Chapter 24: chapter 23

Jungkook sits on the couch, legs folded underneath him, a book in his lap.

Taehyung is beside him, typing away on his laptop.

It’s quiet.

Comfortable.

But Jungkook feels restless.

Because something has changed.

Not in an obvious way.

Not in a way that anyone else would notice.

But he notices.

Taehyung is different.

More attentive. More present.

He doesn’t brush off Jungkook’s questions like he used to.

He listens. He considers.

And last night

He held Jungkook’s hand.

Not just for a moment.

For hours.

Jungkook closes his book, turning to him. “Hyung.”

Taehyung hums, eyes still on his screen.

Jungkook hesitates. “Do you like me?”

Taehyung’s fingers pause on the keyboard.

For a second, he doesn’t move.

Then, slowly, he turns his head. “I don’t know.”

Jungkook’s chest tightens. “Right. Of course.”

Taehyung watches him. “But I don’t dislike you.”

Jungkook scoffs. “Wow. What a confession.”

Taehyung tilts his head. “You wanted an answer.”

Jungkook sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Hyung, people don’t date just because they ‘don’t dislike’ someone.”

Taehyung sets his laptop aside. “Then why do they?”

Jungkook blinks. “Because they like them.”

Taehyung is silent.

Then, carefully, he says, “And what does that feel like?”

Jungkook exhales. “It’s…” He trails off, thinking.

How does he explain this?

How does he explain the way his stomach flips when Taehyung looks at him?

The way his chest aches when Taehyung is distant?

The way he wants to be close always, constantly because it feels right?

Jungkook sighs. “It’s warmth.”

Taehyung blinks.

Jungkook swallows. “It’s when their presence makes everything better. When their voice is the one you want to hear first thing in the morning and last thing at night. When the thought of losing them...” He stops, throat tight. “It’s when the thought of losing them hurts.”

Taehyung is quiet.

So quiet that Jungkook almost regrets saying anything.

But then Taehyung speaks.

“Then maybe…” His voice is low. Uncertain. “Maybe I do like you.”

Jungkook’s breath catches.

He turns to Taehyung fully.

“…What?”

Taehyung looks down at his hands.

“I don’t understand emotions the way you do,” he says slowly. “But I know that when you’re gone, I notice. When you’re upset, I want to fix it. When you smile, I feel...” He pauses. “I feel something. But I don't know what it is”

Jungkook’s heart pounds.

Taehyung exhales. “And the thought of losing you… that hurts.”

Jungkook stares.

Because this

This is the closest thing to a confession Taehyung has ever given.

And suddenly

It’s too much.

Too overwhelming.

Because he’s wanted this for so long.

And now that it’s happening

He doesn’t know what to do.

So he laughs.

Not because it’s funny.

But because if he doesn’t, he might cry.

Taehyung watches him, brows furrowing. “What?”

Jungkook shakes his head, smiling. “You’re ridiculous.”

Taehyung exhales. “You say that a lot.”

Jungkook grins. “Because it’s true.”

Taehyung tilts his head. “So what now?”

Jungkook exhales, looking down at his hands.

Then, after a moment he reaches out.

And Taehyung, without hesitatio takes his hand.

Jungkook’s chest tightens.

Because maybe Taehyung isn’t there yet.

Maybe he doesn’t fully understand.

But he’s trying.

And for now

That’s enough.

🐻🐰