TAEHYUNG'S POV:

"Hello everyone! I'm Kim Y/N. I'll be joining you all for the company getaway," she introduced herself warmly, bowing in respect. "I hope we can get along well and make good memories together."

The moment those words left her lips, I could feel the shift in the atmosphere. My staff flustered, exchanging quick glances. Did she even need an introduction when everyone already knew their boss's wife? And bowing so sincerely-seriously, she was too adorable.

"This is a small effort from my side," she gestured toward the food truck behind us. "Please enjoy your meal as you board the bus."

The employees broke into cheers, forming a line to collect their meals. She had this effortless way of making people comfortable, of melting any awkwardness with her kindness-something I could never do. But with her, I was learning. Slowly.

She treated everyone with the same warmth, never differentiating, as if she wasn't capable of hatred or indifference. It was in the way she spoke, the way she smiled, the way she made every person feel seen and valued. Watching her interact with my staff, greeting each one with sincerity, accepting their thanks so graciously-it made something shift inside me.

She was so full of love. And I? I was just lucky to be the one standing beside her.

She paid for the food truck with her own monthly salary, refusing to let me cover the cost. "I'm meeting them for the first time, Taehyung. It should be my treat," she had insisted.

Just another example of how she always put thought into everything, into everyone. I loved her heart. Her pure soul. The way she loved and cared so effortlessly, as if it was second nature. The way she could never hate, even when she had every reason to.

She was everything I wasn't, and yet, she completed me-like a missing piece of a puzzle. Different, yet fitting so seamlessly, as if I lacked some values because she was going to complete them one day.

Weird way to put things but it makes so much sense. Actually, everything made sense when I was with her, even this whole getaway idea, just so that I could stick to her for a couple of days.

The night we returned from the amusement park, I casually mentioned this getaway and asked if she'd like to come along. She didn't hesitate-not even for a second. Instead, her eyes widened in surprise, then lit up with excitement as she immediately agreed.

The amount of trust she placed in me, without a moment of doubt, made my heart thump harder. She trusted me so completely, and I wanted to keep it that way.

I cleared my throat, pushing down the strange warmth spreading through my chest. "Why don't you board the bus now?" I suggested. "I'll join you in a while. It's the second one in the row." I pointed ahead.

She nodded, smiling softly, adjusting the strap of her bag before making her way towards the buses. I should have turned away, gotten back to work, but my eyes refused to leave her.

I didn't need to wonder how much I loved her yet, the morning sun that kissed her dusty brown hair, turning it into a rich, golden brown did it for me.

Beautiful.

That was the only word that crossed my mind as I watched her-so unaware of her beauty, so effortlessly herself, walking into a world that she had unknowingly brightened just by being in it.

I sighed a shuddering breath, my knees felt weak and my heart thumped for that unaware lady, "How did I get so lucky?" I asked myself.

I let myself admire her for a little longer before finally turning back to deal with some important work, suppressing the ridiculous urge to follow after her.

And after finishing my task outside, I boarded the bus, walking behind Jimin. But I should've known better-Jimin was the type to flirt with my wife for absolutely no reason.

"To what do I owe the pain of having Mrs. Kim sitting right in front of my seat?" he drawled dramatically, as if this was the most awaited moment of his life.

And of course, his wife-who was sitting right behind us-didn't seem to mind. Why? She should mind. And keep her man on leash.

Y/n chuckled softly, tilting her head. "Pain? Is it painful to have your boss's wife sitting in front of you?" she teased, easily carrying on with the banter.1

I just stood there, watching them, feeling utterly invisible as they laughed and chatted like I wasn't even there when I was right behind Jimin. As if I was just air-present but unnoticed.

"Obviously," Jimin sighed. "You should've been next to me."

I rolled my eyes. This punk. It was just a playful banter, but damn, it got me jealous as hell. How does he make her laugh so easily? Why does he get her full attention when I have to plan for hours just to create the perfect moment with her?

And how dare he say she should be sitting next to him when I've been dying to sit beside her for this picnic?! Hello?!

Then, as if his words weren't already enough to test my patience, Jimin casually reached into his bag and pulled out a can of cold coffee. With an exaggerated bow-like an overly dramatic eunuch in court-he held it out to her.

What the heck?!

"Here, a sweet cold coffee to dim the blinding light of this warm lady-"

Before he could finish whatever nonsense he was about to say, I shoved him forward.

