A few days flowed by with life-shattering changes and bitter revelations.

Mi Sung confessed everything to the police, hoping for a lesser sentence, as his lawyer instructed him. After a thorough questioning and examination of the facts, the police determined that he had no knowledge of Hyun Joon’s intentions about the thirteen-year-old girl, but he was charged with second degree kidnapping, and, of course, drug trafficking.

Hyun Joon still denied everything. Even with Mi Sung’s testimony, he stood his ground, which was that they wanted to frame him. Both Hyun Joon and Mi Sung had to remain in custody until their trials. The police were certain, though, that Hyun Joon would get a lifetime in prison with all the evidence and Jungkook’s and Mi Sung’s testimonies.

Taehyung talked with his mother and recounted all the events that took place over the past five months. He also told her about Jungkook and how much he loved him, and, to Taehyung’s surprise, she seemed utterly eager to meet him. Mi Sung’s lies still wrung her heart every time she thought about him, and she knew it would take a while to get back to her feet. Her whole marriage felt like a lie, and it was too much to bear.

Similarly, Jungkook comforted his mother and spent plenty of time with her every day. Hyun Joon’s betrayal jolted everyone; Yoongi’s, Namjoon’s, and Seokjin’s parents, who were very close friends with the Jeon family, and every employee of their businesses.

The news about the explosion of the Jeon’s business was already spread through the entire country. Since they didn’t know that was where they manufactured their drugs, people still called Jang Mo — one of Hyun Joon’s men — for purchases. That part of their lives didn’t exist anymore, though, and the four friends were more than okay with it.

Jungkook visited his casino and nightclub to see how things were going, and everything was great, even after their regulars found out about Hyun Joon. People still lined up outside of his businesses just for a chance to enter. Namjoon and Yoongi went back to their posts, which were daily supervision of the two businesses. Only Seokjin remained unemployed for the time being, since the place he was working at got razed to the ground, but Jungkook had something in mind for him.

Jungkook and Taehyung met every day, but only for a couple of hours. Both had to be there for their mothers, so they slept over at their houses to keep them company. Yesterday, they had proposed to their mothers to have lunch all together today, and they were more than happy for this meeting.

The seven men also met up for beers at Jungkook’s sumptuous house, and Hoseok was throughout astounded by all the revelations. But mostly, he was left with his mouth hanging open at the sight of Jungkook’s face without his mask on. Like Jimin, he understood why Taehyung couldn’t stay away from him. The man was fucking ethereal.

🥀

Jungkook, seated at the office of his nightclub in the morning, reviewed their earnings of the previous night on his laptop.

Yoongi stood beside him and observed him as the other nodded slowly. “Perfect, right?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook breathed out with a glimmer of amazement. “We made more earnings than ever before. And the same goes for the casino, as I checked earlier with Namjoon. Why are our businesses doing even better without Hyun Joon?”

“To be honest, Hyun Joon is a fearful man. A lot of them probably didn’t want any relation with him.”

“You’re right. We were always busy, but now I can really see the difference. Anyway, is the cleaning team here yet?”

Yoongi glimpsed at his phone to check the message he ignored a few minutes earlier. “Yes. Go get ready for your lunch.”

Jungkook reclined in his seat as his chest shuddered to a fall with the sigh that leaped out. “Why the hell am I so nervous? It’s just lunch with Taehyung’s mother.”

“Exactly,” Yoongi snickered. “You want her to like you.”

“Yeah, I really do.” Jungkook’s head perked up at the sound of two knocks on the door. “Come in.”

Won Hae, one of the security guards, opened the door. “Sir, Han Kang Soo is here. He wants to speak with you.”

Lines of mystification crazed Jungkook’s forehead as his brows pulled together. He shared a look with Yoongi and returned his gaze to the guard. “Tell him to come in.”

“Should I leave you alone?” Yoongi asked as Won Hae left.

“No. You should stay to keep me calm. That motherfucker is innocent, but he still hurt Taehyung. I might attack him.”

Yoongi snorted softly. “Okay.” He moved to the couch and took his seat with Jungkook following him.

