FORELSKET ( ✔)

20- A Dance of Butterflies

The sun was just beginning to cast its golden light over the town, illuminating the sleepy streets with a soft glow. Jungkook sat in the old jeep, leaning back against the worn seat with an air of detached indifference. The gentle hum of the engine and the distant chirping of birds were the only sounds accompanying his contemplative silence.

Jungkook had drifted into a light doze, his posture relaxed and his gaze fixed on the horizon. The jeep, parked under the sprawling branches of a large oak tree, provided a modest shelter from the early morning chill.

As the minutes ticked by, the sound of approaching footsteps drew closer. Taehyung, still groggy from sleep, stumbled out of his house. His tousled hair and barely-open eyes gave him the look of someone reluctantly emerging from a dream. He moved with a kind of shuffling urgency, not expecting to see Jungkook waiting there.

When Taehyung finally reached the jeep and saw Jungkook slouched in the front seat, his eyes widened in surprise. A mixture of shock and amusement flashed across his face, and he let out an unexpected laugh.

"Jungkook? Are you serious?" Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Jungkook turned his head slightly, his expression remaining cool and unreadable. He glanced at Taehyung with a faint, aloof smile. "Yeah, I'm here."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by Jungkook's nonchalant demeanor. "You look like you just woke up from a nap in the middle of a desert."

Jungkook shrugged, his gaze drifting back out the window as if he were contemplating something far-off. "It's just how it is."

The sun was already climbing higher as Taehyung revved the engine of his scooter, the cheerful hum filling the air. Jungkook, perched on the edge of the old jeep, watched with a mix of curiosity and mild amusement. Taehyung had insisted on taking his scooter for their hiking trip, claiming it was more "freeing" than riding in a jeep.

"Catch you at the trailhead!" Taehyung called out, his voice bright with excitement. With a wave, he sped off, leaving Jungkook to follow leisurely in the jeep.

By the time Jungkook arrived at the base of the hiking trail, Taehyung was already waiting, his scooter parked nearby. The two exchanged quick greetings before setting off on the trail together. Their hike was filled with easygoing conversation and the occasional playful jibe from Taehyung.

The trail led them through lush greenery and up a series of gentle inclines until they reached a clearing with a breathtaking view of a waterfall cascading into a crystal-clear pool. The air was alive with the soft fluttering of butterflies, their delicate wings painting the scene with splashes of color.

Taehyung's eyes lit up at the sight. "Look at all those butterflies!" he exclaimed, clearly entranced. Without hesitation, he started trying to catch them, his hands swiping through the air with enthusiastic yet futile effort. He darted from one butterfly to another, his movements a mix of determination and playful frustration.

Jungkook observed from a short distance, leaning against a nearby rock. His expression was a blend of amusement and mild interest. Despite his aloof demeanor, he couldn't help but be drawn into Taehyung's infectious energy.

After several attempts, Taehyung's persistence paid off. With a triumphant shout, he finally managed to capture a butterfly in his cupped hands. He looked over at Jungkook with a victorious grin, then carefully opened his hands for Jungkook to see.

As the butterfly's wings slowly fluttered, Jungkook's gaze softened, momentarily captivated by the delicate creature. The butterfly, sensing its freedom, took off gracefully, disappearing into the air.

The waterfall's mist created a shimmering veil over the clearing, and the air was alive with the dance of butterflies. Taehyung was practically bouncing with excitement, darting from one spot to another, his laughter echoing through the forest. Each flutter of his movement seemed to chase the butterflies, his joy infectious and uncontainable.

Jungkook, leaning against a large rock near the edge of the pool, watched Taehyung with a mixture of bemusement and fondness. He observed the energetic dance, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

As Taehyung's laughter rang out again, Jungkook decided to approach. He walked over with his usual calm, but a subtle determination in his stride. When he reached Taehyung, he gently took Taehyung's hand and held it up, palm open, towards the fluttering butterflies.

Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise and delight. He stilled, watching as one particularly curious butterfly, attracted by the stillness of the moment, landed softly on their joined hands. Taehyung's expression transformed into one of pure wonder, his excitement palpable.

"Jungkook, look!" Taehyung exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "It's on our hands!"

Jungkook's gaze followed Taehyung's, a rare spark of engagement in his usually aloof demeanor. He nodded slightly, a subtle smile on his face.

"Quick, take a picture!" Taehyung urged, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "This is perfect!"

Jungkook, still holding Taehyung's hand steady, reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. With a practiced motion, he snapped a few pictures of the butterfly perched delicately between their hands.

Taehyung leaned in closer, trying to catch a glimpse of the screen. "Did you get it? Is it clear?"

Jungkook glanced at the photos, then nodded. "Yeah, it's good. You look pretty happy."

Taehyung beamed, his excitement undiminished. "Thanks, Jungkook! This is awesome!"