🥀 𝟓𝟑. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Enjoy 🌸

Next Morning

Jungkook's eyes slowly opened. Blinking away the remnants of sleep and adjusting to the sharp morning light, the first thing she noticed was a denim material. Her fingers brushed against the material as she rubbed her eyes. Then, her eyes trailed up to find Taehyung above her, his back against the headboard, his head tilted slightly.

With a flutter in her chest, Jungkook realised she was resting on Taehyung's lap.

Taehyung was still seated at the edge of the bed, his back leaning awkwardly against the headboard, one arm draped over her protectively. His head was tilted slightly to the side, his features softened in sleep. Dark strands of hair fell over his forehead, his lips parted as he breathed. Jungkook noticed how his eyelashes cast soft shadows against his skin.

A tender smile crept onto her face as she watched him. He must have stayed up with her through the night, comforting her, despite the uncomfortable position. Her heart clenched at the thought, gratitude and guilt filling her.

Carefully, Jungkook shifted, her fingers gently brushing his hair from his face. She noticed the faint lines of tension on his brow, even in sleep, and she couldn't help but wonder if it was because of her—because he'd taken on her burdens as his own.

Jungkook sat up slowly, trying not to disturb him. But as she shifted, Taehyung stirred, his hand tightening around her waist. His head tilted slightly and his eyes fluttered open, still hazy with sleep. For a second, they seemed to search, unfocused, until they landed on her, softening instantly. The sleepiness in his gaze melted into something warmer.

Their positions were close, almost intimate.

Jungkook's hand had come to rest against his chest. Her other hand was pressed down on the bed, supporting her as she sat on him. His arm remained loosely draped around her waist, almost as if, even in his half-awake state, he didn't want her to go anywhere.

"Good morning," Jungkook whispered, her voice barely above a breath, not wanting to disturb the calm surrounding them.

Taehyung blinked, straightening slightly, his face relaxing as he let go of the tension from sleeping upright.

"Good morning," he murmured, his voice low and rough from sleep. His eyes traced over her face, noting the faint traces of last night's emotions that still shadowed her features.

He looked down at her with concern, "How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook bit her lip and nodded, though he caught the slight hesitation in her eyes. She was still piecing things together, yet trying to appear as calm as possible.

"I'm... better," Jungkook replied softly.

Taehyung nodded, his eyes holding hers with an understanding beyond words.

"Good," he murmured, his voice almost a whisper, as if louder words might shatter the delicate calm she'd found.

Jungkook notice the gloomy aura around them. Her chest tightened, and instinctively, she placed her hand on his. She didn't want that gloomness to settle around them, not now, not after the night they'd just shared.

Clearing her throat, Jungkook gave him a soft nudge.

"Offo, Mr. Kim, you're acting too serious! Come on! Let's get ready for the office," Jungkook exclaimed, her tone chirpy as she brushed off the previous day's emotions. She pulled off the duvet, the fabric falling to the side, and stepped onto the floor with a little bounce in her step.

Taehyung watched as Jungkook pulled herself from the bed, her sudden energy catching him off guard. He could see the effort she was making, the brightness in her voice and even the little bounce in her step—all of it meant to lift the heavy air between them.

Crossing the room in big strides, Jungkook began to rummage through his wardrobe. Her voice was bright but her beautiful doe eyes couldn't fully mask what she felt.

"Maybe I'll even pick out an outfit that will make you smile," Jungkook added, shooting him a teasing grin.

Jungkook was unusually lively that morning, moving around the room. Her voice filled the silence, spilling over with every small detail she could think of.

"And I noticed that the flowers outside have started blooming!" Jungkook said, nearly tripping over the rug as she made her way from one side of the room to the other. "It's like they just knew today is a good day. Isn't that sweet? I mean, flowers are so... thoughtful, in a way."

Taehyung's brows knitted slightly as he observed Jungkook bustling around the room.

