Unspoken Ties

Chapter-2 Hatred

5:30 AM

The shrill cry of the alarm shattered the silence of the dimly lit bedroom. With a tired sigh, you reached over to switch it off, blinking against the faint glow seeping through the curtains. Your body moved instinctively, conditioned by months of routine-wake up before Jungkook, prepare breakfast, arrange his things, and ensure everything was in place before he even asked. It wasn't obligation that drove you, but something deeper, something unspoken.

Turning your head to the left, your gaze softened as it fell upon him. Jungkook lay still, his face relaxed in sleep, the harshness he usually carried nowhere in sight. For a fleeting moment, you allowed yourself to admire him-the curve of his lips, the steady rise and fall of his chest, the tousled strands of dark hair against his forehead. He looked almost... peaceful. Almost like the man you wished he would be with you.

Like every morning, you leaned in, pressing a hesitant yet warm peck against his forehead before slipping out of bed. A part of you hoped-prayed-that one day he would wake up and acknowledge the love you tried to pour into these small gestures. But he never did.

In the quiet of the kitchen, you tied your apron, securing your messy bun with practiced ease. The scent of fresh batter filled the air as you prepared waffles, knowing Jungkook preferred something light in the morning. In six months of marriage, you had learned everything about him-his food preferences, his habits, his pet peeves. Like how he got irritated when he couldn't knot a tie properly. So, every morning, without fail, you did it for him. And though he never thanked you for it, he never stopped you either.

And for you, that small allowance was enough.

It wasn't physical intimacy that you longed for-not his touch, not his body. No, what you truly wanted was far more unattainable. You craved his heart, his care, his love. But only if he wanted to give it. Love, after all, was never meant to be forced.

By the time breakfast was set, you made your way back to the bedroom to wake him. The moment you stepped inside, however, you froze.

The bed was empty.

He's in the shower, you realized, shaking off the strange pang of disappointment.

Smoothing out the sheets, you moved toward his dresser, pulling out his accessories with methodical precision. You laid out his gray suit, making sure everything was in place before turning around-

And then you saw him.

Jungkook stood before you, freshly out of the shower, with nothing but a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Droplets of water trailed down his sculpted torso, glistening under the soft light. His wet hair clung to his forehead, framing his sharp features in a way that sent a shiver down your spine.

Your breath hitched.

For a moment-just a moment-your eyes locked.

But then reality came crashing in, and you quickly turned around, heat creeping up your neck. Embarrassment pooled in your stomach as you mentally scolded yourself. Why did you react like this every time?

His voice cut through the silence, cold and devoid of emotion.

"Wanna say something?"

You swallowed, your fingers gripping the fabric of your apron. "Uh... B-breakfast is ready. Come soon."

A beat of silence. Then-

"Hmm. Now leave. I need to get ready."

You nodded, biting your lip before stepping out immediately, ignoring the sting in your chest.

---

After Breakfast

As Jungkook finished the last of his meal, you hurried to his side, picking up his suitcase and glancing at his unbuttoned collar.