🥀 𝟒𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠?

Enjoy 🌸

The wheels of the car rolled smoothly along the concrete road. Taehyung's grip was stable on the steering wheel, focused on the road ahead. Jungkook sat in the passenger seat, stealing glances at him, her curiosity bubbling over like a fizzy drink.

"Where are we going?" Jungkook asked for the umpteenth time.

Taehyung didn't answer, his eyes fixed ahead. Jungkook sighed, leaning back in her seat, her frustration increasing drop by drop.

It was classic Kim Taehyung—calm, mysterious and frustrating all the time. Okay, Not all the time, sometimes.

"Seriously, Mr Kim. Can you at least give me a hint?" Jungkook pushed, hoping to get a clue, "Is it a surprise? Are we going to meet someone? Or are you just trying to torture me with suspense?"

Taehyung shot her a sidelong glance, the corner of his lips twitching slightly.

"You talk too much," he finally replied.

"Me? Talk too much? Never," Jungkook retorted, crossing her arms dramatically. "I'm just trying to have a conversation here. You're the one being all mysterious."

"You'll find out soon enough," Taehyung said, keeping his tone even and unreadable.

"Come on! Just one hint?" Jungkook pleaded, leaning closer to flash him her best puppy eyes.

"Think of it as an adventure," he replied, his voice low and smooth.

Jungkook rolled her eyes but a smile crept onto her face despite her annoyance. "You're such a tease. You know that, right?"

Taehyung didn't respond, the corners of his mouth betraying a small smirk as he continued driving. Frustration bubbled inside her and Jungkook couldn't help but pout in annoyance.

"Seriously, Mr. Kim?" Jungkook muttered, crossing her arms over her chest like a stubborn child. She turned her head dramatically away from him, her lips forming an adorable frown.

Jungkook huffed loudly enough for her husband to hear, her cheeks puffed out in irritation. "You're so annoying!" she declared, her voice playful despite her anger.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Taehyung's smirk growing wider and this action of her annoying husband only made her pout deeper.

"I can't believe you won't just tell me where we're going," Jungkook continued, jutting her bottom lip further. It was almost impossible to stay mad at him, especially when he looked so effortlessly handsome behind the wheel. Driving the car with one hand, looking so attractive.

His white shirt stretched across his broad shoulders while the sleeves were casually rolled up, revealing his toned forearms. His fingers wrapped around the steering wheel and his posture made him look like a vision straight out of a magazine.

His hair framed his sharp jawline and perfect features. Every small movement he made, whether adjusting his grip or turning the wheel, only highlighted his grace and charisma.

"Meanie," Jungkook mumbled under her breath, her voice laced with annoyance and frustration. She crossed her arms tighter, turning her head slightly to the side as if to emphasize her discontent.

Is Jungkook repeating her actions? Yes, why not?

Taehyung, however, remained completely unfazed. His expression was as stoic as ever, the corners of his mouth barely twitching despite her adorable antics. He kept his eyes focused on the road but the subtle glint of mischief in his gaze revealed that he was fully aware of her attempts.

"Are you done with your little tantrum?" Taehyung asked.

Jungkook huffed, her pout deepening. "I'm not throwing a tantrum!" she protested, her tone slightly whiny but filled with cuteness.

"Looks like a tantrum to me," Taehyung replied, glancing at her before returning his attention to the road.

They remained quiet for a few minutes. Jungkook's mind raced, winding with thoughts as she tried to unravel the mystery of their destination.

"Okay, I'll make a deal with you," Jungkook said suddenly, breaking the silence. "If you tell me where we're going, I'll promise to be quiet for the rest of the ride."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You think you can stay quiet?"

"Hey!" The wife protested, "I can be quiet when I want to be! Just ask my teachers, friends or anyone known."

"I'd like to see that in action," Taehyung mumbled.

"Just tell me!" Jungkook pressed, leaning closer as she tried to convey her seriousness. "I swear I'll be the quietest passenger you've ever had."

"What if I tell you and you end up talking about it for the next hour?"

Jungkook laughed, "I'll stick to my end of the deal, I promise! Just one hint, and I'll zip it. Cross my heart."

"Alright, fine. It's somewhere... peaceful," Taehyung smirked before rotating the steering with one hand.

"Peaceful?" Jungkook echoed, her curiosity ignited even more. "Like a park? A beach? A secret garden?"

