Cloaked in Shadows: A Tale of Redemption

Chapter 10:Silly Dreams and Real Feeling

Flashback Continues

Jungkook and Taehyung's bond had grown far beyond the training grounds. With every passing day, they found themselves gravitating towards one another, seeking each other’s company outside of their usual sparring sessions. Whether it was sharing meals, taking leisurely walks in the garden, or just sitting under the stars talking about their dreams, they became inseparable.

Jungkook, ever the mischievous one, had turned his affection for Taehyung into a constant game of teasing and playful antics. He would often throw himself dramatically into Taehyung’s lap or give him exaggerated puppy eyes when he didn’t get his way. And, of course, Taehyung, with his quiet charm, would indulge Jungkook with a smile or a fond shake of his head, though his heart would often skip a beat when Jungkook got too close. The younger prince's clinginess had started stirring emotions in Taehyung that he couldn’t quite place—what he thought might be mere infatuation was slowly becoming something much deeper.

In the days leading up to Taehyung's departure for his adopted sister Jiyeon’s wedding, the young prince’s playful behavior intensified. He would refuse to leave Taehyung’s side, throwing small tantrums about having to leave and complaining about how much he would miss him. "Hyung, how will I survive without you?" Jungkook would say, pouting dramatically. "I’ll be so lonely in the Jeon Kingdom."

Taehyung would laugh, though his chest tightened at the thought of Jungkook leaving. "I’ll be back soon, Jungkookie. Besides, Jiyeon’s wedding is a happy occasion. You should be excited for her."

"I am," Jungkook admitted, his lips curving into a soft smile. "But I’ll miss you more."

Taehyung's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Jungkook’s voice, and he couldn’t help but wonder if what he was feeling was more than just a fleeting crush.

One afternoon, as Taehyung strolled through the garden, he spotted Jungkook sitting beneath a large oak tree, sketching something intently on a piece of parchment. Curious, Taehyung walked closer, but he stopped in his tracks when he overheard Jungkook talking to himself—or rather, to the drawing he was working on.

It was a portrait of Taehyung, drawn with surprising skill and detail. Jungkook was whispering softly, unaware of Taehyung’s presence or that the maids and servants nearby were listening in on his musings.

"When you get back from Jiyeon’s wedding," Jungkook was saying, "I’m going to marry you, Taehyung. We’ll have a little house, maybe a tree house... just for us. And we’ll have a pet, a big fluffy dog." His voice became even softer as he added, "We’ll have five kids—two will look like me, two will look like you, and one... one will be a mix of both of us. Our perfect little family."

The maids who were working nearby tried their best to stifle their giggles, but their laughter eventually escaped, filling the garden. Jungkook, startled, looked up, his eyes wide with embarrassment. His cheeks flushed as he realized that not only had the maids overheard his silly daydreams, but standing among them was none other than Taehyung, a soft smile playing on his lips.

Jungkook froze in place, too mortified to move. His heart raced as Taehyung began walking toward him, his calm demeanor unchanged despite what he had just heard. Jungkook’s hands fidgeted with the edges of his drawing, and he found himself unable to meet Taehyung’s gaze.

Taehyung stopped in front of him, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked down at the younger prince. Jungkook’s heart was pounding so loudly he could barely hear anything else. He felt as if his entire body was trembling under the weight of Taehyung’s gaze.

Suddenly, Taehyung bent down, leaning close to Jungkook’s ear. His warm breath brushed against Jungkook’s skin, sending a shiver down his spine. "You should have told me earlier," Taehyung whispered, his voice teasing but laced with affection. "We could’ve already had a football team for ourselves."