Chapter 7: ♡~𝟼♡

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Taehyung paced back and forth in the living room, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. It was well past midnight, and Jungkook still hadn’t returned. The heavy rain outside battered against the windows, adding to the tension already gnawing at Taehyung’s insides.

He had tried calling Jungkook multiple times, but each time, the call went straight to voicemail. Taehyung’s heart was racing, worry tightening its grip on him with every passing minute.

The others had left hours ago, but Taehyung had stayed behind, waiting for Jungkook. He had assumed Jungkook would come back after cooling off from whatever had upset him earlier, but now, he wasn’t so sure.

“What could have happened? Why is he not answering?” Taehyung muttered under his breath, running a hand through his damp hair in frustration.

He replayed the evening in his mind, trying to pinpoint what might have triggered Jungkook’s sudden disappearance. They had all been joking around during the truth-or-dare game. DK had dared Taehyung to roast Jungkook, and he had done it, though reluctantly.

It was just a joke—everyone had been laughing. But now, in hindsight, Taehyung wondered if he had gone too far.

“God, what if he’s upset because of me?” Taehyung’s stomach twisted at the thought.

The rain outside grew heavier, lightning flashing through the sky, followed by the rumble of thunder. Taehyung’s worry turned into panic. Jungkook wasn’t the type to disappear like this.

Sure, he was introverted and shy, but he wouldn’t just vanish without a word. Something was wrong, and Taehyung couldn’t shake the gnawing fear that it was his fault.

He grabbed his jacket from the couch and rushed toward the door, determined to find Jungkook. He couldn’t just sit there and wait any longer. Jungkook could be anywhere, but Taehyung had a feeling he knew where to start looking.

There was a secluded spot by the river—one Jungkook had mentioned a few times, a place he often went to clear his mind when things became overwhelming.

Taehyung had never been there himself, but he remembered the way Jungkook had described it—quiet, away from the world, where he could be alone with his thoughts.

Pulling up the hood of his jacket, Taehyung stepped out into the rain, the cold drops immediately soaking through his clothes. But he didn’t care. All that mattered was finding Jungkook.

The streets were nearly empty as he drove toward the river, the rain making it difficult to see through the windshield. His heart was pounding the whole time, fear twisting in his chest with every passing second.

What if something had happened to Jungkook? What if he had been hurt—or worse?

When Taehyung finally arrived at the riverbank, he spotted a lone figure sitting under a tree, huddled against the trunk, drenched in rain. His heart sank in relief and guilt when he recognized Jungkook.

Taehyung quickly parked the car and rushed over to him. “Jungkook!” he called, his voice nearly drowned out by the rain.

Jungkook didn’t look up, but Taehyung could see the way his shoulders were shaking, whether from the cold or something deeper. As Taehyung got closer, he could hear the faint sound of sobs mixing with the rain. Jungkook was crying.

“Jungkook, what are you doing out here?” Taehyung knelt beside him, his heart breaking at the sight of Jungkook’s tear-streaked face. “You’re going to catch a cold. Come on, let’s go home.”

Jungkook wiped at his eyes roughly, his expression a mixture of pain and anger. “Why do you care?” he muttered, his voice hoarse from crying. “Go back to Jin. You don’t have to pretend.”

Taehyung frowned, confusion and hurt flashing across his face. “What are you talking about?”

Jungkook turned his face away, refusing to meet Taehyung’s eyes. “You don’t care about me. I heard you... I heard everything you said. You think I’m weak. A joke.”

Realization hit Taehyung like a punch to the gut. He had roasted Jungkook during the truth-or-dare game. Jungkook had taken it to heart.

“Oh my god, Jungkook...” Taehyung’s voice softened, filled with regret. “It was just a stupid dare. I didn’t mean any of it. I would never make fun of you like that—especially not like that. I—”

Jungkook shook his head, still not looking at him. “It doesn’t matter. You and Jin... you’re perfect together. I was stupid to think... to think I could ever...”

Taehyung’s eyes widened in realization. Jungkook thought there was something between him and Jin? “Wait... you think I have feelings for Jin?”

Jungkook didn’t respond, but the silence was answer enough.

Taehyung grabbed Jungkook’s hand, forcing him to finally meet his gaze. “Jungkook, you’ve got it all wrong. Jin and I are just friends. There’s nothing between us—nothing like that. If I care about someone... if I feel something for someone, it’s not Jin. It’s you.”

Jungkook blinked, his breath catching in his throat. “What?”

