and so the updating spree begins!!
also 'you belong with me' by taylor swift
is a literal theme for this book 💀💀💀

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"Why haven't you gone back yet?" Jimin jogged over to where Jeongguk stood twenty minutes after practice had ended for the afternoon, his duffle slung over his shoulder and blonde hair tied in a little ponytail.

He glanced up, phone in one hand and the other tucked in his sweatpants pocket. Jeongguk opened his mouth to talk, though not a single word escaped past his lips when he realized his friend was subtly checking him out.

Oh, how he knew that trick well— ask a question to catch them off guard, and while they struggled to come up with an answer, discreetly eye them up and down. Jeongguk froze, not really used to being on the receiving end, and to be honest he wasn't much to look at right now, nor did he like this.

In the locker rooms, he took a quick shower before going off to meet Specs to continue their game plan after school. Besides that, he donned on a trusty pair of gray sweatpants and his junior olympic jacket from when he played last summer. He didn't try hard, so he could make Specs feel comfortable.

Jeongguk saw how Specs eyed him when he wore his small collection designer clothes around the place. He grew used to the staring, but the way Specs's mood immediately dimmed in his presence, he knew that type of mentality would get them nowhere.

"Why haven't you left?" He decided to reverse the question, raising an eyebrow at the older as he slid his phone into his pocket. Damn, he should really get Specs's number.

"Oh, well, I was kinda wanting to talk to you," Jimin chuckled, grinning shyly up at him. Jeongguk's brows eased, his lips curving into a slight oval.

"Is it important?" Jeongguk asked, hoping deep down that it wasn't. He didn't want him to know he was meeting up with Specs. God knew what his reaction would be if he saw them together.

Another thing about Jimin was that he got jealous easily, and he wasn't afraid to show it, or act on it.

"Well depends on how you consider it," The older tucked his blonde hair behind his ear, tilting his head upward to meet his gaze as he stepped closer to him. Jeongguk tried to step back, but there was a damn wall behind him.

"Great, but uh m'kinda busy so could we save this for later?" He tried not to get affected by the hurt that flashed through his friend's features, but there was nothing else he could do or say. He loved Jimin; it was physically impossible for him to hurt him.

"Gguk, I wanna talk about us. It's September, and we still haven't talked about that," Jimin murmured, eyeing him suspiciously when he reached to check his phone just to purposely avoid looking at him.

"What's making you so scared about commitment?"

"Huh?" Jeongguk nearly choked, brows scrunched together and blinking rapidly as he forced himself to meet Jimin's gaze. "What?" He didn't expect that.

"Jeongguk, let me put two and two together," Jimin started, tone softening as his pudgy fingers clutched around the strap of his bag. "I felt something."

"I think we can save this for another time, Chim," He swallowed, pushing off the wall, eyes darting around for an escape. Jimin opened his mouth to argue, but Jeongguk cut him off, "No. We're not discussing this here, hyung."

"Why not? We both know you're gonna push it away! I don't get why you're so scared," His lips fell into a frown as he stepped in front of him, blocking the younger from going anywhere.

Jeongguk shoved his fingers through his damp hair, exhaling unevenly. "I told you, I don't want anything with anyone. I don't have the time."

"But you have the time to fuck a new person every week?" Jimin snapped. It took him a moment to realize what he said, his brows easing as he met the younger's now narrowed gaze.

"Don't be a hypocrite. You know damn well what I want, and it's not a relationship. I have volleyball, colleges, the fucking Olympic team to consider," He said cooly, his fingers curling into fists inside of his pockets, raven hair brushing over his eyes.

"We'll talk about this when I'm ready, alright?" Jeongguk whispered, slightly easing his tone when he realized he was nearly shouting. "My career's on the line. You of all people, as my best friend, should understand."

"I could help you," Jimin whispered, but Jeongguk wasn't having it. He shook his head, jaw clamped shut as his tongue poked the side of his mouth.

"I have it all covered. I think you should go back to the dorms," He cleared his throat, pushing past the older and toward the foyer, unable to bring himself to look back at him.

"Jeongguk," Jimin called, though he wasn't stopping any time soon. He sped up his pace, pulling up the hood from his sweatshirt beneath his coat as a weak attempt to drown him out.

"Please text me, okay?"

