7 Husband, Who is The Real One | BTS

Chapter 5 - Welcome Home

As we all turned to look at the door, we saw Taehyung standing there. His hair was a bit messy from his trip, but his eyes were full of happiness and excitement.

At the sight of Taehyung, Jimin rose with a radiant smile, striding over to greet their friend with open arms. Their embrace spoke volumes - of trust cultivated through seasons of depthless care for one another.

When Jimin finally drew back to meet Taehyung's eyes, traces of past melancholy had lifted from his expression. Only warm familiarity and gladness lingered now.

"You were missed here," Jimin said, giving Taehyung's shoulders an affectionate squeeze.

Taehyung beamed, running teasing fingers through Jimin's hair in return. "And you, always." Turning to include the rest of us, his smile softened into a serene welcome. "It's good to be home."

"Always the free spirit, eh Tae?" Namjoon mused with a shake of his head, scraping the last crumbs from his dish. Beside him, Yoongi nodded sagely.

Taehyung laughed, sinking into the chair beside Jimin with an air of easy contentment. "What's life without a bit of adventure, hyungs?" His gaze then flickered gently toward me, crinkling smile lines appearing at the corners of his eyes.

Returning his smile with a small bow of my head, comforted by the genuine warmth radiating from this extended circle of souls.

As the others fell into companionable conversation once more, I noted how Taehyung's presence seemed to lift and brighten the mood of all assembled, much like the first rays of sun melting away any lingering shadows.

Rising smoothly from his chair, Seokjin exchanged fond farewells with each at the table before turning to me with a gentle smile.

"Duty calls, I'm afraid. Y/N - we're grateful for your presence here." He extended a hand toward me with a gentle smile. I placed my own within his open palm, surprised by its warmth and strength.

Bringing my knuckles to his lips, Seokjin pressed a tender kiss there while holding my gaze with thoughtful eyes. "Rest well, dear one. We'll continue our talk tomorrow."

A soft chuckle escaped me at his playful words. Seokjin then lifted my hand and brushed a brotherly kiss atop my brow, lingering but a moment before releasing me with obvious reluctance.

As Seokjin departed with a graceful stride, the others erupted in playful protest.

"Hyung, so selfish keeping all the affection for yourself!" Hoseok called out amidst joyful laughter.

Beside him, Jimin stewed with unspoken thoughts, a telltale flush rising on his fair cheeks. Only when Taehyung nudged him under the table did he release a breath, relaxing into silent mirth once more.

Seokjin's distant chuckle floated back to them. "All's fair in love and fare thee wells, my dears. I'll send you each a soppy selfie later!"

As his footfalls faded down the hall, easy quiet fell once more and so the evening wound on in tranquil warmth.

***

Everyone started going about their business for the evening, but I didn't want to leave right away. The house felt so comfortable and welcoming, and it made me feel better.

Hoseok appeared beside me then with a gentle smile. "Resting well, I hope?"

His concern, so freely given, kindled gratefulness. "As much as can be."

"I'd hoped to speak more, but..." Sniffing discreetly, he cocked a brow in question. "Do I offend?"

"Not at all," I hastened to assure. "You carry a pleasant scent, like vanilla."

Pink dusted his cheeks at the compliment. "Yeah, a lot of people have said that. Jungkook was interested in it when we were kids."

At my inquiring look, he continued, "You'll meet him soon, I'm sure. He can be shy with strangers, so don't mistake reserve for dislike, okay?"

I nodded as he stifled a yawn. "Forgive me, I'd chat all night if exhaustion didn't call so loudly. Let's continue our talk after I've refreshed?"

"Of course. Take your ease - there's no hurry."

With a grateful wave, Hoseok departed, leaving a sense of comfort in his wake. As the last rays of sunset faded from the stately windows, I found myself adrift in contemplation amidst the quiet halls.

My thoughts were interrupted by the friendly sound of a voice I knew."Good eve, Y/N. May I accompany you?" asked Taehyung with a gentle smile.

As we strolled the stately halls, Taehyung spoke candidly of his calling, though mischief glinted in his eyes.

"I Just returned from France, on a secret mission," he whispered with a grin.

Despite my raised brow, curiosity got the better of me. "A spy, truly?"

A smothered laugh betrayed his jest, though he feigned solemnity a moment more ere mirth overtook him. "Forgive the jest - your reaction was too priceless!"

As our stroll wound down the corridor, Taehyung's profession caught me quite off guard. A doctor tending children - it seemed so fitting for his easy manner.

"Indeed, there's light in their eyes unlike grown up," he agreed with a smile. Yet something in his tone gave me pause, a subtle note that set my senses tingling. When he glanced my way again, questions swirled in my mind.

I take a look at his face but the only thing I see is a gentle smile on his face.

"Why Y/N? Is there something on my face?" He asked

I scrambled to find words as we reached my door, but Taehyung seemed to sense my tangled thoughts.

"Rest well, dear," he bade me gently. And with a parting kiss to my cheek, took his leave down the hall.

My hand rose unconsciously to the spot, still warm from his touch. What strange magics worked in this place, that men so free with tenderness could be?

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~To be continued~