Raw Marks | KOOKV✓

Chapter 51

The early morning breeze swept through the city, carrying with it the fresh scent of wet earth and damp wood. It wasn’t as heavy as the dense fog of winter, but it had that unique monsoon crispness, a blend of rain-soaked soil and cool air that Taehyung always loved. Standing still in the quiet street, he closed his eyes for a moment, letting the wind brush against his skin. It was barely 7 a.m., and the city was still waking up, silent and serene. Yet, despite the peaceful atmosphere, he felt restless, his mind continuously circling back to one person—Jungkook

The younger hadn’t replied all night. Taehyung had checked his phone more times than he cared to admit, hoping for a message, anything. But silence. The anxiety caused his sleepless night filled with thoughts of Jungkook and the kindness he'd shown. It stirred something deep inside him, like rain soaking into dry soil, reviving something long dormant in his heart. His simple gestures felt like rare moments of warmth in Taehyung's otherwise cold and deserted world, and it moved him in ways he couldn’t quite understand

Sighing deeply, Taehyung finally made up his mind. He needed to see the younger. Maybe it was the adrenaline, or perhaps something deeper, but he couldn’t wait any longer. As he passed the watchman at the entrance, who greeted him with a smile, he tried to calm the racing thoughts in his head. His vacation would start next week, and before stepping into his new role as manager, he’d been in a good mood. Yet now, standing in front of Jungkook’s apartment door, all his earlier excitement was replaced by nerves. What if Jungkook was still sleeping? Would he be disturbing him?

Taehyung hesitated, his finger hovering over the doorbell. He could come back later, maybe after work, but something in him couldn’t wait. His heart thudded in his chest as his trembling finger pressed the button, the sound of the doorbell echoing inside. Silence followed for a few agonizing seconds before the sound of loud barking and Jungkook’s muffled voice came from within. He shifted nervously on his feet, hearing a shuffle of footsteps before the door swung open

Jungkook stood there, half-naked, a sheen of sweat glistening on his bare skin. Taehyung’s eyes widened, unable to stop himself from staring at the sight in front of him. The younger's body was toned, his smooth skin flushed from exertion, sweat dripping down from his neck and sliding along the ridges of his abs. Taehyung’s gaze followed the trail of sweat, his breath hitching slightly as it glided over every defined muscle, his lips parting unconsciously. The younger's hair was messy, curls clinging to his damp forehead, his lips red and slightly swollen, cheeks flushed with heat. Jungkook's droopy, tired eyes held a dazed look, his chest still rising and falling heavily as if he’d been caught mid-workout

He looked... breathtaking, almost erotic in his disheveled state

“H-Hyung?” Jungkook stammered, his voice surprised and confused. He blinked, as if trying to make sure he wasn’t dreaming that Taehyung was actually standing in front of him. Taehyung, feeling the heat creep up his own cheeks, snapped his gaze away from that bare chest and met his eyes

“O-Oh, I just came to say thank you for the meals yesterday” he managed to say, his voice a little shaky “You suddenly ran away l-like that, and I didn’t get a chance to thank you properly”

Jungkook blinked again, clearly caught off guard, before stepping aside quickly. “P-Please come in, Hyung” he urged, his voice still breathless. Taehyung nodded awkwardly, stepping inside the apartment. His tension eased slightly when Bam greeted him enthusiastically, rubbing his head against the human's leg, a toy clutched in his mouth

Taehyung smiled brightly, bending down to ruffle Bam’s fur. The pup wagged his tail happily, clearly excited to see him. As he straightened back up, he couldn’t help but glance at Jungkook again. The younger had hurriedly wiped the sweat from his face and was awkwardly scratching the back of his head, clearly a bit flustered