58
Third Person Pov
It was barely six in the morning when the soft beeping of the alarm filled the quiet room. Taehyung stirred under the sheets, face half-buried in the pillow, his brows knitting in protest at the sound. He groaned softly before sitting up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand.
The room was dim, bathed in the pale blue light of dawn filtering through the heavy curtains. He reached for his phone on the bedside table, squinting at the screen-6:00 AM. Right on time.
A sigh escaped his lips as his gaze softened, falling on the small figure beside him. Gyubin was curled up under the blanket, face peaceful, breathing steady. His lashes fluttered slightly as if lost in a dream.
"Today's the big day, Binnie," he whispered to himself, voice tender. It was Gyubin's first day of school.
Taehyung stretched a little and glanced around the room.
It still felt unfamiliar... too pristine, too big.
This was Jungkook's apartment. Or rather, the CEO's apartment.
A modern, expensive space with black marble floors, wide windows overlooking Seoul's skyline, and that subtle scent of cedar that lingered everywhere.
He hadn't chosen to be here. After their return to Seoul, Taehyung had flatly refused to go back to the Jeon mansion. So Jungkook didn't ask Taehyung's opinion, he simply dropped them here after Gyubin's admission, said a few clipped words about safety and convenience, and left. Just like that.
Taehyung still remembered standing in the middle of this same living room.... Gyubin blinking up at him, clutching his small bag, and Jungkook's car tail lights fading down the road.
He'd been angry then, but what could he do? At least this place was safe.
Shaking away the memory, Taehyung dragged himself toward the bathroom. The sound of running water soon filled the apartment, followed by the faint hum of his voice as he brushed his teeth, trying to wake himself up.
When he came back out, towel around his neck, Gyubin was still fast asleep, his tiny hand clutching the blanket near his chin.
"Binnie..." Taehyung called softly as he climbed back onto the bed, hugging the little boy from behind. "Wake up, baby. It's time for school."
Gyubin only made a sleepy noise, face burrowing deeper into the pillow.
"Come on, you promised me you'd be brave today," Taehyung mumbled against his son's shoulder, his own eyelids threatening to close again.
He let his head rest there for a second, feeling the warmth and soft rhythm of Gyubin's heartbeat before forcing himself to blink rapidly.
"Wake up," he said again, voice firmer this time.
He tugged the blanket away, earning a little groan. "Appa... please..." Gyubin mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.
Taehyung chuckled under his breath. "No more five minutes." He lightly tapped the boy's head and Gyubin scrunched his face adorably, pouting.
"Get ready," Taehyung said as he got off the bed. "I'll make your breakfast and pack your lunchbox."
Gyubin mumbled something incoherent, probably a complaint, as Taehyung left the room, shaking his head with a fond smile.
The apartment was quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator. Taehyung rolled up the sleeves of his oversized white shirt, and walked into the kitchen. He opened the fridge, already mentally listing Gyubin's favorite things to eat... something light, warm, easy on his stomach.
As the pan heated and the faint aroma of eggs filled the room, Taehyung's thoughts wandered again... to the boy's smile when he'd see his new school, and to Jungkook, whose shadow somehow still lingered everywhere in this place, even in the silence of morning.
.
.
Gyubin stood in front of the mirror, the early Seoul sunlight spilling softly through the curtains. His uniform, a crisp white shirt tucked into neatly pressed navy trousers, a dark blazer hanging perfectly over his small shoulders.
He fumbled with the striped school tie, tongue peeking out in concentration as he tried to knot it the way Taehyung had shown him last night. "Left over right... right over left..." he mumbled under his breath, the knot finally taking shape.
He reached for the moisturizer on the dresser, dabbing a bit onto his fingertips.
His movements were delicate-careful. Just like Appa always reminded him.
After that, came the sunscreen. He squeezed out a small amount and patted it over his nose and cheeks with both palms until it disappeared into his skin.
Finally, he reached for his black cap, pulling it gently over his shaved head. He checked himself once more in the mirror, smiling shyly.
When he stepped into the kitchen, he found Taehyung at the counter, his hair slightly messy from the morning rush, sleeves rolled up, carefully closing a neat stainless... steel dosirak lunch box with side compartments. The smell of warm rice and egg rolls filled the air.
"Appa?" Gyubin called softly.
