𝐌𝐀𝐅𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐕𝐄 ||𝐉𝐉𝐊 𝐅𝐅🔞||

C H A P T E R : 5

The air was thick with tension as Jungkook watched you walk away, your small frame vanishing into the distance as you headed back inside, your tiny legs carrying you toward Taehyung. He couldn't shake the image of your baby-like voice out of his mind. The way you spoke, so innocent, so delicate, it made something inside him twist.

"Me want to go to oppa."

The words echoed in his head, over and over again. What was it about you that made him feel so off-balance? He was used to controlling situations, used to being the one everyone respected or even feared-but you, with your soft voice and innocent eyes, made him feel vulnerable in a way that he hadn't anticipated.

He stood up abruptly from the swing, running a hand through his hair, his jaw clenched. What was it about you that bothered him so much? He shook his head, trying to dispel the strange feelings stirring in his chest. His phone buzzed in his pocket, snapping him back to reality.

A message from his office He winced as he read the message. Taehyung had always been overprotective of you, but even he had never prepared Jungkook for the reality of what you were like. Fragile was one word, but there was something more to you. Something almost... entrancing.

His gaze drifted back toward the entrance of the house where you had disappeared. Without thinking, his feet carried him back inside, his mind still replaying the way your eyes had met his for that brief moment. You hadn't said much, but it was enough to shake him.

_________________________________________

Inside, the adults were still engaged in conversation, laughter filling the living room as Mrs. Jeon and Mrs. Kim reminisced about old times. Taehyung was seated comfortably, his arm draped protectively around your shoulders as you sat beside him, your small hands still fiddling nervously with the hem of your dress. Jungkook's eyes narrowed slightly at the sight.

"Cupcake, are you okay?" Taehyung's voice was soft, concerned as he looked down at you.

You nodded, your eyes flickering toward Jungkook as he entered the room, and you quickly averted them. Taehyung followed your gaze, his brows furrowing slightly as he watched the unspoken exchange between you and Jungkook. He knew his best friend well, and something about the way Jungkook was looking at you didn't sit right with him.

Jungkook smirked as he caught Taehyung's eye, raising an eyebrow as if to say, What's the problem? He was enjoying the subtle game that was unfolding. He could see the protectiveness radiating off Taehyung, but Jungkook wasn't one to back down easily, especially not when something-or someone-piqued his interest.

"So, Jungkook," Mr. Kim's voice broke the tension in the room as he addressed him.

"What are your plans now? It's been a while since we've seen you."

Jungkook turned his attention to Mr. Kim, his usual cold demeanor slipping back into place as he gave a polite nod. "I've been working on a few business ventures, Uncle," he said smoothly. "Keeping myself busy."

Taehyung shifted beside you, clearly not as relaxed as before. "Jungkook's always working," he said, a slight edge to his voice. "Doesn't know when to take a break."

Jungkook chuckled, his eyes flicking back to you for a brief second..

The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly, the playful banter between the two friends taking on a more serious undertone. Mrs. Jeon, ever the peacemaker, cleared her throat and smiled warmly at everyone. "Boys, let's not turn this into a competition," she said lightly. "We're all here to enjoy the day together."