🥀64. 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭!?

🚨 ATTENTION, LEGENDS! 🚨

Alright, listen up! This update officially wraps up 2024, and wow, what a ride it's been! 🎢 This year went by faster than Taehyung pulling Jungkook away from all the chaos she somehow manages to attract. 😏

I hope y'all are living your best lives because your author-nim? Not so much. Between NCERTs, practice papers, and sleepless nights, I'm out here battling for my existence like Jungkook facing Taehyung's endless flirting. 💀

But hold up—before I vanish into the abyss of study schedules and formula sheets, I've got a CHALLENGE for you all.

So, here's the tae-- i mean tea:
Right now, we've got around 2K comments on this book. BUT, by the time I crawl out of exam hell in May 2025, I want that number to hit 4K.

Yup, double it.

Can you do it?

Let me paint the scene:

Taehyung: leans casually against the wall, smirking
"Look, Mrs. Kim, these readers couldn't possibly let author-nim down, right? They're dedicated."

Jungkook: munching on a cookie, wide-eyed
"True... but what if they get lazy? Like how you always leave your coat lying around for ME to pick up?"

Taehyung: gasp
"Excuse me?! I am your Mr. Kim. My coat exists to be lovingly folded by you."

Author-nim: sighs, interrupting their banter
"GUYS, focus! I need them to hit 4K comments. Are you helping or just flirting in my announcement?"

Jungkook: sweetly
"We're motivating them, aren't we?"

Taehyung: grins
"Exactly. Our dynamic is inspirational."

So, yeah, my beloved readers, Taekook believes in you. I believe in you. Let's make this happen!

Until then, enjoy all the chaos I've already updated for you. Don't forget to comment, drop theories, or just scream about your favorite moments.

I'll read them all while I cry over organic chemistry problems.

See you next year! 🌸

Don't miss me too much. 😉

It was a full moon night and its silvery glow bathed the world outside in an ethereal light.

A stillness permeated the air inside the Kim manor, broken only by the soft rustle of papers in Taehyung's study. He sat at his large mahogany desk, his long fingers absentmindedly flipping through a file.

Taehyung's eyes drifted to the tall window on his left, drawn to the moonlight pouring in. The full moon hung high in the midnight sky, its luminance almost hypnotic. Yet, something was unsettling about it tonight—a nearly oppressive pull that he couldn't quite place.

He leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. A cold shiver ran down his spine as a faint unease settled over him. His instincts were honed, sharp, and rarely wrong.

Something was amiss.

Taehyung's fingers tapped against the armrest as the memory replayed. The way the child had handed the flower to Jungkook. His lips pressed into a thin line as he recalled the faint, sickly-sweet scent the flower emitted, a scent that seemed harmless but lingered far too long in the air.

Taehyung rose from his chair. He crossed the room to the window, his hands slipping into the pockets of his slacks as he stared out at the moonlit grounds. The gardens stretched out below, the shadows of trees swaying gently in the cool breeze.

The unease he felt wasn't just paranoia—it was a warning.

He knew it in his bones the same instinct that had saved him countless times in his life. His gaze dropped to the small clearing in the garden where the moonlight pooled like a spotlight.

His mind snapped back to the flower. Its innocuous beauty and the way it had seemed to draw Jungkook in so effortlessly.

The memory of the child's unnervingly calm demeanor, the almost rehearsed way they had handed over the flower, came rushing back. Taehyung's fists tightened.

No child acted like that.

"This isn't coincidence," he said aloud, his voice cutting through the silence.

------

Back in the bedroom, Jungkook had fallen into a light sleep, her head tilted slightly to the side. The flower's glow deepened, shifting from a soft, calming light to something more intense, more sharp.

And then, the mist began to wrap around Jungkook. The delicate petals began to glow  as they released their poisonous essence into the room. The poison of the flower diffused into the air like a cloud of smoke.

Jungkook's breathing became shallow, her body twitching slightly in her sleep as the mist swirled closer to her. She stirred again, her brows furrowing, her body shivering as if under the influence of something too foreign, too powerful.

The mist sank deeper, almost seeping into her bloodstream, making her pulse thicken with each passing moment. The flower spread its influence throughout her, pushing against her very essence.

Her fingers twitched, and she let out a painful moan, shifting further into the bed, unable to escape the feeling. Her body felt heavier. The seductive pressure within her continued to grow.

And then, Jungkook woke with a jerk.

She blinked and rubbed her eyes, confusion settling over her. Everything seemed normal—too normal. Her breath steadied as she tried to push away the feeling of something unnatural, something foreign in her.

But there was nothing.

No pressure, no strange sensation beneath her skin.

Looking down at her hands, she flexed her fingers, feeling the soft sheets beneath her. Her body felt... hers again.

Her eyes flickered toward the bedside table, where the flower lay in its vase, untouched, its petals began to wither. Jungkook frowned, the odd sensation she had felt now completely absent.

Had it been a dream? She wasn't sure but she couldn't shake the eerie feeling that something had changed, even though she couldn't feel it now.

Jungkook's eyes flickered around the room and then, she noticed Taehyung's absence. His side of the bed was empty, the sheets were cool and undisturbed, he hadn't been there for a while.

Where did he go? Jungkook thought, furrowing her brows. She couldn't remember hearing him leave.

Jungkook couldn't shake the lingering suspicion that something felt... off. The flower, the strange sensation coursing through her earlier—it was too coincidental.

