🥀 50.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡

Enjoy 🌸

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Jungkook walked alongside Jimin down the hallway. The sun streamed in through the tall windows, casting a golden glow that warmed the space as they made their way through the manor. Jimin had a playful grin, hands tucked casually into pockets.

"So, the Mins are coming over tonight," Jungkook said, glancing at Jimin with a teasing glint in her eyes. "What are you planning to wear to dinner? I mean, with him being there and all..."

Jimin frowned in confusion. "Him who?" she asked, clueless for a second. Then her eyes widened as she realized what Jungkook was implying. "Oh my God, Jungkook! You're not talking about Min Yoongi, are you?"

Jungkook let out a soft giggle, enjoying her friend's embarrassment. "Oh, I am definitely talking about Min Yoongi," she teased, dragging out his name playfully.

Jimin groaned, covering her face with her hands. " Why are you so nosy?"

"Because it's fun," Jungkook replied with a laugh, pulling Jimin's hands away from her face so she could see her expression. "Plus, it's not every day that I get to see you all flustered like this. It's adorable."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

Jungkook's laughter was cut short, her foot catching on the carpet's edge. She barely had time to let out a gasp before she stumbled forward, her arms flailing in an attempt to regain her balance. But before she could hit the ground, a strong hand grasped her arm, pulling her back.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she looked up, her wide, startled eyes meeting the deep, familiar gaze of Taehyung.

Jungkook's face flushed with both embarrassment and relief. "T-Thank you," she stammered, trying to steady herself.

Just then, Taehyung's grandmother noticed the scene unfold. She gave a soft chuckle, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Jungkook, my dear, you should be more careful," she said kindly, her voice warm.

Before Jungkook could respond, Taehyung's deep voice cut through the moment, drawing all attention toward him. "Let her stumble, Grandma," he said, his words laced with an unmistakable care. His gaze remained fixed on Jungkook.

  "I'll be there to catch my wife every time."

His voice makes his simple statement feel like a vow.

Jungkook's heart pounded in her chest, his words leaving her momentarily speechless.

Grandma smiled knowingly, happiness lighting up her face as she glanced between them. "I see," she said.

Granny decided to give them a moment. With a sly smile, she turned toward Jimin, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Jimin, my dear, why don't you come with me? let's decide on the outfit for tonight's dinner."

Jimin, though intrigued by what was unfolding between Taehyung and Jungkook, couldn't say no to Granny. She shot Jungkook a teasing glance, raising her eyebrows suggestively before turning back to Granny with a bright smile.

"Of course, Granny," she said, but not before winking at Jungkook.

Once Granny and Jimin disappeared, the air between them thickened. Jungkook kept her gaze down, nervously biting her lip.

Suddenly, she felt Taehyung shift closer, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. 

"Mrs Kim," he said softly, his tone almost careful, "could you make me some tea?"

The simple request caught her off guard. Jungkook looked up, blinking as she registered his words, her heart skipping a beat.

It was such a small thing, but coming from him, it felt different—intimate, almost.

For a moment, Jungkook stood there, her mind flustered by how close he was. Then, she nodded quickly, a shy smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Of course," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

They began to walk side by side to the kitchen and Jungkook found herself struggling to stay composed. Walking next to Taehyung, she tried her best to act normal but her heart was doing little flips. But she silently scolded herself, determined not to let her nervousness show.

Come on, Jungkook, get a grip, she thought, biting the inside of her cheek. You can't keep acting like a shy little girl every time he's around. You have to hold your own.

Don't lose your aura. Stay cool.

But no matter how much Jungkook pepped herself up, her inner fangirl wouldn't calm down. He's so dreamy! I mean, that whole 'let her stumble' thing was straight out of a K-drama!

Ugh, focus!

Jungkook glanced up at him briefly, noticing how cool he looked, his sharp jawline and serious expression making her heart flutter even more. She bit her lip to keep from smiling like a total dork.

No! she mentally shook herself, frowning slightly. Don't blush! You're his wife, not some schoolgirl with a crush.

Stay composed.

Jungkook straightened her back, brushing a few loose strands of hair behind her ear as they reached the kitchen. She inhaled deeply, focusing on the task at hand—making tea, and not letting her flustered feelings get the best of her.

They entered the kitchen, Jungkook tried to act all casual, but her mind was still racing.

Do I even know how to make tea? Wait, I do, but I'm gonna mess it up because this mister is standing right there!

Resolved to keep her cool, Jungkook flashed a small smile at him.

"So, um, how do you take your tea, Mr Kim?" Jungkook asked, hoping her voice didn't betray her fluttering nerves.

Taehyung's gaze softened just a little, "Just the way you make it, Mrs Kim," he replied in that deep voice that always gave her butterflies.

Oh, come on! How am I supposed to stay calm when he says stuff like that?

