🥀 72. 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬

Enjoy🌸

The soft rays of morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains.

Jungkook stirred under the duvet. Her lashes fluttered open slowly, revealing drowsy eyes that blinked a few times to adjust to the light. She rolled onto her back, her head sinking further into the pillow as she stretched her arms above her head with a lazy yawn.

Beside her, Taehyung lay still. There was a respectful distance between them, Taehyung's arm resting just far enough away to avoid accidental contact.

With a sleepy yawn, Jungkook rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms before shuffling toward the bathroom, her feet padding lightly on the cold floor.

Inside the bathroom, Jungkook moved on autopilot.

She reached for the toothbrush and toothpaste, fumbling slightly as her hands worked. Squeezing an uneven toothpaste onto the bristles, she popped the toothbrush into her mouth and began brushing, her pace languid and absentminded.

She leaned against the sink, staring at her own reflection with half-lidded eyes, barely registering her surroundings.

That was until something unusual caught her attention.

Jungkook frowned as her gaze dropped to her nightdress, where faint stains marred the fabric. Her brushing slowed, her sleepy brain working to make sense of the sight.

"Oh no..." Jungkook whispered, her face heating up with embarrassment. Dropping her toothbrush on the sink, she stepped back, lightly tugging the fabric of her dress for a closer look.

There was no mistaking it—those were period stains.

Jungkook groaned inwardly, her hands covering her face for a moment. "Not again," she muttered.

It was usual for her period to show up unannounced, catching her off guard like an unwanted guest. Still, it didn't make the situation any less awkward. She glanced at the closed bathroom door, biting her lip nervously.

Was there—oh, God—was there a stain on the bed too?

Her hands flew to her face, muffling a small whimper of embarrassment. She peeked down at the hem of her dress again, confirming what she already knew.

What if Mr Kim noticed? Would he say anything?

Jungkook shook her head quickly, trying to push the thought away. He's your husband. This is natural. Don't overthink it.

But despite her best efforts, the idea of Taehyung knowing—of him seeing—made her want to crawl into the nearest closet and disappear.

She let out a sigh, running a hand through her messy hair. "Get it together, Jungkook," she whispered to herself, her voice firm yet quiet.

Step one: clean up.

Step two: check the bed.

Step three: pray to every higher power that Taehyung hasn't noticed anything.

Determined to salvage the situation, Jungkook grabbed a fresh towel and began cleaning herself up. Still, her mind couldn't help but wander, her cheeks staying a stubborn shade of pink.

It was just another morning, she told herself.

Just a perfectly normal morning. Nothing to panic about... right?

A fEw mOMenTs LaTEr~~~

Now dressed in comfortable attire, Jungkook began pacing back and forth in the bathroom, chewing nervously on her bottom lip. Her earlier determination to face the situation head-on had all but evaporated, leaving her a bundle of nerves.

She paused in front of the mirror, taking a deep breath. "Okay, Jungkook. It's fine. You've got this," she muttered, though her reflection didn't look the least bit convinced. Her fingers toyed with the hem of her shirt as her mind raced.

Finally, mustering what little courage she had, Jungkook tiptoed to the bathroom door and cracked it open just enough to peek outside. The sight that greeted her made her freeze, her soul practically leaving her body.

There he was.

Taehyung stood with his back to her, in front of the wide balcony. His broad shoulders were relaxed, his posture composed as he held a glass of lukewarm water in one hand and scanned the morning newspaper with the other.

Jungkook's heart dropped to her stomach. She couldn't even see his face, yet the image alone was enough to send her into a full-blown panic.

Oh no. He's awake. He's totally awake. What if he already saw it? What if there's a stain on the bed? Her mind was spinning now, conjuring every embarrassing scenario possible.

Before her overthinking could escalate further, Jungkook quietly closed the bathroom door again, pressing her back against it as she let out a tiny squeak.

Her hands flew to her cheeks, which were now burning hotter than ever.

"Why do these things only happen to me?!"

"Calm down, Jungkook. Just... breathe. You're overthinking. Mr Kim is probably too focused on his newspaper to even notice. Just go out there, act normal, and everything will be fine."

But as much as she tried to reassure herself, the thought of stepping outside felt like walking into the lion's den.

Jungkook stood in front of the bathroom door, inhaling deeply to summon every ounce of bravery she could muster. With a firm nod to herself, she twisted the doorknob and stepped into the room.

Taehyung turned his head at the sound of the door opening. His dark, piercing gaze locked onto hers, and in that instant, all her hard-earned confidence crumbled into dust.

Her steps faltered and her breath hitched. Why does he have to look at me like that?

"Morning," Taehyung greeted, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He placed the glass of water on the nightstand and folded the newspaper neatly. He walked and sat on the couch.

Jungkook swallowed hard, her palms growing clammy. But she quickly straightened her posture, forcing casualness as she walked further into the room.

"Good morning," she replied, her tone just a touch too bright.

She made her way toward the dresser, pretending to look for something. "You're up early," she said casually, sneaking a glance at the bed from the corner of her eye.

The duvet was still in place, albeit messy, and the sight made her heart race. Is there anything there? She resisted the urge to dart over and inspect it up close.

Taehyung leaned back slightly, his gaze following her every movement. "Habit," he replied simply.

Jungkook nodded, fiddling unnecessarily with a hair tie on the dresser. "That's... Healthy for you." Her voice wavered slightly, and she bit her lip, willing herself to sound more natural. "Did you finish whatever you were working on in the study last night?"