Jungkook shifted to sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers fidgeting with the thin lace hem of her dress. The night felt heavier than usual, the silence almost too loud. She shook her head, trying to push aside the thoughts—the strange unease that had settled in her chest—but it clung to her like the humid air outside the open window.

She sighed quietly, her lips pressing together as her feet brushed the cool floor. Jungkook stood. Her bare feet moved lightly across the polished floor. Just as she reached the door, her hand hovering over the handle, the faint creak of the door opening made her pause.

The next moment, Taehyung stepped into the room, his tall frame silhouetted against the soft glow of the hallway lamp.  His dark shirt was slightly rumpled, the collar undone to reveal a hint of his toned chest. His hair fell messily over his forehead, his intense gaze locked on her.

"Where were you?" Jungkook asked softly.

Taehyung stepped inside the room and turned around to close the door, locking it next. The click of the lock echoed in the otherwise silent room.

"I was in the study," he replied and took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them, his eyes scanning her face as if searching for something. "Why are you awake this late?"

"I didn't see you, so I thought... maybe you..." Her voice trailed off, and her gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet his intense eyes.

Taehyung's lips twitched into a faint smile as he took another step closer. "You thought I disappeared?" he teased lightly.

Jungkook's cheeks flushed at his words and she huffed softly giving a mild swat on Taehyung's chest.

"No..." She bit her lip, unable to explain the knot of emotions tightening in her chest.

Taehyung tilted his head, watching her for a moment longer before reaching out. His hand found hers, his fingers curling gently around her wrist as he tugged her closer, their bodies now only a breath apart.

Jungkook's eyes flicked up to meet his, the barest trace of vulnerability shining in their depths. His gaze softened as he reached up to adjust the slipping collar of Jungkook's dress, draping it back over her shoulder with a casual elegance that felt more intimate than anything else.

"You should've stayed in bed," he said, his thumb absently tracing the delicate skin of her wrist. "It's late."

"I couldn't sleep," Jungkook admitted quietly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Taehyung's brow furrowed slightly, his hand lifting to cup her cheek, his palm warm against her skin. "Why?" he asked, his voice low, his eyes fixed on hers.

Jungkook shook her head quickly, leaning slightly into his touch before catching herself and straightening. "It's nothing," she whispered, though her fidgeting fingers betrayed her unease.

Taehyung sighed softly, his other hand resting lightly on her waist. He leaned in, his lips brushing against her temple in a fleeting kiss.

"Don't worry too much," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble. "You don't need to look for me every time, Jungkook. I'll always come back."

The words were simple, but they wrapped around her heart, easing the tension in her chest. She nodded slightly, her fingers unconsciously curling into the fabric of his shirt. "I know," she said, her voice barely audible.

Taehyung smiled faintly, his hand dropping from her cheek to rest over hers, gently prying her fingers from his shirt. "Come," he said, guiding her back toward the bed.

Jungkook let him lead her, her small hand engulfed in his as he helped her settle back onto the mattress. He tucked the blanket around her carefully. She watched him quietly, her heart swelling at the sight of his broad shoulders bending over her, his usual stoic expression softened tenderly.

Taehyung's leaned back against the headboard, pulling her closer until her head rested against his shoulder. Her fingers played absentmindedly with the folds of his shirt, tracing the threads of a random logo near his chest. She felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her snugly against him.

"You're quiet now," Taehyung murmured, his voice a low hum against her hair. His free hand lifted to brush a stray strand from her face. "What's on your mind?"

Jungkook hesitated, her lips parting as she tried to find the right words. "I just... I was worried, I guess," she admitted softly. "When I didn't see you, I thought something might have happened."

His lips twitched into a faint smirk, though his gaze remained tender. "You thought I got lost in my own house?" he teased, his tone light.

Jungkook huffed, her hand pressing lightly against his chest in a half-hearted push. "I mean it, Mr Kim," she said. "You didn't even tell me you were going to the study."

Taehyung chuckled softly, the sound a deep rumble that vibrated against her. "I didn't want to disturb my wife's beauty sleep," he said, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand where their fingers were still intertwined. "But next time, I'll leave a note for my concerned wife. Would that make you feel better?"

Jungkook narrowed her eyes, her lips curling into a sly smirk as she pulled her hand back from his grasp. "Oh, so considerate, Mr. Kim," she quipped, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "A note? Really? What should it say? 'Off to the study to do my part time job aka brooding in silence. Don't worry, I'll come back before dawn'? How poetic."

Taehyung leaned back slightly against the headboard, his smirk mirroring hers, though his dark eyes gleamed with affection. "If that's what it takes to keep my wife from launching a search party, I'll gladly leave a note. Maybe even scent the note with my musky scent for the extra touch."

Jungkook rolled her eyes, sitting cross-legged on the bed with a slight bounce. "Oh, please. If you were truly concerned about my feelings, you'd wake me up and tell me where you were going. Or better yet, stay in bed."

Taehyung watched her, amused, as she fidgeted with the hem of her dress like a queen annoyed at her court. "I thought letting you rest was the better option," he said, his voice steady, but there was a teasing tilt to his words. "Didn't know my absence would cause such distress."

Jungkook froze for a beat, her cheeks warming. "Distress? Who said I was distressed?" she shot back, her gaze narrowing. "I was simply... curious."

"Curious enough to get out of bed and come looking for me?" Taehyung pressed, tilting his head slightly, a lazy smile tugging at his lips.

Jungkook huffed, turning her face away. "Someone has to keep track of you. Can't have you wandering the halls like a ghost in the middle of the night."

