🥀 65. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 | 3 |

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Without a word, Taehyung shifted beside her, his arm wrapping around her gently, pulling her into his chest. Jungkook sank into his embrace, her exhaustion catching up with her as she let herself be enveloped in his presence. Taehyung held her, his hand running through her hair in slow strokes.

Jungkook looked more beautiful than ever.

The soft strands of her hair framed her flushed face perfectly. Falling in loose waves around her shoulders, they added an untamed elegance to her already breathtaking features. Her crumpled dress clung to her body in the most delicate way.

The faint blush on her cheeks only added to the picture—making her look like a vision of shy beauty. The hem of her dress had risen higher than she realized and Jungkook shyly tugged it down, her fingers trembling as she tried to restore modesty to her appearance. Jungkook's hand lowered as she corrected her flowy dress.

In her attempt to fix the hem, her dainty fingers brushed against the buckle of Taehyung's belt. Her hand continued to move, unaware of the path it was taking, until her fingers met something hard.

The unexpected contact made Jungkook froze. Her eyes widened as she realized what she had just touched. Even through the light touch, she could feel the hardness and her cheeks flushed a deep crimson that spread down her neck.

Jungkook quickly pulled her hand back, but the damage had already been done.

Taehyung's gaze darkened, his body stiffening as he watched her reaction. Jungkook bit her lip, her face burning with the most innocent kind of shame.

His dark eyes flicked down to hers though he held back, his self-control teetering on the edge. Jungkook's lashes fluttered, her gaze darting away in embarrassment as her blush deepened further.

Taehyung's jaw tightened, his breath catching for a split second as Jungkook's innocent touch brushed against his belt. His eyes darkened as he watched her reaction—her wide eyes, her breath hitching, a soft gasp escaping her lips.

Jungkook swallowed hard, her gaze hesitantly flickering back to him.

He closed the distance between them, his large frame towering over her. His hand reached out, capturing her wrist gently. Slowly, his thumb brushing against the delicate skin of her wrist.

"Be careful, Mrs Kim," Taehyung's voice was low, rough, like velvet wrapped around steel. He leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear as he spoke, sending a shiver down her spine.

"A mistake like that..." He paused, his lips just barely grazing her earlobe as his voice dropped even lower. "...could be dangerous."

Jungkook's heart hammered in her chest. She felt herself freeze, caught in his gaze but his grip on her wrist didn't relent.

Taehyung couldn't help but recall the boldness Jungkook had shown earlier, when she had declared, with unflinching confidence, that she wanted to be taken—mercilessly.

The contrast was striking.

His who had been so fierce in her desire, was now trembling in his hands.

Taehyung couldn't resist the temptation to tease her, even in her trembling state. His eyes glinted with mischief as he watched her hands are still not fully steady. He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"You were so bold earlier," he murmured, his voice thick with amusement, "declaring you wanted to be taken mercilessly."

Jungkook's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red, and she looked away, her lips still trembling as she struggled to meet his gaze. The contrast between Jungkook's bold words and the soft, vulnerable form before him was too tempting for Taehyung to ignore.

Her hands were still trembling, but she found the strength to lift one and slap him—hard—across the chest.

"Stop teasing me," she said, her voice small but laced with a quiet fire, the remnants of her boldness coming through despite her earlier vulnerability.

Taehyung's lips curling into a smirk as he watched her with admiration. "You're quite the firecracker, Mrs. Kim," he said, his voice low and filled with both amusement and something else—something deeper, more possessive.

"I like it."

Her lips parted, but no words came. Jungkook wanted to argue, to say something sharp, but the way he looked at her, the way he seemed to enjoy seeing her in this tangled mix of vulnerability and defiance, left her speechless.

Instead, Jungkook drew a shaky breath and gently pushed against his chest with both hands, trying to put some space between them.

"Don't... don't look at me like that," she muttered, her voice soft but laced with a burning embarrassment.

Taehyung didn't give her a chance to pull away. He enveloped her in his strong arms, pulling her close against his chest. His musky scent filled her senses, making it harder to resist.

"Easy, Mrs. Kim," he murmured, his chin resting lightly atop her head. "No need to fight me."

Jungkook squirmed at first, her hands weakly pushing against him, her pride fueling her resistance. But her exhaustion betrayed her; the adrenaline that had driven her fiery responses earlier was now gone, leaving her feeling utterly drained. Her hands faltered, falling limply against his chest as a shaky sigh escaped her lips.

