Jeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung are thrust into an arranged marriage they never wanted. Both have built cold walls around themselves, scarred by past heartbreaks. Taehyung's father, aware of his son's pain, hopes this union will help him heal. As two...
The morning had been calm until the unmistakable sound of a loud crash echoed from the kitchen, followed by Jungwon’s sharp cry. Jungkook, deep into reviewing a mission file in his study, immediately bolted up, his heart racing with fear. He dropped the file and rushed to the kitchen, his mind running wild with worry.
As he entered the kitchen, he found Taehyung crouched down, cradling Jungwon in his arms, gently trying to soothe him. There was water spilled across the kitchen floor, steam rising from the stove where a kettle had once been. Taehyung was whispering softly to Jungwon, trying to calm his whimpers, but Jungwon’s tear-filled eyes made Jungkook’s protective instincts flare to life.
“What happened?” Jungkook asked, his voice sharp, his eyes cold and accusing as he stared at Taehyung. “What did you do?
Taehyung looked up, startled by the tone in Jungkook’s voice. “The kettle wasn’t working,” he explained quickly, his voice strained. “I was boiling water on the stove, and it spilled—”
“On him?” Jungkook interrupted, stepping forward, his anger palpable. His heart was pounding, convinced that their little boy had been burned. “Taehyung, how could you let this happen?!”
Jungkook’s raised voice only made Jungwon cry harder, clinging to Taehyung’s shirt, his small body trembling from the shock of the loud noises. Taehyung, still trying to calm their son, looked up at Jungkook with a mixture of exhaustion and frustration.
“Jungkook, you’re not helping!” Taehyung shouted, his own patience wearing thin as he juggled between consoling their crying child and dealing with Jungkook’s outburst. “He’s scared, and you yelling isn’t making this any better!”
But Jungkook’s fear had turned into anger. “He could have been seriously hurt, Taehyung!” he continued, his voice rising. “You need to be more careful—”
“I was careful!” Taehyung finally snapped, his own voice cracking with emotion. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t take you always jumping to conclusions and treating me like I don’t know what I’m doing!”
Without another word, Taehyung stood up, and headed toward the door, his eyes filled with tears. “I need some space,” he muttered, grabbing his jacket. “I’m going to Beomgyu’s.”
Jungkook was left standing in the middle of the kitchen, frustration building as he ran a hand through his hair. He crouched down beside Jungwon, who had been quietly watching him with wide eyes.
“Did the hot water spill on you?” Jungkook asked gently, his voice softening as he inspected his son for any signs of a burn.
Jungwon sniffled, his big eyes welling with tears again, and shook his head. “No… it spilled on papa,” he whimpered, pointing to where Taehyung had been.
The realization hit Jungkook like a ton of bricks. The anger that had clouded his mind dissipated in an instant, replaced by a wave of guilt that washed over him. Taehyung had been the one who got hurt, and instead of being supportive, he had yelled at him. Jungkook felt a tightness in his chest as he imagined how upset Taehyung must be.
“Ah, Jungkook, you idiot,” he muttered under his breath, sweeping Jungwon into his arms. “I’m so sorry, little one. I scared you, didn’t I?”
Jungwon nodded, his little arms wrapping around Jungkook’s neck as he buried his face in his father’s chest.
“Come on,” Jungkook whispered softly, pressing a kiss to the top of Jungwon’s head. “Let’s go find papa and make things right.”
---
Meanwhile, at Beomgyu’s apartment, Taehyung had stormed in without a phone or wallet, his face flushed from the cold outside and the heat of the argument with Jungkook. He sank onto Beomgyu’s couch, sighing heavily as he rubbed his temples in frustration.
“Hey, hyung,” Beomgyu greeted, surprised to see him there. “You okay?”
Taehyung shook his head, leaning back against the cushions. “Please give money for taxi. I left the house in such a rush,” he muttered, still flustered.
Beomgyu handed taxi some cash with a raised eyebrow. “What happened?”
Taehyung sighed, finally letting the tension of the day spill out as he began to explain the fight. “Jungkook got so angry with me over nothing. I was boiling water on the stove, and it spilled… and he just assumed I let something happen to Jungwon.” Taehyung’s voice wavered as he recalled the harshness in Jungkook’s words. “It’s always like this. He’s so overprotective of Jungwon, like I don’t know how to take care of him. I’m his *papa*, too.”
Beomgyu sat down beside him, listening patiently. “I get it, hyung. Jungkook hyung’s always been a bit intense, especially when it comes to people he loves.”
“I know he means well,” Taehyung said, running a hand through his hair. “But he doesn’t understand that I want Jungwon to grow up strong and independent. I’m strict with him because I want him to be ready for the world.”
Beomgyu nodded. “And Jungkook hyung wants to protect him from everything. I see why it’s frustrating.”
“I just… I can’t be the bad guy all the time,” Taehyung continued, his voice softening. “I want Jungwon to respect us both, but it feels like Jungkook gives him whatever he wants, and I’m always the one saying no.”
Beomgyu smiled gently. “Maybe it’s time to have a real talk with him, hyung. Explain how you feel and why you’re both right in your own way.”
Taehyung sighed, leaning his head back against the couch. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just hate fighting with him.”
Just then, there was a knock on Beomgyu’s door. Taehyung sat up, recognizing the knock instantly. Beomgyu opened the door to reveal a sheepish-looking Jungkook, holding Jungwon in his arms.
“Can we come in?” Jungkook asked, his voice soft.
Beomgyu smiled and waved him in. “Sure.”
Jungkook stepped inside, his eyes immediately finding Taehyung’s. He placed Jungwon down gently, who quickly ran to Taehyung, wrapping his small arms around his leg.
“Papa,” Jungwon said, looking up at Taehyung. “Papa, it wasn’t your fault.”
Taehyung’s heart melted, and he lifted his son into his lap, kissing his cheek. “Thank you, baby.”
Jungkook cleared his throat, his eyes filled with remorse. “Tae, I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I overreacted. I was scared something had happened to Jungwon, and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair.”
Taehyung looked at him for a moment, then nodded. “I get it, Jungkook. But you can’t always assume I’m not capable of taking care of our son. I’m his parent, too.”
“I know,” Jungkook said, taking a step closer. “I’ve been overprotective, and I didn’t realize how much it was affecting you. I trust you, Tae. I just need to stop letting my fear get in the way.”
Taehyung softened, reaching for Jungkook’s hand. “We’re a team, remember? We can’t do this if we’re always pulling in different directions.”
Jungkook squeezed his hand. “I’ll do better. I promise.”
Taehyung smiled faintly. “Good. Because I need you to be by my side, not against me.”
Jungkook leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. “I’m sorry, love. Let’s go home?”
With Jungwon in Taehyung’s arms, they both stood, ready to move forward, stronger than before. Together.
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