Taehyung’s grip tightened on Jungkook’s hand, his voice steady. “I’ve cared about you for a long time, Jungkook. I didn’t realize how much until tonight when I thought I might lose you. I’m sorry if I hurt you, but you need to know... I care about you. Only you.”

Jungkook’s heart pounded in his chest, the anger and sadness slowly melting away as he looked into Taehyung’s eyes. He could see the sincerity there, the warmth he had longed for.

Without thinking, Jungkook pulled Taehyung into a tight embrace, burying his face in Taehyung’s shoulder as the rain continued to pour around them. Taehyung wrapped his arms around Jungkook, holding him close, letting the warmth of the moment wash over them.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Jungkook didn’t feel alone.

Jungkook's sobs intensified as he clung to Taehyung, the emotional floodgate fully open. His voice came out shaky, muffled against Taehyung’s shoulder. "Why didn’t you… why didn’t you tell me sooner, Tae? You knew... you knew how shy I am… how scared I get. Why didn’t you propose me before? Why didn’t you—” He broke off, his voice trembling with both frustration and relief.

Taehyung tightened his embrace, rubbing soothing circles on Jungkook's back, trying to calm him. The weight of Jungkook’s words and tears pressed heavily against his chest, filling him with regret and guilt for not seeing Jungkook’s struggle earlier.

“I’m sorry, Jungkook,” Taehyung whispered softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “I… I didn’t think you felt the same way. You’re always so quiet, so reserved… I was afraid I’d scare you away if I said anything. I thought maybe you’d never see me as more than just your right-hand man, your assistant. And I didn’t want to lose what we already had.”

Jungkook pulled back slightly, his tear-filled eyes meeting Taehyung’s. "But I’ve always looked at you, Taehyung. From the moment we met, I… I admired you. I thought you’d never notice someone like me. You’re so bold, so confident… and I’m just…" He trailed off, his insecurities pouring out.

Taehyung cupped Jungkook’s face gently, brushing away the tears from his cheeks. His heart ached seeing Jungkook so vulnerable, so raw with emotion. “Jungkook, you’re everything to me. I don’t care if you’re shy, or introverted, or emotional. That’s what makes you… you. That’s why I care about you. I love all those things about you.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched at Taehyung’s words, his heart skipping a beat. “You... love me?”

Taehyung smiled softly, his thumb caressing Jungkook’s cheek. “Yes. I love you, Jungkook. I’ve loved you for a long time, but I was too scared to admit it. I didn’t want to push you, knowing how much pressure you already have on you. I should have said it sooner… I should have shown you.”

Jungkook’s tears began to subside, the overwhelming sadness being replaced by something warmer, something hopeful. He felt a small flicker of disbelief, mixed with joy, spreading through his chest.

“I was so afraid of losing you, Tae,” Jungkook whispered, his voice hoarse from crying. “Every time I saw you with Jin, or anyone else, I thought… I thought you didn’t want me. That I wasn’t good enough.”

Taehyung shook his head firmly, his eyes filled with unwavering affection. “You’re more than good enough, Jungkook. I never cared about anyone else the way I care about you. Jin is my friend, but you… you’re the one I want. The one I’ve always wanted.”

Jungkook blinked, his vision blurry from the remnants of his tears, but for the first time in what felt like forever, he could see clearly. The fear that had gripped him so tightly loosened as he stared into Taehyung’s eyes, seeing the truth and love reflected back at him.

“Then… don’t ever leave me again,” Jungkook whispered, his voice still fragile but filled with a quiet strength. “Please. I can’t lose you.”

Taehyung smiled softly, leaning in to press a gentle kiss on Jungkook’s forehead. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”

Jungkook nodded, his heart finally settling into a calm, steady rhythm as he leaned into Taehyung’s embrace. The rain still poured around them, but inside, everything felt peaceful, like the storm that had raged inside Jungkook had finally passed.

For the first time, he wasn’t afraid of his feelings. Taehyung was here. And that was all that mattered.

.

.

.

.

As the night deepened, the rain outside continued to fall steadily, but inside the warmth of Jungkook’s room, everything felt still. The air was thick with the comfort and safety of shared confessions, both of them lying together under the soft covers, Taehyung’s arm wrapped protectively around Jungkook.

They were nestled close, Jungkook’s head resting on Taehyung’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It was a rare moment of peace, especially after the chaos they had been through. Jungkook felt an unfamiliar calmness as Taehyung’s fingers gently threaded through his hair.

