the secret of kemet. taekook (complete)

⁶⁶. feeling like someone's in love

The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden streaks over the quiet park. The air was crisp, a perfect LA afternoon-warm but with just enough breeze to keep it pleasant.

The leaves rustled softly as Bam, their new dog, trotted ahead of them, tail wagging, ears perking at every little sound.

Jungkook chuckled, watching the dog's excitement. "He's got way too much energy."

Taehyung, dressed in a dark brown wool coat over a black turtleneck and fitted slacks, glanced at Jungkook with a raised brow. "Just say you're getting old, Jungkook."

Jungkook, in his beige hoodie layered under an oversized leather jacket and jeans, scoffed, squeezing Taehyung's hand, fake offended. "Excuse me? I could outrun you any day."

Taehyung smirked, his rings glinting under the soft sunlight as he swung their hands lightly. "Outrun me? You can barely out-sass me."

Jungkook tilted his head, eyes glinting. "I might not sass but i can definitly flirt," he winked.

Taehyung stifled a smile, looking away. His sharp jawline tensed slightly but the tips of his ears turned pink.

Jungkook grinned. Got him.

Bam barked suddenly, tugging at the leash in Jungkook's hand as a squirrel dashed up a tree. Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Calm down, Bam. You're not catching that."

Taehyung, who had been watching Jungkook from the corner of his eye hummed. "You know... he listens to you too well. Suspiciously well."

Jungkook glanced at him. "Yeah?"

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "You totally bribed him, didn't you?"

Jungkook laughed, the deep, rich sound making Taehyung's stomach flip. "What? No."

"Jungkook."

"What?" Jungkook tried to look innocent. "You think I would manipulate a sweet, innocent puppy for affection?"

Taehyung gave him a knowing look.

Jungkook pressed his lips together. "...Fine. Maybe a little."

Taehyung scoffed. "Unbelievable. And here I was, thinking I was the only one you bribed for affection."

Jungkook turned to him, his voice dropping an octave. "Oh? Do you need bribing now?"

Taehyung's steps faltered.

Jungkook smirked, watching the way Taehyung's confidence wavered for just a second.

His fingers twitched against Jungkook's grip, a subtle tell-one Jungkook had memorized over the years.

"Y-Yeah," Taehyung cleared his throat, but his voice wasn't as steady as he wanted it to be. "I mean, look at me."

Jungkook did. Really did.

Taehyung looked breathtaking.

The sharp lines of his features, the way his dark waves fell effortlessly over his forehead, the way his coat framed his broad shoulders. His hands, strong yet elegant, warm in Jungkook's.

His presence was commanding, always had been-but with Jungkook, there was something softer underneath.

A quiet vulnerability that peeked through in stolen glances and hesitant smiles.

Jungkook tugged his hand slightly, pulling Taehyung closer. "I am looking."

Taehyung's breath hitched.