Jungkook's cheeks turned pink again, but she quickly turned away, pretending to focus on the tea.

Jungkook busied herself at the counter and Taehyung took a moment to glance around the kitchen. The space was quiet—just the two of them, alone. He liked that. No interruptions, no teasing grandmother or meddling Jimin, just him and his adorable, slightly flustered wife.

His eyes wandered back to Jungkook, who was now carefully putting the tea leaves, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Her movements were precise yet clumsy, and he couldn't help but find them endearing. He leaned back against the counter, his arms crossed loosely, watching her with an unreadable expression but with warmth in his eyes.

Jungkook, on the other hand, was having a mini internal meltdown.

Okay, tea's steeping... now don't spill anything. You've got this, Kookie! Just act natural. Just Mr Kim watching you make tea—no big deal... except it is!

Jungkook could feel his gaze on her, and her heart did a little flip. Why is he just standing there being all tall and handsome? Her mind raced, and before she knew it, her fingers fumbled, sending a teaspoon clattering to the counter. She winced.

Nice, real smooth, Jungkook.

"Be Careful," Taehyung's deep voice cut through the quiet, and when she looked at him, she could swear his eyes were twinkling with fun. "Don't burn yourself."

Jungkook huffed lightly, her cheeks warming at his teasing tone, though she couldn't help but smile.

"I'm not that clumsy," she said, though her blush betrayed her nerves. She grabbed the kettle and poured the hot water into the cup, mentally cheering herself on.

Okay, you got this. Crisis averted.

"Honey or sugar?" Jungkook asked as she stirred the tea gently.

Taehyung straightened up slightly at her question. He didn't answer, letting the moment hang in the air just long enough for Jungkook to feel her cheeks warming again. Finally, his deep voice filled the space between them.

"Just take a sip," he said, his eyes meeting hers.

Jungkook blinked, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What?" she asked, unsure if she'd heard him correctly.

But then, a lightbulb lightened above her head, and she realised, sending a rush of warmth to her cheeks. Wait... he means...

He's flirting with me.

Her unromantic husband—Taehyung, the same man who barely indulged in sweet words or gestures—was flirting with her. Suddenly, her cheeks felt warm, turning them a rosy pink.

Jungkook blinked rapidly, trying to process the whole thing. She glanced at Taehyung, who was still calm and collected, looking like he hadn't just completely flustered her with one simple, very flirty gesture. Her heart was doing somersaults and she mentally facepalmed.

Jungkook's heart was racing but she wouldn't let him win so easily. With a tiny smirk forming on her lips, she raised an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly.

"Oh? So you do know how to flirt, Mr. Kim?" she teased, her tone dripping with sass.

Taehyung's gaze flickered the barest delight in his stoic expression. He didn't say anything immediately, but the corner of his lips twitched—his version of a smile.

Jungkook bit her lip to hold back a giggle. Did I just make him react?

Jungkook's boldness surprised even her but the way Taehyung's expression shifted made her heart race even faster.

Feeling bolder, Jungkook moved closer, confidently closing the distance between them, her eyes never leaving his. She could feel Taehyung's gaze on her but noticed a shift in his body language—how he leaned back pressing into the kitchen counter. Jungkook's hand slid to his waist, fingers brushing against his shirt. The simple touch sent a shiver through Taehyung, his muscles tensing slightly under her fingertips.

Jungkook noticed his breath hitching and his composure crumbling for just a moment.

Taehyung gulped slightly. His Adam's apple bobbed in a nervous gulp—an action Jungkook never thought she'd see from him.

Is he... nervous? Jungkook's smirk widened at the rare sight of her stoic husband, just a bit flustered.

Without breaking the eye contact, Jungkook reached for the butter knife on the counter.  She picked it up, holding it playfully under his chin. His reaction was immediate—  his eyes widened slightly, the smallest breath, his lips parting as if he wanted to say something but couldn't quite find the words.

Jungkook's small hand stayed on Taehyung's waist, testing the boundaries of his control. Taehyung's jaw clenched slightly, his dark eyes locked on hers, but even he couldn't hide how her touch affected him.

Jungkook's fingers moved slowly across his waistline, watching as his lips parted, a slow exhale escaping him. Taehyung's eyes followed every subtle movement Jungkook made, his wife was trying to unravel a side of him he kept carefully hidden.

And that smirk—oh, that smirk was growing on Jungkook's face.

"From where are you learning all this?" Jungkook tilted her head, her thumb gently grazing the fabric at his waist as her other hand held the knife. Jungkook's eyes danced with mischief as she pointed the butter knife at him.

Jungkook wasn't serious, of course, but the thrill of turning the tables on him excited the wife.

Taehyung's gaze flicked between the knife and her face. Although he tried to maintain his composure, Jungkook could see the faint nervousness in his sharp eyes. He wasn't used to this side of her.

