Chapter 11: When Eyes Spoke

The soft morning light filtered through the kitchen window as Jungkook stood in the empty kitchen. She leaned against the counter, considering her next move. A thought had settled down in her mind overnight-she wanted to do something special for Taehyung.

With a smile tugging at the corners of her lips, she reached for the packet of fresh bread and a cutting board. Jungkook looked at the refrigerator and found vegetables. Her slender fingers sliced through the vegetables, the sound echoing in the quiet kitchen. Jungkook tired to sound as low as possible because she didn't want anyone to find out about her secret mission. Thoughts of Taehyung's smile and his kind gestures filled her mind, warming her heart.

Then, she spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the slices, her thoughts drifted to a particular male. His laughter and their shared moments played like a reel in her mind, urging her to make this morning a little brighter for him.

Humming softly to herself, Jungkook carefully layered the vegetables onto the bread. The sandwiches took shape under her gentle touch, each ingredient chosen with care.

With a satisfied nod, she neatly wrapped the sandwiches in parchment paper and kept them nearly in her lunch box. Holding them delicately in her hands, she imagined Taehyung's surprised yet delighted expression. The thought filled her with a warmth that spread from her fingertips to her heart.

Stepping back from the kitchen counter, Jungkook glanced at the clock. It was still early, and she knew Taehyung usually arrived at school around this time. With a determined smile, she slipped the sandwiches into her bag, ready to start the day with a small gesture of affection for the person who had quietly become so important to her.

"I hope he likes them," she whispered to herself, a slight blush gracing her cheeks at the thought.

Jungkook looked up from the lunchbox and saw the dirty vessels.

"I need to clean them before mumma vanishes me from this planet," Jungkook walked over to the sink and began to clean the utensils.

However while diligently washing dishes in the kitchen sink, Jungkook's thoughts drifted to Taehyung and the sandwiches she made for him. Lost in her daydreams, her fingers hovered absentmindedly over the sharp edge of a stainless steel vessel, scratching against it.

"Ouch!" Jungkook hissed through clenched teeth as a sharp sting shot through her fingertip. She quickly withdrew her hand, inspecting the small but painful cut that had formed.
"Darn it," she muttered under her breath, her brows furrowing in frustration. "I should have been more careful."

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind, warning her about the vessel's defect and the need to handle it with caution.

"Why does this always happen at the worst times?" Jungkook sighed, gently cradling her injured finger. She grabbed a clean cloth and pressed it against the cut to stop the bleeding, all the while scolding herself for daydreaming.

After a few moments, Jungkook managed to bandage her finger carefully, pasting the bandaid to secure it. "There," she murmured, examining her injury with a small smile of relief. "Not too bad, but definitely a lesson learned."

The school campus buzzed with excitement as Independence Day approached. Every corner was adorned with decorations and posters of national heroes adorned the walls. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the festive scene.

Students arrived in a myriad of attire, each one adding their own touch of patriotism to the occasion. Excitement and anticipation were palpable in the air as students greeted each other with smiles and exchanged spirited conversations about the day ahead.

In the midst of it all, teachers and staff bustled about, ensuring everything was in place for the day's festivities. The main courtyard, where the flag hoisting ceremony would take place, stood as the centrepiece of the celebrations, adorned with flowers and fluttering flags.

In the school washroom, Jungkook stood amidst Lisa and Hana in front of the mirror, each of them preparing for the day's program. Lisa, with her mischievous grin, teased Hana about her hair while Hana adjusted her outfit with thorough care. Jungkook focused on helping them rather than herself.

Her school uniform was impeccably neat and misrepresented her inner turmoil. She hadn't actively participated in the preparations, often preferring the quiet corners of the school to the bustling common areas. As she smoothed down Hana's collar and straightened Lisa's tie, her mind drifted to the upcoming event. Despite her introverted nature, the spirit of the occasion tugged at her, mingling with a hint of apprehension about being in the spotlight.

"You're a lifesaver, Jungkook," Lisa chirped, breaking the silence as she adjusted her hairband. "Seriously, without you, I'd be a mess right now."

Hana nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting Jungkook's in the mirror. "Thanks for helping us out, Jungkook. Are you excited about today?"

Jungkook offered a shy smile in response, her cheeks lightly flushed. "Yeah, I guess so," she replied softly, her gaze flickering to the reflection of the school hallway beyond the washroom door.

Shortly, The ceremony began with the raising of the national flag, accompanied by the resonant notes of the national anthem. The anchors on stage, their voices echoing across the courtyard, guided the audience through the program with grace and dignity.

As the flag fluttered proudly in the gentle breeze, the parade of schoolhouses commenced.

Taehyung, standing tall at the front, held the flag with pride. Dressed in a crisp uniform, his aura exuded a quiet authority that matched the significance of the occasion. His eyes scanned the rows of students behind him, each dressed in their respective house colours, standing in unison with pride.

Dressed purely in his school uniform, adorned with badges of honour, he held the flag with a firm grip, symbolizing the earnest and pride of the occasion.

"Attention!" his voice rang out, cutting through the chatter of excited students. The parade came to a halt, rows of students standing at attention, their faces serious and focused.

"Forward march!" Taehyung's command spurred the procession into motion. Each house, represented by students dressed in vibrant uniforms, moved forward with precision. Their feet struck the ground in unison, echoing faintly against the soil.

The parade moved with precision and unity, each house displaying its unique banners and chants. Taehyung's presence added a touch of seriousness to the proceedings, his commitment to the school evident in every step. As the parade circled the school grounds, cheers and applause erupted from the gathered parents and teachers, marking a moment of unity and celebration in honour of their nation's independence.

"Left, right, left, right," Taehyung's steady cadence guided them, his authoritative tone instilling a sense of discipline and unity. With each step, the banners of the schoolhouses fluttered proudly, carrying symbols of their allegiance.

Jungkook stood mesmerized behind the group of students, her eyes fixed on Taehyung as he led the parade with authoritative commands. His voice rang out clearly, echoing across the grounds, directing the students with confidence and precision. Each step he took showed his responsibility and captivated Jungkook's attention.

Taehyung marched ahead, Jungkook couldn't help but admire him from afar. She watched his every move, the way he effortlessly guided the parade. A soft smile played on her lips as she took in the sight, feeling a rush of pride and admiration for Taehyung, who seemed to represent leadership at that moment.

Lost in her thoughts, Jungkook didn't notice Lisa nudging her gently from the side. "Hey, Jungkook, you're staring again," Lisa whispered teasingly, nudging her friend playfully.

Jungkook blinked, realizing she had been caught in a trance. Blushing slightly, she turned to Lisa with a sheepish grin, feeling both embarrassed and exhilarated by the sight of Taehyung in his element.

"He's so... impressive," Jungkook murmured softly, her voice filled with admiration.

Lisa chuckled knowingly. "I know, right? Captain Taehyung has a way of commanding attention," she replied, her eyes following Taehyung's confident strides. "You're not the only one who's noticed."

Jungkook nodded, torn between wanting to continue watching Taehyung and trying to compose herself. "I... should pay attention to the parade," she said, tearing her gaze away reluctantly.

Lisa grinned mischievously. "Sure, sure. Just remember to blink once in a while," she teased, earning a playful shove from Jungkook.

Together, they watched as Taehyung led the parade with authority, his presence leaving an indelible impression on everyone around him, especially on Jungkook.

After the parade, Taehyung walked confidently onto the stage, his posture upright and his expression composed. The crowd greeted him with excited applause as he took his place behind the podium, the sunlight did its work by highlighting his charismatic presence.
Beside him stood Jasmine, his co-anchor for the day, who smiled warmly at the audience.

"Good morning, everyone!" Taehyung's voice boomed through the microphone, commanding attention.

"Today, as we gather to celebrate our nation's Independence Day, let us remember the sacrifices of our forefathers who fought tirelessly for our freedom. The flag we hoisted today symbolizes not just our unity, but also our resilience and unwavering spirit as a nation."

Jasmine nodded in agreement, her demeanor calm and professional as she added, "Indeed, Taehyung. Today is a reminder of the values that define us as a country-freedom, justice, and equality for all. It's a privilege to witness the dedication and talent of our students as they showcase their patriotism through various performances. So, let's invite our principal for a heartwarming speech on this auspicious day,"

All eyes turned expectantly towards Principal, who approached the podium smiling at the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and beloved students," the Principal's voice rang out, commanding attention. "On this auspicious day, we gather not just to celebrate our nation's independence but also to reaffirm our commitment to its ideals of unity, freedom, and progress."

"Our journey towards freedom was paved with sacrifices and unwavering determination," the principal continued,"Today, as we raise our flag high, let it serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the responsibilities we bear as citizens of this great nation."

