Reluctant Vows (Rosekook AU)

5

The house was unusually quiet when Roseanne woke up the next morning. She stretched under the soft sheets, the previous day’s warmth still lingering in her heart from her conversation with Mrs. Jeon. The memory of the hug and the tender words replayed in her mind, and a small smile tugged at her lips as she slipped out of bed.

She assumed Jungkook had already left for work, as he usually did before she woke up. It was just as well, she thought. She still wasn’t sure how to navigate the growing complexity of their relationship. Yesterday’s dinner had been pleasant, but Jungkook’s behavior toward her was always a mix of cold distance and unexpected kindness, leaving her confused.

Dressed in comfortable loungewear, Roseanne made her way to the kitchen. Jennie was already there, sipping tea at the counter, looking slightly under the weather.

“Morning, Jennie-unnie,” Roseanne greeted with a cheerful tone. “Are you feeling better today?”

Jennie looked up, her eyes tired but grateful. “I’m alright. Still a bit out of it, but I can manage. I was going to help with breakfast—”

Roseanne waved her hand dismissively. “No need for that. I think you should take the day off. You’ve been working hard, and I know you’re not feeling your best.”

Jennie blinked in surprise. “Are you sure? What about the maids?”

“Can you ask them to leave too?” Roseanne said, her tone light and happy. “I feel like having a quiet day to myself. Besides, I can handle things. You go rest, unnie. I’ve got this.”

Jennie hesitated for a moment but then nodded, appreciative of Roseanne’s kindness. “Alright, if you insist. I’ll leave then.” She walked toward the door.

She called all the maids and told them of their lady's decision to take a day off.
The maids knew their lady was the kindest, as they celebrated one of them said, “Ma'am, Mr. Jeon is still at home. I think he might be resting.”

Jennie froze for a moment, her thoughts running. With an easygoing smile reassured the maid that she didn’t need to worry. “Okay, thanks for letting me know. Do not tell anything to Mrs. Jeon and leave."

With that, Jennie grabbed her bag and left the house, with a smile.

Feeling an unexpected surge of energy, Roseanne decided to make herself a hearty breakfast. She was in a bright mood after her conversation with Mrs. Jeon yesterday, and cooking had always been something that made her happy. Humming softly, she moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients, unaware that Jungkook was upstairs, watching the scene unfold through the crack in his bedroom door.

He had taken the day off, needing to rest for the CEO ceremony coming up in two days. Taehyung had promised to handle work in his absence, and for once, Jungkook had allowed himself to let go of his usual control, he needed to look his best for the most important night of his life. His mind was still preoccupied with everything—the marriage, Roseanne, and the unspoken tension between them. Yet, something about her quiet presence in the house had calmed him.

Now, as he watched her in the kitchen, singing to herself in her angelic voice, swaying her hips while she moved between the stove and the counter, he found himself entranced he walked down the stairs still unnoticed by her. This version of Roseanne was a side of her he had never seen before. She looked carefree, at peace.

His lips curved into a small, genuine smile as he continued to observe her, unseen.

“Oh no, I made way too much food,” Roseanne mumbled to herself, looking at the spread of eggs, toast, bacon, and pancakes she had prepared. She pouted, her eyebrows furrowing in frustration. “I can’t finish all this, and Jennie-unnie isn’t here. I used all these expensive ingredients too… Should I just freeze some and have them for lunch too?”

Jungkook suppressed a chuckle. He found it oddly endearing that she was so worried about wasting a bit of food and money, especially considering her newfound wealth as his wife. Her pout and her scrunched eyebrows looked cute as if she was making a very important decision. Without thinking, he walked into the kitchen, standing at the doorframe.

“I can eat it,” he said casually, leaning against the doorframe. “Considering none of the maids are here to make breakfast for me.”

Roseanne nearly jumped out of her skin, startled by his sudden appearance. Her hand flew to her chest as she turned to face him, wide-eyed.

“Jungkook, you scared me!” she exclaimed, her heart racing, loud enough that he could probably hear it.

Without responding, Jungkook walked over to the dining table and sat down, his face calm but unreadable. Roseanne blinked, still trying to calm her nerves, but then a shy smile formed on her lips. He was about to taste her cooking for the first time. She quickly moved to plate the food, serving it in front of him with delicate care.

The meal was shared in silence, Jungkook quietly eating while Roseanne kept sneaking glances at him, wondering what he thought of her cooking. She ate quickly, more out of nervousness than hunger, then rose to clear the table as soon as she finished.

Jungkook, who normally left his dishes on the table for the maids to handle, stood up and brought his plate to the kitchen sink. He placed it down and, without any expression, muttered, “It was good. Tasty.”

Roseanne blinked in surprise. That was the closest thing to a compliment she had ever received from him. She opened her mouth to respond, but Jungkook was already heading back to his room.

She stood there in the quiet kitchen, staring after him, her heart fluttering. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to change between them.

A/N: So excited for Rosé's new musical adventure with Atlantic Records, have you signed up on her website to be her number one?