Chapter Text
Taehyung's fingers ghosted over Jungkook's cheek, tracing the familiar curve with a tenderness that made Jungkook's breath hitch. The dim glow of the city lights outside painted their features in soft hues, but the warmth between them was brighter than anything else.
Jungkook looked up at Taehyung, his eyes filled with something raw—something hesitant, as if he still couldn't believe this was real. That Taehyung was here, holding him, looking at him like he was something precious.
Taehyung exhaled softly, his warm palm cradling Jungkook's face as his thumb traced lightly over his lower lip. His eyes held a depth of emotion that made Jungkook's breath hitch.
"Let me love you," Taehyung whispered, his voice thick with raw sincerity. "Let me love you fully, the way I never did before."
Jungkook's eyes widened, his heart hammering against his ribs. A deep flush crept up his cheeks as his mind jumped to an entirely different interpretation of Taehyung's words. His breath stuttered for a moment, his gaze flickering nervously away before darting back to Taehyung's face.
Taehyung noticed the way Jungkook's breath hitched, how his lips parted slightly in surprise before he quickly pressed them together. His wide, dark eyes flickered with something unspoken, something Taehyung could read all too easily. But what gave him away the most was the soft pink hue that started dusting his cheeks, deepening into a tell-tale flush.
A slow, knowing smile spread across Taehyung's lips. His chest rumbled with quiet laughter before he let out a warm, hearty chuckle. "Why are you blushing, love?" he teased, tilting his head as he studied Jungkook's flustered expression. "Did you think I meant something else when I asked to love you?"
Jungkook's breath hitched again, his eyes widening as if he had been caught. His hands instinctively curled into the fabric of Taehyung's shirt, gripping it tightly like it was the only thing keeping him steady. But instead of answering, he abruptly turned his head away, refusing to meet Taehyung's gaze. His ears burned, his entire face betraying him.
Taehyung's smile only grew softer as he reached out, his fingers slipping under Jungkook's chin. He guided him back gently, coaxing him to face him once more. His thumb traced slow, soothing circles against Jungkook's jawline, his touch featherlight but firm enough to keep him from retreating.
"Bun," he murmured, voice dripping with warmth and affection. "You don't have to hide from me. And you definitely don't have to feel embarrassed." His deep, steady voice wrapped around Jungkook like a comforting embrace, grounding him in the moment. "It's completely okay to feel that way."
Jungkook swallowed hard, his lips parting slightly as if to say something—anything—but no words came out. His heart was pounding, his mind an absolute mess, and Taehyung—Taehyung, with his eyes that saw straight through him—wasn't making this any easier.
Taehyung exhaled softly, his fingers still cradling Jungkook's face as he searched his gaze. "I know everything that's happened in the past few hours has been overwhelming for you," he said gently. "You're feeling emotional, and right now, you'd be willing to do anything if you thought it would make me happy." He brushed his thumb over Jungkook's cheek again, his touch as gentle as his words. "But love, I know you. And I know that if we cross that line now, before making things right... you'll regret it."
Jungkook's brows furrowed slightly, guilt flickering through his eyes. Taehyung knew he was thinking about Jimin. About the fact that, no matter how much things had changed between them, he was still technically Taehyung's boyfriend. That they weren't just dealing with their own hearts, but someone else's too.
Taehyung leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the tip of Jungkook's nose. The tenderness in the gesture made Jungkook's heart clench, his breath stuttering in his throat.
"I don't want you to regret anything, Bun," Taehyung whispered, his lips still hovering just above Jungkook's skin. His breath was warm against his cheek, sending a shiver down Jungkook's spine. "I know you—you'd blame yourself if we rushed into this before making things right."
Jungkook sucked in a shaky breath, his fingers still curled into Taehyung's shirt. His grip wasn't as tight now, but he didn't let go. He let Taehyung's words settle deep in his chest, grounding him.
After a long moment, he exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper. "...You always know what to say."
