🥀 𝟐𝟏. 𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬

Enjoy

The sun streaming through the window was a bright and fresh morning. Birds chirped outside, but for Jungkook, it was anything but peaceful. She stood in front of the mirror, freshly bathed, the scent of floral soap lingering in the air.

Her fingers fumbled with the strings of her dress, which needed to be tied behind her. She turned slightly, trying to get a better angle, but the strings seemed determined to elude her grasp. With a frustrated huff, she muttered, "Why is this so complicated?"

Her reflection revealed the tiny frown etched on her face and she couldn't help but pout at her reflection. "Come on, Jungkook, you can do this!" she encouraged herself, taking a deep breath.

Then her gaze shifted to Taehyung, who was sitting on the couch, immersed in his work. A cute scowl formed on her lips. Seriously? Can't he help his pretty wife for just one moment? she thought, crossing her arms in irritation. Why am I struggling while he looks so calm?

Jungkook's pout deepened as she muttered, "Ice cube, you're supposed to be a husband! Help me out here!"

She rolled her eyes dramatically, her frustration bubbling beneath her cuteness. Honestly, he could at least glance this way and offer to help!

With one last frustrated attempt at the strings, she let out a tiny groan, wishing for a little bit of support. "Ugh, I guess I'll just have to do this the hard way," she mumbled, cheeks slightly flushed from annoyance.

Meanwhile, Taehyung being a gentleman, noticed Jungkook's struggle and her bare back too. He quickly averted his gaze, feeling embarrassment creep up his neck.

Focus on your work, he reminded himself, attempting to push the image from his mind. But his focus wavered, his pen hovering mid-air as his thoughts drifted.

Every time he tried to concentrate on the papers, his mind betrayed him, replaying the sight of her delicate frame and the curve of her back. He glanced back, despite his best intentions, just in time to see her struggling again. Jungkook's lips formed a frustrated pout and he felt an overwhelming urge to help her, to ease her frustration.

With a resigned sigh, he set his papers aside and stood up. he walked toward her, knowing full well that he wouldn't be able to concentrate until he did.

Jungkook stood in front of the mirror and attempted to tie the strings of her dress once again. The soft fabric flew around her but no matter how she twisted and turned, the strings remained stubbornly out of reach. Just as she was about to give in, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

Jungkook's fingers stilled the moment her eyes met Taehyung's in the reflection of the mirror. Her heart skipped a beat and she felt warmth flood her cheeks as the realization of her backless dress sank in. The thin black fabric hugged her frame perfectly, highlighting the curve of her waist and shoulders. Her bare skin glows under the morning light.

The dress clung to her in all the right places, highlighting her slender figure while the deep cut at the back left her exposed in front of Taehyung. She bit her bottom lip in an unconscious gesture, her hands slowly lowering to her sides as her fingers trembled.

Her dark hair cascaded down her back like a silky curtain, barely brushing the edge of the dress where the fabric met her skin. She could feel Taehyung's gaze on her, his eyes roaming over the soft lines of her body and it sent a wave of heat through her, making her breath hitch. Her lips parted, though no words came out, as she stood frozen in place, his gaze making her pulse quicken.

Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she turned her head slightly, just enough to catch a glimpse of him over her shoulder, her eyes wide and shy. Her heartbeat thudded in her chest, being exposed like this in front of her husband making her feel both self-conscious and electrified.

Taehyung remained silent but his dark eyes flickered with a softness that Jungkook could sense even through his cold exterior. She felt her skin prickle with awareness, every inch of her body hyper-sensitive to the moment.

Taehyung's breath slowed as he stepped closer, his gaze locked onto Jungkook's reflection in the mirror. His tall frame loomed behind her and the space between them began to shrink.

Slowly, Taehyung lifted his hand and reached for Jungkook's dark hair. His fingers brushed against the silken strands. he gently gathered her hair, moving it aside. her hair slipped between his fingers like silk as he exposed the full expanse of her milky, bare back to his sharp, focused eyes.

Jungkook's breath hitched and she clutched the fabric of her dress tighter in her fists, her knuckles turning pale as she braced herself against the cool air now fully hitting her back. Her eyes closed, Taehyung's proximity and the way he moved her hair sent a shiver down her spine. The cool morning air was nothing compared to the heat that she was feeling.

Taehyung's fingertips lightly grazed the back of her neck, his touch was soft, yet enough to make Jungkook's skin tingle with awareness. His hand hovered just above the strings of her dress for a moment. His long fingers picked up the strings she had been struggling with and began to tie them with care.

Jungkook's body responds to each tiny action, her nerves alive under his touch. The closeness was almost unbearable yet she felt rooted to the spot. His fingers worked, threading the strings together with the slightest pull, the fabric tightening around her waist as he secured the knot.

Taehyung exhaled slowly, his breath brushing the back of her neck and his eyes flicked up to meet hers in the mirror.

