⊹⊱≼3.9K WORDS≽⊰⊹
⊹⊱≼©ZABISHA≽⊰⊹
⊹⊱≼NOV2022≽⊰⊹
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The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm and inviting glow over the Kim family's living room. Mrs. Kim, elegantly dressed and exuding an air of excitement, settled herself on the sofa across from her son, Taehyung.

She had her plans for the day, but her thoughts were tinged with the hope of sharing some of those moments with her husband and their son.

Taehyung, dressed in casual attire that showcased his relaxed approach to the day, sat on the sofa with his phone in hand. The short black pants and white t-shirt he wore were a testament to his desire for comfort and a clear indication that he intended to unwind from the past few days' business engagements.

As Mrs. Kim inquired, "so you haven't planned for the day?" Her mind danced with the possibility of extending an invitation for him to join them on their holiday excursion. She considered the prospect of enjoying some quality family time, perhaps exploring new places and creating lasting memories.

Taehyung's response, however, dashed her hopes of his participation. He said, "I'm tired from my business trip, so I need to recharge. I'll spend the day in the tranquilly of our garden before succumbing to another round of sleep." Mrs. Kim nodded understandingly, acknowledging her son's need for rest.

The conversation shifted as Mrs. Kim mentioned their own plans for the day and extended an invitation to Taehyung: "Will you stay at home at night? If you stay, we'll come in the evening, and then we can have dinner together."

Taehyung's smile, though tinged with a hint of exhaustion, was genuine. He agreed to their proposal and said, "I'll take charge of dinner arrangements. Message me later and tell me what you two want for dinner." His willingness to be a part of their plans warmed Mrs. Kim's heart, and she appreciated his gesture.

Curiosity piqued, Taehyung inquired about their chosen destination. He leaned closer to his mother, a thoughtful expression on his face. He suggested, "There's a place I've heard of, a romantic spot that has gained popularity among couples your age. You two should go there."

Mrs. Kim's interest was piqued, and she inquired about Taehyung's connection to this suggestion. He nonchalantly mentioned, "I had heard about it from Jungkook; his parents went there last Sunday."

Mrs. Kim smiled knowingly, recognising the significance of Jungkook's presence in Taehyung's life, even if Taehyung himself seemed to downplay it.

With a final exchange of pleasantries and well-wishes, Mrs. Kim departed, leaving Taehyung to his thoughts.

▪︎    -   🪄  -     ▪︎

Under the bright sun, the Kims' car cruised along the scenic route towards the destination that Taehyung had suggested. The picturesque landscape outside mirrored the atmosphere within the vehicle—one of anticipation and excitement.

Mrs. Kim held the steering wheel with an air of adventure, eager to reach the romantic spot with her husband.

As they travelled, Mrs. Kim's phone buzzed with an incoming call. Her attention momentarily diverted, she answered the call, and she engaged in a brief conversation.

Mr. Kim, seated beside her in the passenger seat, cast an inquisitive glance her way, his brow furrowing slightly at the conversation.

"Taehyung is alone at home; with some excuse, send Jungkook to him near dinner time; he's currently resting." Mrs. Kim spoke into the phone, her voice a mixture of intrigue and careful planning. Mr. Kim listened, though not fully comprehending the details of his wife's conversation.

With a simple acknowledgment, Mrs. Jeon's voice responded from the other end of the line, sealing their agreement. The conversation concluded with warm farewells, and Mrs. Kim ended the call.

Mr. Kim, curiosity getting the better of him, finally broke the silence. "What was that all about?"

A mischievous smile played on Mrs. Kim's lips as she turned to her husband. "Oh, just a little plan to bring those two closer. I've asked Mrs. Jeon to send Jungkook over to Taehyung later. They've been taking their sweet time, and I think it's high time they take things to the next level."

A hearty chuckle escaped Mr. Kim's lips. "Darling, they're already spending so much time together. I think they're doing just fine on their own."

Mrs. Kim's expression turned determined, and she glanced at her husband with a knowing glint in her eyes. "It's been three months since Taehyung's breakup, and I have a feeling they need a little nudge in the right direction."