Taehyung chuckled at her response. "I didn't realize I had such a vigilant guard," he murmured, reaching out to brush his fingers lightly along the back of her hand. The touch was fleeting but deliberate, and Jungkook stiffened slightly before quickly brushing it off.

She slapped his hand away lightly, though her cheeks betrayed her with a soft blush. "Don't try to charm your way out of this," she muttered. "You should've told me."

"Noted," Taehyung replied smoothly, his fingers grazing hers again as he reached for her hand, pretending to straighten an imaginary wrinkle in her sleeve.

Jungkook swatted his hand again, this time with a bit more force. "What are you doing?" she asked, her tone sharp but her eyes flickering with something softer.

"Making sure my wife doesn't overthink herself into exhaustion," he replied, his voice low, his touch lingering just long enough to make her pulse race. "You were awake too long for someone who was supposed to be sleeping soundly."

Jungkook's lips twitched, caught somewhere between exasperation and amusement. "Meanie," she muttered, pulling her hand back and running it through her hair in a huff, though her fingers trembled slightly under his gaze.

Taehyung leaned closer, resting his weight on one arm as he watched her. 

"Next time you disappear, I'll lock the door and let you sleep in the study." Jungkook glared at him.

"Is that so?" Taehyung murmured, leaning closer still, his fingers brushing lightly against hers, sending a shiver up her spine. "But then who would keep my side of the bed warm?"

The question hung in the air, thick and intimate.

Jungkook looked at him, her resolve faltering for a moment under his gaze. "You're lucky I'm too tired to argue," she mumbled, finally lying down with her back to him, pulling the blanket over her shoulder.

Taehyung chuckled softly, lying down beside her. "Goodnight, Mrs. Kim," he murmured, his voice soft, his hand brushing lightly over her back before settling at his side.

Jungkook didn't reply, though her lips curved into a small smile as she closed her eyes, her heart still fluttering from the fleeting touches and teasing.

Taehyung dimmed the light, the soft glow fading into a comforting darkness that enveloped the room. Then a few minutes later, he felt the bed shift slightly. Jungkook, despite her earlier resolve to stay turned away, rolled over toward him, her hand brushing against his arm. She nestled close, her cheek lightly pressing against his shoulder.

Taehyung chuckled softly at her unconscious gesture, a low rumble that vibrated through his chest. "Couldn't stay away, could you?" he murmured teasingly. He shifted slightly, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her closer against him.

Jungkook hummed in response, a soft sound that was barely audible, her breath steadying as she found peace in his embrace. Her hand came to rest lightly on his chest, her fingers curling slightly into his shirt.

Taehyung pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Jungkook's lips curved into the faintest smile, her breathing evening out as sleep claimed her. Taehyung held her close, his own eyes growing heavy as the rhythmic rise and fall of her breaths lulled him into serenity.

On the bedside table, the delicate flower that had earlier glowed so brilliantly now began to fade. Its once-luminous petals dimmed, curling inward as if retreating into itself.

As the night deepened, the two slept soundly, unaware of the mysterious disappearance of the flower.

□■□■□

On the other hand, hidden in the shadows, the Ash Jinn smiled in satisfaction.

The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the world, but within the darkened corners of the room, its influence was felt. The flower had worked its magic just as she'd intended.

The jinn leaned forward slightly, her eyes gleaming with a malevolent satisfaction.

"The seed is planted," she whispered, "The roots will spread. Let's see how deeply it grows."

She knew what was coming.

When the flower's magic will began to take hold, the shift in their relationship would be impossible to ignore. Their connection would now bend to her will, affected by the unseen force the flower had created.

Jungkook's love for Taehyung would intensify, the magic coaxing her into deeper attachments, while Taehyung would begin to feel an overwhelming pull, his feelings twisting, altering the delicate balance they had once known.

The Ash Jinn felt the power of the moon. She could already imagine the growing tension between them, the strained moments, the unspoken confusion as the magic will crack their carefully constructed boundaries.

Her smile grew, dark and satisfied.

"Let the story unfold! Their fate is already sealed."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Next Morning

The grand staircase of the Kim estate was quiet that morning, bathed in sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Jungkook, dressed in a simple yet elegant pink blouse tucked into a white, flowy skirt, descended the stairs.

The blouse, with its delicate floral embroidery along the neckline and button line, complemented the soft fabric of the skirt that swirled lightly around her ankles as she moved. The outfit was completed with a set of pearly dainty jewelry—small studs in her ears and necklace resting delicately on her collarbone.

The faint floral scent of the freshly arranged flowers in the hall filled the air. Jungkook's hair was clipped back with her favorite moon and flower clips, some strands gently falling around her face in soft waves, framing her delicate features.

But halfway down, her steps faltered.

Jungkook felt strange heaviness. It was subtle at first—a faint light-headedness fatigue—but it quickly grew, coiling through her like a creeping vine. She paused, one hand gripping the banister tightly, the other pressed to her temple.

Her vision blurred for a moment, and the world tilted slightly. She blinked, trying to clear the haze.

"Strange," Jungkook murmured to herself.

Taking a deep breath, she resumed her descent but the feeling didn't leave. Instead, it deepened—an ache in her chest, a sensation of something pulling at her from within. Her knees wobbled as she reached the bottom step. Jungkook quickly leaned against the wall, steadying herself.

In the distance, one of the house staff noticed her swaying figure. "Mrs Kim, are you alright?" they called, concern etched on their face.

"I'm fine!" Jungkook replied with a quick wave. She didn't want to worry anyone—or worse, alert Taehyung.

