๋࣭ ⭑✏ˎˊ˗Chapter 20

After the lecture ended, Jungkook felt his stomach growling. With Taehyung's black card in hand, he made his way to the university canteen. The bustling atmosphere of students chatting and laughing filled the air, but Jungkook walked alone, scanning the menu before ordering a burger and his favorite banana milk.

Once he got his food, Jungkook found an empty table in the corner and sat down. He took a small bite of his burger, but his mind was somewhere else-no, with someone else. He missed Taehyung. A small pout formed on his lips as he pulled out his phone and hesitated for a moment before dialing Taehyung's number.

Taehyung answered almost immediately. "Bunny?" His deep voice sent warmth through Jungkook's chest.

Jungkook smiled softly. "Taetae hyung... I miss you."

Taehyung chuckled, his voice laced with surprise. "Really? That's crazy because I was just thinking about whether you were missing me too."

Jungkook giggled, his cheeks warming. "How is work?"

"Boring without you. What about you? How was your first day?" Taehyung asked, leaning back in his chair at the office, already picturing Jungkook's cute pout.

Jungkook took a sip of banana milk before replying, "It was okay. I didn't really talk to anyone yet, but I found the canteen, the washroom, the music room, and the dance studio."

Taehyung smirked. "Of course, you found the dance studio. And did you eat?"

Jungkook hummed. "Mmh, just now. Used your black card too."

Taehyung laughed. "That's my baby. I'll pick you up later, okay?"

"Okay, Taetae hyung. Love you."

"Love you too, Bunny."

After ending the call, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against his desk. Then, he suddenly remembered-Valentine's Day was coming. A smirk formed on his lips as an idea bloomed in his mind. He was going to surprise Jungkook.

Taehyung took a short leave from work, grabbed his coat, and headed out. His first stop was a flower shop, where he carefully selected a bouquet of deep red and black roses-elegant and bold, just like Jungkook. His next stop was an electronics store, where he bought the newest iPhone for his bunny. Lastly, he made a call to the hotel, instructing them to prepare an intimate setup in their suite-flowers, soft lights, a romantic dinner, and drinks. Everything had to be perfect.

Meanwhile, after his lectures ended, Jungkook stood at the university's main gate, waiting for Taehyung. His feet shifted slightly, still a little sore, but the thought of seeing Taehyung again made the wait bearable.

Minutes later, a sleek black car pulled up, and Taehyung stepped out, flashing that signature smirk. Jungkook's eyes lit up as he quickly made his way to the car. Taehyung opened the door for him, making Jungkook giggle before sliding inside.

The ride back to the hotel was comfortable, filled with soft conversations and music playing in the background. When they arrived, Taehyung led Jungkook inside the suite, holding his hand gently. The moment the door opened, Jungkook gasped.

The living room was beautifully decorated with warm bulbs casting a golden glow, rose petals scattered across the floor, and a table elegantly set for dinner. A large bouquet of roses rested in the center of the room, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.

Jungkook turned to Taehyung, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Taetae hyung... this is..."

Taehyung smiled and pulled Jungkook into a hug. "Happy Valentine's Day, Bunny."

Jungkook buried his face into Taehyung's chest, overwhelmed with emotions. "Thank you so much. This is beautiful."

Taehyung gently pulled away, reaching for the bouquet and handing it to Jungkook. "These are for you."

Jungkook took them carefully, inhaling their fragrance before looking up at Taehyung with pure adoration. "They're so pretty."

Taehyung then smirked and pulled something from his pocket, handing it to Jungkook. "And this too."

Jungkook looked down at the small box, his heart pounding. He opened it slowly, only to see the latest iPhone resting inside. His eyes widened in shock. "Taetae hyung! This-"

"Is yours," Taehyung finished, booping Jungkook's nose. "I wanted my bunny to have the best."

Tears slipped down Jungkook's cheeks as he held onto the phone tightly. "I love you so much."

Taehyung cupped Jungkook's cheeks, wiping away the tears with his thumb. "And I love you even more."

Jungkook tiptoed and pressed a soft kiss to Taehyung's lips. It was gentle, full of love and gratitude. Taehyung immediately deepened it for a second before pulling away with a chuckle.

"Let's eat?" Taehyung asked, leading Jungkook toward the beautifully set table.

Jungkook nodded eagerly. "Let's!"

Just as they started their meal, a sudden, harsh knock on the door shattered the peaceful moment. Taehyung frowned, exchanging a glance with Jungkook before standing up. The knock came again, louder and more urgent.

When Taehyung opened the door, his body went rigid. A group of police officers stood outside, their expressions grim.

"Kim Taehyung, you are under arrest for the murder of one of your employees," one of them declared, stepping forward.

Jungkook gasped, standing up abruptly. "What?! No! This has to be a mistake!"

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "I only did what was right. That man-he hurt Jungkook."

"We don't make the laws," the officer replied coldly before grabbing Taehyung's collar and twisting his arms behind his back. The sound of handcuffs clicking shut echoed in the suite.

Jungkook ran forward, clinging onto Taehyung. "No, you can't take him!" he sobbed. "Please, let him go!"

One of the officers shoved Jungkook aside, causing him to stumble and fall to the floor.

