#Tae's POV…
I flicked through my closet, searching for a shirt that would make me look good. Before, I cared about Kookie not knowing that I wanted to look nice for him. But now? I like him, I'm sure.
Finally, I decided on a maroon button-up shirt and my newest pair of jeans. Paired with a white set of Chuck Taylors, I felt ready for the day. Downstairs, my sister was just as impressed.
❝Well, well, well, someone's looking quite... Nicely dressed,❞ Jennie commented suggestively.
My Papa seemed to agree. ❝Aww, Jen, you're right. Tae does look quite dashing in his new pants.❞
I rolled my eyes and glared at my sister. I think that she's really related to Olivia, but was adopted, or something. ❝Papa, it's just a pair of jeans!❞
❝Yes, but you just look so handsome! Oh, my little boy, growing up so fast. You're bound to get a girlfriend sometime but more like a boyfriend, aren't you?❞ He asked.
Yep, that's right, he knew nothing of the girlfriend I already had. Which I'm glad about because I just wanted to forget Olivia altogether. Awfully hard with science class, though.
As I was going to respond, Jennie piped up yet again. ❝I'll bet it's going to be Jeon Jungkook!❞
❝Aww. He's a sweet boy. Don't listen this what your Appa says about him,❞ my Papa added. ❝You're blushing!❞
❝Am not!❞ I cried while stuffing a slice of bacon into my mouth. I ate it quickly. ❝I'm leaving for school!❞
❝So early?❞
❝Yeah, I'm riding my bike.❞
❝With your boyfriend, hmm...❞ Jennie taunted.
Would she ever shut up? ❝Nope, just with my friend!❞
My papa shook his head. ❝Love you, sweetie.❞
❝Love you too,❞ I mumbled as I rushed out the door. Kookie wasn't out yet, as I was early, so I went to knock on his door.
Nervous, I contemplated turning around and waiting for him. What if he didn't answer? Oh well. Without really thinking, I rapped my knuckles against the white wooden door.
My body was filled with anxiety when Mr Jeon answered the door. Did he like me? If, hypothetically, I were to date his first son, would he approve?
I swallowed thickly and he began to speak. ❝Well good morning, Taehyung. Can I help you?❞
Mustering every ounce of courage in me and I tried to sound grown-up. ❝Hello, sir,❞ I said as calmly as I could. ❝I was wondering if Kookie was almost ready? Yesterday, we um, we planned to ride bikes to school together again today.❞
I held my breath as I anticipated his reply. ❝Oh, I think he's almost ready.❞ Wow, that wasn't nearly as hard as I thought.
❝Kookie!❞ He called loudly. ❝Taehyung is here waiting for you!❞
❝Okay, I'll be out in a minute!❞ I heard his voice from somewhere wise in the house.
Mr Jeon looked back at me. ❝Taehyung, may I have a word with you?❞
❝Yes, sir,❞ I said meekly as he stepped outside and closed the door behind him. So I wasn't out of the clear yet!
❝I understand that you tried to kiss my son, did you not?❞
Oh, oh my, oh God! ❝Uh, yes, sir, I did...❞
He nodded, but I didn't understand why. ❝Just ask him next time, You're a good kid, but it's up to Kookie to decide whether or not he likes you like that.❞
❝I'm sorry, Mr Jeon. I would never purposefully try to hurt Kookie, out upset him, for anything.❞ Crossing my fingers, I hoped he wouldn't be angry.
To my surprise, he smiled. ❝I can tell.❞
At that moment, Kookie stepped out of the door. He was wearing a linen white shirt and blue denim jeans. His pretty brown hair was pulled half-up, and he looked beautiful.
❝Ready to go?❞ He asked. I snapped out of my trance and locked eyes with Kookie.
❝Yep, my bike is right over there,❞ I replied shakily, motioning in the direction of the sidewalk.
He walked down alongside me and we mounted our bikes together. I think I saw Mr Jeon wink at me, but I'm not certain.
We rode for a silent minute before either of us said a word. But honestly, I was content with the calm. Looking to my left, Kookie looked a little sad.
❝Is something wrong?❞ I asked tentatively.
She exhaled a small, withheld breath, as though he had been waiting for me to ask. ❝Yeah, I guess, but I'm probably just overacting.❞
Overreacting? Or something sad? I didn't think Jeon Jungkook was capable of that; he'd only cried once in front of me. ❝No, I'm sure it's a perfectly normal reaction. We can talk about it, but, only if you want to,❞ I replied as comfortingly as I could.
❝Actually...I would like to talk about it,❞ he answered quietly.
❝I'm listening.❞
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By the time we reached school, I think I finally understood why Kookie felt upset, and more importantly why it was so wrong for Wooshik and me to have joked about his uncle.
❝Is there anything I can do?❞ I asked, hoping I might be able to lift his spirits, even just a little.
Shaking his head, Kookie replied, ❝No, you don't have to do anything. I'll just be a little lonelier is all. Anyways, we should probably part ways since I'm sure you wouldn't want to be seen here with me.❞
Why would he ever think that? I'd expect him to be the one avoiding me. ❝Kookie, I'm not gonna leave you. You're not embarrassing me or anything, and if anything you probably need someone with you so you aren't lonely.❞
I think I saw a tear slip down his cheek. Was it sad? Happy? Bravely, I slid my arm around his shoulder. He seemed to be comforted by it, so I held him closely, trying delicately, as we entered the building.
❝Oh, Kookie's got a boyfriend!❞ I heard a girl squeal.
Another voice perked up, ❝Olivia is not gonna like hearing about this!❞
❝Dude, shut up,❞ I replied. ❝Tell Olivia that I don't have feelings for her, and I never will.❞
❝Ooooohhh!❞ A chorus of my peers exclaimed.
I felt bad for Kookie. Peering over at him, I realised he had rested his head on my shoulder. He looked so pure that I knew I could never bring myself to hurt him any more than I had.
❝Hey Kookie, my Papa was wondering if you had any leftover eggs. He said he'd buy some from you, if you do,❞ I said with a smile as we walked into our next class.
Slipping out of my arm to sit down, Kookie seemed a little happier. ❝Actually, I do! I can bring them over after school if you want me to.❞
❝Okay. I'll let him know.❞