Taehyung couldn't help but grin as he took his first successful step in his plan. Securing a position at JJK Enterprises felt like a significant victory, and now the path ahead seemed clearer. To celebrate, he picked up Jin's favourite cake from the charming little bakery near the office, the sweet aroma wafting through the air as he made his way home.
As he approached the front door, the night wrapped around him like a cozy blanket. He rang the doorbell, anticipation bubbling inside him. After a minute or two, the door swung open, revealing Namjoon, whose radiant dimpled smile instantly brightened the atmosphere.
“Welcome back, Taehyung!” Namjoon said warmly, stepping aside to let him in. The familiar warmth of home enveloped him, and he couldn’t wait to share the surprise he had in store for Jin.
“Thanks, Hyung!” Taehyung said, returning Namjoon’s warm smile with his signature boxy grin. He slipped off his shoes and neatly placed them on the rack, knowing all too well that if he tossed them aside, Jin would surely chase him down with his trusty pink spatula.
As he stepped inside, the familiar scent of home wrapped around him like a comforting hug. Namjoon was already settled on the couch, engrossed in a book, just as he always was. Taehyung made his way to the kitchen, carefully setting the cake in the fridge, excitement bubbling inside him.
“Hyung, where’s Jinnie?” he called out, glancing back at Namjoon.
“He’s not home yet. I called him earlier; he said he’d be back around 8:00 PM,” Namjoon replied, not looking up from his book.
“Ooooh, but he always closes the bakery at 7! Why is he running late?” Taehyung asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.
“He had some orders to finish up,” Namjoon explained, finally glancing up with a knowing smile.
“Got it! I’ll go change, then,” Taehyung said, already heading toward his room.
“Okay, but hurry back! I want to hear all about your interview,” Namjoon called after him, a hint of excitement in his voice.
“Okay, hyungii!” Taehyung replied with a playful smirk, feeling the warmth of their bond as he dashed off to change. The house buzzed with a sense of family, anticipation hanging in the air as they both looked forward to Jin’s return and the stories they would share.
With that, Taehyung headed to his room for a warm, cozy bath, letting the steam relax his muscles. Afterwards, he slipped into a loose white t-shirt and black sweatpants, feeling comfy and ready to unwind. He grabbed a glass of water and some fruits before settling down in the living room with Namjoon, who was still lost in his book. Honestly, Taehyung thought, Namjoon could probably open a library with all the books he read.
“So, Taetae, how was your day at the interview? Tell me everything!” Namjoon said, finally setting his book aside.
Taehyung, peeling an orange, looked up with a smirk. “Hyung, you won’t believe it! There were so many formalities at the office. Even the interview was divided into two phases. The first round was with the HR team, and then guess who showed up for the major interview?”
Namjoon raised an eyebrow, feigning shock. “Don’t tell me it was the mafia boss himself!”
“Exactly! Jeon Jungkook himself!” Taehyung exclaimed, trying to contain his laughter.
“Whatt?! Seriously? Don’t joke with me, please!” Namjoon said, leaning forward, wide-eyed.
“Yeah, why would I joke, hyung?” Taehyung replied, snickering.
Namjoon scratched his head. “How was he? Is he some oldie? He must be in his 50s, right?”
Taehyung chuckled sarcastically. “He’s younger than me! Can you believe it? And he’s the freaking mafia king while handling a billion-dollar business!”
“Seriously? Wow!” Namjoon said dramatically. “Tell me, is he handsome?”
“Hyung, shame on you! You’re already married and have a beautiful, world-renowned handsome husband!” Taehyung teased, shaking his head.
“Shut up, Tae! Don’t be dramatic! I love my Jinnie more than my life! Now tell me!” Namjoon insisted, a playful grin on his face.
“Y…yeah, he is handsome,” Taehyung admitted with a teasing tone.
Namjoon’s eyes sparkled. “Hmm, that means you have a chance! You could make him your boyfriend—or maybe even your husband! But only after our plan, okay?”
Taehyung rolled his eyes. “Hah! I’m straight, hyung. I’m not into men.”
“Try it just once! A man is more trustworthy than a woman,” Namjoon said, winking.
“Aish, hyung, change the subject!” Taehyung groaned, laughing.
“Hahaha! But trust me, you will find someone better soon. Maybe even your boss! Didn’t you see how happy Jinnie and I are together?” Namjoon said, grinning.
“Hmm, you’re right, but I need time. I just went through a breakup, and it’s hard for me to trust anyone—man or woman. You understand, right? I need some time,” Taehyung replied, his smile softening.
“Yeah, take your time, bro. Enjoy every second of your life,” Namjoon said, giving him a reassuring pat on the back.
“By the way, what’s for dinner?” Taehyung asked, changing the subject.
“Nothing! Jin is not home, so there’s nothing in the kitchen,” Namjoon replied, shrugging.
“Wow, he’s late and probably tired. Let’s order something! How about some fast food?” Taehyung suggested, his eyes lighting up.
“Okay, as you wish! I’m in the mood for Korean fried chicken and Coke!” Namjoon said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
“Perfect! I’ll order Korean fried chicken for all of us!” Taehyung said, pulling out his phone and placing the order.
“Food will be here in 30 to 35 minutes,” Taehyung announced proudly.
