From Reluctance to Desire: A Mafia Story [JJK]

✨UNDER HIS CARE✨

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. I stirred awake, the comfort of the blankets enveloping me. My body ached pleasantly—a reminder of the thing, we'd shared the night before. My gaze flickered to Jungkook, who was lying beside me, his bare chest rising and falling with each steady breath.

He looked so peaceful, his dark hair tousled against the pillow. For a moment, I allowed myself to simply take him in. His sharp features were softened in his sleep, his lips slightly parted, and the faintest shadow of a smile played on his face. My heart swelled at the sight. The man who could command fear and respect from anyone was here, beside me, looking so unguarded.

I bit my lip to suppress a smile, trying not to move and wake him. But as I continued to admire him, I noticed his breathing changed slightly. Before I could react, his eyes fluttered open, and a playful smirk spread across his face.

"Good morning, love," he said, his deep, raspy morning voice sending a shiver down my spine.

Caught red-handed, I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "You were awake?" I squeaked, quickly averting my gaze.

"Oh, I've been awake for a while," Jungkook teased, propping himself up on his elbow to get a better view of me. His smirk deepened. "Didn't know you liked staring at me so much."

"I wasn't staring!" I protested, my voice an octave higher. "I was just—"

"You were absolutely staring," he cut in, his laughter rich and melodic. "Admit it."

I buried my face in my hands, groaning. "You're impossible."

Jungkook chuckled, leaning closer. "Impossible, huh? That's not what you were saying last night." His voice dropped an octave, laced with amusement and something far more dangerous.

My face burned as his words registered. I grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it. "Stop it, Jungkook!"

He caught the pillow effortlessly, laughing. "You're too cute when you're embarrassed."

Before I could retort, a sudden cough escaped my lips. I winced, clutching my throat as the ache spread through my chest. Jungkook's expression shifted instantly, his teasing demeanor replaced by concern. He reached out, placing a warm hand on my forehead.

"Y/N, you're burning up," he murmured, his brows furrowing. "Are you feeling okay?"

I tried to wave him off. "I'm fine. It's probably nothing."

"You were out dancing in the rain yesterday," he reminded me, his tone firm but not unkind. "I told you it wasn't a good idea. Now look at you."

"I'm okay, really," I insisted, but my voice wavered, betraying the truth.

Jungkook sighed, shaking his head. "I understand now why your mother was so strict about these things. She must have known how stubborn you can be."

I pouted at his words, but he ignored my protests, already getting up to fetch something. He returned moments later with a glass of water and a packet of medicine. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he handed them to me.

"Take this," he instructed. His tone was gentle but left no room for argument.

Reluctantly, I did as he asked, grimacing at the bitter taste of the medicine. Jungkook sat beside me, his hand brushing over my back in soothing circles. Despite my embarrassment, the gesture was comforting.

"You're worse than a doctor," I mumbled, setting the empty glass on the nightstand.

"And you're worse than a patient," he shot back, though his smile was soft. "Now lie down. You need to rest."

"I can take care of myself, you know," I grumbled, but the moment I moved, another sharp cough wracked my body, and I winced.

"Sure you can," Jungkook said dryly, tucking the blankets around me with care. "That's why you're coughing like an old engine."

I glared at him, but he just grinned and leaned down, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Stay here and rest," he said, his voice soft. "I'll bring you some soup."

Before I could protest further, he was already out the door. True to his word, he returned a little while later with a steaming bowl of soup. He helped me sit up and insisted on feeding me himself, despite my protests that I wasn't a child.

"Jungkook, I can hold the spoon myself," I muttered, feeling utterly ridiculous.

"Not a chance," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Now open up."

Despite myself, I couldn't help but smile at his insistence. It was strange to see him like this—so attentive, so gentle. I let him feed me, savoring the warmth of the soup and the comfort of his presence.

After I finished, he settled back beside me, his arm draped over my shoulders. "Feel any better?" he asked, his dark eyes searching mine.

"A little," I admitted, leaning into him. "Thanks, Jungkook."

His lips brushed against my temple. "You don't have to thank me. Taking care of you is my job."

A lump formed in my throat at his words. He didn't say it like an obligation but as a promise, a vow that he would always be there for me.

As the day went on, Jungkook stayed by my side, making sure I had everything I needed. When it was finally time for him to leave, he hesitated at the door, glancing back at me.

"I'll be back soon," he promised. "But until then..." He turned to Julia, who had just arrived. "Take care of her, okay? She's not allowed to get out of bed."

Julia nodded with a smile. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she behaves."

"Good," Jungkook said, giving me one last look. "Rest, Y/N. I'll see you later."

As the door closed behind him, I felt a strange warmth settle over me. For all his teasing and bossiness, Jungkook had shown me a side of him I hadn't seen before—a side that made me fall for him even more.