Taehyung felt the moment she surrendered, her body softening in his hold. A satisfied smile curved his lips as he tightened his arms around her. Jungkook's head resting against the solid plane of his chest.

"I hate you," she mumbled weakly, her voice muffled with embarrassment, though the way her fingers curled into his shirt betrayed her true feelings.

Taehyung chuckled softly, the vibration of his laugh rumbling against her. "Hate me all you want, darling," he teased, his lips brushing the top of her head. "But you're not going anywhere."

Jungkook didn't respond, her exhaustion finally overtaking her. For now, she let herself stay there, cradled in his arms, his heartbeat lulling her into a reluctant peace.

The room was quiet, save for the soft sound of their breathing as they remained entwined. Taehyung held Jungkook close while her thoughts began to drift.

Jungkook's cheeks burned as her mind replayed their moments together. She bit her bottom lip, unsure of how to process it all—the intensity, the closeness, the way she had let herself completely surrender to him.

Jungkook shifted slightly in Taehyung's arms, only to freeze as the unfamiliar sensation of stickiness down there made itself known. Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as realization dawned on her, the events of their time together replaying vividly in her mind.

Her body felt... odd.

Heavy, yet light.

Warm yet tingling in places she had never given much thought to before. It was overwhelming, leaving her unsure whether she should be embarrassed, curious, or both.

Is this normal? Jungkook thought, her brows furrowing slightly as her fingers fidgeted with the hem of Taehyung's shirt. She wanted to ask, to voice her confusion, but the words felt stuck in her throat, her natural shyness keeping her silent.

Jungkook bit her lip, trying to focus on anything but the feeling, but it was impossible to ignore. Her skin felt too sensitive, her body too aware of the man holding her so close.

Taehyung shifted slightly, his hand brushing soothingly along her back, and she felt her heart skip. She glanced up at him for a moment, her lips parting as if to say something, but she quickly ducked her head again, too flustered to speak.

Instead, Jungkook closed her eyes, her fingers clutching at his shirt. This is... a lot, she thought, trying to make sense of the strange, sticky sensation and the swirl of emotions that came with it.

Finally, Jungkook couldn't hold it in anymore.

Curiosity killed the cat!

Jungkook blurting out, "Is it supposed to feel... sticky?"

Her voice was small but in the quiet room, it might as well have been a shout. Her words hung in the air as her cheeks turned a fiery red, the realization of what she had just said hitting her like a wave. She immediately buried her face in her hands, groaning in mortification.

"Forget I said that," Jungkook mumbled, her voice muffled.

Taehyung froze for a moment, processing her unexpected question. Then, a soft chuckle rumbled from his chest, his amusement evident.

"Well," he began, his deep voice tinged with both humor and patience, "yes, it's normal."

Taehyung paused, the chuckle slowly dying in his chest as he took in Jungkook's flustered expression. He could feel her embarrassment and despite the lightness, he knew how important it was to address her feelings with care.

He gently cupped her face, lifting it so Jungkook couldn't hide behind her hands. His thumb softly stroked the back of her hand, his gaze filled with understanding.

"Mrs. Kim," his voice was soothing, knowing that the answer was just as much about emotional assurance as it was about the physical question she asked. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about." He smiled, his tone warm but firm.

"What you're feeling... it's natural. It's just your body reacting, and it's okay to feel all of it, every bit of it."

Jungkook peeked at him, still flushed, and he reached out to smooth her hair back from her face. Her lips parted and Jungkook blinked at him, her gaze filled with curiosity and shyness. His words eased some of her embarrassment, though her cheeks remained rosy.

Jungkook bit her lip, her gaze dropping to his chest.

"Okiee," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Taehyung's amused smirk didn't waver as he studied Jungkook's flustered expression. Her earlier question lingered in his mind and he couldn't resist teasing her just a little more. His voice was playful, though laced with curiosity as he spoke.

"You read romance novels, don't you?" he asked, his brow arching slightly. "Didn't those enlighten you about... this?"

Jungkook's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as if to defend herself, but no words came out immediately. She looked utterly mortified, her cheeks burning a vivid crimson.

"Those romance novels you read... they're not just the sweet, innocent ones, are they?"

