53
Third Person Pov
Taehyung stood at the doorway, his gaze quietly tracing every corner of the new house. It wasn't big, but it felt right furnished, warm, and peaceful. A space that finally felt like his.
Gyubin wandered around excitedly, touching everything in sight, his small footsteps echoing softly across the wooden floor. Taehyung smiled faintly as he set a box down near the couch, the weight on his shoulders feeling a little lighter.
His aunt had been kind, no doubt, but he'd noticed the subtle tension lately the pauses in her words, the polite smiles whenever he mentioned staying longer.
He understood. No one wanted a guest to turn permanent.
So he'd made up his mind: rent a place, start his new job, and build something steady for Gyubin.
It wasn't much, but it was theirs.
Gyubin tugged at the curtains, pulling them open. Sunlight spilled in, painting the room in soft gold.
"Appa!" he called out.
"Yeah?" Taehyung walked over, brushing dust from his hands.
"I love this place," Gyubin said, voice small but full of wonder.
Taehyung's chest warmed. He bent down, gently pinching the boy's cheeks.
"I'm glad, sweetheart," he said, smiling when Gyubin's face lit up with pure joy.
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.
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Jungkook sat slouched on the couch, one arm draped over the backrest, eyes fixed on the floor. The silence stretched, thick and heavy. Seokjin watched him from the opposite chair, his brow furrowed.
"What are you planning to do now?" Seokjin finally asked.
"Nothing," Jungkook replied flatly, not even glancing up.
Seokjin let out a slow breath, leaning back. "Yeah, right. I don't buy that for a second."
Jungkook finally turned his head, meeting Seokjin's gaze. "You should stop trying to get involved in my business."
"I'm just asking a question, Jungkook-"
"You don't need to," Jungkook cut in sharply, his tone low but edged.
For a moment, neither spoke. The air between them buzzed with unspoken things.
Seokjin crossed his arms, his voice softening. "You always say nothing... and then end up doing something reckless."
Jungkook's lips twitched into something that wasn't quite a smile. "Then you should know better than to ask."
Seokjin sighed, shaking his head.
Jungkook tilted his head, studying Seokjin with that faint smirk tugging at his lips.
"I wonder why you haven't gone to see him yet," he said lazily, voice laced with amusement. "I figured you'd be missing him by now... since you've got that little crush."
His tone was teasing mocking even and Seokjin's jaw immediately clenched.
"I'm not forcing Taehyung into anything," he replied tightly, genuinely "He's been through enough because of you, Jungkook. I'd rather not add to his pain."
Jungkook gave a quiet laugh, shaking his head as he leaned back on the couch.
"So now you care about what he wants?" he said dryly, eyes glinting.
Seokjin exhaled sharply, meeting his gaze. "I just want you to stay out of his life. Don't disturb his peace anymore. Let him live however he chooses."
Jungkook ignored him, reaching for the cigarette pack on the table. He lit one, took a drag, and let the smoke curl lazily into the air.
"I can't," he said simply.
Seokjin frowned. "Why not?"
Jungkook's eyes lingered on the smoke as it drifted toward the ceiling. His voice softened, stripped of the mockery it usually carried. "...Because he's different."
The words hung in the air, quiet, dangerous, and heavier than either of them wanted to admit.
"So what's your plan then?" Seokjin asked, voice steady but sharp. "Keep tormenting him for the rest of your life?"
Jungkook didn't react right away...just exhaled a thin stream of smoke, his gaze distant.
"What do you expect me to do?" he said finally, tone calm but mocking "Love him?"
A faint, humorless smile curved his lips as he set the cigarette down on the ashtray. "Love ruins people. I've seen what it does."
Seokjin's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Jungkook shook his head, eyes fixed on some invisible point across the room.
"It destroys," he added quietly, almost like a truth he'd long accepted.
Seokjin's voice dropped. "Yeah," he said after a moment. "It does."
And then neither of them spoke again the silence between them calm, but heavy enough to drown in.
