84
Third Person Pov
It was morning.
Soft sunlight filtered through the curtains as Gyubin sat on the edge of the couch, quietly packing his school bag.
His movements were slower than usual no humming, no excited chatter.
Just the faint zip of the bag and a tiny pout tugging at his lips.
Last night still weighed heavy on his little heart.
Taehyung noticed immediately.
He walked up behind him and gently pulled him back, pressing a warm kiss onto his head.
Gyubin startled for half a second, then melted, leaning back into his appa like it was instinct.
“It’s okay, my love,” Taehyung murmured.
He sat down on the couch and drew Gyubin between his knees, arms wrapping around his body that fit there so perfectly. Gyubin’s head stayed lowered, lashes fluttering as he stared at the floor, cheeks faintly pink.
Taehyung’s heart softened instantly. It always did.
“My prince is gloomy today,” he whispered, brushing his lips against Gyubin’s chubby cheek.
Gyubin hummed softly and wrapped his arms around Taehyung’s waist, holding on tight like he was afraid the comfort might slip away.
“Binnie is sorry,” he said in a small voice.
Taehyung frowned, pulling back just enough to look at him. “Sorry for what, hmm?”
Gyubin hesitated, fingers twisting into Taehyung’s shirt.
“Because… Binnie fought like a bad boy last night,” he confessed. “And… and sneaked into Mr. Jeon’s house every morning without telling appa.”
He finally looked up then, eyes glassy, lips trembling just a little.
“Binnie is sorry about everything.”
Taehyung smiled gently and pulled him back into a hug, one hand cradling the back of his head.
“It’s okay, my love,” he said softly. “Everyone gets big feelings sometimes. But fighting like that isn’t the right way to let them out, okay?”
Gyubin nodded against his chest.
“You should apologize to Jiwoo when you feel ready,” Taehyung continued calmly. “There’s no rush.”
He paused for a moment, cheeks warming just a little before he added, almost shyly,
“And about Mr. Jeon…”
Gyubin peeked up, curious.
“You don’t have to sneak anymore,” Taehyung said. “You can go to his house directly. Just tell appa first, hmm?”
For a second, Gyubin just stared.
Then his face lit up like someone had switched on the sun.
“Really?!” he gasped.
Taehyung nodded, smiling. “Really.”
Gyubin giggled and threw his arms around Taehyung’s neck, hugging him with all his might. Taehyung held him close, rubbing slow, soothing circles into his back, letting the morning settle around them gently.
☆☆☆☆
Taehyung walked on the porch with Gyuri settled comfortably against his chest, her small fingers fisting his shirt.
The morning air was cool, quiet.... soft in the way only early hours could be. Beside him, Gyubin hopped down the steps, his school bag bouncing against his back as he skipped toward the waiting bus.
“Careful,” Taehyung called automatically, shaking his head with a fond smile.
Gyubin grinned but slowed down just enough to pretend he was listening.
The bus doors were already open when Gyubin reached it. He lifted one foot to climb in—then froze.
Across the street, Jiwoo stepped out of his house, his arm supported by clutches, his grandmother hovering close by. Jiwoo looked smaller like that. Quieter. Nothing like the confident boy from before.
Gyubin stopped completely.
Taehyung noticed immediately.
He didn’t say anything.... just watched as his son turned slowly, their eyes meeting across the short distance. Gyubin’s lips parted as if he wanted to say something. Anything. But the words didn’t come. Instead, his shoulders stiffened.
Jiwoo stared back, hopeful and nervous all at once.
Gyubin broke eye contact first.
Without a word, he climbed onto the bus.
The doors closed. The bus pulled away, leaving Jiwoo standing there, watching it disappear down the road. His shoulders drooped.
Taehyung sighed.
He walked over slowly, Gyuri still in his arms. When he reached Jiwoo, he crouched just enough to be at eye level and placed a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” Taehyung said softly. “He’ll come back to you.”
Jiwoo looked up at him, eyes shiny but brave. He nodded.
Gyuri, cradled against Taehyung, stared at Jiwoo with wide, curious eyes, studying him like he was the most fascinating thing she’d ever seen. Jiwoo noticed and smiled despite himself.
“She’s… cute,” he murmured.
Taehyung smiled back. “Thank you.”
Jiwoo gave a small wave before turning and heading back inside with his grandmother. Taehyung watched him go, exhaling quietly.
“Kids these days,” he murmured to no one in particular.
Then a voice–
“Indeed.”
Taehyung startled so hard he nearly jumped.
He turned around sharply. “You— you scared me!”
