, putting cling wrap over the bowl. "Naeun told me you like Eunji."

"Miss, can I change partners?" Jungkook calls out.

"Aw, you don't want to talk to me?" Seokjin pouts. "I don't bite, I promise."

"Miss!"

Ms Kim dismisses Jungkook's protest with a wave of her hand. Jungkook would do anything to have Soobin back.

Seokjin chuckles. "Looks like you're stuck with me."

💌

A.N: