Jimin had been increasingly secretive these days. Initially, Taehyung wasn't able to catch on much too consumed with his own heartbreak but after a couple of weeks when he came out of his mental space, he could see it visibly.

To start with, Jimin often would have a lot of after school activities which he wasn't even aware of. He had become increasingly participative in the school committee and would be spending a lot of time in the school council hall. When Taehyung would ask him about his whereabouts, he would always have a reason and this change was starting to bug him.

It wasn't only Jimin that had changed though. Jungkook had changed drastically too. While in school, they acted like complete strangers, life outside school had been pleasant with him. They would go around for movies occasionally, Taehyung would always be the one to pick it. Ice-cream parlor had became a go-to school hangout location on most weekdays. And when Taehyung worked in the community center, Jungkook would be always around. This led to everyone in the center think that Jungkook was his boyfriend.

"You have gotten yourself quite a handsome one Tae." Nancy spoke, as Taehyung helped her with lunch.

"For the 1000th time Nancy, he's not my boyfriend." Taehyung said, slicing the fruits for her.

"This old eyes can see clearly that the boy has feelings for you." Nancy said taking a bite.

"Quite bold of you to say, knowing your eye sight is the worst around here Nancy." Taehyung teased.

"You don't need glasses to see if someone's in love or not Tae." She said sassily.

"And why do you think he loves me?" Taehyung asked, genuinely curious.

"Well, for starters, he clearly loves spending time with you or else why would he accompany you here, that too with us old farts. Talking about farts, I think Ben literally farted when Jungkook carried him to the bed last time. And you know what happens when Ben farts." Nancy laughed.

Taehyung was aware of Ben's gastrointestinal problems and how bad his farts were. A man needed patience and tolerance for that and he snickered.

"And whenever you are busy with work, he looks at you so admiringly, as if there is nothing more beautiful than you. I remember when I first met Danny, he used to looked at me the same way. The only difference is, you both are men but love isn't about gender, it's about your hearts." She said, with a warm smile.

Taehyung looked at Jungkook who was being dragged by the grandmothers to dance with him. They had played on the song "Somehow" by Tom Odell and in the sweet harmony, they were taking turns to dance with him and a tired but sweetly smiling Jungkook was dancing with him. He smiled at the view.

"I see similar adoration in your eyes too Tae" Nancy spoke which brought him back to his swirling emotions.

For a moment, when he looked at Jungkook, it felt warm, a comfort he hadn't experienced in a long time.

"I will get these plates away" he spoke, avoiding the emotions that came in.

On his way back, the old lady Genevie grabbed him and made him dance along with her while Jungkook smiled at him while holding another lady as they moved to the song. The two don't even know how but the ladies pushed them together and suddenly Jungkook had his arms around Taehyung's waist while Taehyung hand pressed on Jungkook's chest, both unable to comprehend the position.

"You too look so good." Nancy said joining in the crowd.

"Men aren't supposed to dance together like that" said the annoying Benjamin.

"Your logic is as weak as your teeth. Left you long way back." Nancy rebuttled and all of them burst into a laugh.

"Shall we?" Jungkook said as he tried to move.

"I think it's a little late for that" Taehyung said as he moved with the music.

Something about the way Jungkook looked at him felt so nice. Often in school, he would be staring at him but in those instances, this warmth would be zero. In fact, it used to feel as if he didn't even acknowledge the boy. But as soon they were of out of the premises, a switch would be flipped and Jungkook would be a different person. The way he smiled, his perverted jokes that were annoying but not disrespectful, the way he would do small gestures that made Taehyung's heart flutter and everything.

But Taehyung denied that. He felt that he had such strong emotions for his professor earlier. And with Jungkook, whatever this was, it was only a sweet friendship. But little did he know that this friendship was gradually developing something he wasn't even aware of.

On a regular Monday in school, it went as usual and monotonous it could get. Everyone waiting for the day to end. Taehyung had been reflecting on the whole let's not talk in school rule with Jungkook. After all, they had gotten quite close right.

