Chapter Thirteen

[ Two months later ]

Whitey doesn't touch Taehyung's nose no more. He's back away from between Ella's legs, and the vodka that would usually goes with it. Taehyung's back to normal. Whatever that normal is.

It's been two months of slowly handing in assignments that he notes to never have late again. Every time Taehyung slips into temptation, he forces himself to fix this time of the school year. I'm not going to have this semester fail again, he says to motivate himself, Not again.

Running, he's running in the hallways and bumping shoulders with many faces he doesn't know. "Jun—" He's thrashes into a shoulder that hurls over a Louis Vuitton bag. Taehyung's nose crinkles as he steps aside and rushes after his friend faster. Jeon Jungkook has been avoiding him for two months.

Ever since their fight, neither spoke to the other for a full month. As soon as Taehyung got off the lasting aftermath of drugs and pain, sober mind and self-pity drove him in wanting his friend back.

Taehyung's been an: overly friendly puppy to Jungkook's: stressed kitten attitude. Wanting nothing to do with him, Jungkook has made it known.

"Jungkook! I'm done playing these games!" Taehyung hollers, breathing heavy. "Can you slow down so we can talk?"

Jungkook's back turns a corner. Groaning, Taehyung runs, slaps the dry paint on the wall and turns only to crash right into Jungkook's Gucci bag. Cursing over all the designer bags he's been in contact with, Taehyung shuffles off the ground and to his feet. At least I caught up to him today.

"Jungko—" Taehyung's already rosy cheeks render with more red. He sees the reason why his friend has stopped, and it isn't for him. Jungkook faces you, talking softly in your direction as a greeting. Swallowing hard, another constant that's been strong since these two months is avoiding you. Taehyung hasn't planned on ever talking about him visiting you drunk and high, nor the morning after where you pathetically fed him pancakes.

To be quite honest, he's succeeded in staying clear of you until this very moment.

Blurting to you, Taehyung says, "Hi," only to catch a glare from Jungkook who notices Taehyung's existence again.

"Ugh, you're still here?" Jungkook flinches, shoving his bag into Taehyung's chest that causes the boy to clumsily stumble back. Taehyung wants to point out that he was talking to you and not the rude first-year, but he bites back his tongue. The last he wants is to hit the floor again. Jungkook's a strong individual on his own, but adding anger, Taehyung would be broken. Literally.

You seem to flush in embarrassment when seeing Taehyung. Hugging books to your chest, you quickly peck Jungkook's cheek and wish him luck. Smiling kind in Taehyung's direction, it isn't a surprise the boy doesn't do anything but stare and watch you leave. Seeing him again after that one morning was going to be awkward. You knew of it. Were you prepared for it? No. So you rushed off, far away, leaving Jungkook to fend for himself.

Taehyung watches you leave. Not in an checkin'-that-ass-out type of way but rather I'm-a-fuckin'-moron type of way. He thinks about why he couldn't at least tell you a goodbye or smile, before snapping back into reality when a harsh blow threatens to bruise his ribs. "Ow!" Taehyung whines, rubbing his side and looking over at Jungkook who stares directly at him.

"How many times do I gotta tell you, leave me the fuck alone."

Taehyung's eyes soften. "Jungkook, come on man. Can we please just talk? You clearly know I'm feeling bad about that day."

"I've gone deaf, I can no longer hear."

"Jungkook, quit being rude and borderline offensive."

"Fuck a toad and fetch for a princess somewhere you straight-asshole. I don't have time for your Princess Tiana lovin' ass no more."

A blush creeps over Taehyung. "It was a phase!"

"You had her plush toys sprawled all over your mattress for a good year!"

"At least I didn't have Ariel cardboard cut out growing up. I fell in love with a human, you fell in love with a fuckin' fish."

"Emphasis on growing up. I moved on from my so-called phase."

"Why are we talking about this? I'm here to apologize."

"Apologize to the sea, you'll find Ariel and she'll tell you the same I've been telling you for weeks: Fuck off."

Taehyung holds back Jungkook's arm as he starts to walk away. Receiving a deadly glare, Taehyung props his hands out in defense and whispers, "Easy easy." With that Jungkook curses one last mumble. He walks away.

Taehyung stares after him the same way he did to you, but sadder. Shaking his head and feeling his shoulders drop, a low voice chuckles gently his direction. "He'll get over it eventually, don't you worry," the voice says, and Taehyung's eyes get even sadder when meeting Namjoon who smiles with his walk forward.

Taehyung collects his pride, tenses his shoulders and nods. It's hard to look Namjoon in the eyes when he walks to stand in front of him. The older brother faces trouble himself as he opens his mouth to talk, then closes it fast. Before Taehyung leaves to save both of the awkwardness, he smiles forced and says, "I'm sorry about all that I said last time...I shouldn't have created a scene at campus."

Namjoon nods. He's surprised by the apology.

