Jungkook watches as the nurse cleans a scratch wound on Mina's leg.

"Luckily, you only got a few scratches from that slip," the nurse says.

"I have Jungkook to thank for that." Mina turns to Jungkook with a small smile.

The shock of a near-death experience is what Mina needed to snap back to reality it seems.

"It's nothing," Jungkook comments, humbly. "If it weren't for Taehyung, I wouldn't have been able to pull you up."

"I'm just glad you're still here, in one piece," Taehyung adds, almost lovingly.

Jungkook feels a tinge of jealousy inside of him but lets it slide.

"I'll leave you guys be, I still haven't had my lunch break," the nurse says. "I'll give you three slips, so you don't have to go back to class. No one should be forced back into class right after that."

"Thank you," Taehyung says, smiling.

"I'm sorry about everything," Mina apologises again.

"No need to keep saying it," Jungkook dismisses. "I think we should leave all of it in the past."

Taehyung nods in agreement. "Whatever happened between you guys, I hope that it's all better now."

Jungkook almost scoffs at Taehyung's tone-like he doesn't know what went down.

Mina eyes the book in Jungkook's hand. "I need to talk to you, Jungkook." She then looks at Taehyung. "Alone."

Taehyung looks at Mina with furrowed brows then at Jungkook. Jungkook raises a brow, signalling the boy to do as she says.

"O-Okay, just shout out to me when you guys are done," Taehyung says with a pout. The two watch Taehyung exit.

"What is it you want to tell me?" Jungkook breaks the silence.

"Have you read what's in that book yet?"

"No, I haven't had the time yet," Jungkook replies, looking down at the book.

Mina sighs. "I haven't been truthful with you."

Jungkook scoffs. "That's an understatement."

"N-No, what I mean is, what you think happened, is not actually how."

Jungkook tilts his head, confused. "What is there left to know?"

"I lied. I was never the one who delivered the notes," Mina confesses.

A moment of silence follows as Jungkook's eyes gape in shock. If it wasn't Mina running around for Taehyung, who was it?

"Sorry, I don't understand. How could it not be you?" Jungkook thought he had it all figured out. "Are you saying Taehyung did all that work?"

It seems impossible to Jungkook. It isn't physically possible for Taehyung to pull that stunt alone.

"You see, in this book," Mina grabs the book off Jungkook and opens it, "it documents all the notes that were written, and how they were delivered."

She points to a specific example. "This one here reads: Delivered early in the morning, might have been caught by someone arriving early UGH."

"But isn't this Naeun's diary?" Jungkook furrows his brows, trying to process the information.

"Connect the dots, Jungkook. I was that person who caught her!" Mina hands the book back to Jungkook. "Remember that morning you asked me if I saw someone putting the note on your desk?"

Jungkook remembers thinking it was Soobin that morning. "So, if you were not the one placing the note, who did you see doing so?"

"Naeun!"

Jungkook has a sudden hit of realisation. "Oh! It makes sense!" Since it is Naeun's diary. "But it doesn't really make sense?"

"Believe it or not."

"Why did you lie then?"

"I wanted to know what Naeun was up to, and I had my suspicions. I was correct, of course."

"And then you buddied up with Naeun to find out what was happening?"

Mina nods. "It was during the sports carnival when I decided to pretend I was the one writing the notes. I had all the information at my fingertips. All I had to do was pray that you were too dumb to figure it out."

"Hey!"

"No offence," Mina clarifies, "That was just my thought process."

"Can I come in now?!" Taehyung shouts from behind the door.

"No! Stay out for a little longer," Jungkook replies. He turns back to Mina and goes to speak, "So the whole time you were buddy-buddy with Naeun, she was willingly sharing the information with you?"

Mina nods again. "That is until I took it from her locker."

"I'm still finding it hard to believe that Naeun would be in on this, along with Taehyung. The two aren't even that close," Jungkook mentions. "I always thought she was trying to get with Taehyung, not trying to get me with him."

"The time I saw you guys up on the rooftop is when everything made sense to me," Mina says, trying to keep her voice stable. "That was when I started seeing Naeun more than just in class."

"How did you even know we were going to be up there if you didn't have access to the book yet?"

"I was doing my own detective work," Mina says proudly. "It only ended up hurting me in the end, though."

The door opens, and Jungkook goes to tell Taehyung to stay out but is surprised by someone else. "Naeun?"

"Don't listen to her! It's all lies!" Naeun cries out, walking towards the two.

"Naeun, don't bother," Mina says. "How are you going to explain this?" Mina points at the book in Jungkook's hand.

Naeun's eyes turn into distraught. "This isn't what's supposed to happen!"