The husband was trapped—pinned between her hand on his waist and the knife under his chin.

Taehyung's hands found their way to her waist, fingers tightening slightly around her sides, pulling her closer but not pushing her away. With his back pressed against the counter, Taehyung had nowhere to escape—not that he wanted to.

Instead, his lips quirked up in the slightest smile, an almost unnoticeable—but Jungkook saw it.

"I could ask you the same," Taehyung finally replied. He tilted his head slightly, just enough for the tip of the knife to graze his skin, sending a thrill down both their spines.

The danger wasn't real, but the tension—the heat—very much was.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, tilting her head, daring him to challenge her further.

"Me?" Jungkook quipped, the teasing never leaving her voice. "I've always been this good. It's you who's suddenly acting all smooth."

Jungkook pressed the knife a bit more firmly against his chin, enough to keep his attention locked on her.

"Smooth?" Taehyung murmured, his lips barely an inch from hers. "You think this is me being smooth, Mrs Kim?"

His thumb grazed her waist slowly, a touch that sent shivers down her spine. Jungkook's heart raced as she felt his gaze darkening with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.

"I'm just getting started," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. His voice lowered, rough with intent. "If you think this is smooth... wait until you see what else I can do."

Jungkook's lips curved into a sly smile as she pressed the knife closer, her other hand which rested on his waist, moved slowly upward. Her fingers trailed along his clothed chest, exploring the hard contours beneath his shirt.

"From where are you learning these lines? The office? Business deals?" Jungkook cocked her head playfully, narrowing her eyes, leaning just close enough for her breath to ghost over his lips.

Taehyung's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he tried to regain control of the situation, but Jungkook wasn't letting him off the hook so easily. His hands tightened slightly, his fingers digging into her sides. He pulled her closer, their bodies now flush against each other.

"Business deals?" Taehyung began, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I don't need boardrooms to know how to play my cards. I've been studying you, and let me tell you... you're the real game changer."

Taehyung leaned in slightly, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers. "And trust me," he murmured, "when I play, I play to win."

His eyes flicked down to the knife before locking onto Jungkook's again. "Careful," he murmured, his voice husky, "or I might have to take over."

Jungkook chuckled lowly. Her husky chuckle did something to Taehyung. Leaning closer, her lips tantalizingly close to his, Jungkook whispered, "Take over? You wish."

A smile tugged at the corners of Taehyung's lips, but before he could respond, Jungkook already made a move. Swiftly, Jungkook tossed the knife aside, the clatter echoing in the silent kitchen.

Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she wrapped her arm around his neck, her body pressing against his. Despite their height difference, Jungkook rose on her tiptoes as she closed the gap between them, her lips brushed against his ear, sending a shiver racing down his spine.

"You're not in control this time, Mr. Kim," Jungkook breathed, her voice low, dripping with seduction.

Feeling victorious, Jungkook moved away from him, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she moved towards the teacup. She could feel Taehyung's gaze, which only fueled her confidence. Giving it one final stir, Jungkook picked up the cup and took a delicate sip, her eyes locked onto his, daring him to make a move.

Taehyung's hand reached out, picking up the cup she had just set down. He examined it, and his gaze fell on the imprint of her lip gloss staining the rim. A smirk crept onto Taehyung's face. without breaking eye contact, he brought the cup to his mouth. He positioned his lips exactly where hers had been, sipping slowly.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing at his action. Taehyung's presence sent a delightful shiver through her and her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink. The bravado she had summoned earlier began to fade.

"Who's flirting now, Mrs Kim?" Taehyung said in that low, deep voice, still holding her gaze as he set the cup back down.

Jungkook's sass died on her lips. Touché, Mr. Kim.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The evening came and the Kims' manor sparkled under the golden glow of chandeliers. Every corner of the manor was adorned with lavish decorations. The long dining table was elegantly set with fine china and crystal glassware, while fragrant candles flickered gently.

The family members gathered in the living room. Servants moved gracefully around the space, ensuring everything was perfect for the family dinner.

Grandma came to the living room, walking elegantly. She wore traditional clothes with silver hair pinned perfectly in all the right places. Her grey eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Is everything ready, Soomin?" The lady asked, fixing her white scarf around her neck.

Soomin replied, "Yes mother. Just waiting for Jimin to arrive," 

Grandma nodded, her lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Good. Let's ensure everything is perfect for tonight. It's a special occasion."

With a wave of her hand, she called for the house helpers, her tone commanding yet nurturing.

"Everyone, gather around!"

The helpers, dressed in neat uniforms, hurried over, attentive to her every word. Grandma scanned the room, her sharp eyes noting the finer details.

"Make sure the dining table is perfect in all aspects. Cutlery, napkins and all. Recheck the seating arrangements; everyone should have a clear view of each other. And don't forget the candles—light them just before we sit down."

