🥀 63. 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐬

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All around him, Taehyung saw nothing but darkness and felt nothing but pain.

It was a pain that seeped into his bones that threatened to crush him under its unbearable burden.

In that moment of despair, Taehyung searched desperately for a flicker of light, a hope that could lead him out of the darkness that had become his reality.

But then, through the thick blackness, he heard a faint voice. The gentle melody broke through the haze, cutting a fragile path toward him.

"Mr. Kim... Mr. Kim..."

The voice grew louder and more persistent, its warmth reaching past the depths he'd fallen into, latching onto him. Taehyung's mind stirred, drawn to that distant light.

The voice tugged him out of his despair.

"Mr Kim"

Taehyung's chest heaving with ragged breaths as if he had been running, fleeing from something too terrifying to face. His heart pounded in his chest, his body was coated in a thin layer of sweat, his limbs trembling as if they hadn't fully returned to him.

Slowly, Taehyung opened his eyes, blinking as his mind surfaced from the abyss.

Jungkook's face hovered in his vision, her eyes wide with concern. The sight of her—so close, so real—was like a lifeline pulling him from the depths. Her fingers were curled around his arm.

Taehyung sat up abruptly, a silent panic gripping him as the fragments of nightmare remained back in his consciousness. His hands gripped the sheets tightly, his knuckles white. To hold something real that could pull him back from the suffocating darkness he'd just escaped.

Jungkook's gaze softened as she watched him. She could see the tension in his body, the way his chest rose and fell in frantic gasps. His eyes darted around the room, unfocused, his mind clearly lost in a place that she couldn't reach.

Without saying a word, Jungkook reached over to the bedside table, her fingers curled gently around the glass jug, and she poured water. Holding the glass, Jungkook moved closer, her knee sinking into the mattress beside him. She placed a warm hand on his shoulder.

"Mr Kim," she whispered, her voice as soft as a feather brushing against his ear. "It's okay. I'm here."

He blinked, his wide eyes settling on her. Jungkook offered him the glass, guiding it to his lips. As he took it, she kept her other hand resting on his shoulder, her thumb tracing a small circle.

"Drink slowly," she murmured.

Taehyung took a slow drink from the glass, the cool water easing the dryness in his throat. He felt Jungkook beside him, her touch light stabilizing him in a way nothing else could. The water refreshed him, but it was her presence that truly soothed the restlessness that in his chest.

When he finished, he lowered the glass, but Jungkook didn't pull away. She kept her hand on his shoulder. Her eyes met his and for a moment, Taehyung forgot about everything—his responsibilities, the burdens of his past.

After a moment, she reached up with her free hand, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her fingertips staying there a second longer than necessary as if she could somehow brush away the darkness in his mind as well.

His breathing began to steady, the furrows in his brow softening slightly. Jungkook gave him a gentle smile, her eyes full of warmth.

"Are you... alright?" Jungkook's voice was barely above a whisper as if she didn't want to disturb whatever storm Taehyung had been pulled from.

Taehyung took a deep breath, his body was rigid as he forced himself. He swallowed, feeling the residual coldness in his veins, but he kept his face impassive, masking the remnants of dread.

"I'm fine,"

Jungkook's hand tightened slightly on his arm, her gaze searching Taehyung's face.

"You had a nightmare," Jungkook said gently, her words an observation rather than a question.

Taehyung gave a faint nod, his jaw clenched as he cast his gaze away, refusing to let any sign of vulnerability breakthrough.

"It's nothing," he replied, forcing his voice into its usual calm.

But Jungkook didn't look away, her gaze filled with an understanding that made Taehyung's chest ache. Jungkook silently stared at Taehyung, studying his every feature, every sign of the fears that tormented him. His eyes betrayed the terror of his nightmare. She could see the battle he was fighting within himself, a war between vulnerability and the instinct to shield his pain from the world.

Jungkook knew Taehyung well enough by now to recognize when he was trying to bury something deep within himself, and she wasn't fooled by the calm facade he had so carefully constructed. She reached for his hand, gently coaxing it to uncurl from where it had been resting stiffly on the bed.

"I know you don't want to talk about it," she whispered, her thumb brushing over his knuckles in a slow motion. "But you don't have to hide from me, Mr Kim."

Taehyung's gaze flicked to Jungkook, his eyes flickering with emotions—doubt, hesitation, and something softer, something more vulnerable that he rarely allowed anyone to see. But then, as if a wall had been built inside him, his expression became guarded once again.

Jungkook waited, her hand still resting against his, giving him the space he needed. She didn't push, didn't demand answers, knowing that the softest approaches often created the most room for him to open up when he was ready.

Taehyung exhaled quietly, letting the air out slowly through his nose, as if it took more energy than he had to spare.

"It's... memories," he said. "Things I can't forget, no matter how hard I try."

Jungkook nodded slowly, her hand squeezing his gently.

Taehyung gulped the water, feeling a bit of the burden lift. "You should get some sleep," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern for her well-being.

With a gentle sigh, Jungkook nodded, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "I'll stay with you," she murmured, her voice a quiet promise.

But Taehyung shook his head, his expression softening.

"You need rest too," he said, a hint of tenderness in his voice that Jungkook always seemed to draw out of him, even when he tried to hide it.

"Alright," Jungkook agreed, "But I'll be right here if you need me."

Taehyung's lips quirked slightly, just enough for her to catch the faintest smile. Jungkook leaned in and cupped his face gently, her cool fingertips brushing against the sharp line of his jaw. Her thumb traced an invisible path across his cheekbone.

