Jungkook

The city lights painted streaks of color on the car window as we drove through the streets, Reva and I in the back seat, lost in our thoughts. Tonight, our destination was the mansion of one of my father's old friend, whose wife was celebrating her 60th birthday.

Truth be told, I wasn't particularly enthusiastic about attending. All I wanted to do was spend the night at home, much like we had done a month ago.

As we approached the grand mansion, my mind involuntarily drifted back to that night. It wasn't just the movie and the burgers; it was the genuine laughter and the mutual appreciation that had made it so memorable. I couldn't remember having moments like that with anyone else, probably ever.

It wasn't that I lacked acquaintances - I knew enough people in the city to recognize practically half of it by name. But real bonds, close friendships, were another story. It made me realize how much I valued being with Reva because the simplicity and comfort of being understood was a rarity in my life.

As Kangmin, my driver, skillfully navigated through the gates, the magnificence of the mansion unfolded before us. The driveway was a spectacle of wealth, lined with an array of vehicles, and a stream of people gracefully exiting their cars. The mansion itself stood as a testament to affluence, bathed in warm light against the dark sky.

Our car slowed to a stop, and I couldn't help but notice the lack of conversation between Reva and me during the entire drive. A little voice in my head suggested it was the disagreement we'd had before we left.

I chuckled, remembering the exchange that had triggered her annoyance. I had casually asked if she was ready, a routine question that usually carried no weight. Today, however, it had ignited a brief irritation in her, caused by her eyeliner mishap, which was crooked apparently. We both knew it was nothing serious, as evidenced by the way she looked out the window, absorbed in thought.

Despite the verbal spat, I couldn't help but admire the effort she had put into her appearance. There was something different about her tonight. A certain charisma, perhaps, or the dress with its two thin straps studded with shiny jewels that emphasized her perfect shoulders. It was a subtle change, but enough to catch my attention and evoke a sense of appreciation for the woman sitting next to me.

I stepped out of the car, maintaining the chivalry that was ingrained in my character. As I made my way to Reva's side, standing a little closer than usual, a warm smile crossed my face. I offered my hand, silently inviting her to join me in the celebration. The night air carried the soft hum of the gathering, and the glittering lights of the mansion reflected in her gray eyes.

With a lighthearted wink, I couldn't resist bringing up the earlier mishap with her makeup. "Still mad about the eyeliner?" I asked, my tone teasing.

Reva laughed, the sound revealing a small dimple under her eye. "I fixed it, or at least I think I did," she replied with a shrug, the irrelevance of the matter fading in comparison to the captivating night around us.

My focus remained solely on Reva. I brought her hand to my mouth and placed a delicate kiss there. "You look wonderful regardless," I whispered, the intimate gesture conveying a silent reassurance.

The quiet caress held our attention, a small, private exchange amidst the glamour of the party and the distant presence of the paparazzi behind the gates. I had forgotten about them, despite recognizing some of them as we had passed through the gates. The flashes of several cameras reached us, albeit at a good distance.

We walked up to the entrance of the mansion, the soft melody of music and the hum of people's chatter filling the grand salon where the main event was taking place.

Greeted by the hosts, Reva and I wished Elenora a happy birthday and exchanged pleasantries before engaging in brief but friendly small talk. The atmosphere was lively, with an open buffet of appetizers beckoning guests, while butlers dressed in all black paced around, offering trays of food and serving drinks.

Soft music played in the background, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that matched the Victorian-style decor. The large chandelier hanging from the ceiling bathed the room in a warm glow.

As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the meticulous details - the ornate furnishings, the subtle aroma of flowers, and the refined taste that adorned the room. It wasn't my type of interior design, but it suited the couple perfectly.

I remembered the last time I'd been here for an event I couldn't quite place. The floor below had been cherry, and now it gleamed in the warm tones of oak.

Reva, too, seemed to let her eyes roam, praising everything, including her admiration for the vases of fresh flowers that marked the evening.

The hosts, graciously acknowledging our compliments on the interior, continued the conversation. "Thank you both for coming. It's a pleasure to have you here," her husband said warmly.

Reva smiled. "The pleasure is ours. Happy birthday again! How does it feel to reach such an exciting age?"

Elenora squeaked a laugh, soft and natural. "Oh, it's been quite a journey, but each year brings new joys. We're grateful for the celebration and the presence of wonderful guests like you."

Reva politely thanked the hosts for the invitation, and they continued their pleasant exchanges. Elenora couldn't help but admire Reva's dress and remarked how beautiful she looked.

"Darling, that dress looks breathtaking on you. It suits your elegance so well," Elenora enthused with a big smile. Reva smiled shyly, despite her usual reserve at such events. It was a rare but delightful sight.