Jungkook picked up a shirt from Taehyung's closet and held it up, tilting her head. "Or maybe you could wear this? You haven't worn it in forever," she mused, the words pouring out in a light, rapid stream as she nodded approvingly at the fabric. "But you know, blue always suits you, especially that navy one. I was thinking—"

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, noticing the extra brightness in her smile. He stood up from the bed and made his way towards his extra lively wife.

It was... too bright.

A shield that covers something just below the surface. She was carefully avoiding his gaze, her movements a bit too swift, too eager.

"Mrs Kim." His carried a subtle authority, cutting through her rapid flow of words.

Jungkook paused mid-motion, her eyes darting to him as she tried to keep her smile steady. "Yes? What is it? I was thinking that you should wear—"

"Enough," he interrupted, taking a step forward. He reached out, gently holding her shoulders to stop her. "You don't have to do all of this."

Jungkook tried to act as normal as possible and brushed off his concerns.

"What do you mean? I'm just trying to help!" Jungkook insisted, her voice a pitch higher than usual.

Jungkook attempted to shake off his grip, uncertainty dancing in her eyes, but Taehyung's hold remained firm. Taehyung watched her, his heart aching at the effort she put into maintaining this facade.

"Drop the facade, this isn't you. You don't have to pretend with me," he said gently, his tone softening as he tried to reach the truth beneath her forced cheer.

Her smile faltered and Jungkook hesitated, glancing away as if searching for the right words.

"I just thought... maybe if I keep things light, it would help," she finally admitted, her voice dropping slightly, vulnerability creeping in despite her earlier bravado. "I don't want to think about everything. It's just... too heavy."

Taehyung stepped closer, searching her face for signs of her true emotions. "But avoiding it won't make it go away. You can lean on me. I'm here for you, always."

Jungkook's lips wobbled, the façade she had constructed beginning to crack. "I don't want to bring you down, Mr Kim. I know you have a lot on your shoulders, too,"

"Mrs. Kim," Taehyung said.

The husband pulled away the shirt from his wife's hand and reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "You are never a burden to me. It's okay to feel, to express what's going on inside you. You don't have to wear a mask."

Jungkook felt the tears welling in her eyes, her heartache bubbling to the surface. "I just... I thought if I acted normal, maybe I'd feel normal," she admitted, her voice breaking.

Taehyung's gaze softened, and he pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her, enveloping her in warmth and reassurance.

In that embrace, Jungkook finally allowed herself to lean into him, surrendering to the comfort he offered. For the first time that morning, she felt the tension in her chest begin to ease, realizing that it's okay to not be okay.

Jungkook's fingers toyed absently with his shirt, glancing down. "It's still...hard to process. I keep going back to things, replaying conversations with my mother, thinking about all the signs I missed. I feel...foolish," she admitted softly.

His eyes softened but he let the silence stretch, respecting her need to voice her thoughts without rushing to answer them. When he finally spoke, his tone was quiet but filled with conviction. "You're not foolish. No one could have anticipated this. Not from...someone who should've protected you."

Jungkook lowered her gaze, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the shirt as a bitter smile crossed her lips. "It's strange, isn't it? How blind loyalty can lead you to miss what's right in front of you," she murmured, her voice carrying a quiet edge of pain. "I kept telling myself that she loved me, that whatever choices she made were for me. And yet..."

She trailed off, her eyes flicking back up to meet his, a glimmer of anger mixed with hurt in her gaze. "I was just a means to an end—an asset to be traded off."

Taehyung's hand remained on her shoulder, his face impassive but his eyes intent, catching each word she said. He absorbed her pain, bearing it alongside her in silence.

"You don't have to move past it all at once," he said, his voice low and certain. "You can take it one step at a time and I'll be here for each one."

Jungkook looked down at their joined hands, a small warmth blossoming against the hurt. She drew in a shaky breath, letting his words sink in. She realized that despite everything, she was no longer alone.

"It still feels surreal," she admitted, her fingers closing around his in return, "that someone would stand beside me... without asking for anything back." She looked up at him, her gaze softening as the anger ebbed, leaving only the ache and gratitude.