Jungkook's lips met his cheek. Her touch seeped into him, melting away a fraction of the tension he had been holding onto so tightly. Her breath fanned lightly against his skin as she pulled back before she straightened.

Taehyung's lashes fluttered, his eyes drifting closed for a brief moment, savouring the fleeting touch. His jaw unclenched, and his shoulders sagged just slightly, the rigidity in his posture softening.

Jungkook's fingers trailed down his face, before coming to rest on his forearm. She gave it a small squeeze, a silent comfort that she wasn't going anywhere.

"Rest now, Mr. Kim," she murmured, her voice like a gentle lullaby.

Taehyung opened his eyes to meet hers, the guarded walls in his gaze momentarily lowered. He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly, and gave her the faintest nod.

Jungkook reached for the blanket and tugged it up, carefully tucking it around his frame. Her hands smoothing it over his chest as if the act itself could shield him from his nightmares.

The wife didn't leave immediately, though.

Jungkook quietly slipped back into the bed, under the covers beside him. She didn't say anything, simply positioned herself close. Jungkook's head rested against the pillow, just a few inches from Taehyung's.

Taehyung shifted slightly, his hand unconsciously reaching for hers, his fingers lightly brushing over her knuckles. Jungkook intertwined her fingers with his, her thumb brushing over his hand in soothing motions.

Jungkook smiled, her eyes closing as she tucked herself closer to him.

Taehyung lay still for a moment, his eyes tracing the rise and fall of Jungkook's chest as she slept beside him. He let his gaze linger on her peaceful face, the way her hair curled slightly around her cheek. He didn't want to disturb her, not when she finally looked so relaxed.

Carefully, Taehyung shifted beneath the covers, making sure not to jostle her or make any noise. When he was certain Jungkook wouldn't wake, he slid his legs out of bed, moving slowly. He stood for a moment, watching her from the side of the bed, his heart heavy with guilt.

With one last glance at her sleeping form, Taehyung stepped into his walk-in closet, closing the door behind him with a soft click. He took a slow breath as he moved toward the back of the closet, his footsteps barely making a sound on the carpet floor.

He began to search through the clutter of clothes. His fingers brushed against the smooth fabric of his suits, the soft woollen sweaters, but it was something else he was looking for—something that had been tucked away at the very back of the shelf.

His fingers finally found it, the small packet.

His solace from this world: Cigarettes.

The box felt like a lifeline in his hand, a strange form of comfort he had clung to in moments when everything else felt too heavy.

He stood there for a moment, caught between his past and present.

Clutching the pack and a lighter, Taehyung walked to the balcony, the cool night air  him hitting as he stepped outside. He pulled out a cigarette and held it between his fingers, ready to light it.

Just as he was about to strike the lighter, a flashback struck him. He recalled the way Jungkook had scrunched her face in displeasure the last time she saw a man smoking, the distaste was clear in her expression.

Taehyung paused, his thumb poised to flick the wheel. He stood there for a moment, the cigarette dangling loosely from his fingers. The thought of Jungkook's disapproval weighed heavier than any of the calm his cigarette could bring.

With a sigh, Taehyung focused on his magic. In an instant, the cigarette and lighter disintegrated into nothingness, leaving no trace behind.

His hands clutched the railings tightly, knuckles turning white from the force. The cool night air did little to calm the storm raging inside him.

"I hate you from every ounce of my blood, Kim Taesung," he gritted his teeth, the words barely a whisper but filled with venom.

The wind howled around him. He could feel the anger, the shame, and the helplessness swirling within him like a vortex. His father's face flashed before his eyes, alongside the haunting image of the baby—so small, so innocent, yet caught in the web of his family's cruel plots.

The guilt wrapped around his chest like a sin, squeezing tighter with every passing thought.

"Why did you have to be so cruel?" he thought again, his voice a soft growl, almost a plea to the empty night.

The image of that baby—her doe eyes staring up at him, vulnerable and trusting—seemed to burn into his memory. It was a look he couldn't forget, couldn't push away.

Every inch of his body ached with regret. His mind replayed the moment in the nightmare when he'd failed to shield her from the horrors that had been thrust upon her.

He closed his eyes, trying to push away the memory of the baby's doe eyes. "I should have been stronger, I should have protected her," he berated himself silently.

"You turned our lives into a nightmare, and for what?" Taehyung thought. "For power, for wealth?"

But even as the words left his mouth, a part of him knew it wasn't enough. It was never enough to just question, to stand back and wonder how things could have been different.

It was too late for that.

The damage had already been done and the scars were deep.

Taehyung let out a shaky breath, the words he had been holding back breaking free like an unraveling thread.

"I hope you're safe, little one," he thought.

"Wherever you are, I hope you're far away from the darkness he created. You deserve a better life than the one he planned for you."

His heart clenched tightly at the thought of her—of what could have been.

Where are you? he asked silently.

"I'm here,"

Taehyung's thoughts shattered in an instant when he heard the familiar voice calling to him from behind. His heart skipped a beat and he turned slowly, almost as if unsure if he had imagined it.

Jungkook stood in the doorway, her figure bathed in the moonlight. Her hair was tousled from sleep, and her eyes filled with concern. She took a tentative step toward him, her bare feet making no sound on the floor.

"You've been out here for a while, lost in your thoughts, Mr Kim. It's okay to rest."

Taehyung swallowed, his heart heavy as he met her gaze. It was always like this with his wife—Jungkook saw through him when no one else could, knew when he was hiding his pain behind walls that he kept constructed.