"Together, let us strive to build a future where every voice is heard, every dream is nurtured, and every achievement is shared in the spirit of collective progress."

Principal concluded with a heartfelt message, "May this day inspire us all to work towards a brighter tomorrow, where peace and prosperity prevail. Happy Independence Day!"

"Thank you for the heartwarming speech," Jasmine spoke in front of the podium.

Taehyung addressed the crowd again, his tone warm yet authoritative. "Next up, we have an array of performances lined up by our talented students, each performance reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of our nation. From traditional dances to melodious songs, these performances celebrate the diversity and unity that define us as a people."

Jasmine chimed in, her voice filled with pride, "That's right! Let the spirit of patriotism and harmony inspire us all!"

The crowd erupted into applause, their hearts filled with pride and gratitude. Taehyung and Jasmine exchanged polite smiles, knowing they had successfully captured the essence of this momentous occasion.

they stepped back and the celebration continued, marked by speeches, cultural performances, and a renewed sense of unity among all who were present.

"Now, it's time for prize distribution," Taehyung spoke confidently, holding the list of awardees in his hand. He motioned for the Principal and the teachers to join him on stage, setting the tone for an eagerly awaited moment in the day's celebrations.

"First, we'll begin with the junior category," Taehyung announced, his voice projecting across the gathered students and guests. He smiled warmly at the younger students who sat eagerly, their eyes bright with anticipation.

Principal stepped forward, his presence commanding as he took the microphone.

One by one, Taehyung and Jasmine assisted in presenting awards to the junior category winners, each handshake and congratulatory word reinforcing the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving success.

"Congratulations to all our junior awardees," Jasmine said with a smile, her voice filled with pride as the last junior category award was presented.

Taehyung then shifted his focus to the senior category, acknowledging the achievements of the older students who had distinguished themselves through their leadership, scholarship, and contributions to the school community.

"As we move to the senior category," Taehyung announced, his tone reflecting admiration, "we celebrate the accomplishments of those who have set high standards and inspired their peers."

The principal and the teachers continued to join Taehyung in presenting awards to the senior category winners, each acknowledgement met with applause and cheers from their fellow students and the audience.

Taehyung spoke as he turned the pages, his voice tinged with excitement, "Now it's time for prizes for the Creative Writing Competition, senior category."

"First prize goes to Jeon Jungkook," Taehyung announced, his heart skipping a beat as he read out Jungkook's name.

He couldn't contain his happiness for Jungkook, knowing how talented and dedicated she was to her writing.

As Jungkook stood from her place and made her way towards the stage, Taehyung watched her with admiration. Jungkook accepted the certificate and medal from the Principal with a gracious smile and a word of thanks, her cheeks tinted with a slight blush from the attention.

While returning to her seat, Jungkook stole a quick glance at Taehyung, who was looking at her with a warm smile. Taehyung's heart raced as their eyes met briefly, feeling a rush of butterflies in his stomach. He couldn't help but blush himself, thrilled by the unspoken connection between them that seemed to grow stronger with each exchanged glance.

When Jungkook settled back into her seat, their eyes met again, this time holding a promise of conversations to come and moments shared together beyond the confines of the ceremony.

For Taehyung, this Independence Day had become even more meaningful-a celebration not just of freedom, but of newfound feelings and the beginning of a journey with someone special.

When the function ended, and students began to disperse across the campus, Taehyung noticed Jungkook chatting with her friends Lisa and Hana near the food stalls. Hana, spotting Taehyung from a distance, nudged Jungkook with a mischievous grin.

"Please help me, can you give it to him?" Jungkook pleaded playfully with Hana, holding out the lunch box towards her.

Hana chuckled and shook her head, teasing Jungkook gently. "No way, Jungkook. This is your moment," she replied with a grin, nudging her friend playfully.

Jungkook pouted in mock disappointment, looking at Lisa for support. "Lisa, you'll help me out, right?" she asked hopefully, holding the lunch box towards her friend.

Lisa laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Sorry, Jungkook. Hana's right. You've got this," she replied, nudging Hana in agreement.

Jungkook sighed dramatically, pretending to be defeated. "Fine, I'll do it myself," she sai.

"Brother is coming. This is your chance," Hana whispered, her voice filled with encouragement. "Feed him your handmade sandwiches."

Jungkook hesitated, her insecurities bubbling to the surface. "What if he doesn't like it?" she worried quietly, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

Lisa and Hana exchanged knowing glances, understanding Jungkook's nervousness. They reassured her with supportive words, masking their amusement at her nervousness.

