Jungkook is the son of a local authority figure.

— bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

1996. The auditorium smells of varnish, cheap perfume, and cigarettes. A loudspeaker wheezes on stage.

Jungkook stands alone against the wall. He's wearing a black turtleneck and a leather jacket, which he didn't take off even in the sweltering heat. The son of a local boss and drug dealer, he's used to having access to everything. Except, it seems, one thing. He's not dancing with anyone. Not because he's not invited, but because he's waiting.

Taehyung hesitates in the shadow of the fire brig. He's wearing an itchy shirt and has a pack of Marlboros in his pocket. His hands are shaking. He looks at Jungkook through the crowd and hesitates to take a step. Too shy. Too afraid of rejection.

A guy from a parallel class approaches Jungkook. He shakes his head briefly, sharply. He leaves, blushing. Taehyung sees it. Maybe now? What if his entourage laughs?

Jungkook turns his head. Their eyes meet. He waits. But he doesn't take the first step. His pride won't allow it. Taehyung lowers his eyes. When he looks up, Jungkook is gone. He's gone out for a smoke.

The DJ announces a white dance. Taehyung remains against the wall, cursing his indecision. Outside the door, Jungkook lights a cigarette and thinks of the boy in the itchy shirt who should be coming, or so it seems to his heart, and he taps the sole of his shoe impatiently.