Jimin stumbled, barely catching himself, while I slid into the seat next to my wife without a second of hesitation. Ignoring his offended glare and the disbelief written all over the two women's faces, I simply handed Y/n a breakfast kit, crossing my arms like nothing had happened.

"No coffee on an empty stomach" I said, shrugging off the situation casually. As if I didn't just push him out of my way for purely personal reasons.

The buses rumbled to life, rolling onto the road toward our getaway destination. Park Jimin finally took his seat too-right behind mine, of course-his voice annoyingly loud as he bantered with everyone.

Out of all, he had to be the one sitting behind me, right? Two things I really disliked about having him around-first, he was very keen on us (me and my wife) and second, if he was known of the tension between us then why would he jump in like a joker and ruin my setup?

Between the four of us, they-Y/n, Jimin, and Fatima-were good friends. And me? I wasn't part of their little trio. I wasn't even the CEO to them at this moment. Just Y/n's husband. A side character. A title that felt frustratingly distant for now, when she hadn't spoken a word to me since the ride began.

I sighed, slipping on my headphones in a weak attempt to drown everyone out and act nonchalant when my heart was being so painfully childish. But even with music playing, I could still hear their ridiculous laughter and chattering echoing through the bus.

She was lost in her book, casually chatting with the others, effortlessly blending into their conversation while I sat there in silence.

This wasn't how I pictured things going. I had imagined us sitting together, talking, maybe even stealing small moments just for us. But instead, she was too caught up with them, while I sat beside her like an invisible shadow.

Did my headphones make it look like I was sleeping? Or like I was ignoring them on purpose because I didn't care about their conversation? Maybe to others. But not to Y/n.

She knew me better. She had to know.

And yet, she didn't even glance at me.

I huffed under my breath, shifting in my seat. My fingers curled into fists as jealousy burned in my chest. It wasn't fair. I was right here, and she was talking to everyone but me.

I wasn't asking for much, just for my turn to come, for her to talk to me, to acknowledge that I was here, that I mattered in this moment too.

The silent ache of being ignored clenched my heart.

Enough.

I ripped off the headphones, stuffing them into my bag with a little too much force and turned my head at her. If she wasn't going to notice my presence on her own then I was going to make her.

Yn's head snapped up almost instantly, her sharp intuition picking up on my sudden movements. She blinked at me, then held out a pack of chips.

"Do you want some?" she asked, her voice light and casual.

Lub-dub. Lub-dub.

The sound of my heart beats was the only sound I could hear when the world around her slowly faded into nothing but fuzzy fragments of reality.

It was as if I was hypnotized, I couldn't hear her even though she was right next to me. Hell, I couldn't even open my mouth now. My lips parted but my tongue froze, my throat dry, I gulped and my pulse erratic as I desperately tried to memorize each detail of the view ahead of me.

My wife. My beautiful wife.

The sunlight streaming through the bus window cast a golden glow on her brown hair, turning it into something ethereal as strands lifted and danced with the breeze. Some of those stray strands clung stubbornly to her lips-glossy, cherry red, and distractingly soft-looking.

She didn't brush them away. Didn't seem to notice. She only blinked up at me, waiting for a response, completely unaware of the way she had me completely, utterly spellbound.

My lips dry as I licked them, too fixated on the sight before me-the way the glow of the sun made her eyes twinkle, the effortless grace in her simplest movements, the warmth that radiated from her even in moments like this.

She was beautiful. Always had been. But right now, it felt like I was seeing her for the first time all over again. And I wanted to memorize every detail.

Every single one.

"Taehyung."

My gaze darted down as her lips moved, shaping my name, but her voice barely registered. I was too lost in that cherry gloss to even consider the surrounding. A shiver ran down my spine as I saw her lips in a different light, and they looked different. Kissable.

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of my own breath, suddenly too heavy. The simple act of watching her speak had never affected me like this before. Or maybe it had, and I was only now realizing it-realizing just how easily she could undo me with something as effortless as the curve of her lips.

I forced my gaze away, my cheeks burning as I exhaled sharply, trying to suppress the thought that had taken root in my mind.

But it was too late. Now, I knew.

She snapped her fingers in front of my face, snapping me out of my trance. "Hey, Taehyung, where?"

I swallowed, wetting my lips as I forced myself back to reality.

"Um, yeah... well, I-uh, yeah, I'll take the book," I blurted out, reaching toward the book in her lap.

