Jungkook's laugh echoed softly in the humid air, but Taehyung's face remained submerged in a near-permanent state of redness. Every time Taehyung peeked at him, Jungkook's relaxed demeanor and easy confidence seemed to contrast painfully with his own flustered state. The steam rising from the water only added to his discomfort, both physical and emotional.
"You're really quiet all of a sudden," Jungkook observed, breaking the silence. He tilted his head, water dripping from his hair as his gaze settled on Taehyung. "Are you okay? Or is the bug bothering you again?"
Taehyung groaned, his hands coming up to cover his face. "Can you not bring that up?" he mumbled, his voice muffled through his palms.
Jungkook smirked, leaning forward slightly. "I don't know... I feel like I should be concerned. You're acting like you've never been in a hot spring before."
Taehyung glared at him from between his fingers, the flush on his cheeks deepening. "I've been in a hot spring plenty of times, thank you very much."
"Oh?" Jungkook's smirk widened. "Then why are you acting so... shy?"
"I'm not shy!" Taehyung protested, sitting up straighter. The sudden movement caused a small splash, sending water sloshing over the edge of the jacuzzi.
Jungkook bit back a laugh, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. You're not shy."
Taehyung huffed, crossing his arms and looking away. But in his peripheral vision, he couldn't help but notice the way Jungkook's shoulders shook slightly with silent laughter.
The awkward tension seemed to hang in the air, thick as the steam surrounding them. Taehyung desperately searched for somethingâanythingâto say that would divert the conversation.
"So," he started, his voice a little too loud, "how long has Mingyu had this reservation?"
Jungkook blinked at the abrupt question, but he went along with it. "Not long. He only booked it last week, but then he bailed. Said he had a 'better' plan."
Taehyung raised a brow. "Better than this?"
Jungkook shrugged. "Apparently. But honestly, I think he just didn't want to be alone in a hot spring. Kind of awkward to book something like this for one person, don't you think?"
Taehyung nodded, biting his lip to suppress a smile. "I guess that's true. So, he roped you into it instead?"
"Something like that," Jungkook admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. He glanced at Taehyung, his expression softening. "But I'm glad you came with me. It would've been boring otherwise."
Taehyung's heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Jungkook's voice. He ducked his head, pretending to adjust the plushie that he had perched on the edge of the jacuzzi earlier. "Yeah... I guess it's not too bad," he mumbled.
Jungkook grinned, leaning back again. "Not too bad, huh? I'll take that as a compliment."
Before Taehyung could respond, a loud growl interrupted the moment. It took a second for Taehyung to realize the sound had come from his stomach. His eyes widened in horror as Jungkook burst out laughing.
"Are you serious?" Jungkook said between chuckles. "You should've said you were hungry!"
"I wasn't hungry until now!" Taehyung shot back, his face burning with embarrassment.
"Well, you're not going to survive much longer if that's any indication," Jungkook teased, standing up from the water and grabbing a nearby towel. "Let's get dinner."
Taehyung watched as Jungkook casually wrapped the towel around his waist, his every movement oozing ease and confidence. Taehyung scrambled to do the same, muttering under his breath about how unfair it was that Jungkook could look so effortlessly perfect.
Once they were both dressed, Jungkook led the way out of the hot spring area, glancing back at Taehyung with a playful smile. "So, what are you in the mood for? Something fancy, or should we just raid the convenience store?"
Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the small smile that crept onto his lips. "Anything that shuts my stomach up," he said, falling into step beside Jungkook.
As they walked into the night, the earlier awkwardness melted away, replaced by the easy companionship they sharedâtwo boys navigating the delicate balance between friendship and something more, neither fully aware of the weight of their unspoken feelings.
________
Taehyung stepped into the dimly lit room, his eyes widening as he took in the surroundings. The soft glow of candlelight reflected off the polished wooden tables, their flickering flames suspended in delicate lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, a harmonious blend of roses, lilies, and lavender that lent the space an ethereal charm. Taehyung felt like he had wandered into a dream.
His gaze shifted to Jungkook, who was already seated across the table. Jungkook wore an air of quiet confidence as he picked up the wine bottle resting in an ice bucket to his side. His sleeves were casually rolled up, exposing his forearms, and his posture was relaxed but composed.
Taehyung approached the table hesitantly, running a hand through his damp hair. "You didn't tell me we were going somewhere like this," he murmured, his voice laced with awe.
Jungkook glanced up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I figured you'd like it. Thought it might be a nice way to end the day."
Taehyung's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Jungkook's tone. He slid into the chair opposite him, still marveling at the ambiance. "It's... beautiful."
Jungkook nodded as he carefully uncorked the wine bottle, his movements unhurried and precise. "I'm glad you think so. It's one of my favorite spots. Quiet, cozy... and the food's amazing."
Taehyung watched as Jungkook tilted the bottle, the crimson liquid pouring smoothly into the delicate crystal glass. The soft glug of the wine and the way the light refracted off the glass seemed to pull Taehyung into a trance.
Jungkook finished pouring and handed the glass to Taehyung, meeting his eyes with a gentle look. "Here. Just take a sip, though. Don't overdo it."
Taehyung accepted the glass, their fingers brushing briefly as he did. The fleeting contact sent a jolt of warmth up his arm, but he quickly pushed the thought aside. He brought the glass to his lips, hesitating for a moment before taking a small sip.
The wine was smooth and rich, with a subtle fruity undertone that lingered on his tongue. Taehyung wasn't much of a drinker, but he couldn't deny that this was something special.
Jungkook chuckled softly, drawing Taehyung's attention back to him. "What do you think?"
"It's good," Taehyung admitted, his voice softer than he intended. He placed the glass down carefully, his fingers lingering on the stem.
Jungkook leaned back in his chair, studying Taehyung with a mix of amusement and something deeper. "You look tense. Still thinking about earlier?"
Taehyung blinked, momentarily startled. "Huh? No, not really."
"Liar," Jungkook teased, his smile widening.
Taehyung huffed, picking up the glass again and taking another sip to avoid answering. The wine warmed him from the inside.
"Alright, alright. I won't push," Jungkook said, raising his own glass in a mock toast. "To... relaxing evenings and good company?"
Taehyung hesitated before lifting his glass as well, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "To good company," he echoed softly.
Their glasses clinked together with a soft chime, and for a moment, the world outside the cozy, flower-filled restaurant seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, sharing a quiet moment of connection under the gentle glow of candlelight.