Chapter 8

✨

Author's Point of View

20:00 | Jungkook's House

Jungkook placed the last plate on the dining table and took a deep breath, feeling satisfied with how everything turned out. The aroma of the freshly cooked food filled the room, making it warm and inviting. With a soft smile, he wiped his hands on the kitchen towel and walked toward the living room to call Taehyung and Aera for dinner.

As soon as he reached the living room, his steps slowed, and his smile deepened at the sight in front of him.

Taehyung was holding Aera securely in his arms, lifting her up in the air and gently swinging her. Aera's laughter filled the room, echoing like a melody, her tiny hands gripping Taehyung's wrists as she giggled in delight. Taehyung had a bright smile on his face, his eyes soft and warm as he played with her.

Jungkook didn't want to interrupt them. The sight was too precious, too heartwarming to break. But it was time for dinner, and Aera needed to eat before getting too sleepy.

"Alright, that's enough playing for now. Dinner is ready, let's go," Jungkook called out with a smile, his tone gentle but firm.

Taehyung stopped swinging Aera and looked at Jungkook, still smiling.

"Okay," he nodded before turning to the little girl in his arms. "Come on, Sweetheart. Let's eat."

Aera, still giggling, nodded eagerly, and Taehyung carefully placed her back on the floor. Holding her tiny hand, he walked with her toward the dining area, while Jungkook followed behind.

As they reached the table, Taehyung's eyes widened slightly when he saw the variety of dishes spread out in front of him.

"You've made so much, Jungkook," he commented, his voice carrying both surprise and appreciation.

Jungkook glanced at him and shook his head with a small smile. "It's not that much, hyung."

The way Jungkook naturally called him hyung made Taehyung's smile grow. It felt warm, familiar, and he liked it.

Jungkook had prepared a full meal, making sure to include dishes that weren’t too spicy for Taehyung. The table was set beautifully, and everything looked delicious.

Jungkook and Taehyung's Dinner

Aera's Dinner (she can't eat too spicy)

Dinner went by smoothly. Taehyung kept complimenting Jungkook's cooking, and every time he did, Jungkook's ears and cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. He tried to hide it, but Taehyung noticed and found it incredibly endearing.

Aera happily ate her meal, swinging her tiny legs under the table as she enjoyed the food.

Jungkook felt at ease. He was glad that Taehyung liked the food, and seeing Aera enjoy her dinner made him feel even happier.

After finishing their meal, they decided to watch a cartoon movie for Aera’s sake.

Halfway through the movie, Aera's blinks became slower, her little head resting against Taehyung's arm. Eventually, her soft breaths evened out, and she fell asleep on his lap.

Taehyung looked down at the small girl, a fond smile forming on his lips. He gently stroked her hair before turning to Jungkook.

"Should I take her to her room?" he asked softly.

Jungkook nodded. "Her room is right next to mine."

Carefully, Taehyung lifted Aera into his arms, making sure not to wake her. He carried her to her room, laid her down on her small bed, and pulled the blanket over her tiny frame. He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and placed a gentle kiss there.

"Good night, Sweetheart," he whispered.

After making sure she was comfortable, he stepped out of the room and quietly closed the door behind him.

When he checked the time, it was already past 9 PM. Realizing it was late, he decided to leave since the rain had stopped. He walked back to the living room, where Jungkook was tidying up.

"I should get going now," Taehyung said.

Jungkook looked up at him, considering something for a moment before speaking. "I can drop you off. Your car still needs repairing, right?"

Taehyung hesitated. "But what if Aera wakes up while you're gone?"

Jungkook gave him a reassuring smile. "She's a heavy sleeper. She won't wake up in the middle of the night."

After thinking for a moment, Taehyung nodded. "Alright, if you’re sure."

With that, the two of them left for Taehyung's home.

The ride was mostly silent, but it wasn't uncomfortable. There was a peacefulness in the air, a quiet understanding between them. Taehyung occasionally gave directions to Jungkook, who focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel.

Every now and then, Taehyung would steal glances at Jungkook, admiring the way the younger looked while driving. His side profile was breathtaking—the soft glow of streetlights casting gentle shadows on his face.

When they finally reached outside Taehyung's mansion, he turned to Jungkook.

"Would you like to come inside?" he asked, hoping the younger would say yes.

Jungkook, however, shook his head. "Some other day. I don't want to leave Aera alone for too long."

Taehyung understood and nodded.

"Alright. Thank you for the ride, Jungkook."

Jungkook gave him a small smile. "Good night, hyung."

"Good night, Jungkook," Taehyung replied, stepping out of the car.

He watched as Jungkook drove away, only going inside after the car disappeared from view.

—

When Jungkook reached home, the first thing he did was check on Aera. He entered her room quietly, making sure she was still asleep. Seeing her peaceful face, he smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead.

"Good night, bubba," he whispered before leaving her room.

Once inside his own room, he sat on the edge of his bed, sighing softly. Normally, he would read a book before sleeping, but tonight, his mind was occupied.

Jungkook had heard so much about Taehyung from Hobi before, but after meeting him in person, he was sure—Taehyung was a kind, caring, and sweet person. And undeniably handsome.

He felt his heart flutter at the thought.

Maybe... just maybe... it was okay to feel this way.

With that thought, he laid down and drifted off to sleep, his mind still filled with Taehyung.

—

Meanwhile, Taehyung entered his home and immediately informed his parents that he had arrived safely. After that, he headed straight to his room.

Changing into comfortable clothes, he laid down on his bed, resting his head on his arm. A constant smile danced on his lips as his thoughts replayed the events of the day.

Jungkook and Aera.

He missed them already.

Aera’s baby talk, her giggles, and—most of all—Jungkook. His smile, his voice, his presence.

Taehyung wasn't sure what this feeling was. But whatever it was, it felt warm. It felt good.

With that warmth in his heart, he closed his eyes and slowly drifted into sleep, unaware that somewhere across the city, Jungkook was doing the same—both of them lost in thoughts of each other.

────┈┈┈┄┄╌╌╌╌┄┄┈┈┈────

ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

Jiminie~