But before my fingers could graze the cover, she yanked it away, clutching it tightly to her side like I had just asked for her most prized possession. Her eyes widened, her entire expression shifting into one of panic.

"I asked if you wanted chips, not my book!" she clarified, her voice a little too hurried, a little too defensive.

My brows lifted in amusement. My mistake, sure, but why was she acting so... suspicious? I wasn't even that interested in the book until now. But seeing her reaction?

I leaned back, smirking as my curiosity piqued.

"And why can't I have the book?" I teased, watching as she swallowed nervously, avoiding my gaze.

Oh, now it was getting interesting.

"Because... because I'm reading it right now," she stammered, her face turning an adorable shade of red.

Seriously, what was she reading?

"Maybe I should continue after you, then," I mused, tilting my head slightly, watching her reaction.

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded-too quickly, too aggressively. "That's better," she said, but there wasn't an ounce of truth behind her doe eyes.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I folded my arms and leaned back against the seat. She, on the other hand, scooted further into the corner, hugging the book as if it held her deepest secrets.

It wasn't even the book that intrigued me anymore-it was her. The way she flustered under my gaze, the way she tried so hard to keep something from me, the way this simple exchange made it feel like we were in our own little world.

I liked that.

No, I loved that.

I loved having these small, stolen moments where it felt like the rest of the world faded away, where it was just the two of us and nothing else mattered. Even if it was temporary, even if she would soon go back to laughing with the others, right now, she was here-with me.

And I wanted it to happen more often than necessary, because who even set the limit for this "necessary"?

She was the woman I loved and I wanted her all to myself, yes, more than necessary, even if that makes me selfish.

Well, I wasn't trying to suppress her. She had every right to make new friends, build new relationships, talk to others more than she talked to me. My jealousy wasn't that deep.

In fact, I liked seeing her happy, surrounded by people who cared for her. I knew she belonged to the world in so many ways-a good friend, a loving daughter, a caring daughter-in-law, a beautiful person admired by many.

But she was mine, too.

My wife. My love. The woman who made my heart race and my cheeks burn. The one who unknowingly pulled the best out of me, the one who made me want to be more, to give more, just so I could see her smile.

I wanted to be her first thought, the first person she turned to-not the only one, but the one she prioritized, the way I prioritized her. It wasn't possessiveness. It wasn't obsession. It was just... love. A deep, all-consuming love that made me want to be selfish sometimes.

But wasn't that what love was supposed to be? A little selfish, a little overwhelming, a little messy?

In the end, no matter how much I tried to reason with myself, the conclusion was always the same.

I was being selfish again.

But weren't we supposed to fall in love with each other?

__________________________

A soft click echoed in my ears, pulling me from the depths of sleep. My eyelids fluttered open, heavy with the haze of an afternoon nap. Blinking against the dimming light, I saw Jimin standing before me, his camera aimed in our direction.

Before I could even form a coherent thought, he pressed a finger to his lips, signaling me to stay quiet. My brows furrowed in confusion until I felt the warm weight against my shoulder.

Y/N.

She was curled up beside me, her head resting against me so naturally, as if this was something we did every day. A shawl was draped over us to envelope us in our own warmth while we slept.

The bus was unusually quiet, I looked around and it was empty, the usual chatter replaced by the distant hum of crickets and the occasional murmur of people outside. I turned to Jimin, keeping my voice low so I wouldn't wake her.

"Are we already there?"

Jimin shook his head, a smug grin plastered across his face as he looked into his camera, "Not yet. Just a short break."

I exhaled, trying to process the environment as there was still some sleep left in my eyes. My lips curled into a small smile as I turned my gaze down at her-the warmth of her body, the weight of her trust-even in sleep, she unknowingly made me feel something I wasn't sure I could name.

"Look," Jimin whispered, flipping his camera to show me the pictures. "I made some memories for you."

I took the camera from him curiously, my fingers lingering over the buttons as I scrolled through the images.

And damn.

We looked...lovely.

One picture wasn't different from the other but they weren't just pictures; they were glimpses into something I didn't even know I craved so badly.

A look at us from the third angle.

In those still frames, we looked like we belonged-like love wasn't this complicated, distant thing, but something already blooming between us, something that didn't make it look like one-sided but shared together.

It was in the way she leaned into me, the way my head naturally tilted toward her. It was in the way our bodies fit together as if it was the most natural thing, as if they'd always meant to.

My lips curled up involuntarily. Jimin wasn't completely useless after all.