Soon enough, Kang Soo stepped into the room. There was a brief stretch of silence as they regarded each other. “You owe me an apology.”

A huff of absolute disdain and disbelief erupted from Jungkook as he rolled his head back. “You have the nerves to come to my business and demand for an apology?”

“You accused me. Wrongly!”

“You hurt Taehyung!” Jungkook jerked to the edge of his seat, but Yoongi restrained him with hasty hands. The incensed look in his eyes and his contracted jaw manifested the  spate of aggravation that pumped through his body. “My own father played me. He planted this idea in my head that you were behind everything, and knowing you, of course I believed him. You don’t have the right to ask for an apology from me. Hyun Joon framed you as much as he framed me.”

Kang Soo meditated on his words in length; he hadn’t thought about it that way, to be honest. Hyun Joon was the one to blame. “Fair enough. Your father really did a number on us, huh?”

The tension in Jungkook’s body abated, and he scooted to rest his back against the couch as Yoongi retracted his hands. “He did. He wanted me to kill you.”

“And you didn’t want that.”

There was a pause as Jungkook held eye contact. “You know it’s not my thing to kill people. I only thought I wanted that when I was infuriated because Hyun Joon told me you were behind everything.”

Kang Soo nodded. “I heard you’re not dealing drugs anymore.”

“Correct. I just want to live my life peacefully. Or to put it right, legally. So, can we end this hostility between our families? You’ll be the king of drugs in South Korea now. That’s what you want, right?”

“Yes. That’s what I want. And yes. Let’s stay out of each other’s business.” Kang Soo extended his arm, waiting for a handshake.

Jungkook lifted to his feet and trudged closer. He clasped his hand and shook it once, then tightened his grip to a degree that made Kang Soo wince. “I haven’t forgotten what you did to Taehyung.”

“That’s in the past,” Kang Soo gritted out as he pulled his hand in his attempt to free it.

Jungkook squeezed a notch more and then released him, reveling in the way he hissed and grimaced in pain. “You’re right. How is your son, by the way?”

Kang Soo’s lips pressed together at the taunting smirk he detected on Jungkook’s face. “He started walking again a few days ago, thanks to your father, who beat the shit out of him.”

“He lied to us. What did you expect? But that’s all in the past, right?” Jungkook asked, a lilt of derision slipping through the edges of his tone.

“Right,” Kang Soo murmured. “Anyway. I hope to never see you again.”

“Same.” Jungkook wiggled his brows and returned to his seat, as Kang Soo disappeared from their sight.

. . .

Taehyung anatomized Jungkook’s jittery demeanor and expression as the younger drove towards Hee Jin’s house. His hold on the wheel firmed up occasionally, and every time, a deep sigh followed. He reached out and attached his palm to his shoulder in a gentle grip. “There’s no reason to be nervous. My mom already likes you.”

Jungkook gave him a sidelong glance and expelled another long exhalation. “I was a criminal, Tae. There’s no way she likes me.”

“Yeah, but you’re not one now. Even if you were still a criminal and she didn’t approve of you, I would still love you, though. But you’re not. It’ll be enough for her to see how much you love me.”

“I do love you.”

“I know.” Taehyung trailed his hand to his nape to leave a series of delicate caresses. “I wish your mother didn’t have to work the extra hour today. Now she’ll have to drive to my mother’s house by herself.”

“It’s okay. Our driver will bring her. She had to check the order of clothes that came later than it should have. She promised to do as fast as possible.”

A little smile undulated across Taehyung’s lips. “She’s so nice. I met her for the first time outside of the station. She seemed so devastated with everything, but even then, she introduced herself and chatted with me.”

“She’s an angel. Our moms don’t deserve all this.”

“I know. We’ll help them get through this, hmm?”

“Of course.” Jungkook leaned over and stole a peck before he focused his attention on driving again.

They soon reached their destination, and Jungkook parked the car. He grabbed the bottle of wine he bought as a gift for Hee Jin and exited the car. As they made their way to the door, Jungkook wetted his lips and gulped, then straightened his black dress shirt. He dabbed with his sleeve at his forehead where he sensed little droplets of sweat bead. “Fuck, I’m sweating.”

