the family's values anymore. How he and his father had their own issues. How Jungkook rarely cared about what the rest of them wanted—and how they were, sadly, used to that by now. Later in the evening, Taehyung wandered out into the backyard. The garden behind the mansion was

honestly gorgeous. Super quiet too—like, you could actually hear your own thoughts out there. Then his phone rang. It was his mom. He stepped off to a quieter corner and answered with a soft smile. They talked for a while. His dad joined the call too. They asked how things

were going, how he was settling in, if everything felt okay. And Taehyung, ever the peacekeeper, told them only good things. How his in-laws were warm and polite. How he and Jungkook were "trying." He didn't mention the apartment. Didn't say a word about moving out tomorrow.

Maybe he'd bring it up later, after things calmed down. Maybe he'd ask his mom to visit him there, because… the idea of living alone with Jungkook this early into the marriage was not good. He was pretty sure it was going to be a disaster.

— The night was basically a copy-paste of the one before—tense, quiet,and heavy. Taehyung still didn't want alpha in the room, and even though it clearly bothered him, Jungkook didn't argue. Around midnight, he grabbed a pillow without a word and headed to the guest room. Again.

Morning came fast. Everything was already packed. The whole house felt weirdly hollow—too quiet, too stiff, like even the walls were holding their breath. Jungkook had been up early, pacing like he was mentally counting down each second.

He'd already had their stuff sent ahead to the apartment, so all that was left was the two of them driving over together. He was beyond ready to leave. But of course, nothing could ever be that simple when it came to Jungkook. The entire family gathered in the living room.

Elder Jeon sat in his usual chair, cane resting beside him. Jungkook's father—stood by the window with his arms crossed, brows drawn tight. Somi lingered behind them, lips pursed but saying nothing. Taehyung stood silently near the hallway, eyes low, trying not to show

just how awkward this all felt. And Jungkook? He stood near the door, twirling the keys around his finger like he was about to catch a flight. "You're seriously leaving today?” Elder Jeon finally asked, voice low and sharp, like it might cut someone. "one day. one. That's how

long you lasted under this roof after your wedding?" Jungkook turned toward him, and with the kind of fake smile that felt both charming and cold, said, "Technically, it's been one and a half." His father looked like he was about to explode. "Is this some kind of rebellion?

What is it this time, Jungkook? We hosted your wedding, we welcomed Taehyung into the family, and now you pack your bags like you don't have anything to do with us now that you're married—" Jungkook didn't even flinch. "I'm not thinking of not seeing you all, but if you don't

want anything to do with me after I move out, then that's your choice." His tone was calm, like he wasn't even fazed. "Don't start," his father shot back, voice tight with frustration. "You always twist everything—turn it around until it feels like we're the ones who did

something wrong, not you." "And you always talk like I'm sixteen and grounded." Elder Jeon leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow, exasperated breath. "You never listen. Not to your father, not to me, not to anyone," he sighed heavily. And His father, unable to hold back,

added, "It's because of you two, spoiling him from the start," he pointed at Somi and Elder Jeon. "He's grown up stubborn, with the worst attitude." Jungkook clenched his jaw and shoved his phone into his pocket. "Okay. Get it all out now. It's the last time, anyway."

"Last time what, you—" his father started, but Jungkook cut him off, voice flat as he shrugged, eyes cold. "The last time I'll be listening to this. Right now, you can rant, yell, whatever. Because starting tomorrow, I won't be around to hear the same complaints on repeat."

His father's face turned a shade darker. "Somi, are you hearing him? Look at the way he's talking to me!" His voice rose with every word. "No respect. Not even a shred of it. This is what we raised? This is who we trusted to carry the family forward?" And his mother didn't say

a word. She just stood there, staring at Jungkook with a look that said everything without saying anything—disappointment. And Elder Jeon didn't react at all. Just sat back, gaze fixed on Jungkook like he'd seen this coming. He knew his grandson too well.

Knew that fire in him wasn't new. Knew that nothing said tonight would change where this was going. Jungkook on other hand was not even guilty at all. "Maybe if you tried listening instead of lecturing, you'd realize I didn't turn out this way on my own." Then his eyes shifted—

past the anger, past the room—until they landed on Taehyung. Standing there near the hallway, shoulders stiff, eyes flicking between everyone like he wished he could disappear. He looked so out of place. So small in the middle of it all. Jungkook sighed internally.

Always uncomfortable with fights. And he wanted to live here with all of them? "Taehyung," Jungkook said, this time softer. "Let's go. We still need to unpack.” He turned and walked toward the door. No goodbye. Not even a glance at his mother.