Taehyung chuckled, his thumb trailing along Jungkook's lower lip, teasingly brushing over the soft skin. "Of course, I do. Someone has to keep you from making reckless decisions, Bunny."
Jungkook rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched with the ghost of a smile. He leaned into Taehyung's touch ever so slightly, allowing himself to bask in his warmth. "I really hate how well you know me," he muttered, though the affection in his voice betrayed him.
Taehyung smirked, tilting his head. "Oh, but you'll love it when it works in your favor." His voice dipped slightly, turning into something lower, something more teasing. He leaned in just a little closer, his lips nearly brushing against Jungkook's ear.
"Because once we're finally together—once everything is set right—I'm not backing down."
Jungkook's entire body tensed, his breath catching in his throat. His skin burned, his heart thundered, and the way Taehyung's voice dropped into that rich, honeyed tone sent heat rushing straight to his core.
Taehyung smirked at Jungkook's reaction before he leaned in even further, his lips barely ghosting over Jungkook's ear as he murmured, "I'll take you then and there, no holding back."
Jungkook let out a choked sound, his entire face turning a deep shade of red. "H-Hyung—!" he sputtered, his hands shooting up to push at Taehyung's chest.
Taehyung only laughed, the deep, rich sound filling the space between them. He easily caught Jungkook's wrists, holding them in place as he grinned down at him.
Jungkook groaned, absolutely mortified, before burying his face in his hands. "You're the worst," he mumbled, his voice muffled against his palms.
Taehyung hummed in amusement, pressing a lingering kiss against Jungkook's temple, letting his lips linger for just a moment longer. "Maybe," he mused, "but I'm yours."
Jungkook barely had a second to process Taehyung's words before he felt it—the warmth of Taehyung's hands sliding from his wrists to his cheeks, cradling him with the gentlest touch. His thumbs brushed over Jungkook's flushed skin, his touch featherlight yet grounding, as if he was holding something precious.
Taehyung's gaze softened, his eyes deep pools of honey and warmth as they drank in every little detail of Jungkook's face—the way his lips were parted just slightly, the way his lashes fluttered as he tried to steady his breathing, the way his brows furrowed as if he was trying to figure out whether this was real.
It was.
And Taehyung was about to make sure Jungkook never doubted it again.
Without another word, he leaned in, closing the remaining distance between them. His lips brushed against Jungkook's—soft at first, a whisper of a touch, like a silent question.
Jungkook gasped softly, his breath hitching as Taehyung deepened the kiss, his lips moving with a tenderness that melted every last ounce of hesitation from Jungkook's body. The world around them faded into nothing—there was no past, no future, no tangled mess of emotions waiting for them outside this moment. There was only this. Only them.
Jungkook responded instinctively, his fingers curling into Taehyung's shirt again, —he was pulling him closer, as if he could mold their bodies together, as if he could drown in Taehyung's warmth and never resurface.
The kiss wasn't rushed, wasn't desperate—it was slow, deep, unspoken words passing between them in every movement. Taehyung tilted his head, molding their lips together with aching tenderness, his hands moving to Jungkook's waist, holding him close but not trapping him. Letting him decide how far he wanted to go.
When they finally broke apart, Jungkook was breathless, his lips tingling, his heart hammering against his ribs. His eyes fluttered open, dazed and wide, as he stared up at Taehyung like he was the only thing that existed.
Taehyung smiled—soft, warm, endlessly patient. He brushed his nose against Jungkook's in a barely-there touch, their breaths mingling in the sliver of space between them.
"Let me love you," he whispered again, voice thick with emotion. This time, he didn't mean it as a tease. This time, there was no ambiguity. "Fully. The way I never did before."
Jungkook swallowed, his heart pounding against his ribs. "Tae..."
"I know I wasn't there," Taehyung continued, his forehead resting against Jungkook's. "I should've been. I should've...... I should have from the start. But I'm here now." He pulled back just enough to look Jungkook in the eyes, searching for an answer in them. "So please... let me love you the way I always should have."