Jungkook stood just a step behind him, hands in his pockets, expression blank but eyes quietly amused.
“Didn’t mean to,” Jungkook said.
Taehyung huffed, heart still racing. Before he could say anything else, Jungkook’s gaze dropped to Gyuri.
“Can I hold her?” he asked, tone unexpectedly gentle.
Taehyung hesitated only a second before nodding and carefully transferring Gyuri into Jungkook’s arms.
Gyuri immediately cooed, her tiny hand reaching up to grab Jungkook’s jaw like it belonged to her. Jungkook stiffened—then froze completely.
Taehyung crossed his arms, watching closely.
Jungkook frowned at the baby, studying her face like she was a complicated puzzle. “Why are her cheeks like this?” he asked seriously. “They look… stuffed.”
Taehyung blinked, offended. “…That’s a literal baby. She’s nine months old.”
Jungkook hummed thoughtfully, gently brushing a finger over her cheek. Gyuri followed his movement with her eyes, both of them staring at each other like equals assessing a rival.
Taehyung sighed. “Why are you both so weird,” he muttered to himself.
Jungkook glanced up at him. “Are you free today?”
Taehyung’s heart skipped.
“huh?—uh y-yeah. I mean—Gyubin’s at school, so… yeah. Yes.”
Jungkook nodded. “Come with me. We’ll go around. Have lunch.”
Taehyung’s cheeks warmed. “Okay.”
They stood there for a second longer.... just looking at each other—when Jungkook suddenly frowned and looked down at his shirt.
Something warm soaked into his shirt.
He looked down.
Gyuri stared up at him innocently.
Silence.
Then realization hit.
Jungkook froze completely, eyes widening just a fraction.
Gyuri mimicked his expression, blinking slowly.... equally confused as if she wasn't the reason of whatever happened.
And then
Taehyung burst out laughing.
Not a small laugh. Not a polite one. It was full, loud, uncontrollable.... the kind that bent him forward slightly, hand over his mouth, eyes crinkling as tears gathered.
Jungkook froze.
Completely.
Because Taehyung was laughing.
Because of him.
Gyuri giggled too, clearly pleased with herself, bouncing slightly in Jungkook’s arms. Jungkook looked between the baby and Taehyung, stunned, heart doing something strange in his chest.
“Well,” Taehyung managed between laughs, “since you wanted to hold her… that’s what you get.”
He wiped his eyes, still smiling. “You think it’s all roses and gardens, huh?”
Jungkook looked down at his ruined shirt… then back at Taehyung.
Slowly—very slowly—his lips curved upward.
And for a moment, standing there in the morning light, covered in baby pee and laughter, the CEO looked… human.
Taehyung wiped the corners of his eyes, still breathing unevenly as the laughter finally ebbed. His chest felt light.... too light—like something had loosened inside him without permission.
He glanced between Gyuri, blinking up innocently, and Jungkook, who was standing there in stunned silence, his shirt very much ruined.
For a moment, neither man said anything.
Taehyung cleared his throat awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Uh— I didn’t mean to laugh like that,” he said, voice sheepish. “I’m sorry.”
Jungkook finally snapped out of it. He looked down at the damp fabric, then back at Taehyung—really looked at him. The way his eyes were still bright. The way his lips kept twitching like they wanted to smile again.
“I wouldn’t mind,” Jungkook said calmly.
“you laughing at me.”
Taehyung’s heart gave an unhelpful thud. He turned his face away immediately, ears warming.
Jungkook handed Gyuri back without comment, his fingers lingering for half a second longer than necessary before letting go.
“I’ll pick you up at eleven,” he said. “Sharp.”
Taehyung blinked. “ how?”
Jungkook raised a brow. “How do you think?”
“Cab?” Taehyung offered carefully. “Or—bus? I mean… since you’re living here like a normal person now.”
Jungkook stepped closer, just enough to invade Taehyung’s space, his presence quiet but heavy.
“Normal for myself,” he said evenly.
“Not for you.”
Taehyung swallowed.
Before he could respond, Jungkook turned and started walking back toward his house, pausing only once to glance over his shoulder.
“Be ready.”
And then he was gone.
Taehyung stood there for a full second longer than necessary, staring at Jungkook’s retreating back, cheeks warm, heart behaving like it had forgotten all sense.
“…Idiot,” he whispered to himself.
A soft smack landed on his cheek.
“Mhmm—pa,” Gyuri babbled happily, her tiny palm pressed against his face like she’d just claimed him.
Taehyung startled, then laughed under his breath, nuzzling his cheek into her hand. “Possessive princess.”
