Survival Instinct // Namkook

chapter 58 - take it back!

As the three settled into their sleeping space for the night, the room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon filtering through the dirty windows. The old, worn mattresses they laid down on squeaked as each of them shifted to get comfortable. Namjoon excused himself, mumbling something about needing to use the bathroom, so Jungkook and Hoseok were left alone in the room, a peaceful quiet settling over them.

Jungkook, never one to enjoy silence for too long, glanced over at Hoseok, who was leaning back on his arms, looking completely relaxed. Something about Hoseok’s presence always made him feel at ease. It wasn’t just the fact that Hoseok was fun to be around, but there was also a calm, reassuring energy about him.

“So...Hoseok,” Jungkook started, fiddling with the edge of his blanket. “How old are you again?”

Hoseok chuckled softly, turning his head to look at Jungkook. “I’m 28. Why?”

Jungkook let out a small laugh, shaking his head. “just curious. I’m 25, so…Still got a few years to catch up to you, I guess.”

“Don’t rush it,” Hoseok teased, his lips curling into a smile. “Trust me, once you hit your late twenties, it all starts feeling like it’s going downhill. My back already gives me trouble.”

Jungkook snorted, playfully rolling his eyes. “You’re exaggerating. You're so energetic all the time! Dancing circles around everyone.”

Hoseok smiled wider at the mention of dancing, his eyes lighting up with a familiar spark. “Well, I try to keep up. It’s not like it used to be when I was younger, but dancing’s always been part of me, you know? It’s something that keeps me going, no matter what’s happening around me.”

Jungkook’s interest piqued, and he shifted his position to sit cross-legged, facing Hoseok more directly. “You still dance?”

“Yeah,” Hoseok nodded, his tone turning thoughtful. “Whenever I get the chance. It’s harder now, with everything going on, music is a rarity too, but… yeah, I need it. It’s like an outlet.”

Jungkook’s smile grew wider. “I get that. I used to dance a lot too, before all this... mess. But we talked about that already.”

“Yeah we did, but doesn't hurt to bring up the memories again." Hoseok remarked, smiling, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You know, we should find some time to dance together. Even with everything happening, we could use a bit of that freedom again, don’t you think?”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. “Really? You’d want to dance with me?”

“Why not?” Hoseok said with a casual shrug, though his eyes held a gleam of genuine interest. “It could be fun. And, hey, maybe I’ll pick up a few moves from you.”

Jungkook grinned. “I doubt that, I haven't danced in ages.”

Hoseok chuckled, shaking his head modestly. “Nah, you don't forget something like that. Don't worry about it."

Jungkook felt a warmth spread through him, like he’d found a kindred spirit in Hoseok. There was a moment of silence before Jungkook spoke again, a bit hesitantly. “Hey, uh… would it be okay if I called you Hyung?”

Hoseok’s face lit up with a genuine smile, and he nodded. “Of course, Jungkook. I’d like that.”

Jungkook grinned widely, feeling a sense of familiarity form between them. “Thanks, Hyung,” he said, testing the word out like it was something new and precious. The sound of it felt right, comforting.

Just then, Namjoon returned to the room, his sharp eyes catching the tail end of the conversation. He raised an eyebrow as looked at Jungkook.

“Oh, so you call him Hyung now?” Namjoon teased, a hint of jealousy in his voice. “Why aren’t you calling me that, huh?”

Jungkook looked up at Namjoon with a mischievous glint in his eyes, sensing an opportunity to mess with him a little. He tilted his head, pretending to be in deep thought. “Well, I don’t know… are you older than me?”

Namjoon’s eyes narrowed in playful suspicion. “You think I'm younger than you?” he remarked in disbelief.

“Yeah,” Jungkook replied with a grin, leaning back slightly as if preparing for whatever Namjoon’s reaction might be. “You're a little baby compared to me. Besides, Hoseok Hyung is way cooler than you."
"Oh be careful with that blunt mouth of yours." Namjoon threatened darkly but Jungkook saw the glimpse of humor in his eyes. "It's the truth!  He’s fun and doesn’t always boss me around.”

That did it. Namjoon took a step forward, a grin on his face as he suddenly lunged at Jungkook, bwho let out a yelp of laughter before scrambling to his feet. “Oh, you’re in for it now!”

Jungkook bolted across the room, dodging mattresses as Namjoon chased him, laughter filling the small space. Hoseok sat back, watching the scene unfold with amusement as the two darted around like children in a game of tag.

Finally, Namjoon caught Jungkook, tackling him onto one of the mattresses and pinning him down. Jungkook wriggled beneath him, still laughing breathlessly as Namjoon hovered above him, eyes glinting with playful menace.

“Take it back,” Namjoon demanded, his voice mock-serious.

Jungkook shook his head stubbornly. “Never!”

Without warning, Namjoon began tickling him, his fingers digging into Jungkook’s sides as the younger man erupted into uncontrollable laughter, squirming beneath him.

“Okay, okay!” Jungkook gasped between giggles. “Stop!" "Stop? No, I don't feel like it." Namjoon remarked, keeping up the tickling. "Stop, ok, it's okay... Hyung! You’re the coolest Hyung!" Jungkook breathlessly gave Namjoon what he wanted between uncontrollable laughter.

Namjoon grinned triumphantly, letting up on the tickling but still holding Jungkook pinned beneath him. “That’s more like it.”

Jungkook lay there, catching his breath, still grinning as he looked up at Namjoon. “You’re so competitive...”

Namjoon smirked, releasing him and sitting back up. “Well, you asked for it.”

As Jungkook sat up, rubbing his sides and still chuckling softly, Hoseok shook his head with a laugh. “You two are something else.”