𝙼𝚢 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚎𝚕 𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚢 ٭ 𝚃𝚊𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚎 ٭

٭𝟸𝟽٭

It was late at night, and the house was enveloped in a still, quiet calm. Everyone had retreated to their rooms after a long day. Seokjin and Jisoo were in their bedroom, sharing intimate moments that left the rest of the house in a hush. Jimin was deeply engrossed in a video game, his eyes fixed on the screen as Rosé slept soundly on his lap, her head nestled comfortably. Jungkook, Hoseok, and Namjoon were fast asleep in their rooms, while Yoongi was out on a mission, leaving a gap in the usual nighttime hustle.

In Jennie's room, the atmosphere was a stark contrast. She lay awake, her thoughts swirling in an unsettling storm. Naked and exposed, she stared at her reflection in the dim light, her body still showing the marks of her past struggles. Although she had gained some weight due to the rigorous training, she had come to feel good about her physical transformation. Yet, the bruises from James still lingered, reminding her of the torment she had endured. They were not just physical reminders but emotional scars that tugged at her heart, dragging her back into the painful memories.

Her breathing became shaky, and despite her efforts to hold back the tears, they began to fall. Jennie felt an overwhelming sense of frustration and despair. The pain of her past was inescapable, and she hated that she couldn’t erase James from her life. The happiness she had found here—surrounded by Taehyung, the girls, and the boys—felt precious but was tainted by the shadows of her past. They had made her feel loved, appreciated, and cared for in just a few short months, offering her something James had failed to provide in two long years.

The sound of her sobs reached Taehyung, who was unable to sleep despite his exhaustion. He heard the muffled cries and felt a pang of concern. Quietly, he made his way to Jennie's room, his steps soft and measured. The door creaked open, and he saw Jennie curled up in her bed, her body trembling with silent sobs.

Without a word, Taehyung approached her. Jennie flinched as he gently lifted her from the bed, confusion and surprise evident in her eyes. "Taehyung, what—?" she started, but he shushed her softly. He didn’t need to explain. His actions spoke volumes.

He carried her with an effortless grace, as though she weighed nothing at all. Jennie could feel the warmth of his body, the strength in his arms, and the gentle firmness of his hold. He moved through the house and down the stairs, every step careful and deliberate. When they reached the living room, he set her down on the couch as though placing a delicate object.

Taehyung sat down beside her and took her hand in his. "Tell me what's wrong," he said softly, his voice filled with concern. Jennie looked at him through tear-filled eyes, her heart aching with vulnerability. She began to pour out her feelings, her voice quivering as she recounted the insecurities that plagued her—the weight gain, the bruises, the constant reminder of James.

As she spoke, Taehyung listened intently, his gaze unwavering and filled with empathy. He took in every word, understanding the depth of her pain. When she finished, he sighed deeply, his own heart heavy with the realization of how much Jennie had suffered.

Without hesitation, Taehyung pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. Jennie nestled into him, the warmth and security of his presence soothing her. The two of them sat there in the quiet of the night, holding each other close. Their shared pain and trauma seemed to dissolve in the intimacy of the moment. Taehyung's touch was gentle but firm, a reassurance that she was safe and loved.

In that cocoon of affection, Jennie felt a sense of understanding and acceptance. Taehyung was more than just a protector; he was a partner who embraced her past and present, accepting her as she was. They both acknowledged their pasts and the scars they carried, but they were also building something new together—something based on trust, care, and mutual support.