"What type of hint is this," Jungkook whined, throwing her hands in the air.

Taehyung's gaze focused on the road. "You'll see."

as they drove further, the scenery began to change. the huge city buildings were replaced by more serene landscapes. Jungkook's heart raced with curiosity.

Taehyung pulled the car to a stop. Jungkook squinted her eyes, trying to make sense of the surroundings. They stop in a quiet part of town, far removed from the busy streets they were used to.

Jungkook's breath hitched as she looked at the building at the side. A Bookstore!

Jungkook looked at Taehyung, then back at the building, her mind racing with questions.

  Why did he bring me here? the curious wife thought, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Does he want to tease me? Jungkook pondered, suspicion and curiosity bubbling within her.

She could hear Taehyung's teasing tone, imagining him leaning in with that smirk, ready to poke fun at her overenthusiasm for books.

But then, Jungkook felt excited and her annoyance from earlier melted away like ice under the warm sun.

"A bookstore? You brought me to a bookstore?" Jungkook exclaimed.

Taehyung turned to her, "What? You don't like it?"

"No, it's not that. But why are we here?" Jungkook asked, her curiosity piqued.

Taehyung slowly unbuckled his seatbelt, the sound echoing in the car.

"I need to buy some documentaries and more books," he replied casually as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Jungkook's eyes widened. "You mean, an ice cube like you actually want to spend time in a bookstore? "

"Don't sound so shocked," Taehyung said with a done face. "I have interests too, you know."

Jungkook couldn't help but smile at his words. The prospect of exploring the shelves with him filled Jungkook with excitement.

"Okay, fine! Let's go!" she said unbuckling her seatbelt and swinging the car door open.

Taehyung followed her out. Together, they approached the entrance of the bookstore, the charming bell above the door jingling as they stepped inside.

The cosy atmosphere enveloped them and Jungkook's excitement grew as she took in the sight of books lining the walls and inviting reading nooks scattered around.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Jungkook exclaimed, glancing up at Taehyung, who stood beside her.

"See? I told you it was worth it," he replied, his voice low and smooth.

Jungkook beamed at him, "Thanks for bringing me here,

Taehyung began to roam around the aisles, looking for the documentaries he had mentioned.

Documentaries? He is not for them in the first place.

Jungkook followed closely behind, her fingers brushing along the spines of the books as they walked. Every so often, she would glance at Taehyung, appreciating the way he took his time, carefully selecting titles.

Jungkook wandered through the aisles, her eyes suddenly caught sight of a display in the corner dedicated entirely to romance novels. The colourful covers and flashy title call out to her, drawing her in with promises of love stories and heartfelt moments.

She felt her cheeks flush slightly as her mind flickered back to the morning's incidents—Taehyung's teasing remarks, how he had pulled her closer and the intense moments between them.

Jungkook glanced over at Taehyung, who was engrossed in a stack of finance books, his brow furrowed in concentration. Seizing the moment, she quietly leaps toward her fantasy corner.

Jungkook felt a thrill course through her veins. The scent of paper and ink enveloped her and she felt like she was stepping into a world where anything was possible. She scanned the shelves, her fingers itching to reach out and touch the books that whispered sweet secrets.

Her gaze landed on a new edition of her all-time favourite romance novel, its cover adorned with an alluring couple locked in an embrace.

With eagerness and hesitation, Jungkook raised her hand, her fingertips brushing against the glossy surface. Just as she was about to pull it closer, her eyes darted to the price tag and her heart sank at the sight.

"Why do they have to be so expensive?" Jungkook muttered losing her enthusiasm.

Jungkook's fingertips brushed against the spines of the books. She imagined herself as the main character in those tales, facing adventures and heart-stopping romances. The thought of falling in love under fairy lights, dancing in the rain or stealing secret kisses in quiet corners filled her with giddiness.

Jungkook was lost in the books, her imagination racing with romantic possibilities. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that the world around her faded into the background, each story igniting a spark of longing within her.

"You like them?"

The voice jolted Jungkook from her reverie, making her flinch. The book slipped from her grasp and she barely had time to react before it gravitated toward the floor. But before it could touch the ground, a hand shot out, catching it.

Jungkook turned, her breath hitching as she met her husband's gaze. Taehyung stood there, a smirk on his lips, the book nestled securely in his palm. His presence felt grounding and electrifying, pulling her back into reality while stirring the warmth in her chest.