Taehyung's thumb gently brushed over the back of her hand. "Then let it be real," he murmured, his eyes steady on hers, his hand firm around hers as if anchoring her. "You've been through enough alone."

A faint, trembling smile curved her lips, a spark of relief mixed with a deep-rooted trust beginning to take hold. She nodded, letting his strength become the foundation beneath her.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Evening Time

Taehyung stood alone in the dimly lit kitchen. The soft hum of the refrigerator was the only sound, filling the quiet space as he leaned against the countertop, lost in thought. His gaze fell absentmindedly on the glass of water in his hand, though his mind was far from the kitchen.

The image of Jungkook's calm, too-quiet from the day replayed in his mind. He'd noticed the overly bright smiles, the cheerful remarks that felt just a little too forced. And her silence—her deep silence that stretched into every moment they spent together today—lingered in his thoughts.

Throughout the morning, he tried to focus on his work, but his gaze kept drifting toward Jungkook's desk, where she tapped away at her keyboard. Yet, every few moments, her movements would slow, her eyes would lose focus, and she'd drift into silence, staring blankly at her screen. Then, as if snapping herself back into reality, she'd shake her head, blink, and force herself back to work, her fingers tapping too quickly over the keys.

He knew her too well to mistake it for anything other than what it was: a shield, one she'd carefully constructed, perhaps not just for him but for herself as well.

He took a slow sip of water, his brow furrowing. There was a hollow note to her cheerfulness, like a song missing its most crucial melody. She was talking, smiling, but he could sense her forced laughter, the tremor behind every overly bright remark.

Taehyung's jaw tightened, a frustration building within him. He wanted so badly to help her, to find a way to ease the burden he could see pressing down on her.

Yet he knew better than to push too hard; Jungkook's spirit was sensitive and complex, and there were walls she needed to let down in her own time.

If Jungkook needed time, he would give it to her.

If she needed patience, he would wait for her.

And if she needed support—however quietly, however unobtrusively—he would be there.

For a long moment, he remained still, the determination in his chest calming his restlessness.

Taehyung sighed, running a hand through his hair as he thought about himself—how he managed when the weight of the world pressed down on him, demanding more than he could give. He'd built his life on self-discipline and resilience, trained to keep his burdens hidden, his emotions reined in, his face a mask of calm no matter the storm inside.

He took another sip of water, a bitter taste reaming back had nothing to do with the drink. When things grew too heavy, he knew how to retreat within himself, closing off his emotions so deeply even he struggled to find them. He would go into his work, throw himself into every responsibility, every detail, leaving no space for vulnerability.

In his solitude, he'd bury the weight, silencing it until it became a mere sound in the background, a part of him he barely noticed anymore.

But it wasn't really that simple.

The burden never left; it just settled, layering over the years. He'd learned to bear it alone because that's what he'd always done, trained to endure without complaint.

Yet, sometimes, late at night when the silence grew too thick, he felt it—the ache of carrying too much for too long.

But tonight, it wasn't his burdens that occupied his mind. His concern was for Jungkook. Her pain had seeped into him in ways he hadn't anticipated. In Jungkook, he saw something familiar—an unspoken struggle, a need to stay strong when everything around felt fragile.

His wife too, had held herself up, facing the world with a strength and resolve that mirrored his own.

Taehyung rubbed a hand over his face, wondering if his stoic ways had failed her somehow. Had his reserved nature kept Jungkook from opening up?

He wanted to be there for her, to understand and support her, but he feared his emotional distance might have made her feel even more alone.

Then, A small smile tugged at Taehyung's lips as he remembered his comfort food—the one thing that always seemed to quiet his mind, even for a while. It was an old dish, something from his childhood. The name didn't matter much; he barely even knew it.

It was a simple rice and vegetable dish his grandmother used to make for him. The flavours were delicate, the textures comforting that dissolve the stress on his shoulders.

the rice, with its light seasoning and mix of vegetables, brought him the peace he so often sought after long days filled with demands and decisions.