"Chill, please," Jungkook begs.

"This is why I called you before," Naeun says, pulling at her hair.

"Oh, right. The thing you had been keeping away from me?" Jungkook asks.

Naeun nods. "I wanted to tell you first, but it looks like you found out anyway..."

Jungkook looks at Mina-who can't help but smile-then back to Naeun. "I'll hear you out. What's is your side of the story?"

"S-So you know?" Naeun asks.

Jungkook nods. "But I just don't understand why."

Naeun sighs. "It was me," she admits. "The plan was genius, honestly. That is until you ruined it," she says, glaring at Mina.

Mina puts her hands up with a shrug.

"It was at first, Taehyung's idea. He confessed to me that he had a crush on you, Jungkook," Naeun says.

"He said that to you?" Jungkook frowns. "I thought you guys didn't even talk prior to all of this."

Maybe he told Naeun cause his only close friend is Jungkook. Who else is he going to tell? Naeun still seems unlikely.

"That's where you're wrong," Mina adds.

"Don't tell me... You also went to that stupid camp?" Jungkook asks.

Naeun nods. "Yes, all three of us did. I was never that close to Mina, though. The only reason why I let her into my friend group was because I used to know her." She scoffs.

"Ouch," Mina says, putting a hand on her chest.

"Surprisingly, Taehyung and I share quite a lot of classes, so naturally, we talked," Naeun says.

"B-But why did you force me to set up a date for you?" Jungkook asks.

Naeun chuckles. "That was my idea. I thought to speed up the process; we could make you jealous to see if you felt the same for Taehyung."

Jungkook's mouth gapes open, almost offended. "So Taehyung was playing along that whole time? That little shit. I tried so hard to get that double date!"

Naeun bursts out in laughter. "Taehyung wasn't too keen on the idea but went with it in the end. I still cannot believe you asked Eunji out of all people."

"Shut up."

"Eunji?!" Naeun laughs some more.

"Hey! I'm supposed to be mad at you."

"Oh, right." Naeun bites down on her bottom lip.

"Why did you force Jimin to give up the lead role of the play then?"

"Oh, that. I'm just passionate about theatre, and I didn't want him to have the role when Taehyung suited it better," Naeun explains.

"You still shouldn't have done that. Jimin wanted that role, you know."

"It doesn't suit. Jimin would have gotten the main role 100% because Mr Choi is like creepily obsessed with him."

They hear a knock on the door. "Can I come in now?" Taehyung calls out.

"No!" All three of them shout in unison.

"Does Taehyung know you wrote everything in this book?" Jungkook asks.

Naeun shakes her head. "I didn't think anyone else was going to see it, besides Mina of course."

"That's not fair for him." Jungkook frowns.

"Let me tell him myself, please. I just haven't had the courage to do so yet," Naeun pleads. "By the way, thank me for deleting the security footage of your little rendezvous with Tae in the theatre."

"W-What?!"

"Shh." Naeun puts a finger up to her lips.

"You were the one who told everyone," Jungkook accuses.

"Nope, that was me," Mina confesses. "Don't ask how I know."

Jungkook groans. These two girls will be the death of him.

"Yeah, Mina is not good at shutting her mouth," Naeun snidely says.

"You were the one who told me," Mina plainly defends.

"I did not! We weren't even talking during that time," Naeun refutes. "Besides, you're not the only ones that got freaky in the theatre." She coughs and quickly says, "Jimin and Yoongi."

"It doesn't matter! I'm over it now," Jungkook says, wanting to bury himself. But also, that's information he never thought he would hear. He was panicking over the whole being caught in the theatre because of Jimin and Yoongi? They were the ones who were caught?!

"I'm coming in!" Taehyung announces, opening the door. "What did I miss?"

"I found out you have been scheming with Naeun this whole time," Jungkook says, crossing his arms. "When were you planning on telling me that."

Taehyung's face goes red. "I-I-you never asked?"

Jungkook shakes his head. "And you were upset with me for keeping stuff away from you."

"I didn't think it was relevant. Whether or not I told you, it would not have changed anything. I still love you."

Naeun nods in agreement. "You should be thanking me. You guys would have never been a couple if I didn't push Tae in the right direction."

"I also wouldn't have been through all this drama if you did not," Jungkook says. "All though, maybe, in the end, it was worth it."

And Jungkook really means that. In the end, things have fallen into place. Everything has come full circle, and it is now time for Jungkook to reap the benefits, finally.

Naeun and Mina look at each other and then collectively bow. "We are sorry," they say in unison.

Jungkook can only smile in relief. Never in his wildest dreams, he thought these two would be bowing down to him and apologising.

