Chapter 25: chapter 24

Jungkook is lying on Taehyung’s couch, head resting on a pillow, staring at the ceiling.

Taehyung is sitting beside him, legs crossed, a book in his lap.

Neither of them speaks.

And yet it’s not uncomfortable.

It’s never been uncomfortable with Taehyung.

But tonight, Jungkook feels something else.

Something heavier.

Something fragile.

Because Taehyung admitted it.

Not in the way most people would.

Not with clear words or grand gestures.

But in the only way he knew how.

“I think I like you.”

Jungkook exhales, rubbing his eyes.

It should have been enough.

But it isn’t.

Because now....

Now, he wants more.

And that terrifies him.

Jungkook turns his head, watching Taehyung read.

His brows are slightly furrowed, lips parted just a little.

Jungkook knows he’s completely focused, probably absorbing every detail of the text.

He’s always been like that.

Methodical.

Logical.

Emotions don’t come easily to him.

But he trying to feel.

Jungkook knows that now.

And yet, the question lingers.

Does Taehyung feel enough?

Jungkook exhales. “Hyung.”

Taehyung hums without looking up.

Jungkook hesitates. “What… happens next?”

Taehyung finally lifts his gaze. “What do you mean?”

Jungkook shifts, sitting up slightly. “Us.”

Taehyung blinks. “Us?”

Jungkook sighs. “Hyung, you said you think you like me. But what does that mean? What do we do now?”

Taehyung sets his book down. “I don’t know.”

Jungkook exhales sharply. “You always say that.”

Taehyung tilts his head. “Because it’s true.”

Jungkook runs a hand through his hair. “Hyung, liking someone isn’t a puzzle. It’s not something you analyze until you find the right answer. You feel it.”

Taehyung watches him. “And what if I don’t know what I’m feeling?”

Jungkook stills.

Because that’s fair.

That’s always been the problem, hasn’t it?

Taehyung doesn’t know how to name what he feels.

And Jungkook who feels too much.

Jungkook has always been the only one who understood him anyway.

Jungkook sighs, dropping his head back against the couch. “Do you want to figure it out?”

Taehyung doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

Jungkook turns his head.

And Taehyung is looking at him.

Not just with curiosity.

But with something else.

Something softer.

Something uncertain.

But real.

Jungkook’s breath catches. “Okay.”

Taehyung nods. “Okay.”

They don’t say anything else.

But for the first time Jungkook doesn’t need them to.

Because Taehyung is here.

And maybe that’s enough.

For now.

.

.

.

.

Taehyung sits at his desk in the office, reading through reports.

Jungkook is curled up on the couch, half-asleep. He tag along with Taehyung to the company.

They haven’t talked about that night again.

Haven’t talked about what this is.

But things are different.

Taehyung notices it in the little things.

Like the way Jungkook leans closer without hesitation.

The way he rests his head on Taehyung’s shoulder when he’s tired.

The way his hand lingers just a little longer when he reaches for something.

Taehyung doesn’t pull away.

Doesn’t stop him.

Because it doesn’t feel wrong.

And maybe that’s something.

A knock at the door startles them both.

“Come in,” Taehyung says.

Jimin steps inside. “Sir, your mother is here to see you.”

Taehyung frowns.

His mother?

Here?

Now?

Taehyung exhales. “Let her in.”

The door opens again

And his mother steps inside.

Her gaze sweeps over the office.

Then lands on Jungkook. “ You are here Jungkookie.”

Jungkook smiles. “Hai Emo.”

Taehyung leans back. “I wasn’t aware you were visiting.”

She ignores that.

Instead, she walks forward, stopping in front of his desk. “We need to talk.”

Taehyung folds his hands. “About?”

She exhales. “Your future.”

Jungkook gulps.

Taehyung doesn’t move. “Be specific.”

His mother’s lips press together. “Your marriage.”

Jungkook’s heart stops.

Taehyung exhales. “Not this again.”

His mother sits down. “It’s not a discussion, Taehyung. It’s a necessity. You're 30 and still single.”

Jungkook looks down at his hands.

Because of course.

Of course, this was coming.

Taehyung is a CEO. A Kim.

His marriage isn’t about love.

It’s about status.

Power.

Legacy.

“Tell him to marry someone Jungkookie.” Mrs Kim then turn towards Jungkook.

Jungkook feels sick.

He stands abruptly smiling, but Taehyung  notices, it doesn't reach his eyes. “I should go. I need to complete a project. Bye hyung, Bye Emo.”

Taehyung’s head snaps toward him. “Jungkook...”

But Jungkook is already moving.

Already walking toward the door.

Because he can’t do this.

Not now.

Not when he was just starting to hope.

🐻🐰