Growing up, he'd never understood why that dish held such power over him. But whenever he was troubled, whenever the world seemed too large, he would make it for himself, and he'd feel like he could breathe again.

Tonight, the thought of this comforting meal struck him with a new realization.

Maybe, just maybe, this could be what Jungkook needed too: a small slice of simplicity to remind her she wasn't alone in facing the burdens weighing on her. He gave a soft nod to himself and moved into the kitchen, his gaze sweeping across the counters as he took stock of what he needed.

His fingers brushed over the containers, reaching for the rice, which he set down on the counter. Next, he went over to the refrigerator, pulling open the door as his eyes scanned the shelves.

He began collecting the vegetables—potatoes, carrots, green beans—all the ingredients he knew by heart. His large hands handled the vegetables, arranging them on the countertop as if he were laying out tools before a task.

The spices were next, and he moved to the cupboard, pulling down the cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and bay leaves and more.

Once everything was assembled, he rolled up his sleeves until they bunched around his elbows, exposing his forearms.

Taehyung put the vegetables in the basin and washed them thoroughly, his fingers removing away the dirt. Next, was the rice. Taehyung measured the rice and then washed it thrice until the water became clear and less starchy. he let the rice soak in water and kept the vessel aside.

Taehyung was hardly surprised when Arathorn swooped down, perching gracefully on the countertop beside him. He gave a small nod of acknowledgement to his eagle companion.

Taehyung's hands moved to slice the vegetables. The soft scrape of the knife against the cutting board was the only sound in the quiet kitchen. He chopped carrots, potatoes and beans into small pieces, the colours bright against the dark cutting board.

Arathorn cocked his head, watching Taehyung intently, his beady eyes following each movement with an almost knowing expression. Taehyung paused for a moment, glancing at the eagle.

he noticed Arathorn's eyes gleaming with a bit too much enthusiasm. A soft golden glow started to emit from the eagle's feathers, suggesting he was about to use his magic to assist.

"Hold up, man!" Taehyung muttered, narrowing his eyes at his companion. "Don't shove your magic here."

Arathorn gave an indignant squawk, his golden glow dimming slightly as if in protest. He tilted his head, as though saying, I'm only trying to help.

Taehyung huffed, tossing a pointed glance over his shoulder. "If you're so eager to make something, go find your mate. Don't try to impress my wife. I'm more than capable of handling this myself, thank you very much."

Arathorn let out an unimpressed sound, fluffing up his feathers. He gave Taehyung a long look, his gaze almost challenging. Taehyung just shook his head, rolling his sleeves higher up his forearms with a smirk.

"Trust me," Taehyung continued, "I don't need magic to make her a meal she'll remember. I'm present here to do that task."

Arathorn let out a soft chirp, turning his head as if shrugging, then preened his feathers proudly.

The faint sound of footsteps outside the kitchen snapped Taehyung to attention. Without a second thought, he grabbed Arathorn, who gave a surprised squawk, and swiftly lowered him into a large pot on the counter. He clamped a lid over it just as the kitchen door creaked open, revealing the head cook standing there with an expression of mild surprise.

"Young Master, do you need any help?" Mrs. Han asked, her voice respectful yet tinged with curiosity.

"Ah, no need, Mrs. Han," he replied smoothly, glancing at the large, covered pot where Arathorn was temporarily hidden.

Mrs Han's sharp eyes flicked over the kitchen setup, noting the chopped vegetables, the soaking rice and the faint traces of spices dusting Taehyung's sleeves.

"Very well, sir," she said, bowing her head before giving him a nod.

"But should you need help, just call."

Taehyung watched as she left the room, closing the door behind her. The instant she was gone, he turned to the pot, lifting the lid to reveal a slightly rumpled and extremely displeased, Arathorn glaring up at him angrily.

"Alright, alright, it was necessary," Taehyung whispered apologetically, reaching in to lift the angry eagle out. "Would you have preferred her seeing you perched on the counter?"