"They interest you?" Taehyung asked again, his gaze fixed on the book in his hand, a teasing glint in his eye.

Jungkook blinked, momentarily flustered. She shook her head, trying to sound casual. "No. Just thought to take a look. They look quite interesting. Nothing else."

Jungkook chuckled nervously, attempting to hide her never-ending crush on the books from the one person who knew her best—her husband. Deep down, she felt connected to the stories within those pages, a longing for the adventures and romances that played out so vividly in her mind.

Her escape from harsh reality.

Taehyung nodded, a knowing smile curling at the corners of his lips as he placed the book back on the shelf. Yet, as he did so, he could feel Jungkook's longing eyes trailing after it, sadness in her gaze.

Jungkook gulped, the lump of dread growing in her throat as she watched her love—the stories that ignited her imagination—drifting away from her grasp.

Taehyung leaned in with a playful gleam in his eyes as he teased, "Well, I remember I saw these types somewhere."

Jungkook's brow furrowed, caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. "Where?" she asked, her curiosity increasing fold by fold.

"In the bedroom bookshelf, hidden behind the autobiographies," Taehyung replied, an amused smirk tugging at his lips.

Jungkook felt her heart race and cheeks flushing as she glanced around to see if anyone else was within earshot. She bit the inner side of her cheeks as her secret lay bare now.

"I didn't know you were a detective now," Junfkook shot back, trying to sound composed while internally battling embarrassment.

"Detective? More like a curious husband," Taehyung replied, his voice smooth as silk and for a moment, Jungkook could feel his gaze, as if it was searching her for the truth beneath her playful facade.

"Curious about what, exactly?" Jungkook asked, trying to sound brave, though her stomach fluttered at the implications of his words.

"Curious about my wife's taste in literature?" he said, his tone dipping slightly lower.

Jungkook turned away, brushing off the moment. "Let's not waste time here. We have more important things to work on," she replied, attempting to regain control of the situation.

She stepped forward but halted when she felt something—a shift in the air.

Whoosh!

Jungkook looked around, her heart racing as she noticed an icy layer creeping along the walls of the bookstore. The warm atmosphere transformed into a cold, freezing one and the cheerful chatter of customers faded into an eerie silence.

It was as if a spell had been cast, freezing time itself.

Her eyes widened as she looked around: everyone around her stood completely still, their expressions locked in mid-conversation as if the world had hit the pause button.

Customers who had been happily browsing moments before were now frozen in place, their faces locked and hands paused mid-gesture. A woman near the entrance had her hand hovering over a book, fingers inches away from the spine while a couple at the counter stood in an unfinished exchange with the cashier, their smiles suspended in time.

One man stood mid-step, his foot hovering just above the floor, he was about to take another stride and a child held a balloon, the string caught mid-sway, suspended in the air like a delicate thread.

Every person, every movement, every breath had been seized by the icy magic, leaving the room in a hauntingly beautiful freeze.

Like a photograph.

Jungkook spun around, her heart pounding in her chest, only to find Taehyung standing there with a knowing smirk plastered across his face. The icy layer creeping along the walls and the eerie stillness—all made sense now.

It's his magic, Jungkook realised.

Taehyung took a step closer, his smirk deepening.

"Seems like we have sufficient time now," he remarked, his charcoal eyes never leaving hers.

Jungkook swallowed hard, feeling his gaze. "Time for what?" she asked, her voice betraying the sudden nervousness that crept up her spine.

"For whatever we want," Taehyung replied.

Jungkook's breath hitched, her heart racing even faster as he closed the distance between them. She bit her lip, trying to find her composure.

"You know, freezing time to talk about books isn't exactly fair," Jungkook managed to say, her voice shaky but trying to keep her defences up.

"Who said anything about books?" he whispered, his tone sending shivers down her spine.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat as she stood there. Time, for now, was theirs.

Taehyung gently but firmly grasped Jungkook's wrist. Then, he pulled her toward him with a force that made their fronts collide. Jungkook gasped softly, her free hand landing on his chest as the impact brought them close.

Their stumbled footsteps echoed in the frozen bookstore. Every gasp, every shaken breath echoed.

Taehyung's eyes bore into hers. He didn't say a word, but his grip on her wrist and the closeness of their bodies spoke volumes. Jungkook's breath hitched, her mind scrambling to process the sudden closeness, the heady combination of his scent, his warmth, and the overwhelming power he seemed to hold over the moment.