Just as Jungkook took a deep breath to compose herself, Taehyung arrived at their group with a smile. "Hey, everyone," he greeted cheerfully, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he looked at Jungkook.

"Hi," Jungkook responded softly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.

Hana and Lisa, seizing the opportunity to tease Jungkook further, excused themselves with exaggerated urgency.

"Oh, we just remembered something urgent!" Lisa announced with a wink, pulling Hana away, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone.

Taehyung smiled warmly as Hana and Lisa excused themselves, leaving him alone with Jungkook. "Your friends are nice," he stated.

"I'm glad we got a chance to talk," Taehyung continued, his smile widening as he looked at Jungkook. His heart raced with anticipation, hopeful that this could be the beginning of something special between them.

Jungkook smiled back shyly, her eyes sparkling with a mix of happiness and nervousness. "Yeah, me too," she replied softly, her voice filled with warmth.

Taehyung cleared his throat, feeling a bit nervous as he looked around briefly before speaking. "Congratulations for winning," he said, his voice sincere yet tinged with a hint of admiration.

Jungkook blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she thanked him shyly. "Thank you," she replied softly, her eyes meeting Taehyung's briefly before she looked away, feeling a rush of happiness at his kind words.

Taehyung smiled warmly at her response, feeling a sense of satisfaction that he had made her smile. He wanted to continue the conversation, to extend this moment of connection between them, but he also didn't want to overwhelm Jungkook with his feelings. So, he decided to keep things light for now.

"It's really impressive," Taehyung continued, trying to ease the tension. "You put a lot of effort into your writing, didn't you?"

Jungkook nodded, her smile growing more confident. "Yeah, I did. It means a lot that you noticed," she admitted, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

Taehyung nodded in understanding, glad that he could make Jungkook feel appreciated. Jungkook looked over at Taehyung, who seemed a bit fidgety as he glanced around, clearly wanting to talk. She felt a surge of nerves and excitement, realizing he was trying to find a way to continue their conversation.

Internally, Jungkook scolded herself, her thoughts racing. *Come on, Jungkook, say something!* she scolded herself mentally, feeling a rush of embarrassment at standing there like a statue.

Jungkook looked down at the lunch box in her hand once more. She mentally scolded herself, *I made these for him then, why am I not offering them sooner?*

Summoning her courage, Jungkook held out the lunch box towards Taehyung with a shy smile. "You want some?" she asked softly, hoping he would accept.

Taehyung hesitated briefly, his expression thoughtful. Then, as Jungkook added, "I made them," his hesitation melted away. With a grateful smile, Taehyung took a sandwich from the box, their fingers briefly brushing as he did so.

"Thank you, Jungkook," Taehyung said sincerely, his eyes meeting hers with warmth and gratitude. He took a bite and nodded approvingly. "These are really good," he complimented, impressed by her cooking skills.

Jungkook blushed at the praise, feeling a rush of happiness at Taehyung's appreciation. "Really" she asked softly, her heart skipping a beat at the shared moment between them.

"Really," Taehyung assured her.

Taehyung noticed Jungkook wince slightly as she carefully closed her lunch box. He couldn't help but notice the small bandage wrapped around her index finger. Concern flickered across his face as he moved to her.

"what happened to your finger?" Taehyung asked softly, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Jungkook looked up, surprised to see him noticing. She bit her lips lightly, trying to tone down the injury. "Oh, it's nothing, just a little mishap while washing dishes this morning."

Taehyung frowned slightly, unconvinced by her attempt to brush it off. "Let me see," he insisted gently, reaching for her hand.

Reluctantly, Jungkook extended her hand towards him. Taehyung carefully inspected the bandage, his expression softening. "You should be more careful," he said softly, his thumb brushing lightly over the bandage, the touch made a shiver run down Jungkook's spine.

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat at his touch, and she nodded, feeling grateful for his concern. "I will," she replied softly, meeting his gaze with a shy smile.

Taehyung nodded, his eyes lingering on hers for a moment longer before he reluctantly let go of her hand. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

"Okay," Jungkook promised, feeling a warmth spread through her despite the slight embarrassment of being caught with an injury. Jungkook couldn't help but feel a flutter of happiness in her chest. His caring gesture had touched her deeply, .

