The soft golden light of morning filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the hotel room. The world outside was slowly waking up, but inside, everything was stillâquiet, peaceful, untouched by time.
Taehyung blinked his eyes open, the remnants of sleep still clinging to him. His body ached slightly, a reminder of last night, and at the mere thought of it, a blush bloomed across his cheeks.
His gaze naturally drifted to Jungkook, who was still deep in slumber beside him. The younger man lay on his side, his bare shoulders exposed to the morning light, his face serene, his lips slightly parted as he breathed in and out steadily.
Taehyung's heart swelled.
He looked etherealâhis dark lashes resting against his cheeks, his tousled hair falling slightly over his forehead. He looked more like an angel who had descended to the mortal world, peaceful and unguarded.
Without realizing it, Taehyung reached out, his fingers tracing Jungkook's nose ever so lightly, feeling the softness of his skin. He barely skimmed over the bridge of his nose before, suddenly, a warm hand wrapped around his wrist.
Taehyung sucked in a breath, startled. His eyes darted back to Jungkook's, which were now half-lidded, still heavy with sleep but twinkling with mischief.
Jungkook brought Taehyung's hand to his lips, pressing a slow, lingering kiss against his knuckles. His voice was husky with sleep as he murmured, "Good morning, muffin."
Taehyung felt his face burn at the nickname, and before he could say anything, Jungkook tugged him forward, pulling him into his chest.
A small yelp escaped Taehyung's lips as he was suddenly engulfed in warmth, his face buried in Jungkook's bare chest.
"Jungkookâ"
"Mm... not yet," Jungkook mumbled, voice drowsy, arms tightening around Taehyung's waist as he nuzzled into his soft hair. "Just a little longer."
Taehyung sighed, but the corners of his lips tugged up in fondness. He let himself melt into Jungkook's embrace, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on Jungkook's back.
The morning could wait.
For now, being in Jungkook's arms was all he needed.
____
As much as Taehyung wanted to stay wrapped up in Jungkook's warmth, reality was waiting for them. After lazily rolling around in bed, exchanging sleepy kisses and whispered words, they finally got up, freshened up, and left the hotel together.
The ride back to the dorm was filled with lighthearted conversation, with Jungkook sneaking in compliments that had Taehyung blushing and swatting at him playfully. But as the car pulled up to Taehyung's dormitory building, Jungkook's playful energy shifted into reluctance.
Jungkook leaned against the car door, watching Taehyung unbuckle his seatbelt. "Do you really have to go?" he asked, lips forming a slight pout.
Taehyung chuckled, smoothing out his slightly wrinkled sweater. "Jungkook, I live here."
Jungkook huffed, crossing his arms. "You could live with me."
Taehyung raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? You want me to move into your dorm now?"
Jungkook smirked, eyes twinkling. "I mean... it's a tempting idea, isn't it?"
Taehyung shook his head with a laugh before leaning over and pressing a quick kiss to Jungkook's cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"
Jungkook let out an exaggerated sigh but nodded. "Fine. But I demand good morning and goodnight texts."
Taehyung rolled his eyes playfully and stepped out of the car, waving before turning toward the building entrance. Just as he was about to enter, he froze.
Standing by the door, arms crossed, was Jimin.
His expression was unreadable, but the way his eyes moved from Taehyung to Jungkook and back made it clear that he had seen everything.
Jungkook, noticing Taehyung's hesitation, stepped out of the car as well. "Taeâ"
Jimin's eyes narrowed. "Well, well, well... Look who finally decided to show up," he said, his voice dripping with amusement and something dangerously close to judgment.
Taehyung gulped. "Jiminâ"
Jimin smirked, tilting his head. "You two had fun?"
Jungkook, instead of looking embarrassed, simply slid an arm around Taehyung's waist and grinned. "The best."
Taehyung elbowed Jungkook in the ribs, making the Jungkook chuckle. Meanwhile, Jimin just stared at them, lips twitching as if he were holding back the nastiest remark known to mankind.
He clicked his tongue. "You know what? I don't even wanna know." Then, turning on his heel, he mumbled under his breath, "At least tell me you showered before coming back."
Taehyung gaped at him, scandalized. "Park Jimin!"
Jungkook, on the other hand, burst out laughing, looking way too entertained by the situation.
Jimin waved lazily over his shoulder as he walked inside, leaving Taehyung standing there, blushing furiously while Jungkook looked like he was having the time of his life.
"Well," Jungkook mused, "he took that better than I expected."
Taehyung groaned. "Don't even start."
Jungkook smirked and leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "I did shower, though, if that makes you feel better."
Taehyung covered his face with both hands. "I hate you."
Jungkook laughed, pecking Taehyung's forehead. "No, you don't."
And the worst part? He was absolutely right.