Arathorn gave an unimpressed squawk, fluffing his feathers as if to shake off the indignity of it all. The bird narrowed his eyes as he hopped out of the pot with as much dignity as he could muster.

He gave Taehyung a silent stare as if to say, Next time, find another solution.

"You can drop the attitude," Taehyung said dryly, straightening his posture.

Arathorn clicked his beak, unimpressed, as if silently reprimanding Taehyung for the rough handling. He stretched one talon, turning his head which made Taehyung's brow twitch.

"Listen, you're here for moral support, not an opinion," he muttered, lowering his voice to a whisper as he glanced back toward the door. "If you're going to make a habit of interfering, at least learn to do it discreetly. I'm the one cooking and I don't need magical assistance to make rice."

Arathorn watched him with unblinking, almost judgmental eyes as Taehyung went to his vegetables, ignoring the eagle's look.

Taehyung poured oil into the pot, heating it until it shimmered before adding the whole spices—the cumin seeds, bay leaves, and cardamom. The spices hit the hot oil with a crackle, releasing a fragrant aroma that filled the kitchen. He stirred slowly, his gaze fixed on the pot.

As the spices bloomed, he added the chopped vegetables, stirring them. He added turmeric, giving everything in the pot a soft colour, the scent deepened to something rich.

Taehyung added the soaked rice to the pot. He poured the right amount of water, watching as the grains sank and scattered among the softened vegetables. He stirred, watching as the mixture became a gentle simmer. Steam began to rise and he leaned over, inhaling the comforting aroma, feeling satisfaction settling in his chest.

He leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms as he waited for the dish to finish cooking, his gaze fixed on the gentle bubbling of the pot. Once satisfied with the aroma and texture, he leaned forward, lifting the lid and giving the dish a final stir.

Taehyung wiped down the counters and placed the utensils away. After the kitchen was spotless, he took a plate from the cupboard, carefully scooping the rice and vegetable mix, making sure it was perfect.

Stepping back, Taehyung looked down at the plate in his hands and moved toward his room.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Taehyung stepped into the dimly lit room, the evening sun filtering through the curtains. He glanced around, expecting to find Jungkook busy with her usual tasks, but the room was empty. Then, he noticed the balcony door ajar.

Without thinking, he moved toward the door. The gentle breeze brushed against him as he stepped outside, and there she was—Jungkook, sitting on the balcony with a book resting in her lap. The pages lay untouched, her gaze lost somewhere in the distance, her thoughts were miles away from the words printed on the paper.

For a moment, Taehyung paused at the entrance, captivated by her presence. The soft hues of the sunset painted her in warm light, making her seem almost ethereal. Yet, he noticed the tension in her shoulders, the way she absentmindedly traced her fingers along the cover of the book, revealing the turmoil beneath her calm facade.

For the first time, Taehyung felt hesitation.

Normally, he was confident and sure of himself, but now he found himself uncertain of how to approach his wife. He wanted to share the food he had made, to break through the barrier of silence that seemed to linger between them.

But how?

Without making a sound, Taehyung stepped onto the balcony. He placed the plate on the small table beside the swing before settling down beside Jungkook. The swing, wide enough for two, brought them closer together, their shoulders brushing as they shared the confined space.

Jungkook flinched at his presence but quickly relaxed, looking up at him.

"What are you reading?" Taehyung asked, glancing at the book resting in her lap.

But before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung answered his question with a teasing smirk. "Let me guess—'101 Ways to Keep Bitches Away from Your Deadly Handsome Husband?'"

Jungkook giggled at his words, her laughter ringing out like music in the night air.

"Nope mister, for that case, my presence is enough," Jungkook shot back, nudging his shoulder.

Taehyung's smirk softened at her response, but he didn't miss the glint of something distant still shadowing her gaze. Gently, he let his arm settle along the back of the swing, his hand resting close to her shoulder.

"Glad to know I'm safe with you around," he said.

Jungkook offered a faint smile but it barely touched her eyes. He could see her fingers nervously brushing the edge of her book.

After a pause, he cleared his throat, his hand just brushing her shoulder.

