As dinner wrapped up, Arin and Jungkook stood to excuse themselves. Arin was ready to head back home, feeling overwhelmed by the evening's revelations and hoping for some quiet time to process everything. But just as she was about to thank Mrs. Jeon for the dinner, her mother-in-law gently took her hand, her eyes filled with warmth.

"Why don't you two stay the night here?" Mrs. Jeon asked, her tone leaving little room for refusal. Jungkook immediately tried to protest, making up excuses about work and needing to get back to their own space, but Mrs. Jeon was persistent.

"Jungkook, you still have some clothes in your old room," she said, smiling knowingly. "You don't have to worry about anything. Arin can use some of Miso's clothes, and in the morning, you can leave for work from here. It's been too long since we had you both under the same roof."

Before Jungkook could argue further, Miso chimed in, "Come on, Arin, stay! I can share some tips with you about the early days of pregnancy." She looked at Arin, eyes wide with excitement.

Arin gave a hesitant smile, glancing at Jungkook. He seemed to struggle to find the right words, but just as he was about to respond, Taehyung placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Just for tonight, Jungkook," Taehyung said in a calm, convincing tone. "Not for anyone but for your mother. You know how much this means to her."

Jungkook let out a sigh, knowing he was outnumbered. He glanced at Arin, who gave him a small nod, and finally gave in, nodding reluctantly.

An hour later, Miso took Arin to her room, animatedly talking about her own experience with early pregnancy. As Miso led Arin to her room, she kept glancing back, eyes full of excitement and warmth. She practically bounced on her feet, ready to share every piece of wisdom she had about pregnancy, a time she remembered vividly. Arin, though grateful for Miso's energy, found herself hesitant, her own feelings tangled and weighed down by the uncertainties swirling in her mind.

"Come, sit!" Miso patted the bed beside her, smiling. "I know it's a lot to take in, isn't it? But don't worry, I'll tell you everything I can."

Arin managed a small smile, lowering herself onto the bed, though her hands remained fidgeting in her lap. "Thank you, Miso. I... I didn't expect things to feel this... overwhelming."

Miso chuckled, a sound so warm it seemed to fill the entire room. "Oh, I know exactly what you mean. I still remember when I found out I was pregnant. It's like... like the world suddenly shifted, right? Like there's something inside you that's just... bigger than everything else."

Arin nodded slowly, biting her lip as her gaze dropped to her hands. "It feels like that. But... I guess I don't know how to feel yet. Everything happened so fast."

Miso's eyes softened, and she reached out, gently taking one of Arin's hands. "That's completely normal, Arin. I remember feeling so unsure at first. I kept asking myself if I was ready for this, if I could be the mother my child deserved. It was terrifying."

Arin let out a shaky breath, surprised at the wave of emotion that suddenly welled up inside her. She hadn't expected anyone to truly understand. She looked at Miso, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't even know what Jungkook is feeling. I mean, I don't know what I expected, but... he didn't react the way I thought he would. He just sat there, like he was... somewhere else."

Miso nodded knowingly, her hand squeezing Arin's. "You're afraid he doesn't want this?"

Arin's eyes met Miso's, and she felt a tear prick the corner of her eye, though she quickly blinked it away. "I think so. I know our relationship has always been... different. It's not like other couples. I didn't expect him to be over the moon or anything, but... I also didn't expect him to be so quiet, so distant."

Miso took a deep breath, understanding the heaviness Arin carried. "Jungkook... he's always been complicated, hasn't he? But you have to remember, he's trying to process this too. And sometimes, the more someone cares, the harder it is for them to express it."

Arin swallowed, trying to grasp Miso's words. "But... what if he never truly wants this? What if he feels trapped by it?"

Miso reached up, tucking a stray piece of Arin's hair behind her ear. "You know, sometimes we worry so much about what the other person feels that we forget about ourselves. This is your journey too, Arin. You're carrying something precious, something that's a part of both of you. And that matters, whether Jungkook shows it right now or not."

Arin's lips curved into a sad smile, a glimmer of comfort starting to seep into her heart. "I guess... I keep thinking I'll mess this up. That I'm not ready, or that I'll do everything wrong."

Miso shook her head. "No mother ever feels completely ready. I promise you that. But you'll learn as you go. And you have people around you who want to help you, including Jungkook. Just give him a little time to find his own way of understanding this."

Arin took a deep breath, feeling a slight sense of relief. "Thank you, Miso. I... I didn't think I needed this talk, but... I did."