But deep down, she wasn't fine. The feeling wasn't just fatigue. It was heavier, stranger, as if something foreign was rooting itself inside her, sapping her energy.

Unknown to her, the effects of the Poison Hue Flower had begun to seep into her system, working its insidious magic.

Jungkook straightened herself and walked toward the dining room, she resolved to brush it off.

The spacious dining room was filled with the chatter of the Kim household during breakfast. The table was a feast—plentiful dishes of eggs, toast, fruit, and fresh juice, laid out for everyone to enjoy. Taehyung, already seated at the head of the table, was immersed in his tablet, scanning through morning reports.

Jungkook pushed aside the strange heaviness, plastering a cheerful smile on her face as she stepped into the dining room.

"Good morning!" Jungkook chirped, her voice bright, though her steps were slightly unsteady as she approached the table.

Taehyung's eyes flicked up from his tablet, sharp and observant as always. His gaze lingered on her for a moment, noting the faint pallor in her cheeks and the way she seemed to grip the back of her chair just a little too tightly. He didn't say anything, his stoic expression betraying nothing.

Jungkook slid into her seat beside Taehyung, her movements a touch slower than usual, but her voice was as lively as ever.

The breakfast spread looked as inviting as always—steaming porridge, fresh fruit, and warm bread—but as she reached for a piece of toast, a sudden wave of nausea hit her. Her stomach churned uncomfortably, and she froze for a moment, her fingers hovering over the plate.

"Everything okay?" Jimin's voice cut through the chatter, her sharp eyes catching the slight hesitation.

Jungkook quickly straightened, grabbing the toast and forcing a cheery laugh. "Of course! Just trying to decide what to start with. Everything looks so good!"

She bit into the toast, the texture dry in her mouth, but she forced herself to chew and swallow. The food didn't sit right—it felt like a lump in her stomach, heavy and unwelcome. She reached for a tea next, hoping the warm comfort food would settle the unease.

The moment the warm liquid touched her lips, her stomach churned violently. A wave of nausea hit her, sharp and relentless.

Jungkook winced, setting the cup down hastily. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, her breath hitching.

Taehyung immediately set his tablet aside, his sharp gaze snapping to her.

"Mrs. Kim, what's wrong?"

Jungkook blinked up at him, her brows furrowing as confusion flickered in her eyes. "I... I don't know," She pressed a hand to her temple, her other hand still clutching the table for balance. "I just feel... strange. Like something's not right."

The smile she had forced earlier faded completely as she glanced down at the table, trying to make sense of the sensations coursing through her. Her body felt foreign—her hands trembled slightly, and the faint light-headedness she'd brushed off earlier now felt heavier, almost suffocating.

Jimin noticed and immediately stepped in. "Jungkook, you should go and lie down." she insisted, her tone soft and full of concern.

Yeonjun joined in, looking up from his seat. "Yeah, sil. You should rest up," he added, giving her a supportive smile.

Minjun piped up from the other end of the table. "Kookie, You look like a zombie," he said bluntly, causing Jungkook to give a small chuckle, despite herself.

Her lips quirked up a little. "I don't look like a zombie," she murmured weakly.

Taehyung remained silent for a moment, watching her carefully.

"Rest today," he stretched his hand, urging Jungkook to stand up.

Jungkook hesitated, her fingers trembling as they hovered near Taehyung's outstretched hand. She took a deep breath, willing herself to move, and finally placed her hand in his.

As she stood, the room tilted alarmingly. Her knees buckled under her and her world seemed to spin. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she instinctively clutched Taehyung's arm for support.

"Jungkook," Taehyung's voice was filled with worry. He moved immediately, his other arm circling her waist as she swayed against him.

"I...," Jungkook whispered, though the weakness in her voice betrayed her words. She tried to straighten herself, but her legs refused to cooperate. A wave of dizziness swept over her, and her head lightly dropped against his chest, seeking some balance.

His sharp gaze softened as he looked down at her, noticing how pale she had become, how her breathing had quickened. Without a second thought, he slid one arm beneath her knees, the other bracing her back, and effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

His grip on her was secure but gentle, as though she were made of glass.

Jungkook's face flushed, both from embarrassment and from the closeness. Her head rested against his shoulder. Taehyung held her like she weighed nothing, his strides steady as he carried her out of the dining room. His jaw was set, his expression unreadable, but his eyes betrayed a quiet determination to take care of her.

Jungkook blinked up at him, her vision blurring slightly as she tried to process the situation. She was so close to him that she could see the faint lines of tension in his otherwise smooth features.

"Mr Kim" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What's happening to me?"

His steps faltered just slightly, the question hanging heavy in the air between them. He glanced down at her, his expression softening as he took in her confused, vulnerable gaze.

"I don't know," he admitted quietly, the honesty in his tone both unsettling and comforting. "But I'll figure it out."

There was an unspoken question in both their minds: Why was this happening to her?

Neither of them realized how deeply the Poison Hue Flower was taking its toll—and that this was only the beginning.

By the time they reached their room, Taehyung was carefully pulling back the covers of their bed, making sure everything was just right for her. He helped her settle in, propping her up with extra pillows to support her back, his gaze never straying far from her face.

Jungkook curled up under the blankets, her eyes growing heavy as the warmth of the bed wrapped around her. She looked up at Taehyung, trying to muster a smile.

"You're always so patient with me," she mumbled, the exhaustion in her voice becoming more evident as she spoke.

