The script

6- The Tension

The second day on set started quieter than the first, but Taehyung wasn't fooled.

Everyone moved with the slow drag of early call times, sipping coffee like it was oxygen. He sat in the makeup chair again, staring at himself in the mirror, watching the subtle tremble in his fingers.

Another patch, barely clinging to his hip beneath his waistband. The last of his travel stash.

His skin was warm. Too warm.

He didn't look at Jungkook when he walked in, didn't need to. The scent rolled through the room before the door even closed.

Cedarwood again. Crisper this morning, like it had slept wrapped around fire.

"Good morning," Jungkook said, stretching as he passed.

Taehyung mumbled something that might've been a response and glued his eyes to the script in his lap. His scene partner's scent was practically seeping into the furniture.

The director clapped once. "We're starting with the cafe scene today."

Right. That one.

The first time their characters made physical contact. A touch on the arm. A lingering handoff of coffee.

The makeup artist gave him a reassuring smile as she finished up. "You're glowing today."

Taehyung grunted.

Not glowing. Flushed. Flustered. Slightly feral.

He was going to lose it.

On set, they stood at the counter while the crew finished lighting. Jungkook leaned in, eyes scanning his lines lazily.

"You nervous?" he asked, tone low.

"No."

"You smell nervous."

Taehyung's spine straightened. "Don't start."

"I'm not starting anything," Jungkook said, all fake innocence. "Just noticing."

Taehyung tilted his head. "You've been noticing a lot."

Jungkook gave a little smile and stepped closer. "Can't help it. You're hard to ignore."

Taehyung opened his mouth to fire something back, but the director called action.

And just like that, they were in character, two near-strangers fumbling through unexpected affection. Their fingers brushed over the coffee cup. Jungkook's hand lingered. His thumb grazed Taehyung's wrist, and Taehyung had to look away or risk forgetting every line he had.

"Cut!" the director called. "Good. Let's do it again with more tension. Lean into the hesitation."

They reset.

This time, Jungkook let his scent slip, just a little, as he reached for the cup.

Taehyung's breath caught.

Not just cedar and spice anymore. There was something thicker in the air now, muskier, hotter. His own scent fought to rise in response, instinct clawing at the edges of his throat. He bit it down.

They did three more takes.

By the end of it, Taehyung's hands were shaking.

Lunch came late. Taehyung found a quiet corner of the lot and collapsed on the curb with a cold water bottle pressed to his neck.

He barely noticed Jungkook approaching until the scent hit him again. Stronger out here, without the scent neutralizers.

"Why do you do it?" Jungkook asked, sitting beside him.