Enjoy 🌸

The sun was at peak, casting a golden hue over the gentle ripples of the river. The soft rustling of leaves, the occasional chirping of birds, and the quiet gurgle of the water created a serene background for the little scene set along the riverside.

At the center of it all sat Mr. and Mrs. Kim, cross-legged on a plush mat, surrounded by an arrangement of white pillows. A small elegant table was placed between them, holding their carefully decorated cake and a delicate tea set—one that Jungkook had painstakingly chosen for its 'regal' aesthetic.

Taehyung was dressed in an ivory shirt, sleeves rolled up neatly to his forearms, exposing golden skin and the occasional flicker of veins. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, just enough to make him look sinfully relaxed. His linen trousers were beige, complementing the neutral tones of the day, while a soft brown leather watch peeked from under his cuff.

Barefoot on the mat, he looked regal, like a king on holiday, seated only because his queen willed it.

Jungkook wore a soft white dress that danced with the breeze like a whisper. The fabric was light and dreamy, embroidered at the edges with delicate little florals that hinted at vintage charm. The dress hugged her waist just enough to show her figure before falling gently to her ankles. Her hair was left down in loose waves, pinned lazily on one side with moon and flower clip she'd insisted matched the "tea party aesthetic."

Together, they looked like a scene from another time—timeless, elegant, and utterly, impossibly in love.

Jungkook finally settled back with a satisfied sigh, dusting her hands together as if she'd just constructed a palace from marble and gold.

"There," she declared, eyes sparkling as she took in the arrangement. "Perfect. Don't you dare move anything."

Taehyung held up his hands in surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it, Your Highness."

The wife shot him a sideways glance, but the corners of her lips twitched with amusement. Her fingers reached for the teapot, and as she poured, the steam curled up like breath from the heavens.

The floral scent of chamomile and rose filled the air, mingling with the warm wind and sun-kissed grass. She handed him his cup with both hands—like she'd seen in period dramas—and raised her pinky with grace.

Taehyung accepted the cup with a solemn nod, playing along.

"My dear Lord Kim," she said, voice dramatically refined. "The weather today is most splendid, is it not?"

Taehyung played along, lifting his cup with his pinky slightly raised.

"Indeed, Lady Kim," he drawled, lowering his tone to sound like some nobleman from an ancient era. "A fine day for tea and sweet delicacies. The gods have surely blessed us."

Jungkook gave a sharp nod, her expression incredibly serious. "Yes, yes. And tell me, my good sir, does the cake suit your noble palate?"

Taehyung picked up his fork with deliberate elegance, slicing a small bite of the cake and placing it into his mouth with exaggerated poise. He hummed, chewing as if he were a royal food critic.

"Ahh... Such divine craftsmanship!" He let out an exaggerated sigh of satisfaction. "The balance of sweetness, the texture—truly, this is the work of the finest pastry artisans in all the land!"

Jungkook beamed. "Why, my lord! You flatter me too much. But alas, it was my very own delicate hands that have crafted such a marvel!"

Jungkook fluttered her lashes, placing a hand on her chest like she was a maiden receiving high praise and then shyly tucked a stand of hair.

Taehyung pressed a hand over his heart. "Astonishing! My love, your talents extend far beyond the expectations of mere mortals! I must say, I am the most fortunate of all men to have you as my wife!"

Jungkook giggled, leaning forward with her teacup. "That is true, dear husband. You are most fortunate."

Taehyung set his fork down with a theatrical gasp, as if the very idea overwhelmed him. "Most fortunate? Nay, the word is insufficient! I am blessed, chosen by the fates themselves! The heavens must have whispered your name to mine in a dream long before we ever met."

Jungkook gave a dainty little gasp, her hand flying to her cheek. "My stars! Such poetry!" she exclaimed.

Taehyung lifted his chin, placing a regal hand over his heart. "I speak not in jest. Your name has been engraved in my soul. Even the stars did weep with envy the night I made you mine."

Jungkook fluttered her lashes with dramatic flair, setting her teacup down with elegance. "Oh, such devotion! Catch me, should I faint from such heroic adoration!"

