The airport buzzed with activity, the chatter of travelers blending with the muffled announcements echoing through the terminal. Suitcases rolled along the polished floors, and the aroma of coffee from nearby kiosks filled the air. Amidst the chaos, Jungkook strode forward with purpose, weaving through the crowd with ease, while Taehyung trailed behind, his attention darting to every shiny or colorful display that caught his eye.
"Jungkook, look!" Taehyung exclaimed, his voice rising above the noise as he pointed toward a small souvenir shop. His eyes sparkled with childlike enthusiasm. "They have cute keychains!"
Jungkook stopped mid-step, turning to follow Taehyung's gaze. The shop was packed with an assortment of trinkets: miniature airplanes, fluffy animal keychains, and magnets shaped like landmarks.
"Taehyung," Jungkook sighed, already sensing where this was heading. "We're not here to shop."
"But they're adorable," Taehyung whined, clasping his hands dramatically as though pleading his case. "Don't you think this little penguin would look perfect on my bag?"
Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, fighting back a smile. "We'll be late if you keep getting distracted. Maybe on the way back, okay?"
Taehyung pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but you're buying me one later."
Jungkook chuckled as he motioned for Taehyung to keep moving. "We'll see."
The duo finally made it to the check-in counter, where Jungkook handled their luggage tags and boarding passes with practiced efficiency. Taehyung, on the other hand, fiddled with his scarf, occasionally sneaking glances at the other travelers, his curiosity endlessly piqued.
"Passport," Jungkook prompted, holding out his hand.
Taehyung froze, patting his pockets frantically. "Uh... oh no."
Jungkook arched an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"Wait, wait," Taehyung said quickly, digging through his bag. A moment later, he pulled out his passport triumphantly. "Found it!"
Jungkook sighed, shaking his head. "This is exactly why you need supervision."
Taehyung stuck his tongue out at him, but the mischievous grin on his face was impossible to hide.
Once their luggage was checked in, they made their way to a quieter seating area near their gate. Taehyung collapsed onto one of the chairs, immediately leaning his head against Jungkook's shoulder.
"Tired already?" Jungkook teased, glancing at the mop of messy brown hair resting on him.
Taehyung mumbled something incoherent, his eyes fluttering shut. After a moment, he whispered, "Thanks for coming with me, Ggukie."
Jungkook turned to look at him, his expression softening. "You don't have to thank me," he replied. "Someone has to make sure you don't wander off or lose your passport. Again."
Taehyung groaned but didn't lift his head. "Can't you just let me have a heartfelt moment without ruining it?"
"Not a chance," Jungkook said with a smirk.
Despite his teasing, Jungkook adjusted his position slightly to make Taehyung more comfortable. The warmth of their easy camaraderie settled between them, a stark contrast to the bustling terminal.
When their flight was announced, Taehyung perked up immediately, sitting upright and stretching. His tiredness was replaced by excitement as he grabbed his bag.
"This is gonna be fun, right?" Taehyung asked, his eyes bright with anticipation as they joined the line for boarding.
Jungkook glanced at him, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Yeah," he said with a small smile. "It will be."
As they stepped onto the plane, Taehyung couldn't help but grin.