Mr. Kim's laughter filled the car as he placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "You're quite the matchmaker, aren't you?"

Mrs. Kim simply winked in response, her resolve unwavering. As they continued their drive, the air around them was light and full of shared amusement. The day stretched ahead, promising a romantic outing for the Kims and perhaps a subtle push in the direction of blossoming romance for Taehyung and Jungkook.

▪︎    -   🪄  -     ▪︎

Amidst the hushed air of his room, Jungkook's focus remained steadfast on his books. The gentle knock on his door stirred him from his intellectual reverie, and he looked up, his expression a blend of curiosity and readiness.

"Come in," he responded, his voice a steady reassurance. The door swung open, revealing his mother's figure. Her presence was a welcome interruption, a brief respite from the world of academia.

His mother's voice held a touch of warmth as she stepped into his room. "Would you mind doing me a favour?" Her request was accompanied by a hopeful smile.

Jungkook listened attentively as his mother explained her request. The task was simple enough—delivering a piece of jewellery to her friend. Yet his commitment to his studies weighed on his mind, and he hesitated for a moment before responding.

"Mom, I really need to study." Jungkook's words were gentle, his gaze never leaving his books.

Mrs. Jeon's lips formed a playful pout, and she let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, Kookie, I was hoping you could help me out. But if you're busy, I suppose I'll manage somehow."

Her melodramatic response drew a faint smile from Jungkook. He couldn't resist his mother's theatrics, even in the midst of his academic pursuits. However, her next words piqued his interest.

"And anyway, Mrs. Kim's house is quite far from here," she continued, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Jungkook's head snapped up, curiosity evident in his gaze. "You mean Yonghwa Aunt's house?" His voice held a mix of surprise and intrigue.

Mrs. Jeon nodded, her grin widening. "Yes, that's the one."

Without hesitation, Jungkook stood from his chair, his textbooks momentarily forgotten. "Alright, I'll do it," he announced, his excitement evident in his voice. He strode towards the mirror, his thoughts racing with anticipation. He adjusted his outfit with a self-conscious smile and took out a comb.

His mother's playful teasing continued, her words a playful dance between them. "Sudden change of heart, Kookie? What about your studies?"

A sheepish smile tugged at Jungkook's lips. "Um... actually, I-I need to collect a book from that area," he improvised, his gaze not meeting his mother's eyes as he combed his hair. His heart raced with the prospect of meeting someone special.

Mrs. Jeon's laughter filled the room; her joy was infectious. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, then. You look good enough, my baby."

Jungkook's smile grew genuine and radiant. He thanked his mother before quickly taking the small bag she handed him. As he left the penthouse, his heart danced with anticipation. The prospect of seeing Taehyung and spending time together fueled his steps and brought an undeniable lightness to his spirit.

▪︎    -   🪄  -     ▪︎

As Taehyung stirred from his slumber, he stretched his body languidly, feeling the last vestiges of tiredness dissipate with each movement. The mattress beneath him felt incredibly comfortable, and he savoured the sensation as he slowly pushed himself up.

His phone, a reliable companion, lay on the nightstand. He reached for it, his fingers dancing across the screen to unlock it. As he scrolled through his notifications, he found that he had some precious moments of free time before his dinner preparation began.

Taehyung's attention was soon captured by the visual tapestry of Instagram. He swiped through his feed, taking in the vibrant colours of his friends' holiday pictures and the glamorous snapshots of his business acquaintances. A few double-taps and friendly comments later, he set his phone aside.

With purposeful steps, Taehyung left his bedroom and descended the stairs. He entered the kitchen and took a moment to appreciate the organised chaos that was his culinary domain.

The ticking clock on the wall reminded him that dinner time was fast approaching. He glanced at the ingredients neatly arranged on the counter, mentally planning each step of the meal preparation.

His hands moved with practised grace as he chopped vegetables and marinated meat. The sizzling sounds and fragrant aromas filled the air, a symphony of flavours in the making. Taehyung's mind was focused solely on his task, and the rhythmic motions were both meditative and therapeutic.

