The infirmary was quiet, save for the sound of rustling sheets and the faint hum of the air conditioner. Taehyung had dragged Jungkook there despite the latter's protests, his insistence brooking no argument.
"Taehyung, seriously, I'm fine. It's just a scratch," Jungkook had said, attempting to laugh it off.
Taehyung wasn't having it. His firm grip on Jungkook's arm told him there was no escape. Now, seated on the infirmary bed, Jungkook watched as Taehyung huffed, reaching for the first aid kit with an exasperated expression.
When Jungkook opened his mouth to protest again, Taehyung shot him a glare so sharp it could cut steel. Jungkook immediately closed his mouth, raising his hands in surrender with a sheepish smile.
Taehyung sighed deeply, setting the kit down on the desk and pulling out a cotton swab and disinfectant. Taking a seat beside Jungkook, he spoke in a low voice, his eyes focused on the scratch on Jungkook's neck.
"I don't care what they say about me," he began, his tone softer but still firm. "But you shouldn't fight. Look at youâyou got hurt because of it."
Jungkook smiled, his voice warm. "Don't worry, I'm fine, Bear."
Taehyung shot him a brief glance before soaking the cotton in disinfectant. "Let me disinfect it," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Jungkook chuckled lightly and pulled down his collar, exposing the scratch further. "Alright, help me," he said with an amused smile.
Taehyung leaned closer, pressing the cotton gently against the scratch. He worked carefully, blowing softly on the wound now and then to ease the sting of the alcohol. Jungkook's eyes followed his every movement, his smile widening as the warmth of Taehyung's breath tickled his skin.
"Does it hurt?" Taehyung asked without looking up, his focus entirely on the wound.
"No," Jungkook said, his voice quieter now. "Just... itchy."
But Jungkook wasn't focusing on the wound. His attention was entirely on Taehyungâthe way his long lashes cast shadows over his cheeks, the subtle curve of his lips, the faint warmth radiating from him. The proximity was driving Jungkook to the edge of his composure.
Taehyung, unaware of the turmoil he was causing, suddenly felt a chill. The sensation of being watched so intently made him pause. Slowly, he looked up, only to freeze. His gaze stopped on Jungkook's lips, and an unbidden thought crossed his mindâa vivid, startling image of Jungkook pinning him down, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
Taehyung blinked rapidly, panic bubbling up inside him. Stop it, Taehyung. It's a dream. It's not real. He tried to calm his racing thoughts.
Outwardly, he appeared composed, but his heart was hammering in his chest. Quickly averting his gaze, he cleared his throat. "I'm done. Just put your shirt back on and go," he said, his voice a little too rushed.
Without waiting for a response, Taehyung stood abruptly, intent on leaving the room. But before he could escape, Jungkook's hand shot out, gently grabbing his wrist.
"Wait. Where are you going?" Jungkook asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "Are you okay?"
Taehyung froze, unable to meet his eyes. "I'm fine," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jungkook tilted his head, his lips curving into a playful smirk. "Fine? Then why is your face so red?"
Taehyung's hand flew to his cheeks, realizing they were burning. He stammered, his mind racing for an excuse. "IâI just remembered I have something to do. I'll go back to the dormitory first," he said hastily. "I'll treat you to dinner sometime. Bye!"
Before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung spun on his heel and bolted out of the infirmary, leaving Jungkook sitting on the bed, stunned.
A moment later, Jungkook leaned back, chuckling softly to himself. He touched the spot on his neck where Taehyung had tended to him, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Cute," he murmured to himself, his gaze lingering on the door Taehyung had disappeared through.