Beautiful Chaos

Consoling and Roasting

The following week was quieter, but the aftermath of that locker room confrontation still hung in the air. The football team had seemingly cooled down after Taehyung's scathing words, and while there was an unspoken tension, most of the guys were keeping their distance from Jungkook. For the most part, they were trying to pretend nothing had happened—except for the awkward glances and the quiet apologies from a few who had crossed the line.

Jungkook, however, hadn't missed the subtle shift in the atmosphere. His once-easygoing interactions with the team were now a bit strained. He felt like he was walking on eggshells around everyone, unsure of whether they were genuinely remorseful or just trying to save face. But the one constant was Taehyung. Since that day in the locker room, Taehyung had been nothing but supportive, always there to offer a quiet word of encouragement, or just a comforting presence when things got too overwhelming.

Still, Jungkook was finding it hard to shake the feeling that he was being pitied, not just by the team but even by Taehyung, in the back of his mind. He didn't want to be seen as weak, as someone who needed constant protection.

That night, after practice, Jungkook found himself alone on the bleachers, staring out into the empty football field. The sky was darkening, a cool breeze brushing through his hair as he tried to clear his head. He was grateful for Taehyung's support, but something about the whole situation made him feel small.

Taehyung, as if sensing his internal battle, showed up soon after. He sat next to Jungkook without a word, their shoulders brushing as they both stared out at the field. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable—it was just... calm.

"You know, you didn't have to do that, right?" Jungkook finally spoke, his voice soft but laced with a hint of uncertainty.

"Do what?" Taehyung responded, his eyes still on the horizon, but there was a playful glint in his tone.

"Defend me like that," Jungkook continued, his eyes dropping to his hands. "You didn't have to go all... heroic on them."

Taehyung turned to him, his expression unreadable for a moment. "Jungkook, I don't care about what they think. But I care about you. You think I'd just stand by while people try to tear you down? Not a chance." He paused, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "You're my person, remember?"

Jungkook swallowed hard, his heart aching a little at the sincerity in Taehyung's voice. He turned to face him, finally meeting his eyes. "But... what if they start thinking you're just defending me because you feel sorry for me? Or worse, that you think I'm weak?"

Taehyung's eyes softened. He reached out, placing a hand on Jungkook's shoulder, giving him a gentle squeeze. "You're not weak. You've just got a heart that feels things deeply. It's a strength, not a weakness. And if they can't understand that... then it's on them, not you."

Jungkook felt his throat tighten. He wasn't used to this kind of vulnerability, not even from Taehyung, who was always so lighthearted and carefree. But right now, in this moment, Jungkook could see that the weight of his own emotions had always been shared between them—just in ways he'd never fully realized.

"I just don't want to keep being a burden to you, Taehyung," Jungkook murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know I'm not always the easiest to deal with."

Taehyung let out a small chuckle, leaning back on the bleachers. "Jungkook, don't be ridiculous. You're not a burden. You're my best friend, and I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever."

Jungkook's breath caught in his chest, the weight of his feelings suddenly making him feel a little exposed. "You really mean that?"

Taehyung tilted his head toward him, smiling that familiar, reassuring smile. "Of course I do. You think I'd leave you hanging just because you're going through something? That's not who I am. Besides..." He paused, his smile growing a little wider. "I'm the one who's lucky to have you."