Troublemaker

TROUBLE 32

The morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the dining room. The soft clinking of utensils and the low hum of conversation filled the air as the brothers eased into their morning routine. Jungkook, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, piled scrambled eggs onto his plate, glancing toward Jin.

"Hyung," Jungkook began, his voice filled with hopeful enthusiasm, "can I get that new game everyone's talking about? It just came out, and it looks awesome."

Jin chuckled, ruffling Jungkook's hair. "Again? Didn't you just get a new game last month?" He exchanged a knowing look with Namjoon, who was sipping his coffee with a bemused smile.

"But hyung, this one is different!" Jungkook insisted, his voice taking on a playful whine. "It has better graphics and—"

"Better graphics, more fun," Taehyung interjected from the other side of the table, arching an eyebrow. "That's what you said about the last one, too."

Namjoon chuckled as he stirred his coffee. "Sounds like Deja vu, Kook. What's the hurry? You haven't even finished the one you have."

Jungkook groaned, casting a pointed glance at Taehyung. "Because someone keeps making me study! I barely have time to play."

Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his tone calm but firm. "Studying is important, especially with exams coming up. You can't expect rewards like games without putting in the work first."

Jin, ever the peacekeeper, placed a fresh plate of pancakes in front of Jungkook. "How about this? If you can go a week without any complaints from school, we'll consider it."

"A whole week?" Jungkook's eyes widened in mock horror. "That's forever!"

Taehyung buttered his toast, his expression serious. "Not just for a week, Kook. I want you to stay focused until the exams are over. I know what you've been up to at school, and it's time to take your studies seriously. No more distractions."

Jungkook slumped in his chair, folding his arms. "You're always so strict, hyung."

"Strict, but fair," Taehyung said gently. "I don't enjoy scolding you, but I want you to succeed. That's what matters most."

Jungkook's pout softened into a reluctant smile. "Okay, okay. I'll try to stay out of trouble."

Namjoon nudged Jungkook with a grin. "Think of it as a challenge. You love those, don't you?"

Jungkook's face lit up at the word "challenge." "Fine. I'll focus on my studies and get better grades."

Taehyung reached over, ruffling Jungkook's hair with an affectionate smile. "That's the attitude. And if you stay on track with no complaints until your exams are done, I'll get you that game—and any others you want after that."

Jungkook's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Any game?"

Taehyung nodded, his expression both encouraging and firm. "Every game, as long as you keep your promise. No complaints, focus on your studies, and do your best."

"Deal!" Jungkook beamed, his enthusiasm reignited by the promise of new games. His bunny smile was contagious, spreading across the room to his brothers, who couldn't help but grin at his delight.

As Taehyung gathered his finished plate, he leaned down and placed a soft peck on Jungkook's cheek. "Alright, now finish your breakfast. We're running late," he said with a gentle smile before heading to the kitchen.

Jungkook's face flushed slightly, but his smile remained wide as he turned back to his plate.

Taehyung and Jungkook strolled through the bustling school hallway, their conversation light and filled with laughter. Jungkook recounted a humorous incident from his class, his animated gestures making Taehyung chuckle softly. The morning energy pulsed around them, students weaving through the corridor, their chatter creating a lively hum that echoed off the walls.