By the time Jungkook and Taehyung reached the apartment building, the rain had softened into a misty drizzle. The umbrella dripped quietly in Jungkook’s hand, while Taehyung shook his hair like a wet puppy, laughing under his breath.
“Home sweet home,” Jungkook murmured, pulling out his own keys.
Taehyung reached into his pocket, fumbling around—first his jeans, then his jacket, then the small crossbag slung at his side. His smile faltered.
“Uh-oh.”
Jungkook glanced at him. “What?”
“My key,” Taehyung said, patting himself again. “I’m sure I had it… The broker gave it to me this morning, but—” He pulled out the damp slip of paper again, but no key. His brows furrowed. “Maybe I dropped it in the rain?”
Jungkook sighed softly. “You should call your broker and ask for another. But until then…” He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “You can wait at my place. You’re soaked through. You’ll catch a cold like this.”
Taehyung’s eyes widened, then softened with gratitude. “Really? You don’t mind?”
Jungkook shook his head quickly. “It’s fine. Come on.”
His apartment was tidy—almost too tidy. Books lined the shelves in perfect rows, the faint smell of coffee lingering in the air. Taehyung stepped inside and let out a low whistle.
“Wow. Cozy.” His eyes roamed the space, taking in the simple couch, the framed photos of landscapes, and the bookshelf crammed with worn covers. “You live alone?”
Jungkook nodded, setting the umbrella aside. “Yeah. It’s quiet.”
Taehyung slipped off his wet jacket, then hesitated. His shirt clung to his skin, translucent from the rain. Jungkook caught himself staring—his ears burned, and he quickly turned away.
“I’ll… get you something dry,” Jungkook muttered, disappearing into his bedroom.
He returned with a soft gray hoodie and sweatpants. “Here. They might be a little loose, but better than…” His voice trailed off when Taehyung smiled warmly at him, accepting the clothes.
“Thanks, Jungkook.”
When Taehyung emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, Jungkook nearly dropped the mug he was holding. The hoodie hung slightly off Taehyung’s frame, the sleeves a little too long, the sweatpants gathered around his ankles—but somehow, it suited him perfectly.
Jungkook’s throat went dry. Why does he look better in my clothes than I do?
Taehyung tilted his head. “What? Do I look funny?”
Jungkook coughed, averting his eyes. “N-No. They… they fit fine.”
A grin spread across Taehyung’s face. “I knew it. You were staring.”
Jungkook flushed, busied himself with the kettle. “Do you want tea?”
“Hot chocolate, if you have it,” Taehyung replied immediately, eyes twinkling.
Jungkook froze. “…Hot chocolate?”
Taehyung nodded eagerly. “Yeah. It’s my favorite.”
A strange flutter ran through Jungkook’s chest. Mine too. But he only nodded silently, reaching into the cupboard where the tin of cocoa powder sat waiting—as if it had been placed there just for this moment.
While Jungkook stirred the steaming cups, Taehyung wandered toward the bookshelf. His fingers trailed over the spines, pausing when he noticed the titles.
“You like romance novels?” Taehyung asked, half-teasing.
Jungkook stiffened, glancing over. “They’re… classics.”
Taehyung pulled out one—its corners worn, the pages soft from rereads. “‘When It Rains, I See You,’” he read the title aloud, smiling. “That sounds exactly like something you’d read.”
Jungkook blinked. “…You don’t even know me.”
“Maybe,” Taehyung said, slipping the book back gently, “but I feel like I will.”
The words lingered in the air, heavier than the steam rising from the cups.
When Jungkook handed him the hot chocolate, their fingers brushed. Taehyung’s hand was still cool from the rain, and Jungkook felt heat rush to his ears. They both pretended not to notice, sipping in silence.
Taehyung leaned back against the couch, eyes half-lidded in contentment. “Your place feels… safe. Like I could fall asleep here.”
Jungkook’s chest tightened. Safe. Warm. Words he hadn’t realized he craved.
But just as quickly, something tugged at the edges of his mind—like a whisper. He glanced at the door, convinced for a second that he’d heard footsteps in the hallway.
Nothing.
When he looked back, Taehyung was watching him quietly, as if he had noticed the flicker of unease. But instead of asking, Taehyung simply smiled again, soft and reassuring.
Jungkook let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. Maybe he was just tired. Maybe it was the rain.
Either way, tonight, the only thing that mattered was the boy in his hoodie, sipping hot chocolate in his living room, making the world feel less lonely.
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