"Mrs Kim," he began softly, voice more serious now, "it's okay not to have to smile all the time." He leaned a little closer, his gaze on her side profile, "You don't have to pretend with me."

Jungkook flinched slightly, her gaze dropping, her fingers pausing their restless movements. "Who says I'm pretending?" she replied lightly, trying for nonchalance, though the tightness in her voice betrayed her.

Taehyung held her gaze, letting his silence speak for him. "I know you," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "More than anyone, I see you."

Jungkook's breath hitched, her fingers clenching around the book, and for a moment, she couldn't look at him. The truth of his words, the certainty in his voice, broke down the wall she'd been trying so hard to maintain.

"I don't know how to let it go," Jungkook whispered, her voice fragile admitting it out loud would make the pain real.

"Everything i have done... everything i have lost. It's all I can think about, and it's like... I can't breathe."

Without hesitation, Taehyung reached out, gently prying the book from her hands and setting it aside. Then, he took her hands in his, his thumb tracing circles over her knuckles.

"Then don't try to let it go all at once," he replied, "Just... be here with me, right now."

Jungkook looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. He didn't shy away, his gaze unwavering as he held her hands firmly in his like he was offering her his strength to lean on.

"Just be here," Taehyung repeated, "The rest... it'll ease with time."

A soft smile broke through Jungkook's turmoil and Taehyung watched it with relief. The tension in her shoulders melted slightly, and without a word, he let his fingers brush over her hand.

Feeling the comfort in his presence, Jungkook leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. She let out a slow breath, one she hadn't realized she'd been holding, as if with him beside her, the weight she'd been carrying could finally be shared.

Taehyung's hand settled over hers, his thumb drawing slow circles along her skin. He didn't say anything; he knew that words weren't needed.

The quietness between the husband and wife had its own kind of solace, the understanding between them as deep and as certain as the night sky above.

The cool breeze wrapped around them as they sat there, and Jungkook closed her eyes, allowing herself to let go of the day's burdens. She sank into the moment, her breathing evening out as his presence brought her a calm she'd longed for.

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, resting his cheek atop her hair. He found peace in the simple closeness, in the way they fit together so naturally.

Taehyung's gaze shifted, landing on the covered plate resting on the small table beside them. He glanced down at Jungkook, still leaning against him. He didn't want to break the moment but the thought of her going to bed without eating after the long, draining day tugged at him.

Without saying a word, Taehyung leaned forward, uncovering the plate just enough for the comforting aroma of the food to fill the air around them. He straightened, making no mention of it, but he let his hand drift over to her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.

Jungkook's nose wrinkled a bit as she caught the scent, her gaze flicking down to the plate. She looked up at him, brows raised in surprise and curiosity.

"It's nothing fancy," he murmured, his tone nonchalant but the faintest warmth in his eyes betraying his care. "Just thought it might help."

Jungkook glanced at the food, then back to Taehyung, the small act pulling her fully back to the present.

"No pressure," he added, his voice soft, almost as if he were talking more to himself than to her. "But I'd hate for it to go to waste."

Jungkook glanced down at the plate, feeling a flutter of unexpected warmth. It wasn't just the food—it was the thoughtfulness in Taehyung's gesture, his way of urging her to care for herself without pushing too hard.

The wife reached for the plate, her fingers brushing against his as he steadied it for her. The simple touch grounded her, and she met his gaze, offering him a gentle smile as she took the plate into her lap.

"What's this?" Jungkook asked.

Taehyung's gaze softened as he looked at her, "I don't know the name of this dish," he said, almost bashfully, rubbing the back of his neck. "But... it's my comfort food. Something simple, I guess."

Jungkook took a bite, the flavors mingling perfectly in her mouth. Each grain of rice was fluffy, infused with the gentle warmth of spices, and the vegetables added a burst of freshness.

Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes. Why was this dish hitting her so hard?

It wasn't just food; it was a reflection of Taehyung's effort. The comfort food was a piece of his heart, an expression of the countless moments he had spent thinking of her and nurturing their relationship.