Elenora then turned her attention to me, expressing a sentiment that always earned my approval. "You are a very lucky man, my dear. Having such a wonderful wife is a true blessing."

Reva's coy smile persisted, and I wrapped a respectful hand around her small waist. The affectionate gesture, appropriate to the occasion, drew approving nods from the elderly couple.

Taking inspiration from Elenora, I replied, "I consider myself the luckiest man, indeed." My words were accompanied by a knowing glance in Reva's direction, catching a glimpse of her playfully rolling her eyes. It always amused me how she could dismiss my compliments, but deep down I knew she did enjoy them.

As Eduard delved into topics related to work and the stock market, I added to the dialogue, providing insights and updates. The ladies talked about their own interests, creating a soft buzz of voices around us. After a while, Eduard shifted the conversation to a more personal note, asking about my father.

His question brought my attention back to the room, and I scanned the crowd until I spotted my parents in the distance. Despite the passage of time, the lingering effects of our argument had left an unsolved sourness between my mother and me.

Eduard, being an old friend, sensed the awkwardness of the mood and tactfully suggested that Elenora mingle with the other guests. They excused themselves, leaving Reva and me to our own company.

The room was filled with familiar faces, and the night progressed with chatter and laughter. Reva's delight was obvious when a passing butler offered her an appetizer from his tray. She recognized the culinary touch of her friend Jin, identifying the secret ingredients he always added to his creations. Her eyes scanned the room to see if Jin was among the guests.

Watching her, I scratched the side of my face, my thoughts momentarily elsewhere. An hour flew by, filled with various interactions with other couples and acquaintances.

Reva, feeling the need for a moment's breather, excused herself to the bathroom. I had noticed the sparkle of her lip gloss, the subtle allure that had caught my attention throughout the night. Rubbed off from eating and chatting, she sought a moment to reapply and restore that spellbinding shine.

The soft clicking of her high heels echoed in my ears as Reva departed, leaving me hypnotized by the sight of her bare arms and the effortless rhythm of her walk. Sipping my drink, I savored the delicate class that defined her every move.

Amidst the crowd, my attention was suddenly drawn to an approaching figure.

Stella.

Her once familiar blue eyes met mine, accompanied by a smile that stirred no emotions in me. She halted before me, and I noticed the absence of the hug that usually marked her greetings. The last time I had encountered her, I had been in a different state of mind, a tense period leading up to my arranged marriage. I had craved solitude then, and Stella had been forced to leave.

Breaking the silence, she greeted me with a simple "Hi."

"Hello," I replied, a hint of suspicion lingering in my gaze. I detected no sign of a date or friend accompanying her, causing me to question her presence. "What are you doing here?" I inquired, truly curious as to the circumstances that had resulted in her being at this event.

She offered a straightforward answer. "I came with Nick, Elenora's nephew. I'm his date for the night. I saw you from across the room and thought I'd say hello."

I acknowledged Stella's mention of coming with Nick without delving into the details of their connection. I knew him from my high school days, as we had shared a few classes back then. When Stella's gaze shifted to my hand, holding a glass of drink, I felt her curiosity linger on the ring that adorned my finger.

She didn't waste much time, her direct nature surfacing as she ventured into the territory of my personal life. "How's life treating you?" she inquired, probing for information about my marriage.

"Fine," I replied tersely, offering a brief but sufficient answer. Stella, however, wasn't one to keep a conversation on the surface.

Observing my ring, she pivoted to the subject of our wedding photos, hinting at the paparazzi's fondness for my wife. There had been articles about how her wedding gown was a perfect match for our outdoor venue.

"They seem to love photographing her," I admitted, my tone neutral.

Stella, always one to voice her opinion, continued, "Well, she is a beautiful woman. You two make a lovely couple. And it seems you prefer to keep your life private."

I confirmed her observation with a simple nod. Then, changing the subject, I inquired about her presence at the event. "So really, what brings you over here?" My question, though casual, carried a hint of curiosity that caused Stella to defend her innocent intentions, feeling perhaps unfairly accused.

A small pinch of conscience nagged at me for inadvertently prying into her attending. Explaining her reason for approaching me and expressing her intention to check up on me, I felt a genuine sincerity in her words. Still, a sense of unease persisted.

"I didn't mean to pry. Your personal life isn't really my business," I admitted, wanting to convey that I wasn't trying to be intimidating.

Stella replied with a reassuring smile, "No worries. I just thought it'd be nice to catch up. It's been a while."

I glanced over to where Nick was standing, his watchful eyes on us. "Your date doesn't seem too thrilled," I observed, raising my drink in a silent greeting. He nodded back once.

