Baby Daddy

Chapter 23

Taehyung woke with a start, his heart pounding as the memories of last night’s argument with Jimin replayed vividly in his mind. He felt immense guilt rise up inside him as he recalled the hurtful words he had said in his anger and frustration. Jimin was pregnant with their child, he should have been more understanding, more patient. But instead he had allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

Quietly getting dressed so as not to wake his parents, Taehyung knew he owed Jimin an apology. And more than that, he needed to make things right between them. If not for themselves, then for the sake of their unborn baby.

He walked slowly to Jimin’s room and knocked gently on the door. There was a pause before he heard movement inside and then the door opened. Jimin stood there, dark shadows under his eyes indicating his fatigue. Taehyung’s heart ached at the sight.

“Jimin, I...I’m so sorry about last night,” Taehyung began, the words rushing out. “I was way out of line. I never should have raised my voice or gotten so angry with you. Not when you’re...”

He trailed off, emotion constricting his throat.

Jimin held up a hand wearily. “It’s fine, Taehyung. We were both on edge and things got heated.” His tone was detached, his expression carefully neutral. “I know your priority is making sure our baby will be provided for. That’s why I’m here and I intend to do my part.”

Taehyung felt as though he’d been punched in the gut. The cold distance in Jimin’s words, the lack of feeling or connection between them, hurt more than any shouting match could have. Taehyung struggled not to let the pain show on his face.

“Right...of course. Thank you,” he managed quietly.

They stood awkwardly for a moment until talk turned to the proposal meeting Taehyung had attended, Jimin turned to him, his expression carefully composed. “How did it go yesterday?”

Taehyung cleared his throat. “It went well. Everyone seemed pleased with the proposal I put together based on your earlier documents and forecasts.”

He gave a brief rundown of the meeting, keeping it professional and leaving out any hints at his underlying feelings or inner turmoil.

Jimin nodded. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad I could contribute something helpful.”

He hesitated before adding, “I know the next quarter projections need to be completed soon. Let me put something together for you.”

Taehyung’s brows shot up in surprise and concern. “What? No, you don’t have to do that. You should be resting...”

“I’m pregnant, Taehyung, not helpless,” Jimin said sharply. Then he softened, placing a hand almost unconsciously over his rounding belly. “Please, I want to do this. It helps to keep my mind occupied and makes me feel like I have purpose here.”

Taehyung knew he should refuse, knew Jimin needed to avoid stress and overexertion in his condition. But the quiet plea in Jimin’s eyes swayed him. If drafting some documents helped give him meaning amidst all this chaos, who was he to deny that comfort?

“Okay,” he conceded. “But take plenty of breaks, all right? And no all nighters trying to get things done.”

The barest hint of a smile touched Jimin’s lips, the first Taehyung had seen from him in what felt like forever. “Deal.”

After breakfast, Taehyung headed to his makeshift studio to edit photos while Jimin retreated to his room to start on the financial documents. As morning stretched into afternoon, Taehyung began to feel restless. Setting his camera aside, he went down the hall to check on Jimin.