Veil of Shadows

chapter 39:- taekook time

As the night settled into a deep silence, Taehyung continued to hold Jungkook, watching over him protectively. The weight of the day's emotional turmoil lingered in the air, but in this moment, it was just the two of them, cocooned together in a safe haven. Taehyung could feel Jungkook's breathing gradually becoming steady and peaceful, a sign that sleep had finally taken him.

But Taehyung's thoughts remained awake, his heart heavy as he thought about the toll this mission had taken on Jungkook. Seeing the younger man so tormented by guilt had only deepened Taehyung's resolve to be there for him-no matter what.

A while later, Jungkook shifted slightly in his sleep, his brows furrowing as if the nightmares were attempting to resurface. Taehyung gently brushed his thumb across Jungkook's forehead, easing the tension with a soft touch.

"Shhh, Kookie... it's okay. You're safe," he murmured softly, hoping his voice would reach through whatever lingering fear haunted him.

Jungkook's face relaxed again at Taehyung's words, and he instinctively nuzzled closer, almost as if searching for the comfort Taehyung provided. Taehyung's chest tightened at the sight; he wanted nothing more than to protect Jungkook from anything that would hurt him, whether in reality or in his dreams.

Hours passed, and dawn began to touch the sky, casting a warm, faint glow through the window. Jungkook finally stirred, slowly blinking awake, his gaze unfocused for a moment before he realized he was still nestled in Taehyung's lap.

He looked up at Taehyung, who gave him a gentle smile. "Morning, Kookie," Taehyung whispered softly.

Jungkook let out a small sigh, his voice hoarse. "Morning, Tae..." He glanced down, his expression slightly embarrassed. "Did I... did I sleep like this all night?"

Taehyung chuckled, nodding. "You did. You seemed peaceful, so I didn't want to move you."

Jungkook's cheeks turned pink. "Thank you for... staying with me," he said softly, sincerity lacing his words. "I don't think I could've gotten through the night without you."

"Anytime," Taehyung replied warmly, his hand resting gently on Jungkook's shoulder. "I told you, I'll always be here."

Jungkook looked into Taehyung's eyes, a soft, vulnerable expression in his gaze. "You really don't have to do all this for me, Tae. I... I'm not sure I deserve it after what happened..."

"Hey," Taehyung interrupted firmly, placing a finger under Jungkook's chin to lift his gaze. "Don't say that. You did your best. What happened wasn't your fault. Those kids... the ones you saved... they're alive because of you, Jungkook."

Jungkook's eyes began to mist over, and he swallowed hard, his emotions still raw. "But... I couldn't save all of them..."

Taehyung pulled him into a hug, holding him close. "You're not responsible for everything, Kookie. You did more than anyone else could've done. And that's what matters."

Jungkook nodded slowly, his head resting against Taehyung's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. For a moment, they remained like that, soaking in each other's presence, until Jungkook's voice broke the silence.

"I think... I just needed someone to tell me that," he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "That it's okay... to not be perfect."