Ties of Fate

Late-Night

The drive back to the mansion was quiet, the tension from the celebration still lingering in the air. As they pulled into the driveway, Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, who looked deep in thought, his brow furrowed. He could sense that Jungkook still felt unsettled about the events of the evening.

Once inside, Taehyung grabbed two glasses and poured them each a glass of water, hoping to lighten the mood. He found Jungkook standing by the window, staring out at the night sky, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the glass.

“Hey,” Taehyung called softly, handing a glass to Jungkook. “Drink up.”

Jungkook turned, his expression softening as he accepted the glass. “Thanks.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the water being sipped filling the void. Taehyung knew they needed to talk about what had happened at the celebration, but he wasn’t sure how to start.

Finally, Jungkook broke the silence. “I’m sorry if I overreacted tonight.”

Taehyung shook his head, stepping closer to Jungkook. “You didn’t overreact. I could feel your tension, and honestly, I felt it too. It’s just… complicated.”

“I don’t like seeing you with him,” Jungkook confessed, his voice low and vulnerable. “Even if it’s just friendly. I can’t help but think about how you used to have a crush on him.”

Taehyung took a deep breath, steeling himself to reveal his true feelings. “Jungkook, I had a crush on Bogum a long time ago. But that’s all it was—a crush. What we have is so much more than that. You’re the one I love.”

Jungkook looked into Taehyung’s eyes, searching for sincerity. “Do you really mean that?”

“Of course I do,” Taehyung said firmly. “You are my partner, my husband. What I feel for you is real, and it’s stronger than anything I ever felt for Bogum. You have my heart, Jungkook.”

A small smile tugged at Jungkook’s lips as he absorbed Taehyung’s words. “You have no idea how much that means to me. I just—sometimes I get insecure, you know? I never want to lose you.”

Taehyung stepped closer, placing his hand gently on Jungkook’s cheek. “You won’t lose me. I promise. I’m not going anywhere.”

Jungkook leaned into Taehyung’s touch, closing his eyes for a moment. “Thank you, Tae. I just need you to remind me that sometimes.”

“Anytime,” Taehyung promised. “And if you ever feel that way again, just talk to me. We can work through it together.”

Jungkook nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. “I will. I’ll do better. I just want you to know how much you mean to me.”

The air between them shifted, the tension slowly dissipating as they moved closer. Taehyung could feel the warmth radiating from Jungkook, and he wanted nothing more than to be enveloped in that comfort.

“Can I say something?” Taehyung asked hesitantly.

“Anything.”

“I love how protective you are,” he admitted, a shy smile creeping onto his face. “It’s kind of sweet.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin appearing. “Sweet, huh? I’ll take that as a compliment. But I’m not done being protective.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You don’t have to be. I can take care of myself.”

“Maybe,” Jungkook said, stepping closer until their bodies were almost touching. “But it’s my job to protect you. Besides, you’re too precious to me to let anyone get too close.”

Taehyung felt his cheeks heat up at Jungkook’s words, a mix of flattery and warmth washing over him. “You really mean that?”

“Of course,” Jungkook replied, his expression serious. “You’re mine, and I’ll always fight for you.”

Feeling emboldened, Taehyung reached up to wrap his arms around Jungkook’s neck, pulling him closer. “And I’ll always be yours.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. Taehyung could feel all the love and assurance Jungkook poured into that kiss, solidifying their bond and washing away any lingering doubts.

As they pulled apart, Taehyung searched Jungkook’s eyes. “Let’s promise to communicate more, okay? No matter what happens.”

“Deal,” Jungkook said, a smile breaking across his face. “Now, how about we forget about the party and enjoy a quiet night in? Just us.”

“I’d like that,” Taehyung replied, feeling lighter than he had all evening.

They settled on the couch, their bodies pressed close together as they enjoyed the calm of their home. The events of the night faded into the background, and all that mattered was the two of them, cocooned in their own little world.

Later that night, as they cuddled under a blanket, Taehyung felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that challenges would come and go, but as long as they faced them together, they would be okay. They were a team, partners in every sense, and nothing could change that.