He adjusted her against his chest, pressing a kiss to her soft hair.
“Come on,” he murmured gently. “Let’s get you changed.”
As he walked back inside, Taehyung didn’t notice the way Jungkook paused at his door.... just for a second—before going in.
Didn’t notice the faint curve of his lips.
Didn’t notice how, for the first time in a long while, Jeon Jungkook was counting hours instead of enemies.
.
.
.
Sohee stood outside the Kim mansion, staring up at the massive gates like they might suddenly swallow her whole.
This is insane, she thought.
She clutched her bag tighter when the guards opened the gate for her, their expressions unreadable as they let her through. Every step she took along the long stone porch made her heartbeat louder.
This literally looks like something straight out of a mafia movie, she thought in awe, eyes darting over the perfectly manicured lawn, the towering pillars, the sheer scale of the place.
Before she could overthink it any further, the front door opened.
A guard stepped aside, motioning her in.
The moment Sohee entered, her breath caught.
The interior was… overwhelming. High ceilings, warm lights, expensive art she couldn’t even begin to name. Everything screamed old money and quiet power.
And then
Footsteps.
Seokjin descended the stairs casually, dressed in comfortable home clothes, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly tousled like he hadn’t bothered styling it.
That somehow made him worse.
Sohee’s stomach flipped violently.
He stopped halfway down, eyes lifting to meet hers directly.
Sohee immediately looked away, heat crawling up her neck.
“Sit,” Seokjin said calmly.
She obeyed without thinking, moving to the couch opposite him. Her hands folded neatly in her lap like she was suddenly ten years old again.
“Good morning, Mr. Kim,” she said softly.
Seokjin hummed in response, sitting across from her with an ease that made it clear this was his world.... and everyone else was just visiting.
There was a brief silence.
“So…” Sohee cleared her throat, nerves bubbling. “Is there any particular reason I was called here? Your secretary just said it was urgent.”
Seokjin studied her for a moment, gaze unreadable.
“I have something to offer you,” he said.
She frowned slightly. “Offer… me?”
“A job.”
Sohee blinked.
“In my company,” he continued evenly. “As my personal assistant.”
Her eyes widened so fast she nearly forgot how to breathe.
“J–Job?” she repeated, half-laughing in disbelief. “Me?”
She quickly shook her head. “Mr. Kim, I—I’ve never worked a day in my life. I mean, I’ve literally survived on my father’s money. I don’t even know how offices actually function—”
She stopped herself, mortified. “I’m sorry. That sounded horrible.”
To her surprise, the corner of Seokjin’s lips twitched.... just barely.
“Honesty isn’t a flaw,” he said.
Still flustered, she tried again. “I mean—thank you. Really. But don’t you think you’d need someone… experienced? Someone who actually knows what they’re doing?”
Seokjin leaned back slightly, resting his arm against the couch.
“You don’t need experience,” he said calmly. “You need to stay by my side. That’s your only responsibility.”
Sohee froze.
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
“S–Stay by your side?” she echoed, suddenly very aware of the space between them.
“Yes.”
That was it. No explanation. No elaboration.
Just that.
She swallowed. “Uh… I—okay,” she said, nodding before she could talk herself out of it.
Seokjin watched her quietly as she looked down, fingers fidgeting in her lap beneath his steady gaze.
And for reasons she couldn’t explain, her heart wouldn’t stop racing.
.
.
.
Taehyung stood in front of the mirror one last time.
A plain violet shirt. Black pants. Simple. Safe.
Jungkook hadn’t told him what kind of place they were going to, so Taehyung had settled for something that felt like him... soft colors, clean lines. Nothing flashy. Nothing that screamed effort, even though effort was exactly what he’d put in.
He glanced down at his hands, turning them over slowly.
Dry. Rough around the knuckles.
He sighed.
“I really need to start taking better care of myself,” he muttered, mostly to the empty room. Self-care always ended up on tomorrow’s list.
Tomorrow never came.
He sprayed a little perfume at his neck, rubbed his wrists together, then ran his fingers through his hair just enough to mess it up naturally.
“Okay,” he nodded at his reflection. “Decent. You look decent.”
From the bed, a pair of wide eyes stared at him.
Gyuri.
She lay on her stomach, tiny legs kicking lazily, watching him with pure curiosity as if she knew something important was happening. Taehyung’s expression softened instantly.
“You’re going to stay with halmeoni for a while, hmm?” he said gently, walking over. “Appa will be back soon.”
Gyuri blinked, then let out a small giggle, her hands clapping together.