Jungkook's lips parted, but words failed him. The years apart had left cracks in him, cracks he had never been sure could be mended. And yet, with just those words, with the way Taehyung was looking at him—as if he wanted to fill all those empty spaces with love—Jungkook felt something shift inside him.
Jungkook's breath shuddered, his eyes searching Taehyung's, and he saw nothing but sincerity. Nothing but love.
His lips trembled slightly, his throat tightening with something overwhelming, something he couldn't quite name. But he knew what he felt. Knew what his heart had been screaming at him for so long.
So, he nodded. Slowly at first, then firmer, his fingers tightening in Taehyung's shirt as if grounding himself.
"O-Okay," Jungkook whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. But the way Taehyung's face lit up at that single word made him feel as if he had just given him the whole world. Slowly, he reached up, his fingers threading through Taehyung's soft hair, pulling him closer until their lips met in a gentle, lingering kiss. As they parted, Jungkook remained close, his forehead resting against Taehyung's as he whispered against his lips, "Then love me."
Taehyung let out a soft chuckle, brushing a stray strand of hair from Jungkook's face before leaning in once more, capturing his lips in another kiss—this one lingering, sealing the promise between them.
They had a long way to go. There were still things to fix, things to set right.
But in this moment, with Jungkook in his arms, trusting him, letting him in—Taehyung knew.
They would get there. Together.
Jungkook leaned into Taehyung's warmth, his forehead resting against his shoulder as he tried to calm the erratic beating of his heart. Everything still felt so surreal, like a dream he was afraid to wake up from. But Taehyung's steady hands, the way he rubbed slow circles into the small of Jungkook's back, grounded him.
Taehyung pressed a lingering kiss to Jungkook's temple, breathing him in. "You okay, love?" he murmured, voice gentle, soothing.
Jungkook nodded against his shoulder, his hands fisting into the fabric of Taehyung's shirt. "Yeah... just," he hesitated, then let out a breathy chuckle, lifting his head to look at Taehyung with wide, vulnerable eyes. "It's a lot."
Taehyung smiled, brushing his knuckles along Jungkook's cheek. "I know," he said softly. "It's been a whirlwind, hasn't it?"
Jungkook let out a weak laugh, shaking his head. "That's an understatement."
Taehyung hummed in agreement, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Jungkook's ear before tilting his chin up slightly. "But we're okay, right?" he asked, his thumb brushing lightly against Jungkook's lower lip, his gaze locked onto his with an intensity that made Jungkook shiver. "You and me... we'll take it one step at a time. No rushing, no pressure. Just us."
Jungkook's throat tightened, his heart swelling at the tenderness in Taehyung's words. It was as if he knew exactly what Jungkook needed to hear before he could even voice it.
He nodded. "Yeah. Just us."
A smile broke across Taehyung's face—warm, relieved, so full of love that Jungkook felt like he might melt under it. He pulled Jungkook into another soft kiss, slow and unhurried, as if sealing the moment between them.
But when he pulled back, his expression turned more playful, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "Though, I have to admit..." he mused, tracing lazy patterns on Jungkook's back.
Jungkook raised a brow. "What?"
Taehyung leaned in, his lips brushing teasingly close to Jungkook's ear. "I'm still thinking about what had you blushing so hard earlier."
Jungkook stiffened instantly, heat flooding his face. "H-Hyung!" he sputtered, pushing against Taehyung's chest, but the older only laughed, clearly enjoying his flustered reaction.
"What?" Taehyung grinned, catching Jungkook's wrists easily before intertwining their fingers. "It's cute."
Jungkook groaned, burying his face into Taehyung's shoulder to escape his teasing gaze. "You're the worst," he mumbled against the fabric.
Taehyung only chuckled, squeezing their intertwined hands gently. "Mm, but you still love me."
Jungkook's breath hitched at the words, his fingers twitching slightly in Taehyung's hold. He swallowed, lifting his head just enough to meet Taehyung's gaze.
