sɴᴏᴡᴛᴀᴇ│ᴛᴋ [reposting]

.ᴠɪ.

"Welcome aboard the Hot Springs Express! Keep your arms and legs inside the wagon at all times. You may use the bucket located under your seat to empty your stomach, should you feel the urge to do so while in transit. My name is Jungkook and I'll be your driver for today. Bon voyage!"

"Huh?"

No sooner had Taehyung sat down that the railcar started moving. It quickly gathered momentum and the young man who had been desperately trying to wash up began to question whether it was worth it to carelessly risk his life over a bath. As the cart entered the mountain at full speed, he held his breath and widened his eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of his surroundings which presently consisted of pitch blackness.

It only took a minute for his eyes to get used to the dark. That's when he noticed the Earth's entrails were surprisingly bright, bathing in a spectral light. He didn't have the opportunity to reflect on the glowy aspect of the cave, however, as nausea crept up on him.

Fortunately, the ride didn't last long and when the wagon came to a screeching stop, Taehyung was eyeing the bucket and clenching his sides, not feeling too good.

"Tae," uttered a concerned voice. "Are you going to be alright?"

"Just — give me a moment," replied the panting boy who had slid off his seat to the floor.

"Everyone gets queasy the first time."

"You mean, people come here?"

"Well, no. Not really."

It was sweet, the way Jungkook was trying to make him feel less miserable. The prince managed a tiny smile. "So who is the bucket for?"

"Hobi hyung."

"Hobi? I don't believe I've met him. How many of you are there anyways?"

Jungkook giggled at the other's remark. "You'll see him tonight. It's Fiery Friday."

The older looked confused but stayed put, still nauseous. Without a warning, the dwarf picked him up and headed down a rocky path. "A splash of cold water on your face should help."

Taehyung had no strength left to protest and barely managed to clasp his hands around the youngster's neck. "Hey! Is this a thing of yours? Carrying people places?"

"Not people. Just you."

"Oh," was all the flustered prince could say. "Well, as long as it doesn't become a habit—"

"Why not?"

"Because I could get used to it," Taehyung replied quietly.

"I wouldn't mind," retorted his current two-legged means of transport.

Both boys suddenly felt very warm in the face. It was time to change the subject. "How is it so bright down here?"

"And what makes you think we're down?"

"So did the wagon take us up the mountain? Still. We're inside a ridge. Isn't it supposed to be dark?"

Jungkook finally came to a halt. He carefully put his 'load' down and pointed at the wall which was covered with phosphorescent organisms. "We call them light-shrooms. They're quite useful, aren't they?"

"They're — beautiful!"

Next to the enchanting mushrooms, the stones were wet. Icy water drizzled inside a small puddle. Jungkook dipped his hands and began patting the older's face, with almost instant results. Taehyung finally got on his feet and followed his guide to a hidden alcove.