Jungkook froze, her entire body stiffening as her wide eyes darted up to meet his. "W-What are you talking about?" she stammered, her voice high-pitched, already betraying her.

Taehyung leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he continued mercilessly, "All those heated chapters with characters doing things you couldn't even say out loud, and yet you're here, acting like it's the first time you've ever thought about how messy things can get."

Her hands flew up to cover his lips, her groan of mortification only fueling his amusement. "Mr Kim, stop!" she pleaded, her voice trembling with embarrassment.

But he was relentless.

"Don't tell me you skipped over those parts," he said with innocence, tilting his head. "Or... were you just too shy to pay attention to the details?"

"Shut Up!" Jungkook exclaimed glaring at him, though the effect was lessened by the deep crimson of her cheeks.

"You're so bad," she grumbled, her voice trembling with embarrassment.

Taehyung tilted his head, clearly enjoying her reaction far too much. "Bad? Me?" he echoed with faux innocence.

"Yes, you!" Jungkook shot back, her boldness returning in small bursts as she sat up slightly, clutching the blanket tightly around herself.

"Who teases their wife like this? I asked a genuine question, and you—you turn it into this whole... thing!"

Taehyung leaned in, his face dangerously close to hers, and Jungkook felt her breath hitch as his eyes sparkled with mischief

"It's adorable, really," he mused, his tone softer now, though no less teasing. "You, sitting there with your little book collection, reading about things far spicier than anything we just did, and yet you're still so innocent. It's like you didn't absorb any of it."

Jungkook huffed, her hands dropping to her lap as she shot him a flustered glare. "Maybe I didn't expect it to be so... so real!" she blurted, her voice cracking slightly. "Those are just stories—they don't explain everything! And they don't talk about... this part."

Taehyung's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Ah, so that's the problem they only tell you the dreamy, idealized parts," he said, nodding sagely. "The books didn't prepare you for the reality of it all."

Jungkook glared at him weakly, her lips forming a pout. "They're romance novels, not biology textbooks!"

"Fair enough," he said, his voice thick with mischief. "But now that you've gotten a taste of reality, I suppose it's my responsibility to fill in the gaps for you. Show you the parts the books left out."

Jungkook's wide eyes snapped back to him, her breath hitching as her heart raced. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It means," Taehyung said leaning closer until his forehead gently rested against hers, "that with me, you won't need stories to learn. I'll teach you everything firsthand—starting with the fact that you're adorable when you're flustered."

Jungkook groaned softly as her embarrassment reached its peak. But behind her shy protests, her lips curved into the small smile. Despite the teasing, there was a comfort in knowing that Taehyung was there to guide her through every step of this unfamiliar territory.

Jungkook felt her cheeks flush, her hands shyly tugging at the blanket around them. She had been caught up in the moment, but now a tiny question danced in her mind.

"How did you know all this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes avoiding his. "You might have shared a bed with others before..."

The words left her mouth before she could stop them and Jungkook barely had time to process her own words before she felt Taehyung's hand capture her wrist.

In the next moment, he twisted her arm gently behind her back, pulling her flush against his chest. Her breath caught, the sudden proximity stealing any words she might have said next.

Taehyung's expression had shifted entirely.

Gone was the playful, teasing husband; in his place was someone darker, more intense, and utterly commanding. His gaze locked onto hers, burning with an intensity that made her cheeks flush and her heart pound. The action ignited a heat deep inside her that sent butterflies fluttering wildly in her stomach.

His jaw tightened and the smirk that tugged at his lips was anything but soft.

"Mrs. Kim," he began, his voice low and deadly, each word dropping like a weight in the charged air between them. "Do you think I've shared this part of myself with anyone else? Do you believe for one second that anyone before you could have had what's only ever been yours?"

Jungkook's wide eyes stared into his, her lips parted as she struggled to breathe, her cheeks burning at the sheer intensity in his voice. But it wasn't fear that coursed through her—it was something far more intoxicating.

The way he manhandled her, firm yet careful, made her feel claimed, protected, and undeniably wanted.

His grip on her wrist tightened just enough to make her feel the power behind his actions without causing her pain. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he continued, his tone dropping even lower.

"You are the only person I have ever touched this way," Taehyung growled, his words thick with conviction, "and you will be the last. Because I've saved every piece of this—for my wife, for you. I've waited. Not out of inexperience or fear, but because no one else was worth it. Do you understand what that means?"

