🥀𝟒𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Enjoy 🌸

———• 2 Days Later •———

In the bedroom,

Taehyung was rummaging through the rows of neatly organized folders on the shelf, looking for the crucial company documents. His hand skimmed over a few binders when, without warning, a small pocket file slipped from the upper shelf, hitting the floor with a thud.

Startled, he knelt and to his surprise, the file's contents spilt out—sticky notes, colourful markers, cute stickers and a bunch of decorative papers scattered across the floor.

He raised an eyebrow distracted from his mission. This wasn't the kind of professional paperwork he was expecting.

"What on earth..." he muttered, amused by the random items littering the floor.

He gathered the materials and placed the colourful markers back in the file. As he picked up another piece of paper, he noticed it was a sketch—a simple but detailed drawing of a cupcake. Some stickers shaped like little stars, hearts and tiny bears were beside it.

It hit him that this wasn't just any folder. For Taehyung, it wasn't rocket science to identify the owner of the scattered things. It was Jungkook's collection.

Taehyung collected the remaining scattered papers and something caught his eye—a folded note tucked between a few stickers. It seemed different from the others, its edges were little worn out. Curiosity piqued, he carefully unfolded the paper.

In bold handwriting, it read:

"I want my man to burn the world for me, to stand at the edge of chaos and claim me as his. Not with words but with fire in his eyes and power in his soul."

He raised an eyebrow, a confused expression crossing his face. "What does that even mean?" he murmured.

Beneath the passionate declaration, there was a quote scribbled in smaller letters, one that made Taehyung's breath hitch:

"A true man doesn't just protect his love, he fights for it—against the world if he must. He doesn't need a crown to be king; he is already royal in the way he shields what is his."

Taehyung stared at the note, the intenseness of the words sinking in his mind. The idea of burning the world for someone... it was a fierce and raw kind of love, something he wasn't sure he had ever allowed himself to consider. It spoke of passion that transcended logic, of a loyalty that demanded everything.

His thoughts went to the person who wrote these, his wife.

His grip on the note tightened slightly as he imagined what it would be like to be the man Jungkook dreamed of—the one who would stand at the brink of destruction for her, who would fight the world just to keep her by his side.

For a brief moment, Taehyung felt a flicker of something unfamiliar and powerful stir inside him.

Something that whispered he could be that man.

His brows furrowed slightly as he read on, feeling like he was stepping into a world he hadn't known existed—Jungkook's secret world. Taehyung closed the note and stared at it, lost in thought.

Could he be that man?

Could he burn the world for her? Would he even want to?

The idea of such a powerful, consuming love was both exhilarating and terrifying. And for the first time, he wondered what it would take to be the man who could give her that.

Taehyung's gaze drifted back to the bookshelf. His eyes caught something unusual—a bundle of books, almost hidden, tucked behind a neat row of autobiographies and motivational reads. The spines were different from the rest, more worn and colourful.

Curiosity piqued, Taehyung reached out, sliding the motivational books aside to reveal the hidden collection. As he pulled the first one out, the cover made him pause. It wasn't the usual kind of book he'd seen Jungkook reading.

The title was handwritten in a cursive style: "Whispers of Midnight"

It looked like a romance novel. One of those intense ones he had never imagined Jungkook being interested in. He flipped it open and his brow furrowed as he skimmed through the first few pages. The prose was filled with dark, poetic imagery and dark, sensual exchanges between the main leads.

Taehyung dug deeper and found more books of a similar nature, each cover was more vibrant and evocative than the last.

Titles like "The Knight's Vow", "Fallen Embers", and "Crimson Devotion" welcomed him.

Each book contains stories of fierce, untamed love. A love story filled with longing, heartbreak, and triumph. These weren't just simple love stories; they were tales of burning desire, of men and women willing to sacrifice everything for each other.

Taehyung's fingers caressed the edges of the books. He had never imagined this side of Jungkook. To him, she was always the playful, innocent girl with a bright smile and a love for cute things. But here, in these pages, she had a hidden world—a world where love wasn't just soft and comforting but fiery and all-consuming.

His eyes lingered on the words from one of the books:

"He was her knight not in shining armour, but in darkness. The man who would burn down kingdoms if she so wished, and offer her the ashes as a crown."

A strange warmth spread through Taehyung's chest as he read the line, he felt both awe and uncertainty.

Was this how Jungkook truly saw love? Fierce, unstoppable and a force that could bend reality?

He slowly placed the book down and glanced at the other titles again, suddenly understanding that this wasn't just a secret stash of books—it was a reflection of what Jungkook might yearn for in the quiet corners of her heart. The way she wanted to be loved, desired and claimed.

Taehyung leaned back against the bookshelf, his mind whirling. He wasn't sure how to process it all. He had always thought he understood her, but this side of Jungkook felt unfamiliar like he had just opened a door to a room he never knew existed.

Taehyung took a deep breath, his hand still hovering over the closed book. Curiosity chewed at him despite the emotions churning inside. He carefully opened the book again, this time more slowly, flipping through the pages with a new awareness.

As he did, he noticed something that made his heart skip a beat—tiny, colourful doodles and annotations in the margins. Jungkook had left traces of herself everywhere.

