A change had settled over Taehyung. No longer did he dread the mornings; the prospect of seeing Jungkook in class filled him with a nervous anticipation. Their lunchtimes were spent chatting and laughing, a stark contrast to the solitary meals he used to endure. Taehyung found himself talking more, his voice gaining confidence with each passing day. Even the nickname "Tete," once a source of annoyance, now held a hint of warmth thanks to Jungkook's easy use of it. While Young Jae's teasing hadn't completely vanished, Taehyung learned to shrug it off, focusing instead on the comfortable silence he shared with Jungkook.
His grandmother couldn't help but notice the shift in her grandson. A spark had returned to his eyes, a lightness to his step. This positive change only intensified when Jungkook initiated their first text conversation. Taehyung, still a little shy, reveled in their late-night exchanges, his heart fluttering with every message.
The weekend arrived, bringing with it an unexpected invitation. They were going to karaoke, and this time, Taehyung was included. He readily accepted, a thrill coursing through him at the prospect of spending leisure time with Jungkook.
The karaoke room was a sensory overload. Dazzling lights pulsed in rhythm with the music, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Tables were scattered around the room, each one overflowing with snacks and drinks. Taehyung settled into a corner seat beside Jungkook, a sense of nervous excitement bubbling in his stomach.
Young Jae, ever the attention seeker, grabbed the microphone and launched into an off-key rendition of a popular pop song. Yejun, wincing slightly, passed the microphone to Taehyung with a hopeful smile. Taehyung froze, the juice he was drinking suddenly lodged in his throat. All eyes were on him now, and a wave of self-consciousness washed over him. He'd never sung in front of anyone before.
"Tete, we're waiting," Young Jae smirked, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "If you sing, Jeon gonna sing too," he added, throwing a playful jab in Jungkook's direction.
A low chuckle escaped Jungkook's lips. The sound sent a shiver down Taehyung's spine, a mixture of nervousness and something else he couldn't quite define.
"I don't... I don't know how to sing," Taehyung stammered, feeling the pressure mount. He hesitantly reached for the microphone, his hand trembling slightly.
"Sing," Jungkook whispered into his ear, his voice warm and encouraging.
A hush fell over the room as Taehyung began to sing. His voice, initially hesitant, gained strength and confidence with each passing note. The melody filled the room, weaving a spell of quiet magic. Taehyung poured his emotions into the song, his gaze unconsciously drifting towards Jungkook. He met Jungkook's eyes, and his breath hitched. The look in them was a complex mix of surprise, admiration, and something deeper that sent a shiver down Taehyung's spine.
The song he chose was different. This melody was familiar yet surprising. It was the soft strains of "I Think I Love You," a song that mirrored the burgeoning feelings blossoming in Taehyung's chest. As he sang, his voice carried a newfound depth, a vulnerability that resonated with the emotions swirling within him.
The final note faded into the air, leaving a lingering silence. Applause erupted, Young Jae and Yejun whooping and hollering with genuine enthusiasm. Young Jae, clapping Taehyung on the shoulder a little too roughly, exclaimed, "Damn, Tete, you're good! Haha!" Taehyung flushed a bright red, self-consciousness washing over him despite the praise.
Suddenly, Jungkook stood up. Taehyung watched, mesmerized, as he took the microphone, their fingers brushing briefly as it passed between them. A thrill shot through Taehyung as Jungkook selected a song, the familiar opening notes of "Wish You Ur My Love" filling the room.
Jungkook's voice was a revelation. It was smooth and soothing, caressing each note with effortless control. Taehyung felt a warmth bloom in his chest, a strange possessiveness as he listened. He could have listened to Jungkook sing all night, the melody weaving itself into the fabric of his dreams.
The last note died away, and a comfortable silence descended. Jungkook turned to Taehyung, his gaze unwavering. He approached, the air crackling with unspoken tension. Yejun and Young Jae, oblivious, tried to pull him into a hug, but he gently shrugged them off, his focus solely on Taehyung.
"How was I?" Jungkook asked, his voice a low murmur.
Taehyung's heart hammered in his chest. Words seemed to have deserted him. Finally, he managed a breathless, "Beautiful." It was the only word that truly captured the essence of what he'd experienced.
A slow smile spread across Jungkook's face. The day had flown by in a whirlwind of karaoke battles, shared laughter, and stolen glances.
Now, as he lay in bed, sleep eluded Taehyung. Jungkook's voice echoed in his mind, a sweet melody that refused to be silenced. He reached for his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he typed a message: "I wish I could hear you sing more next time."
With a click, he sent the message, his heart pounding in his chest. A moment stretched into an eternity, his anxiety growing with each passing second. Then, a chime broke the silence. He snatched his phone, his eyes devouring the message that appeared on the screen: "What would I gain?"
Taehyung's mind went blank. What could he offer Jungkook in exchange for another song? Hesitantly, he typed a response: "I'll sing for you too." He sent it off, a knot of worry tightening in his stomach. The wait felt interminable, his unease growing with every passing minute. Just as he was about to give up hope, his phone chimed once more. His breath caught in his throat as he read the single word that filled the screen: "Promise."
A grin stretched across Taehyung's face, so wide it felt like it would split his cheeks in two. He clutched the phone to his chest, a feeling of pure happiness bubbling up inside him. Tonight, sleep might finally come, but the promise he'd made-and the anticipation that swirled around it-would linger long after the dreams faded away.