𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 || 𝑱𝒊𝒌𝒐𝒐𝒌

𝟏𝟎. 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝑨𝒀𝑼𝑴𝑴

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Soon, the brothers found themselves immersed in their respective tasks. Taemin hurried to his room, carefully concealing his precious gift, while the others went to inspect the warehouses and check on James.

Once their duties were complete, they gathered around the dinner table, sharing bites of food and recounting the highlights of their day. Taemin enthusiastically spoke of his new friends, while Hoseok recounted his transformation during the mission. They skillfully sidestepped Taemin's persistent curiosity about the mission itself—though the youngest couldn't help but fantasize about how much he'd adore such an opportunity, even joking that he'd "kiss the mission if it were a human" if it meant he could attend school.

As the evening wore on, the four brothers reluctantly retreated to their rooms an hour earlier than usual, heeding Taemin's insistence that they rest well to prepare for the next day's school decorations. Most of them drifted into sleep almost immediately, exhausted from the day's events. Taemin, however, lay awake, his mind racing as he nervously contemplated whether Jungkook would appreciate his gift.

Determined to shake off his doubts, Taemin slipped out of bed to ensure his brothers were truly asleep and not conspiring behind his back. He quietly checked on Jimin, Hoseok, and Yoongi—lingering a moment longer by Yoongi's door—before making his way to Taehyung's room. To his surprise, the room was empty. Without hesitation, Taemin ventured into the sprawling garden surrounding the mansion, his eyes scanning the shadows for a familiar silhouette.

By now, Taemin had grown adept at reading his brothers' moods, and he knew Taehyung's absence could only mean one thing: he was feeling down. As Taemin wandered through the garden, he eventually spotted Taehyung seated on a familiar bench, surrounded by purple hyacinths—flowers that symbolized sorrow and regret. He approached quietly, settling beside his brother and waiting patiently for him to speak.

The two sat in companionable silence for nearly ten minutes before Taehyung finally turned to Taemin, his voice soft. "Hey, Min. Can't sleep? Is something bothering you?"

Taemin raised an eyebrow, his tone gentle but probing. "I think I should be the one asking you that question."

Taehyung attempted a reassuring smile, though Taemin noticed the faint twitch in his expression. "It's nothing, really," Taehyung insisted, but Taemin wasn't convinced.

Taking a deep breath, Taemin ventured, "It's about Hoseok hyung, isn't it?"

Silence. Taehyung's lack of response was answer enough. Taemin had long been aware of Taehyung's feelings for Hoseok, feelings that had taken root in their childhood. But four years ago, everything had changed. Hoseok had transformed, shedding his once-bright demeanor for something darker and more distant. The Hoseok of the past—sunshine and rainbows, yet fiercely serious in his missions—was gone. In his place stood a man who had buried his light and embraced the shadows. The "Hobi" persona he now adopted as an undercover identity was a mere echo of the person he used to be.

"He'll come around, hyung," Taemin said softly, his voice filled with quiet conviction. "Just keep showing him how much you care. Eventually, even someone as stubborn as him will realize what's right in front of him."

Taehyung nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I can wait," he murmured, his gaze shifting to Taemin. "What about you? How are things on your end?"

Taemin scoffed, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I just wish he'd love me as much as he loves that pillow of his."

Taehyung chuckled, the sound warm and genuine, before his expression shifted as if remembering something important. "And what about your little plan to set that bunny teacher on Jimin's tail?" he asked bluntly.