Resurgence ~VKOOK~

Chapter 4: A Mask Of Innocence

Jungkook's first few days at the mansion were a test of endurance, both mentally and physically. He adapted quickly, his efficiency and dedication impressing the staff, even earning a nod of approval from the head butler. But his real focus was elsewhere-on his ultimate goal: revenge. And when he recognized Anna as part of that plan, things shifted subtly in his mind.

It was a strange twist of fate when he first laid eyes on her in the mansion.That face was seared into Jungkook's memory-the sharp, elegant features, the haughty tilt of her chin, and those indifferent eyes that had met his for a brief moment before turning away, dismissing his existence altogether. It was a face Jungkook could never forget, no matter how many years had passed. And now, here she was, standing in front of him once more, completely unaware of the storm raging behind his calm facade.

But the years had changed him. Back then, he had been a scared, grieving boy. Now, he was a young man with a carefully crafted mask of innocence-a soft, fragile appearance that hid the vengeful fire simmering beneath. His face had transformed significantly over time, the sharpness of youth giving way to softer, more delicate features that made him look harmless, almost angelic. Combined with his gentle demeanor and quiet obedience, he was practically invisible to her, just another faceless servant in the mansion.

Anna didn't recognize him because she had never truly seen him. To her, he had been just another victim, a minor obstacle in her father's path-someone insignificant, someone who was crushed under the weight of their power and privilege. In her mind, he was long gone, a forgotten chapter in the story of her life. After all, why would the daughter of a powerful businessman like her ever remember the face of a mere boy whose life had been destroyed by their actions?

It was this arrogance, this callous disregard for those she hurt, that would be her undoing.

Jungkook stood quietly beside the dining table in the grand dining hall-a room as extravagant as the rest of the mansion, adorned with glittering chandeliers and walls lined with expensive art. The long, polished mahogany table could seat more than twenty people, but tonight it was set for only two: Taehyung and Anna. The scene was almost surreal, like something out of a dream he'd had countless times-a moment where his past met his present in a collision that would change everything.

Tonight, he had been given a specific task: serving wine to the couple. With practiced grace, Jungkook stepped forward, carefully balancing the bottle of red wine in his gloved hand. He approached Taehyung first, bowing slightly as he poured a perfect stream of the rich, dark liquid into Taehyung's crystal glass.

As he finished pouring, he held his breath, eyes lowered as he took a step back. But then something unexpected happened. Taehyung's gaze lingered on him-longer than usual.

The soft clink of the glass settling on the table was the only sound in the room. Jungkook felt the weight of Taehyung's stare, a subtle, almost imperceptible shift in the air that made his skin prickle. It was just a moment, but it felt like an eternity. Slowly, Jungkook lifted his eyes, allowing his gaze to flicker up ever so briefly to meet Taehyung's.

Taehyung's eyes were dark, intense, studying him with a curiosity that sent a shiver down Jungkook's spine. It was not the indifferent glance of a master acknowledging a servant. There was something else there-something deeper, something that made Jungkook's heart skip a beat.

"Your name?" Taehyung asked suddenly, his voice soft but firm.

Jungkook's breath caught in his throat. He quickly bowed his head again, hiding the spark of surprise in his eyes. "Jungkook, sir," he murmured, his tone carefully respectful.

"Jungkook," Taehyung repeated, almost thoughtfully. He leaned back slightly in his chair, still watching Jungkook with that unreadable expression. "How long have you been working here?"

"Just a few days, sir," Jungkook replied, keeping his gaze fixed on the floor.

"Hmm." Taehyung didn't say anything else, but Jungkook could feel his eyes lingering a moment longer before finally shifting away.

Silently, Jungkook exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. What was that? Why did Taehyung take such an interest in him? Had he made a mistake, let something slip in his expression or demeanor? Or was it just Taehyung's nature to be observant?

He moved to pour Anna's wine next, his hands steady despite the lingering tension in his chest. Anna didn't even glance at him as he poured, her attention focused entirely on Taehyung. When he stepped back, she picked up her glass delicately, taking a small sip before placing it back down with a look of dissatisfaction.

"I told you I wanted the Chateau Margaux," she said sharply, turning her gaze to the head butler.

The butler's face tightened. "I apologize, ma'am, but we are out of the Chateau Margaux. I can-"

"Forget it," she interrupted, waving her hand dismissively. Her eyes flicked to Jungkook briefly, but there was no recognition, no acknowledgment. "It's not like it matters, anyway."

Jungkook kept his face perfectly blank, bowing his head slightly in deference. Inside, he was seething. Typical. She dismissed him as easily as she had dismissed his pain all those years ago. It took everything he had not to let his emotions show, to maintain the guise of the obedient servant.

But Taehyung's gaze flicked to him again, lingering for just a heartbeat longer than it should. There was a faint crease between his brows, a subtle sign of... what? Confusion? Curiosity?

Jungkook couldn't tell. But whatever it was, it made his heart race.

Dinner continued in uncomfortable silence, broken only by the clinking of cutlery and the occasional murmur from the staff. Jungkook stayed at attention, watching quietly as the dynamics between Taehyung and Anna played out before him.

As the meal progressed, it became painfully obvious to Jungkook that something was very wrong. Anna was trying too hard-her words too eager, her smile too bright, her every gesture tinged with desperation. She kept leaning closer to Taehyung, brushing her fingers against his arm, her laugh too loud and forced. And Taehyung... Taehyung was indifferent.

He responded to her questions and comments with a calm, detached politeness, but there was no warmth, no interest. His eyes, those dark, captivating eyes, never softened when they landed on her. He didn't lean into her touch or mirror her gestures. If anything, he seemed almost... bored.

"Taehyung, are you even listening to me?" Anna asked, her voice sharp with frustration.

Taehyung blinked slowly, turning his gaze to her. "I am," he replied evenly.

"Then what did I just say?"

There was a pause, and then, "You were talking about the fashion event next week."

"Yes!" Anna's eyes brightened, but the light in them dimmed almost immediately when she realized he was merely parroting her words, not engaging. "You know what, never mind," she muttered, looking away.

Jungkook's gaze shifted between the two of them, and he felt something click into place. Taehyung didn't love Anna. He didn't even care enough to pretend to be interested. There was no passion, no affection, not even annoyance-just a cool indifference that bordered on apathy.

Anna was trying so hard to get his attention, to win his affection, and Taehyung wasn't giving her anything. It was almost pitiful to watch.

Almost.

Jungkook glanced at Taehyung out of the corner of his eye. The man's expression was unreadable, his focus seemingly elsewhere. But there was something different in the way he held himself, the way his gaze occasionally drifted back to Jungkook, thoughtful and almost contemplative.

A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of Jungkook's lips as he turned away, hiding it behind the neutral mask of a servant.

Taehyung had noticed him.

And that was exactly what he needed.

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