Jungkook watched Taehyung closely, her eyes narrowing. She could feel the heaviness in the air but she knew by now that soothing words wouldn't break her ice cube.

No, Jungkook needed something else to reach him.

"Are you planning to become an owl?" Jungkook asked with an eyebrow raise.

"What?"

"I mean, you've been standing there in the dark for who knows how long. It's a little suspicious. Are you trying to gain the powers of nocturnal creatures like owl?" Jungkook continued as she leaned against the doorframe.

"I'm not an owl," he muttered, but the slight curve at the corner of his lips betrayed his attempt to maintain a serious tone.

"Oh?" Jungkook asked, faking a shocking tone. "Well, you look like one. What else would you call a person standing in the dark at this hour, silently thinking to take brooding as a part-time job?"

Taehyung sighed, his expression softening further. "I just... needed some fresh air."

Jungkook shook her head. She stepped closer, pulling gently on his shirt, her fingers curling around the fabric as she guided him back toward the door.

"Come on! fresh air will still be here in the morning, but your rest won't wait."

She tugged on his shirt again, this time with a bit more force. "Now, come back to bed."

Taehyung followed her lead, the tension that had plagued him beginning to lift with every step they took.

As soon as they stepped inside the room, Jungkook spun on her heel, planting herself firmly in front of him with her arms crossed. Her eyes narrowed and she pointed to the bed like a strict schoolteacher.

"Sit. Now. And don't you dare even think about moving like some night owl again!" Jungkook's finger shot up, wagging in the air as she leaned closer, her voice rising a notch.

"Otherwise, I'll chain you to the bed."

Taehyung blinked at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile despite himself. He opened his mouth to say something, but before he could, Jungkook pointed a finger toward the bed.

"Obey me or I'll make sure you can't leave." Jungkook added, trying to look more dangerous, though her beautiful starry doe eyes betrayed her.

The wife tried to keep a straight face, but the sight of her little pout made it impossible to maintain any threat.

"Noted, dear wife," Taehyung said as he slowly lowered himself onto the bed, sitting obediently as his wife had commanded.

His eyes softened as he gazed at her. "You think you can chain me down?"

Jungkook grinned, hands resting on her hips as she leaned in closer. "I'll find a way, Mr. Kim. Don't test me."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his amusement growing but he wisely said nothing.

With that, Jungkook stepped back and made her way to the closet. A few moments later, she returned, holding a small bottle of essential oil in her hand. She placed the bottle on the bedside table before turning back to Taehyung, her gaze determined.

Without a word, Jungkook grabbed a pillow from the bed and carefully placed it on her lap, her eyes locking onto his with commanding look. "Lay down," she said, her voice was firm, there was no room for argument.

Taehyung hesitated for only a moment. He glanced at her, the exhaustion tugging at his limbs, but Jungkook's gaze made it impossible to refuse.

"Now,"

He sighed softly and slowly lowered himself, the tension in his body unwinding just a little as he let himself sink into her lap.

"Good Boy," Jungkook murmured, a satisfied smile curving her pretty lips as she lightly tapped his cheek.

Taehyung blinked up at her, slightly doubtful. "Good boy?"

"You heard me," she replied. Her fingers threaded gently through his hair, smoothing it back as she began to massage his temples.

"Now, close your eyes. Just relax for once, okay?"

Taehyung's lips twitched at her words, but he obeyed, letting his eyes flutter shut. Gently, Jungkook cupped his face, her thumbs brushing against his cheekbones as she guided him into a more comfortable position against her lap. Her touch was soft but it carried an unspoken promise of care.

Taehyung's body felt heavy with weariness but her presence was like a balm to his frayed nerves.

He wasn't used to this—being cared for so gently—but it felt... right. 

Jungkook uncapped the small bottle of essential oil, the scent of lavender spreading through the air. She tilted the bottle carefully, a single drop gliding onto her palm before she rubbed her hands together. Warmth spread between her hands as she gently spreaded it across her fingers with a few slow motions.

She moved her hands to his temples, her fingers light but firm as she began massaging. Taehyung let out a soft sigh, the muscles in his face relaxing under her touch. His breath evened out, the tension in his brow slowly lifting as her fingertips worked into the soft skin around his temples.

With each stroke, Taehyung's tense shoulders dropped, the tightness that had been gripping him for so long beginning to ease. He hadn't realized how much he needed this until it was happening—until her soft hands were working the tension out of his weary body.

Jungkook's eyes softened as she watched his features relax, the tension in his jaw easing with every stroke of her hand. Her thumb occasionally grazed his temple, drawing small circles that made his eyelids grow heavier.

"You're so stubborn," Jungkook murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

There was no meanness in her tone—just a soft teasing that made Taehyung's lips twitch in the faint smile.

"I could say the same about you," he replied, his voice low and raspy, a hint of playfulness laced within it.

Jungkook chuckled quietly, the sound was like a gentle melody that filled the still room. Her fingers paused momentarily, her palm cradling the side of his face as her thumb brushed lightly over his cheekbone. His skin was warm under her touch, his breathing the only sound besides the faint rustle of fabric as she shifted slightly.

"You're not allowed to argue right now," she said, leaning down a fraction closer, her breath warm against his forehead.

Taehyung hummed in response as her hands returned to his hair, the motion lulling him further into a peaceful haze.

Jungkook's gaze lingered on him, her heart swelling at how vulnerable he looked in this moment. The weight of the world that he usually carried melted away, leaving behind a softness that made her chest ache.

