๋࣭ ⭑✏ˎˊ˗Chapter 8

The waiting room was silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock.

Taehyung sat on the chair, his elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlocked tightly.

Jungkook was still inside, getting treated.

He had never felt this kind of helplessness before.

His body tensed, his breathing uneven. His baby bunny—his little Jungkook—was hurt because of his father.

Taehyung shut his eyes, swallowing the lump in his throat.

He had always been strong. He never cried.

Not when his father scolded him.

Not when his so-called friends betrayed him.

Not even when he felt completely alone.

But now—

Now, his vision blurred.

He sniffled, quickly wiping his eyes, but the tears kept falling.

Eunwoo, who sat beside him, immediately noticed.

"Tae…" Eunwoo's voice was soft, hesitant.

Taehyung didn't respond.

Instead, his shoulders shook.

Eunwoo’s heart ached seeing his usually arrogant and fearless friend breaking down.

Without another thought, Eunwoo pulled Taehyung into a hug.

"It’s okay, Tae," he whispered. "Jungkook will be okay."

Taehyung let out a shaky breath, gripping Eunwoo’s sleeve. "It’s my fault… I should’ve protected him."

Eunwoo patted his back. "You did. And you're still doing it. You're the only one who stood up for him. That means everything."

Taehyung didn’t answer, but he didn’t pull away either.

For the first time in years, he let himself be comforted.

----

After what felt like hours, the doctor finally stepped out.

"He's stable now," the doctor said. "You can take him home, but he needs rest."

Taehyung immediately stood up.

"Thank you," he muttered, bowing slightly.

Eunwoo exhaled in relief, patting Taehyung’s shoulder.

"Go get your bunny," he said with a small smile.

----

Inside the room, Jungkook was lying on the hospital bed, his eyes fluttering open as Taehyung approached.

His innocent doe eyes blinked up at Taehyung sleepily.

"Hyung…?" His voice was soft, almost unsure.

Taehyung’s heart clenched.

He gently brushed Jungkook’s bangs aside.

"Let’s go home, baby," he whispered.

Jungkook gave a small nod, still drowsy from the treatment.

Taehyung carefully helped him up, his arm securely around Jungkook’s small frame.

Eunwoo helped with the hospital discharge process, and soon, they were back in the car.

Taehyung sat in the backseat with Jungkook resting his head against his shoulder.

He was about to close his eyes when Jungkook’s phone rang.

It was his mother.

Taehyung hesitated for a second before picking it up.

"Jungkook? Where have you been? I was so worried—"

"He’s okay now, Mom," Taehyung interrupted softly.

There was a pause.

"…T-Taehyung?" Jungkook’s mother sounded shocked. "You called me… Mom?"

Taehyung swallowed.

he had never called someone's mother  ‘mom’ But after everything, someday he's going to marry her loving son.

He took a deep breath. "Yes… Mom."

Jungkook's mother was silent for a moment before she let out a soft, emotional chuckle.

"My dear boy… thank you for taking care of Jungkook," she said warmly. "But where are you now?"

Taehyung hesitated.

He couldn't tell her the truth—not yet.

So he simply said, "I’ll keep him safe. Please don't worry."

She sighed, but there was trust in her voice.

"Alright… Please bring him home when he feels better. And Taehyung?"

"Yes?"

"Take care of yourself too, my son."

Taehyung’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile.

"Of course, Mom."

As the call ended, Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, who was already asleep against his chest.

His heart swelled.

He would protect Jungkook with everything he had.

But just as he was about to relax, his own phone buzzed.

A message from his father.

---

👤Kim Jaehyun

The mansion is closed for you.

✓✓𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯

Don't bother coming back.

✓✓𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯

You're no longer my son.

✓✓𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯

---

Taehyung stared at the screen.

He had expected this.

But still—

A part of him felt empty.

He had lost his home.

His own parents abandoned him.

For a moment, he sat still, his mind blank.

But then he looked down at Jungkook.

The small, warm figure sleeping peacefully in his arms.

And he realized something.

Jungkook was his home now.

Taking a deep breath, he straightened up.

"Eunwoo," he said firmly.

Eunwoo glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Yeah?"

"I need a place to stay."

Eunwoo frowned. "Wait, don’t tell me—"

Taehyung cut him off. "My father disowned me. I have no home now."

Eunwoo’s hands tightened around the steering wheel.

"That bastard," he muttered.

Taehyung smirked slightly. "It’s fine. I don’t need him. I just need a place for me and Jungkook."

Eunwoo thought for a moment.

"You can stay at my place for a while," he offered.

Taehyung shook his head. "No. I need a private place where we won’t be disturbed."

Then, an idea popped into his mind.

A luxurious hotel near Seoul.

It was one of the best, with top security and privacy.

Perfect.

"I’ll book a hotel," Taehyung decided.

Eunwoo nodded. "Okay, I’ll drive you there."

Within minutes, Taehyung had already booked a penthouse suite at the hotel.

As soon as they reached the entrance, Taehyung thanked Eunwoo.

"Go back to the campus," Taehyung said. "Tell Minho and Soobin thanks, too."

Eunwoo frowned. "Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?"

Taehyung smirked. "Of course."

Eunwoo sighed. "Alright, but call me if anything happens, okay?"

Taehyung nodded and called a taxi for Eunwoo.

As Eunwoo left, Taehyung shifted into the driver’s seat.

He adjusted the mirror, glancing at Jungkook, who was still curled up in the backseat.

His innocent doe eyes blinked open slowly, staring at Taehyung.

Taehyung’s heart softened.

"You okay, baby?" he asked gently.

Jungkook simply nodded, still sleepy.

But he didn’t take his eyes off Taehyung.

Taehyung chuckled. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Jungkook tilted his head cutely.

"You’re pretty," he murmured.

Taehyung froze.

His ears turned red.

"Y-you—"

Jungkook yawned, snuggling deeper into the seat. "Mm, like an angel."

Taehyung swallowed.

Damn it.

This innocent little bunny was going to drive him insane.

Shaking his head, Taehyung started the engine.

"Alright, angel boy," he teased. "Let’s go shopping."

Jungkook blinked. "Shopping?"

"Yeah. We need clothes, food, and other stuff."

Jungkook’s eyes sparkled.

"Can I… pick some stuff too?"

Taehyung grinned. "Of course, baby."

And with that, they drove off, heading to the biggest shopping mall in the city.

Jungkook, now wide awake, looked out the window excitedly.

His cheeks glowed under the city lights, his soft lips curling into a small smile.

Taehyung glanced at him, his heart swelling with warmth.

This was their new beginning.

Together.

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