Resurgence ~VKOOK~

Chapter 16: Unwitting Temptation

One Week Later

The morning unfolded in familiar serenity, but with an undertone of subtle change. The dining room was bathed in the same golden sunlight, and the hum of birdsong drifted through the windows as if nothing had shifted. Yet, the air between Jungkook and Taehyung seemed heavier, charged with unspoken thoughts from that day a week ago.

As always Jungkook stepped closer to Taehyung, the steam from the freshly brewed coffee curling in the cool morning air. His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as he carefully placed the tray on the marble countertop in front of Taehyung.

"Your coffee, sir," Jungkook said softly, a trace of warmth in his voice. His fingers brushed briefly against the edge of the porcelain cup as he adjusted it-an insignificant motion, yet one that stirred something subtle between them.

Taehyung gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Thank you." His deep voice, smooth and cool, carried a weight that made Jungkook's chest tighten.

Jungkook lingered for a moment longer than necessary, waiting for any further instruction, but Taehyung's focus had already shifted to the cup. He stirred his coffee leisurely, as though the entire world outside this quiet breakfast scene was of no consequence.

Anna groaned, shifting in her seat. "You're like a damn ghost, Jungkook. Do you ever stop moving?"

Jungkook only smiled politely. "It's my job, Miss Anna."

Anna squinted at him through her sunglasses. "You're too cheerful for someone working with us. Doesn't it get exhausting?"

Jungkook tilted his head slightly. "Not at all. I enjoy being of service."

Taehyung's lips curled at the corner-barely a smile, more like a flicker of amusement. "He's too perfect. That's what annoys you, isn't it?"

Anna rolled her eyes and swatted in Taehyung's direction without lifting her head. "Please. You don't know how weird it is to have someone so... polished all the time."

Jungkook, standing beside Taehyung's chair, gave no outward sign of offense. "Would you like anything else with your coffee, Mr. Kim?"

Taehyung paused, as though considering something beyond the question itself. His gaze flicked briefly toward Jungkook's face, studying him with quiet intensity. "No," he replied finally, "this will be fine."

Jungkook bowed slightly. "Very well."

He turned to leave, but before he could take a step, Taehyung spoke again. "Jungkook."

Jungkook halted immediately, turning back with his usual calm demeanor. "Yes, sir?"

Taehyung's eyes narrowed, not in irritation but in something closer to contemplation. For a beat, he said nothing, as if deciding whether to speak the thought that hovered just on the tip of his tongue.

"Next time, sit and join us." His voice was low but deliberate, laced with an air of command that left no room for argument.

Jungkook blinked, his lips parting slightly in surprise. "I... I didn't think that would be appropriate."

"Consider it an order," Taehyung said smoothly, lifting the cup to his lips.

Anna scoffed from the other end of the table. "Since when do you give out invitations?"

Taehyung ignored her entirely, his gaze still locked on Jungkook. "Understood?"

Jungkook nodded slowly, his cheeks faintly warm from the unexpected request. "Yes, sir. As you wish."

Satisfied, Taehyung gave a faint nod and turned back to his coffee. The room fell back into silence, the unspoken tension lingering between them like the steam rising from the cup in Taehyung's hand.