Taehyung's prank on J-Hope goes too far.

~~~

Taehyung had always been the mischievous one, the spark of chaos that kept the dorm alive with energy. His pranks, often harmless and hilarious, had become a staple in their lives, bringing laughter even during their most stressful days. But sometimes, Taehyung didn’t know when to stop. 

This was one of those times. 

---

It started with a YouTube video Taehyung had stumbled upon late one night—“Top 10 Pranks to Scare Your Friends.” He watched it with a mischievous grin, jotting down ideas until one stood out: the classic “fake bug in the food” prank. 

“Hobi-hyung’s going to freak out,” Taehyung whispered to himself, giggling as he scrolled through an online shop to order the most realistic fake cockroach he could find. 

Two days later, the package arrived. The plastic bug was grotesque, with shiny legs and a glossy body that looked disturbingly real. Taehyung could already hear Hoseok’s shriek in his mind, and it made him laugh. 

---

The perfect opportunity came one evening. The members had gathered in the dorm’s living room, tired after a long day of practice but relaxed enough to enjoy some downtime. Hoseok sat cross-legged on the floor, his favorite bag of chips in hand, chatting animatedly with Jungkook about a new dance move. 

Taehyung saw his moment. 

While Hoseok was distracted, Taehyung slipped the fake cockroach into the bag of chips and retreated to his spot on the couch, biting his lip to keep from laughing. He waited, his eyes darting between the bag and Hoseok’s unsuspecting face. 

It didn’t take long. 

Hoseok reached into the bag, pulling out a handful of chips—along with the fake cockroach. 

The room exploded with noise. 

“OH MY GOD!” Hoseok screamed, leaping to his feet and flinging the bag across the room. Chips scattered everywhere as he stumbled backward, his face pale. “What is that?! WHAT IS THAT?!” 

The others froze, their eyes darting to the chaos on the floor. Jungkook, wide-eyed, leaned closer to inspect the bag. 

“Hyung, it’s... it’s fake,” Jungkook said, picking up the cockroach and holding it up for everyone to see. 

Taehyung couldn’t hold it in anymore. He burst out laughing, clutching his stomach as tears streamed down his face. 

“Oh my God, Hyung! Your face! You should’ve seen your face!” Taehyung wheezed, doubling over. 

But the room didn’t erupt into laughter like he expected. 

Hoseok stood frozen, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His hands trembled at his sides, his eyes wide with panic. 

“Hobi-hyung?” Jimin asked cautiously, stepping closer. 

Hoseok’s voice came out shaky. “That’s not funny, Taehyung.” 

Taehyung’s laughter faltered. “Hyung, it was just a prank—” 

“Just a prank?” Hoseok’s voice rose, uncharacteristically sharp. “You know I hate bugs. You *know* how I feel about stuff like that, and you thought it’d be funny to throw one in my face?” 

“I didn’t mean—” 

“Do you ever think, Taehyung?” Hoseok snapped, his voice cracking. His hands clenched into fists as he turned away, pacing the room. “I thought I was holding a real cockroach! Do you know how disgusting that felt? How scared I was?!” 

The room fell silent. Taehyung’s heart sank as he watched Hoseok struggle to calm himself, his breath coming in uneven gasps. 

“I’m sorry, Hyung,” Taehyung said quietly, his voice lacking its usual playfulness. 

Hoseok shook his head, walking toward his room without another word. 

---

The mood in the dorm was heavy that night. The others tried to lighten the atmosphere, but Taehyung barely spoke, guilt gnawing at him. He hadn’t meant to upset Hoseok like that. He just wanted to make him laugh. 

Taehyung knocked on Hoseok’s door later that evening, holding a small tray with a cup of tea. When there was no answer, he opened the door cautiously. 

Hoseok was sitting on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands. He looked up when Taehyung entered, his expression tired. 

“Hyung, I’m really sorry,” Taehyung said, placing the tray on the nightstand. “I didn’t think it’d scare you that much. I wasn’t trying to hurt you.” 

Hoseok sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know you didn’t mean to, Tae. But sometimes, you don’t think about how your jokes might affect people. Bugs... they just—” He shuddered, unable to finish the sentence. 

“I get it now,” Taehyung said softly, sitting beside him. “I went too far. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” 

Hoseok gave him a small, tired smile. “Just... no more bugs. Ever.” 

Taehyung grinned sheepishly. “Deal.” 

---

The next day, Taehyung surprised Hoseok with a handwritten apology letter and a new bag of chips—free of any pranks. It was a small gesture, but it made Hoseok laugh, and that was all Taehyung wanted. 

“I forgive you, you little menace,” Hoseok said, ruffling Taehyung’s hair. 

“Thanks, Hyung,” Taehyung replied, grinning. 

Jin watched from the kitchen, shaking his head with a smile. “At least he learned his lesson,” Jin muttered to himself. 

For now. 

The end!