Taehyung paused for a moment, his sharp features softening as he looked down at her. Sitting beside her, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, tucking it neatly behind her ear. His thumb grazing her temple before he let his hand rest over hers.

"I'll always take care of you," he replied. His dark eyes bore into hers, the intensity of his gaze making her cheeks warm despite her exhaustion. "No matter what."

Jungkook's lashes fluttered as she smiled faintly, her fingers instinctively curling around his hand. She hesitated for a moment, then weakly tugged at his sleeve, her eyes searching his.

"Now, try to get some sleep. I'll be right here if you need anything."

"Stay with me?" she whispered, her voice trembling just slightly.

Taehyung's brows furrowed slightly, the worry etched into his features.

"Of course," he murmured, his hand shifting to cup her smaller one fully.

Summoning what little strength she had left, Jungkook reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck in a soft hug. She buried her face against his shoulder, seeking comfort in the closeness. Taehyung wrapped his arms came around her in return. One hand rested firmly against the small of her back while the other pressed gently against her head, his fingers threading through her hair slowly.

Jungkook closed her eyes, hoping his warmth would chase away the unease swirling in her chest. But it didn't. Instead of feeling the usual comfort, something felt hollow, as if a part of her was missing.

The connection she always felt with him—the unspoken thread that tied her to his strength—felt faint, almost elusive. It was there, but it wasn't whole, as if a veil had been drawn between them.

Her brows furrowed faintly against his shoulder. Something was missing, though she didn't have the strength to name it.

Taehyung felt it, too. Though his arms cradled her with the same care, the subtle weight of her body against his felt strangely foreign. The bond he always relied on to sense her, to feel the ebb and flow of her emotions as if they were his own, felt distant.

Like an echo of itself, faint and incomplete.

"Mr Kim..." Jungkook began, her voice trailing off as a shiver ran through her.

His fingers stilled in her hair as he pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his dark gaze searching hers.

"What's wrong?"

Jungkook's lips parted as if to answer, but she hesitated. Her gaze flickered with confusion, her grip on his shirt tightening slightly.

"I... I don't know," Jungkook admitted, her voice trembling. "It's just... something feels off. Like..." She paused, struggling to find the words.

"Like there's a part of me that's not here."

He gazed down at her, his sharp eyes scanning her face for any clue. The slight crease between her brows, the faint tremble in her lips, and the way her fingers gripped his shirt all spoke of a deeper discomfort than Jungkook was letting on.

The hollowness she described resonated in him as well. He couldn't explain it, but he felt it too—a quiet void where their connection should have been, as though something vital between them had shifted without warning.

Without breaking eye contact, he shifted his hand to her cheek.

"Don't think about it now," he said, his voice deep and reassuring. "Just rest. I'll handle everything."

Jungkook nodded weakly, her fingers loosening their grip on his shirt. Her head fell against his chest once more, but the comfort she sought still eluded her. The steady beat of his heart beneath her ear was assuring, yet it couldn't drown out the strange emptiness.

Taehyung's hold on her didn't falter, even as his mind raced. He didn't understand what was happening but he couldn't ignore it. There was something they were missing, something he couldn't name but felt in every fiber of his being.

Neither of them knew yet that the Poison Hue Flower's magic had already begun to seep deeper into their lives, pulling at the threads of their connection in ways they couldn't yet comprehend.

Its effects were subtle, not only weakening Jungkook's body but also reaching into the unseen space between their souls.

It was a quiet thief, stealing pieces of them bit by bit.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

In the corner of the Kim manor's vast backyard, away from the main house, the laundry line swayed gently in the breeze. Sheets, towels and various linens fluttered in the wind yet beneath the surface, there were whispers and assumptions.

A few of the house-helper, busy with their tasks, gathered in a quiet corner of the yard, careful not to draw attention. They worked quickly, folding linens and hanging up fresh towels, but their movements were slow as their murmurs became louder.

"I heard it today, you know," one of the older housemaids, Minji whispered. "Madam Jungkook, she seemed... off. Didn't you notice? She could hardly sit still at the table."

Hana, always eager for any kind of juicy tidbit, leaned in, her eyes wide. "I noticed! She was so pale, and she was holding her stomach like she was in pain. It wasn't like her at all." She paused for a moment, glancing around to make sure no one else was within earshot. "She looked like she was about to faint right there at the breakfast table."

A younger maid, Yumi, who had been quietly folding towels, perked up at the mention of Jungkook's condition. "I thought it was just me. She looked so weak. Like she didn't have the energy to even sit up straight. I've been working here for a while now and I've never seen her like that."

"But then Master Taehyung, he took her away. Did you see that? He just swept her off like she was fragile." Hana leaned, her palm soothing the faint crease on the sheets.

Minji nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I saw it. And not just today. Have you heard the rumors? There's talk about her... condition. Some of the others in the house were saying that something's not quite right with her health."

Hana looked around cautiously, ensuring no one was within earshot. "It's more than just her health. You know what I mean," she added with a knowing glance, lowering her voice to barely a whisper.

"They say Madam Jungkook is... with child."

Another maid, an older woman named Sooyeon, nodded in agreement. "I heard it from the cook. Madam Jungkook's been feeling unwell for a while now. She gets dizzy, nauseous—just like she's pregnant! That's what they were saying."

A younger maid, Yurmi, who had been quiet up until now, gasped. " You mean, Mrs Kim is carrying Master Taehyung's child?"

Minji's eyes sparkled with the thrill of gossip. "That's what I heard. They're finally going to have an heir! Master Taehyung and Madam Jungkook have been married for a while now, so it makes sense, right? The whole family's been waiting for this. An heir to the Kim family's fortune."