“You’re wearing a long-sleeved dress shirt, Jungkookie. Of course you’re sweating,” Taehyung uttered, shaking his head in disapproval. “I told you you didn’t have to wear something so formal.”

“And what did you want me to wear? A plain shirt and casual pants like you?”

Taehyung stopped in his tracks as disbelief seeped into his expression. “You really don’t know from where I’ve bought this outfit? Which is anything but casual, by the way.”

Jungkook tilted his head to the side as his investigative eyes swam up and down his figure. “Yeah, I have no idea.”

Taehyung’s jaw went slack as he raised his hands and held them by his sides. Perceiving the genuine confusion in Jungkook’s features, he dropped his hands with a sigh. “It’s from your mother’s new collection, Jungkook. Shame on you, really.”

Jungkook’s brows popped apart. “Shit, don’t tell her what just happened.”

“I’m so telling her.” Taehyung shot him a teasing moue and resumed his way.

“Taehyung!” he grouched as he rushed behind him. “Please, she’ll be mad at me. You know what? I was in hiding for four months. How would I know about her new collection?”

“Maybe because we checked it out together five days ago?”

A sound of resignation braised in Jungkook’s chest as the corners of his lips drooped. “I’m a bad son.”

“You’re not,” Taehyung smiled and constrained his urge to glimpse at his adorable face since they just reached Hee Jin, who was waiting for them at the door. “Mom.” He looped his arms around her and held her close.

“Hey, son.” She caressed his back, and she withdrew as her eyes snagged on the other man behind him. “You must be Jungkook.”

Jungkook stepped to the side and made a ninety-degree bow. He kept his stance for a beat, then stood straighter. “Hello, Mrs. Kim.”

Hee Jin chuckled. “You don’t need to be so formal.”

“Told you,” Taehyung muttered close to his ear, and broke into a smile as he redirected his gaze to his mother. “Let’s go inside.”

They walked into the living room, and Jungkook cleared his throat to get Hee Jin’s attention. He fidgeted in his place and presented the bottle of wine he was holding. “This is for you.”

“That’s so sweet of you. Thank you.” Hee Jin smiled as she took the bottle. “When is your mother coming?”

“She’ll be here soon. Something came up at work.”

“Okay. I have to check the food. Let’s go to the kitchen to continue chatting.”

Both men nodded and trailed behind Hee Jin. She placed the wine on the table and headed to the stove to stir the food. “So, what does your mother do? It’s so funny, actually, she has the same name as the owner of JHM department store.”

A giggle slipped through Taehyung’s lips as he took his seat at the table with Jungkook. “That’s because she is the owner of JHM, mom.”

Hee Jin gasped silently. “Really? I get to meet the Jeon Han Min?”

“JHM is her favorite brand,” Taehyung explained to Jungkook, who seemed a little perplexed about her elation.

“Oh. That’s awesome. I mean—um, never mind.” Jungkook drove his chin into his chest in embarrassment. He couldn’t put a simple sentence together in front of Taehyung’s mother.

Hee Jin espied his internal struggling and approached him, a warm smile decorating her face. “Sweetie, relax. Do you want something to drink?”

“Just water, thank you.”

Taehyung scoffed at his choice. “He likes soju and beer. I’ll get us drinks, mom, don’t worry. And you”—he leaned towards Jungkook—“you’re ridiculously cute right now, but please stop worrying. It’s okay.” He made his way to the fridge and took two beers before he returned to his seat.

“Thanks,” Jungkook said, gentleness glittering in his eyes. He didn’t thank him only about the drink, but also about his continuous attempts to ease this nervousness. And he knew Taehyung comprehended it, because he had a similar look in his chocolate eyes and a tender smile on his lips.

Hee Jin spectated the sweet scene with overwhelming fondness. When their loving eye contact ended, she turned around and stirred the food again. “So, Taehyung told me you own a nightclub and a casino. How are your businesses after what happened?”

“Surprisingly, they’re doing even better than before.”

“That’s good to know. You’re doing well even without the drug business.”