Jungkook's heart raced as Taehyung's grip on her wrist tightened, pulling her closer. His chest pressed against hers, the steady rise and fall of his breath syncing with her own erratic rhythm. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her skin.

Her wrist was held in his large hand. Their bodies aligned perfectly, her breath hitching as the proximity became intoxicating.

"Understood?" Taehyung asked, tightening his grip around Jungkook's dainty wrist.

Jungkook gulped and nodded hurriedly, unable to form coherent words.

"Words!"

"Understood," Jungkook finally whispered back.

Taehyung released her wrist gently, his fingers grazing over her skin. The sheer dominance in his voice, paired with the vulnerability of his words, left Jungkook completely undone.

The butterflies in her stomach fluttered harder.

Jungkook felt like her entire body was alight with his presence. Her fingers, trembling but eager, brushed tentatively against his chest as her heart swelled with warmth and the butterflies inside her soared.

"You're serious?" Jungkook asked again, her lips curled into a big smile.

"I don't say things I don't mean," Taehyung shook his head at his wife's silly question and then lightly flickered her forehead.

Jungkook winced, scrunching her nose before pouting at him. Her lips formed a perfect little pout, her big doe eyes peeking up at him, making her look impossibly cute.

"Tiny brain of yours, huh?" he teased, his voice light but laced with sarcasm. "What kind of information about me have you incorporated in there?"

"That hurt," Jungkook mumbled, rubbing her forehead.

"Quit stalling and spill it," Taehyung pressed, arching an eyebrow as he waited for her answer. "I want to hear this grand analysis of yours."

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, nibbling on her bottom lip before offering him a sheepish smile. "Okay, fine. Don't laugh." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, averting her gaze for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Before we got married, I used to think of you as... this cold, egotistic CEO type."

Taehyung tilted his head, his expression unreadable as she continued, her voice growing softer. "You know, the kind of guy who's too busy being perfect to care about anyone else. A little... um, arrogant. And, well, maybe a bit of a... playboy?" Her words trailed off into an embarrassed whisper.

For a moment, Taehyung blinked at her, his usually stoic expression faltering for a split second as he processed her words. His brows furrowed slightly, and his lips parted in disbelief.

"A playboy?" he repeated slowly, his voice dropping an octave, as if trying to make sense of what she had said. The disbelief in his gaze was so genuine that it almost made him look... well, cute. His eyes softened as he shook his head, his lips twitching into a faint smile.

"You really think I'm... a playboy?"

Jungkook's face turned beet red, her eyes darting away in embarrassment.

"I mean... not now," she mumbled, trying to backtrack. "But when we first met, you seemed like the kind of man..... who'd have women lining up."

Taehyung's lips curling up into a gentle smile.

"I never thought I'd be accused of being a playboy by my own wife," he teased, his voice laced with husky warmth that made Jungkook's heart flutter.

Jungkook dared to look up at him, her cheeks flaming red as she tried to defend herself. "I-- you were always so... you know, put-together and distant! And everyone was so in awe of you. What was I supposed to think?"

Taehyung let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he were on the verge of losing his patience. He shook his head, his lips pressing into a tight line as he looked at her with exasperation and amusement.

"Cold? Egotistic? A playboy?" he repeated, his tone dripping with offense.

"I spend nights in office instead of socializing and suddenly I'm a heartless, arrogant womanizer?"

Jungkook giggled softly at his done expression, covering her mouth as if to stifle it. "You're not mad?" she asked, her tone teasing as her cheeks still burned with embarrassment.

Taehyung leaned forward, his face close to hers, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Oh, I'm furious," he drawled, his voice low and threateningly playful.

"So furious that I'm rethinking every compliment I've ever given you."

Jungkook's laughter bubbled up uncontrollably, and she reached out, her small hands clutching his shirt as she buried her face in his chest. "I'm sorry, Mr. Kim," she said between giggles.

"You're the sweetest, most considerate husband in the world. I promise."

Taehyung huffed, his lips quirking into a smirk despite himself. "That's more like it," he said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her closer.

"Enlighten me more, my wife! The extraordinary tales about your husband,"

Jungkook peeked up at Taehyung from his chest, her laughter subsiding into small giggles as she tried to find her words. "Okay, okay, hear me out," she began, her voice slightly muffled as she leaned against him, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt. "It wasn't entirely my fault, okiee. You had this whole... vibe."

