Chapter 5 – Morning Light

The rain had stopped by dawn, leaving the city wrapped in a misty hush. A pale golden light spilled into Jungkook’s apartment, softening the edges of the furniture, painting shadows on the floor.

Jungkook stirred awake on the couch. He had fallen asleep sitting upright, a book half-open on his lap. His neck ached slightly, but before he could stretch, the sound of clattering dishes from the kitchen startled him.

He sat up quickly, blinking clearly.

There, humming a tune under his breath, stood Taehyung—wearing the same oversized hoodie from last night, sleeves dangling past his fingers as he attempted to flip something in a pan. His hair was still messy from sleep, his movements clumsy but oddly graceful.

Jungkook rubbed his eyes. “What are you… doing?”

Taehyung turned, a spatula in hand and an innocent grin on his face. “Making breakfast. Or, well—trying to.”

Jungkook glanced at the counter. There were eggshells scattered, a piece of bread slightly burned on the edge, and the faint smell of something that had almost turned smoky.

“You’re going to set my kitchen on fire,” Jungkook muttered, standing.

Taehyung pouted dramatically. “Hey, I’m not that bad! I can cook. Sometimes. When the pan listens to me.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. He walked over, gently taking the spatula from Taehyung’s hand. “Here. Sit before you destroy my stove.”

Taehyung plopped onto a chair, resting his chin on his palm, watching Jungkook with a lazy smile. “You’re bossy in the kitchen.”

“I’m efficient,” Jungkook corrected, cracking the eggs with practiced ease. His movements were calm, precise, and within minutes, the pan sizzled with the soft aroma of breakfast.

Taehyung’s eyes lingered on him, unblinking. “You look different in the morning light.”

Jungkook faltered, heat creeping up his neck. “…Different how?”

“Warmer,” Taehyung said simply, his voice carrying no teasing this time. “Like this is how you’re meant to be seen.”

Jungkook’s hands stilled on the pan for a moment. His heart gave a sharp, unexpected flutter. He focused harder on the food, pretending not to hear the weight behind those words.

When the plates were finally ready, he placed one in front of Taehyung. “Eat before it gets cold.”

Taehyung beamed. “Yes, chef.”

They ate quietly at first, the clink of forks filling the space. Then Taehyung glanced around again, his eyes falling back on the bookshelf. “You really do live surrounded by stories.”

Jungkook shrugged. “They keep me company.”

Taehyung chewed thoughtfully, then smiled. “Maybe now you won’t need them as much.”

Jungkook froze, his fork midway to his mouth. He looked at Taehyung—really looked at him, the way the morning light softened his features, the way his smile carried warmth Jungkook hadn’t realized he’d been missing.

Something inside him shifted.

But before he could reply, a faint noise caught his ear again—like a knock, far away. He turned his head sharply toward the door. Silence.

“Jungkook?” Taehyung’s voice pulled him back.

He shook his head. “Nothing. Just thought I…” He trailed off, brushing it aside.

Taehyung leaned closer across the table, resting his chin on his hand again. “You think too much. Just eat.”

Jungkook exhaled slowly, forcing a smile. But the thought stayed with him—why did he keep hearing things no one else seemed to?

And yet, with Taehyung sitting across from him, smiling in the golden morning light, the worry melted just enough to make him believe—maybe it didn’t matter.

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