A new tension gripped at Jungkook’s muscles, causing him to grasp harder the bottle of beer in his hand. “Um, yeah. I want you to know that part of my life doesn’t exist anymore. And to be honest, I’m a little surprised at how... sweet you are to me, even though I was a criminal.”

Hee Jin aimed a smile at him. “It’s because Taehyung already told me everything about you. How sweet and caring you are with him. That you said Taehyung helped you realize what’s important in life. Mi Sung had everything. I was beside him, always. I showed how much I loved him every day. And he still chose to start dealing drugs and lying to me.

“You’re different, Jungkook. You didn’t know about love and how life changing it can be. The way you’re looking at my son... Mi Sung never looked at me like that. Our parents introduced us back then and we just... started hanging out. It wasn’t love at first sight. For him, at least. I really loved him. I guess he learned to love me along the way. But it wasn’t enough.”

Jungkook felt a heaviness press down his chest at the bitterness in her voice. “You’re still young,” he ventured. “It’s never too late for love.”

A beam exploded on Hee Jin’s face with the chuckle that escaped her. “You’re right, sweetie. If Taehyung doesn’t have a problem with this, of course.”

“Problem? Mom, of course I want you to put your life back together and have someone beside you who will truly love you. I want you to be happy.”

Before Hee Jin could pet her son’s head as she was planning to, the bell reverberated through the house. She hurried to the door, as the two men followed her, and they waited for Han Min to come.

Han Min soon neared them with an apologetic expression carved on her features. “I’m so sorry for being late. Everyone took a day off for this, and I was late. I’m sorry.”

“No! No, it’s okay,” Hee Jin hastened to reassure. “I can’t believe Jeon Han Min is standing in front of me.”

“Do you know me?”

“Of course! You own JHM. That’s my go-to place to shop. I’m in love with the clothes you have.”

“Oh my God, that’s so nice to hear,” Han Min let out in awe. “I’m glad you like our clothes. I pick them very carefully.”

“Um, mom, you didn’t greet Taehyung,” Jungkook murmured.

“You’re right! I’m sorry—” As Han Min glanced at Taehyung’s outfit, her words caught in her throat and excitement flared in her eyes. “You’re wearing an outfit from my new collection!”

Taehyung chuckled. “Yes, I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. It’s amazing.”

Han Min cupped his cheek and caressed it with her thumb. “You’re so adorable.” She pinched his cheek, making Taehyung’s smile grow bigger.

“Let’s go eat. The food is probably ready,” Hee Jin said.

They trod to the kitchen and settle down at the table, which was already set for their lunch. Hee Jin placed the pot at the center and uncovered the various appetizers.

“Thank you for the food, Hee Jin-ssi,” Han Min said. “Jungkook told me you’re a nurse. Do you ever get time for yourself?” she asked as she served herself the seemingly delicious jjajangmyeon.

“Yes, sometimes. I work at a private clinic, so the work hours aren’t that crazy.”

“It must be tough. Being in the medical field is so hectic.”

“Yes, it is. But I love my job. It’s who I am. I’ve always dreamed of getting into medical school.”

Han Min nodded smilingly. “I get that. I always wanted to open my own clothing store. What’s the craziest case you’ve ever seen?”

Jungkook and Taehyung shared a look as the two women carried on chatting as if they weren’t there and erupted into a mute outbreak of laughter. “Why are we even here?” Taehyung asked in a whisper.

“Yeah, I don’t know.” Jungkook snorted. “But I’m glad they’re so comfortable with each other.”

Their lunch time continued for a couple more hours with the two mothers talking nonstop and the two sons joining the conversation here and there or retiring into their own bubble of love.

After the delicious ice cream cake they enjoyed, they all helped clean the table, even though Hee Jin insisted that the guests shouldn’t.

“Coffee?” Hee Jin asked as she set her hand over Han Min’s.

“Yes, please.”

“Great! Kids, go play. I think we’ll spend the whole day chatting with Han Min-ssi.”

Taehyung buried his face into his palms, embarrassed. “Mom, we’re not five...”

Jungkook choked back a chortle. “Thank you, Mrs. Kim. Let’s go play, Tae.”