Taehyung quirked an eyebrow, clearly intrigued despite his feigned irritation.

"A vibe?" he echoed, his tone incredulous. "What kind of vibe, exactly?"

Jungkook shifted slightly, her cheeks flushing deeper as she rambled on.

"You know... tall, dominant, expensive suits. That perfect hair that somehow never looks out of place. Always walking like the entire company is under your command—which it is, by the way," she added quickly. "And you never smiled! You'd just... stare at people with those intense eyes, like you were reading their deepest secrets or planning their demise."

Taehyung's lips twitched, clearly fighting a smile. "Really?"

"Yes!" Jungkook exclaimed, sitting up a little and gesturing animatedly. "You had this whole 'don't mess with me' aura, like if someone so much as sneezed in your direction, you'd have them fired. And the way everyone talked about you—like you were some untouchable, flawless genius. It was intimidating, okay?"

Taehyung leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he gave her an exaggeratedly skeptical look. "And that somehow translates to me being a... playboy?"

Jungkook groaned, burying her face in her hands for a moment before peeking at him through her fingers. "Well... you're handsome," she mumbled, her voice small but genuine. "And rich. And powerful. You had all the qualifications! So...."

Taehyung couldn't hold back his laugh anymore, the deep, melodic sound filling the room as he shook his head at her.

"So?" he said, his tone teasing. "Because I'm handsome and rich, you decided I must've been... what? Breaking hearts left and right?"

Jungkook pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's not my fault you look like you belong on the cover of some magazine."

Taehyung let out another laugh, leaning closer to her until their faces were mere inches apart. "And now?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with curiosity. "What do you think of me now, Mrs. Kim?"

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, her cheeks still flushed as she looked into his warm, teasing eyes. "Now..." she began, her voice quieter but filled with sincerity. "I think you're nothing like that. You're sweet and thoughtful, and... kind of a jerk sometimes," she added with a shy smile. "But in the best way."

Taehyung smirked, his gaze softening as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Kind of a jerk, huh?"

Jungkook giggled, resting her head against his shoulder. "You're still intense, though," she admitted, her voice tinged with fondness. "But it's different now. It feels... safe. Like I can trust you with anything."

Taehyung's smirk faded into a tender smile as he pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. "You can," he said simply, his voice steady and reassuring. "Always."

Jungkook tilted her head to look up at Taehyung, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Okay, enough about me," she said, her tone teasing but edged with genuine interest. "What about you? What did you think of me when we first met?"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with amusement. "Oh, you really want to know?" he asked, his voice low and playful.

Jungkook nodded eagerly, her hands gripping the front of his shirt. "Yes! And be honest. Don't sugarcoat it."

Taehyung leaned back slightly, resting one arm on the bed to prop himself up as he gazed at her thoughtfully. "Alright," he began, his voice slow and deliberate. "When I first met you, you struck me as... a stubborn chatterbox."

Jungkook's mouth fell open, her eyes widening in offense. "Excuse me? Chatterbox?"

Taehyung smirked, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting. He leaned closer, his voice low and teasing as he continued, "Oh yes, a chatterbox."

Jungkook gasped, her face turning an even deeper shade of red as she crossed her arms in front of her. "I do not talk that much!"

"Mm," Taehyung hummed, tapping his chin as if considering her words. "Maybe not that much, but enough to make me wonder if I would ever get a chance to speak at all."

He gave her a mischievous wink, clearly enjoying every moment of her reaction. Jungkook opened her mouth to argue, but Taehyung quickly cut her off by gently tap her nose with his finger.

"You didn't stop talking," he teased. "Even when I wasn't listening, you'd just keep going. I'd never met someone so determined to make their point, no matter how many times I brushed them off."

Jungkook huffed as she pouted. "Well, I had to! You were impossible to talk to back then, all mysterious. Someone had to break through that thick wall of yours."

Taehyung smiled, his gaze softening as he brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. "And you did," he admitted quietly. "You were relentless, stubborn, and... impossible to ignore."

Jungkook's pout began to fade, replaced by a small, shy smile. "Really?"