Miso smiled, wrapping her arms around Arin in a gentle hug. "Anytime. And remember, I'm here if you ever need to talk or if you're just scared. It's okay to be scared, Arin. But you're not alone in this."

As they pulled apart, Arin found herself smiling a little more genuinely, feeling a spark of hope that had been missing before. Miso's warmth and understanding had eased a part of her burden, and for the first time that night, she felt that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.
Arin nodded, absorbing Miso's words with a soft smile, though her mind still wandered briefly to Jungkook's reaction at dinner.

Meanwhile, Taehyung led Jungkook into his study, where they sat talking about life, work, and everything in between. In the quiet of Taehyung's study, Jungkook sat across from his brother, trying to mask the chaotic tangle of emotions swirling inside him. He kept his gaze fixed on his hands, fingers tapping against the arm of the chair as if searching for some form of grounding. Taehyung leaned back, arms crossed, studying Jungkook with an intensity that Jungkook found unnerving. He could always see through him; no matter how well Jungkook hid behind his stoic exterior, Taehyung had a way of seeing deeper.

"Are you going to say something, or are you just going to sit there in silence all night?" Taehyung's voice was calm, but there was a hint of concern, the kind Jungkook both craved and dreaded.

Jungkook exhaled, forcing himself to meet his brother's gaze. "I don't know what you want me to say, hyung."

Taehyung's eyes narrowed slightly. "Maybe how you're feeling. You're going to be a father, Jungkook. That's... big."

Jungkook's jaw clenched, his fingers resuming their restless tapping. "I know it's big. I know what it means, but... I just... I don't feel anything yet. I mean, I do, but it's all tangled. It doesn't make sense."

Taehyung leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, watching his younger brother with a steady patience. "Try to explain it to me. Just... say whatever comes to mind."

Jungkook rubbed a hand over his face, struggling to put words to feelings he barely understood himself. "When Arin told everyone, I thought I'd feel something... bigger. Happiness, or excitement, or... I don't know. But instead, it was like everything inside me froze. I felt... blank. And now, seeing everyone's reactions, I feel like I should be feeling more, like I should be reacting the way they are. But I can't. It's like... it's like I'm disconnected."

Taehyung nodded slowly, absorbing every word. "It's a lot to process, Jungkook. You don't have to feel what everyone else expects you to feel right away. This is a change-probably the biggest change in your life. It's okay to feel overwhelmed or even nothing at all at first."

Jungkook's hands stilled, his gaze drifting off. "But I don't want Arin to think... I don't want her to think that I don't care. I just... I don't know how to be the kind of person she needs me to be. We're not like other couples. I don't know if I even know how to be a husband, let alone a father."

Taehyung leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You're right; your relationship with Arin isn't typical. But that doesn't mean you can't figure this out together. It's not about fitting into some perfect image of a family. You have to make your own way."

Jungkook looked up, his eyes reflecting an inner turmoil that Taehyung rarely saw in him. "But what if I mess it up? What if I can't do it? I'm not... I'm not good at this. The whole family thing... it doesn't come naturally to me."

Taehyung gave a small, understanding smile. "Do you think I knew what I was doing when I married Miso? Half the time, I still don't. You don't have to have everything figured out, Jungkook. You just have to try, even if it scares you. And it's okay if you're not sure right now. That's normal. The fact that you're even questioning all of this shows you care more than you realize."

Jungkook nodded slowly, a small, conflicted smile touching his lips. "Thanks, hyung. I... I don't say it often, but... thanks. For being here, for understanding."

Taehyung reached out, patting Jungkook's shoulder in a reassuring way. "Anytime, Jungkook. And remember, you're not alone in this. You've got me, our family, and Arin. You'll figure it out. One step at a time."

For the first time that evening, Jungkook felt a hint of comfort, a glimmer of reassurance piercing through the haze of uncertainty.

Jungkook's lips quirked up, a rare glint of humor flashing in his eyes as he tried to shake off some of the tension. "You know, hyung, with all these sophisticated talks, I'm starting to think Miso's rubbing off on you. When did you become the psychologist in the family?"

Taehyung laughed, leaning back with a mock sigh. "What can I say? Living with Miso does things to a man. She's got all these theories, and sometimes... they even make sense."

Jungkook chuckled, shaking his head. "Next thing I know, you'll be telling me to meditate and do yoga to find my inner peace."

