NEVER LET GO (TAEKOOK)

39 - Suspicious

As the meeting dispersed, the tension in the air lifted with the absence of the Park family, leaving everyone feeling lighthearted and relieved as they returned home. Laughter echoed through the halls, but Jackson couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, a nagging sense of unease he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

Once inside, he found Jimin and J-Hope sprawled on the couch, blissfully indulging in tubs of ice cream.

Taehyung, never one to miss out on a treat, tossed his jacket aside and joined them without hesitation. Jungkook soon followed.

"Aren't you guys grown up?" Jackson quipped, rolling his eyes at the sight of their childish glee.

Suga sauntered over, snagging a spoonful of ice cream from the tub while shooting Jackson a knowing look. "Clearly, they’ve matured a lot," he replied dryly.

Jackson huffed, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Just then, Irene brushed past him, playfully ruffling J-Hope's hair. He shot her a smirk, a shared moment that only deepened Jackson's suspicions. There was something behind those smiles, and he was determined to uncover it.

"Hey, Irene!" Jackson called, following her quickly down the hallway.

Jinyoung, observing from a distance, exchanged glances with the others as Jackson disappeared after Irene. "How long until he loses his hair?" Jinyoung mused aloud, a teasing grin on his face.

Jungkook, busy with his ice cream, shrugged, “I’d say a month, max. Either Noona will cut his tail or he’ll be thrown out of his room. Well, that's my experience.”

Taehyung kicked Jungkook lightly,  "Shut it, you idiot. Not everyone is dumb like you."

-----

Their playful banter filled the room, but Jackson's focus was on the growing sense of mystery surrounding Irene and J-Hope. What were they hiding? He needed to find out.

Irene hummed softly to herself as Jackson followed her down the hallway, the familiar sound of his footsteps behind her stirring a mix of anticipation and mischief within.

Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close and kissing her neck gently.

She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips, knowing all too well that he was being his usual charming self. “What do you think you’re doing, Jackson?”

“Dinner date tonight?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Irene turned her head slightly, arching an eyebrow. “Suddenly? What’s the occasion?”

Jackson leaned in closer, whispering in her ear, “I want to make things perfect for you. Let’s start fresh.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine, genuinely tickling her. Irene laughed, playfully struggling in his arms, but the warmth of his embrace only deepened the flutter in her chest. Jackson’s heart skipped a beat at her laughter, the sound ringing in his ears like a sweet melody. In his mind, he cursed softly, “Fuck”

After a moment, he released her, a hint of mischief still dancing in his eyes. “Get ready for this evening,” he said, his tone laced with confidence.

With that, he turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the hallway. Irene watched him go, a darker expression crossing her face as she contemplated his unexpected proposition. Something about the way he said it stirred a sense of intrigue and wariness within her. What exactly was he planning?

-------

In the living room, Suga was trying to initiate a talk with Jimin as usual while everyone gathered to watch a movie. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and playful banter.