"Sure do," Taehyung replied, scooting closer and holding his arms open. "Fall, my lady, and I shall rescue you with the strength of ten thousand warriors and the grace of a falling cherry blossom."

Jungkook pretended to sway, eyes fluttering closed. "Alas, my knees! They betray me!" she cried, tumbling gently into his waiting arms.

Taehyung caught her with exaggerated care, one hand behind her back, the other cradling her head. "Worry not, my flower of spring," he murmured in an exaggerated deep tone, "you are safe now... in the arms of your warrior."

Jungkook giggled, her nose scrunching as she sat back with a sigh. "My courageous hero."

"My fearless queen," he said with a grin, lifting his teacup in salute.

They clinked their cups together with a soft tink, smiles wide, eyes fond.
And for a few more moments under the lazy sun, with cake crumbs on the mat and wind teasing the hem of her dress, they lived in their imaginary kingdom—where worries were banished, love reigned supreme, and the only battles were fought with humour and exaggerated swoons.

Wiping her tears, Jungkook held out the fork, feeding him the bite herself. "There you go, my dramatic Mr. Kim."

Taehyung chewed, humming contentedly before swallowing. Then, in a hushed, utterly serious tone, he murmured, "Worth it."

The two of them continued their ridiculous little tea party by the riverside, playing pretend in their own little world, surrounded by the golden hues of the sun.

And for that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Kim were nothing more than two foolishly happy lovers, savoring both cake and each other's laughter.

Jungkook clutched her stomach, her head tilting back as the laughter finally spilled out, bright and unrestrained.

"Oh my god, Taehyung—" she wheezed between giggles. "You're so—so dramatic!"

Taehyung watched her with the fondest expression, lips quirking as he took another sip of his tea, all regal and composed.

"I was merely playing along, Lady Kim. It was you who demanded an ancient courtly experience."

Jungkook tried—really tried—to keep up the act, holding her teacup with the poise of a royal and taking tiny, delicate bites of her cake. But the sight of Taehyung dramatically lifting his pinky as he sipped his tea, his expression one of absolute, over-the-top nobility, was too much.

A giggle slipped out. Then another. And before she knew it, a full-blown laugh burst from her chest.

"Oh my god—" Jungkook wheezed, trying to cover her mouth, but it was too late. The laughter took over, shaking her shoulders, making her stomach ache.

And then—

Khh!

Jungkook's eyes widened as she suddenly choked on the bite of cake she had just taken. Her laughter turned into a frantic cough, her hands flailing as she tried to clear her throat.

Taehyung, who had been watching her with an amused smirk, instantly straightened. "Jungkook?" His voice lost all traces of playfulness.

In a blink, he was at her side, kneeling next to her, one hand on her back, rubbing. Jungkook coughed again, tears pricking her eyes as she hit her own chest.

"S-stupid cake—" she rasped between coughs. "Why—why did it betray me?"

Taehyung exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Because you were laughing instead of chewing properly." His other hand lifted her cup of tea to her lips. "Drink."

Jungkook sipped obediently, still hiccuping little coughs between gulps. The warmth soothed her throat, and gradually, her breathing evened out. Her lashes were damp, cheeks flushed from the struggle, and yet—when she looked up at him, there was mischief still sparkling in her eyes.

"I was chewing," she muttered, voice still raspy.

"Were you?" Taehyung arched a brow. "Because from where I was sitting, it looked like you were inhaling it instead."

Jungkook let out a breathy laugh, still hoarse. "You were just making me laugh too hard. It's your fault, Lord Kim."

"Oh, so now it's my fault you choked on your own cake?"

"Yes!" she rasped dramatically, flopping against him like a fainting heroine. "The villain strikes again!"

Taehyung caught her, holding her against his chest, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, his hand on her back didn't stop its comforting strokes. "And now you're here, nearly perishing by cake."

Jungkook pouted harder. "What a way to go..."

Taehyung let out a chuckle, finally relaxing now that she was breathing properly. He pulled back slightly to look at her. "Are you alright?"

She blinked up at him, lips curving into a sheepish smile. "Yeah..." Then, with zero remorse, she added, "But you have to admit, it was kinda funny."