Taehyung smirked, nudging him lightly. "Hey, don't knock it until you try it. Besides, if you think about it, all I'm saying is basic common sense-something you're supposed to be good at, Detective."

Jungkook rolled his eyes, but the familiar banter was grounding, a reminder of their brotherly bond. "Guess I'll keep that in mind, Dr. Kim. Maybe I'll book an appointment for more 'common sense' advice next time."

Taehyung chuckled, giving him a quick pat on the back. "Anytime, Jungkook. Just don't expect me to bill you for it."

The lighthearted moment eased some of Jungkook's tension, and for a brief moment, the weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter.

When he stepped inside, a strange feeling washed over him. The room was exactly as he remembered it, only missing a few belongings he'd taken when he moved out. He changed into a comfortable set of clothes and sat on the bed, running his hands over the familiar covers, memories flickering through his mind.

Arin climbed the staircase, her steps slow and deliberate. She'd just left Miso, who had filled her head with thoughts of optimism and hope. Yet, as she neared Jungkook's old room, a knot of tension formed in her chest. This would be the first time she'd step into his private space-one that held traces of his past she hadn't been privy to. She paused briefly outside the door, unsure if she was intruding on something sacred. But tonight was different; she had no choice.

Steeling herself, Arin quietly turned the doorknob and slipped inside. The room was dimly lit, but she could make out the familiar figure of Jungkook seated on the couch, phone pressed to his ear as he finished up a call. His posture was tense, one hand resting on his knee, fingers drumming lightly, a telltale sign he was thinking. Despite his usual calm demeanor, there was something restless in the way he sat.

When Jungkook looked up and saw her, his gaze softened for a moment, though his guard was still firmly in place. Arin gave a small nod, acknowledging his presence, and he quickly wrapped up the call, a sense of finality in his voice.

As he set his phone down, an awkward silence settled between them. They'd been in each other's presence countless times, but this felt different-charged with unspoken words and unresolved emotions. They had shared beds before, yes, but it was always fleeting, leaving as quickly as they had come together. Tonight, however, they were about to share a room not out of necessity or convenience but because they had been asked to stay.

"I'm going to change," Arin said softly, her voice steady but her heart racing. She didn't want him to see the mix of disappointment and vulnerability she felt lingering after his reaction at dinner. Without waiting for a response, she moved toward the bathroom, clutching the borrowed nightwear Miso had handed her.

As she closed the bathroom door behind her, she took a deep breath, letting Miso's words replay in her mind. You're stronger than you think, Arin. She reminded herself that they had both chosen this relationship knowing it wasn't conventional. Expecting Jungkook to react like any other man would have been foolish. But she couldn't entirely quiet the flicker of hurt that gnawed at her. Why did he look so... indifferent?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Jungkook was trying to pull himself together. Taehyung's words echoed in his mind, urging him to think through his feelings instead of pushing them away. He was good at detaching, at distancing himself from emotions he didn't know how to process, but tonight was testing his limits. Her announcement had hit him like a wave, leaving him disoriented and questioning what came next. He didn't know how to react, much less how to express it.

Arin took a deep breath as she stepped out of the bathroom, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light across the room. She was wearing Miso's oversized shirt, which hung off her shoulders, and pajama pants that felt more comfortable than her usual attire. The fabric was soft, but the unfamiliarity of the space combined with the weight of the day's events made her feel vulnerable.

Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, his back turned to her, and the tension in the room was palpable. She hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of him. He changed the dress he's wearing earlier, the dark fabric contrasting with the soft light. His hair fell across his forehead, giving him a brooding look that tugged at her heartstrings. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap that had grown between them, but instead, she felt a heaviness settle in her chest.

"I'll just take the couch," Arin said, trying to keep her voice light. "You can have the bed."

Jungkook turned slightly, his expression shifting from surprise to concern. "No, you don't have to do that," he replied quickly, his tone laced with urgency. "You're pregnant. You need to rest properly."

"But I'm fine. Really," she insisted, trying to sound casual, even as frustration began to bubble beneath the surface. "I'm used to it. I don't mind."

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that always signaled his rising stress. "Arin, it's just for one night. You should be comfortable. I can take the couch."

"No," she said firmly, planting her hands on her hips. "You're not going to take the couch. You're bigger than I am. You need to sleep in the bed. You have every right to be comfortable."

He paused, the tension thickening the air between them. "Really, it's okay. I don't mind," Jungkook said, though the sincerity in his voice felt forced.

Arin felt her patience wane. "Jungkook, why are you being so stubborn?" She crossed her arms, her brows furrowing slightly. "This is ridiculous."

