Reluctant Hearts ✔️

Chapter - 39

Jungkook sits next to Taehyung on the couch, his eyes narrowed as he stares at the evidence laid out in front of him. A deep frown etches across his face as he processes what he's seeing. Beside him, Taehyung sits comfortably, one leg crossed over the other, his arm draped casually along the back of the couch—just behind Jungkook. His posture is relaxed, but his gaze is sharp, waiting patiently for Jungkook to react.

Across the room, Leo and Hyunjin, are still in shock, silently coming to terms with the revelations they've just witnessed.

Jungkook finally speaks, his voice low but tense. "Why would Seojoon do this?" His question hangs heavy in the air.

Taehyung responds calmly, his tone measured and certain. "Because, Kook, he's jealous of you."

Jungkook's frown deepens, his confusion palpable. "Jealous of me? But why? He's the top actor right now, not me."

Taehyung leans forward slightly, his voice soft yet firm as he explains. "That's exactly why. He feels threatened by you. You have everything in you that could challenge his position—your talent, your presence, your rising popularity. And that terrifies him."

Jungkook's brows furrow further, shaking his head in disbelief. "But I'm not trying to take anyone's success. I just want to be recognized for my work, not...not to steal someone else's spotlight."

Taehyung sighs, his expression softening. He gently reaches over, running his fingers through Jungkook's hair in an unspoken gesture of comfort. "The higher you climb, the more insecure those at the top become. It's just the way things are. But I know you're different, Jungkook. You're...an exception."

Feeling a rush of embarrassment at Taehyung's open display of affection in front of Leo and Hyunjin, Jungkook quickly swats his hand away, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Stop it...not in front of them," he mumbles, clearing his throat and avoiding eye contact.

Taehyung chuckles softly but obliges, retracting his hand, his amusement barely hidden.

Trying to focus on the matter at hand, Jungkook straightens up. "So...what do we do now? What are you planning?"

Taehyung's gaze sharpens again, returning to business. "First, you should inform your agency. Let them handle it, and see how they choose to respond. It's their job to protect you, after all."

Jungkook nods, the weight of the situation still pressing on him, but there's a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Alright...I'll talk to them."

He gets up from the couch, ready to retreat to his room and gather his thoughts. As he walks away, Taehyung watches him go, his expression unreadable but protective.

Once Jungkook is out of sight, Hyunjin, who had been quietly absorbing everything, speaks up. "Are you really going to let his agency handle everything? You're not planning to intervene?"

Taehyung leans back against the couch, a small, calculated smile playing on his lips. "I'm not going to meddle in his business, at least not directly. I'll support him from behind, as I always do. Let his company make their move first. After that...then I'll strike."

Leo, who has been silently observing the entire exchange, nervously fidgets with his notepad before asking, "Sir...the person who's been visiting you at the office lately...is that...Jungkook?"

Taehyung turns to Leo, his expression softening with a smile, and he nods. "Yes. That's him. We've been married for four months now."

Hyunjin, still processing everything, lets out a breath and leans back, a look of realization dawning on his face. "So that's why you were acting so strange at the shoot the other day...everything makes sense now. But still, it's crazy. People are going to lose it once they find out the country's most sought-after bachelor isn't actually a bachelor anymore."