Taehyung closed his eyes briefly, exhaling. "Unbelievable."

Jungkook giggled again, nudging his side. "Admit it! It was funny!"

Taehyung flicked her forehead lightly. "Not when my wife is choking on cake, Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook scrunched her nose, rubbing her forehead before letting herself fall back onto the mat, arms sprawled out. "You worry too much, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung shook his head, watching her with fondness and exasperation. "And you worry too little."

Jungkook turned her head, flashing him a bright grin. "That's why we balance each other out, don't we?"

Taehyung simply looked at her for a moment before sighing in defeat, lying back beside her. "I suppose we do."

The riverside was quiet except for the rustling of leaves and the soft lull of water against the shore. It was peaceful—just the two of them, lying on the picnic mat, bellies full of cake and tea.

Jungkook sighed happily, shifting slightly as she laid her head on Taehyung's arm, using it as her personal pillow. Her dark lashes fluttered as she stared at the sky. "That was the best cake ever."

Taehyung turned onto his side, facing her, the other hand resting on her stomach. His fingers absentmindedly traced lazy circles against the fabric of her dress. "Hmm... I still think we could've made the cream a little smoother."

Jungkook scoffed, playfully slapping his chest. "Mr. Kim, have some faith in our masterpiece! That was a perfect cake. Even those fancy five-star places wouldn't stand a chance."

Taehyung hummed, lips curving. "Oh? And what makes you so sure?"

Jungkook turned her head toward him, eyes sparkling as she grinned. "Because we made it together."

Taehyung stilled for a moment. His gaze dropped slightly, tracing the way her pouty lips moved as she spoke, soft and pink, still glistening slightly from the tea she had sipped.

Taehyung swallowed, a sudden tightness catching in his throat as he echoed her words softly, "Yeah... together."

He shifted slightly, closing the small distance between them, letting the warmth of the afternoon sun mingle with the warmth growing in his chest. His hand resting on her stomach moved almost instinctively.

Jungkook was completely unaware of his sudden trance, she kept talking. "Maybe we should start a bakery instead. Just imagine! 'Mr. & Mrs. Kim's Delightful Bakeshop'—we'd have a little bell at the door, and a cute chalkboard menu, and—"

Taehyung wasn't listening. He was too busy being utterly, helplessly engrossed in the way her lips moved.

Jungkook was completely oblivious to the effect she had on him, continued rambling, her voice animated and full of excitement.

"And then, we can have those cute little chairs outside the bakery! You know, the round ones? Oh! And I'll design the packaging! Pink ribbons and maybe a tiny wax seal with our initials—'J & T'—"

Jungkook yelped when Taehyung suddenly moved, rolling onto his elbow, his face now hovering mere inches from hers.

"M-Mr. Kim?" she blinked, startled.

"Hmm?" he murmured, his tone lazy, amused.

"You—you're looking at me weirdly!"

Taehyung's lips curled into a slow, mischievous smile as he propped his head up with one hand, eyes locked on hers with that familiar, teasing gleam. "Weirdly? Am I? Or perhaps... intensely."

Jungkook's cheeks flushed a delicate pink, her excitement momentarily forgotten as her heartbeat quickened. She shifted slightly, trying to hide her nervous grin behind a fluttering hand. "I-I was just talking about cupcakes and chairs, not staring contests."

"Oh, but I'm enjoying the conversation just fine," Taehyung teased, his voice dipping into something softer, more intimate. "Especially when it's you doing the talking."

She tried to hold back a laugh, though the warmth in her chest was undeniable. "Well, if you're going to stare like that, I might have to start charging rent for all this attention."

Taehyung chuckled, the sound low and warm. "I'd pay anything just to hear you ramble a little longer."
Jungkook opened her mouth, ready to argue, but before she could get a word out—

Taehyung kissed her.

Jungkook froze. Her heart jumped to her throat, eyes fluttering shut at the sensation. His lips moved against hers with a leisurely slowness. The world around them melted away—no riverside, no cake, no fancy tea party.

Just the two of them.

Taehyung exhaled against her lips as he deepened the kiss slightly, tilting his head to taste more of her.

