Threads of fate

Chapter 13

“It belongs in the living room,” Jin insisted, holding the frame up against the wall. “This is where guests will see it. It’s the centerpiece.”

“No way!” Jungkook said, crossing his arms. “It should be in the hallway. We should see it every time we come home. It’s personal, not for guests.”

Jin sighed, lowering the frame and glancing at Jungkook. “You’re stubborn, you know that?”

Jungkook grinned, tilting his head. “Takes one to know one, hyung.”

After a long pause, Jin relented, handing the frame to Jungkook. “Fine, hallway it is. But don’t mess it up.”

Jungkook set to work, hammering the nail with far more force than necessary. Jin watched, hands on his hips, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.

When the photo was finally in place, they both stepped back to admire it. Jin had to admit, Jungkook’s idea made sense.

“You win this round,” Jin muttered.

“I always do,” Jungkook teased, slinging an arm around Jin’s shoulders.

One evening, after an exhausting day of unpacking, Jin and Jungkook decided to take a break. They sat on the kitchen floor, surrounded by empty takeout containers, talking about everything and nothing.

“Do you think we’ll be happy here?” Jungkook asked, his voice quiet.

Jin reached out, taking Jungkook’s hand in his. “We’ll make it our own. This place will be filled with our memories, our laughter…even our silly arguments.”

Jungkook smiled, leaning his head on Jin’s shoulder. “I like that. Let’s make it perfect, hyung.”

The members were invited to see the new apartment. They were quick to notice the subtle touches that screamed “Jin and Jungkook.” From Jungkook’s editting setup in the corner to the tiny plushies Jin loved to collect, it was clear this wasn’t just a temporary space for Jin’s parents.

Namjoon was the first to speak. “So… this is your ‘parents’ apartment,’ huh?” he said with a knowing smirk.

Hoseok laughed. “You didn’t think we’d believe that, did you, hyung?”

Jin chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “Okay, okay. You caught me. But it’s not like we’re abandoning you guys! This is just… our space.”

Taehyung grinned. “We get it, hyung. Don’t worry. You deserve this.”

Yoongi nodded, his expression soft. “Just promise us one thing: don’t forget the group when you’re in your love nest.”

Jimin playfully elbowed Jungkook. “And you better keep your hyung happy, Jungkookie!”

Jungkook blushed, but his smile was radiant. “I will. I promise.”

The night was quiet, the soft glow of the television casting flickering lights across the living room as Jin and Jungkook lounged together on the couch. A warm blanket was draped over them, their fingers loosely intertwined beneath it. They had planned a simple night—just the two of them, watching movies and enjoying each other’s presence.

On the screen, the movie hero ran into his ex-girlfriend, their conversation filled with lingering emotions from the past. Jin, who had been lazily resting his head against Jungkook’s shoulder, suddenly spoke.

“Hey,” he murmured, tilting his head slightly to look at Jungkook. “Do you ever think about your first love?”

Jungkook blinked at the question, turning to face Jin. “My first love?” he repeated, as if tasting the words.