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.
.
The morning light spilled gently through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the quiet little house. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of toast and warm milk from the kitchen. Taehyung had been up early, as always, he liked mornings like this. Peaceful.
He moved around the kitchen in an oversized sweatshirt and loose pajama pants, humming faintly under his breath as he stirred the pot on the stove. The smell of eggs and butter filled the room.
He glanced toward the clock, it wasn't even seven yet but Gyubin always needed a little extra time to wake up, and Taehyung secretly loved every part of that routine.
When breakfast was nearly done, he wiped his hands on a towel and headed toward the bedroom. The sight waiting for him softened his expression immediately.
Gyubin was curled beneath the blanket, his small frame tucked neatly in the middle of the bed. His round head... shaved and smooth as silk peeked out from the blanket. The morning sun glowed faintly against his skin, and his lashes fluttered as if he were dreaming.
Taehyung's chest warmed. He walked over quietly and sat at the edge of the bed, leaning down until his lips brushed Gyubin's temple.
"Good morning, Binnie," he whispered softly.
Gyubin didn't move. His lips pressed tighter together, pretending to still be asleep.
"Oh? My baby's still sleeping?" Taehyung teased, brushing his fingers along Gyubin's cheek. "Then Appa will have to wake him up the hard way."
He bent down and started pressing kisses all over Gyubin's face... his forehead, his cheeks, even his small nose. The boy's lips twitched as he tried to hold back a smile, a soft giggle escaping before he could stop it.
"Appa..." Gyubin groaned quietly, voice still laced with sleep. "Stop..."
But Taehyung only laughed, continuing his gentle attack until Gyubin squirmed under the blanket, finally sitting up, eyes blinking open.
"There you are," Taehyung said softly, brushing a hand over his son's smooth head. "My sleepy baby."
Gyubin's round eyes looked up at him, still heavy with dreams. "Appa," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Hmm?"
"You're loud in the morning," Gyubin said, his tone calm but adorably serious.
Taehyung chuckled, ruffling his head affectionately. "And you're too quiet, just like always."
The little boy blinked up at him, a small, innocent smile tugging at his lips.
"Come on," Taehyung said, standing up and offering his hand. "Breakfast is ready. We have a big day today."
Gyubin took his hand without hesitation, his small fingers curling around Taehyung's.
The boy brushed his teeth quietly, standing on his little stool in front of the sink. The mirror fogged slightly from the warm water running, and his small hands moved carefully as he scrubbed his teeth... slow, precise, just the way Taehyung had taught him.
Taehyung peeked in from the doorway, already dressed in his work clothes, a neatly tucked white shirt, black trousers, and a soft gray cardigan draped over his shoulders. His hair was slightly tousled but still effortlessly neat. He leaned against the doorframe, watching his son with a faint smile.
"Done?" he asked softly.
Gyubin nodded, rinsing his mouth and wiping his face with the towel Taehyung handed him. "All clean," he said, his tone calm and proud.
"Good boy," Taehyung said warmly, crouching to fix the collar of Gyubin's shirt.
Gyubin blinked up at him, his eyes bright. "Appa, you look nice today."
Taehyung smiled, straightening up. "Do I?"
"Mhm," Gyubin hummed, tilting his head. "Like one of those uncles on TV who work in big buildings."
Taehyung chuckled quietly. "Maybe one day Appa will work in a big building too."
Gyubin nodded seriously, clutching his small water bottle. "Then Binnie will visit you and bring lunch."
"Promise?" Taehyung teased.
"Promise," Gyubin said, holding out his pinky.
Taehyung hooked his pinky with his, sealing the promise with a soft laugh. "Alright, little man. Now I'll be leaving."
Gyubin's smile faltered the moment Taehyung called him "little man." It was so subtle barely a flicker but Taehyung caught it. The words hung between them, soft but heavy, pulling at a thread that led straight back to his Ceo Jeon.
