The morning sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the mansion as it began to wake from the stillness of the night. Heejin and Hoseok stirred in their room, reluctant to break free from the cozy embrace of sleep. Eventually, Heejin stretched and blinked her eyes open, noticing the time on the clock.

“Oh no, it’s late,” she murmured, nudging Hoseok beside her.

Hoseok grunted, half-opening one eye before realizing just how late it was. “Wow, I guess we needed the rest,” he chuckled, rubbing his face. They both knew yesterday’s mission had taken its toll, but there was a sense of peace that had settled over them—a rare feeling of contentment now that Taehyung and Jungkook were back in their lives.

As they got up and started moving around, Heejin glanced around the room, noticing how it felt simultaneously familiar and different. The memories of nights spent with Taehyung and Jungkook years ago came flooding back. A faint smile touched her lips, and she glanced at Hoseok, who seemed to be lost in thought.

“Do you think Jungkook and Tae woke up?” she asked, slipping into more comfortable clothes for the day.

Hoseok paused, then shook his head. “No, they must have gone to bed after us. Or maybe they’re around here somewhere.”

They decided to look for them, hoping to share breakfast. Heejin checked the adjoining rooms, but they were empty. As she and Hoseok continued their search through the quiet hallways, it was clear that the mansion still held onto its secrets, keeping a sense of nostalgia in every corner.

When they finally reached the Sun Room, the sight that met their eyes stopped them in their tracks. There, curled up together on the couch, were Taehyung and Jungkook, sound asleep. Jungkook’s arms were wrapped protectively around Taehyung, holding him close. Their faces, so often hardened by the weight of their past, were softened in sleep, showing a rare glimpse of vulnerability.

Hoseok’s usual playful demeanor was replaced with something softer as he watched them, a warm smile spreading across his face. Heejin felt her heart swell at the sight. The Sun Room had always been their sanctuary—a place where they used to spend hours talking, dreaming, and finding solace in each other’s company. Now, seeing Taehyung and Jungkook there, it felt like everything had come full circle.

Heejin and Hoseok exchanged a glance, both of them knowing without words that they wouldn’t disturb this moment. They quietly stepped back, content to let their brothers rest for as long as they needed. Instead, they found themselves standing just outside the room, leaning against the door frame, sharing the quiet space between them.

“Look at them,” Heejin whispered. “It’s like they’re back to how they used to be.”

Hoseok nodded, his gaze still fixed on his best friend and Taehyung. “They’ve both been through so much. But seeing them like this…I think they’re finally healing.”

Heejin leaned her head on Hoseok’s shoulder, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “When I got the order to bring Taehyung here, I wasn’t sure how things would play out. I knew there was a risk, but seeing them together now, I’m glad we took it. They need each other more than ever.”

Hoseok sighed, the weight of their shared memories pressing down on him. “It wasn’t easy for either of them. I can’t imagine what it was like for Taehyung, having to stay away. And for Jungkook…well, you know how he is. He doesn’t let people in, but when he does, he loves fiercely. Losing Tae was like losing a part of himself.”

Heejin nodded, her eyes never leaving the pair. “I just hope this time they can hold onto each other. They’ve been through enough.”

“Same for us babe”

Hoseok wrapped an arm around Heejin’s shoulders, drawing her close as they stood there in silence. The mansion felt different now, with the four of them reunited under one roof again. It was as if a long-lost harmony had been restored, and a weight lifted off their chests.

Inside the Sun Room, Jungkook began to stir, his eyes slowly fluttering open. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the light, before realizing where he was and who was beside him. Taehyung was still nestled against him, his breathing slow and steady. A soft smile crossed Jungkook’s face as he gazed down at him, his hand gently brushing a few stray strands of hair from Taehyung’s forehead.

Jungkook’s movement woke Taehyung, who opened his eyes sleepily, momentarily disoriented. But as soon as his gaze met Jungkook’s, he relaxed, a sleepy smile mirroring Jungkook’s.

“Good Morning,” Taehyung murmured, his voice thick with sleep.

“Good Morning, baby,” Jungkook replied, his voice groggy but full of warmth.

Hoseok and Heejin took this as their cue, stepping into the room with quiet smiles. “Well, look who finally decided to wake up,” Hoseok teased, his tone light and playful.

