Chapter 41

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Author's Point of View

20:00 | Kim's Mansion

Jin and Yuri were sitting in the living room as guest room was being clean for her, they were casually watching a TV show and chatting in between, when the doorbell rang. Yuri started to get up and said, "I'll get it," but Jin stopped her.

"Wait, Yuri. Just stay here," Jin said calmly.

Yuri looked like she was about to argue, but before she could, Jungkook came bouncing toward the door, his excitement clear. Behind him, Sana followed, carefully carrying a tray with two glasses of water. Jungkook opened the door and greeted Namjoon, Taehyung, and Aera with a bright smile.

Namjoon and Taehyung handed their bags to Jungkook, before each took a glass of water from the tray. Aera, however, didn't waste any time and was already curled up on Jin's lap, basking in his affection.

"How was your day, Appa?" Jungkook asked cheerfully as they all walked into the house.

"It was fine, Kook. What about you? Did you finish that book?" Namjoon replied with a warm smile.

"Yes, Appa! It was amazing!" Jungkook answered, his excitement shining through.

Namjoon smiled proudly and patted Jungkook's head before moving toward Jin for a chat. Meanwhile, Taehyung watched his father and husband with a soft smile, but his expression quickly turned to shock when Namjoon voice was heard as he sharply looked around.

"Yuri, when did you get here, dear?" Namjoon asked, noticing her.

"Just today, Uncle," Yuri replied politely.

Taehyung, standing nearby, stiffened at her words. His face turned blank, and his first instinct was to leave. But just as he again glanced around, his eyes landed on Jungkook, who was handing their bags to Sana. Without realizing, Taehyung took a step toward him.

Jungkook, busy watching Sana head toward the rooms with their bags, felt a gentle touch on his hand. He turned and saw Taehyung looking at him with a soft, almost unreadable expression. Jungkook just smiled at him.

"How is Hanjae? Did he come back from the US yet?" Namjoon asked Yuri as they talked.

"No, Appa said he'll be back next week, so I asked Uncle Jin if I could stay here until then," Yuri explained.

"That's wonderful. Did you meet Tae?" Namjoon asked with a small smile.

Yuri's eyes briefly flicked to Taehyung before darting toward Jungkook, her expression shifting to irritation.

"I thought I'd surprise him, Uncle," she said, her tone tight and her teeth clenched, "but it seems he managed to surprise me instead."

Taehyung took a deep breath, his face calm and composed, masking the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Turning to Yuri, he gave a polite nod and said, "It's nice to see you again, Yuri. I hope your stay here will be comfortable." His tone was formal, lacking warmth but not disrespectful.

Yuri forced a tight smile, her eyes darting between Taehyung and Jungkook. "Thank you, Taehyung. I'm sure it will be— memorable," she replied, her voice tinged with something unspoken.

Jungkook, standing quietly beside Taehyung, instinctively placed a hand on his husband's back, offering silent support. Taehyung glanced at him, his smile softening into something genuine before he looked back at Yuri.

Before the tension could linger, Jin stepped in with his usual warmth. "Yuri, you must be tired. Why don't you get some rest? I will call you once dinner is ready. Sana, if the room is ready could you take her to her room?"

"Yes Sir, the room is cleaned. This way madam Yuri" Sana said, quickly taking Yuri's bag and leading her down the hallway. Yuri hesitated for a moment, her eyes lingering on Taehyung, but when she realized he wasn't looking at her, she followed Sana without another word.

As soon as Yuri disappeared into the hallway, Taehyung let out a soft sigh of relief. Jin noticed, assuming it must be because of work, chuckled. "Tough day, Tae?"

Taehyung smiled, the warmth in Jin's voice easing his tension. "Not really, Eomma. Just— a little unexpected things happen."

Namjoon joined the conversation, patting Taehyung's shoulder as he passed by. "You've always been good at handling surprises, Tae."

