Vini (:

But at the exact same time, both Jin and Taehyung snapped, "No, it's not Okay!"

Both brothers glanced at each other, nodding in agreement.

For a beat, Jungkook's perfect act slipped. His eyes cut to Jin, and he sent him a quick, unmistakable glare — sharp, real,

and very much Jeon Jungkook. before forcing his expression back into one of innocent politeness.

Daehyun chuckled under his breath, catching the slip instantly. Hana, ever the optimist, pretended not to notice and started placing the milkshakes on the table.

Meanwhile, Taehyung crossed his arms tighter across his chest, glaring at Jungkook like he could see right through him. "They're our parents, not yours," Taehyung said, voice low. 

"And how can you even sit there acting all nice? Did you already forget what you did?"

Hana gently touched Taehyung's arm. "Taehyung, he's your husband now," she said softly. "He's trying. Maybe… give him a chance."

Taehyung didn't reply — he just kept glaring at Jungkook, who sat there stiffly, looking like he was holding back about a hundred sharp comebacks.

The tension between them was so thick it practically vibrated. It only broke when Daehyun cleared his throat and said, "So, you're going to Busan tomorrow?"

Before Taehyung could answer, Jungkook cut in as always, "Yes, we're all going — my mother, father, grandfather,

and the two of us." He smiled politely, his voice unusually bright. "I think you all should come too. You'd have a great time there."

Daehyun didn't hesitate.
"No thanks. We're good here."

There was a slight pause before Jin asked, tilting his head curiously, "By the way, Tae,

why are you even going to Busan?"

Taehyung looked at Jungkook, silently asking if it was okay to tell. Jungkook, already reading him easily, gave a small nod.

Taehyung turned back to Jin, his tone softening.
"There's a tradition in Jungkook's family," he began,

voice a little hesitant. "When someone gets married, the newlyweds are taken to their ancestral homeground… to receive blessings from their ancestors. It's… important to them."

He trailed off, frowning when he noticed everyone was staring at him. "...Why are you all looking

at me like that?"

Daehyun crossed his arms, voice calm but curious.
"Exactly where do you have to go to get this blessing?"

Before Taehyung could even open his mouth, Jungkook yet again cut in, acting way too serious.
"The graveyard," he said, like it was the most tragic thing

in the world.

He even threw in a loud sigh before continuing,
"I told him we shouldn't go. It's weird, right? Blessings in a graveyard? It's cold, creepy... not really a place for a newlywed trip. I don't even want him going there, honestly."

He leaned back on the couch like

just thinking about it gave him a headache, shooting a hopeful look at Taehyung's parents — clearly hoping they'd step in and say no.

But to his bad luck, Taehyung's mom spoke up, smiling warmly, "It's not weird at all. It's a beautiful tradition. And I know how meaningful

these things can be for a family."

She glanced at Jungkook like she was scolding him gently. "And what could possibly go wrong in a place where your ancestors are resting in peace?"

Jungkook blinked at her like she'd personally betrayed him.

He opened his mouth to argue —

but one look at Hana's expectant expression made him sigh and close it again, visibly deflating.  

And then, for the first time that morning, Daehyun nodded slowly. "Hana's right," he said, tone firm. "It's your family's tradition. Taehyung's part of your family now.

He should be included."

That was it.

Whatever little hope Jungkook had left of not going to Busan died right then and there.

He sank deeper into the couch, head tipping back like he couldn't believe his own bad luck.

Before the silence got too heavy, Hana turned to Taehyung, who was still standing by her side.

She gave him that look — the kind only mothers have — a perfect blend of affection and gentle scolding.
"How come you haven't gone to meet your grandma yet? Didn't you miss her?"

She nudged his arm lightly.

Taehyung’s eyes flicked to her, then toward the stairs. His expression softened in an instant.

"I really missed seeing her face every morning," he said, voice quiet — laced with something tender and honest, like a thread of childhood

woven through his words.

Jin, watching with a small smile, gestured toward the staircase. "Go on then. She's probably waiting just to see your face."

Taehyung gave a small nod and was just about to move when Hana added, smiling, "Take Jungkook with you too."

At that, Jungkook, who had been stewing in his misery, perked up immediately — his face brightening like someone had thrown him a lifeline.

He hadn't gotten to meet Taehyung's grandmother yet, not even during their rushed wedding. He was a little curious... and honestly,

just excited to be pulled along anywhere Taehyung was going.

But before he could even get up, Taehyung quickly shook his head. "Mom, no, please," Taehyung said, a little too quickly. "I don't want any strangers around her right now."

And okay — that hurt.

Jungkook’s bright expression faltered immediately. His lips parted as though he couldn't even believe Taehyung had just called him that. A stranger.

He sat there frozen, staring at Taehyung like he'd been slapped across the face.

There was a beat of awkward silence. 

Everyone clearly felt it.

Then, to Jungkook's complete shock, it was Daehyun — Daehyun of all people — who broke it. "Tae, I think you should take him," Daehyun said, his voice clear, almost serious.

Jungkook blinked in disbelief.

He had been expecting Daehyun to back Taehyung up — not... this.

Not him actually siding with Jungkook.

Taehyung hesitated, clearly not happy, and replied, "But Dad... it's not a good idea. He won't behave around her."

He said it like Jungkook was some kind of wild dog who couldn't be trusted around sweet old ladies.

And honestly, Jungkook felt personally attacked. He opened his mouth to argue — but before he could get a word out, Daehyun cut in again, his tone firmer this time.

"If he doesn't behave," Daehyun said, his gaze flicking to Jungkook coldly, "then he's not welcome back in this house again."

Jungkook stiffened immediately, caught off guard by how serious he sounded.

Daehyun kept going, his eyes now on Taehyung.
"I'm trying to forgive him for

what he did, Taehyung. I'm trying. But this—" he gestured lightly between the two of them, "—this is the first step. If he can't even show respect to the people who matter to you, then he has no business standing in this house."