"Hmm," Taehyung murmured, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "It wasn't much, just a few documents. Nothing urgent."

Jungkook nodded, fiddling unnecessarily with the perfume bottle kept. Then, a ting echoed in the silent room. Taehyung reached for his phone, his attention momentarily diverted as he scrolled through a few notifications. Jungkook silently exhaled in relief, her heart pounding.

Thank heaven. Stay distracted, please.

Seizing the opportunity, she turned toward the bed. "I'll just make the bed," she said, trying to sound casual, though her voice wavered slightly.

"Hmm," Taehyung hummed in response, still focused on his phone, his fingers scrolling lazily across the screen.

Jungkook approached the bed, her hands trembling as she grabbed the edge of the duvet. She carefully lifted the duvet, her heart racing with every inch she revealed.

And then—her blood ran cold.

An undeniable map of crimson stains on the pristine white sheets.

Jungkook froze, her breath caught in her throat as her mind spiraled into panic. Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no. Why? Why now? Why me?

Her hands tightened around the duvet as she stood there, rooted to the spot, unable to decide her next move. She bit her lip, her brain frantically working to come up with a plan.

Think, Jungkook. Think. How do you get rid of this before he sees it?

With trembling hands, she quickly bunched up the duvet, trying to cover the stains again. But the movement caused the sheets to shift and the mess beneath made her cheeks burn hotter.

Taehyung spoke up, his voice smooth but sharp enough to make her jump. "Need help with something?"

Jungkook whipped her head toward him, her eyes wide. "No!" she said, a little too quickly. "No, no, I'm good. Totally fine. Just—you can keep doing whatever you're doing."

Taehyung set his phone down on the table. "You're acting strange," he spoke, stepping closer to the bed.

Jungkook's heart nearly stopped as he approached. No, no, no! Don't come over here!

"I-I'm not acting strange!" she stammered, holding the duvet tighter as if that could shield her from the embarrassment waiting to unfold.

Taehyung's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued as he reached for the other side of the duvet. "Let me help—"

"No!" Jungkook practically yelled, yanking the duvet toward her.

Taehyung froze, his brow arching as he stared at her. "Mrs Kim... what's going on?"

She swallowed hard, her cheeks flaming as she tried desperately to think of an excuse. "It's nothing! Really! Just—you know what? Why don't you go grab some tea? I'll handle this."

Taehyung's sharp gaze bore into Jungkook as she gripped the duvet tighter, her knuckles turning white. His lips curved slightly, but there was no missing the curiosity—and suspicion—in his expression.

"Mrs. Kim," he drawled, "are you planning to tell me what's going on, or do I need to find out myself?"

Jungkook's heart pounded, her wide eyes darting nervously between Taehyung and the bed. Her soul nearly left her body when her gaze landed on Taehyung's shirt.

The brownish-crimson stain near the hem screamed at her like a neon sign. She blinked rapidly, her jaw going slack. Jungkook wanted the ground to swallow her whole. She clutched the duvet tighter, her embarrassment reaching levels she didn't think were possible.

The shirt? The blood?

Why? Why is this happening to me? How did it get there? Oh my god, bury me alive. I can't live through this.

"Uh..." Jungkook stammered, her voice barely a squeak as she tried to form coherent words.

Taehyung's brow furrowed slightly, concern creeping into his features. "Mrs Kim, you look like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" she blurted, her voice an octave too high.

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, his expression now laced with suspicion. Before she could react, he reached for the duvet.

"No!" Jungkook yelped, trying to stop him, but it was too late.

With one firm tug, Taehyung pulled the duvet away.

The room fell into complete silence.

There, stark against the white sheets, was the "masterpiece"—a vivid, sprawling map of bloodstains.

Jungkook froze, her face flaming as mortification engulfed her. Her brain scrambled for an explanation, but no words came. She felt like she might combust on the spot.

Taehyung's gaze flicked between the bed and her, his expression shifting from confusion to realization in a matter of seconds. His lips parted as if to say something, but he hesitated, his brows knitting together.

"It's nothing!" Jungkook squeaked, cutting him off as her voice cracked. She was sure her face was now the color of a ripe tomato.

"Just—um, paint! Yes, paint! I—I was painting something last night!"

Taehyung gave her an unbelieving look, his lips twitching upward in disbelief. "Paint?" he repeated slowly, clearly unconvinced.

"Yes! Paint!" Jungkook insisted, nodding frantically. Her hands waved in front of her as if to physically push away his thoughts. "You know, arts and crafts, late-night creativity—it happens!"

Taehyung's smirk grew, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "Funny, I don't remember any art supplies in the bedroom."

Jungkook's soul practically left her body. She turned away, her face buried in her hands as she let out a pitiful groan. Just stop talking, Jungkook. You're making it worse.

Taehyung took a step closer, and Jungkook instinctively took a step back, still clutching the duvet like it was her lifeline. He reached out, gently prying the duvet from her grip and placing it aside.

"It's Okay!"

"Okay?" Jungkook repeated, her knuckles turning white as she stared at the traitorous stain on Taehyung's shirt.

Taehyung tilted his head, his expression unreadable but clearly curious. He followed her darting gaze, lowering his chin slightly to glance at the stain on his shirt. His lips twitched, but he didn't say anything.

Jungkook's soul officially left her body.

"I can explain!" she blurted, her voice coming out louder than she intended.

Taehyung's eyes snapped back to hers, his brow lifting. "Explain what?" he asked, his tone calm, though the faintest hint of amusement glimmered in his eyes.

