𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓟𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 (𝓙𝓲𝓴𝓸𝓸𝓴)✔

chapter 27

Author's POV

The trio sat in tense silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the room. Ava stared down at her lap, her fingers nervously twisting together as if trying to distract herself from the awkwardness. Across from her, Jimin sat poised, his face a mask of neutrality, though his sharp eyes betrayed his guarded skepticism. Jungkook, caught between the two, shifted uneasily in his seat. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the mounting tension. He felt like a bystander standing between two ticking time bombs, uncertain which would detonate first.

“Umm... it's late,” Jungkook finally broke the silence, his voice hesitant. “I think we should all get some rest.”

The room, however, didn’t relax. Instead, the new question loomed ominously: where would Ava sleep?

Jungkook’s eyes flicked toward Jimin, silently seeking guidance, but all he got in return was an arched brow and a pointed look that made him feel even more cornered. Taking a breath, he glanced toward Ava. “Well... since the study doesn’t have much space to lie down, and the couch won’t be comfortable—especially with your injuries—I think Ava should sleep in our bed.”

The suggestion barely left his mouth before Jimin’s eyes went wide, his jaw dropping in sheer disbelief.

“No!” Jimin’s voice rang out, sharp and horrified.

Jungkook winced, his expression turning pleading. “Jimin, just for tonight! I’ll sort something out tomorrow. She’s injured—”

“I don’t care if she’s missing a limb, Jungkook! The answer is no!” Jimin crossed his arms, glaring daggers at his husband.

Ava’s soft, pitiful voice cut through the tension. “Jungkook, it’s okay. Really. You’ve already done so much for me by letting me stay here. I can sleep on the couch—”

“No, Ava.” Jungkook shook his head firmly. “You’re not sleeping on the couch. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”

Jimin’s glare shifted to Ava, his annoyance now simmering dangerously close to the surface. “And why does it have to be our bed?” Jimin snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Jungkook turned to him, his patience beginning to wane. “And why not, Jimin? It’s just one night!”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Jimin drawled, his voice saccharine sweet before turning sharp. “Maybe because we were just having sex there, hyung? Or do you think Ava would enjoy sleeping on the remnants of our ‘activities?’”

Jungkook’s face flushed a deep crimson, his eyes darting away as heat crawled up his neck. Ava’s pitiful expression momentarily cracked, a flicker of shock and anger flashing across her face before she quickly masked it with feigned innocence.

“Fine,” Jungkook muttered after an awkward pause. “I think we have an old mattress in the study. I’ll grab that and set it up.” He shot a nervous glance at Jimin. “Happy now?”

Jimin stood, his posture stiff as he followed Jungkook toward the study without sparing Ava a second glance. Behind them, Ava’s clenched fists trembled as she struggled to contain the storm brewing inside her. Her nails dug into her palms, her teeth gritted so tightly it was a wonder they didn’t crack.

Her eyes darkened as she watched the couple disappear into the other room. The truth was laid bare before her—Jungkook and Jimin weren’t just living together; they were physically and emotionally bound. A sharp pain sliced through her chest, a mix of humiliation and rage consuming her.

Her lips curled into a bitter snarl as tears pricked her eyes. “You think this is over, Jimin?” she hissed under her breath, venom lacing every word. “I’ll get him back. No matter what it takes... I’ll make sure you pay for this.”