"...Yeah," he whispered, voice barely above a breath, but Taehyung heard it loud and clear. His eyes softened, his teasing demeanor melting into something more serious, more raw.
"I love you too," Taehyung murmured, brushing a soft kiss to Jungkook's forehead. "So much."
Jungkook's chest ached, his eyes stinging slightly, but this time, it wasn't from confusion or pain—it was from something warm, something real.
Taehyung's arms remained wrapped securely around Jungkook, their foreheads resting together as they basked in the warmth of each other's presence. The world outside this moment felt far away, insignificant compared to the quiet understanding between them.
Jungkook sighed softly, his fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on Taehyung's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath his fingertips. But just as he was beginning to fully relax in Taehyung's embrace, a sudden thought struck him like lightning.
His body stiffened slightly.
Taehyung noticed instantly. "What is it, love?" he murmured, his hand moving to cup Jungkook's cheek, thumb brushing lightly against his skin. "What's on your mind?"
Jungkook hesitated for a moment, his teeth grazing his lower lip as he tried to find the right words. Finally, he took a deep breath and looked up at Taehyung with hesitant eyes.
"Hyung..." he started softly, "I think... we should wait to tell everyone the truth."
Taehyung frowned slightly, his brows knitting together. "Wait?"
Jungkook nodded. "At least until after Namjoon-hyung and Seokjin-hyung's wedding."
Taehyung's eyes widened slightly at that, caught off guard by the request. "Jungkook..."
"I know it might sound like I'm delaying things," Jungkook quickly added, his hands tightening slightly around Taehyung's shirt, "but it's just—this is a big thing, hyung. It's going to change everything. And Namjoon-hyung and Seokjin-hyung's wedding is such a happy moment for them. I don't want to do anything that could cause unnecessary fuss or drama during their special time."
Taehyung let out a quiet breath, his gaze softening as he studied Jungkook's expression. He could see the sincerity in his eyes, the way his lips pressed together as if afraid of Taehyung's reaction.
After a moment, Taehyung exhaled and leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to Jungkook's forehead. "I understand," he murmured, letting his lips linger for a few seconds before pulling away just enough to meet Jungkook's gaze again. "We'll wait until after the wedding."
Jungkook's shoulders sagged in relief, but before he could fully relax, Taehyung added, "But—" he lifted a finger, tilting Jungkook's chin up slightly, "you have to promise me something."
Jungkook blinked. "What?"
"The moment Namjoon-hyung and Seokjin-hyung's wedding is over, we tell everyone." Taehyung's voice was firm but gentle, his eyes searching Jungkook's. "No more waiting, no more excuses. We tell them the truth as soon as it's done."
Jungkook hesitated for only a second before nodding. "I promise."
Taehyung smiled softly, tucking a strand of Jungkook's hair behind his ear. But just as he was about to lean in again, Jungkook spoke.
"There's one more thing."
Taehyung raised a brow. "What now, Bun?"
Jungkook swallowed, shifting slightly in Taehyung's arms as he avoided his gaze. "Until then... you have to promise me something too."
Taehyung tilted his head. "What is it?"
Jungkook took a deep breath before finally looking up at him, his voice quiet but firm. "Until we tell everyone... you have to keep acting like Jimin-hyung's boyfriend."
Taehyung's entire body stiffened, his expression darkening almost instantly. "No."
Jungkook frowned. "Hyung—"
"No," Taehyung repeated, shaking his head. "I refuse. I can wait to tell the others, but I won't keep pretending with Jimin. That's not fair to him, Jungkook."
Jungkook bit his lip, frustration flickering in his eyes. "I know it's not fair, but telling him now isn't the right move either. He loves you, hyung. He won't take this easily."
Taehyung let out a sharp breath, clearly torn. "I don't want to hurt him, Jungkook, but lying to him will only make it worse."