She followed my gaze and chuckled. "Oh, it's okay. We didn't come here as a couple or anything."

There was a casualness to her words that dispelled the potential awkwardness that had briefly hung in the air. I still didn't have much to say to her because we weren't friends. I didn't even know her that well.

Stella's lingering presence didn't escape my attention as I expected her to leave after our exchange. To my surprise, she not only stayed but helped herself to a drink from a passing tray.

The clicking sound of heels, a rhythm I recognized all too well, reached my ears and I turned to see my wife approaching. Stella's eyes followed her and showed that she had noticed someone's arrival.

Reva returned with a neutral expression, a demeanor that kept her thoughts well hidden. I didn't expect an immediate reaction from her, knowing her tendency to reserve judgment until she grasped the situation. Unconsciously, I wrapped a hand around her waist as she stood next to me.

Reva extended her hand to Stella, a gesture of polite introduction that reflected her easygoing nature. Stella took the offered hand, and they exchanged a brief but cordial handshake. Her greeting was simple. "Hi, I'm Reva."

Stella responded with a friendly acknowledgment. "Hi, nice to meet you. I already know who you are."

"Nice to meet you too." Reva, still polite, continued with a smile. "Sorry if I seem rude, but I don't think we've met before."

Stella shook her head, assured Reva that it was all right, and introduced herself. "I'm friends with Jungkook."

Caught in the uncomfortable dynamic of the introduction, I struggled with a feeling of awkwardness, unsure of what to say. Stella's claim of friendship, a misrepresentation of our past, hovered in the air, and I silently wished for her to leave so I could be alone with Reva again. While I was not afraid of the truth coming out, I longed for a moment of privacy with my wife.

Despite the uneasiness, I couldn't help but notice Reva's response to the situation. Her fingers intertwined with mine, creating a more intimate connection as our joined hands rested on her waist.

The sensation of her ponytail brushing against my chest sent a fine yet electrifying spark. Her ring, a reminder of her commitment, seemed to burn against my skin, adding to the intensity.

As Stella and Reva held casual conversation, I sensed a shift in the air, an undercurrent of something more. Reva's scent enveloped me, evoking sensations that stirred within me in a way I had never experienced before. A wave of desire threatened to overwhelm me and I fought the urge to take a deep breath.

The fact that Reva was subtly merging us into a unified presence in front of others felt undeniably like real spouses. The contrast of the situation, fraught with both tension and intimacy, made me long for a more private space where we could face the complexities of our relationship without an audience.

Stella seemed to sense the change. But my focus was on the goosebumps forming on Reva's skin. Stella's face showed disappointment and perhaps a little jealousy as she excused herself and decided to return to her date.

Reva commented after she left. "She seems nice."

She held our intertwined hands and turned slightly to face me. A smug glint danced in her eyes, and I reciprocated with a smirk.

Teasingly, she asked, "Did I unwittingly save you from a conversation you wanted to escape?"

I chuckled in response, but I detected more than amusement in her gaze. Feeling a sudden urge to clarify, I began to explain, "Stella is not really a friend. She was..."

Before I could go any further, Reva interrupted. "Your past is not my business."

Although I appreciated her nonchalant attitude, a playful impulse welled up within me. I noticed the darkness and possessive glare in her eyes, something unfamiliar yet intriguing.

With a mischievous grin, I remarked. "Seems a little territorial, though."

I gestured to our still intertwined hands at her waist. She chuckled to herself, aware of our close position, and promptly stepped back.

Persisting in the joke, I slyly asked. "Jealous, are we?"

She immediately shrugged it off. "No, of course not," she said. But her expression revealed the underlying truth.

Although I sometimes harbored my own jealousy, I refrained from admitting it, so as not to become the subject of her ridicule.

"You're welcome to live in your delusions, Kook," she deadpanned as she got mad at my knowing smirk.

With a final wry smile that did not hide her annoyance, which I found quite hot, she walked off to wherever it was she was going. I chuckled to myself and gulped down my entire drink.

Throughout the night, I watched Reva chatting with various people, even running into her friend Jin. I suppressed any displeasure and refrained from joining in, respecting the value of their friendship. The celebration continued, climaxing with Elenora cutting a large cake to roaring applause.

As the crowd began to disperse, Reva and I decided it was time to call it a night. The drive home repeated the earlier silence. When we finally arrived at the bedroom, there was a pause. Reva watched me sensually as I removed my cuff links, while I watched her carefully remove her makeup through her vanity mirror. Though words remained unsaid, our eyes spoke volumes.

Finally, Reva came to stand in front of me, her gaze lingering. She asked, "Can you loosen the straps of my heels?"