"Bunny," Taehyung called out, his voice pained. He struggled but couldn't reach Jungkook. "It'll be okay."

Jungkook could only watch, tears streaming down his face, as the police dragged Taehyung away into the cold night.

Jungkook curled into the bed, clutching Taehyung's wallet and card tightly against his chest. But he didn't care about the money-he only wanted his Taehyung his hyung back. His body shook with sobs, his mind racing with thoughts of what might be happening to Taehyung.

Desperate, Jungkook grabbed his phone with trembling hands and dialed Yoongi's number. The call barely rang twice before Yoongi answered.

"Jungkook? What's wrong?" Yoongi's voice was laced with concern.

Jungkook choked on a sob. "Hyung... they took him! The police-th-they arrested Taehyung hyung! They said he murdered one of the employee, but he only did it to protect me! Please, hyung, please do something."

Yoongi went silent for a moment, and then his voice turned sharp. "What? They arrested him? Where are you?"

"At the hotel... hyung, please..."

"We'll figure something out. Stay there, Jungkook. We'll get him back."

Jungkook nodded weakly, even though Yoongi couldn't see him. "O-okay."

After the call ended, Jungkook curled deeper into the blankets, his tears soaking the pillow. He squeezed his eyes shut, but his mind tormented him with the worst possibilities. Was Taehyung being hurt? Were they torturing him? Was he scared? Jungkook gritted his teeth, wishing he could do something. But exhaustion from crying overtook him, and he drifted into a restless sleep.

-

Meanwhile, at the police station, Taehyung was thrown into a cold, dimly lit cell. His wrists ached from the tight handcuffs they had removed moments before, and his muscles were tense as several officers surrounded him.

One of them sneered. "You think you're above the law, Kim Taehyung? Just because you're rich doesn't mean you can get away with murder."

Taehyung glared up at them, his jaw clenched. "He deserved it." His voice was unwavering. "He hurt someone precious to me."

The officer scoffed before swinging his baton, striking Taehyung's side. A sharp pain shot through him, but he refused to make a sound. Then came another hit, this time to his thigh, making him stumble.

The beatings continued, and though Taehyung bit his lip to hold back the cries, a few pained grunts escaped. The officers finally backed away, leaving him collapsed on the cold floor, his body burning with pain.

As they walked out, one of them laughed. "Let's see how long you last in here."

The moment they were gone, Taehyung groaned and curled up slightly, his breathing ragged. His thoughts immediately went to Jungkook.

Was he safe? Was he scared?

"I'll get back to you, Bunny... I promise," he whispered before exhaustion took over.

-

The next morning, Jungkook woke up feeling heavy. His eyes were puffy, and his head ached from all the crying. But the moment he remembered what happened, he shot up from the bed. He quickly got dressed and rushed to the police station.

When he arrived, his heart broke at the sight before him. Taehyung was sitting against the bars of his cell, his body covered in bruises. His lower lip was split, and he looked exhausted.

"Tae-Tae hyung..." Jungkook whispered, his voice trembling.

Taehyung's head lifted at the familiar voice, and the moment his eyes met Jungkook's, a weak smile appeared. "Bunny..."

Jungkook reached through the bars, taking Taehyung's hand in his. His tears fell freely. "Hyung... they hurt you."

Taehyung squeezed his hand gently. "It's okay. I'm okay."

"No, you're not!" Jungkook cried, shaking his head. "You shouldn't be here. This isn't fair."

Before Taehyung could reply, a voice interrupted. "We're getting him out."

Jungkook turned to see Yoongi and others standing behind him.

"The police agreed to release him," Yoongi continued, his expression dark. "We paid them off."

Jungkook sobbed in relief, hugging Yoongi tightly. "Thank you, hyung."

Minutes later, a police officer arrived and unlocked the cell. Taehyung tried to stand, but his body gave out, and he collapsed into Jungkook's arms.

"Hyung!" Jungkook held him tightly, his small frame supporting Taehyung as best as he could.

"Let's take him back," Yoongi said, and they quickly helped Taehyung out of the station.

-

Back at the hotel, Jungkook helped Taehyung into bed, his hands shaking as he carefully removed Taehyung's shirt and pants, revealing the bruises scattered across his chest and thighs. Tears welled up in his eyes as he grabbed the first-aid kit and began applying medicine.

Taehyung hissed in pain, gripping the bedsheets tightly. "Ahh-Jungkook..."

Jungkook flinched. "I'm sorry, hyung. I have to do this."

Taehyung sighed and forced a small smile. "I know, Bunny. You're doing great."

Jungkook sniffled, wiping his eyes before bandaging Taehyung's wounds. Once he was done, he wrapped Taehyung in a warm blanket and gently caressed his hair. "Sleep, hyung."

But instead of sleeping, Taehyung shifted closer, his voice softer than ever. "Jungkook... can we cuddle?"

Jungkook blinked in surprise. Taehyung never asked for cuddles first. But seeing how weak he was, Jungkook's heart melted.

"Of course, hyung," he whispered, slipping into bed beside him and wrapping his arms around him.

Taehyung let out a content sigh, burying his face in Jungkook's neck. "Thank you, Bunny."

Jungkook pressed a soft kiss to Taehyung's forehead. "I'll always be here for you."

And with that, they fell asleep in each other's embrace, safe and together again.

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