There were little hearts drawn in the corners, some with smiley faces inside them. Stars scattered across the pages, and now and then, an exaggerated cartoon face with wide eyes or pouting lips appeared next to a particularly intense line.

Jungkook had used pastel markers and highlighters, the colours were soft and warm, contrasting sharply with the fiery passion of the text itself.

Taehyung came across a passage she had underlined in pink, the ink a little uneven as if she had been excited while marking it. Next to it, in her playful handwriting, was a note:

"Someday, I want this kind of love. Someone who will never let me go."

Taehyung's fingers traced the words, his heart tightening. He flipped a few more pages and found another note:

"Is it too much to ask for someone to see the real me? Not the 'cute and innocent' version, but the one who has dreams and fears too?"

His throat tightened at the vulnerability in her words.

The next page had a tiny doodle of a little figure hugging another one tightly, with arrows pointing to them saying, "Me" and "My future man."

Beneath it, Jungkook had scrawled: "Will he understand all of me?"

Taehyung swallowed hard. He turned the page and found an entire section heavily annotated, sticky notes plastered everywhere, some in the shape of hearts. One note stood out, written in bold:

"I want my man to burn the world for me if I ever needed him to."

And then, in smaller, almost bashful handwriting beneath it:

"But mostly, I just want him to hold my hand and be proud to stand by me."

His chest ached as he realized how much of herself Jungkook had poured into these pages. It was like seeing a secret world she had kept hidden, one that was full of longing and dreams, colourful and lively but also intense.

Taehyung couldn't help but shake his head at her doodles, the cute stars and stick-figure couples she had drawn in the margins but there was a heaviness too—because he could see just how much Jungkook desired to be seen and loved in all her complexity.

Taehyung's fingers caressed the cover. His wife wasn't just the sweet, bubbly girl he thought he knew—Jungkook had layers, dreams and desires that ran deeper than he'd imagined.

Something new caught his attention—fresh ink, brighter and more recent than the rest.

His eyes landed on a passage that had been heavily underlined, highlighted in pastel blue. Next to it, Jungkook had written something that made his breath hitch:

"My man... Kim Taehyung."

He blinked, his heart beating faster as he took in her words. There was a small heart doodled next to his name and underneath it, Jungkook had scribbled:

"The one who can see me, all of me."

Taehyung's fingers stilled over the page, his chest tightening as he read the words again. The simple yet intimate declaration made everything feel real in a way it hadn't before. He had seen bits and pieces of Jungkook's personality, her uncommon and playful side but this... this was something different.

He gently turned the page, his eyes tracing the pale pages. Jungkook had written "my man" a few more times, each with his name attached, as if trying the words out, seeing how they felt on paper.

Taehyung felt a wave of emotion crash over him.

There was something so raw and vulnerable about seeing his name written there, attached to her dreams and thoughts in such an intimate way. Jungkook wasn't just writing about some abstract idea of love—she was writing about him.

Another passage she had marked read:

"I want a love that feels like home, a place where I can rest and feel safe. I think I've found that with Mr Kim."

His chest swelled as he absorbed the depth of her feelings. Jungkook had been opening herself up to him all along, through these hidden notes and annotations. It was like finding a treasure map that led straight to her heart and he realized just how much trust she had placed in him, even if she hadn't said it out loud.

Next to one more highlighted sentence, she had written:

"My man, Mr Kim Taehyung, the one I didn't know I was waiting for."

His fingers trembled as he ran them lightly over her words. The simple yet complex words, the way she claimed him as her man—it stirred something deep within him.

Taehyung was flipping the pages but his gaze stuck on one of the pages. Taehyung gulped when he found his photo tucked within the pages of the book.

He looked serious in it, captured during one of those hectic office days when the burden of responsibility had settled on his shoulders.  His hair was tousled by the workload. The crease between his brows spoke volumes about his focused mode, revealing a man deeply immersed in his work.

But what caught his attention was the note scribbled on the back of the photo: "My ice cube."

Taehyung felt warm something cosy at Jungkook's cute yet innocent words. He could practically hear her soft voice saying it. It was a playful nickname that perfectly contrasted with his stoic nature—she always had a way of seeing the warmth beneath his cool exterior.

His heart fluttered as he turned the photo over in his hands. The nickname was so Jungkook-coded—lighthearted, sweet, and undeniably affectionate.

He couldn't help but shake his head slightly. Ice cube?

He was anything but cold to her but he appreciated the sentiment. The fact that she had kept this photo, tucked away in a place that held her little treasures, made him feel cherished in a way he hadn't expected.

But as he turned the photo over, a chuckle escaped him. Written in Jungkook's handwriting were her playful yet adorable words:

"Come on, Mr. Ice Cube! Smile a little! Life's too short to look like you're about to conquer the world all the time!"

Her words were a gentle reminder that he didn't always have to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders. He is a human, he could relax too.

Taehyung could almost hear her teasing tone as he read the note, picturing her with that mischievous grin, her eyes sparkling with devilishness. "I swear, if you keep frowning like that, people will think you're planning to take over the universe!"

This moment was a revelation.

Taehyung realized just how much her playfulness balanced out his stoicism. Jungkook had a talent for disarming him, making him feel free to let his guard down.

Taehyung tucked the photo back into the folder. He couldn't help but think about how he needed to give her a taste of that playfulness in return.

