Cold Hearts, Warmer Ties

Unexpected Bonds and Airborne Flirtation

The morning sun kissed the runway as Taehyung and Jungkook stood near the airport’s entrance, waiting for everyone to arrive.

The trip to Jeju was finally here, and the excitement in the air was palpable, though Jungkook’s eyes kept flicking toward Taehyung more often than the arrival lane.

"You look unusually relaxed," Taehyung said, smirking as he adjusted his scarf.

Jungkook chuckled softly, his hands casually tucked in his pockets. "Maybe because I'm looking forward to spending some time with you, without all the interruptions." He threw a sideways glance at Taehyung, his tone playful yet sincere.

Taehyung's cheeks flushed slightly, and he was about to respond when a sleek black Benz pulled up. Namjoon, Jin, and their father Kim Suho stepped out.

"Tae!" Suho exclaimed, stretching his arms wide as Taehyung rushed to hug him tightly. "My boy! It’s been too long!"

"Appa," Taehyung murmured into his father’s shoulder, the warmth of the embrace filling him with a sense of calm.

Jungkook stood a few steps back, watching the affectionate reunion with a soft expression. He’d never experienced this kind of fatherly warmth before, and the sight tugged at something deep inside him. As if sensing Jungkook’s thoughts, Suho beckoned him over.

"Jungkook, come here, son."

Jungkook froze for a moment, startled. Did he just... call him 'son'? Awkwardly, he stepped forward, unsure of what to do, but Suho didn't hesitate. He pulled Jungkook into a tight embrace.

“You’re part of this family too now,” Suho said quietly, patting his back. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about you.”

Jungkook felt a lump form in his throat. He had never known what it felt like to be embraced by a father, to be called ‘son’ in such a genuine way. He tentatively returned the hug, his eyes softening as he looked over Suho's shoulder at Taehyung. The moment was brief but heavy with unspoken emotions.

“Thank you… Appa,” Jungkook finally whispered.

Taehyung caught the look in Jungkook’s eyes and felt something stir in his chest. Jungkook’s vulnerability, so rarely shown, made him realize just how deep their bond could grow. But before he could dwell on it, Jin’s voice broke through the moment.

“Taehyung, seriously, are you still wearing that ridiculous scarf? It’s summer!”

“Oh, shut up, hyung,” Taehyung shot back, rolling his eyes. “At least I have fashion sense.”

The brothers began to bicker, their playful banter filling the space with laughter. Meanwhile, Namjoon and Jungkook drifted into their own conversation.

“Man, you’re really surviving this trip, huh?” Namjoon teased.

“Barely,” Jungkook chuckled. “Between Taehyung and Jin hyung, I think I’ll lose my sanity before we even get to Jeju.”

Just then, a car pulled up, and to everyone’s surprise, Yoongi and Jimin stepped out together, looking a bit too comfortable in each other’s presence.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Since when did those two become… close?”

Taehyung blinked in disbelief. “Weren’t they just ignoring each other last week?”

Before either of them could inquire further, Soobin popped out of nowhere, bowing deeply in front of Jungkook.

“Sir, everything is ready,” Soobin said with professional poise.

Jungkook smiled, patting Soobin’s shoulder. “No need to be so formal, Soobin. We’re on a trip, relax a little.”

Soobin straightened, then caught sight of Taehyung. His eyes widened as if seeing him for the first time, utterly mesmerized by Taehyung’s beauty. He awkwardly extended his hand. “Uh, nice to meet you, sir.”

Before Taehyung could respond, Jungkook stepped in, grinning mischievously. “Soobin, he’s not just anyone. You should respect your brother-in-law too.”

Soobin’s eyes grew wide with realization, and in his panic, he blurted out, “D-Devil wifey!”

The group burst into laughter, and Taehyung glared daggers at Jungkook, his cheeks burning with embarrassment. Jungkook, on the other hand, smiled sheepishly but didn’t look the least bit sorry.

“You’re so dead,” Taehyung muttered under his breath.

“I don’t know, you seem to like my devilish charm,” Jungkook teased back, winking at him.

With their bags packed and checked in, everyone hurried inside the airport to avoid missing their flight. Soobin stayed close to Jungkook, clearly flustered from his earlier mistake.

After explaining his role, Soobin added, “I’m Jungkook’s assistant, but honestly, he’s more like a big brother to me. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.”

Jungkook, sensing the sincerity in Soobin’s words, smiled. “He’s right. Soobin’s more than just an assistant. We’ve been through a lot together.”

But what surprised everyone was how quickly Soobin and Taehyung bonded during the wait. Within minutes, they were chatting like lifelong friends, laughing and even sharing inside jokes. It was almost too much for Jungkook to handle.

“Is it just me or are those two getting too close?” Jungkook whispered to Jin, watching Taehyung and Soobin interact.

Jin chuckled, patting Jungkook’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. Someone’s arriving in Jeju who’ll keep
You occupied. Someone who’s practically a brother to him.”

Jungkook frowned. “Who?”

Jin smirked. “You’ll see.”

---

As they boarded the plane, Taehyung had planned to sit with Jimin, hoping to avoid Jungkook for a while. But when they reached their seats, Yoongi had already taken the spot next to Jimin, leaving Taehyung no choice but to sit next to Jungkook.

“Well, well, looks like fate wants us together,” Jungkook said, settling into his seat with a smug grin.

Taehyung sighed dramatically, buckling his seatbelt. “Don’t get any ideas, Jungkook.”

“Me? Ideas?” Jungkook leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I just think it’s a sign, don’t you?”

Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. “A sign that I should’ve sat with Soobin instead.”

“Ouch,” Jungkook clutched his chest dramatically. “You’re breaking my heart, Tae.”

Taehyung laughed despite himself. “Stop being so dramatic.”

Jungkook leaned in slightly, his voice low and playful. “I can’t help it. Being around you does that to me.”

For a moment, Taehyung felt the air between them shift, the playful banter giving way to something more. Jungkook’s gaze softened, his eyes lingering on Taehyung a little too long.

“Careful, Jungkook,” Taehyung said, his voice teasing but his heart racing. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

Jungkook smirked, leaning back in his seat. “Oh, I’m willing to take the risk.”

As the plane took off, Taehyung glanced out the window, but he couldn’t ignore the warmth spreading in his chest. Maybe Jungkook wasn’t just flirting for the sake of it. Maybe, just maybe, there was something more behind those playful words.

And as they flew toward Jeju, with the island’s sun waiting to greet them, Taehyung couldn’t help but wonder if this trip would change things between them for good.