Taehyung laughed quietly, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead before scooping her up. “You’re too cute. It’s unfair.”
He stepped outside, locking the door behind him
—and froze.
Jungkook stood by the car.
Leaning casually against the hood. Arms crossed. Completely at ease, like the world bent naturally around him.
Denim shirt. Dark jeans. Sleeves folded up to his elbows, tattoos exposed without a hint of apology. Hair slicked back, sharp jawline catching the light as his eyes slowly traveled over Taehyung..... unhurried, unapologetic, assessing him from head to toe.
Taehyung swallowed.
His feet forgot how to work for a second.
Jungkook didn’t look impressed.
He looked pleased.
Taehyung forced himself to move, heart thudding as he walked closer.
That was when the landlady appeared, stepping out with a knowing look that made Taehyung immediately nervous.
“I always knew something was suspicious between you two,” she said bluntly, her gaze flicking between Taehyung and Jungkook—and then pointedly to the sleek Mercedes parked outside.
Taehyung opened his mouth. Closed it.
Jungkook, on the other hand, didn’t miss a beat.
"And I always knew you weren't one of us." She said staring at Jungkook. Jungkook tilted his head slightly, unbothered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said calmly. “This car belongs to a friend.”
The landlady snorted. “Oh, I totally believe you.”
Pure sarcasm.
She reached out for Gyuri, and Taehyung handed her over carefully. “Gyubin will be back by two,” he said apologetically. “Please take care of them. I’m sorry for the trouble.”
She waved him off. “Don’t be silly. I love your kids, Taehyung.”
His chest warmed at that.
Gyuri was already half asleep in her arms as the landlady walked back inside, leaving Taehyung standing there—suddenly very aware of his hands again.
He glanced down at them unconsciously.
I really should’ve done something about this.
Before he could spiral any further, something entered his line of sight.
A bouquet.
Roses. Fresh. Deep red.
Taehyung looked up.
Jungkook stood by the open passenger door, holding the bouquet casually like it was nothing, like he hadn’t just caught Taehyung completely off guard.
“For you,” Jungkook said simply.
Taehyung hesitated for half a second.... then took them.
“T-Thank you,” he murmured, cheeks warming as he slid into the seat. The scent of the flowers mixed with Jungkook’s cologne, making his head spin just a little.
Jungkook closed the door, walked around, and got into the driver’s seat without another word.
As the engine started, Taehyung sat there clutching the bouquet, heart racing.
The car started, engine rumbling low. Taehyung sat there, staring at the flowers in his lap like they were the most important thing in the world. Jungkook kept glancing at him, unable to stop himself.
Sunlight spilled through the window and fell straight onto Taehyung’s face, softening him, making him look almost unreal.
Jungkook felt it again—that stupid, dangerous pull.
Every second. Every tiny movement. Every twitch of his lips.
Taehyung didn’t even know he was doing it, just sitting there, innocent, eyes glued to the flowers.
“Mr. Jeon…” Taehyung spoke quietly.
Jungkook hummed.
“Can I ask you something?”
That made Jungkook look at him properly, a little stunned. Taehyung asking about him wasn’t normal.
“Go ahead,” Jungkook said.
Taehyung hesitated. “You said I’m your first… in everything. So—were you never intimate with anyone before me?”
Jungkook’s lips curved, like the question was almost stupid.
“I’m a man with needs,” he said.
Taehyung’s smile died instantly.
“But I’m a man with self-control too,” Jungkook added.
Taehyung looked up at that.
“When I was twenty-six, I tried,” Jungkook went on, expression unreadable. “A woman came to me. I asked if she could handle it. She was very enthusiastic. So I figured.... why not See if it works.”
He shrugged lightly. “Turns out, it didn’t. She got scared of me. Ran. And I was left untouched.”
Taehyung blinked. “What did you…?”
“I choked her.” Jungkook said flatly.
Taehyung coughed. “Choked…?” he whispered.
“After that, I stopped trying. Because I knew no one would like what I’m like in bed.” Jungkook didn’t soften it. “I’m rough. I needed someone who could take it.”
Taehyung’s cheeks heated up instantly, color spreading fast.
“And then,” Jungkook said, amused now, “there was you. Someone who liked getting spanked while being fu—”
“Stop,” Taehyung snapped, mortified, turning toward the window. “You don’t need to explain all that.”
Jungkook's lips curved.
“Pervert,” Taehyung muttered under his breath.
Jungkook only smirked.
After awhile.
The car slowed to a smooth stop.
Taehyung lifted his head, already expecting the warm lights of a restaurant.... only for his eyes to widen instead.
