Taehyung's pov

I woke up in the middle of the night to drink water. my throat was dry and itchy. but, before I could open my eyes, I felt myself in a soft embrace. Where was I? and why was the embrace familiar? why did the embrace give me a certain satisfaction?

I opened my eyes and was shocked. I was in my room but what was Jungkook doing here? why was he sleeping with me? why were we cuddling? the last thing I remember is being on the cliff, drinking and staring at the stars.

I slowly removed Jungkook's hand from my waist and got up. I drank some water from the bottle I had kept beside my bed and lay down again. then I realised... It didn't matter why Jungkook was here or how he was here. the most important thing right now was...

I had Jungkook in my embrace. after 10 years of wishing it. after almost believing that it was impossible. after crying for nights because I missed his embrace. why he was here or what was going to happen? I didn't know. but all these questions disappeared as I looked at Jungkook's face.

his peaceful face, soft breaths. the gentle rise and fall of his chest, and the way he held onto me as if I might vanish into the night stirred emotions within me. his hand was on my waist while his other hand was below my head acting like my pillow. despite his deep slumber, he was holding me tightly. like he was afraid to let go, like I would disappear. it was true though. This night was like a small moment from another universe to help us go back to our normal life, living the rest of our lives on this memory. 

I suddenly realised I was wearing a hoodie that I was not wearing before. had he made me wear it? Jimin knows I don't like to wear warm clothes so he won't do that. had Jungkook made me wear it?

Lost in studying his features, I couldn't help but notice the changes time had etched into him. His jawline was sharper, and his demeanour matured, yet he remained distinctly Jungkook, both familiar and changed.

he had the same captivating doe eyes that had held my secrets and stories, that had laughed with me and shed tears with me, those heart-shaped lips that had captured mine, those lips that had claimed me once. the mole below his lip still made me crazy, and that endearing scar on his cheek, a reminder of vulnerability he carried. My fingers traced its outline; it had always been a part of him, an imperfection that made him perfect in my eyes. my hand unconsciously went to that scar and caressed it. he snuggled into my hand and shifted closer to me.

this moment took me back, to 10 years ago... when I had first seen that scar.

Flashback

Waking up to the warm embrace of sunlight streaming through the window, I blinked my eyes open, momentarily disoriented. The unfamiliar surroundings slowly came into focus, and the realization hit me—I wasn't in my own house. I was in Jungkook's bed.

Memories from the previous night flooded back, piecing together the events that led me here. I remembered going over to Jungkook's place angry that he hadn't picked me up from school, only to find out about the fight that ensued, leaving him badly injured. Concern had overridden any other thought, and I had stayed over to take care of him.

Recollections of the night surfaced—hours spent chatting about everything and anything under the sun, our conversations ranging from trivial topics to deeper discussions that unveiled parts of ourselves we hadn't shared before. There was an unexpected ease in our interaction, a sense of connection that transcended the circumstances.

The warmth of the morning sun seeped through the window, casting a gentle glow on the room. Jungkook lay beside me, peacefully asleep. I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—gratitude for the chance to be there for him, a touch of uncertainty about the implications of our newfound closeness, and a lingering curiosity about what this bond might mean for us going forward.

Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I observed the room around me, noticing the little details—the way sunlight danced across the room, the peaceful quietness that enveloped us, and the sense of comfort that lingered despite the unfamiliar setting.

As Jungkook stirred slightly in his sleep, I couldn't help but feel a wave of empathy and a newfound closeness, hoping that our unexpected night together had forged a stronger connection between us. Yet, amidst the comfort of the moment, questions lingered about what this experience might entail for our friendship and where it might lead us next.

I woke up with the realization that I was already late for school. Logic nudged me to get up, but I found myself unable to extricate from Jungkook's embrace. It was like my body had a mind of its own, refusing to budge. Instead, I found myself captivated by his presence, inches away from me.