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Taehyung's warm, comforting eyes. She felt a sense of calm wash over her, as if she could get lost in his gaze forever. Taehyung's expression softened, a faint smile playing on his lips as he looked back at her with admiration.

Time seemed to stand still as they stood there, their silent exchange saying more than words ever could. In that moment, amidst the chaotic school ground, Taehyung and Jungkook found themselves drawn closer, connected by an invisible thread of shared emotions and unspoken affection.

The moment between Taehyung and Jungkook was abruptly interrupted when Jimin playfully landed a light pat on Taehyung's back, causing him to turn around with a surprised expression. Jungkook fliched as taehyung gaze broke from her and she looked away trying to keep her heart and mind sane.

"Hey, Taehyung!" Jimin exclaimed cheerfully, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he noticed the lunch box in Taehyung's hand.

"What's going on here? Are you trying Jungkook's cooking skills?" he teased playfully, winking at Jungkook.

Taehyung chuckled nervously, caught off guard by Jimin's sudden appearance. "Uh, yeah, Jungkook made these sandwiches," he replied, trying to play it cool despite his slight embarrassment.

Jungkook smiled awkwardly, feeling a bit self-conscious under Jimin's teasing gaze.

"Hi," she greeted softly, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement.

Jimin grinned knowingly, "Well, I hope they're good, Taehyung," he teased, nudging his friend playfully. "Jungkook must have put a lot of love into them," he added with a wink, earning a gentle swat on the arm from Jungkook.

"Let me try them too,"

When Jimin reached out to take one of the sandwiches from the lunch box, Taehyung swiftly moved it away, causing Jimin to raise an eyebrow in amusement.

"Hey, what's the deal?" Jimin asked with a playful grin, clearly amused by Taehyung's sudden protective gesture.

Taehyung hesitated for a moment, trying to come up with a reason. He laughed nervously and then shrugged, his cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

"Uh, well, you know, I... um, I heard Jungkook put some secret ingredient in these sandwiches," he said with a slightly awkward smile.

"I don't want anyone else tasting them," he added lamely, hoping Jimin would buy his excuse.

Jimin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in closer to Taehyung. "Oh really? A secret ingredient, huh?" he teased, his grin widening.

Taehyung shifted uncomfortably, he cleared his throat. "Yeah, something like that," he mumbled, avoiding Jimin's gaze.

Jimin chuckled, clearly enjoying Taehyung's discomfort. "Come on, Tae, you can't fool me. You just don't want anyone else to have a taste of Jungkook's special sandwiches, do you?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Taehyung's eyes widened, and he stammered, "No, it's not like that! I just-"

Jimin cut him off with a knowing look. "Oh, please. It's obvious. You're totally smitten with Jungkook. Don't worry, your secret's safe with me." He winked, causing Taehyung to turn an even deeper shade of red.

Jungkook, holding her lunchbox, looked at them in confusion as she couldn't understand their whispering. "What are you two talking about?"

Jimin straightened up, a mischievous glint still in his eyes. "Oh, nothing much. Just how Taehyung here thinks your sandwiches are too special to share," he said, emphasizing the word 'special' with a teasing tone.

"Moreover, your husband--"

Jimin's next words became muffled as Taehyung quickly put his hand over Jimin's mouth and pulled him away from Jungkook to the other side.

"Nothing, nothing!" Taehyung said hastily, casting a nervous glance back at Jungkook.

"Just ignore him," Taehyung said, forcing a smile. "He's being ridiculous."

Taehyung yanked Jimin further away, pulling him around the corner of the school building and out of sight. Jimin's eyes sparkled with amusement as he finally relented, nodding in agreement. Taehyung slowly released him, sighing in relief.

"Seriously, Jimin?" Taehyung said, warning evident in his voice. Without pior notice, he gave Jimin a smack on the shoulder.

Jimin winced playfully, rubbing the spot where Taehyung had hit him. "What? It's not my fault you're so obvious."

"Keep your voice down!" Taehyung hissed, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. "And stop teasing me about Jungkook."

Jimin chuckled, still rubbing his shoulder. "Alright, alright. I'll stop... for now. But you've got to admit, it's kind of cute seeing you all flustered."

Taehyung rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "Just... let's get back"

As they made their way back, Jimin couldn't resist one last teasing remark. "You know, Taehyung, maybe you should just tell her how you feel."

Taehyung groaned, pushing Jimin lightly as they walked. "You're impossible, Jimin."

