Chapter 11: chapter 10

Taehyung wakes up to the sound of movement in his apartment.

It’s subtle shuffling, the clinking of dishes, the quiet hum of someone existing in his space.

For a moment, still caught between sleep and wakefulness, he forgets that he isn’t alone.

Then, it clicks.

Jungkook.

He pushes off his blankets and steps out of his bedroom, running a hand through his hair. When he reaches the kitchen, he finds Jungkook standing in front of the stove, flipping an egg with surprising ease.

The smell of food lingers in the air toast, coffee, something warm and familiar.

Jungkook doesn’t notice him at first. He’s humming quietly, hair still messy from sleep, sleeves pushed up as he moves comfortably in a space that isn’t his.

Taehyung leans against the doorframe.

“You’re still here.”

Jungkook startles, nearly dropping the spatula. “Jesus, hyung warn a guy before you creep up on him.”

Taehyung crosses his arms. “This is my house.”

Jungkook snorts, turning back to the stove. “Yeah, yeah. I figured I’d make breakfast before I leave.”

"you can't cook Jungkook."

"I can hyung, that was a one time thing." Jungkook looks at the betrayal.

Taehyung watches as Jungkook plates the eggs and toast, pouring two cups of coffee as if this is something they do all the time.

It isn’t.

But it doesn’t feel strange.

Jungkook places a plate in front of him. “Eat.”

Taehyung sits. Takes a bite. It’s simple, nothing extraordinary, not perfect. The toast is lightly over toasted than how Taehyung usually likes, the egg is slightly undercooked, but for some reason, it tastes better than his usual breakfast.

Jungkook grins. “Good, right?”

Taehyung chews. “It’s edible.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes. “That’s your way of saying ‘thanks,’ isn’t it?”

Taehyung doesn’t answer.

But Jungkook only laughs, like he understands anyway.

.

.

.

.

Jungkook leaves for class, and the apartment feels empty again.

Taehyung gets ready for work, going through his usual routine. His suit is neatly pressed, his tie knotted perfectly. Everything is in place.

But something is missing.

Or maybe something has been added.

Something that lingers in the space Jungkook occupied.

And Taehyung doesn’t know what to do with that.

Work keeps him busy. Meetings, reports, numbers that require his attention. It’s all the same. Predictable.

Then his phone buzzes.

Jungkook: Hyung. I think I’m dying.

Taehyung sighs.

Taehyung: Then die quietly.

Jungkook replies instantly.

Jungkook: Rude. Anyway, my professor assigned a group project, and I got stuck with two people who refuse to do any work. I’m going to lose my mind.

Taehyung stares at the message, fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Then without thinking too much about it.... he types:

Taehyung: What’s the project about?

Jungkook takes a moment before replying.

Jungkook: Animation sequence. We have to create a short story using CGI, but I’m basically doing all the work.

Taehyung frowns.

Taehyung: Tell your professor.

Jungkook: I would, but I don’t want to deal with drama.

Taehyung exhales, setting his phone aside. He should ignore this. Should focus on work.

But instead, he finds himself replying:

Taehyung: Send me what you have. I’ll check it later.

Jungkook’s response is immediate. Jungkook: …Really?

Taehyung blinks.

Why did he offer? He knows nothing about animation.

And yet he doesn’t take it back.

Taehyung: Just send it Jungkook.

Jungkook’s next message takes longer to come through.

Jungkook: Okay. Thanks, hyung.

Taehyung puts his phone away.

He tells himself it’s nothing.

But the slight warmth in his chest says otherwise.

Taehyung’s day ends the way it always does. Late. Exhausting. His assistant reminds him of a dinner meeting he had completely forgotten about.

By the time he gets home, his shoulders ache. His mind is tired.

He sets his briefcase down, unbuttons his shirt, and exhales.

Then his phone vibrates.

Jungkook: You home?

Taehyung frowns.

Taehyung: Yes.

Jungkook: Cool. Open your door.

Taehyung blinks.

Taehyung: What?

The doorbell rings.

He stares at it for a long second before walking over, unlocking it to find Jungkook standing there with a plastic bag in hand.

Jungkook grins. “Jimin said you didn’t eat at the dinner.”

Taehyung steps aside wordlessly, letting him in.

Jungkook moves easily, placing the food on the table, unpacking containers of rice and side dishes.

“I got less spicy chicken wings,” Jungkook says, waving a container in the air. “I know you like it.”

Taehyung watches him.

It’s not the food. It’s not the way Jungkook makes himself at home.

It’s the fact that Jungkook thought about it.

About him.

Something settles in Taehyung’s chest, unfamiliar but not unwelcome.

Jungkook meets his gaze. “Hyung?”

Taehyung exhales. “Let’s eat.”

🐻🐰