"A little thanks wouldn't kill you," Jimin smirked, snapping the camera back from my hands.

I scoffed, masking the warmth still lingering in my chest. "Invading privacy isn't something to be proud of."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Oh, please. You're welcome, Taehyung." He tucked the camera away and sat behind. "Now, if you want these pictures, you better be ready to pay up."

I scoffed, titling my head backwards, "How much?"

Jimin leaned back in his seat, his smirk widening. "You wait. I'll think of something really expensive."

I let out a short chuckle, shaking my head. Typical Jimin.

Still, as my gaze drifted back to Y/N, still lost in sleep beside me, I realized something-no matter how much Jimin tried to charge me, these moments were already priceless.

I smirked, shaking my head as I looked back ahead. Jimin was annoying, no doubt, but sometimes-just sometimes-he actually did things that made me appreciate him. Not that I'd ever say it out loud.

I glanced down at Y/N again, still peacefully asleep on my shoulder, completely unaware of the soft chaos unfolding around her. Her long lashes rested gently against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she breathed in slow, even rhythms. The way her fingers clutched the edge of her book even in sleep-it was so her, so effortlessly endearing.

I exhaled quietly, shifting my posture just enough to make sure she was comfortable without waking her.

"You're really annoying, you know," Jimin grumbled, kicking my leg lightly under the seat.

I barely spared him a glance. "If my wife wakes up, you better be ready to deal with me later," I said confidently, my voice laced with warning.

Jimin scoffed but didn't argue. He knew better.

With my final threat issued, I let my head rest back against the seat, a deep exhale leaving my lips. My eyes drifted back to her, and a thought crawled back to my mind-the faint, glossy sheen on her lips catching the dim light.

I swallowed.

To think that one day those lips would be against mine... that was a beautiful thought.

And the fact that I could see it so naturally now, after all these months of marriage, meant something. It meant I wasn't hesitant anymore. I wasn't lost in uncertainty or wondering where we stood.

I was just waiting.

Waiting for the right moment. Waiting to know that she was ready for this too-to see me, to love me as her man, without any hesitation or any second thoughts; not just a stranger she knows because of an arrangement.

Had she ever imagined it? Had she ever thought of me that way? Had such thoughts ever made her cheeks heat up?

Because I have.

More times than I could count. And though I sometimes felt guilty for thinking of her this way, I couldn't help it. I loved her. And I wanted to express that love in ways I couldn't quite explain.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I lowered my chin, resting it lightly over her head.

I couldn't wait to unlock the future where we were all loving and cozy. Where hesitation didn't exist. Where she'd look at me the way I already looked at her.

The bus would start moving soon, and reality would pull us back into its grip. The world outside this moment would return-the expectations, the distance, the unspoken words.

But for now, just for these fleeting minutes, I could pretend.

Pretend that this was normal.
Pretend that she was mine in the way I wanted her to be.
Pretend that nothing else existed beyond this bus, beyond us.

And honestly, I wished I could stay in this moment just a little longer.

__________________________

After arriving at the company resort at noon, we all gathered around the open space designated for the games. It was almost lunchtime, so the team decided to play two matches before taking a break.

Everyone stood beside their partners-some chatting, some stretching, others trying to guess what kind of game we'd be playing.

I glanced down at Y/N, only to find her stretching enthusiastically, her determined expression making me chuckle under my breath. Of course, she was already fired up to win every game.

Shaking my head, I started stretching too, mostly just to accompany her, when Mr. Bang, the team leader, approached me hesitantly.

"Sir, you didn't have to book half of this resort just for a single department getaway," he chuckled awkwardly.

I stopped mid-stretch and straightened. "Don't mention it, Mr. Bang. It's on the company, so please enjoy your holiday." I raised a hand, cutting off any further praise.

He blinked, clearly taken aback, before bowing quickly and returning to his place.

Truthfully, the company wasn't paying for all this. I was.

The company refused to cover an entire week's stay, especially at a resort like this. Their initial plan was to keep it in Seoul, budget-friendly and convenient.

But I wanted Y/N out of the city-somewhere she could relax, somewhere she could be comfortable, away from her work, schedule and Yeontan. Somewhere she only has me to spend time with. So I paid for everyone in the department, just so I could bring her here.

I didn't need anyone's thanks for it. As long as she enjoyed herself, that was enough.

"Hello, may I have your attention, my dear colleagues?!" Jimin's voice rang out through the mic, pulling me from my thoughts.