Jungkook's eyes remained closed, her lashes fluttering as she tried to steady her breathing. She could feel every brush of his hand and it sent her heart into a wild rhythm. Her lips parted slightly, her face flushed as she bit back the nervous tremor threatening to escape.

Taehyung tied the first knot, his fingers brushed against the soft skin of Jungkook's back and he noticed how her body reacted. Her back arched slightly under his touch. The pressure of his fingers pulling the strings sent a shiver down her spine and a small gasp escaped her lips, almost involuntarily.

Taehyung paused, his eyes moving up to the mirror where he could see her flushed face.

"Is this okay?" His voice was a whisper, afraid to disturb the delicate moment between them.

Jungkook nodded, her breath unstable as she tried to compose herself. Her fingers still clutched the fabric of her dress, knuckles pale from the tension but she couldn't bring herself to look at him directly. Instead, Jungkook kept her eyes closed, completely consumed by the sensations his gentle touch was awakening within her.

Taehyung's hands moved as he tied the knot, the slight tug of the strings pulling the dress snugly against her back. Her spine curved inward, accentuating the delicate line of her figure and the fabric of her dress shifted to hug her form more closely.

Taehyung's breath slowed and his gaze stayed on the smooth back, now fully covered by the tied strings. He couldn't help but feel possessiveness — not over her but over the moment they were sharing. It was peaceful and personal, a space where words weren't needed.

Jungkook tilted her head, her hair brushing against her shoulders. Taehyung tied the final knot, his fingers hovered against Jungkook's back for a second longer than necessary. Slowly, he let the strings fall against the fabric of her dress, ensuring they were secured before he stepped back.

Jungkook's fingers loosened, her shoulders relaxing as the pressure eased. She let out a soft breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her heart still racing. Her hands slid down to smooth the front of the dress.

In the mirror, their eyes met once again. Jungkook blinked, her gaze shy but filled with gratitude. Her lips parted as if to say something but no words came out. She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her cheeks still redden with pink from the closeness they had just shared.

Taehyung, now standing behind her, adjusted his perspective slightly, his jaw tightening as he tried to regain his composure. He finally let his hands drop to his sides, resisting the urge to touch her again.

Jungkook's heart was still racing as she smoothed down the fabric of her dress, trying to gather her thoughts after the intimate moment they had just shared. She glanced at herself in the mirror, her cheeks still tinged pink, when she suddenly felt a shift behind her. Turning around, her eyes widened in surprise.

There, kneeling on one knee like some hero from a film, was Taehyung. His expression was serious, one hand placed over his heart while the other reached out toward her.

"My dearest Jungkook," he began, "I come before you, a mere mortal, unworthy of your radiance, to beg for your forgiveness."

Jungkook blinked, her breath catching in her throat. She could barely process what was happening. Her husband—normally so stoic, so composed—was kneeling in front of her. Her hands flew to cover her mouth, half in shock, half trying to stifle the chuckle.

"Please," Taehyung continued, his voice turning even deeper, "grant me mercy, for I have been blinded by your beauty, overwhelmed by your charm. How could I have been so foolish as to let a single moment pass without praising you?"

Jungkook's face was a deep shade of red now, her body ringing with both shyness and excitement.

"M-Mr Kim..." she stammered, unsure whether to laugh or hide from the intensity.

Taehyung wasn't done. He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a whisper. "Jungkook, your beauty is the dawn that awakens the world. The sun itself rises only to catch a glimpse of your radiant face. Every star in the night sky pales in comparison to the light in your eyes. How can I, a simple man, live without bathing in the warmth of your gaze?"

Jungkook let out a soft giggle, cheeks aching from trying to suppress her laughter. Her heart was pounding how manly his voice sounded, deep and confident. She couldn't help but blush harder, cheeks aflame with giddiness and embarrassment.

"I—I don't know what to say," she mumbled, biting her lip as she tried to keep up with his act. But her voice betrayed her excitement, her words breathless. "You sound like... like some hero from a movie!"

Taehyung's lips twitched into a smirk, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"But of course," he said, his voice now filled with bravado, "for I am a hero, Jungkook. Your hero."

He placed his hand on his chest again, flexing slightly.

"And as your hero, it is my duty to protect you, cherish you, and worship the ground you walk on," he declared, voice smooth and dripping with confidence. "There is no mountain I wouldn't climb, no ocean I wouldn't cross, if it meant making you smile."

Jungkook felt her knees wobble slightly, completely flustered by his over-the-top antics but also thrilled by the way he was praising her. Her lips curved into a shy smile, her fingers twisting together nervously. "You—you don't have to say all that..." she whispered, but her excitement betrayed her as she tucked her hair behind her ear, her eyes twinkling with joy.

"Mr. Kim, you are so cuuuuuuuute!" Jungkook squealed, her voice filled with excitement and griddyness.

"What?"