Taehyung turned immediately, his face lighting up. "Oh, you're ready already?" he said with that sleepy, proud smile that always made Gyubin's chest feel warm.
He nodded and climbed onto a stool. Taehyung placed the dosirak inside Gyubin's backpack before sitting beside him. "I packed your favorite-gyeran-mari and a few strawberries. Your medicine is in this little case," he said, holding out a small pastel box.
Gyubin took it carefully and nodded. "Okay, Appa."
Taehyung leaned closer, voice soft but serious. "If you don't feel well or you get tired, tell your teacher right away, okay?"
"Yes, Appa."
"And don't touch anything dirty, okay? Use this." He handed Gyubin a cute blue hand sanitizer shaped like a bear. "Always after you touch the door handles or anything outside."
"Okay, Appa," Gyubin said again, smiling a little as he clipped the sanitizer to his backpack zipper.
Taehyung sighed, brushing his thumb gently over Gyubin's cheek. He couldn't help it... this little boy had gone through too much. And now, here he was, ready for his first day of school after a year of hospital visits and quiet recovery.
He leaned in and pressed a kiss to Gyubin's forehead. "Good boy. Now finish your banana milk, and we'll go."
Gyubin picked up the small yellow carton and drank, his legs swinging under the stool. Taehyung watched him for a long moment, the way the morning light touched his round cheeks, the way his eyes sparkled with quiet excitement.
Then
The doorbell rang.
Taehyung frowned, glancing at the clock barely past seven. He wiped his damp hands on the kitchen towel and walked to the door, a puzzled crease on his forehead.
When he opened it, his breath caught.
Jeon Jungkook stood there, sharp and composed as ever, black suit, crisp white shirt, hair styled back just enough to look effortless.
For a second, Taehyung just blinked, frozen in place. Then his hand tightened around the doorknob, knuckles pale.
"...What are you doing here?" he asked finally, his voice quieter than he meant it to be.
Jungkook's gaze swept over him once from the oversized cream sweater to the messy hair still damp from the shower - before he met his eyes again. "I'm here to drop him off to school," the CEO said simply, stepping inside as if he owned the place. Well practically he did.
Taehyung's lips pressed together in irritation. He turned, closing the door quietly behind them. "I could've done that myself," he muttered under his breath.
Jungkook didn't answer.
"Mr. Jeon!" Gyubin's voice chimed from the living room. The boy brightened immediately, walking up to him with that tiny smile that always made Taehyung soften. Jungkook crouched down to Gyubin's level.
But then his gaze landed on the boy's tie. It was lopsided, a little crooked near the knot. Jungkook frowned and reached out. fingers working deftly to fix it. "Who taught you to tie it this way?"
"Appa," Gyubin mumbled proudly, and Taehyung's face heated instantly.
"I... watched a tutorial," Taehyung said, awkwardly clearing his throat.
Jungkook straightened slowly, his gaze lifting to meet Taehyung's, a pause, the air tightening between them. His fingers brushed against Taehyung's wrist as he took Gyubin's bag from his hand.
"I'll teach you later." he said, tone smooth, low enough to make Taehyung's pulse trip.
Taehyung took a small step back, jaw tight. "He's getting late," he said curtly, looking anywhere but at him.
"Right," Jungkook said, his attention turning back to Gyubin. Without hesitation, he reached down and took the boy's small hand in his. The gesture was casual but it looked too natural, too practiced.
Taehyung's throat felt dry as he watched them. Why does he have to act like Gyubin's father? he thought bitterly, his heart twisting against his ribs.
Gyubin turned to him, beaming. "I'll be back soon, Appa. Take care, okay?" he said with that serious little voice of his.
Taehyung chuckled softly, leaning down to kiss his cheek. "Go," he whispered, tapping his arm. "Don't make your teacher wait."
"Okay!" Gyubin chirped, waving as Jungkook led him toward the elevator.
Taehyung stood at the doorway, watching the two figures one small and bright, one tall and blank disappear behind the silver elevator doors.
The moment they closed, the apartment felt quieter. Too quiet.
He pressed his palm against the doorframe, exhaling shakily. His chest felt heavy.
Why did it always have to be him who stayed behind?
The thought echoed in the quiet apartment, settling like dust in the morning light.
