45 His Fleeting Happiness Pt.3 (2/2)
”She was in trouble” Namjoon answered coolly. ”I only did that because she needed help.” He raised his brow as he added, ”Apparently, someone has been stealing food from the pantry.”
Taehyung looked away guiltily.
Noticing his blameful expression, Namjoon asked, ”Do you know anything about this?”
”Er...” Taehyung continued to avert his gaze as he responded, ”No.”
But Namjoon already suspected that he did. At least I know now who the culprit is, he said inwardly. Namjoon examined his cousin closely. Seeing Taehyung's flushed expression made the corners of his mouth curl into a wily grin. ”But why are you so bothered about Gyuri spending so much time with me?” he enquired. He couldn't resist teasing his cousin a little.
Taehyung looked up, his cheeks noticeably redder than before.
”Have you... developed a liking for her, cousin?”
”What?!” Taehyung immediately replied, ”No! She is just a maid! A maid—friend! A maid-friend-thing!”
Namjoon watched as a flustered Taehyung tried to explain his relationship with Gyuri. It was both amusing and entertaining to see his cousin so tongue-tied over a girl. He must have developed a fondness for her after their kiss... he thought. He smirked, it seems spring has come for him at last.
”You know, Cousin Junmyeon will not be pleased to hear you associating yourself with servants” Namjoon pointed out, ”and calling them 'friends' especially.”
Taehyung frowned at the mention of his older brother. ”I do not care about his opinion” Taehyung replied haughtily. ”Brother Junmyeon never approves of anything I do anyway.” Namjoon watched as Taehyung frowned deepened as he spoke, ”All he ever does is scold me. He does not even let me play with fourth brother unless he is present.”
”You must understand,” Namjoon informed him, ”Jongin has always been sickly and Junmyeon is just worried for his health.”
”But what has that got to do with me being unable to play with Brother Jongin?” Taehyung questioned. ”He does not allow me to play with him, let alone speak with him in private.” He clicked his tongue, ”Face it, cousin, Brother Junmyeon hates me.”
Namjoon peered at Taehyung sympathetically. ”That is not true, cousin.”
”You need not cover for him” Taehyung replied with a wry smile. ”Like I said, I do not care for his opinion.” Taehyung smiled warmly at Namjoon. ”It is enough for me to have you by my side.”
Namjoon was surprised by Taehyung's heartfelt words. He returned his smile before playfully ruffling his long black hair. ”Let us go,” he told him bashfully, ”we must not be late for the coronation.”