𝐀 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 ✷ (𝐓𝐚𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤)

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 6: 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

The rhythmic kneading of dough was Taehyung's usual morning meditation. But today, a discordant note shattered the peaceful melody. The bakery door chimed, and a trio unlike any he'd ever seen walked in – Minho, his face etched with a desperate attempt at bravado, flanked by a stern-looking couple.

Taehyung recognized them instantly – Minho's with his own set of parents (Tae's parents). A wave of nausea washed over him, a premonition of the storm brewing beneath their carefully maintained facade.

(Imagine them in a serious face)

"Taehyung," Minho greeted in a forced chipper tone, his eyes glinting with a malicious glint. "Just dropping by for a chat. Mind if these lovely folks join us?"

Before Taehyung could respond, His parents settled themselves down at a table, their disapproval hanging heavy in the air.

"We've been meaning to talk to you," my father began, his voice laced with a condescending formality. "Have you closed shop for the day?"

Taehyung forced a smile, his gaze flitting between the unwelcome visitors. "Not exactly. I can take your order if you'd like."

"We're not here for pastries, Taehyung," his mother interjected, her voice sharp. "We're here to discuss your behavior."

The word hung heavy in the air, dripping with disapproval. Tears pricked at Taehyung's eyes, a familiar ache settling in his chest. Here we go again, he thought, bracing himself for the onslaught.

"Marriage is a commitment," my father continued, his voice booming. "We understand you had difficulties, but you should have tried to work things out."

His mother chimed in, her voice laced with disappointment. "We may not have approved of the marriage, but you should have respected your vows."

Their words, laced with veiled barbs and thinly veiled homophobia, were a painful echo of the past. Memories of emotional abuse and constant belittlement flooded back, leaving Taehyung feeling raw and exposed.

He flinched with every raised voice, every bang of a fist on the table. Minho, watching the exchange unfold, wore a smug smile, a silent victor basking in tae parents' disapproval.

Suddenly, the bakery door swung open, and a wave of fresh air, along with Jungkook, the twins, Jin, and Jimin, swept in. The chaos in the bakery must have alerted them.

Jungkook, taking in the scene with a swift glance, understood immediately. He sent Jin and Jimin a silent message, urging them to take the twins outside.

Turning towards them, his voice firm and unwavering, "Who are you people, and why are you harassing my friend?"

The unexpected intervention startled them. They stammered, unsure how to respond to this assertive stranger.

Jungkook wasn't finished. "If you can't be civil, I will have no choice but to call the police and have you escorted out."

The threat hung heavy in the air. The color drained from Minho's face, his smugness replaced by a panicked desperation. Tae's parents, intimidated by Jungkook's confident demeanor, mumbled a half-hearted apology before gathering their things and leaving in a huff.

As the door slammed shut behind them, the silence in the bakery was deafening. Taehyung, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, sank into a chair, tears streaming down his face.

Jungkook rushed to his side, pulling him into a comforting embrace. "Hey, it's okay," he murmured soothingly. "They're gone now."

Taehyung clung to him, his body trembling with a mixture of relief and residual fear. He looked up at Jungkook, his voice choked with emotion. "Will it ever stop?" he whispered. "Will I ever find a place where I'm accepted, where I can just be myself?"

Jungkook held him tighter, his heart aching for Taehyung's pain. "Yes," he promised, his voice filled with conviction. "You deserve to be happy, to be loved for who you are. And I will be here with you, every step of the way."

The bakery, once a battleground of accusations and pain, now held the promise of a safe haven, a place where love and acceptance would finally bloom. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Jungkook by his side, either as a friend or more than that, Taehyung knew he could face anything.

Author-talesof_winterbunny aka Deya
See you in next chapter