Maybe it was time to show her that he could embrace the joy Jungkook effortlessly exuded.

Taehyung closed the book, his mind swirling. This was no longer just about discovering a secret side of Jungkook—it was about realizing how much she believed in him, in them.
And the privilege of being the man she had written about, settled over him like a warm embrace.

Night Time

The dim glow of a single bedside lamp enveloped the bedroom. Jungkook lay on the bed, propped up by pillows, engrossed in an autobiography. Her fingers absently traced the edges of the book as her eyes followed the words with full focus.

Across the room, Taehyung sat on the couch, his laptop resting on his lap, the tapping of the keys the only sound breaking the silence. He was working or at least trying to. Every few minutes, his eyes would drift away from the screen, drawn to the quiet figure on the bed, whose brows were slightly furrowed in concentration.

His wife

Taehyung leaned back against the couch, forgetting about the work on his laptop. The sight of Jungkook lost in the pages of her book, made his heart swell with an unexpected warmth. He couldn't help but admire how the soft light radiated her features—the way her hair fell over her shoulders, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed and the concentrating expression across her face as she read.

He thought about the annotations he had found earlier, the little doodles and notes tucked away in the books she loved.

How her words were a window into her mind—a place where she felt safe enough to express her thoughts, her hopes, her affection for him.

The words "My man, Taehyung" written with a playful heart had stuck with him deeper than he expected.

Taehyung's thought abruptly broke when he heard small melodic giggles from his wife. His charcoal eyes darted towards the beauty in white sitting on his bed, clutching a big book in her hands. One hand cupping her mouth to prevent the giggles from passing out.

"What's so funny in an autobiography?" Taehyung asked, tilting his head slightly, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Jungkook froze, her eyes wide. Her gaze darted from the pale pages to the intense charcoal eyes of her husband.

The book she had been reading was not what she had pretended it to be. Beneath the cover of a biography of a famous author was a romance novel she had cleverly masked. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and she quickly glanced down, biting her lip to suppress a smile that threatened to break free.

Oh no, how could I have let this slip? Jungkook thought, feeling a rush of heat spread across her face.

Jungkook's heart raced as she tried to collect her thoughts, the urge to giggle still bubbling inside her. She could feel Taehyung's piercing gaze on her.

"I—I was just..." Jungkook stammered, fumbling for an excuse that wouldn't sound too ridiculous.

"The author has some funny anecdotes about writing! You know, the struggles of being a creative genius?" Her voice was a little too high-pitched, betraying her flustered state.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking up in a small, teasing smirk.

"Is that so? Because it looks more like a rom-com with you laughing like that." He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms over his chest, giving her a teasingly sceptical look.

Jungkook bit down on her lip harder, willing the heat in her cheeks to subside.

"It's not what it looks like!" Jungkook insisted but the way her eyes danced made it hard to take her seriously. She quickly glanced back at the book, wishing she could sink into the pages and disappear.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Taehyung quipped, "Maybe the author has some deep, dark secrets that are too scandalous to write about."

Jungkook chuckled nervously, her heart racing. "Yeah, maybe they needed to disguise it to avoid judgment," she replied, trying to play along while feeling her embarrassment.

Why did I think this would be a good idea? She mentally scolded herself, her stomach fluttering at the thought of Taehyung judging her choice of reading material.

Taehyung with his piercing gaze, now focused back on his work. He began typing with quiet intensity, his brow furrowing as he concentrated on the screen.

Jungkook let out a quiet breath she didn't realize she was holding, feeling relief.

Okay, that wasn't as bad as I thought, Jungkook mused, her heart rate slowly returning to normal.

With a glance toward Taehyung, she gingerly closed the romance book and tucked it under her pillow, feeling embarrassed.

Maybe I should read it in secret next time, she thought, giggling silently at the idea. Or at least choose a less conspicuous spot!

Sitting up straighter, she turned her attention back to the autobiography, trying to immerse herself in its pages. But as she flipped through the chapters, her thoughts drifted.

Why does he have to look so serious all the time? Jungkook pondered, sneaking glances at Taehyung, who was so engrossed in his work.

She tried to refocus on the book but her mind wandered again.

What if he secretly enjoys cheesy romance too? The thought made her smile and she fought the urge to giggle once more.

Maybe one day I could convince him to read one with me... just to see his reaction! I wonder if he would roll his eyes or get really into it.

Jungkook bit her lip to stifle a laugh, imagining how Taehyung would react to the romantic plot twists.

Nah, he'd probably just raise an eyebrow and give me that look, she thought, picturing his stoic expression.

Jungkook shook her head, chuckling softly to herself. Okay, focus, Kookie. She tried to concentrate on the words in front of her.

Midnight, 3 am

In the quiet midnight hour, Taehyung shifted slightly on the bed. The glow of the bedside lamp did no work in illuminating the room. He glanced over at Jungkook, who was peacefully nestled in the bed.

Feeling curiosity, Taehyung reached for his phone, the screen brightening his expression with a pale light. He paused for a moment, staring at the blank keyboard, his brows slightly furrowed.

What am I doing? he thought, hesitating.

It was an odd thing for him to consider—searching for something so far removed from his usual interests.