Jungkook rolled his eyes but smiled, grateful to see his hyung’s familiar grin. “Good morning to you too, Hyung.”

Heejin moved closer, looking down at Taehyung with an affectionate smile. “We were starting to think you two would sleep all day,” she joked, a gentle hand on Taehyung’s shoulder.

Taehyung smiled softly, rubbing his eyes. “It’s been a while since I slept so well noona.”

Jungkook squeezed his shoulder gently, his expression unreadable but filled with a deep-seated emotion that he rarely let show. “I think we all needed it,” he murmured, looking up at Hoseok and Heejin with gratitude.

The four of them settled in the Sun Room, the conversation flowing easily as they shared the morning. It was as if the years of separation and the countless hardships melted away in the light of the morning sun. There was laughter and warmth, the kind of comfort that only came from those who truly understood you.

Heejin disappeared into the kitchen to make coffee for everyone, while Hoseok and Jungkook fell into an animated conversation about the mission. Taehyung leaned onto Jungkook's shoulder, listening to them, a content smile on his face. He had missed this—missed the simplicity of moments like this, surrounded by the people who mattered the most.

When Heejin returned with a tray of steaming mugs, she handed each of them their drinks. Taehyung took a sip of his hot chocolate, the familiar taste bringing back memories of countless mornings just like this one.

As they drank, Hoseok reached over and ruffled Taehyung’s hair. “Welcome back, Tae. This place wasn’t the same without you.”

Taehyung smiled, his gaze moving to Jungkook, who looked back at him with an expression that spoke of promises made and kept. “I’m glad to be home hyung,” he said softly, his words carrying the weight of everything he had endured to get here.

And in that moment, surrounded by friends and love, Taehyung knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he was exactly where he was meant to be.

______________________________________

The rest of the inner circle—Jin, Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jimin—sat around the long wooden table in the main dining room, finishing breakfast in various states of curiosity. Jin had finished his meal early and was now sipping on his tea, watching the others with a thoughtful expression. Namjoon was flipping through a newspaper, while Yoongi leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed, his mind wandering. Jimin, ever the keen observer, had noticed Hoseok’s absence almost immediately.

“Strange, isn’t it?” Jimin remarked, glancing around the table. “Hoseok hyung is usually here by now, at least to grab a quick bite before going about his day.”

Jin nodded, setting his cup down. “I noticed that too. It’s one thing for Jungkook to miss breakfast—he rarely joins us anyway—but Hoseok? That’s new.”

Yoongi shrugged, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as well. “Maybe he’s busy with the newcomers,” he suggested, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. “After all, they didn’t come down either.”

“True,” Namjoon chimed in, finally setting the newspaper aside. “Heejin and Taehyung didn’t join us last night either, did they?”

Jin shook his head. “No, I saw them briefly when I came down to get some coffee talking with the head butler, but then they disappeared to that upper floor with Jungkook and Hoseok.”

There was a brief silence as the four men exchanged glances. Though they were part of the inner circle, they had never ventured up to the floor where Jungkook and Hoseok resided. Everyone in the mansion knew that the floor was off-limits. It had always been that way, even before the current inner circle had been assembled.

Jimin drummed his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “I’ve always wondered what’s up there,” he admitted a mischievous glint in his eye. “We know it’s not just bedrooms. Rumor has it there’s a whole living room, a kitchen, and maybe even a library up there.”

Yoongi’s brow arched. “A library? That would make sense,” he mused. “I heard one of the old maid saying that Taehyung guy used to spend hours reading, back when he lived here before.”

The others nodded, curiosity growing as they considered the space they’d never seen. Jungkook and Hoseok were fiercely private about that floor, and while none of them had ever dared to ask for a tour, the mystery had always been tantalizing.

“Do you think they’ll stay up there the whole time?” Jin asked, his gaze sweeping over the others. “It feels a bit strange like they’re hiding something from us.”

Namjoon shrugged. “It’s not our place to question them. Jungkook’s always had his reasons for keeping that floor private. But with those two back, things might change. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.”

Jimin leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “I bet it’s incredible up there. Think about it—a private living room, their kitchen, and what else? They must have created their little world away from the rest of us.”

Yoongi nodded, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. “Knowing Jungkook, he’s done everything possible to make sure it’s exactly how he wants it. And if the newcomers are his family, I’m sure he’ll go out of his way to make it comfortable for them.”

