Melting Softly [[Taekook]]

Chapter 4

The next morning, the Kim household was in chaos.

"I'm not going to university today!" Taehyung declared, arms folded, lower lip jutted out in a massive pout. "My image is ruined! I was thrown on the floor twice! Twice, Jin-hyung! How can I show my face after that humiliation?"

Jin rubbed his temples, a look of pure exhaustion etched across his face. "Tae, you say this every time something slightly inconvenient happens."

Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief. "Slightly inconvenient?! Hyung, my pride is shattered! It's in shambles! People will whisper about the tragic fall of Kim Taehyung for centuries! My entire reputation-"

Before Taehyung could finish his dramatic rant, Jin had had enough. With an exasperated sigh, he swiftly threw his younger brother over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Taehyung flailed wildly, his arms and legs swinging as he yelled, "HELP! HELP! KIDNAPPING IN PROGRESS! MUM! MUMMMMM!"

Their mother, standing nearby, pressed her hands over her ears to shield herself from Taehyung's theatrical cries. "Honestly, Taehyung," she muttered, "I love you, but my poor ears."

Jin carried his writhing, protesting brother to the car, completely unbothered. With a grunt, he deposited Taehyung into the passenger seat and buckled him in. Taehyung's pout was so big that it looked like it could have a gravitational pull of its own.

Jin leaned in and ruffled Taehyung's perfectly styled hair, earning an indignant squawk. "Dummy, be a good boy now, okay?"

Taehyung crossed his arms with a sulk, glaring out the window as if the scenery had personally offended him. Jin just chuckled at his brother's antics, unable to stop himself from smiling at how *predictable* Taehyung was. The drive to the university was filled with Taehyung's mumbled grievances and exaggerated sighs, each one heavier than the last.

Finally, they pulled up to the university gate, and Jin had to practically push Taehyung out of the car. Taehyung stumbled forward, still sulking, only to be immediately ambushed by Jimin, who threw his arm around Taehyung's neck.

"Morning, drama queen!" Jimin chirped cheerfully, practically hanging off Taehyung like a sloth on a tree branch. "You survived the great 'kidnapping,' I see."

Taehyung refused to respond, his pout deepening as he attempted to ignore his best friend. Jimin, however, wasn't deterred. He clung tighter, using his full weight to lean on Taehyung, who was clearly taller and far less enthusiastic about this affection.

"Oh come on, Taehyungie," Jimin cooed, poking Taehyung's cheek. "Are you still mad? Forgive me, pleeeeease?"

Taehyung huffed dramatically, turning his face away as if Jimin's presence was too much to bear. "Hmph. I don't forgive traitors who pick smiling gummy monsters over their bestie," he declared.

Jimin blinked, then burst into laughter. "Oh my gosh, you're still talking about Yoongi? You'll survive, Tae, I promise."

But Taehyung couldn't hold onto his grudge for long. Just as Jimin's laughter started to melt his resolve, Taehyung's gaze caught something-or rather, someone-that reignited his annoyance.

'There he was, The boy'.

The boy who had thrown him twice without even a flinch. Standing at a distance, looking as emotionless and detached as ever, oblivious to the chaos he had caused in Taehyung's life.