He shouted after his retreating figure, but Jeongguk refused to listen any further, proceeding to exit out the double doors. The second he was out of the gym, he froze, exhaling the breath he didn't realize he was holding the entire time. Hunching over, he ran his palm down his face, sighing in frustration.

Everything about that summer he regretted. It was a mistake, a big one at that, and he realized damn well it wasn't going to be cleared anytime soon. Fuck, he was so close to hearing those three words he hated with every fiber of his being— it was awful.

But Jeongguk already knew the longer he ignored it, the thicker the tension that enveloped them, ruining their old conversations and replacing it with dreaded awkward silence. Yet he just couldn't bring himself to talk about it.

It didn't really matter to him, but to Jimin, it was everything. However, he honestly thought the older would understand since his entire life practically revolved around volleyball.

He didn't hate him— there just wasn't any more room in his life for anything, or anyone. And the idea of falling in love was bullshit. It was a distraction, total ruination; a mess that Jeongguk didn't need.

A mess where Jeongguk, himself, was a product of the collateral damage.

"Sorry I'm late!" His head shot up to see Taehyung jogging in his direction, binders in his arms and blazer falling around his shoulders. The sight really was something, the corner Jeongguk's mouth curving upward.

"Gosh, I didn't think it would take so long, but I was talking to my teacher about my recommendation letter to Korea University," Taehyung explained, speaking a hundred words per minute as he shoved his things into his backpack.

"Korea University?" Jeongguk asked, unsure why he was surprised when Specs was pretty smart. He could probably get into any school he wanted with ease.

"Yup! I'm gonna be majoring in business. I wanna be some cool CEO in the future, y'know?" He nodded, stuffing his papers into his bag, brows creasing when it wouldn't fit.

God, he was a mess, Jeongguk noted, watching the boy with a flutter of amusement in his chest. Though he didn't mean it in a negative way; he was one of those controlled disasters. Chaos and precision all in the same person.

"Why are you smiling like that?" The older asked, brushing back his pork-broth colored hair behind his ear, scowling slightly. Oh fuck, he wasn't supposed to see that.

"Me? Smiling? I think you need to get your eyes checked," Jeongguk raised an eyebrow, pointing at himself. Taehyung rolled his eyes at him.

"I already did," He said, gesturing at his face. "That's why I have glasses, you incompetent slug."

"Right," Jeongguk bit his lip, giving the older a few more minutes to get himself together, while at the same time fighting the grin twitching on his mouth.

"Okay," Taehyung exhaled, clapping his hands together. He wasn't really fixed, for his tie was a bit crooked and his blazer had some wrinkles, but the younger didn't say anything— he looked too proud of himself.

"I'm ready. What are we gonna do?"

"Today's the day, Specs," He said, watching the way the older's features lit up upon hearing his words. "I noticed your skin cleared up lately after I showed you my skincare routine, so it's time for lesson two."

"N-no way! Really? It actually worked?" The older gasped, fingers reaching up to feel his skin, but he immediately stopped himself without needing the other to tell him. "S-sorry. Got excited."

"It's all good. I'll introduce you to Jihyo, and she's gonna be doing your lil makeover," Jeongguk said, jutting his chin in the direction they were going. The older nodded along, following him as they began their walk.

"How did you know Jihyo, if you don't mind me asking?" Taehyung matched his pace effortlessly, though Jeongguk noticed he kept a decent space between them as they walked.

"She's friends with my sister," The information wasn't necessarily private, but Jeongguk kept his answer vague, wanting to shut down any question that followed. "They knew each other from uni."

"Oh, I see," The older hummed. "Did you two ever hook-up or something?" Now that wasn't a question he expected. Jeongguk nearly choked.

"What? Specs, you know it truly does hurt me that you think of me like that," He pressed his hand to his chest, pretending to sniffle. At that, the older rolled his eyes, smacking his shoulder.

"M'just asking, jeez. I was just curious 'cause you literally have bedroom eyes for everyone," Taehyung said in a matter of fact tone.

"Bedroom eyes? What are you, a victorian woman?" Jeongguk snorted, dodging Taehyung as he went to slap his arm again. "And no, not always. Especially not for my sister's friends."

"Ah I see that you follow that 'bro code' too, hm?" The older chuckled softly, hooking his thumbs into the beltloops of his slacks. Jeongguk shrugged.

"I guess? It's mostly 'cause my sister would beat me, and so would my mom if she could," Jeongguk found himself admitting before he could stop the words from flowing straight out of his mouth.

