THE HIDDEN ROSE

8. What's There To Miss?

The morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the mansion as it began to wake from the stillness of the night. Heejin and Hoseok stirred in their room, reluctant to break free from the cozy embrace of sleep. Eventually, Heejin stretched and blinked her eyes open, noticing the time on the clock.

“Oh no, it’s late,” she murmured, nudging Hoseok beside her.

Hoseok grunted, half-opening one eye before realizing just how late it was. “Wow, I guess we needed the rest,” he chuckled, rubbing his face. They both knew yesterday’s mission had taken its toll, but there was a sense of peace that had settled over them—a rare feeling of contentment now that Taehyung and Jungkook were back in their lives.

As they got up and started moving around, Heejin glanced around the room, noticing how it felt simultaneously familiar and different. The memories of nights spent with Taehyung and Jungkook years ago came flooding back. A faint smile touched her lips, and she glanced at Hoseok, who seemed to be lost in thought.

“Do you think Jungkook and Tae woke up?” she asked, slipping into more comfortable clothes for the day.

Hoseok paused, then shook his head. “No, they must have gone to bed after us. Or maybe they’re around here somewhere.”

They decided to look for them, hoping to share breakfast. Heejin checked the adjoining rooms, but they were empty. As she and Hoseok continued their search through the quiet hallways, it was clear that the mansion still held onto its secrets, keeping a sense of nostalgia in every corner.

When they finally reached the Sun Room, the sight that met their eyes stopped them in their tracks. There, curled up together on the couch, were Taehyung and Jungkook, sound asleep. Jungkook’s arms were wrapped protectively around Taehyung, holding him close. Their faces, so often hardened by the weight of their past, were softened in sleep, showing a rare glimpse of vulnerability.

Hoseok’s usual playful demeanor was replaced with something softer as he watched them, a warm smile spreading across his face. Heejin felt her heart swell at the sight. The Sun Room had always been their sanctuary—a place where they used to spend hours talking, dreaming, and finding solace in each other’s company. Now, seeing Taehyung and Jungkook there, it felt like everything had come full circle.

Heejin and Hoseok exchanged a glance, both of them knowing without words that they wouldn’t disturb this moment. They quietly stepped back, content to let their brothers rest for as long as they needed. Instead, they found themselves standing just outside the room, leaning against the door frame, sharing the quiet space between them.

“Look at them,” Heejin whispered. “It’s like they’re back to how they used to be.”

Hoseok nodded, his gaze still fixed on his best friend and Taehyung. “They’ve both been through so much. But seeing them like this…I think they’re finally healing.”

Heejin leaned her head on Hoseok’s shoulder, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “When I got the order to bring Taehyung here, I wasn’t sure how things would play out. I knew there was a risk, but seeing them together now, I’m glad we took it. They need each other more than ever.”

Hoseok sighed, the weight of their shared memories pressing down on him. “It wasn’t easy for either of them. I can’t imagine what it was like for Taehyung, having to stay away. And for Jungkook…well, you know how he is. He doesn’t let people in, but when he does, he loves fiercely. Losing Tae was like losing a part of himself.”

Heejin nodded, her eyes never leaving the pair. “I just hope this time they can hold onto each other. They’ve been through enough.”

“Same for us babe”