I narrowed my eyes at him instantly. What now?

"So, are we ready to start the games?" he grinned, already up to something. The crowd erupted into cheers.

"But how about some twists?" He smirked mischievously, and I immediately knew I wasn't going to like whatever he was planning.

My breath hitched slightly. What more obstacles is he throwing into my already obstacle-full relationship?

"In today's game, we'll be switching partners! Everyone will pair up with someone else!"

Another round of cheers followed-including Y/N's-as if this was the most brilliant idea for a couple's trip.

I, however, felt my entire body stiffen.

There's no way. Right?

The whole point of this trip was to spend time with her-to be by her side without work calls, play games together, get closer... maybe even confess if I found the right moment. And now this? Another twist? Just fucking wow.

I wanted to strangle Jimin right there and then. But instead, I stood still, expression neutral, though my eyes shot daggers at him.

Jimin, of course, noticed. With a smug grin, he raised a finger gun and pretended to shoot me, winking as if he'd just done me the biggest favor. I clenched my jaw.

I was already in a bad mood, my arms crossed as I stood there, watching everyone pair up and warm up for the three-legged race.

We hadn't even chosen partners yet, but just the thought of it was enough to kill my excitement. How the hell was I supposed to pair up with someone else's wife and watch mine get tied to another man?

This was not fair. Not at all.

I hated the idea of her being paired with someone else, hated the thought of another man's hands holding onto her arm, matching her steps, pulling her close so they wouldn't fall. The image alone made my stomach churn.

But what pissed me off even more?

The fact that I had to do the same with someone else.

There was no way another woman could match my rhythm like she did. There was no way I could match someone else's either. This whole thing was ridiculous.

From a short distance, I spotted Jimin standing with his wife, Fatima. I couldn't hear their conversation, but I knew exactly what that bastard was about to do. He was going to take Y/N.

As if to confirm my suspicions, Y/N made her way over to them, and without thinking, I followed right behind her.

"Jimin, have you found a partner?" she asked, excitement lacing her voice.

Jimin rubbed the back of his head, grinning. "Um, nope."

I clenched my jaw.

I hated how he was chuckling like a damn kid on Christmas while I was mentally pushing him off a cliff.

"How about us four team up?" she suggested eagerly, looking between the three of us.

I nearly sighed in relief.

She wasn't just finding a partner for herself-she was including me in the decision too. It was a shameful thing for a grown man like me to admit, but in that moment, I felt pathetically grateful.

Jimin's grin grew wider, and for a second, I thought he was just enjoying my misery. But then, he suddenly turned to Fatima, his fingers intertwining with hers as he gave her a small squeeze.

"Well, actually, we cannot" Jimin started, his voice a little softer than before, "I have something to announce before we start."

Everyone nearby paused, sensing the shift in his tone. Even Y/N tilted her head in curiosity.

Jimin looked at Fatima for a moment, like he was making sure she was okay with him saying it. Then, with a proud smile, he turned back to us.

"We're having a baby."

Silence.

For half a second, the words didn't register.

And then-

The whole group erupted.

Gasps, cheers, and claps filled the air. Someone even let out an exaggerated whistle. Y/N, her eyes wide with excitement, immediately grabbed Fatima's hands and hugged her, her voice a mixture of surprise and joy.

"Are you serious?! Oh my god, congratulations!"

I blinked, staring at Jimin, trying to process the fact that this idiot-this menace in my life-was actually about to become a father.

Jimin looked at me, waiting for a reaction, but all I could do was exhale sharply before shaking my head.

"Guess that means you'll have to start acting like an adult now," I muttered.

Jimin just laughed, throwing an arm around me. "Oh, come on, Taehyung, don't get emotional on me now."

I scoffed, but before I could shove him off, Y/N turned to me, her eyes still sparkling.

"Isn't it amazing?" she said, her voice softer now.

And looking at her-at the pure happiness on her face, the way she looked at Jimin and Fatima like they'd just given her the best news in the world-I found myself nodding.

"Yeah," I murmured, my lips tugging up slightly. "It is."

Sure, it was good news. I was surprised-really surprised. But as the excitement settled, reality sank in.

Jimin wouldn't be taking part in physical games anymore. Which meant Y/N would have to pair up with someone else. And suddenly, it wasn't somewhat okay anymore. It wasn't okay at all.

Jimin knew what he was doing when he pulled this petty move on me. That punk. I can't even unalive him anymore.

