Namjoon watches their youngest fondly as he looked in deep thought at one of his homework questions. This has been a regular thing between them nowadays with Jungkook’s exams coming up so Namjoon has been helping their maknae study. Namjoon feels that Jungkook is actually smart and he learns quickly but it’s just a shame that he doesn’t have much time or even energy to really study. It’s fortunate that their promotions have recently ended and they’ve had some time here and there to revise.

“Namjoon hyung, which formula should I use for this?” Jungkook finally gives up after a while of straining his brain trying to figure out the mathematical problem. Namjoon smiles, dimples showing looking at Jungkook’s little frown. Their youngest is always so capable and talented and it’s rare to see him struggling. Namjoon thinks to himself that Jungkook actually looks much younger and truthfully so adorable when he looks so lost. But Namjoon won’t ever say it because he knows Jungkook would take offence at being called an adorable little lost lamb. He hid his smile at the thought.

Namjoon reads the question and explains the problem to Jungkook as simply as possible. He enjoys these moments between them far more than he expected when they first began. He likes being the one Jungkook turns to when he’s struggling and especially loves the way Jungkook looks at him in amazement like he’s the smartest person in the world.

“Namjoon hyung you’re so smart!” Jungkook exclaims with a bright toothy grin that threatens to melt Namjoon from its sheer adorableness. He has a soft spot for cute things and right now Jungkook is right up there with his beloved Ryan doll and that’s saying something. Namjoon could feel his face heat up at the unabashedly adoring gaze and he tries to play it off coolly by waving his hands and shooing Jungkook away to continue his homework.

Jungkook continues his homework with a pleased hum and Namjoon continues pretending to read his latest book while stealing furtive glances at the maknae. They were comfortably silent for a while until finally Jungkook heaves a sigh of relief and brings his book to his hyung.

“Would you mind checking them over for me?” Honestly with that kind of puppy dog expression Namjoon would have willingly walked through hell and back for him.

Namjoon checks his homework thoroughly and is proud that Jungkook managed to get them all right.

“They look good Jungkookie, you’ve done well!” he smiled fondly as he ruffled the younger’s hair. Jungkook smiles back shyly.

“Thank you hyung I couldn’t have done it without you,” he said quietly, looking a little to his left, avoiding their leader’s eyes. Even though he has grown up beautifully and gained more confidence he is still a little shy to say his true feelings at times. Namjoon understands and appreciates the maknae’s effort.

“Don’t mention it. You know I’m always here to help you, right?” Namjoon says soothingly. Jungkook grins again and Namjoon is sure the smile could light up all of Seoul.

“Yes, you’re the best! I can play my games now,” he said excitedly but before he turned Namjoon held him by his forearm. Namjoon noticed some crumbs on his left cheek from the snacks Jungkook was eating while doing his homework.

“Wait Jungkook ah…” Namjoon said, pointing a finger to his own left cheek and tapping it as a gesture that Jungkook has something on his face. Jungkook looks back at him in confusion and Namjoon was about to explain that he has the crumbs when suddenly there’s a press of soft lips on his left cheeks and then Jungkook was scrambling away hastily in embarrassment.

“Thanks for today,” he said shyly and then he was gone. Namjoon sat there dumb struck and his cheeks tingling from where Jungkook kissed it gently.

He’s pretty sure his face is tomato red and he wishes Jungkook would have homeworks he needed help with every day so he could feel this ridiculously happy and warm all the time.

Seokjin was preparing things for dinner when Jungkook comes along as usual to help him out. The other members help too sometimes but it’s Jungkook who helps the most. He not only helps in the preparation and cooking, he helps in cleaning up and even cheering Seokjin up as well. The eldest truly appreciates their maknae for this and he truly loves spending time together, cooking and fooling around.

“What are you making tonight Seokjin hyung?” he says cheerily and Seokjin loves it that their maknae never grumbles or do things half-heartedly. He always seems genuinely happy to help Seokjin out and that makes things so much easier.

“Whatever you want,” Seokjin replies with a wink. Jungkook smiles happily like he’s been given a present and Seokjin can’t help but feel happy from his enthusiasm.

“Anything?” he repeated giddily.

“Yeah sure, what do you feel like eating tonight?” he says, smiling affectionately.

“Can we have grilled beef?” he asks, looking up at Seokjin with his cute round eyes and Seokjin thinks he would have given the world if the younger just asked.

“Yes of course! We still have some beef last time I checked,” Seokjin replied hastily, trying to avoid looking too long at those warm brown eyes because the maknae must never find out this particular weakness of his. But then again, he suspects Jungkook already knows anyway. The little brat seems to get away with everything and there’s something about those doe eyes that none of them, not even Yoongi, can resist.

