The plane touched down in Busan with a gentle jolt, and the familiar hum of engines began to fade as passengers shuffled to gather their belongings. Taehyung leaned toward the window, a soft gasp escaping his lips as he caught sight of the coastline stretching out under the morning sun.
"We're here," he murmured, more to himself than to Jungkook, his voice tinged with awe.
Jungkook, seated beside him, glanced at Taehyung's glowing face and felt an unspoken warmth bloom in his chest. "Yeah," he replied simply, offering a small smile.
As they made their way into the airport, the salty sea breeze swept in through the open doors, mingling with the crisp air-conditioning. The bustling terminal was alive with chatter, luggage wheels clattering, and announcements echoing in the background.
At the luggage carousel, Jungkook took charge immediately, keeping an eye out for their bags. Taehyung, however, was already wandering off, his attention snagged by a nearby convenience store.
"Look, Jungkook!" Taehyung exclaimed, pointing toward a display of local snacks. "They've got squid chips! And those little fish-shaped pastries we used to eat all the time!"
Jungkook sighed, already knowing this was bound to happen. "Taehyung, focus. We need to get our luggage first."
"But the pastries," Taehyung whined, his voice trailing off as he took a step toward the store.
Jungkook grabbed his wrist gently but firmly, tugging him back. "You'll have time for snacks later. Right now, we need to grab our stuff before someone else does."
Taehyung pouted but relented, standing beside Jungkook as they waited for the carousel to spit out their suitcases.
As Jungkook hoisted Taehyung's bag onto the cart, he noticed his friend staring out of the large glass windows. Taehyung's expression had softened, a wistful smile playing on his lips as he looked out at the familiar skyline.
"It feels good to be back," Taehyung said quietly, his voice almost lost in the noise around them. "I didn't realize how much I missed it until now."
Jungkook paused, his hands resting on the luggage cart. "You love it here, don't you?"
Taehyung nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah. It's home."
Jungkook's lips curled into a soft smile as he watched Taehyung's face light up with fondness. He didn't say anything, but in that moment, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for being part of this journey with him.
They were soon interrupted by a cheerful voice calling out from the crowd.
"Taehyung-ah!"
Both boys turned to see Seokjin making his way toward them, his polished look and broad smile as unmistakable as ever. His hair was neatly styled, and he carried himself with an effortless confidence that screamed "older brother."
"Hyung!" Taehyung exclaimed, breaking into a wide grin as he ran up to Seokjin. The two embraced briefly before Seokjin turned his attention to Jungkook, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"And who's this?" Seokjin asked, his tone light and teasing.
"This is Jungkook," Taehyung explained, gesturing toward his friend. "He'sâ"
"Your best friend?" Seokjin interrupted, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Or is there something you're not telling me?"
"Hyung!" Taehyung groaned, his cheeks tinged pink.
Jungkook bowed politely, trying to hide his flustered expression. "It's nice to meet you, Seokjin-ssi. Thank you for picking us up."
"Ah, polite and well-spoken," Seokjin noted, nodding approvingly. Then, with a wink, he added, "But you don't have to call me 'ssi.' I'm just Jin-hyungâunless you're here as Taehyung's protective bodyguard, in which case, I should call you Sir Jungkook."
Jungkook's ears turned red, and Taehyung groaned louder, swatting at his brother's arm. "Stop embarrassing us!"
"Alright, alright," Seokjin said with a laugh. "Come on, let's get you two home."
The car ride was filled with Seokjin's playful chatter, his jokes ranging from Taehyung's airport antics to Jungkook's quiet demeanor. However, amidst the laughter, Seokjin occasionally glanced in the rearview mirror, noticing the moments when Taehyung grew unusually quiet, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery.
"You okay back there, Taehyung-ah?" Seokjin asked casually, his voice tinged with concern.
Taehyung blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Yeah, just... thinking."
Seokjin didn't push, but his expression softened. "You know, it's okay to feel things. You don't have to pretend you're fine all the time."
Taehyung looked at his brother, surprised by the quiet understanding in his voice. He nodded, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips.
Jungkook glanced between the two, sensing the unspoken bond that passed between them. In that moment, he felt a deep respect for Seokjinânot just as Taehyung's brother, but as someone who truly understood him in ways others couldn't.
As the car turned onto a familiar street, Taehyung leaned back in his seat, a mix of anticipation and comfort settling over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he was meant to be.
