CLOAK & DAGGER: 2

1: The New Beginning

Jungkook's cheeks flushed slightly, though he played it off with a grumpy chuckle. "You don't look too bad yourself," he replied, his eyes shining with the lights from lantern, directly falling onto his face.

Taehyung finally smiled, a bit of his usual charm returning, "I know... but not more than you." His voice was soft, almost reverent, as if they were sharing a moment far removed from the noise of the festival.

There was a pause, a silent exchange between them, full of unspoken feelings. Taehyung's heart felt light yet full, the weight of their shared history, their growing connection, hanging in the air between them like a delicate thread.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, "Well, are we going to eat, or are you going to stand here all night admiring me?" he teased again, though his voice was warm, his eyes looking into those oceans as if in no rush to break the moment.

Taehyung chuckled, stepping aside to open the restaurant door. "After you, your highness!" he said, his voice was low, respectful and smooth, the corners of his lips lifting into a grin as he bowed to him. Jungkook brushed past him as if taking in the gesture his partner showed him, their body lightly grazed over each other, and for a second, Taehyung's breath caught again... why did this feels so fresh?

Well, why not? It's been five months since they have seen each other!

They walked into the cozy warmth of the restaurant, the sounds of the market were fading into the background, leaving only the soft murmur of their own conversation and the quiet pulse of something stronger growing between them. The festive night continued outside, but for Taehyung and Jungkook, the world had shrunk to just the two of them, their bond was deepening with every glance, every word, and every moment shared beneath the warm lantern lights.

Taehyung and Jungkook sat across from each other at their small, wooden table in the cozy restaurant, the soft glow of lanterns reflecting off their faces. The warm, fragrant smell of their upcoming meal lingered in the air, but nothing was too special to gain their attention... their focus was entirely on each other. Jungkook leaned back in his seat, his calm demeanor was on the show as he watched Taehyung ordering the food. His dark eyes flickered in the soft light, looking comfortable yet thoughtful.

"It's the first time in five months we've actually managed to go on a proper date," Jungkook said with a small smile, breaking the silence between them. "Ever since... well, since Colombia." The mention of Colombia was gentle, but it carried weight, a heavy one. Their confession to each other, wrapped in the intensity of the mission, had shifted everything. Yet, despite all the chaos around them, this was something that felt right.

Taehyung nodded, a soft chuckle escaping his lips, "Yeah, I guess we've been running around since then. Saving the world and stealing a kiss in between the madness," he said gaining a chuckle from the other male, his tone was playful, but his eyes held the depth of how much those moments had meant to him, "Feels good to just sit down like this." he ended his statement.

Jungkook leaned forward slightly, his calm gaze softening, "It does. So... how have you spent these five months? You didn't even contact me." His question seemed casual yet serious, but his eyes flickered with genuine curiosity.

Taehyung too leaned forward on the table, placing his hands there as his fingers lightly begun drumming the table before he answered, "Well, about contact, my mother was so angry she broke my phone... crazy, isn't it?" he chuckled remembering how his mother smashed his phone on the mention of HQ, "I've been spending most of my time with Jennie and mom. Jennie's healing... slowly, but she's getting there. It's been nice to be home for a bit, you know? No missions, no running for our lives... but yeah! those small tasks by HQ are still here." He sighed but then his smile widened. "And my mom? She's been all over me about not telling her how I almost got killed, but we're good now."