Taehyung slowly sank onto the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest. The fabric of his sweater bunched beneath his chin as he hugged himself the only kind of warmth he'd grown used to. His eyes fixed on the wall, blank and distant, but his mind wouldn't stop spinning.
He just wanted love. Not the kind that burned and faded not the kind that left bruises where tenderness should've been. He wanted something soft. Something that stayed.
He wanted care, a hand that didn't pull away when he reached out. A voice that didn't sound like a command when it said his name.
He wanted to be someone's priority, just once. To be chosen, not tolerated.
Taehyung's throat tightened as he stared at the faint reflection of himself on the dark TV screen the messy hair, the tired eyes, the curve of a mouth that had forgotten how to smile without effort.
Was that too much to ask?
He needed caring actions not expensive gifts. Just words. The kind that wrapped around your heart and made you feel seen.
Taehyung's eyes fluttered shut for a moment. The silence felt loud, pressing against his chest.
He wanted someone who would wait for him. Just wait without demanding, without breaking him down in the process.
His fingers dug into his sleeves. The more he tried to fight it, the heavier it got.... the ache, the yearning, the exhaustion of always being the one who loved harder.
Because no matter how strong he pretended to be, Taehyung was just a boy who still believed that maybe, someday, someone would look at him and stay.
.
.
.
The car came to a gentle stop outside the school gates. The morning air was filled with chatter and laughter, parents bidding goodbye to their children but inside the sleek black car, there was only silence.
Gyubin fumbled with his seatbelt, his small fingers tugging helplessly at the buckle. Before he could speak, Jungkook leaned over and unfastened it for him in one smooth motion. "Got it," Jungkook said, his tone low but not unkind.
"Thank you," Gyubin mumbled shyly, pushing the door open with both hands. Jungkook grabbed the boy's schoolbag from the backseat, stepping out after him.
As soon as Gyubin's shoes hit the pavement, his hand instinctively reached out, small fingers curling around Jungkook's. The CEO paused for a second, glancing down. The boy looked up, his big eyes blinking earnestly.
"Thank you for dropping me off," Gyubin said with a polite smile.
Jungkook hummed in response, as he started walking toward the gate.
The whispers began almost immediately.
Parents turned their heads, murmuring to each other.
The sight of Jeon Jungkook the CEO of Jeon Corps.
.. walking a child to school was something none of them had ever expected.
But Jungkook didn't even glance their way; his focus was on the small boy beside him.
They reached the gate, and Gyubin stopped to adjust his bag. Jungkook crouched slightly, his tone low and even.
"Enjoy little man," he said, straightening the boy's collar.
Gyubin nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr.Jeon."
A faint smirk tugged at Jungkook's lips just a flicker of amusement before he stood tall again, his hands slipping back into his pockets.
"Get your day done properly," he said, voice cool and composed, the authority in it unmistakable.
Gyubin nodded again, bowing respectfully before taking a few steps toward the gate. But then he turned around, his little voice carrying a warmth that made Jungkook still.
"Please take care of my appa," he said earnestly, giving a final wave before running inside.
Jungkook stood there, his sharp gaze softening almost imperceptibly. The boy's words echoed in his mind... Please take care of my appa.
He looked up at the school building, then down at his empty hand, the one Gyubin had been holding just seconds ago. His jaw clenched as he exhaled deeply, eyes flickering with something unspoken before he turned back toward the car, his expression sharp once more.
.
.
.
Taehyung had taken another shower, hoping the warm water would rinse away the loneliness clinging to him like a second skin.
The steam had fogged the mirror, but when he caught his reflection, he barely recognized himself.
A loose robe hung from his frame, damp hair sticking to his forehead as he sank onto the bed, the quiet of the apartment pressing down on him.
The absence of Gyubin felt like a hollow space echoing inside his chest. With his son around, the house was always filled with laughter, chatter, tiny footsteps something that made Taehyung feel alive.
But now, with the silence stretching endlessly, he felt like a ghost wandering through his own life.
He stared at the ceiling, his hand clutching the edge of his robe.
When did I become this person? he thought bitterly.
He used to have hobbies painting, late-night dancing, cooking fancy dishes just for fun but now, he couldn't even remember the last time he did something for himself.
He didn't even know what his favorite food was anymore.