With a small sigh, he typed "fictional men" into the search bar, glancing over at Jungkook to ensure she was still asleep. The words appeared on the screen and he felt embarrassed.

What would I even find?  Taehyung wondered, shaking his head slightly.

He knew he was stepping into unfamiliar territory. His fingers hovered over the keyboard as he considered his next move.

Maybe it wouldn't hurt to understand what she likes, he reasoned a hint of determination in his eyes.

Taehyung quickly typed "romance novels" next, feeling a warmth spread through him as he imagined the stories Jungkook immersed herself in. As he read through the results, his lips curled into a subtle smile.

"Strong male leads," he mumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes at the overly dramatic titles that popped up.

"These guys probably don't even have to deal with work stress," he mused, his mind wandering to the characters depicted in those tales.

A few clicks later, he stumbled upon a forum where readers shared their favourite romantic moments. Taehyung found himself leaning closer, his curiosity piqued.

What do they find so charming about these guys? he wondered, intrigued.

As he scrolled, he felt a strange sense of connection to these fictional characters, almost as if he were picking up hints on how to be more expressive.

Is that what Jungkook wants? he pondered, contemplating the little things he could do to surprise Jungkook. He chewed on his lip, a habit he had when he was deep in thought.

After a few more minutes of browsing, he felt an urge.

Maybe I should give it a try, he thought, glancing back at Jungkook, who remained blissfully unaware of his midnight research.

The thought made his heart flutter just a bit.

Taehyung couldn't shake the images of those fictional men he had read about. They were so charming, so effortlessly suave and completely unfazed by the awkwardness that sometimes surrounded him.

What do they have that I don't? he thought, scratching the back of his head in confusion. He couldn't quite pin down what made them so captivating but the idea of trying to embody even a fraction of their charm intrigued him.

With a determined sigh, he reached for his phone again, unlocking it and diving back into the world of online searches. This time, he typed, "How fictional men dress."

The screen was filled with results, showcasing perfectly styled outfits, romantic settings and those classic "bad boy" aesthetics that seemed to revolve around Jungkook's interests.

Taehyung tilted his head as he browsed through pictures of sharply dressed men in tailored suits, stylish streetwear and cool leather jackets that had been designed specifically to catch the eye.

He raised an eyebrow, mumbling to himself, "Do I really need to wear a leather jacket to impress her?"

His brow furrowed in concentration, a small frown forming as he analyzed the pictures. He imagined himself trying to pull off the bold looks with the same swagger as those fictional characters and gagged at his imagination.

With a roll of his eyes, he mumbled, "I'd probably look ridiculous."

Not wanting to stop there, he moved on to the next search: "How fictional men behave."

Taehyung was curious about the traits that made them so endearing. This time, the search results flooded his screen with articles on romantic gestures, charming behaviours and flirty pickup lines.

He switched back to browsing images of charming fictional men, taking mental notes on their expressions and postures. He observed how they seemed so confident, so self-assured and wondered if he could channel even a fraction of that into his demeanour.

Finally, he locked his phone feeling a warmth settle in his chest. Taehyung glanced at Jungkook one last time, he tucked the blanket a little tighter around her.

Tomorrow, he promised himself. Tomorrow, I'll try to be more like those fictional men.

With that thought, he tucked his phone away and let himself drift off to sleep, his heart full of possibility and the warmth of the connection he shared with Jungkook.

🥀

Morning

The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains. Taehyung awoke feeling unusually excited. Today was the day he would put his newly found inspiration into action. He rolled out of bed.

After a quick shower, he stood before his wardrobe, staring at the various options. He took a deep breath, recalling the images from last night's search.

Alright, let's do this, he thought, his resolution rising.

Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, holding a crisp white shirt in his hands. He took a moment to admire it, the fabric soft against his skin. With a deep breath, he slipped it on, feeling the comfort of the cotton material wrapped around him.

Next, he buttoned it up and carefully adjusted the collar, ensuring it sat just right against his neck. The shirt hugged his shoulders perfectly. Taehyung completed the outfit with a tailored pair of black formal pants but it was the shirt that caught his attention.

It felt different today, somehow more special.

it was a part of him stepping into a new persona—a man who was ready to embrace both the charm of his wife's romantic side and the strength of his own identity.

He turned to the side, checking his reflection and ran a hand through his hair, which fell slightly over his forehead in a casual manner.

A slight smile crept onto his face as he took in the polished yet effortlessly stylish look.

He stepped into his polished shoes, the leather shined when it caught the morning light. Taehyung admired himself in the mirror, trying to calculate whether he looked the part of the charming, romantic man he had seen in the books.

Not too shabby, he thought, a victory smirk appearing on his lips.

He turned slightly, checking the fit of his shirt once more, his heart racing at the idea of stepping outside in this new getup. There was a certain thrill in attempting to personify those fictional characters—men who were confident, charismatic and completely devoted to their love.

As he adjusted his cufflinks, he couldn't help but picture Jungkook's reaction.

Then came the finishing touch: a sleek watch. He fastened it around his wrist, glancing at the time before making one last adjustment.

He rolled the sleeves of his shirt up, leaving them cluttered above the elbows, allowing the veiny forearm to be exposed. A small detail that he knew would make him look effortlessly stylish.

Taehyung couldn't help but smirk at his reflection; he looked good and he felt even better.