The room went dead silent again.

Jungkook swallowed hard, a cold knot forming in his stomach. He felt a flicker of fear — not of Daehyun, but of himself. 

He didn't trust himself when it came to behaving. Not fully. And now that Taehyung's father had made it clear he was trying to forgive him, it felt like

Jungkook was walking a tightrope. One wrong step, and that fragile chance of redemption would snap.

He couldn't afford to mess this up.

Not now.

Not after everything he had done.

And failing to impress Taehyung's grandma? That was not an option.

And on the other hand, Taehyung looked like he wanted to protest—his jaw tightened, eyes sharp—but he didn't.

Instead, he gave a tight nod,then turned to Jungkook, voice clipped and cold.

"Fine," Taehyung muttered, eyes flashing in that way Jungkook knew too well. "Come up with

me. But don't do anything stupid."

Jungkook, for once, didn't try to smart-mouth back.

He just stood up quickly, stuffing his hands into his pockets, trying to look harmless.

And then he heard it.

"Dad, that toddler of an alpha really shouldn't be here," Jin said, his voice

dripping with mockery.

Jungkook's jaw tightened instantly.

His hands curled into fists inside his pockets, muscles in his forearms twitching with the urge to punch something — or someone.

But he stayed silent. 

He had to. He didn't want to start something now, not in

front of Taehyung's family.

He had more self-control than Jin gave him credit for. Just barely.

Still... he wasn't going to forget that comment.

There was a dark thought crossed his mind , If he ever got the chance to see Jin alone, out of Taehyung's sight,

he'd definitely throw a couple of punches. No one needed to know. It'd be between him and Jin, and Jungkook sure as hell didn't want Taehyung finding out that his brother got a beating from his husband. Just a couple of quick ones. Nothing too serious.

Just to let Jin know who he was dealing with.

But for now, Jungkook followed Taehyung, biting back his anger, like a man trying to hold onto the little control he had left.

When they reached the next floor, Jungkook glanced around, his simmering tension easing just slightly as

he took in the space.He hadn't seen much of Taehyung's house before — not really. And now that he was here, actually looking at it, he was surprised.

It looked... good. Elegant, but warm. Just like Taehyung. Jungkook mumbled under his breath as his eyes roamed

the hallway, "Your house is nice."

Taehyung looked at him, surprised by the unexpected compliment. "Um... thanks," he replied, a bit caught off guard.

Jungkook could tell he hadn't been expecting it. Something in Taehyung's expression softened.

After a pause, Taehyung cleared

his throat and added, "Everything here is close to my heart. I like bright colors... makes it feel like... like I'm actually alive in here. You "

Jungkook nodded, his voice softer this time. "Yeah. I get it. It feels... welcoming. Cozy, I guess."

A silence settled between them — not heavy, just thoughtful. They both slowed down walking, taking in the moment. For Jungkook, it felt like he was seeing Taehyung in a way he hadn't before — not just the way he lived, but why.

The bright colors, the softness, the care...

it was all Taehyung.

Maybe he was saying more than just talking about decor. Maybe it was about wanting to feel something. Wanting to exist on his own terms.

Jungkook found himself wanting to know more.

"So... how long has your family lived here?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Taehyung didn't take much time to reply. "My grandfather bought this house. My grandma wanted to live here until her last breath, so we all stayed. I loved it too, so we never had to move anywhere else."

Jungkook was about to comment on how different this place felt from their

apartment, wondering if Taehyung liked their apartment or not, but before he could speak up, Taehyung suddenly stopped in front of a room. Jungkook, still lost in his thoughts, halted too.

"Is this your grandma's room?" he asked, gesturing gently toward the door.

Taehyung nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah."

Then, without another word, he pushed the door open. Jungkook stayed a step behind, hesitant for reasons he couldn't quite explain.

The moment the door opened, something shifted.

that's not what happened."

"Then explain what your hand was doing on my waist," Taehyung shot back, arms crossing tightly over his chest.

"I was half-asleep!" Jungkook said, clearly frustrated now, but trying to keep his voice level. "I didn't know where I was—hell,

I didn't even know you were in bed until you started yelling."

"Oh please," Taehyung scoffed. "You didn't notice me when you were squeezing me like a damn pillow?"

"I thought it was a dream!" Jungkook argued. "You don't get it—I didn't do it on purpose.

I wouldn't do that to you. Not like that."

He paused, breathing a little heavier, trying to calm himself. "I'd never hurt you like that. I know you don't trust me... but don't say I tried to take advantage of you. That's not who I am."

But Taehyung didn't stop there. "You're not who you pretend to be, Jungkook," he said, tone sharp and biting. "You talk soft, act all worried—but you're the same person who made living hell of my life."

Jungkook's head tilted, a slow blink following. "Taehyung..."

"You play this sweet act, but it's just that—an act. You just want to claim me like some possession."

"Stop," Jungkook warned, voice low and tight.

But Taehyung kept going, voice rising. "Yes you only act like you care, but you don't.

You just want to control me. You don't love me—you just want me marked, tied to you, like I'm nothing but your damn omega—"

Something snapped.

In a flash, Jungkook grabbed Taehyung by the wrists and shoved him back onto the bed, pinning him down with the kind of strength that

came naturally to alphas. The air left Taehyung's lungs in a startled gasp as his back hit the mattress, and before he could even react, Jungkook was on top of him—knees on either side of his thighs, looming over him like a storm.

Taehyung's heart kicked up wildly. "Jungko—"

"Don't," Jungkook growled, voice low, guttural, barely human. His breath fanned hot across Taehyung's throat as he dipped closer. "You really want to see the side of me you keep talking shit about?"

Taehyung's body froze.

Jungkook leaned in, so close his lips almost brushed

Taehyung's scent gland. His nose dragged along the curve of Taehyung's neck slowly,possessively.

