๋࣭ ⭑✏ˎˊ˗Chapter 10

As the car glided smoothly through the streets of Seoul, Jungkook sat quietly in the passenger seat, his fingers nervously playing with the hem of his sweater. The bags of newly purchased clothes, accessories, and necessities sat piled in the backseat, yet his mind wasn’t on them.

His thoughts were elsewhere.

On his mother.

She had always been his biggest support, even when they had nothing. She worked tirelessly, sacrificing her own comfort just to make sure he had food on the table. And now, sitting in this expensive car, wearing designer clothes, and holding bags filled with things he never even dreamed of owning…

Guilt settled heavily in his chest.

He wanted to buy something for her, but… would it be okay?

Would Taehyung be annoyed?

Jungkook hesitated, stealing a glance at the older man beside him.

Taehyung looked effortlessly elegant as he drove, one hand resting lazily on the steering wheel while the other supported his chin. His gaze remained fixed on the road, but Jungkook could see the faint trace of a smirk on his lips—like he knew something Jungkook didn’t.

Taking a deep breath, Jungkook gathered his courage.

"H-Hyung…"

"Hmm?" Taehyung hummed in response, not taking his eyes off the road.

Jungkook hesitated, gripping the hem of his sweater tighter. "I… um…"

"Spit it out, bunny."

Jungkook swallowed. "I… I was just thinking…" He bit his lip before finally whispering, "C-Can we go back? To the mall?"

Taehyung’s brows furrowed slightly, but he didn’t look annoyed—just curious. "Why? Did you forget something?"

Jungkook lowered his gaze. "N-No, I just…"

The words felt heavy in his throat, but he forced them out.

"I want to buy something for my mom…"

For a moment, there was silence.

Jungkook clenched his fists, bracing himself for Taehyung to tell him no—to say that they were already done shopping and they didn’t have time to go back.

But instead, Taehyung let out a soft chuckle.

"You should’ve just said so earlier, bunny," he said, amusement lacing his voice.

Jungkook blinked, looking up in surprise. "H-Huh?"

Without another word, Taehyung reached into his coat pocket, pulled out his black card, and handed it to Jungkook.

Jungkook’s eyes widened. "H-Hyung, I—"

"Go buy whatever you want for her," Taehyung said smoothly, pulling the car over near the mall entrance. "Take your time."

Jungkook hesitated, staring at the sleek, black card in his hands like it was some kind of forbidden treasure. "B-But… this is too much…"

Taehyung rolled his eyes. "Jungkook."

Jungkook flinched at the serious tone.

"I told you before—money isn’t a problem for me," Taehyung reminded him. "If you want to buy something for your mom, don’t hesitate. Just go and get her whatever you think she’ll like."

Jungkook still looked unsure. "But—"

"No buts." Taehyung cut him off. "If you keep standing there, I might just go in myself and buy the entire damn mall for her."

Jungkook’s eyes widened in panic. "N-No! O-Okay, I’ll go!"

Taehyung smirked in satisfaction. "Good boy."

With that, Jungkook quickly stepped out of the car and hurried inside the mall, still clutching the black card tightly in his hand.

Taehyung leaned back in his seat, watching the younger disappear into the crowd.

A small, genuine smile played on his lips.

This kid… really had such a pure heart.

Even after everything he had been through, Jungkook still put his mother before himself.

Taehyung exhaled softly.

Maybe… that was why he found himself wanting to spoil the younger more.

—

Inside the mall, Jungkook rushed through the various stores, carefully picking out things his mother would love.

He wasn’t interested in anything overly fancy—he just wanted to get her something thoughtful.

First, he stopped by a warm clothing store, picking out a soft wool cardigan in a gentle shade of pink, knowing it would suit her well.

Then, he visited a tea shop and bought a selection of her favorite herbal teas.

Lastly, he stopped by a small jewelry boutique and picked out a simple yet elegant necklace with a small, delicate moon pendant.

Satisfied, Jungkook quickly paid for everything using Taehyung’s card.

The cashier’s eyes widened at the sight of the black card, but Jungkook was too focused on his task to notice.

Once everything was packed neatly into a gift bag, Jungkook rushed back outside, his heart racing with excitement.

As soon as he reached the car, he carefully set the bag inside before climbing in himself.

Taehyung glanced at the bag before looking at Jungkook. "Done?"

Jungkook nodded eagerly. "Y-Yeah! Thank you so much, hyung!"

Taehyung chuckled. "Good. Now, let’s head to the hotel."

—

The ride to the luxurious hotel was quiet and peaceful.

Jungkook occasionally glanced at Taehyung, feeling a warm sense of gratitude.

No one had ever treated him this kindly before.

Taehyung didn’t have to do any of this for him—but he did.

And for that, Jungkook felt… safe.

Eventually, they arrived at the five-star hotel, its grand exterior glowing against the night sky.

Jungkook’s mouth dropped open as he took in the sheer elegance of the building.

"H-Hyung…" he whispered. "This place looks like a palace…"

Taehyung smirked. "Only the best for us, bunny."

The valet quickly came to assist them, and the hotel staff rushed to carry their bags inside.

As they stepped through the golden glass doors, Jungkook felt as if he had stepped into a completely different world.

The massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the polished marble floors, the luxurious scent of fresh roses and vanilla—everything screamed wealth.

Jungkook gulped nervously.

Could he… really stay in a place like this?

Sensing his unease, Taehyung gently placed a hand on his lower back, guiding him forward.

"Come on," he murmured softly. "Let’s go to our suite."

Jungkook nodded slowly, letting Taehyung lead the way.

—

Once inside their penthouse suite, Jungkook’s eyes widened even further.

The place was massive.

A spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, an open kitchen, a private dining area, and a huge bedroom with a bed big enough to fit an entire family.

Taehyung casually tossed his coat onto the plush couch before turning to Jungkook.

"Make yourself comfortable," he said, stretching lazily. "This place is ours now."

Jungkook, still in awe, barely managed a nod.

He suddenly felt small—like a tiny dot in this grand place.

But then, he felt warm fingers ruffle his hair.

Taehyung looked down at him with a soft expression.

"Go take a shower and rest, bunny," he murmured. "You’ve had a long day."

Jungkook hesitated but eventually nodded, making his way to the massive bathroom.

As he stepped under the warm shower, letting the water wash away his exhaustion, he found himself smiling.

For the first time in a long while…

He felt like he belonged somewhere.

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