Strawberries and tea.

The faint sweetness of strawberries and chamomile lingered between them, mixing with the warmth radiating from their bodies.

Jungkook's breath hitched, her hands finding his chest, feeling the quick beat of his heart beneath her palms. When they finally parted, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling in the quiet space between them. Taehyung's voice was low, a husky murmur meant only for her.

"Perfectly sweet, just like the cake."

Jungkook was still frozen in place, lips slightly parted, eyes dazed.

Taehyung smirked. "What happened to all that talking, Mrs. Kim?"

Jungkook blinked rapidly, her cheeks blooming red. "I—I forgot what I was saying!"

Taehyung chuckled, clearly amused. He ran a thumb over her lower lip, still glistening from their kiss. "Should I remind you?"

Jungkook gasped, smacking his chest lightly. "M-Mr. Kim!"

Taehyung grinned but didn't push further. Instead, he leaned back on his elbow, watching her struggle to gather her thoughts.

Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms. "You completely threw me off! I was talking about the cake, and then suddenly—" She gestured dramatically toward him, her hands flailing in frustration. "You—You just—"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, tilting his head. "I just?"

Jungkook groaned. "You kissed me! Out of nowhere!"

"And?" He smirked. "Didn't you like it?"

Jungkook's lips parted, and she clamped them shut immediately, looking away. Her ears were turning pink now.

Taehyung chuckled at her reaction, thoroughly entertained. "I'll take that as a yes, Mrs. Kim."*

Jungkook refused to meet his gaze, suddenly finding the cake very interesting.

"And I plan to make every single wish come true."

Jungkook's breath hitched, her wide eyes locking onto his. "E-Every single one?"

Taehyung nodded. "Every. Single. One."

Jungkook swallowed, something tender swelling in her chest. "Even the one where I want to have a bakery with a pink sign?"

"Even that."

"Even the one where I keep Arathorn as a fluffy cat who follows me around in the kitchen?"

"Even that."

Jungkook felt something tighten in her throat, a warmth so overwhelming it nearly made her tear up. She had never imagined that someone would listen to her ramblings—let alone take them seriously.

And here was Taehyung, promising her the world as if it was the easiest thing to do.

She sniffled softly. "You're too nice to me, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung smirked, pulling her closer, her head fully resting against his chest now. "That's because you're my Mrs. Kim."

Jungkook let out a small, happy hum, her fingers curling around his shirt. "I love being your Mrs. Kim," she mumbled.

Taehyung's hand gently ran up and down her back. A comfortable silence stretched between them, the sound of the river flowing in the distance, the cool air settling in.

Then—

"Mr. Kim?"

"Hmm?"

"Can we eat more cake?"

Taehyung let out a deep laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

____________

The sun had begun its slow descent, casting a warm golden hue over the sky, painting it in soft pastels. The remnants of their tea party—a nearly empty teapot, a few scattered crumbs, and delicate porcelain cups—lay forgotten beside them as they lounged against the lush green grass. 

Their feet dangled lazily in the cool river water, the gentle current swirling around their ankles. Jungkook leaned back on her palms, tilting her face toward the sky, letting the soft breeze kiss her skin. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, strands dancing with the wind. 

Taehyung sat beside her, one arm propped behind his body, the other lazily trailing his fingers through the water. His gaze wasn't on the horizon, nor the sky—it was on her. Watching the way her lashes fluttered with every blink, how her lips curled slightly as if she was lost in a pleasant thought. 

Jungkook sighed, her toes wiggling in the river. "This feels nice." 

Taehyung hummed, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It does." 

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn't empty—it was full. Full of unsaid words, unspoken understanding, and the kind of comfort that came from simply existing together. 

Jungkook turned her head slightly, peeking at him from the corner of her eye. "You keep staring." 

Taehyung didn't even pretend to deny it. "I like looking at you." 

Jungkook rolled her eyes, but the faint dusting of pink on her cheeks gave her away. "Cheesy." 

Taehyung smirked. "Honest." 

She huffed, shaking her head, but didn't argue. Instead, she leaned back further, letting herself sink into the moment, into him. The sound of the river, the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds—it all melted into the background, leaving just the two of them in this little pocket of peace. 

