Collision of Verdicts

Guarded Hearts

Jin and Namjoon had gathered the team for a meeting. As they all sat in the conference room, Jungkook, Taehyung, Jimin, and Yoongi exchanged curious glances. There had been tension in the air lately, but this meeting felt different. Namjoon was smiling, something unusual for him during work hours, and Jin seemed unusually relaxed.

"Alright, everyone," Jin began, his voice cheerful. "We’ve decided that all of us, including the junior attorneys Yeonjun and Soobin, and paralegals Taehyun and Beomgyu, are going to take a break."

"A break?" Jimin raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "When?"

Namjoon nodded. "In three days, to Jeju Island. We’ve already checked everyone’s schedules, so no excuses. Three days off for all of us to recharge."

There was a stunned silence before Yeonjun cheered, “Jeju! Yes! I’m packing my bags right now!”

Even Beomgyu, usually quiet, was grinning. "Finally, we get a break."

Taehyung exchanged a look with Jungkook, who was smiling softly. "This sounds like a good idea," Taehyung whispered, leaning closer. "We could use a little getaway."

Jungkook chuckled, squeezing Taehyung’s uninjured hand under the table. "As long as you don’t overwork that hand of yours."

Taehyung rolled his eyes playfully, his heart warming at the concern in Jungkook’s voice. "I’ll be careful, don’t worry."

***

It was Saturday, a half-day at work, and Jungkook was finishing up some paperwork with the paralegal team. Taehyung had been in and out of his office all morning, but Jungkook was so engrossed in helping Beomgyu and Taehyun that he hadn’t noticed when the door opened again, and in walked Taehyung, followed by Yeonjun and Soobin.

“Jungkook,” Taehyung started with a bright smile, walking up to his desk.

Jungkook looked up, surprised by the playful energy in the room. “Yeah? What’s up?”

“Take us shopping!” Taehyung declared, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Jungkook blinked in confusion. “What?!”

Yeonjun jumped in excitedly, “Yeah, come on, hyung. You’re coming with us!”

Even Taehyun and Beomgyu, standing in the doorway, gave Jungkook their best puppy dog eyes, clearly in on whatever plan Taehyung had cooked up.

“You guys are relentless,” Jungkook sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair. “Alright, fine. I’ll take you shopping.”

Taehyung immediately wrapped his arms around Jungkook in a spontaneous hug, his warmth enveloping him. “Thank you, thank you! And,” he added with a mischievous smile, “you’re treating us to lunch too.”

Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. “Of course I am.” His arms tightened around Taehyung for a moment before he let go. He didn’t mind these little spontaneous adventures, especially if it meant having Taehyung by his side. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

The group cheered, clearly excited about their impromptu shopping trip.

***

They arrived at a large shopping district, and the group quickly split up, everyone heading toward their favorite stores. Jungkook and Taehyung stuck together, casually wandering through the racks of clothes. Jungkook’s attention was half on the clothes and half on Taehyung, who seemed to be enjoying the day without any worry.

As they browsed through some jackets, Jungkook noticed Taehyung struggling a little with one hand. His injured hand was bandaged but still tender, and Jungkook’s eyes narrowed in concern.

“Hey, be careful with your hand, okay?” Jungkook said softly, stepping closer to Taehyung.

Taehyung looked up, startled but touched by the concern in Jungkook’s voice. “I’m fine, really. It’s not that bad anymore.”

Jungkook didn’t look convinced. “Just don’t push it.”

Taehyung smiled and reached out with his good hand to lightly touch Jungkook’s arm. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

After picking out a few outfits, Taehyung and Jungkook headed to the trial rooms. The others were still browsing, but Taehyung felt Jungkook’s eyes on him as he stood by the mirror, checking the fit of a new shirt.

"You need any help in there?" Jungkook teased from the doorway, leaning against the frame with a smirk.

Taehyung shot him a playful glare. "I think I’ve got it, thanks." But the soft flush on his cheeks betrayed him, and Jungkook, never one to miss an opportunity, stepped inside the trial room before Taehyung could protest.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung whispered, flustered, but he didn’t push him away.

Jungkook stepped close, the small space suddenly feeling a lot smaller. “What? I thought you needed help.”

Taehyung’s heart was pounding in his chest, and he knew Jungkook could hear it. His lips parted to say something, but before he could, Jungkook’s hand was already on his waist, pulling him closer.

“You’re impossible,” Taehyung mumbled, trying to hide how flustered he was.

Jungkook smirked, leaning in, his lips brushing against Taehyung’s ear. “You don’t seem to mind.”

Taehyung’s breath hitched, his face heating up as he shyly avoided eye contact. But Jungkook wasn’t having it. He cupped Taehyung’s cheek, tilting his face up so their eyes met.

“I’ve wanted to kiss you all day,” Jungkook whispered, his voice low, sending shivers down Taehyung’s spine.

Taehyung swallowed hard, his lips parting just slightly, his mind racing. “Then… what are you waiting for?” he whispered back, his voice barely audible.

That was all the invitation Jungkook needed. He leaned in and captured Taehyung’s lips in a soft, passionate kiss, his hand gently cupping the side of Taehyung’s face. Taehyung melted into the kiss, his arms instinctively wrapping around Jungkook’s neck. The kiss was slow and deep, filled with all the tension that had been building between them for weeks.

When they finally pulled away, Taehyung was breathless, his cheeks flushed, and Jungkook couldn’t stop smiling.

“Okay, maybe I needed help after all,” Taehyung admitted, his voice soft and playful.

Jungkook chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Taehyung’s forehead. “I’ll always be here to help you.”

They spent a few more minutes in the trial room, sneaking a few more kisses before reluctantly stepping out to join the others. No one seemed to notice, though Jisoo’s knowing smirk suggested otherwise.

As they all sat down for lunch, Taehyung couldn’t help but feel content. Despite everything that had happened in the past few weeks, despite the threats, the close calls, and the overwhelming emotions, being with Jungkook made everything feel right.

And judging by the way Jungkook kept sneaking glances at him across the table, Taehyung had a feeling Jungkook felt the same way.