A beauty salon.
Not just any salon. It was massive, glass-fronted, polished to perfection, the kind of place he’d only ever seen celebrities walk into on reels. He stared for a solid second, convinced he had misunderstood something.
Jungkook stepped out of the car like this was the most natural destination in the world.
Taehyung stayed frozen.
The passenger door opened again, and this time Jungkook didn’t say a word—he simply extended his hand.
Taehyung blinked, then hesitated before placing his hand in Jungkook’s. The grip was firm, grounding, as Jungkook helped him out of the car. The door shut softly behind them.
“Why are we here?” Taehyung asked, still staring at the building like it might disappear if he looked too long.
Jungkook didn’t slow as he started leading him forward.
“I noticed,” he said calmly, “you kept looking at your hands.”
That was it. No teasing. No explanation.
Taehyung’s ears warmed.
The moment they stepped inside, Taehyung realized the place was… empty. Quiet. Expensive. The air smelled faintly of citrus and something floral. He shifted awkwardly.
“Help him,” Jungkook said.
A man appeared almost instantly—gentle smile, neat hair, professional calm.
“Good morning, Mr. Jeon,” he greeted with a respectful bow.
Jungkook didn’t respond.
The man’s gaze shifted to Taehyung, and he bowed again, softer this time.
“What would you like, sir?”
Taehyung swallowed and lifted his hands a little, embarrassed.
“Um… my hands are rough,” he said quietly. “And my nails too. Just… do something for them. Please.”
The man nodded without a flicker of judgment.
“Of course. This way.”
He extended his hand.
Taehyung reached for it
—and Jungkook’s gaze sharpened instantly.
Taehyung didn’t notice, already letting himself be guided forward. Jungkook followed behind them, casual in posture, dangerous in stillness. His jaw flexed once as his eyes tracked the way Taehyung’s hand rested in someone else’s grip.
He said nothing.
But the room felt tighter as he walked in.
Taehyung was gently seated, his hands placed carefully on a towel. He glanced up, instinctively searching for Jungkook only to find him standing a few steps away, arms crossed, watching with an intensity that made Taehyung’s stomach flip.
This was ridiculous, he thought.
It was just a salon.
The man barely had time to set the tray down before Jungkook’s patience snapped.
That single touch... someone else’s fingers wrapped around Taehyung’s hands—was enough.
“Get up.”
The command wasn’t loud, but it cut through the room like a blade.
Taehyung looked up, startled. So did the man. He immediately stepped back, hands lifting as if he’d crossed an invisible line.
Jungkook rolled his shoulders once, slow and deliberate, then pushed his sleeves higher up his forearms. The movement exposed more ink, more intent. He took the seat in front of Taehyung without asking.
“I’ll do it,” he said.
Taehyung blinked. “You… you know how?”
Jungkook didn’t answer him at first. His eyes flicked to the man standing frozen beside them.
“I’ll guide you, sir,” the man said quickly, nodding. “Step by step.”
That seemed to satisfy Jungkook enough.
He reached for Taehyung’s hands.
The moment his fingers closed around them, Taehyung’s breath hitched... not because it hurt, but because Jungkook’s touch was firm, grounding, unhurried. Like he was holding something important.
“Loosen up,” Jungkook muttered, already noticing the tension.
The man brought a small bowl of warm water and placed it carefully on the table.
Jungkook followed instructions in silence. He dipped Taehyung’s fingers into the water, one hand steadying the bowl, the other guiding Taehyung’s wrist. Steam curled faintly around their hands.
“Helps soften the skin,” the man explained.
Jungkook hummed once, watching closely. He gently rotated Taehyung’s fingers, thumb brushing over the pads absentmindedly as if memorizing them. Taehyung watched his face instead----how focused he looked, brows slightly furrowed, jaw set.
Next came the cleanser. Jungkook applied it carefully, rubbing it in slow circles, paying attention to every knuckle, every calloused edge. His movements weren’t rushed. If anything, they were almost reverent.
Taehyung swallowed.
The man handed over a cuticle pusher. Jungkook hesitated for half a second, then followed the guidance exactly, nudging gently, never pressing too hard. His tongue pressed briefly to his cheek in concentration.
“You’re doing fine, sir,” the man said, clearly relieved.
Jungkook ignored him, eyes fixed on Taehyung’s hands like they were a task he refused to fail.
He trimmed carefully, wiping the excess on a cloth. Then came the cream again—this time Jungkook warmed it between his palms before massaging it in himself.
His thumbs worked slow, firm strokes into Taehyung’s hands, easing the dryness, smoothing over skin that had done too much work for too long.