Jungkook flailed slightly, trying to find an answer that wouldn't make her die of embarrassment. "That... it's not what you think—actually, it's exactly what it looks like, but not on purpose! I didn't mean for—oh god, why is this happening to me?"

Her rambling ended in a groan as she buried her face in her hands, wishing she could disappear into thin air.

Taehyung exhaled softly, shaking his head. He began to unbutton the shirt slowly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Relax, Mrs. Kim," he said, his tone gentle. "It's just a little blood. It happens. No one died."

Jungkook peeked at him through her fingers, her eyes wide. "Just a little? It's on your shirt, Mr Kim! How does that even reach there?"

Taehyung paused, looking down at the shirt in contemplation. "A mystery for the ages, perhaps?"

"Don't tease me!" Jungkook huffed, her face burning as she clutched the duvet tighter. "This is the most mortifying moment of my life!"

Taehyung's lips curved into a soft smile, his amusement melting into something warmer. He walked over to the closet and shrugged off the stained shirt, tossing it away without a second thought.

"Mrs Kim," he said, turning to her, his voice dropping into a softer tone. "It's not a big deal."

"Not a big deal?" Jungkook repeated incredulously, sitting up straighter. "The bed looks like a crime scene, and your shirt—"

"evidence?" he teased, smirking.

"MR. KIM!" Jungkook shrieked, tossing a pillow at him, though it fell short by a good few inches.

"You're overdramatizing," Taehyung shook his head as he moved toward the bed, not missing a beat. He picked up the duvet, shaking it out and making the bed look a little less chaotic, though the stains were still impossible to ignore.

Jungkook stood frozen in place, hands clutching her sleeves, trying her best to shrink into the corner, wishing she could vanish. She kept her eyes averted, willing herself not to say anything else. It felt like every move she made only made the situation worse.

How is he so casual about this?

But Taehyung continued his efforts to clean, still with that calm indifference, though his eyes kept flicking over to her. After a moment of cleaning the sheets, he went to the closet and dressed in a fresh shirt.

Taehyung came out and inspected the stain from the earlier shirt. He didn't seem nearly as flustered as she was, despite the entire situation being a huge embarrassment for Jungkook.

Her face was burning so hot she could've sworn it was glowing. Jungkook didn't dare look at him, hoping maybe he wouldn't notice her trying to become part of the wallpaper.

"Are you planning to stand there forever?" Taehyung asked with a smirk, casually tossing the shirt aside onto the chair.

Jungkook didn't respond immediately, feeling the awkwardness hanging between them. She rubbed her neck nervously. "I'm not standing, I'm... um..." she trailed off, her brain still in a haze of embarrassment, not able to string words together properly.

Taehyung tilted his head, his expression softening. "It's really not that bad, Mrs Kim," he said walking toward her now.

Jungkook finally dared to glance at him. "You're not... mad?" she asked hesitantly, voice almost a whisper.

"Mad? At you? No." Taehyung shook his head slowly, his lips curling into a smile. He chuckled softly. "Honestly, this... is just part of life, Jungkook. Nothing to be embarrassed about."

Jungkook felt the tension in her chest ease just a little as she looked up into his gentle, understanding eyes.

"You and I both know that we can't touch each other right now," he said. Taehyung watched her, his eyes soft yet intense, as if he were calculating her reaction. "So, be a good wife and sit prettily on the bed."

Jungkook's eyes widened slightly at his words, her cheeks flushing anew. She opened her mouth to retort, but Taehyung raised an eyebrow, a commanding expression crossing his face that left her flustered.

"Sit. Prettily." He gestured toward the bed with a slight tilt of his head.

Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms. "What does that even mean? 'Sit prettily'? I'm not some doll, you know."

"Sit, my dearest. Not as a command, but as a request from this man. Sit with the grace you carry and let the world pause for just a moment."

Jungkook blinked, her heart skipping a beat at his words and she felt butterflies spread through her chest. Reluctantly, Jungkook shuffled back to the bed, plopping down in an exaggerated manner, her arms still crossed. "There. Happy?"

Taehyung's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "Very much."

The husband walked over to the side of the bed, maintaining enough distance due to the curse. He crouched slightly, his intense gaze meeting hers.

"Stay here. I'll get you something to drink."

Before Jungkook could protest, he moved away, leaving her to sit awkwardly on the bed. Jungkook fidgeted with her hands, her earlier embarrassment still lingering, though a strange warmth bloomed in her chest at how considerate he was being.

Moments later, Taehyung returned with a glass of lukewarm water. He set it down on the side table and slid it toward her with a gentle nudge.

"Drink. It'll help."

Jungkook glanced at him warily but picked up the glass, sipping slowly. The water soothed her dry throat and she calmed down even more.

"Feeling better?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

She nodded, though her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why are you being so... nice about this? Shouldn't you be... I don't know, at least a little grossed out?"

"Mrs Kim, it's not as if you did it on purpose. And even if you had, it wouldn't matter. I'm not some fragile flower."

Jungkook blinked at him, momentarily speechless.

"Besides," he continued, "we're going to spend the rest of our lives together, don't you think it's better to face things like this head-on instead of dancing and wailing around them?"

Jungkook bit her lip, trying to fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're really something, Mr. Kim."

"I will take it as a compliment, Mrs Kim," he quipped, leaning slightly closer, his gaze unwavering.

Taehyung sat a short distance from her, his back straight. Yet, there was a quiet sincerity in his gaze as he looked at Jungkook. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his voice low and steady.

"Does it hurt all the time?"

