Scarlet Promise_Gguktaekook

Chapter 36

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Aera was a ray of sunshine to the orphanage. A nun at a church in Seoul, she would always visit Busan to stay with her sister, Mira. Every child eagerly anticipated her arrival, their hearts lighting up at the thought of her presence.

Aera baked the best cakes, filling the air with mouthwatering aromas that drew everyone in. Taehyung, in particular, couldn’t resist the temptation. He would sneak away from his classes and slip into the kitchen, often remarking that the scent pulled him in like cartoon he had watched on Sundays in the big hall. The way Aera mixed ingredients felt like magic, and he couldn't help but be enchanted by the sweetness of both her treats and her spirit.

Now, after two years of visits to Seoul, Taehyung's bond with Aera was stronger than ever. Yet, a shadow of sadness loomed over him as he watched her grow weaker day by day. Just a few weeks ago, she had appeared so frail; her heart disease had worsened, leaving him worried and helpless.

Taehyung had cried and prayed fervently for her safety, his heart aching at the thought of losing her.

Jeongguk sat quietly beside Taehyung, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the distant hum of machines filling the hospital corridor. Hours blurred together as they waited. Taehyung's eyes were red-rimmed, his body rigid with anxiety, but Jeongguk stayed close, never leaving his side. His presence was a lifeline in the storm of uncertainty.

At some point, exhaustion won, and Taehyung slumped against Jeongguk, his head finding a resting place on Jeongguk’s lap. The elder shifted slightly, making sure not to disturb him, and let his fingers glide through Taehyung’s soft hair in a soothing rhythm.

Jeongguk had whispered soothing words, his voice low and reassuring, as though the words could shield them both from the reality on the other side of those surgery doors. His hand continued its gentle path through Taehyung's locks, the touch grounding them both in the present moment. Despite the cold of the hospital, there was warmth here—a quiet connection that spoke more than words ever could.

When the news came that her surgery was successful, a wave of relief washed over him. Although the shadow of her illness still lingered, it was now under much better control. He felt grateful for the second chance she had been given, yet the fear of her fragility remained etched in his heart

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Taehyung had the passcode to the house, a new security measure Aera had implemented just a few months ago. But as soon as he stepped inside, he was unprepared for the scene unfolding before him.

There, on the bed, a muscular man was crouching down, planting a kiss on his sweet sister Aera temple.

"What the hell? Stay away from her!" Taehyung’s protective instincts kicked in as he lunged forward, pulling the man away from Aera. His eyes widened in disbelief. It was Doo Shik.

“Stay away, okay?” Taehyung seethed, fury radiating from him.

“Ah, Tae baby, it’s not what you think,” Aera said, sitting up in bed, the blanket slipping slightly to her lap.

“He was taking advantage of you!” Taehyung growled, his voice low and fierce, like a tiger ready to pounce.

“He wasn’t—” Aera started, but Doo Shik immediately spoke up.

“"He wasn’t," Aera replied firmly. "Doo Shik, can you go? I need to talk to him."

Taehyung watched as the Doo-shik nodded silently, avoiding eye contact as he left the room. Taehyung noted that Doo Shik had never met his gaze.