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.