Taehyung huffed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible,” he whispered.

“Actually,” Jungkook said as he stood up, “do you mind if we leave? I have something planned for us tonight.”

“Sure, sweetie,” Hee Jin smiled. “Feel free to come by anytime you want, hmm?”

“Thank you for everything, Mrs Kim. Mom, do you mind if I don’t come over to your house tonight?”

Han Min gave him a reassuring smile. “Of course not. You should start sleeping at your house again. I’m really okay.”

Taehyung intertwined their fingers as he stood beside him. “Bye, Mrs. Jeon. And mom, is it okay if I don’t sleep here tonight? I think Jungkookie has a lot planned for me tonight.”

A gleeful chuckle flowed through Hee Jin’s lips. “Of course it’s okay. Don’t worry, baby.”

As they said their goodbyes again, Han Min gazed at them as Jungkook twined his arm around his waist and led Taehyung out of the room. “They’re really so much in love...”

“Yes,” Hee Jin sighed blissfully. “I haven’t seen Taehyung so happy. Ever.”

“I haven’t seen my son so happy either. At first, I thought it was because he was finally free from his father’s drug business and was able to have a normal life. But I know Taehyung is the reason he’s so happy.”

Hee Jin lowered her eyes, smiling sadly to herself. “How... How will we get through this? Our lives... They’re ruined because of our husbands.”

Han Min cupped her hand. “We’ll help each other and get back to our feet. We have our beautiful boys. They’re healthy and happy. That’s the most important. And it’s all we need to get through this.”

Hee Jin’s gaze brimmed with warmth. “It’s insane. I just met you, and I feel like I know you for years. It’s so comfortable talking to you.”

“I feel the same,” Han Min said, and they shared a round of smiles before they made coffee to continue with their chat.

  
Jungkook and Taehyung made a short stop at Jungkook’s house so he could change into something a bit more casual, and he drove away again, with Taehyung asking every two minutes where they were heading.

Since Jungkook wasn’t willing to give him any information, Taehyung observed every sign they passed in his efforts to uncover their destination on his own. “Wait a minute,” he uttered as little pieces of the puzzle started merging. “The sun is about to set. And we’re going towards the beach.”

Jungkook’s lips twitched. “Yeah. And?”

“You don’t remember about the date I had asked you?”

“No, I don’t.”

Taehyung frowned. “Oh, come on. I said I wanted to take a walk at the beach while we watch the sunset.”

Jungkook peeked at his pouty face, and his veneer of unawareness cracked with a grin. “Of course I remember, baby. And that’s exactly what we’re about to do.” He turned right into the parking lot and parked once he found a spot.

Taehyung’s eyes twinkled like two little stars in devouring enthusiasm as he stepped out of the car. “It’s so beautiful.” He scoped the endless sea and the little waves it created. The sun that had partly hid behind the mountain illuminated the sky with hues of pale orange and pink, making the scenery oneiric.

Jungkook took his hand into his and drew a delicate kiss on his cheek. “Let’s go.”

Taehyung, with his elated smile engraved on his features, nodded, and they trudged towards the sand. There were many people there, but all Taehyung could see was the dazzling sunset and Jungkook.

They strolled along the crystal-clear water of the sea as they savored the palliative sound of waves, ignoring the surrounding chatter.

“You know,” Taehyung said, “a couple had asked me for a drawing with the scenery of a beach and a sunset. It was when I was heartbroken because we parted. I kept imagining us walking on the beach with a beautiful sunset, holding hands. This really feels like a dream.”

Jungkook squeezed his hand, smiling softly. “We’ll never part again. I promise.”

Taehyung twisted his head to gaze at him. “You really do?”

Jungkook met his eyes, letting a few seconds of silence spiral between them. “I really do.”

Taehyung’s smile stretched into a beam that wrinkled his eyes. He stole a peck and directed his gaze at the sea and the hues of the sky that had turned just a bit darker.

Their blissful saunter continued for a while longer. As they reached a narrow path with rocks at the one side and a tall hillside at the other, Taehyung halted at the barricade tape he discerned. “Oh, we can’t go to the other side.”

