Taehyung and Jungkook spent their first day in Floripa lazing around the resort. Taehyung had arranged for a suitcase of new clothes and makeup to be delivered for Jungkook, who hadn’t packed for an overnight trip. He’d also booked a second suite, in case Jungkook preferred to have his own space, but Jungkook had settled for separate bedrooms within the presidential suite. It was so spacious that he wouldn’t even see Taehyung unless he wanted to.
Jungkook had expected a full itinerary of activities, but Taehyung was surprisingly hands-off about how they spent their time. Other than shared mealtimes, Taehyung kept a respectful—almost overly distant—space between them. By the next morning, it felt more like a work trip with a colleague than a date.
“Isn’t that a good thing?” Minji asked when Jungkook called to check on the store, as they hadn’t gotten a chance to discuss business during yesterday’s group chat. “You can lounge by the pool, go home, and call it a day. That’s what you wanted.”
“Maybe. But it’s not like him to be so passive,” Jungkook replied, puzzled. Why would Taehyung fly them to another city just to leave him alone?
“I don’t know. People change. Either way, enjoy yourself and don’t think about work too much, okay?” Minji said. “Jun has the grand opening party under control, and I’m loving the construction noise while I write.” She was probably the only person Jungkook knew who could honestly enjoy that. Minji thrived in chaos. “I don’t want to hear a peep from you this weekend. If there’s an emergency, I’ll call you.”
Jungkook laughed. “Sounds good. Thanks again.”
He’d lucked out when he met Jimin, who’d then introduced him to Jun and Minji. Though he’d lost touch with his college friends years ago and had only casual friends in Seoul, he’d never felt part of a close-knit group until Jimin took him under his wing.
Happy hours, shopping trips, dinners—his friendships with them had made Jungkook realize just how much he’d lost during his marriage, not just close confidantes, but also the little things that add up to a normal, fulfilling life.
Abandoning his goals in favor of someone else’s wasn’t healthy. Replacing his hobbies with societal obligations that would benefit his husband’s business wasn’t healthy. Taking a supporting role instead of an equal one in a partnership wasn’t healthy.
Taehyung had his faults, but Jungkook wasn’t blameless either. He should have stood up for himself and what he wanted much earlier. Younger Jungkook had thought love could solve any problem, but growing up meant learning to value self-love just as much.
After he hung up, he changed into a sundress and wandered into the suite’s living room. Sunlight spilled through the glass wall, casting golden hues across the pale oak floors. His stomach rumbled, but he couldn’t decide whether to order room service or wait for Taehyung.
He walked toward Taehyung’s room, lifting his hand to knock. Just then, Taehyung's voice bled through the door.
“…can’t make it back to Seoul this weekend.” Taehyung’s deep tone sent a shiver down Jungkook's spine. “I don’t care. Tell Grossman he’ll have to wait.” A pause followed, and Jungkook could imagine the irritation creasing Taehyung's face. “That’s what I pay you for. Handle the problem, Caroline, because I’m not leaving Brazil until Jungkook does.”
The mention of his name sent a jolt through Jungkook’s stomach. He’d known Taehyung was giving up business opportunities to be here, but hearing it firsthand struck him differently.
Jungkook was still processing when the door opened, and Taehyung nearly walked into him. Surprise erased the lines of annoyance from his brow.
“Baby—” he corrected himself, clearing his throat, “Jungkook, what’s wrong?”
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Devotion | taekook
Fanfic❚ ❚ ⧽ ✎ In which Jungkook had enough of Taehyung. He realized Taehyung had lost sight of everything personal in his relentless pursuit of wealth. For years, Jungkook had stood by him, understanding the long hours, the missed dinners, the endless cal...