For the first time, he wasn’t running from his emotions.

“I’m sorry for always being so distant,” Jungkook mumbled quietly, his breath warm against Taehyung’s skin. “There’s so much I never told you… things I’ve never told anyone.”

Taehyung’s grip tightened slightly, silently encouraging him to continue. “You don’t have to apologize, kook. I’m here. Whatever it is, you can tell me. I want to know everything about you.”

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath. He had never been one to open up about his past, even though the weight of it had been suffocating him for years. But here, in the safety of Taehyung’s arms, he felt like maybe… just maybe, he could share that part of himself.

“When I was young… before I became who I am today,” Jungkook started, his voice soft, “I wasn’t always the way you see me now. I was different. Back then, I wasn’t the world’s most feared mafia leader. I was just… a scared kid.”

Taehyung listened attentively, his hand gently stroking Jungkook’s back, grounding him. Jungkook’s voice wavered as he continued.

“I had a rough childhood. My parents… they weren’t the most loving. My father was strict, always telling me that emotions made me weak. I had to be strong, or so he said. I had to be ruthless. And for a while, I believed him. I thought that if I shut off my feelings, if I became cold and emotionless, I would survive. That’s how I ended up here, in this life.”

Taehyung’s heart ached as he listened. He hadn’t known just how much Jungkook had been carrying all these years.

“But deep down,” Jungkook continued, his voice softer now, “I’m not like that. I don’t want to be the ruthless leader they think I am. I never wanted this life… but it was all I knew. I’m shy because I’ve never known how to express myself. I’m introverted because I’ve always been afraid that if I let people in, they’ll hurt me. Or they’ll see the real me, and they won’t like what they find.”

Jungkook felt a tear escape, rolling down his cheek as he continued, “I’ve spent my whole life trying to protect myself, but in the process, I ended up shutting everyone out. That’s why I couldn’t tell you how I felt, Taehyung. I was afraid. Afraid you’d see me as weak. Afraid you’d leave.”

Taehyung’s hand stilled for a moment before he gently lifted Jungkook’s chin, forcing their eyes to meet. “kookie,” he said softly, his voice filled with nothing but love, “you are not weak. Not for feeling emotions. Not for being shy. If anything, that makes you stronger. You’ve survived so much, and you’re still standing.”

Jungkook blinked, his heart swelling at Taehyung’s words, a lump forming in his throat.

“I don’t care what the world sees, or what anyone else thinks. I know who you really are,” Taehyung continued. “You’re kind. You’re thoughtful. You’re strong, but not because of your title or the fear you instill. You’re strong because you care, because you feel. That’s what makes you… you. And I love that about you.”

Jungkook swallowed hard, his emotions finally breaking free. He hadn’t realized how desperately he needed to hear those words, how much he had been waiting for someone—especially Taehyung—to see him, truly see him.

Without thinking, Jungkook wrapped his arms around Taehyung, burying his face in his chest as more tears spilled. But this time, they weren’t tears of pain or fear. They were tears of relief, of gratitude.

Taehyung held him close, his own heart full. “You don’t have to carry it all alone anymore,” he whispered into Jungkook’s hair. “I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

They lay there in silence for a long time, the sound of the rain against the window the only noise in the room. Jungkook felt lighter, as if a weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.

In Taehyung’s arms, he wasn’t the world’s most feared mafia leader. He was just Jeon Jungkook, a man who had found someone who loved him, all of him.

As he closed his eyes, his head resting on Taehyung’s chest, Jungkook whispered, “Thank you, Tae. For seeing me.”

Taehyung smiled softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Jungkook’s head. “Always.”

The cozy warmth of their shared bed was comforting, but it didn’t compare to the way Jungkook felt with Taehyung’s arms around him. They were tangled up together under the soft sheets, their legs intertwined.

Jungkook was resting his head on Taehyung’s chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. It felt surreal, knowing that after everything, he was finally in the arms of the person he had loved for so long.

Jungkook closed his eyes, savoring the moment, but his peace was interrupted when he felt Taehyung’s hand move down his back, tracing light circles against his skin.

The touch was bold, making Jungkook’s heart race. His cheeks flushed, and he couldn’t help the shy smile that tugged at his lips.

“Tae…” Jungkook whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

“Hm?” Taehyung responded, pretending to be innocent but knowing exactly what he was doing. His hand slid further down, teasing Jungkook’s lower back. “What is it, Jungkookie?”

