chapter 2 (≧▽≦)
[Two days later – Morning in the apartment corridor]
The smell of fresh bread wafted through the hallway
TAEHYUNG
(Carrying his guitar on his back, was locking his apartment)
When the door to 306 opened
JUNGKOOK
[ stepped Out, dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans, hair slightly tousled]
He carried a neatly packed lunch bag, probably heading to work
TAEHYUNG
(Smiled instantly) morning
JUNGKOOK
(Glanced at him but didn’t respond verbally — instead, he gave a small nod and started walking toward the stairs)
TAEHYUNG
[Quickly caught up, walking beside him]
TAEHYUNG
So… um, the other day, thank you for telling me about… you know… your hearing. I didn’t mean to be awkward
JUNGKOOK
(Steps didn’t falter, but he reached into his sling bag and pulled out his small notepad. He scribbled)
TAEHYUNG
I’ve been looking up Korean Sign Language videos. Maybe you can teach me properly?
JUNGKOOK
(Raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer — instead, he gave a polite smile)
Almost as if to say we’ll see, before continuing down the stairs
[Later that day – Music studio]
Yoongi was tuning his guitar while a couple of other musicians were testing microphones
TAEHYUNG
(Sat at the keyboard but kept glancing at the door, clearly distracted)
YOONGI
You’re hopeless. Go ahead, admit it — you’re crushing on the pianist next door
TAEHYUNG
He’s not a pianist… I mean, maybe he is, but—
YOONGI
Tae, you literally stared at the door for fifteen minutes yesterday
Before Taehyung could reply, the studio manager came in
Manager: "Tae, Yoongi — there’s a school charity event next month. They want live music. You two are free, right?"
Taehyung’s mind wandered. Maybe he could invite Jungkook
[Afternoon – Outside the building]
Rain had started to drizzle when Taehyung came home
In front of the building, he saw Jungkook and someone — a lively, sunshine-like presence — carrying grocery bags.
TAEHYUNG
(Approached with a friendly smile) Hi, need help?
Before Jungkook could answer
HOBI
(Stepped forward, eyeing Taehyung carefully) We’re fine, thank you
His tone was polite but firm — the kind that says we don’t need strangers interfering.
Still, Taehyung ignored the warning
TAEHYUNG
(He took one of the heavier bags from Jungkook anyway)
TAEHYUNG
I’m Taehyung. I live in 302
HOBI
I know. We saw you moving in
JUNGKOOK
(Signed something quickly to Hoseok, his hands moving with precision)
HOBI
(Replied in sign, then turned to Taehyung)
HOBI
Jungkook says thanks… but we’re okay
TAEHYUNG
(Caught the name and smiled) Jungkook… nice name
JUNGKOOK
(Lips twitched — not quite a smile, but not displeasure either)
[Evening – Taehyung & Yoongi’s apartment]
Yoongi was in the kitchen making ramyeon when Taehyung burst in, clearly excited.
YOONGI
You look like you just got a phone number
TAEHYUNG
Better. I got his name. Jungkook
YOONGI
[snorts] Wow, next step: wedding invitations?
TAEHYUNG
Very funny. But seriously… he’s… different. I want to know more
YOONGI
(Shook his head but smirked) Just don’t scare him away with your golden retriever energy
[The next day – Park bench outside the building]
Taehyung spotted Jungkook sitting on a bench near the apartment entrance, sketchbook in hand. He seemed completely absorbed in drawing
TAEHYUNG
(Approached quietly and peeked over)
TAEHYUNG
Whoa… you’re good
JUNGKOOK
(Looked up, startled)
JUNGKOOK
(He quickly closed the sketchbook)
Almost shyly, but not before Taehyung caught a glimpse — a pencil drawing of a small child laughing while holding a cat
TAEHYUNG
That’s beautiful. Did you draw it from memory?
JUNGKOOK
(Hesitated, then wrote in his notepad) Yes. My cousin’s kid
TAEHYUNG
(Smiled warmly) You’re full of surprises
For the first time, Jungkook actually smiled — a small, genuine one — before looking away
Taehyung came home late from the studio
In the corridor, he heard faint music again — the same piano tune from the first day
TAEHYUNG
(He followed it and gently knocked on Jungkook’s door)
HOBI
(Opened it, raising an eyebrow)
TAEHYUNG
I… heard the piano. I just wanted to say it’s beautiful
HOBI
(Face softened slightly, but his tone stayed guarded) He can’t hear you play compliments, you know
TAEHYUNG
(smiling) I know. But I think he can feel them
HOBI
(Looked at him for a moment, then stepped aside) Five minutes. Don’t disturb him too much
And there was Jungkook, seated at the piano
JUNGKOOK
(Eyes closed, fingers moving across the keys)
JUNGKOOK
(He wasn’t playing for an audience. He was playing for himself)
TAEHYUNG
( couldn’t take his eyes off him)
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