CROSS-CHECKED (VSOO)

5

Taehyung

I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss.

Fuck.

I leaned against the side of Sean's car, watching the flames from the bonfire flicker in the distance like they had something to say. But all I could focus on was her — Jisoo.

The girl with lips like strawberries and a waist that fit into my hand like it was made for me.

It was supposed to be a dare. A joke. Something to get a few laughs and maybe a little thrill.

But that kiss?

It wrecked me.

I kept playing it back, over and over — the way she looked up at me with wide brown eyes, the way her mouth gave in beneath mine, hesitant at first, then hungry. She kissed like she didn't know how dangerous she was. Sweet and fiery, like she was built to drive a guy insane without even trying.

I needed one night with her.

Just one.

Not because I was curious — no. I needed to prove to myself that it was just physical. Just a tiny attraction, nothing more. I'd have her, get her out of my system, and move on like I always did.

But damn, even that plan felt like a lie.

"Yo," Sean's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

He walked up, grinning like he already knew what was messing with me. "So?" he nudged my shoulder. "How was the kiss?"

I scowled and took a long sip from my drink. "Fuck off."

Sean laughed. "Oh, that good, huh?"

I didn't respond. I just stared out at the crowd — and there she was again.

Jisoo.

Sitting by the fire now, her legs crossed, skirt riding dangerously high. She was laughing at something Alisha said, her head tilted back, dark brown hair brushing against her shoulders. She looked...unbothered.

Like that kiss hadn't made her head spin. Like she hadn't moaned into my mouth and grabbed at my hair like she wanted more.

It was just me.

Just me who was fucked in the head over this.

"She's Alisha's best friend, you know," Sean said suddenly, his voice lower now.

I looked at him. "Yeah. So?"

"So don't mess with her, Tae. I'm serious," he said, his grin gone. "Alisha will lose her damn mind if you try your usual game with Jisoo. She's not like the other girls."

I didn't say anything.

Because what was I supposed to say?

That I wasn't thinking of her like the other girls?

That the idea of her underneath me had been haunting my mind since the moment I walked away?

That I wanted her lips, her hands, her voice — one night to burn the curiosity out of my bloodstream?

I couldn't say that.

But I also couldn't promise I wouldn't try.

"She doesn't even look fazed," I muttered, still staring at her. "Just... back to normal."

Sean followed my gaze and chuckled. "Maybe she's better at pretending than you."

I smirked, bitter. "No one's better at pretending than me."

But that was the lie I told everyone — including myself.

Because for the first time in a long time... I didn't want to pretend.

I wanted her.

And that scared the shit out of me.