The world around them had frozen, yet in his arms, Jungkook felt as if a fire was igniting in her body. 

"Mr Kim..." Jungkook whispered almost as if she were afraid that speaking too loudly might shatter the delicate tension between them.

Taehyung didn't respond immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, his gaze dropping to her lips for a fraction of a second before meeting her eyes again.

"You weren't so good at hiding those books, were you?" Taehyung whispered, his voice low and teasing, pulling her closer—if possible.

Jungkook's heart raced, her pulse quickening as she felt his breath warm against her ear. His words sent a jolt through her, a mixture of embarrassment and something else—something she couldn't quite name but made her stomach flutter and her knees weak.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Jungkook managed to say, though the tremble in her voice betrayed her.

"Oh, I think you do." Taehyung husked.

Jungkook swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze away from his. She felt utterly trapped in the moment, his teasing and the undeniable pull between them making it impossible to escape. The playful glint in his eyes only made it harder to resist.

Jungkook's breath hitched. She wanted to retort, to fight back with some witty comeback, but her mind was blank. All she could think about was how close they were, how he made her feel like she was caught in his web—helpless yet exhilarated.

Taehyung's smirk deepened as he leaned in closer, his lips hovering near her ear.

"You know," Taehyung began, his voice dropping to that teasing tone she both loved and dreaded, "I seem to recall a line from one of those books. Something like...

'His touch burned her skin, leaving a trail of fire that no water could extinguish...'

" Sound familiar?"

Jungkook's eyes widened in horror, her face flushing a deep shade of crimson.

"M-Mr Kim!" Jungkook stammered, her voice coming out in a squeak. Her heart pounded wildly as she realized he wasn't finished.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat, her eyes darting everywhere except directly at him. She wanted to hide, to melt into the floor but instead, she was frozen in place.

Taehyung chuckled softly, enjoying her reaction far too much. "Or how about this one?

'She was his and he would claim her, over and over, until every piece of her belonged to him...'"

His voice dripped with tease and he watched her squirm under his gaze.

Unable to take any more of his teasing, Jungkook squeaked and immediately hid her face in his chest, her hands gripping his shirt tightly. She was mortified, her entire body heating up with embarrassment.

Taehyung wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer. "You didn't think I'd find your little stash of romance novels, did you?" he teased softly.

"Stop it," Jungkook mumbled into his chest, her voice muffled but full of embarrassment.

She buried herself deeper into him as if that would somehow make him forget all the teasing.

Silence stretched between them and then,  Jungkook mumbled in a small voice, her face still pressed against his chest. "I didn't mean to hide them..." She paused, her fingers nervously twisting the fabric of his shirt. "I just thought you would... judge."

Taehyung's hold on her tightened slightly and he pulled back just enough to tilt her chin up, making her look at him. Her tiny, embarrassed mumbled reached his ears.

"Nonsense," he retorted, his voice firm yet soft, the playful teasing was replaced with a gentler tone. His gaze softened as he looked down at her, his expression shifting into something more sincere.

"Why would I judge you for something you love?" he asked, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. This tender gesture made her feel butterflies and a funny feeling in her stomach.

Jungkook's eyes glistened at his words, the sincerity in his voice stirring something deep within her. A small knot of emotion formed in her throat as she looked away, her embarrassment evident as she bit her lower lip.

"But... they're just silly romance novels," Jungkook muttered, embarrassed.

"They're not silly if they make you happy," Taehyung said quietly, his thumb brushing her cheek, coaxing her to look back at him.

Jungkook blinked, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. It wasn't the words themselves, but the way he said them—the way he saw her. Not just for what she liked but for who she was. His sincere gaze and tender touch—overwhelming in the best way possible.

Jungkook's voice trembled as she whispered, "You really mean that?"

Taehyung nodded, "I do. Every word."

The husband paused before continuing.

"I love seeing you happy, Mrs Kim. And if those books make you happy, that's all that matters to me."

Jungkook's heart swelled at his words, a tear finally slipping down her cheek, but she was smiling—feeling seen, loved, and accepted in a way that left her utterly speechless.

The frozen world around them slowly began to melt. The ice that had enveloped the bookstore gradually melted away.

Just like Taehyung's heart!

