Caramel Macchiato (Jungkook's perspective)

Chapter 41

(A/N: This story is coming to an end guys)

The room buzzes with the laughter and chatter of my brothers. It's been so long since we were all together like this- Jin hyung, Yoongi hyung, and Hobi hyung are here on a break from the military, and tonight is about celebrating everything we've achieved so far. I lean against the couch, watching them, and for the first time in a while, I feel like I can breathe.

Namjoon hyung sits at the head of the table, one leg crossed over the other, calm as ever. He's been sipping his drink, listening to the conversation with a thoughtful expression, like he's absorbing every word. Namjoon hyung has always been like that- the logical one, the philosopher. He nods as Yoongi hyung speaks about his latest music projects, a small smile tugging at his lips. There's this air about him, like he's always ten steps ahead of the rest of us, figuring out life's mysteries.

Yoongi hyung, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed, is speaking in that low, steady tone of his, the one that makes everyone stop and listen. He's quiet, introverted, but when he talks about music, you can hear the passion in his voice. "I've been working on something new for when I get back. It's different from my usual stuff, more experimental," he says, glancing at Namjoon hyung, who nods thoughtfully.

"That sounds like you," Namjoon hyung says with a chuckle. "Always pushing boundaries. I'm excited to hear it."

Yoongi hyung shrugs, a small smirk on his face. "We'll see. Could be trash, could be genius."

I laugh quietly to myself. Classic Yoongi hyung. Always acting like he doesn't care, but we all know how much effort he puts into everything.

Jin hyung, who's been dominating the conversation with his usual larger-than-life presence, cuts in. "It better be genius, Yoongi! We've got to keep making history, even when we're in the military. Speaking of which, let me tell you guys about this new recruit at my base-"

I can already tell where this is going. Jin hyung's stories are always a mix of dramatics and his signature dad jokes. I lean back, enjoying the familiar warmth of his voice. He's like a mama bird, taking care of all of us, even when he's scolding us or cracking terrible jokes.

Jin hyung launches into a story, complete with over-the-top gestures and sound effects, about a rookie who saluted him wrong. "I looked at him and said, 'You call that a salute? Even my grandma could do better!'" hyung bursts into laughter at his own joke, and though everyone groans, we can't help but laugh too.

"Hyung, your jokes are getting worse," Yoongi hyung says, shaking his head with that signature deadpan expression. "Maybe the military isn't good for your sense of humor."

Jin hyung slaps Yoongi hyung on the back with a grin. "I'm hilarious and you know it."

Hobi hyung laughs, his energy lighting up the room like it always does. "You're something, hyung." he's always the positive one, the ball of sunshine. His laugh is infectious, and when he's happy, it's impossible not to feel the same way. "Jin hyung, your stories are the only thing that could compete with Jungkookie's performance. Speaking of which, Kookie, how does it feel being called Michael Jackson's son?"

I scratch the back of my neck, suddenly shy under his praise. "Ah, hyung, it's kind of crazy, right? I'm just happy people liked it. I worked really hard on the performance, and it's cool to see everyone's reactions."

"You didn't just work hard," Namjoon hyung adds, his voice deep and reassuring. "You nailed it. People are going wild for your performance, and rightfully so. You've grown so much, Jungkook. It's amazing to watch."