Taehyung picked up the setting spray. he spritzed his hair, the fine mist settling perfectly as he styled it. The spray worked wonders, allowing him to mould his locks into a shape that not only exposed his forehead but also let a few playful strands fall across his brow, softening his otherwise serious features.

"Not bad, Kim Taehyung," he murmured, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he took a step back to assess his reflection.

Next, he decided to unbutton the top few buttons of his white shirt, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his tanned chest. The move felt daring but somehow liberating like he was shedding layers of his formal self.

Finally, he reached for a sleek black vest coat that added sophistication to his outfit. He slipped it on, the tailored fit highlighted his shoulders and tapered at his waist. He took a step back, turning slightly to view himself from different angles, appreciating how the attire came together.

Taehyung reached for the sleek bottle of cologne sitting on his dresser. It was a deep, musky scent—one he reserved for special occasions.

Today, however, felt like one of those days.

He uncapped the bottle, the rich fragrance already beginning to fill the air. Spritzing a small amount on his wrists and neck, he rubbed the cologne in slow motion, letting the scent settle into his skin.

It was subtle but powerful—a bold blend of woods and spices. the musky cologne melded with his natural scent and Taehyung could feel the confidence seeping into him.

"Perfect,"

Taehyung stood in front of the mirror, fully dressed and he felt satisfied. The reflection staring back wasn't just a man trying to emulate a fictional ideal; it was Kim Taehyung. The white shirt, his rolled-up sleeves and the musky cologne all came together in a way that felt uniquely him.

This wasn't about becoming someone else—it was about embracing a part of himself that he hadn't fully expressed before. A part Jungkook seemed to love without him even realizing it.

He felt an unknown energy coursing through his veins.

It wasn't just about looking the part of the romantic hero from her books—it was about letting her see more of him, of the man behind the ice-cold exterior she had playfully teased in her notes.

Taehyung was ready. Ready to share that with Jungkook.

Ready to show her that even the "ice cube" could burn with warmth just for her.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

Taehyung descended the stairs, the coat draped over his arm and his other hand tucked in his pocket. Today, he was different—not in his usual formal three-piece suit but something more relaxed yet magnetic.

Jungkook who had been in conversation with Minjun, froze when she caught sight of him. Her words faltered and her eyes widened in surprise. The Taehyung standing before her wasn't the polished businessman she was used to seeing every morning.

Instead, Today there was something undeniably captivating about his appearance.

He wore a white shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing his tan chest to add a slight temptation. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his toned forearms and his hair was swept back with a few rebellious strands falling over his forehead. The vest coat completed the look with a touch of sophistication.

Jungkook blinked, her heart skipping a beat as she tried to process this new version of him. She had never seen Taehyung look so... effortlessly handsome like he had stepped right out of one of those romance novels she secretly adored.

Taehyung caught her gaze but remained stoic though his lips twitched slightly in acknowledgment. He casually adjusted the coat draped over his arm and made his way toward her and Minjun, feeling Jungkook's eyes on him the entire time.

Minjun continued chatting happily but Jungkook could barely focus on his words. Her mind was swirling with thoughts.

This wasn't just a change in attire—something about Taehyung's had shifted, too.

Jungkook's thoughts had gone haywire as she stood there, watching Taehyung approach. She had seen him in formal suits countless times, always polished and composed but this—this was different.

He looks like he stepped out of one of those books... Jungkook thought, her heart racing a little faster.

The way his white shirt was casually unbuttoned, revealing just a glimpse of his tan skin and those sleeves rolled up? It was the kind of look that the fictional men she had swooned over were often described with—effortless yet magnetic.

Did he... dress like this on purpose?

Her mind spun with the possibilities. Taehyung had always been unreadable and now suddenly here he was looking like the charming love interest from her secret romance novels. It was like a scene plucked straight from the pages.

Her eyes couldn't help but follow the way his hair, styled differently than usual, fell over his forehead in a way that made him look more approachable, yet still so undeniably... Taehyung.

Her gaze dipped lower, catching sight of the top buttons of his shirt left undone, revealing his tanned chest. That casual confidence, the way he carried himself, was something she wasn't used to seeing in him. The man she knew always had his shirt buttoned up to the collar, pristine and composed.

It's not like Mr Kim isn't handsome and breathtaking on other days, she thought, her heart skipping a beat, but today... he's something else.

Jungkook's heart thudded loudly in her chest. She tried to focus on her conversation with Minjun but her eyes kept darting back to Taehyung as he descended the stairs, coat folded on his arm, one hand casually slipped into his pocket.

The sight of him like this—so effortlessly suave—was making it hard for her to stay composed.

Her fingers nervously fidgeted with the corner of her skirt, twisting the fabric as she tried to distract herself. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her lips pressing together in a failed attempt to suppress a smile.

How is he like this today? she wondered, biting her lower lip slightly, feeling warmth rise in her cheeks.

Her gaze swept back to his unbuttoned collar, then to the way his rolled-up sleeves showed off his toned forearms. She swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling dry, her mind racing.

Jungkook's hand brushed against her bracelet as she absentmindedly fiddled with it, trying to calm her suddenly erratic pulse. She glanced down, her lashes fluttering as she avoided looking directly at him. But then, just as quickly, her eyes darted back, as if drawn by some invisible force.

