Chapter 12

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Author's Point of View

Two Month Later

A lot had changed over the past months.

As promised, Taehyung never once failed to visit Aera. Every evening, before heading home, he would stop by the café, keeping his word to the little girl who now occupied a special place in his heart. Jungkook had started bringing Aera to the café right after her kindergarten classes, and their small circle had grown even closer.

Weekends were different now, filled with warmth and laughter. They all started spending time together at Jungkook’s house, deepening their bond. The once casual friendships had transformed into something unbreakable—a family of their own.

Jimin, Jungkook, and Aera often spent time together when Taehyung, Yoongi, and Hoseok were caught up in work. But no matter how busy Taehyung was, he always made time for Aera.

It had become an unspoken rule—every evening, Taehyung would bring chocolates for Aera. Yoongi and Jimin spoiled her with teddy bears and dolls. Hoseok, of course, made sure to surprise her with special cakes and pastries. It was safe to say that the four-year-old was being completely spoiled by her unkies and her Dada.

—

13:50 | Friday

Taehyung sat at his desk, his eyes glued to the screen as he typed away on his computer. His office was silent except for the occasional sound of papers shifting and the soft tapping of his keyboard.

The quiet was soon broken when the door swung open, and Yoongi walked in, still talking on his phone.

"Yes, Miss Choi, I understand. I will discuss it with Taehyung and get back to you soon," he said in a professional tone before ending the call.

Taehyung glanced up from his work, his expression already set in annoyance.

"I’m not going to meet her," he said firmly, his voice carrying a hint of anger.

Yoongi sighed and leaned against the desk. "She’s coming back after some months," he informed.

"But why?" Taehyung’s brows furrowed deeper, his irritation growing.

"She’s joining her father’s company and handling the next project," Yoongi explained.

Taehyung scoffed. "Let her do whatever she wants. I won’t interfere with that project. You handle it, hyung. Otherwise, I doubt we’ll ever do another project with them."

Yoongi nodded, understanding Taehyung’s frustration. "Fine. I’ll take care of it."

A heavy silence fell between them.

Then, in a quiet, almost vulnerable voice, Taehyung murmured, "Hyung... I’m tired of all this. I just... I just can’t do this anymore."

Yoongi's gaze softened. He knew how much this particular situation drained Taehyung. "I know, Tae," he said, his tone laced with understanding.

Taehyung exhaled deeply, shaking his head as if trying to push the thoughts away. Then, a small smile crept onto his lips.

"Let’s leave it, hyung. Let’s go and give my sweetheart a surprise. She should be at the café by now," he said, glancing at his wristwatch.

Yoongi smiled at Taehyung’s sudden shift in mood. "Yeah, and I know your mood will be better after meeting her," he said knowingly.

A fond smile remained on Taehyung’s lips as he thought about Aera.

"Let’s go," he said, grabbing his coat.

As they walked out together, Yoongi hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Can I ask you something, Tae?"

Taehyung turned to him with a curious expression. "Hyung, why are you asking like this? You can ask me anything," he said.

Yoongi looked at him directly. "You like Jungkook, don’t you?"

Taehyung’s steps faltered slightly before he chuckled softly. "Yes, hyung. I do," he admitted, his voice carrying a certain warmth.

Yoongi nodded as if he had expected the answer. "Then why haven’t you confessed?"

Taehyung’s smile faded slightly. "I want to, hyung. But..." He paused, his expression turning a bit uncertain. "I don’t know if he feels the same."

Yoongi let out a small hum before saying, "When someone has feelings for you, they can hide it in their words... but not in their eyes. Remember that."

Taehyung looked at him curiously, but Yoongi simply smiled and said, "Now let’s go."

With that, they both got into the car and drove to the café.

After about fifteen minutes, they arrived at the café, but the scene that greeted them made them freeze in their tracks.

Jungkook was sitting on a chair, his posture tense. Aera was clinging to him, her tiny arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she sobbed uncontrollably. Jungkook was whispering reassurances, patting her back gently.

Taehyung and Yoongi rushed toward them immediately.

"What happened?" Taehyung asked, his voice thick with worry.

The moment Aera heard his voice, she lifted her head and turned to him. Her teary eyes widened, and without hesitation, she ran into his arms.

"Dada… Mumma… Mumma," she hiccupped between sobs, burying her face in his chest.

Taehyung picked her up instantly, holding her close as he rubbed her back. His heart clenched seeing her like this.

His eyes found Jungkook’s, silently asking what had happened.

Jimin, who had been standing nearby, spoke up in a soft voice. "Hot coffee spilled on Jungkook’s hand."

Taehyung’s eyes widened. "What?" His voice was louder than he intended, making everyone flinch.

His gaze dropped to Jungkook’s left hand, which was now red and slightly swollen. Without thinking, he knelt down beside Jungkook, his hands hovering over the injured one.

"Kook... How did this happen?" His voice was gentle but filled with concern. "Is it hurting too much? Did you apply ointment? No—forget ointment, we should go to the hospital. Look at this, it’s too red. It must be hurting a lot. I—I'm sorry I wasn’t here. I should’ve—"

Jungkook cut him off by cupping Taehyung’s face with his uninjured hand, making the elder look at him.

"I’m okay, Hyung," he reassured softly. "It’s fine now. I already applied ointment, and it’s not hurting that much. And it’s not your fault, okay?" He smiled gently. "See? I’m smiling, which means I’m fine."

Taehyung stopped rambling, but his worried expression remained.

Sitting down beside Jungkook, he spoke in a firm voice. "From now until your hand heals, whatever you want or need—just tell me, okay? You’re not touching anything. It will hurt otherwise. Just tell me, got it?"

Jungkook blinked at him, his heart fluttering at the sheer protectiveness in Taehyung’s voice. After a few seconds, he nodded.

That entire evening, Taehyung took care of both Jungkook and Aera. He didn’t return to the office. Instead, he went home with them, helped Aera freshen up, and even ordered dinner for all of them.

Jungkook had tried to protest, insisting he could cook, but Taehyung refused to let him. After several failed attempts at convincing the elder, Jungkook gave up.

After dinner, Aera fell asleep around 8:30 PM. Taehyung tucked her in before finally heading home.

Before leaving, he turned to Jungkook. "Kook, don’t touch anything with that hand, okay? I’ll come tomorrow morning, and we’ll drop Aera off at school together."

Jungkook just nodded, knowing there was no use arguing.

As Jungkook lay in bed that night, he thought about everything—about Taehyung’s care, his concern, his presence.

He knew he had feelings for Taehyung.

But what he didn’t know… was whether Taehyung felt the same.

Yet, when he thought about the way Taehyung looked at him today… maybe… just maybe… he had his answer.

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

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