"I could break you right now," he whispered darkly. "I can bury my teeth in your neck and make you mine before you even realize what's happening. You wouldn't stop me. You couldn't."

Taehyung trembled, trying to twist away, but there was nowhere to go—not with Jungkook pinning him so firmly, so effortlessly. His human side screamed at him. Alpha. Danger. Too close. But his omega side acted like it didn't mind being pinned at all.

"But I haven't done anything," Jungkook said, voice sharper now, bitter. "You think I'm dangerous? You think I'm lying? You think I don't love you? Fine. But don't stand there and throw your accusations at me like you know a fucking thing about what I feel."

Taehyung's mouth

parted to speak, but no sound came out.

Jungkook laughed—cold, sharp. "And don't act like you don't know what you're doing either. You sleep in my bed without telling, push all my buttons, and then act like some helpless little thing when I do something by mistake."

He leaned down again, nose brushing skin. "This body?" he hissed. "Mine. I could have it any time. But I haven't. Because I don't want to force you. I want you to want me too. I want you to choose me. I want you begging me to take you."

The last words were a growl, deep

and primal, vibrating against Taehyung's neck.

Then he pulled back—slowly, and stared down at Taehyung with a twisted little smirk, his eyes dark and unreadable.

"So stop throwing your petty accusations at me, sweetheart," he murmured. "Because one day, I might not hold back."

And with that, Jungkook let go of his wrists and pushed himself off the bed like nothing had happened, leaving Taehyung breathless, rattled, and staring up at the ceiling like the air had just been knocked out of him.

Feeling slightly more prepared, he walked toward the front door.

The night was quiet as Taehyung stepped outside. He moved slowly, his grip tightening on the bottle hidden in his sleeve. 

And then his eyes darted to the alpha still leaning casually against the bike.

Jungkook was looking down, seemingly uninterested, but Taehyung knew better.

Jungkook was a jerk, but he was still a strong alpha. He had probably sensed Taehyung the moment he stepped out of the house.

Taehyung walked slowly toward him, his steps almost silent on the porch.

Just when he thought he might make it without any trouble, Jungkook looked up suddenly. His eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face.

"Correct me if I'm wrong," Jungkook said, his voice dry, "but did you bring red chili powder with you to attack me or something?"

Taehyung froze on the spot, his eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. 

He didn't know how, but Jungkook had figured it out. And as if on cue, the bottle slipped from Taehyung's sweaty hand and hit the ground with a dull clatter.

Jungkook's eyes flicked down to the bottle

and then back up to Taehyung, his expression somewhere between amused and disbelief.

"Red chili powder, huh?" Jungkook's tone was dripping with sarcasm, the corner of his lips lifting in a smirk. "Lucky for me, I've got this nose, or you would've probably dumped that stuff right

into my eyes." His alpha senses were already picking up on the faint scent of the powder, and he couldn't help but chuckle. "Not that it would've stopped me, though."

Taehyung's face burned as he scrambled to pick up the bottle, his movements rushed and clumsy.

Without even thinking, he threw it into the yard, where it landed with a faint rustle in the grass. 

Taking a deep breath, Taehyung let out a long sigh. He wasn't sure what had possessed him to grab chili powder in the first place, but it was clear he wasn't going to intimidate

Jungkook that way.

Jungkook, still leaning against the bike, watched him with a look that was both mocking and somehow fond.

Then he tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "So, you're out here plotting to take me out, huh?" he teased, his voice laced with mischief.

"And all this plotting against who? Ah, yes—on your alpha’s life? Bold move, I have to say."

Taehyung blinked at him, the words taking a second to sink in. 

But once they did, his embarrassment quickly shifted to anger.

"You're not my alpha," he shot back, glaring at Jungkook. "So don't talk like that."

Jungkook just looked at him with a dumb smile and let out a sigh. "Whatever you say, sweetheart."

Taehyung clenched his fists, his anger rising, but he tried to keep himself in check. "You—"

he started, but Jungkook interrupted, tilting his head with mock curiosity. "Me what?".

Taehyung gritted his teeth, his nails pressing into his palms as he fought the urge to kick the smirk off Jungkook's face.

After a deep breath, he put on a serious expression and said, " Everything aside, but seriously, Jungkook-ssi, we need to talk about your behavior."

He paused, giving the alpha a chance to respond, but Jungkook remained silent, his expression unreadable. Gathering himself,

Taehyung continued, "Look, I know—"

But then Jungkook cut him off, his tone dropping to something softer but somehow even more infuriating. "Drop the honorifics, Taehyung. Just call me Jungkook." He smiled lightly, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "Only Jungkook."

Taehyung blinked, feeling himself slipping into a strange daze, but it didn't last long. Jungkook's next words shattered the moment completely.

"And if you're planning to give me a lecture on how I behave with others, then save it," Jungkook said bluntly, turning his head

slightly to glance at the bike's side mirror before looking back at Taehyung. "I'm not changing anytime soon. But still, I want to hear you out. After all," he added with a smirk, "how could I not listen to my omega?"

Taehyung stood there with open mouth, his eyes fixed on

Jungkook as the alpha spoke. 

The audacity, the sheer arrogance of his words, made Taehyung's blood boil. Jungkook seemed so full of himself, so maddeningly self-assured.

"How can you be so self-indulgent?" Taehyung finally asked, his voice rising with frustration.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything, so Taehyung pushed on, the words spilling out before he could stop them. "Don't you feel anything at all? Because of you, my family's reputation is going downhill, And yet…" He glared at Jungkook, his chest heaving.

"You speak so shamelessly, like an arrogant prick."

Jungkook's smirk didn't falter, but his eyes darkened slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. 

He leaned back against his bike, crossing his arms casually. "Losing your family reputation, huh?"

he repeated, his tone laced with amusement. "Care to explain how that's my fault, Taehyung?" He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the tension in the air.

Taehyung's patience snapped. He glared at Jungkook, voice dripping with disbelief. "You're really a prick.

