๋࣭ ⭑✏ˎˊ˗Chapter 12

The room was warm, bathed in a soft golden glow from the dim lights, casting a cozy atmosphere around them. The sound of quiet chatter and occasional laughter filled the space as Taehyung and Jungkook sat at the small round table, their dinner spread before them.

Taehyung had just returned from the door, placing the food down carefully. He had slipped a small tip into the waitress’s hand before closing the door, making sure their moment wouldn't be interrupted.

Jungkook, still shy about his attire—just a silk shirt and boxers—sat with his legs tucked beneath him, trying to focus on the food instead of the way Taehyung’s eyes seemed to flicker with amusement every time he looked at him.

“Eat, baby,” Taehyung murmured, picking up his chopsticks and placing a piece of beef onto Jungkook’s plate. “You must be starving.”

Jungkook gave him a small nod, hesitating before taking a bite. The familiar taste of warm kimchi fried rice filled his mouth, comforting and nostalgic.

As they ate, Taehyung studied Jungkook carefully. His bunny had been quieter than usual, his eyes focused on his food, lost in thought.

“Bunny,” Taehyung called gently.

Jungkook blinked up at him. “Hmm?”

Taehyung rested his chin on his palm. “What are you thinking about?”

Jungkook hesitated, fingers playing with his chopsticks. He chewed on his bottom lip before finally whispering, “My mom.”

Taehyung’s heart softened instantly. “You miss her?”

Jungkook nodded slowly. “Yeah… a lot.”

His voice was quiet, but Taehyung could hear the sadness beneath it. He reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind Jungkook’s ear.

“Tell me about her, baby,” he said softly.

Jungkook’s eyes flickered with warmth at the request. “She was the best,” he murmured. “She worked so hard just to make sure I had food to eat, even when she went hungry.” His voice wavered slightly. “She never complained… never let me see how tired she was. She just smiled and told me to dream big.”

Taehyung felt his chest tighten at the image. He could picture a younger Jungkook, small and innocent, holding onto his mother’s hand, looking up at her with wide eyes filled with love.

“She must have been really proud of you,” Taehyung said softly, brushing his thumb against Jungkook’s wrist.

Jungkook gave a tiny smile. “I hope so.”

Taehyung squeezed his hand. “You’re strong, baby. But you don’t have to carry everything alone anymore.”

Jungkook’s eyes flickered up to meet his, wide and filled with something Taehyung couldn’t quite name.

“Hyung…” Jungkook whispered, suddenly nervous. He fidgeted with the edge of his shirt before shyly glancing down at his lap.

Taehyung tilted his head. “What is it, bunny?”

Jungkook’s cheeks flushed pink. His fingers curled into the fabric of his silk shirt as he hesitated. And then, in the smallest, most hesitant voice, he asked—

“When… when are we getting married?”

Taehyung froze.

For a moment, the world seemed to stop.

Jungkook was still looking down, his face burning, his bunny teeth biting his lip nervously. His heart was pounding, unsure if he should’ve even asked.

Taehyung blinked, stunned, before a slow, warm smile spread across his lips. His heart melted at the sight of his bunny being so shy yet so bold at the same time.

“Baby,” Taehyung murmured, reaching out to cup Jungkook’s face. He gently lifted his chin, making their eyes meet. “You really want to marry me?”

Jungkook swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I-I…” His voice was barely a whisper. “Yes.”

Taehyung’s heart did a little flip.

“Bunny,” he chuckled, his thumb brushing over Jungkook’s blushing cheek. “I would marry you in a heartbeat if I could.”

Jungkook blinked up at him. “R-Really?”

Taehyung nodded, his voice warm and sincere. “Of course, baby. But…” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Your university, bunny. What about that?”

Jungkook hesitated, looking down again. “I… I still want to finish my degree,” he admitted softly. “Somehow.”

Taehyung exhaled, his expression darkening slightly. “You know my father won’t let you.”

Jungkook nodded. “I know.”

Taehyung frowned, frustration flickering in his eyes. “He doesn’t think you belong in the university. And to be honest, I don’t want you going back there either. Not after what they did to you.”

Jungkook bit his lip. “But… I still want to be a singer, hyung. That’s my dream.”

Taehyung’s expression softened instantly. He gazed at Jungkook, seeing the quiet determination in his eyes.

His bunny had always been strong. Even when the world tried to break him, he still wanted to chase his dreams.

Taehyung smiled.

“Then, you’ll be a singer,” he whispered.

Jungkook blinked up at him. “B-But how?”

Taehyung tucked a loose strand of hair behind Jungkook’s ear, his voice gentle but firm.

“You leave that to me, baby.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened slightly, his heart pounding at the confidence in Taehyung’s words.

For the first time in a long time, he felt like his dream wasn’t so far away.

And maybe, just maybe… with Taehyung by his side, anything was possible.

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