Jungkook blinked, her excitement screeching to a halt. She blinked again, looking around, her heart pounding. Where was the kneeling, over-the-top Taehyung?

Her gaze drifted, and there he was—standing right in front of her with his arms crossed, his piercing eyes focused on her, not a hint of the playfulness from moments before. Jungkook's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she realized the truth.

She had been dreaming.

"Oh... no..." Jungkook mumbled under her breath, her heart still racing from the vivid daydream. Her fingers nervously fidgeted with the edge of her dress as she avoided his gaze, still flustered from the imaginary version of him who had been praising her like a movie hero.

"I actually said that aloud?" Jungkook thought, biting her lips.

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, clearly noticing her sudden change in behavior. "Did you say something?" he asked, his voice calm but curious.

Jungkook's blush deepened. She quickly shook her head, trying to hide her flustered state.

"N-no! Not at all, Why would I say anything, Mr Kim, Aish!! You are so talking and now blaming me!" she stammered, her voice high-pitched as she tried to compose herself, her mind still wobbling from the dream version of her husband.

Jungkook's heart pounded in her chest and before she could even think about what she was doing, her head spun and she scooted away. Her feet moved faster than her mind could process and in a flash, she was halfway across the room, rushing toward the door.

"I-I'll be right back!" Jungkook blurted out in a panicked squeak, her voice trembling with humiliation. Her face was a fiery shade of red as she fled from the room, leaving Taehyung standing there, confused.

Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, his arms still crossed, watching her small figure dash out of sight. "What...?" he murmured, completely baffled by her sudden escape. He remained motionless, staring at the door that swung shut behind her.

Meanwhile, Jungkook's mind was a chaotic mess as she darted into the hallway.

What did I just do? she screamed inwardly, her face buried in her hands as she leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Her heart was still racing from the combination of her dream and the reality she had just fled from.

"I can't believe I said that out loud," she groaned softly to herself, hiding her face behind her hands as she replayed the scene in her head.

Taehyung stood frozen for a moment, staring at the door Jungkook had just sprinted through. His arms slowly uncrossed and a smirk began to tug at the corner of his lips. He blinked, trying to process what had just happened.

Cute? She called me... cute? The word echoed in his mind and it was so out of place that he almost wanted to laugh. Instead, he stayed composed, his gaze now softening as the reality of her adorable flustered reaction of his wife settled in.

His initial confusion melted into understanding. She was daydreaming... again. He could tell by the way her eyes had glazed over for a moment, lost in her thoughts before blurting out that unexpected compliment. The way she ran away in a panic afterwards only confirmed it.

Taehyung shook his head. What goes on in that little head of hers? he wondered.

She's probably daydreaming about me doing something ridiculous, he mused, trying to picture the scene. Knowing Jungkook, she likely imagined him doing something dramatic or over-the-top.

With one last glance at the door, he returned to his work, picking up where he had left off.

But even as his hands busied themselves, his mind kept drifting back to her flustered expression, the way her cheeks had flushed a deep red and the sound of her little squeak when she ran off.

She's something else, he thought as he resumed his usual composed, focused mind. However, the image of Jungkook, so blushy and adorable, remained in the back of his mind, making it hard to fully concentrate.

Jungkook sank onto the bench, her heart racing as she crushed a soft pillow in her lap. The flowers swayed gently in the morning breeze but her mind was a whirlpool of thoughts.

What just happened? Jungkook wondered, recalling Taehyung's gaze and his eclectic touch. Why does my heart feel like it's about to burst? She bit her lip, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

His actions... his possessiveness both thrilled and confused her. He cares but why does he have to make me feel so flustered? She hugged the pillow tighter, hiding her face against it.

"Ugh, Jungkook, why do you always get so shy?" Jungkook groaned inwardly. I can't believe I stood there like that, so exposed! What was I thinking?

Her mind drifted back to Taehyung. He's so different from what I expected—so kind, yet so... intense. Why does he have to be so perfect? She sighed, rolling her eyes at herself. "This is ridiculous! Get a grip, Jungkook!"

Glancing around the garden, she tried to focus on the beauty surrounding her but her thoughts kept returning to him. What if I messed things up? What if he sees me as just... a burden?

She shook her head to push away the doubts. "No, I shouldn't think like that. He's my husband and he married me."

"Okay, Jungkook. Breathe. Just... breathe." She closed her eyes, letting the sun warm her face, the sweet scent of flowers filling the air. "Why is this so complicated?" she muttered to herself, feeling both shy and euphoric.

"Why can't I just be normal? Why do I have to turn into a blushing mess around him?" She let out a soft groan, pressing the pillow tighter against her face.

This beautiful chaos—why does it have to feel so overwhelming?

————

Although I know I won't get any comments, still I will ask for something.
To the readers, who had read both versions of this book, which one is better?

You are free to ignore this question as usual you all do.
🌷

Happy reading