Chapter 20

✨

Author's Point of View

The room fell into complete silence.

Not a single soul spoke or moved. The weight of Taehyung's words hung in the air like an unshakable truth. Everyone was stunned—his parents, Jimin, Hobi, even Jungkook. The only person unfazed was Yoongi, who had known all along.

Jimin and Hobi, still processing what had just happened, exchanged a quick glance before their eyes darted toward Jungkook. The younger man sat frozen, his mind spiraling into chaos. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard.

Did he just say he likes me?

He likes me… The person I like… likes me back…

His heart pounded against his ribs. His fingers curled into fists on his lap as he tried to steady his breath. But then, another realization struck him—Taehyung had said all of this in front of his parents.

Oh my god… His parents… He said it to them… What should I do now?

Still overwhelmed, Jungkook glanced up and met Yoongi's gaze. The older man was already watching him, expression calm yet knowing. It was as if he could hear the storm inside Jungkook's mind.

Yoongi didn't speak, but with a subtle tilt of his head, he gestured toward the entrance—the same way Taehyung had left just moments ago.

Jungkook understood.

Nodding, he stood up. His legs felt slightly weak, but he forced himself to move, walking toward the door.

—

The afternoon air was crisp, but Taehyung barely noticed it.

He stood near his car, one hand resting on the roof, while his other hand pressed his thumb and index finger against the bridge of his nose. His head hung low, his breathing unsteady.

His mind was in complete turmoil.

What have I done? Jungkook must be furious… He must be hating me now.

The thought sent a painful squeeze to his heart. His biggest fear wasn't rejection—it was losing Jungkook entirely. Losing his presence, his voice, his laughter… Losing Aera, the little girl who had unknowingly given his heart a home.

He swallowed hard, his throat tight with anxiety.

He knew he had to face Jungkook.

Even if it meant hearing the words he dreaded the most.

Just then, soft footsteps approached from behind.

"Hyung"

The voice was gentle, hesitant.

Taehyung stiffened.

He recognized that voice anywhere. Sweet, soothing, carrying warmth even when uncertain. But at that moment, his nerves were too frayed to notice the tenderness in Jungkook’s tone.

Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned around.

Jungkook stood a few steps away, looking at him with unreadable eyes. Taehyung's pulse quickened, and before he could stop himself, words started spilling out in a frantic rush.

"Jungkook, I'm really, really sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I know you must be hating me right now, but please… Please don’t hate me. I— I couldn't help it, I—"

"Hyung, stop," Jungkook interrupted softly.

His voice was firm yet still held its natural sweetness, cutting through Taehyung’s panicked rambling.

Taehyung swallowed, feeling the nervous lump in his throat grow heavier. He nodded hesitantly, waiting for Jungkook to continue.

Jungkook lowered his gaze, his fingers fidgeting at his sides. When he spoke, his voice was quieter than before.

"What you said inside— was it true?"

He lifted his eyes slightly, just enough to watch Taehyung's reaction.

"I want the truth, Hyung. Only the truth."

Taehyung's breath hitched.

For a moment, he wanted to look away, but he didn't. If there was one thing he could never do, it was lie to Jungkook.

Even if it scared him.

"Even if you hadn't asked, I would've never lied to you," Taehyung said, voice steady but laced with vulnerability. "So, yes. It's true. I like you."

Jungkook lifted his head fully now, locking eyes with Taehyung.

Seeing the younger looking at him so intently, Taehyung felt a fresh wave of panic rise.

What if Jungkook misunderstood?

Rushing to explain, he added quickly, "But it's okay if you don't feel the same. I understand. I just— I just want you to know that you and Aera mean everything to me now. I know Aera isn't my own daughter, but she’s more than that to me. And you—"

He hesitated, his voice turning softer.

"You are the only person I have ever fallen for."

Jungkook's breath caught in his throat.

"I never thought I would feel this way," Taehyung admitted. "I fell for you the very first day I saw you. That day at your home. You are the most beautiful person, inside and out. I have met so many people in my life, but you… you are different."

Taehyung let out a shaky breath, his eyes shining with sincerity.

"And I know why."

A sad smile flickered across his lips.

"But I can't explain it in words."

Jungkook felt his heart pounding harder.

Taehyung continued, "I'm happy that I fell for you, but… I know you don't feel the same way. And that's okay. I understand. But please, Jungkook—please don't break our friendship. I don’t want to lose you and Aera."

His voice broke slightly on the last words.

Jungkook's cheeks were already warm from blushing at Taehyung's words, but when he heard the pain in his voice—when he saw Taehyung looking down, his shoulders tense with heartbreak—something inside him ached.

A soft smile formed on Jungkook's lips.

And then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said,

"I like you too, Hyungie."

Taehyung's entire world stopped.

His eyes widened in shock. His heart stuttered. For a second, he thought he had misheard.

"What—?" he breathed. "Can you— Can you repeat that?"

Jungkook bit his lip before looking up shyly.

"I said I like you too."

This time, Taehyung heard it loud and clear.

Before Jungkook could say another word, he was pulled into a tight embrace.

Taehyung's arms wrapped around him, holding him close as if he was afraid Jungkook would disappear. A wide smile spread across his lips, his heart soaring.

Jungkook, still dazed, slowly brought his arms up and hugged him back. His cheeks were warm, his lips slightly parted in disbelief.

This is real.

Hyung likes me.

Hyung really likes me.

Taehyung finally pulled away just enough to look at him. His eyes were shining.

"You don't know how much happiness you've given me, Kook," he whispered. "Thank you… Thank you so much."

Jungkook smiled shyly, looking down as his blush deepened.

Then, hesitantly, he mumbled, "But— Hyungie, your parents"

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry about them. They love me, and they've never forced me into anything. Trust me."

Jungkook nodded, reassured.

Then, to his surprise, Taehyung knelt down in front of him, took his hands, and looked up with the softest smile.

"I didn't imagine saying this like this," he admitted. "But I can’t wait anymore. Jungkook— will you be my boyfriend?"

Jungkook's breath hitched. His heart raced. His face turned crimson.

But then, shyly, he nodded.

Taehyung grinned, standing up and squeezing his hands. "I'm the happiest today. And the reason is you."

Jungkook smiled, looking down as he blushed even harder.

And together, hand in hand, they walked back inside.

────┈┈┈┄┄╌╌╌╌┄┄┈┈┈────

ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

To Be Continued