"This is... really good," Jungkook said, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to hold back her emotions. She looked up at Taehyung, who was watching her with an intensity that made her heart race.

His eyes softened, and he leaned in slightly, "You like it?" he asked.

"Vey much. It's more than just good," Jungkook replied, her voice breaking. "It's... it feels like home."

Taehyung's brow furrowed slightly, sensing at her words. "Home?"

Jungkook nodded, "Yeah. It's warm and inviting, like you. Every flavor reminds me of you—your thoughtfulness, your care. You put so much into this."

A soft blush crept onto Taehyung's cheeks, and he looked down for a moment, as if trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Thank you," Jungkook whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "For everything. For this. For you."

"Don't thank me yet," Taehyung teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood. "You still have to finish it."

Jungkook smiled, wiping away a stray tear. Taehyung simply nodded, content in the moment.

When Jungkook took another bite, Taehyung watched her closely, unable to hide the satisfaction in his eyes. Before he could catch himself, he murmured, "I specially made it for you..."

The words slipped out so naturally that he didn't even realize he'd said them until Jungkook looked up, a slow smile spreading across her face.

Taehyung blinked, instantly cursing himself for letting his thoughts slip. He inwardly facepalmed. He quickly tried to recover, leaning back slightly and clearing his throat as if it were no big deal. But Jungkook wasn't about to let him off that easily.

"Oh, really?" Jungkook teased, her tone playful and smug. "Mr. Ice cube made me a special dish? That's... quite unlike you."

Taehyung rolled his eyes but felt the tips of his ears heat up. "It's nothing special," he replied gruffly, trying to brush it off. "Just something simple."

Jungkook's smirk widened as she leaned in, her gaze twinkling with mischief. "So, the great Kim Taehyung—stoic, tough, impossible to read—actually made me comfort food?"

Jungkook put a hand to her heart in surprise. "Who knew you had such a soft spot for me?"

Taehyung gave her a look, "Don't get used to it," he muttered, though the faint smile betrayed him.

But Jungkook saw right through him, her grin only growing wider. "Oh, I think I might."

Taehyung shook his head and crossed his arms. "You're impossible" he muttered, though his lips quirked upward, betraying the smile he was trying so hard to suppress.

"Oh, please, Mr. Tough Guy," Jungkook laughed, nudging his shoulder. "Admit it—you like seeing me happy."

Taehyung let out a small sigh, leaning back against the swing. "If I knew you'd get this, I would've thought twice before making anything," he replied, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, his gaze soft.

Jungkook raised her eyebrow, her teasing growing bolder. "But you didn't think twice, did you?" Jungkook poked his arm. "You went all out because you secretly wanted to spoil me."

Taehyung huffed, looking away as if it didn't matter. "Hardly. I just... didn't want you looking miserable, that's all," he replied, his voice gruff.

Jungkook's laugh was warm, and she leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder, still smiling. "Right," she murmured, "because you're so selfless and not at all concerned with keeping your wife happy."

He grumbled under his breath, but he didn't move, letting her stay close as his arm wrapped around her shoulders. "Fine, believe what you want. I just made some food—no need to make a scene about it."

"Mhmm," Jungkook hummed, a smirk still tugging at her lips. "You can deny it all you want, but I know the truth." She tapped his nose lightly, her voice softening. "And... thank you, Mr Kim. I needed this."

His expression softened at her words, and though he wouldn't say it out loud, he gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze, letting his silent presence speak for him.

Sitting together on the swing, the quiet moments saying more than any teasing words could.

But Jungkook's eyes sparkled with mischief as she suddenly grabbed Taehyung's cheeks, pulling them playfully.

" You know, When Mr. Ice Cube with those pretty charcoal eyes makes comfort food for his cute, innocent, pretty wife," she declared dramatically, "he looks so cute!"

Taehyung's eyes widened in surprise as he felt his cheeks being tugged. He blinked rapidly, momentarily at a loss for words, his heart racing at the unexpected affection.

