✓BunBun Mine // taekook

Chapter 17

The atmosphere was calm, wrapped in the allure of silence. The quietness in the air-conditioned space heightened Jungkook's anxiety. His mind was blank, feeling utterly empty. As a result, whatever came to mind, he blurted out quickly. He didn’t know whether this slogan would bring a storm into his life today! He desperately hoped the storm wouldn’t be too intense. His eyes, filled with fear, cautiously glanced at Taehyung’s expression. The tension was visible—his lips slightly curled, eyes sharp.

An internal alarm rang in Jungkook’s mind, sensing the approaching storm. But his inner voice strongly protested, 'Don’t be scared of Taehyungie hyung. He always humiliates you. You did well by retaliating with the slogan. If he says anything, you’ll fire back. How long will you keep acting like a coward, Jungkookie? Aren’t you ashamed? Grow up, Kookie! Be strong. He’s just Taehyungie hyung, not an executioner.’

The courage he gathered vanished in an instant as Taehyung loudly pushed back his chair and stood up. Addressing Jisoo, he said, "I need to leave, Miss Jisoo. I have a meeting. We’ll talk later."

Jisoo, who had been sitting with her hands on her cheeks, momentarily became lost in the silence. As soon as she heard his familiar voice, she burst into laughter. Jungkook was stunned. It felt as if the restaurant was shaking with her laugh. What a strange laugh! Even the most beautiful person has flaws, Jungkook thought. Jisoo’s laugh could shake someone's soul and cause instant headaches.

Tears filled Jisoo’s eyes from the excessive laughter. She motioned Taehyung to stay with a gesture. She grabbed a bottle of water from the table, took a few sips, and then spoke in a calm, measured tone.

"Jungkook's slogan was truly beautiful. Your cousin is very talented, Mr. Kim. I was so close to having a heart attack from laughter. I'm thinking of hiring him for Jackson oppa. My brother needs someone as talented as him for his election slogans. I’d love for Jackson oppa to have heart attacks moment by moment. Will Jungkook be my brother's sloganist?"

Jungkook panicked instantly, embarrassed. Was Jisoo joking, or was she serious? Before he could dwell on it, Jisoo cleared up the doubt by saying,
"Hey, I’m serious. I really liked your talent. With a bit more practice, you could write excellent slogans. Please, become my brother’s sloganist."

Before she could even take a breath, Taehyung’s harsh voice startled her. He clenched his teeth and growled,
"No, he’s only mine. I won’t share him with anyone, in slogans or anything else. I don’t share my favorite people or things."

A pallor spread across Jisoo’s fair complexion. She hadn’t expected this behavior from Taehyung. In a faint voice, trying to make sense of it, she said,
"Oh, I see. You won’t share because of the rivalry with my brother. It’s okay. I was just joking. By the way, he’s so cute! Little cousins are always adorable, aren’t they? Brothers feel an extra sense of love for them. You can’t use your little brother in favor of your rival, after all."

"Did I say 'brother' at any point? I said 'cousin,' didn’t I?"

Taehyung’s firm, heavy voice hit both Jisoo and Jungkook. Jisoo’s mind was spinning, trying to reconcile the Taehyung of a few moments ago with the one standing before her now. She assumed his mood soured because of hearing her brother Jackson’s name. With an explanatory tone, she said,

"Please don’t take it personally. You’re leaving already? Can’t you stay a bit longer?"

"Don’t you know? As my future wife, you’ll have to be satisfied with this little time."

"I know. Politicians’ wives naturally get less time, I accepted that. See you later then. Oh, and one more thing. The day after tomorrow, you all are invited to our house. You too, Jungie."