Taehyung’s shoulders dropped without him realizing.
“This is…” he murmured, then stopped, embarrassed.
Jungkook glanced up. “What.”
“…nice,” Taehyung finished softly.
Jungkook didn’t respond, but the pressure of his thumbs eased just a fraction.... gentler now.
Finally, the nail paint. Clear. Simple.
Jungkook applied it carefully, a little messy at first, then correcting himself with a cotton tip, cleaning the edges with surprising patience. When he was done, he wiped Taehyung’s hands clean and inspected them like a finished deal.
Taehyung stared down at his hands.
They looked… cared for.
Soft. Clean. Almost unfamiliar.
He looked up, eyes bright. “I-I love it.”
Jungkook leaned back slightly in his chair, arms folding loosely, watching Taehyung’s reaction like it mattered more than he’d admit.
“Good,” he said. Then, quieter, firmer: “You won’t need to come here again.”
Taehyung blinked. “W-what?”
“I’ll do it,” Jungkook said simply. “Whenever you want.”
Taehyung’s cheeks flushed as he nodded, lips curving into a shy smile.
Jungkook looked away, jaw tightening just enough to hide the satisfaction settling in his chest.
Taehyung stood up slowly, flexing his fingers again like he still couldn’t believe they were his. The skin felt softer, warmer—taken care of in a way no one had ever bothered to before.
He turned his hands back and forth under the light, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips.
He looked up at the man standing nearby.
“Thank you… for guiding.” Taehyung said softly, polite as always.
The man nodded quickly, relief written all over his face.
Before Taehyung could say anything else, Jungkook’s fingers closed around his hand.... firm, natural, like it belonged there. Just possession without pressure.
“Let’s go,” Jungkook said, already pulling him along.
Taehyung barely had time to react as Jungkook handed over his card at the counter. The receptionist bowed so deeply it almost looked rehearsed. Jungkook didn’t wait for pleasantries. He never did.
Outside, sunlight brushed Taehyung’s face again. He looked down at their joined hands, then away, unable to stop the smile spreading across his face. He felt… light. Ridiculously light.
“Hungry?” Jungkook asked as he opened the car door for him.
Taehyung nodded quickly.
The drive was quiet, but not awkward. Jungkook drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually near Taehyung’s knee—not touching, but close enough to be felt. Taehyung watched the city blur past the window, heart steady but warm.
☆☆☆☆
When the car stopped, Taehyung looked up... and froze.
The restaurant was stunning.
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls surrounded massive fish tanks, water glowing blue and green, schools of fish drifting like living art. The place was empty, silent except for the faint hum of water and filtration systems.
“This is…” Taehyung breathed. “I’ve never been somewhere like this.”
“I know,” Jungkook replied simply.
They were seated near the largest tank. Colorful fish swam lazily behind Taehyung, reflections dancing across his face. Jungkook watched him instead of the menu, noticing how Taehyung’s eyes widened, how his lips parted in quiet wonder.
When the food arrived, Taehyung didn’t hesitate. He was hungry.... properly hungry—and the first bite made him hum without realizing it.
“Mmm…” He froze, then laughed softly, embarrassed. “It’s really--really good.”
Jungkook’s lips twitched.
He reached across the table without warning, thumb brushing gently against the corner of Taehyung’s mouth.
Taehyung stiffened, cheeks burning as he nodded and started eating slower, more careful now. Jungkook leaned back, satisfied, eating at his own pace.
They didn’t talk much after that.
They didn’t need to.
Taehyung ate, relaxed, occasionally glancing at the fish, occasionally stealing a look at Jungkook.... who was watching him more often than the food. The silence wasn’t empty. It was full. Heavy in a good way.
For the first time in a long while, Taehyung felt like he wasn’t rushing.
Like he wasn’t surviving.
He was just… there. Eating good food.
Holding warmth in his hands.
Sitting across from a man who watched him like he was the only one in this world.
After finishing their meal, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, letting the silence of the restaurant settle around them. He wasn’t used to this kind of quiet, where every movement.... the clinking of cutlery, the soft hum of water filters, even the muted footsteps of the staff—seemed magnified.
But his attention wasn’t on the surroundings. His gaze had drifted to the massive aquariums lining the walls, where colorful fish swam gracefully in their own little worlds.
Taehyung lingered by the massive glass wall, completely absorbed.
Some shimmered silver, some glowed faint blue, others moved slow and elegant, like they owned the place. Taehyung leaned closer, hands clasped behind his back, eyes wide with genuine wonder.
