Chapter Two - Officially Unbearable

Jungkook decided three things within the first twenty-four hours of having Kim Taehyung as his bodyguard.

First: Taehyung was rude.

Second: Taehyung was terrifyingly calm.

And third-

Jungkook absolutely could not stand him.

Which was unfortunate because Taehyung was suddenly everywhere.

Outside his apartment.

Behind him at schedules.

Standing beside the van.

Watching him during interviews like an emotionless security camera dressed in black.

It was deeply irritating.

"You're breathing too loudly," Jungkook informed him one morning.

Taehyung didn't even glance up from his phone. "You're alive too loudly."

Jungkook gasped dramatically.

His makeup artist snorted into her brush.

Traitor.

-

Today's schedule was a variety show recording.

Which meant chaos.

Fans crowded outside the broadcasting station the moment Jungkook's van arrived. Screams erupted instantly.

"JUNGKOOK!"

"I LOVE YOU!"

"MARRY ME!"

Jungkook smiled automatically and waved through the tinted window.

Beside him, Taehyung sat with his usual unreadable expression.

"You know," Jungkook said casually, "normal people would be overwhelmed by this much love."

"You think this is love?"

"What else would it be?"

Taehyung looked outside at the pushing crowd. "Mob behavior."

Jungkook turned toward him slowly.

"You're allergic to happiness, aren't you?"

"I'm allergic to stupidity."

"Then how are you surviving around me?"

Taehyung finally looked at him.

"...Barely."

Jungkook clutched his chest in fake pain.

"You wound me daily."

"That's the dream."

Before Jungkook could respond, the van door slid open.

Instant screaming.

The manager stepped out first, followed by Taehyung, who immediately scanned the crowd with sharp eyes.

Then Jungkook exited.

The screams doubled.

Phones rose everywhere.

People surged forward.

Jungkook was used to this. He smiled, waved, even blew a kiss toward one side of the crowd.

And then-

Someone shoved hard from behind.

Jungkook stumbled forward.

A hand instantly caught his arm.

Firm.

Steady.

Taehyung.

The bodyguard pulled Jungkook back against his chest with one smooth movement while blocking the crowd with his other arm.

"Back up," Taehyung said coldly.

His voice wasn't loud.

But the atmosphere shifted immediately.

Even the screaming fans hesitated.

Jungkook blinked.

Oh.

That was... kind of cool.

Taehyung kept one hand lightly against Jungkook's back as they moved toward the entrance.

Protective.

Close.

Warm.

Jungkook suddenly became very aware of how broad Taehyung's shoulders were.

Annoying.

Inside the building, the doors closed behind them.

The noise disappeared instantly.

Taehyung finally let go.

"You need to pay attention," he said flatly.

Jungkook stared at him. "You touched me."

Taehyung looked confused. "Obviously?"

"You touched me gently."

"...Should I have thrown you onto the pavement instead?"

Jungkook narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

"You care about me."

"I care about not losing my job on the first week."

"Hm."

Taehyung walked ahead.

Jungkook followed beside him like an offended cat.

"You know," Jungkook continued, "most people would say thank you after being saved."

"Most people would also watch where they're going."

"You really hate fun."

"You really create problems professionally."

"That's because I'm talented."

"That's because you lack survival instincts."

Jungkook grinned suddenly.

Taehyung frowned immediately.

That smile meant trouble.

"You know what I realized?" Jungkook asked.

"No."

"You're actually very handsome."

Taehyung nearly stopped walking.

"...What?"

Jungkook nodded thoughtfully. "It's unfortunate about your personality, though."

Taehyung stared at him like he was witnessing a psychological experiment.

"You spent an entire day insulting my face," Jungkook continued. "But objectively speaking, you're attractive enough that people would forgive you for murder."

"...That's concerning."

"It's true."

"You flirt with everyone this shamelessly?"

Jungkook looked offended. "Excuse you. I'm naturally charming."

"You're naturally exhausting."

"That too."

Taehyung rubbed his forehead.

For the first time, Jungkook noticed faint dark circles beneath his eyes.

"You didn't sleep," Jungkook said suddenly.

Taehyung paused.

Then shrugged. "I slept enough."

"That means no."

"It's none of your business."

Jungkook frowned slightly.

Something about Taehyung always felt... tightly controlled.

Like someone permanently bracing for impact.

Even when he was standing still.

Before Jungkook could think further, staff members rushed toward them.

"We're ready for rehearsal!"

Jungkook was immediately dragged away for hair touch-ups and microphone checks.

Taehyung remained near the stage entrance, silent as ever.

But throughout rehearsal-

Every single time Jungkook glanced toward the side stage-

Taehyung was watching.

Not in a creepy way.

Not even emotionally.

Just attentive.

Careful.

Present.

And somehow that was worse.

-

The recording ended late at night.

Jungkook collapsed dramatically into the van afterward.

"I'm dead."

"You've said that six times today," Taehyung replied.

"Because this industry is abusive."

"You chose it."

"I was young and beautiful."

"You're still dramatic."

Jungkook ignored him and leaned his head against the window.

Outside, rain had started pouring heavily across the city.

The roads blurred with lights and reflections.

For a while, silence settled between them.

Oddly comfortable.

Then Jungkook noticed movement beside him.

Taehyung was taking off his suit jacket.

"You're cold?" Jungkook asked.

Without answering, Taehyung placed the jacket over Jungkook instead.

Jungkook blinked.

"...What is this?"

"The air conditioning is too strong."

"You noticed?"

"You were shivering."

Jungkook stared at him suspiciously.

Taehyung avoided eye contact and looked out the opposite window.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Jungkook slowly smiled.

"You really are obsessed with me."

Taehyung closed his eyes.

"I'm begging you," he muttered, "please be quiet for five minutes."

Jungkook grinned wider and wrapped himself more comfortably in the jacket anyway.

It smelled faintly like rain, coffee, and Taehyung.

And for some reason-

It felt safe.

____________________🖤____________________

to be continued...💖✨

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