Jungkook blinked as she noticed the life returning around them—conversations resuming from the once-frozen customers as if nothing had happened.

But for Jungkook, nothing else mattered.

Taehyung's gaze remained fixed on hers. Although the world was moving again, it felt like they were still the only two people in it.

Jungkook swallowed the lump in her throat, her breath catching as the warmth from his words settled deep in her chest. She didn't want to move. She didn't want to break the connection not when it felt like her heart was finally laid bare.

Taehyung's hand remained on her cheek for a moment longer before he let it fall, his touch leaving behind a trail of warmth. He stepped back slightly, giving her space but his eyes never left hers.

"You can buy as many as you want,"

Jungkook blinked up at him, surprised. "What?"

"I said," he repeated, "you can buy as many romance novels as you like."

Jungkook's heart fluttered, her embarrassment slowly melting into warmth at his words. "You're serious?" she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief and excitement.

Taehyung shrugged nonchalantly. "Of course. If they make you happy, then who am I to stop you?"

Her lips curved into a bright smile as she looked at him. "Thank you," she whispered.

Jungkook's happiness reached no bounds. At that moment, standing before her, Taehyung seemed no smaller than the heroes of the romance novels she adored so much. The way he'd indulged her passion, without judgment, made her heart swell with affection.

Without thinking, Jungkook squealed, her emotions bubbling over like a pot about to spill. She jumped up in tiny hops. In the next moment, Jungkook threw her arms around his broad shoulders in a tight embrace.

Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, pulling him closer as if she wanted to merge their two hearts into one. Jungkook stood on tippy toes, clutching him tightly.

Taehyung chuckled, his deep voice resonating against her as his arms instinctively wrapped around her, steadying her when her excitement almost knocked him off balance. His hands rested gently on her waist, grounding her.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Jungkook chirped, her voice muffled against his shirt. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she squeezed him tighter, almost lifting herself off the ground in her eagerness.

Jungkook stepped forward and due to her husband's towering height, unable to balance herself on tippy toes Jungkook kept her feet on his shoes. Her arms remained wrapped around his shoulders, pulling herself closer as she smiled at him.

Taehyung chuckled softly as he felt Jungkook's feet resting on his shoes. A smirk tugged at his lips but he didn't mind. Instead, he adjusted his hold on her, his hands tightening around her waist to balance her even more.

"You're crushing my feet, you know," Taehyung teased, his voice soft, though there was no complaint in his tone.

Jungkook giggled, her face flushed with joy as she buried it into his shoulder, refusing to let go.

"It's your fault for being so tall," Jungkook muttered, her words muffled against him.

The moment felt cosy, light-hearted and perfect, wrapped in the comfort of each other's embrace. Taehyung leaned down a bit more, making it easier for Jungkook to cling to him.

"Well, you know," Taehyung whispered, his lips close to her ear, "you could've just asked me to bend down."

Jungkook pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed, her eyes twinkling with joy and a hint of mischief.

"Where's the fun in that?" Jungkook grinned, adjusting her hold around his shoulders. Her fingers curled into his shirt and she gazed up at him with pure happiness, standing firmly on his shoes as if that was her rightful place.

Taehyung's hands remained steady on her petite waist, drawing her closer still, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. He dipped his head slightly, his forehead brushing against hers in a moment of tenderness.

"You're the best, Mr. Kim. I love—" Jungkook stopped, eyes widening when she realised what she almost said.

I love you.

Jungkook's heart raced as the words "I love you" lingered on the tip of her tongue, almost slipping out in the excitement. She paused mid-sentence, her arms still wrapped around Taehyung, her face buried in his shoulder, her heartbeat pounding louder than ever.

The unspoken words echoed in her mind again. Jungkook feared that saying those three words aloud might break the delicate balance they had built—the blooming connection that had been growing between them.

Would saying those three words change everything? Would it push him away or draw him closer?

Jungkook's fingers clutched his shirt a little tighter. She stayed there, pressed against him, hoping he hadn't noticed the sudden falter in her voice.

"Thank you for being you," Jungkook finally whispered, hoping these bunch of words could convey the depth of her feelings without those three daunting words.

Slowly, Jungkook began to pull away, her arms loosening their hold around Taehyung as she lowered herself back onto her feet. As she stepped back, her hands remained on his chest for a moment longer, trying to absorb the closeness they had just shared.

Neither of them spoke. They didn't need to.