Taehyung's heart sank. He quickly looked away, forcing a small smile. "Go bring your book." he said gently, pretending not to notice the shadow that crossed his son's expression.
Gyubin nodded, quiet now, and padded toward the small shelf by the window. He returned with his notebook clutched tightly in his little hands. Taehyung sat at the table, opening it and pulling out a pen.
"Okay," he said, keeping his tone bright. "Let's write what Binnie will do today."
Gyubin climbed onto the chair beside him, eyes following his appa's hand as Taehyung neatly wrote down a list of small tasks... reading, coloring, a few math problems, taking medicine, folding the clothes, watering the tiny plant by the window.
"After you finish each one," Taehyung said softly, "you'll put a little tick mark next to it, alright?"
Gyubin nodded, a faint smile returning to his lips. "Okay."
Taehyung smiled too, exhaling quietly in relief. He added a few easy math questions at the bottom of the page, speaking as he wrote. "We'll get you into school soon, Binnie. Just a little more time, okay?" His voice lowered unconsciously, tender but tired. "Just a little more."
Gyubin, sensing the heaviness in his appa's tone, wrapped his small arms around Taehyung's neck and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. "You're my best teacher, Appa."
The words melted something inside Taehyung. He smiled, setting the pen aside, and cupped Gyubin's small face in his palms. "And you're my best student," he whispered, his thumb brushing against the boy's cheek.
He glanced at the clock, then stood, grabbing his bag. "Alright, listen," he said, switching into his usual careful tone. "Take your medicines on time, okay? Appa will be home by five. We'll go for your checkup tomorrow."
Gyubin nodded obediently. "Okay."
Taehyung placed his phone gently into Gyubin's hand. "If you need anything, call me right away. Don't open the door for anyone. Don't even reply, understand?"
"Yes, Appa."
"Good boy."
He crouched to Gyubin's level and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Appa will bring snacks for Binnie if he stays like a good boy."
Gyubin nodded faintly, and that soft, calm smile returned to his lips.
Taehyung lingered for a moment, taking in his son's face, those round cheeks, the clean-shaven head, the quiet strength in his eyes.
He finally turned, walking toward the door. The sound of it closing behind him echoed in the stillness of the small house.
Outside, he exhaled deeply, steadying himself before stepping forward into the new day... another morning of pretending everything was fine.
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Taehyung adjusted his glasses as he sat quietly in the bus, the low hum of the engine mixing with the soft music playing in his ears.
His eyes had been sore lately from all the late nights checking documents, searching for schools, going over expenses so the glasses were less about vision and more about comfort.
He leaned his head back against the window, eyes closed, feeling the faint vibration of the bus beneath him.
The morning sunlight filtered through the glass, painting gentle lines across his face. For a few minutes, it almost felt peaceful.
When the bus slowed to a halt, Taehyung opened his eyes, tugged his small bag closer, and stepped down. The air outside was cool, carrying that faint city scent of morning dew and exhaust. The showroom wasn't far... just a short five-minute walk down the main street.
He paused as the sleek glass building came into view. "Luxury Avenue," the sign read in polished silver. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. This was his first day, and though it wasn't the dream job, it was honest work and stability.
Inside, the space gleamed. Polished floors, racks of neatly arranged clothes, the faint scent of expensive fabric softener and cologne. He walked up to the front desk where a well-dressed receptionist looked up with a polite smile.
"Good morning, sir. Please register digitally," she said, gesturing toward a tablet on the counter.
Taehyung nodded, pushing his glasses up slightly before typing in his details. When he finished, she handed him an ID card with a barcode.
"Please keep this with you. You'll need it for entry and logging hours."
"Thank you," Taehyung said softly, bowing his head before heading toward the manager's office.
The manager looked up as soon as Taehyung stepped in. "Ah, Mr. Kim," he said, glancing at the time. "You're just on time."
Taehyung smiled faintly. "I try to be punctual, sir."
"Good. For today, I'll have you start with the dry-cleaning section. One of the workers will show you how things are managed. After noon, you'll move to billing."
