Raw Marks | KOOKV✓

Chapter 57

The faint sound of a K-drama played in the background, its dialogue muffled by the stubborn crunch of chicken fry echoing through the cozy living room. Taehyung sat curled up on the couch, a hot water bag pressed snugly against his back. Wrapped in a fluffy blanket that shielded him from the biting winter air, he looked every bit like someone seeking solace. But what comforted him the most was the borrowed pajama set he wore-his boyfriend's, no less. The musky scent embedded in the soft fabric was intoxicating, grounding him in a sense of belonging. It made him feel owned, cherished, and profoundly protected

His chewing slowed as his eyes flickered to the scene before him. His jaw stilled, the half-eaten piece of chicken momentarily forgotten, as he watched Jungkook kneeling on the floor in front of him. The younger man was intently focused, his brows slightly furrowed in concentration as he carefully slid Taehyung's toes into a pair of fluffy white socks. Jungkook's cold knuckles brushed lightly against his warm skin with each motion, sending shivers up the older male's spine-not from the cold, but from the euphoria of such gentle, unspoken love

Jungkook, lost in his task, remained oblivious to the sweet eye-smile Taehyung was sending his way. Taehyung couldn't help but admire him. This was the same man who, only an hour ago, had held him with such passion during their intimate moments. And now, after helping both of them clean up, Jungkook was devoting himself to meticulous aftercare, as if it was second nature

The memory of how Jungkook had carried him out of the shower lingered in Taehyung's mind. His boyfriend had gently dried them both, ensuring him was warm and comfortable before following through with his request to wear Jungkook's clothes. He had placed pillows and the hot water bag at the corner of the couch, carefully positioning Taehyung so the ache in his back could ease. Throughout it all, Jeon whispered soft praises-his voice low and soothing, filled with love-making the older giggle like a schoolboy

Once Taehyung was settled, Jungkook had turned on his favorite K-drama and gone to the kitchen to reheat some chicken fry. Not stopping there, he had quickly steamed some simple meat buns, insisting they needed something warm and soft to go with the crispy dish. After serving him the food, Jungkook hadn't rested. Instead, he massaged Taehyung's legs and arms with lotion, applied moisturizer to his face, and even dabbed Vaseline around his chapped lips with such tenderness that Taehyung couldn't help but blush

Now, watching Jungkook diligently put socks on his feet, Taehyung felt his chest tighten. His cheeks flushed pink as he reflected on the moment. Aftercare like this was something he had longed for in the past, something he never dared to ask for but craved deeply. Back then, all he'd known was isolation-empty nights and a lack of tenderness. Yet here he was now, experiencing the kind of love he thought existed only in dreams

His thoughts drifted briefly to the past. He remembered when Jungkook, younger and immature, had once asked him to act cute, to hide his muscles or fat because he found them unattractive. Those words had left deep scars, making Taehyung insecure about his body for years. But now, in this moment, those memories felt distant and powerless. He didn't feel the sting of those past wounds anymore. They couldn't hurt him, not when Jungkook's actions were so sincere, so overwhelming with love that they drowned out every trace of negativity

The current Jungkook was a different person-mature, compassionate, and endlessly devoted. His love and care washed over Taehyung, sweeping away every shadow of doubt or pain. It was like magic, a sudden thunderstorm that cleared the skies, leaving nothing but calm and warmth in its wake.

As Jungkook finished sliding the socks onto his feet, he glanced up, catching the way his lover was staring at him "What?" he asked softly, his voice laced with curiosity

Taehyung smiled, his heart swelling. "Nothing" he murmured "Just... thank you"

Jungkook's lips curved into a shy grin "For what?"