Jungkook glanced back at them one more time, shaking her head with a small smile. "They both are weird."

🌷

Few days later

Jungkook, Hana, and Lisa sat together at their usual bench, each holding a hibiscus flower and their lab manuals ready. They eagerly awaited for Mrs. Neha's instructions to begin. Today they were going to perform pollination experiment.

Jungkook looked around the bio lab with twinkling eyes, her eyes widening as she saw various charts and skeleton and models of human body. The laboratory equipments excited her to works with them eagerly.

Just then, there was a knock on the classroom door. Mrs. Neha glanced up from her desk and gave permission for Taehyung to enter.

Jungkook's attention went to the boy who crossed the door of the lab and made his way to the teacher's desk.

The stupid butterflies began their work again, making her blush by his presence even there was major distance between them.

Taehyung approached the teacher with a form requiring her signature, and she briefly set aside the lesson to attend to the administrative task.

Jungkook looked away and focused on the flower in her hands to avoid the blush coming on her cheeks. She twirled the flower between her fingers. She felt her heart flutter, a shy smile forming on her lips as she watched him interact with the teacher.

Meanwhile, Taehyung couldn't help but notice Jungkook engrossed in playing with the hibiscus flower. He observed how she delicately tucked the fragile flower behind her ear, a gesture that caught his attention. He watched how jungkook nudged Lisa and hana for attention. He saw how her small smile became wide when she got the praises from her friends.

As he watched her, their eyes met across the room.

Jungkook's gaze briefly met Taehyung's and for a moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken between them. Taehyung's expression softened as he observed her, a mix of curiosity and a hint of admiration.

He was mesmerised by her beauty. The red flower timidly tucked behind her ears. Soon, he noticed that the same colour started to appear on her cheeks. He saw how jungkook blushed and looked away.

Taehyung looked here and there and signed in relief as everyone were busy.

So, he with a subtle and secretive gesture, lifted his hand and pointed his fingers delicately to his own ear, mimicking her action. Then, he curled his forefinger and thumb together, forming a silent sign that conveyed "beautiful."

'This sign 👌'

Jungkook's cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and warmth at Taehyung's gesture. She met his eyes, feeling a flutter of emotions as his compliment echoed with her deeply.

Jungkook looked down when she couldn't withstand his heavy gaze. She delicately removed the flower from her ear and looked at that specialty of nature which kindled something between them.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Neha finished signing the notice Taehyung had brought in. He politely took it from her, exchanging a brief word of thanks before turning to leave. Before exiting the classroom, Taehyung throws a glance in Jungkook's direction, a subtle knowing smile playing on his lips.

When Taehyung walked away, Jungkook's heart raced with thoughts of their brief but meaningful exchange. His compliment and gesture echoed in her mind, leaving her curious about the unspoken connection between them.

Hana and Lisa, observing the interaction from their seats, exchanged knowing looks. They could sense that things were changing between Jungkook and Taehyung, realizing that something significant had happened.

Later, Hana and Lisa couldn't resist teasing Jungkook about the interaction with Taehyung.

"So, Jungkook," Hana began with a playful grin, nudging her friend gently. "What's going on between you and brother? He seemed quite interested in you today."

Lisa joined in, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Yeah, Jungkook, did you see the way he mimicked your flower tucked behind the ear? That was so cute!"

Jungkook blushed, trying to suppress a smile. "Oh, come on, guys," she replied bashfully, adjusting her books. "It was just a small thing. Maybe he just noticed the flower, that's all."

Hana chuckled, leaning closer to Jungkook. "Sure, just a coincidence, right? I think someone's crush is acknowledgeing," she teased, nudging Jungkook playfully.

Lisa nodded in agreement. "Definitely. Taehyung doesn't do things like that for no reason."

Jungkook's cheeks grew even redder at Lisa's words. She tried to hide her embarrassment with a laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, come on, you two. It's not like that," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.

Hana leaned in, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sure, sure. But you have to admit, it was kind of cute."

Jungkook rolled her eyes playfully, trying to downplay her flustered state. "Okay, fine. Maybe it was a little sweet. But you guys are making a big deal out of nothing," she said, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.

Lisa grinned. "We just want to see you happy, Jungkook. And it's pretty clear that Taehyung has a way of doing that."

Jungkook sighed, finally giving in. "Alright, you win. It was sweet," she admitted, a shy smile spreading across her face. "But don't go looking over too much into it, okay?"