Taehyung, smile leaving, turns away and walks away.

[ 5 hours later ]

Jimin and Taehyung run side-by-side. Quiet for the most part, Taehyung blocks out anything Jimin has to say by plugging in loud music into earbuds. His phone in his short's pocket as he runs in his school tank, Jimin matching in his attire. The boy eventually gives up trying to talk while both run around the large track.

It's sunny but the cold breeze hides an envy. Jimin can feel days getting colder, not just today. With colder days, there's colder nights. Nights getting colder equaling a bad reality for him and the boys. Why? Well, because of the partying and clubs, of course!

The last of the assignments were over for all the boys this semester, a little break leaving space before final exams came in for the kill. Jimin tried to pose his clubbing invitation to Taehyung the entire time they ran. Let's just say that wasn't going well.

Kendrick Lamar's, "Humble" starts to blare in Taehyung's ear. He runs faster. Jimin pants, slapping at the boy's sweaty and toned arm before ushering for him to slow. It's a surprise when Taehyung does slow, breathing in a haste while letting his eyes gravitate away from the soccer most students played in the middle of the track. Grass cut and newly spelling of earthy-water. Taehyung's nose runs. He sniffles snot up and focuses down to his sneakers that paint in red rocks.

Taehyung remembered Jungkook always calling it, "Devil's pre-cum," whenever the first-year would disgustingly joke about his soles. With an inner sigh, Taehyung forced himself not to think about missing the friend. Instead, he focuses on the one that is by his side, taking out one earbud and finally giving Jimin the attention he has been subtly asking for.

Jimin sighs in relief. "Finally," he groans, slapping at Taehyung's sweaty skin again. Taehyung would normally wince or curse. In this moment, his mind mentally notes when "Humble" finishes in his ear before completely muting his phone of all music.

Jimin waits for him. Taehyung smiles over the fact that Jimin does.

"I needed to be distracted if I was going to be able to run today," Taehyung says softly, "I'm sorry if you felt I was ignoring you."

Jimin waves him off. "You still having trouble sleeping? That's probably why running feels like such a bore."

"I was," Taehyung nods. He doesn't want to think about the time where he stressed over Ella, or Namjoon, or you, or Ella Ella Ella, oh—whitey. Shaking his head, Taehyung rolls his earphones around the sides of his cell and shoves it back into his short's pocket. "I'm not anymore...I've been sleeping better knowing that Oki's been better too."

Jimin awkwardly glances up to the bleachers at the mention of Oki. Taehyung follows his gaze knowing exactly what Jimin looks at. More so, who he looks at. You. Taehyung noticed you while running earlier, only to zone you out like the rest that were around him. He needed to run and run and run and run. No distractions could interfere his run.

You're on the bleachers, high up. Working into notebooks with Pela by your side, the both of you barely glance down to meet the work of the athletes training. When you do look over, it's when Taehyung's close to the bench he started at.

His duffel bag present, his bottle peeking out over the flap. Taehyung chugs the water as Jimin slows down next to him, sitting next to the bags. The friend waits for the bottle to be tossed his way. Taehyung passes it only after his eyes meet yours. Swishing the water in his mouth, he spits it out by the grass and glances back up. You shyly look away when Pela seems to ask you, "What's wrong?" Then Pela looks over at Taehyung and he isn't scared to look away. He continues to stare.

Jimin hits Taehyung's thigh. Squinting his eyes from the sun, Jimin waves kind towards Pela who doesn't do anything but look back to her textbook. "Good morning!" Jimin yells, cupping over his lips so they'd hear him. Pela yells back, "It's 3PM." Jimin nervously smiles, red with blush as he looks back to Taehyung. Thirsty, he drinks half the bottle.

"Well then, afternoon!" Taehyung yells over, his voice deep with his shout. He does a bow that exaggerates his respect, and Pela rolls her eyes when seeing the cocky grin plaster over Taehyung's face. He looks away from her to you, smile falling into a warmer one. He does something this time—he nods light.

Your eyes catch it and you move a strand of hair behind your ear, shift in your seat, and awkwardly look back down into your notebook. A quick smile of recognition in his direction is enough for Taehyung to remain at ease. You do, you smile at him.

All is well from just that.

Jimin's voice interrupts Taehyung's moment to himself. A world where none other than you and he exist for now. Glancing over at the sweating man, Taehyung goes, "What?" Jimin, with a whispering voice for no reason says, "Invite them tonight." Taehyung's brows furrow. "What're you talking about?" Jimin blinks, asking, "Have you really not been listening to me at all?" Taehyung shakes his head, gesturing to his ears to remind Jimin of the music that was playing during the whole run.

Hunching his shoulders and placing his elbows onto his thighs, Jimin looks up at Taehyung serious. "We're going clubbin' tonight in celebration for our assignments being over."

Taehyung's nose crinkles, "I don't reall—"

"You can't back out of it, I know you won't."