Jungkook's breath caught in her throat as she looked up into Taehyung's eyes, lost in his gaze. His dark, stoic eyes always made her curious, wanting to know what lay behind those dark stoic eyes.

Taehyung's hand slid down her arm, his fingers grazing her skin softly. The touch was so soft it sent a shiver through her. Neither did he pull her back nor didn't let her move away. His hand stopped at her wrist, his thumb gently brushing against her vein.

Jungkook's lips parted slightly but she couldn't speak. Their gazes held her in place, the tenderness between them too fragile to break with words. She could see the understanding in Taehyung's eyes, the way he looked at her as if he could see right through the layers of hesitation and uncertainty she carried.

And yet, there was no judgment, only a calm, unwavering presence.

Jungkook felt her cheeks flush as she bit her lip to suppress a smile. She could sense the corners of Taehyung's mouth twitching slightly as if he were fighting off a smile of his own.

As she breathed in his scent, Jungkook felt her worries dissolve, leaving only the sweetness of their connection.

The shy couple was back in the car and Taehyung drove toward the office. Yet, the atmosphere inside was anything but ordinary. Jungkook sat beside him, a ball of sunshine illuminating the entire vehicle.

Her eyes sparkled ten times brighter than usual, glimmering with excitement and giddiness that Taehyung couldn't help but notice. He stole a glance at her, a soft smile forming on his lips as he watched her bounce her leg restlessly, unable to contain the happiness bubbling within her.

Now and then, she would peek down at the small package resting in her lap, a treasure trove of romance novels that she had eagerly chosen earlier. The way she clutched it tightly, as if afraid it might disappear, only added to her endearing charm.

"Are you going to open it?" Taehyung asked, the corners of his mouth lifting as he glanced at her.

Jungkook's cheeks flushed slightly at the attention but only fueled her excitement further. "I want to," she replied, her voice a soft melody laced with eagerness. "But I want to savour the moment. It feels like a little secret between me and the stories inside."

With that, Jungkook's resolve weakened and she carefully unwrapped the package. The sight of the vibrant covers sent a thrill through her. She picked one of the books, a dreamy cover with soft pastel colours and an intriguing title, and held it up, her doe eyes sparkling with happiness. Like a constellation.

"Look at this one, Mr Kim! Isn't it gorgeous?" Jungkook exclaimed, showing him the cover as if it were a precious piece of art.

"Very pretty," he agreed, glancing at it.

The car ride continued with Jungkook flipping through the pages. Taehyung's curiosity finally got the better of him. he glanced at Jungkook.

"So, what's in these books that earns them such a massive following?" he asked.

Jungkook froze for a split second, her grip tightening on the book in her lap. Her heart skipped a beat at his question, and she could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

What could she even say to that? How could she explain the appeal without feeling completely exposed?

Her mind swirled with thoughts. If only you knew, Mr Kim... she mused inwardly, biting her lip.

The very idea of explaining the slow-burn romances, the tender kisses, the moments of vulnerability—it all seemed too intimate to share with him. These stories were full of heart-fluttering scenes and intense emotions.

How could she tell him about the passionate confessions, the longing glances and the soft, unspoken words that made her heart race?

If you knew what these books were about, you'd probably tease me endlessly, Jungkook thought, sneaking a glance at him.

But there was something more, too.

Jungkook gulped, trying to keep her thoughts from spiralling out of control. There was no way she could explain all of that to him, not without her cheeks burning even hotter.

How could she admit that the very thing that drew her to these novels was something she secretly wished for in her own life—something she saw glimpses of in him?

"Well?" Taehyung pressed lightly, raising an eyebrow as he waited for her response.

Jungkook forced a smile, still holding the book close. "It's... complicated," she finally said, her voice light but betraying nervousness.

"I mean, it's just that... they're full of emotions, stories about people finding love in unexpected places."

Jungkook shrugged, trying to keep her answer vague.

"Emotions, huh?" Taehyung echoed, his voice laced with curiosity, "Sounds like there's more to it than you're letting on."

Jungkook tried to outsmart her husband.

"Well, since you've found them, Mr. Detective Husband, I'm sure you must have read them too, right?"

Taehyung chuckled lightly, his attention still on the road as he changed gears. "Not really," he replied, "I just saw the heavily annotated pages and a few scribbles."

A wave of relief washed over Jungkook.