How can someone look this good just standing there? she thought, her foot tapping lightly against the floor.

The tiniest of sighs escaped her lips as she quickly looked away again, trying—failing—to keep her thoughts in check.

Focus, Jungkook! Jungkook mentally scolded herself, but her gaze kept returning to him.

How could she not? He looked... amazing.

Her fingers, still holding Minjun's small hand, twitched a little as if resisting the urge to reach out and smooth down the strands of hair that had fallen out of place.

Since when did he dress like this? Why does he look so... relaxed yet so... She couldn't finish the thought. Her cheeks were warm now and she was grateful Minjun hadn't noticed how her attention had entirely shifted to Taehyung.

Taehyung stopped in front of them, his piercing gaze met hers and she felt frozen, like he could see right through her. Her breath caught in her throat.

"Good morning," Taehyung said in his usual low voice but there was a subtle softness in his tone, a hint of something more.

Jungkook swallowed, suddenly feeling flustered under his gaze.

"Morning..." she managed to reply, her voice quieter than usual as her eyes flicked between him and the coat still folded neatly on his arm.

Jungkook was sitting down at the breakfast table with Minjun nestled comfortably into her lap, his small hands playing with the edge of her sleeve. His innocent gaze drifted toward Taehyung, who was standing just a few steps away.

"Good morning, Uncle Tae!" Minjun chirped.

Taehyung's eyes softened as they landed on the boy. But his gaze flickered briefly to Jungkook, remaining just a second too long.

"Good morning, Minjun," he replied, his deep voice wrapping around the words, sending shivers down Jungkook's spine.

Without warning, Taehyung bent down, leaning close to Minjun to greet him more playfully but the movement brought him dangerously near to Jungkook. She felt the air shift between them, her body freezing as the sudden proximity made her acutely aware of the space—or lack of it—between them.

His breath was warm, barely grazing her cheek as he leaned in, so close that she could catch the intoxicating scent of his cologne. Her heart raced, each thud echoing in her ears and for a moment, everything else faded—the room, the breakfast, even Minjun's cheerful voice.

All she could focus on was Taehyung, so near that she could almost feel the heat radiating from his skin.

Minjun giggled softly. "I dreamt about flying cars, Uncle Tae!"

Taehyung turned his head slightly, his lips brushing just inches away from her ear as he spoke to the boy. "Flying cars, huh? Sounds like quite the adventure."

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening around Minjun as she tried to stabilise herself. Her heart pounded wildly, her pulse erratic as Taehyung remained there a moment longer than necessary.

His presence was overwhelming—each inhale she took was filled with the musky scent of him and her skin tingled with the awareness of just how close they were.

For a brief second, his eyes flicked to hers, catching the way her lips parted ever so slightly, her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. There was something unreadable in his gaze that sent a jolt of heat through her and made her stomach flutter with nervous anticipation.

Taehyung's lips quirked into the faintest smirks before he straightened up slowly. Jungkook exhaled shakily, realizing only then that she had been holding her breath.

Her eyes flickered down trying to regain her composure while Minjun continued to babble happily in her lap, blissfully unaware of the quiet storm building between the two adults. But Taehyung's gaze hadn't left her entirely—he straightened his coat but there was a lingering heat in his eyes that left Jungkook feeling breathless and vulnerable.

Soon, the family gathered around the breakfast table, the air began to fill with the clatter of dishes. Taehyung settled into his seat, his coat folded neatly over the back of his chair. Jungkook sat across from him, her eyes still darting back to him now and then, trying to suppress the smile that kept creeping up.

The subtle tension didn't go unnoticed. Taehyung's siblings exchanged glances, smirking at each other before one of them broke the silence.

"Hyung," his younger brother called out with a teasing grin, "since when did you switch up your style? I thought formal suits were your thing."

Jimin chimed in, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Yeah, what's the occasion? You look different today. Got a meeting or something?"

Taehyung's lips curved into a small smirk as he casually poured himself a cup of coffee. He leaned back in his chair, looking completely at ease in his new getup.

"Nothing special," he replied smoothly, his tone casual but laced with a hint of mystery. He took a sip of his coffee before adding, "Just thought it was time for a change... thought I'd try something new."

His eyes flickered toward Jungkook, catching hers for a brief moment before he looked away, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

"Besides," he continued, leaning forward slightly, "sometimes a fresh look can help you... step into a different role."

His siblings exchanged curious glances, not quite understanding the full meaning behind his words but intrigued nonetheless. Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, "A different role, huh? You're not giving any information, are you?"

Taehyung chuckled softly, his gaze now directed at his plate. "Let's just say... sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places."

After breakfast,

Jungkook walked down the hallway, her mind racing as she tried to distract herself from the thoughts of Taehyung's new look. She needed space, something to clear her head.

But before she could get far, a familiar voice called her name.

"Mrs Kim."

Jungkook froze in her tracks. Turning around slowly, she saw Taehyung striding toward her. Her heart skipped a beat. The hallway felt narrower than usual and the distance between them was suddenly too small.

"Y-yes?" she stammered, stepping back instinctively.

Taehyung took a step forward, his eyes locked onto hers. Jungkook's breath hitched as her wide eyes followed his every step.

One step ahead, One step back!