A warm smile budded on Jungkook’s lips as his brows slid upwards. “On the contrary, we’re the only ones allowed to go to the other side, angel.”

Bafflement puckered Taehyung’s forehead as he watched Jungkook duck under the barricade tape. Jungkook then put his hand out as an invitation for him to join him, and Taehyung’s heart fluttered in adoration. He passed to the other side as well and locked their hands together. They had to walk one behind the other because of the narrow space, and once they reached the end, Taehyung’s mouth gaped open.

It was a large space enclosed by the hillside, and there was a table placed close to the sea with a vase of red roses, two glasses, and a bottle of soju.

Taehyung palmed his mouth, still unable to process what Jungkook had prepared for him. “You didn’t...”

Jungkook caged him in his arms from behind and peppered sugary kisses on his temple. “I did,” he whispered in his ear. “I rent this part of the beach just for you and me.”

“You—You rent it?”

“Yes, baby.”

Taehyung swiveled to face him and snaked his arms around his waist. “How much?”

Jungkook shook his head, frowning. “Not important. Let’s go sit, hmm?”

A snort burst out of Taehyung, but then fondness shimmered in his eyes as he clasped him into his hug. “Thank you, Jungkookie. No one has ever treated me so sweetly.”

Jungkook rubbed tender caresses over his back and pulled away to lead him to the table. They took their seats across from each other, and Jungkook opened the bottle of soju. “I didn’t bring wine because I know you don’t like it. Although it is more romantic.”

“I don’t want to be an ass, but I’m surprised you can be this romantic. Since you never had a relationship before.” Taehyung held his glass and uttered a ‘thank you’ as Jungkook poured him a drink.

“Yeah,” Jungkook scoffed, filling his glass as well. “I never had the need to do something like this for someone. And to be honest... I searched about it online.”

Taehyung’s movement of clinking their glasses together stalled. “What did you search about exactly?”

“You know... Date ideas, what’s a boyfriend supposed to do, how to be a good boyfriend and stuff.”

Taehyung sucked his bottom lip between his teeth to silence his giggle and slapped a hand over his mouth when that didn’t work. “Sorry, I shouldn’t be laughing,” he said through poorly confined chuckles and cleared his throat. “You’re trying. And it’s really cute. But Jungkook, I don’t care about the perfect date or the perfect boyfriend. I just want you as you are. And I want us to learn about things together.”

Jungkook offered him a loving smile as he clinked their glasses together. They took a sip and gazed at each other again. “I want that too. But I needed to know the basics, at least. I promise, no more cheating from now on. We’ll learn about love things together.”

“Love things,” Taehyung repeated with a giggle. “You’re really so precious. You’re so dominant in sex and when you want to, but right now you’re so adorable I want to squish your cheeks.”

Jungkook huffed, eyes rolling playfully at the baby tone he used. “You know, I never thought I would be this normal guy with a boyfriend and would take him on dates. Or that I would be saying these corny things and doing these sweet things that make me, as you say, adorable. It doesn’t feel real, how much you changed me. But I’m so happy that you did.”

Taehyung reached out to hold his hand, keeping their gazes locked together. “I think... you just didn’t know. Because you were in that business, you never cared enough to try for a relationship with someone. If the circumstances were different... If you weren’t locked up in that room and had met me somehow, maybe you wouldn’t care enough to try. Maybe you wouldn’t even notice me.”

Jungkook smoothed his thumb over the back of his hand, his smile unswerving. “Baby. Trust me. There’s no way I wouldn’t notice you. You’re the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. You take my breath away every time I look at you. I mean it.”

Taehyung’s chest quivered with a content sigh. “Thank you. But you’re the most gorgeous.”

Jungkook chuckled and sipped his soju. His eyes strayed to the sea for a few seconds as a dreg of nervousness crept up his throat. He had to cough slightly to banish it, then forced a brittle smile to his lips. “So, I need a new business for Seokjin hyung. I mean, Yoongi is a manager at the nightclub, Namjoon is at the casino, and Seokjin doesn’t have a job since, you know, we blew up his workplace.”