_______
The car rolled to a stop in front of a cozy two-story house painted in soft pastel hues, its windows framed with blooming flower boxes. Seokjin, sitting in the driver's seat, turned off the engine and glanced at Taehyung in the rearview mirror. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched his younger brother lean forward, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Relax, Taehyung," Seokjin teased, his tone affectionate. "Your parents aren't going anywhere."
Taehyung shot him a playful glare. "I haven't seen them in ages. Let me have my moment."
From his place beside Taehyung, Jungkook chuckled. "Pretty sure you're going to barrel straight into them the second you get out."
Taehyung grinned. "Watch me."
Outside, two familiar figures stood on the front porch, their faces lighting up as the car pulled in. Taehyung's mother waved enthusiastically, her warm, nurturing presence unmistakable. Beside her, his father stood with a calm but affectionate smile, his posture straight and commanding.
"There he is!" his mother called, her voice filled with joy.
"Ah, it's been too long," his father added, his tone deep and steady.
As soon as Seokjin popped the trunk, Taehyung scrambled out of the car, darting up the pathway. His mother rushed down the steps to meet him, enveloping him in a tight hug before he could even say a word.
"Taehyung-ah, look at you!" she exclaimed, pulling back just enough to take a good look at him. "You've lost weight. Are you eating properly?"
"Mom," Taehyung groaned, though he couldn't hide the fond smile tugging at his lips.
"Let the boy breathe, darling," his father said as he stepped forward, patting Taehyung on the shoulder with a warm smile.
Meanwhile, Jungkook climbed out of the car more composedly, bowing deeply to Taehyung's parents. "Hello, uncle and aunt," he greeted respectfully.
"Jungkook-ah!" Taehyung's mother said, turning her attention to him with equal enthusiasm. She reached out to ruffle his hair. "You've grown taller since the last time I saw you. And more handsome, too!"
Jungkook flushed, scratching the back of his neck. "Thank you, aunt."
Seokjin joined the group, carrying Taehyung's luggage with ease. "Did you miss me too, Mom?" he quipped, feigning a pout.
"Of course I did, Jin-ah," she replied, rolling her eyes affectionately. "But you visit us more often than your brother does."
"Which means I'm the better son, right?" Seokjin teased, earning a laugh from everyone.
Before the moment could stretch further, another voice called out from the neighboring house.
"Jungkook-ah! Taehyung-ah!"
The group turned to see Jungkook's parents walking toward them from their home next door. Jungkook's mother wore a warm smile that mirrored her son's, and his father's quiet, grounded presence was just as reassuring.
"Mom, Dad," Jungkook greeted, bowing deeply.
"Oh, Taehyung, it's so good to see you!" Jungkook's mother said, enveloping him in a motherly hug.
"It's good to see you too, aunt," Taehyung replied cheerfully.
As the families gathered, the atmosphere grew lively. Taehyung's and Jungkook's mothers fell into easy conversation, catching up as though no time had passed, while their fathers exchanged firm handshakes and light-hearted remarks.
"I see you boys are still inseparable," Jungkook's father said, looking fondly at his son and Taehyung.
"Some things never change," Taehyung's father added with a chuckle.
Seokjin leaned against the car, watching the exchange with amusement. "I don't know how Jungkook puts up with him," he said, earning a glare from Taehyung.
"I'll let you know when I figure it out," Jungkook replied smoothly, a playful glint in his eyes.
After a few more minutes of chatting, the parents decided it was time to part ways. Taehyung's mother clapped her hands together, smiling at Jungkook. "Don't forget to come over for dinner later, Jungkook-ah. Bring your parents too!"
"I won't forget, aunt," Jungkook promised, bowing slightly.
With warm farewells, the families returned to their respective homes. Seokjin carried the last of Taehyung's luggage up the porch steps before turning to leave.
"Don't do anything too embarrassing, Taehyung," Seokjin called over his shoulder with a grin as he walked toward his car.
"Yeah, yeah," Taehyung muttered, rolling his eyes.
As Taehyung and Jungkook approached their houses, the nostalgia of being back in their childhood neighborhood sank in. Standing on the shared path between their homes, Taehyung turned to Jungkook, his eyes glimmering with memories.
"It's like nothing's changed," Taehyung said softly.
Jungkook smiled, his gaze taking in the familiar surroundings. "Yeah. Feels like we never left."
For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, the faint sound of the ocean breeze carrying memories of simpler times. Then, with a mischievous grin, Taehyung nudged Jungkook.
"Race you to our respective door?"
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his competitive streak igniting. "You're on."
Before either could properly count down, Taehyung bolted, his laughter ringing through the air as Jungkook took off after him. Their playful race ended with both boys waving each other through the door of their own respective house house.