With each move he made, she felt herself shrinking further against the pillar, her flustered thoughts scrambling for something to say. Her back pressed lightly against the cool surface of a pillar behind her as Taehyung closed the distance between them.

"M-Mr Kim... what is it?" Jungkook managed to ask, trying to mask the nervousness creeping in.

But Taehyung didn't respond immediately. Instead, he took another step forward, then another, until the space between them became almost nonexistent.

Jungkook felt the heat of his body opposite to the cool surface of the pillar she was pressed against. Her pulse quickened, her heart pounding in her chest as her eyes flickered nervously between his piercing gaze and the empty hallway.

"W-what are you—"

Before she could finish, Taehyung lifted his arm, bracing it against the pillar beside her head, caging her in. His other hand slipped effortlessly into his pocket, his movements were slow and composed but it was his proximity that unravelled her.

Jungkook dared to glance at the hand braced beside her head, her eyes tracing the veins that stood out against his skin. His fingers, long and elegant, rested against the pillar. The sight of his hand so close sent a shiver down her spine.

Her gaze lingered for a moment longer before flicking back to his face, only to find his dark, intense eyes already watching her.

The air between them was thick with anticipation. His gaze—intense and unreadable—was locked onto her and though his expression remained calm, something was simmering beneath the surface.

He wasn't in a hurry and that unnerved her even more.

Jungkook's breath came out in shallow. She tried to focus on anything but him—anything but the way her skin felt like it was on fire under his scrutiny—but her eyes kept drifting back to his, drawn in like a magnet. Like a moth to the flame.

There was no escaping him now.

"You're... acting strange today," she mumbled, betraying her as she struggled to steady her thoughts.

Taehyung's lips curled into a small, almost teasing smirk that sent her heart racing even faster. "Am I?" he asked, his voice a low, rich hum as if the sound alone was designed to pull her in further.

He leaned in closer, his face just inches from hers. Jungkook's pulse spiked, her breath catching as his warm breath ghosted across her cheek. She was acutely aware of everything—his proximity, musky scent, the heat rolling off his body. It was intoxicating and overwhelming, and she had no idea how to react.

"Maybe I'm just... trying something new," he murmured, his voice softer now, but no less intense.

Jungkook gulped, her throat dry as she tried to make sense of the moment. She was trapped in every sense of the word—pinned by the pillar, by the heat of his presence. Her mind raced, imagining what he might do next. Her lips parted slightly, and her wide eyes fluttered to meet his. Was this it? Was he finally going to close the distance between them?

Her breath came in shallow, rapid bursts, her body anticipating more. She could almost feel, the space between them closing, her heart hammering in her chest with nervous excitement. She was ready for whatever would come next.

But just as her eyes began to flutter closed, Taehyung's lips curved into a sly, knowing smile. He leaned in slightly, his mouth brushing close enough to her ear that she could feel his breath.

And then he whispered, "Get ready, Mrs. Kim. We'll be heading to the office in 20 minutes."

Jungkook froze, her heart crashing back to reality. Office?

She had been expecting something... entirely different. Her face flushed a deeper shade of red, embarrassment washing over her as she realized where her mind had gone. Meanwhile, Taehyung straightened up, his smirk still on the point, fully aware of what she'd been thinking.

Taehyung glanced down at her, the playfulness in his eyes unmistakable.

"20 minutes," he repeated calmly, glancing at his watch before turning to walk away, the sound of his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

Her legs felt weak and Jungkook slumped back against the pillar, hands flying to her heated cheeks. She wasn't sure whether to laugh at her wild imagination or scream in frustration at Taehyung's effortless ability to drive her crazy.

What just happened? she thought, her mind racing. He was teasing her—again! And today, he had done it so effortlessly, leaving her completely thrown off balance.

Jungkook sighed, her heart still thudding as she stood there, unable to decide whether she was more flustered or annoyed at how easily he had gotten under her skin. She let out a small huff, her cheeks puffing out in frustration as she finally snapped out of her daze.

"Ugh, that man," she grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest. "Thinks he's so smooth, teasing me like that..."

Jungkook stomped her foot lightly, still flustered how Taehyung had caged her against the pillar, his gaze so intense. Her heart hadn't stopped racing yet it annoyed her how easily he could make her react.

"But why does he have to look so good doing it?" she muttered, her voice trailing off as she begrudgingly admitted how dashing he had looked.

"Seriously, who even wears a vest like that just to go to work?"

Her mind flashed back, his shirt was unbuttoned just enough to show a hint of his tan chest and she rolled her eyes dramatically, trying to shake the image from her thoughts.

"And his hair... why does he have to look like he just walked out of a magazine?"

Jungkook paused, puffing out her cheeks again. "It's so unfair," she mumbled, though her lips tugged into a small smile despite grumbling. "Why does he have to be so... perfect?"

Even as she complained a part of her couldn't help but feel a little proud.

Her husband looked so effortlessly charming and confident. She sighed in defeat, realizing she wasn't as annoyed as she pretended to be.

Shaking her head, she stood up and started getting ready for the day. "Fine, Mr. Kim," she muttered under her breath.

"You might have won this time, but just wait. I'll get you back."

