Chapter 9

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Author's Point of View

Next Morning

The sun had barely risen when a sleek black car pulled up outside Jungkook's home. It wasn't just any car—it was Taehyung's personal vehicle, the same one that had been left behind due to a minor issue. But today, it had been fully repaired, and along with it came a small package.

Jungkook opened the door, surprised to see a well-dressed man standing outside. The man bowed slightly and handed Jungkook a neatly wrapped parcel and an envelope.

"Mr. Kim asked me to deliver these," the driver said politely.

Jungkook took the package, feeling a little confused. As he opened the envelope, his eyes scanned the note inside.

Hey Jungkook,

I apologize for not coming personally.

I had to leave early for work.

Here are the clothes I borrowed yesterday.

Thank you again for everything. Also… I miss Aera.

I would love to see her again soon.

Jungkook read the words twice, a small smile appearing on his lips. His heart skipped a beat when he noticed that Taehyung hadn't mentioned missing him—only Aera. But somehow, he had a feeling that wasn't the whole truth.

"Bubba, look! Taehyung-nim sent a message," Jungkook said, bending down to show the little girl.

Aera, who was playing with her stuffed bear, looked up with sparkling eyes. "Handsome unkie miss me?" she asked, giggling.

"Yes, baby. He said he wants to see you again soon."

Aera clapped her hands happily. "Can we go see him today?"

Jungkook chuckled, brushing her hair back. "Not today, Bubba. He's busy with work."

Aera pouted but nodded, satisfied that Taehyung still thought of her.

—

Three Days Later

Three days passed in their usual routine, but something was missing.

Aera had been asking about Taehyung constantly, her little face lighting up whenever Jungkook mentioned his name. She missed her new unkie terribly.

Jungkook, on the other hand, wouldn't admit it out loud, but he missed Taehyung too. Even if it was just a little.

And Taehyung? He missed them more than he expected.

He told himself it was just because of Aera—the way she giggled, the way she called him "Handsome unkie." But deep down, he knew it wasn’t just her.

Every now and then, in the middle of his work, his mind would wander to Jungkook's smile. His warm eyes. The way he looked after Aera so lovingly.

But it had only been one meeting. They had just become friends. Wouldn't it be strange to visit them so soon?

Taehyung shook his head, trying to focus on the endless paperwork in front of him.

Yet, no matter how hard he tried, a certain little angel and her beautiful mother—no, father—kept invading his thoughts.

—

16:45 | On Road

"Mumma, did Hobi unkie miss me?" Aera asked sweetly from the backseat.

Jungkook glanced at her through the rearview mirror, smiling. "Of course, Bubba. He missed you so much."

Aera grinned, swinging her little legs excitedly. "Yay!"

Jungkook chuckled at her excitement. It had been a while since they last visited the café together, and Aera had been eagerly waiting to meet her favorite uncle.

Fifteen minutes later, they arrived. Jungkook parked the car, stepped out, and opened the door for Aera. She immediately grabbed his finger, her tiny hand squeezing his as they walked toward the entrance.

The café wasn’t too crowded, but the moment they stepped inside, Aera’s eyes widened with joy.

Right at that moment, Jung Hoseok was coming down the stairs. The second Aera saw him, she squealed.

"Hobi Unkie!"

Hoseok turned to the entrance and gasped dramatically. "Angel!"

Without a second thought, Aera let go of Jungkook's hand and ran toward Hoseok, her tiny arms stretched out.

Jungkook, slightly panicked, called out, "Careful, baby! Don’t run!"

But Aera was too excited to listen.

Hoseok bent down and scooped her up in his arms, twirling her around. "My little angel! Did you miss me?"

Aera giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I missed you unkie!"

Hoseok kissed both of her cheeks, making Aera giggle more. She then kissed his cheeks in return, causing the café customers nearby to smile at their interaction.

Jungkook, meanwhile, shook his head at the two dramatic people and bowed slightly to the other customers. "Sorry about them," he muttered, embarrassed.

But the customers didn't mind. In fact, they seemed amused by the heartwarming scene.

—

Taehyung was trying to focus on his work. Trying!

But his mind was restless.

For some reason, he felt this strange urge—this itch—to see Aera.

He had spent all morning signing documents, holding meetings, and running through architectural plans. But even as he worked, his mind kept wandering back to a certain little girl and her beautiful guardian.

Something felt different today. He had this odd feeling in his chest.

Like something was about to happen.

Not something bad… just something.

And then—his office door swung open.

Two familiar figures strolled in confidently.

Jimin and Yoongi.

A wide grin broke across Taehyung's face as he stood up from his seat. "Hey, buddy! Long time no see," he greeted, pulling Jimin into a hug.

Jimin pouted. "Yeah, because you've been too busy, Mr. Workaholic."

Taehyung chuckled. "It's not like that, Jimin-ah. I was really busy."

Jimin scoffed. "You always say that. Say something new, man."

Taehyung sighed. "It's true, though."

"Whatever. Since you didn't come to meet me, I'm punishing you."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Punishing me?"

"Yes," Jimin smirked. "You're ditching work today and coming with me."

Taehyung tilted his head. "Where?"

Jimin grinned. "To meet Hobi-hyung."

Taehyung hesitated for a second. But only a second.

Because the moment he heard Hobi his mind immediately thought of someone else.

Jungkook.

Knowing Jungkook worked at the café, this might be his chance to see him again.

And if he was lucky, maybe— just maybe— he could see Aera, too.

"Alright," Taehyung said, standing up. "Let's go."

Yoongi sighed. "I already know I'm gonna regret this."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Shut up, husband."

Taehyung chuckled as the three of them left the office.

And so, unknowingly, fate set its course again.

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

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