You seriously think I'd marry an alpha like you?"

Jungkook's head tilted slightly, his eyes narrowing with that all-too-familiar arrogance. "An alpha like me?" he echoed, his voice cool but daring, almost challenging Taehyung to elaborate.

Taehyung could feel the heat rising

in his cheeks, the anger swelling inside him like a storm threatening to break. He knew exactly what Jungkook was trying to provoke, but that didn’t make it any easier to hold back.

"Yes, alpha like you," Taehyung spat, his words dripping with contempt. "An alpha who thinks he

can bully his way through everything, a selfish, arrogant prick. A monster. A heartless monster who only cares about his own pride." His gaze narrowed, voice growing colder. "A weakling who—"

Before Taehyung could finish, he was yanked forward,

his body jerking sharply in Jungkook's iron grip. Taehyung didn't even see it coming. One moment, he was standing there, and the next, he was slammed hard against the wall, far from Jungkook's bike, far from where they were standing in lamp light.

The darkness around them felt suffocating, closing in like it had a life of its own, thick and oppressive, pressing down on him.

Taehyung's breath hitched as his back collided with the cold surface, and in an instant, Jungkook was right in front of him.

His eyes, once dark and dangerous,were now glowing a deep red, and the shift in his aura sent a shiver down Taehyung's spine.

His confidence vanished in an instant, and all the words he'd been ready to throw out suddenly felt pointless. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Jungkook was too close—so close that Taehyung could feel his heat, could see the glowing red of his eyes, and that terrified him to the core.

"J-Jungkook," Taehyung stammered, his voice trembling. "Y-your eyes…"

The alpha's growl cut through the air, full of anger.

"You can do whatever you want. Slap me, kick me, insult me, call me a bastard, call me an asshole, call me an arrogant prick—I'll take it all." His grip on Taehyung's wrist tightened, and Taehyung couldn't hold back a small, pained moan.

"But don't you ever think of calling me weakling," Jungkook snarled, his voice low and dangerous.

Taehyung's heart hammered in his chest, but it wasn't just fear—there was something else mixed in with the panic. He was scared shitless, but there was also a sinking feeling in

his gut, a feeling that he couldn't shake. 

Jungkook's alpha voice was commanding, and it made the very air around them heavy and hard to breathe.

"I've been patient with you, Taehyung," Jungkook growled. His face was so close now that Taehyung could feel the warmth of his

breath against his skin, making his mind race.

"I've been fucking gentle with you from the start." His grip on Taehyung's wrist tightened again, and Taehyung let out a sharp breath, the pain unbearable now. "Don't fucking make me force you into something, omega,

because if I do, you’ll regret it."

Tears welled up in Taehyung's eyes, his body trembling with a cocktail of fear, regret, and something much worse. Why did I come out here? He thought, the words echoing in his mind. Why did I think I could stand up to him?

Jungkook moved in closer, his eyes glowing red with fury. "And you know what? I don't want to be gentle anymore," he snarled. "You're going to marry me. You have to fucking agree to it." His voice dropped, darker now, full of malice. "And if you don't…?" He paused,

his grip on Taehyung's wrist tightening once again, forcing a pained breath from him. "I won't hesitate to beat your brother up like I did that friend of yours."

Taehyung's eyes widened in horror, his breath catching in his throat. No, he thought, feeling a surge of panic

flood through him. No, you won't hurt Hyung.

"You won't do anything to Hyung," Taehyung spat, his voice barely above a whisper, shaking but filled with defiance. But the words faltered in his throat when Jungkook's cold response came, dripping with venom.

"I don't care about your Hyung," Jungkook said, his voice low and threatening. "So I probably will beat the shit out of him." He paused, his eyes narrowing into slits, dangerous and calculating. "But I won't if you agree to marry me. Agree to mate me. Agree to be my omega."

The possessiveness in Jungkook's voice felt overwhelming, and the way his eyes shifted—dark and hungry, but then softening just beneath the red glow—made Taehyung's stomach tighten. This can't be real. He couldn't wrap his head around what was happening.

"The choice is all yours, omega," Jungkook's voice was dangerously calm, like he was giving Taehyung a choice, but Taehyung knew it wasn't really a choice at all. It was a threat wrapped in a demand.

Taehyung's body shook with the overwhelming weight of everything—his family,

his fear, and the feeling that he was cornered in a way he couldn’t escape. His hands trembled, and he could barely keep himself from falling apart. He was afraid, terrified, and every part of him screamed for freedom from this nightmare.

But Jungkook wasn't done yet. 

The alpha pulled one hand away from Taehyung's arm, where he'd been holding him tightly, and instead, he slowly slid it to the junction of the omega's neck right where the mate mark should be placed.

Taehyung's breath hitched as Jungkook's fingers rested there, his touch like fire, burning through his skin. 

The alpha's smile was devilish, taunting, as if he knew exactly what kind of effect his touch had on Taehyung.

"Decide what you want, omega," Jungkook said, his smile turning into something threatening, filled with twisted amusement. "You want my bite on your neck... or..." His eyes darkened, and the words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. "You want to see your family fall apart?"

a word, the alpha's tone shifted again, from sincere to teasing.

"And I really wouldn't mind if you fell into my arms, by the way," Jungkook added, "Even before we officially mate—we can make some other memories in this bedroom… if you give me permission, of course."

And Taehyung's head snapped up, scandalized. "You are so shameless—!"

But his sentence turned into a loud, startled yell. "What the fuck, Jungkook!"

Jungkook had turned around mid-sentence, towel in hand and slung low—having pulled it off his hips. Taehyung's heart jumped

before realizing Jungkook wasn't actually naked.

"I'm not naked!" Jungkook defended, raising his hands as if proving innocence. "I've got underwear on, look—"

"I don't want to look!" Taehyung snapped, eyes squeezing shut, face going bright red. "Just—just wear something, God!"