A notion of suspicion swirled in Taehyung’s focused eyes on him. “Okay... Why are you telling me all this?”

“I was just thinking,” he said and cleared his throat again. “How about I open an art gallery?”

Taehyung raised a brow at him as he analyzed the vacillation waltzing across his traits. “An art gallery, huh? I’m so curious to know how you came up with this idea.”

Jungkook grimaced at his prominent scorn. “Come on, Tae. You already know.”

“And you should already know I don’t want you to spend your money on me.”

“I won’t spend them on you! It’s my new investment. My new business.” He shrugged a shoulder.

“And I’m pretty sure you would never open such a business if it weren’t for me.”

“For your information, I love art.”

Taehyung puffed a laugh. “You’re a dork.”

“Yes, I’m your dork, and I’m fine with it.” Jungkook, smirking teasingly, wiggled his brows. “Think about it seriously, hmm? This way, I can help Seo Hyang too. And not only him, but so many artists. People need to see your work, angel. How else would they buy your paintings?”

Taehyung gave his words a thought, nipping at his lower lip. “Okay, you’re right about that,” he uttered. “And how will it work, if I agree?”

“I’ll get ten percent of the price of a painting when it’s sold.”

“Ten? That’s so little.”

“Okay, fifteen percent.”

“Fifty.”

Jungkook’s brows squeezed together in discontent. “Twenty.”

“Forty-five.”

“Thirty. And don’t you dare raise it,” he added, stopping Taehyung’s expostulation.

A muted groan scraped his throat, but he swallowed it. “Fine.”

“So you agree?” Jungkook asked with a lilt of eagerness.

“Since you’ll be helping lots of artists, yes.”

Jungkook’s head lolled back with the sigh of relief that emitted from his mouth. “Thank fuck, because I’ve already bought a building.”

A mask of shock cut across Taehyung’s face. “Jungkook!”

The said man broke out laughing at his cute shriek, almost folding in half. “I knew you would say yes because you always want to help others. We’ll make lots of events. You’ll get a share from the entrance tickets too. I’ll make you rich, baby.”

“How can you be so sure that people will visit your art gallery?”

“Tae, come on. I’m Jeon Jungkook. I don’t want to brag, but people know me. I have a lot of rich acquaintances. People are still begging me to let them get into my club and casino.”

Taehyung shook his head slowly at the cockiness that gleamed in his face. When he graced him with his stunning smile, Taehyung couldn’t help but copy it. “Although you’re annoying, you’re right too. You are the amazing Jeon Jungkook who can move mountains if he wants to.”

“Hell yeah.”

With another set of chuckles ringing around them, they sipped their drinks and relished the serenity of the sea and the soothing sound of its waves.

Taehyung stood up a while later and sneaked into his hug, sitting sideways on his lap. He draped an arm around his nape and united their lips in a chaste kiss. “Thank you for this amazing date. Loving you and being loved by you... It really feels like heaven. But maybe it’s because you are my heaven.”

“Hey. That’s my line,” Jungkook whispered with a teasing hue. He pressed a kiss on his smiling lips and carded his fingers through his hair until he rested his hand on his nape. “Angel. Do you want to stay at my house? Not move in, you know, since it’s early or whatever. Only until I get enough of you.”

Taehyung’s lips quaked with the outpouring of laughter that braised in his chest. “And when will that be, hmm?”

“Never. Because there’s no getting enough of you, love.”

“Yeah, I thought so,” Taehyung released through his giggles and leaned to kiss him again. “I really love you so much.”

“I love you too, baby.”

With their hearts overwhelmed with their blazing feelings for each other, they sealed their lips in a kiss that spoke of eternal love and devotion. They knew, as they rolled their lips together and tangled their tongues delicately. They had found their other half in one another that completed them, fulfilled them, and mended any heartbreak they had ever experienced.

And there was no greater bliss than this.

🥀

Epilogue

 
July, 2033

Taehyung rammed the bedroom door open and nailed the naked, sleeping man in the bed with a furious glare. “Seriously?”