And for once, neither of them felt the need to run.

Jungkook leaned back against Taehyung, her small frame pressing into his chest, her head resting just beneath his chin. The warmth of his body seeped through the fabric of her dress, making her feel safe, like she belonged there. Her fingers lazily played with the strands of grass beside her as she kicked her feet in the water, watching the ripples spread. 

"Mr. Kimmm," Jungkook sang softly, tilting her head slightly to look up at him. Her voice was light, sweet—filled with playful innocence. 

Taehyung hummed in response, resting his chin atop her head, his arms loosely wrapped around her. 

Jungkook smiled, her eyes shining as she spoke, "If you were a lord of some grand town and I was just a little maid working there... and somehow, we fell in love—" She paused dramatically.

"Would we have a happy ending?" 

Taehyung chuckled, his deep voice vibrating against her. "That's quite the scenario." 

The wife pouted. "Just answer." 

"If I were a lord... and you were a maid..." He exhaled, his tone shifting into something thoughtful. "No. We wouldn't." 

Jungkook's lips parted in surprise, her brows furrowing. "Why not?" 

Taehyung glanced down at her, taking in the way her delicate features twisted in confusion. "Because lords and maids don't get happy endings. The world wouldn't let them." 

She frowned, turning fully in his arms now, blinking up at him with wide, doe-like eyes. "But if they love each other—" 

"Love isn't always enough," he murmured, his fingers grazing her wrist where her pulse fluttered. "The world is cruel. It demands sacrifices." 

Jungkook's pout deepened. She didn't like this answer. 

She reached up, poking his chest lightly. "Would you have given up your title for me?" 

Taehyung's dark eyes locked onto hers, something intense brewing beneath them. "In a heartbeat." 

Jungkook's breath hitched, her fingers stilling against his chest. But before she could respond, Taehyung's lips curved slightly. "But you wouldn't have let me." 

Her heart squeezed at his words. 

"You'd have told me to be a good lord," Taehyung continued, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "You'd have reminded me that I had responsibilities, people relying on me. And you... you'd have left first, so I wouldn't have to choose." 

Jungkook swallowed, her lashes lowering as she thought about it. And maybe... he was right. 

She huffed, shaking off the heaviness of the moment. "That's depressing," she muttered, poking his chest again. 

Taehyung chuckled, wrapping his arms more securely around her. "That's reality."

Jungkook frowned, shifting slightly in his hold. The river water shimmered under the golden light, and for a moment, everything was still—just them, the sky, and the unspoken truths.

But then Taehyung sighed, and his voice came quieter this time. "But it's our story, Jungkook."

She looked up at him, surprised by the way his expression had softened, the storm in his eyes settling into something warmer.

"And in our story," Taehyung continued, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand, "I wouldn't let you leave." His tone held a quiet determination, an unwavering promise.

"I would fight for you."

Jungkook's lips parted slightly, her breath hitching.

"You'd fight for me?" she echoed, almost disbelieving.

Taehyung exhaled a small chuckle. "Of course I would," he murmured.

"Even if the world tried to keep us apart, even if the odds were against us—I'd fight." His hand trailed up, cupping her jaw gently. "Because you're the only thing that ever made any of it worth it."

Jungkook's eyes stung, her heart aching in a way she hadn't expected.

She gave him a wobbly smile. "Then I'd fight for you too."

Taehyung smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"That," he whispered, "is how we get our happy ending."

Jungkook nuzzled deeper into his chest, feeling the slow rise and fall of his breathing.

The river water kissed their ankles, a quiet witness to their whispered musings. Shadows stretched long behind them, swaying with the grass, while the water caught fire with light. And still, they sat there—wrapped in each other and the kind of silence that didn't need filling.

Jungkook's fingers found his again, their hands tangling instinctively, thumbs brushing over knuckles. She let the moment stretch, her head resting just below his collarbone, her voice a murmur against his chest.

"Would you have noticed me?" she asked, barely louder than the rustle of wind. "If I were truly a maid? Just... one among many, in some grand manor?"

