𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 || 𝐭𝐚𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤 ✓

EP29: Deceptive hug

The crisp morning air greeted Taehyung as he sat in the passenger seat of the car, beside his husband who was focused on the road ahead. Taehee was snugly secured in her car seat in the back, and Taehyung cradled their little baby girl in his arms. Jiyeon held onto his long, slender finger, her tiny lips puckering as she attempted to suck on it.

As they drove closer to their home, Jungkook's stomach growled audibly. He glanced at Taehyung and smiled sheepishly. "I haven't eaten since last night," Jungkook admitted. "I'm starving."

Taehyung nodded, a sense of normalcy returning as they shared a small laugh. Upon arriving at their house, nestled at the edge of the forest, Jungkook carefully unbuckled their daughter and also carried the baby in his strong arms. He glanced at Taehyung and whispered softly, "I'll get them settled in bed."

Taehyung remained in the car, his heart pounding. Anxiety gripped him as he watched Jungkook carry their daughters inside. He felt vulnerable and exposed, alone in the car. The isolation of their home at the forest's edge suddenly seemed overwhelming.

As Taehyung hesitated to step out of the car, he noticed a figure standing in the dimly lit kitchen, its form outlined against the pale morning light. Panic surged through him, and he let out a piercing scream that shattered the silence.

Jungkook rushed back out of the house, concern etched across his face. He reached Taehyung in an instant, wrapping his strong arms around him. Taehyung clung to Jungkook, his voice trembling as he spoke, "I saw someone in the kitchen. A shadow... it was staring at me."

Jungkook held him reassuringly, his voice steady and soothing. "Taehyung, there's no one in the house right now except me and our daughters. I didn't even go into the kitchen. It's your imagination playing tricks on you again. You don't have to be scared, love. I'm here with you."

Taehyung's rapid breaths gradually slowed as he leaned into Jungkook's embrace. He felt the warmth of his husband's body, the strength of his presence, and it provided a sense of security. Jungkook's voice was a lifeline, grounding Taehyung in reality.

With Jungkook's steady reassurance, Taehyung finally nodded. "You're right," he whispered, his voice still shaky. "It's just my imagination. Let's go inside."

Jungkook gave him a loving smile, placing a gentle kiss on his temple. "I've got you, Taehyung. Always."

Together, hand in hand, they made their way into the house. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dancing shadows across the kitchen. As they stepped inside, Taehyung couldn't help but wonder if it was indeed his imagination or something more sinister that lurked in the shadows of their home.

"I wanna go to the bedroom." Taehyung requests, and Jungkook– the loving husband, guides him to their room.

Taehyung sat on the soft mattress, the warmth of their room gradually seeping into his bones. He watched as Jungkook smiled warmly at him, his eyes filled with love and concern. "I'm going to prepare something to eat, babe," Jungkook said gently before turning to leave the bedroom.

As Jungkook's footsteps receded, Taehyung found himself lying back on the bed, the softness of the mattress a soothing contrast to the unease he felt. He laid down for a while until his eyes drifted to a part of the ceiling that had broken yesterday, the memory of two big mice suddenly dropping down still fresh in his mind. It was giving him chills, and he knew he had to tell Jungkook about it and insist that they fix it immediately.

"Jungkook!" Taehyung called out, turning his face towards the door. He was startled when he saw Jungkook enter the room as soon as he called out his name.

Taehyung took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke, "The ceiling, Jungkook-ah, it broke yesterday, and two big mice jumped down... we need to fix it. It's giving me chills."