The school trip was over. Classes resumed.But Jungkook hadn't stopped thinking about that night by the fire.
The feeling of Taehyung's shoulder beneath his head… the heat of his body… the way he called him baby boy like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Now every glance in class felt heavier. Every "Jeon Jungkook, see me after" sounded more intimate than disciplinary.
Still — Jungkook did his best to avoid being alone with him.
Until the storm hit.
It came suddenly. Dark clouds rolled in during last period, followed by thunder that shook the windows and a downpour so loud it drowned out the bell.
Jungkook had forgotten his umbrella. Of course.
Everyone scattered, running toward the gates with jackets over their heads.
He waited under the awning until most people were gone. But when the rain only got worse, he groaned and ran back inside the building, soaked in seconds.
Lightning cracked the sky.
"Great," he muttered, shivering. "Just great—"
"Jungkook?"
He turned — and there he was.
Professor Kim, standing at the end of the hall, holding a single umbrella and a black towel. His white shirt was half unbuttoned, chest glistening with rain.
He raised an eyebrow. "Come here."
Jungkook hesitated.
"I'll walk you home," Taehyung said. "You'll catch a cold like that."
They didn't live far apart. Jungkook had no excuse.
He walked over, heart thudding harder than the rain.
But the storm didn't let up.
By the time they reached the front of Jungkook's apartment, the streetlights were flickering and water was pooling at their feet.
"Power's out," Jungkook said as he checked the panel. "Damn it."
"You shouldn't be alone in this," Taehyung said quietly.
Then — softer — "Let me stay. Just until the worst passes."
Jungkook hesitated. He should've said no.
But he didn't.
The apartment was dim, lit only by candles Jungkook lit shakily. The flickering glow made shadows dance across the walls.
He peeled off his soaked clothes and slipped on a big hoodie — nothing underneath but boxers. His thighs were bare. He didn't mean to look like that. But he did.
Taehyung sat on the couch, wet shirt discarded, towel over his shoulders, his hair damp and sexy and messy. His chest… unfair.
"You should change," Jungkook said, voice small.
Taehyung looked at him.
"Should I?" he asked.
The silence was thunderous.
"You're shivering," Taehyung murmured. "Come here."
Jungkook's feet moved before he could think.
He sat beside him. Close. Too close.
Taehyung's fingers reached up, gently brushing damp hair from Jungkook's forehead.
"Still cold?" he whispered.
Jungkook looked up at him — wide-eyed, lips parted.
"I… don't know."
Taehyung's hand hovered just beside his cheek. Not touching.
"May I?" he asked.
But before Jungkook could answer—
Boom.
A loud crack of thunder shook the building. Jungkook yelped, instinctively flinching — and buried himself in Taehyung's chest.
Taehyung's arms wrapped around him instantly. Protective. Strong. Warm.
"You're okay," he whispered. "I've got you."
Jungkook stayed like that.
Pressed against him. Breathing in his scent. Letting himself feel safe.
Just for a moment.