As he worked, Taehyung's thoughts occasionally drifted to the coming evening. His parents would return home, and the fruits of his labour would be enjoyed together as a family. The anticipation of their smiles and laughter was an underlying motivation, infusing each dish with an extra dash of care.

Taehyung was engrossed in his culinary pursuits. The savoury aroma of culinary delights wafted through the air, painting the atmosphere with a promise of delectable flavours.

Amidst this culinary reverie, a telltale echo of approaching footsteps reached Taehyung's ears, hinting at an incoming presence. Before he could fully turn around to investigate, a soft figure materialised behind him. Gentle hands, as soft as a whisper, found their place over his eyes, gently restricting his vision.

A smile graced Taehyung's lips, a mixture of intrigue and delight mingling in his expression.

"I liked the surprise, bunny boy." Taehyung's voice carried a playful note, and his words were a testament to his appreciation of the unexpected gesture.

Jungkook's unmistakable bunny-like grin blossomed at the sound of Taehyung's voice, his entire being lighting up with recognition and delight. With a hint of a chuckle, he removed his hands from Taehyung's eyes, giving him the space to turn and face him fully.

A playful curiosity danced in Jungkook's eyes as he inquired, "How did you know it was me?"

Taehyung's smile only widened, his gaze warming as he confessed, "Your sweet scent." The affectionate remark was met with a contented sigh from Jungkook, his heart fluttering at the recognition of his presence.

 
"So you lied about your study plans?" Taehyung asked, arching his eyebrow.

With a small shake of his head, Jungkook responded, "No, I didn't lie about studying, Hyung. My original plan was to focus on my studies, but Eomma sent me here. She needed me to deliver some jewellery to Auntie." He gestured towards the bag he had placed on a nearby chair.

Taehyung's shoulders slumped ever so slightly in mild disappointment. "So you're going back soon?" His words held a tinge of longing, a hint that he had hoped for a longer visit to bask in Jungkook's company for the remaining holiday hours.

 
Jungkook's smile, however, remained unyielding, sensing Taehyung's sentiment. He eagerly quenched any uncertainty; his next words were laced with eagerness and determination.

"I'll stay for a little while. By the way, what are you cooking, Hyung?" He directed his gaze to the array of dishes that adorned the stove, the tantalising scents coaxing his senses.

Taehyung's eyes lit up, like those of a chef proud of his creations, as he revealed the various dishes. One by one, he lifted the lids to showcase his culinary masterpieces.

Jungkook's reaction was one of unadulterated pleasure, a contented sigh escaping his lips. "Everything seems delicious to me," he declared with genuine enthusiasm.

Taehyung's smile grew under the weight of Jungkook's praise, and his heart warmed by the appreciation. A thoughtful question emerged from Taehyung's lips: "Do you need anything specific?"

Jungkook's expression flickered with a touch of confusion, the question not fully registering in his mind.

However, Taehyung quickly clarified his words, unravelling the mystery. "I mean, you're staying for dinner because it's almost ready."

A soft 'oh' of understanding escaped Jungkook's lips, his eyes brightening as he realised the invitation extended his way. A warm smile adorned Jungkook's face, a smile that held a touch of happiness.

"Everything you've prepared is more than enough. You don't need to worry about anything else," Jungkook assured him, his appreciation evident in both his words and his gaze.

With a nod of gratitude, Taehyung excused himself to call his parents, notifying them that dinner was nearing completion and they could return home. As the phone conversation concluded, Taehyung turned off the last flame on the stove, his culinary journey for the moment coming to a satisfying close.

Turning his attention to Jungkook, who had remained by his side, Taehyung's gaze softened. "Could you help me set the dinner table?" he requested, a sense of companionship threading through his words.

Jungkook's response was immediate; his answer was filled with warmth and eagerness. "Of course, yes."

With that, they embarked on a joint endeavour, their hands moving in a harmonious rhythm as they set the table. The soft clinking of cutlery and the rustling of napkins provided the backdrop to their conversation, a conversation that flowed with familiarity and ease.