"Yes, ma'am!"

The helpers nodded vigorously, eager to please the matriarch of the family. Satisfied with their enthusiasm, Grandma turned her attention back to Soomin.

Meanwhile, the entrance was graced by Jungkook, flanked by Jimin and the bubbly Minjun, who trotted excitedly behind them. Jungkook wore a proud smile, having spent the afternoon prepping Jimin for this big occasion, as they walked into the elegantly decorated living room.

"Whoa, Jimin! You look amazing!" Grandma exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she stepped forward to pull her granddaughter into a warm embrace. Jimin, in a gorgeous dress that flattered her, couldn't help but blush at the compliment.

"Thanks, Grandma! You look awesome too," Jimin replied, her voice bright with happiness.

"And you, Jungkook, did a fantastic job getting her ready."

Jungkook shrugged playfully, "Just trying to make sure Jimin is the star of the show. I mean, it's not every day we get a marriage proposal, right?"

Grandma smiled warmly at Jungkook, her eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh, Jungkook, you've outdone yourself! Not only did you make Jimin look like a princess but you look stunning yourself!

Jungkook felt her cheeks warm at the praise, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear shyly. "Thanks, Grandma. I just wanted us to look our best for the occasion."

Minjun piped up. "Are we having a marriage proposal? Is Jimin going to be a princess now?" He looked up at Jimin with wide eyes, totally lost in the fantasy.

Jimin knelt, tousling Minjun's hair affectionately. "Maybe if everything goes smoothly," she replied with a wink, making Minjun beam.

"Alright, let's not get too carried away here, Minjun," Grandma interjected, a gentle smile on her face. "This is a big deal for Jimin. We've got to be supportive."

Jungkook nodded, her heart swelling with pride for Jimin and how the family was all in.

"And whatever happens, Jimin, we've got your back."

Jungkook squeezed Jimin's hand, sharing a knowing glance that said it all. The vibe was electric, and Jimin felt nervous and excited.

Meanwhile,

Taehyung stepped into the living room after finishing his call. But his feet halted the moment his gaze landed on her—his wife.

Jungkook stood near the windows, bathed in the evening light, looking like an angel.

Dressed beautifully, the fabric of her outfit cascaded gracefully as Jungkook giggled with the little boy. Minjun was grinning widely as they exchanged some playful words. Taehyung couldn't hear their conversation but it didn't matter. His focus was fixed solely on her and his senses were overwhelmed by her presence.

All he could see was Jungkook—her angelic smile, her eyes sparkling with joy, her hand ruffling Minjun's hair.

His jaw clenched slightly, the only outward sign that he was affected. His breath faltered, just for a moment. His hands tucked into his pockets, tightened slightly.

He stood still, his gaze hard to read, but his eyes, darker and more intense than usual, never averted from Jungkook. The wife had no idea of the silent storm building inside him as he watched her, her magnetic presence pulling him in deeper.

For Taehyung, the rest of the world had faded away, the family chatter even the preparations. His focus was solely on Jungkook, her presence pulling every ounce of his attention. She looked ethereal, effortlessly captivating in a way that had him frozen in place, completely and utterly mesmerized.

Unaware of his intense gaze, Jungkook continued giggling with Minjun, her face glowing with happiness, making Taehyung's heart skip a beat. The sight stirred something deep within him—a possessiveness, a pride that Jungkook was his.

His feet began to move, almost as if on their own toward her, his gaze locked on her figure like Jungkook was his torchbearer in the dark world. His usually sharp mind was dulled, caught in a haze he couldn't shake off.

Suddenly, crash!

He was too focused—so much so that he didn't notice the pillar in his path.

A sharp sound pulled him from his trance as his shoulder collided forcefully with a pillar. The impact threw him off balance and a tall glass vase perched on a nearby table wobbled and then shattered on the floor, sending glass shards flying in every direction. His hand instinctively reached up to clutch his shoulder, the pain spreading through his arm as he winced subtly.

Taehyung wasn't one to show his pain outwardly but the collision was harder than he had realized.

Everyone in the room froze, turning toward the unexpected sound. Taehyung stood still, his composed exterior clattered as he blinked, trying to make sense of what had just happened. His eyes flickered to the broken vase, then to his hand still gripping his shoulder, before settling on Jungkook. The wife's eyes were wide with surprise and her lips parted as if she was about to say something.

The room had gone completely silent, all eyes now on him.

His jaw clenched, his sharp features tightening as he quickly tried to recover from the embarrassing moment. He straightened his posture, adjusting his suit jacket with a slight roll of his shoulder, despite the ache he still felt from the collision. His expression returned to its usual--the poker face, though the faintest tinge of pink dusted his ears.

