Shadows of Abyss

Chapter 11

As Taehyung's frustration grew, his expression shifted, revealing a mixture of impatience and discomfort. Jungkook, sensing it, gently guided him back inside, his touch light and careful. He sat Taehyung down on the couch in the lounge, but the younger man immediately bristled.

"I can sit on my own, Jungkook!" Taehyung huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. His voice had a sharp edge, but there was a softness beneath it, almost like he didn't really mean to snap. "You don't have to hover over me like that."

Jungkook bit back a smile, watching Taehyung's nose flare as he spoke. Despite his anger, there was something undeniably adorable about the way Taehyung reacted, like an upset kitten trying to prove its ferocity.

"And why does it bother you so much if I'm close?" Jungkook teased, his voice gentle as he settled into the couch opposite, casually pulling out his phone.
"Because... I don't like it when men get too close!" Taehyung retorted, his voice rising slightly in his fluster. He fidgeted in place, his fingers nervously playing with his sleeve.

Jungkook glanced up from his phone, his eyes lingering on Taehyung's reddening cheeks. He didn't say anything, just observed the way Taehyung's emotions were always so visible, so unguarded. It was one of the things that made him endearing, even in his irritation.

When Taehyung realized Jungkook wasn't responding, he began muttering to himself, his lips forming half-words as his mind raced. Jungkook couldn't help but chuckle softly at how easily the younger man got flustered.
"How much did you study?" Jungkook asked, his voice gentle, trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, hoping to ease Taehyung's irritation.

Taehyung, still caught up in his own thoughts, snapped back without missing a beat. "Why? You looking to hire me or something?"

Jungkook smiled softly. "Maybe, if you agree to it."
Surprised by the response, Taehyung shifted, his lips parting slightly as he processed what Jungkook had just said. "You'd actually pay me?"

"Yes," Jungkook answered simply, his tone sincere.

Taehyung turned towards him, curiosity piqued. "How much?"

"As much as you want," Jungkook replied, his voice still calm, but his fingers reached out to gently twirl a stray lock of Taehyung's hair between them. The motion was so natural, yet it made Taehyung freeze for a moment, his breath catching.

"What... what kind of job?" Taehyung asked, his voice quieter now, uncertain. He could feel Jungkook's presence close by, but something about it felt safe, even though his heart raced with nervous anticipation.

Jungkook's voice was soft as he replied, "You just have to cook dinner for me every night."

Taehyung blinked in surprise, his lips parting in a small 'o'. That was... it? He had been expecting something else entirely something that would have required him to defend himself, but this?
Jungkook watched the way Taehyung's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief, knowing exactly what had been running through his mind a moment ago. He couldn't help but find it endearing, the way Taehyung's innocence always showed, even when he tried to act tough.

Taehyung opened his mouth to protest but paused, realizing that maybe just maybe this wasn't so bad. "Why would you want me to cook for you?" he mumbled, half to himself. "Are you tired of your own cooking or something?"

Jungkook tilted his head, still smiling. "You didn't answer," he said, gently nudging him back to the question.

Taehyung, flustered once more, blurted out, "Fine! I'll do it." The words came out faster than he intended, and he quickly tried to compose himself, crossing his arms again. It wasn't like he had to make anything fancy, right? He could just throw something together and be done with it.