Jungkook's fingers tightened around the glass of water as she looked at him, her cheeks already warming at the unexpected question. She hadn't expected him—Kim Taehyung, her arrogant yet frustratingly considerate husband—to bring up something like this with such seriousness.

"Hurt?" she repeated, stalling for time.

Taehyung hummed in affirmation. "Yes. Your stomach. Your back. Does it hurt all the time?"

Jungkook glanced away, suddenly feeling far too exposed. It wasn't that she was ashamed—this was normal, after all—but talking about it so openly with him made something squirm in her chest.

"Well..." she trailed off, lifting a hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Not all the time, but... yeah. Sometimes."

Taehyung frowned slightly, his brows furrowing as if he were memorizing her words. "So right now? Does it hurt?"

Jungkook hesitated before nodding slowly. "A little."

His frown deepened, and without thinking, he leaned in slightly—just a fraction—but the movement made Jungkook's heart stutter. "Where?" he asked.

Jungkook sucked in a sharp breath. "Where?" she echoed, her voice a touch higher than usual.

Taehyung's gaze flickered over her expression, not missing the way she suddenly looked like she wanted the floor to swallow her whole. "Yes, where? Your lower stomach? Your back?" He tilted his head, genuinely curious.

Jungkook resisted the urge to bury herself under the duvet. "Wh-Why do you want to know?" she mumbled, suddenly very aware of how warm the room felt.

Taehyung looked at her as if the answer was obvious. "Because you're my wife."

Jungkook swallowed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. "That doesn't mean you have to—"

"I want to," he interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "If you're hurting, I should know."

Jungkook bit her lip, her cheeks darkening further. She wanted to be annoyed, to scold him for being too blunt, but instead, her heart melted at his words.

"...Lower stomach," she admitted softly. "And a bit of my back."

Taehyung nodded, thoughtful. He glanced at the space between them before sighing. "If not for this damn curse, I'd press my palm there. Maybe it would help."

Jungkook's breath hitched and she immediately turned her face away, her ears burning. "W-Why are you saying things like that?!"

Taehyung blinked, tilting his head in confusion. "What? It's just a touch."

"Just a touch?!"

Jungkook nearly choked. She turned back to glare at him, though her face was betraying her with its deepening blush. "You can't just say things like that so casually!"

Taehyung's lips quirked in amusement but he held back a smirk. "So, you're saying you want me to touch you?"

Jungkook's mouth fell open, her eyes going round as she sputtered. "Th-That's not what I said—"

"But you thought about it," Taehyung cut in smoothly, his voice dropping just slightly.

Jungkook shrieked, grabbing the closest pillow and throwing it at him. "Stupid husband!"

Taehyung laughed, catching the pillow effortlessly. "I'm just trying to understand you better, Mrs. Kim. Isn't that what a good husband should do?"

Jungkook huffed, crossing her arms, but she couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips.

Taehyung suddenly spoke again. "Is there anything that helps? A warm compress? Tea? Do you need more pillows to get comfortable?"

Jungkook blinked, momentarily stunned by his sincerity. He looked genuinely concerned, and it made her heart squeeze.

"...Tea helps," she admitted shyly, voice much softer now. "And... warmth."

Taehyung nodded as if taking mental notes. "Alright. I'll ask the kitchen to prepare something. And if you need anything, you tell me. Understood?"

Jungkook looked down at her lap, her fingers playing with the fabric of her dress. "Mm."

Taehyung arched a brow. "That's not an answer, Mrs. Kim."

She pursed her lips before peeking up at him shyly. "...Okay."

Taehyung's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Good."

Then, he saw Jungkook's hesitation as she fiddled with her fingers, her cheeks tinged with a soft pink hue. It was rare to see her like this—usually, she wasn't one to falter. But now, as he gently prodded her with questions, he noticed the way she avoided his gaze, the way her lips parted as if to answer before quickly pressing shut again.

She was shy.

For a moment, he sat there, his brow furrowing in thought. Then, without a word, he rose and strode toward the closet. Jungkook watched him curiously, her head tilting as he rummaged through a section. When he turned around, her eyes fell to the small, worn diary in his hand.

The edges of the cover were slightly frayed and the leather binding bore the marks of time. Its brown surface looked worn smooth from years of use. Taehyung returned to the bed and sat down.

"This," he said, holding the diary out to her. His voice was low and steady. "Read this."

Jungkook blinked at the object in his hand, hesitant. She opened the diary carefully, her brows furrowing as she noticed the neat, handwritten entries inside.

"What is this?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

Taehyung leaned back slightly, his gaze lingering on the diary. "When Jimin got her first cycle, she was too shy to talk about it. Our mother... wasn't someone she felt comfortable approaching, and I could see how much Jimin was struggling."

Jungkook looked up at him, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice.

"So," he continued, "I gave her this diary. I told her to write down anything she wanted to ask or say, and I'd reply. It became our way of communicating about things she was too embarrassed to say out loud."

Jungkook's lips parted, her eyes darting back to the diary. She flipped through the pages, finding question after question written in neat handwriting and answers below. Each entry reveal a deeper layer of Taehyung's care, his gentle attempt to make Jimin feel comfortable with something so personal and unfamiliar.

Brother, are you sure this is okay? It feels weird to write about this...

It's just you and me, Jimin. You don't have to be shy. Write anything you want. I'll answer.

Jungkook's eyes sparkled as she flipped through the diary, her lips twitching into a smile when she landed on one particular entry.

"Jiminie, if any of those boys in your class make fun of you for not joining a sports game because of cramps, tell them your brother will personally educate them on what cramps feel like. With my fists."