Hana and Lisa exchanged knowing looks, but they let the subject drop, content to see their friend happy.

🌷

The sun beat down mercilessly as Taehyung, Jungkook, and a few other students worked on decorating the school's notice board. Jungkook, feeling the heat and her own nervousness, fidgeted with the paper decorations in her hands. She glanced shyly at Taehyung, who was busy pinning up some notices.

Taehyung noticed her hesitation and offered a reassuring smile. "Jungkook, can you help me with this banner?" he asked, trying to make the task less daunting.

Jungkook's fingers trembled slightly as she took the other end of the banner. "S-Sure," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart raced, not just from the heat but from being so close to him.

Another student, Minji, approached with a box of thumbtacks. "Here you go. These should help," she said, handing them over.

"Thanks, Minji," Taehyung said, taking a few and handing some to Jungkook. "Let's pin this up together."

Jungkook nodded, avoiding his gaze. She couldn't help but steal a few shy glances at Taehyung, noticing how focused he was on the task. As they worked side by side, their hands brushed against each other, causing Jungkook to blush and look away quickly.

"Are you okay, Jungkook?" Taehyung asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jungkook nodded quickly, her cheeks burning. "Y-Yeah, just... it's really hot today," she mumbled, trying to hide her embarrassment.

"Yeah," taehyung answered as he pinned the paper onto the board.

While working, Taehyung noticed a poster that needed to be cut to fit the board. He glanced at Jungkook, who was nearby, carefully arranging some decorations.

"Hey, Jungkook," Taehyung called gently, holding up the oversized poster. "Can you help me cut this to the right size?"

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him. She nodded, trying to steady her trembling hands. "Yes," she replied softly, taking the poster from him.

Taehyung handed her a pair of scissors. "Just trim the edges a bit so it fits perfectly," he instructed, giving her a smile.

As Jungkook started cutting, her focus on getting the poster just right, Taehyung couldn't help but notice the concentration on her face. Her shy glances and careful movements made him smile. The afternoon sun was relentless, and Taehyung noticed that the sunlight fell directly on Jungkook, making her squint and fidget uncomfortably. Without a word, he moved closer and positioned himself between her and the sun, casting a shadow over her.

His actions were subtle; he held up another poster in his hands, pretending to read it intentlyp. Jungkook glanced up, realizing what he was doing, and felt a surge of gratitude and warmth.

Jungkook blushed at his actions, her cheeks turning a soft pink. She tried to focus on cutting the poster but couldn't help stealing a glance at Taehyung. The realization that he was being so considerate made her heart flutter.

"Maybe I'm looking over too much into this," she thought, trying to rationalize his kindness. *He's just being nice, that's all.* She mentally scolded herself for letting her thoughts run wild, but the warmth in her chest lingered.

Jungkook continued cutting the poster, her movements a bit more hesitant as she tried to suppress the shy smiles that kept tugging at her lips. Taehyung's subtle gesture of kindness had made the hot afternoon a little more bearable and a lot more memorable.

The three helping students spoke up, "Captain, we have class right now. Can we go?"

Taehyung looked at the board, evaluating the progress. After a moment, he nodded. "Sure, you can go. Thanks for your help."

The students quickly gathered their things and left, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone in the hot sun. The sudden quiet made the atmosphere feel more intimate, and Jungkook's heart began to beat a little faster.

Taehyung noticed the change in the air and turned to Jungkook, offering a reassuring smile. "Looks like it's just us now," he said gently.

Jungkook nodded, her shyness making her words tremble slightly. "Y-yes, I guess so." She glanced at the poster in her hands, trying to focus on her task, but the warmth of Taehyung's presence was hard to ignore.

Taehyung stepped closer, casting a larger shadow over her. "Do you need any help with that?" he asked, his voice soft.

Jungkook shook her head, managing a small smile. "N-no, I think I got it. Thank you." She felt a mixture of nervousness and gratitude, appreciating his considerate nature despite the blazing sun.

Jungkook couldn't help but steal glances at him. Her heart raced slightly as she admired his features-his thoughtful expression, the way his hair fell effortlessly across his forehead, and the confident stride in his step.

Lost in her thoughts, Jungkook found herself inadvertently daydreaming about Taehyung. She admired his kindness, his subtle gestures of support, and the way he always seemed to understand her, even without words.

Caught in the moment, Jungkook's gaze lingered on Taehyung for a bit longer than usual, causing her cheeks to flush with a mix of embarrassment and admiration. She quickly averted her eyes, hoping he hadn't noticed her staring.

