Where Silence Lives

The morning air was soft and quiet, brushed with a light breeze as sunlight spilled gently over the parked car.

Jungkook stood still beside it, arms folded loosely as he stared at the driver’s side like it had personally offended him. He had been fine at breakfast — calm, collected but now, standing here, his heart had picked up a rhythm that felt too fast for something as simple as driving.

He shifted on his feet, eyes flicking to the keys Taehyung held out.
"I... I think I should go," he mumbled. "I don’t think I can do this. Maybe I should just head back."

Taehyung blinked, surprised. "What? Jungkook, we just got here," he said, a soft laugh escaping before he tilted his head slightly. "Wait—are you scared or something? Afraid of driving?" His voice was teasing, but not mocking. A small chuckle followed, light and warm.

Jungkook looked up, slightly flustered but still guarded.
"I’m not scared, okay?" he muttered. "It’s just... what if I crash into something? What if I mess up? This feels like a really bad idea, Taehyung."

Taehyung stepped closer, his expression gentling. "Jungkook," he said softly, "you won’t crash. Just sit. Breathe. I’m here with you. That’s all you need to do."

He offered the key again, a quiet steadiness in the gesture.

Jungkook hesitated, then finally reached out. His fingers brushed Taehyung’s for a second too long as he took the key.

"...Okay," Taehyung whispered, gaze flickering to the car. "I’m right here."
-------

The car doors clicked shut behind them with a quiet thud, and for a moment, the cabin was filled with a heavy, anticipatory silence.

Jungkook sat stiffly in the driver’s seat, fingers gripping his knees, eyes darting around the dashboard like it was a puzzle he’d never seen before. His bottom lip was caught between his teeth, and he looked painfully focused, like a student preparing for the most important exam of his life. And in some ways, it felt that way.

Taehyung, seated calmly in the passenger seat, leaned slightly toward him.

“Okay,” he began, voice smooth and soothing, “first, check your mirrors, like this. Make sure you can see both sides and the back clearly.”

Jungkook nodded, adjusting them with quiet obedience.

“Good. Now,” Taehyung pointed gently, “this is your gear, brake, and accelerator. Right foot only. Always. Never both. Left foot stays out of this.”

Jungkook’s brows furrowed as he followed along, his head bobbing every now and then, like he was trying to absorb each word and tattoo it on his brain. He didn’t say much, but Taehyung noticed how serious he looked. How utterly focused. And God, how adorably nervous.

His jaw clenched ever so slightly, bottom lip still tucked in, and Taehyung could feel his heart flutter unexpectedly. Jungkook looked like a baby bunny trying to pretend he was a lion. It was endearing.

“You’re doing good,” Taehyung said, half-smiling. “Now start the car.”

Jungkook’s hand hovered over the key.

Then he paused.

“I think I still have time to back out of this,” he said quietly, barely looking at Taehyung.

Taehyung laughed, shaking his head. “Jungkook.”

“This is a terrible idea.”

“It’s fine.”

“I really think I should—”

“Jungkook,” Taehyung cut in gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re going to be fine. I’m right here, okay? You won’t be alone.”