Star-Crossed Lovers Of The 1850s (JJK ff)

CHAPTER 23

The cold air outside seemed to seep into the room, casting a chill over the space, but beneath the warm blanket, Jungkook slept peacefully, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm as his body rested. His face was relaxed, his features soft, and his eyelids fluttered occasionally, a sign of his deep sleep.

But then, a tickling sensation in his ear disrupted his slumber, and Jungkook groaned, shifting slightly, trying to shake off the annoying feeling, but he didn't wake up fully, still caught in the haze of sleep. The tickling persisted, followed by gentle laughter that echoed through the room.

Jungkook's eyes finally fluttered open, bleary from sleep, and as his gaze cleared, he focused on Louisa's smiling face, her eyes sparkling with mischief, her cheeks flushed with amusement. She was leaning over him, her hair falling around her face like a curtain.

"Morning," she whispered, her breath warm against his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

Jungkook's smile spread across his face as he sat up, the blanket slipping down his chest, revealing Louisa fully dressed, her clothes a stark reminder that their time together was limited.

Jungkook rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. Louisa's laughter and gentle prodding had disturbed his peaceful slumber. He looked at her, his expression still cloudy from sleep.

"Where are you going?" Jungkook asked, his voice laced with confusion.

"I'm leaving," Louisa replied, her smile faltering.

Jungkook's gaze drifted to the window, and he lifted the curtain, revealing the darkness outside. "But it's still night," he protested.

Louisa's eyes sparkled. "It's early morning. In a few minutes, the sun will start rising."

Jungkook's face set in determination. "Don't go," he urged.

Louisa's voice took on a note of urgency. "I have to, before someone sees me. I'll meet you later, I promise."

Jungkook swung his legs over the side of the bed, ready to get up. The blanket slipped, revealing his bare chest. Louisa's eyes darted away, her cheeks flushing.

"I'll walk you," Jungkook offered.

But Louisa refused, her hand on his chest. "No, stay. You need rest. You work all day, and last night...you didn't get much sleep."

Jungkook's face heated up, memories of their night together flooding back. "I should go with you till entrance," he muttered.

Louisa smiled softly. "I'll manage. Stay, Jungkook. Rest."

Louisa gently guided Jungkook back onto the bed, her hands firm but gentle on his shoulders. She pulled the blanket up to his chin, tucking it around him with a tender smile.

"Sleep," she whispered.

Jungkook's eyes drooped, but before he surrendered to sleep, Louisa leaned in, her lips brushing against his cheeks and lips in soft, fleeting kisses.

As she stood straight, preparing to leave, Jungkook's hand shot out, grasping hers playfully. With a mischievous grin, he pulled her toward him.

Louisa's resistance melted, and she found herself falling onto his chest, her face nestled in the warmth of his neck.

Jungkook's arms wrapped around her, holding her close. "Don't go," he whispered.

Louisa's laughter was muffled against his skin. "I have to."

Jungkook's grip tightened. "Just a minute more."

Their bodies entwined, they savored the brief moment together.