The air conditioner hummed, battling the oppressive humidity that clung to the dorm like a second skin. Despite its efforts, a pocket fan felt more effective, according to Jimin, who was currently melting into the couch cushions. Discarded ice lolly wrappers and puddles from melted ice bags littered the floor, evidence of a collective surrender to the heat. Normally, Jin would have been lecturing everyone on cleanliness, but even his motherly energy had been drained by the sweltering temperature. He couldn’t even muster the energy to speak, let alone collect the trash. It was one of those summer days when nature seemed determined to test everyone’s patience.
The door crashed open, and Hoseok stumbled inside, followed by Namjoon, whose expression bordered on violent.
“Half an hour,” Namjoon rasped, his voice rough with frustration. “Half an hour it took to choose drinks.”
Jin patted Namjoon’s arm, guiding him gently to the couch where he collapsed with a thud, jolting Taehyung awake. Hoseok slipped past Namjoon, making his way toward Jungkook’s room.
He found Jungkook still rubbing sleep from his eyes.
“Hyung… what are you doing here?” Jungkook asked, his voice thick with sleep. His bedhead was a chaotic mess, and his eyes were puffy from slumber.
“Ah, sorry, Jungkook. I’m just exhausted and wandered in by accident,” Hoseok mumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. He turned to leave, but Jungkook’s hand gripped the fabric of his shirt.
“Hyung, stay. Stay for a minute. We can watch a movie or something…”
Hoseok’s eyes widened in surprise. The heat had dulled Jungkook’s usual reserve, making him surprisingly affectionate. He internally screamed with delight before casually switching on the small TV and scrolling through anime options. He knew Jungkook loved these kinds of films. However, he never made it to the end of the credits. He drifted off halfway through, head resting against the armrest.
A shaft of sunlight woke Hoseok. He tried to stretch, realizing a weight rested on his shoulder. A familiar sunshine smile bloomed across his face. He gently stroked Jungkook’s hair, then carefully lowered him onto the bed.
The youngest member always played at maturity, but they all knew how young he truly was. Moments like these, when he surrendered to his age, were precious. The heatwave might not have been ideal, but Hoseok was grateful for it. It had created this quiet, unexpected intimacy.