Sooner later,
The music reverberated through the room, filling every corner of the Jeon mansion with an infectious energy.
Jimin, with his usual flair for dramatics, had taken charge of the playlist after Jungkook's failed attempt at picking appropriate songs.
The moment the first track played, he wasted no time in grabbing Jaybum's little hand, spinning him toward the dance floor.
"Come on, birthday boy! Show us your moves!" Jimin chirped, lifting Jaybum into the air as the boy erupted into uncontrollable giggles.
Everyone turned to watch the scene unfold, their expressions softening at the pure joy radiating from Jaybum. His laughter was contagious, drawing smiles even from the most stoic guests.
Yoongi, who had been quietly standing to the side, found his gaze lingering on Jimin a little longer than intended. There was something captivating about the way Jimin movedâso free, so unrestrained. Yoongi felt something stir within him, but he wasnât quite ready to name it just yet.
His thoughts were interrupted by Hoseok, who turned to Amy with a dramatic bow. âMay I have the honor of this dance, my mate?â he asked, his voice filled with playful charm.
Amyâs face turned a deep shade of red, her lips curling into a shy smile. She hesitated for only a moment before slipping her hand into Hoseokâs. âIâd love to,â she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
As they joined the growing crowd on the dance floor, the atmosphere shifted. Partners were exchanging, laughter echoed, and the energy was nothing short of electric.
Namjoon, ever the life of the party, grabbed Taehyung and Yoongi by their wrists. âCome on, you two! No sulking by the sidelines,â he teased, dragging them into the throng of dancers.
The three danced with reckless abandon, their carefree movements drawing cheers from the crowd. Taehyung twirled in sync with Yoongi, his laughter ringing out like a melody of its own.
But amidst the liveliness, Jungkook stood rooted in place, his dark eyes trained on Taehyung.
The way Taehyungâs lips curled into a radiant smile, the way his hair fell softly against his faceâit all left Jungkook utterly mesmerized. Though he still felt uneasy to see Taehyung and Yoongi so close.
He didnât realize he was staring until Jinâs voice pulled him back.
âJeon Jungkook!â Jin barked, his tone laced with mock exasperation. âDonât just stand there like a statue. Get in there!â
Before Jungkook could protest, Jin grabbed his arm, tugging him toward the dance floor. Jungkook barely had time to regain his footing when the crowd shifted again. Partners were swapping, laughter erupting as the music changed tempo.
Jaybum, now dancing with jimin and Amy, spotted Jungkook and Taehyung in the crowd. âDadda! TaeTae! Dance with me!â he called out, holding his little arms out.
Without hesitation, Taehyung scooped Jaybum up, twirling him in the air. Jungkook stepped closer, joining the pair. Their hands met briefly as they formed a small circle, swaying in time to the music.
Electricity shot through Jungkook the moment his fingers brushed Taehyungâs. His grip tightened slightly, his breath hitching as he felt a warmth spread through his chest.
Taehyung, oblivious to Jungkookâs turmoil, was caught in the moment. âLook, Jaybum! Weâre the best dancers here!â he said, his eyes sparkling as he spun the boy again.
Jungkookâs gaze softened as he watched them. For a fleeting moment, everything else faded awayâthe guests, the noise, even his own complicated feelings.
All that mattered was this. Just him, Jaybum, and...... Taehyung.
But the music shifted again, and with it, so did the partners. This time, Jaybum ended up with Hoseok and Amy, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung facing each other.
There was a brief, awkward pause before Jungkook stepped forward, his hands instinctively finding Taehyungâs waist. Taehyung hesitated, his breath catching, but his hands moved on their own, wrapping gently around Jungkookâs neck.
They swayed to the slow rhythm of the song, their movements hesitant at first. But as their eyes met, something shifted. The noise of the party melted away, and the world seemed to shrink until it was just the two of them.
Jungkookâs grip on Taehyungâs waist tightened slightly, pulling him closer. Taehyungâs heart raced as he felt the warmth of Jungkookâs hands through the fabric of his coat.
âAre you okay?â Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible over the music.
Jungkook didnât respond, his gaze locked onto Taehyungâs. There was something unspoken in his eyes, a storm of emotions that he couldnât put into words.
Taehyung felt his breath hitch, the intensity of Jungkookâs gaze making his chest tighten. He couldnât look away, even as a faint glow began to shimmer in Jungkookâs eyes.
