The Wolf's Heart

43

The peaceful morning stretched into a quiet day. For the first time in weeks, there were no pressing matters at court, no letters from neighboring kingdoms, and no reports of unrest. It felt almost surreal.

Taehyung and Jungkook lingered in their room longer than usual, savoring the rare stillness.

Jungkook’s soft voice broke the silence. “Do you think it’ll stay like this for a while?”

Taehyung, who had been reclining with Jungkook nestled against him, hummed thoughtfully. “I don’t know. But for today, we’re not letting anything disrupt this peace.”

Jungkook tilted his head to look up at him, a soft smile playing on his lips. “You sound almost optimistic.”

Taehyung smirked. “Don’t get used to it.”

They shared a quiet laugh before Jungkook’s stomach growled loudly, making both of them freeze. A second later, they burst into laughter, the sound echoing warmly through the chamber.

“Seems like someone’s hungry,” Taehyung teased.

Jungkook pouted, his cheeks tinged pink. “It’s your fault for keeping me here all morning.”

Taehyung stood, offering his hand. “Then let’s go. I’ll have the kitchens prepare something special.”

Jungkook hesitated, looking up at him. “How about… we cook together?”

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “You want me to cook?”

Jungkook giggled, standing and pulling him toward the door. “Yes! I’ll teach you. It’ll be fun.”

The royal kitchen staff was understandably shocked when the King and his Consort entered, declaring they’d cook their own meal. Despite their protests, Taehyung dismissed them, leaving only a few maids to assist.

Jungkook tied an apron around his waist and handed one to Taehyung, who looked at it as though it were a foreign object.

“Don’t just stand there,” Jungkook teased. “Put it on.”

Grumbling under his breath, Taehyung complied. “You better not laugh.”

Jungkook bit his lip, failing miserably at suppressing his giggles. “You look… adorable.”

Taehyung shot him a mock glare. “You’re enjoying this too much.”

They worked side by side, with Jungkook instructing Taehyung on how to chop vegetables and prepare the ingredients. It was slow-going at first—Taehyung’s knife skills left much to be desired—but the omega was patient, offering gentle guidance.

“You’re a natural,” Jungkook said, smiling as Taehyung finally managed to dice the vegetables evenly.

Taehyung huffed, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. “Don’t patronize me.”

They continued like that, their playful banter filling the kitchen as they prepared a simple but hearty meal. When it was finally done, they sat together at a small table, sampling their handiwork.

“This is surprisingly good,” Taehyung admitted after a bite.

Jungkook grinned. “That’s because I did most of the work.”

Taehyung rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. He reached across the table, taking Jungkook’s hand in his. “Thank you.”

Jungkook blinked, surprised. “For what?”

“For making me feel… normal. For giving me moments like this.”

Jungkook’s heart swelled at the sincerity in Taehyung’s voice. “You don’t have to thank me for that. It’s what we both deserve.”