Jungkook let out a laugh, clutching the diary as she glanced up at Taehyung. "Really? You threatened middle school boys with violence?"

Taehyung shrugged, unbothered. "They deserved it. One of them made her cry once because she couldn't run laps that day. They needed a warning."

Jungkook chuckled, shaking her head as she turned to another page.

"Jimin, if you're going to use my credit card to buy snacks for your friends, at least warn me first. The shopkeeper now thinks I'm running a black-market candy operation."

Jungkook doubled over, laughing. "She used your card for candy? How much did she even buy?"

"Enough to make the shopkeeper call me 'Boss' for two weeks," Taehyung said, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, this one's gold," Jungkook gasped as she flipped to a new page.

"Jiminie, I know you're embarrassed about 'leakage,' but hiding your stained uniform under the couch is not the solution. I found it and I'm not happy. Also, I cleaned it for you. You're welcome."

"She hid it under the couch?" Jungkook laughed so hard she almost fell off her chair. "How did you even find it?"

"I tripped over it while searching something," Taehyung replied dryly.

"Oh my god, I can't breathe," Jungkook wheezed, clutching her stomach. She turned the page again, her face lighting up at another entry.

"Brother, can I dye my hair red to become more powerful, pleaseeeee,"

"No, you cannot dye your hair red to 'feel powerful' during your cycle. You're fifteen, not an anime character. Stop trying to bribe me."

Jungkook burst into another fit of laughter. "She wanted to dye her hair red? For her cycle? What kind of logic is that?"

"She said it would help her 'harness the power of the moon' or something ridiculous," Taehyung replied, shaking his head. "I had to hide all the hair dye in the house."

The next entry had Jungkook practically crying with laughter.

"Jiminie, I don't care if the cramps make you feel like punching someone. You're not allowed to hit Yeonjun again. He's still crying about last week."

Jungkook looked up at Taehyung, her grin wide. "She punched Yeonjun? Over cramps?"

"He called her moody and angry bird. She decided to educate him," Taehyung said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Jungkook shook her head, her giggles slowing into warm chuckles. "you really had your hands full with her, didn't you?"

"Still do," he replied, giving her a meaningful look that sent a flush creeping up her cheeks.

Jungkook cleared her throat, quickly turning the pages. The room felt silent except the rustling of the paper. Jungkook blinked in surprise after reading couple of pages.

"So, how did you even know what to do? I mean... this is a lot of detail."

Taehyung's lips quirked into a small smile, but he looked away briefly, his expression softening. "I didn't. Not at first. I had to learn everything. I went to a cyber café... back when those were a thing. I didn't have internet access at home, so I'd sneak out, spend hours reading everything I could about menstrual cycle, cramps, hygiene... everything. I learned what I could, so I could help Jimin."

Jungkook stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide. "You... went to a cyber café to research...? With a bunch of strangers around?"

He nodded. "I didn't really care what anyone else thought. I needed to learn and I wasn't going to leave her struggling just because I was too shy to ask someone about it."

Jungkook's heart fluttered, touched by the lengths he'd gone to for his sister. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

Taehyung shifted slightly, not quite meeting her gaze but still smiling in a way that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"She's my sister," he said simply, as though that explained everything. "She didn't have anyone else to rely on, so I did what I could. I'm not an expert, but I learned as much as I could to make her feel less alone."

"That's... actually kind of amazing and surprising at the same time." Jungkook spoke softly.

His brow arched. "Why is that surprising?"

"Because you're... you! You don't strike me as the type to dive into... that sort of thing," she said, waving her hand vaguely, her cheeks burning.

"Just because I don't say much doesn't mean I'm ignorant," he said calmly, folding his arms across his chest. "I know it's a normal part of life. And if it's something my closed ones have to go through, then I should at least try to understand it."

Jungkook stared at him, her heart fluttering. She didn't know what to say. This wasn't the stoic and distant Taehyung she was used to—this was someone willing to step out of his carefully constructed shell for her sake.

Jungkook's fingers tightened around the diary, her gaze softening. He smiled faintly, the corners of his lips quirking up.

"If you ever feel shy or uncomfortable talking to me, use the diary. Write it down, and I'll read it."

Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down at the diary again, feeling a lump form in her throat. "You're really surprising me today, Mr. Kim."

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Why?"

"Because I never expected..." She trailed off, her smile softening. "You've just... done your homework, haven't you?"

He shrugged one shoulder. "If something affects my wife's well-being, then I should know about it."

Jungkook bit her lip, her eyes glistening slightly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Taehyung stood, his movements careful as always. "Good. Now, sit back and rest. I'll get you some tea."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

2 Days Later~~

The evening air was crisp as Jungkook made her way to Rosie's cottage. The journey felt longer than usual, her thoughts heavy with unanswered questions about the curse that loomed between her and Taehyung.

Clutching her bag tighter around her shoulders, Jungkook walked briskly, her footsteps crunching against the gravel path.

Rosie's home was surrounded by a wild garden of herbs and flowers. While Jungkook approached, her heart pounded with nerves and anticipation.

She hesitated briefly before knocking on the wooden door. Almost immediately, it opened, revealing Rosie with her hair tied back, a curious expression on her face.

"Jungkook?" Rosie said, her tone both surprised and welcoming. "Come in."

Jungkook stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room filled with bookshelves, jars of dried herbs and colorful crystals hanging in the windows. The air carried lavender and rosemary scent which did a good work in easing some of the tension in her chest.