______________________

Epilogue:-

The moment the intern picked Y/N's name from the bowl, Taehyung felt his world tilt slightly.

He was still in line to select a partner, but his focus had long since abandoned that trivial task. Instead, his sharp gaze locked onto the oblivious fool standing beside his wife, looking far too comfortable for his liking.

Taehyung's jaw clenched. His fists tightened. His soul burned with unspoken rage as he watched the intern bask in the joy of Y/N's presence-laughing, chatting, acting like he had any right to absorb the warmth of his sunshine.

He narrowed his eagle-like eyes at the guy, his stare practically shooting imaginary flames.

This was a disaster.

His mind raced, calculating different ways to remove the intern from the equation-push him into another game, fake an emergency, something. Anything.

But before he could take a single step toward his plan of sabotage-

He tripped.

One second, he was plotting his next move. The next? Face-first into the grass.

A very loud groan escaped his lips as pain shot through his knee.

Gasps filled the air, and almost instantly, people gathered around him. But none of them mattered.

Only one person did.

"Taehyung!"

Y/N.

She was by his side in an instant, her hands pressing against his knee with concern. "Are you okay?"

He winced dramatically, biting his lip. "N-No," he groaned, voice laced with just the right amount of pain to make her stay. Maybe this wasn't a complete loss after all-maybe this was fate intervening so she wouldn't run with that guy. Maybe-

"Oh, he's fine."

Taehyung's eyes snapped open.

Jimin.

Of course.

That menace just had to be right around the corner, ruining his master plan.

Sure enough, despite his very real injury, the next thing Taehyung knew, Y/N was being pulled away, still paired with the same intern as the race started.

And so did Taehyung's suffering.

He sat there, ice pack pressed against his knee, glaring daggers at the scene unfolding before him.

Jimin and Fatima cheered next to him, their excitement only fueling his jealousy.

Taehyung chugged an entire water bottle.

Then another.

Then a third.

By the fourth, he had enough. He turned, mid-sip, and dumped half of it onto Jimin's chest.

"What the-?!" Jimin sputtered, looking down at his soaked tshirt.

"Excuse me, sir-" Fatima almost threw her hands at her boss.

Taehyung feigned innocence, setting the bottle down. "Oops."

Taehyung clenched his jaw, watching Y/N and the intern move in sync, laughing together like it was the best moment of their lives.

His stomach twisted.

It should be him.

It should be him running alongside Y/N, matching her steps, feeling her grip tighten around his arm as she laughed. Not that idiot.

No amount of water could extinguish the fire of jealousy in Taehyung's heart.

The fourth bottle, however, he crushed in his grip the moment he saw them-laughing, beaming, hugging-as they celebrated their second-place win.

His jaw dropped. His fingers twitched.

His knee? Magically fine now.

Fatima blinked, genuinely taken aback. "This is the first time I've seen him use so many expressions at once."

Jimin snickered. "Wasn't he just one expression away from being declared legally autistic?"

They both chuckled, amused at Taehyung's complete emotional breakdown.

Meanwhile, Taehyung was in shambles.

The race ended, and Y/N-glowing with post-game excitement-immediately searched for him.

"Taehyung!"

His heart stuttered. But instead of basking in the warmth of her presence, he kept his face neutral, arms crossed.

"Enjoyed yourself?" he muttered, voice clipped.

She nodded enthusiastically. "It was fun!"

Fun.

Taehyung exhaled sharply, shifting his ice pack dramatically. "Good for you."

Jimin, being the absolute menace he was, grinned. "Congratulations though, you and Seok were quite a good match for the game."

Taehyung shot him a look-one that promised impending doom-but he didn't get the chance to focus on it.

Because Y/N crouched down in front of him, eyes soft with concern.

"Is it still hurting?" she asked, tilting her head to meet his eyes.

His lips parted, and just like that-his jealousy melted.

How could he ever be mad at her?

No, he was mad at the universe. At Jimin. At the entire, stupid concept of the three-legged race. And at that intern-that intern-who looked way too damn happy.

Instead of answering, he simply held out his hand.

"Help me up."

Y/N smiled, slipping her hands into his. The moment she pulled him to his feet, he used the opportunity to stumble-just enough so she had to steady him, her hands gripping his arms.

Their faces were close now.

And just like that, his mood shifted.

Because she was back where she belonged. With him.

"Better?" she asked softly.

His lips curled slightly, possessiveness settling in his chest.

"Much."

******************

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