He winced, hoping Taehyung wouldn't ask about his mom, but instead, he continued to smile ahead. "At least you have them to keep you in check." He simply said, their gazes meeting briefly, but Taehyung's the first to pull away.

"What do you mean? Does your mom let you run wild, or something? Does she set your curfew?" He teased, nudging his elbow, a ghost of a grin playing on his lips. Taehyung shook his head.

"I don't have a mom."

"O-Oh, fuck, I'm sorry," Jeongguk froze, watching as Taehyung scratched the side of his neck, flashing him an awkward grin. "I didn't know that."

"No, it's fine. I have two gay dads, so like having a mom is completely out of the question anyways. I guess I have one, but she's out there living her best life without me, and I'm doing the same," Taehyung chuckled, noticing the younger was staring at him.

"What, did I get too personal on you, Jeon?" He joked.

"N-no, not at all," He swallowed, shaking his head slowly. "I forgot you told me about your dads."

"It's okay. A lot of people forget things about me when I tell them." Jeongguk wasn't sure what he meant by that, whether it was some self-deprecating joke, he still decided to drop the subject before it got any weirder between them.

"I noticed your jacket," Taehyung blurted, catching the younger off guard. Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at him. He rolled his eyes and pinched the material of his sleeve.

"Oh, yeah. I played for South Korea last year," He eased his shoulders, guessing this was safe territory. It was volleyball, nothing else. "We won the entire thing. Literally nobody came close, so I guess it was fun."

"Cut the crap," His ears perked up. Taehyung was staring at him now, his eyes narrowed. "You want a challenge, and that's why you're trying to qualify for the Olympics because this isn't enough for you."

"Well, if you put it like that," Jeongguk murmured, carding his fingers through his hair. "I guess? How could you tell?" He tried to lighten the mood, a smirk dancing on his lips.

"I have to admit, I watched your games."

"Awh, thanks for your support, Specs. Didn't think you had it in you."

"Okay, shut up and let me talk," Taehyung chuckled, rolling his eyes but the grin on his lips betrayed him. "I wasn't there to watch you. You just happened to be there, playing when I came."

"Were you there for Park, then?" Jeongguk asked, watching as the grin on Taehyung's lips faltered. He swallowed, noticing the oh-so familiar way the older's cheeks flushed red.

"I assure you, by the end of this Park will like you," He said. "It'll all be worth it in the end. You two together, and I'll be happily married to volleyball."

"You're seriously gonna date a volleyball?" Taehyung snorted in disbelief, raising an eyebrow at him. The younger nodded, pursing his lips.

"Of course. Y'know, synthetic leather and hitting really turns me on," Jeongguk said, immediately regretting it when he realized what else that could mean. Taehyung burst into laughter.

"That was so wrong on so many levels," Taehyung gasped in between fits, nudging Jeongguk's shoulder as he grew silent, neck searing hot and pink.

"M'not really into that," Jeongguk said, voice slightly hoarse as he grabbed a hysterical Taehyung's elbow to enter one of the shops. Feel Special Salon was quite the cringey name, but he couldn't judge Jihyo's skills.

While Taehyung struggled to compose himself and Jeongguk continued to burn beneath all the layers of clothes he wore, Park Jihyo herself emerged from behind the teal curtain separating the reception area from the rest of her store. She lifted a questioning eyebrow at the duo, a small smile on her cherry-painted lips.

"Is this the 'Specs' I've been hearing about?" She asked, approaching them with one of the brightest smiles in the room. Jeongguk frowned, opening his mouth to argue that he totally didn't say that, but Taehyun beat him to it.

"He talks about me?" Taehyung said in disbelief, pretending to wipe away tears from beneath his frames.

"No I—," Jihyo raised one of her hands, silencing him. "Yes, he does. He called me at one a.m. to discuss our plans for you. Kid was drunk on his banana milk."

Jeongguk immediately looked the other way when he felt Taehyung's gaze on him, blushing feverishly.

"Are you two ready? I got the back set up," She asked, jabbing her thumb over her shoulder. "If not, I can leave you two together?"

"I think I spent enough time with Jeon over here," Taehyung chuckled, abandoning his side to go with Jihyo. Jeongguk glanced up, brows knitted together seeing the two of them bond within a second.

He followed after them, watching the duo talk about things he really had no care for. Every now and then would he hear his name, readying himself to defend his name when they would laugh out of nowhere.

