𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟏𝟐𝟗

Images of Tiger fighting along with him and protecting him unfold in Jungkook's head as he paces down his room. He plays with his red boxing glove, throwing it in the air and catching it before it touches the floor.

After Jimin explained what happened between them in the past, he didn't find the opportunity to see Tiger.

Until yesterday, in the middle of the battle.

Relief washed over him, though, when he found out Tiger saved Jimin yesterday. He wants—he needs—to talk to him more than ever, but without Taehyung suspecting a thing.

He shoves the single glove into the wardrobe, takes a breath, and strides confidently to the kitchen.

Sweet vanilla hits his nostrils like lightning hitting the mountains outside. The laughter of Taehyung and Seokjin bubbles between them as they cook together. Flour paints their cheeks and nose, eyes shining brightly as Seokjin's shoulders shake, almost losing his balance, pointing at a plate filled with pancakes.

Jungkook bites a chuckle—the shape of the sweet treats is questionable.

He steps closer. "Hey, are you making snacks for everyone?"

"Jungkookie! Look at my bear pancakes, they're coming out pretty cute."

"Uh—sure! They look cute, the facial expressions are on point."

Taehyung lifts his gaze for a moment, then brings it back to the pan. "What do you mean?"

"Isn't this one crying?"

Taehyung frowns. "That's his eye."

Seokjin bursts into laughter once more. "The chocolate dropped a little bit."

"Seokjinnie told me, if I keep practising, by Christmas my bears will look like the ones he makes."

"Mm-hmm."

Again, Jungkook bites his lips to refrain himself from laughing. "Your pancakes are good, Tae. Perfect for a Halloween party."

"Thank you, Jungkookie!" the bear boy says, too concentrate on the dough in the pan to catch the hint of playfulness in Jungkook's voice. "Do you want to try one?"

Jungkook ruffles Taehyung's hair. "Not yet, Bear. We should eat them later with everyone."

Taehyung nods, sticking the tip of his tongue out as he turns the pancake around.

"By the way," Jungkook rubs his nape, "I was looking for you."

"Me?" Taehyung puts the fresh pancake on the plate with the others. "Jin, can you make his face for me? I think his ears are already too close to each other."

Seokjin retrieves the bottle filled with chocolate. "Don't worry, Seokjinnie will fix it."

"It doesn't matter how they look, Bear. We're going to eat them anyway."

Taehyung and Seokjin give him a look, as if saying, it does matter.

Jungkook chuckles. "Anyway, I promise it's urgent. I need to talk with Tiger. I couldn't do it yesterday, it got pretty messy. I was thinking, maybe Jin can finish the last pancakes and you can come with me?"

Taehyung gives his head a quick shake, pushing the fluffy brown hair out of his eyes. "Yeah, but what do you need to talk about?"

Jungkook raises his eyebrows, surprised. "Couple stuff."

"Seokjinnie, do you mind if I go with him?"

He smiles. "I'll let you know when the food's ready."

"Tiger can eat the pancakes with you." Taehyung proposes, his adorable, boxy smile on full display.