“They’re beautiful,” he murmured to himself, following one with his gaze.
Behind him, Jungkook ended his call, slipping the phone back into his pocket. He didn’t say anything at first. Just watched.
Taehyung took a small step to the side to get a better view..... only to freeze when a familiar warmth settled against him.
Hands. On his hips.
Firm.
Taehyung’s breath hitched instantly.
He hadn’t even heard Jungkook approach.
Jungkook gently tugged him back half a step, closing the distance completely, his chest solid against Taehyung’s back. Not trapping him. Just… claiming the space.
“You look interested,” Jungkook said quietly, voice low near his ear. “I can tell you about them.”
Taehyung blinked, heart racing. “Y-You know about fish too?”
A soft huff of amusement left Jungkook. “I know about a lot of useless things.”
Taehyung turned his head slightly, surprised. “That’s… oddly hard to believe.”
“I was a nerd before I was anything else,” Jungkook replied flatly. “Still am.”
That made Taehyung smile despite himself.
Jungkook lifted one hand from Taehyung’s hip.... slowly and pointed at a sleek, black-and-gold fish gliding past the glass.
“Come on. Look at this one.”
He pointed at a bright, striped fish with long, flowing fins. “That’s a lionfish. Dangerous, but beautiful. See the spines? One touch, and it injects venom. Pretty, yeah?”
Taehyung swallowed. “Sounds… familiar.”
Jungkook’s thumb pressed lightly back into his hip, almost warningly. “Pay attention.”
Taehyung nodded quickly.
Jungkook moved his finger to another.
“See that one?” Jungkook said, pointing at a shimmering blue tang gliding effortlessly through the water.
“They’re called palette surgeonfish. Extremely agile, and they can recognize individual companions in their shoal.
Smart little things. Very loyal. They remind me of people—loyal to those they trust."
Taehyung’s chest tightened. “That one’s… kind of sad.”
“It is,” Jungkook agreed, unexpectedly soft. “But it’s still alive.”
Then he pointed to a larger fish, slow-moving, wide fins flowing like fabric.
“And that one,” Jungkook continued, “doesn’t rush. It lets everything come to it. Patient. Knows it doesn’t have to chase.”
Taehyung listened like every word mattered, nodding faintly, eyes shining.
“I never thought fish could be… so human.”
Jungkook hummed the vibration low in his chest. “Everything has layers,” he said. “Every being."
Taehyung turned slightly, trying to look at Jungkook without making it obvious. His gaze caught Jungkook’s, sharp and focused, and for a moment the entire world outside those glass walls disappeared. Fish swam in their tanks, oblivious to the human drama playing out behind them.
He pointed to a pair of neon tetras darting between coral. “What about them?” Taehyung asked.
“They’re quick, unpredictable,” Jungkook explained. “They move fast, often in unison. You might not notice them at first, but they’re always aware of their surroundings, watching, learning. Very… meticulous.”
“How do you know all this?” he asked quietly.
Jungkook lowered his hand, resting it back on Taehyung’s waist. “When you grow up alone, you learn to observe. People. Animals. Patterns.” A pause. “You learn what survives.”
Taehyung’s fingers curled at his sides.
The silence stretched... not awkward, just full.
Then Taehyung spoke, barely above a whisper. “I-I uh I– like hearing you talk about things you–you like.”
Jungkook stiffened for half a second.
Then he relaxed, grip loosening just a fraction but he didn’t step away.
“I don’t talk about them often,” he said.
“I noticed,” Taehyung replied gently.
Jungkook looked down at him, gaze intense but quieter now, like something dangerous choosing to sit still.
“Then you’re the exception,” he said.
Taehyung’s heart skipped.
They stood there like that, Taehyung watching the fish, Jungkook watching Taehyung until Taehyung realized something with a soft, breathless smile.
He wasn’t just learning about fish.
He was learning about Jungkook.
And Jungkook… was letting him.
Minutes stretched, but neither noticed. Outside, the world continued on, but inside that empty, echoing restaurant of aquatic life, it felt like time had paused, leaving only them and the quiet ballet of fish swimming in the crystal blue.
.
.
.
It was finally evening, the kind that felt earned after a day so full it left his chest warm and heavy in the best way.
Taehyung sat leaning against the car seat, head tilted slightly toward the window, eyes half-closed as the city lights blurred past him. His body was tired, but his heart felt strangely light—lighter than it had in years.
Jungkook glanced at him from the driver’s seat, just once, brief but attentive. Taehyung looked peaceful. Too peaceful. The kind of peace Jungkook knew didn’t come easily to someone like him.