A silence fell as Yumi processed the information. Her eyes widened in surprise, before a smirk curled at the edge of her lips. "A child, you say? That explains everything. No wonder she's been feeling sick, all dizzy, and having those strange spells. Poor thing, she doesn't even know what's happening to her, does she?"

"Do you think that's why she's been acting strange? She's not herself, and now we know why. A baby would explain it all."

"Of course!" Hana said, nodding eagerly. "I've been hearing talk from the other maids. They say the whole manor is waiting for a sign. Master Taehyung, he's been unusually quiet. But when it comes to the heir... we all know how important that is. He won't want to waste any time."

Minji smirked again, the gossip fueling her amusement. "That would explain the way Master Taehyung has been acting lately. I mean, did you see how he was looking at her today? As if she were the only person in the room. I've never seen him so attentive."

Hana tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "He's always been that way, though, hasn't he? Always so protective. But now... it's different. It's almost as if he's obsessed with keeping her safe."

The two women continued folding laundry, but their eyes were far away, consumed with the gossip they'd just shared. The anticipation of something shifting within the walls of the Kim manor was palpable.

The gossip continued, but for now, all they could do was wait and watch as the drama unfolded. The maids' conversation shifted as they continued to gossip about the situation, unaware that their voices had carried through the wind.

What they didn't know was that their conversation hadn't gone unnoticed.

From a small distance away, Jimin, who had been on her way back from the garden, paused mid-step when she overheard the gossip. Her ears perked up as she caught snippets of the conversation—something about Jungkook being unwell, something about heir and, more shockingly, Jungkook pregnant.

A slow smile spread across Jimin's lips. She had always been observant, always paying attention to what was going on around her.

The pieces were beginning to fall into place.

She had just the person to tell—Grandma.

If there was anyone who needed to know about the gossip circulating the manor, it was her.

Jimin's footsteps echoed as she hurried through the hallways of the Kim Manor. Her excitement was practically bubbling over as she made her way to the sitting room where Grandma often spent her time reading. The maids in the background were busy with their usual tasks, none noticing Jimin's swift approach to the room.

"Grandma!" Jimin called out in a sing-song voice as she burst into the room, her eyes shining with excitement. Grandma looked up, a surprised but warm smile crossing her face.

"Jimin, what's all this energy about?" she asked, adjusting her glasses.

With a grin that could light up the entire manor, Jimin leaned in slightly. "You know, I've heard something... something wonderful!" she said, her voice lowered to a conspiratorial tone.

Grandma's eyes narrowed with curiosity. "What is it, child?"

"Jungkook... is pregnant!" Jimin exclaimed, her hands clasped together in pure joy.

Grandma's eyes widened, her mouth hanging slightly open in shock. Then, as if she couldn't contain the happiness anymore, she jumped up, the sound of her laughter echoing around the room.

"Pregnant? My Jungkook?" she repeated, a huge grin spreading across her face. "Oh, my goodness! This is wonderful news!"

The excitement was contagious. Jimin couldn't help but laugh along, her hands coming together in an excited clap. "I heard it from the maids in the backyard, they were gossiping about how Jungkook's been looking a little dizzy and tired lately and how she seemed so off this morning. And in the morning too, you had seen right, Jungkook's pale feature. They're saying she's expecting a child! Can you imagine?"

Grandma clasped her hands together as if in prayer, eyes shining with tears. "This... this is the best news I could have hoped for," she whispered, clearly moved.

Suddenly, she burst into a little dance, her hands lifting high in a celebration of life. Jimin joined her, both of them spinning around the room, completely overjoyed by the news. They laughed like schoolgirls, bouncing up and down in excitement, too happy to sit still.

They both paused for a moment, catching their breath from their little celebration. The news was still sinking in, and the reality of it was enough to make their hearts swell with happiness.

They had all been waiting for this day, and now, it had finally come.

"Let's keep this quiet for now," Grandma said, her voice turning serious, though her eyes still shone with happiness. "We don't want to rush things before Jungkook is ready. But it's true, isn't it? A child... our little heir."

Jimin smiled widely. "Yes, it is," she said softly. "It's going to be wonderful."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Dinner time arrived and the dining room was filled with a quiet atmosphere—though something was undeniably different.

The family was seated at the long table, the fine china gleaming under the soft chandelier light. Yet, there was a subtle buzz in the air, an energy that made the usual dinner gathering feel slightly hyped. Taehyung and Jungkook entered the room, side by side, both looking perfectly normal.

Taehyung was dressed in a black shirt with dark trousers, looked every bit the composed eldest son he was, his expression neutral as always. Jungkook, beside him, wore a soft pink dress, the pink hue contrasting perfectly against her pale skin tone, her hair cascading neatly around her shoulders. She smiled faintly, her exhaustion from the day's events still lingering in her movements, but otherwise, both of them appeared entirely at ease.

However, as they stepped into the room, the atmosphere shifted.

The family members—Grandma, Jimin, Yeonjun—sat around the table, all of them smiling in what seemed to be a very controlled manner, their faces bright with barely-contained joy.

Yet, there was something comically forced in their expressions, as if they were desperately trying not to burst out in excitement.

Jimin had her hand pressed firmly to her lips as she smiled, clearly struggling to suppress a laugh. Yeonjun was sitting beside her and Minjun kept glancing at his parents and then back to Jungkook and Taehyung, trying to read the room.

Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged a glance.

