Beauty and the Broken

6| 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬

As they left Taehyung's office, a heavy silence enveloped them. Aera's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and pain, each revelation cutting deeper than the last. They drove home in silence, the tension between them palpable.

She couldn't shake off the thoughts that how everything was turning against her.

Jungkook looked at her and saw her tension and teary eyes, he held her hand and stroked it to provide her a little comfort.

Once inside her room, she reached for a bottle of wine, her hands trembling. She poured herself a glass, then another, and another, the alcohol doing little to numb the anguish she felt. Taehyung's accusations and the weight of her step-family's secrets bore down on her, and she could no longer hold back her tears.

"I was ignoring their bad behavior assuming that they just treat me as an outsider"

"But—---- but how could they hide this from me"

just as she was about to pour another glass, Jungkook entered the room. His face softened with concern as he took a sight of her. Without a word, he crossed the room and gently took the glass from her hand, setting it aside.

"Enough," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "This isn't the way."

She looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. "I don't know what to do, Jungkook. Everything is falling apart."

"I am sorry but I couldn't trust your parents," she said while looking down.

"You don't even need to trust them, suspect everyone, suspect everything, every action, their every next move". He said knowing what was coming next.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she began to cry. "We'll figure it out," he murmured, his voice steady and reassuring. "I'm here for you, always."

She clung to him, her sobs wracking her body. "Why is this happening to us? Why do we have to suffer because of them?"

Jungkook stroked her hair, his touch tender. "Life isn't fair, but we'll get through this. Together."

She looked up at him, her eyes searching his face for the truth in his words. "Promise me you won't leave me, Jungkook."

He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes filled with an intensity that took her breath away. "I promise. I'm not leaving you, not in this life ."

"Don't stress yourself, we will solve the problem together, you are not alone in this" he said while hugging her. She melted into his embrace, her tears gradually subsiding.

He rested his chin on her head and held her so close to himself, knowing how important she was to him. They stayed like this for some time.

"Let's sleep for now," he said while carrying her drunk self in his arms and walking towards the bed.

He laid her down and was about to leave but suddenly she grabbed his wrist,

"Could you please stay here, just for tonight?" she said while looking at him with teary eyes.

"Sure," he said while lying beside her.

She hugged him,

"I don't know about anyone's true intentions but I trust you wholeheartedly," she said while snuggling in his chest.

His heart clenched at her words but he maintained his posture and hugged her back.

"I know, and always remember this, I can never hurt you and I, will never let anyone hurt you."

They lay down on the bed, still wrapped in each other's arms. She felt a sense of peace for the first time in days, the warmth of his body a comforting presence.

As they fell asleep, her head rested against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart

~Morning~

6:00 Am

In the morning, Jungkook woke first. He gazed at her sleeping form, her face peaceful in slumber. Gently, he laid her back and kissed her forehead before slipping out of the room.

7:00 Am

A groan escaped Aera's lips as a sliver pattern of sunlight speared through the curtains, landing directly on her forehead. Just as she contemplated burrowing deeper under the covers and willing the world away, the bedroom door creaked open. A soft smile played on Jungkook's lips as he peeked in, a tray with a steaming bowl being held carefully in his hands. His hair was endearingly messy, and he wore a simple white T-shirt that clung to his broad shoulders.

"Morning, sunshine," he said with a playful lilt. "More like a thunderstorm in here, I'd say."

Aera squinted at him, her vision blurry. "Jungkook?" she croaked, her voice thick with sleep and regret.

"The one and only," he chuckled, stepping closer.

"And I come bearing gift – well, hangover soup at least."

He placed the bowl on the bedside table, the enticing aroma of ginger and chicken broth filling the room. Aera's stomach rumbled, betraying her earlier desire to hibernate.

"You shouldn't have," she mumbled, feeling a pang of guilt.

Jungkook sat on the edge of the bed, concern softening his features.

"Don't be silly. You looked like you were having fun last night, but I knew this was coming."

He brushed a stray strand of hair off her forehead, his touch sending a spark through her.

Aera couldn't help but smile weakly. The way he looked at her, the gentle concern in his eyes, made her heart skip a beat. All thoughts of a hangover seemed to fade for a moment.

"How did you even know I was hungover?" she asked, taking a tentative sip of the soup.

"The empty tequila bottle by the sink kind of gave it away," he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Aera choked on the broth, sputtering a laugh. "Oh, right."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, Jungkook watched her as she slowly finished the soup. The warmth spread through her body, easing some of the pain.

"Thank you," she said finally, meeting his gaze. "For everything."

A tender smile curved his lips. "Anything for you, Aera."

He leaned in a little closer, his voice a husky whisper. "But next time, maybe go easy on the tequila, huh?"

Aera felt a blush creep up her cheek. "Maybe," she admitted shyly.

The space between them seemed to shrink, their eyes locked in a silent conversation. Jungkook's hand reached out, brushing his thumb against her cheek. A shiver ran down her spine.

"You know," he began, his voice low and warm, "You were very drunk last night, I suggest you do not repeat this, rather talk with me ."

The silence hung heavy between them, thick with unspoken emotions. Jungkook leaned in further, his breath ghosting over her lips. Just as their lips were about to meet, a loud, insistent jingle came from Aera's phone.

~over the call~

"Mr. Kim is here, he seems mad. You should come fast."