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, pressing his lips into her hair. "I would've noticed you before I noticed myself."

Jungkook huffed a soft laugh. "That doesn't make sense."

"It does," he said gently. "Because you would've smiled when others didn't. You would've laughed like it cost nothing and gave everything. And I—" his fingers tightened slightly around hers, "—I was always looking for something real. Something warm."

She was quiet for a long moment, her thumb idly stroking the back of his hand. "And if I dropped a tray in front of everyone and embarrassed myself?"

"I would've fired every noble who dared to laugh," he said solemnly.

Jungkook laughed, snorting against his chest. "You can't fire nobles."

"I'm a very dramatic lord, remember?" Taehyung said with a grin. "I'd hold court in the middle of the dinner just to defend your honor."

Jungkook giggled again, the sound muffled by the fabric of his shirt as she leaned into him, utterly charmed and a little breathless. "You'd make a scene for me?" she teased, tilting her face up, her nose brushing his chin.

Taehyung looked down at her, his gaze fond but fierce. "I'd make a scandal."

She raised a brow, biting back a smile. "What would you even say to them?"

He straightened dramatically, lifting their entwined hands like a royal decree. "'Ladies and gentlemen of the court'—" he began in a booming voice, and Jungkook had to bite her lip to keep from laughing, "—'if even one of you dares to speak ill of the maid who just slipped because your floors are too polished and your stares too cold, I shall have your titles stripped and your soup flung at your faces.'"

Jungkook burst into laughter, shoulders trembling, eyes crinkling shut, her voice rising like bells over the gentle hush of the riverside. She leaned into him without realizing, fingers clutching the fabric of his sleeve for balance as she tried to catch her breath.

When the wave of amusement finally softened, she sat up slightly, just enough to meet his gaze. Her cheeks were still pink from laughing, lips curled into that familiar mischievous smile. "And you'd marry me in secret?" she teased, one brow arched as if daring him to play along.

But Taehyung didn't smile back.

"No," he said, quiet but sure, his voice smoothing over the warmth between them. His eyes didn't waver. "I'd marry you in the open. Loudly. Proudly."

Her smile faltered.

Blinking, she stared at him, startled by the sudden shift from play to something achingly real. The sincerity in his voice settled over her like a hush. The golden afternoon faded around the edges, and all she could see was him—watching her like she was the only vow he'd ever mean.

Her eyes searched his face, and for once, Taehyung didn't hide behind his charm or his theatrics. He simply looked at her like she was already his, and always had been.

"You wouldn't hide me?" she asked softly, almost childlike in her wonder. "Not even if it ruined your name?"

Taehyung's thumb brushed the edge of her jaw, his voice warm and unwavering. "Let them ruin my name. I'd rather lose titles and keep you, than bow to a world that tells me that our love is forbidden."

Jungkook's breath hitched. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, heart swelling so fast it nearly hurt.

"But... people talk," she whispered.

"Then let them," he said. "Let them see me walk with you through the grandest hall, hand in hand. Let them gossip when I kiss you before every meal. Let them choke on their judgment when I call you my wife in front of kings and strangers."

Her lips trembled into a smile, eyes glistening. "You make it sound easy."

"It won't be," he said honestly, brushing her cheek with his knuckles. "But it will be worth it. You're worth all of it."

Jungkook leaned forward then, forehead pressed gently to his. "You're ridiculous," she breathed.

"And you're unforgettable," he murmured, fingers curling around the back of her neck. "Even if you were a maid, even if I were a crownless nobody. I'd still find you in every life."

Her lashes fluttered, and she exhaled, her nose nudging his. "Then marry me in every one."

"I intend to," he whispered.

A vow whispered between two souls who'd already chosen each other a thousand times before.

Jungkook perked up, eyes bright with excitement as she shifted against Taehyung's chest. "Oh! That reminds me," she began animatedly, hands gesturing as she spoke.

"I once read this forbidden story." 

Taehyung hummed, amused by her sudden enthusiasm. "Forbidden?" 

She nodded eagerly. "Yes! It was about a lord and a maid, just like we were talking about." She wrinkled her nose. "But the lord was an absolute jerk." 

