Jungkook arrived at Big Hit early the next morning. The three mentees had a hectic schedule: working with vocal coaches, training with dance teachers, and then meeting with RM and Suga to discuss potential performances.

After their dance class, Jimin and Jungkook went to change out of their sweaty clothes. The elder was curious about the rest of Jungkook's night. He witnessed V storming out of the club with Jungkook in tow and was dying to know what happened.

As much as Jungkook wanted to share with Jimin - he really needed guidance and an outsider's opinion - he didn't want to play into V's assumptions. The artist clearly didn't trust him, so he decided to stay quiet.

"He was just tired," Jungkook bluffed, pulling on a black hoodie. "Enough about me. Tell me about your night."

A shy smile appeared on Jimin's mouth. "I think J-Hope was flirting with me. Or maybe he just has a really friendly personality."

"Why can't it be both?" Jungkook questioned as he stuffed his dirty clothes into a duffel bag. "And how do you feel about him coming onto you?"

Jimin sighed, pulling on some black boots. "I don't know. He outright told me Suga and him were a thing, so I was pretty confused when he said I was making him crazy with how seductive I was."

Jungkook let out a surprised laugh. "He thought you were seductive?"

The elder hit him on the arm. "Shut up, Kook, you know I am. And apparently my outfit was driving him crazy. He said he didn't know where to put his eyes."

They walked out of the changing rooms and towards their meeting with the producers.

"Well, if it means anything to you, Suga said they decide who they date together," The younger added. "So . . . I don't know what that means exactly. But maybe you still have a chance."

Jungkook paused as he took in his friend. "Do you want a chance?"

"I don't know," Jimin revealed. "I met with Suga once last week to kick off our mentorship. He was . . . how do I put this? He was . . . "

"Go on, I'm waiting," a new voice said from behind them.

Jungkook and Jimin spun around to find Suga right on their tail.

"How long have you been following us?" Jimin swallowed, nervously meeting the producer's stern gaze.

"Long enough to hear you're not sure if you want a shot with me," Suga answered. "I'm here to tell you there will be no chance of dating either me or Hoseok. Got it?"

Jimin nodded his head in agreement.

"Good, now let's get to this meeting." Suga walked past both of them, leaving the two boys gawking at his back.

Jungkook still managed to chuckle, however. "That was interesting."

"No, that was mortifying. He's going to hate me now!" Jimin tugged on Jungkook so they followed after Suga.

"He's not going to hate you," Jungkook comforted him. "Make you work your ass off more so than before? Maybe. Drown you in your own blood, sweat, and tears? Probably. But never hate you."

Jimin groaned as they entered the meeting space and sat at a table with Suga, RM, and RM's mentee Yeonjun.

"Alright," RM said. "Let's talk business. First up, you're all going to need to write an original song."

Hours later, Taehyung was still at his apartment, getting ready for the night. Getting ready for chores, as he liked to call these necessary activities.

Today was the first official day of the mentorship program and already Taehyung was succeeding at being the worst mentor. He was supposed to join Jungkook at Big Hit today, watching his lessons and offering feedback. But after last night, Taehyung needed space.

Nothing would have happened if Taehyung didn't get so jealous at the club. If he had ignored Jungkook and didn't watch his every movement, he never would have felt the need to be so possessive. Then Jungkook wouldn't have kissed him. Then Taehyung wouldn't have kissed him back.

He wasn't sure when he would have stopped them last night. If he would have stopped them. So it was a damn good thing that Jungkook inadvertently did.

V.

V.

V.

That's all Taehyung could hear - Jungkook moaning that god-forsaken name.

Taehyung inserted blue colored lenses into his eyes, covering up his natural chocolate-brown color. He patted concealer onto the freckle on his nose, before taking care of the one on his lip. If he left them uncovered, would Jungkook still be blind to who he was?

I can see you, Jungkook had said.

Taehyung wanted to scream at him. He wanted to accuse the younger of never really being his friend. Because how can someone just forget another person? How could Jungkook not recognize him?

It tore him to pieces.

He toyed with the idea of telling Jungkook who he was. More than anything, he just wanted to be free from this facade. But he was so terrified of telling Jungkook the truth.

Taehyung had been hurt once and it destroyed the person he used to be. If the same thing happened again, there would be nothing left of him this time around.

When his appearance was presentable, he grabbed a saddlebag full of clothes and opened his bedroom door. Jungkook was right outside, pacing back and forth.

The younger spoke before Taehyung could walk past him.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I was out of line for kissing you, given our working relationship. I'd understand if you didn't want to continue this partnership."

Another easy out that was graciously given to Taehyung. All he had to do was nod his head and agree that it was best to end things here. That was the smart thing. That would be best for him in the long run.

Taehyung nodded his head, proud he could successfully complete the first step of his plan.

But then he failed.

"Don't be stupid, Jungkook." Taehyung said, knowing he was currently being stupid enough for the both of them. "I'll meet you at Big Hit tomorrow."

Jungkook gave him a small smile before noting the bag he was holding. Taehyung didn't miss the look of confusion that crossed his face. "Are you going somewhere?"

Taehyung walked past him, knowing he owed the boy nothing but still wanting to give him something. "Weekly chores."

"Do you need any help?"

"No," he answered. "Not for this."

Taehyung left Jungkook staring after him, and as he closed the apartment door, he was beginning to realize just how often he did that.

▪︎ ▪︎ ▪︎

》 V A L E N W R I T I N G 《