Taehyung's POV
The post-conference high had a new, unexpected flavor. It wasn't just the success of his agency's pitch, or the flurry of new contacts. It was Jungkook. His mind kept replaying their easy laughter, the comfortable silences, the way Jungkook's eyes had crinkled when he smiled. It was a warmth that Jennie, for all her steady affection, rarely ignited. Guilt gnawed at him, a tiny, insistent bite, but it was quickly overshadowed by a thrilling curiosity. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed this feeling – this vibrant, unburdened version of himself.
He'd barely settled back into his routine when his phone buzzed. It was a text. From Jungkook.
Hey hyung, hope your flight back was smooth. Enjoyed catching up. :)
A ridiculous smile spread across Taehyung's face, making his colleague, Jimin, raise an eyebrow. Taehyung quickly composed himself, but his fingers flew across the screen.
Smooth as butter, Kook. You too? And same here. Seriously, it was great. We should do it again soon. For real.
The reply was almost instant. Definitely. How about this weekend? If you're free, I know this amazing art café downtown. Thought you might like it.
An art café. Jungkook remembered his love for art. That thoughtful detail sent a fresh wave of warmth through Taehyung. He glanced at his calendar – a quiet dinner planned with Jennie, maybe a movie. Normal. Predictable. But the idea of an art café with Jungkook felt like a splash of vibrant paint on a monochrome canvas.
Sounds perfect, Kook. What time? Taehyung typed, his thumb hovering over "send" for a moment, the faint sting of guilt a fleeting protest against the genuine excitement bubbling inside him. He pressed send anyway. The curiosity was winning.
Jungkook's POV
The conference felt like a dream, a fragile, beautiful bubble that had formed around him and Taehyung. Now, back in his high-tech, slightly messy apartment, the reality of the distance, and of Jennie, pressed in. But the memory of Taehyung's genuine smile, the way his eyes had sparkled, was a potent antidote. He'd never forgotten Taehyung, not really. The longing had simply become a dull ache he lived with, but seeing him again... it had flared into a bright, consuming fire.
He'd almost chickened out on sending that first text. What if Taehyung thought he was being weird? What if he was too busy? But the desire to hear from him, to know he was okay, had pushed him.
Taehyung's quick reply brought a giddy rush. For real. That phrase, so casual, yet it promised so much. And then, the suggestion of meeting this weekend. His heart hammered against his ribs. He immediately thought of the art café. It was a long shot, but he remembered Taehyung's childhood sketchbooks, his intense focus when he drew. He wanted to see that spark in his eyes again.
He typed out the invitation, his fingers trembling slightly. What if he's busy with his girlfriend? The thought was a cold splash, but he pushed it away. Just friends. For now. He had to be just friends, had to accept that. Yet, even as he told himself this, a wild hope unfurled in his chest. This wasn't just about rekindling a childhood friendship. Not for him. It was about getting closer to the only person who had ever truly felt like home.
When Taehyung's acceptance popped up, Jungkook felt a triumphant surge. It was happening. Their paths, once so drastically separated, were converging again. And he knew, with a certainty that both thrilled and terrified him, that he wasn't going to let him go so easily this time.
The game of 'just friends' had officially begun, and Jungkook knew he was playing for keeps.