Phew, she thought, a smile creeping onto her lips. I'm on safer ground.

Jungkook couldn't shake the thoughts swirling in her mind about the books she adored. They were far from innocent, filled with bold characters and steamy encounters that often left her blushing just from reading the back cover. Her guilty pleasure.

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung, who was focused on the road, completely unaware of the blush creeping up her neck. Yet, something was thrilling about the idea that her husband could one day share in her guilty pleasure.

"Maybe, one day I'll show you the good stuff," she said, a teasing lilt to her voice. "You might be surprised."

Taehyung glanced at her, his curiosity piqued. "I'm counting on it," he replied, his tone light but his eyes sparkling with intrigue.

Jungkook couldn't help but smile, her heart fluttering at the thought of sharing her love for those stories, the emotions and desires they awakened within her.

Maybe, just maybe, this was a step toward bridging the gap between their worlds.

"But I can't help but wonder... if you're reading about these perfect men, what do you think about the one right in front of you?" Taehyung asked, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

His question hung in the air making Jungkook's breath hitch. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself lost in the depth of his gaze.

Her heart raced, caught between his question and the urge to spill her deepest feelings. What did she think about Taehyung, the man she married? He was everything those perfect characters were—strong, charming and fiercely protective—but so much more.

He was real, with all his complexities and quirks and how he looked at her made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

Jungkook fidgeted in her seat, glancing down at her lap before looking back up at him, her eyes wide with innocent surprise. Jungkook felt her heart race as she tried to decipher the look in his eyes.

Is he teasing me? Or is he genuinely curious?

After a few moments of contemplating his question, she took a deep breath, trying to shake off her shyness.

You can do this, Jungkook. Just be honest; he deserves that.

As her confidence began to build, Jungkook decided to let her feelings spill out, hoping her words would capture the essence of what she wanted to say. She focused on his gaze, finding comfort in his presence.

"Well, Mr. Kim," she began, her voice slightly breathless, "you're pretty perfect in your own... unique way."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, his stoic expression giving nothing away.

There, I said it!  Jungkook thought, feeling a rush of relief and thrill.

The rest of the ride was silent. Jungkook felt confidence washes over her, revitalizing her spirit.

Her chirpy aura returned. Jungkook couldn't help but glance at Taehyung. The corners of her lips curled into a bright smile as she recalled their earlier conversation, her heart fluttering with delight.

"Seems like Mr. Kim is getting a bit insecure about these fictional men," Jungkook sassed, a grin spreading across her face.

"Insecure? Me?" Taehyung made a look of shock, his tone dripping with disbelief.

"I simply find it amusing how you're drawn to such unrealistic ideals."

Jungkook couldn't help but giggle at his response,  "Oh, come on! You can't tell me you don't have a little jealousy lurking beneath that cool facade," she teased, nudging him playfully with her shoulder.

Taehyung glanced at her, "Jealousy? It's not in my vocabulary. Besides, who wouldn't prefer the real thing? I would surely do."

He shifted his gaze back to the road but not before Jungkook caught his smirk.

Jungkook felt her heart race at his words. "The real thing?" she repeated softly, her mind swirling with thoughts of him as the perfect hero of her story.

As silence enveloped them, Jungkook's eyes widened in realization.

Could it be that he was hinting at something more? The thought sent a thrill coursing through her.

Did he see her the way she saw him? She glanced at Taehyung, catching him wearing a knowing smirk and her stomach fluttered at the idea.

Jungkook swallowed hard, her heart racing as she returned her gaze to the passing scenery. The trees blurred by, mirroring the chaos of her thoughts.

Jungkook felt sudden realization wash over her, warmth flooding her cheeks as the pieces clicked into place. Taehyung was hinting at something more—something deeper.

Was he really suggesting that their bond could grow into something romantic?

Her thoughts spiralled as she replayed their moments together—the teasing, stolen glances, the gentle touches that always remain longer than necessary. All those little signs suddenly felt more significant, filled with promise and possibility.

Jungkook stole another glance at Taehyung, her heart fluttering at the thought of what lay ahead. But What if I'm misreading him? What if I take a leap and fall?

No, this is Mr Kim, Jungkook reminded herself. He wouldn't joke about something so serious. I have to talk to him, to find out what he really means.

With that thought firmly in mind, Jungkook leaned back in her seat, a smile creeping onto her face

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Something is happening with Mr Kim?