Namjoon nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “Great! Just enough time for me to finish this chapter—unless you distract me with your antics, of course!”
“Me? Distract you? Never!” Taehyung said with mock innocence, causing both of them to burst into laughter, filling the living room with warmth and camaraderie.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
“Must be Jin!” Namjoon said, looking up with a grin.
“I’ll open the door for my hyung!” Taehyung declared dramatically, strutting toward the door like he was on a catwalk.
Namjoon chuckled, well aware of Taehyung’s flair for the dramatic. “There he goes again with his award-winning performance!”
Taehyung opened the door, revealing Jin, who stepped inside with a tired but warm smile.
“Hello, Taetae!” Jin greeted, exhaustion evident in his voice.
“Hello, Jin Hyung! Welcome home!” Taehyung beamed, his smile stretching from ear to ear as he followed Jin into the living room.
Just then, Taehyung’s phone rang. “Hello?” he answered, his voice shifting to a more professional tone.
“Hello, sir! We are from XXX restaurant. You ordered Korean fried chicken, please confirm your home address,” the voice on the other end said.
“Okay, the address is XYZ, home number 3,” Taehyung replied.
“Thank you, sir! Your order will be delivered within 20 minutes,” the caller confirmed before hanging up.
Taehyung returned to the living room, only to find a scene that made him stop in his tracks. Jin was comfortably nestled in Namjoon’s lap, his head snuggled into Namjoon’s neck while Namjoon lovingly wrapped his arms around Jin’s back.
Taehyung gasped dramatically, pretending to wipe away tears. “Oh God, give me a partner! I’m the only single a** in this whole damn house!”
Jin and Namjoon burst into laughter at Taehyung’s antics.
“How was your interview, Taetae?” Jin asked, still chuckling.
“Long story short, hyung, I got the job! And starting tomorrow, we’ll begin our master plan!” Taehyung announced proudly, puffing out his chest.
Jin jumped for joy, practically leaping into Namjoon’s lap to congratulate Taehyung. Namjoon groaned, more like a dramatic moan.
“Jinnie, don’t jump! It won’t be good for you; you’re already tired, right?” Namjoon said, smirking mischievously.
“Sorry, love! I… I have to go freshen up, then I’ll make dinner for all of us,” Jin said, trying to regain his composure.
“Don’t worry! We ordered dinner; just save your energy for later!” Taehyung laughed, earning a hearty chuckle from Namjoon.
Jin blushed at the implication, heading toward his room. But just before he disappeared, he tossed a pillow at Taehyung, which hit him squarely on the head.
“You’ve become a complete a**hole, Tae! You know that, right?” Jin called out, shaking his head with a smirk.
Taehyung nodded his head like a shameless brat, a playful grin plastered on his face. “Guilty as charged, hyung!”
With laughter echoing through the living room, the warmth of their friendship filled the air, making the house feel even more like home.
After that, they all gathered around the dining table for dinner, just like a family, chatting and laughing over their favourite jokes. The warm, inviting atmosphere wrapped around them like a cozy blanket, making every bite of Korean fried chicken taste even better.
As they finished their meal, Namjoon raised his glass. “To Taehyung! Here’s to new beginnings and the start of our master plan!” he declared, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Cheers!” Jin and Taehyung echoed, clinking their glasses together, the sound ringing with camaraderie.
They then brought out the cake, a delicious creation celebrating Taehyung’s new job. “Make a wish, Tae!” Jin encouraged, grinning like a proud parent.
Taehyung closed his eyes tightly, wishing for success and a sprinkle of adventure. He blew out the candles, and they all cheered, diving into the cake with enthusiasm.
As the evening wore on, they transitioned into a wine party, laughter filling the air as they shared stories and playful banter. Namjoon tried to impress them with his ‘sophisticated’ wine knowledge, while Taehyung playfully challenged him with ridiculous wine pairings for their fried chicken.
“Surely, a fine Cabernet Sauvignon pairs perfectly with this crispy goodness!” Namjoon proclaimed, swirling his glass dramatically.
“More like a can of soda, hyung!” Taehyung shot back, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
Eventually, the fun began to wind down. They all knew Taehyung had a big day ahead of him, with an early start at the office. “Alright, time for bed, everyone!” Jin announced, stifling a yawn.
“Yeah, I had to be in the office by 7 AM. Can’t believe I’m excited about this!” Taehyung said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
As they settled down for the night, Jin’s expression turned a bit serious. He glanced at Taehyung, concern flickering in his eyes. “Just… be careful, okay? I know you’re excited, but I want you to stay safe during the whole plan.”
Taehyung smiled reassuringly. “I will, Hyung! I promise. Besides, I’ve got you and Namjoon watching my back, right?”
“Always,” Namjoon replied, giving Taehyung a thumbs-up.
With that, the three of them drifted off to sleep, the warmth of their friendship surrounding them like a protective shield. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and adventures, but for now, they could rest easy, knowing they were in it together.
.............................................
HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!
THE REAL DRAMA WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT EPISODE, SO STAY TUNED! UNTIL THEN, TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES.
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL DAY AND GOOD health!
I PURPLE YOU, ARMY! 💜
BYE FOR NOW! 👋