Eclipsed hearts {T.K}

Chapter 4

Third person's pov

Jungkook’s mind was still caught in a haze when the sound of Taehyung’s voice broke through the fog, clear and resonant. The sound of it sent a shiver down his spine, pulling him back to the present, to the moment that was rapidly slipping from his grasp.

As he descended the last few steps, his eyes found Taehyung’s form standing rigid in the center of the grand hall, head slightly bowed, gaze firmly planted on the polished floor.

“You’re back,” Jungkook managed to say, though his voice lacked the conviction he intended. It was more of an observation, a fact that had yet to fully settle in his mind.

“Yes, Your Royal grace,” Taehyung replied. His tone was respectful, but there was something to it— softness that made Jungkook’s chest tighten.

Taehyung’s presence was overpowering, his scent saturated the air. It wasn’t just Jungkook who felt the effect. Every person in the room seemed to be on edge, their eyes slightly glazed as they struggled to maintain composure under the Trueblood Alpha’s powerful pheromones.

Jungkook fought to maintain his own composure, his fingers curling into the fabric of his hanfu as he forced himself to stand tall.

“You should rest now,” he said, the icy mask he wore was the only thing keeping him from showing his true emotions, “I have important matters to attend to.”

The words tasted bitter on his tongue, but he had to maintain this facade.

Without waiting for Taehyung’s response, Jungkook turned sharply on his heel and began to walk away, his long hanfu flowing elegantly behind him.

The violent shaking of his legs betrayed just how affected he was by Taehyung’s return. He needed to get away, needed space to breathe, to think—but most of all, to keep the cracks in his armor from showing.

Taehyung watched him go, his eyes lingering on Jungkook’s disappearing figure, “He hasn’t changed at all,” Taehyung murmured to himself, the words almost lost in the silence that followed Jungkook’s departure.

But then, Van spoke up, He’s still arrogant, the wolf scoffed, his words sharp and biting.

Watch your words, Van. Taehyung replied, his tone firm. There was no way he was going to let his wolf speak ill about his Luna.

Van huffed in annoyance, his voice softening but retaining its edge. Oh please. He wouldn’t have even saved us if it wasn’t for our rank.

Taehyung clenched his fists at his sides, trying to suppress the frustration bubbling within him.

Enough! Taehyung commanded, seems like I will have to mute you for the rest of the day.

Go ahead, I ain't dying to talk with you!

With a deep breath, Taehyung turned on his heel, heading towards his old room which had been cleaned for him.

The palace staff bowed deeply as he passed, their eyes averted in respect, but Taehyung barely noticed. His mind was too preoccupied by someone.

────୨ৎ────

As Taehyung entered his room, the familiar scent hit his nose, making him close his eyes for a brief moment.

The room was untouched, preserved just as it had been when he last saw it—when he had last seen Jungkook. His fingers brushed against the edges of an old bookshelf.

"Still the same," Taehyung muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. He traced the spine of a book he had read countless times in his youth.