The studio was buzzing. The air-conditioning hummed, mixing with the steady rhythm of sneakers squeaking against polished floors. Sweat already slicked across their necks, even though practice had barely started. Bangtan was in full training mode, the kind that blurred day and night until music and choreography swallowed everything else.
Taehyung stretched on the floor, his legs spread wide, humming softly as he leaned forward. His gummy smile broke out when Jimin teased him about being stiff. "Yah, I'm flexible enough. You're the one always complaining after rehearsals," Taehyung shot back, voice light, teasing, making everyone laugh.
Jungkook sat nearby, a towel slung over his shoulders, watching. His muscles flexed as he tied his shoelaces, sweat darkening the edges of his T-shirt even this early. When Taehyung glanced up, their eyes met for a second too long. It was nothing obvious, just a flicker, but enough for Jungkook's chest to tighten before he looked away.
Namjoon clapped his hands, pulling focus back. "Alright, positions. Let's run the chorus again. This time, sharper."
The music kicked in, bass shaking the room. They moved as one body, years of practice spilling into every line and step. Jungkook's energy was unmatched, every move sharp, precise. Taehyung danced with a playful edge, as if the music lived under his skin, making him unpredictable and captivating to watch.
When the track ended, Yoongi collapsed onto the couch, waving a hand. "Break. Five minutes."
Laughter and chatter filled the room. Jimin offered Jin a water bottle, Hoseok cracked jokes about Jungkook's hair being too sweaty, and Namjoon scribbled notes in his book.
But beneath the noise, something unspoken hung in the air. The others weren't blind. They saw the way Jungkook gravitated toward Taehyung. They noticed how Taehyung's eyes softened whenever Jungkook smiled, or how Jungkook relaxed the moment Taehyung touched his shoulder in passing.
Yoongi's gaze lingered on them, sharp, unreadable. Jimin caught it and smirked knowingly. Hoseok leaned closer, whispering, "They think we don't notice."
"Let them," Jimin replied quietly, his tone both amused and protective.
Meanwhile, Taehyung flopped beside Jungkook on the floor, close enough that their knees brushed. "You're sweating like you ran a marathon," he teased, flashing that wide grin.
Jungkook scoffed, reaching for his water. "Says the one who can't even stretch properly."
Their banter drew a few chuckles from the others, but no one said more. It was easier to pretend nothing was unusual, at least for now.
The break ended quickly. The music restarted, and the group fell back into formation. But even as they danced, the weight of silent observation pressed closer. The others were aware. Some amused, some indifferent, some quietly worried.
And Jungkook felt it. For the first time, the safety of their hidden world seemed fragile.
As rehearsal ended, their manager stepped into the studio, his expression unreadable. He looked directly at Jungkook and Taehyung, then said, "We need to talk."