Rosie gestured to a plush armchair by the fireplace. "Sit down, make yourself comfortable. You seem troubled."

Jungkook sat, fidgeting with the hem of her blouse. "I need your help,"

Rosie took the seat across from her, folding her hands on the small table between them. "Tell me what's on your mind."

"It's frustrating to have a husband you can't even touch? I can't hold his hand, I can't hug him, I can't even shove him away when he's being annoying!"

Rosie bit back a laugh. "The Poison Hue curse," she said knowingly.

"Yes! That!" Jungkook exploded, leaning forward, her frustration tumbling out in a rapid stream. "Do you know what it's like to be married but live like—like two polite acquaintances or like we are in long distance relationship? We're not supposed to be roommates! We're supposed to be in love, Rosie! In love! And what kind of love story doesn't let the main characters touch?"

Jungkook cried. "It's torture!! Every time I get close, it's like there's this sparks that pushes me away! It's like the universe is laughing at me, saying, 'No cuddles for you, Jungkook!'"

Rosie nodded sympathetically.

"And our married life— it's punctured, Rosie. Completely punctured. How am I supposed to be a doting wife when I can't even rest my head on his shoulder?"

Rosie's lips quirked, but she stayed silent, letting Jungkook vent.

"And—" Jungkook paused, her face heating up as she realized she was on the verge of saying something very personal. She glanced at Rosie, who was watching her with curiosity. Jungkook's eyes widened as her words hit her. "Oh my God." She buried her face in her hands. "I've said too much."

Rosie finally let out a soft laugh, patting Jungkook's arm. "It's alright. You're clearly frustrated and I can see why."

Jungkook peeked through her fingers, her cheeks bright pink. "I didn't mean to yell. Or... you know, overshare."

"You're married; it's natural to want to be close to him," Rosie said kindly. "But I'll need to know a bit more if we're going to figure this out."

Rosie hesitated for a moment, a sly smile playing on her lips as she poured Jungkook another cup of tea. She stirred it leisurely, letting the silence hang just long enough for Jungkook to grow curious.

"Did you know," Rosie began, her tone light but teasing, "Taehyung called me about this curse?"

Jungkook froze mid-sip, her wide eyes darting to Rosie. "Wait—what?"

Rosie nodded, clearly enjoying the moment. "Twice, actually. He wanted to know if there was an antidote or a solution to this Poison Hue situation."

Jungkook placed her cup down with a thunk, a smile creeping onto her lips as she leaned forward. "He called you? Twice?"

"Mm-hmm," Rosie confirmed, her grin widening.

Jungkook's face lit up like a child who had just discovered their favorite treat. She leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, her smile turning smug.

"I knew it," Jungkook said, her voice filled with gleeful satisfaction.

"Knew what?"

"That he's the one suffering more from this!" Jungkook declared, her tone triumphant. She pointed a finger at Rosie as if presenting evidence in court. "He pretends to be all unbothered, but deep down, he's desperate! Desperate to touch me, to hold me—oh my God, to kiss me."

Rosie laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, I'd say you're not entirely wrong. He was certainly concerned about the situation."

Jungkook smirked, now fully basking in the revelation. "And here I was, thinking I was the only one losing my mind over this. O my how satisfying this is? All this time, he's been acting like this is no big deal, but now I know the truth." She clasped her hands together dramatically.

"My husband is completely, utterly, hopelessly desperate for me."

Rosie chuckled, sipping her tea. Jungkook leaned forward conspiratorially. "You know what this means, right?"

"What?"

"I'm going to tease him mercilessly."

Rosie burst out laughing, shaking her head as Jungkook continued her animated rant. But then, realizing Rosie was laughing at her, Jungkook's cheeks flushed pink.

"Why are you laughing? This is a serious issue!"

Rosie wiped a tear from her eye, her smile fond. "I'm sorry, Jungkook. It's just... you're too cute when you're mad. No wonder Taehyung's so smitten."

Jungkook froze at the compliment, her pout faltering. "Wait... you really think he's smitten?"

"Oh, honey," Rosie said, leaning forward with a knowing smile. "He's so far gone it's a miracle he can even function. I don't think I've ever seen a man more in love."

Jungkook's indignation melted away, replaced by a shy smile. "Well... good," she said softly, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. "He should be."

"As for an antidote... I wish I could say I've found something."

Jungkook's hopeful expression faltered. "You haven't?"

Rosie sighed, her brows furrowing. "Not yet. I've been digging through every text, every bit of lore I can find, but this curse is... complex. It's not just about the physical touch; it's tied to something deeper, something emotional."

Jungkook blinked, her lips parting slightly. "Something emotional? Like... what?"

Rosie hesitated, then met Jungkook's gaze. "It's hard to say. But curses like this usually revolve around breaking through fear, pain, or mistrust. It's not just a spell to break—it's something you both have to face together."

Jungkook bit her lip, her mind racing. "So... we just keep waiting? Hoping that some magical breakthrough happens?"

Rosie placed a comforting hand on Jungkook's arm. "You've already made progress, Jungkook. The fact that you both love each other so fiercely—it's a good sign. Sometimes the cure isn't about finding an antidote—it's about finding each other in the midst of it."

Jungkook's shoulders slumped, but she nodded, her resolve hardening. "Alright. But if you do find anything, let me know immediately. I don't care if it's the middle of the night—I'll come running."

Rosie smiled warmly. "You'll be the first to know, I promise."

Jungkook stepped out and took a deep breath, the earlier frustrations from the curse momentarily replaced with hope. She couldn't touch Taehyung yet but that didn't mean she couldn't make him sweat a little while she figured it out.

