The night was quiet, the stars scattered faintly across the dark sky. The occasional hum of a distant car broke the stillness, but the empty road felt like it belonged to the two of them. Jungkook walked steadily, his posture straight and his hands stuffed into his pockets. Meanwhile, Taehyung, tipsy from the alcohol, swayed slightly with each step, his gaze locked on Jungkook's hand as it swung by his side.
Taehyung's fingertips brushed against Jungkook's hand once, twice, as though it were an accident. But when Jungkook glanced down at him with raised brows, Taehyung's lips twitched into a tiny, mischievous smile.
"Stop playing, Tae," Jungkook said, his voice exasperated but carrying an undercurrent of fondness.
Taehyung pouted dramatically, his lips jutting out in a way that made his already flushed face look even more childlike. "I'm not playing," he mumbled under his breath, the words more for himself than Jungkook.
I'm not playing aroundâI'm seriously seducing you.
Jungkook caught sight of the pout and couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in amusement. "What's wrong now?" he asked, his tone softer this time.
Taehyung suddenly grabbed Jungkook's arm, clinging to it as he looked up at him with big, almost pleading eyes. "I don't want to go home," he said, his voice laced with a mix of drunken honesty and lingering vulnerability.
Jungkook tilted his head, his expression curious. "Why not?"
"There's no one at home," Taehyung replied, his voice dipping into a soft whine. "My parents are working late, and Seokjin-hyung is staying over at his friend's place. I'll be all alone. I don't like it."
What Taehyung didn't say, but thought, was and if I go home, I won't get to spend more time with you.
Jungkook sighed, glancing at Taehyung's flushed cheeks and slightly glassy eyes. He knew Taehyung was too tipsy to be left alone, but there was something about his tone, the unguarded honesty in his words, that made Jungkook's chest tighten.
"Alright," Jungkook said, stopping in his tracks and crouching slightly. "Come on, I'll carry you."
Taehyung's eyes widened for a moment before lighting up with a dazzling smile. "Really?"
"Yeah, just get on before I change my mind," Jungkook muttered, pretending to sound annoyed.
Taehyung didn't hesitate, quickly hopping onto Jungkook's back and wrapping his arms around Jungkook's neck. His cheek rested against Jungkook's shoulder as he sighed contentedly.
"Thank you," Taehyung murmured, his voice soft and warm. "You're such a good guy. The best guy."
Jungkook's ears turned crimson at the unexpected compliment, and he was thankful Taehyung couldn't see his face. "Yeah, yeah," Jungkook muttered, his voice quieter than usual.
Taehyung, oblivious to Jungkook's flustered state, giggled as he noticed the redness in Jungkook's ears. Without thinking, he reached up and gently tugged at one, his fingers brushing against the soft skin.
"Taehyungâ" Jungkook started, freezing for a second but ultimately letting out a sigh as he let Taehyung continue. His ears burned even hotter under Taehyung's playful touch, but he didn't say a word, letting him do as he pleased.
Meanwhile, Taehyung stared ahead, his thoughts swirling in his alcohol-clouded mind.
Jungkook is so nice. And here I was, planning to take advantage of him being nice by seducing him. I'm such a terrible person, Taehyung thought, guilt bubbling up in his chest. But even as he berated himself silently, he couldn't bring himself to let go of Jungkook.
Jungkook, carrying Taehyung effortlessly, walked on, his lips quirking into a small smile despite himself. "You're lucky I'm nice," he muttered under his breath, though his words were filled with affection.
Taehyung only giggled softly in response, his arms tightening slightly around Jungkook's shoulders.
_________
As they reached the front of Taehyung's house, Jungkook gently lowered him to the ground, steadying him as his feet touched the pavement. Taehyung swayed slightly, still tipsy but with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Go inside firsâ" Jungkook began, but Taehyung cut him off, his voice laced with excitement.
"Wait a minute!" Taehyung exclaimed, fumbling with his bag as he rummaged through its contents. His lips pursed in concentration, and Jungkook tilted his head, curious.
After a moment of searching, Taehyung's face lit up as he pulled out a small objectâa red rose, intricately knitted with a green stem. He held it up triumphantly, his smile wide. "Ta-da! For you!"
Jungkook blinked, his gaze shifting between the knitted rose and Taehyung's flushed, expectant face.
Did I drink too much? Jungkook wondered, his heart pounding so loudly it felt like it echoed in the quiet night. This feels like a dream...
His eyes lingered on Taehyung's faceâthe slightly rosy cheeks, the hazy yet fond eyes that gazed at him with such warmth. Everything about this moment felt surreal, like a scene pulled from his most vivid daydreams.
Taehyung tilted his head, noticing Jungkook's dazed expression. He waved the knitted rose playfully in front of Jungkook's face, snapping him out of his thoughts.
Jungkook reached out to take the rose, but Taehyung pulled it back toward himself, his expression suddenly serious.
"What's wrong?" Jungkook asked, his voice light with amusement. "I thought it was for me."
Taehyung straightened his posture, lifting his chin slightly. "If you accept this gift, then..." He paused for dramatic effect, his eyes locking with Jungkook's. "You'll be mine."
Jungkook's lips curved into a soft smile, his gaze warm as he looked at Taehyung's earnest expression. "I'm already yours," he said quietly as he snatched the rose from Taehyung's hand, his voice filled with a tenderness that made Taehyung's heart skip a beat.
Taehyung froze for a moment, blinking at Jungkook like he couldn't believe what he just heard. His thoughts raced. Wait, wasn't I supposed to flirt with him? Why does it feel like I'm the one being flirted with?
Shaking his head slightly as if to push away his swirling thoughts, Taehyung refocused, this time digging into his bag with renewed determination. After a moment, he grabbed something metallic, but just as quickly, he shoved it back into the bag.
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, catching the movement. "What are you searching for now?"
Taehyung looked up at him with wide eyes, his expression innocent and slightly panicked. "I think... I forgot my house key," he said, his voice tinged with drama as he grabbed Jungkook's hand again, swinging it like a child pleading for candy.
"I can't go inside the house," Taehyung added, pouting as he looked up at Jungkook. "It's dark and cold out here. What if I have to stay on the street? I'm scared!"
Jungkook bit back a laugh, his lips twitching. He'd clearly seen Taehyung tuck the keys back into his bag, but the way Taehyung was playing up his innocence was too endearing for him to call him out.
"Jungkook," Taehyung continued, his voice softening as he gazed at him with wide, pleading eyes. "Can you take me to your house tonight?"
Jungkook let out a sigh, though his smile betrayed his amusement. How could he possibly say no to that face?
"Alright, fine," Jungkook said, reaching for Taehyung's bag and slinging it over his own shoulder. "But only because you'd probably end up wandering off somewhere if I left you here."
Taehyung's face lit up, and he clung to Jungkook's arm with a happy grin. "Thank you! You're the best, Jungkook!"
Jungkook glanced down at him, his smile softening as he watched Taehyung's excitement. You're going to be the death of me, Kim Taehyung.