Jungkook flinched, and a long, whiny groan sounded from him as he rolled to his side and curled up into a ball. The coldness of the room by the air conditioner cooled him enough to blindly reach for the bedsheet and drape it over his body.

Taehyung marched towards him and wrenched the bedsheet off him. “You know what? I’ve been married to you for seven years. We’ve been living together in this beautiful house we bought for eight years. And you’re still the same sleepyhead whenever we have something important to do!”

Jungkook cracked an eye open to inspect his definitely adorable scowl. He snatched Taehyung’s hand and pulled him down, burying him in his embrace.

Although Taehyung resisted at first, he just chuckled and snuggled up to him. “We have to leave in thirty minutes, and you’re still naked.”

Jungkook painted little kisses on his cheek, fondling his back. “I wish you were naked too.”

Taehyung pursed his mouth as he slapped the hand that just squeezed his ass. “Stop being so horny. We’ll be on Jeju Island for a week, just the two of us. You can be horny all you want there, okay? That is, of course, if you ever get out of this bed.”

Jungkook smashed a kiss onto his lips and drew back enough to look at him. “I can’t wait for our first vacation together.”

“Then why aren’t you out of this bed already?”

“Taehyung, baby. We’re flying there with our private jet. We can literally leave anytime we want.”

“We told the pilot at twelve. It’s not nice to be late.”

“Yeah, but we barely slept last night with our event at the art gallery. Seo Hyang sold more paintings than you for the first time in ten years. That was something to celebrate.”

Taehyung snorted. “Yeah, but that wasn’t the reason we didn’t sleep.”

A saucy smirk pulled on Jungkook’s lips. “Yeah, you’re right. The reason was you were begging for my cock.”

“I think you were too drunk because there’s no way you don’t remember how you were all over me the moment we stepped into our house,” Taehyung shot back with obvious derision laced in his voice and a feigned sweetish smile that caused Jungkook to spank him. Hard. “Ouch.”

Jungkook massaged the asscheek he just hit as he pecked his lips. “Okay, fair enough.”

“Let’s go now, hmm?”

“Is everything taken care of?”

“Yes. Our things are already in the car, Yeontan and Bam are with our moms, Seokjin and Seo Hyang will look after the art gallery, Namjoon the casino, and Yoongi the nightclub. All that’s left is for you to get dressed.” Taehyung’s attention shifted to his phone when it beeped, and he reached for it from the nightstand. As he read the message Jimin just sent him, a darkness carpeted his face.

Jungkook noticed right away and sat up in the bed. “What’s wrong?”

Taehyung swallowed and turned his head at a creep to merge their eyes. “Mi Sung. You know he appealed his sentence recently. And... Jimin said he got eligibility for parole in ten years.”

“What?” Jungkook spat out. “So he won’t spend all twenty-five years in jail? Only the twenty?”

“Apparently, yes.”

“Fuck.” Jungkook tugged him against his chest and planted a string of kisses on the top of his head. “I’m glad Hyun Joon got life in prison with no eligibility for parole.”

“Yeah. At least he confessed eventually. Although it was just to avoid the death sentence.”

Jungkook shook his head to clear it from the vile memories. “Let’s go make new memories on the island we met, hmm?”

Taehyung cracked a smile. “Yes, baby. Let’s go.”

They joined their lips, inhaling deeply at the electricity between them. Even after ten years, they still had tiny butterflies raging in their bellies as they kissed. Their love was stronger than ever, like their mothers’ friendship. And nothing could stand in their way of happiness, no matter how painful or scary.

They had each other. For the rest of their life.

───⭒───༺🎭༻───⭒───

The end.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Thank you for all your comments, votes, and your love. Nothing would be possible without you. Your support is truly overwhelming, and I'm so grateful to all of you💜

Jungkook’s father was the one who had put someone to follow Taehyung to learn more about him and keep him in check. I didn't mention it because they couldn't confirm it with Hyun Joon since he was in jail, but they knew it was him because they stopped following Tae once Hyun Joon went in hiding.

If you have any questions about the book, you can ask me here🌺

I really hope you enjoyed this💜

Until next time⏳

TaekookForLife🌹