Unbeknownst to them, a similar glow mirrored in Taehyungâs eyes. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it was thereâa sign of something far greater than either of them realized.
The world around them seemed to fade into nothingness. It was just Jungkook and Taehyung, swaying to the music as if the universe itself had conspired to bring them together.
Neither of them noticed how tightly they held on to each other, as if letting go would shatter the fragile moment they shared.
And As the night slowly settled over the Jeon mansion, most of the guests began to take their leave, their laughter and farewells echoing softly through the now quieter halls.
A few close friends, however, lingered behind, eager to continue the celebration by helping Jaybum open his gifts.
Yoongi stood to the side, hesitant. "I donât want to intrude, really," he muttered.
But Jimin, ever the persuader, waved him off with a grin. "Donât be ridiculous, Yoongi hyung. Youâre practically family now. Stay."
A faint blush crept over Yoongi's cheeks, and he mumbled a soft, "Alright then." He found a seat on the couch, Namjoon plopping down beside him with a dramatic sigh.
"Ah, my backâs killing me after all that dancing," Namjoon groaned, leaning back.
"Joon, youâre getting old!" Jimin teased, poking Namjoon in the side, earning chuckles from the rest.
Jaybum wasnât in the room yet, still busy bidding farewell to his little friends with his usual bubbly energy. Meanwhile, the group enjoyed the chance to wind down.
"But honestly," Yoongi began, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, "today was pretty amazing. I didnât expect you guys to be this much fun."
"Yah! Hyung, are you implying I bore you at home?" Taehyung quipped, crossing his arms and feigning offense.
Jungkook, who had been silently observing, felt a familiar pang in his chest at the sight of Taehyung and Yoongi bantering so comfortably.
His jaw clenched slightly, his tongue pressing against the inside of his cheek.
"No, bear," Yoongi replied with a fond smile, reaching out to ruffle Taehyungâs hair. "I didnât mean that. Our house has been the happiest since the day you were born."
Jungkook stiffened, his brows furrowing. His voice came out sharper than intended. "Since he was born? How long have you two known each other?"
Yoongi raised an eyebrow, slightly confused by the question. "What do you mean? I was the first person to hold Taehyung after he was born."
Jungkookâs frown deepened. "What? But Taehyung told me few months ago that he hadnât found his mate yet!" His voice rose slightly, earning the attention of everyone in the room.
Taehyung blinked, taken aback. "What are you talking about, Mr. Jeon? I still havenât found my mate," he said, genuinely confused.
Jungkookâs frustration spilled over. "Then who is he?" he nearly shouted, pointing accusingly at Yoongi.
"Oh my god, Mr. Jeon, heâs my *brother*!" Taehyung exclaimed, his voice laced with both exasperation and disbelief.
"Huh?But... but youâre a Min," Jungkook stammered,trying to piece it together.
"Thatâs because I was adopted by Taehyungâs parents when I was a kid," Yoongi explained calmly, though there was a trace of amusement in his tone. "I just kept my original last name."
The tension in Jungkookâs body visibly deflated.
He let out a long breath he hadnât realized he was holding. "Gosh, you scared me, Tae," he said, his voice soft, unguarded.
The moment the words left his mouth, the room fell silent. Every pair of eyes turned to Jungkook, the weight of his slip hanging heavily in the air.
Realizing his mistake, Jungkook quickly straightened, coughing to cover his tracks.
"I meantâI was scared for Jaybum. You know, wondering if Taehyung would get too busy if he found his mate or something," he rambled awkwardly.
The explanation didnât land the way he hoped. His friends exchanged knowing glances, the corners of their lips quirking in restrained amusement. Even Yoongi gave him a skeptical look.
Taehyung, however, simply tilted his head, his confusion evident. "Why would me finding a mate scare you for Jaybum, Mr. Jeon?" he asked innocently, unaware of the way Jungkookâs friends were now barely holding back their laughter.
Jungkook cleared his throat, avoiding eye contact. "I just meantâitâd be harder for you to focus on him, thatâs all," he muttered,trying and failing to sound casual.
Jin, ever the instigator, smirked. "Sure, Kook. Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Jungkook shot him a glare, his ears turning a faint shade of red. Meanwhile, Namjoon stifled a laugh behind his hand, Jimin outright giggled, and Hoseok and Amy, whispering something that made her giggle as well.
Only Taehyung remained oblivious, turning back to Yoongi with a shrug. "You all are so weird," he muttered, sitting back down.