Somewhere between the heartbreak of losing his sister and responsibility. .. he had lost himself.
But even then, Taehyung didn't regret it not one bit. The joy Gyubin brought into his life outweighed everything else. The child's smile, his innocent voice, his hugs that was his reason to keep going.
Still, when Gyubin wasn't home... Taehyung realized just how dependent he had become. Emotionally, entirely.
He sighed and reached for the blanket when he heard a faint shuffle outside the bedroom. His brows furrowed. He stilled, holding his breath. Then came another sound heavier this time, like deliberate footsteps.
His heart began to race.
What the hell...
He quickly got up, clutching his robe tighter. His eyes darted toward the door, the sound growing louder. He moved on instinct, grabbing a porcelain vase from the side table, clutching it like a weapon.
The footsteps stopped just outside the door.
"YOU thief!" Taehyung yelled, raising the vase and swinging it down
but a hand shot up, gripping his wrist midair with startling strength.
Taehyung gasped, blinking rapidly the vase slipped from his grasp and hit the floor with a dull thud.
Jungkook stood there.
Sharp expr3ssion and a faint glint of irritation in his dark eyes.
Taehyung's lips parted in shock. "Y-You..."
Jungkook's jaw flexed as he tightened his grip on Taehyung's wrist. "You're seriously about to hit me with a vase?"
"H-how did you even get inside?!" Taehyung stammered, trying to twist his arm free.
"I have keys," Jungkook replied flatly, eyes narrowing. His voice was low calm, yet carrying the weight of control that made Taehyung's pulse skip.
"You what- let go!" Taehyung struggled, but Jungkook's hold only grew firmer. In one smooth motion, he pulled Taehyung closer, pushing his arm firmly behind his back.
Taehyung winced, the proximity sending a shiver down his spine. Their chests brushed against eacch other.
"Always so reckless," Jungkook muttered. "You never learn, do you?"
Taehyung's breath hitched. "You... you can't just walk in like that and scare people."
Jungkook leaned in slightly, his tone almost mocking. "Then learn to lock the damn door properly."
"I did lock it," Taehyung hissed, twisting his wrist again, but Jungkook only smirked faintly, the grip still firm enough to make Taehyung shiver.
"You sure about that?" Jungkook murmured.
Taehyung swallowed hard, his chest rising and falling rapidly. "Let go of me," he whispered, but it came out weaker than he wanted, a plea rather than a command.
Jungkook tilted his head slightly, studying his face from up close, his voice low "Next time you think I'm a thief, you better be ready to deal with the consequences."
The air between them felt thick charged with something unspoken, something dangerously familiar.
Jungkook’s eyes trailed downward slow, before stopping at the loose knot of Taehyung’s robe. His lips twitched into the faintest smirk. Without warning, he reached forward and wrapped two fingers around the knot, tugging it lightly.
Taehyung’s breath hitched, his body going stiff. His eyes widened as his hand shot up to grab Jungkook’s wrist. “W–what are you doing?” he stammered, his voice shaky but sharp.
Jungkook tilted his head, his smirk deepening. “What?” he asked, voice low and infuriatingly calm.
Taehyung frowned, clutching tighter. “You--what do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m just trying to see what’s underneath,” Jungkook replied almost casually, his tone soft yet dripping with amusement, fingers still teasing the knot.
Taehyung’s lips parted, his cheeks heating up. “W–what do you mean what’s underneath. It’s—it’s my body, what else could it be?” he snapped, trying to sound confident, but the tremble in his voice betrayed him.
Jungkook’s eyes gleamed. “Is it naked?” he asked serious tone, but the glint in his gaze was unmistakable.
Taehyung froze for half a second, then his entire body flushed crimson.
He took a sharp step back, glaring at him in disbelief.
“You—!” He shoved Jungkook with all the strength he could muster.
The CEO stumbled backward not because he had to, but because he let himself lips curling into a lazy smirk.
Taehyung’s chest heaved, fury bubbling under his skin.
He turned abruptly, stalking to the cupboard. “I brought this especially for you,” he muttered, voice tight, eyes blazing.
Jungkook raised a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “is that so?”
Taehyung reached inside, rummaging until something metallic glinted under the light. When he turned, he was holding a long, flexible metal rod something that looked like a curtain pole, but the way he held it made it seem far more dangerous.
Jungkook’s smirk widened as he straightened his posture. “You planning to hit me with that?”
Taehyung lifted the rod, flexing it between his hands. “This,” he said coldly, “is only for you.”
Jungkook shook his head, his gaze dark and entertained. “I should be scared, yeah?”
Taehyung narrowed his eyes. “You should be.”
Jungkook took a slow step back, unbothered. “Alright then. Show me.”
That did it.
Taehyung stomped toward him, the robe swaying around, the rod raised. “You always... always do this! Forcing me! Pushing me around like I’m—” He swung the rod and missed as Jungkook bent down effortlessly, his movements smooth, almost playful.
The rod sliced the air with a sharp whip.
Jungkook straightened, that dangerous smile tugging at his lips. “You’re angry.”
“You think?!” Taehyung barked, his voice trembling with both fury and embarrassment. “You come in here like you own everything... touching me saying those—those things!” He swung again, his hair falling into his eyes, breath ragged.
Jungkook sidestepped easily, letting the blow miss by inches. “Maybe I just like watching you lose your mind like this,” he murmured.
Taehyung froze, his pulse roaring in his ears. “You’re bad.”
“Maybe.” Jungkook’s smirk softened into something unreadable as he took a slow step forward. “But I never said I wasn’t.”
“Stay away from me,” Taehyung snapped, gripping the rod tighter. His robe had loosened slightly, revealing a hint of bare collarbone, skin flushed from both anger and something he refused to name.
Jungkook’s gaze lingered there, then slowly rose to meet Taehyung’s eyes again. “You should fix that,” he said softly.
“W-what?”
“Your robe.”
Taehyung’s breath caught, and before he could react, Jungkook reached forward again his fingers brushing against the near the knot and this time, Taehyung froze completely. The air was so thick with tension that even the faint sound of their breathing felt deafening.
“Still not scared?” Jungkook whispered, his voice deep and dangerously close to his ear.
“Y-you don’t scare me,” Taehyung said, but his voice cracked, betraying him again.
Jungkook smiled faintly. “Then why are your hands shaking?”
Taehyung’s lips parted, words trembling at the edge of his tongue but they never came out. His breath hitched as he clutched the edges of his robe tighter, the fabric slipping against his skin. His frustration simmered, eyes darkening with defiance.
He stepped closer, raising his hand once again, the metal rod glinting under the soft morning light. “You never listen,” he hissed, his voice low but shaking with pent-up emotion. “You always—”
Before he could finish, Jungkook moved faster. In one swift motion, he caught Taehyung’s wrist midair, the impact echoing faintly in the quiet room. Their eyes met Taehyung’s blazing with anger, Jungkook’s calm but deadly.
Jungkook’s grip tightened, and with a forceful tug, he turned Taehyung around and pushed him down onto the bed. The younger’s knees hit the mattress first, followed by his chest as he gasped, his hair falling over his eyes.
Taehyung let out a sharp whimper as his arm was twisted behind his back, the other pressed against the sheets to keep his balance. The robe slid slightly down his shoulder, exposing the curve of his neck.
“Enough.” Jungkook’s voice came, low and commanding.
Taehyung wriggled beneath him, trying to push up, but Jungkook’s hold was unyielding. His breathing grew uneven, heart pounding as he felt the older’s presence towering above him... steady, controlled, and impossibly close.
“Let go,” Taehyung hissed, his voice muffled against the mattress. “You’re hurting me.”
“Am I?” Jungkook asked quietly, his tone sharp as his grip loosened just slightly.
Taehyung turned his face to the side, eyes glancing up at him with a mix of frustration and confusion. “I hate you so much!!” he muttered, his voice trembling. “You barge in, you decide everything for me—like I’m some kind of possession.”
Jungkook’s jaw flexed, but he said nothing for a moment. His gaze lingered on the younger’s disheveled hair, the curve of his back rising and falling with each breath.
And then, in a tone that was softer but still carried weight, Jungkook said, “Maybe it’s because you never stop fighting me.”
Taehyung blinked rapidly, his vision blurring as tears welled up in his eyes.
His wrist ached under Jungkook’s grip, the older twisting it just enough to make him squirm. His breath hitched as his cheek pressed into the pillow, voice trembling through the muffled fabric.
“Why do you keep interfering in my life when the contract has already expired?” he managed to choke out, his tone breaking at the edges.
Jungkook didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his hand moved slow tracing a line from Taehyung’s shoulder down to the dip of his spine, the touch featherlight yet unbearably heavy.
“You think a mere contract decides when I’m no longer in your life?” Jungkook’s voice came low and calm.
Taehyung’s breath stuttered, his body trembling under the weight of the man towering above him. “Please… just leave me,” he whispered, his voice raw, cracking as if the words themselves hurt to say.
Jungkook’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why are you being so aggressive today? What got you so worked up?” His tone wasn’t mocking anymore, there was something else in it, an edge of curiosity and confusion
Taehyung didn’t answer. He pressed his lips together, trying to swallow the sob rising in his throat. Jungkook leaned closer, his grip still firm around Taehyung’s wrist.
“Tell me,” Jungkook’s voice dropped further, deep and commanding. “I’m not letting go until you do.”
And that was it, the final push that broke the dam Taehyung had been holding back. His tears spilled freely now, dampening the pillow beneath him. His voice came out in a whisper so fragile it almost got lost in the silence between them.
“Because I’m lonely…”
Jungkook stilled.
For a moment, the room fell into stillness, the only sound the faint hitch of Taehyung’s breath. Jungkook’s gaze softened despite himself. The same man who could command a boardroom into silence, now sat quietly behind someone who was breaking right in front of him.
Taehyung didn’t move. He just stayed there, trembling, clutching the sheets as if they were his only anchor. And Jungkook, for once, didn’t know what to say. His hand loosened slowly from Taehyung’s wrist, the tension between them shifting into something heavier, quieter… painfully human.
Jungkook didn’t say anything, he just watched Taehyung silently, his gaze fixed on the way the younger’s shoulders trembled, the tears spilling freely now.
Then, without a word, he leaned down, his lips brushing gently against Taehyung’s bare shoulder.
“Why do you feel that way?” he asked softly, his voice low, almost tender, a tone Taehyung hadn’t heard from anyone.
That one question...that voice broke him.
Taehyung’s throat bobbed as he tried to speak, but his breath hitched. He pressed his trembling lips together, clutching the sheets tighter in his fists. Jungkook waited quiet, patient watching as Taehyung’s body shook with every uneven inhale.
“I just—” Taehyung’s voice cracked. “I don’t even know anymore…” He shook his head, blinking fast. “Everyone around me has someone waiting for them. You have people… who need you, who look for you…” His words stumbled, fragile and fragmented.
“Everywhere I go, I see it... love, care, need, warmth… all of it. But me?” His voice trembled again, barely audible. “I'm always left behind. I always wake up to silence.”
Jungkook’s brows furrowed, but he stayed still, his fingers flexing slightly against the bed.
“My son…” Taehyung whispered, eyes closing as his tears streamed down his cheeks.
“For a year… he was all I had by my side. I got used to him, his little laugh, his tiny hands pulling my sleeve…” He let out a shaky breath, voice breaking completely now.
“Now he’s not there. And I— I don’t know what to do with my hands anymore, I-I never realized when did I become so emotionally dependent on him. ”
The room fell into heavy silence, broken only by the sound of Taehyung’s quiet sobs.
“I hate this feeling,” he whispered after a long pause, his voice hoarse. “I hate that I miss him this much. I hate that it hurts.” He swallowed, shaking his head slowly. “I hate myself for being like this.”
Jungkook’s chest tightened. His gaze faltered, the weight of those words sinking into him. He looked away, jaw flexing as he ran a hand through his hair.
There was silence.
Please take care of my Appa.
Gyubin’s voice echoed faintly in his mind.
Without saying anything, Jungkook shrugged off his blazer and tossed it aside, rolling his sleeves up as he exhaled. He reached forward, holding Taehyung by his arm and guiding him gently to sit upright.
Taehyung didn’t resist. He just sat there, head bowed, fingers curled together on his lap. His lashes were wet, his cheeks flushed, lips trembling as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t.
His voice finally came out small, broken, almost childlike.
“I’m just… so tired, Jungkook.”
Jungkook froze, his throat tightening at the sound of his name said like that soft, desperate, like a plea that didn’t need an answer.
