𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑵𝑨𝑹𝑬𝑫 | JUNGKOOK

11. Tension

Jungkook's POV

The apartment buzzed with the energy of a typical gathering. Music pulsed through the air, mingling with laughter and animated conversation. I was lounged on the leather sofa, cherishing a glass of whiskey, my eyes scanning the room. While Taehyung and Hobi hyung sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes glued to the TV screen where their avatars battled fiercely.

Namjoon and Jin hyung were engaged in a heated debate over some business, Yoongi hyung sat in an armchair, his sharp eyes quietly observing the chaos around him, a small smile playing on his lips as he had his drink. Across the room, Jimin was entangled with a girl on his lap, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.

The spacious apartment was alive with activity. The scent of cologne mixed with the faint aroma of food, creating an atmosphere both luxurious and lived-in. Laughter, banter, and the occasional burst of music filled the air, accompanied by the rapid clicks of video game controllers.

As the activity began to calm, I noticed the topics of conversation shifting to more meaningful discussions but Namjoon and Jin hyung remained engrossed in their debate, Taehyung and Hobi hyung's competitive spirits were still going strong as they focused on the game. Yoongi hyung was lost in his thoughts, a soft smile playing on his lips, and a glass of scotch dangling loosely in his hand.

Meanwhile, Jimin's companion had left, and he joined Taehyung and Hobi hyung on the floor. Their gaming was still on by a mix of banter. Questions about art, identity and society were raised, insights and questions exchanged freely between them.

Even Yoongi hyung who is usually more reserved, contributed his philosophical thoughts and observations to the exchange. His contributions seemed to deepen the conversation in impactful ways.

I sat back, listening quietly.

"Hey Taehyung! You're cheating." Jimin whined.

"Nah, it's just that you suck!" He teased, earning a punch in the shoulder from Jimin.

"Ouch, that hurts," Taehyung whined back.

"Guys, chill. Let's be nice," Namjoon's calm voice echoed through the room.

"I'm always nice, aren't I, Kook-ah?" Jimin glanced at me.

I raised my eyebrows, sipping my whiskey, enjoying the burn as it trickled down my throat. "Hmm... Depends. Sometimes you're a pain in the ass, and other times, you're okay." I joked, a lazy grin spreading across my face.

"I'll take that as a compliment." He laughed.

"Yeah, whatever." I rolled my eyes, not giving him the satisfaction of a reaction.

I leaned back in my chair, savoring the view.

"Why aren't you playing today?" Yoongi hyung asked observing my silence.

"Nah, not today. Just watching." I shrugged.

"Not in the mood?" he pressed.

"Something like that." I didn't elaborate, preferring to watch and listen rather than engage.

"Did something happened at the company?" He asked, taking a sip of his whiskey.

I shook my head, "It's not about the company. I just have a lot on my mind, and I'm not in the mood to play today."

"Wanna talk about it?" His voice was soft, his eyes meeting mine with a concerned look.

I hesitated, then sighed, "There's a lot going on. It's been a busy few months."

Yoongi hyung nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You can talk to us if you need to. We're always here for you, Kook-ah."

"I know, and I appreciate it." I managed a small smile, then looked around the room, noting the various conversations happening.