"Mrs Kim!" he protested, trying to wiggle free, but the grip she had on his cheeks only tightened, making him squirm.

Jungkook giggled uncontrollably, her laughter filling the air like a melody. "Just look at you!" she continued, her face lighting up with joy.

"You're like a marshmallow! Soft on the inside, hard on the outside!"

"Stop it!" Taehyung exclaimed.

The warmth in his cheeks was from embarrassment and amusement and he couldn't help but feel the happiness radiating from her.

"Aw, come on, Mr. Ice Cube," Jungkook teased, her eyes glinting with delight as she released his cheeks, letting her fingers trail down his jaw. "You're going to give me a heart attack with how adorable you look right now!"

Finally free from her grasp, Taehyung rubbed his cheeks, trying to regain his composure, but it was futile. "You're ridiculous," he murmured, his voice laced with affection despite his best stoic impression.

"Ridiculously happy!" she shot back, leaning in closer, her eyes sparkling like stars. "And you should be too! You made me food, and imagine you looked all focused and serious while doing it. Awww, It's such a cute sight!"

Taehyung felt warmth blooming in his chest as he watched her animated expressions. The joy in her eyes was infectious, and he couldn't help but smile back. "You really think I'm cute?" he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice, trying to maintain some of his Tough-guy-aura.

"Absolutely!" Jungkook beamed, her eyes wide with sincerity. "Especially when you're all flustered like this. It makes me want to make you blush even more!"

Before he could respond, Jungkook reached out again, this time gently poking his side. "I might have to do this more often if it means seeing you all flustered!"

Taehyung shaking his head in disbelief. Jungkook grinned, resting her head against his shoulder once more.

Soon, Jungkook savored the last bite and looked up at Taehyung, her heart brimming with warmth. She had never felt more cherished than in this moment, sharing a meal made with such intention.

"Okay, I think I'm officially a fan of your cooking," she said with a playful grin. "You might just have to make this a regular thing."

Taehyung stood and stretching his arms above his head. "Glad to hear it. But now that you're finished..." He paused, looking at her, "Get ready in twenty minutes. I'm taking you somewhere."

Jungkook's brows knitted in curiosity. "Somewhere? Where?"

He waved a hand dismissively, a smirk playing on his lips. "That's a surprise. Just trust me."

Jungkook felt her heart race at the prospect of going somewhere with him, even if she didn't know where. "Fine, fine! Twenty minutes, right?"

"Twenty minutes," he confirmed, a look of seriousness crossing his face before he turned to leave the balcony.

As Taehyung stepped away, Jungkook couldn't help but smile to herself. She had no idea where they were going, but the anticipation was intoxicating. It felt good to be out of her head, to embrace the joy of spontaneity with her husband.

Quickly, she gathered her things and hurried back into their room to get ready, her mind drifted to Taehyung and the deep hidden efforts he made for her.

His gestures were always subtle yet full of care, like the meal he'd prepared—something so simple yet so significant. The warmth of each bite had been more than just food; it had carried his silent support, his way of reaching out when words weren't enough.

Her fingers hovered over the clothes in her wardrobe, but her mind stayed on him. Taehyung wasn't the type to express his emotions openly, but he'd gone out of his way tonight, making her comfort food himself and sharing in her silence. A small smile tugged at her lips as she thought about how he'd pretended downplaying the effort he'd made for her, then slipping up just enough to reveal that he'd actually made it for her.

Every moment of his was full of an unspoken care. He'd been watching over her, noticing the things she hadn't even voiced to herself yet.

And now, this surprise he had planned... Jungkook felt her heart stir with an excitement she hadn't felt in a long time.

It was a quiet but powerful realization: Jungkook wasn't alone, not really. Even on days when she felt lost in her own worries, Taehyung's presence was there, reaching her in ways she hadn't even noticed.

── ⟢ ・⸝⸝

What surprise could our Mr Ice Cube have in store for our beloved Alara?

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Hey everyone! I can't believe we've reached half century.

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