Taehyung nodded, his smile widening as he glanced at Jungkook. "I've got Jungkook, so I'm always fine."

Jin's face lit up with approval as he watched his son and son-in-law. "That's how it should be. A strong partnership is what keeps a family happy."

Namjoon chuckled, settling into a chair nearby. "By the way Tae, how was the last meeting? It was with Mr. Kwang, right? It's always tough to handle him."

"It was manageable, Appa," Taehyung replied.

Jin nodded. "Ok No more work discussion! Tae, go get freshen up. You must be tired."

Taehyung smiled with nod and took Jungkook's hand, leading him toward their room. As they walked down the hallway, they passed Yuri's room. Taehyung felt her gaze but didn't acknowledge it, his focus firmly on Jungkook.

As the door to their room clicked shut, Taehyung wasted no time pulling Jungkook flush against him, their fingers still intertwined. His body hummed with exhaustion from the long day, but the moment he felt Jungkook's warmth, the tension in his shoulders melted away.

Jungkook looked up at him, his dark eyes filled with curiosity. "Rough day?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Taehyung didn't answer with words. Instead, he slid his free hand up Jungkook’s back, pressing their bodies impossibly closer. His lips found Jungkook's temple, lingering there as he inhaled deeply. "I needed this," he murmured, his voice husky with longing.

Jungkook chuckled softly, tilting his head back slightly. "You always say that when you come home."

"Because it's always true." Taehyung’s deep gaze burned into Jungkook’s. "You’re the only thing that makes the world quiet, Jungkook."

Jungkook's breath hitched as Taehyung cupped his face, his thumbs grazing over his cheeks. The intensity in Taehyung’s gaze sent a shiver down his spine. He barely had a moment to process it before Taehyung leaned in, capturing his lips in a slow, deliberate kiss.

The kiss started gentle, but it didn't stay that way for long. Taehyung pressed forward, his lips parting Jungkook’s with a silent urgency. Jungkook responded instantly, his fingers tangling in Taehyung’s shirt as he pulled him even closer.

A low groan rumbled in Taehyung’s chest as he backed Jungkook toward the bed, their lips never parting. His hands roamed down Jungkook’s sides before gripping his waist firmly. Jungkook gasped as Taehyung guided him down onto the soft mattress, his body hovering above him.

“You feel so good,” Taehyung whispered against his lips, his fingers slipping under Jungkook’s shirt to brush against heated skin.

Jungkook’s breath came out in soft, uneven exhales as he felt Taehyung’s warm fingers brush against his skin. His heart pounded in his chest, not out of nervousness, but from the overwhelming way Taehyung’s presence consumed him.

Taehyung felt the hesitation in the way Jungkook clutched at his shirt, his fingers trembling slightly against the fabric. He pulled back just enough to meet Jungkook’s gaze, his own filled with tenderness. “Are you okay?” he murmured, his voice softer now, more patient.

Jungkook bit his lower lip, cheeks flushed a delicate pink. “I-I’m fine,” he whispered, his eyes fluttering shut for a moment as Taehyung’s thumb traced soothing circles against his waist. “It’s just… you always make my heart race like this.”

A fond smile tugged at Taehyung’s lips. He lifted a hand to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Jungkook’s ear, his touch featherlight. “That’s a good thing, right?” he teased gently, his voice laced with warmth.

Jungkook nodded, his fingers fisting the fabric of Taehyung’s shirt as if grounding himself. He wasn’t used to such intensity, wasn’t used to being looked at like he was something precious, something irreplaceable. And yet, Taehyung always made him feel that way—with every touch, every word, every gaze.

Sensing his shyness, Taehyung leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to Jungkook’s forehead. “We’ll take it slow,” he assured him, his lips brushing against Jungkook’s skin as he spoke. “I just want to hold you.”

Jungkook relaxed at those words, his hands loosening their grip as he melted into Taehyung’s embrace. He buried his face against Taehyung’s chest, inhaling his familiar scent. “I like that,” he murmured, his voice muffled.