His soft breath against my skin sent shivers down my spine, and I couldn't help but notice the small mole just below his lips. It was a curious detail, simultaneously cute and oddly magnetic. How could something so minor make him irresistibly attractive? Shaking off the urge to plant a kiss on that spot, I reluctantly tore my gaze away.

Then, my attention shifted to his adorable button nose. It was strangely endearing, drawing my gaze before I noticed something new—a faint scar etched on his left cheek. How had I missed it before? It wasn't just any mark; it seemed to add a layer of depth to his features, making him even more appealing. The scar was captivating in its own right, enhancing Jungkook's allure.

As I lingered in the moment, I couldn't help but admire the details that made him uniquely him—each feature painting a picture of someone infinitely intriguing.

Jungkook's voice broke the moment, bringing a rush of embarrassment to my cheeks. "Done staring?" he teased, his playful tone making me fumble for an excuse.

"I-I wasn't staring... I was j-just... I was just..." I stuttered, struggling to find the right words.

Jungkook chuckled softly, easing the tension. "It's okay... I don't mind you staring at me even for the whole day," he said, flashing a teasing grin that only deepened my blush.

With a gentle laugh, he freed himself from our embrace, nudging me to get up. "Now, you have to get up... otherwise, you'll get late for school," he reminded me, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

As I dialled my mother's number, a wave of nerves washed over me, making the act of pressing the call button feel more daunting than it should. Her voice came through the line, brimming with concern and familiarity.

"Hello, Mum..." I began, trying to keep my tone steady despite the turmoil within.

Her voice sounded a bit hurried, "Tae!! Are you in school yet? Are you coming home before going to school or going to school directly with Jimin?"

The mention of Jimin reminded me of the lie I had concocted about spending the night at his place for a school project.

"We're heading directly to school," I responded, the lie coming more naturally now. "We stayed up late last night to finish the project, so we woke up a bit late. Going home would just make us even more late for school."

My mother hummed in agreement, her understanding tone making the lie sting a little less. After a few more minutes of conversation, we said our goodbyes, but as I ended the call, a pang of guilt struck me. This was the third lie I'd told in my life, and all three had been due to Jungkook. I couldn't help but wonder what was happening to me, why I felt compelled to conceal the truth in his presence. The conflicting emotions left me perplexed, and I couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that lingered within me.

As Jungkook emerged from the bathroom, his usual casual attire accentuating his style, I couldn't help but notice how his wet hair added an effortless charm to his appearance. My momentary trance broke when he gently shook me, silently indicating that I should head for my morning routine. Nodding sheepishly, I made my way to the bathroom, only to realize I had forgotten to bring my toothbrush.

Turning back, I approached Jungkook, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Hey, Do you have an extra toothbrush?" I asked, hoping he could help.

He smiled and nodded, reaching for an extra toothbrush. "Here you go. Keep it here for next time. Your unofficial overnight stay kit," he said with a playful wink, making me blush at the implication.

So... he did want me to stay over like this again... this made me turn red... I nodded shyly and ran to the bathroom.

Grateful for his kindness, I thanked him and hurried back to the bathroom, feeling a mix of flustered amusement at his playful remark. After quickly freshening up, I emerged, realizing I didn't have a change of clothes for the day. I sat in front of the mirror, absentmindedly drying my hair, trying to figure out what to do about the uniform situation.

Jungkook approached me from behind, resting his head on my shoulder, causing a ticklish sensation that made me giggle. His question about breakfast caught me off guard.

"what do usually have for breakfast?"

"I usually have pancakes, cereal, fruit juice, or sometimes waffles at home," I replied, glancing back at him with a curious expression.

Furrowing his brows in thought, Jungkook contemplated for a moment. "Let me check what ingredients we have. Maybe we can whip something up," he suggested, his easy-going demeanor putting me at ease.

after fixing my hair, I walked to the kitchen to see Jungkook trying to fix a breakfast. I went to him and saw he was trying to make a pancake. I laughed and sat on the kitchen counter watching him try. after a few minutes, I suggested, " maybe we can eat something else??"