With new determination, Jungkook set off toward home, her mind already spinning with plans to torment, tease, and ultimately cherish the man who was, curse or not, irrevocably hers.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

Night time

Jungkook smoothed the bedding and fluffed the pillows. She worked methodically, her movements were quick—except for the frequent pauses when her gaze flickered toward the dresser.

Taehyung stood there, freshly showered, his damp hair tousled as he ran a towel over it. The water droplets clinging to his neck glistened under the lamplight.

Jungkook glanced at him again, her hands pausing mid-fluff, her lips slightly parted. She couldn't stop her eyes from trailing over the curve of his shoulders and the way his shirt clung to his chest, still damp from his shower.

Taehyung noticed, of course.

He saw the way her hands stilled, the way her head tilted slightly as if angling for a better view. But he didn't say anything. Instead, a small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips and he slowed his movements, letting her look.

Without turning to fully face her, Taehyung's deep voice cut through the quiet.

"You know," he drawled, "I am your sole wedded husband, Mrs Kim. You don't need to sneak peek. You can look at me from the front all you want."

Jungkook froze mid-fluff, her mouth falling open as her cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly recovered, rolling her eyes with exaggerated drama.

"Sneak peek?!" Jungkook exclaimed, turning to face him with her hands on her hips. "Oh Please. Don't flatter yourself, Mr. Kim. I was checking the angle of the lamp—it's totally off balance."

Taehyung arched an eyebrow, his smirk deepening as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Oh, really? The lamp? Not me?"

"Not even a little," Jungkook shot back, lifting her chin. "You're just standing there. Nothing worth peeking at."

"If that's the case," he said, his voice dropping to a low rumble, "why are your cheeks so red, my wife?"

"It's—it's warm in here! You just got out of the shower and the steam probably raised the temperature!" Jungkook spoke.

"Ah, I see. Steam. Makes perfect sense. It's magic right? I took a cold shower and my wife talks about steam,"

Jungkook's cheeks flared at Taehyung's teasing tone. She huffed, clutching the edge of the blanket she was fluffing like it was her last line of defense.

"By the way," Jungkook started, her tone turning sweetly sarcastic. "I was just thinking... how can someone be so desperate to touch his wife that he called Rosie again and again, practically begging for a solution to this curse?"

Taehyung paused mid-brush, his eyes narrowed slightly with intrigue. "Not me! How did you know I called Rosie?"

"Because I went to see her myself and she told me!"

"And why you went to see Rosie?" Taehyung asked keeping the hair brush down on the dresser.

"To know the solution--"

The moment the confession left her lips, Jungkook froze. Her eyes widened in horror as her words hit her. Slowly, her gaze went to face Taehyung.

His smirk widened into a full-blown grin, his sharp gaze locking onto her like a hawk that had just spotted its prey.

"Oh?" he drawled.

Jungkook's cheeks flamed red as the realization of her slip-up settled in. There was a beat of silence as Taehyung's grin turned positively wolfish.

"I—wait—no, that's not what I meant!" she stammered, taking a step back as if she could escape the smug look on his face.

"Oh, no, my dear wife," Taehyung said smoothly, leaning casually against the bedpost. "You don't get to take it back now. Seems like the wife is just as desperate as the husband."

Jungkook's face turned a shade of crimson so vivid it could rival the sunrise. She stomped her foot in frustration. "I was just—just—being responsible!" she sputtered, pointing an accusing finger at him. "Unlike you, who can't stop calling Rosie like a lovesick teenager!"

"Responsible?" Taehyung echoed. He pushed himself off the bedpost, stalking toward her. "And here I thought I was the one who couldn't stop thinking about my spouse."

"You—stop twisting my words!" Jungkook huffed, retreating step by step until her back hit the wall.

Taehyung's smirk deepened. "I'm just stating facts. My wife, sneaking off to Rosie, trying to find a solution for this curse, all because she misses her husband's touch."

"I—" Jungkook faltered, her throat working as she tried to form a rebuttal. But Taehyung's relentless teasing had her cornered, quite literally.

"Then why go to Rosie?" he countered smoothly, one eyebrow raising in challenge.

"Because someone needs to fix this mess, and clearly, it's not going to be you! Mister Kim"

"Or was it because you're just as desperate as I am, Mrs. Kim?"

Jungkook's jaw dropped and her eyes widened at Taehyung's teasing smirk. She pointed a finger at him, her words tumbling out in a high-pitched whine.

"Desperate? Me? Excuse me, Kim Taehyung, but you're the one calling Rosie multiple times, begging for answers! Begging! If anyone's desperate here, it's you!"

Taehyung arched a brow, amused. "Begging?"

"Yes, begging!" Jungkook continued, throwing her hands in the air. "I'm the one suffering here! Do you know how hard it is not to touch you? You're my husband, Mr Kim. My husband! And now I have to sit on my hands every time you're around because of this stupid curse. It's—it's torture!"

"So, you're admitting you're desperate too?"

Jungkook's face turned crimson as she realized what she'd just said. She opened her mouth to retort, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she stomped her foot again, this time in embarrassment.

"You're the worst!" Jungkook whined, burying her face in her hands. "Why did I even marry you?"

Taehyung chuckled and Jungkook felt her heart flutter despite herself. "Admit it, Mrs. Kim," he teased, his voice dropping an octave. "You miss me just as much as I miss you."

Jungkook groaned dramatically, turning her back to him. "I'm not answering that!" she declared, her arms crossing over her chest.