Jungkook rolled his eyes and turned back to the closet. He grabbed a t-shirt and joggers and put them on slowly, like he wasn't in a hurry at all. It was like he was trying to annoy Taehyung on purpose. When he was finally dressed, he turned around,

stretched out his arms, and gave Taehyung a proud, teasing smile.

"There," he announced. "Everything's covered. Happy now?"

Taehyung peeked at him through his fingers, his glare sharp. "Not even the slightest."

Jungkook tilted his head, mock thoughtful. "Oh? And what do I need to do to make you a little bit happy?"

Taehyung didn't miss a beat. "To not be in this room."

That wiped the grin clean off Jungkook's face. He let out a short, disbelieving laugh, but it died almost instantly.

He looked at Taehyung, like he was not amused at all.

"Nice joke," he said, voice lower now.

But Taehyung's face didn't budge. He wasn't joking.

"You're not sleeping with me in the same room, Jeon."

Jungkook caught the way Taehyung used his surname like a weapon. Still, he kept his voice steady and walked toward the omega, nodding once toward the small couch by the window.

"Do you still mind me being here if I sleep on the couch?" he asked, gesturing toward it.

"Yes," Taehyung said immediately. No hesitation. Just that one word, sharp and final.

Jungkook stood there, jaw ticking, hands curling into loose fists at his sides. He didn't ask why. He wanted to ask. But he knew if he did, Taehyung would say something that would leave a mark.

Something that would hurt more than he was ready for.

So, he just huffed out a sigh and muttered, "Fine. God, fine. I'm going. Have a good night, Taehyung."

And Taehyung just pointed toward the door without saying good night back.

—

It had been three days since they moved in, and for Taehyung, everything was still new.

On the first morning, the sunlight had poured in through the uncovered windows, lighting up the entire bedroom and forcing him awake with a deep frown etched into his face.

After that, he made sure to draw the curtains before bed the next two nights.

Then there was Jungkook—roaming around the apartment shirtless in the mornings without any shame. Taehyung had to firmly remind the alpha not to parade around half-naked in front of him.

But the most irritating part? Jungkook had been in the apartment for a full 48 hours straight. And with that, came a barrage of flirty comments that Jungkook refused to hold back, no matter how many insults Taehyung hurled his way.

It made the omega bristle, rolling his eyes more times than he could count.

Still, despite the annoyances, Taehyung had to admit the apartment had grown on him. At first, it hadn't felt like home at all, but now, after spending just two days in it, he found himself settling in.

It was strange—how quickly it started to feel like his space.

And Jungkook? He was enjoying it all too much—especially the way Taehyung's scent had begun to settle into the apartment. He loved that, loved how the omega was slowly getting comfortable around him.

But of course, it wasn't all sweet and soft. There were moments when Jungkook seriously considered locking Taehyung out on the garden balcony again just to get a moment of silence.

So yes—they were both slightly annoyed with each other.

And as if Taehyung's patience hadn't already been stretched thin, there Jungkook was, standing in the middle of the kitchen, drinking orange juice straight from the carton.

"You can't be real," Taehyung said, staring at him with pure disbelief as Jungkook chugged orange juice

straight from the giant carton.

Jungkook paused mid-gulp, eyes meeting Taehyung's over the rim like he'd been caught mid-crime. After a beat,he pulled the carton away and shrugged. "What?"

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand,totally unfazed. "It's more tasty this way."

"It is not! Don't put your used mouth stuff back in there—I also use that fridge, you know!" Taehyung snapped, stepping closer like he was ready to yank the carton right out of Jungkook's hand.

But then Jungkook's phone rang, and before Taehyung could launch into a full rant,

Jungkook held up a hand like he was pressing pause on Taehyung's life. "Hold that thought," he said, already answering. 

"Hello, Mom," Jungkook greeted, but his eyes never left Taehyung. He raised an eyebrow, silently daring the omega to say something, but Taehyung only

narrowed his eyes, clearly not amused.

"Why did you call?" he asked and then there was pause and , "Of course you can call, Mom, anytime," he continued, his voice thick with sarcasm. Then, as though he'd completely tuned out the rest of the conversation,

he turned to glance at Taehyung again.

"We both are fine, Mom. Getting comfortable here," he said, before adding, "Yes, yes, I'll ask the previous cook to come back. Hmm, so is that all you had to say?"

There was another pause, and Jungkook's expression shifted,

a little more annoyed. "Oh, no, of course there's something," he muttered, still looking at Taehyung like he could feel the omega's weird, judgmental stare on him.

Taehyung just stared back, his brow furrowed, finding Jungkook's rudeness increasingly unbearable.

Jungkook's mood shifted again after seconds. "On Friday? Are you kidding me? Who planned this—Dad, right?" He groaned loudly. "Tell him to stop making plans on his own. You should've asked us first!" He was getting louder now. "No, I don't want to hear anything, just—no. Bye."

With that, Jungkook ended the call and slipped his phone back in.

And Taehyung just stared at him, arms crossed, disbelief painted across his face like a neon warning sign that screamed 𝘐'𝘮 𝘫𝘶𝘥𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶.

And Jungkook? he let out a big sigh, tilting his head back

like he was searching the ceiling for patience. "Don't say anything, please," he muttered, already knowing what was coming.

There was a moment of silence, but then Taehyung's phone buzzed, cutting through it. He blinked, looked down at the screen,

and then shot a confused look at Jungkook.

"What?" Jungkook asked, getting confused too.

Taehyung didn't answer—just tilted the phone slightly so Jungkook could see the caller ID.

Jungkook squinted at the name and then his eyes widened slightly. "Wait—is that my mom?" he asked, straightening a little, almost alarmed.

Rather than responding, Taehyung accepted the call and quickly put it on speaker, nervousness creeping into his expression—he had no idea

how to talk to Jungkook's mother over the phone.

Almost immediately, Somi's cheerful voice rang out.
"Taehyung dear, how are you?"

"I'm fine," Taehyung answered politely, glancing at Jungkook. "And what about you all?"

