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♡
Jimin's playful, knowing chuckle echoed through the room, his teasing smile aimed at Minjun as the group of boys watched Namjoon's face turn a deep shade of crimson. The warmth was obvious, both in the room and on the leader's cheeks.
Seokjin, ever the caring presence in the room, leaned forward, his eyes narrowing in concern as he caught sight of Namjoon's discomfort. "Is it too hot for you?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry. His gaze flicked between the leader and the steaming bowl of stew in front of him.
Minjun, swallowing down the fiery stew with determination, wiped his mouth and replied, his voice a little more steady, "With rice, it's not so... s-spicy." His words were stuttered, but there was a clear effort to reassure the group. Seokjin's smile widened, the concern melting away as he brought a spoonful to his own mouth, humming in satisfaction at the familiar taste.
"It tastes divine, as always, Jin," Namjoon commented, though his voice was strained as he wiped the sweat off his brow, his mouth still fighting the heat.
Jungkook, not one to hide his delight, chimed in enthusiastically, "It's so good, I don't even want to finish it!" His wide grin mirrored the warmth in the room, as the others laughed. Seokjin, in his usual graceful manner, expertly gathered a perfect bite of rice and delivered it to his mouth without dropping a single grain.
"My little sous-chef helped a lot too, didn't you, Minjun?" Seokjin teased, his eyes softening as he smiled. The boy's lips were slightly pink from the spice, but his bashful expression only made him seem all the more endearing. Minjun nodded, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his mouth before he lowered his gaze, diving back into his meal.
"That's brilliant," Taehyung said, his voice full of warmth. "Maybe Minjun can help more often in the kitchen once his legs are all better!" He gave the younger boy a wink, his eyes twinkling with mischief and encouragement. Minjun glanced up at him, catching the light in Taehyung's gaze. He couldn't help but smile back, the sight of the elder's boxy grin making him feel just a little bit more at ease. Taehyung's smile deepened in response, and he playfully dragged his spoon through the stew, taking another bite with exaggerated pleasure.
"That sounds like a great idea!" Jimin added, his voice light, though there was an unmistakable note of affection in his tone. The room was filled with laughter and easy camaraderie, the kind of warmth that only a shared meal could bring.
Hoseok and Yoongi were still missing, with Hoseok quietly attending to the still-recovering Yoongi in the nursing room. Even though the pyromaniac was knocked out cold, Hoseok preferred to stay close by, keeping an eye on him in case of any surprises.
Jimin stirred his spoon in the stew before looking over at Minjun, his voice teasing but kind. "Minjun, you'll join us for a movie tonight, right?"
Minjun, despite the growing weariness that weighed on him, silently nodded. He didn't want to let anyone down after everything, especially after his brief attempt to sneak away. He had learned quickly that they were always watching, always concerned.
