The Wounded Heart ¶¶ TK ✓

Chapter-18

♡

On a sunny spring morning, the Kim pack mansion was unusually calm. Birds chirped outside as white clouds floated across a bright blue sky. Inside, the stillness was interrupted by a quiet exchange.

"I'm afraid," Jungkook said, tying the knot of Taehyung's black tie. The Alpha remained silent, focused on fastening his wristwatch, his expression as cold and blank as always.

But when Jungkook sighed dramatically and muttered, "Your face will freeze like that," at the cold expression the alpha always carried. Taehyung raised a brow, his face hardening.

"You coming?" Taehyung asked, stretching a hand toward Jungkook.

"Grumpy wolf," Jungkook muttered under his breath.

"I heard that," Taehyung deadpanned.

"Good for you," Jungkook replied with a sweet smile, taking Taehyung's hand. Together, they headed for breakfast, Jungkook masking his unease with light banter.

● ● ● ●

It had been two months since Jungkook realized Taehyung didn't want him; not as a mate, a husband, or anything beyond a mere obligation. For the first two weeks after the revelation, Jungkook withdrew, keeping a professional distance. He avoided unnecessary conversations, skinship, and even eye contact.

Jungkook thought to give the alpha some space to acknowledge and accept the mate bond and him, he Knew it wouldn't be easy. But despite his attempts to respect Taehyung's space, the emotional toll was heavy. He cried quietly, mourning a bond that seemed one-sided, his bright spirit dimmed by rejection.

Taehyung noticed the change. He saw the lifeless eyes and muted demeanor, but he convinced himself it didn’t matter. Jungkook was just a responsibility, nothing more. Yet, somewhere deep inside, even Taehyung knew that wasn’t entirely true.

After two weeks of pity and heartache, Jungkook decided he’d had enough. Giving space wasn’t working, it was making things worse. If he continued like this,

The alpha did care only about his physical well-being, not his heart nor the dulling down heartstrings. And Jungkook accepted that. Even after the determination he took on that day in front of his in-laws, his mind was clouded with pain. His wolf was restless whimpering all the time his heart was hurt which affected his way of thinking rationally.

But when he was done pitying and cursing his fate for the last two weeks his mind wondered about the situation.

This wasn't a case of an existing relationship that had hit a rough patch and needed space to heal or improve. They weren't sorting out a past bond or working on themselves after a separation. There was no relationship to begin with, they were strangers tied by a mate bond. What Jungkook needed wasn't distance but presence.

Jungkook needed to give his affection, stay around the alpha, make his presence visible, and let Taehyung realize that he has a mate.

Taehyung needed to be reminded of a mate bond he carried, a mate he has marked, a mate who has his all affection waiting to be bestowed, a husband needing to be offered with alike tenderness.

An omega waiting for true acceptance.

If Jungkook withdrew his presence in the alpha's life and decided to give space the alpha would never care he never did.