Taehyung, sensing her gaze, glanced over at Jungkook with a soft smile playing on his lips. "Something on your mind?" he asked, his voice gentle and teasing.

Jungkook blushed deeper, feeling caught but unable to hide her feelings. "Oh, um, no, nothing," she stammered, trying to compose herself. "Just thinking about the experiment."

Taehyung chuckled softly, his eyes warm as he looked at her. "You looked like you were in deep thought," he commented, his tone light and reassuring.

"Yeah, just lost in thought," Jungkook admitted with a shy smile, feeling relieved that Taehyung didn't seem upset about her momentary distraction.

Taehyung's heart raced as he recalled the moment vividly-the way Jungkook had looked with that hibiscus flower tucked behind her ear, her shy smile lighting up the room. He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should bring it up again, but he couldn't resist letting her know how much he appreciated that simple yet beautiful sight.

"You know," Taehyung began, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness as he looked at Jungkook with earnest eyes, "you were looking really beautiful that day with that flower tucked behind your ear."

Jungkook's cheeks flushed at his heartfelt compliment, feeling a rush of warmth spread through her. She glanced at Taehyung, her eyes softening with gratitude and a hint of bashfulness. "Thank you," she replied softly, her voice carrying a mix of sincerity and shyness.

"Did you understand my gestures," Taehyung asked looking at front.

Jungkook glanced at him, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his gaze.

"Um... your gestures?" Jungkook replied softly, unsure if she should admit she had noticed and understood them well. She recalled how he had mimicked her action of tucking the flower behind her ear, and his subsequent compliment. It all seemed to point towards something more than mere casual interaction.

Taehyung nodded, his expression thoughtful yet gentle. "Yeah, when I mimicked you with the flower and... well, what I said afterwards," he clarified, his tone warm and inviting.

Jungkook swallowed nervously, feeling a surge of warmth at Taehyung's openness. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I understood."

A faint smile tugged at Taehyung's lips, his eyes holding hers in a tender gaze. "Good," he murmured softly. "I just wanted you to know..."

Jungkook couldn't shake the warmth that Taehyung's gestures had stirred within her. His compliments, his mimicking of her actions with the flower-all of it spoke volumes to her.

Taehyung quietly observed Jungkook, noticing the way her eyes lit up with appreciation. He couldn't deny the growing fondness he felt for her, a feeling that had quietly taken root and was now blossoming with each shared moment.

"You know," Taehyung began softly, breaking the comfortable silence between them, "I enjoy spending time with you, Jungkook."

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat at his words, her cheeks coloring slightly. She looked up at him, feeling a rush of happiness and nervousness at the same time.

"I... I enjoy it too," she replied sincerely, her voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

He said softly. "Because I really like being around you."

Their eyes met in a meaningful gaze, an unspoken understanding passing between them. In that moment, Jungkook felt a surge of hope and excitement for what the future might hold for her and Taehyung-a future that seemed bright with possibilities of love and deeper connection.

Jungkook sat cross-legged on her bed, the soft glow of her bedside lamp casting a warm light across her room. In her lap lay an empty diary, its crisp pages waiting to be filled with her thoughts and emotions.

She chewed on the end of her pen, contemplating where to start. Her mind drifted back to that afternoon when Taehyung had complimented her about the hibiscus flower and shielded her from the harsh sun rays. The memory brought a gentle smile to her lips.

August 30, 20XX

Dear Diary,

Tonight, I can't help but reflect on the day's events. It's been on my mind since this afternoon when he said those kind words about the flower. His compliment caught me off guard, but it warmed my heart in a way I can't quite put into words.

His simple gesture of shielding me from the sun's harsh rays made me feel so cared for and protected. It's been a while since I've felt that way-someone looking out for me, making sure I'm okay. Taehyung's kindness touched me deeply.

I've been replaying the moment in my mind over and over again. His eyes meeting mine, filled with sincerity and warmth. It made me blush, I must admit. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of happiness and gratitude towards him.

Writing this down now, I realize how much I admire Taehyung. His gentle nature and the way he treats others with such thoughtfulness-it's truly admirable. Our moments together seem to grow sweeter each day, and I find myself eagerly anticipating what each new day will bring.

I'm grateful for these feelings, for this connection that's slowly blossoming between us. I can't wait to see where this journey takes us.

Until next time,
Koo~