Chapter 16: chapter 15

Jungkook stands by the kitchen counter, absentmindedly stirring his coffee.

He hasn’t taken a sip.

Taehyung watches from the couch, observing the way Jungkook’s fingers tighten around the mug, the way his brows furrow slightly.

Something is different.

Taehyung doesn’t know what it is.

But he notices it anyway.

After a while, he speaks. “You’re quiet today.”

Jungkook looks up, startled. Then he chuckles, shaking his head. “I didn’t know you cared.”

Taehyung doesn’t respond.

Jungkook sighs, setting his coffee down. “I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

Jungkook hesitates.

Then he shrugs. “Nothing important.”

Taehyung doesn’t believe him.

But he doesn’t push.

Instead, he nods.

And they leave it at that.

For now.

.

.

.

The sky is overcast, the breeze cool against Jungkook’s skin as he leans against the railing, watching the water. The place is dear to Jungkook. The only place Taehyung always agree to go.

Taehyung stands beside him, hands in his pockets.

Neither of them speaks.

After a long moment, Jungkook exhales. “Hyung.”

Taehyung glances at him. “Hm?”

Jungkook stares ahead. “Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have?”

Taehyung thinks for a moment.

Then, simply, he says, “No.”

Jungkook chuckles, but there’s no humor in it. “Of course.”

Taehyung studies him. “You have.”

It’s not a question.

Jungkook doesn’t answer right away.

Then, voice quieter, he says, “Yeah.”

Taehyung doesn’t ask what it is.

Maybe because he already knows.

Or maybe because he isn’t ready to know.

So instead, he says nothing.

And they stand there, side by side, in silence.

.

.

.

Jungkook is sitting on the floor, back against the couch, scrolling through his phone.

Taehyung is on the couch, flipping through a book.

They’ve done this a hundred times before.

But tonight, it feels different.

Jungkook’s words from earlier linger in the air between them.

Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have?

Taehyung doesn’t know why it bothers him.

But it does.

He sets his book down. “Jungkook.”

Jungkook hums in acknowledgment but doesn’t look up.

Taehyung hesitates...

“What is it that you want?”

Jungkook’s fingers pause against his phone screen.

Slowly, he looks up.

And he smiles.

It’s small.

Sad.

But real.

Then, softly, he says, “You wouldn’t understand, hyung.”

Taehyung watches him.

And for the first time, he wonders.

Is that really true?

🐻🐰