With all honesty, he didn't think they would get along this fast, but he supposed Taehyung was full of different surprises that even Jeongguk wasn't aware of. It still managed to get him, and though he would be shocked, he grew used to it.

It was refreshing, seeing someone this genuine. To think Taehyung would just be faking it since he was the student council president, but it natural. The kind smiles, the compliments. Jeongguk didn't think those types of people existed nowadays.

"Your skin's really pretty, Taehyung-ssi," Jihyo snapped him out of his thoughts. He gave Jeongguk his bag, giving him a fleeting smile before returning to where Taehyung stood by one of the chairs.

"Thanks. Jeongguk helped me," He said, a smile stretched across his lips. In the mirror, he met the younger's stare, who was leaning against the wall, and gave him a thumbs-up.

"I know he probably told you what we're gonna do, but since I'm a pro, I'll repeat it," Jihyo teased, ignoring the death glare Jeongguk was sending her way. "We'll wash your hair, give it a trim, and dye it. Simple as that."

"Do I get to choose the color?" Taehyung gushed, letting Jihyo lead him to one of those chairs leaning into one of those sinks. She nodded, helping him get ready.

"Of course, love. This makeover's for you, not Jeongguk over there," Jihyo said, pulling gloves over her hands. Jeongguk was about to say something, but the older cut him off.

"Oh, we're not dating, or even involved in t-that way. We're not even friends, noona." Jeongguk grimaced, knowing Jihyo would probably beat him for missing that crucial fact.

"Really now?" She turned her head over her shoulder, her narrowed gaze meeting Jeongguk's. He swallowed, removing his hand from beneath the things to wave in her direction.

She mouthed, 'you're gonna die' before returning her attention back to Taehyung, ignoring the way the younger's expression paled. Jihyo leaned down, her hand covering her mouth as she whispered into the older's ear, saying something that made Taehyung giggle in his seat.

"Are you guys talking shit on me?" Jeongguk asked, but they proceeded to pretend he wasn't there, leaving him to pout all on his own.

This was going to take forever.

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It went like this for an hour, and Jeongguk's back was beginning to ache from standing still for so long. He tried to get a glimpse, but Jihyo refused to let him look, even banishing him back out to the front of the reception.

So there he sat one of the settees, arm propped on the side, and face resting on the flat of his palm. He checked his phone every now and then, ignoring the messages from Jimin and the texts from Namjoon asking where the hell he was.

He could have been doing something else like homework if he knew it was going to take this long. God, all those AP classes were biting him in the ass, and Jeongguk still had some things to do later tonight when Taehyung was asleep.

There was so much to do, so much to worry about. His college applications and getting into the Olympic team weren't his only concerns; there were other things that picked apart at his brain, demanding his attention to figure out piece by piece.

And no, it wasn't the situation with Jimin. That was an issue on its own, but by helping Taehyung it could take that off his plate.

"Jeongguk?" He resurfaced from the depths of his thoughts, finally spotting Jihyo standing by the curtain. She gestured him forward, and it took him a second to untangle himself from their things.

He got up, stretching slightly as he approached her, realizing Taehyung wasn't with her. "Where is he?" He asked, rubbing at his eyes.

"I think you'll like what you see," Jihyo said. At that, Jeongguk's lips drooped into a frown.

"Ji, I'm not dating him. I'll never consider it," He tried, but the older shushed him and placed her small hand on his shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at her, wondering what was wrong.

"Don't fucking tell me you turned him into the Grinch."

"No, not at all," Jihyo said, chuckling softly as she patted his shoulder. "But can I ask why you aren't gonna cuff him? Sweetheart, he's amazing! And you are a lonely little shit!"

"Keep your voice down," Jeongguk sighed, pulling her hand off of him. "M'not looking for anything right now." Jihyo hummed.

"Fine, but when you become emotionally available, date him! Don't let Park Jimin snatch him. He's too good for this world," She whispered, gently shoving his chest. "I know about your dumbass plan."

"It's not a dumb plan," He argued, crossing his arms over his chest. "He likes Jimin, Jimin wants to date someone, and I love volleyball. It's perfect."

"Oh kiddo, you do realize volleyball can only fulfill so much of your life, right? I know it means a lot for you to get that scholarship for your sisters," She said, softly. "But you need love too."

"M'doing mighty fine on my own," Jeongguk said firmly. "I have to focus on my future. You know that more than anyone else."