"Taehyung-ah, are you alright?" Grandma's voice cut through the silence, concerned as she stepped closer.

"I'm fine," he replied. He was careful not to let his eyes drift back to Jungkook, focusing instead on brushing off his jacket as if the incident hadn't affected him at all.

The rest of the family began murmuring among themselves, and Taehyung felt their gazes on him. His hand dropped from his shoulder and he straightened himself further, standing tall as if nothing had happened.

But Jungkook... Her eyes hadn't left him, the corners of her lips twitching slightly. She knew him too well to miss the fact that his usual so-called, 'I-am-strong-aura' had cracked, even if only for a moment.

Still holding his gaze, Jungkook raised an eyebrow, clearly fighting the smirk tugging at her lips. The playful glint in her eyes was all too telling.

Taehyung refused to acknowledge the mess he had caused in his moment of distraction and he simply turned his attention to the shattered vase and muttered a quiet, "I'll handle it."

But inside, he was cursing himself, not for the bruise forming on his shoulder but for the fact that his wife had completely thrown him off balance without even trying.

Slowly, almost too casually, Jungkook moved toward him. Her eyes twinkled with mischief with a sly smirk forming on her lips as she made her way across the room.

Taehyung could focus on Jungkook's approaching figure. His gaze went to glass shreds. With magic, taehyung shifted away the pieces in jungkook's path.  The shards lifted off the ground as if caught in a breeze, and moved aside just before Jungkook could step on them. The movement was nearly invisible, the glass clearing her way without noticing.

Jungkook continued her approach, oblivious to the magic in the air, focused completely on Taehyung. She stopped just a step away, her head tilted slightly, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she looked him up and down.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Jungkook asked, holding back a laugh. "That looked like it hurt terribly."

Jungkook's eyes flickered to his shoulder, noticing how he had been rubbing it. She reached out, her fingers grazing against his arm. Taehyung's gaze went to the fingers that were crassing his arm.

"Hmm... getting distracted, were we?" Jungkook raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. "I wonder what had you so lost in thought, Mr Kim?"

Taehyung met her gaze, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. Jungkook knew. She had to know.

The smirk Jungkook wore told him everything. His wife had noticed how he'd been staring at her, captivated by her laughter, her beauty, her very presence.

It wasn't just her presence that held him, though. It was every little detail. The smoky eyeshadow she wore, faint yet sparkling with the glitter at the edges, made her eyes even more irresistible. Her curled lashes framed those doe eyes perfectly, casting subtle shadows that made her gaze seem innocent as well as alluring.

And then there were her lips—a cherry tint that shined under the light, looking so inviting that Taehyung's thoughts clouded. The way they curved into that knowing smirk made something tighten in his chest.

Jungkook was beautiful every day, but today—tonight—there was something more.

And now Jungkook was having way too much fun at his expense.

Taehyung finally let out a low sigh, his eyes softening as they met hers. "I wasn't distracted," he murmured, "Just... caught off guard."

Jungkook's smirk deepened, clearly not convinced. "Caught off guard, huh? Sure, we'll go with that," she teased, stepping closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his chest, just beside his shoulder where he had collided with the pillar. Her touch was enough to send his senses into overdrive.

Then, Jungkook's smirk softened as her eyes flicked to where the vase had shattered earlier. Her teasing expressions shifted and she closed the remaining distance between them, her fingers clutching his arm as she leaned closer.

"Jokes apart, Are you hurt? You are okay, right?" Jungkook asked, her voice softer now, laced with genuine concern. Her fingers traced his sleeve gently, almost searching for any sign of injury.

Taehyung kept his gaze on her. "It's nothing,"

But Jungkook didn't let it go. She tilted her head, studying him carefully. "Nothing?" she questioned, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"You walked into a pillar, broke a vase, and now you're standing here, trying to convince me it's nothing?" Her eyebrow arched, "That doesn't sound like 'nothing' to me, Mr. Kim."

Taehyung's expression didn't falter but there was the barest flicker of something behind his eyes. He shifted slightly, clearing his throat.

"I'm a man," he replied trying to brush aside the moment.

"A man?" Jungkook repeated, pretending to ponder it as her gaze flickered over him. "No... you're not a man."

Taehyung's eyes widened just a little as he stared at her.

"What?" he asked caught between confusion and disbelief, completely thrown off by her unexpected response.

Jungkook grinned, leaning in slightly. "You're not a man," she repeated confidently, "You're an ice cube."

Taehyung blinked, caught off guard by her audacity, confusion danced in his eyes. Jungkook couldn't hold back her laughter; she giggled, her shoulders shaking as she chuckled.

As Jungkook laughed, her eyes sparkled with stars that took Taehyung's breath away. her bangs fell coyly over one eye, framing her face perfectly. With a delicate nudge, she brushed the loose strands back, revealing her bright, expressive gaze that sparkled with mischief and delight.

