Ties of Fate

Morning After II

The sun was beginning to climb higher in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the villa. Jungkook woke up first, his body feeling rested but his mind still clouded from sleep. He turned his head and smiled softly at the sight beside him—Taehyung, nestled under the covers, his face peaceful in slumber, lips slightly parted.

The events of the previous night played back in Jungkook’s mind, a pleasant warmth spreading through him. He ran his fingers lightly through Taehyung’s hair, careful not to wake him just yet. The room was quiet except for the soft sound of the waves crashing outside the window. They were supposed to pack up today, but he wasn’t in any hurry to rush the morning.

With a sigh, Jungkook gently sat up, stretching his arms overhead. He turned his gaze back to Taehyung, whose brow was furrowed in his sleep as if something was bothering him. Deciding it was time to wake him, Jungkook leaned over, brushing his lips lightly against Taehyung’s forehead.

“Taehyung,” he whispered softly, his voice gentle. “We need to start packing.”

Taehyung groaned in response, his face scrunching up in discomfort. He tried to shift in the bed, pushing himself up, but the moment he moved, a sharp wince crossed his features, and he immediately collapsed back onto the pillows with a pained sigh.

Jungkook frowned, concern etched into his face as he watched Taehyung clutch the small of his back. “What’s wrong?”

Taehyung groaned again, his voice muffled by the pillow. “I think... I think my back is killing me,” he muttered, his cheeks flushing as he added quietly, “It’s my first time, remember?”

Understanding dawned on Jungkook’s face, and a soft chuckle escaped his lips despite the concern in his eyes. “Oh,” he said, unable to suppress a grin. “So that’s why you’re sore.”

Taehyung shot him a weak glare. “Don’t tease me,” he mumbled, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and discomfort.

Jungkook quickly composed himself, his amusement fading as he leaned closer, placing a gentle hand on Taehyung’s shoulder. “I’m not teasing, I promise,” he said softly, his thumb rubbing small circles against Taehyung’s skin. “Do you want me to help you sit up?”

Taehyung bit his lip, hesitating before nodding slightly. “Yeah… I think that’d be good.”

With careful movements, Jungkook slipped his arm around Taehyung’s waist, helping him slowly shift into a sitting position. Taehyung winced again as his back protested, but he leaned into Jungkook’s touch, grateful for the support.

“Better?” Jungkook asked, his voice gentle as he made sure Taehyung was comfortable.

Taehyung nodded slightly, though the discomfort was still clear on his face. “A little,” he murmured, his hand instinctively reaching to rub his lower back. “I guess I didn’t expect it to hurt this much.”

Jungkook felt guilty, and he pressed a soft kiss to Taehyung’s temple. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t mean for it to—”

Taehyung quickly shook his head, cutting him off. “No, no, it’s not your fault,” he said, his voice sincere. “I wanted it. I just… wasn’t ready for the aftermath.” His lips curved into a sheepish smile as he added, “I’ll be fine.”

Jungkook’s hand gently massaged the spot where Taehyung’s back ached, his touch soothing. “How about I pack everything for us while you rest?” he offered, his tone light but caring.

Taehyung hesitated, then nodded gratefully. “That sounds good,” he admitted. “But I feel bad making you do everything.”

Jungkook smiled, his eyes warm as he leaned down to press a lingering kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. “You carried the pain,” he teased softly, “so I can carry the bags.”

Taehyung let out a soft laugh, though it quickly turned into another wince as his back twinged again. “You’re lucky I can’t argue with you right now.”

Jungkook chuckled, getting up from the bed and heading over to their suitcases. He moved quietly around the room, gathering their things and folding clothes into the bags. Every so often, he glanced back at Taehyung, who had managed to lay back down, propped up slightly by pillows.

As he zipped up the last suitcase, Jungkook walked over to Taehyung, sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’ve packed everything,” he said softly, his hand reaching for Taehyung’s. “You still tired?”

Taehyung nodded weakly, his eyes half-lidded from exhaustion. “Yeah. I just want to sleep forever,” he mumbled.

Jungkook smiled sympathetically, brushing his thumb across the back of Taehyung’s hand. “You can rest a little longer,” he said. “I’ll go make you some coffee to help wake you up.”

Taehyung gave him a grateful look, his expression softening at Jungkook’s care. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.

Jungkook leaned down and kissed Taehyung’s forehead once more. “Anything for you,” he said quietly, before getting up and heading toward the kitchen to make the coffee.

As Jungkook moved through the villa, the sound of the ocean outside seemed to calm him. The honeymoon was coming to an end, and soon they would be heading back to reality—back to the business, their families, the life that awaited them. But right now, in this moment, all that mattered was Taehyung, resting in the bed they had shared. And Jungkook was determined to make these last moments together as perfect as possible.

With the scent of freshly brewed coffee filling the kitchen, Jungkook felt a sense of peace settle over him. Whatever challenges they faced next, they’d face them together.