Taehyung nodded obediently. "Understood, sir."
The manager gave an approving nod. "Good. You'll get your uniform tomorrow morning."
"Alright."
Taehyung bowed lightly before leaving the office. A worker led him to the back where the dry-cleaning machines whirred quietly in a spotless section of the showroom.
"Here's where everything happens," the man explained. "Fold these ones here, and these tags go on the hanger. Got it?"
"Yes," Taehyung replied, rolling up his sleeves. He began carefully sorting the garments, his movements precise but gentle.
The worker glanced at him, a little impressed. "You'll get your uniform tomorrow," he repeated with a small smile.
Taehyung returned it, nodding. "Thank you."
As he worked, the rhythmic hum of the machines filled the room. For once, his mind felt still-no thoughts of the past, no echoes of Jungkook's voice. Just the quiet task at hand and the faint comfort of knowing that, step by step, he was rebuilding his life.
Taehyung's day passed quicker than he expected. He was a fast learner, attentive, disciplined, and quiet traits that didn't go unnoticed. The manager had smiled at him more than once, impressed by how neatly he handled every task.
By afternoon, he was at the billing counter, standing straight, sleeves rolled up, scanning barcodes as a steady stream of customers approached. The soft chime of the scanner echoed through the store.
"Card or cash?" he asked politely, his tone even and professional.
"Card," a woman replied, sliding her black card toward him.
Taehyung scanned it, his gaze flicking to the numbers on the screen. Rich people, oh god, he muttered quietly under his breath, almost smiling as the amount appeared. A single dress cost more than what he'd earn in a month.
Still, he worked efficiently focused, polite, blending into the quiet luxury of the store. Until...
A strange chill prickled down his arms. Goosebumps spread over his skin, uninvited. His fingers froze mid-scan. He frowned slightly, glancing toward the glass entrance.
And then his breath caught. It was him.
The CEO.
Walking in like he owned the air itself hands tucked into his pockets, expression calm dressed in a crisp black suit that screamed power. Two suited men followed him, and beside them, a woman in heels. The space seemed to shift, quieting as the staff straightened up, murmurs dying down.
Taehyung's heart thudded violently. He turned his head away, pulse racing. No. Not here. Not now.
Without thinking, he moved fast slipping to the side of the counter, his back pressed to a display wall. His hands trembled as he fumbled with his bag. He pulled out a black mask and tugged it over his face, lowering his cap until it shadowed his features.
His eyes fell on his finger. That ring, that damned ring he hadn't been able to take off. He twisted it hard, desperate to slip it off, but it didn't budge. His breathing quickened.
Not now. Please.
He spotted a pair of gloves neatly stacked beside the register.
Without hesitation, he grabbed them and pulled them on, concealing the ring beneath the fabric.
Then he quickly buttoned his shirt all the way up, covering his collarbone, straightening his posture to look like just another staff member.
He dared a glance up, his manager and a few higher-ups were already gathered around the CEO, bowing slightly, exchanging greetings.
Taehyung ducked his head lower, pretending to tidy a rack of clothes, heart hammering so loud it drowned out the world.
Don't see me. Don't see me. Please.
Because if Jungkook saw him here standing behind that counter, in this ordinary life he had finally built, it would pull him back to everything he was trying to leave behind.
Taehyung didn't want that anymore. He didn't want the ache, the memories, or the weight of what used to be.
He just wanted to exist quietly, far away from anything that still had Jungkook's shadow on it.
Taehyung's fingers paused midair, the faint clacking of the keyboard falling silent as that familiar voice drifted through the room... low, smooth, and heartbreakingly distinct.
"This is my girlfriend."
It shouldn't have affected him. Not after everything. But it did.
His stomach dropped, the air around him feeling heavier, suffocating almost. Slowly, as if against his own will, his gaze shifted to the side... and there he was.
Jeon Jungkook.