Jungkook rolled his eyes at the formality in Omega's tone.

"We're all good, very much at peace," Somi replied. "My son isn't here to argue with us, so the house is finally quiet."

She let out a hearty laugh, and Taehyung bit his lower lip to stifle his own. Jungkook, however, didn't find it nearly as funny.

"Wow," he said loudly so she could hear. "So this is how you think of me? That I disturb the whole house?"

"Oh, sweetheart," Somi said with the fondest tone. "You know we all love you. But it's also true. You make a lot of noise when you're home,

and it's not exactly the best thing."

Taehyung stole a glance at Jungkook, who looked at the phone as if it had just stabbed him in the heart. The betrayed expression on his face was priceless.

"You're talking just like your husband," Jungkook grumbled.

"He also knows exactly how to make me feel like utter shit."

"Jungkook," Somi’s voice turned stern, "Don't talk about your father like that. He loves you very much. Everything he does is for you so you can have a good life ahead. You should—"

"Okay, stop. I've heard this a thousand times. Just stop. Bye—"

"Wait!" Somi's voice rushed in before Jungkook could cut the call. "Taehyung, don't hang up. He's trying to stop me from talking to you."

Taehyung blinked in surprise. "I—I'm still here," he said quickly.

"Good. Listen, sweetheart, we've planned to go to Busan on Friday to take blessings from our ancestors," Somi said warmly. "But Jungkook is being an absolute brat and refusing even after the promise he made that you both would come if we agreed to let you live alone together."

"I'm not refusing!" Jungkook snapped from the side, clearly offended. "You planned it without asking us first!"

Somi ignored him completely, as if he hadn't spoken at all.

"Just make sure," she went on, her voice gentle again as she addressed Taehyung, "that you both come to

the main mansion Friday morning so we can go together, okay? It's important."

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, who looked like he was holding back a string of very colorful words, and then back at the phone.

"Okay," he said slowly, a little unsure, "I'll try."

"Thanks dear," Somi cooed warmly. "You always listen. Unlike someone standing next to you."

Jungkook groaned, throwing his head back. "I'm literally right here!"

The call ended with a soft beep, and the room settled into silence for a moment before

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook and said with a shrug, "She's so sweet. Unlike you."

Jungkook scoffed. "Please. I'm sweeter than her. You're just ignoring my sweetness."

Taehyung rolled his eyes like that was the most ridiculous thing he'd heard all day. “Sure you are.

Anyway, how far is Busan from here? I've never been there."

Jungkook gave him a look. "Wait—are you really thinking of going there?"

Taehyung raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, why not?"

Jungkook groaned again, pacing a little like the thought physically pained him. "Taehyung, they're dragging us to a graveyard. A Jeon family graveyard. It's creepy as hell. All the old alphas and ancestors buried in one place. I don't want you around that weird energy."

"You've already broken so many things. I wouldn't be surprised if you broke this door too."

He meant for it to sound sharp, controlled—but his voice wavered, just a little. And he hated that.

Jungkook barely spared him a glance. He let out a tired breath and stepped forward,

brushing past Taehyung as he walked in.

Taehyung immediately stepped aside, scowling. "Don't touch me," he snapped.

Jungkook stopped mid-step and turned, his expression shifting from tired to outright annoyed. "Touch you?" he repeated,

raising an eyebrow. "I barely brushed your shoulder."

Taehyung scoffed. "You shoved past me."

Jungkook mimicked Taehyung's scoff. "Shoved? Shoved you? Seriously?" He let out a laugh, shaking his head. "Didn't know I had Hulk-level strength. But My bad, I'm really sorry,

Taehyung-hyung. Next time, I'll just slither like a snake so you won't be disturbed or—God forbid—touched."

Taehyung's face flushed red with irritation, his fingers curling into fists. Jungkook was being too much—too dramatic, too infuriating. "Or, I don't know, you could just

ask me to move like a normal person?"

Jungkook let out another sigh—louder this time, more dramatic. "You know what? Forget it." He gestured vaguely at Taehyung like he was waving away a problem. "And honestly, I don't have the patience for this right now. I just want a shower.

Can I please have one moment of peace in this nightmare?"

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "Maybe if you stopped being such an cocky basta—"

"And maybe," Jungkook interrupted, voice dripping with sarcasm, "if you stopped acting like I personally ruined your life—oh wait." He paused,

giving an exaggerated gasp. "I did."

Taehyung opened his mouth, chest tightening with frustration, but Jungkook just shot him a tired, unimpressed look.

"I don't have the energy for your tantrums, Taehyung. I'm going to take a damn shower."

Taehyung stood there, fuming, hands curled into his sleeves. He could fight back, he wanted to fight back—but that last line stung more than he wanted to admit.

So instead, he just straightened his shoulders, forcing himself to look unaffected.

Then, without a word, he headed for the door.

Jungkook's voice followed him almost instantly. "Where are you going?"

Taehyung didn't pause. "I don't need to explain myself to a brat who wasn't even out of diapers when I was ten." He scoffed. "Go play alpha somewhere else."

Jungkook froze for a second, his pride taking a solid hit. Brat? Diaper? His eye twitched as irritation flared up fast.

"The hell did you just—" He stepped forward, fully ready to grab Taehyung and make him say it again, but Taehyung was already moving.

Before Jungkook could react, Taehyung slipped out the door and—slam.

Jungkook blinked.

Then—click.

Jungkook grabbed the handle, twisting it. Locked.

He let out a sharp, disbelieving breath. Did he just—

Jaw tightening, he knocked—no, banged—on the door. "Taehyung."

Silence.

Jungkook exhaled through his nose, resisting the urge to kick the damn door open. This is what I married?

He ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath, "I swear to god…" before turning back toward the bathroom.

He needed that damn shower.

—

Jungkook sat on his bed, his damp hair tousled from the shower. He had barely managed to get some sleep when a rustling sound from his closet made his eyes snap open.

