Trouble Tamer

27. Was It Love?

Few days later....

The clock ticked past seven in the evening, the golden hues of sunset fading into the soft indigo of twilight. The mansion was quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves outside and the distant hum of cars from the street below. In the middle of the vast living room stood Jungkook, nervously tapping his foot as he inspected the final touches on the setup.

The table was set for two, draped in a pristine white cloth that contrasted beautifully with the deep red rose petals scattered across its surface. Two tall candles stood in the center, their flames flickering gently, casting a warm, romantic glow. Soft music played in the background, a soothing melody that wrapped around the room like a tender embrace.

Jungkook took a deep breath, running a hand through his blonde hair. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, the top buttons undone to reveal a hint of his collarbones, and black dress pants that fit him snugly. Jimin had insisted on the outfit, calling it "irresistible yet effortlessly chic."

"Everything looks perfect, Kook," Jimin said from behind, his voice laced with excitement. He clapped his hands together, eyes twinkling as he surveyed their work. "I can't believe you pulled this off. Taehyungshii is going to be smitten."

Jungkook shot him a look, a soft blush creeping up his neck.

"Stop teasing, hyung. What if he doesn't like it? What if he thinks it's too much?" He bit his lip, fidgeting with the cuff of his sleeve. Here he goes with his worries, again.

Jimin rolled his eyes, stepping closer to pat Jungkook on the back.

"Relax, bunny. He's going to love it. Trust me, I know romance, and this," Jimin gestured dramatically at the scene before them, "this is romance at its finest."

Jungkook nodded, exhaling shakily as he let himself smile, even if just a little. His nerves hummed under his skin, but a rush of excitement fluttered through him too.

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway made both men pause. Jimin's eyes sparkled with mischief as he grabbed his coat.

"Showtime, Kook. I'll leave you two to your little love fest." He leaned closer, smirking. "And remember, if all goes well, I expect a full report."

Jungkook's eyes widened, and he lightly shoved Jimin toward the door.

"Hyung, get out!" He laughed, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of pink.

Jimin waved over his shoulder as he made his way out.

"Good luck, soon-to-be lovebirds!" he called out before disappearing into the night.

Jungkook stood frozen for a moment, the silence filling the room once again. He felt his heartbeat quicken as he heard the familiar click of the front door opening.

________________________________

Taehyung walked in, loosening his tie as he stepped into the foyer. The day had been long, his important business meeting finally yielding a satisfying outcome. But the hours of discussions had left him drained. He rubbed his temples and let out a sigh, the weight of work pressing against his shoulders.

But the scent of roses and something delicious that wafted through the air, catched his attention. He furrowed his brows and stepped into the living room, only to pause when he saw the setup before him.

Jungkook stood by the dining table, fingers laced together as he nervously waited. Their eyes met, and for a heartbeat, the room seemed to hold its breath.

"Hey, Taehyung," Jungkook said softly, a small, tentative smile pulling at his lips. His eyes shone under the candlelight, a mix of excitement and shyness that made Taehyung's heart flutter unexpectedly.

"What's all this?" Taehyung asked, voice laced with surprise as he took in the sight. The roses, the candles, the carefully laid-out dinner-all of it painted a picture that warmed him from the inside out.

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous laugh escaping him.

"Um, I thought... since you had that big meeting today, maybe you could use a special night. Just the two of us." His eyes dropped to the floor for a second before looking back at Taehyung with a hopeful glimmer.

Taehyung's lips parted, and a soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. He moved closer, his eyes taking in every detail-every effort Jungkook had made for him, speciallyon himself.

'You look more beautiful like this, bun.'

"You did all this for me?" Taehyung's voice was quieter now, touched with a warmth that made Jungkook's pulse quicken.

"Well, Jimin helped a bit with the setup," Jungkook admitted with a grin, "but yeah. This was my idea." Definitely it was.

The two stood close now, the faint space between them charged with something unspoken. Taehyung reached out, his fingers brushing Jungkook's hand in a gentle, appreciative gesture.

"It's perfect. Thank you, bun." Taehyung's eyes softened, a smile spreading across his face that made the room feel ten degrees warmer.

Jungkook's heart flipped, and he glanced down, trying to hide the way his cheeks turned a rosy hue.

"Dinner's ready if you're hungry," he said, stepping aside and gesturing to the table.

Taehyung's smile grew as they settled down.

"Let's see what my thoughtful husband has made," he teased, eyes glinting as he watched Jungkook set the plates down.

They spent the next hour enjoying the meal, the room filled with soft laughter and conversations. For the first time in what felt like forever, the mansion was filled with warmth not just from its walls but from the bond they were building. There was a shift, there is. Undeniable, yet beautiful. Needed.

The glances they shared across the table were filled with a deeper understanding, one that spoke of affection and something more profound.

"So, how was the meeting?" Jungkook asked after a moment, breaking the comfortable silence.

Taehyung sighed, leaning back as he sipped his drink.

"It went well. Really well, actually. I was going to tell you earlier, but you beat me to a surprise," he said with a playful glint in his eyes.

Jungkook's smile brightened, eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I'm glad it went well. You work so hard, Taehyung, you deserve nights like this," he said earnestly, looking up through his lashes.

For a moment, Taehyung felt something catch in his chest, a warmth that bloomed quietly. He reached across the table, his fingers brushing against Jungkook's once more. This time, the touch lingered, and neither of them pulled away.

"Maybe I do," Taehyung said softly, his gaze unwavering.

"But so do you."

The night continued, filled with shared smiles, stolen glances, and a quiet understanding that this was the start of something beautiful.

And as the last candle flickered, Taehyung knew that the feelings stirring in him weren't just fleeting moments of fondness he thought was just he holds for the younger.

Now, was it love?