Her fingers danced along the fabric of his shirt, a soft caress that was playful and intimate. Jungkook's laughter faded into a soft chuckle and she looked up at him.

"Seriously, though," Jungkook mumbled against him, "You've got to admit, you're more ice than fire sometimes."

Taehyung looked down at her. The way she tilted her head slightly, peering up at him with those sparkling eyes made it hard to maintain his serious face.

"And what if I told you," he said, lowering his voice to a whisper, "that I prefer to keep my cool?"

Jungkook pulled back slightly and as she caught her breath, she looked ethereal. A delicate hand reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, revealing the graceful curve of her pale unblemished neck.

"Well, Mr. Kim, I think it's time to change that. I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that a challenge?"

"Always," she replied, her confidence unwavering.

Taehyung—despite his best efforts—felt the corners of his mouth twitch into a small smile. He stood straighter, brushing off the incident with a quiet shake of his head.

He was Taehyung Kim, after all. Stoic. Composed. Except, it seemed when it came to his wife.

They were lost in their world, Taehyung's gaze on Jungkook. But that bubble burst with a small, cheerful voice.

"Uncle Tae!"

Taehyung and Jungkook flinched, turning to see little Minjun standing there, clutching a phone in his small hands. His big eyes blinked up at them expectantly, a big grin forming on his face as he approached.

"Can I take your picture?" Minjun asked sweetly, holding up the phone with both hands, struggling to keep it in his hands. His tiny fingers were already fumbling with the screen, tapping buttons that weren't quite working how he wanted them to.

Taehyung straightened up while Jungkook smiled warmly, crouching closer to Minjun's level. "Of course, Minjun-ah," she said, her voice soft, "but do you need some help?"

"No!" Minjun puffed up his chest proudly, determined to do it himself. "I got it!"

He raised the phone but it tilted awkwardly in his small hands. His fingers slipped again, and instead of capturing the perfect shot, the camera flipped—facing him instead of the couple. The screen showed his surprised face in selfie mode.

"Oops," Minjun mumbled, furrowing his brows in concentration. He tried to swipe the screen, his tongue poking out slightly but it only zoomed in on his nose.

Jungkook giggled and Taehyung couldn't hold back.

"Here, Kiddo," Taehyung finally stepped in, guiding Minjun's hands gently to adjust the phone. "Like this. Now it's facing us."

Minjun nodded vigorously, trying again, but as he tapped the screen, the phone slipped a little too far back, capturing the top of Taehyung's head and cutting off Jungkook's face.

"Aish," Minjun muttered, adorably frustrated now. He tried again, but the phone wobbled, and this time he took a burst of rapid-fire photos—most of them blurry.

Minjun was still fumbling with the phone, his tiny fingers slipping over the screen as he tried his hardest to get the perfect picture of Taehyung and Jungkook. But the phone kept tilting, his hands too small to hold it steady. His eyebrows knitted in concentration but the frustration on his face was clear.

Just then, Jimin and Yeonjun walked into the living room, catching Minjun's adorable struggle. With a knowing smile, Jimin quickly stepped forward.

"Here, let me help, Minjun-ah," Jimin said gently, taking the phone from his hands. She bent down to his level, giving him a soft pat on the head.

Yeonjun, who had been watching with an amused grin, leaned next to them.

"Move back kid! Let's get the experts in here, huh?" he teased, earning a small pout from Minjun, who was relieved to have some help.

Jimin held the phone up, adjusting the angle as she focused on Taehyung and Jungkook. They were still standing close to each other, Taehyung's gaze on Jungkook, who flashed a big smile at the camera.

"Alright, Mr and Mrs Kim, smile!" Jimin instructed with a wink.

Click.

The photo was taken, and it turned out beautifully. Jungkook's smile was wide, her beauty shining as she stood beside Taehyung, who looked more relaxed than usual. Though his expression was still reserved, there was a subtle warmth in his eyes as he stood close to his wife, their connection clear even in the photograph.

"Perfect," Jimin said proudly, showing the picture to Minjun, who beamed up at her with a wide grin.

"See? We did it!" Yeonjun added, giving Minjun a playful nudge.

Minjun's eyes sparkled as he looked at the photo, nodding eagerly. "Thank you," He ran up to Jungkook and showed her the picture, hopping with excitement.

Jungkook squealed in delight at the image.

"Oh my gosh, this is so cute!" Jungkook exclaimed, laughing as she leaned closer to Taehyung to show him. But Taehyung, upon glancing at the screen, frowned deeply.

"What is this?" he asked, his voice sharp as he eyed the image. His tone made everyone freeze for a second, surprised by his pointed reaction.

Jimin blinked, confused. "What do you mean? It's a nice photo."

