The usual excitement that Taehyung felt for going to school was surely not there today. His situation had gotten better but not the best. When he came home that and told Jimin, he cried over in his best friend's shoulder for another hour. Jimin always knew that Taehyung's liking towards Namjoon was a harmless crush but he never thought his friend would be so crushed by it.

The two got to class and Taehyung slumped down in his seat. He felt so tired from all the crying, his dark circles and hoarse voice capturing that. As he lied down on his desk, he looked to his side when he saw Jungkook doing his assignment peacefully. It was so strange how Jungkook wouldn't even spare him a glance at school yet the same guy would say the sweetest words when they were by themselves. The day he took him to the lighthouse was an affirmation of how gentle, kind and sweet the boy was. Taehyung knows he was the one to say not to talk much in school but the bond between them had certainly change. Especially after the earlier night. They had become good friends. Yet if felt so different to look at him in school. He seemed like a different person.

And finally the moment he dreaded came in and his teacher came into class, as beautiful and calm as always. But Taehyung knew his heart couldn't have those emotions any longer.

When Namjoon greeted everyone, he looked at Taehyung specifically as if he knew something but proceeded with the class nonetheless. Taehyung didn't pay much attention in the class and Namjoon also didn't seem to have much issue with it.

When school was over and Taehyung was about to leave, Namjoon called him in his cabin.

"Taehyung, can I talk to you for minute?" He said calmly.

Taehyung who tried his best to avoid him tried to come up with a stupid excuse and reasoned, "I have to go to a community center Professor Kim. Can we talk some other day?"

"It's a little bit important Taehyung. I just want to get it off my chest. Would you mind?"

Taehyung had to comply now because one it was his professor and second his cousin's boyfriend too. Disobeying him would create unnecessary tension he thought and mindlessly followed him.

"Take a seat Taehyung." Namjoon said as he did too.

There was a agonizing silence before Namjoon spoke, "Taehyung I am pretty sure that last night must have come off as a huge surprise for you but I want you to know your brother and I have been seeing each other for the last one year. But because I didn't have a supportive family or a workplace that would be open with the idea of my sexual orientation, we had to keep it a secret. But now that we are stable and all, we moved in together. Jin's side of the family is very supportive so we figured that it was time."

Taehyung listened silently, assessing the situation.

"And I want you to know that a family member of Jin holds the same value for me too. But last night I found a letter in your notebook."

Taehyung's eyes suddenly went wide and he felt as if his soul left his body.

"While reading it at first felt a tad bit wrong and absurd, I can also understand you given I had a similar crush on one of my teachers back when I was a student. It meant the world to me but with time, I realized it was an infatuation best suited for a certain time. I know you must have felt your world crumpling down last night I can assure you, the world is so bigger than the four walls of this school Taehyung. As grateful as I am that you selected my personality as someone admirable, I also have to tell you that such an admiration should be for my work more than romantic interests. I am not going to shame you or tell you it's morally wrong or right because that's your call to make. But I can tell you, you have a  bigger world to explore out there and this shouldn't even be your concern."

As shocked and surprised Taehyung was to hear the confrontation, he found so much truth and comfort in what Namjoon said. He didn't mock or humiliate him. He presented him with the reality and what his crush stands on and how this harmless crush would go on to be a learning for the big life that awaits for him. But still, it was a fresh rejection, subtle and indirect. He did feel bad.

He fixed his gaze on Namjoon spoke, "First of all Professor Kim, thank you for having so much respect for my interest and not using it to bash me, rather explaining it to me. Though difficult, I can assure you this will do no harm to your relationship with my brother nor with you as my teacher. I will take it as a lesson and work harder to become a better person. Thank you Professor Kim." He said standing up and bowing.

Right when he was about to leave, Namjoon stopped him and spoke, "And Taehyung, sometimes love and friendship awaits for us much closer than we think. It's about looking around you well." He said and got back to work.

It brought a smile on his face and as sad as he was about this rejection, he was happy that he could move on without resentment or grudges. When he was about to exit school, his phone binged and when he saw the message, it brought a sweet smile to his face.

From Ashole:

Got you your favorite icecream shorty. Waiting outside the school, a bit far off to the corner because can't let people be drooling over this sexy bwai. Come fast.

And like a grinning idiot, Taehyung headed towards the source of the message.