Taehyung's hands go to his hips. "And why is that?"

Jimin grins. "Jungkook's coming."

Taehyung's hands fall off his hips. "He's coming?" he asks, voice soft.

The man nods. "Considering the tension, I think it'll be great to ease up in conversation when both of you will be having a great time." Jimin shrugs, continuing, "If anything, lure him to a gay club as a surprise later in the night and—BAM—instant forgiveness."

The boy standing nibbles at his bottom lip. Nodding slow, he goes, "Okay, I'm in." Jimin smirks wild. "Ayee—" before he can finish, Jimin chokes on the reality of what was brushed off earlier. With furrowed brows and hands back on his hips, Taehyung lazily asks, "Wait...you wanted me to invite who?" Taehyung knows who.

Jimin glances up at the two on the bleachers. Taehyung follows his gaze.

"Jimin you crazy?!"

"Sometimes, yeah." Jimin blushes.

Taehyung glances away from the two working away, before looking back at the seated friend. "I can't invite my best friend's ex to go partying with us! I'm pretty sure that breaks some sort of code in some stupid code-book."

"That doesn't break bro-code!"

"Jimin..."

"Oh, come on man! It's the only way I'll find more time with her." Taehyung's eyes widen at that confession. With an open mouth, Taehyung blurts, "With who?! Please don't tell me you're crushing on Oki's ex!" Jimin's eyes widen as well. "No no no," he quickly shakes his head, "her friend. The hot friend." Taehyung relaxes once hearing of Pela and not you.

"I'm trying to get with her," Jimin shrugs, "Help a brother out?"

"Jimin you're not my brother."

"Oh, so Oki is?"

Taehyung's brows furrow. "What are you talking about?"

Jimin squares his jaw and straightens his back. He pulls out a hoodie from his bag and sighs before standing up. As he wears the dark material, he talks over to Taehyung. "I've never asked for you help with a chick, heck, none of us have. But the minute Oki needs you to help score you're there no questions asked."

Taehyung tenses. He thinks about all those times and how it resulted in nothing but cheating. The boy glances at Jimin who grows agitated and whispers, "It isn't like that Jimin."

"All you do is ignore my ass on repeat," Jimin mumbles, grabbing his bag while tossing Taehyung's bottle back into place. He drapes it over his shoulder, duffle bag hitting his hip before finishing, "If it's not ignoring, it's being annoyed by me. I take that shit 'cause I know you all like to play around with me and that's just how my dynamic is. But one thing I can't stand is being there for you all and turning to find that none of you will do the same for me."

Taehyung blinks. "Jimin, why are you getting all dramatic on my ass? She's just a girl."

Jimin's teeth grit. "A girl I'm actually really interested in...and besides, the point isn't about her! It's about the fact that you don't help me out the same you do Oki."

"How...?"

Jimin glares. "I do more for you than he ever has."

Taehyung looks at Jimin as if he's stupid. "Oki's my best friend."

"What am I?"

"Yo, where this coming from?" Taehyung's eyes soften. There's clear worry in seeing Jimin serious and upset. Instead of answering the question, Taehyung says, "I'll just help you with another girl when we get there."

"No, it's cool," Jimin purses his lips, squints his eyes and fixes his bag. Moving past Taehyung, Jimin does have the fight to nudge Taehyung rudely the way Jungkook would. He just moves around and starts to walk away, leaving Taehyung utterly confused with brows high. "Jimin, what the fuck man?"

Jimin turns, shakes his hand out and says, "Don't worry about coming if you don't feel like it." That's a basic translation for: Don't come now. I don't want you to.

Taehyung's eyes narrow at the tired smile given his way.

"Jimin, wait up man."

He walks off the track. Taehyung sighs.

Feeling the need to throw something in anger, Taehyung doesn't think too much on the fact that that's the second friend of his that's walked away from him today. Jungkook he understood. Jimin, not much. Pursing his lips, Taehyung got into his zip-up hoodie, put on his hood, and carried his duffel bag that he packed up. As he did, he kept glancing up the bleachers and to where Jimin once sat.

Ready to leave and walk away, Taehyung curses internally. Moving his head back in his hood, he looked at the sky in disbelief. Neck bobbing and strong, he turned his defeated stance to the bleacher's steps. Holding the strap of his bag through the entirety of his travels, Taehyung started to hop up the steps.

Let's go do what we do best, Taehyung.

He marches up, watches them pop their eyes his way. Standing before them all suave, Kim Taehyung grins charming. "Hi," he starts, juicing out anything and everything he could say next.

Pela looks at him with narrowed eyes, but he doesn't pay attention to that. His eyes are on you.

You look up from your textbook and are surprised to see him. Twirling your pen, you laugh awkward and ask, "Can we help you?"

"No, not really," Taehyung starts, grinning larger, "...I'm here to help you."

And so, his Wingman traits win once more.