Jungkook and Taehyung felt more connected after their harsh talk with their manager. However, their lives as idols did not come to an end simply because their emotions were bound together in chaos. They had deadlines to follow, performances to master, and an image to uphold.
Still, Jungkook refused to let the tension consume them. If he couldn't fight the world yet, he could at least fight for the moments that brought them joy.
And so, during a late-night break in the practice room, Jungkook decided to break the ice.
"Hyung, catch!" Jungkook suddenly threw a water bottle toward Taehyung.
Taehyung, still half-asleep from exhaustion, reacted a second too late—
Smack! The bottle hit his chest and fell to the floor.
"…Seriously?" Taehyung blinked, looking down at the bottle before glaring at Jungkook.
Jungkook burst out laughing. "Your reflexes are slower than Jin hyung's dad jokes."
Taehyung crossed his arms. "Excuse me? I was in deep thought."
"About what? The meaning of life?"
"No," Taehyung pouted. "About why my so-called boyfriend enjoys bullying me."
Jungkook grinned, walking over to ruffle Taehyung's hair. "It's my way of showing love."
Taehyung tried to swat his hand away but failed miserably. "There are better ways, you know."
"Oh yeah?" Jungkook raised a brow. "Like what?"
Taehyung leaned in slightly, eyes playful yet daring. "Like feeding me snacks instead of throwing things at me."
Jungkook rolled his eyes but grabbed his bag. "Fine, your highness. Here." He pulled out a small chocolate bar and unwrapped it before holding it up to Taehyung's lips.
Taehyung smirked but didn't take the chocolate immediately. Instead, he leaned forward and—
Chomp.
Jungkook gasped. "Did you just bite my fingers?!"
Taehyung chewed happily, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You taste nice too."
Jungkook groaned, wiping his fingers on Taehyung's sleeve. "You're impossible."
Taehyung laughed, the sound light and carefree, a stark contrast to the tension from before.
And just like that, the weight on Jungkook's chest lifted—if only for a little while.
He knew their situation was complicated. That there were still battles ahead. But in moments like this, with Taehyung's bright smile and sweet giggles he felt like they could face the world together.
Maybe love was worth the risk after all.