So, once school was done and everyone was packing up, Taehyung picked up the courage and went to Jungkook's table to talk with him. He awkwardly shifted to Jungkook's seat who was busy packing and spoke, "Hey."

Jungkook who was immersed in his work looked up and with his straight face replied, "Can I help you?"

"Listen, I know I said let's not talk in school but I am fine if that's okay with you." Taehyung said nervously.

Jungkook who had a expressionless face quirked an eyebrow and asked, "I think you have the wrong person."  He said and stood up hastily which caught the attention of everyone remaining who were about to leave.

Taehyung doesn't know why he did the next thing but he soon regretted it. 

"Listen Jungkook I"- he was speaking as he grabbed Jungkook's wrist which was immediately thrown away. That made him lose his balance and he stumbled near the chair, thankfully not falling down.

The commodity grabbed everyone's attention and it was safe to say it was hell lot embarrassing for Taehyung. Before he could even say anything, he was met with the coldest words.

"Don't touch me. Ever." The boy replied coldly and everyone in the classroom was shocked with what just happened.

Jungkook had left the classroom and not even spared him a second glance. And Taehyung could feel his ears and face become red with the embarrassment. Silently, he left the class reflecting on why such a simple gesture created such a reaction. He was aware of them not taking in school but was such a reaction needed. He made it look as if Taehyung was annoying him when in reality it was always the other way round but in a good way.

As he cycled his way back home and settled on his bed, he started talking to himself.

"What the hell does he even think of himself? Outside school, he acts all lovey dovey and in school, he avoids me like plague. Ashole." He spoke to himself, his anger only bubbling up. When he freshened up and checked his phone, he saw there was a missed call notification from Jungkook.

He scoffed, " He has the audacity to act as if he didn't humiliate me in front of everyone and is calling up. I am done for."

He threw the phone to the lamp table and went to sleep. He was aware that his phone kept buzzing but he couldn't care less.

The following one week, Taehyung completely ignored Jungkook. And by ignore, he didn't even spare him a glance, didn't reply to texts or calls. In fact, he even blocked him for how pissed he was. But the worst part was, he wanted Jungkook to come up to him in school and say sorry for what he did so they could get back to being friends. But that was far from happening.

And the fact that his best friend was acting up so different was also bothering. Often on Fridays, they would hang out or go out but ever since last month, Jimin's Friday's were always occupied. To feel so distant with his old friend and new friend felt so lonely. And today was no different.

"Hey Chim, you want to go karaoke today?" Taehyung asked expectantly.

Jimin who seemed to be a little taken aback with the proposal looked and replied, "Umm, I am so sorry Tae but I have some work today. Can we shift it to tomorrow?"

"You know I have to get to the center right on weekends?" Taehyung said, annoyed and sad at the same time.

"I am genuinely sorry Tae. Tonight I have some important plans. I will make it up to you I promise." Jimin answered apologetically.

"Chim, is there something I need to know? Listen I respect your privacy but you have been awfully secretive these days. And to be honest, it kind of feels hurtful." Taehyung said in low voice.

Jimin felt horrible seeing the state of his best friend but he had secrets to keep. He couldn't share what was going on his life. The time wasn't right.

"Listen Tae, there's nothing to worry about I promise. I just have something going on. I promise I will tell you soon okay. I love you Tae." He said as he hung his bag on his shoulder and left.

Taehyung felt horrible and the fact that the whole week Jungkook hadn't even bothered to come up to him nor said a word made him feel horrible.

He felt his legs dragging him to his house and to his room. He had no appetite and no enthusiasm for celebrating his Friday. When he changed and informed he didn't want dinner, he sat down next to his bed, hugging his knees close to his chest and without even realizing, he started crying. A lot of emotions came swirling in. His best friend, his rejected proposal, Jungkook and in a long time, the feeling of loneliness consumed him.

He was so consumed with his tears that he didn't even realize the figure that had climbed in through the window. The figure slowly approached him and looked at him before he gently nudged his knees so he would look up.

And as Taehyung did, his eyes went round seeing the figure stand so close to him.