Chapter 23

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Author's Point of View

The golden morning sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the quiet home. The soft hum of music filled the air as Jungkook moved around the kitchen, carefully preparing breakfast. A gentle rhythm played from his phone, blending seamlessly with the comforting sounds of sizzling eggs and the faint clinking of utensils.

Aera was still asleep, curled up under her blanket, her tiny hands resting near her face as she breathed softly.

As Jungkook flipped a pancake, the sudden ringing of the doorbell made him pause. His heart skipped a beat, a mixture of nervousness and delight rushing through him. He knew exactly who was at the door.

Taehyung.

The realization sent a flutter through his chest. They were dating now, and that single fact brought waves of emotions—happiness, anticipation, and the tiniest hint of shyness.

Wiping his hands on a towel, Jungkook took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to steady himself. Then, with a soft exhale, he walked to the door.

When he opened it, there stood Taehyung, dressed handsomely, his dark eyes warm and filled with quiet affection. A soft smile graced his lips, and just seeing him like this made Jungkook smile back instinctively.

"Welcome, Hyung," Jungkook greeted, his voice light and filled with an undeniable warmth.

Taehyung stepped inside, his smile never fading. "What were you doing?" he asked, walking beside Jungkook.

"Making breakfast," Jungkook answered.

Taehyung held out a small box, and Jungkook took it with curiosity. "What is this?" he asked.

"Chocolates," Taehyung replied simply.

Jungkook pouted playfully. "Hyungie, aren't you spoiling her too much? She'll get cavities," he whined without realizing the affectionate nickname that slipped past his lips.

Taehyung's heart swelled at the name, warmth spreading through his chest. He loved hearing Jungkook call him that.

"And who said it's only for her?" Taehyung chuckled. "It's for you too. And about cavities—just don't give her too many at once."

Jungkook let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

Taehyung grinned. "Where's My Little Princess?"

"Sleeping soundly," Jungkook replied.

"Ohh, then you continue your work. I'll wake her up," Taehyung said, already heading toward the stairs.

"Okay," Jungkook answered, turning back toward the kitchen.

As Taehyung reached the staircase, he hesitated. He usually drank coffee in the morning before heading to work. Deciding to ask Jungkook for one, he turned back and made his way to the kitchen.

But as he entered, his steps slowed.

Jungkook was on his toes, trying to reach a jar from the top shelf, his fingers barely grazing the edge. The sight was undeniably cute. A soft chuckle threatened to escape Taehyung’s lips, but instead of watching, he stepped forward.

Without a word, he raised his hand and easily grabbed the jar, his body now close to Jungkook's.

Jungkook flinched slightly at the unexpected presence behind him. Startled, he turned, his wide, doe eyes locking onto Taehyung's. His heart pounded at the sudden closeness, heat creeping up his cheeks.

Taehyung simply looked at him, eyes deep and unreadable.

"You—you're here?" Jungkook stammered, internally cursing himself for his sudden nervousness.

"Yeah. Can't I come here, Bun?" Taehyung asked, tilting his head slightly. He knew Jungkook was shy—his flustered expression and the way his eyes darted downward were clear giveaways.

Jungkook swallowed, trying to calm his racing heart. "N-no, it's not that! You were going to wake up Aera, so I just—"

Before he could finish, Taehyung leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Hmm— Baby, Are you shy?"

The way Taehyung whispered near his ear sent shivers down Jungkook's spine. He bit his lower lip, his eyes flickering between Taehyung's and the floor.

"I—why would I be?" he mumbled, voice small. "No, I'm not."

Taehyung smirked. "You are."

"I'm not," Jungkook insisted with a little pout.

"Fine. As you say, Baby" Taehyung teased before finally taking a step back. He handed the jar to Jungkook, who quickly turned away, pretending to be busy just to hide his blush.

Taehyung chuckled. "Bun, can I have a coffee from your beautiful hands?"

Jungkook, still facing away, nodded shyly. "I— I'll make it while you wake Aera."

"Okay, Bun," Taehyung replied, his voice soft as he walked away, a fond smile lingering on his lips.

Jungkook, meanwhile, covered his face for a second, his heart still racing.

Bun?

Baby?

When did he start calling me that?

And why did it make him so happy?

—

Taehyung stepped into Aera's room, spotting the little one sitting on her bed, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"Has my Princess woken up?" Taehyung cooed, walking towards her.

At the sound of his voice, Aera's eyes widened in surprise. The next second, a big smile broke across her face.

"Dada!" she squealed, jumping to her feet on the bed.

Taehyung scooped her up effortlessly, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Good morning, Princess."

"Good morning, Dada!" she chirped, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck.

"I'm so happy to see you, Dada," she added, nuzzling into him.

Taehyung's heart melted. "Me too, sweetheart."

He helped her with her morning routine before carrying her downstairs, where Jungkook was finishing setting the table.

"Good morning, Bubba!" Jungkook greeted as he saw Aera in Taehyung's arms.

"Good morning, Mumma!" Aera giggled.

Breakfast was peaceful, filled with small conversations and the occasional laughter that echoed through the house.

After the meal, Jungkook moved to the kitchen to do the dishes while Taehyung and Aera played in the living room.

By 11:00 AM, Jungkook was ready, and Taehyung helped Aera get dressed. Once they were all set, they headed out to Taehyung's car.

Jungkook secured Aera in her car seat, and Taehyung started the engine. As they drove, soft music played in the background, blending with Aera’s sweet chatter.

She was happily babbling, thinking they were going to Sunshine’s Café as usual, completely unaware of their real destination.

Twenty minutes later, as the car pulled into the grand driveway of Kim Mansion, Aera's excited voice suddenly quieted.

Her tiny brows furrowed in confusion as she stared out the window.

"This isn't Hobi unkie's Café" she mumbled, tilting her head.

Jungkook smiled, glancing back at her. "You're right, Baby. We're visiting somewhere special today."

"Where?" she asked curiously, blinking up at him.

"You'll see," Taehyung answered with a secretive smile, stepping out of the car.

Aera looked between them, curiosity shining in her big eyes.

She had no idea that today, she was about to meet her grandparents for the very first time.

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

At Kim's mansion