Trouble Tamer

19. Getting Back

The soft chime of the bedside clock broke the peaceful silence, signaling the beginning of the evening.

Jungkook stirred awake, blinking as the dim light filtering through the curtains bathed their bedroom in a warm glow. He looked down, feeling the familiar weight of Taehyung curled against him, the older man's face nestled comfortably against the crook of his neck, breathing deeply in his sleep. Jungkook’s heart fluttered, his pulse quickening in his chest as he watched the peaceful rise and fall of Taehyung’s chest.

He looks so calm like this, Jungkook thought, fingers absently brushing through Taehyung's soft hair. When he's asleep... I can almost forget how much he's been carrying.

Taehyung’s lashes fluttered, his hold tightening slightly around Jungkook’s waist before he stirred awake with a groggy groan.

“What time is it?” Taehyung mumbled, still half-asleep.

“Almost night,” Jungkook replied, voice soft, not wanting to disturb the calmness between them. “You slept through the whole afternoon.”

Taehyung let out a quiet hum, his voice still husky from sleep. “Guess I needed it.”

The air between them felt lighter than it had in days. The anger, the frustration from earlier seemed to have faded with Taehyung’s exhaustion. He pulled away from Jungkook, sitting up and stretching lazily.

Jungkook’s eyes couldn’t help but follow the way his husband's shirt rode up slightly, revealing a sliver of skin.

“We should probably get up and have something to eat,” Taehyung said, voice now clearer as he shook off the last remnants of sleep.

“Yeah, you need the energy,” Jungkook replied, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “I’ll make us something. You can shower first.”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow at Jungkook, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re going to cook? I thought you were just good at eating.”

Jungkook shot him a playful glare. “Hey! I can cook just fine. You’ll see.”

“Oh, I’m definitely looking forward to this.” Taehyung chuckled as he stood up, stretching his arms above his head. “You sure you won’t burn down the kitchen while I’m gone?”

“Just go shower, you idiot,” Jungkook muttered, though his lips twitched upward in amusement.

As Taehyung made his way to the bathroom, Jungkook lingered in the bedroom for a moment, his heart swelling with affection. Their relationship had always been like this—bickering, teasing—but Jungkook cherished every moment of it.

Despite everything, despite the tension of the past week, there was something about these small interactions that made his heart race, something about the way Taehyung looked at him, that sent warmth flooding through him.

He has no idea, does he? Jungkook thought with a small smile before making his way downstairs.

By the time Taehyung finished showering and made his way into the kitchen, Jungkook was already standing by the stove, humming quietly to himself as he prepared their meal. Taehyung paused in the doorway, leaning against the frame as he watched his husband with amusement.

Jungkook, completely unaware of Taehyung’s presence, flipped a pancake with ease, clearly proud of his kitchen skills. Taehyung bit back a grin, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Well, well… who knew the mighty Jungkook could cook?” Taehyung teased, his voice dripping with playful mockery.

Jungkook jumped slightly at the sudden voice, almost dropping the spatula. He turned to face Taehyung, his expression caught between embarrassment and annoyance.