Jungkook didn't reply just walked toward the cupboard without saying a word. The room still felt heavy with Taehyung’s tears, the air fragile between them. He opened the wardrobe, fingers brushing past neatly folded clothes before pulling out a soft hoodie and a pair of shorts.
He turned back. Taehyung sat quietly on the edge of the bed, still in his robe, clutching the ends of the fabric as if it were his last defense. Jungkook stopped in front of him, his expression unreadable.
He tugged gently at the robe’s belt. Taehyung flinched his breath catching but then he nodded faintly, allowing Jungkook to loosen it. The robe slipped off his shoulders, revealing pale skin still faintly damp from the shower.
Jungkook didn’t let his gaze linger. Not once did his eyes trail lower than Taehyung’s face.
He just focused on dressing him sliding the hoodie over his head, carefully guiding his arms through the sleeves, pulling the shorts up over trembling legs.
His movements were deliberate, almost mechanical, but there was something quiet in them something gentle.
When he was done, Jungkook turned toward the dresser and opened a small box. Inside lay a comb and a few skincare products. He took the comb first, brushing through Taehyung’s damp hair, the sound of the comb gliding through strands filling the silence.
Taehyung sat still, his heartbeat drumming loud in his chest, each stroke of Jungkook’s hand making him feel smaller, softer.
Jungkook then opened one of the creams, scooping a bit on his fingers before rubbing it between his palms. He started with Taehyung’s hands rubbing the lotion into his skin slowly, carefully.
Then his wrists. His forearms. Each touch was steady, almost clinical, yet filled with an unspoken tenderness that didn’t match the coldness in Jungkook’s eyes.
“You said you don’t know what to do with your hands anymore, right?” Jungkook spoke finally, his voice low almost a murmur.
Taehyung’s gaze dropped again. He didn’t answer.
Jungkook’s hands stilled for a moment then he slid his fingers between Taehyung’s, interlocking them tightly.
“Now you do,” he said.
The words were simple, but they landed heavy like a weight pressed against Taehyung’s chest.
Taehyung blinked slowly, his eyes lifting to Jungkook’s face. For a long moment, neither spoke. The CEO’s expression was as calm and cold as ever, but his hand didn’t move their fingers remained entwined.
Taehyung’s breath trembled as his lips parted, but no words came out. All he could do was stare, at the quiet contradiction in Jungkook’s touch, and at the man who kept breaking him without even trying.
Then Jungkook sat beside him in silence.
The distance between them was barely a breath, yet it felt like a wall.
His posture was relaxed one arm resting casually on his knee, the other still loosely holding Taehyung’s hand.
The air around him carried that same composed chill he always wore, like he’d built a fortress no one could cross.
Taehyung stared down at their joined hands, his gaze shifting to Jungkook’s wrist. A small glint caught his eye. The red thread looked almost out of place against Jungkook’s sharp, formal attire. It was slightly frayed now, the red beads and tiny silver charm still dangling at the center.
Taehyung hesitated before speaking, his voice breaking the heavy silence.
“Why… why do you wear my bracelet?” he asked softly, almost as if afraid of the answer.
Jungkook didn’t look at him, his eyes fixed on the floor ahead.
“It’s red,” Taehyung continued, his voice trembling. “You always liked darker colors… black, gray, navy... not this. It doesn’t even go with your suits.”
The CEO said nothing for a moment his thumb brushing absently over the silver charm as if thinking. Then, finally, he spoke his tone cool, precise, but carrying a weight Taehyung couldn’t name.
“It doesn’t have to match,” Jungkook said, tone even. “Some things just stay, whether you want them to or not.”
The words landed like a quiet storm emotion hidden behind restraint, affection buried under pride.
Taehyung stared at the man across from him those same dark eyes that always seemed to hold a secret.
For a moment, neither of them looked away.
The air felt heavy, not tense, just... full.
Taehyung was the first to drop his gaze, his lashes fluttering as he tried to pull his hand back. But Jungkook’s grip only tightened.
And Taehyung didn’t resist this time.
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable. It lingered like warmth after rain, quiet and grounding. The world outside could be loud, cruel even, but here… it wasn’t. Taehyung felt his chest loosen for the first time in days.
Something soft replaced the heaviness in him a fleeting sense of calm, fragile but real. He didn’t feel lonely or melancholic anymore. Just still. Just seen.