Taehyung chuckled, wrapping his arms securely around Jungkook, pulling him close. They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, their breaths syncing in the quiet of the room.

And for Taehyung, there was no place he’d rather be.

Before they could continue, a knock on the door interrupted the moment.

"Dinner is ready!" Jin's voice called from the hallway.

Taehyung groaned softly, pressing his forehead against Jungkook's. "I guess we'll have to pick this up later."

Jungkook laughed, tugging Taehyung toward the door. "Come on, Mr. Kim. Let's not keep everyone waiting."

—

The dining table was lively with conversation. Aera, freshly returned from her day with Jimin, sat happily between Namjoon and Jin, sharing stories about her adventures. Taehyung and Jungkook sat together, occasionally exchanging small smiles and soft touches.

Yuri, seated across from them, seemed unusually quiet, though her gaze often lingered on Taehyung.

As the meal progressed, Yuri suddenly spoke up. "Jungkook, it must be overwhelming for you, being part of such an accomplished family. Not everyone can handle that kind of pressure."

The table grew silent. Namjoon raised an eyebrow, and Jin's expression tightened slightly. Jungkook looked down, visibly uncomfortable, but Taehyung didn't miss a beat.

"Overwhelming?" Taehyung said, his tone light and calm. "Not at all. Jungkook has brought so much love and joy to this family."

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"Honestly," Taehyung continued, "I think it's the rest of us who are trying to keep up with him." He smiled warmly at Jungkook, his affection clear.

Yuri's forced smile faltered, and she quickly returned her attention to her plate.

Jin cleared his throat, his voice warm. "That's exactly right. Jungkook has been a blessing to this family."

Namjoon nodded. "Exactly, Now, let's enjoy this wonderful dinner."

The tension dissipated, but Yuri remained unusually quiet for the rest of the meal.

—

After dinner. Taehyung went to Aera's room that was specially designed for her by her grandpa a week ago, finding her arranging her plush toys on the bed. She looked up with a bright smile as he entered.

"Dada!" she exclaimed, running to him.

Taehyung scooped her up, spinning her around. "There's my little princess. Did you have fun with Uncle Jimin today?"

"Yes!" Aera giggled. "We painted and danced and ate cookies!"

"That sounds like so much fun," Taehyung said, sitting on the bed with her in his lap. "But you know what's even better?"

"What?" Aera asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Storytime with Dada," Taehyung whispered, pulling out her favorite book.

Aera squealed with excitement, snuggling into his chest as he began to read. Jungkook leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene with a fond smile.

After finishing the story, Taehyung kissed Aera's forehead. "Sweet dreams, my princess."

"Goodnight, Dada. Goodnight, Mumma," Aera said, her voice drowsy.

—

Taehyung closed the bedroom door behind him, locking out the world as his eyes immediately found Jungkook. A mischievous smirk played on his lips as he stepped closer, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a golden hue over them.

“Now, where were we?” he murmured, his deep voice laced with warmth as he pulled Jungkook into his arms.

Jungkook let out a soft laugh, his hands resting against Taehyung’s chest. “You’re insatiable tonight,” he teased, tilting his head up to meet Taehyung’s gaze.

Taehyung hummed, brushing his thumb over Jungkook’s cheek. “Can you blame me?” he whispered, his lips barely touching Jungkook’s, teasing, tempting. “You make it impossible to resist.”

Jungkook’s breath hitched, his heart fluttering at the tenderness in Taehyung’s voice. Before he could respond, Taehyung leaned in, capturing his lips in a slow, deep kiss. It started soft, gentle—like a quiet promise. But as Jungkook melted into him, his arms winding around Taehyung’s neck, the kiss grew more intense.

Taehyung walked them backward until Jungkook’s legs hit the edge of the bed. He lowered him down with ease, his strong arms holding him as if he were the most precious thing in the world. Their lips never parted, their breaths mingling in the quiet of the room.