They make dinner together in perfect harmony with little inside jokes or Seokjin’s usual ahjae jokes that Jungkook always laughs at no matter how lame it was. Truly, Seokjin feels young and free when he’s with the maknae.

Seokjin takes a carrot and asks Jungkook to chop it for him but before he does he shows his adorable bunny teeth and pretends to nibble it. Seokjin laughs and asks him to do it again and wishes he had his phone near to take a video of it.

“If I was a girl I would definitely date Seokjin hyung,” Jungkook says suddenly and Seokjin nearly dopped the kitchen knife on his own foot in surprise. He chuckled in embarrassment and slapped Jungkook’s arm with his free hand.

“What are you saying so suddenly, you silly boy,” he said but the pink tinge blooming on his cheeks and the warm feeling swelling in his chest belied his spoken words. Jungkook just laughs and makes silly faces at him but Seokjin knows the maknae was probably feeling shy too from his unexpected declaration.

They finished cooking and called the rest to help out with setting the table and everyone was happy with the menu that night. Seokjin remembers with a slight sadness of how they used to eat just ramen or sometimes not have dinner at all because they didn’t have enough money when they were just trainees and in the early period of their debut. He feels happy now looking around the table where everyone’s eating heartily. His eyes land on Jungkook who is sitting right in front of him with his cheeks puffing out from the meat and rice he stuffed in.

The kid really does eat a lot and it’s sometimes inhuman how much he could stuff in. Seokjin wonders if the maknae used to starve before but not say anything because that’s just how the child is. He would never tell anyone if he’s hurting or needed help because he didn’t want to burden them. His gaze softens and a surging feeling of protectiveness filled him. Seokjin takes a few pieces of beef and places them in the maknae’s bowl. Jungkook looks at him, his cheeks still puffed up and smiles brightly at him.

Looking at that smile made Seokjin promise himself for as long as he lives he will never let their baby starve ever again.

Hoseok was feeling more tired than usual. They had just finished their fanmeeting and he’s still slightly tired from the early morning flight. This comeback had him dancing more difficult parts so he was aching all over too. The moment they arrive back in Seoul they had more practices to do. At the end of it Hoseok slumps on the floor and closes his eyes and just stops for a moment. He feels really tired and sometimes he just wants to let it show instead of always hiding it.

Everyone was feeling tired too and there were murmurs of the members going off to shower. Hoseok heaves a deep sigh from the heaviness in his bones and heart and just laid there on the floor unmoving. Then suddenly he feels someone move his head and placed it gently on top of the person’s lap. A hand runs through his hair and massaged the scalp softly and Hoseok knew at once it was Jungkook. He couldn’t help but smile. They stayed in comfortable silence for a long while and Hoseok feels his tiredness ebbing away with the gentle touch.

“Hoseok hyung you were wonderful today,” the maknae said quietly after some time. Hoseok opens his eyes and looks up at those endearing eyes.

“Really? I don’t know… Sometimes I feel I could’ve done better,” Hoseok confesses. The amount of time he’s in the centre this time around makes him feel more burdened than usual to be honest. It’s probably part of the reason why he’s so exhausted.

“But hyung you’re the coolest when you dance!” Jungkook says in the blunt, honest way he has. Hoseok grins, his bright and happy face slowly returning.

“Aren’t you just saying that to please me?” he teased, pinching the maknae’s cheeks.

“Of course not you know I can’t lie,” he deadpans and Hoseok laughs.

“Hmm I still don’t believe you,” he replies though in his heart he actually finds relief because Jungkook is always so honest and Hoseok can fully trust him.

“Well… Watching you dance…” Jungkook says slowly and Hoseok looks at him expectantly. “Makes me feel shy shy shy,” Jungkook finishes with the popular aegyo and Hoseok bursts out laughing from the ridiculousness and the adorableness. He laughed until his face turned red (partly from the embarrassment) and rolled around the floor. Jungkook was laughing too, clapping like a seal and anyone passing by would see them as two crazy idiots. Just like that the maknae can make him feel like himself again and Hoseok can’t be more grateful for it.

“That was so cringey!” he finally said after the fit of laughter. Jungkook giggled and Hoseok melted even more.

“Yeah but it made you laugh so worth it!” he said while striking one of his ridiculous poses. Hoseok laughs again and they both did some wild dances they liked to do with each other. Jungkook’s the one who always plays along with him no matter how dorky they may look and it’s something Hoseok always found loveable.

“Come on hyung let’s go take a shower. You smell,” Jungkook, the little brat, teased. Hoseok had a manic grin on his face and literally pounced on Jungkook.

“Take that you insolent child! I’ll rub all my smell on you!” Hoseok cackles (yes, cackles). Jungkook tried to squirm away from the stranglehold but ends up laughing too.

“Euw hyung you’re all sweaty let me go!” he pleaded between breathless laughter. Hoseok hugged him tighter and rubbed their cheeks together. They both know Jungkook is stronger but the fact that Jungkook doesn’t resist much made Hoseok happy that the maknae is letting himself be manhandled like that. Jungkook isn’t the touchy feely type but he always lets his hyungs hug him or play with his hair when he knows his hyungs need the comfort. Hoseok and the others constantly exploit this every chance they get.

Jungkook tickles Hoseok’s sides because the brat knows his weakness and he finally breaks away. “Race you!” he yells with a cheeky grin before he turns into the speed demon that has won them ISAC relay races.

Hoseok forgets his worries and previous exhaustion as he sprinted after the younger. He thinks to himself, when Jungkook is around to make him smile and laugh, he would be able to face the world, no matter what.

“Jungkookie play with meee,” Taehyung pulls at Jungkook’s white t shirt and continued his whining. Jungkook was playing Overwatch at the computer as usual and he’s ignoring his bored hyung as usual.

“Jungkookieeee~” he whined while persistently tugging Jungkook’s shirt. Jungkook is not even fazed. It’s a testament to how common this scenario is when he continues on playing like no one is nearly ripping his shirt off.

Taehyung huffed and narrowed his eyes at the maknae. Typical teenage boy who would rather play his computer games than play with his awesome hyung. He folded his arms and continued glaring at the maknae’s back, willing for the computer to catch on fire or something so the younger is forced to entertain him.

Jungkook seems to notice the sudden silence. “Tae hyung you can play this with me! You like it too, don’t you?” he says without even taking his eyes off the screen. The kid is an addict. Taehyung tsked.

“No, I only like to play it because I get to play with you,” he says sullenly. “I’m not very good at it,” he continued sulking. “Fine if you’re not going to play with me I’ll leave!” Taehyung stomped off but suddenly a pair of strong arms enveloped him from behind. Taehyung knew at once it was Jungkook trying to lift him up and toss him away like he usually does when Taehyung is annoying him too much. “W-wait I was about to leave-“ he tries to squirm away but Jungkook is stronger. But instead of lifting him up Jungkook turns him around and tucked him closer.

“Wh-what are you doing?” Taehyung asked when Jungkook doesn’t let him go from his bear hug. He’s not complaining it actually feels nice well it’s actually the nicest to hug Jungkook because he’s so warm and cuddly and the way Jungkook tucks his head in Taehyung’s neck so naturally always make him feel all warm inside.

“Hugging you,” he replied cheekily, nuzzling closer into Taehyung’s nape, his soft hair brushing against Taehyung’s jaw. He smells like the apple shampoo he loves so much.

Taehyung hugged him back happily, swaying them both slightly side to side, like there’s a quiet music playing. “You feel bad for ignoring me?” he teased.

“Hmm no, not really…”

The little brat.

“I just felt… really happy when you said you only played Overwatch because…” Jungkook trails off, his face warming up and he stops himself because it’s too embarrassing.

“Because of you?” Taehyung finished with his trademark boxy grin. Jungkook stays silent. “Jungkookie… there are many things I do simply because I want to be close to you,” he says sincerely. He’s enjoying this warm and pliant Jungkook way too much and he knows the maknae gets terribly shy when they shower him with affection and Taehyung treasures these little moments the most.

“Ah hyung stop it,” he whines but Taehyung can almost see him smiling.

“No, I’m never letting you go. You’d go back to playing your computer immediately and you’d ignore me all night,” Taehyung says seriously, hugging the boy tighter.

“Tae… I… can’t… breathe,” Jungkook barely manages to get the words out. Taehyung quickly pushed him away but still kept his hands on Jungkook’s arms.

“Sorry, sorry I got carried away,” Taehyung grinned and ruffled the soft brown hair. Jungkook rolled his eyes but then smiles fondly at his grinning hyung.

“Fine, fine I’ll play with you. What do you want to do?” Jungkook concedes.

“Let me hug you again,” Taehyung said quickly before Jungkook can refuse. Jungkook laughs and goes along with it good-naturedly.

Having the maknae in his arms like this, all warm and lovely, fills Taehyung with a bright happiness that Taehyung knows will always be there whenever he needs it.

Yoongi is having a producer’s version of writer’s block. He doesn’t know what it’s called but this mental block he’s having is impeding the process of his latest production. He’s supposed to have at least 2 tracks to present to the group and Bang PD by the end of the week to be considered in their next album but so far he has only one. He heaves a deep sigh and decided to stop for a rest before he drives himself nuts. It’s only 9pm but he felt tired. He’s also suddenly very hungry. He was too focused on his work that he didn’t join the others for dinner earlier. He has a craving for lamb skewers and he knows just the person to bring with him.

Yoongi leaves the studio and went to search for their maknae. “Jungkook ah are you going out?” Yoongi finds the younger at the doorstep, dressed in a hoodie and ripped jeans.

“Yeah Yoongi hyung I was just about to go bowling,” he says excitedly.

Oh yes the kid has been addicted to bowling recently.

“Ah I see… Have fun,” Yoongi says but he couldn’t help feeling slightly sad. He was looking forward to eating out with Jungkook. Watching the maknae eat so happily always brightens his mood.

“You haven’t eaten have you? We left some food for you,” Jungkook says with a tinge of worry.

“No, it’s ok I’m not that hungry,” Yoongi replies and sure enough his appetite is gone.

“You know, actually I kind of have a craving for lamb skewers right now…” Jungkook says. Yoongi whipped his head quickly to look at Jungkook and the maknae smiled knowingly at him.

“I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll feed you before your craving gets worse. Let’s go,” Yoongi said in feigned disinterest but inside he was jumping with joy and he could barely hide his gummy smile.

Jungkook laughs and sidles next to Yoongi and they walked close together, their hands brushing now and again. Yoongi likes to huddle close to the maknae and it’s not just because it’s cold outside.

“Do you want to go to the one we usually go to or somewhere new? Hyung will treat you,” Yoongi asks with a fond smile, his mood already much better and his head lighter. He has always had a soft spot for their youngest. There’s something about Jungkook that is just pure and loveable that melts even Yoongi’s stalwart coldness. Jungkook has a way with making his hyungs happy in the simplest of ways and for that Yoongi is always grateful. In fact, Yoongi could tell Jungkook only said he was craving for lamb skewers to make sure Yoongi eats and to keep him company. Yoongi truly appreciates these subtle gestures he does so effortlessly.

“Anywhere you want is fine, hyung,” Jungkook smiles prettily and hooks an arm around his own and already Yoongi is smiling widely, all white teeth and crescent eyes. Yoongi feels warm even in the chilly weather.

“Of course, since I’m paying,” Yoongi teased. Jungkook playfully tightened their arms together.

“No, it’s my treat this time. You’ve paid so often. I’m of age to pay now,” Jungkook says brightly. Yoongi ruffles the younger’s hair and there’s a pang in his heart as he studies the younger quietly while they walked. He has grown so beautifully and it fills Yoongi with pride that the little boy from before is now a handsome young man with lovely manners. “Hyung why are you looking at me like that?” Jungkook complains with a tinge of red on his cheeks Yoongi knows is definitely not just from the cold.

Yoongi laughs softly. “I was just thinking you truly grew up well,” he says honestly, still staring at the disarming blush on the younger’s face.

“Well if I did it’s all thanks to you and all of the hyungs,” he says modestly with a gentle dimpled smile.

“But it’s mostly thanks to me, right?” Yoongi says teasingly. Jungkook laughs and shakes his head in disbelief. “No?” he pressed on, pleased at the spreading redness.

“I do have a lot to thank you for,” he concedes with a grin and Yoongi considers it a victory on his behalf and he can’t wait to gloat in front of the others. Yoongi unhooks their arms and pulled Jungkook closer to his side, his hand resting on Jungkook’s narrow waist.

“It’s cold,” Yoongi says as an excuse and Jungkook simply presses himself snugly against Yoongi.

They arrive at their favourite restaurant and sits at their usual spot. Jungkook wants to help with the grilling but Yoongi insists on doing it himself and even serving them to the maknae. He likes to dote on the maknae as much as the others but he doesn’t always have the opportunity to do so. He uses all the chances he gets when it’s just them together and Yoongi wouldn’t admit it even if his life depended on it but he loves spoiling their maknae.

Yoongi wipes a spot of barbeque sauce on Jungkook’s chin and smiles fondly at the shy thanks. Although their maknae is all grown up now Yoongi will always see the baby in him and it will always hold a special place in his heart.

Winning the Artist of the Year award had them all feeling all kinds of emotions. Of course they are happy beyond words but a part of Jimin still feels disbelief and a part of him breaks watching s cry. He knows they are mostly tears of happiness but he also knows they are also tears of relief and vindication, a testament to everything they have gone through since their trainee days, every hate comments, every doubts and truly their blood, sweat and tears have paid off. The ride back to their hotel is silent as everyone is lost in their thoughts. Jimin purposedly sat with Jungkook at the back of the van. He’s a bit worried that their maknae hasn’t stopped crying when they were seated and now he wanted to make sure he was feeling alright. He tried to make Jungkook smile by nudging his chin earlier but the sight of his tears reminded him of the time they cried together previously when they talked about their problems and it pains Jimin immensely.

He knew Jungkook was the type to keep his true feelings or any problems to himself and Jimin wonders if the dam has broken this time that Jungkook couldn’t stop his tears. The maknae is quiet now, his eyes closed as if in peaceful slumber. Jimin pulls the maknae closer to him and lets the younger’s head rest gently against his shoulders.

“Is he ok?” Taehyung asked, worry evident in his tone.

“Yeah he’s just asleep,” Jimin replies soothingly, his hand carding through the dark brown locks.

“It’s adorable when he kept on crying,” Hoseok remarks quietly, a loving smile on his face as he looked at the sleeping boy.

“He’s still our baby no matter what,” Seokjin agrees.

Namjoon chuckles and shakes his head in disbelief. “I still can’t believe it,” he says and the others all agree and they were feeling happier as the reality sinks in. Yoongi smiles too and reaches back to ruffle the sleeping maknae’s hair.

Back at the hotel Jimin walks Jungkook back to his room with his hand on the small of his back. Jungkook looked really sleepy and his eyes were puffy from the crying and the short nap but Jimin couldn’t help but smile affectionately at the adorable sight.

“You ok? Get showered and rest a lot alright?” Jimin says and Jungkook nods, half asleep.

Jimin went back to his own room just across the hallway. After showering he was about to get into bed when there’s a knock on his door. Jimin looked at the time and wondered who could it be at this ungodly hour. Jimin opened the door and to his surprise it was their maknae.

“Jungkookie is something wrong?” he asked immediately. He did notice the boy looked uncomfortable after his wire stunt. “Is it your back?”

“No, no I’m fine. It aches a little but it should be better tomorrow,” he says.

“Do you want me to massage it?” Jimin offers, unconvinced because he knows Jungkook probably is hiding more pain that he lets on.

Jungkook grins happily and enters the room and makes himself comfortable on Jimin’s bed. Jimin smiles fondly and went to start massaging the boy’s back. They continued in comfortable silence until Jungkook breaks it with his question.

“Jiminie hyung are you alright?” he asks and it took Jimin by surprise. He’s the one who had been crying and possibly hurt but why is he asking about Jimin instead?

“It’s just that… I know you like to keep things to yourself but you know it’s ok to let go right?” Jungkook says quietly as he turned around and cupped his hyung’s face. Jimin hasn’t really cried at the ceremony but now that it’s dark and quiet and there’s only him and his beloved maknae here he finally lets it out and tears began to stream down his face. Jungkook’s eyes watered at the sight and he hugged Jimin close.

Jimin hates crying in front of people but somehow it feels so relieving to cry openly in Jungkook’s arms. He feels like something in him has been unplugged and all the fears and self-doubts he’s ever had drains away with the tears. Jungkook is rubbing comforting circles on his back and not for the first time Jimin appreciates how the maknae is so attuned to him and how easy he makes Jimin feel better again.

“We’ve made it, haven’t we?” Jimin says brokenly between quiet sobs. Jungkook nods and brings their forehead together. Jimin smiles at the tender gesture and treasures this soft side of Jungkook so much.

“Yes hyung. You, me, all of us… we’ve made it,” he says reassuringly and Jimin wishes he could record it so he could listen to the warm voice over and over again.

They laid down on the bed with Jimin tucking the younger close to him. Jungkook playfully tickled him and it earned a laugh from Jimin. Jimin doesn’t let go and still kept him pressed to his own body. Jungkook smiled happily at the elder and then buries his face in Jimin’s chest, probably feeling shy from their proximity. Jimin chuckles and then he takes the blanket and covered them both with it, carding his hands through the soft hair.

When he feels Jungkook has fallen asleep Jimin carefully traces the younger’s face with his finger. He imagines the tears from before and wipes the maknae’s cheeks and below his eyes and along his jaw.

The maknae looks so innocent when he sleeps like this and it is so very endearing that Jimin feels a longing ache in his heart. He carefully places a tender kiss on Jungkook’s forehead and breathed him in. Jimin carves all these little details, the warmth, the soft hair and the sweet smell, into his memory.

He makes a silent promise that he would protect their baby from anything that could ever hurt him and that his tears in the future would only be of happiness.

END

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I hope that was alright feel free to drop comments I will be taking prompts as well. My tumblr is kookie-dough97 :)