Perfectly poised in a black suit that fit like sin, his hands buried casually in his pockets, the same cool composure he always carried clinging to him.
But what caught Taehyung off guard wasn't his appearance, it was the woman beside him.
Her hand rested on Jungkook's arm, her laughter light, easy.
Taehyung's throat went dry.
He quickly looked away.
His fingers began moving again, typing nonsense just to keep them busy. His heart was drumming in his chest, each beat loud enough to drown out the music playing faintly in the store.
"Get her whatever she wants," Jungkook's voice cut through the air again.
Taehyung froze, his lips parting slightly before pressing together again. He swallowed hard, forcing his focus on the screen in front of him. The barcode scanner beeped somewhere nearby, people chatted and moved but his mind was elsewhere.
He remembered the Jungkook who once stood in his room, exchanging his soft, pastel shirts for darker tones with his name on them.
For months, Taehyung wore those clothes, dark and heavy, like Jungkook's shadow had wrapped around him.
And now, Jungkook was here, his tone gentle as he entertained a woman buying her whatever she wanted, smiling faintly like the world hadn't ever burned between them.
Taehyung exhaled shakily, muttering under his breath.
"Of course... you'd be like this.".
He tried to focus on the monitor again, but the longer Jungkook's voice lingered in the background, the harder it became to breathe. His hand instinctively went to the ring on his finger.
"Kim. Come here," the manager's voice broke his trance.
Taehyung blinked, startled. He quickly turned, straightening his uniform before walking toward him.
"Yes, sir?"
The manager leaned closer, his tone a low whisper.
"Those clients.... Mr. Jeon and his companion, they're high-profile people. Handle them personally, alright? You're polite, neat, and quick. I trust you to assist them."
Taehyung's stomach dropped.
He looked past the manager, catching just the faintest glimpse of Jungkook speaking to one of his men, expression unreadable. His jaw tightened.
"Sir, maybe someone else-"
"No," the manager cut him off with a friendly but firm smile. "You're perfect for this."
Taehyung's lips parted, a quiet breath escaping him as he hesitated. Then, finally, he nodded.
"Understood."
The moment he turned, he felt his pulse in his ears again. His hand subtly adjusted his mask and cap, tugging them lower to hide his face.
Taehyung kept his gaze low as he approached, every step feeling heavier than it should. The air around Jungkook carried a strange gravit...sharp, magnetic. He could feel it pressing against his skin, even without looking.
He didn't dare meet his eyes. Not after what he'd done. Not after poisoning the man just fifteen days ago.
It was enough to make Jungkook's body burn, enough to make him weak, enough to make him feel a fraction of the pain Taehyung once endured.
At least, that's what Taehyung had thought.
But looking at him now tall, composed, unbothered it was as if nothing had ever touched him. His skin glowed with health, and his voice deep, effortless, dangerous sounded stronger than ever.
A bitter laugh almost rose in Taehyung's throat. Of course. Jungkook wasn't the kind to falter.
He cleared his throat quietly and turned to the woman instead, gesturing politely.
"Ma'am, please... this way."
He shifted his tone, lowering it slightly, smooth, a few notes deeper than usual. A small trick he'd learned to disguise his voice.
The woman smiled and followed him, her heels clicking softly against the polished floor as Taehyung led her through a row of designer dresses displayed like art pieces. He moved carefully, explaining the fabric, the new arrivals.
From the corner of his eye, he could still feel Jungkook's presence... unmistakable. The quiet dominance in the way he stood, the faint hum of his conversation with the manager.
Taehyung's pulse refused to steady. Every sound around him blurred, the soft music, the chatter, even the whir of the air conditioning. All he could hear was that heartbeat inside his chest, wild and uneven.
He reached for a silk dress, holding it up for the woman.
"This one's our new limited edition, ma'am. Imported fabric. It's been selling out quickly."
His tone was polite, distant, professional.
When things couldn't possibly get worse, he felt it... that shift in the air, that quiet, familiar gravity pressing at his back. He didn't need to look to know who it was. His pulse reacted before his mind did.
Don't turn around. Just focus.
He kept his hands steady, pretending to study the fabric. But then came that voice low, calm, and dangerously close.
"Show her the red one."
Taehyung froze for half a second before nodding, his throat tight. "Y-Yes, sir."
He moved quickly, reaching for the crimson dress and handing it to the woman. She smiled, running her hand along the smooth silk.
"This is so pretty," she said.
"I'll take it."
Jungkook gave a brief nod, his attention barely on her. Taehyung exhaled slowly, praying that the woman's exit would take this unbearable tension with her. But when she walked off, the silence that followed was far heavier than before.
"Show me some blazers."
The words came quiet but commanding. Taehyung swallowed hard and nodded, eyes still down.
"This way, sir."
He led Jungkook across the showroom, every step echoing in the near-empty space. The further they walked, the quieter it got until they reached the section tucked away in the corner, where no one else lingered.
Taehyung's hands moved quickly, pulling out a dark grey blazer. He turned, holding it out, forcing his voice to stay steady.
"This fabric is soft, imported. One of the best pieces we have-"
"Eyes up."
The command cut through the air. Taehyung hesitated, his grip tightening on the fabric before finally looking up. Their eyes met in the mirror Jungkook's cold, assessing gaze meeting Taehyung's guarded one.
For a second, neither spoke.
Jungkook reached up, unbuttoning his own suit jacket with calm precision before sliding it off and tossing it carelessly over the chair. He turned his back, wordlessly expecting help.
Taehyung gulped. His hands trembled slightly as he stepped forward, helping him into the blazer. The fabric brushed against Jungkook's shoulder, and the contact sent a shiver down Taehyung's arm.
He straightened the collar, trying not to notice how warm Jungkook's skin felt even through the shirt.
Jungkook watched him through the mirror silently.
"Get the blue one," Jungkook said at last.
Taehyung nodded quickly, turning away. He grabbed another blazer and returned, repeating the same motions adjusting the sleeves, keeping his head down.
Over and over. Jungkook ordering. Taehyung obeying.
Each second stretched painfully long. All Taehyung wanted was for it to end for the air between them to stop feeling so suffocating, for this encounter to dissolve like it never happened.
But deep down, he knew Jungkook wasn't done yet.
After an hour
Jungkook leaned back on the couch, elbows resting lazily on his knees as he watched the man move around the room. Taehyung quietly collected the discarded pieces of clothing his movements careful, almost shy. The silence between them buzzed, heavy and tense.
Jungkook's eyes trailed over every motion, the faint tremor in those hands, the way his lashes fluttered whenever their gazes accidentally met.
"Come here," Jungkook said suddenly, his voice low but commanding.
Taehyung froze mid-step, clutching a neatly folded shirt to his chest. "M-me?"
Jungkook's lips curved faintly. "I don't see the walls moving, so yes, you."
That familiar line. The same words he had said once before months ago.
Taehyung's stomach twisted as the memory hit him like a wave. He swallowed hard, forcing his feet to move. Slowly, he walked over and sat down on the chair in front of Jungkook, folding his hands neatly on his lap to hide their nervous twitch.
Jungkook tilted his head, his gaze sharp, calculating. "Remove your mask."
Taehyung's eyes widened behind it. His fingers instantly gripped the fabric. "I-I can't," he stammered. "I'm... sick. Caught a cold."
Jungkook's stare didn't waver, but something in his eyes softened just barely. His tone lowered, almost reflective. "Your eyes..." he said quietly. "They look like someone I used to know."
Taehyung's heart thudded against his ribs. "W-who?"
Jungkook's lips curved into that dangerous, knowing smirk of his. "Someone wild."
Taehyung's gaze dropped to the floor. He didn't trust his voice anymore. The air between them grew heavy again Jungkook studying him like he was reading between lines that weren't meant to be seen.
After a moment, Jungkook stood up. The sound of his chair sliding back made Taehyung rise as well, instinctively, like his body couldn't help but react to Jungkook's movements. Jungkook stepped closer, his presence large, his scent filling the air clean, expensive, intoxicating.
"Who do you have at home?" Jungkook asked casually, eyes never leaving his face.
Taehyung exhaled shakily, gripping the hem of his shirt. "I have... a wife. And my son." The lie slipped out smoother than he expected, but it felt like glass in his throat.
Jungkook's expression didn't change but something flickered in his eyes, a brief spark. His lips curved into a smirk.
"A wife," he repeated slowly, rolling the word off his tongue. "I see."
Taehyung nodded, pretending to adjust the mask that hid his face.
Without another word, Jungkook pulled out his wallet. He flipped it open and took out a thick stack of bills, crisp, new, clean. He extended them toward Taehyung. "Consider this a tip."
Taehyung immediately shook his head, stepping back. "No, sir. I can't accept that."
Jungkook's brow lifted faintly, intrigued by the refusal.
Taehyung met his gaze for a split second before looking away. "It's not right."
Jungkook studied him for a long moment before humming quietly, sliding the money back into his wallet. "Not right," he repeated under his breath, almost like he was testing the words. He tucked the wallet into his pocket, then picked up his suit jacket from the couch.
He paused by the door, his hand on the handle, and glanced back one last time. His eyes lingered longer than they should have tracing the lines of Taehyung's masked face, the trembling curve of his hands, the faint flush on his neck.
And with that, he turned and walked out leaving Taehyung standing there, breath uneven, heart pounding against his chest.
"Good thing he didn't recognize me," Taehyung whispered to himself.
But even as he said it, a part of him wasn't sure if he truly believed it.
But seeing the CEO after so many days felt unreal.
Taehyung's chest tightened as his eyes followed Jungkook's retreating back. His pulse was still uneven, his body still heavy from the weight of everything that moment had stirred up inside him.
It had taken so much to stay composed every second in that store had felt like a test of endurance.
He bent down to gather the scattered clothes, folding each piece neatly, the tremor in his hands betraying his calm expression. It's over, he told himself. He didn't even recognize me. A small, bitter laugh almost escaped him. Of course, he didn't.
The thought ached somewhere deep in Taehyung, but he forced it down, focusing on the task before him. He stacked the folded garments and adjusted his name tag, pretending he didn't feel like collapsing right there.
The manager called out something behind him, but Taehyung barely heard. All he could think of was the way Jungkook had said, "Show me some blazers," his voice calm, indifferent, almost teasing. The same voice that once whispered things that used to make Taehyung's knees weak.
He exhaled shakily, shaking his head. Don't go there.
Outside the store, Jungkook stepped into the cool air with the woman beside him. She looked uncertain for a moment, fidgeting with the bag in her hands, until one of Jungkook's men approached with a sleek black briefcase.
"Thank you, Mr. Jeon," she said softly. Jungkook didn't respond, just opened the briefcase, revealing the payment inside. The woman took it quietly, her tone respectful but distant. "It was... convincing, wasn't it?" she said, half-smiling.
Jungkook didn't reply just nodded toward his driver, who gestured for the woman to leave. She gave one last polite bow and disappeared into the passing crowd.
Once she was gone, Jungkook turned his gaze back toward the glass storefront the same one Taehyung had been standing behind minutes ago. From this distance, he could only see his faint reflection in the window, and the flicker of someone moving inside.
He leaned against the car door, loosening his buttons. His face, once blank, softened just enough for a hint of emotion to slip through.
Jungkook's lips curved into a faint smirk as he opened the car door. "How long will you go on pretending..." he murmured under his breath.
The driver glanced at him in the mirror. He just leaned back, resting his hand near the window, watching the faint reflection of the store fade as the car started to move.
Inside, Taehyung remained behind the counter, hands pressed flat against the surface, trying to slow the racing beat of his heart.
For Taehyung, it was over.
For Jungkook, it had only just begun.