Purple Tiger [Taekook] ✓

Chapter 9

Jungkook encloses Taehyung's lower lip with his own slightly swollen lips. Though his hearing and sight fail, Jungkook feels this intense kiss with sharpened senses. Taehyung's warm breath tickles his skin and his delicate scent makes him feel butterflies in his stomach.

After a few seconds, in which Jungkook has lost all sense of time, their lips separate. As if in slow motion, they both open their eyes simultaneously and linger in place, leaning forehead to forehead.

"I should go now," Taehyung says with a soft smile.

"But I don't want you to go," Jungkook whispers, whose heartbeat has turned to the sound of drums.

"Are you sure about that? What about Yuna?" Taehyung asks, sounding seriously concerned.

Jungkook thinks about the most sensible thing he could do now. Yes, he put Yuna to bed, but with the little tiger, he can never be sure if she might want another cuddle with Daddy or maybe another bedtime story. And what reason could he give her for letting Uncle Taetae stay longer? That's too risky.

"You're right..." Jungkook says, lowering his gaze with the sad realization that he and Taehyung won't be able to avoid a game of hide-and-seek in the future.

That very thought stings in his heart. Just the fact that they like each other would be met with distaste by many people. Simply because they are two men, and that hurts...a lot.

"Hey..."

Taehyung brings his fingertips to Jungkook's chin to lift his head again. Holding his gaze, Taehyung flicks his chin, bringing back his smile.

"I'm sorry, I'm thinking too much...", Jungkook apologizes.

"I know...please stop."

He caresses Jungkook's face with his palms and kisses him a second time in response, briefly but tenderly, with exactly the same warmth from the kiss before.

"I'll go now," Taehyung whispers in farewell, pushing down the cold door handle behind his back.

"Get home safe," Jungkook says after him, until the door slams back into the lock and an oppressive silence haunts the apartment.

[Later]

After Jungkook gets ready for bed, he opens Yuna's door a small crack to check if she's already fallen asleep.

"Dad? What's wrong?", Yuna wonders, straightening up on her bed.

"I just wanted to see if you're sleeping."

"I'm not tired," she pouts.

"I see..."

Jungkook leaves the door open and enters the room, which is brightened by glowing stars on the ceiling. A special lamp on Yuna's children's dresser is responsible for this effect.

"Can I sit with you for a bit?" Jungkook asks as he stops next to her bed.

"Of course!"

This time it's Yuna who makes room in her bed for her father. It's too small to lie on, so Jungkook sits on the edge of the bed and gently runs his fingers through Yuna's supple hair. She loves it when Jungkook strokes her head, and it doesn't take long for her eyes to fall shut.

Jungkook watches her with a look filled with fatherly love. In truth, he's the one who needs her closeness right now. When his heart starts to feel heavy, it finds lightness with Yuna.

[A few days later]

Jungkook wants to visit his parents at least once a week. He schedules his work so that he can leave his office for an hour with a clear conscience.