"Good evening, everyone," Taehyung greeted, his voice as calm and neutral as ever, though he notice the odd atmosphere around them.

"Good evening, dear," Grandma responded, her voice pitched a little higher than usual.

She sat at the head of the table, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, her smile shining brightly as if she were trying to keep a secret. "Please, sit down."

Jungkook, too, could feel the strange tension in the air. "Is everything alright?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity as she looked around the table.

"You all seem... well, unusually cheerful tonight."

Jimin's smile widened in a split second before she quickly covered her mouth with her hand, clearly trying to hold in a fit of laughter. She blinked, her eyes slightly watering with the effort.

"Oh, we're fine! Just, um, happy to see you both," she said, her voice high-pitched and almost guilty.

Taehyung arched an eyebrow at the odd behavior but Jungkook glanced between the family members, noting their uncharacteristic restraint. Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged another confused glance, both of them sensing something deeper behind their words.

Taehyung remained quiet, his face still stoic as he sat down, though the uncertainty was starting to show in his expression. Jungkook, however, couldn't suppress the teasing grin that tugged at her lips.

Jungkook leaned over to Taehyung, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Did they bet on us or something?"

Taehyung's eyes narrowed as he turned to look at his wife, his expression softening for a moment. "I don't think it's that," he whispered back. "But it seems like something's on their minds."

His gaze swept the table once more, noting the tight-lipped smiles and the way everyone was trying so hard to keep their excitement contained.

"Jungkook," Jimin said sweetly, pushing a plate of her favorite food toward her. "You should eat more. You look like you need it."

Jungkook hesitated before taking a bite, her gaze flicking around the table. Grandma was practically glowing, her hands folded neatly in her lap as she watched Jungkook with a look that bordered on adoration. Jimin was no better, her face too bright with excitement.

"I'm fine," Jungkook replied, but her voice was softer than usual, their attention making her uneasy. "Really, you don't have to fuss over me."

Taehyung's eyes darting between the family members, noting their subtle behavior. His hand rested on the table near hers but he didn't reach out. Instead, he studied the room with a discerning gaze, his mind working in overdrive as he picked up on the oddities.

Grandma clapped her hands together.

"Jungkook," Grandma began. "You've been looking rather tired lately. You know, it's only natural, especially if you're carrying a little one."

Jungkook's eyes widened, and she froze mid-chew, a piece of carrot stuck halfway to her mouth. Her face instantly turned a shade of red and she sputtered.

"Wh-what?"

Grandma chuckled softly, her hands clasped together as she watched her with twinkling eyes. "Don't be shy, dear. You're going to be a wonderful mother."

Jungkook choked on her food, the carrot shreds catching in her throat as she coughed violently. Her hand shot up to her chest, eyes wide in panic, not fully understanding the words that had just come out of Grandma's mouth.

Taehyung's heart skipped a beat as he watched her, his own anxiety flooding him. Without thinking, he immediately reached for her, his hand firmly resting on her back as he guided her toward the glass of water.

"Jungkook, breathe," he urged softly, his voice laced with concern. He helped her lift the glass to her lips, his fingers lightly brushing against her trembling hand.

She grabbed the glass with shaky hands, her chest still rising and falling quickly, but as the cool water flowed down her throat, the tension began to release. Taehyung's hand patting her back gently, his gaze never leaving her face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice a worried whisper, his face close to hers, searching for signs that the worst had passed.

Jungkook nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath, still catching her composure. Her teary eyes met his, a mixture of relief and gratitude in them, though her hands still trembled slightly. Then, Jungkook's gaze went to the worried family.

"Grandma!" Jungkook gasped, still recovering from her coughing fit.

"Oh, don't deny it, Kookie! You've been acting so strangely lately. The maids were talking, too, about how you've been feeling dizzy and tired." Jimin leaned over slightly toward Jungkook, her voice teasing. "And let's not forget how you couldn't finish your breakfast the other day. That's a sure sign."

Jungkook's face went pale as she looked around at the other family members, each one glancing at her with knowing looks, some trying to hide their grins. She shot Taehyung a look of disbelief, and his expression remained stoic as ever, though there was concern in his eyes.

Taehyung's gaze shifted between Grandma and Jungkook, his lips pressing into a thin line. "This is ridiculous," he muttered under his breath, though his eyes narrowed slightly, clearly piecing something together. "You're telling me that all this time..."

"Well, if you two won't say it, then we will!" Grandma piped up, her voice filled with playful authority. "It's true, isn't it, Jungkook? I've been waiting for this day. You're going to give us a little one, aren't you?"

Jungkook's hands were shaking now, her mind racing as she desperately tried to keep her composure. "No," she said firmly, her voice a little louder than she intended. "No, I'm not pregnant. I'm just tired from work, okay?"

But the damage was done.

The rest of the family began murmuring, their excited chatter drowning out her words. Grandma's hands clapped together in joy. "Oh, I can't wait to tell everyone! A little baby Kim!"

But amid all the excitement, Taehyung's patience was wearing thin. He had been doing his best to remain calm as the speculation ran rampant, but the incessant noise from the family members was beginning to break through his temper.

Finally, after hearing one too many murmurs and guesses about the supposed heir, Taehyung snapped. His voice was sharp, cutting through the chatter like a knife.

"Enough!" he barked, his tone so commanding that it silenced the entire room. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the gathering, all of them caught in their own excitement.

Jungkook looked up in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. She had been caught in the whirlwind of assumptions, unsure of how to react to the growing rumors, but Taehyung's outburst caused her to freeze for a moment.