Jungkook's grip on his shirt tightened. "And breaking up with him before we tell the others will only make him feel even more left out. You know he'll start questioning why you're suddenly ending things, and when he finds out the truth later, it'll hurt even more."
Taehyung clenched his jaw, his hands tightening around Jungkook's waist. "So, you want me to keep pretending? To keep letting him believe something that isn't real?"
Jungkook exhaled shakily. "Just for a little longer," he pleaded. "Just until the wedding. Please, hyung."
Taehyung stared at him, his expression unreadable, conflict warring in his dark eyes. Every fiber of his being was screaming at him to be honest with Jimin, to tell him the truth before the lie grew bigger. But the way Jungkook was looking at him—so desperate, so worried—made it hard for him to keep arguing.
He hated this. Hated keeping secrets, hated lying. But... he also knew that Jungkook wasn't wrong.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Taehyung let out a resigned sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly.
"Fine," he muttered. "I'll wait. But only until the wedding." His voice was laced with warning, making it clear that he wasn't happy about it. "After that, no more pretending. No more secrets."
Jungkook nodded quickly. "I promise."
Taehyung huffed, clearly still reluctant, but he couldn't stay upset when Jungkook gave him that soft, relieved smile. With a sigh, he pulled Jungkook closer, resting his chin on top of his head.
"This is going to be messy," Taehyung muttered.
Jungkook chuckled weakly against his chest. "Yeah... but at least we're in it together."
Taehyung hummed in agreement, pressing a lingering kiss to Jungkook's hair. "Together," he echoed.
Even if it wasn't going to be easy, they would face it side by side.
Just as the warmth of their moment settled between them, the sudden sharp ringing of Taehyung's phone broke through the air, shattering the quiet intimacy. Both of them flinched slightly, startled by the interruption.
Taehyung groaned softly, reluctant to move, but when he saw the caller ID flashing Seokjin-hyung, he sighed and sat up, running a hand through his hair before answering.
"Hyung?" he greeted, trying to keep his voice steady.
The response was immediate—and loud.
"Where in the world are you, Kim Taehyung?!" Seokjin's voice boomed from the other end, making Taehyung instinctively pull the phone slightly away from his ear. He winced, throwing a quick glance at Jungkook, who was now sitting up beside him, watching intently.
"I—uh," Taehyung hesitated, suddenly scrambling to remember the excuse he had given Seokjin earlier. "I told you, hyung. I—I went to get a surprise gift for Jimin."
Taehyung had lied to Seokjin about why they had left together. In reality, he had needed to confront Jungkook privately, something he couldn't do in front of everyone. But now, faced with Seokjin's questioning, he had no choice but to stick to his story.
Seokjin, however, was unimpressed.
"And that requires hours of being unreachable?" Seokjin deadpanned.
Taehyung bit his lip, scrambling for a believable response. "Well, uh, I wanted it to be special, you know? Something Jiminie would really love. And Jungkook's helping me pick it out."
Jungkook gave him an concern look at that blatant excuse, but Taehyung smiled at him, pressing the phone closer to his ear.
Seokjin exhaled, but then his voice turned sharper. "Fine. Whatever. But tell me why Jungkook's phone is off."
Taehyung blinked. "Huh?"
"Jimin tried calling him multiple times, and his phone is unreachable," Seokjin explained with a huff. "He's going nuts here."
Taehyung turned to Jungkook, silently asking for an explanation.
Jungkook blinked in confusion, then quickly fished his phone out of his pocket. The screen was completely black. He pressed the power button a few times before realization dawned on him.
"My battery's dead," Jungkook muttered, showing the lifeless device to Taehyung.
Taehyung nodded and brought the phone back to his ear. "His phone died, hyung," he conveyed, rubbing his temple as he tried to push away the growing weight in his chest.
There was a pause on the other end before Seokjin muttered, "That punk... he kept eating my head for no reason. He could've just called his boyfriend instead of biting my ear off."
At that moment, a familiar voice chimed in from the background, making both Taehyung and Jungkook stiffen.