Jungkook shivered as Taehyung’s hands traced his sides, fingertips ghosting over his skin with a reverence that sent warmth blooming in his chest. He felt cherished, adored, as if he were the only thing that mattered.

Taehyung’s lips left his, trailing down his jaw, pressing featherlight kisses along his neck. Jungkook let out a soft sigh, his fingers threading into Taehyung’s hair, his heart beating wildly.

“You’re so beautiful,” Taehyung whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he gazed down at Jungkook. His dark eyes were filled with something deep, something unspoken but undeniable.

Jungkook’s cheeks burned at the words. No matter how many times Taehyung said it, it always left him breathless. He looked away shyly, his fingers fisting into the fabric of Taehyung’s shirt.

“Don’t say things like that,” he mumbled.

Taehyung chuckled, the sound rich and full of affection. He tilted Jungkook’s chin up, forcing him to meet his gaze. “But it’s the truth,” he said softly. “And I’ll never stop reminding you.”

Jungkook bit his lip, his heart swelling at the sincerity in Taehyung’s voice. He smiled, his hands reaching up to cup Taehyung’s face. “I’m all yours,” he whispered.

A flicker of something intense passed through Taehyung’s eyes—love, devotion, something far too deep for words. He kissed Jungkook again, pouring everything he felt into it, letting his touch speak where words could not.

—

Unknown to them, outside their room, Yuri's fingers curl into fists at her sides. She had heard the muffled laughter and the intimate murmurs through the walls, and it sent a sharp pang of jealousy through her chest. It wasn’t fair, she thought bitterly. She had been in love with Taehyung for years, long before Jungkook ever entered the picture.

Her heart raced as she pressed her ear closer to the door, catching fragments of their soft whispers and laughter. The tenderness in Taehyung's voice, the way he called Jungkook "beautiful," twisted like a knife in her heart. That should’ve been her. She should’ve been the one wrapped in Taehyung's arms, hearing those words meant for her and her alone.

Unable to bear it any longer, she knocked on the door, her voice as steady as she could manage. “Tae? Can I talk to you?”

Inside the bedroom Taehyung groaned, his head dropping to Jungkook's shoulder. "She has the worst timing."

Jungkook chuckled, brushing a hand through Taehyung's hair. "Go see what she wants. I'll be here."

Yuri's pulse quickened as she heard the annoyed groan on the other side, followed by the sound of Taehyung's footsteps approaching. The door opened just enough for him to appear, his face a mixture of irritation and concern.

"First of all it's Taehyung for you and What is it, Yuri? It's late," he said, his tone polite but distant.

"I just needed to talk," she said softly, trying to mask the desperation and anger in her voice.

Taehyung's expression didn't soften. "Can it wait until tomorrow?"

Yuri hesitated, forcing herself to nod even though her heart screamed at her to push further. "Alright. Goodnight, Tae."

"Goodnight," he said firmly, closing the door.

Yuri stood there for a moment, staring at the wooden barrier between them. She imagined Taehyung going back to Jungkook, holding him close, whispering sweet nothings as if she had never interrupted. The thought made her stomach churn with anger and longing.

As she turned to leave, her mind raced with possibilities. She couldn't keep standing by, watching them bask in happiness while she suffered in silence. Taehyung had to see that she was the one who truly understood him, the one who could make him happier than Jungkook ever could.

Yuri's fingers traced the edge of the wall as she walked away, her steps slow and deliberate. She would find a way to make Taehyung see her... really see her. And if that meant disrupting their perfect little world, so be it.

Closing the door Taehyung turned back to Jungkook.

He climbed back into bed with a sigh, pulling Jungkook close. "Now, where were we?"

Jungkook smiled, leaning in to kiss him. "Right where we left off, Mr. Husband."

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ᴛ ᴀ ᴇ ᴋ ᴏ ᴏ ᴋ

Preview ~

To be continued...