EXCESSIVE | ᴋᴏᴏᴋᴠ

22

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As time passed, Taehyung began to notice small things about Jungkook that pulled him in deeper, even though he tried to keep his feelings at bay. It started subtly—just an appreciation for how dedicated and hard-working Jungkook was, often going beyond what was required. He found himself waiting for those moments in the office when Jungkook would show up at his cabin, a slight smile on his face as he updated Taehyung on his tasks. At first, he convinced himself it was admiration, perhaps even respect for the effort Jungkook put in.

But the truth was slowly becoming harder to ignore.

Taehyung often found himself lingering in meetings just a little longer than necessary if Jungkook was around, stealing glances when he thought no one would notice. His gaze would drift over to Jungkook’s side of the table, watching the way he attentively took notes or occasionally broke into a rare laugh at someone’s comment. And somehow, those little moments brought a quiet comfort to Taehyung that he hadn't felt in a long time.

It wasn’t just about touch anymore. It was Jungkook. Somehow, the man had slipped under his skin, making himself a quiet but constant presence in Taehyung’s thoughts. And the most unsettling part? Taehyung didn’t mind.

---

Late one evening, Taehyung was the only one left in the office, or so he thought. He was focused on a report when he noticed a dim light coming from the workspace outside his cabin. Curiosity got the better of him, and he quietly stepped out to see who it was.

There, at his desk, was Jungkook, entirely absorbed in his work, the glow of his computer screen casting soft shadows across his focused face. Taehyung found himself watching Jungkook for a moment longer than necessary, feeling an unfamiliar warmth rise in his chest. He mentally shook himself, wondering when he had become so affected by a mere sighting.

Clearing his throat, he approached Jungkook. "Jeon, burning the midnight oil?"

Startled, Jungkook looked up and then offered a small, polite smile. "Yes, sir. There’s a client request that I wanted to finalize. I figured it would be easier to do it now while it’s quiet."

"You work too hard," Taehyung said, though his voice was softer than usual, almost… caring. "You should take a break. Here—let’s get some coffee. My treat."

Jungkook’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Oh, no, you don’t have to, sir. I can manage."

"I insist." Taehyung’s tone left no room for argument. He gestured toward his cabin. "Come on, Jeon."

Reluctantly, Jungkook stood, following Taehyung back to his office. The comfortable silence between them was something Taehyung found unexpectedly soothing. Once inside, Taehyung made two cups of coffee from his personal machine and handed one to Jungkook.

'Thank you, sir," Jungkook said, taking a small sip.

"Taehyung," he corrected gently, realizing how much he wanted to drop the formalities, at least in this quiet moment. "You can call me Taehyung when we’re alone."

Jungkook blinked, clearly taken aback but gave a short nod. "Thank you… Taehyung."

Taehyung straightened in his chair, fingers laced together on the desk. "I want to apologize."

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed slightly. "For what, exactly?"

"For everything," Taehyung admitted, his voice  soft but sincere. "For the way I treated you... For what I did in the past."

Jungkook studied Taehyung carefully, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop. "Is this going to be like the last time you apologized?"

Taehyung knew what Jungkook meant. The last time he had apologized was after a chaotic night at the club when Jungkook—drunk and reckless—had exposed one of Taehyung's closely guarded secrets. At that time, Taehyung had pretended to forgive him, only to strike back in a way that left Jungkook humiliated.

But this time, Taehyung shook his head with a quiet laugh. "No, Jungkook. I promise, this isn’t a trick. No more revenge."

Jungkook leaned back, skeptical. "Forgive me if I find that hard to believe."

Taehyung smiled, a small but genuine one. "I can’t change the past, but I want things to be different now."

Jungkook thinks for some time  "Actually , I also want to apologize," he  began, his gaze earnest. "I know I’ve probably stepped out of line a few times. Back when things were tense… I may have said or done things that weren’t right, and I’m genuinely sorry."

Taehyung’s expression softened further, his eyes lingering on Jungkook a moment too long. " Let’s make  fresh start?"

Jungkook's surprise was clear, but he nodded, his smile growing. "I’d really like that, Taehyung. Thank you."

They sat down, each lost in thought for a few seconds before Taehyung spoke again. "You know, I’ve noticed how dedicated you are," he began, looking into his cup. "It’s rare to find someone who puts so much care into their work."

Jungkook chuckled, his usual formality softening as he relaxed. "Thank you. Honestly, I’m just doing what I can to make sure I don’t disappoint."

Taehyung found himself smiling, something he hadn’t done so naturally in a long time. "You’d never disappoint," he said, almost too quietly, and then quickly looked away, feeling an uncharacteristic shyness creep up on him.

Jungkook seemed to sense a shift, but he kept his response light. "I appreciate that."

They fell into an easy rhythm of conversation. Taehyung found himself relaxing, enjoying Jungkook’s candid honesty, his occasional jokes, and that shy smile he’d flash every now and then.

Eventually, Jungkook set down his coffee cup and glanced at the time. "I should probably get going. Don’t want to keep you too long."

Taehyung almost didn’t want the evening to end. But he nodded, feigning a casualness he didn’t feel. "Of course. But… we should do this again sometime. Maybe… outside the office?"

Jungkook hesitated for a moment, clearly surprised. "Sure, I’d like that."

As Jungkook left, Taehyung leaned back in his chair, unable to hide the smile playing on his lips. The warmth he felt was more than just appreciation now—he was beginning to realize that Jungkook had found a place in his heart, one that Taehyung hadn’t even realized was empty until now.

---

Jungkook stepped out of the office building, the evening breeze brushing against his face. Deciding to walk home for a change, he slid his hands into his pockets and began strolling down the quiet streets.

Taehyung's behavior from earlier crept into his thoughts. 'Why was he acting so… different ? Almost... considerate?'

He frowned slightly but shook his head. "Doesn't matter," Jungkook muttered under his breath, quickening his pace.

Brushing the thoughts aside, he focused on the sound of his footsteps echoing on the pavement. "No point overthinking it," he said to himself, letting the matter drop as he continued his way home.

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