Heartbeat //JEON JUNGKOOk//

(3) A GIFT

Jungkook took the paper with trembling hands, his heart racing like a wild stallion.

The thought of seeing her again filled him with a strange warmth that was foreign to his usually cold demeanor.

He had spent the past two days in a haze, his mind consumed by the image of her delicate features and the sound of her soft, trembling voice.

He had to find a way to make amends for his careless actions and ensure she was safe from the dark world he inhabited.

Yet, as he approached the bakery, doubt began to creep in. What if she recognized him? What if she despised him once she learned the truth about his line of work?

The vibrant colors of the marketplace seemed to fade away as he approached the quaint, little shop, his footsteps echoing louder with every step.

He paused just outside the door, his breath fogging the glass, and watched her for a moment. She moved with the grace of a dancer, her hands fluttering over the dough with a gentle touch that spoke of a lifetime of practice.

Her eyes, though sightless, had a gentle warmth to them, a stark contrast to the coldness that was usually found in his own gaze. She was a beacon of light in the gloom that was his life, and Jungkook knew he had to tread carefully.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the performance of a lifetime, and pushed the door open, the little bell chiming cheerfully. The warmth of the bakery wrapped around him like a comforting blanket, filling his nose with the sweet scent of vanilla and sugar.

Y/N turned at the sound, her blind eyes finding him immediately despite her lack of sight. "Welcome," she called out, her voice as sweet as the confections that surrounded them.

Jungkook felt his heart clench in his chest, and he forced a smile, hoping it looked genuine. He took a few steps closer, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of danger. It was clean, almost too clean, and he wondered if she did all of this by herself.

The customers chatted in hushed tones, enjoying the comforting aroma and the warmth that seemed to emanate from her very presence.

She was a stark contrast to the grim world he knew, a world of shadows and deceit, where trust was a commodity bought and sold as easily as a loaf of bread. Here, in this little bakery, she was a queen, her kingdom one of sugar and flour.

After a little while, Jungkook realized that he had been staring at her for too long. He cleared his throat and approached the counter, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Jk:"Excuse me miss"

Yn:"yes"

Jk:" I'm looking for a job,"

he said, his voice gruff and unpracticed in the art of deception.

Y/N's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise playing across her features.

"A job?"

she repeated, her voice lilting upwards

"Well, I could use some help around here, especially during the holiday season, but I won't be able to pay "

Jungkook nodded, trying to appear nonchalant.

Jk:"It's ok, I can start right away,"

he said, hoping she couldn't hear the lie in his voice. The last thing he knew how to do was bake, but he was a fast learner, and he had to get closer to her.

Y/N's smile grew, lighting up the room.

"Wonderful,"

she said, gesturing to the apron hanging by the door.