"Really," Taehyung said, his voice warm and sincere. "But that's not all. Underneath all that stubbornness was... beauty. Not just the way you look," he added quickly, his fingers lightly tracing her cheek. "But the way you carry yourself, the way you care about the people around you. You're strong, but soft. Sharp, but kind. It's... captivating."

Jungkook's cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head slightly, her smile growing wider. "You're just saying that," she murmured, though her voice betrayed her delight.

"I'm not," Taehyung said firmly, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. "I mean every word. You're a beautiful, stubborn chatterbox, and I wouldn't change a single thing about you."

Jungkook let out a soft laugh, her heart swelling at his words. "You're really good at this, you know," she said, her voice tinged with awe.

"You know," he began, his voice dripping with playful accusation, "you talk about my so-called ego, but you were no less stubborn."

Jungkook's brows furrowed, a pout forming on her lips. "I wasn't stubborn," she retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Oh really?" Taehyung countered, his eyebrows raising in surprise. "Remember the car crash?"

Jungkook froze, her eyes widening slightly. "Uh... w-what car crash?" she stammered, feigning ignorance.

Taehyung leaned closer, his voice dropping an octave as he smirked. "The one where your majestic car rammed into my parked one... and somehow you still put all the blame on me."

Jungkook's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her face heating as the memory flooded back. "T-that was an accident! And, to be fair, your car shouldn't have been parked there in the first place," she argued, trying to salvage her dignity.

"Ah-hah! Back to square one. It was a parking lot, Jungkook," Taehyung pointed out dryly, his tone laced with amusement. "The exact place cars are meant to be parked."

Jungkook let out an indignant huff, glaring at him as her cheeks turned redder. "Okay, fine! Maybe that was a tiny bit my fault, but—"

"But nothing," Taehyung interrupted, his smirk turning devilish. "And let's not forget the office incident. You were hellbent on proving me wrong, even though I wasn't."

Jungkook's eyes narrowed as she tried to recall the exact incident, only for her stomach to sink when it clicked. "Oh..." she muttered, looking sheepish. "That."

"Yes, that," Taehyung said, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "You stormed into my office and went on a whole rant about how I ain't the CEO. And guess what? I was The CEO."

Jungkook bit her lip, her gaze darting away as she fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "Well... everyone makes mistakes," she mumbled weakly.

Jungkook finally looked up at him, her pout deepening.

"Are you done yet?" she grumbled, though her tone lacked any real heat.

"Oh, and how could I forget," Taehyung  continued, "the day you barged into my house and accused me of trespassing?"

Jungkook blinked, her face scrunching up in confusion. "What? When did I—"

"Don't play coy now, Mrs. Kim." Taehyung chuckled, tilting his head as he reminisced. "You were in sneaking in the pool area, eyes darting everywhere and then, looked me dead in the eye, and demanded, 'What are you doing here?' Like I was some thief squatting in my own pool area."

Jungkook's eyes widened as the memory came rushing back. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink. "Oh no..."

"Oh yes," Taehyung continued, clearly enjoying himself. "And when I told you it was my house, you didn't even apologize. No, you doubled down and accused me of—what was it again?—'don't follow me like roadside Romeo and this is respected rich man's mansion.'"

Jungkook groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Stop, stop! I didn't know it was your house! You weren't supposed to be... living somewhere that fancy!"

"Excuse me?" Taehyung got offense, crossing his arms. "And what did you thought about me then?"

Taehyung challenged, his brow arching.

Jungkook hesitated, biting her lip as she considered her words. "The... arrogant CEO.... who doesn't even bother with a home because he practically lives in his office."

Taehyung stared at her for a moment and then shook his head in disbelief.

Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms. "It made sense at the time, okay? You always acted so... detached, like you didn't care about things like homes or personal spaces."

Taehyung smirked, leaning closer to her. "And yet, here we are. Me, the detached CEO, and you, my very attached wife."

Jungkook glared at him, though her lips twitched with a suppressed smile. "I was wrong, alright? Stop rubbing it in."

"Oh no," Taehyung countered, pulling her into his arms.

"Fine," she muttered against his chest, her voice muffled but tinged with laughter.

As their laughter subsided, Jungkook suddenly went quiet. Taehyung noticed the shift almost immediately, his teasing grin fading as he watched her expression change. She bit her lower lip, her brows furrowing slightly as if a memory had resurfaced.

