CROSS-CHECKED (VSOO)

3

Taehyung

The mirror caught the edge of my smirk as I flicked my hair back, letting it fall just the right way — loose, dark, cocky.

"You gonna stare at yourself all night?" Joshua called out from the couch, halfway through lacing his boots.

I shrugged, sliding a chain around my neck. "Can't help it if the mirror likes me."

Sean snorted from across the room, spraying his cologne like it was a damn fog machine. "More like you like you."

I threw on my black bomber, the one that always made girls look twice. Fitted jeans. Rings on. Watch gleaming. I looked good. I always did. But tonight, I had a weird feeling clawing at my chest — and I hadn't even had a drink yet.

We headed out, our usual trio of trouble, piled into Sean's truck. Music blasting, windows cracked. The air was thick with summer heat, just enough to make your skin sweat and your instincts sharper.

By the time we pulled up to the bonfire, the party was already in full swing. Cars lined the field, bass shaking the grass. The flames danced in the center of the crowd, lighting up faces and legs and hips moving to whatever remix was playing.

Sean jumped out the second we stopped. I didn't even have time to speak before he was already sprinting toward her.

Alisha.

Fuck, she looked good tonight — curled brown hair bouncing around her shoulders, skin glowing in that soft golden tan, her tiny shorts hugging her hips and her tank top leaving very little to the imagination. Sean grabbed her by the waist and kissed her like he'd been starved. She laughed against his mouth, pulling him close.

Joshua whistled low. "He's gone."

"Completely whipped," I muttered.

We headed straight for the drinks. Someone shoved a red cup in my hand and I didn't ask what it was — just drank.

The alcohol burned in the best way.

I found a spot near the bonfire with the guys — John, Alec, Logan, a couple others. All of us relaxed back into the grass, low buzz settling in. The flames lit the whole place up, casting shadows and catching glimpses of legs and curves.

Girls were everywhere. Tight crop tops, glitter on their cheeks, perfume hanging in the air like bait.

And yeah — they were all eyeing me.

A couple smiled.

One waved.

I winked at another.

They always looked at me like they wanted something. A night. A name-drop. A chance.

And usually, I gave it to them. One night. One time. No strings. That's how it worked.

But then—

I saw her.

Near the drinks table. Laughing at something Alisha said. Standing next to a Korean girl with sharp eyes and red lipstick.

And holy. Fuck.

She was unreal.

Mini skirt that barely covered her thighs, hugging her hips like it had been sewn onto her body. A top that left her stomach bare and clung to her chest just enough to make my mouth dry. Her legs were smooth, skin glowing. But it wasn't just her body — it was her face.

Dark brown hair falling around her shoulders in soft, loose curls. Pink lips. Strawberry pink.

Kissable.

Dangerous.

Her eyes were deep — the kind of brown you could fall into. She didn't even notice me staring. Or maybe she did and didn't care. Which somehow made it hotter.

I looked away quickly. Downed another drink.

Don't get distracted, Kim.

But she was in my head now. Like a fucking glitch I couldn't clear.

The bottle spun on the grass in front of me.

I barely noticed the game starting. But suddenly, everyone was sitting in a wide circle. Sean waved me over.

I groaned but joined in. Why not?

The first few rounds were dumb — lap dances, body shots, making out with someone's ex. Everyone was laughing, drunk, careless.

Then it landed on me.

The guys started shouting like it was some kind of fucking Super Bowl moment.

Sean leaned forward, eyes glinting. "Alright, Tae..."

I narrowed mine.

"Your dare is... kiss Jisoo."

I blinked. "Who?"

Sean smirked and lifted his chin in the direction I really didn't want him to point.

And there she was.

That girl. The girl.

Jisoo.

Fuck me.

My grip on the drink tightened. "You serious?"

"You scared?"

"Go to hell."

I stood up.

The whole group started whooping, cheering, chanting my name.

But all I could hear was the blood rushing in my ears.

I walked across the grass slowly, deliberately. My eyes locked on her as I got closer.

Her eyes widened. She looked up at me like I was some surprise drop from the sky.

God, she looked even better up close.

Small. Delicate. But her stare didn't waver. Her lips parted slightly.

Fucking pink.

Before she could say a word, I slid my hand around her waist. She fit perfectly in my grip — soft, warm, tight.

She gasped.

And I kissed her.

Hard.

My lips crushed against hers, and for a second, she froze — shocked, probably. But I didn't pull back. I tilted my head, deepened the kiss.

And then — she melted.

Her fingers slid into my hair, tugging lightly. Her lips opened. And I took the invitation.

I slid my tongue into her mouth, tasting her. Sweet. Fucking strawberry. Like sin on my tongue.

She moaned softly — that breathy, broken sound that made my skin burn.

The guys behind us lost their shit.

But I didn't hear them. I didn't care. My other hand gripped her hip, pulling her closer until her chest pressed into me. Every inch of her soft curves molded to my body.

My head was spinning. I didn't want to stop.

It wasn't just hot. It wasn't just good.
It was the kind of kiss that did permanent damage.

And as much as I told myself it was just a dare—
Something in my chest told me that kiss just changed everything.