Book Of Tease

Reassurance

The walk back to Taehyung's house was filled with a mix of playful exchanges and comfortable silence, the words Jungkook had spoken earlier still echoing in Taehyung's mind. He couldn't help but glance at Jungkook every now and then, trying to decipher the younger man's true intentions. Yet every time he looked, Jungkook's expression was relaxed and content, as if he hadn't just turned Taehyung's world upside down with his heartfelt words.

When they reached Taehyung's home, they were greeted by the warm glow of the porch light. Taehyung hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He turned to look at Jungkook, who stood there with a small smile on his lips, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

"Thanks for today, Jungkook," Taehyung said, his voice softer than usual. "It was... eventful."

Jungkook's grin widened, a teasing light returning to his eyes. "Yeah? You're welcome, Taehyung. I had a good time too-especially seeing you get all worked up."

Taehyung felt a familiar heat rise in his cheeks, and he quickly looked away, fumbling with the door. "Y-You never stop, do you?"

"Not when it comes to you," Jungkook replied smoothly, leaning in just close enough for his breath to brush against Taehyung's ear. "Goodnight, Taehyung. Sleep well."

Taehyung managed a stiff nod, his heart racing as he finally opened the door and stepped inside. He closed it behind him, leaning against the cool wood as he took a deep breath, trying to steady his fluttering thoughts.

He could still hear Jungkook's words echoing in his mind-how he was beautiful, how Jungkook wanted to see every side of him. It left him feeling flustered, confused, but also... warm, in a way he couldn't quite describe. He brought a hand to his chest, feeling the rapid thump of his heart beneath his palm, and he let out a soft sigh.

"Tae, is that you?" a familiar voice called from down the hall, breaking him out of his thoughts.

Taehyung straightened up, forcing himself to appear calm as he made his way toward the living room, where his parents were sitting. His mother, Kim Yoona, looked up with a gentle smile, while his father, Kim Daeho, gave him a curious glance over his newspaper.

"You're home a bit later than usual, honey. Did you have fun?" Yoona asked, patting the space beside her on the couch.

Taehyung hesitated, glancing back toward the door as if he could still feel Jungkook's presence lingering on the other side. "Yeah, it was... fine," he replied, sitting down beside his mother.

His mother's eyes sparkled with curiosity, noticing the hint of redness on Taehyung's cheeks. "You know, you've been going out with Jungkook quite a bit lately. He seems like such a nice boy."

Taehyung huffed, leaning his head back against the couch with a groan. "He's... he's so annoying, Mom. He just keeps teasing me, saying things to make me flustered. It's like he enjoys making me look like a fool."

Yoona chuckled softly, reaching out to pat Taehyung's head affectionately. "Well, maybe he just likes you, Tae. You've always been easy to tease when you care about someone."

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, and he sat up straighter, staring at his mother in surprise. "What? No, it's not like that. He's just-he's just messing around. I think."

Daeho lowered his newspaper, peering over at Taehyung with a knowing look. "You sound pretty worked up over this boy, son. Maybe your mother's onto something."

Taehyung sputtered, feeling his face heat up even more. "Dad, not you too! It's not like that. I mean, I don't even know what he's thinking half the time."

Yoona's smile turned gentle as she watched her son, recognizing the conflict in his expression. "It's okay, Tae. Sometimes, it's hard to understand our own feelings, especially when someone new comes into our lives. Just give yourself time."

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of the emotions swirling inside him. "It's just... he makes me feel so... different. And I don't know if I like it or if it's just... scary."

Yoona leaned over, pressing a kiss to her son's forehead. "Take it one step at a time, my sweet boy. And if this Jungkook makes you smile, then maybe he's worth figuring out."

Taehyung nodded slowly, feeling a small smile tug at his lips despite his confusion. "Thanks, Mom. And... I'll try."

Daeho gave a small grunt of approval from behind his newspaper. "Just don't let him push you around too much, Tae. Remember, you're a Kim, and you can stand up for yourself."

Taehyung laughed softly, feeling a sense of reassurance settle in his chest at his parents' support. "I will, Dad. I promise."

As the evening continued, Taehyung found himself feeling lighter, the earlier tension gradually easing away. Yet, as he made his way upstairs to his room, Jungkook's words continued to linger in his mind, echoing in the quiet darkness.

When he finally crawled into bed, he found himself staring at the ceiling, replaying the way Jungkook's smile had softened, the sincerity in his voice. And though he tried to push the thoughts away, he couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, Jungkook's words had left a mark on his heart.