The Boxer and the Barista

Chapter 6

Days passed, and the members fell into a familiar routine. Rehearsals, interviews, and the occasional appearance kept them busy. But amongst all the chaos, moments of quiet connection occurred between Taehyung and Jungkook, small gestures that held more significance than anyone else could see. During a rare break in their schedule, Taehyung found himself alone with Jungkook in the group's shared living room. They sat on opposite ends of the couch, both pretending to be engrossed in their phones.

After a few minutes of silence, Taehyung spoke up, breaking the quiet. "Hey, Kookie?" Jungkook glanced up from his phone, a hint of surprise on his face. "Yeah?" he replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Taehyung shifted on the couch, setting his phone aside. "Can I ask you something?" he said, uncharacteristically serious. Jungkook mirrored Taehyung's movements, setting his phone down as well. "Yeah, of course," he replied, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension in his tone. 

Taehyung took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Have you... have you been feeling like things have gotten a bit easier between us?" he asked, his gaze meeting Jungkook's. "Like... less tense and awkward, I mean." Jungkook considered the question, his hand fidgeting with a loose thread on the couch cushion. "Yeah," he admitted, his tone soft but sincere. "I know we said we were taking things slow, but... it feels like we're getting more comfortable with each other, you know?" 

Taehyung nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, that's what I've been feeling too." He paused, his gaze drifting down to his own hands clasped in his lap. "And... what about that rule we set about no labels or pressure?" Jungkook shrugged, his own expression reflecting a mixture of uncertainty and hope. "That... it's been good, I think," he said slowly. "It's given me space to just... enjoy spending time with you without overthinking it too much." 

Taehyung's smile widened slightly, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Yeah, me too," he admitted. "It's been... nice. Not having to worry about what we are or aren't, and just enjoying each other's company." Taehyung nodded, his gaze never leaving Jungkook's. "It's been really nice, just being able to spend time together without... without worrying about what it all means, you know?"

Jungkook gave a small smile, his heart rate quickening at the sincerity in Taehyung's words. "Yeah, it has," he agreed softly, his fingers continuing to fidget with the couch cushion.Taehyung shifted a little closer, his body language unconsciously leaning towards the younger man. "But... I've been thinking." Taehyung's voice grew quieter, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his tone. "This whole 'taking things slow' thing... it's been good and all, but... I guess I've been wondering if maybe it's time to... reconsider." 

Taehyung leaned in even closer, his eyes fixed on Jungkook's with an intensity that made the younger man's heart race. "I mean, we've been enjoying each other's company so much lately, and I just... I guess I can't help wondering if maybe..." he trailed off, his gaze dropping to his own hands, which were now clenched tightly in his lap.

Jungkook felt his breath catch in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. He swallowed hard, his own gaze unwavering. "Wondering if..." he prompted, his voice barely a whisper. 

Taehyung's eyes flickered back up to meet Jungkook's, a mixture of uncertainty and determination within them. "If maybe... we should give this... us... a real chance."

Jungkook felt a jolt run through him at Taehyung's words, a surge of emotions coursing through his veins. "You mean... you want to... be together? For real?" Taehyung nodded, his expression a mixture of nervousness and hope. "Yeah," he confirmed, his voice soft and sincere. "I mean, we've been taking things slow and all, and it's been great, but I... I think I want... more."Jungkook felt breathless, his heart racing at the implication behind Taehyung's words. "More..." he echoed, his mind racing to process the sudden turn in the conversation.