Fateful Alliance ∞

ⅩⅠ

That night, after their heartfelt conversation, a gentler quiet settled over the house. Dinner with the family had ended in warm laughter, harmless gossip, and the kind of chatter that seemed to draw Jungkook and Taehyung deeper into a shared rhythm. But as they climbed the staircase toward their room, it felt as though the world had narrowed to just the two of them, moving in step, side by side beneath the golden glow of chandeliers.

The bedroom welcomed them with a hush. Lamps glowed softly in the corners, spreading a mellow warmth over the pale walls, while the faint scent of lavender drifted in the air. Jungkook padded across the carpet, the hem of his nightclothes brushing his ankles, while Taehyung disappeared briefly into the bathroom, the sound of running water humming behind the door.

Jungkook perched on the edge of the bed, his phone in hand, scrolling in quiet distraction. The screen's bluish glow painted his face in delicate light, throwing shadows that danced across his cheekbones. His hair fell forward in a dark fringe, and the faintest crease formed between his brows in concentration.

When Taehyung re-emerged, the scent of lavender clung to his skin, fresh and faintly sweet. He stopped in the doorway, towel draped around his shoulders, and found himself caught. simply staring. There was something about the picture Jungkook made just then: head bent over his phone, framed by the dim lamplight, wholly unaware of how much space he occupied in Taehyung's chest at that moment.

He crossed the room quietly, settling down beside him. The mattress dipped under his weight, pulling them subtly closer together. For a while, neither spoke. The silence wasn't uncomfortable; rather, it stretched between them like a soft blanket, holding them both.

But curiosity eventually tugged at Taehyung. He tilted his head, studying Jungkook.
"So," he began lightly, "earlier in the café, you said I wasn't ready to read Forbidden Allure. Why not? What's so dangerous about this Damon Sokolov? Everyone talks about him like he's... unforgettable."

Jungkook froze for a second, the blush on his cheeks blooming even under the faint light. He groaned and covered his face with his hands.
"See, that's exactly the problem. Damon isn't just a character. He's- he's the kind of man who makes you... feel things." His voice grew softer, embarrassed. "It's not just his charm, it's the themes, the way he acts. It's... um... kind of mortifying to explain out loud."

Taehyung chuckled, leaning back on his hands. "Mortifying, huh? Now I'm even more curious." His eyes glinted mischievously. "You can't just leave me hanging like this, Jungkook. I want details."

Jungkook peeked through his fingers, mortified and shy. "You'll see later. I promise I'll let you read it... when I think you're ready."

Taehyung only smirked. He wanted to push, but he liked Jungkook's bashfulness too much to ruin the moment. Instead, he let it drop.

Eventually, the lamps were switched off, leaving only the pale moonlight filtering through the curtains. They lay down on the bed, a small gulf of space left politely between them. But Jungkook kept shifting, turning from one side to the other. The rustle of sheets gave him away.

Taehyung turned his head in the dark. "You okay?" he asked softly.

There was a pause, then Jungkook's voice. Small, hesitant.
"Actually... It's a little embarrassing. But I can't sleep without hugging something. Or at least holding onto something. I know you're not really a cuddle person, but..." He trailed off, then whispered, "Could I hold your hand? Just to fall asleep?"

The vulnerability in his tone tugged at something deep inside Taehyung. With a smile, he reached across the space and offered his hand. Jungkook took it immediately, fingers curling warm and tentative around his own.

And then, gently, deliberately... Taehyung shifted closer, sliding his arm around Jungkook's waist and pulling him in. The sheets whispered as their bodies aligned, Jungkook's head coming to rest on his chest.

"For you," Taehyung murmured against his hair, his voice a quiet promise, "I can be a cuddly bear. Don't worry. Sleep now."

Jungkook let out a shaky little laugh, the kind that held relief more than humor. He nestled closer, his breath feathering softly against Taehyung's shirt. His body relaxed, tension unwinding by degrees until, little by little, he drifted off.

Taehyung lay awake, his hand still curved protectively around Jungkook's waist. He should have been tired, but his mind wouldn't quiet. Instead, he reached with his free hand for his phone, scrolling absently at first. News, social media, meaningless updates. Nothing worked.

And then, like a spark, an idea.

Opening his browser, he typed quickly, his lips twitching with a private smile. Within minutes, a PDF was downloading. "Forbidden Allure." He glanced down at Jungkook sleeping soundly against him, and his smile deepened.

"Now I'll know," he thought to himself, "how to be the kind of man he dreams about. The perfect husband. His Damon Sokolov."

The file opened with a soft glow, the first page appearing crisp and clear on his screen. Taehyung read the dedication slowly, the words searing themselves into his thoughts:

To all those people
whose favourite colour is morally grey.
who wish for a "touch her and I'll break your neck."

To all those people
who want someone to slam you against the wall and kiss you passionately
with a choking hold on your neck.

This book is for you.
You will find your Damon Sokolov soon.
And he will burn down the world for you <3

Taehyung stared at the words, his breath catching. He snapped the phone shut with a low huff of laughter, shaking his head. "Damn," he muttered under his breath, careful not to disturb Jungkook. "He was right. I'm... probably not ready for this."

Still, the words lingered. Damon Sokolov. Dangerous, protective, overwhelming. If that was the man Jungkook loved reading about, Taehyung wanted to at least try.

Sliding the phone aside, he let his gaze drift back down to the boy in his arms. Jungkook's lips were slightly parted, breath rising and falling in a steady rhythm against his chest. His hand clutched Taehyung's shirt unconsciously, as though afraid he'd vanish.

And just like that, Taehyung felt something unfurl quietly inside him. Not a grand blaze, not Damon Sokolov's fire, but a softer flame, steady and warm.

He pressed his cheek to Jungkook's hair, inhaling the faint scent of his shampoo, and let the rhythm of his breathing lull him. The room was still, the city outside distant, and in that cocoon of moonlight and quiet, Taehyung finally drifted into sleep.

( hey guys!!!! I hope you like my book... Please tell me how it is!!!! and if you want any improvements or have any plot ideas. feel free to share!! also, are my chapters too short?)

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