"Mrs Kim," he called softly, tilting her chin up with a gentle touch. "What's wrong?"

Jungkook blinked up at him, her eyes glossy with unshed tears. Her lips trembled as she whispered, "I just... I remembered something."

Taehyung's concern deepened. "What is it?"

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, fiddling nervously with the hem of his shirt. "Back when we... when we first met during that car crash," she began, her voice shaky. "I... I said something horrible to you."

Taehyung tilted his head, searching her face. "Horrible?"

Jungkook sniffled, her small hands curling into fists. "I called you a rich father's spoiled son," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I didn't know anything about you, and I just assumed..."

Realization dawned on Taehyung's face, but before he could respond, Jungkook's tears spilled over.

"I was so wrong!" Jungkook cried, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You're nothing like that. You've worked so hard for everything you have and you're so kind, and caring, and—"

"Jungkook," Taehyung interrupted, his voice gentle but firm.

But she shook her head, her tears streaming faster. "No! You've always been patient with me, even when I was stubborn and mean, and I just—"

Taehyung couldn't help but chuckle softly, pulling her into his arms and cradling her against his chest. "You're really crying over this now?" he teased, stroking her hair.

Jungkook buried her face in his chest, her small hands clutching his shirt as her shoulders shook. "I feel so guilty! I was awful to you, and you didn't deserve it."

Taehyung smiled, his heart warming at her genuine remorse. "Hey," he murmured, cupping her cheek and wiping her tears with his thumb. "It's okay. You didn't know me back then. And honestly, I thought it was kind of cute how fiery you were."

Jungkook sniffled, looking up at him with wide, teary eyes. "Cute? I was a menace!"

"A very adorable menace," he corrected, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. "And for the record, I didn't remember it. If anything, I think it's hilarious now."

Jungkook pouted, her tear-streaked face making her look even more endearing. "You're too nice," she mumbled, her voice still thick with emotion.

Taehyung chuckled, holding her closer. "Only for you, Mrs. Kim."

"I'll make it up to you," Jungkook promised, her voice soft but determined.

Taehyung gently cupped Jungkook's face, his thumb brushing away the last traces of her tears. "Jungkook," he began, his voice soft but laced with a heavy weight, "you don't need to feel guilty. If anything, we're even."

Jungkook frowned at his words, her brows knitting together. "Even? How does that make sense?"

Taehyung exhaled deeply, his shoulders sinking as he shifted beside her. For a moment, he seemed to grapple with his thoughts, his gaze dropping to their joined hands.

"Because I did something horrible to you, too," he admitted quietly.

Jungkook blinked, confused. "What are you talking about?"

Taehyung's jaw clenched briefly, and he looked back up at her with guilt pooling in his dark eyes. "The way I forced you into this marriage. On gunpoint," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Her breath hitched at his words. Though the memory was distant now, the emotions tied to it were still sharp.

"I didn't want to," Taehyung continued, his voice cracking slightly. "I—I came to you that day to ask, properly, to talk to you. I was ready to tell you everything and to plead for your help. But... Kara happened."

"Mother?" Jungkook asked, the name dripping with disdain as it rolled off her tongue.

He nodded, bitterness flashing across his features. "She intercepted me. She knew I was going to see you, and she made sure I couldn't. I don't even know how, but by the time I realized, it was too late. My mother..." His voice wavered as his grip on her hands tightened. "She didn't have time, Jungkook. That poison was working fast and I needed to act. I needed you. The marriage was the only way to ensure she wouldn't... wouldn't..."

Jungkook's heart sank as she watched him struggle, his strong facade cracking under the memory. She remembered Soomin's dire situation and how she helped her.

Taehyung took a shaky breath and continued, "I was desperate and confused. And instead of finding another way, I chose the most ruthless option. I hurt you. I dragged you into my chaos without giving you a choice, and it's something I'll regret for the rest of my life."

Jungkook's lips parted, but no words came.

"I wanted to do things right," he added, his voice thick with remorse. "But I let panic and Kara's manipulation cloud my judgment. I made you hate me. And the thought of that still... it tears me apart."

Jungkook reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing his cheek. "Taehyung..."

He closed his eyes at her touch, leaning into her palm like it was the only thing anchoring him. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "If I could go back, I'd do everything differently. I'd protect you from all of it, Jungkook. You deserved better than how it started."

