THE HIDDEN ROSE | Taekook

14. The Reason I Come Home.

Jungkook paced the length of the living room, his hands tucked into the pockets of his black slacks. His jaw was set tight, and his eyes flickered toward the large clock hanging on the wall for what must have been the hundredth time. They were late.

He didn’t like waiting. Patience was never his strong suit, and when it came to Taehyung, it was nonexistent. His protective instincts had only grown sharper after everything they’d been through, and the thought of something happening to Taehyung gnawed at him.

Hoseok, seated on the couch, watched Jungkook’s restless pacing with a small smirk. “You know, you’re wearing a hole in the carpet. They’re probably stuck in traffic or something.”

Jungkook shot him a look, but before he could respond, the sound of the front door opening caught his attention. He turned sharply, his eyes immediately scanning for the familiar figure.

“Finally,” he muttered under his breath.

Yoongi and Jimin were the first to step inside, their relaxed demeanor contrasting Jungkook’s tense frame. Jimin was grinning, his face lit up with amusement, while Yoongi carried a bag of what appeared to be takeout boxes.

“We’re here,” Jimin announced cheerfully, kicking off his shoes.

“Where’s Taehyung?” Jungkook asked, his voice sharper than intended.

“Calm down, JK,” Yoongi drawled, rolling his eyes. “He’s coming. Butler Lee is helping him with his backpack.”

Before Jungkook could respond, Jimin plopped onto the couch beside Hoseok, a wide grin still plastered on his face. “You wouldn’t believe the day we had. Tae was such a cutie at the café.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued despite himself. “Café?”

“Yeah,” Jimin replied, leaning forward like he was about to spill the juiciest gossip. “Tae saw this strawberry cake billboard, and he couldn’t stop staring at it with those big, doe eyes of his. So, of course, we had to stop and get some.”

“Of course,” Yoongi added dryly, setting the takeout bag on the table. “And then Tae decided he wanted to buy the same cake for you.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed, his lips twitching into a faint smile. “He did?”

“Yup,” Jimin said, popping the ‘p.’ “He wanted to get it for everyone. Took his time picking out the perfect boxes too. That’s why we’re late. Blame Tae for being adorable.”

Before Jungkook could respond, the soft sound of footsteps reached his ears, and his eyes darted toward the hallway. Taehyung appeared, his slender frame framed by the soft light filtering in from the hallway. His hands were free, Butler Lee carrying his backpack behind him.

The moment their eyes met, Taehyung’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy. Without hesitation, he walked straight toward Jungkook, his steps quickening as he closed the distance.

Jungkook barely had time to react before Taehyung was in his arms, his lithe frame pressed against Jungkook’s chest. The younger wrapped his arms tightly around Taehyung, holding him close as if to reassure himself that he was safe.

“You’re late,” Jungkook muttered, his voice soft but laced with a hint of scolding.

Taehyung’s response was muffled against Jungkook’s chest. “Sowwy.”

Butler Lee set Taehyung’s backpack on the floor near the door, giving the pair a knowing smile before stepping aside. “He wanted to make sure the cakes didn’t get squished. That’s why it took so long.”