Trouble Tamer

12. This is Mutiny

After a long day, Taehyung and Jungkook finally returned to their current stay.

The sky was darkening, and the city lights reflected against the polished windows of the towering building.

Taehyung, whose energy had been steadily drained throughout the day, trudged alongside Jungkook, who, in contrast, was still full of vitality, almost bouncing with every step as they approached the lobby.

Taehyung threw a sideways glance at Jungkook and sighed inwardly. How was this boy still so energetic? Every inch of his body felt heavy, but here was Jungkook, hopping ahead like it was a bright new morning.

Jungkook turned around, noticing the weary look on Taehyung’s face, and smiled, mischievously taking a few more hops.

“Come on, Taehyungie. You’re acting like we just ran a marathon,” he teased, flashing a grin that made Taehyung’s heart clench.

"Feels like we did," Taehyung grumbled, running a hand through his hair. "I can’t keep up with you."

Jungkook giggled and slowed down to walk next to him.

“Well, you know, some people are just built for endurance.” He shot Taehyung a cheeky look, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Endurance?" Taehyung arched an eyebrow, lips curling into a half-smile. "You mean you’re not tired at all after everything we’ve done today?"

Jungkook shrugged casually, but the way his eyes crinkled showed that he was enjoying himself far too much at Taehyung’s expense.

“I mean, sure, it was a long day, but I feel like we could still go out, grab some food, maybe hit up a bar—”

Taehyung’s groan cut him off, “Don’t even joke about that. I just want a bed right now.”

Before Jungkook could respond, someone called out from across the lobby.

"Mr. Kim, is that you?"

Both of them turned toward the voice. A well-dressed man in his mid-50s approached, his face breaking into a wide smile. He extended a hand as he neared.

"Mr. Kang," Taehyung greeted with a forced but polite smile, straightening his posture despite the fatigue. "It’s been a while. How have you been?"

The man, Mr. Kang, grasped Taehyung’s hand in a firm handshake.

"Very well, very well. It's good to see you. You’ve grown into quite the impressive CEO. The business world’s buzzing about Kim Tech."

Taehyung gave a modest nod. "Thank you, Mr. Kang. I’ve been trying to keep up."

Jungkook stood by quietly, observing the exchange.

He recognized this kind of conversation all too well — formal, polite, and often tedious. His eyes started to wander around the hotel lobby, and though he tried to be patient, he was already losing interest.

Taehyung gestured toward Jungkook. "This is my... uh, my husband, Jungkook."

Jungkook’s attention snapped back to the conversation at the sound of his name. Mr. Kang’s gaze softened as he looked at him.

"Ah, so you’re the lucky one, huh? Nice to meet you, young man. Taehyung here has been a rising star in the industry. You’ve landed quite the catch."

Jungkook smiled politely, though inwardly he was itching to be anywhere else.

"Nice to meet you too, sir." He gave a slight bow.

Taehyung continued to engage in small talk with Mr. Kang, their conversation veering toward mutual acquaintances, business trends, and upcoming projects. The words floated around Jungkook’s head, but none of them stuck. He shifted from one foot to the other, glancing at his phone every few seconds.