Chapter 21: chapter 20

Jungkook wakes up to the sound of soft rain tapping against the windows.

He blinks, adjusting to the dim morning light.

And then he realizes

He’s not in his own bed.

He turns his head slightly.

Taehyung is still asleep beside him.

His breathing is slow, steady. His face relaxed.

Jungkook stares.

They’ve shared a bed before.

Countless times over the years.

But this time feels different.

Because of last night.

Because of what Taehyung said.

I want to try understanding what I feel for you.

Jungkook exhales, rolling onto his back.

His heart is still unsteady in his chest.

Because this whatever this is...

It’s new.

And he doesn’t know what to do with it.

.

.

.

.

Taehyung stirs his coffee as Jungkook leans against the counter, watching him.

Neither of them has spoken much since waking up.

But it isn’t uncomfortable.

It’s just… different.

Jungkook finally breaks the silence. “So… what now?”

Taehyung sets his spoon down. “Now?”

Jungkook shrugs. “You said you want to figure this out. How?”

Taehyung is quiet for a moment.

Then, simply, “I don’t know.”

Jungkook huffs a laugh, shaking his head. “Of course you don’t.”

Taehyung glances at him. “But I want to try.”

Jungkook meets his gaze.

And even though Taehyung’s expression is unreadable

There’s something there.

Something uncertain but sincere.

Jungkook exhales, rubbing the back of his neck. “Fine. Then let’s try.”

Taehyung nods once. “Okay.”

Jungkook narrows his eyes. “But you can’t just observe me like some science experiment.”

Taehyung tilts his head. “Then what do I do?”

Jungkook grins. “You date me.”

Taehyung stills.

Jungkook watches as the words sink in.

Then, slowly, Taehyung says, “Date you.”

Jungkook nods. “Yeah. We go out. Spend time together. Like couples do.”

Taehyung considers this. “Isn’t that what we already do?”

Jungkook sighs. “Hyung, we are not dating.”

Taehyung frowns slightly. “But we eat together. Talk every day. Sometimes.... no most of the time you stay over. ”

Jungkook groans. “That’s.... That’s just us being us.”

Taehyung crosses his arms. “So what’s the difference?”

Jungkook leans in. “The difference is that this time, you’re actually trying to like me.”

Taehyung blinks. “I don’t dislike you.”

Jungkook laughs. “Not the same thing, hyung.”

Taehyung exhales, looking thoughtful. “So dating.”

Jungkook nods. “Yes. A real date. No business dinners. No last-minute ramen runs. A proper, planned date.”

Taehyung watches him for a moment.

Then, slowly, he says, “Okay.”

Jungkook stills.

“…Okay?”

Taehyung nods. “I’ll plan something.”

Jungkook raises a brow. “You? You’ll plan a date?”

Taehyung exhales. “You wanted this, didn’t you?”

Jungkook smirks. “Yeah, but I thought I’d have to do all the work.”

Taehyung sips his coffee. “Give me a week.”

Jungkook grins. “Alright, CEO Kim. Surprise me.”

Taehyung doesn’t respond.

But something about the way he looks at Jungkook....

Like he’s actually taking this seriously....

Makes Jungkook’s heart do something strange.

Something hopeful.

And for the first time

He lets himself believe that maybe, just maybe,

This might actually work.

🐻🐰