Taehyung.

Jungkook pushed himself up, about to call Taehyung out on his attitude earlier—but before

he could even sit up properly, Taehyung had already slipped into the bathroom.

Even with all his alpha strength, Jungkook felt impossibly slow compared to Taehyung's quick exits.

Now, while Taehyung was busy showering—or whatever he was doing in there—

Jungkook was stuck on a call with Yoongi. And, as expected, it had turned into a complaint session.

"I swear to god, Yoongi, he's making me angry," Jungkook muttered, rubbing his temples.

"Okay, but," Yoongi cut in, his voice laced with amusement, "you didn't get angry the way

you usually would, right?"

Jungkook huffed, shifting against the headboard. "Yoongi, I love him. Getting angry at him the way I do with others isn't going to happen. But—" he sighed, exasperated. "He's annoying."

"And you're not?" Yoongi shot back.

Jungkook rolled his eyes. "Not like him. Ever since we got married, he doesn't even think before talking back to me. To his alpha. I didn't think he’d be like this."

Yoongi hummed. "Uh-huh. So… do you want to control him, or—"

"Fuck no, Yoongi," Jungkook groaned.

"That's not what I'm saying. I'm just—"

The sound of the bathroom door opening made him stop mid-sentence.

Taehyung stepped out, steam trailing behind him, and Jungkook's words died in his throat.

Soft.

Pretty.

His omega. His beautiful, delicate, stubborn omega. His—

"Don't stare at me like a creep."

Jungkook blinked, dragged from his trance by Taehyung's dry remark.

On the other end of the call, Yoongi chuckled. "Yeah, you're doomed."

Jungkook scoffed. "I'm cutting you off."

Without waiting for a response, he ended the call and tossed his phone aside, turning his full attention to Taehyung.

"I'm your husband, not some stranger you can call a creep," Jungkook muttered.

Taehyung barely spared him a glance. "Whatever." His tone was dismissive as he

walked past him, his damp hair clinging to his neck.

Jungkook sighed, watching as Taehyung stopped in front of the mirror, tilting his face to inspect every angle of it. The silence that followed was deliberate, pointed.

Jungkook frowned. "Can you please try to be nicer?"

No response. Taehyung continued looking at his reflection, acting as if Jungkook wasn't even in the room.

Jungkook's patience thinned. "I'm talking to you."

Taehyung finally turned, his gaze sharp. "Don't expect me to just laugh and talk with you happily after what you did

to me and my family for three weeks."

Jungkook exhaled harshly, rubbing a hand down his face. "Oh god, Taehyung, can you please stop bringing it up every time? I did what I did, and it was all for you. And now that you're mine, I won't harm anyone," he said, his voice edged

with frustration. Then, softening just a little, he added, "These are my words, Taehyung. I promise—I'll do whatever you want."

Taehyung looked at him, expression unreadable. Then, in a flat voice, he said, "Then can you please stop talking? Your voice is irritating.

Just try not to talk to me."

Jungkook felt the words hit harder than he expected. His face fell slightly, and for once, he didn't try to argue back. Instead, he just sat there, staring at the floor, his jaw tight.

Taehyung wasn't even trying.

Jungkook knew—he knew—that the way he married Taehyung wasn't right. 

It wasn't what Taehyung wanted. 

But it had happened, and now that they were bound, was it really so wrong to hope for a chance? 

A chance to prove he was worthy of Taehyung's love?

That he could be a good mate, a good alpha?

But Taehyung…he was acting like he wanted nothing to do with him. Like even after marriage, he still refused to accept Jungkook as his alpha. As if their bond meant nothing.

Jungkook clenched his fists, the thoughts souring his mood.

And then—

“Oh, you both are already up.”

Jungkook looked up.

It was his mother.

—

Taehyung straightened his back the moment he heard Mrs. Jeon's voice, pushing away any trace of irritation from his face.

Jungkook, still sitting on the bed, barely reacted. He just let out a tired sigh before muttering, "Yeah, we're up… after being awake all night."

Taehyung's head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing in a sharp glare.

Somi, completely unaware, perked up. "Oh, that's great—

"No, it's not great," Jungkook quickly interrupted, letting out a short laugh as he stood up from the bed. "It's not what you're thinking mom."

Taehyung exhaled, already annoyed. "Jungkook—"

Jungkook barely glanced at him, forcing a tight-lipped smile. "What? Are you shy now?" His voice was light, but his expression was anything but amused.

Taehyung closed his eyes briefly, biting back a sharp response.

Not in front of Mrs. Jeon.

Somi, completely unaware of the tension in the air, simply laughed at their earlier exchange, assuming it was just playful banter. She then turned to Taehyung, stepping closer with a warm smile. "How was your first night?

Did everything feel comfortable? Do you feel at home?"

Taehyung exhaled quietly, schooling his features before turning to her. Somi was kind—she wasn't the problem here. He couldn't bring himself to be cold to her, no matter how frustrated he was with Jungkook.

"It was fine," he said, offering a small but genuine smile. "Everything is nice, and the room is beautiful. Thank you for checking on me."

Jungkook's gaze stayed on him, unreadable. So, he could be polite.

He scoffed under his breath, looking away.

It was almost amusing how differently Taehyung treated him compared to his family. The warmth in his voice, the way he softened around Somi—it wasn't fake. But with Jungkook? He barely spared him a glance, let alone any kindness.

Still, Jungkook held back from commenting,

his fingers twitching against his arm. At least he's not completely shutting my family out.

Somi, satisfied with Taehyung's response, smiled brightly. "That's wonderful to hear. I just wanted to make sure you're comfortable, dear." She reached out, patting Taehyung's

arm lightly before glancing at Jungkook.

"You two should come down for breakfast soon."

As soon as Somi left, the room fell into silence.

Jungkook let out a sharp exhale, running a hand through his hair before looking at Taehyung. His expression was hard to read,

but there was something about the way his eyes lingered that made Taehyung shift slightly.