Jungkook’s face turned a deeper shade of red, and he buried his face in Taehyung’s chest, trying to hide his embarrassment. “You’re… you’re making me nervous.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, his free hand coming up to cup Jungkook’s cheek, gently tilting his head up so their eyes could meet. “I like making you nervous,” he said with a mischievous smile. His thumb brushed across Jungkook’s lips. “You look cute when you’re shy.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched, and his heart skipped a beat. He wasn’t used to this—being so close, so vulnerable, with someone. And Taehyung… Taehyung had this way of making him feel like he was the only person in the world.

Taehyung leaned in, his lips ghosting over Jungkook’s, giving him the chance to pull away. But Jungkook didn’t. He tilted his head slightly, their lips meeting in a soft, lingering kiss. The kiss deepened, and Jungkook felt his body relax into Taehyung’s embrace, as if everything finally made sense.

When they finally pulled away, Jungkook was breathless, his heart pounding in his chest. Taehyung smiled at him, his eyes soft and filled with affection. “I love you, my baby,” he whispered, his voice low and sincere.

Jungkook’s eyes widened, and his heart soared. He had waited so long to hear those words. “I love you too, Tae,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. It felt so natural, so right.

Taehyung pressed another quick kiss to Jungkook’s lips before pulling him into a tight hug. They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other, basking in the warmth of their love.

Later that morning, as they sat together eating breakfast, Taehyung looked at Jungkook with a determined expression.

“I think it’s time we tell Jin and the others,” Taehyung said, his tone serious. Jungkook looked up from his plate, blinking in surprise.

“You want to tell them?” Jungkook asked, suddenly feeling a bit nervous. He wasn’t sure how Jin and the rest of their friends would react.

“Of course I do,” Taehyung said with a smile. “I don’t want to hide this anymore. I’m proud of us, and I want everyone to know.”

Jungkook bit his lip, considering Taehyung’s words. He was shy by nature, and the thought of announcing their relationship made his heart race. But when he looked into Taehyung’s eyes—so full of love and confidence—he knew there was nothing to be afraid of.

“Okay,” Jungkook said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Let’s tell them.”

Later that evening, Jungkook and Taehyung gathered with Jin, Mingyu, DK, and Seojoon in the living room. The group was joking around, laughing about old memories, when Taehyung suddenly stood up, clearing his throat.

“Everyone,” Taehyung began, drawing their attention. Jungkook shifted nervously beside him, his hands fidgeting in his lap. “Jungkook and I… we have something to tell you.”

The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at them. Jin raised an eyebrow, clearly curious, while Mingyu leaned forward with interest.

Taehyung smiled and reached for Jungkook’s hand, lacing their fingers together. “Jungkook and I… we’re together. We’re in love.”

Jungkook’s heart raced as he watched their reactions. For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then, Jin’s face broke into a wide grin, and he let out an excited laugh.

“Well, it’s about time!” Jin exclaimed, standing up and pulling both Jungkook and Taehyung into a bear hug. “I’ve been waiting for this!”

Mingyu clapped his hands in excitement, while DK and Seojoon exchanged grins, clearly happy for them.

“I knew there was something going on between you two!” Mingyu said with a teasing smirk. “You guys are adorable together.”

Jungkook blushed, feeling overwhelmed by the support and love from his friends. He looked up at Taehyung, who was beaming with happiness.

That night, as they lay in bed once more, cuddled close under the covers, Jungkook felt a sense of peace he had never experienced before. For the first time, he wasn’t hiding.

He wasn’t running from his emotions or from the people he loved. He had Taehyung by his side, and that was all he needed.

“I’m so glad we told them,” Jungkook murmured against Taehyung’s chest, feeling content.

“Me too,” Taehyung replied softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Jungkook’s head. “Now, we can be ourselves. No more hiding.”

Jungkook smiled, snuggling closer to Taehyung, his heart full. “I love you,” he whispered again, the words feeling more natural every time he said them.

Taehyung kissed him gently, his lips brushing against Jungkook’s with infinite tenderness. “I love you too,Koo. Always.”

And as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped up in each other, Jungkook knew that no matter what challenges came their way, they would face them together—just as they always had.

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┌─── W͜͡e͜͡l͜͡c͜͡o͜͡m͜͡e͜͡   t͜͡o͜͡ m͜͡y͜͡ p͜͡a͜͡r͜͡a͜͡d͜͡i͜͡s͜͡e͜͡

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│〈 • •     .❛ ✿ ❜.     • •

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