TAMING THE CHAOS

Chapter 15: A Date (Not a Date)

Jungkook stood in front of the mirror, fidgeting with the hem of his soft cream-colored sweater. It was oversized, falling off one shoulder slightly, and paired with light-wash jeans that hugged his legs comfortably. He tugged at the sleeves, glancing at his reflection. It wasn’t the kind of outfit he usually wore—it felt softer, more omega-like. But for some reason, he didn’t mind today.

His phone buzzed, and he glanced down to see Taehyung’s message.

Taehyung: Outside. You better not make me wait, baby.

Jungkook rolled his eyes but smiled to himself, slipping into his sneakers. He grabbed his bag and opened the door to find Taehyung leaning casually against his car, wearing black slacks and a dark green sweater that matched his eyes perfectly.

Taehyung grinned the moment he saw Jungkook. “Looking good, baby.”

Jungkook scoffed, though his heart did a little flip at the compliment. “It’s not a date, remember?”

Taehyung opened the car door for him, smirking. “Of course. Just two friends hanging out.”

Jungkook slid into the seat, trying not to smile too much.

They spent the day exploring a small museum tucked away in a quiet part of the city. Taehyung pointed at random art pieces, making ridiculous guesses about their meanings just to see Jungkook laugh.

“That’s obviously a metaphor for how much the artist hated mornings,” Taehyung said, squinting at an abstract painting of swirling colors.

Jungkook snorted, covering his mouth with his sleeve. “Or maybe they just liked circles.”

Taehyung grinned, leaning closer until their shoulders touched. “Either way, I like it better when you laugh.”

Jungkook felt his cheeks warm but shook his head. “You’re such a flirt.”

“Only with you,” Taehyung whispered, his scent of amber and pine wrapping around them both like a soft hug.

Jungkook glanced away, biting back a grin.

Later, they wandered through a busy street market, the air filled with the scent of spices, grilled food, and warm bread. Taehyung bought them little snacks from random stalls, insisting that Jungkook try everything.

“You’re going to make me explode,” Jungkook protested as Taehyung handed him a skewer of grilled chicken.

“Just one more bite,” Taehyung said, holding the skewer up to Jungkook’s mouth. His eyes sparkled with amusement, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Jungkook rolled his eyes but took a bite, trying not to enjoy how Taehyung’s eyes softened as he chewed.

“Good boy,” Taehyung murmured, and Jungkook nearly choked on his food.

“You’re insufferable,” Jungkook muttered, though his heart raced a little at the way Taehyung looked at him—like he was something precious.

Taehyung just laughed, nudging Jungkook’s shoulder with his own. “And yet, you’re still here.”

As the sky darkened and the stars began to peek through the clouds, they found themselves walking along a quiet riverside path. The sound of the water was soothing, and the cool night breeze made Jungkook tug his sweater tighter around himself.

Taehyung slipped his jacket off and draped it over Jungkook’s shoulders without a word.

“I’m fine,” Jungkook mumbled, though he didn’t shrug the jacket off.

“I know,” Taehyung said softly. “But I like taking care of you.”

Jungkook stopped walking, his heart pounding in his chest. Taehyung’s scent, warm and grounding, wrapped around him completely.

“You’re really serious about this, huh?” Jungkook whispered, his voice barely audible.

Taehyung turned to face him, his gaze steady. “I’ve never been more serious about anything.”

Jungkook swallowed, the weight of Taehyung’s words settling over him like a blanket. For a moment, he hesitated. But then, before he could second-guess himself, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them.

Under the soft glow of the streetlights and the endless expanse of the night sky, Jungkook reached up, cupping Taehyung’s face gently.

“This isn’t a game,” Jungkook whispered, his thumb brushing over Taehyung’s cheek. “If you want me, you’ll have to deal with all the chaos that comes with me.”

Taehyung’s gaze darkened, and a slow, confident smile spread across his lips. “Challenge accepted, baby.”

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity in Taehyung’s eyes. And then, without another word, Jungkook leaned in and kissed him.

This time, the kiss was intentional—soft but certain, like a promise. Taehyung’s hands found Jungkook’s waist, pulling him closer, his scent deepening with warmth and contentment.

When they finally pulled away, both of them slightly breathless, Taehyung grinned down at him. “I knew you liked me.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you kissed me,” Taehyung teased, his voice low and playful.

Jungkook shook his head, but the warmth in his chest was undeniable. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head.”

Taehyung chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from Jungkook’s face. “Too late, baby.”

Jungkook groaned, but his lips twitched upward despite himself.

And under the stars, wrapped in the scent of pine, amber, and something new—something hopeful—they stood together, both pretending they weren’t falling harder than they ever expected.

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