💌

Jungkook's hands drag through the water, fighting to push forward against the currents, created by the swimmers that swim ahead. Jungkook has come a long way since the first swimming lesson. Far enough that he can do more than just float on his back. His freestyle may be rusty, but it's still a miracle to him.

Miracles...

Come to think of it, this year, in general, has turned out to be a miracle. His future looks bright-a stark contrast to what he used to think months ago.

Jungkook reaches out, one last push, and touches the wall. He pulls his head out from the water and rids himself from the swimming cap and goggles with a huge smile. 6th. At least he isn't last he tells himself.

Today is the day of the swimming carnival. He was planning on skipping the entire day, but in the end, he came-mostly due to Taehyung's constant begging. Things have been good between the two. Not just between them, but also with everyone else.

Mina and Jungkook have set aside their differences. In fact, Mina has developed quite a liking for Jungkook, and he isn't going to complain about it. Anything is better than psycho-want to take everyone down with her-Mina.

Jungkook has forgiven Naeun for the whole book fiasco. Maybe Jungkook has been a bit too forgiving, but in the end, he feels that forgiveness is a thing that works out well for him. Besides, he knew that she was going to tell him in the end anyway. It was just a matter of time.

Things between Jungkook and Soobin are as strong as ever. He has really learnt to cherish the friendship he has developed with the boy over the last year. Soobin has always been there for Jungkook and still unconditionally supports him. Jungkook thinks he could call Soobin his most reliable friend, and who can not like the boy?

He has been spending much more time with Jimin. Turns out the two have way more in common than initially thought. Though at times, the boy can get a bit overbearing. Jimin doesn't seem to understand the concept of what is appropriate and what is not when it comes to asking questions about Jungkook's sexual life.

Seokjin has become more prevalent in his life ever since the whole Mina almost jumping off the school rooftop situation. The boy has become so invested in Jungkook's story. Jungkook made sure to take advantage of his curiosity by making Seokjin help him write out his application for University. Jungkook still hasn't decided what to write on his 'what do I want to be after high school' form. Being with Taehyung isn't a correct answer for the school, unfortunately.

Eunji is out and proud now. She has a girlfriend and they do whatever lesbians do.

And for Yoongi... Jungkook heard from Jimin that their parents are no longer dating which sounds like amazing news for their relationship, right? Wrong. They fight like a married couple and Yoongi still to this day won't forgive Jungkook for getting laid in his bed. Hilarious.

Jungkook awkwardly waves back at the girls who were cheering him on during the race-even though his swimming skills are nothing cheerworthy. That's another thing that has changed; people are starting to notice him more. What for? No clue. Maybe the lack of anxiety(from being blackmailed) and the sudden burst of confidence have made him glow up a bit more?

He makes his way up the stand and sits down next to his group of friends, retrieving a towel from Jimin-more so the towel was thrown onto his head. "Thanks," Jungkook sarcastically mumbles.

"Amazed you can even float, let alone swim an actual race," Jimin comments, amused.

Jungkook may or may not have been taking private lessons with Taehyung, all while strategically skipping the school swim classes. The boner situation really traumatised him. Being in the safety of Taehyung's backyard-which he had no idea there was a swimming pool-gave him peace of mind. If he ever popped a boner, no one will see-except Taehyung. And no, they did not have pool sex... yet.

"You swam well," Mina compliments.

"And he didn't get a boner," Naeun points out, making Jungkook scowl.

"You never told me you had a spanking hot body, Jungkook," Jimin says. "Unless I've just never noticed."

Jungkook keeps his disgruntled face over that comment. "You never told me you were such a pervert." Perhaps the swimming lessons have given his body a little more tone.

"Isn't everyone, though?" Jimin shrugs. "I think I might go grab some hot chips from the canteen. Want any?"

"You'll miss Taehyung and Soobin's race," Mina says.

Jungkook finishes drying his hair to look over to the swimming pool down below.

"They're lining up now!" Naeun sits up in her seat.

Jimin whines. "I guess I'll wait."

Jungkook watches over, fondly. Taehyung's swimwear conveniently hugs his lower body in all the right places. He ended up buying a Speedo that actually fits him and doesn't have half of his butt cheeks hanging out. The Speedo makes him go faster apparently. Jungkook doesn't complain though; it's sexy.

"On your marks!"

*Blank-gun fires*

"Wow! Taehyung is like a dolphin. He's gliding through the water," Jimin says in awe.

Jungkook swears he can hear the entire aquatic centre gasp in awe. To be honest, Jungkook is also surprised. He has always known that Taehyung could swim, but he forgot how good of a swimmer he really is.

