TROUBLEMAKER

TROUBLE 20

It was Sunday evening, and all the brothers had left for business meetings early in the morning, leaving Jungkook alone at home. As evening approached, Taehyung decided to return home, concerned about Jungkook being alone and knowing they both had school the next day.

Upon arriving home at 9 p.m., Taehyung was greeted by the maid as he headed upstairs. "Mr. Kim, should I serve dinner?" 

 "Yes, I'll come after freshening up. Did Jungkook have his dinner?" The maid hesitated and replied, "No, Mr. Kim. I mean... he said he didn't want to eat."

Taehyung grew concerned and immediately started upstairs, asking aloud, "Does he still have a stomachache?" The worried maid called after him, "No, Mr. Kim, he's alright."

Stopping briefly, Taehyung pressed further, "Then why hasn't he eaten?" The maid hesitated again, then admitted, "Actually, Mr. Kim... he had burgers from outside."

Taehyung's frustration showed on his furrowed brow. "He must have told you not to tell us, right?" The maid lowered her head in guilt as Taehyung sighed, "Ji-won, we've told you not to let him eat outside food without our permission. And if he doesn't listen, you should inform us immediately."

The maid apologized quietly, head still lowered. Taehyung softened slightly, "No need to apologize. Just be more careful next time." He persisted, "What has he been doing all day? Did he even come out of his room?"

"No, Mr. Kim," the maid replied hesitantly. "I haven't seen him outside his room all day. He's been playing video games since you left. He wouldn't let the cleaner in and asked not to be disturbed."

Taehyung clenched his fists, disappointment and anger evident. "This boy is getting spoiled day by day," he muttered, making his way towards Jungkook's room.

Taehyung knocked loudly on Jungkook's door, which was shut tight. Inside, Jungkook was deeply engrossed in his game, wearing headphones, with half-eaten fries and a burger wrapper still on the table. He hadn't expected his brothers to return so soon and assumed it was Ji-won outside. Annoyed by the interruption, he called out, "I don't want to eat, Ji-won noona. Please don't disturb me!"

However, Taehyung's voice boomed through the door angrily, "Shut up and open the door first!"

Jungkook froze, stunned by Taehyung's unexpected presence and his harsh tone. 

Jungkook hurriedly hid the food wrapper inside the table, brushed away the crumbs, and wiped his face in a rush. With a nervous gulp, he went to open the door, finding Taehyung standing there with an unreadable expression.

"Hi, Hyung. You're back from the meeting?" Jungkook greeted with a shaky smile.

Taehyung ignored Jungkook's question and stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the mess. "How's your stomach now?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"I'm okay now, hyung," Jungkook replied quickly, trying to sound casual.

"Don't you have school tomorrow?" Taehyung continued, his tone growing more intimidating.

Jungkook's heart raced as he sensed Taehyung's anger. "Yes, hyung," he answered slowly, his wide eyes anxiously watching Taehyung's every move.

Without warning, Taehyung grasped Jungkook's ear and dragged him toward the computer screen, where the video game was still running. "Then why is this PC still on?" he demanded, giving Jungkook's ear a painful twist.

"I was going to turn it off, hyung," Jungkook hissed, wincing in pain.

Taehyung twisted Jungkook's ear firmly, causing him to whimper in pain. Tears welled up in Jungkook's eyes as Taehyung's voice hardened with frustration.