Our Story

Chapter 13: Acts of Affection

Days following Dr. Lee's grim news melded into a blur of strained routines and feigned tenderness. Jungkook, once so detached, now found himself immersed in the role of a devoted husband, a mask he wore with practiced ease. But beneath the surface, every gesture was calculated, every smile forced, as he counted down the days until his freedom.

Jungkook arrived at King's Company early, clutching a bouquet of fresh lilies—Taehyung's favorite. He walked through the sleek, bustling halls of the company, feeling the weight of every glance from the employees who seemed both surprised and skeptical at his sudden displays of affection.

Entering Taehyung's office, Jungkook found him already immersed in his work, the glow of the computer screen reflecting off his sharp, focused gaze. Taehyung's presence commanded the room, an aura of cold, distant dominance that had always set him apart. He glanced up, his eyes flickering with mild surprise at the sight of the flowers.

"Good morning, Taehyung," Jungkook greeted, placing the bouquet on Taehyung's desk with a soft smile that barely touched his eyes.

Taehyung nodded, his expression unreadable. "Morning. The lilies...Thank you."

Jungkook's smile widened, a rehearsed warmth that felt foreign on his lips. "I thought they might brighten your day."

Taehyung's eyes softened for a moment before he quickly masked it with his usual composed demeanor. "You didn't have to, you know. But I appreciate it."

As Taehyung's secretary, Mr. Min—known as Jimin—entered with a stack of documents, he paused, his eyes flitting between the flowers and his boss. The brief exchange of glances between Jimin and Taehyung didn't go unnoticed by Jungkook, who merely nodded at the secretary before turning to his own tasks.

The boardroom was a study in contrasts. On one side, Taehyung sat with his usual authoritative air, his cold, alluring dominance filling the space. On the other, Jungkook stood at the head of the table, ready to present the latest legal updates. His role as the Legal Director made him responsible for these briefings, and today, he aimed to project the perfect image of support and competence.

Mr. Kim, Taehyung's formidable father, sat at the center, his presence commanding as ever. Namjoon, Taehyung's older brother and the company's Vice President, watched with a keen, analytical eye. They hadn't seen this side of Jungkook in years—the caring, attentive partner—and their interest was piqued.

Jungkook began his presentation, detailing new regulations and compliance strategies essential for the company's projects. He spoke clearly, articulating each point with precision, but his mind was partially elsewhere, calculating the days left.

Midway through, Taehyung began to cough—a deep, unsettling sound that echoed in the silent room. Jungkook's eyes snapped to him, genuine concern momentarily breaking through his façade.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice loud enough to draw everyone's attention.

Taehyung waved him off, his expression stern as he tried to regain his composure. "I'm fine," he insisted, though the coughing persisted.

Mr. Kim's brows furrowed, and Namjoon exchanged a worried glance with him. Jimin and Jungkook's secretary also looked on, confused and concerned. The room had not seen such vulnerability in Taehyung for years, if ever.

"Someone call the house doctor," Jungkook ordered, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.

But Taehyung shook his head firmly. "No. There's no need. Let's just continue."

Jungkook hesitated, glancing at Mr. Kim and Namjoon for direction. Mr. Kim gave a slight nod, his face impassive, while Namjoon's expression was harder to read, a mix of concern and restrained disapproval. Jungkook turned back to the room, forcing a composed demeanor.