TAEKOOK ONESHOT (PART 2)

Chapter 6

The next morning arrived gently, with golden sunlight streaming through the soft curtains of the boys' shared room. The warmth of the sun painted the walls in shades of hope, a stark contrast to the darkness they had faced in the past. Jungkook stirred first, his instincts always keeping him a light sleeper. He blinked, his vision blurry with sleep, and looked at the two boys curled up next to him. Taehyung's head was resting on Jimin's small shoulder, both of them clutching the blanket as if it were a lifeline.

Jungkook's heart softened at the sight. For a brief moment, the weight of the world on his young shoulders felt lighter. He carefully untangled himself from the blanket, ensuring he didn't wake them, and sat up. The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of breathing, a peace he hadn't known in a long time.

As he stretched, the events of the previous days weighed on him. He wasn't naïve—he knew danger could return at any moment. But for now, they were safe in the Park household, surrounded by kindness he wasn't used to trusting yet. He glanced at Taehyung, who had a peaceful expression on his face. Seeing his baby brother like this gave Jungkook the strength to push forward.

The door creaked open slightly, and Mrs. Park's warm face appeared. She had a gentle smile, her hair tied back neatly, and she carried a tray with three glasses of milk.

"Good morning, Jungkook," she whispered softly, mindful not to wake the other two. "Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook nodded politely, though sleep had been light for him as always. "Yes, ma'am," he replied quietly, his voice respectful but guarded.

Mrs. Park stepped inside, placing the tray on the small table near the bed. Her eyes softened as she looked at the boys still curled up together. "I didn't want to wake them just yet," she said gently. "Let them rest a little longer. You should have some milk, though. You need your strength."

Jungkook hesitated for a moment but then gave a small nod, reaching for the glass. He sipped it quietly, his eyes darting back to Taehyung and Jimin every few seconds as if to make sure they were still there.

"Jungkook," Mrs. Park began, her voice soft but firm, "you're doing such a wonderful job taking care of Taehyung. But you don't have to do everything alone anymore. We're here to help, okay?"

Jungkook looked up at her, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. He wanted to believe her, but trust wasn't something that came easily anymore. Still, he nodded slightly, not wanting to seem ungrateful.

Mrs. Park placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You're a brave boy, Jungkook. But even the bravest need someone to lean on sometimes."

Before Jungkook could respond, a sleepy voice piped up from the bed. "Hyungie... where you goin'?" Taehyung mumbled, his babyish tone making Mrs. Park smile. He rubbed his eyes, sitting up slowly as Jimin stirred beside him.

"I'm right here, Tae," Jungkook replied, his voice softening as he turned back to his brother. "Good morning."

Jimin yawned, his tiny arms stretching as he blinked up at the two. "Is it breakfast time yet?" he asked, his voice still thick with sleep.

Mrs. Park chuckled. "Not yet, Jiminie, but soon. Why don't you boys freshen up, and I'll have something ready for you downstairs?"

Taehyung nodded eagerly, always excited for food, while Jimin clapped his hands, ready to follow Taehyung's lead. Jungkook stood up, helping tae off the bed. The sight of Taehyung's sleepy smile was enough to melt some of the tension in Jungkook's chest.