"What?" Taehyung muttered, crossing his arms.

Jungkook’s lips pressed into a thin line. Then, after a brief pause, he said, "At least come to breakfast with me."

"You can go first."

"We should go together."

Taehyung frowned. "Why?"

Jungkook let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "Because if you don't, they'll start wondering why my husband isn't eating with me. And I don't feel like dealing with their concerns this early in the morning."

After a long moment, he huffed, looking away. "Fine. But don't expect me to be all lovey-dovey with you."

Jungkook scoffed. "Didn't expect you to." Then, without another word, he turned toward the door, already stepping out of the room.

But after a few steps, he suddenly stopped and glanced over his shoulder. "And… my grandpa can be a lot," he said, voice flat. "You've met him before, so you know how he is. Just… don't take anything he says personally."

With that, he turned back around and continued walking.

The room hit him like a breath held too long—a blend of familiar comfort and heavy stillness. A faint smell of lavender lingered in the air, layered with something older… something like the scent of time itself. The air was thick, almost sacred. The curtains were half-drawn,

letting in a slant of dusty sunlight that made the room feel suspended in some quiet, forgotten hour.

It was warm. Too warm. But not unpleasant — just… wrapped in memory.

Jungkook lingered near the doorway, unsure. He felt like an intruder. Like he was stepping into a chapter

of Taehyung's life that hadn't been meant for anyone else to read.

In the center of the room, lying still on the bed, was an old woman. Her hair was white, her skin delicate and thinned with age, but her features were peaceful. Worn, but soft. At rest.

Taehyung stepped forward, each movement deliberate, careful — as though he was trying not to disturb the silence that blanketed the room. Jungkook followed, slower, standing a respectful distance behind.

Taehyung reached out, his hand resting lightly on her arm.

His voice came quiet, almost reverent. "Grandma... look, I'm here."

Jungkook watched silently.

At the sound of Taehyung's voice, her eyelids fluttered. Slowly. Her gaze didn't quite focus, but it found him all the same. She didn't speak. Didn't move. Just smiled—a faint,

fragile thing, like an old photograph finally brought into the light.

Then, her eyes drifted shut again.

That was it.

No words. No final message. Just the warmth of recognition, a soft smile, and stillness.

Jungkook waited — for something. A gesture, a whisper, a sign.

But nothing came.

And then he felt it. The quiet realization,sinking in like cold water.

𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴.

It belonged to Taehyung — and to her. A private exchange between past and present,between love and memory. Jungkook had no place in it.Not really.

This was Taehyung's world, his family, his memories. Jungkook had no right to intrude on something so intimate, so personal. 

He had come into a moment that wasn't for him, and as much as he wanted to stay and be a part of it, he realized it was wrong.

Something inside him shifted, a mix of emotions stirring, unbidden. There was a tenderness in the air that made his throat tighten. He didn’t want to be there anymore. Didn't want to take up space in a moment that wasn't his.

"Um," Jungkook said quietly, stepping back,

his voice almost hesitant. "I'll be waiting for you in the car."

Taehyung, confused, turned sharply to look at him, brows furrowing. "We're still supposed to eat lunch, and you're already thinking of leav—"

But before Taehyung could finish his sentence, Jungkook had already

rushed out of the room, moving swiftly down the hall, his steps urgent.

Taehyung blinked after him, still processing what had just happened. He was left there, staring at the empty doorway for a moment. 

A soft sigh slipped from his lips. "Strange," he muttered.

—

"You didn't even let me have lunch from my mom's hand," Taehyung said, arms crossed tightly over his chest, voice dipped in quiet accusation. His brows were furrowed, lips set in a pout as he stared straight ahead while they drove away from his house—without eating—

all because of Jungkook's sudden decision to leave.

"Okay, I'm sorry about that." Jungkook said, glancing at him quickly, "But you could've packed it and eaten after we got back to our place. That's not on me."

Taehyung turned to look at him, lips parting into a small "oh"

shape, and then muttered, "I didn't think of that."

Jungkook let out a soft laugh, shaking his head in amusement. "Of course you didn't," he said, his tone warmer now, the earlier tension dissipating.

The car fell into silence again, but this time it was lighter.

Taehyung gazed out the window, watching the city blur by. He looked calm, or maybe lost in thought — it was hard to tell. But then, the car jerked slightly as Jungkook slowed down at a busy intersection, and everything changed in a split second.

Startled, Taehyung leaned

toward the driver's seat. In the process, his hand unintentionally landed directly on Jungkook's most private area.

Omega froze, his entire body going still. His hand lingered for a fraction of a second, and Jungkook's breath hitched, feeling the unexpected touch.

Taehyung, mortified, jerked his hand back like he’d touched a hot stove. His body spun quickly, and he fixed his gaze out the window, his cheeks instantly flushed with heat. His ears turned a vivid shade of red, the color impossible to miss even in the dim car light.

"I—I didn't—!" Taehyung stammered, his voice trembling with embarrassment.

"I know," Jungkook replied quickly, his voice calm, but with a trace of amusement slipping through.

Taehyung refused to look at him, his eyes still glued to the window as if he could melt into the glass

and disappear from the awkwardness.

Jungkook couldn't help himself and let out a low chuckle. "When you're not angry, you're ridiculously cute," he muttered, mostly to himself, but loud enough that Taehyung's ears twitched at the comment.

Trying to give the omega some air, Jungkook turned his attention to the outside world, eyes skimming over the row of high-end restaurants and shops lining the street. His gaze landed on a cozy, glass-fronted restaurant, its warm lights spilling invitingly onto the sidewalk.

He pulled over and parked neatly along the curb, then turned to Taehyung with a smirk tugging at his lips.

In his most charming voice, Jungkook asked, "So, my lovely husband… are you hungry?"

Taehyung blinked at him, still flustered from their earlier encounter. "W-What?"