The second night of the trip brought warmth and chaos.
The students were gathered outside around a crackling fire, wrapped in blankets, eating roasted marshmallows. Someone was playing guitar, others sharing stories. It felt normal — innocent.
Except Jungkook couldn't relax.
Taehyung was sitting across the fire, dressed down in a loose knit sweater and dark slacks. He looked like some tragic romantic novel character. Too beautiful for reality.
Jungkook tried not to stare… until their eyes locked across the flames.
Taehyung gave him a look — one that made Jungkook's toes curl in his sneakers. It said everything and nothing. Come closer. I dare you.
Jungkook's breath hitched. He looked away quickly, cheeks warm.
Later, after everyone was full and tired, a few students started drifting off. Some leaned against each other. Some curled into blankets.
Jungkook, exhausted but not wanting to leave, sat quietly at the edge of the circle.
Taehyung sat beside him — close. Too close. The warmth of his presence made Jungkook's brain foggy.
And without thinking, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh…
Jungkook's head dropped gently against Taehyung's shoulder.
Silence.
Taehyung froze.
Then, slowly, he turned to glance down.
Jungkook was asleep.
Completely innocent. Soft. Breathing slow. His eyelashes fluttered, lips parted slightly. Bunny hoodie pulled up over his head.
Taehyung exhaled through his nose, amused — and something else. Something darker.
He didn't move.
Instead, he let Jungkook stay.
Even let his hand brush lightly against the boy's fingers, tracing them like a secret.
But they weren't alone.
A camera shutter clicked from the distance.
And the next morning, everything changed.