Taehyung's breathing deepened and after a few moments, his eyes fluttered open. His gaze met hers but full of something unspoken that made Jungkook's breath hitch.

Her hands paused mid-motion, still cradling his face. "Did I hurt you?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His eyes lingered on her, studying every line of her face. His throat tightened but he managed a faint smile. "I just... didn't realize how much I needed this."

Jungkook's cheeks warmed at his words, and she glanced away briefly, her fingers resuming their gentle movements as she worked the oil into his skin.

"You should've told me," she replied, her voice soft. "I'm your wife, Mr Stubborn Kim. Let me take care of you."

Taehyung's hand shifted, his fingers curling lightly around her wrist as she worked. The intimate gesture was grounding, a quiet acknowledgment of her words.

"You already do," he murmured, his voice so quiet it was almost lost in the room.

Jungkook's chest tightened, her heart fluttering at the sincerity. She leaned down slightly, her hair brushing against his forehead as she whispered, "Then stop trying to carry everything alone, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung's gaze softened at her words, his dark eyes reflecting gratitude and vulnerability. The gentle sway of her hair against his forehead sent a faint tingle through his skin, and he let out a slow breath, as if releasing some of the weight she was urging him to let go of.

Jungkook's hand remained on his cheek, her thumb brushing delicately along his jawline. She leaned in closer, her breath warm as it ghosted over his skin, her lips hovering above his forehead for a moment longer than necessary.

Her other hand slid into his chest, her fingers curling the shirt slightly as she held him there. She pressed her lips softly to his forehead, the kiss was tender filled with a quiet intensity that spoke volumes.

Taehyung's eyes fluttered shut at the contact, his body melting further into her lap. His hand lifted instinctively, fingers brushing against her hand kept on his chest, to affirm that she was truly there. His thumb ran a slow line over her pulse, the small gesture more intimate than any words could convey.

Jungkook pulled back slightly, her lips brushing against his skin as she murmured, "You're not alone anymore, Taehyung."

The sound of his name from her lips felt like a balm, soothing the broken edges of his soul. His hand found her other one, gently encasing her fingers in his own.

"You make it so easy to believe that," he whispered, his voice carrying a rawness he rarely allowed himself to show.

Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone. She shifted her legs slightly to adjust his position, her thumb now tracing slow circles over the back of his hand.

"That's because it's true," she said softly, her eyes searching his, to imprint the truth into his heart.

For a moment, they simply stayed like that, the world outside their quiet bubble fading away.

His head on her lap, her hands in his, their breaths syncing as an unspoken promise lingered between them—one of unwavering support, care, and love.

Taehyung's lips curved into a faint smile, the tension in his body replaced by a calm he hadn't felt in years. "You really are impossible to argue with," he said, his tone warm, the hint of a tease making her chuckle softly.

"That's why you should stop trying," she replied with a small smile, her fingers brushing through his hair once more.

His throat tightened, and for a moment, he hesitated. But Jungkook's presence was like a quiet invitation, a safe space where he could finally allow himself to speak the words he had buried deep for so long. Taehyung allowed himself to let go, trusting her to hold him steady.

For the first time in years, he felt like he wouldn't drown if he let the words out.

"I... I've never told anyone this," Taehyung began, his voice low, the words almost foreign to him as they left his lips.

Jungkook's fingers stilled for a moment, her focus sharpening. She softened her touch even more, stroking his hair tenderly, silently urging him to continue. Her other hand rested lightly on his chest, her thumb brushing over his shirt in soothing circles, levelling him with her presence.

Taehyung swallowed hard, the old memories rushing back like a flood. He closed his eyes briefly, the emotions welling up before he could stop them.

When he spoke again, his voice was barely above a whisper.

"I was just a kid when everything started to fall apart. My father... he wasn't the man I thought he was. Not the father I thought he was. I didn't even understand what was happening."

Jungkook kept massaging gently, her touch still, allowing him to speak at his own pace, letting him pour out the pain he'd held in for so long.

"I didn't understand it at first," he continued, his voice trembling. "I was too young to see what was really happening, but I felt it. The tension, the anger, the sadness. I remember my mother crying at night, trying so hard to hide it. I thought..." He swallowed hard, his throat tightening as tears pricked his eyes. "I thought it was my fault. That maybe if I were better—if I were enough—he'd come home. That he'd stay."

Jungkook could feel his pain, the anguish of a child who had been forced to grow up too quickly. She kept her hand on his shoulder, trying to soothe him as best she could, but she didn't interrupt. She let him speak, knowing he needed to say it, even if the words felt too heavy for him.

He paused for a moment, his chest tightening, the words caught somewhere between anger and sorrow. "I didn't know what it was at first. I just knew that something was wrong. Something was broken, but no one ever said anything."

"When my father finally left us for another woman... everything came crashing down, it was just me and her. But I didn't know how to comfort her. I didn't know how to be what she needed. I was ... too busy trying to make sense of the mess my father had left."

Taehyung's breath shuddered as he paused, the grief and guilt so heavy that it felt like it might crush him.

"And then, before I knew it, I was the man of the house. I didn't know what that even meant. I didn't know how to take care of my mother. How to protect her. I didn't know anything. I had to be the strong one, even though inside, I was falling apart just like my mother was."

His voice broke slightly, and Jungkook could feel his sorrow—deep, ingrained in his very soul. Taehyung's voice was thick with the poundage of the past, his chest trembling with every word he spoke.

"By the time I realized I was just trying to survive... I'd already lost so much." His eyes closed, the guilt and regret pouring out in the brokenness of his voice.

