Chapter 35: 34.Alone Time

But but buttt

Jimin was cunning—there was no denying that. While he didn’t mind Taehyung third-wheeling between him and Yoongi,

he saw an opportunity when he learned that Taehyung planned to spend his day off at Jungkook’s place.

It was supposed to be a holiday for Taehyung, yet he was still willing to be there. That spoke volumes to Jimin, and he wasn’t going to let the chance slip by.

Grinning mischievously, Jimin grabbed his phone and called Hoseok. It didn’t take long for Hoseok to pick up, his cheerful voice greeting him.

“Hobi! I need your help,” Jimin began, leaning back on the couch.

“Uh-oh, what kind of help?” Hoseok asked, already sensing the mischief in Jimin’s tone.

“Relax, it’s nothing crazy,” Jimin reassured him, though his grin only grew wider. “I need you to take Jaybum out tomorrow. Maybe to the park or somewhere fun. Just keep him busy for a while.”

Hoseok paused, clearly confused. “Why? Isn’t Jungkook home tomorrow?”

“That’s the thing—he’s going to and Taehyung's coming for a stay over but I want those two to have some alone time,” Jimin explained, his voice dripping with excitement.

“Think about it: no distractions, no adorable little Jaybum running around. Just them, stuck together with no excuse to avoid each other.”

Hoseok chuckled, catching on to Jimin’s plan. “Ah, you’re playing matchmaker again. What if it doesn’t work out the way you want?”

“It *will* work,” Jimin insisted confidently. “Those two are so oblivious to their own feelings. They just need a little push, and I’m providing it.”

Hoseok laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll take Jaybum out for the day. Maybe we’ll grab ice cream or something.

Jimin said with a smirk. “I’ll owe you one, though.”

“Deal,” Hoseok replied before hanging up.

But oh only if Jimin knew his decision was so right ...

And oh only if my readers knew what was going to happen tomorrow 🫦

Read more to find out~

The next day arrived quicker than anyone expected. Jimin, however, had been anticipating it with barely concealed excitement, looking forward to his day with Yoongi.

The thought of spending time together had him practically bouncing on his toes. Yoongi wasn’t any better —his lips curled into a faint smile every time he thought about it, his usual cool demeanor cracking just a little.

Taehyung, on the other hand, was oblivious to the schemes brewing around him. He spent his morning casually getting ready, thinking it would be just another day playing with Jaybum or having a movie marathon with him and Jungkook. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing that would make him overly self-conscious.

Jungkook thought the same. After breakfast, he expected Jaybum to come running into the living room with his favorite stuffed bunny, ready to pick a movie or something. It would be a relaxing, predictable day—or so he thought.

But, of course, they didn’t account for Jimin.

That Jimin was a mastermind planner.

It was almost 4 PM when Taehyung stood in front of the Jeon mansion, ready to spend another evening with Jaybum and Jungkook before heading back to his place.

As he stepped inside, he spotted Hoseok lounging on one of the couches, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Hobi hyung? You're here?" Taehyung asked, curiosity laced in his tone as he set his bag down.

"Yeah..." Hoseok chuckled, scratching the back of his neck, his usual sunny demeanor betraying something more playful.

"Great! Why don’t you spend time with me, Jaybum, and Jungkook?" Taehyung offered enthusiastically. The idea of all of them together seemed fun and comforting.

But Hoseok clearly had other plans.

Jungkook appeared at the top of the stairs, Jaybum cradled in his arms as the little one played with his bunny. He paused for a moment, visibly surprised to see Hoseok at this hour.

“Oh, I’m here to kidnap Jaybum,” Hoseok announced teasingly, his grin widening.

“Huh?” Taehyung blinked, confused by the statement.

“I mean, I’m here to take him out. You know, just some quality Hobi-Jaybum time. The mall, arcades, maybe the park—something fun.”

“Park! Yes! I want to go!” Jaybum exclaimed, wiggling excitedly in Jungkook’s arms.

Taehyung, instinctively stepping into his babysitter role, immediately offered, “Okay, I’ll get him ready and come with you.”

But Hoseok shook his head, waving Taehyung off with exaggerated dramatics.

“No, no, Tae. You stay here. I want some alone time with my favorite little Bum.” He pinched Jaybum’s cheeks affectionately, earning a giggle.

“But...” Taehyung hesitated. “What if he needs something?”

Hoseok placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, his voice reassuring. “Relax, Tae. I’ve got this. I know his favorites—don’t worry.”

Taehyung sighed, reluctantly nodding. “Alright, but please be careful.”

Jungkook, ever the overprotective father, added, “Hyung, make sure you’re back before 8.” His voice was firm, laced with concern.

“I promise,” Hoseok grinned, holding a hand to his heart dramatically.

With that, Taehyung helped Jaybum change into an outfit suitable for the park, and the little one eagerly waved goodbye as Hoseok led him out.

The house fell silent once the door clicked shut. Taehyung stood in the living room for a moment, slightly surprised that Jaybum hadn’t insisted he tag along. He glanced at Jungkook, who seemed equally taken aback.

“Well,” Taehyung said, breaking the silence, “it’s just us now.”

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, his lips quirking up in a small, unsure smile. “Yeah, I guess it is.”

Little did they know, this was exactly what Hoseok—and Jimin—had planned.

Taehyung and Jungkook sat down for a movie, a usual plan they had initially crafted for Jaybum’s sake.

Without the little one there, the arrangement felt...different. Both of them instinctively chose the far corners of the large sofa, leaving a polite gap between them.

A bowl of popcorn sat in the middle, and every now and then, one of them would reach for it, careful not to let their hands brush.

The movie itself wasn’t anything extraordinary—watchable but hardly engaging. Despite that, neither spoke. They were too focused on the screen, the silence between them comfortable yet oddly charged.

Occasionally, Taehyung glanced at Jungkook from the corner of his eye, noticing the way his jaw tensed or how his lips slightly pursed whenever something remotely exciting happened in the film.

Jungkook, too, stole a few quick looks, catching Taehyung’s soft profile illuminated by the dim glow of the TV.

Time passed quicker than expected, and soon the credits rolled. Jungkook stretched his arms, breaking the stillness, while Taehyung leaned back with a small yawn.

“Well, that was... something,” Jungkook muttered, his voice breaking the quiet.

“Yeah, not the best pick, but it wasn’t terrible,” Taehyung replied, offering a small smile.

Jungkook chuckled, and for the first time that evening, the atmosphere felt lighter.

Three hours had passed in a blink, but the subtle tension in the air was only beginning to unfold.

“Bored?” Jungkook asked, noticing Taehyung’s yawn as the movie credits rolled.

Taehyung didn’t hesitate. “Not gonna lie, but yes.”

Jungkook chuckled softly and nodded. “Alright, let’s go to the poolside then.”

Taehyung blinked, sitting upright. “You have a pool here?” His wide eyes brimmed with surprise.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his tone casual. “Uh, yeah?”

“How come I’ve never seen it? I’ve been working here for months!” Taehyung exclaimed, still processing the revelation.

Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, amused by Taehyung’s reaction. “Maybe because I keep it locked most of the time—for Jaybum’s safety.”

Taehyung’s expression lit up instantly. “Let’s go, then!” he cheered, practically bouncing on his feet.

Jungkook laughed quietly at Taehyung’s sudden burst of excitement before standing up and heading toward the backyard. Taehyung trailed behind him, trying to hide his curiosity but failing miserably, his steps light with anticipation.