Ties of Fate

Morning Light

Jungkook stirred slowly, the early morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. He blinked his eyes open, still groggy from sleep, and was immediately aware of a warmth pressed against him.

It took him a second to remember where he was and why there was someone in his bed. But as the events of the night before came flooding back—Taehyung’s trembling voice, the thunder, and how shakened Taehyung was—everything made sense.

What didn’t make sense, though, was how close they were.

Jungkook's breath caught as he realized that at some point during the night, Taehyung had curled into him, his head resting against Jungkook’s chest. One of Jungkook's arms was wrapped around Taehyung’s waist, holding him close, while their legs had somehow become tangled beneath the blankets. The room was quiet, the storm long gone, and the only sound now is the soft rhythm of Taehyung’s breathing.

For a moment, Jungkook’s body tensed in surprise. He wasn’t used to waking up like this—so close to someone, especially him. But instead of pulling away, he found himself staring down at Taehyung, his heart beating a little faster than usual.

Taehyung was still asleep, his face peaceful in the soft morning light. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his lips were slightly parted as he breathed in and out, his chest rising and falling against Jungkook's. In sleep, Taehyung looked almost vulnerable, all the sharpness and defenses he usually had when they were around each other gone. There was something unexpectedly delicate about the way he curled into Jungkook, as if seeking warmth, protection.

Jungkook couldn’t help but admire the details of Taehyung’s face, the gentle curve of his jawline, the soft lashes that brushed his cheeks, the way his lips were so naturally full. He’d never really taken the time to look at Taehyung before—not like this. In the past, there had always been tension between them, a battle of wills, but now… now it felt different.

Now it felt like they had crossed an invisible line.

Jungkook's hand rested against Taehyung’s back, his fingers splayed across the silk fabric of Taehyung’s pajama top. The closeness was unfamiliar but not uncomfortable. In fact, it felt surprisingly... nice. Jungkook wasn’t sure when exactly he had gotten used to the idea of being this close to Taehyung, but here they were, and it didn’t feel as strange as he would have expected.

As Jungkook lay there, holding Taehyung in his arms, he realized something—he didn’t mind it. He didn’t mind the weight of Taehyung against him, didn’t mind the warmth of his body or the softness of his hair brushing against his chin. There was something comforting about the way Taehyung had clung to him last night, seeking safety in the midst of the storm.

And even now, in the calm of the morning, Jungkook felt that same protectiveness stir in his chest.

He wasn’t sure how long he stayed like that, simply watching Taehyung sleep. He told himself he should move, should wake Taehyung up, but something kept him rooted in place. Maybe it was the serenity of the moment, or maybe it was something else—a quiet curiosity about the person in his arms, about this strange relationship they were now navigating.

But as he gazed at Taehyung’s sleeping face, Jungkook found himself wondering more and more about the man he had married. Beneath the teasing remarks and the occasional sharp words, there was someone deeper, someone he is beginning to see in a new light.

Jungkook’s thumb unconsciously brushed the small of Taehyung’s back, and he felt Taehyung stir slightly in his sleep. For a brief moment, Taehyung’s fingers twitched against Jungkook’s chest, and he let out a soft, contented sigh before settling back into the warmth of the bed.

Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat.

Before he could think too much about it, he pulled back just a fraction, shifting his body so that he wasn’t so close. But as he moved, Taehyung’s eyelids fluttered open, his lashes casting soft shadows across his cheeks as he blinked sleepily, trying to focus on his surroundings.

Jungkook froze.

Taehyung looked up at him, confusion flickering across his face for a moment before realization dawned. His eyes widened slightly, and for a split second, they just stared at each other, both processing the fact that they had woken up wrapped in each other’s arms.

“Uh…” Taehyung’s voice was still thick with sleep, but there was a hint of embarrassment creeping into his tone. “Morning.”

“Morning,” Jungkook replied, his voice low and calm despite the way his pulse quickened.

Neither of them moved, though the tension in the air was palpable. Taehyung’s gaze flickered from Jungkook’s face to where his arm still rested around Taehyung’s waist. He blinked, his cheeks tinged with a faint pink, and Jungkook could see the moment he realized just how close they were.

Taehyung pulled back slightly, though not as far as Jungkook expected. “I, um... sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s fine,” Jungkook cut in, his voice softer than he intended. “You were... scared last night.”

Taehyung nodded, biting his lip as he shifted to sit up properly, untangling their legs. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, clearly flustered. “Yeah. I didn’t mean to invade your space, though.”

Jungkook sat up as well, leaning against the headboard. He looked at Taehyung, whose gaze was now fixed on the blankets, clearly avoiding eye contact. For a moment, Jungkook considered teasing him about it, but something in Taehyung’s demeanor stopped him.

Instead, Jungkook reached out, gently tapping Taehyung on the shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize.”

Taehyung finally looked up, his eyes meeting Jungkook’s. There was something uncertain in his gaze, something vulnerable that made Jungkook’s chest tighten. The mask Taehyung usually wore was gone, and what was left was the raw truth of the moment.

“I didn’t expect…” Taehyung started, his voice quiet. “I didn’t expect you to be so… kind.”

Jungkook’s lips quirked into a small smile, though he wasn’t sure if it was amusement or something deeper. “I can be kind, you know.”

Taehyung’s eyes softened at that, and for a moment, the awkwardness between them dissipated, replaced by a quiet understanding.

“Thank you,” Taehyung said softly, his voice sincere. “For last night. For everything.”

Jungkook simply nodded, a warm feeling settling in his chest. He didn’t know what this meant for them, or where things were headed, but for now, this was enough. The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft glow over both of them as they sat there, side by side, in the quiet aftermath of the storm.

And maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something new.