"And I couldn't protect anyone. Not my mother, not myself. I couldn't stop my father from doing what he did. And I couldn't undo the damage he caused."

Jungkook's heart squeezed at his words, the pain in his voice was a raw reminder of the boy who had never been allowed to just be—to be loved and nurtured without the burden of the world pressing down on his small shoulders. She tightened her grip around his hand, her thumb gently stroking his knuckles, silently urging him to keep going, to release all that he had buried for so long.

His eyes were still closed, his face shadowed by his memories but his voice cracked as he whispered, "I hate what I became... I hate the person I am because of what he did to us. But I couldn't stop it. I couldn't stop any of it."

Jungkook's breath hitched at his confession, her chest tightening with empathy for the boy he used to be—lost, broken, carrying the weight of a father's sins that were never his own to carry. She could feel his pain, a heavy sadness that had never truly been acknowledged.

"You didn't deserve that," Jungkook whispered. "You were just a little boy. You didn't have to carry all of that. None of it was your fault."

Taehyung didn't respond immediately, he shifted to bury his face against her chest, as if the world had collapsed into this fragile, sacred moment where he could let go, if only for a brief time. He let her words settle into his bones, feeling them brush against the scars he thought would never heal.

And yet, despite the softness of her voice, despite the kindness in her eyes, he couldn't help but feel his past like a chain wrapped around his chest.

"Everything's broken," he murmured, his voice muffled. "I don't know how to fix it."

His arms were tight around her, like he was holding onto her for dear life, desperate for a refuge from the storm of his own thoughts.

"I don't know how to undo the damage I've caused, or the things I've witnessed. But... every day, I'm haunted by it. By him. By what I couldn't do."

Jungkook's heart broke at his words. She could feel the fragility in him, the way his pain wrapped itself around his very being, like it had become a part of who he was.

But he didn't have to hold it anymore.

He didn't have to face it alone.

She kissed the top of his head, pressing her cheek against his hair as she whispered, "Mr. Kim... you can't change the past. But you're here now. You're not that boy anymore."

Her hand gently cupped his face, her thumb brushing away the tear that had slipped down his cheek without him noticing.

"You're not him. You are so much more than what happened to you."

He didn't know how to respond to that. The vulnerability in his eyes betraying the delicate place he was in. He didn't know how to let go of the years of guilt that had shaped him. He had carried this for so long that the idea of shedding it felt impossible like it was knitted into the very fabric of his soul.

But the way Jungkook held him—so tenderly, without judgment, without fear—made him wonder if he could try.

Without a word, he turned and pressed himself into her, his head nestling into the soft curve of her clothed bust like a child seeking refuge in the arms of their mother.

The instinct to hide, to curl up in the safety of Jungkook's embrace, overtook him.

He reached for her as if her touch could erase the years of loneliness, the years of carrying burdens too heavy for anyone to bear alone. His hands found the fabric of her dress, gripping it lightly, the motion almost shy, almost desperate.

His chest rose and fell in uneven breaths as he tucked his face further into the crook of her neck, his arms instinctively wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer as if needing to be sure she was real, that this moment was real.

Jungkook's heart ached at the vulnerability laid bare in front of her.

Here, the man who had always been so strong, so confident, was now small in her arms. His body, which had carried his past, was trembling in a way she had never seen before. She could feel his pulse racing, the vulnerability in his every movement.

The mighty Taehyung, always the one to hold others up, was now seeking solace, seeking protection from her.

Her hands gently cradled his back, holding him with all the tenderness in her soul. She stroked his hair, softly, as if trying to soothe him like she would a child in need of comfort. Her gaze softened as she looked down at him, watching the man curled into her like a fragile baby.

It was a side of him that only she would ever see, and she held it with the reverence it deserved.

Jungkook pressed a gentle kiss to the top of his head, the action so simple yet full of all the love and protection she had for him. She could feel his body relax against hers, his breathing slowing as he allowed himself to finally, truly rest.

For the first time in a long while, he let go of the walls he had built around himself. In her arms, he found a sanctuary, a safe space where the pain of the past didn't have to define him.

His face pressed against her soft chest. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her perfume filling his senses. Jungkook's body was soft beneath him and Taehyung buried himself deeper. His body relaxed completely, his tense muscles finally letting go. His head rested against her, the same way a child would nestle against their mother's warmth after a long day.

Taehyung's breath slowed as he relaxed against Jungkook, his body slowly melting into her embrace. His grip on her shirt loosened slightly, the tension in his shoulders ebbing away as if his past was finally being allowed to slip free. His head now rested gently against her, his eyelids fluttering.

Jungkook watched him with a tender smile, her heart aching with love for him. She could feel the light tremor in his body slowly fade as he drifted deeper into a peaceful slumber, trusting her completely, allowing her to be the one to protect him for once.

Jungkook smiled softly and adjusted her position, making sure he was comfortable against her, and then, with a soft flick of her wrist, she snapped her fingers.

Immediately, a soft, warm blanket appeared around them, covering both of them with a cozy embrace.

The fabric settled gently, enveloping them like a cocoon.

Her fingers gently brushed the edge of the blanket, ensuring it was snug around them as she tucked it in close to his body. She smiled to herself, brushing a few strands of his hair away from his forehead.

"Stubborn big baby,"

Her eyes softened as she gazed down at him, marveling at how peaceful he looked. He was finally allowing himself to rest, and it filled her with peace.

A thought crossed Jungkook's mind. For so long, it had always been Taehyung who comforted her. His presence, his strength, had been her anchor in moments of chaos.

