Chapter 7: A Dream of Us

The tiredness from practice had finally caught up to them, and Taehyung barely made it to his bed before sleep took over. His body hurt, but the instant he closed his eyes, the world around him changed.

He was dreaming.

And in this dream, there was no company, no cameras, no need to hide.

Just him and Jungkook.

They were back in their early debut days, sitting on the rooftop of their old dorm, covered in heavy blankets beneath the night sky. The city lights twinkled below them, but Taehyung concentrated on the warmth alongside him.

"Hyung," Jungkook said softly, his voice free of the weight it carried now. "Do you ever wonder what life would be like if we weren't idols?"

Taehyung hummed in thought. "Hmm… I'd probably be a farmer."

Jungkook snorted. "That's such a typical answer for you."

Taehyung grinned. "Okay, fine. Then maybe I'd be a painter. I'd live in a small house by the sea, painting beautiful landscapes while you—" He paused, looking at Jungkook. "What about you?"

Jungkook leaned back, staring at the sky. "I think… I'd still be a singer. Maybe not famous, just someone who performs in small cafe."

Taehyung smiled. "Then I'd visit your café every day."

Jungkook turned his head, eyes soft. "Really?"

"Of course." Taehyung nudged him playfully. "I'd be your biggest fan."

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't think I need fans, hyung. I just need—" He hesitated, biting his lip before looking away. "Never mind."

Taehyung tilted his head. "What? What were you going to say?"

Jungkook hesitated before whispering, "I just need you."

Taehyung felt his heart skip a beat. The warmth of the moment settled over them, so pure and uncomplicated. No anxieties or fears—just the two of them in their own little universe.

But reality had never been that kind to them.

Before he could react, the dream became blurry. The rooftop vanished, the cold breeze disappeared and Taehyung felt himself being drawn back into the present—

His eyelids fluttered open, greeted by the faint light of their dormitory. His chest ached, and the dream lingered in his heart.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Jungkook, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed across from him.

A sad smile formed on Taehyung's lips.

"If only things were as easy as they were in my dreams."