Partners in Speed - ver.2 (also Street Racers #2)

19. Taehyung

I flicker the lighter and light up a much needed cigarette. In the 'underground world', my criminal endeavors are already talked about. I 'robbed' one of the most wanted targets. Along with Jungkook, and Yoongi did most of the job, but he made it seem like I was both the mastermind behind it and the executor.

No one here, at the race, seems to be interested in this. Which is good. What isn't good is the fact that Park Jimin has been eyeing me suspiciously for the past twenty minutes I've been here.

I have no fucking idea what to tell him if he approaches me. No, it wasn't me? What are you talking about? Yes, absolutely, now I'm going to buy myself a Bugatti?

"Act dumb," Jungkook says.

Yeeun has told Jimin we're not on the best terms, so we're putting up an act of just lurking around each other, since we go into one race.

"I'm trying," I say. "Do you know how hard it is to act like you don't know someone is watching you?"

"Maybe he thinks you're hot."

"Maybe you could shut up."

"Do you actually think he's attractive?" he asks.

"Objectively, yes. Of course. But I'm not interested."

"Because you're into-"

"Because he's a liar and a fucking asshole," I say, even though what he was about to say is just as true. "Can we... not talk about men here? I don't want anyone to know, yet."

"Alright," Jungkook says, with a pat on my shoulder.

It's not that I want to hide it, but I also don't want this to be sudden news. Gradually, I'll let it be a known fact, but now like that. Not by accident, because someone overheard. Or maybe I'm overthinking it. Maybe I'm still traumatized after what Hyun did years ago.

Yeeun, sitting sideways on Jungkook's passenger's seat, says, "Don't panic, Taehyung, but Jimin is walking our way."

I take the last drag and put the cigarette off under my foot.

Jungkook sighs. "Should we start a fake-fight? Maybe he will fuck off then."

"Maybe I should fucking run?" I genuinely consider it. "What the fuck am I supposed to tell him if he asks?"

"Maybe he won't ask."

"He definitely knows already," I say, still pretending not to see him. "I did not have a proper conversation with Yoongi about this."

"I will distract him if you want," Yeeun says.

"Can we not make it any worse?" Jungkook asks.

I'm about to run, when I hear a familiar voice behind me. "Hey, Kim Taehyung!"

My heart is pounding. What does this guy want now?

I turn even further away from Jimin. Song Lee approaches. I've never liked this guy, he's always caused problems. But if he's gonna take the spotlight and keep Jimin away from me, I might as well endure him.

Yeeun gets out of the car. She and Jungkook stand beside me, like they both know dealing with Song Lee requires a lot more effort than one person can muster. Park Jimin... isn't walking towards us. Oof.

"What?" I ask, when Lee stops in front of me.

"Is it true?" he asks.

"What is supposed to be true?"

"That you're gay."

It's like a slap. You can't believe it at first. The impact comes after a moment.

He speaks so fucking loud I feel dizzy. But then I look around, and people don't look surprised. Because they all know...