"And I do. I've known you since you were five and begging your parents to let you play volleyball like your sister," Jihyo chuckled, earning a small smile from the younger at the faint memory. "But don't let that keep you from experiencing something good."

"I'm already experiencing something good."

"No, I mean a relationship. Your parents' experience with love doesn't settle what you get to experience," She said, squeezing his arm. "It's very different for everyone, and I do believe a guy like Taehyung can take you." She wiggled her eyebrows at him.

"Get your head out of your imagination," Jeongguk grumbled, rolling his eyes as she let out a laugh. "It's not good in there."

"Whatever, but hear me out and become friends. You deserve some better friends," She whispered before disappearing behind the curtain to go get Taehyung.

Her words rung in Jeongguk's ears, though he didn't quite understand why she would suggest that. He was perfectly content with his life; everything was going on as he planned it all those years ago. Sure, his friends had their bad times, but they were all he knew, all he had, and he couldn't see what was wrong with it.

He decided to think about it later— that was another stress for another time. Jeongguk rolled his eyes as Jihyo made a trumpet noise, "Get on with it," He said, already growing impatient.

"Presenting, to the entirety of Seoul, the new and still very much amazing, Kim Taehyung!"

Jeongguk didn't recognize the person that walked out. In fact, his jaw fucking dropped.

Replacing the pork-broth tone was a vibrant blue, which complimented his tanned skin rather nicely despite the color being an unusual choice. His hair was no longer long and dead thanks to Jihyo's work. The sides were cut short while the top was layered, leaving it a bit longer by the fringe.

Fuck, Jeongguk couldn't put together a coherent sentence. His hair didn't cover his eyes anymore, and the way Jihyo styled it made his throat suddenly run dry. She parted it down the middle, brushing aside his freshly dyed locks into a slight curve, exposing his smooth forehead.

Was he wearing a fucking earring? Jeongguk nearly choked, spotting the single clip-on stud on his ear, the white, gem studded chanel logo contrasting against his bright hair. His glasses were gone, but he saw Jihyo was holding them. There also was clearly something on his mouth, which Jeongguk assumed was a peachy pink gloss to seal the look.

"What? D-does it look bad?" Taehyung asked softly above the squeals of Jihyo as she shoved him toward Jeongguk. Jeongguk blinked, no thoughts, head fully empty.

"N-No, not at all," Jeongguk swallowed, the words that slipped past his lips, blinking rather slow as he stared at the boy in front of him.

"What do you think, Jeongguk?" Jihyo giggled, still squealing like a school girl as she looked back and forth between the duo.

I think you're beautiful, though he refused to say it out loud. You were never really ugly like they said. I didn't think you were to be honest.

I was just being an asshole to you, Specs.

"Good job, Ji," He settled with instead, closing his jaw when he realized he probably looked like an idiot. He turned toward Taehyung, taking a couple steps, watching as his eyes widened while he slowly closed the distance between them.

"Do you like it?" Jeongguk asked, keeping his voice soft as he made sure to leave some space between their bodies. Taehyung didn't have to tilt his head up much, but he did so, meeting Jeongguk's stare.

"It's new," Taehyung answered, adam's apple bobbing nervously in his throat. "I don't know if I'm good enough, though."

"You're more than enough," He whispered, quickly adding when Taehyung gave him a weird look, "For Jimin. He'll be an idiot if he didn't fall for you." He said, noticing the way Jihyo was shaking her head at him.

"Oh he'll fall for you alright," Jihyo said, interrupting Taehyung before he could speak. She glanced over at Jeongguk, an all knowing smile on his faces. The older was blushing profusely, sputtering thanks in both of their directions.

She reached up and patted Jeongguk's shoulder, smiling at the two of them as neither one dared to look at one another. Jeongguk wanted to say something, but it was practically impossible when his tongue was tied and Specs was looking like a model right out of Chanel.

"Any guy would be an idiot if they didn't." She said finally. "Go get 'em Tae," Jihyo smirked, but to who she was referring to, Jeongguk didn't know.

But all he could bring himself to assume was that it was Jimin. It had to be— he wasn't an idiot.

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if you wanted a visual:

IT HAPPENED EVERYBODY!!! and
this is where all the drama & fun shit
begins!! i'm here for it and i hope you
guys are too! lub ya'll and thanks for
supporting HTT ((: stay tuned 💛💛
— mela