Taehyung hesitated, caught between the heavy silence of the room and Jungkook's fading footsteps. He hadn't expected to feel this strange—like a guest in a house that was now, technically, his. Technically. The word echoed in his mind like it didn't quite belong.

He turned slowly, unsure if he should say goodbye or just leave the way Jungkook had. But something tugged at him. Maybe politeness. Maybe habit. He made his way over to Jungkook's mother first, fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of his shirt. "Um..." He paused,

then gave a small bow. "Thank you… for letting me stay." Somi tilted her head, her expression softening with something that looked a little like guilt, a little like affection. She reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear. "Taehyung, this is your home now,"

she said gently. "You don't have to thank us for staying in your own house." He blinked, a little caught off guard by how natural she made it sound. "You can come and go as you please," she added, her voice still light. "And… if you're comfortable, you can call me Mom."

Taehyung swallowed and gave a small nod, eyes lowered. Calling someone other than his own mother Mom felt a little strange, but he would try—especially since his mother-in-law had suggested it herself. He didn't want to seem rude. "Thank you… Mom," he said softly,

testing the word out for the first time. It felt unfamiliar—but not wrong. Somi's eyes softened, and she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, saying nothing more. Then Taehyung turned to Jungkook's father. Another small bow. "Sir… thank you as well." Jungkook's father looked

at him with softened eyes, the frustration from earlier already easing now that Jungkook had stormed out. "You don't have to thank us, son," he said, his tone warm. "And you don't need to be formal with us either. We know this situation hasn't been easy for you." He cast a

glance toward the front door, where silence now hung in Jungkook's absence. "But for what it's worth—we're glad you're here. And we hope, in time, it gets easier."

Taehyung gave a slight nod without saying anything, unsure of what Jungkook's father expected from him. Then, finally, he turned to Jungkook's grandfather. The old man sat still, both hands resting over his cane, his sharp eyes studying Taehyung like a man assessing something

valuable but fragile. He didn't speak right away. When he did, his voice was low and calm. "You've got a good head on your shoulders," he said. "Keep it steady." A pause. "This family… we're not easy." Another pause. "But we're loyal to all Jeons."

His gaze sharpened just slightly, the next words rougher like warning but not unkind. "And Jungkook is my only grandson, so take care of him in our absence." Taehyung hesitated. He wasn't fond of Jungkook. He hadn't even wanted this marriage.

But still, he bowed and spoke. "I will, sir." Just as he straightened, a car horn blared from outside. Jungkook's father let out a sigh. "That's him." He waved Taehyung off with a tired expression. "Go—before he comes in again and starts another argument." and he goes.

— Taehyung stepped out of the car slowly, his eyes narrowing as they landed on the guy standing by the entrance of the apartment building. He recognized him right away—sharp catlike eyes, cocky stance, the same guy he'd seen with Jungkook before.

If he remembered right, he was the best man at their wedding. Taehyung hadn't liked him then, and nothing about the guy's smug look now was changing his mind. Just another arrogant jerk, just like Jungkook. The two alphas started talking right away, voices low and easy,

like they were speaking their own private language. Taehyung followed a few steps behind as they made their way through the building, the silence in the elevator feeling heavier than it should. When they got to the apartment door, Taehyung found himself just standing

there in the hallway,lost in his own thoughts—until Jungkook's voice suddenly pulled him back. "Well?" Jungkook said, his tone light but with a hint of impatience. "You coming in, or just going to stand there?" Taehyung blinked and quickly stepped inside,his eyes immediately

scanning the space. The apartment was gorgeous—sleek, expensive, clearly designed with luxury in mind. Everything about it screamed money. And just like that, Taehyung felt completely out of place again. "Do you like it?" Jungkook asked, watching him closely like he was

waiting for some kind of reaction. Taehyung hesitated. The truth was, yeah, it was beautiful. But with Jungkook watching him so carefully, it felt too vulnerable to admit it. "It's good," he said quietly. Before Jungkook could say anything else, the other guy scoffed loud

enough to cut through the moment. "Good? That's what you're going with?" He stepped further into the apartment, waving his hand around as if giving a lecture. "This place has automated climate control, Japanese-imported lighting,

and soundproof walls that cost more than a damn Lamborghini." Jungkook shot him a glare. "Yoongi. Don't talk to him like that." Taehyung froze for a second, torn between wanting to respond and wanting to avoid any more tension.