They were driving across the Seoul highway bridge now, the Han River stretching endlessly beneath them, dark and calm, reflecting the city like scattered stars.
“Look to your right,” Jungkook said casually, as if he weren’t about to change something fundamental inside Taehyung.
Taehyung frowned slightly, confused, and turned his head. He waited. Nothing. Just the river, the bridge lights, the quiet hum of the car.
And then
The sky exploded.
Fireworks bloomed all at once, vivid and overwhelming, painting the night in gold, crimson, and electric blue. The bridge lit up as if it had come alive, reflections dancing wildly on the surface of the water below.
Taehyung’s breath hitched.
Before he could even process it, the car’s upper section began to slide open smoothly, the cool evening air rushing inside.
His jaw dropped.
“Oh my—” He mumbled softly, disbelief lacing his voice.
The wind brushed against his hair, lifting it gently. The city noise faded into something distant, replaced by the crackle of fireworks and the steady rhythm of his own heartbeat.
“Can I—can I stand?” Taehyung asked, turning to Jungkook with wide, shining eyes, almost childlike.
Jungkook nodded. “Slowly.”
Taehyung stood up, careful at first, then leaned slightly out as the car moved at a measured pace. The air hit his face fully now—cool, fresh, freeing. He inhaled deeply, like he’d been holding his breath for years and was finally allowed to let go.
The fireworks continued, one after another, brighter, louder, more magnificent. Colors reflected in Taehyung’s eyes as he stared upward, arms slowly lifting until they were open wide, as if he could catch the sky itself.
“This is…” His voice broke. Words failed him, so he didn’t force them.
His eyes burned, tears pooling before he could stop them. He didn’t wipe them away.
After so many years of tension.... counting money, worrying about tomorrow, carrying responsibilities that felt far too heavy for his shoulders.... this moment felt unreal. No fear. No stress. No calculating every step.
Just happiness.
Pure, uncomplicated happiness.
He laughed, breathless, the sound carried away by the wind. For once, he wasn’t thinking about survival. He wasn’t bracing for disappointment. He wasn’t preparing himself for loss.
He felt… loved.
Jungkook watched quietly, hands steady on the wheel, eyes soft in a way few people ever got to see. Seeing Taehyung like this.... unguarded, free, glowing—did something deep and irreversible to him.
Taehyung closed his eyes for a moment, letting the wind kiss his face, the fireworks roar above him, the city stretch endlessly ahead.
This..... this felt like a perfect life.
And then
as Taehyung stood there quietly, lips curved into a small, content smile, eyes following the sparks as they bloomed and faded...
his breath hitched.
The fireworks shifted.
The colors slowed, arranged themselves with impossible precision, and one by one, glowing letters formed across the night sky.
For a second, Taehyung thought he was hallucinating.
His heart skipped so violently it hurt. His fingers trembled as he gripped the edge of the car, eyes wide, reflecting the burning letters above Seoul’s river-lit skyline. The world felt distant, muffled, like he was underwater.
He slowly looked down.
Jungkook had eased the car to a stop, pressing the brakes gently. He tilted his head up, eyes fixed on Taehyung..... not on the fireworks, but on him. The city lights framed Jungkook’s sharp features, softening them, making him look almost unreal.
Taehyung swallowed.
“This feels… unreal,” he whispered, voice barely louder than the wind.
Jungkook didn’t smile. He didn’t tease. He just kept looking at Taehyung with that steady, unguarded gaze—as if this was the most honest moment of his life.
Taehyung slowly sat back down.
And then, without thinking.... without fear, without hesitation.... he shifted forward and straddled Jungkook’s lap, curling into him like a child seeking warmth.
His arms wrapped tightly around Jungkook’s shoulders, his face pressing into the crook of his neck.
“Thank you, J-Jungkook...” Taehyung said, voice breaking. “Thank—thank you for making me–me smile again.”
Jungkook froze for half a second.
He hadn’t expected this. Hadn’t planned for it.
But then his arms came up.... slow, careful—one hand settling against Taehyung’s back, the other resting between his shoulder blades, holding him firmly yet gently. He leaned his cheek against Taehyung’s hair, breathing him in.
He didn’t say anything.
He didn’t need to.
The fireworks continued above them, bursting and fading, but Taehyung barely noticed anymore. He felt safe—truly safe.... for the first time in years.
Just warmth. Just quiet. Just being held.
Jungkook tightened his hold just a little, as if silently promising: I’ve got you.
And Taehyung closed his eyes, smiling—knowing that this moment, this feeling, would stay with him forever.