Taehyung, still frowning, took the phone from Jungkook's hand, examining the picture closely. "Nice? This is... half a photo. Look," he pointed at the screen, his brow furrowed. "It's only our bodies—neck to waist. No heads."

Jungkook looked at the photo again, and sure enough, the snap had cut off their faces entirely, showing only the elegant curve of Jungkook's waist and Taehyung's broad shoulders.

Jungkook glanced at the picture again, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"It's an aesthetic couple photo," she replied confidently.

Jimin, not missing a beat, nodded in agreement. "Exactly! It's got that artsy, minimalist vibe. Less is more, you know?"

Taehyung's frown deepened, his eyes narrowing in cute confusion. "Aesthetic?" he repeated as if the word were foreign to him. "How is a photo without our faces 'aesthetic'?" He jabbed a finger at the phone, clearly perplexed.

"This looks like an ad for... I don't know, hand lotion. What kind of 'vibe' is that?" he muttered, sounding adorably lost.

Jungkook burst into laughter, "Oh, come on, Mr. Kim. It's unique!" she teased, nudging his arm gently. "Not everything has to be perfectly framed. It's about the moment, the feeling."

Taehyung crossed his arms, his frown still firmly in place, but there was a certain softness in his eyes like he was trying to figure out this new 'aesthetic' trend. He sighed dramatically, looking absolutely cute in his stoic confusion.

"You and your so-called aesthetics," he said dryly. "I don't get it. But as long as you're happy with this... waistline masterpiece."

Jungkook smirked, stepping closer and playfully tugging at his arm. "Admit it, deep down, you like it too. You're just too stubborn to say it."

Taehyung glanced down at her, his frown softening slightly but still trying to hold on to his place.

"I like proper photos with faces in them, thank you very much," he replied.

Jungkook's eyes twinkled as she watched Taehyung fumble through his confusion, looking so serious yet utterly adorable. The way he was trying so hard to understand the concept of "aesthetic" without budging from his stance—made her heart swell with affection.

Unable to hold back, Jungkook giggled softly, stepping even closer to him.

"You're too cute, Mr. Kim,"

Before Taehyung could react, Jungkook reached up and tugged his cheeks, her fingers pulling them in a way that made his serious expression vanish. His eyes widened, his lips parted in surprise, and his frown melted away into a confused, almost adorable look of disbelief.

"What are you—" Taehyung started, but Jungkook cut him off.

Standing on her tiptoes, she leaned in quickly, pressing a smoochy kiss to his cheek. Her lips landed with a mwah that remained longer than expected. Taehyung froze, wide-eyed and caught off guard by her boldness. The faint flush on his cheeks deepened as Jungkook pulled back, grinning at him mischievously, still balancing on her toes.

Jungkook chuckled, "Well, lucky for you, Jimin's got a million more photos to take. Maybe one will pass your high standards."

Unknown to them, Jimin was capturing candid photos of the two. Every click captured Taehyung's bewildered expression as Jungkook tugged his cheeks and giggled. Their sweet interaction was perfectly framed by Jimin's sneaky camera skills.

Jungkook finally released his cheeks and leaned back slightly, only for Taehyung to catch her waist, balancing her. The moment was effortlessly captured by Jimin, who grinned in satisfaction at the adorable photos she was getting.

Jungkook turned to Jimin.

"Alright, enough of this 'artsy' nonsense. Jimin, take proper photos this time—faces included!" she commanded, shooting Taehyung a teasing look before spinning around to face away from him.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, watching as she took control of the situation. He barely had time to process her next move before she reached for his hands, guiding them to her waist and wrapping them around her.

"Hold on tight," she whispered, leaning back against his chest. Her presence against him, the flowery scent of her hair as it brushed his chin—it was all so intimate.

Jimin raised the phone again, stepping into position. "Ready?" she called out, her finger hovering over the camera button.

Taehyung glanced down at Jungkook, still amused by her sudden demand. Her back was pressed against him, fitting perfectly into the curve of his frame. His hands tightened around her waist, pulling her a little closer.

Jungkook tilted her head just enough to glance at him out of the corner of her eye, her lips quirking up mischievously. "Better now, Mr. Perfect?" she murmured, her voice low.

Taehyung, still playing along, leaned down slightly and whispered, "Much better, Mrs. Perfect."

Jimin snapped a series of photos, capturing the quiet chemistry between them, their silhouettes blending into one against the soft glow of the room.

Just as Jimin finished capturing the perfect moment, the doorbell rang through the manor, snapping everyone out of their bubble. The sound signalled the arrival of the much-awaited guests.

Grandma Kim perked up immediately, clapping her hands gently. "They're here!" she exclaimed with excitement and urgency. Her eyes sparkled as she glanced around at the family.

"Come now, everyone, let's get to the door."

Grandma Kim turned her focus on Taehyung. "Taehyung, come with me to greet the Mins," she said, straightening her posture elegantly.