"I just forgot, hyung, that Tae is with him, okay?" Jimin's voice came through the speaker, sounding slightly exasperated yet undeniably laced with concern. "Jungkook is my baby brother—I worry."
Taehyung froze, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the phone.
Jimin's voice... his genuine worry for Jungkook...
Guilt twisted deep in Taehyung's stomach as his throat went dry.
How will he take it when he finds out the truth?
Jimin was trusting him right now. Trusting that his beloved boyfriend was with his baby brother, safe and sound. He was worrying over Jungkook, but he had no idea what was really happening. No idea that Taehyung was sitting here, in a bed with Jungkook, wrapped in a secret Taehyung hadn't even begun to untangle.
Taehyung inhaled deeply, forcing himself to keep his voice steady.
"We'll be back soon, hyung," he said, needing to end this conversation before the weight of his guilt crushed him. "Just a little longer."
"Fine, but hurry up. And tell Jungkook to charge his damn phone next time before he goes out—unless you want to deal with Jimin's meltdown again," Seokjin muttered before hanging up.
Taehyung lowered the phone from his ear, but he didn't immediately put it down. He just stared at the screen, his mind reeling.
Beside him, Jungkook was equally silent, his brows furrowed as if lost in thought.
The concern in Jimin's voice had reached him too.
Neither of them spoke for a long moment, the weight of reality settling between them like a storm cloud.
Finally, Taehyung exhaled, running a hand through his hair before turning to Jungkook.
"We have to do this," he murmured, voice laced with finality. "No more waiting. No more pretending."
Jungkook met his gaze, eyes uncertain yet resigned.
"I know," he whispered.
Taehyung reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against Jungkook's hand, grounding them both.
"Staying in a relationship built on lies... will only hurt him more in the end."
Jungkook swallowed hard but nodded.
Taehyung sighed, leaning back slightly.
For now, they had to keep going as if nothing had changed.
But deep down, they both knew—
Everything had.
Taehyung reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Jungkook's ear, his fingers lingering against the warmth of his cheek. "We'll be okay," he whispered.
Jungkook exhaled slowly and nodded, leaning into Taehyung's touch—just for a moment, just enough to let himself feel it. Then he straightened up, his voice barely above a murmur. "We should go."
Taehyung hummed in agreement, but he wasn't in a hurry to move. Instead, he let his gaze travel over Jungkook's face, memorizing the soft flush of his skin, the way his lashes kissed his cheeks when he blinked. It wasn't fair how beautiful he looked even in a dimly lit hotel room.
But then Jungkook stood, breaking the spell. They gathered their things and After settling the bill, Taehyung and Jungkook checked out of the hotel, stepping out into the crisp evening air. The sky was painted in soft hues of twilight, and the cold breeze brushed against their skin. Despite the chill, there was a quiet warmth between them as they walked side by side, their fingers naturally entwined.
Jungkook glanced down at their joined hands but didn't pull away. It felt... comforting. Safe. He liked the way Taehyung's fingers fit between his, firm yet gentle, as if he was afraid to let go.
Taehyung squeezed his hand slightly, making Jungkook look up. "Are you hungry?" he asked, his voice soft but laced with care.
Jungkook hesitated. He was hungry, but his emotions were still all over the place, and he didn't trust himself to eat properly with Taehyung sitting across from him, watching him with those affectionate eyes. "No, I'm fine," he said quickly.
Taehyung narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "Really?"
Jungkook nodded firmly. "Yeah."
Taehyung sighed but let it go for now. As they stood waiting for their cab, the night air settled around them. Silence stretched between them, comfortable yet charged. Then—
Grrrllll.
Jungkook's stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl. His eyes widened in mortification as heat flooded his cheeks.
Taehyung turn toward Jungkook with wide eyes. Then, before Jungkook could defend himself, Taehyung burst into laughter.
"Pfft—Jungkookie!" he wheezed, holding his stomach. "You lied to me! You are hungry!"