🥀

Jungkook stepped into the room to gather her things, her eyes quickly scanned the familiar space. She paused by the bed, reaching for her bag when something caught her attention—the corner of her romance novel peeking out from beneath the pillow. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Oh no..." she muttered, smacking her forehead lightly. "How could I forget about this?"

She quickly snatched the book up, frowning as she held it in her hands. "What if someone sees this?" Jungkook scolded herself, her cheeks flushing a bit.

"I need to be more careful."

Hoping to avoid any further embarrassment, she made her way to the bookshelf, to tuck the novel behind the other books as she always did. But as her fingers brushed against the spines of her collection, she froze.

Something felt off.

Her gaze shifted slowly across the shelf, and then it hit her—the books weren't in the same order she'd left them in.

Jungkook's heart skipped a beat as she stood there, staring at the mismatched arrangement, her mind racing.

"No, no, no..." she whispered, her hand flying to her mouth in realization.

Mr Kim

He must have gone through her books. He must have seen the romance novels she had so carefully hidden behind all her serious autobiographies and motivational titles. Jungkook clutched the book tightly against her chest.

"He knows," she whispered in disbelief. "He knows about my tiny secret."

For a moment, Jungkook just stood there, staring at the bookshelf, her thoughts swirling in a mix of mortification and something else—something almost warm. The thought of Taehyung quietly discovering her little stash of romantic fantasies made her feel oddly... flustered but also strangely giddy.

Her eyes flicked back and forth between the disarranged books and the romance novel in her hands. The puzzle pieces started to click together, and her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink.

That's why he dressed up like that this morning...

Her mind raced, recalling how he had walked down the stairs, looking completely different from his usual formal, buttoned-up self. The open collar, the rolled-up sleeves, the vest—it was far more stylish and... dare she think it? A little romantic.

Just like the fictional men she'd often read about in her secret novels.

"Oh my gosh," Jungkook whispered to herself, her heart thudding louder with every thought.

He must've seen them. That's why he's been acting strange. He's trying to be like... Her eyes widened, and she clutched the novel to her chest. He's trying to be like one of those fictional men.

Jungkook bit her lip, her mind now playing back every moment from this morning. The way he had leaned in close, his voice low and velvety, making her heart race and the way he had effortlessly caged her against the wall with just his presence. A part of her wanted to giggle at how absurd it seemed.

Is the stoic Taehyung trying to become a fictional hero?

But the more Jungkook thought about it, the more her heart softened. He had done it for her. He had noticed her little secret and instead of teasing her or making her feel embarrassed, he had tried to step into her world—into the fantasies she kept tucked away.

Jungkook covered her face with her hand, her lips curling into a small, bashful smile.

"I can't believe him. He's such a... ugh, why is he like this?"

But deep down, she felt a warmth spreading through her chest, affection and admiration for her husband's unexpected thoughtfulness.

Jungkook stood there, hugging the romance novel to her chest, her heart fluttering wildly. A soft smile tugged at her lips, and without thinking, she whispered aloud, "How can someone not fall in love if..."

She paused, the words hanging in the air, as if finishing the thought might make it all too real.

"If he's like this?" she finally said, her voice barely audible.

Her heart skipped a beat and her smile grew wider. The stoic, reserved Taehyung had not only noticed her secret love for those fictional romance heroes but he had made an effort to become one, just for her.

Jungkook placed the romance novel back on the shelf, her fingers brushing against the spine as she sighed. Her thoughts were spinning, trying to make sense of how her usually composed husband had gone through all this trouble.

He actually tried... for me?

She couldn't help but smile at the thought of Taehyung going through her books, noticing the tiny annotations, the doodles, and the secret wishes scribbled in the margins. He must have discovered the little notes she'd written — including the one about her "ideal man."

The thought of him taking it so seriously made her heart swell with embarrassment and admiration. Her mind wandered back to his piercing gaze, the strength behind every action and how he seemed to know exactly how to fluster her without even trying.

Jungkook couldn't deny that something had shifted between them, something unspoken yet powerful.

Gathering her things, she shook her head and muttered, "He's going to drive me insane with this." But despite her playful grumbling, the smile never left her face.

Despite her best efforts to remain calm, the thought of seeing him again was making her giddy. Jungkook was used to being the one who melted under his cool, distant persona. But now, the tables had turned—he was the one trying to unravel her and she was more than willing to let him try.

Downstairs,

Taehyung was waiting, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. His eyes flicked to hers as soon as she appeared at the top of the stairs. He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk forming on his lips as she made her way down.

"You ready, Mrs. Kim?" he asked, his voice deep and smooth.

Jungkook swallowed, gripping her things tighter as she approached him. How can he be so nonchalant after everything?

Jungkook could still feel the heat in her cheeks but forced herself to play it cool.

"Yeah, I'm ready," she replied, her voice steady but her heart still racing. Then, with a playful glint, she added, "But Mister, don't you think you're acting strange again today."

Taehyung gave her a knowing look, the smirk never leaving his face. "Am I?" He stepped closer, just enough to make her pulse spike again.

Jungkook bit her lip, suppressing a smile as she looked away, pretending to be more focused on her things than him. But the truth was, his attempts—his subtle teasing, his thoughtful gestures—were working.

As they walked toward the door, she thought, I'm really falling for him. Hard

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Do you guys like the slow burn of this book? The teasing Kim Taehyung!