The sunlight filtered through the thin, lace curtains of Taehyung's childhood bedroom, casting soft golden patterns onto the walls. He blinked awake, disoriented for a moment until his eyes landed on the familiar posters of old bands and the shelves crammed with trinkets he'd collected over the years. A bittersweet smile tugged at his lips.
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and ran a hand through his tousled hair. The faint scent of lavenderâhis mother's favoriteâlingered in the air, mixing with the aroma of something delicious wafting from the kitchen.
As he stepped into the hallway, the sound of voices drifted up from downstairs. He padded down, pausing on the last step when he heard Seokjin's loud laugh echo through the house.
"There he is!" Seokjin declared as soon as Taehyung appeared in the doorway. He was sitting at the dining table, a cup of coffee in hand, looking far too polished for someone who probably woke up not long ago. "Thought you were going to sleep for another year, Sleeping Beauty."
Taehyung rolled his eyes, grinning despite himself. "Good morning to you too, Hyung."
Their mother appeared from the kitchen, holding a plate of golden pancakes. "Taehyung-ah, come sit. You must be starving after yesterday."
"You've been jet-lagged out of your mind," Seokjin teased, patting the chair next to him. "Mom's been making enough food to feed an army just in case you woke up."
Taehyung settled at the table, his stomach growling at the sight of the spread before him. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, kimchi stewâhis favorites. His father joined them, newspaper in hand, and the family meal began in earnest.
"So," Seokjin began, grinning mischievously, "how does it feel to be back? Reliving your glory days, or are you just here to bother me?"
"Neither," Taehyung shot back, smirking. "I'm here to remind you who the favorite son is."
Their mother snorted, setting down a cup of tea for their father. "As if you two will ever grow out of this."
The playful banter continued, filled with exaggerated complaints and teasing that only a close-knit family could share. For a moment, Taehyung let himself sink into the warmth of it allâthe laughter, the familiar scents, the feeling of home.
_________________
Across the street, Jungkook's morning was quieter but no less warm. He sat at the kitchen counter, sipping on a cup of black coffee as his mother hummed an old tune while preparing breakfast.
"You're awfully quiet this morning," she noted, sliding a plate of toast and eggs in front of him. "Something on your mind?"
"Just tired," Jungkook replied, though his mind had been buzzing since yesterday.
His mother leaned on the counter, studying him with a knowing look. "Tired or distracted?"
Jungkook hesitated, avoiding her gaze as he focused on his food. She wasn't deterred, her tone turning teasing. "It wouldn't happen to have anything to do with Taehyung, would it?"
Jungkook nearly choked on his toast, his ears turning red. "Mom!"
She laughed, clearly enjoying his reaction. "What? I think it's sweet. You've been glued to his side since you were kids. And now that ..."
Jungkook groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Please stop."
His father, who had been quietly reading the paper, chuckled. "Leave the boy alone, dear. He's already embarrassed enough."
Jungkook's phone buzzed on the counter, saving him from further torment. Jungkook's eyes lit up as he read the message from Taehyung:
Let's go to the archery range. It's been forever.
He grinned, his fingers flying across the screen.
Why do you want to go to an archery range when you don't even know how to hold a bow properly? Planning to hit yourself instead of the target?
The reply came almost instantly, a mix of indignant and playful:
Yah! I wasn't that bad. Besides, I want to see if you're still as good as you were back then.
Shaking his head with a laugh, Jungkook typed back:
Fine. I'll remind you who's the master here. Be ready in ten.
Before he could slip his phone into his pocket, his mother's voice floated over from the kitchen. "Who are you grinning at like that, Jungkook-ah?"
"Just Taehyung," Jungkook replied casually, though the slight curve of his lips betrayed his excitement.
"Ah," his mother said knowingly, stepping into the living room with a dishcloth in her hand. "Going to meet your boyfriend again?"
Jungkook groaned, slapping a hand to his forehead. "Mom! He's notâhe's just a friend!"
His mother smirked, leaning against the doorframe with an air of mischief. "Sure, sure. Just a friend who you dropped everything for to go play archery with, hmm?"
"Don't tease him too much," his father chimed in from behind his newspaper, though his voice held a trace of amusement. "He'll end up blushing too hard to leave the house."
"I am not blushing!" Jungkook protested, though the faint warmth creeping up his neck betrayed him.
His mother waved him off. "Go on, then. Don't keep your just a friend waiting."
Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at his lips. Grabbing his jacket and slipping on his shoes, he called out, "I'm heading out! See you later!"
"Don't forget to show him who's boss!" his mother called after him, laughter trailing behind her words.
______
The cool breeze greeted Jungkook as he stepped outside, his sneakers crunching softly against the gravel. Just as he reached the gate, Taehyung appeared, striding down his own driveway with an unmistakable bounce in his step.
"You're late," Taehyung said, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow in mock disapproval.
Jungkook smirked. "You texted me five minutes ago. Pretty sure you're early."
Taehyung shrugged, his smile breaking through his attempt at sternness. "Whatever. Let's go before you chicken out."
Jungkook scoffed. "Chicken out? You're the one who used to run for cover when the bow string snapped too loudly."
"Yah!" Taehyung exclaimed, jabbing an accusing finger at him. "That happened once! And it was because the instructor scared me!"
Laughing, Jungkook fell into step beside him. The short walk to the nearby archery range was filled with their usual banter, Taehyung recounting exaggerated tales of his supposed skill while Jungkook poked holes in his stories at every turn.
By the time they reached the entrance, the air between them was filled with laughter and a lingering sense of nostalgia.
"Ready to embarrass yourself?" Jungkook teased, holding the door open for Taehyung.
"Ready to watch me hit a bullseye," Taehyung shot back confidently.
As they stepped inside, the faint scent of wood and leather greeted them, along with the unmistakable twang of arrows being loosed. Memories of their younger days spent here flooded back, setting the stage for another round of friendly rivalry.