When the stars align

The weight of two worlds

As Taehyung stepped out of the elevator and into the hotel suite, the sound of muffled laughter and the familiar drone of a movie filled the air. The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of the TV and a few scattered lamps. The rest of the members were sprawled across the couches, huddled under blankets, munching on snacks like it was a movie night in a college dorm.

"Ah, look who decided to grace us with his presence!" Jimin called out, his eyes never leaving the screen as he shoved a handful of popcorn into his mouth.

"You're late," Jungkook chimed in, pointing at Taehyung with a chopstick he was using to eat noodles. "Were you out romancing in the snow?"
"Owoo, snow date?" Jin teased, raising an eyebrow as he sat perched in the corner, his arms crossed like a smug older brother.

"It's snowing outside," Hoseok added, waving toward the window. "Did you finally see it, or were you too busy focusing on your inner poet?"

Before Taehyung could open his mouth to reply, Yoongi, nestled deep into the couch with his hood up, muttered, "Leave him alone. The guy's probably freezing, and you're interrogating him like he's on trial."

"Hey, we're just curious," Jimin said, smirking. "Our Taehyungie comes back looking all...thoughtful. Like he's starring in his own K-drama."

"Did you look longingly into the snow and whisper, 'It's so beautiful'?" Namjoon added, barely holding back a chuckle.

"No, No Hyung 'she is sooo Beautifullll'." Jungkook teased.

Taehyung rolled his eyes, kicking off his shoes with a huff. "You're all ridiculous," he muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward.

"That's not a denial," Jungkook shot back, grinning mischievously.

"Yeah," Jin said, leaning forward. "If you have something to confess, now's the time."

As Taehyung returned with a bottle of water, he finally shot them all a look.
"For your information," he said, his voice dripping with mock seriousness, "I was just being a decent human being and making sure a friend got home safely."

"Uh-huh, Hyung you are so romantic..'' Jungkook said, dramatically moving his body in flow.
"You really are on trial," Yoongi muttered, smirking from under his hood.

"Whatever," Taehyung said, flopping onto an empty spot on the couch. "I'm not sharing snacks with any of you."

"Oh no," Jin said, clutching his chest dramatically. "However, will we survive without your pudding contributions?"

That earned another round of laughter, and even Taehyung couldn't help but chuckle. Jimin moved his hand toward Taehyung to get some snacks.

"Just wait," he muttered, pointing at Jimin. "I'm still not over you stealing my pudding earlier."

"Bring it up again, and I'll eat the scarf next time," Jimin shot back, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Snow romance and scarf threats," Hoseok said, shaking his head. "You two should've been the stars of the movie we're watching."

Taehyung groaned, throwing a pillow at the nearest person-who happened to be Jungkook-and sinking deeper into the couch as the others resumed watching their movie, their teasing laughter fading into the background.

Meanwhile, San sat in her apartment, still reeling from the unexpected emotions of the night. She leaned against the windowsill, watching the snow continue to fall, her mind a tangle of thoughts.

It had been a long time since she had felt that carefree light. Spending time with Taehyung had reminded her of what it was like not to have to think about everything else, to... exist in the moment. It was something she didn't know she needed so much until now.