Whether it was in the way he'd comforted her during her hardest days, or the way his smile could melt away the weight of the world, he had always been there, a constant in her life.

But today, for the first time, Jungkook realized how much he needed the comfort too. How, despite the facade of strength he put up, he had his own burdens, his own demons.

The weight he carried was so much heavier than anyone could imagine. And tonight, seeing him like this, so vulnerable and fragile in her arms, made her heart ache.

Her chest tightened as she thought of the pain he had lived with all these years.

I'll be his safe place, she promised silently, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on his arm.

Jungkook looked down at him, her heart full, her fingers gently caressing his back. A quiet promise settled in her chest—that no matter the storms he faced, she would always be there, his shelter.

They were two halves of something greater, sharing the tenderness of a love that could heal the deepest of wounds.

Jungkook kissed his forehead once more, a soft, silent vow.

For tonight, they were both just two souls, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's presence.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The night was still, yet the air carried an ominous weight.

Ash Jinn stood at the edge of a deep valley. The pale crescent moon hung high above, its silvery glow casting an ethereal light over the jagged rocks and skeletal trees around her Her dark eyes were fixed on the moon as if it held the answers to her unspoken thoughts. A sly smile curved her lips as she tilted her head.

"Tomorrow," she whispered, her voice a soft, haunting melody that carried into the void. "The full moon will rise, and with it, the seeds of destruction will bloom." 

She extended her hand, her fingers curling around the stem of a Poison Hue flower. Its petals shimmered faintly. She traced the edges of the petals with a long, graceful finger, her touch both tender and sinister. 

"Such a delicate thing," she murmured, her voice tinged with fake affection.

"And yet, capable of turning even the purest bond into ash."

Ash Jinn raised the flower toward the moonlight, its glow intensifying as the silvery beams touched it.

"The full moon will awaken its essence. And when it does..." Her smile grew wider, almost manic. "It will seep into Jungkook veins, her soul. Her touch will become your destruction and the love you cherish so deeply will turn into your greatest weakness." 

The wind howled louder, as if protesting her dark intentions but Ash Jinn's resolve was unshaken. She stepped closer to the edge of the valley, her silhouette a shadow against the glowing sky. 

"This is your fate, Taehyung," she hissed, her voice venomous. "Not by my hand, but by hers. The one you trust the most will bring you to your knees." 

With one last glance at the moon, she turned away, her black robes flowing like smoke behind her. The flower in her grasp pulsed faintly, alive with the promise of chaos.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The morning light seeped through the curtains, painting soft golden streaks across the room, Jungkook stirred awake. She looked down to see Taehyung still nestled against her, his face peaceful, lips slightly parted, looking every bit like a sleepy child.

His usually stoic face had softened in sleep, his long lashes casting shadows over his cheeks, lips parted slightly as he breathed deeply.

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she gently ran her fingers through his tousled hair, brushing it away from his forehead. He let out a sleepy hum at her touch, nuzzling closer, his nose brushing against her chest. Her heart melted at the sight of her stoic husband looking so unguarded and endearing.

The simple act made her chest tighten with affection.

"Good morning, Mr. Kim," she whispered softly, her voice gentle as a feather.

Taehyung stirred slightly at her voice, his brows furrowing just a little before his eyes opened halfway, still heavy with sleep. He blinked slowly, his deep gaze meeting hers, and then, instead of his usual response, he let out a low grumble that sounded more like a complaint. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer as he buried his face into the crook of her neck like a sleepy child refusing to wake up.

Jungkook bit back a laugh, her fingers cradling the back of his head.

His arms tightened slightly, his entire behaviour far removed from the commanding man he usually was. He seemed smaller, softer, and Jungkook's heart swelled at the sight.

"You're like a baby this morning," she whispered, unable to help herself as she brushed her thumb against the shell of his ear. He didn't respond, only nuzzled deeper, a barely audible hum escaping him.

Jungkook chuckled quietly, the sound warm and tender as her hand moved to stroke his hair.

A few minutes later, Jungkook attempted to gently untangle herself from Taehyung's embrace. His arms, draped loosely around her, tightened instinctively as soon as she moved, his head burying further into her shoulder like a sleepy child refusing to let go of their favorite comfort.

She sighed softly, her lips curving into an affectionate smile. "Mr. Kim, you're going to crush me if you keep this up,"

Carefully, Jungkook shifted him, her hands gentle as she adjusted his position. It wasn't easy; Taehyung's tall, solid frame was far heavier than it appeared, especially with him being completely relaxed and unhelpful in his half-asleep state. Her arms strained slightly as she eased him down onto the bed, his head sinking into the pillows.

"How can you be this heavy?" Jungkook muttered under her breath, wiping an imaginary bead of sweat from her forehead as she finally managed to settle him.

Taehyung blinked up at her groggily, his brows furrowing slightly as though he wanted to protest her absence. Before he could utter a word, Jungkook leaned down, brushing her lips softly against his forehead.

"There," she murmured, her voice soft and soothing. "Nice and cozy, okiee,"

His eyes fluttered closed again at the kiss, his body sinking further into the bed as a faint sigh escaped him. She smiled, brushing a hand across his cheek before tucking the blanket snugly around him, ensuring he was warm and comfortable.

"Big, stubborn baby," she whispered affectionately, shaking her head as she sat on the edge of the bed, her hand resting lightly against his chest.

"You always take care of me, Mr. Kim," Jungkook murmured, her voice soft as her gaze softened. "But even you need to be cared for sometimes. And I'm not going to let you argue about it."

