TAMING THE CHAOS

Chapter 10: The Art of Teasing

Jungkook woke slowly, warmth wrapped around him like a soft blanket. Blinking his eyes open, he realized his head was resting against Taehyung's chest. His scent-amber and pine-lingered in the air, calm and reassuring. Jungkook froze, heat crawling up his neck as he registered Taehyung's arm draped possessively over his waist.

He wiggled a bit, but Taehyung's grip only tightened, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest. "Morning, baby," Taehyung murmured, voice deep and smug with sleep.

Jungkook scowled, his heart pounding. "Don't call me that."

Taehyung's lips quirked into a lazy grin, his eyes still heavy-lidded. "But you like it."

"No, I don't." Jungkook tried to sit up, but Taehyung's hand slid to his hip, holding him in place.

"You're not going anywhere yet," Taehyung whispered, brushing his thumb against Jungkook's side. "You're comfortable, aren't you?"

Jungkook hated how his body responded-his muscles relaxing despite himself. "Tch," he muttered, glancing away, "I just didn't want to move and wake you up."

Taehyung smirked, eyes twinkling. "You're such a terrible liar."

Jungkook shot him a glare, cheeks flushed. "Whatever."

With a soft laugh, Taehyung loosened his hold, letting Jungkook wriggle free. "You hungry? I can make breakfast."

Jungkook rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "I'm fine. You should leave before you get any ideas."

Taehyung stretched lazily, the hem of his T-shirt lifting slightly, exposing toned abs. "Aw, so mean. After everything I did for you?"

Jungkook's heart skipped at the sight, and he quickly averted his gaze. "Don't act like you're a saint."

"Who, me?" Taehyung grinned, sitting up. His gaze was warm, fond, and just a little too smug. "I didn't even ask for a thank you."

Jungkook bit his lip. "I didn't ask for your help."

Taehyung leaned closer, his breath brushing against Jungkook's ear. "But you called me."

The reminder made Jungkook's stomach flip with embarrassment. "Shut up."

Taehyung chuckled, ruffling Jungkook's messy hair. "You're welcome, by the way."

Jungkook swatted his hand away, but he didn't protest when Taehyung stood and stretched, filling the small room with his scent.

As Taehyung grabbed his hoodie, Jungkook blurted, "Thanks."

Taehyung paused, his lips curving into a soft smile. "Anytime, baby."

Jungkook groaned. "Just leave already!"

With a laugh, Taehyung walked toward the door, throwing a wink over his shoulder. "See you soon, lover."

Jungkook's heart raced, and despite his irritation, he couldn't stop the small, reluctant smile from tugging at his lips as the door clicked shut.

***

Jungkook wasn't sure when Taehyung had decided to make his life more complicated, but it was clear that the man had declared a silent war-and the battlefield was Jungkook's sanity.

It started small.

The first time, Jungkook opened the door of his apartment early one morning, expecting a package. Instead, he found a bouquet of pale blue hydrangeas resting on his doorstep, the petals glistening with dew. A small card attached read: