Jungkook '-“'_

— Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

The clock had just crossed midnight when Taehyung's friends burst into the apartment, showering the birthday boy with congratulations and rustling gift bags right from the doorway. In the midst of the celebration, one of the group, pointedly announcing that the biggest surprise was waiting in the hallway, slipped out the door. A few seconds later, he returned, gently leading Jungkook by the hand into the room.

Taehyung's ex-boyfriend, with whom he'd broken up under rather ambiguous circumstances, stood in the doorway of the living room. He held a bouquet of flowers in his hands, and his face wore the incredibly awkward smile of someone clearly hoping for a second chance.

Taehyung froze in the middle of the room, staring at the uninvited guest. All the joy and celebratory cheers instantly evaporated, leaving the birthday boy completely stunned. He stood motionless, unable to utter a word, while his friends quietly disappeared through the door, leaving them alone.

Jungkook took a hesitant step forward, carefully placing the bouquet on the nearest nightstand, and pulled Taehyung towards him, hugging him gently, but at the same time tenderly.

"Happy birthday, Taehyung," Jungkook said, pulling back for a few seconds to look into the beaming birthday boy's eyes. "I hope I didn't ruin your celebration with my appearance? Your friends assured you'd be happy to see me."