Taehyung's lips twitched faintly, as though he wanted to say something, but instead, he leaned into her hand like a cat seeking warmth.

■□■□

Jungkook returned to the room, carrying a tray laden with a steaming bowl of rice porridge, freshly sliced fruit and a small pot of herbal tea. A satisfied smile danced on her lips as she imagined the surprise on Taehyung's face. But as she stepped inside, her expression softened at the sight before her.

Taehyung was sitting on the edge of the bed, his broad shoulders slightly hunched as he vigrously wiped his damp hair with a towel. He was already dressed in his light blue shirt, the soft shade making him look serene. The black pants he wore fit him perfectly, adding charm to his usual stoic demeanor.

For a moment, Jungkook simply stood there, her heart skipping a beat. Despite his calm exterior, the subtle vulnerability of the morning hung back in his softened movements. His hands paused for a moment, the towel slipping slightly as he glanced up and met her gaze.

"You're up," Jungkook said softly, her voice tinged with both warmth and disapproval. "I told you to rest, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung's lips curved into a faint smile—so subtle it was barely there—as he folded the towel neatly beside him. "I didn't want to laze around all morning," he replied, his deep voice quiet but steady.

Yet there was a gentleness to his tone, as though he were still caught in the haze of their tender moments earlier.

Jungkook set the tray on the bedside table and walked over to him, her hands automatically reaching for the towel. "You're still dripping wet. Come here," she chided gently, her fingers brushing over his as she took the towel from his hands.

Taehyung didn't resist. Instead, he let her step between his knees, the intimacy of the gesture making her heart flutter. Jungkook began drying his hair, her movements were careful. The faint scent of his soap filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the morning.

"You're worse than Minjun," she teased, her voice light, trying to mask the way her heart swelled.

Taehyung huffed softly, the sound halfway between a chuckle and a sigh. "I'll take that as a compliment," he said, his eyes lifting to meet hers.

His expression was unguarded—an unspoken gratitude for the way she fussed over him.

Jungkook smiled, her fingers slowing as she smoothed his hair into place. "You're lucky I like taking care of you," she murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss to the crown of his head. "Now, eat. I made you breakfast."

Taehyung's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he nodded. "Thank you," he said simply, his voice carrying an unusual softness that made her chest tighten.

She handed him the tray, watching as he carefully examined the food she had prepared. And as he began eating, Jungkook perched on the bed beside him, her heart full, her gaze never straying far from his face.

In the quiet morning, it felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

Taehyung spooned some of the porridge into his mouth, Jungkook tilted her head, watching him with a curious smile. She leaned her elbow on her knee, propping her chin in her hand as she teased, "Why are you being so soft today, Mr. Kim? You're usually barking orders like a bossy tyrant."

Taehyung paused mid-chew, raising an eyebrow at her. A mischievous glint sparked in his usually stoic eyes as he swallowed his food. He set the spoon down with exaggerated precision, leaning back and resting his arm on the bedpost, the picture of lazy authority.

A sly smirk curved his lips, and a dangerous glint danced in his eyes.

"So you miss the tyrant, do you?" he drawled, his tone dripping with mock arrogance. "Fine. Since you clearly crave my bossy side, let's make things interesting." He pointed at her with his spoon.

"Mrs. Kim, refill my tea. And while you're at it, iron my clothes for the day—perfectly, this time."

Jungkook blinked, momentarily stunned by the audacity in his voice. "Excuse me?" she retorted, her tone sharp but her lips twitching in amusement.

Taehyung shrugged, leaning back further as if the bed were his throne. "Oh and don't forget to shine my shoes. They looked... dull yesterday," he added, dragging the word out with fake disdain.

"What's a man to do if his wife doesn't keep him presentable?"

Taehyung chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "And after that," he continued, leaning back against the headboard with exaggerated ease, "you can bring me dessert. Something sweet—just like you, darling." His eyes sparkled as he added, "Chop chop."

Jungkook's mouth fell open, her eyebrows shooting up in mock irritation. "Kim Taehyung, have you lost your mind? Do you think I'm your personal maid?"

Taehyung placed a hand over his chest as if deeply offended. "Maid? How dare you? You're my queen, Mrs. Kim." He smirked lazily, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And queens should be doting, no? Isn't that how marriage works?"

Jungkook scoffed, grabbing a nearby pillow and tossing it at him.

Taehyung caught the pillow effortlessly, clutching it to his chest as if it were a cherished treasure. "Careful, darling. Assaulting your husband might come with consequences."

She crossed her arms, glaring at him but unable to stop the grin creeping onto her lips. "Keep talking, and I'll revoke your breakfast privileges."

Taehyung arched a brow, his smirk widening. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, wouldn't I?" she shot back, her tone teasing but firm. She started to walk away, but before she could take another step, Taehyung reached out, grabbing her wrist gently and pulling her back.

"Wait," he said, his voice softer now but still playful. "If you're not bringing me dessert, at least stay here and be my dessert."

Jungkook froze, her cheeks heating at his words. "You're so shameless," she muttered, trying to pull her hand away, but he held firm.

"Shameless? Only for you," he countered smoothly, tugging her closer until she was standing between his knees. His free hand rested lightly on her waist, and his grin softened into something more sincere. "But really, stay. Breakfast tastes better when you're here."

Her expression softened at his sudden shift in tone, her heart fluttering despite her best efforts to appear unimpressed. "You're such a handful," she murmured, shaking her head.

"And yet, we got married," he teased, his lips quirking into a grin. "I must've done something right."