As the swimmers reach the turning point, Taehyung is already swimming in the other direction, powering ahead of the pack.

"Soobin is catching up," Naeun says, clenching her fists in anticipation. "Go, Soobin!"

Jungkook leans in at the edge of his seat, watching the race intensively. Is this what Taehyung feels when he is on track?

Jungkook inaudibly gasps the moment Taehyung and Soobin arrive at the finish. Jungkook looks up at the board to see Taehyung's name flash up as first place.

"Yes!" Jungkook fist pumps into the air.

"Aw man, Soobin was so close. I didn't know he was a good swimmer," Jimin says.

Taehyung looks up to where Jungkook is sitting and waves-not to forget sending a few finger hearts his way.

"Your boyfriend is so cheesy," Naeun says.

Jungkook blushes. "I know." Jungkook high-key enjoys it though.

"Okay, now I'm getting my chips," Jimin announces.

💌

"You look good with your first-place medal on," Jungkook compliments as they change in the cubical. Yes, Jungkook is still too shy to change with the rest of the boys, so Taehyung insists on sharing the cubical with him-even though it may look a little sus.

"I do?" Taehyung looks down smugly at the medal dangling on his chest.

"Show off," Jungkook scoffs.

Taehyung chuckles. "Only for you."

Jungkook starts to undress out of his swimwear, ignoring the wolf whistle from Taehyung.

"Shh," Jungkook angrily hushes. "Are you just going to stand there?"

"Want to help me get undressed?" Taehyung suggestively asks.

Jungkook blushes. "Not particularly. I'm sure you can handle that yourself."

Jungkook turns around, trying to hide his blushing face. This guy can be too much for him to handle sometimes.

He continues to dress, buttoning up his school shirt.

Taehyung steps closer to Jungkook, taking off his first-place medal and putting it on Jungkook.

"W-What are you doing?" Jungkook asks.

"I'm awarding you for winning the race," Taehyung replies, pulling Jungkook into a back hug.

"Race for what?"

"My heart."

"..."

"You're first place in my heart," Taehyung goofily clarifies.

"..."

"I know... it's hella cheesy-"

Jungkook turns around and pulls Taehyung into a kiss.

Perhaps the time stops as their lips meet. Jungkook can't take the tension anymore. He has waited all day to be this close to Taehyung. Jungkook melts, feeling his knees go weak as the kiss deepens.

Taehyung drapes his arms over Jungkook's shoulders, pulling the boy even closer.

*knock knock*

"The bus will be leaving soon, loverboys," Jimin calls out from behind the cubical door.

The two groan in unison as they pull apart.

"Coming," Jungkook finally replies.

Taehyung gives Jungkook one last peck before parting fully.

"I love you," slips out of Jungkook's lips. Those words feel so natural, so right. The words that Jungkook can wholeheartedly say whenever, wherever he wants now with nothing holding him back. Oh, how it feels liberating.

Taehyung grins back at Jungkook-his signature boxy smile.

"I love you too, Jungkook."

💌

Wow

A.N: First of all, thank you. To everyone who has read this far, all the people who have commented, upvoted, added my book to their libraries, thank you. I cannot believe I have the privilege of ending this story at 200k reads?! (2023 it's now over 500k?!) WTH GUYS?! I'm on the floor, seriously cannot believe it. Thank you so so much 😭 In contrast, when I finished Caffeine, it had 60k reads.

Ever since the beginning, this story has been close to my heart. I am so proud of the work I have created, and to know so many other people who also enjoy it warms my heart. There was a period of time when I thought I could never recreate the success of Caffeine. Having one book that blew up became a burden when it came to writing this. Most people at the start overlooked this book, which made me feel less motivated to write. But I really believed in this story and the concept. It paid off in the long run!! We even hit no.1 in fanfiction at one point 😭🤩

I am also potentially writing a bonus smut chapter by popular demand~ It will be quite spicy. (Not anymore cause Wattpad doesn't like it when I'm too spicy.)

IT'S A HAPPY ENDING. TOLD YOU NOT TO WORRY

Love you and bye for now

If you have any questions, feel free to ask~

2023 A.N: If you're all reading this after the major edit, thank you so much for being patient with my inconsistent updates. I haven't been the best at juggling my writing time with having to adult haha. During the last stretch, I managed to get my shit together ♥ Hi new readers!! And to my beloved old readers, I hope you guys enjoyed the new refreshing scenes and perspective of the story ♥♥♥ This book has been my passion project for years and I hope my love comes across within the writing♥♥

♥♥♥♥ Please tell me what you guys thought of the story ♥♥♥♥