Jungkook looked down embarrassed, " sorry... I don't know how to make pancakes. I've never made them,or even eaten them"

that made me feel sad for Jungkook but I quickly changed the topic, " do you have fruits? what all do you have?"

"We have strawberries..." Jungkook replied, his voice carrying a hint of enthusiasm.

"Just strawberries?" I questioned, curious about the limited selection.

With a nod, Jungkook shared something unexpected, "I love strawberries... I'm literally obsessed. They're my favorite thing in the world."

I laughed at his cute enthusiasm about strawberries. 

he suggested, " do you like strawberry smoothie.. rumours are that I can make the best strawberry smoothie in the world!!!"

Jungkook's enthusiasm for strawberries was infectious, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his adorable excitement.

"A strawberry smoothie? Rumors, huh?" I teased, a smile playing on my lips. "Well then, I'm intrigued. Let's put that reputation to the test!"

Jungkook grinned confidently and began gathering the necessary ingredients. He meticulously washed the strawberries, his movements deliberate and precise, as if preparing for a grand performance.

As he expertly blended the strawberries into a vibrant puree, the fruity aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water. Jungkook's focused expression hinted at his determination to live up to the proclaimed title of the 'best strawberry smoothie maker.'

With a flourish, he poured the luscious pink concoction into a glass, garnishing it with a fresh strawberry on the rim. Handing me the glass, Jungkook's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "The moment of truth! Give it a taste and tell me what you think!"

Taking a sip, I was met with a burst of refreshing sweetness that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't help but be impressed. "Wow, this is amazing! You weren't exaggerating about your smoothie skills," I exclaimed, genuinely impressed by the delicious creation.

Jungkook beamed, looking pleased with the result. "See, I told you! Best strawberry smoothie ever!" he exclaimed with a playful wink.

The experience of sipping Jungkook's homemade strawberry smoothie was unparalleled. Despite having tried various versions at top-tier establishments crafted by renowned chefs, nothing could rival the divine taste of this humble creation. It was an otherworldly indulgence, each sip an exquisite blend of flavors that felt like a heavenly treat. Finishing the last drop, I slung my bag over my shoulder, ready to head out.

As we neared the door, Jungkook halted me with a gentle touch, turning me around to face him. We stood mere inches apart, and I could feel the intensity of his gaze, causing a flutter of anticipation within me. Suddenly, he raised his thumb to my lips, swiping across them swiftly, and for a fleeting moment, a wave of indescribable satisfaction washed over me. I wondered what his next move would be when he unexpectedly cleared his throat and took a step back.

"You had a smoothie mustache," he said, a playful smile gracing his lips.

Caught off guard, I giggled at his remark, realizing the reason for his sudden gesture. With a light-hearted chuckle, we exited the house, making our way to his car. The subtle playfulness between us added a touch of warmth and ease to our interaction, turning a simple morning moment into a delightful memory.

Jungkook dropped me off at the school gates, bidding me farewell with a wave as he drove away. As I stepped into the familiar halls of the school building, a subtle grin lingered on my lips, a leftover from the morning's pleasant moments.

Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly pulled from my reverie by an unexpected hug from behind. It was Jimin. I turned, meeting his raised eyebrows with a smile.

"What's got you in such a good mood today?" he inquired, his curiosity evident.

"Just... thinking about stuff," I replied vaguely, not willing to divulge the details behind my uplifted spirits.

Jimin shrugged it off, and together we made our way to our English class. We settled into our seats, side by side as usual, ready for the lesson. However, today was different. Instead of focusing on the teacher's instructions or taking notes, I found my mind drifting off into a daydream. I couldn't concentrate, and it left me perplexed. It was unusual for me to be this distracted during class, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was different today.