A sense of satisfaction graced Taehyung's features as he stood by the oven. The grilled meat, the centrepiece of the meal, had been cooked to perfection.

Donning an oven glove, Taehyung swung open the oven door, releasing a tantalising aroma that wafted through the air. With great care, he lifted the metal baking sheet, ready to transfer the succulent meat to the kitchen counter.

However, a moment of misfortune intervened. The baking sheet slipped from Taehyung's grasp, crashing onto the counter with a resounding clatter. He winced as the sizzling sheet brushed against his exposed left hand, a pained groan escaping his lips.

The sound of Taehyung's discomfort reached Jungkook's ears, who had been seated at the dining table, engrossed in setting the table. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, his instincts propelling him towards the kitchen. His steps were swift and purposeful, guided by his concern for Taehyung.

As Jungkook entered the kitchen, he quickly assessed the situation. The sight of Taehyung clutching his injured hand and the baking sheet on the counter told him everything he needed to know. He moved with a mixture of urgency and precision, aware of the need to act swiftly.

Without hesitation, Jungkook snatched the empty bowl from its resting place on the counter, his mind racing with a quick and decisive plan as he filled the bowl with water.
 

He cleared the tiny spice bottles with an assertive sweep of his arm, their vibrant colours scattering like confetti, before he positioned the bowl beside Taehyung. Gently yet firmly, he guided Taehyung's aching hand into the bowl, the cool water embracing his skin like a soothing caress.

In an almost choreographed sequence, Jungkook opened the fridge, retrieving an ice cube tray. He deftly extracted ice cubes and put them into the bowl, creating a makeshift cold compress for Taehyung's burned hand. His touch was gentle, and his actions were driven by his concern for Taehyung's well-being.

Taehyung's lips parted to voice his protest as his hand encountered the frigid water and ice cubes. "It's freezing, Jungkook, he said, a shiver rippling down his spine as the icy water bit into his skin.

Jungkook's response was swift and unwavering. His tone held a hint of exasperation as he snapped, "That's the cure, Hyung."

Taehyung bit down on his lip, his hand submerged in the frigid concoction, feeling the chill seep through his flesh as if he were becoming one with the ice itself.

With his hand enveloped in icy relief, Taehyung's instinctive urge to withdraw was met with a determined hold from Jungkook. The younger man's fingers tightened around Taehyung's hand, ensuring that it remained immersed in the cold water.

Taehyung's teeth clamped down on his lower lip, causing a mixture of mild discomfort and grudging acceptance on his face.

Several minutes passed in this frozen tableau, the ice-cold water doing its restorative work. Jungkook's gaze never wavered, his eyes reflecting his concern and frustration.

Finally, with a sigh of resignation, Jungkook withdrew Taehyung's hand from the bowl. He carefully inspected the affected area, his brows knitting in concentration.

With a sigh that mingled relief and resignation, Taehyung gingerly flexed his now-numb hand, the sensation of frostbite replaced by an odd sensation of numbness.

As the tense moment eased, a new tension entered the room in the form of Jungkook's brewing anger.

 
With the crisis resolved and Taehyung's hand safely attended to, the scene was punctuated by the sharp sound of Jungkook's voice, tinged with a touch of moisture that betrayed his emotions. His frustration had reached its peak, with a mixture of exasperation and genuine concern colouring his words.

 
"What the fuck did you learn during your six months of chef training? You're behaving like a fucking child in the kitchen."

Taehyung gulped nervously at Jungkook's furious reaction, and before Taehyung could respond, a new presence entered the kitchen.

The atmosphere in the kitchen shifted as Mrs. Kim stepped in, her concerned gaze sweeping over her son and Jungkook. "What happened?" she inquired, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and worry.

Taehyung's response was swift, a reassuring smile gracing his lips as he met his mother's concerned eyes. "Nothing, Mom; it's just that I accidentally touched the hot baking sheet, but I'm perfectly fine now," he explained, his tone calm and composed.

His eyes briefly flickered towards Jungkook, who had turned his attention towards the washbasin.

Jungkook, his back turned to them, swiftly brushed away an