Chapter 22: chapter 21

Jungkook stands in front of his mirror, adjusting his shirt for the fifth time.

He stares at his reflection, exhaling.

It’s just Taehyung.

They’ve spent thousands of hours together.

They’ve eaten meals, watched movies, even shared a bed.

But this is different.

Because tonight they’re going on a real date.

Planned by Taehyung.

Jungkook shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. “Relax, Jeon. It’s just dinner.”

A knock sounds at the door.

Jungkook takes a deep breath before opening it.

And there stands Taehyung.

Looking…

Ridiculously good.

He’s wearing a tailored dark gray coat over a black sweater and slacks. His hair is neatly styled, and he holds a single white lily in his hand.

Jungkook stares.

Taehyung blinks. “What?”

Jungkook clears his throat, crossing his arms. “You.....You brought a flower?”

Taehyung looks at the lily, then back at him. “That’s what people do on dates.”

Jungkook bites his lip, trying not to smile. “Okay, Mr. Romantic. Where are we going?”

Taehyung hands him the flower. “You’ll see.”

Jungkook rolls his eyes but takes the lily.

And then, before he can overthink it he follows Taehyung out the door.

.

.

.

.

Jungkook steps onto the deck of the cruise boat, his eyes widening.

“You planned this?”

Taehyung nods, his hands in his coat pockets. “I did research.”

Jungkook turns to him, stunned. “Hyung, this is like, actual romance.”

Taehyung tilts his head. “Isn’t that the point?”

Jungkook stares for a second, then shakes his head, laughing. “You’re insane.”

Taehyung doesn’t respond.

Instead, he gestures toward a private dining area inside the boat.

Jungkook follows him in, still dazed.

The table is set for two, soft lighting reflecting off the windows overlooking the river.

Jungkook exhales. “Okay, now I’m nervous.”

Taehyung takes his seat. “Why?”

Jungkook sits across from him, grinning. “Because this is actually kind of perfect.”

Taehyung watches him.

Then, after a moment, he says, “Good.”

And for some reason that one word makes Jungkook’s heart stutter.

Jungkook swirls his wine, watching Taehyung.

“You know, I really thought you’d mess this up somehow.”

Taehyung raises a brow. “I can still mess it up.”

Jungkook laughs. “Nah. You already won.”

Taehyung blinks. “Won what?”

Jungkook gestures around them. “The best first date award. Seriously, hyung, I wasn’t expecting this.”

Taehyung exhales. “You said I needed to take this seriously.”

Jungkook hums. “I did.”

Taehyung studies him. “Are you happy?”

Jungkook stops.

Because Taehyung rarely asks questions like that.

Slowly, he sets his glass down.

And then, softly.... honestly he says, “Yeah. I am.”

Taehyung doesn’t react much.

But something shifts in his expression.

Something Jungkook can’t quite name.

They step off the boat, the cool night air wrapping around them.

Jungkook stretches, letting out a satisfied sigh. “That was… probably one of the best nights of my life.”

Taehyung slips his hands into his pockets. “I’m glad.”

Jungkook grins, turning to him. “You’re really trying, huh?”

Taehyung nods. “I told you I would.”

Jungkook studies him for a moment.

And then, before he can stop himself he reaches out, taking Taehyung’s hand in his own.

Taehyung stills.

Jungkook tightens his grip. “This is okay, right?”

Taehyung looks down at their joined hands.

Then, slowly.....

He nods.

Jungkook smiles, intertwining their fingers.

And as they walk down the quiet streets of Seoul

Hand in hand

Jungkook lets himself hope.

Because maybe, just maybe...

Taehyung is starting to feel something, too.

🐻🐰