"Jungkook is not pregnant," Taehyung clarified, his voice steady, though there was a hint of frustration in it. "Stop this madness. It's nothing more than gossip."

There was a pause as the family members exchanged awkward glances, some looking sheepish, others still trying to process the news. The atmosphere grew tense as everyone remained silent, unsure of how to handle the situation.

Then, to everyone's surprise, Jungkook spoke up abruptly. Her face flushed as the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

"We haven't... we haven't even touched each other yet!" Jungkook blurted out, her voice louder than she had intended.

The room fell into a stunned silence.

Taehyung stood frozen for a moment, his eyes blinking rapidly as the words ranged in his mind. He felt his face heat up, a deep flush creeping up his neck to his ears. His lips parted slightly, but no sound escaped, the situation had stolen his ability to speak.

For a moment, he was lost for words, looking at Jungkook as if she had just dropped a bombshell in the middle of their dinner. Well, she did.  His mind scrambled to process what had just been said. His gaze flickered toward the rest of the family, who had all grown unnervingly quiet, their faces a mix of surprise, discomfort, and embarrassment.

Taehyung cleared his throat, his hand moving to adjust his collar, as if to buy himself a moment to regain composure. "I... uh..." He glanced at Jungkook, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "You didn't have to say that loud."

Jungkook, realizing what she'd just blurted out, immediately regretted her words. Her face turned a deep shade of pink and she tried to recover by lowering her gaze to the table, avoiding the now all-too-intense stares of everyone in the room.

"Oh my God," Jungkook muttered under her breath, her hands moving to her face in embarrassment. "I... I didn't mean to—"

Before anyone could respond, Jungkook stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. Without waiting for anyone to say a word, she turned and rushed out of the dining room, her footsteps echoing as she fled down the hallway.

"Mrs Kim!" Taehyung called softly but she was already gone.

Taehyung's eyes followed her, his expression shifting from concern to frustration but he didn't move immediately. The rest of the family was still frozen in shock, unsure of how to handle the sudden departure. Taehyung's eyes narrowed with frustration as he turned toward the family.

"Tell me the matter," he said, his words sharp.

Grandma and Jimin shared a quick glance. The room hold its breath, waiting for someone to speak. Jimin, after a long pause, reluctantly broke the silence. She cleared her throat, trying to steady herself.

"Well, I overheard the maids talking, Brother," she began, her voice uncharacteristically meek. "They were... they were saying that Jungkook had been acting differently lately—tired, out of sorts. And... and they assumed..."

Her words trailed off as she glanced down at her hands, unable to finish the thought. The assumption hung in the air like a heavy cloud, and Taehyung could already guess what she was about to say.

"Assumed?" Taehyung's voice grew sharper. He took a step closer to the table, his eyes sweeping over the gathered family, all of them looking anywhere but directly at him. "So this entire fiasco, all this gossip, is based on what? You overheard a few maids talking, and you all decided to jump to conclusions? To spread rumors?"

Jimin nodded slowly, her eyes still lowered. "I didn't mean any harm, Tae. We were just worried about Jungkook, you know? She's been so tired, and we thought... well, it made sense."

Taehyung's lips pressed into a thin line, and he let out a frustrated breath. "Worried?" He paced a few steps around the table, his hand running through his hair.

"Worried doesn't give you the right to make assumptions and talk behind her back. If you were concerned, you should've come to me first. You should've asked, not decided to entertain some ridiculous idea that makes no sense at all."

The rest of the family sat quietly, avoiding his gaze and Taehyung could feel the room grow heavy with the awkward tension of the moment. He glanced at each one of them, his eyes moving from Grandma to Yeonjun, from Jimin to Minjun, who had been quietly watching the entire exchange.

"I should've known better than to expect any of you to think before speaking," Taehyung muttered under his breath. He turned on his heel. "Next time, if you have something to say, say it to me. Not to the maids, not to anyone else. To me."

His voice had dropped to a low growl by the end, and with that final warning, he turned away.

Without another word, Taehyung walked out of the room, his footsteps echoing through the hallway as he made his way toward the exit.

Behind him, the family sat in stunned silence, all of them feeling his words pressing down on them. Grandma exhaled a long breath.

"Well... that didn't go as planned," she said softly, her voice tinged with guilt.

Jimin let out a quiet sigh, her eyes still on the door Taehyung had just exited through. "I didn't think it would escalate like this."

Yeonjun spoke up, his tone unusually serious. "Maybe next time, we'll keep our thoughts to ourselves until we know the full story."

Minjun, still sitting in his chair, looked between the adults and then at the door. "Is everyone okay?" he asked, his small voice breaking through the tension.

The family exchanged glances, their expressions conflicted. There was discomfort in the air, but they all knew the truth—they had crossed a line. They had let gossip fester and grow into something it should never have been.

"Rumours," Jimin muttered under her breath, as though to herself. "That's exactly what they are."

"Exactly," Yeonjun added, his voice quieter than usual. "Rumours are named rumours for a reason. They're based on nothing but assumptions."

"I'll talk to Taehyung later," Grandma finally said, breaking the silence. "We'll... we'll apologize to Jungkook, too."

Yeonjun exhaled deeply, his expression still serious. "I think we all need to learn to be more careful next time. Gossip doesn't help anyone."

______________

Alright, pookies! 🎉

Pray for me, my cutie pookies.

See you next year in May 2025 with brand new toe-curling, pillow smacking, butterfly-feeling chapter. (If NEET doesn't finish me first).

Love ya!♡

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───