Jungkook raised a playful eyebrow, preparing a witty retort, but before she could get a word out, Taehyung tugged her wrist just enough to send her slightly off balance. With a soft yelp, she stumbled forward and Taehyung took the opportunity to guide her gently onto the bed.

"Mr Kim!" Jungkook protested, her voice caught somewhere between a laugh and a scold.

Her back hit the plush mattress as his arms braced on either side of her, caging her in. His face hovered above hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.

Taehyung's grin softened, his stoic mask slipping away entirely as he gazed down at her. "Caught you," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, but there was a tenderness in his tone that made her heart flutter.

Jungkook's cheeks warm under his gaze. She tried to maintain her composure but the way he looked at her—like she was the most precious thing in the world—made it impossible to stay annoyed.

His fingers reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear, the action so gentle it sent a shiver down her spine. His eyes softened, the playful glint in them replaced by something deeper, more intimate.

"You know, I like seeing you like this," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Laughing, smiling, happy. It suits you."

Jungkook's breath hitched, her heart stuttering at the raw sincerity in his words. She tried to look away, but Taehyung gently cupped her cheek, guiding her gaze back to his. "Don't hide from me," he said softly.

"I wasn't hiding," she murmured, her voice softer now, her walls melting under his touch.

Jungkook looked up at Taehyung, her gaze tender and full of warmth. Slowly, her small hands reached up, covering his cheeks softly as if cradling something delicate. Her thumbs brushed against the faint shadows beneath his eyes, her touch was light.

"Only determination looks good in your pretty, cute eyes," Jungkook murmured, her voice was laced with a depth of emotion that made his chest tighten. Her lips curved into a soft smile, but her eyes held an earnestness that rooted him to the spot. "Not disappointment."

Taehyung blinked, caught off guard by her words. Her hands on his face felt like a balm to the weight he carried, and the way she looked at him—with unwavering belief—made something shift in him.

"You think I have pretty eyes?" he teased softly, his lips twitching into a faint smile despite himself, trying to lighten the moment. But there was no missing the way his heart raced at her touch, at her words.

"Don't dodge it," Jungkook scolded playfully, her thumbs still caressing his cheekbones. "You're always carrying so much but you don't have to. You're stronger than the doubts that creep in." Her tone softened as she continued, "And even if you fall, I'll be here. Every time. To remind you of how amazing you are."

Her words washed over him like a gentle tide, soothing the jagged edges he often hid behind his stoic facade. He didn't realize how tightly he had been holding onto his worries until her encouragement made them feel just a little lighter.

Taehyung leaned into her touch, his hands coming up to cover hers, his fingers tracing over the delicate curve of her knuckles. "You always know what to say, don't you?" he murmured, his voice low and full of something she couldn't quite name.

"Someone has to keep you in line," Jungkook replied, a teasing glint returning to her eyes. "And besides, it's true. Determination suits you. So stop brooding and start being the unstoppable Mr. Kim I married."

Taehyung chuckled softly, a rare, genuine sound that made her heart flutter. He felt something he hadn't in a long time—hope.

The kind that only came from being deeply understood and unwaveringly supported by someone who truly believed in you.

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun streaming through the large window. The sheer curtains billowed gently in the breeze, their ethereal movement casting dreamy shadows over the bed.

The atmosphere felt almost cinematic-like a moment pulled from romantic movies.

Taehyung's dark eyes bore into hers, so deep and soulful that Jungkook felt like he was seeing straight into her heart.

The intimacy of the moment stole her breath, her fingers instinctively reaching up to brush against his cheek, her touch featherlight.

"You always look at me like this," Taehyung murmured, his voice low and velvety, carrying a weight of emotion that made her pulse race.

"Like I'm your whole world."

"You are," Jungkook whispered back, the words slipping out effortlessly, as natural as breathing. Her fingers traced the sharp line of his jaw, moving to brush the strands of his hair that had fallen forward, framing his face like an artist's masterpiece.

The wind stirred again, rustling the curtains and carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers into the room. The gentle sway of the fabric around the bedpost made the scene feel timeless, like they were the only two people in the universe.

It was their sanctuary, their moment.

Taehyung leaned down, his forehead touching hers as his eyes fluttered shut. His breath mingled with hers. His hand slid up her side, resting just above her waist, his thumb moving in slow circles through the fabric. It was such a simple touch, yet it sent sparks through her, grounding her in the depth of his affection.

"You have no idea how much you mean to me," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't say it enough. I don't show it enough. But you're... you're everything, Jungkook."

Jungkook's heart ached at his words, tears pricking the corners of her eyes as she smiled up at him.

"I don't need you to say it all the time," Jungkook replied, her voice trembling but steady. "I see it. In the way you look at me. In the way you hold me. Every little thing you do tells me."

His lips quirked into a soft smile as he leaned closer, his nose brushing hers. "Still," Taehyung murmured, his voice barely audible, "I should say it more."

Before Jungkook could reply, Taehyung captured her lips in a kiss so tender, so full of unspoken promises, that it left her dizzy. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, holding onto him as though he might disappear, as though this moment could slip away.

The wind swirled again, the curtains dancing around them like silent witnesses to their love. Taehyung pulled back, his gaze lingered on her, filled with a quiet awe that made her chest tighten.

"You're my home," he said, his voice thick with sincerity. "My everything."

Jungkook pulled him down, wrapping her arms around his neck as she held him close, his weight settling over her in a way that felt protective yet gentle.

The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of their love, complete and at peace.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───