Taehyung raised a brow. "Oh?" 

Jungkook huffed. "Yes! He was cold, distant, and arrogant. He never told the maid how he felt, and instead of just admitting he loved her, he kept pushing her away." She pouted, frowning at the memory.

"And the poor maid—she was so soft and sweet, always looking at him with those big, hopeful eyes, waiting for him to say something." 

Taehyung smirked. "Let me guess. He never did?" 

Jungkook huffed dramatically, flopping back against his chest.

"Nope! He just kept watching her suffer. Every time she tried to leave, he let her go. Every time she cried, he turned away. And every time she wanted to believe he loved her, he gave her a reason to doubt it." 

Taehyung's smirk faltered slightly. His arms instinctively tightened around her waist. "Sounds frustrating." 

"It was!" Jungkook pouted, crossing her arms. "I kept thinking, 'Why? Why can't he just say he loves her? Why does he have to be so stubborn and cruel?'" 

Taehyung exhaled, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Maybe he thought he was protecting her." 

Jungkook scoffed. "By hurting her?" 

Taehyung was silent for a moment. Then, softly, "Sometimes hurting is easier than losing." 

Jungkook stilled, the energy in her fading slightly. She turned to look at him, eyes searching his face. "But what if... what if she never wanted to leave? What if she just wanted to stay by his side?" 

Taehyung's throat bobbed. "Then he was a fool." 

Jungkook tilted her head. "A fool?" 

Taehyung let out a slow breath, his fingers trailing up and down her arm. "Because he had something precious, something rare. And instead of holding onto it, he let his fears push it away." 

Jungkook blinked, lips parting slightly at his words. 

Taehyung met her gaze, eyes darker now, more serious. "So, how does the story end?" 

Jungkook swallowed, looking away. "She leaves." 

Taehyung stiffened. 

Jungkook's fingers curled into his sleeve. "She realizes he'll never choose her, never say the words she's been waiting for. So, she stops waiting." 

Silence hung between them, heavy and unspoken. 

Taehyung exhaled through his nose, voice rough. "And does he ever go after her?" 

Jungkook shook her head. "No." She looked up at him again, something fragile in her gaze. "He lets her go." 

Taehyung's jaw clenched. 

Jungkook sighed, pressing her cheek against his chest. "I hated that ending." 

Taehyung swallowed thickly, resting his chin against her head. "So do I." 

Neither of them spoke after that, the river water lapping softly at their feet. 

Jungkook stayed pressed against his chest, her breath warm through the thin fabric of his shirt. Her fingers still clutched his sleeve, though gently now, like she didn't want to be the one to break the quiet.

Taehyung's arms circled her more tightly, his chin resting atop her head, his thoughts loud though his lips stayed silent. He didn't realize how long the silence had lasted until Jungkook spoke again, her voice low and uncertain.

"Do you think... some stories are meant to be rewritten?"

Taehyung closed his eyes. "Yes," he answered without hesitation.

Jungkook's brow furrowed lightly against his chest. "Even the broken ones?"

"Especially the broken ones," he murmured. "They deserve a second draft."

Jungkook slowly pulled back from his chest, her fingers slipping away from his sleeve only to rest theatrically on her hips. Her eyes gleamed with mischief, and Taehyung could already sense the dramatics blooming in her like spring.

Jungkook huffed, her lips curling into a pout as she jabbed an invisible sword toward Taehyung's chest.

"If I were that maid," she said, voice filled with playful exasperation, "I wouldn't wait around like some tragic heroine. I'd grab a sword—" she mimed drawing it with flair, her hand suddenly grabbing the front of his shirt, tugging him forward, "—point it right at his arrogant chest and say, 'Idiot, tell me you love me or not!'"

Taehyung didn't laugh.

His eyes tracked every movement, the spark of mischief in her eyes, the way her fingers curled possessively around his collar—and something in his chest stirred, fierce and sudden.

Jungkook lifted her chin, eyes wide with mock nobility. "I demand an answer, my lord!" she declared, aiming the invisible sword higher, almost pressing it against the fabric of his shirt over his heart.