Her heart clenched, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes again—not from guilt this time, but from the depth of his confession.

Jungkook shook her head softly, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I don't hate you, Mr Kim. I never did. I was angry, yes and hurt... but even then, deep down, I think I understood. And now, knowing everything, I... I forgive you."

Taehyung's eyes snapped open, disbelief flickering across his face. "You... you do?"

Jungkook nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "We've both made mistakes. But look at us now. We're here, together, and..." Her voice broke slightly as she cupped his face with both hands. "You've made me happier than I ever thought I could be."

Taehyung's lips trembled, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to truly exhale. Pulling her into his arms, he held her tightly, his face buried in the crook of her neck.

"You're too good to me," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

"And you're too hard on yourself," she countered, her fingers gently tracing circles on his back.

For a moment, they simply held each other, their shared guilt and pain melting into something warmer, something healing. Their past mistakes no longer defined them; they were merely the stepping stones to the love they now shared.

Taehyung pulled back slightly, just enough to look into Jungkook's teary eyes. His hands cradled her face as if she were the most precious thing in the world, his thumbs brushing her cheeks tenderly.

Her giggle bubbled up, light and free, as she playfully poked his chest. "You're such a charmer. No wonder the entire family thinks you're perfect."

He smirked, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes. "Well, I wouldn't say entire. I seem to recall someone once calling me a spoiled rich kid who only knows how to break hearts."

Jungkook winced at the reminder, her hands coming up to cover her face. "Oh my God, don't remind me of that. I was so mean."

Taehyung gently tugged her hands away. "You were feisty," he corrected, "and maybe a little judgmental. But look at you now."

"Look at me now?" she repeated, narrowing her eyes at him, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

"Married to the so-called spoiled rich kid," he teased, pressing a kiss to the tip of her nose. "And completely smitten with him."

Jungkook scoffed, though her cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. "Who said I'm smitten?"

"Oh, you are." Taehyung's hand moving to tangle in her hair. "I can see it every time you look at me. It's adorable."

Jungkook huffed though her hands clutched the front of his shirt as if she didn't want him to move away. Jungkook rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Her fingers toyed with the buttons of his shirt absentmindedly.

They stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, the past momentarily forgotten as the warmth of their love enveloped them completely.

Jungkook's breathing slowed, her body relaxing against his as she nestled closer to him. Her eyelids fluttered shut, Taehyung's touch and his heart beneath her ear lulling her into a peaceful sleep.

And in his arms, Jungkook finally allowed herself to drift into a deep slumber, knowing that no matter what, she was safe with him.

Unknown to them, the poison was now becoming something far stronger. It wasn't just a shadow at the edge of her awareness.

No, it began to curl around her insides like an unyielding knot.

Their moment acted as a catalyst for the poison to grow.

The poison—Jungkook's body was rejecting it, fighting back, but it was no longer something she could ignore. The earlier moments, the closeness with Taehyung, had only served to make the curse more potent.

In sleep, Jungkook's thoughts began to cloud. Her head spun, her chest tightened as the poison pushed further, digging deeper into her system. She felt a coldness, a sharpness, like icy fingers creeping up her spine, warning her of the danger she was unaware of.

A single tear slipped quietly down Jungkook's cheek, its delicate path tracing the curve of her soft skin. It trembled as if reluctant to fall, yet it couldn't hold back. The faint moonlight that filtered through the window caught its shimmer, making it glow briefly in the darkness—like a memory of something both beautiful and tragic.

The tear fell onto Taehyung's hand, still resting gently on Jungkook's lap. He didn't move immediately. But the touch of the tear, cool and damp, sent a shiver down his spine.

His frown deepened as he slowly turned his gaze toward Jungkook's face, still peaceful in sleep, unaware of the battle she silently fought within. The tear's delicate path had not gone unnoticed by him.

The tension in Taehyung's jaw tightened, his chest tightening with the sudden realization that something was wrong. His gaze softened as he watched her face.

He brushed his thumb over the place where the tear had fallen as if he could erase the sorrow it had carried. His mind raced but he didn't move. Taehyung was oblivious to the silent battle raging within her. He continued to caress her softly, his touch tender as he admired the beautiful wife in his arms.

Little did he know, the poison was slowly tightening its grip on her and it wouldn't be long before its consequences became too great to ignore.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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