Jungkook groaned, covering his face with both hands. "Stop laughing."
Taehyung gasped dramatically. "How could you suffer in silence like this? Oh no, my poor, starving bun."
"Shut up."
"You should have said something. I would have fed you with my own hands—"
"Stop."
Taehyung, still grinning, grabbed Jungkook's wrist. "Come on, let's get you something warm. I won't let my bun go home hungry."
Jungkook groaned, rubbing his face in embarrassment. "I-It's not that bad..."
Taehyung smirked, grabbing his wrist again and tugging him away from the waiting area. "Nope. We're getting food."
"But the cab—"
"I'll book another one later," Taehyung said dismissively. "You're hungry, and it's cold. You need something warm."
Jungkook sputtered at the casual endearment, but before he could protest, he was being dragged along.
They found a cozy restaurant tucked into a quiet street corner, warm light spilling from the windows. The scent of broth, garlic, and sizzling meat filled the air, wrapping them in comforting familiarity.
Jungkook flipped through the menu, his eyes scanning the options. "I'll order," he said, knowing exactly what Taehyung could and couldn't handle.
Taehyung tilted his head, smirking. "Look at you, taking care of me."
Jungkook rolled his eyes but didn't reply. He placed an order for Galbitang (beef short rib soup)—something warm, mild, and filling.
When the food arrived, Taehyung hummed in satisfaction after the first spoonful. "Perfect choice."
Jungkook smirked. "Of course."
As they ate, Taehyung found himself watching Jungkook, completely mesmerized. The way he blew on his soup before taking small sips, the way his brows furrowed slightly in concentration—it was too much.
"You're cute when you eat," Taehyung murmured, smirking.
Jungkook nearly choked. He coughed, reaching for his drink. "Stop saying things like that."
"But it's true," Taehyung said, his foot nudging Jungkook's under the table.
Jungkook glared at him, but Taehyung wasn't done. He reached across the table, gently swiping his thumb over the corner of Jungkook's lips.
"There was nothing there," Jungkook muttered, flustered.
"I know." Taehyung grinned.
Jungkook huffed, looking away. But his ears were red, and Taehyung considered that a win.
After they finished eating, they stepped back outside. The cold air nipped at their skin, but Taehyung didn't let go of Jungkook's hand. In fact, he pulled him close, wrapping an arm around his waist.
Jungkook tensed. "Tae—"
"You're warm," Taehyung mumbled, pressing closer.
Jungkook bit his lip. It felt too good. But then he noticed the way Taehyung had been too clingy. The lingering touches, the teasing glances, the way he whispered in Jungkook's ear whenever they passed someone on the street.
And that's when it hit Jungkook.
If anyone saw them like this—if Jimin saw them like this...
Jungkook abruptly stopped walking, making Taehyung pause too.
"We need to set some boundaries," Jungkook declared.
Taehyung blinked. "Huh?"
Jungkook exhaled, stepping back slightly. "You have to stop acting like this in public. You're being too obvious."
Taehyung whined, dragging a hand down his face. "But I like being close to you."
Jungkook softened for a second but quickly steeled himself. "Taehyungie, we haven't told anyone yet. We have to act normal."
Taehyung groaned. "Fine, fine. I'll behave."
Jungkook nodded, relieved—until he saw the smirk forming on Taehyung's lips.
"But tell me, love," Taehyung purred, stepping into Jungkook's space again.
Jungkook's heartbeat stuttered. "W-What?"
Taehyung leaned in, his voice dangerously smooth. "What will you do when I don't have to hold back anymore?"
Jungkook's breath hitched. His mind betrayed him, flashing images of Taehyung kissing him breathless, pressing him against a wall, whispering things only he could hear—
Jungkook shoved him lightly, his face burning. "Tae-Tae, shut up."
Taehyung chuckled, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Jungkook's knuckles.
"Whatever you say, love."
And just like that, Jungkook knew—boundaries or not, Taehyung was going to be the death of him.
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