His jaw tightened, and he looked away, frustration evident on his face. "I'm not being stubborn. I just-" He hesitated, taking a deep breath as if to steady himself. "You're pregnant, Arin. You should sleep in the bed. It makes sense. I'm fine on the couch."

Arin's heart sank a little at his cold practicality. "So what? You'll just be comfortable and I'll be the one trying to curl up on the couch? No thanks. You'll take the bed, Jungkook."

"Arin," he said, his voice firm but lacking the softness she needed. "You're pregnant, so you should sleep in the bed. It's the least I can do."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, irritation flaring within her. "You're being so... so insensitive!" she exclaimed, frustration creeping into her voice. "This isn't just about you making sure I'm comfortable. You should want to be comfortable, too. You know what? You can sleep on the bed, and I'll take the couch."

He turned fully to face her now, his expression hardening. "No, I'm not going to sleep on the bed, Arin. You need to sleep in the bed. I mean it."

His bluntness took her aback, and she felt a mix of anger and hurt. "You're acting like you're doing me a favor," she shot back, her voice rising slightly. "It's not a favor if you're doing it out of obligation!"

Jungkook opened his mouth to retort but stopped, closing his eyes for a moment as if he were trying to regain control of his emotions. "It's not like that," he said quietly, his voice softer now but still laced with a hint of frustration. "I just think it's what's best for you."

"Fine," Arin snapped, arms still crossed. "You think it's what's best for me. So how is it best for you to take the couch, hmm?"

Jungkook's expression shifted, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his features. "Because I'm... I'm fine with it," he replied, though his tone suggested otherwise. "And... you're pregnant, so you should sleep there. End of discussion."

Her irritation peaked, and she clenched her fists at her sides. "You know what? No. You're sleeping in the bed, and that's that. We can't keep acting like this, Jungkook. This isn't normal."

"Why does it have to be such a big deal?" he replied, frustration bleeding into his voice. "Just... just sleep in the bed. I can handle the couch. Seriously."

Arin felt the anger inside her bubble, and she stepped closer, not wanting to back down. "I'm not letting you sleep on the couch. You don't get to make decisions for me! I'm pregnant, yes, but I'm still capable of taking care of myself."

He looked at her, the tension thick and palpable, and she could see the conflict in his eyes. It was as if he were struggling with a part of himself that he couldn't quite express.

"Then let's just share the bed," Jungkook finally said, his voice steady but resigned. "Just for one night. It's not that big of a deal."

Arin blinked, her frustration easing slightly as his words registered. "So you'll actually agree?"

"Yes, if it means you'll stop arguing about it," he replied, his lips curving into a slight smirk. "Besides, I don't want to be responsible for your discomfort on the couch."

"Fine," she said, feeling a mix of relief and lingering frustration. "Let's share the bed, then."

They both climbed into the bed, the space between them feeling charged yet tentative. The room was quiet, save for the sound of their breathing as they adjusted to this new dynamic. Arin pulled the covers up to her chin, feeling an odd mix of warmth and apprehension.

As the darkness enveloped them, Jungkook finally broke the silence. "About earlier... at dinner-"

Arin cut him off gently, sensing the weight of the moment. "Let's talk later. I'm really tired. It's been a long day," she said, forcing herself to remain calm despite the fluttering emotions in her chest.

Jungkook nodded, even though she couldn't see the gesture in the dark. "Okay," he replied softly, though the unspoken tension lingered between them.

They both lay in silence, staring at the ceiling, their minds racing with thoughts unspoken. The stillness of the room enveloped them, and the distance they'd felt before melted into something more intimate, yet complicated.

As sleep began to pull them under, the quiet murmurs of their thoughts faded, leaving only the soft rhythm of their breathing to fill the space. The night stretched ahead of them, a fragile truce woven between uncertainty and hope, as they drifted into a reluctant slumber.

************************************

Author's Note:

Hey, lovely readers! 💖 Thank you for diving into this chapter with me! Your support means the world, and I love reading your thoughts and feedback! 🌟 If you're enjoying the story, please take a moment to vote, comment, and share it with your friends! Every vote and comment helps me know what you love and keeps me inspired to create more exciting chapters. ✨

Get ready for more twists, turns, and heartfelt moments coming your way! I can't wait to share what's next for Jungkook and Arin! Stay tuned, and as always, thank you for being the best readers ever! 😍💫

Love you all! 💕