"That's not a no," Taehyung murmured, his smirk audible even without her seeing it.

Jungkook huffed loudly, puffing her cheeks as walked to the bed and sat on her side of the bed, determined to put some distance between herself and her infuriating husband.

Successfully ignoring the stupid handsome husband, Jungkook grabbed the nearest pillow and plopping it in the middle of the bed with a satisfying thud.

Taehyung walked to the bed with his arms crossed and laid on his side. He watched the entire process with an amused smirk.

With every movement, her delicate hands pressed and fluffed the pillows, her brows furrowed in concentration. The soft moonlight streaming through the window bathed her in a silvery glow, illuminating her every move like an otherworldly vision.

"Really, Mrs. Kim?" he drawled, his deep voice tinged with teasing. "This is how you want to spend the night? Building a barricade like we're at war?"

Jungkook glanced at him from her eyelashes, her nose scrunching. "It's not a barricade—it's a boundary. And yes, I do want to spend the night like this. The closer you are, the harder this stupid curse is to bear."

Taehyung chuckled, his rich laughter echoing softly in the room. "A boundary, huh? You do realize this fort is useless, don't you?"

"It's not useless," she shot back, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at him. "It's symbolic."

"Symbolic?" Taehyung repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Symbolic of what? That you're terrified of me?"

Jungkook huffed, pulling the pillows higher as if it could shield her from his teasing gaze. "I'm not terrified of you. I'm cautious. There's a difference."

As Jungkook stretched to grab another pillow, the hem of her night dress slipped slightly higher, revealing the curve of her knee. Taehyung's gaze followed instinctively, his smirk fading into something more appreciative, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. His dark eyes trailed along the graceful line of her neck as she bent forward, her hair spilling over her shoulder like a curtain.

Taehyung's heart gave a traitorous flutter.

Jungkook wasn't doing anything special—just fussing with pillows—but somehow, Jungkook fully absorbed in her task, was the most captivating sight he'd ever laid eyes on.

Taehyung clenched his jaw, his fingers twitching against the sheets as he forced his gaze away.

For god's sake. He had to stop. He needed to stop.

He swallowed, tilting his head up toward the ceiling as if looking anywhere but at her would help. His mind scrambled for solutions—cold showers, breathing exercises, maybe even reciting the damn company policies in his head—anything to stop the fire licking at his veins.

But then—then—Jungkook sighed, the softest, most unassuming sound and it sent a sharp pulse of heat down his spine.

Taehyung shut his eyes tight, inhaling through his nose. Not now. Not tonight. He had spent the last few weeks perfecting the art of self-restraint, of putting his duty as a husband above the reckless, insatiable pull toward his wife. But Jungkook made it impossible.

Because there she was—his siren, his fireball, sitting just inches away, wrapped in soft silk, smelling like honey and night jasmine, completely unaware of what she was doing to him.

"You know," Taehyung said, his voice low and smooth, "for someone who claims to want distance, you sure are making this a show."

Jungkook froze mid-fluff, her head snapping to him with a sharp glare. "A show?!" she exclaimed, her cheeks tinting pink. "I'm just trying to ensure I get a peaceful night without you teasing me."

"Hmm," Taehyung murmured, his gaze flickering to her lips as they formed a pout. "If you say so. But that concentration face of yours... is dangerous, Mrs. Kim. It's hard not to stare."

Jungkook felt her cheeks heat, but she rolled her eyes, determined not to give him the satisfaction. With another huff, Jungkook reached for yet another pillow, adjusting it with unnecessary force.

The motion made the delicate neckline of her nightdress slip slightly, exposing the gentle slope of her swells. The candlelight flickered over her skin, golden and inviting, and damn it all to hell—Taehyung felt something snap inside him.

God hates me. He was convinced of it.

With a sharp motion, Jungkook plopped the final pillow into place, forming the fortress that separated them.

"If you're done being ridiculous, please stay on your side,"

Taehyung's smile turned wolfish, his dark eyes glinting in the dim moonlight that bathed the room. He leaned back lazily against the headboard, his gaze tracing her silhouette as if Jungkook were the only thing in the world worth looking at.

Well Jungkook was!

"Mrs. Kim," he drawled, his voice a silky caress, "this little fort might make you feel safe now, but if it weren't for this curse..." He trailed off deliberately, letting his words hang heavy in the air.

Jungkook froze, her heart stuttering in her chest. Slowly, she turned her head to glance, her wide eyes catching the molten heat in his gaze. "If it weren't for the curse...?" she asked softly.

Taehyung's lips curled into a slow smirk, his eyes never leaving hers. "This wall would mean nothing," he said, his voice dripping with unspoken intent.

The room fell silent save for the quiet hum of the night outside. Jungkook's breath hitched, her grip on the duvet tightening as his words settled over her like a weight she couldn't ignore. The way he looked at her—dark, unyielding, and entirely focused—made her pulse race, her body acutely aware of the space separating them.

"Well," Jungkook finally managed, turning back toward the window in a poor attempt to hide her burning cheeks, "lucky for me, the curse exists."

Her voice was muffled by the duvet, but Taehyung heard every word—and the faint quiver in her tone. He let out a soft chuckle, the sound sending a shiver down her spine.

"Lucky for you," he repeated, his voice teasing yet laced with something unspoken that made her stomach twist and her heart pound.

The room fell into a comfortable silence after that, the bedside lamp casting shadows across the walls. Despite the fort between them, Jungkook could feel Taehyung's presence as strongly as if he were right beside her.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───