"Yes, Grandma," Taehyung nodded, his stoic expression back in place as he gently loosened his grip on Jungkook's waist.

He gave her a final glance, a small smile tugging at his lips before stepping away.

Jungkook, catching her breath after the intimate moment, watched him go. She straightened herself, smoothing down her outfit and sending a quick glare in Jimin's direction, who was still giggling over the photos.

Taehyung made his way to the entrance alongside Grandma Kim, his aura shifted, embodying the composed, responsible heir of the Kim family.

The rest of the family followed closely behind, heading toward the centre of the room, ready to welcome the Mins with the grace the Kims were known for.

Taehyung pulled the door open, revealing the Mins standing on the doorstep. Grandma Kim stepped forward with her arms outstretched in a welcoming gesture, ready to receive their special guests for the evening.

Mr and Mrs Min stood at the front, dressed elegantly for the occasion. Behind them, their son, Yoongi, who was the reason for this evening's gathering, appeared while the rest of the family followed.

"Mr and Mrs Min! So lovely to see you both." Grandma said, taking Mrs Min's hands into her own.

Mrs. Min returned the gesture, smiling brightly.

"It's always a pleasure, Mrs. Kim," she responded, her eyes quickly taking in the elegant decorations of the manor.

Taehyung moved closer to Mr. Min, offering a firm handshake. "Mr Min, it's an honour to have you here at our home," Taehyung said, eyes meeting the older men. "We've been looking forward to this evening."

Mr. Min returned the handshake with a smile. "The honor is ours, Taehyung. I've heard a lot about you—your business ventures and leadership at such a young age are very impressive."

Taehyung inclined his head slightly, a flicker of pride passing through his stoic expression. His eyes shifted briefly to Grandma Kim, who beamed at him in approval.

They moved into the centre of the room, where the rest of the family stood waiting, Grandma Kim took the lead, her voice warm as she introduced each member.

"This is my daughter-in-law," Grandma gestured towards him, "Soomin."

Soomin smiled politely and exchanged nods with the Mins.

"And of course, this young man," Grandma's eyes twinkled as she motioned toward Taehyung, "our pride and joy, Taehyung."

Mr. Min nodded, acknowledging Taehyung again. But before anyone else could say anything, Taehyung stepped forward. With his hand resting gently on Jungkook's back, he guided her forward slightly.

" My wife, Jungkook."

Jungkook felt a warmth spreading across her face as she met the eyes of Mrs Min and the rest of the guests. She gave a polite bow, her cheeks slightly flushed, though she stood tall beside her husband.

Mrs. Min smiled kindly, her gaze shifting from Taehyung to Jungkook.

"You have a lovely wife, Mr Kim," she said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jungkook."

Jungkook smiled shyly, nodding. "Thank you, Mrs. Min," she replied softly, feeling Taehyung's presence. His hand remained on her back.

Mrs. Min's gaze softened as she looked at Jimin. "Ah, you must be Jimin," she said, stepping closer. "You look beautiful, my dear."

Jimin blushed, glancing at Jungkook to say "thank you" without words. "Thank you, Mrs. Min," she responded softly.

Grandma Kim gestured towards the elegant seating arrangement prepared for the evening. everyone found their place, the Kims and the Mins exchanged polite words and pleasantries, and the room was filled with the clinking of glasses handed out by the house staff.

Jimin, standing just off to the side, met Yoongi's eyes briefly, her cheeks flushed, before looking back at her family. Taehyung took a mental note of the soft glance exchanged between the two and turned back to Mr. and Mrs. Min.

Mrs. Min suddenly announced, "My daughter will be arriving soon."

The bell rang, signalling the arrival, and the butler quickly stepped forward to open the door.

As the door swung open, a couple stood in the doorway. The woman smiled while the man beside her stood tall. Grandma Kim moved forward gracefully, a warm greeting already on her lips.

"Welcome, dear," Grandma said, embracing the woman, then turning to shake the man's hand.

But something was different.

Taehyung straightened up, his expression darkening as his eyes locked on the man at the door. Jungkook, standing beside Taehyung, stiffened as well. Her playfulness from earlier was gone, replaced by an icy stillness as she recognized the man.

Jungkook's hand reached for Taehyung's arm, gripping it tightly. She felt her heart pound in her chest. Taehyung's jaw clenched.

"He...?" Jungkook whispered but the word died on her lips.

She didn't need to ask. She already knew.

Taehyung's anger flared as he stared at the man at the door. Every muscle in his body tensed, and a storm brewed in his dark eyes. He felt an urge to protect what was his, and in that moment, Jungkook was everything.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Hmmm, so we've got an afraid Jungkook and a furious Taehyung. Any guesses on who this mysterious man could be?

What do you think his intentions are? Drop your theories below!