Taehyung's groan echoed across the cheerleading practice grounds as the session finally wrapped up. He loved being the head cheerleader, but dealing with the lackluster efforts of more than half the squad had become a constant headache.

"I swear, I'm just one practice away from kicking Jisoo off the squad," Taehyung complained, his annoyance plain to see. He slung his bag over his shoulder and sighed, "Did you see how sluggish she was today? Maybe if she spent more time sleeping alone instead of with a different football player every night, she wouldn't be so exhausted."

Walking beside him, Jimin couldn't help but chuckle at his friend's candidness. "I'm loving bitchy Tae today."

"I'm not being bitchy," Taehyung shot back. "I'm just stating facts. Jisoo's wild nights are eating into our practice time, and I won't hesitate to call her out."

Jimin grinned. "Well, we should get a milkshake in you ASAP. Maybe it'll mellow you out. So, should we change, or are we going in our uniforms?"

"Uniforms it is," Taehyung decided, his mind made up. "We look cute."

Just as they were about to leave, a voice interrupted their conversation. "Going out, huh? Mind if I join?"

Taehyung turned to find Hoseok standing a bit too close for comfort. Unlike the excitement he felt when he was near Jungkook earlier, now he was hit with a wave of discomfort. He instinctively took a step back, while Jimin hugged him from behind.

"It's a triple date, Hoseok. You'd be the odd one out," Jimin explained, his disapproval clear.

Hoseok smirked. "Or I could be Tae's date, and someone else can be the odd one out."

Taehyung, trying to be polite, replied, "I appreciate the offer, but I'm good with the date I have now, thanks."

Hoseok groaned in response, clearly taken aback by Taehyung's rejection. "So, who's the lucky date then? You're acting like he's better than me."

Taehyung playfully quipped, "'Jungkook.'"

"Jeon Jungkook? The baseball captain?" Hoseok scoffed. "Sounds like a sympathy date. You're cute, playing the charity card."

He attempted to pinch Taehyung's cheek, but Jimin swatted Hoseok's hand away. "Jungkook isn't a charity case. Just because he's more reserved doesn't mean he's not worth Taehyung's time. He's a great guy, unlike you," Jimin retorted, his protective instincts kicking in.

Taehyung, wanting to avoid further conflict, calmly suggested, "Let's get going, Jimin; we'll be late," as he took Jimin's hand and steered him away from the situation.

Jimin, still fuming, whispered to Taehyung, "How dare he be so rude about Kook? He doesn't even know him!"

Taehyung offered some words of wisdom. "He's just a bully, Jimin. Not worth our time. Let's just cool off and not bring this up in front of the others. We don't want Kookie to get hurt by it."

Arriving at the locker rooms, they found the others already waiting. Jimin eagerly embraced Yoongi, their brief separation feeling much longer than it was.

"What took you guys so long?" Jin asked.

"We got held up, sorry," Taehyung apologized, his warm smile putting everyone at ease.

Yoongi shrugged nonchalantly. "No big deal. Where do you want to go?"

Jimin's enthusiasm was intoxicating as he replied, "The diner!"

The group readily agreed, with Namjoon and Jin taking one side of the booth, Jimin and Yoongi cuddling together, and curious glances directed at Taehyung and Jungkook, with hopes of a budding romance.

They settled into a cosy booth at the diner, ordered milkshakes, and engaged in lively conversation. With the encouragement of their friends, Jungkook's once-muted voice gradually became more pronounced as he contributed to the discussions, bringing a smile to Taehyung's face.

Halfway through the meal, a whipped cream mishap left a small dollop on Jungkook's lips. Taehyung debated for a moment whether to wipe it away or let it be, his uncertainty evident.

"Kookie, you've got a bit of cream..." Taehyung finally mentioned, his hesitation clear.

Instead of reaching for a napkin, Jungkook playfully licked the opposite side of his lips, eliciting a giggle from Taehyung. "Is it gone?"

Taehyung decided to seize the moment. Leaning in, he used his thumb to swipe the cream off Jungkook's mouth and playfully popped his thumb into his own mouth. "All gone."

Jungkook blushed, cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. With a shy smile, he thanked Taehyung before re-joining the ongoing conversation.

Taehyung couldn't help but grin widely, appreciating Jungkook's endearing nature. He felt an overwhelming desire to protect and cherish this precious person.

As their scrumptious meal arrived, Jungkook's hunger became evident. He had been famished since the start of practice, and the sight of the food felt almost divine. Taehyung playfully nabbed a few fries from Jungkook's plate, earning himself a playful pout that quickly turned into shared laughter.

Even after their satisfying meal, they lingered, savouring the company of friends. Eventually, they decided it was time to head back to their respective dorms, despite the temptation to continue their delightful evening.

Jungkook insisted on paying for Taehyung's meal, sending Taehyung's heart racing. Though it wasn't an official date, Jungkook's thoughtfulness made a lasting impression.

Taehyung and Jimin parted ways with the group at the dorm entrance, feeling a tinge of sadness at saying goodbye. Taehyung gave Jungkook a warm, appreciative hug, silently conveying his gratitude for the wonderful evening. Then, with a big smile and a wave, he headed off with Jimin trailing behind.

As they climbed the stairs to their shared dorm room, Jimin couldn't contain his curiosity. "So, how was tonight, Tae?"

Taehyung's eyes lit up as he gushed, "It was amazing! Kookie is such a gentleman. My heart was doing somersaults when he offered to pay for my meal. I've never been treated so well, and we're not even officially dating. Minjae was my boyfriend for over a year, and he never did anything like this. It's a completely new feeling, and I love it."

Jimin couldn't resist teasing him. "Sounds like someone's got a crush."

Taehyung remained quiet, unable to deny the truth of Jimin's observation. He could already see himself falling for Jungkook.