Tilting my head to the side, I knelt down and, as I had done on a certain night, deftly unfastened the straps, allowing her to step out of the heels.

Her skin was hot, burning under my fingertips. Just as I was about to kiss my way up her calf, she confidently slipped away, leaving me with a heated stare on her swaying hips.

In her enigmatic gaze, Reva turned slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips as she avoided direct eye contact. With a smooth sweep, she unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor in a cascade of fabric.

She said nothing but sauntered into the bathroom, the door left ajar, a silent invitation hanging in the air. Caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty and hunger, I cursed under my breath. I rose from my spot after what felt like an eternity and followed her, compelled by an irresistible pull.

My heart pounded as I stepped into the bathroom, the air thick with anticipation. An internal conflict waged a silent battle within me, torn between caution and the magnetic pull I felt toward Reva.

As I closed the door behind me, I found myself struggling with the unfamiliar intensity of these feelings. Why did everything feel so different with her? Why now?

Through the steam of the running shower, Reva's silhouette drew me in, and I questioned the confusion within me, unsure if it was the remnants of reluctance or the undeniable desire to bridge the gap between us.

On my way over to her, I passed by the remaining pieces of fabric on the floor - her strapless bra and thong, which for some inexplicable reason made me smile.

As I neared the shower, I found Reva standing under the hot water, droplets cascading down her body. I couldn't help but stare, wondering if it was rude, even though I'd seen every inch of her skin countless times before.

She used her fingers to soak her hair and kept her eyes on the tiled wall. When she turned, she studied me through her lashes, heavy with water droplets. I couldn't resist and slowly, purposefully undressed, feeling the heat of her gaze on me.

I wanted to believe that her inviting demeanor was a result of her earlier possessiveness, making me feel strangely wanted. It mirrored the feelings I harbored for her.

I didn't know when I'd finished undressing or stepping under the shower spray until I was completely wet and staring down at her. She seemed to be trying to hide her smile, which resulted in one side of her lips being pulled up regardless.

We were both under the spray now and my hair clung to my face. I brushed it off my forehead with one hand and Reva watched my every move as if studying me and the way I worked.

Her eyes always captivated me, even as I cherished every inch of her body. All that held meaning in my world now shimmered in shades of gray, and I found myself lost in the depths of her orbs.

Memories flooded my mind - of our first staring contest, where she had held her ground, a testament to her unwavering personality. Her eyes told stories even when she tried to hide them. I wondered if it was just me who could read her like an open book, even when confusion ruled sometimes.

The unique appearance of a single dimple under her eye when she laughed carelessly mesmerized me. A longing sprouted, a wish to hear her laugh more often, a commitment I felt compelled to fulfill.

My eyebrows must have drawn together, a reflexive response to the turmoil I often felt. Her gaze shifted away from my eyes as I stepped closer, and she pressed her thumb to my forehead, soothing the line that I knew would become a permanent wrinkle in my aging years.

A small smile curled her lips, and her eyelids dropped darkly and sensually. Emotions rushed through me, a flood of feelings begging to be expressed.

I wanted to tell her how she had changed the course of my life, bringing a sense of peace whenever I came home to find someone waiting for me in what had once been a lonely room.

I longed to share the realization of my altered perspective, to admit that my initial resentment toward the universe for silently dictating a union chosen by my parents had been wrong.

In that intimate moment, I wanted to tell her that. But I couldn't.

Not when she slowly kissed her way down my chest until she was kneeling on the tiled floor. Not when she read the sudden lust in my eyes and smiled as I throbbed with the heat racing through my veins.

Not when she granted me pleasure and closed her warm mouth around my length, slowly working her way to the base as the water felt a thousand times hotter.

Not when she was so good at what she was doing that every muscle in my body tensed and I was barely able to focus. Not when I managed to open my eyes as a deep groan left my chest and I was struck by how beautiful she looked as she stared up at me, tears or perhaps just water running down the sides of her eyes.

Not when my left leg began to tremble and I praised her for being such a good girl, for making me feel so good. Not when the water from the shower made her flinch every time it splashed into her face, making me lean forward and brace my hands against the wall to shield her.

Not when I moaned in pleasure and told her to pull back, but she kept going faster and faster until I couldn't hold it back and spilled all I had down her throat.

Not when I pressed my thumb to her lips, silently begging her to open so I could see. Not when she smiled proudly and I was even more furious.

Because I was a fool. Because I just fucking couldn't.

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A/N: this is one of my favorite chapters 🫶🏼

I will be at work until the end of this week so I won't be able to write much. That's why I'm setting the votes a little higher to give myself enough time. 460 <3