The conversation lulled into silence again, each man lost in thought, imagining what lay beyond that forbidden door. It was an unspoken rule that they never questioned Jungkook’s decisions, especially when it came to his private quarters. Still, the mystery of the upper floor lingered in their minds, and the absence of Jungkook and Hoseok at breakfast only made them more curious.

As they finished their meal, Jin glanced at the clock. “Well, we’ve got work to do. I suppose we’ll find out eventually what they’re up to. It’s only a matter of time.”

Namjoon stood, stretching his arms over his head. “Right. We should focus on today’s tasks. Jungkook will let us know what he wants us to know when he’s ready.”

The others nodded, gathering their things as they prepared to head out. But even as they dispersed to their respective duties, the question of what lay beyond that forbidden door lingered in their minds. They couldn’t help but wonder about the secrets hidden on that upper floor and what it meant now that Taehyung and Heejin had returned.

______________________________________

Meanwhile, upstairs in the kitchen, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the bustling curiosity downstairs. Jungkook and Taehyung were now sitting by the window, watching the morning sunlight spill over the grounds of the estate while Heejin and Hoseok prepared breakfast. The tranquility of the moment was something they all cherished, a quiet reprieve from the chaos that often surrounded them.

After Heejin prepared breakfast, the four of them sat around the small table, enjoying their meal in a comfortable silence that spoke volumes about their shared history.

“I’ve missed this,” Taehyung murmured, looking around the room with a soft smile. “I felt lonely when it was just Noona and me at the breakfast back there.”

Jungkook reached across the table, taking Taehyung’s hand in his own. “This is our home,” he replied, his voice steady and full of warmth. “It always will be, as long as we’re together.”

Hoseok grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Tae bear, I missed this too, especially how you always stole food from my plate.

Heejin laughed, her gaze lingering on her bear with a look of quiet affection. “And now that you’re here, we’ll make sure this place is exactly as it should be.”

As the morning wore on, they found themselves gravitating back to the Sun Room, the heart of their shared space. They settled into their old routines, finding comfort in the familiar surroundings. The worries of the outside world seemed to melt away, leaving only the warmth of their friendship and the promise of a new beginning.

It wasn’t until later when they had parted to their rooms, that Heejin and Hoseok began to prepare for the day. But even as they went about their tasks, their thoughts lingered on the reunion that had brought them all back together. The questions of the inner circle, the curiosity about what lay beyond that forbidden door—they were all part of the story that had woven their lives together, a tapestry of secrets and shared memories that bound them as tightly as family.

And as Jungkook and Taehyung curled up together in the Sun Room, their hearts filled with a quiet joy that no one else could touch, they knew that they had found their way back to each other and that this time, they would not be parted again.

______________________________________

The idea of meeting the inner circle in the main living room had come up during breakfast, and Heejin had been the most enthusiastic about it. Although she had briefly met Jin, Namjoon, Yoongi, and Jimin years ago, they were practically strangers now. She wanted to bridge that gap and make them feel comfortable with her presence, as well as Taehyung’s. The group had changed over time, but she knew they had been an integral part of Jungkook's life during her absence.

“I think it’s high time we had a proper catch-up,” Heejin said, giving Jungkook a meaningful look. “It’s not right to keep hiding up here. They deserve to know us better, and we deserve to know them.”

Jungkook sighed, feigning reluctance. “Fine. But I’ll only come if you make me something strong to drink.”

She rolled her eyes, already heading toward the kitchen to start on a fresh pot of tea. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. You know you’ve missed them too.”

“What's there to miss? I see them every day!!”

Taehyung chuckled as he watched the familiar exchange. He could see Jungkook softening under Heejin’s persistent affection. Jungkook had a soft spot for his cousin, and while he might act annoyed, it was obvious that he appreciated her nudging.

_____________________________________

Hi Berries!

Hope you all are doing well!

I have my exams coming up in two weeks, so I thought of giving you an update; this is short, and I'm not quite satisfied with this chapter, but take it as a filler. (your author is turning into a zombie)

I didn't have time to proofread so there may be so many mistakes, and I'm sorry for that.

Don't forget to vote, comment, and share...

✍️ Adona 🍂🖤