Taehyung's hand shot up, catching her wrist, his fingers sliding down until her palm lay flat against his chest, right above the steady thrum of his heartbeat. He kept it there, holding her hand in place as he leaned in close. Their breaths tangled.

"Why any lord," he muttered, voice deep and thick with heat, "when I'm right here?"

Jungkook blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in his tone. "It's just a story, Mr. Kim—"

"I don't care." His voice cut through her words like the very sword she'd imagined. He wrapped his free hand around her waist, tugging her sharply forward until she straddled him fully, her skirts ruffling between them. The water around their ankles sloshed at the movement.

"Why are you imagining anyone else when I'm alive? When I'm yours?"

Jungkook stared at him, pulse quickening. There was something territorial in his gaze now, like he was fighting the idea of any rival—fictional or not.

Jungkook bit back a grin, clearly enjoying this. "But you're not in the story." 

"I will be now." Taehyung's eyes flashed, his tone dropping into something dangerously smooth. "If we're playing forbidden love, then I'll be the lord. And you—" he tilted her chin up, thumb brushing her bottom lip, "—will be the little maid who doesn't realize she's already mine." 

Jungkook's breath hitched. But she wasn't one to be tamed so easily.  She smirked, eyes glinting mischievously. "And what if I still try to run?" 

Taehyung leaned in, voice a quiet promise against her lips. "Then I'll chase."

Jungkook rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips. "Readers will go insane, Mr. Kim," she muttered, crossing her arms. "A ruthless lord, a timid maid, forbidden love—this is the kind of story that keeps people awake at night."

Taehyung hummed, dragging his fingers lazily down her arm. "Good. Let them suffer."

Jungkook gasped, smacking his chest. "You're enjoying this too much."

"I am," he admitted shamelessly. "Because at the end of the story, no matter how much you resist, you'll still end up in my arms."

Jungkook giggled, the sound airy as she curled deeper into Taehyung's embrace. Her head rested over his heart. He was so warm, his arms wrapped around her as if he could shield her from time itself. The world outside didn't exist in this moment. Only the rise and fall of his chest, the way her fingers absently played with the fabric of his shirt, and the faint scent of him.

He shifted slightly, resting his cheek against the crown of her head. One of his hands traced lazy circles over her back. "You talk about forbidden stories, about tragic endings and people torn apart."

Jungkook looked up slowly as his hand lifted, fingers brushing under her chin to guide her gaze to his. His eyes were soft, deep, the kind of gentle that unraveled every stubborn knot in her heart.

"But if it's you and me," he murmured, "there's no ending. Not tragic. Not forbidden. Just... us. Always."

Her breath hitched, and for a beat, the world stilled.

Then she smiled, the kind that bloomed slowly and tenderly, like it belonged only in places where love was quiet and safe. Her fingertips slid up to rest along his collarbone, her voice no louder than a promise.

"Just us," she whispered.

Taehyung leaned down, his lips brushing over hers with the gentleness of falling petals. It wasn't a kiss to consume—it was one to remember. A kiss that didn't need words, didn't need confessions or declarations.

It said home.
It said you're mine and I'm yours, and this is enough.

When they finally pulled back, Jungkook didn't open her eyes right away. She simply sighed, nuzzling under his chin again as his arms tightened around her. Her fingertips traced absent patterns against his chest now, mirroring the circles he'd drawn on her back earlier.

Wrapped in the quiet cocoon of their little world, with nothing but soft touches and promises, they drifted—two people who had rewritten the ending.

Not with ink. But with each other.

——-——————
I want to talk about something very serious.

Do you like reading this book or Is it becoming cringe with too much lovey-dovey scene? You all don't comment on the chapters. Only 1% of readers comment. I know its takes efforts to comment but you could use emojis too.

See from my point of view too, imagine writing the chapter, publishing it and then, barely there comments. Only 2-3 readers, my pookies, are there to support me.

It takes hours to write a single chapter, no chapter of this book is less than 5000 words. Everytime I update, I publish the chapters with so much expectations and then watch my expectations crumbling.

Same thing is happening with 'Verbeton' too.

I think we lost that charm. I miss those days when we all interacted with each other in every chapter.

🌷